Elevator control device and elevator control method

Abstract

To detect failures in the sensor unit early. [Solution] The elevator control device of this embodiment comprises a control unit that performs call registration for a destination based on detection by one of multiple sensor units integrated with each of multiple push buttons or operation of one of the multiple push buttons, and transmits information regarding the call registration to a control panel that controls the elevator car; a judgment unit that determines that the sensor unit has malfunctioned if call registration is performed based on operation of one of the multiple push buttons and detection by one of the multiple sensor units has not occurred a first threshold number of times or more; and a communication unit that transmits information about the malfunction to the control panel when the judgment unit determines that the sensor unit has malfunctioned.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to an elevator control device and an elevator control method. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known technologies for contactless calling of destination floors in elevator cars. For example, there is a method in which a control panel in the car is equipped with multiple sensors that detect the user's fingers without contact and are integrated with push buttons to call the destination floor.

[0003] In such conventional non-contact type sensors integrated with push buttons, the sensor unit may fail even if the push button switch remains intact. This occurs when surges generated by turning the elevator power on and off, or induction noise caused by the motor that drives the door opening and closing, cause a voltage exceeding the rated voltage to be applied to the IC that controls the sensor unit, destroying the IC. If only the non-contact type sensor unit fails, call registration can still be performed using the push button, but call registration operations using the sensor unit will no longer be possible. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6841372 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7248831 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, since the push button switch is not broken and the push button can be used without any problems, a failure in the sensor unit alone is often left undetected until a regular inspection is performed, making it difficult to detect a failure in the sensor unit early on. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The elevator control device of the embodiment includes: a plurality of destination object display units provided in a car moving in an elevator shaft, each displaying a destination object of the car; a plurality of push buttons provided corresponding to each of the plurality of destination object display units, which the user can press to operate a predetermined destination object display unit; a plurality of sensor units provided corresponding to each of the plurality of destination object display units and integrated with each of the plurality of push buttons, which have a detection range that is a predetermined range outward from the front of the push button and which detect the operation by the user on a predetermined destination object display unit in a non-contact manner; and a plurality of sensor units provided corresponding to each of the plurality of destination object display units and integrated with each of the plurality of push buttons, which have a detection range that is a predetermined range outward from the front of the push button and which detect the operation by the user on a predetermined destination object display unit in a non-contact manner. and an operation panel having the plurality of push buttons; a control unit that performs call registration for a destination based on detection by any of the plurality of sensor units or operation of any of the plurality of push buttons, and transmits information about the call registration to a control panel that controls the elevator; a determination unit that determines that the sensor unit has malfunctioned if detection by any of the plurality of sensor units has not occurred a first threshold number of times or more when call registration has been performed based on operation of any of the plurality of push buttons; and a communication unit that transmits a notice of the malfunction to the control panel when the determination unit determines that the sensor unit has malfunctioned. Each of the plurality of sensor units has a detection range that is the predetermined range from a position spaced a predetermined distance outward from the front face of the push button, and the determination unit determines that, when a press of the push button is detected within a predetermined time from when the sensor unit first detects it and then becomes non-detecting, the detection by one of the plurality of sensor units has been made when a call registration is made based on an operation on one of the plurality of push buttons, and determines that the sensor unit is normal. . [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an elevator control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the main control panel according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the connection between the sensor unit and the control board 130 of the destination floor call device according to the embodiment, and the connection between the sensor unit and the control board of the destination floor call device. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the sensor unit and the push button according to the embodiment as viewed from the side, and the detection range of the sensor unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a time chart of detection by the sensor unit and switching of the push button according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for an elevator control process according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a fault notification according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a detection range of a sensor unit according to a modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a time chart of detection by a sensor unit and switching of a push button according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0009] (Embodiment) (Example of elevator control system configuration) Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an elevator control system 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the elevator control system 100 includes a control panel 10 and a destination floor call device 30. The elevator controlled by the elevator control system 100 includes a car 1, a drive device 2, a counterweight 3, a rope 4, etc.

[0010] The car 1 moves up and down in a hoistway (not shown) to transport passengers who board the car 1 at landings located on each floor to other floors. The car 1 and counterweight 3 are connected by a rope 4. The rope 4 is stretched across a drive device 2. The drive device 2 is, for example, a hoist, and when driven by the drive device 2, the car 1 can travel up and down in the hoistway.

[0011] The control panel 10 includes a control unit 11, a communication unit 12, and a memory unit 13, and controls the entire elevator. The control panel 10 is connected to the drive unit 2 by wire or wirelessly so as to be able to exchange various signals. The control panel 10 is also connected to a destination floor call device 30 installed, for example, in the car 1, so as to be able to exchange various signals. The control panel 10 and the destination floor call device 30 may be connected by a wired or wireless network. The control panel 10 is also connected by wire or wirelessly to a hall call device (not shown) installed at the hall, etc., so as to be able to exchange various signals.

[0012] The control unit 11 registers a call when a user in the car 1 calls for a destination floor, when a user at a platform calls for a platform, etc. The control unit 11 may store the contents of the call registration in the memory unit 13.

[0013] Here, a destination floor call is an operation performed by a user in the car 1 to make the car 1 head to the desired destination floor. Also, a platform call is an operation performed by a user at a platform to make the car 1, heading in either the up or down direction, arrive at the platform.

[0014] Furthermore, the destination floor call is a call registration request received from the destination floor call device 30 via the communication unit 12. The hall call is a call registration request received from a hall call device (not shown) via the communication unit 12.

[0015] The control unit 11 drives the drive unit 2 in accordance with the contents of the call registration, and causes the car 1 to respond to a destination floor call or a platform call. In addition, when the car 1 arrives at a predetermined floor, the control unit 11 opens and closes the doors of the car 1 and the platform.

[0016] Furthermore, when the control unit 11 receives a destination floor call from the destination floor call device 30, it sends a command to brightly turn on the indicator light 313 to the destination floor call device 30 that sent the destination floor call via the communication unit 12, thereby brightly turning on the indicator light 313. Furthermore, when the control unit 11 receives a platform call from a platform call device, it sends a command to brightly turn on the indicator light to the platform call device via the communication unit 12, thereby brightly turning on the indicator light.

[0017] When a user in the car 1 calls for a destination floor, or when a user at a platform calls for a platform, the communication unit 12 acquires the information from a destination floor call device and a platform call device (not shown), etc. The communication unit 12 also transmits various commands, etc. from the control unit 11 to the car 1, etc.

[0018] The storage unit 13 stores various programs for causing the control panel 10 to control the elevator. As described above, the storage unit 13 may store destination floor call registrations, hall call registrations, and the like.

[0019] Next, we will explain the destination floor call device 30. The destination floor call device 30 is a device that controls each part of the main operation panel 318, accepts destination floor calls from users, and processes operations by the users. The destination floor call device 30 constitutes an elevator control device.

[0020] The main operation panel 318 is provided inside the car 1 and is used by users to mainly perform operations such as opening and closing the doors of the car 1 and specifying the destination floor, etc. The main operation panel 318 constitutes a part of the destination floor call device 30. Details of the main operation panel 318 will be described later.

[0021] The destination floor call device 30 includes an object detection unit 31, a push detection unit 32, a main operation panel 318, and a communication unit 34, and receives destination floor calls from users of the car 1. The main operation panel 318 is provided inside the car 1, and includes at least sensor units 311 (311a, 311b, 311c...), push buttons 312 (312a, 312b, 312c...), indicator lights 313 (313a, 313b, 313c...), a display device 317, and a speaker 321. The entire destination floor call device 30 may be provided inside the car 1.

[0022] The sensor units 311 (311a, 311b, 311c, etc.) are provided in the car 1 corresponding to each of the multiple destination floors (destination targets) of the car 1. When a user who wishes to make a call for a specific destination floor holds a finger or the like over the corresponding sensor unit 311, the sensor unit 311A ​​detects an object such as the user's finger.

[0023] Push buttons 312 (312a, 312b, 312c, etc.) are provided in the car 1 corresponding to each of the multiple destination floors of the car 1. The push buttons 312 are configured so that a user who wishes to call a specific destination floor can press the corresponding push button 312.

[0024] Indicator lights 313 (313a, 313b, 313c, etc.) are provided in the car 1 corresponding to each of the multiple destination floors of the car 1. When a user who wishes to make a call for a specific destination floor holds a finger or the like over the corresponding sensor unit 311 or presses the corresponding push button 312, the indicator light 313 corresponding to that destination floor lights up in a predetermined manner.

[0025] The object detection unit 31 includes a determination unit 31a and a control unit 31b. The control unit 31b notifies the control panel 10 of the destination floor call via the communication unit 34 based on the registration based on the operation of the sensor unit 311. As a result, the call is officially registered to the destination floor corresponding to the sensor unit 311 identified by the control panel 10, and the indicator light 313 corresponding to the identified sensor unit 311 lights up brightly.

[0026] In this embodiment, the control unit 31b performs call registration for a destination floor based on detection by any of the plurality of sensor units 311 or operation of any of the plurality of push buttons 312, and transmits information related to the call registration to the control panel 10 via the communication unit 34. The control unit 31b controls the opening and closing of the door of the car 1 based on detection by any of the sensor units 319 or operation of any of the push buttons 315.

[0027] The determination unit 31a determines that the sensor unit 311 is malfunctioning if, when a destination floor call registration is performed based on an operation on any of the push buttons 315, detection by any of the plurality of sensor units 311 is not performed a first threshold number of times or more. In addition, when the door of the car 1 is opened or closed, the determination unit 31a determines that the sensor unit 319 is malfunctioning if detection by the sensor unit 319 is not performed a first threshold number of times or more.

[0028] The press detection unit 32 includes a determination unit 32a and a control unit 32b. When any of the push buttons 312 is pressed by a user, the control unit 32b determines that there has been a call to the destination floor corresponding to the pressed push button 312. If the control unit 32b determines that there has been a call to the destination floor, it notifies the control panel 10 via the communication unit 34 of a destination floor call to the destination floor corresponding to the pressed push button 312. As a result, the control panel 10 officially registers the call to the destination floor corresponding to the pressed push button 312, and the indicator light 313 corresponding to the pressed push button 312A lights up.

[0029] When a destination floor call is registered and the number of times that any of the plurality of push buttons 312 is pressed (detection of a pressing operation) is equal to or less than the second threshold number of times after a certain time has elapsed from a predetermined time point, the determination unit 32a determines that the push button 312 is malfunctioning. Furthermore, when a door is opened or closed and the number of times that any of the push buttons 315 is pressed (detection of a pressing operation) is equal to or less than the second threshold number of times after a certain time has elapsed from a predetermined time point, the determination unit 1032a determines that the push button 315 is malfunctioning. Here, the predetermined time point can be set arbitrarily.

[0030] The communication unit 34 is a communication interface (communication I / F), and when the object detection unit 31 or the press detection unit 32 determines that a call has been made to a specified destination floor, it transmits information about the registered call for that destination floor to the control panel 10. In this embodiment, when the determination unit 31a determines that the sensor units 311, 319 have failed, the communication unit 34 transmits a notification of the failure of the sensor units 311, 319 to the control panel 10. When the determination unit 32a determines that the push buttons 312, 315 have failed, the communication unit 34 transmits a notification of the failure of the push buttons 312, 315 to the control panel 10.

[0031] The destination floor call device 30 includes, in addition to the push buttons 312 corresponding to the multiple destination floors of the car 1, push buttons for opening and closing the doors of the car 1, for example. In this case, the above-mentioned press detection unit 32 may detect the pressing of these other push buttons and notify the control panel 10 or the like of the detection result via the communication unit 34.

[0032] Furthermore, the destination floor call device 30 is provided with indicator lights 313 corresponding to the multiple destination floors of the car 1, as well as indicator lights corresponding to, for example, door opening and door closing of the car 1. In this case, the push detection unit 32 may cause these indicator lights to emit light in various modes based on the detection results, etc. The display device 317 and the speaker 321 will be described later.

[0033] Furthermore, the destination floor call device 30 may be provided with various configurations other than those described above that are used for operation by the user of the car 1.

[0034] (Main operation panel configuration example) FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a main operation panel 318 which is a part of the destination floor call device according to the embodiment.

[0035] The main operation panel 318 is installed inside the elevator car 1 so as to be able to accept operations by users inside the car 1 and display to users the operating status of the car 1. The car 1 moves up and down in an elevator shaft (not shown) to transport users who board the car 1 at landings provided on each floor to other floors.

[0036] The installation position of the main operation panel 318 is, for example, to the right of the door inside the car 1, that is, on the right side wall as you face the door inside the car 1. The main operation panel 318 may also be installed on the left side wall of the car 1 or on another part such as a side panel.

[0037] The main operation panel 318 includes, for example, a destination floor display unit 310 (310a to 310e), a sensor unit 311 (311a to 311e), push buttons 312 (312a to 312e), 315 (315e, 315c), indicator lights 313 (313a to 313e), 316 (316e, 316c), an open / close display unit 314 (314e, 314c), a display device 317, and a speaker 321.

[0038] The destination floor display unit 310 is, for example, a dial or the like on which the number of the destination floor of the car 1 is displayed, and a plurality of such units are arranged on the main operation panel 318 corresponding to the destination floors of the car 1. In the example of FIG. 2, 18 destination floor display units 310a to 310e (some omitted) are arranged in two vertical rows corresponding to the 1st to 18th floors, which are the destination floors of the car 1. That is, for example, a set of the destination floor display unit 310a, the sensor unit 311, and the push button 312 corresponding to the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 15th, and 17th floors is arranged in one vertical row, and to the right of that row, for example, a set of the destination floor display unit 310, the sensor unit 311, and the push button 312 corresponding to the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 14th, 16th, and 18th floors is arranged in another vertical row. Here, in the example of FIG. 2, reference numerals are assigned only to the destination floor display units of some floors. The destination floor display unit 310, the sensor unit 311, and the push button 312 may be arranged as a set in a single vertical row. Also, the destination floor display unit 310, the sensor unit 311, and the push button 312 may be arranged as a set in three or more vertical rows.

[0039] The sensor unit 311 is a non-contact sensor, and a plurality of sensor units 311 are arranged on the main operation panel 318 near the corresponding destination floor display units 310, corresponding to the plurality of destination floor display units 310. In the example of Fig. 2, 18 sensor units 311a to 311e are integrated and arranged in two vertical rows of destination floor display units 310a to 310e, respectively. When a user of the elevator car 1 holds a finger or the like over a corresponding sensor unit 311 to make a call to the desired destination floor, the sensor unit 311 detects the user's finger or the like as an operation on the corresponding destination floor display unit 310.

[0040] The sensor unit 311 is configured as, for example, a non-contact reflective photoelectric sensor. A reflective photoelectric sensor detects an object without contact by projecting infrared light toward the outside of the sensor and receiving the light reflected from the object that the light hits. However, the sensor unit 311 may be configured as any other type of sensor, such as a capacitance sensor, as long as it can detect an object without contact. A capacitance sensor generates an electric field around the sensor and detects an object without contact by changing the capacitance when an object enters the electric field.

[0041] The push buttons 312 are configured so that they can be pressed by a user with a finger or the like, and a plurality of them are arranged on the operation panel 318, respectively corresponding to the plurality of destination floor display units 310, integrally with the corresponding destination floor display units 310. That is, for example, a dial or the like that is the corresponding destination floor display unit 310 is fitted in front of each push button 312. When a user of the elevator car 1 presses the corresponding push button 312 to make a call to the desired destination floor, the above-mentioned press detection unit 32 detects the press of the push button 312 as an operation on the corresponding destination floor display unit 310. In this embodiment, the sensor unit 311 and the push button 312 are integrated.

[0042] The indicator lights 313 are configured to be capable of emitting light in a plurality of modes, and correspond to the plurality of destination floor display units 310, respectively, and are built into the operation panel 318 integrally with the corresponding destination floor display units 310. That is, for example, the indicator lights 313 are embedded in the back of each of the push buttons 312.

[0043] In the example of FIG. 2, among the plurality of indicator lights 313, indicator lights 313b and 313e corresponding to destination floor display units 310b and 310e are shown to be dimly lit or brightly lit.

[0044] The open / close display unit 314 is, for example, a display panel that displays the open / close status of the door of the car 1, and includes an open / close display unit 314e that displays the open status of the door of the car 1, and an open / close display unit 314c that displays the closed status of the door of the car 1. In the example of Fig. 2, the open / close display units 314e and 314c are arranged side by side on the left and right of the operation panel 318.

[0045] The push buttons 315 are configured so that they can be pressed by a user with a finger or the like, and a plurality of them are arranged on the operation panel 318 integrally with the corresponding open / close display units 314, corresponding to the open / close display units 314e, 314c. That is, for example, a display panel or the like that is the corresponding open / close display unit 314e, 314c is fitted in front of each of the push buttons 315e, 315c. When a user of the car 1 presses the corresponding push button 315 to open or close the door of the car 1, the above-mentioned press detection unit 32 detects the pressing of the push button 315 as an operation on the corresponding open / close display unit 314.

[0046] Furthermore, open / close display section 314c is provided with non-contact sensor section 319c integrated with push button 315c, and open / close display section 314e is provided with non-contact sensor section 319e integrated with push button 315e. The configuration of sensor section 319 (319c, 319e) is also similar to that of sensor section 311.

[0047] Furthermore, the connection between the sensor units 311, 319 and the control board (that is, the control unit 31b) of the destination floor call device 30 and the connection between the push buttons 312, 315 and the control board (that is, the control unit 32b) are separate systems. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the connection between the sensor unit 311 and the control board 130 of the destination floor call device 30 according to the embodiment, and the connection between the sensor unit 311 and the control board 130 of the destination floor call device 30. As shown in FIG.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, sensor unit 311 includes sensor circuit 3111 and transistor 3112. Push button 312 is configured as a switch. In sensor unit 311, terminal 1301a is connected to terminal 1401a of control board 130. On the other hand, in push button 312, terminal 1301b is connected to terminal 1401b of control board 130. As can be seen, the connection between sensor units 311, 319 and control board 130 of destination floor call device 30 is separate from the connection between push button 312 and control board 130. The configurations of sensor unit 319 and push button 315 for opening and closing, and the connection form between them and control board 130 of destination floor call device 30 are similar to those of sensor unit 311 and push button 312.

[0049] 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the sensor unit 311 and the push button 312 according to the embodiment as viewed from the side, and the detection range of the sensor unit 311. Specifically, as shown in FIG.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, the sensor unit 311 has a detection range 1701 that is a predetermined range outward from the face 3121 (front) of the push button 312 (destination floor display unit 310). More specifically, the detection range 1701 is a spatial region extending a predetermined distance from the position of the face 3121 of the push button 312, and the sensor unit 311 detects user operations in this spatial region. The predetermined distance may be, for example, approximately 20 mm from the face 3121 of the push button 312. However, the predetermined distance is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 4, the detection range 1701 has a mountain shape that narrows as it moves away from the face 3121 of the push button 312. The entire detection range 1701 is set in a position facing the face 3121 of the push button 312. The detection range 701 is set in a position facing the face 3121 of the push button 312. 4, detection range 1701 is set so that it fits within front surface 3121 of push button 312 when viewed from first direction D1 perpendicular to front surface 3121, and so that its center C1 overlaps with approximately the center C2 of front surface 3121. As an example, center C1 of detection range 1701 and center C2 of front surface 3121 coincide with each other when viewed from first direction D1. In this way, the entire detection range 1701 is set in a position facing front surface 3121 of push button 312.

[0051] When registering a destination floor, the user advances their finger 703 or the like toward the push button 312, and at this time, the fingertip enters the detection range 1701 of the sensor unit 311, causing the sensor unit 311 to enter a detection state, and then the user either removes the fingertip from the detection range 1701 or advances the finger 703 further and presses the push button 312. The detection range of the sensor unit 319 for opening and closing the door and its relationship with the push button 315 are the same as those of the sensor unit 311.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a time chart of detection by the sensor units 311 and 319 and switching of the push buttons 312 and 315 according to the embodiment. When the user's finger approaches the sensor units 311, 319 from right to left in Fig. 4 and enters the detection range 1701, the sensor units 311, 319 are turned on. When the user further approaches the sensor units 311, 319 and presses the push buttons 312, 315, the switches of the push buttons 312, 315 are turned on and the edges are detected. When the user then removes the finger from the push buttons 312, 315, the switches of the push buttons 312, 315 are turned off. When the user further moves the finger to the right in Fig. 4 and leaves the detection range 1701 of the sensor units 311, 319, the sensor units 311, 319 are turned off.

[0053] Returning to FIG. 2, the indicator lights 316 are configured to be able to emit light in a predetermined manner and are built into the main operation panel 318 integrally with the corresponding open / close display units 314, corresponding to the open / close display units 314e and 314c, respectively. That is, for example, indicator lights 316e and 316c are embedded behind the push buttons 315e and 315c and the sensor units 319c and 319c, respectively. For example, when one of the corresponding indicator lights 316e and 316c is turned on based on the detection result of the press detection unit 32, the light of the indicator light 316 that has passed through the sensor unit 319, the push button 315, and the open / close display unit 314 is visible to the user. This allows the user to know which of the open / close display units 314e and 314c their operation was recognized as operating. In the example of FIG. 2, both the indicator lights 316e and 316c are shown as being turned off.

[0054] The display device 317 is configured as, for example, a liquid crystal panel as a liquid crystal display unit, and displays the floor and direction in which the car 1 is traveling. In the example of Fig. 2, an upward arrow and the number "3" are displayed. From this, it can be seen that the car 1 is traveling upward near the third floor. The speaker 321 outputs various sounds. The configuration of the main control panel 318 and the arrangement of various components are not limited to the example shown in FIG.

[0055] Further, a display indicating the presence of the sensor unit 311 or a display encouraging the user to hold a finger or the like over the sensor unit 311 may be placed near the sensor unit 311. These displays can be placed by, for example, attaching a sticker or the like bearing a desired display near the sensor unit 311.

[0056] Furthermore, near each sensor unit 311, there may be placed Braille indicating the destination floor corresponding to that sensor unit 311, Braille indicating the presence of the sensor unit 311, or Braille prompting the user to hold their finger over the sensor unit 311. These Braille characters can be placed, for example, by placing a nameplate or the like with the desired Braille characters near the sensor unit 311.

[0057] The main operation panel 318 may also be provided with sensor units corresponding to the open / close display units 314e and 314c, respectively, so that the car 1 can be opened and closed without contact.

[0058] In addition, the main operation panel 318 may be provided with various push buttons and sensors for user operation, as well as indicator lights that present various information to the user.

[0059] (Elevator control processing) Next, an elevator control process performed by the elevator control system 100 according to this embodiment configured as above will be described. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of an elevator control process according to the embodiment. The process of the flowchart in FIG. 6 is executed separately for each of the push buttons 312 and 315 and each of the sensor units 311 and 319 integrated with the push buttons 312 and 319, respectively.

[0060] The control unit 32b of the press detection unit 32 starts timing at the start of processing, which is a predetermined time point (S11). Then, the control unit 32b determines whether or not an on-edge of the switch of the push button 312, 315 has been detected, i.e., whether or not pressing of the push button 312 has been detected (S12).

[0061] When pressing of the push buttons 312, 315 is detected (S12: Yes), the control unit 32b increments the push button failure determination counter by 1 (S13). Here, the push button failure determination counter is a counter for determining whether or not each of the multiple push buttons 312, 315 has failed.

[0062] Next, the control unit 32b executes the process when the pressing of the push buttons 312, 315 is detected, i.e., the transmission of destination floor call information and the opening and closing of the doors (S14).Then, the control unit 31b of the object detection unit 31 determines whether the sensor units 311, 319 have been detected (S15).

[0063] If the sensor units 311, 319 are not detected (S15: No), the control unit 31b increments the sensor unit failure determination counter by 1 (S16). The sensor unit failure detection count is a counter for determining whether or not there is a failure for each of the multiple sensor units 311, 319.

[0064] Then, the determination unit 31a determines whether the sensor unit failure determination counter is equal to or greater than the first threshold value (S17). If the sensor unit failure determination counter is equal to or greater than the first threshold value (S17: Yes), the communication unit 34 transmits a notification to the control panel 10 that the sensor units 311, 319 are malfunctioning (S18). Then, the process ends.

[0065] In S17, if the sensor unit failure determination counter is less than the first threshold value (S17: No), the process proceeds to S12, and the process from S12 is repeatedly executed.

[0066] If the sensor units 311, 319 detect a malfunction in S15 (S15: Yes), the control unit 31b clears the sensor unit malfunction determination count (i.e., sets it to 0) (S21). Next, the control unit 31b executes the process that would be performed if the sensor units 311, 319 detect a malfunction, i.e., transmits destination floor call information and opens and closes the doors (S22). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S12, and the process from S12 is repeatedly executed.

[0067] If the pressing of the push buttons 312, 315 is not detected in S12 (S12: No), the control unit 31b determines whether the sensor units 311, 319 are detected (S19). If the sensor units 311, 319 are not detected (S19: No), the process proceeds to S12, and the process from S12 is repeatedly executed.

[0068] On the other hand, if the sensor units 311, 319 have detected something (S19: Yes), the control unit 32b of the press detection unit 32 determines whether a certain amount of time has passed since the start of timing in S11 (S20). If the certain amount of time has not yet passed (S20: No), the control unit 31b of the object detection unit 31 clears the sensor unit failure determination count (i.e., sets it to 0) (S21). Next, the control unit 31b executes the processing that would be performed if the sensor units 311, 319 have detected something, i.e., transmits destination floor call information and opens and closes the doors (S22). Thereafter, the processing proceeds to S12, and the processing from S12 is repeatedly executed.

[0069] If a certain period of time has elapsed in S20 (S20: Yes), the judgment unit 32a of the press detection unit 32 judges whether the push button failure judgment counter is equal to or less than a second threshold (S23). If the push button failure judgment counter is equal to or less than the second threshold (S23: Yes), the communication unit 34 transmits a notification to the control panel 10 that the push buttons 312, 315 are malfunctioning (S24). Then, the process ends.

[0070] If the push button malfunction determination counter is greater than the second threshold value in S23 (S23: No), the control unit 31b resets the timer (S25). Next, the control unit 32b clears the push button malfunction determination counter (i.e., sets it to 0) (S26). Next, the control unit 31b executes the process that would be performed if the sensor units 311, 319 were detected, i.e., transmits destination floor call information and opens and closes the doors (S27). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S11, and the process from S11 is repeatedly executed.

[0071] In addition, when it is determined that the sensor units 311, 319 or the push buttons 312, 315 have failed, the communication unit 34 may send a notification of the failure of the sensor units 311, 319 and the push buttons 312, 315 via the control panel 10 to a monitoring center (not shown) that is connected by a network and manages the entire elevator.

[0072] Furthermore, the control units 31b and 32b may also display on the display device 317 a notice that the sensor units 311 and 319 or the push buttons 312 and 315 have malfunctioned. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a notification of a malfunction of the sensor units 311 and 319 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 31b can display a message saying "Please press the push button as the sensor unit is malfunctioning" on the display device 317. Furthermore, the control units 31b and 32b may output a notification message to the speaker 321 in the form of voice when the sensor units 311 and 319 or the push buttons 312 and 315 fail.

[0073] (Overview) In the non-contact type sensor units 311, 319 integrated with the push buttons 312, 315 of the prior art, there are cases where the sensor units 311, 319 fail even if the switches of the push buttons 312, 315 do not fail. This occurs because a voltage exceeding the rated voltage is applied to the IC controlling the sensor unit due to surges generated when the elevator power is turned on / off, or induction noise caused by the motor that drives the door to open and close, destroying the IC. If only the non-contact type sensor units 311, 319 fail, call registration using the push buttons 312, 315 is possible, but call registration operation using the sensor units 311, 319 becomes impossible.

[0074] However, since the switches of the push buttons 312, 315 are not broken, the push buttons 312, 315 can be used without any problems. Therefore, a malfunction of only the sensor units 311, 319 is often left undetected until a regular inspection is performed, and as a result, it is difficult to detect a malfunction of the sensor units 311, 319 early on.

[0075] In contrast, the destination floor call device 30 of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of sensor units 311 that are integrated with each of the plurality of push buttons 312 and have a detection range that is a predetermined range outward from the front of the push button, and is provided with control units 31b, 32b that register a call for a destination based on detection by any of the plurality of sensor units 311 or operation of any of the plurality of push buttons 312 and transmit information related to the destination floor call registration to the control panel that controls the elevator, a judgment unit 31a that judges that the sensor unit 311 has malfunctioned if the number of detections by any of the plurality of sensor units 311 is less than a first threshold number when a destination floor call registration is performed based on operation of any of the plurality of push buttons, and a communication unit 34 that transmits a notification of the malfunction of the sensor unit 311 to the control panel 10 when the judgment unit 31a judges that the sensor unit 311 has malfunctioned.

[0076] Therefore, according to this embodiment, in the case of a non-contact sensor unit 311 integrated with a push button 312, if the push button 312 is not malfunctioning but the sensor unit 311 is malfunctioning, the destination floor call device 30 determines that the sensor unit 311 is malfunctioning and notifies the control panel 10, thereby enabling early detection of the malfunction of the sensor unit 311.

[0077] Furthermore, in the destination floor call device 30 according to this embodiment, the connection between the sensor unit 311 and the control board 130 of the destination floor call device 30 is a separate system from the connection between the push button 312 and the control board 130 of the destination floor call device 30. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a failure in the sensor unit 311 can be detected early and more accurately.

[0078] Furthermore, in conventional technology, the push buttons 312, 315 may malfunction, but if a user brings their fingers close to the sensor units 311, 319 and it is detected without contact, they may move their fingers away from the sensor units 311, 319 at that point. Therefore, even if the push buttons 312, 315 malfunction, it may be difficult to discover the malfunction early, just as with malfunctions of the sensor units 311, 319.

[0079] In contrast, the destination floor call device 30 of this embodiment is equipped with a judgment unit 32a that judges that the push button 312 is malfunctioning if, when a destination floor call is registered and a certain amount of time has elapsed since a predetermined point in time, the number of times any of the multiple push buttons 312 has been pressed is equal to or less than a second threshold value, and when the judgment unit 32a judges that the push button 312 is malfunctioning, the communication unit 34 sends a notification of the malfunction to the control panel 10.

[0080] Therefore, according to this embodiment, in the case of a push button 312 integrated with a non-contact sensor unit 311, if the sensor unit 311 is not malfunctioning but the push button 312 is malfunctioning, the destination floor call device 30 determines that the push button 312 is malfunctioning and notifies the control panel 10, thereby enabling early detection of the malfunction of the push button 312.

[0081] (Variation) There are various modifications to the above embodiment. For example, the control unit 31b may be configured to disable detection by all of the sensor units 311 and 319 when the determination unit 31a determines that the sensor units 311 and 319 have failed. In this case, overdetection or erroneous detection by the sensor units 311 and 319 can be prevented.

[0082] Furthermore, the detection range 1701 of the sensor units 311, 319 is not limited to a predetermined range from the front surfaces (front faces) of the push buttons 312, 315 (destination floor display units 310, open / close display units 314) as shown in Fig. 4. For example, the detection range may be configured to be a predetermined range from a position spaced a predetermined distance outward from the front surfaces 3121 (front faces) of the push buttons 312, 315 (destination floor display units 310, open / close display units 314).

[0083] 8 is a diagram showing an example of the detection range of the sensor unit 311 according to the modified example. In this example of the sensor unit 311 according to the modified example, the detection range 701 is a range that starts from a position that is a first distance away from the front surface 3121 of the push button 312 (destination floor display unit 310), i.e., a position that is a first spatial region 705 away, and extends to the same predetermined distance as the detection range 1701 shown in FIG. 4. Here, the sensor unit 319 according to the modified example also has a detection range similar to that of the sensor unit 311.

[0084] 8, the sensor unit 311 is turned on when it first enters the detection range 701. When the user's finger further moves leftward and the fingertip leaves the detection range 701 and reaches the first spatial region 705, the sensor unit 311 is turned off.

[0085] However, in this modification, control unit 31b is configured so that, after each of multiple sensor units 311, 319 first detects a finger (i.e., after a finger first enters detection range 701), the detection state is maintained even if non-detection occurs within a range up to a predetermined distance from front surface 3121, i.e., in the first spatial region. Therefore, also in this modification, the detection time chart of sensor unit 311 is the same as the time chart shown in FIG. 5, and control unit 31b can detect failures of sensor units 311, 319.

[0086] Furthermore, in the sensor units 311, 319 having the detection range 701 of this modified example, the above-described detection control may not be performed, and the following determination may be made: That is, if the sensor units 311, 319 detect a press of the push buttons 312, 315 within a predetermined time from when they first detect and then stop detecting, it may be determined that detection has been performed by one of the plurality of sensor units 311, 319 when a call is registered, a door is opened or closed, or the like, based on an operation on one of the plurality of push buttons 312, 315, and the sensor units 311, 319 are normal.

[0087] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a time chart of detection by the sensor units 311 and 319 and switching of the push buttons 312 and 315 according to the modified example.

[0088] 8, the finger enters the detection range 701 and is first detected by the sensor units 311 and 319. After this detection, the tip of the finger leaves the detection range 701 and is no longer detected by the sensor units 311 and 319. Then, the finger approaches the push buttons 312 and 315 further, and the push buttons 312 and 315 are pressed.

[0089] 9, the time from when the sensor units 311, 319 first detect nothing and then stop detecting anything until they detect pressing of the push buttons 312, 315 is defined as t. If this time t is within a predetermined time, the judgment unit 31a judges that the sensor units 311, 319 are normal, even though pressing of the push buttons 312, 315 is detected after the sensor units 311, 319 stop detecting anything. Therefore, the sensor unit failure judgment counter is not incremented.

[0090] By performing such processing, even in the case of the sensor units 311 and 319 having the detection range 701 shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to detect failures in the sensor units 311 and 319 early and accurately.

[0091] In the above-described embodiment, failures of the sensor units 311, 319 and the push buttons 312, 315 in the main operation panel 318 inside the car 1 are detected, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the above-described embodiment may be applied to detecting failures of the sensor units and push buttons in an operation panel for wheelchairs provided inside the car 1. In this case, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment are achieved.

[0092] The above embodiment may also be applied to detecting failures in the sensor unit and push buttons in the main operation panel provided at the platform where passengers wait to board the car 1. In this case, the same effects as those of the above embodiment are achieved.

[0093] Next, a description will be given of the physical configuration of the elevator control system 100 according to the embodiment and the modified example. The control panel 10 is configured as a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a storage device, etc.

[0094] The ROM stores various programs related to elevator control, such as a control program and a call registration program. These programs stored in the ROM are read out and loaded into the RAM, and the CPU 101 executes these programs, thereby realizing the function of the control panel 10 as an elevator control device.

[0095] The call registration program is executed by the CPU, whereby the above-mentioned control unit 11, communication unit 12, storage unit 13, etc. are realized.

[0096] The destination floor call device 30 is configured as a computer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a storage device, and the like.

[0097] The ROM stores various programs, such as a control program for making a call based on detection by the sensor unit 311, a control program for making a call based on pressing the push button 312, etc. The control program stored in the ROM is read out, expanded into the RAM, and executed by the CPU, thereby realizing the various parts of the object detection unit 31, the press detection unit 32, etc.

[0098] Here, the call registration program, each control program, etc. are a computer program product having a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium that contains a plurality of instructions related to elevator control that can be executed by a computer. The call registration program, each control program, etc. are, for example, modular in structure, and these modules are loaded onto a main memory device.

[0099] The call registration program, each control program, etc. are provided by being stored on a recording medium or the like so that they can be read by a computer. The recording medium may be, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a flash memory. The call registration program, each control program, etc. may also be provided by various other methods, such as being distributed by a server or the like placed on a network, or being configured to be downloadable.

[0100] The elevator control program executed by the elevator control system 100 is mainly composed of a call registration program executed by the control panel 10 and each control program executed by the destination floor call devices 30, 1030.

[0101] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1...car, 2...drive device, 3...counterweight, 4...rope, 10...control panel, 11...control unit, 12...communication unit, 13...memory unit, 30...destination floor call device, 31...object detection unit, 31a...determination unit, 31b...control unit, 32...push detection unit, 32a...determination unit, 32b...control unit, 34...communication unit, 100...elevator control system, 310...destination floor display unit, 311, 311a to 311e, 319, 319c, 319e...sensor unit, 312, 312a to 312e, 315, 315c, 315e...push button, 313a to 313e, 316c, 316e...indicator light

Claims

1. a plurality of destination target display units each displaying a destination target of a car moving in the elevator shaft; a plurality of push buttons provided corresponding to the plurality of destination object display units, the push buttons being capable of allowing a user to perform an operation on a predetermined one of the destination object display units by pressing the push buttons; a plurality of sensor units that are provided integrally with the plurality of push buttons in correspondence with the plurality of destination object display units, respectively, and have a detection range that is a predetermined range outward from the front face of the push button, and detect an operation by the user on a predetermined destination object display unit in a non-contact manner; an operation panel having the plurality of destination object display units, the plurality of sensor units, and the plurality of push buttons; A control unit that performs call registration for a destination based on detection by any of the plurality of sensor units or operation of any of the plurality of push buttons, and transmits information about the call registration to a control panel that controls the elevator; a determination unit that determines that a sensor unit is malfunctioning when detection by any of the plurality of sensors has not been performed a first threshold number of times in a case where a call registration is performed based on an operation on any of the plurality of push buttons; a communication unit that, when the determination unit determines that the sensor unit has failed, transmits a notification of the failure to the control panel; each of the plurality of sensor units has a detection range that is the predetermined range from a position that is spaced a predetermined distance outward from the front surface of the push button; When the determination unit detects pressing of the push button within a predetermined time from when the sensor unit first detects and then stops detecting, the determination unit determines that detection has been performed by one of the plurality of sensor units and that the sensor unit is normal when a call registration is performed based on an operation on one of the plurality of push buttons. Elevator control device.

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

3. the control unit invalidates detection by all the sensor units when the determination unit determines that the sensor units have failed. The elevator control device according to claim 1 .

4. The operation panel is a main operation panel provided inside the elevator car, The destination object is a destination floor, The elevator control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the operation panel is a wheelchair operation panel provided inside the elevator car, The destination object is a destination floor, The elevator control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The operation panel is a main operation panel provided at a platform where users who board the elevator car wait, The destination object is a destination direction. The elevator control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. When the determination unit determines that a malfunction has occurred, the communication unit transmits a notice of the malfunction to a monitoring center connected to the elevator control device via a network. The elevator control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. A display unit provided on the operation panel; An audio output unit provided on the operation panel, When the determination unit determines that a malfunction has occurred, the control unit notifies at least one of the display unit and the audio output unit of the malfunction. The elevator control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. An elevator control method executed by an elevator control device, comprising: The elevator control device includes: a plurality of destination object display units provided in a car moving in the elevator shaft, each displaying a destination object of the car; a plurality of push buttons provided corresponding to the plurality of destination object display units, the push buttons being capable of allowing a user to perform an operation on a predetermined one of the destination object display units by pressing the push buttons; a plurality of sensor units that are provided integrally with the plurality of push buttons in correspondence with the plurality of destination object display units, respectively, and have a detection range that is a predetermined range outward from the front face of the push button, and detect an operation by the user on a predetermined destination object display unit in a non-contact manner; an operation panel having the plurality of destination target display units, the plurality of sensor units, and the plurality of push buttons; A step of registering a call for a destination based on detection by any one of the plurality of sensor units or operation of any one of the plurality of push buttons, and transmitting information about the call registration to a control panel that controls the elevator; a determining step of determining that the sensor unit is malfunctioning when detection by any of the plurality of sensor units has not been performed a first threshold number of times or more in a case where a call registration has been performed based on an operation on any of the plurality of push buttons; and when it is determined that the sensor unit has failed, notifying the control panel of the failure. each of the plurality of sensor units has a detection range that is the predetermined range from a position that is spaced a predetermined distance outward from the front surface of the push button; In the determination step, if the pressing of the push button is detected within a predetermined time from the time when the sensor unit first detects and then stops detecting, it is determined that the detection by one of the plurality of sensor units has been performed and the sensor unit is normal when a call registration is performed based on an operation on one of the plurality of push buttons. Elevator control method.

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