Elevator control panel and elevator renovation method

Abstract

To provide an elevator control board that does not reduce efficiency of repair works.SOLUTION: A control board 10 comprises an operation control unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a switch 15. The operation control unit 13 controls an elevator operation based on read control data. The storage unit 14 includes multiple storage areas. Each storage area corresponds to an operating period after any of multiple work steps included in a repair work of an elevator. The control data for the corresponding operating period are pre-stored prior to the repair work in each storage area. The switch 15 switches the storage area that the operation control unit 13 reads the control data from among the multiple storage areas. The switch 15 can be operated from the outside of the control board 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to elevator control panels. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of an elevator, the operation of which is controlled based on control data written in a control panel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-137654 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the elevator of Patent Document 1, when control data needs to be changed, the changed control data is written to the control panel on-site by a maintenance terminal. Here, if elevator renovation work includes multiple work processes and operation periods after each work process, control data appropriate to the status of the renovation work is required for elevator operation during the operation period. Therefore, it is necessary to dispatch a maintenance worker carrying a maintenance terminal to the site for each of the multiple work processes. This may reduce the efficiency of the renovation work.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to solving such problems and provides an elevator control panel that is less likely to reduce the efficiency of renovation work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The elevator control panel according to the present disclosure comprises: an operation control unit that controls elevator operation based on the read control data; a memory unit that includes a plurality of memory areas, each of which corresponds to an operation period after one of a plurality of work processes included in renovation work of the elevator, and in which control data for the corresponding operation period in each of the plurality of memory areas is stored in advance before the renovation work; and an externally operable switch that switches, from among the plurality of memory areas, the memory area into which the operation control unit reads control data. The elevator includes a control panel and a first device as its equipment, the plurality of storage areas include a first area and a second area, the plurality of work processes include a first step and a second step, the first step including removing an existing control panel and installing a new control panel, the second step subsequent to the first step including removing the existing first device and installing the new first device, the control data stored in the first area corresponds to an operation period after the first step and is control data for a configuration including the new control panel and the existing first device, and the control data stored in the second area corresponds to an operation period after the second step and is control data for a configuration including the new control panel and the new first device. . An elevator renovation method for installing the above-mentioned control panel as a new control panel, comprising the steps of: performing the first step; after performing the first step, operating the switch to switch the operation control unit to read control data from the first area; after the operation control unit controls the operation of the elevator based on the control data read from the first area, performing the second step; and after performing the second step, operating the switch to switch the operation control unit to read control data from the second area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The control panel according to the present disclosure can prevent a decrease in the efficiency of elevator renovation work. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an elevator according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control panel according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a main part of a control panel according to the first embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The following describes embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are appropriately simplified or omitted. Note that the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and any component of the embodiments may be modified or omitted within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0010] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an elevator 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Elevator 1 is applied, for example, to a building with multiple floors. A hoistway 2 for elevator 1 is provided in the building. Hoistway 2 is a long space extending vertically across multiple floors. A landing 3 adjacent to hoistway 2 is provided on each floor of the building. A landing door 4 for elevator 1 is provided at the landing 3 on each floor. The landing door 4 is a door that separates the landing 3 from the hoistway 2. A landing operating panel 5 for elevator 1 is provided at the landing 3 on each floor. The landing operating panel 5 is a device that accepts operations such as landing calls from users at landing 3.

[0012] The elevator 1 includes a hoisting machine 6, a main rope 7, a car 8, a counterweight 9, and a control panel 10.

[0013] The hoisting machine 6 includes a motor that generates driving force and a sheave that rotates by the driving force generated by the motor. The hoisting machine 6 is disposed, for example, at the upper or lower part of the hoistway 2. Alternatively, if a machine room is provided in the elevator 1, for example, above the hoistway 2, the hoisting machine 6 may be disposed in the machine room.

[0014] The main rope 7 is a rope that supports the load of the car 8 and counterweight 9 in the hoistway 2. The main rope 7 is wound around the sheave of the hoisting machine 6. The main rope 7 supports the load of the car 8 on one side of the sheave of the hoisting machine 6. The main rope 7 supports the load of the counterweight 9 on the other side of the sheave of the hoisting machine 6. The main rope 7 moves so as to be wound up onto the sheave of the hoisting machine 6 or to be unwound from the sheave of the hoisting machine 6 as the sheave of the hoisting machine 6 rotates.

[0015] The car 8 is a device that travels up and down the hoistway 2 to transport building passengers between multiple floors. The car 8 is equipped with a car door 11 and a car operation panel 12. The car door 11 is a door that separates the interior of the car 8, where passengers board, from the exterior of the car 8. When the car 8 stops at a floor, the car door 11 opens and closes in conjunction with the hall door 4 provided at the landing 3 of that floor. The car operation panel 12 is a device that accepts car call operations and the like from passengers in the car 8. The counterweight 9 is a device that balances the loads applied to both sides of the sheave of the hoisting machine 6 with the car 8. The car 8 and counterweight 9 travel up and down the hoistway 2 in opposite directions to each other in conjunction with the main rope 7 that is moved by the motor and sheave of the hoisting machine 6.

[0016] The control panel 10 is a device that controls the operation of the elevator 1. The operation of the elevator 1 includes, for example, running of the car 8 in response to calls such as hall calls or car calls. The control panel 10 is disposed, for example, at the top or bottom of the hoistway 2. Alternatively, if a machine room is provided, the control panel 10 may be disposed in the machine room.

[0017] Renovation work including updating of equipment is performed on the elevator 1. In the renovation work of this example, equipment including the control panel 10, the car operating panel 12, the hall operating panel 5, and the hoisting machine 6 is updated.

[0018] The renovation work includes multiple work steps. Each work step includes, for example, the removal of any existing equipment and the installation of corresponding new equipment. The renovation work in this example includes a first step, a second step, a third step, and a fourth step. The first step includes the removal of the existing control panel 10 and the installation of a new control panel 10. The second step includes the removal of the existing car operating panel 12 and the installation of a new car operating panel 12. The third step includes the removal of the existing hall operating panel 5 and the installation of a new hall operating panel 5. The fourth step includes the removal of the existing hoisting machine 6 and the installation of a new hoisting machine 6. In this example, the first step is performed during the day on Saturday of the first week. The second step is performed during the day on Sunday of the first week. The third step is performed during the day on Saturday of the second week. The fourth step takes place during the day on the second Sunday.

[0019] An operating period is set between each work process. The operating period is a period during which the elevator 1 is available for normal use. During the operating period, passengers can travel between multiple floors in the car 8. In this example, a first operating period, a second operating period, and a third operating period are set as operating periods between work processes. The first operating period is from the night of Saturday of the first week to the morning of the following day, i.e., the period after the first step and before the second step. The second operating period is from the night of Sunday of the first week to the morning of Saturday of the second week, i.e., the period after the second step and before the third step. The third operating period is from the night of Saturday of the second week to the morning of the following day, i.e., the period after the third step and before the fourth step. During the first operating period, the elevator 1 is operated by a configuration including the new control panel 10, the existing car operating panel 12, the existing hall operating panel 5, and the existing hoist 6. During the second operation period, the elevator 1 is operated using a configuration including a new control panel 10, a new car operating panel 12, an existing hall operating panel 5, and an existing hoisting machine 6. During the third operation period, the elevator 1 is operated using a configuration including a new control panel 10, a new car operating panel 12, a new hall operating panel 5, and an existing hoisting machine 6. In this example, the renovation work is completed with the completion of the fourth step. After the fourth step, the elevator 1 is operated using a configuration including a new control panel 10, a new car operating panel 12, a new hall operating panel 5, and a new hoisting machine 6.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the newly installed control panel 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0021] The newly installed control panel 10 includes an operation control unit 13, a memory unit 14, and a switch 15.

[0022] The operation control unit 13 is a part that controls the operation of the elevator 1 based on control data. The control data includes a control program and control parameters. The control program is a program that controls the equipment of the elevator 1, etc. The control program may include, for example, a drive system program that controls the operation of the hoisting machine 6, etc. The control parameters are parameters that are read by the control program, etc. The control parameters include, for example, information on the specifications of the elevator 1 and information on the contract status of maintenance services, etc.

[0023] The memory unit 14 is a part that stores information. The memory unit 14 includes multiple memory areas. In this example, the memory unit 14 includes memory areas: a first area 141, a second area 142, and a third area 143. Each memory area corresponds to an operation period after one of the work processes. The first area 141 corresponds to the first operation period. The second area 142 corresponds to the second operation period. The third area 143 corresponds to the third operation period. In each memory area, control data for the corresponding operation period is pre-stored before the start of the renovation work. In each memory area, control data for the corresponding operation period is pre-stored, for example, at the time of shipping the new control panel 10 from the factory. In this example, the control data stored in the first area 141 includes control programs and control parameters for a configuration including the new control panel 10, as well as the existing car operating panel 12, the existing hall operating panel 5, and the existing hoist 6. The control data stored in the second area 142 includes a control program and control parameters for a configuration including the new control panel 10, the new car operating panel 12, the existing hall operating panel 5, and the existing hoisting machine 6. The control data stored in the third area 143 includes a control program and control parameters for a configuration including the new control panel 10, the new car operating panel 12, the new hall operating panel 5, and the existing hoisting machine 6. The memory unit 14 may include a common area 14c in addition to the memory areas of the first area 141, the second area 142, and the third area 143.

[0024] The switch 15 is a device that switches from which of the multiple storage areas of the storage unit 14 the operation control unit 13 reads control data. The switch 15 is provided so as to be operable from outside the control panel 10. The switch 15 may be exposed on the surface of a housing (not shown) that forms the outer shell of the control panel 10, for example. The switch 15 is a mechanical switch that can be manually switched by, for example, a maintenance worker. The switch 15 is, for example, a rotary switch.

[0025] Next, an example of renovation work on elevator 1 will be described.

[0026] In the first step, the maintenance personnel removes the existing control panel 10. Then, the maintenance personnel installs a new control panel 10. The maintenance personnel connects each device, including the existing car operating panel 12, the existing hall operating panel 5, and the existing hoisting machine 6, to the newly installed control panel 10.

[0027] A maintenance technician sets the adjustment data at the site where the elevator 1 is installed. The adjustment data may be, for example, data on the height of each floor. The maintenance technician sets the adjustment data by, for example, operating the control panel 10. The adjustment data is stored, for example, in the common area 14c of the memory unit 14.

[0028] When completing the first step, the maintenance worker operates switch 15 to connect to first area 141. Operation control unit 13 reads control data previously stored in first area 141. Operation control unit 13 refers to adjustment data stored in common area 14c. Operation control unit 13 controls the operation of elevator 1 based on the read control data and adjustment data. The maintenance worker completes the first step after, for example, a test run and cleaning.

[0029] In the second step on the following day, the maintenance personnel removes the existing car control panel 12. After that, the maintenance personnel installs the new car control panel 12. The maintenance personnel connects the newly installed car control panel 12 and other devices to the new control panel 10.

[0030] When completing the second step, the maintenance worker operates the switch 15 to connect to the second area 142. The operation control unit 13 reads the control data previously stored in the second area 142. The operation control unit 13 references the adjustment data stored in the common area 14c. The adjustment data referenced here is data set in the first step, etc. That is, the adjustment data is carried over during the operation period after multiple work processes such as the first step and the second step. Note that the adjustment data may be readjusted in the second step. The operation control unit 13 controls the operation of the elevator 1 based on the read control data and adjustment data, etc. The maintenance worker completes the second step, for example, after a test run and cleaning.

[0031] In the third step the following week, the maintenance personnel remove the existing hall operating panel 5. After that, the maintenance personnel install a new hall operating panel 5. The maintenance personnel connects the newly installed hall operating panel 5 and other devices to the new control panel 10.

[0032] When completing the third step, the maintenance worker operates the switch 15 to connect to the third area 143. The operation control unit 13 reads the control data previously stored in the third area 143. The operation control unit 13 references the adjustment data stored in the common area 14c. The adjustment data referenced here may be the data set in the first step or the data readjusted in the second step. That is, the adjustment data is carried over during the operation period after the multiple work processes from the first step to the third step. Note that the adjustment data may have been readjusted in the third step. The operation control unit 13 controls the operation of the elevator 1 based on the read control data and adjustment data. The maintenance worker completes the third step, for example, after a test run and cleaning.

[0033] In the fourth step on the following day, the maintenance personnel removes the existing hoisting machine 6. After that, the maintenance personnel installs the new hoisting machine 6. The maintenance personnel connects each piece of equipment, such as the newly installed hoisting machine 6, to the new control panel 10.

[0034] Here, the memory unit 14 may include a fourth area (not shown) as one of the multiple memory areas. In this case, the fourth area corresponds to the period after the completion of the renovation work after the fourth step. The control data stored in the fourth area includes control programs and control parameters for a configuration including the new control panel 10, the new car operating panel 12, the new hall operating panel 5, and the new hoisting machine 6.

[0035] When completing the fourth step, the maintenance worker operates the switch 15 to connect to the fourth area, for example. The operation control unit 13 reads the control data previously stored in the fourth area. The operation control unit 13 references the adjustment data stored in the common area 14c. The adjustment data referenced here may be the data set in the first step or the data readjusted in the second or third step. In other words, the adjustment data is carried over during the operation period after the multiple work processes from the first step to the third step. Note that the adjustment data may have been readjusted in the fourth step. The operation control unit 13 controls the operation of the elevator 1 based on the read control data and adjustment data. The maintenance worker completes the fourth step, for example, after a test run and cleaning. This completes the renovation work on the elevator 1.

[0036] As described above, the control panel 10 according to the first embodiment includes an operation control unit 13, a memory unit 14, and a switch 15. The operation control unit 13 controls the operation of the elevator 1 based on the read control data. The memory unit 14 includes a plurality of memory areas. Each memory area corresponds to an operation period after one of a plurality of work processes included in the renovation work of the elevator 1. In each memory area, control data for the corresponding operation period is pre-stored before the renovation work. The switch 15 switches between the memory areas from which the operation control unit 13 reads the control data. The switch 15 can be operated from outside the control panel 10.

[0037] With this configuration, the pre-stored control data is switched by the switch 15, eliminating the need to rewrite the control data using a maintenance terminal such as a portable information terminal every time a work process is performed to update equipment constituting the elevator 1. This eliminates the need to dispatch a maintenance technician who possesses a maintenance terminal and is capable of rewriting the control data to the renovation work site every time a work process is performed. This reduces the efficiency of the renovation work. In renovation work in which there is an operational period between multiple work processes, the multiple work processes are often performed over the course of several days, weeks, or months. This requires frequent switching of the control data. In the control panel 10 according to the first embodiment, the control data can be easily switched by the switch 15, reducing the efficiency of the renovation work. Furthermore, the frequency of dispatching maintenance technicians who possess maintenance terminals and are capable of rewriting the control data is reduced, making it easier to assign dispatched maintenance technicians and facilitate work management. This also reduces the costs associated with dispatching maintenance technicians. Furthermore, since there is no need to rewrite the control data on-site within a limited work time, errors in rewriting the control data are less likely to occur.

[0038] Furthermore, the storage unit 14 stores adjustment data that is set at the site of the repair work. The operation control unit 13 controls the operation of the elevator 1 by taking over the adjustment data during the operation period after each work process. The storage unit 14 also stores the adjustment data in a common area 14c that is different from the plurality of storage areas. The operation control unit 13 controls the operation of the elevator 1 by referring to the adjustment data from the common area 14c. The adjustment data also includes data on floor heights.

[0039] This configuration eliminates the need to reset the adjustment data for each work process. This makes it less likely that the efficiency of the renovation work will decrease. Note that during the operation period, changes may occur over time, such as the elongation of the newly installed main rope 7. In such cases, the adjustment data set in a work process before the operation period may be readjusted in a work process after the operation period. Since information on such readjustment of the adjustment data is also carried over, the efficiency of the renovation work will less likely to decrease.

[0040] Note that the storage unit 14 does not necessarily have to have the common area 14c. In this case, the storage unit 14 stores, for example, adjustment data as common data in each storage area. That is, when adjustment data is set by operating the control panel 10, the storage unit 14 stores the set adjustment data as common data in each storage area. This synchronizes the information on the adjustment data in each storage area.

[0041] With this configuration, as in the case where the common area 14c is provided in the storage unit 14, it is not necessary to reset the adjustment data for each work process, so that the efficiency of the repair work is less likely to decrease.

[0042] The control panel 10 according to the first embodiment does not prevent the rewriting of control data by a maintenance terminal. For example, when repair work is completed, the control data may be rewritten by the maintenance terminal. Even when the control data is rewritten by the maintenance terminal in this way, there is no need to dispatch a maintenance technician who can rewrite the control data and who carries a maintenance terminal for each work process, so the frequency of dispatching such a maintenance technician can be reduced. This makes it less likely that the efficiency of the repair work will decrease. When completing the repair work, the maintenance technician may, for example, rewrite the control data stored in each storage area with control data including the control program and control parameters for the configuration after the repair work is completed.

[0043] Furthermore, switching by switch 15 may be disabled while work is being performed in the work process. Whether or not work is being performed in the work process is determined by control panel 10 based on, for example, a specific switch provided on control panel 10, or whether or not a specific device is connected to control panel 10, or the activation state of that device.

[0044] Furthermore, the schedule of the renovation work is not limited to the schedule exemplified here. For example, the work in steps 1 to 4 may be performed on Sundays of the first to fourth weeks, respectively. Alternatively, the work in steps 1 to 4 may be performed every other week. Alternatively, the work in steps 1 to 4 may be performed on four weekdays in the first week. Furthermore, the order of the work in steps 1 to 4 may be different from that exemplified. For example, the hall operating panel 5 may be updated in step 2, and the car operating panel 12 may be updated in step 3. Furthermore, the number of work steps included in the renovation work may be three or less, or five or more. The content of the work in each work step may be added, changed, or omitted from those exemplified.

[0045] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the newly installed control panel 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the main part of the control panel 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0046] Each function of the new control panel 10 can be realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b. The processing circuit may include at least one dedicated hardware 200 in addition to or in place of the processor 100a and the memory 100b.

[0047] When the processing circuit includes a processor 100a and a memory 100b, each function of the control panel 10 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware is written as a program. The program is stored in the memory 100b. The processor 100a realizes each function of the control panel 10 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 100b.

[0048] The processor 100a is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), processing device, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. The memory 100b is configured by, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM.

[0049] Where the processing circuitry comprises dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuitry may be implemented, for example, as a single circuit, multiple circuits, a programmed processor, parallel programmed processors, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0050] Each function of the control panel 10 can be realized by a processing circuit. Alternatively, all functions of the control panel 10 can be realized collectively by a processing circuit. Some of the functions of the control panel 10 may be realized by dedicated hardware 200, and other parts may be realized by software or firmware. In this way, the processing circuit realizes each function of the control panel 10 by dedicated hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination of these. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1 elevator, 2 hoistway, 3 landing, 4 landing door, 5 landing operation panel, 6 hoist, 7 main rope, 8 car, 9 counterweight, 10 control panel, 11 car door, 12 car operation panel, 13 operation control unit, 14 memory unit, 15 switch, 141 first area, 142 second area, 143 third area, 14c common area, 100a processor, 100b memory, 200 dedicated hardware

Claims

1. an operation control unit that controls elevator operation based on the read control data; a storage unit including a plurality of storage areas, each of which corresponds to an operation period after one of a plurality of work processes included in the renovation work of the elevator, and in which control data for the corresponding operation period is stored in advance in each of the plurality of storage areas before the renovation work; an externally operable switch for switching a storage area from which the operation control unit reads control data, among the plurality of storage areas; Equipped with The elevator includes a control panel and a first device as devices of the elevator, the plurality of storage areas include a first area and a second area; the plurality of work processes include a first process and a second process, The first step includes removing an existing control panel and installing a new control panel; the second step subsequent to the first step includes removing an existing first device and installing a new first device; the control data stored in the first area corresponds to an operation period after the first step and is control data for a configuration including a newly installed control panel and an existing first device, The control data stored in the second area corresponds to an operation period after the second step and is control data for a configuration including a newly installed control panel and a newly installed first device. Elevator control panel.

2. The storage unit stores adjustment data set at the site of the repair work, The operation control unit controls the operation of the elevator by taking over the adjustment data during an operation period after each of the plurality of work processes. The elevator control panel according to claim 1.

3. the storage unit stores the adjustment data in a common area different from the plurality of storage areas; The operation control unit controls the operation of the elevator by referring to the adjustment data from the common area. The elevator control panel according to claim 2.

4. The storage unit stores the adjustment data as common data in each of the plurality of storage areas. The elevator control panel according to claim 2.

5. The adjustment data includes data on floor height. An elevator control panel according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The elevator includes a second device as a device of the elevator, the plurality of storage areas includes a third area, The plurality of work steps includes a third step, the third step subsequent to the second step includes removing the existing second device and installing a new second device; the control data stored in the first area corresponds to an operation period after the first step and is control data for a configuration including a newly installed control panel, an existing first device, and an existing second device; the control data stored in the second area corresponds to an operation period after the second step and is control data for a configuration including a newly installed control panel, a newly installed first device, and an existing second device; The control data stored in the third area corresponds to an operation period after the third step and is control data for a configuration including a newly installed control panel, a newly installed first device, and a newly installed second device. An elevator control panel according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A method for renovating an elevator, in which a control panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is installed as a new control panel, A procedure for performing the first step; After the first step, the switch is operated to switch the operation control unit to read control data from the first area; a procedure in which the operation control unit controls the operation of the elevator based on the control data read from the first area, and then performs the work of the second step; After the second step, the switch is operated to switch the operation control unit to read control data from the second area; An elevator renovation method comprising:

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