Elevator management system

Abstract

Provided is a management system capable of suppressing the quantity of communication, through a communication network, regarding information for use in evaluating the lifespan of elevator equipment. A management system (1) comprises: a monitoring device (12) provided to a facility (2) to which an elevator is applied; and an analysis device (13) connected to the monitoring device (12) through a first communication network (14). In the analysis device (13), a first server-side communication unit (25) receives, from the monitoring device (12), operation data indicating the operation state of the elevator. A reproduction unit (27) reproduces, on the basis of an actuation model, actuation data representing the actuation state of the elevator when performing the operation represented by the operation data. An evaluation unit (28) uses the reproduced actuation data, and evaluates, on the basis of a deterioration factor model, a deterioration factor that affects deterioration of the elevator equipment when performing the operation represented by the operation data. A determination unit (29) uses the evaluated deterioration factor and determines the remaining lifespan of the equipment on the basis of a lifespan model.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an elevator management system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a maintenance device for a lifting machine such as an elevator. The maintenance device includes component life analysis and setting means for performing life analysis and setting of components. The maintenance device includes maintenance work setting means for setting component replacement cycles and inspection cycles. The maintenance device includes operation data collection means for collecting operation data of the lifting machine.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the maintenance device for a lifting machine of Patent Document 1, the operation data includes data such as the load applied to components, environmental temperature, humidity, operating speed, and rotational speed. The maintenance device performs processes such as life analysis using the operation data collected from each lifting machine through a wide-area communication network such as the Internet. Here, in order to perform life analysis and the like with higher accuracy, when using the car speed representing the operating condition of equipment of a lifting machine such as an elevator, and time-series data of the rotational speed and current of the electric motor as operation data, the communication volume through the wide-area communication network may become enormous.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to solving such problems. The present disclosure provides a management system capable of suppressing the communication volume through a communication network for information used in evaluating the life of elevator equipment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The management system relating to this disclosure comprises a monitoring device installed in a facility to which an elevator is applied and for monitoring the status of the elevator, and an analysis device connected to the monitoring device via a first communication network, wherein the analysis device comprises a receiving unit that receives operation data representing the status of the elevator's operation from the monitoring device via the first communication network, a reproduction unit that uses the operation data received by the receiving unit to reproduce operation data representing the elevator's operation when performing the operation represented by the operation data, based on the elevator's operation model, an evaluation unit that uses the operation data reproduced by the reproduction unit to evaluate deterioration factors that affect the deterioration of the elevator's equipment when performing the operation represented by the operation data, based on a deterioration factor model of the equipment, and a determination unit that uses the deterioration factors of the elevator's equipment evaluated by the evaluation unit to determine the remaining lifespan of the equipment, based on a lifespan model of the equipment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the management system described in this disclosure, the amount of data transmitted over the communication network for information used to evaluate the lifespan of elevator equipment is reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the management system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of the management system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a hardware configuration diagram of the main components of the management system according to Embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments for carrying out the subject matter of this disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are simplified or omitted as appropriate. However, the subject matter of this disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and any modification of any component of the embodiments or omission of any component of the embodiments is possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0010] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the management system 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0011] Management system 1 is a system for managing elevators. The elevators are applied to a facility 2 having multiple floors. Facility 2 to which the elevators apply includes, for example, one or more buildings. Facility 2 to which the elevators apply may also be part of a building. Facility 2 to which the elevators apply may be either an indoor facility or an outdoor facility. Management system 1 may manage multiple elevators. In this case, management system 1 may manage multiple elevators applied to the same facility 2, or it may manage multiple elevators applied to different facilities 2.

[0012] In facility 2 where an elevator is to be installed, an elevator shaft 3 is provided. The elevator shaft 3 is a long vertical space spanning multiple floors of facility 2. The elevator comprises a hoisting machine 4, a main rope 5, a car 6, a counterweight 7, and a control device 8.

[0013] The hoisting machine 4 has a sheave. The hoisting machine 4 is a device that has the function of generating torque to rotate the sheave. The hoisting machine 4 includes, for example, an electric motor that generates torque. The hoisting machine 4 is installed, for example, at the top or bottom of the elevator shaft 3. If a machine room is provided above the elevator shaft 3, the hoisting machine 4 may be installed in the machine room.

[0014] The main rope 5 is wound around the sheave of the hoisting machine 4. The main rope 5 supports the load of the elevator car 6 by suspending the car 6 in the hoistway 3. The main rope 5 supports the load of the counterweight 7 by suspending the counterweight 7 in the hoistway 3. The main rope 5 may be, for example, a strand rope or a belt rope.

[0015] The elevator car 6 and the counterweight 7 travel in opposite directions within the hoistway 3 as the main rope 5 moves due to the rotation of the sheave of the hoisting machine 4. The elevator car 6 is a device that transports passengers and others between multiple floors by traveling vertically within the hoistway 3. The counterweight 7 is a device that balances the load on the main rope 5 on both sides of the sheave of the hoisting machine 4 with the elevator car 6. The elevator car 6 and the counterweight 7 travel vertically within the hoistway 3 by being guided by, for example, guide rails (not shown). The elevator car 6 includes a car door 9 and a weighing device 10. The car door 9 includes a door panel that separates the inside and outside of the elevator car 6, and an electric motor that opens and closes the door panel. The weighing device 10 is a device that measures the load inside the elevator car due to the weight of users and others riding in the elevator car 6.

[0016] The control device 8 is a device that controls the operation of the elevator. The control device 8 is installed, for example, at the top or bottom of the hoistway 3. If a machine room is provided above the hoistway 3, the control device 8 may be installed in the machine room. The control device 8 controls, for example, the movement of the elevator car 6 in response to a user's call. In this example, the movement of the elevator car 6 from the departure floor to the destination floor is considered one movement of the elevator car 6. The control device 8 also controls, for example, the opening and closing of the elevator car door 9. In this example, the series of operations from when the elevator car door 9 is fully closed to when it is fully opened by an opening operation, and then when it is fully closed after waiting in the fully open state is considered one opening and closing of the elevator car door 9.

[0017] The control device 8 holds control information relating to the control of the elevator. The control information includes parameters that are causally related to the transient heat generation or cooling of each component of the elevator, or both. These parameters may be continuous, discrete, or represent one of several options. The control information includes discontinuous values ​​that represent the state of the elevator, such as inverter drive command signals, fan drive command signals, door open command signals, door close command signals, door fully open recognition signals, door fully closed recognition signals, and landing plate information. Here, the inverter is, for example, one that outputs drive current to the motor of the hoisting machine 4. The fan is, for example, one that blows air onto air-cooling equipment that makes up the elevator. Furthermore, the control information includes, for example, continuous or discrete numerical information such as time information, floor information where the car 6 is located, absolute or relative position information of the car 6 in the hoistway 3, in-car load, car travel speed command value, hoisting motor speed command value, hoisting motor speed feedback value, hoisting motor current command value, hoisting motor current feedback value, hoisting motor voltage command value, door opening operation start time, door full open waiting time, door closing operation completion time, door speed command value, door speed feedback value, door opening / closing motor current command value, door opening / closing motor current feedback value, and door opening / closing motor voltage command value.

[0018] In an elevator, an environmental sensor 11 is applied. The environmental sensor 11 is a device that acquires data on the operating environment of the elevator. The environmental sensor 11 is installed, for example, in the elevator shaft 3 or the machine room. Preferably, the environmental sensor 11 is installed in a location where it is less affected by localized heat generation from the equipment constituting the elevator, for example, below the control device 8. The environmental sensor 11 includes, for example, one or both of a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. Multiple environmental sensors 11 may be provided in the elevator.

[0019] The management system 1 comprises a monitoring device 12 and an analysis device 13.

[0020] The monitoring device 12 is provided corresponding to the elevator managed by the management system 1. When the management system 1 manages a plurality of elevators, the management system 1 may include a plurality of management devices. At this time, any one of the management devices corresponds to each elevator. The monitoring device 12 is provided in the facility 2 to which the corresponding elevator is applied. The monitoring device 12 monitors the situation of the corresponding elevator by obtaining information from, for example, the control device 8 of the elevator and the environmental sensor 11 that obtains data on the operating environment of the elevator. The monitoring device 12 is connected to the analysis device 13 through a wide-area first communication network 14 such as the Internet. The first communication network 14 may be a VPN (Virtual Private Network) configured on a public network such as the Internet, or other secure network. The monitoring device 12 is, for example, an edge server. The monitoring device 12 transmits operation data representing the operation situation of the elevator to the analysis device 13 through the first communication network 14.

[0021] Here, the operation data is, for example, information representing each operation of the elevator such as one run of the car 6 and one opening and closing of the car door 9. In this example, the operation data does not include time-series data representing the continuous time change of numerical values such as physical quantities including speed and current by a series of such numerical values corresponding to each time point. Here, the operation data for each up-and-down run of the car 6 may be called car run basic information. Also, the operation data for each opening and closing of the car door 9 may be called car door opening / closing basic information. In this example, the operation data includes car run basic information and car door opening / closing basic information.

[0022] The car running basic information includes, for example, the running start time of car 6, the departure floor of car 6 or the position on the hoistway 3 at the time of departure, the arrival floor of car 6 or the position on the hoistway 3 at the time of arrival, the running completion time of car 6, and the load inside the car. The car running basic information may not include any of this information. The car running basic information may not include, for example, either the running start time of car 6 or the running completion time of car 6.

[0023] The car door opening / closing basic information includes, for example, the opening / closing floor of car door 9, the start time of the opening operation of car door 9, the waiting time in the fully open state of car door 9, and the completion time of the closing operation of car door 9. The car door opening / closing basic information may not include any of this information. For example, the car door opening / closing basic information may not include either the start time of the opening operation of car door 9 or the completion time of the closing operation of car door 9. The car door opening / closing basic information may also include the number of reversals of car door 9.

[0024] Note that the operation data may include information on the operation mode of the elevator when, for example, an operation mode for wheelchair users is installed in the elevator regarding the running of car 6 and the opening / closing of car door 9.

[0025] The analysis device 13 is a device that performs information processing on elevators managed by the management system 1. The analysis device 13 is, for example, a computer system including one or more server devices 15. The analysis device 13 may include three or more server devices 15. The analysis device 13 may have a multiplexed configuration including multiple server devices 15 having the same function. Some or all of the server devices 15 constituting the analysis device 13 are installed in a remote location of the facility 2 to which the elevators corresponding to the monitoring device 12 are applied. The analysis device 13 may be installed in a different country or region from the facility 2 to which the elevators corresponding to the monitoring device 12 are applied. When the analysis device 13 is composed of multiple server devices 15, some of the server devices 15 may be installed in a different country or region from the other server devices 15. When the analysis device 13 is composed of multiple server devices 15, each server device 15 is connected to each other, for example, through a first communication network 14. Some or all of the functions of the analysis device 13 may be installed, for example, on an on-premise server of a maintenance company operating the management system 1, or on a cloud server. Some or all of the functions of the analysis device 13 may also be implemented by processing or storage resources on a cloud service.

[0026] The analysis device 13 is connected to an internal second communication network 16, such as the maintenance company's intranet or private network. For example, if the analysis device 13 is configured as a cloud server, the second communication network 16 may be a VPN configured on a public network such as the Internet. Users who can access the second communication network 16 are configured in the management system 1. User access rights may be granted to the user themselves, to the group to which the user belongs, or to the role assigned to the user. The group to which the user belongs may be a group of locations such as the maintenance company's headquarters 17a, branch offices 17b, sub-branches 17c, sales offices 17d, and manufacturing plants 17e, or it may be a group of other organizations such as the maintenance company's technical department.

[0027] The second communication network 16 is a network that can access the specification database 18 and the maintenance database 19. Parts or all of the specification database 18 and the maintenance database 19 are installed, for example, on an on-premise server or cloud server of a maintenance company. Parts or all of the specification database 18 and the maintenance database 19 may also be installed on the analysis device 13.

[0028] The specification database 18 is a database that stores elevator specification information. The specification database 18 stores identification information that identifies elevators managed by the management system 1, and the specification information of those elevators in association with each other. The elevator specification information includes, for example, the elevator control system, the model name of the elevator hoisting machine 4, the model name of the elevator control device 8, the rated speed, the rated load capacity, the lifting / lowering distance, and the model name of the elevator car door 9. The elevator specification information may also include information such as the height of each floor of the facility 2 to which the elevator is applied.

[0029] The maintenance database 19 is a database that stores maintenance information for elevators. The maintenance database 19 stores identification information that identifies elevators managed by the management system 1, and associates this information with the maintenance information for those elevators. The maintenance information for elevators includes, for example, the start date of operation after the elevator was installed, and information such as the history of parts replacement.

[0030] The monitoring device 12 comprises a data collection unit 20, a temporary storage unit 21, a first conversion unit 22, a second conversion unit 23, and a facility-side communication unit 24. Some or all of the functions of the monitoring device 12 may be installed in corresponding elevator equipment such as the control device 8.

[0031] The data collection unit 20 is a part equipped with the function of collecting information from the elevator control device 8 and environmental sensors 11, etc. For example, the data collection unit 20 collects control information from the elevator control device 8. The data collection unit 20 may acquire detailed information such as time-series data as control information. The data collection unit 20 collects operating environment data from the environmental sensors 11. The data collection unit 20 may also collect information on the time of information collection. The data collection unit 20 outputs the collected information to the temporary storage unit 21.

[0032] The temporary storage unit 21 is a part that has the function of temporarily storing the information collected by the collection unit 20. The temporary storage unit 21 stores the information collected by the collection unit 20 from the elevator control device 8 and the information collected by the collection unit 20 from the environmental sensor 11, associating them with each other based on the collection time information.

[0033] The first conversion unit 22 is equipped with the function of extracting information from data collected from the elevator and converting it into operation data. The first conversion unit 22 reads the information collected by the collection unit 20 from the temporary storage unit 21 and performs the conversion. For example, the first conversion unit 22 extracts basic car travel information such as the departure floor and arrival floor of the car 6 from time-series data of the car 6's position, speed, or acceleration. For example, the first conversion unit 22 extracts basic car door opening and closing information such as the start time of the opening operation and the completion time of the closing operation of the car door 9 from time-series data of the opening degree of the car door panel 9. The first conversion unit 22 generates elevator operation data using the extracted information. The first conversion unit 22 may perform the conversion to operation data sequentially each time data is collected from the data collected from the elevator, or it may perform the conversion to operation data at pre-set periodic or irregular timings. The first conversion unit 22 outputs the converted operation data to the facility-side communication unit 24.

[0034] The second conversion unit 23 is equipped with a function to resample a portion of the operating environment data collected from the environmental sensor 11 and the like, and convert it into data that can be communicated together with the operation data. The second conversion unit 23 reads the information collected by the collection unit 20 from the temporary storage unit 21 and performs the conversion. For example, the second conversion unit 23 resamples the operating environment data read from the temporary storage unit 21 into temperature and humidity information at preset intervals. In this example, the sampling rate after resampling by the second conversion unit 23 is lower than the original sampling rate of the operating environment data collected by the collection unit 20. The second conversion unit 23 may perform the conversion by resampling sequentially, or it may perform the conversion by resampling at preset periodic or irregular timings. The second conversion unit 23 outputs the operating environment data converted by resampling to the facility-side communication unit 24.

[0035] The facility-side communication unit 24 is the part equipped with the function of information communication through the first communication network 14. The facility-side communication unit 24 transmits operation data from the first conversion unit 22 to the analysis device 13 through the first communication network 14. In this example, the facility-side communication unit 24 correlates the operation data from the first conversion unit 22 and the operating environment data from the second conversion unit 23 and transmits them together to the analysis device 13 through the first communication network 14. The facility-side communication unit 24 is an example of a transmission unit.

[0036] The facility-side communication unit 24 transmits operation data and operating environment data, taking into consideration either or both the processing load of the analysis device 13 or the communication load of the first communication network 14. The facility-side communication unit 24 transmits data, for example, during times when elevator operation is low, such as at night. The facility-side communication unit 24 may, for example, transmit data based on the schedule management of the analysis device 13 to prevent the processing load from concentrating on the analysis device 13. The facility-side communication unit 24 may, for example, query the analysis device 13 about its processing load and determine the timing of data transmission based on the answer back from the analysis device 13. The facility-side communication unit 24 may, for example, transmit data to the analysis device 13 when it receives a periodic or irregular polling trigger from the analysis device 13. The facility-side communication unit 24 may, for example, temporarily suspend data transmission when the communication load of the first communication network 14 becomes large. The monitoring of the communication load of the first communication network 14 may be performed by either the monitoring device 12 or the analysis device 13.

[0037] The analysis device 13 comprises a first server-side communication unit 25, an input information storage unit 26, a reproduction unit 27, an evaluation unit 28, a determination unit 29, a lifespan information storage unit 30, and a second server-side communication unit 31.

[0038] The first server-side communication unit 25 is the part equipped with the function of information communication through the first communication network 14. The first server-side communication unit 25 receives operation data transmitted from the facility-side communication unit 24 through the first communication network 14. In this example, the first server-side communication unit 25 receives both the elevator operation data and the operating environment data of the elevators associated with each other through the first communication network 14. The facility-side communication unit 24 is an example of a receiving unit. The first server-side communication unit 25 outputs the received information to the input information storage unit 26.

[0039] The input information storage unit 26 is a part equipped with the function of storing information. The input information storage unit 26 classifies and stores elevator operation data and operating environment data received by the first server-side communication unit 25 for each target elevator. Since the amount of data for each operation is small in the operation data transmitted from the monitoring device 12, the input information storage unit 26 may store information to record the elevator's lifetime history over the entire operating period from the start of elevator operation.

[0040] The reproduction unit 27 is a part equipped with a function to reproduce operation data, which represents the operating status of the elevator when it is running as expressed by the operation data, based on the operation model of the elevator. The operation data is data that specifically reproduces kinematic, mechanical, or electromagnetic physical quantities such as speed and current in each run of the elevator. Here, the physical quantities in the operation data may be the actually realized values ​​of quantities such as the speed of the car 6 or the current of the motor, or command values ​​or feedback values ​​of these quantities. Also, for example, the current of the motor in the operation data may be the values ​​of components obtained by coordinate transformation, such as the d-axis current and the q-axis current. In this example, the operation data is data that represents the operating status of the elevator, such as the travel of the car 6 and the opening and closing of the car door 9, in more detail than the operation data. The operation data may also include time-series data that represents the continuous time change of numerical values ​​such as physical quantities including speed and current by a series of numerical values ​​corresponding to each time point. The operation data includes, for example, time-series data such as the travel speed of the car 6, the hoisting motor current, and the hoisting motor voltage. The operation data includes, for example, time-series data such as the opening and closing speed of the elevator car door 9, the current of the door opening and closing motor, and the voltage of the door opening and closing motor. The reproduction unit 27 reads the operation data stored in the input information storage unit 26 and reproduces the operation data. The reproduction unit 27 reproduces the operation data based on a preset elevator operation model. The elevator operation model is, for example, a physical model that models the kinematic, mechanical, or electromagnetic characteristics of the elevator. The reproduction unit 27 may reproduce the operation data sequentially each time the first server-side communication unit 25 receives operation data from the monitoring device 12, or it may convert the stored operation data into operation data at preset periodic or irregular timings. The reproduction unit 27 outputs the reproduced operation data to the evaluation unit 28.

[0041] The evaluation unit 28 is a part equipped with a function to evaluate degradation factors that affect the deterioration of elevator equipment during elevator operation. The evaluation unit 28 evaluates the degradation factors during elevator operation, which are represented by the operation data received from the monitoring device 12. The evaluation unit 28 uses the operation data reproduced by the reproduction unit 27 and the operating environment data read from the input information storage unit 26 to perform an evaluation based on a preset degradation factor model. Since the deterioration mechanism differs for each piece of elevator equipment, the degradation factors differ for each piece of elevator equipment. For this reason, when evaluating degradation factors for multiple pieces of elevator equipment, the evaluation unit 28 may use multiple degradation factor models to evaluate the degradation factors for each piece of equipment.

[0042] The degradation factor may be, for example, the temperature of equipment or its time-series data, for equipment that degrades due to a temperature-dependent mechanism such as the Arrhenius equation or thermal expansion associated with heating and cooling. The degradation factor may also include, for example, the temperature of equipment such as the control device 8 or the hoisting machine 4. The degradation factor may also include, for example, the magnet temperature and winding temperature of a permanent magnet motor, the bearing temperature, the chip temperature and case temperature of a power semiconductor, the electrolytic capacitor temperature, or the battery temperature. When the degradation factor is temperature, the degradation factor model may be a thermal model, such as a thermal circuit model. In this case, the thermal model may be a model that incorporates the heat generation or cooling due to the operation of the elevator equipment. The heat generation or cooling due to the operation of the elevator equipment may include, for example, Joule heating due to current, or air cooling due to the operation of a fan. The amount of heat generation or cooling due to the operation of the elevator equipment is estimated based on, for example, the current value of the reproduced operation data.

[0043] Furthermore, deterioration factors may include information about bending that occurs in equipment where bending fatigue can occur, such as the elevator's main rope 5. This bending information may include, for example, information about the magnitude, direction, and frequency of bending. The bending information is estimated based, for example, on the travel position of the car 6 and the load inside the car in the reproduced operating data.

[0044] Furthermore, degradation factors may include the number of times an electrical contact, such as an electromagnetic contactor, is opened or closed mechanically. The number of times an electromagnetic contactor is opened or closed can be estimated, for example, based on the number of elevator trips in the reproduced operating data, as well as the energizing time and energizing current.

[0045] The determination unit 29 is a part equipped with a function to determine the remaining lifespan of the elevator equipment. The determination unit 29 uses the degradation factors of the elevator equipment evaluated by the evaluation unit 28 to determine the remaining lifespan of the equipment based on the equipment's lifespan model. The determination unit 29 may determine the remaining lifespan for each of multiple pieces of equipment. The lifespan model includes a model that associates the remaining lifespan or the lifespan consumption rate, which represents the rate of degradation, with degradation factors such as temperature, for example, a model based on the Arrhenius equation. The determination unit 29 may determine the remaining lifespan of the equipment by comparing, for example, data on the relationship between lifespan and degradation factors provided by the manufacturer of the equipment with the degradation factors evaluated by the evaluation unit 28. The determination unit 29 may also determine the remaining lifespan of the equipment by comparing, for example, the degradation factors in the past operating history of similar equipment with the degradation factors evaluated by the evaluation unit 28. The remaining lifespan is a numerical value that represents what percentage of the lifespan has been consumed by the current state of the device, for example, with the new state at the start of use of the device being defined as 100% and the state at the end of the product's lifespan as being defined as 0%. The determination unit 29 may also predict the progression of the device's remaining lifespan. The progression of the device's remaining lifespan is estimated based on, for example, the device's past usage history. Based on the prediction result of the progression of the remaining lifespan, the determination unit 29 may determine when the device will reach the end of its product's lifespan. The determination unit 29 outputs the determination results, such as the remaining lifespan of the device and when the device will reach the end of its product's lifespan, to the lifespan information storage unit 30.

[0046] The lifespan information storage unit 30 is a part equipped with the function of storing and remembering the judgment results made by the judgment unit 29. In this example, the lifespan information storage unit 30 stores and remembers the remaining lifespan information determined by the judgment unit 29 for the entire operating period from the start of elevator operation. At this time, the lifespan information storage unit 30 stores the judgment results of the remaining lifespan for each operating period for the elevator equipment, i.e., the progression of the remaining lifespan. The remaining lifespan storage unit stores identification information that identifies the elevator managed by the management system 1, information that identifies the equipment of the elevator that is subject to judgment, and the judgment results for the equipment, relating them to each other. The remaining lifespan storage unit may also store the evaluation results of the deterioration factors for the equipment.

[0047] The second server-side communication unit 31 is the part equipped with the function of information communication through the second communication network 16. The analysis device 13 accesses the specification database and maintenance database 19, etc., through the second server-side communication unit 31. The analysis device 13 may use specification information read from the specification database for reproducing operating data, evaluating degradation factors, and determining remaining lifespan. The analysis device 13 may write the remaining lifespan determination result, etc., to the maintenance information in the maintenance database 19.

[0048] Furthermore, the analysis device 13 may grant users who can access the second communication network 16 some or all of the following access rights: access to view information stored in the lifespan information storage unit 30, access to update the operating model used by the reproduction unit 27, access to update the degradation factor model used by the evaluation unit 28, and access to update the lifespan model used by the determination unit 29. The analysis device 13 may also set the granting of access rights individually for each user, group, or role. The analysis device 13 may also change the presence and type of access rights to be granted in advance. For example, the analysis device 13 may grant users of the manufacturing plant 17e access rights to view information stored in the lifespan information storage unit 30, access to update the operating model, access to update the degradation factor model, and access to update the lifespan model. For example, the analysis device 13 may grant users of the sales office 17d access rights to view information stored in the lifespan information storage unit 30.

[0049] A user or analysis device 13 with access to the second communication network 16 makes maintenance decisions, such as determining whether to replace elevator equipment, based on the remaining lifespan determination result. The replacement decision may be made by the analysis device 13 based on a predetermined standard for the remaining lifespan, for example. More specifically, for example, when the remaining lifespan determined by the determination unit 29 falls below the replacement standard for the remaining lifespan predetermined for each piece of equipment, it is determined that the equipment is due for replacement. Alternatively, the replacement decision may be made by a maintenance worker in charge of elevator maintenance, for example. More specifically, for example, the maintenance worker in charge may determine whether or not to replace the equipment, taking into account the remaining lifespan determination result of the elevator and the future maintenance plan. Alternatively, the replacement decision may be made by the analysis device 13 based on a relative comparison with other elevators, for example. For example, when there is a limited number of pieces of equipment, a decision may be made on which elevator's equipment should be prioritized for replacement. In this case, the analysis device 13 can sort elevators of the same type in order of the shortest remaining lifespan of the equipment, so that equipment with a shorter remaining lifespan can be replaced with greater priority. Such maintenance decisions make it easier to organize matters that need to be addressed in advance, such as arranging replacement equipment and scheduling replacement work.

[0050] Next, we will explain an example of the operation of management system 1 using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management system 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0051] In step S11, the data collection unit 20 of the monitoring device 12 collects elevator control information and operating environment information. Then, in step S12, the first conversion unit 22 converts the collected information into operation data. Then, in step S13, the second conversion unit 23 resamples the collected operating environment information. Then, in step S14, the facility-side communication unit 24 determines whether the processing load of the analysis device 13 or the communication load of the first communication network 14 is high. If it is determined that the load is high, the monitoring device 12 proceeds back to step S14. On the other hand, if it is determined that the load is not high, the monitoring device 12 proceeds to step S15. In step S15, the facility-side communication unit 24 transmits both the operation data and the resampled operating environment data to the analysis device 13. Then, the monitoring device 12 proceeds back to step S11.

[0052] In step S21, the first server-side communication unit 25 of the analysis device 13 receives both the operation data and the resampled operating environment data from the monitoring device 12. Then, in step S22, the reproduction unit 27 reproduces the operation data from the operation data based on the operation model. Then, in step S23, the evaluation unit 28 evaluates the degradation factors of the elevator equipment based on the degradation factor model of the elevator equipment from the operation data and the operating environment data. Then, in step S24, the determination unit 29 evaluates the remaining lifespan of the elevator equipment based on the degradation factors of the elevator equipment. Then, in step S25, the lifespan information storage unit 30 stores and stores the remaining lifespan determination result by the determination unit 29. After that, the analysis device 13 proceeds to step S21.

[0053] The monitoring device 12 may also collect operational data from the elevator's control device 8 or the like. In this case, the first conversion unit 22 converts the collected operational data into operation data so as to reduce the communication load through the first communication network 14. Alternatively, the monitoring device 12 may also collect operation data from the elevator's control device 8 or the like. In this case, the monitoring device 12 may transmit the collected operation data to the analysis device 13 without conversion. The analysis device 13 reconstructs the operational data from the collected operation data based on the operation model.

[0054] As described above, the management system 1 according to Embodiment 1 comprises a monitoring device 12 and an analysis device 13. The monitoring device 12 is installed in the facility 2 to which the elevator is applied. The monitoring device 12 monitors the status of the elevator. The analysis device 13 is connected to the monitoring device 12 via a first communication network 14. The analysis device 13 comprises a first server-side communication unit 25, a reproduction unit 27, an evaluation unit 28, and a determination unit 29. The first server-side communication unit 25 receives operation data representing the status of elevator operation from the monitoring device 12 via the first communication network 14. The reproduction unit 27 uses the operation data received by the first server-side communication unit 25 to reproduce operation data representing the operation status of the elevator when performing the operation represented by the operation data, based on the elevator operation model. The evaluation unit 28 uses the operation data reproduced by the reproduction unit 27 to evaluate the degradation factors that affect the degradation of the elevator equipment when performing the operation represented by the operation data, based on the degradation factor model of the equipment. The determination unit 29 uses the deterioration factors of the elevator equipment evaluated by the evaluation unit 28 to determine the remaining lifespan of the equipment based on the equipment's lifespan model.

[0055] With this configuration, even when the analysis device 13, which evaluates the lifespan of elevator equipment, uses operational data including time-series data, lighter operational data is communicated between the monitoring device 12 on the facility 2 side and the analysis device 13. Since the analysis device 13 reproduces operational data using operational data, it becomes possible to perform a lifespan evaluation based on detailed operational data while suppressing the amount of communication through the first communication network 14. Furthermore, the management system 1 may manage multiple elevators ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands or more. In this case as well, the management system 1 can perform practical remaining lifespan determination in a more economical way in terms of the development and maintenance of communication infrastructure and communication costs. The lifespan of each elevator component can be affected by the operating environment and operating conditions, so the actual lifespan of each component may differ from the initial design lifespan. On the other hand, the management system 1, by determining the remaining lifespan of equipment while considering the elevator's operating conditions, can prevent situations that do not reflect reality, such as replacing equipment that still has a long remaining lifespan or equipment reaching the end of its lifespan before replacement. Furthermore, the analysis device 13 can reproduce detailed information such as the density of elevator operation as operational data. This allows the analysis device 13 to evaluate degradation factors, particularly temperature, with greater accuracy, thereby improving the accuracy of determining the remaining lifespan based on these degradation factors. Additionally, the analysis device 13 can evaluate the lifespan of multiple elevators using similar models, such as the operation model, degradation factor model, and lifespan model, enabling comparison of the conditions of other elevators with similar specifications and identification of differences.

[0056] The monitoring device 12 also includes a first conversion unit 22. The first conversion unit 22 extracts information from the data collected from the elevator and converts it into operation data. The monitoring device 12 also includes a second conversion unit 23. The second conversion unit 23 resamples a portion of the elevator operating environment data observed at facility 2 and converts it into data that can be communicated together with the operation data.

[0057] With this configuration, the monitoring device 12 can convert the information collected from the elevator and environmental sensors 11, etc., into smaller data before transmitting it to the analysis device 13. This reduces the amount of data transmitted through the first communication network 14.

[0058] Furthermore, the elevator operating environment data includes data on at least one of the temperature or humidity of the elevator operating environment.

[0059] With this configuration, the management system 1 can take into account the influence of external factors of the elevator, such as climate, on electronic equipment, which may be affected by temperature and humidity.

[0060] Furthermore, the monitoring device 12 includes a facility-side communication unit 24. The facility-side communication unit 24 transmits operation data to the analysis device 13 at a timing or time that takes into account at least one of the processing load of the analysis device 13 or the communication load of the first communication network 14.

[0061] This configuration helps to suppress the decrease in processing or communication efficiency caused by load concentration.

[0062] Furthermore, the analysis device 13 includes an input information storage unit 26. The input information storage unit 26 stores and stores the operation data received by the server-side communication unit throughout the entire operating period from the start of elevator operation. The input information storage unit 26 may also store and store operating environment data received by the server-side communication unit throughout the entire operating period from the start of elevator operation.

[0063] With this configuration, even if the operating model, degradation factor model, or lifespan model is updated, the analysis device 13 can retrospectively reproduce operating data, evaluate degradation factors, and determine remaining lifespan. Furthermore, by accumulating operational data, which is lighter than operating data, the required memory capacity can be reduced. This improves the flexibility of the elevator management system 1.

[0064] Furthermore, the analysis device 13 is connected to a second communication network 16. The second communication network 16 is a communication network that can access the specification database 18 and the maintenance database 19. The specification database 18 is a database that stores elevator specification information. The maintenance database 19 is a database that stores elevator maintenance information.

[0065] With this configuration, the analysis device 13 can determine the remaining lifespan and perform other operations while taking into account the elevator's specifications. Furthermore, the analysis device 13 can reflect the remaining lifespan determination results and other information into the elevator's maintenance information.

[0066] Furthermore, the analysis device 13 allows authorized users who have access to the second communication network 16 to access the remaining lifespan determination results made by the determination unit 29.

[0067] This configuration allows authorized users, such as maintenance personnel, to directly access the remaining lifespan assessment results, making it easier to formulate maintenance plans for the elevators and other equipment they are responsible for.

[0068] Furthermore, the analysis device 13 allows authorized users with access to the second communication network 16 to update at least one of the operating model used by the reproduction unit 27, the degradation factor model used by the evaluation unit 28, and the lifespan model used by the determination unit 29.

[0069] With this configuration, the analysis device 13 can determine the remaining lifespan using a model that reflects the latest knowledge, thereby enabling more accurate determination of the remaining lifespan.

[0070] Furthermore, the analysis device 13 includes a lifespan information storage unit 30. The lifespan information storage unit 30 stores and remembers the remaining lifespan information determined by the determination unit 29 for the entire operating period from the start of elevator operation.

[0071] With this configuration, the analysis device 13 can use the accumulated history of remaining life determination results to formulate or assist in formulating a maintenance plan.

[0072] The analysis device 13 may be composed of multiple server devices 15. One of the multiple server devices 15 is installed in the first country. In this case, one of the other server devices 15 may be installed in a second country, which is a different country or region from the first country.

[0073] Next, we will explain an example of the hardware configuration of management system 1 using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the main components of the management system 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0074] Each function of the management system 1 can be implemented by a processing circuit. The processing circuit comprises at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b. The processing circuit may also include at least one dedicated hardware 200 together with the processor 100a and memory 100b, or as a substitute for them.

[0075] When the processing circuit comprises a processor 100a and a memory 100b, each function of the management system 1 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware is written as a program. This program is stored in the memory 100b. The processor 100a realizes each function of the management system 1 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 100b.

[0076] The processor 100a is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. The memory 100b is composed of non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM.

[0077] If the processing circuit includes dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuit may be implemented as, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0078] Each function of the management system 1 can be implemented by a processing circuit. Alternatively, each function of the management system 1 can be implemented collectively by a processing circuit. For each function of the management system 1, some may be implemented by dedicated hardware 200, and others by software or firmware. In this way, the processing circuit implements each function of the management system 1 using dedicated hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. [Industrial applicability]

[0079] The management system described in this disclosure can be applied to elevator management. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 1 Management system, 2 Facility, 3 Elevator shaft, 4 Hoisting machine, 5 Main rope, 6 Cage, 7 Counterweight, 8 Control device, 9 Cage door, 10 Weighing device, 11 Environmental sensor, 12 Monitoring device, 13 Analysis device, 14 First communication network, 15 Server device, 16 Second communication network, 17a Head office, 17b Branch office, 17c Branch office, 17d Sales office, 17e Manufacturing plant, 18 Specification database, 19 Maintenance database, 20 Collection unit, 21 Temporary storage unit, 22 First conversion unit, 23 Second conversion unit, 24 Facility-side communication unit, 25 First server-side communication unit, 26 Input information storage unit, 27 Reproduction unit, 28 Evaluation unit, 29 Judgment unit, 30 Life information storage unit 31 Second server-side communication unit, 100a Processor, 100b Memory, 200 Dedicated hardware

Claims

1. A monitoring device installed in a facility where an elevator is used, which monitors the status of the elevator, An analysis device connected to the monitoring device via the first communication network, Equipped with, The aforementioned analysis device is A receiving unit that receives operation data representing the operating status of the elevator from the monitoring device via the first communication network, A reproduction unit, using the operation data received by the receiving unit, reproduces operation data representing the operating status of the elevator when performing the operation represented by the operation data, based on the elevator's operation model. An evaluation unit, using the operation data reproduced by the reproduction unit, evaluates the deterioration factors that affect the deterioration of the elevator equipment when performing the operation represented by the operation data, based on a deterioration factor model for the equipment. A determination unit determines the remaining lifespan of the elevator equipment based on a lifespan model of the equipment, using the deterioration factors of the elevator equipment evaluated by the evaluation unit. Equipped with, Management system.

2. The aforementioned monitoring device is A first conversion unit extracts information from the data collected from the elevator and converts it into the operation data. Equipped with, The management system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned monitoring device is A second conversion unit resamples a portion of the data on the elevator's operating environment observed at the facility and converts it into data that can be communicated together with the operation data. Equipped with, The management system according to claim 1.

4. The data of the elevator's operating environment includes data on at least one of the temperature or humidity of the elevator's operating environment. The management system according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned monitoring device is A transmission unit transmits the operation data to the analysis device at a timing or time that takes into account at least one of the processing load of the analysis device or the communication load of the first communication network. Equipped with, The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The analysis device is composed of a plurality of server devices, including a first server and a second server. The first server is located in the first country, The second server is located in a second country different from the first country. The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The aforementioned analysis device is Life information storage unit stores and saves the remaining life information determined by the determination unit for the entire operating period from the start of operation of the elevator. Equipped with, The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The aforementioned analysis device is An input information storage unit stores and saves the operation data received by the receiving unit throughout the entire operating period of the elevator from the start of operation. Equipped with, The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. The analysis device is connected to a second communication network that can access a specification database storing the elevator's specification information and a maintenance database storing the elevator's maintenance information. The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. The analysis device allows authorized users with access to the second communication network to access the remaining life determination result made by the determination unit. The management system according to claim 9.

11. The analysis device allows authorized users with access to the second communication network to update at least one of the operating model used by the reproduction unit, the degradation factor model used by the evaluation unit, and the lifespan model used by the determination unit. The management system according to claim 9.

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