control panel

Abstract

To achieve miniaturization of a control panel without reducing workability of the control panel.SOLUTION: A housing 500 for storing a plurality of constituent members included in an elevator 100 is constituted by a first housing 501 arranged on a front side and a second housing 502 arranged on a rear side of the first housing 501. The first housing 501 is detachably arranged to the second housing 502. A control panel 104' includes a fixing mechanism which is provided between the first housing 501 and the second housing 502 to fix positions of the first housing 501 and the second housing 502 at a normal position at which the first housing 501 is positioned in front of the second housing 502 and a work position at which the first housing 501 opens the front surface of the second housing 502.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an elevator control panel that controls a plurality of components of an elevator.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when renewing the facilities of an elevator installed in a multi-story building or the like, the hoistway in which the elevator is installed is often reused, and all components constituting the elevator are often replaced. Specifically, components such as an elevator car and a drive mechanism including a hoisting machine for raising and lowering the car are replaced.

[0003] If the type and description method of the programming language for describing the control program for controlling each component are different between the old control panel and the new control panel, the old components controlled by the old control panel cannot understand the control signals from the new control panel. For this reason, conventionally, when replacing the control panel, in addition to the old control panel, all the old components controlled by the old control panel were replaced.

[0004] Due to recent technological improvements, a control panel (new control panel) that controls an elevator using new technology has functions and performance that are far superior to those of an existing control panel (old control panel). On the other hand, when replacing the control panel, if, in addition to the old control panel, all the old components controlled by the old control panel are replaced, the period during which the elevator cannot be used for renewal and the cost of renewal increase. For this reason, when renewing an elevator, there is also a strong demand for renewal that only replaces the control panel with a new control panel while keeping the old control panel.

[0005] Given this background, there has been a conventional technique, specifically, for example, in which, when replacing an old control panel with a new one, a signal conversion device is connected between the new control panel and the old components to convert the signals output by the old components into signals with the same meaning but that the new control panel can understand, and then at least one of the old components is replaced with a new component that outputs a signal that the new control panel can understand (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Re-tabled publication 2019 / 064400 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, when replacing a control panel, the old control panel may be left in place while the new one is installed. This limits the space available for installing the new control panel, while at the same time, it is necessary to ensure a certain amount of working space around the control panel to access its various components during elevator maintenance.

[0008] Specifically, in conventional control panels, for example, multiple components requiring access were arranged in a planar manner, and a door on the front of the control panel's casing was opened to secure the working area needed to access these components. This presented a problem in that miniaturizing the control panel was difficult.

[0009] Furthermore, in the case of hydraulic elevators, a wall is installed around the hydraulic unit to contain any leaked oil in the event of an oil leak, which further restricts the space available for installing a new control panel.

[0010] This invention aims to provide an elevator control panel that can be miniaturized without reducing the workability of the control panel, in order to solve the problems of the prior art described above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the elevator control panel according to the present invention is an elevator control panel for controlling a plurality of components provided by an elevator, wherein the housing that houses the plurality of components constituting the control panel is composed of a first housing installed on the front side and a second housing installed on the rear side of the first housing, the first housing is detachably provided with respect to the second housing and is equipped with a fixing mechanism between the first housing and the second housing that fixes the positions of the first housing and the second housing in a normal position in which the first housing is positioned in front of the second housing and in a working position in which the first housing opens the front of the second housing.

[0012] Furthermore, the elevator control panel according to this invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the working position of the first housing is above the normal position of the first housing in the vertical direction.

[0013] Furthermore, the elevator control panel according to this invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the working position of the first housing is at least one of the right and left sides in the horizontal direction from the normal position of the first housing.

[0014] Furthermore, the elevator control panel according to this invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the fixing mechanism is composed of a keyhole and a bolt.

[0015] Furthermore, the elevator control panel according to this invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the elevator is a hydraulic elevator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the control panel of the elevator of this invention, it has the effect that it can be miniaturized without reducing workability.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is an explanatory drawing showing the configuration of an elevator. [Figure 2] It is an explanatory drawing showing a car and an operation panel provided in the car. [Figure 3] It is an explanatory drawing showing the configuration of a landing. [Figure 4] It is an explanatory drawing showing the hardware configuration of a new control panel. [Figure 5] It is an explanatory drawing (Part 1) showing the structure of a new control panel. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory drawing (Part 2) showing the structure of a new control panel. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory drawing (Part 3) showing the structure of a new control panel. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory drawing (Part 4) showing the structure of a new control panel. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory drawing showing the structure of a fixing mechanism. [Figure 10] It is an explanatory drawing showing the hardware configuration of a signal conversion device.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a preferred embodiment of the control panel of the elevator according to this invention will be described in detail.

[0019] (Configuration of Elevator) First, the configuration of the elevator will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory drawing showing the configuration of the elevator. In FIG. 1, the elevator 100 can be realized by, for example, an indirect (side plunger type) hydraulic elevator. The elevator 100 is installed, for example, in a building such as a multi-story building.

[0020] The elevator 100 is equipped with a car (ride car) 101 for carrying people and goods. There is one car 101 in each elevator 100. The car 101 is installed in a hoistway 102 that penetrates each floor of the building in the vertical direction, that is, in the direction of movement of the car 101.

[0021] The elevator shaft 102 is equipped with guide rails (not shown) on its sides to guide the elevator car 101's position. The elevator shaft 102 is also equipped with a shock absorber 103 at its bottom to mitigate the impact if the elevator car 101 were to fall and collide with the bottom of the elevator shaft. The shock absorber 103 may be a spring-type shock absorber that uses the elastic force of a spring to mitigate the impact, or an oil-filled shock absorber that uses hydraulic resistance to mitigate the impact. The shock absorber 103 may also be provided on the ceiling surface of the elevator shaft.

[0022] The car 101 is equipped with a door (see reference numeral 202 in Figure 2). The car 101 also includes a motor (not shown) for opening and closing the car 101's door, a door opening / closing sensor (not shown) for detecting the open / closed state of the car 101's door, and an operation panel (see reference numeral 201 in Figure 2). The motor for opening and closing the car 101's door is driven and controlled by the control panel 104 (new control panel 104') to open and close the door 202. The control panel 104 (new control panel 104') drives and controls multiple components of the elevator 100.

[0023] Each landing (landing) 105 in the elevator shaft 102 is equipped with a door 105a. The doors 105a at each landing 105 are locked by a device called an interlock (not shown in the diagram). The interlock engages with the door opening / closing mechanism of the elevator car 101 and releases the lock only when the motor of the elevator car 101 is driven while the elevator 100 has arrived at a stopping floor. This allows only the door 105a on the floor where the elevator car 101 is located to be opened and closed in conjunction with the doors on each floor.

[0024] The door opening / closing sensor changes its output depending on whether the doors 105a located between the doors of the elevator car 101 and the doors 105a on the landing 105 are open or closed, based on the state of the safety shoe. The door opening / closing sensor can be implemented using, for example, a microswitch or a photoelectric sensor. The door opening / closing sensor is connected to the control panel 104 (new control panel 104') via wiring, and the signal output from the door opening / closing sensor is input to the control panel 104 (new control panel 104') via the same wiring.

[0025] Furthermore, plates (not shown) used for detecting the position of the elevator car 101 are provided at each floor-level position (landing) 105 in the elevator shaft 102. Multiple plates are provided along the length of the elevator shaft, i.e., in the vertical direction. The elevator car 101 is equipped with a sensor (not shown; hereinafter referred to as the "elevator car position detection sensor") used for detecting the position of the elevator car using the plates.

[0026] The cage position detection sensor is installed, for example, on the outside of the cage 101, such as on the ceiling or walls of the cage 101. The cage position detection sensor comprises a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element positioned opposite the light-emitting element. The cage position detection sensor outputs a signal according to the light-receiving state of the light-receiving element. Specifically, as the cage 101 moves, the cage position detection sensor outputs different signals to the control panel 104 (new control panel 104') depending on whether a plate is positioned between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element, or whether the light-receiving element is receiving light emitted by the light-emitting element.

[0027] The plate is positioned to block light between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element of the car position detection sensor when the car 101 is located at the landing position (landing 105) on each floor. The plate may also be positioned to block light between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element of the car position detection sensor when the car 101 passes a predetermined distance away from the stopping position on each floor. This makes it possible to determine the position of the car 101 before it reaches the target floor.

[0028] The hydraulic elevator 100 is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder 106. The hydraulic cylinder 106 is located in the hoistway 102. The hydraulic cylinder 106 includes a cylinder tube (cylinder body) 106a and a plunger (piston rod) 106b.

[0029] One end of the plunger 106b is inserted into the cylinder tube 106a. The end of the plunger 106b that is inserted into the cylinder tube 106a is provided with a cylinder (piston), which is not shown in the figure. The hydraulic cylinder 106 has the configuration of a single-rod cylinder, in which the plunger 106b protrudes from one end of the cylinder tube 106a in the axial direction.

[0030] A hydraulic power unit 108 is connected to the cylinder tube 106a via hydraulic piping 107. The hydraulic power unit 108 includes an oil tank for storing hydraulic fluid, an electric motor, and a hydraulic pump (see Figures 7 and 8). The hydraulic pump can be, for example, a turbo-type hydraulic pump that moves the hydraulic fluid by rotating an impeller inside a container using an electric motor. The hydraulic pump supplies hydraulic fluid from the oil tank into the cylinder tube 106a, thereby raising the plunger 106b. Conversely, the hydraulic pump discharges hydraulic fluid from the cylinder tube 106a into the oil tank, thereby lowering the plunger 106b.

[0031] The hydraulic elevator 100 is equipped with a rope 109 that transmits the movement of the plunger 106b to the car 101. The rope 109 is routed through multiple pulleys 110, including a pulley 110 that moves up and down in conjunction with the movement of the plunger 106b and a pulley 110 located under the floor of the car 101, and both ends are fixed in predetermined positions. This allows the car 101 to move up and down in accordance with the up and down movement of the plunger 106b.

[0032] Furthermore, elevator 100 is equipped with an electromagnetic brake, a speed governor, a limit switch, and the like. The electromagnetic brake has a coil and is driven and controlled by the control panel 104 (new control panel 104'). By energizing the coil, the electromagnetic force generated is used to stop the rotation of the hydraulic pump. The electromagnetic brake can maintain the stopped state of the hydraulic pump.

[0033] In this embodiment, an indirect (side plunger type) hydraulic elevator has been described as an example, but the invention is not limited to this. The elevator 100 according to this invention may be a direct hydraulic elevator in which a hydraulically extending plunger 106b is connected to the bottom of the car 101 to move the car up and down, instead of an indirect hydraulic elevator. Furthermore, the control panel of the elevator according to this invention may be a control panel that drives and controls each part of a rope-type elevator.

[0034] (Configuration of the cage 101 and the control panel installed in cage 101) Next, the configuration of the cage 101 and the control panel installed in cage 101 will be described. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the cage 101 and the control panel installed in cage 101.

[0035] In Figure 2, the control panel 201 installed in the elevator car 101 is located on the inner wall of the elevator car 101, near the door 202 of the elevator car 101. The control panel 201 is equipped with operation buttons 201a, including a destination floor button for specifying the destination floor of the elevator car 101, and a door open / close button for supporting the opening and closing of the door 202. The control panel 201 is also equipped with a display 201b that shows the floor level on which the elevator car 101 is located.

[0036] The display unit 201b is not limited to one installed at the time of installation of the elevator 100. Furthermore, the display unit 201b is not limited to one integrated with the control panel 201. Specifically, the display unit 201b may be, for example, a display device separate from the control panel 201 (or added after the installation of the elevator 100), a display on a tablet terminal separate from the control panel 201 (or added after the installation of the elevator 100), or a projector separate from the control panel 201 (or added after the installation of the elevator 100).

[0037] The control panel 201 installed in the elevator car 101 is equipped with a control board for the control panel 201 (not shown), and is connected to the control panel 104 (a new control panel 104') via the control board for the control panel 201. Whenever the control board for the control panel 201 receives an input operation from a user of the elevator 100 or the like to the operation button 201a, it generates a call signal corresponding to the input operation and outputs the generated call signal to the control panel 104.

[0038] Furthermore, the control board for the control panel 201 outputs a signal to the control panel 104 (new control panel 104') corresponding to the output of the door opening / closing sensor. The control board for the control panel 201 also controls the display unit 201b in response to the signal output from the control panel 104 (new control panel 104') to display the floor level on which the elevator car 101 is located. The control board for the control panel 201 may also perform functions such as switching the lights 203 on / off in the elevator car 101, or driving the surveillance camera 204.

[0039] Furthermore, the cage 101 is equipped with an intercom terminal device. The intercom terminal device includes a call button, a microphone, and a speaker (all of which are not shown in the illustration). The microphone and speaker in the intercom terminal device may be integrated into the control panel 201. The intercom terminal device is connected to the control panel 104 (new control panel 104'), similar to the control board for the control panel 201.

[0040] (Configuration of boarding area 105) Next, the configuration of the landing 105 will be described. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the landing 105. As shown in Figure 3, each landing 105 is provided with a door 105a. Each landing 105 is also provided with an operation panel 304 equipped with a landing call button 302, a display 303 that shows the floor level where the elevator car 101 is located, etc. The landing call button 302 of each landing 105 is provided, for example, on a wall 305 near the door 105a. The display 303 is provided, for example, on a wall 306 above the door 105a.

[0041] Each control panel 304 is equipped with a control board (not shown) for control panel 304, and is connected to control panel 104 (a new control panel 104') via this control board. The control board for control panel 304, like the control board for control panel 201, generates a call signal corresponding to each input operation to the landing call button 302 by a user of elevator 100, and outputs the generated call signal to control panel 104.

[0042] In this embodiment, the components of the present invention (old components, new components) can be realized by, for example, the components of the elevator 100 that output signals to the control panel 104 (new control panel 104'), so-called "up signals". Furthermore, in this embodiment, the components of the present invention (old components, new components) can be realized by, for example, the components of the elevator 100 that operate according to signals output from the CPU of the control panel 104 (new control panel 104') (see reference numeral 403 in Figure 4, etc.), so-called "down signals".

[0043] In this embodiment, when the term "component" is used hereafter, it will refer to the state of only the old component, the state of a mixture of the old and new components, or the state of only the new component, depending on the status of the component replacement.

[0044] Specifically, the components can be realized, for example, by the drive mechanism of the elevator 100. More specifically, the drive mechanism of the elevator 100 can be realized by, for example, an electric motor 702 in the hydraulic power unit 108, an electromagnetic brake, a motor for opening and closing the door 202, etc. Such a drive mechanism of the elevator 100 operates according to a down signal output from the control panel 104. Furthermore, the drive mechanism of the elevator 100 may also output an up signal to the control panel 104.

[0045] Furthermore, the components can be realized, for example, by the control mechanism of the elevator landing 105 of the elevator 100. Specifically, the control mechanism of the elevator landing 105 of the elevator 100 can be realized, for example, by the operation panel (control board) of the landing 105 provided at each landing 105. In addition, the components can be realized by the control mechanism of the elevator car 101 of the elevator 100. Specifically, the control mechanism of the elevator car 101 of the elevator 100 can be realized, for example, by the operation panel 201 provided at the car 101.

[0046] Furthermore, the components can be realized, for example, by the sensor mechanism of the elevator 100. Specifically, the sensor mechanism of the elevator 100 can be realized by various sensors such as limit switches and door opening / closing sensors. These various sensors output an upward signal to the control panel 104.

[0047] (Hardware configuration of the new control panel 104') Next, the hardware configuration of the new control panel 104', which will be installed in place of the existing control panel 104, will be described. The new control panel 104' will realize the control panel according to the embodiment of this invention.

[0048] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the hardware configuration of the new control panel 104'. As shown in Figure 4, the new control panel 104' includes an input terminal 401, an output terminal 402, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 403, a memory 404, and a communication I / F (Interface) 405. Each component of the new control panel 104' is connected by a bus 406.

[0049] Input terminal 401 is a hardware interface that connects the multiple components of the elevator 100 to the CPU 403, and receives input signals output from each component. The input signal is then output to the CPU 403 of the control panel 104. The input terminal 401 receives, for example, an up signal that each component of the elevator 100 outputs to the new control panel 104'.

[0050] Specifically, the input terminal 401 receives input of call signals output from control boards for, for example, the control panel 201 installed in the car 101 and the control panels 304 installed in each landing 105. The input terminal 401 also receives input of signals output from, for example, encoders. Furthermore, the input terminal 401 receives input of signals output from various sensors, for example, limit switches 109, door opening / closing sensors, and brake sensors whose output changes according to the operation of electromagnetic brakes. The brake sensor can be implemented by, for example, a microswitch or a photoelectric sensor.

[0051] The output terminal 402 is a hardware interface that connects the CPU 403 to several components of the elevator 100, and outputs the down signal output from the CPU 403 to the corresponding components. Specifically, the output terminal 402 outputs the control down signal generated by the CPU 403 to the electric motor 702 in the hydraulic power unit 108, the electromagnetic brake, the motors that open and close the doors 202 of the car 101 and the doors 105a of the landing 105, etc.

[0052] The CPU 403 controls multiple components of the elevator 100 and is responsible for the overall control of the elevator 100. The memory 404 stores programs and data used to control the multiple components of the elevator 100. For example, the CPU 403 performs calculations using programs and data stored in the memory 404 based on an upward signal input via the input terminal. The CPU 403 also outputs a signal based on the result of the calculation to the corresponding component via the output terminal 402.

[0053] Specifically, the CPU 403 generates control signals for each component of the hydraulic power unit 108, such as the electric motor 702, the electromagnetic brake, and the motors that open and close the doors 105 and 202, based on an upward signal (call signal) output from the control board for the control panel 201, and outputs the generated control signals to the respective components.

[0054] Furthermore, the CPU 403 determines whether each component has operated normally based on the upward signals output from each component, such as the electric motor 702, brake sensor, and door opening / closing sensor in the hydraulic power unit 108. The CPU 403 also outputs a downward control signal to the control board for the control panel 201, for example, which includes a floor signal indicating the floor on which the elevator car 101 is located, causing the control panel 201 to display the floor on which the elevator car 101 is located and its direction of movement (whether it is ascending or descending).

[0055] The communication interface 405 is connected to the management server computer via a network such as the Internet (both are not shown in the diagram). The management server computer is located in a remote location, separate from the location where the elevator 100 to be monitored is installed. The management server computer can be installed, for example, by a maintenance company responsible for the maintenance and management of the elevator 100.

[0056] The communication interface 405 transmits, for example, an alarm signal output from the CPU 403 to the management server computer. The alarm signal is output from the CPU 403 when, for example, a fault is detected in the elevator 100, or when the operating mode of the elevator 100 changes.

[0057] Furthermore, the communication interface 405 receives signals related to various instructions, such as instructions to execute diagnostic operations, sent from the management server computer, and outputs the received signals to the CPU 403. The operation is achieved by having the control panel 104 output signals to each part of the elevator 100 to operate each part in a predetermined order, and then having a new control panel 104' output a signal indicating whether each part operated normally according to the output signals. The management server computer outputs instructions to perform diagnostic operations periodically (for example, at the end of each month).

[0058] By connecting the new control panel 104' and the management server computer via the internet, rather than public voice networks such as telephone lines, through the communication I / F 405, it is possible to avoid delays in understanding the status of the elevator 100 due to telephone line overload during emergencies such as natural disasters like earthquakes. This allows for a quick response if a malfunction occurs in the operation of the elevator 100 when it is remotely monitored using the management server computer.

[0059] The new control panel 104' may also be connected to a public voice network via the communication I / F 405. The public voice network includes fixed-line telephone networks (public switched telephone networks) and mobile phone networks. The public voice network consists of several switches, not shown in the diagram, such as subscriber line switches that accommodate telephone lines, intermediate switches that bundle subscriber line switches, and gateway switches that connect to the telephone networks of other operators. Since the public voice network is a known technology, a detailed explanation is omitted. By connecting the new control panel 104' to the public voice network via the communication I / F 405, voice communication between the intercom terminal equipment and the management center can be realized.

[0060] By connecting the new control panel 104' to a public voice network via the communication I / F 405, voice communication between the intercom terminals and the management center can be realized. Specifically, in this case, the communication I / F 405 can be implemented using a communication board such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) or PHS (Personal Handy-phone System).

[0061] When performing data communication using an LTE board (LTE module), the LTE board can be used for both data communication and voice communication. By using LTE for communication, the quality of communication can be ensured. Furthermore, since the installation location of elevator 100 is fixed, the installation location of elevator 100 can be determined by using LTE for communication.

[0062] The new control panel 104' receives signals via input terminal 401 and outputs signals based on the input signals via output terminal 402. The new control panel 104' operates according to a program written in a different programming language than the program used by control panel 104. The new control panel 104' understands machine language, that is, electrical signals that can be represented by two values, "0" and "1", and are different signals from those understood by control panel 104.

[0063] Furthermore, the new control panel 104' outputs signals to the multiple components controlled by the control panel 104 that have the same meaning as the signals output by the control panel 104, but are different from signals that the components can understand. The new control panel 104' may also output signals to the multiple components controlled by the control panel 104 that are understandable to the components, in the same way as the signals output by the control panel 104.

[0064] (Structure of the new control panel 104') Next, the structure of the new control panel 104' will be described. Figures 5 to 8 are explanatory diagrams showing the structure of the new control panel 104'. As shown in Figures 5 to 8, the new control panel 104' includes a housing 500 that accommodates a plurality of components that make up the new control panel 104'.

[0065] The enclosure 500 consists of a first enclosure 501 and a second enclosure 502. The first enclosure 501 is installed on the front side of the enclosure 500, and the second enclosure 502 is installed on the rear side of the first enclosure 501. Both the first enclosure 501 and the second enclosure 502 have openings on their front sides. The first enclosure 501 is open on the front and bottom sides. The second enclosure 502 is fixed to the frame 601.

[0066] Reference numeral 503 indicates an eyebolt for attaching a wire when fixing the control panel 104'. Reference numeral 701 indicates an oil tank, reference numeral 702 indicates an electric motor, and reference numeral 703 indicates a hydraulic pump. Reference numeral 704 indicates a signal converter. The signal converter will be explained later (see Figure 10).

[0067] Multiple components constituting the new control panel 104' are housed in a first housing 501 and a second housing 502. It is preferable to place lighter components in the first housing 501 compared to the components housed in the second housing 502. Specifically, for example, as shown in Figure 8, relatively light components such as the circuit board 801 and the non-contact relay (semiconductor relay) 802 are housed in the first housing 501, while relatively heavier components such as the contact relay 803 (including electromagnetic switches), the inverter 804, and the power supply unit 805 are housed in the second housing 502. The components housed in the first housing 501 and the components housed in the second housing 502 are connected as appropriate by wiring 602.

[0068] The first housing 501 is detachably attached to the second housing 502. The first housing 501 can be displaced between a normal position (normal state) in which it is superimposed on the second housing 502 and is positioned in front of the second housing 502, and a working position (working state) which is vertically above the normal position.

[0069] When the first housing 501 is positioned in the working position (working state), both the opening of the first housing 501 and the opening of the second housing 502 are open to the front. When the first housing 501 is positioned in the normal position (normal state), the opening of the second housing 502 is closed by the first housing 501. The first housing 501 is provided with a gripping portion 504 for the operator to grasp when moving the first housing 501. The gripping portion 504 allows the first housing 501 to be held stably and moved safely.

[0070] Since the first enclosure 501 is open on the front and bottom, when moving the first enclosure 501 from its normal position (normal state) to its working position (working state), the wiring 602 is routed from the open bottom of the first enclosure 501 to the second enclosure 502. Also, because the front and bottom are open, when the first enclosure 501 is positioned in its normal position (normal state), the wiring 602 does not interfere with the first enclosure 501 or get pressed against the stand 601.

[0071] Between the first housing 501 and the second housing 502, a fixing mechanism 705 is provided to fix the position of the first housing 501 relative to the second housing 502 in both the normal position (normal state) and the working position (working state). The fixing mechanism 705 can be configured, for example, by a keyhole provided on the back of the first housing 501 and a bolt protruding from the front side of the second housing 502 (see Figure 9).

[0072] Multiple eyelets and bolts constituting the fixing mechanism 705 are provided vertically. In this embodiment, three sets of fixing mechanisms 705 are provided vertically on each of the left and right peripheral edges of the housing 500.

[0073] The housing 500 includes a lid member 505 that closes the opening on the front side of the first housing 501. The lid member 505 is provided with a gripping portion 706 that is gripped when attaching or detaching the lid member 505 from the housing 500. The lid member 505 can be fixed to the first housing 501 by a fixing mechanism for the lid member 505 (not shown), which has a configuration similar to the fixing mechanism 705 that fixes the first housing 501 to the second housing 502. In this case, the fixing mechanism for the lid member 505 can be configured, for example, by a keyhole provided in the lid member 505 and a bolt protruding from the front side of the first housing 501.

[0074] (Structure of the fixing mechanism 705) Next, the structure of the fixing mechanism 705 will be described. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the fixing mechanism 705. As shown in Figure 9, the dowel hole 901 in the fixing mechanism 705 is provided on the back of the first housing 501 and penetrates the plate constituting the back in the thickness direction. In Figure 9, for convenience, the side walls of the first housing 501 are omitted, and only the plate 902 constituting the back is shown.

[0075] The Daruma hole 901 is realized by a series of Daruma-shaped through holes: a first hole 901a that penetrates the back of the first housing 501 with a diameter larger than the diameter of the head 903a of the bolt 903, and a second hole 901b that penetrates the back of the first housing 501 with a diameter approximately the same as the diameter of the shaft portion 903b of the bolt 903. The first hole 901a is located vertically below the second hole 901b.

[0076] The bolt 903 in the fixing mechanism 705 is located on the front side of the second housing 502, on the periphery of the opening of the second housing 502. The bolt 903 protrudes from the front side (periphery of the opening) of the second housing 502 toward the front side of housing 500 (side toward the first housing 501). The bolt 903 is fixed to the second housing 502 by a nut 904 provided on the back side of the periphery of the opening of the second housing 502. The nut 904 may also be fixed to the second housing 502. The fixing mechanism 705 may use a rod pin such as a flat-head rod pin or a round-head rod pin instead of the bolt 903.

[0077] (Configuration of signal converter 704) Next, the configuration of the signal converter 704 will be described. The signal converter 704 is connected between the new control panel 104' and the components (old components) that were controlled by the control panel 104 when the control panel 104 is replaced with a new control panel 104' of a different type.

[0078] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the hardware configuration of the signal converter 704. As shown in Figure 10, the signal converter 704 includes an input terminal 1001, a CPU 1002, a memory 1003, an output terminal 1004, and a communication interface 1005. Each of the parts 1001 to 1005 of the signal converter 704 is connected by a bus 1006.

[0079] The input terminal 1001 is a connection terminal (hardware interface) that connects the multiple components of the elevator 100 and the new control panel 104' to the signal conversion device 704. It receives signals output from each component and the new control panel 104' and outputs the received signals to the CPU 1002. An input terminal 1001 is provided for each component. Furthermore, the input terminal 1001 is provided in accordance with the new control panel 104'.

[0080] Specifically, the input terminal 1001 receives, for example, the signals that each component of the elevator 100 outputs to the control panel 104, the so-called "up signals". Also, specifically, the input terminal 1001 receives, for example, the signals that a new control panel 104' outputs to each component of the elevator 100, the so-called "down signals". The signal conversion device 704 is not limited to having one input terminal 1001, but may have multiple input terminals 1001.

[0081] The CPU 1002 controls each part of the signal converter 704 and is in charge of controlling the entire signal converter 704. The memory 1003 stores programs and data used for signal processing. Specifically, the memory 1003 stores programs and data related to signal conversion processing, such as converting an upstream signal into another signal that a new control panel 104' can understand.

[0082] Specifically, the memory 1003 stores programs and data related to signal conversion processing, such as converting a downlink signal into another signal that each component can understand. The CPU 1002 performs signal conversion processing on the uplink and downlink signals input via the input terminal 1001, using the programs and data stored in the memory 1003.

[0083] The output terminal 1004 is a connection terminal (hardware interface) that connects the multiple components of the elevator 100 and the new control panel 104' to the signal conversion device 704, and outputs the signal output from the CPU 1002 to the corresponding component or the new control panel 104'. An output terminal 1004 is provided for each component. In addition, the output terminal 1004 is provided in accordance with the new control panel 104'.

[0084] Specifically, the output terminal 1004 outputs, for example, the downstream signal output by the new control panel 104', which has been processed by the CPU 1002, to the corresponding component. Also, specifically, the output terminal 1004 outputs, for example, the upstream signal output by each component (old component), which has been processed by the CPU 1002, to the new control panel 104'. The signal conversion device 704 is not limited to having one output terminal 1004, but may have multiple output terminals 1004.

[0085] The communication interface 1005 is connected to the management server computer via a network such as the Internet. Specifically, the communication interface 1005 can be implemented by wireless communication interfaces such as mobile phone lines (e.g., LTE (Long Term Evolution), PHS (Personal Handy-phone System)). Alternatively, the communication interface 1005 may be implemented by wired communication interfaces such as modems or LAN adapters.

[0086] The communication interface 1005 transmits, for example, an alarm signal output from the CPU 1002 to the management server computer. The alarm signal is output from the CPU 1002 to the management server computer via the communication interface 1005 when, for example, a fault is detected in the elevator 100, or the operating mode of the elevator 100 changes.

[0087] Furthermore, the communication interface 1005 receives various instructions, such as instructions to execute diagnostic operations, transmitted from the management server computer and outputs them to the CPU 1002. The diagnostic operation is performed by having the new control panel 106' output signals to each part of the elevator 100 to operate each part in a predetermined order, and by having the new control panel 104' output signals indicating whether each part operated normally according to the output signals. The management server computer outputs instructions to execute diagnostic operations periodically (for example, at the end of each month).

[0088] (Procedure for replacing control panel 104) Next, the procedure for replacing the control panel 104 with a new control panel 104' will be described. In this embodiment, the procedure for replacing the control panel (old control panel) 106 with a new control panel 104' will be described using the signal conversion device 704.

[0089] When replacing control panel 104 with a new control panel 104', first disconnect the connections between the old control panel 104 and its components. The disconnected old control panel 104 may be left in its original position or removed.

[0090] Next, the signal converter 704 is connected to the component that has been disconnected from the old control panel 104. The signal converter 704 can be installed at any location, for example, on the wall of the elevator shaft or near the new control panel 104'. Then, the new control panel 104' is connected to the signal converter 704 that has been connected to the component.

[0091] The new control panel 104' is installed, for example, on top of the hydraulic power unit housing. The new control panel 104' is fixed to the hydraulic power unit housing, for example, using predetermined fittings and bolts. After that, an operational check is performed to confirm that the elevator 100 is operating normally.

[0092] (Procedure for replacing components) Next, the procedure for replacing the components (old components) controlled via the signal converter 704 by the new control panel 104', which was replaced as described above, with the new components will be explained.

[0093] When replacing an old component with a new one, first, the connection between the signal converter 704 and the old component is disconnected, and the new component that replaces the removed old component is connected to the new control panel 104'. This allows the old component to be replaced with a new one. When replacing multiple old components with new ones, for each component to be replaced, the corresponding old component is removed from the signal converter 704, and the new component that replaces the removed old component is connected to the new control panel 104'.

[0094] Once all the old components are replaced with new ones, all the new components are directly connected to the new control panel 104', and signals are directly exchanged between the new control panel 104' and the new components. After all the old components have been replaced with new ones, the signal converter 704 may be removed. The removed signal converter 704 can be reused for the renewal of another elevator 100. After that, an operational check is performed to confirm that the elevator 100 is operating normally.

[0095] In this way, by connecting the signal conversion device 704 between the old components and the new control panel 104', even when replacing the control panel 104 with a new control panel 104' that operates according to a program written in a different programming language than the program used by the old control panel 104, while retaining some or all of the old components, the new control panel 104' can understand the signals output by the old components.

[0096] Furthermore, by connecting the signal conversion device 704 between each old component and the new control panel 104', even when replacing the control panel 104 with a new control panel 104' that operates according to a program written in a different programming language than the program used by the control panel 104, while retaining some or all of the old components, the old components can understand the signals output by the new control panel 104' and operate normally.

[0097] (Maintenance work on the new control panel 104') Next, the maintenance procedures for the new control panel 104' will be described. When the elevator 100 is operating normally, the first enclosure of the new control panel 104' is positioned in its normal position (normal state) (see Figures 5 and 7). Also, when the elevator 100 is operating normally, the front opening of the first enclosure, positioned in its normal position (normal state), is closed by a cover member. The lower opening of the first enclosure, positioned in its normal position (normal state), is closed by the frame of the new control panel 104'.

[0098] When performing maintenance work on the new control panel 104' or other work that requires access to the components of the new control panel 104', the bolts in the fixing mechanism are loosened, and the first housing is moved vertically upward until the bolt heads and the first holes overlap in the front-to-back direction of the housing, and the first housing is removed from the second housing. By configuring the fixing mechanism with keyholes and bolts, the position of the first housing can be changed without removing the bolts.

[0099] Next, the first housing, which has been removed from the second housing, is lifted and moved vertically upward until the head of the bolt mounted at the uppermost position in the vertical direction and the first hole located at the lowermost position in the vertical direction overlap in the front-to-back direction of the housing. Then, the first housing is positioned in the working position (working state) so that the head of the bolt mounted at the uppermost position in the vertical direction passes through the first hole located at the lowermost position in the vertical direction (see Figures 6 and 8). After that, the bolt mounted at the uppermost position in the vertical direction is tightened to fix the first housing in the working position (working state).

[0100] This allows access from the front of the enclosure to all components distributed between the first and second enclosures, enabling maintenance work and other tasks. In this embodiment, access refers to performing tasks on one or more components that make up the control panel, such as connecting or disconnecting wires, or checking the operation of CPUs, inverters, etc.

[0101] Maintenance and management of elevator 100 is achieved, for example, by periodically checking the operation history of elevator 100 subject to maintenance management based on the communication results between the control panel 104 of elevator 100 and an inspection terminal, and by replacing parts based on the confirmed operation history. Maintenance and management of elevator 100 is also achieved, for example, by periodically communicating between the control panel 104 and a management server computer to perform diagnostic operations, and by replacing parts according to the results of the diagnostic operations.

[0102] In the maintenance and management of such an elevator 100, in conventional elevators 100 where each component is controlled by a dedicated ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), if it is desired to replace some components with new ones, it is anticipated that these new components cannot be controlled by the existing ASIC. In such a situation, the new components are limited to those that can be controlled by the existing ASIC.

[0103] More specifically, in an elevator 100 where each component is controlled by a dedicated ASIC, if the electric motor 702 in the hydraulic power unit 108 is to be replaced, even if there is another electric motor 702 with lower power consumption and higher output than the existing electric motor 702, it cannot be replaced with the other electric motor 702 due to limitations imposed by the existing ASIC. As a result, the person in charge of managing the elevator 100 is forced to choose between replacing it with an electric motor 702 that can be controlled by the existing ASIC, or carrying out a renewal that includes the existing ASIC, resulting in a situation where the person in charge of managing the elevator 100 has little freedom in terms of maintenance and management.

[0104] Furthermore, communication between the control panel 104 and inspection terminals for the maintenance and management of elevator 100, or between the control panel 104 and the management server computer, often uses signals unique to each elevator 100 manufacturer. As a result, it has been difficult for independent elevator 100 maintenance service companies, separate from the manufacturer and elevator management companies affiliated with the manufacturer (hereinafter referred to as "manufacturers, etc."), to perform maintenance and management.

[0105] In the current situation where maintenance and management of elevator 100 are carried out using signals unique to each manufacturer, new components to replace existing components must be selected within a range specified by the manufacturer of each elevator 100, resulting in a low degree of freedom in maintenance and management by those responsible for the management of elevator 100.

[0106] Furthermore, given the current situation where each manufacturer uses its own unique signals for communication, it is easy for each elevator manufacturer to uniquely set the maintenance costs for each elevator, making it difficult to reduce the maintenance costs borne by the person in charge of managing each elevator.

[0107] The safety and sense of security for users of Elevator 100 tend to increase with the frequency of maintenance and inspections performed on Elevator 100. On the other hand, if the frequency of maintenance and inspections is reduced to the minimum or close to the frequency stipulated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism guidelines in order to reduce maintenance and management costs in the above situation, it becomes difficult to achieve both a reduction in maintenance and management costs and an improvement in the safety of users of Elevator 100.

[0108] In contrast, by connecting a signal converter 704 between the new control panel 104' and the old components, the elevator 100 can be operated even when the old and new components are in operation simultaneously. This allows the replacement work from the old components to the new components to be carried out in separate steps for each component, and the elevator 100 can be operated between each replacement operation.

[0109] In the embodiments described above, the elevator 100, which controls each component by performing various processes such as signal conversion processing using the CPU 1002, has been described. However, the control of the elevator 100 is not limited to being implemented using the CPU 1002. Instead of the CPU 1002, the control of the elevator 100 may be implemented using, for example, an ASIC, which is an integrated circuit for a specific application that integrates multiple circuits, or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), which is an integrated circuit whose configuration can be arbitrarily set after manufacturing. Alternatively, instead of the CPU 1002, signal conversion processing may be performed by, for example, a CPU 403.

[0110] As described above, the control panel 104' according to the embodiment of the present invention is a control panel 104' for an elevator 100 that controls a plurality of components provided by the elevator 100, and is characterized in that the housing 500 that houses the plurality of components constituting the control panel 104' is composed of a first housing 501 installed on the front side and a second housing 502 installed on the rear side of the first housing 501, the first housing 501 is detachably provided with respect to the second housing 502, and a fixing mechanism 705 is provided between the first housing 501 and the second housing 502 to fix the positions of the first housing 501 and the second housing 502 in a normal position where the first housing 501 is positioned in front of the second housing 502 and in a working position where the first housing 501 opens the front of the second housing 502.

[0111] According to the control panel 104' of this embodiment of the present invention, by distributing multiple components between the first housing 501 and the second housing 502 and stacking them in the front-to-back direction, the overall size of the housing 500 can be reduced compared to the case where multiple components requiring access are arranged in a planar manner.

[0112] Furthermore, according to the control panel 104' of the embodiment of this invention, when accessing components housed in the first housing 501, the first housing 501 is moved relative to the second housing 502, thereby ensuring reliable access to components housed in either the first housing 501 or the second housing 502.

[0113] Thus, according to the control panel 104' of this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to miniaturize the control panel 104' without reducing the workability of the control panel 104'. Furthermore, by miniaturizing the control panel 104', it is possible to improve the efficiency of transporting the control panel 104' during replacement work.

[0114] Furthermore, the control panel 104' of the embodiment of this invention is characterized in that the working position of the first housing 501 is located vertically above the normal position of the first housing 501.

[0115] Generally, when the control panel 104' is installed on the floor of the machine room or on top of the hydraulic power unit 108, there is sufficient space above the control panel 104' for workers to stand up to perform maintenance or other tasks. Similarly, when the control panel 104' is installed on the wall of the elevator shaft 102, there is generally sufficient space above and below, or above, the control panel 104' for workers to stand up to perform maintenance or other tasks.

[0116] According to the control panel 104' of this embodiment of the present invention, by making the first housing 501 movable along the vertical direction, the first housing 501 can be moved to a position where the first housing 501 and the second housing 502 do not overlap in the front-to-back direction, by utilizing the space that is easily secured in the vertical direction.

[0117] This allows for reliable access to the components housed in either the first housing 501 or the second housing 502, making it possible to miniaturize the control panel 104' without reducing the workability of the control panel 104'.

[0118] Furthermore, in the control panel 104' of the embodiment of this invention, the working position of the first housing 501 may be at least one of the right and left sides in the horizontal direction from the normal position of the first housing 501.

[0119] According to the control panel 104' of this embodiment of the present invention, by making the first housing 501 movable in the horizontal direction, even when heavy components are housed in the first housing 501, the first housing 501 can be easily slid to a position where the first housing 501 and the second housing 502 do not overlap in the front-to-back direction.

[0120] This increases the degree of freedom for the components housed in the first housing 501, and ensures reliable access to the components housed in either the first housing 501 or the second housing 502. As a result, the control panel 104' can be miniaturized without reducing the workability of the control panel 104'.

[0121] Thus, when the working position of the first housing 501 is set to at least one of the right and left sides in the horizontal direction from the normal position of the first housing 501, wheels or the like may be provided on the underside of the first housing 501. This allows the worker to move the first housing 501 by rolling the wheels without having to grasp and move the housing, thereby reducing the workload on the worker.

[0122] Furthermore, the control panel 104' of this embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the fixing mechanism 705 is composed of a dowel hole 901 and a bolt 903.

[0123] According to the control panel 104' of this embodiment of the present invention, the first housing 501 can be moved without completely removing the bolt 903 from the second housing 502, while the bolt 903 remains attached to the second housing 502. This reduces the workload on the operator and shortens the working time.

[0124] Furthermore, the control panel 104' of this embodiment is characterized by being applicable to a hydraulic elevator.

[0125] In recent years, while development of control panels has been actively pursued for rope-type elevators, which have become the mainstream, by providing a control panel 104' for hydraulic elevators, which are installed in smaller numbers compared to rope-type elevators, it is possible to broaden the range of choices for hydraulic elevator managers and thereby improve the convenience for users of hydraulic elevators. [Industrial applicability]

[0126] As described above, the elevator control panel according to this invention is useful for elevator control panels that control multiple components of an elevator, and is particularly suitable for hydraulic elevator control panels. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0127] 100 elevators 101 Basket 102 Elevator 103 Buffer 104 Control Panel 104' New control panel Platform 105 Door located at boarding area 105a 106 Hydraulic Cylinder 106a Cylinder tube 106b Plunger 107 Hydraulic piping 108 Hydraulic Power Unit 500 cabinets 501 First cabinet 502 Second enclosure 503 Eyebolt 504 Gripping part 505 Lid member 601 Stand 602 Wiring 701 Oil Tank 702 Electric motor 703 Hydraulic pump 704 Signal Converter 705 Fixing mechanism 901 Daruma hole 901a First hole 901b Second hole 903 volts 904 Nut

Claims

1. A control panel for controlling multiple components of an elevator, The enclosure housing the multiple components that make up the control panel is composed of a first enclosure installed on the front side and a second enclosure installed on the rear side of the first enclosure. The first housing is detachably attached to the second housing, Between the first housing and the second housing, there is a fixing mechanism for fixing the positions of the first housing and the second housing in a normal position where the first housing is positioned in front of the second housing, and in a working position where the first housing is vertically above the second housing and the first housing opens the front of the second housing. The control panel is characterized in that the first housing is open on the front and bottom sides, and wiring between the components housed in the first housing and the components housed in the second housing is routed through the open portion on the bottom side of the first housing.

2. The control panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing mechanism is composed of a keyhole and a bolt.

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