Elevator systems and mobile bodies

Abstract

To provide an elevator system and a mobile device that can respond quickly to abnormalities occurring in elevators. [Solution] The elevator system 1 comprises an elevator 2 and a mobile body 18 that moves within the facility. The elevator 2 comprises a car 9, a hoisting machine 7, and a control panel 13. The car 9 travels between multiple floors of the facility. The hoisting machine 7 generates the driving force to move the car 9. The control panel 13 controls the movement of the car 9 by the hoisting machine 7. The mobile body 18 comprises a connection unit 21 and a control unit 22. The connection unit 21 is electrically connected to the elevator 2 so that it can communicate with the elevator 2 when an abnormality occurs in the elevator 2. The control unit 22 controls the movement of the car 9 by the hoisting machine 7 by outputting a control signal via the connection unit 21, and performs operation in response to the abnormality that occurred in the elevator 2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an elevator system and a moving body.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of an elevator. In an elevator, when a safety device operates, the occurrence of entrapment of a user in the car is detected based on the position of the car, etc.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the elevator of Patent Document 1, when an abnormality such as entrapment is detected, a maintenance worker corresponding to the abnormality is dispatched. At this time, the state of the occurred abnormality continues until at least the maintenance worker arrives at the site. Also, when there is no maintenance worker who can immediately go to the site nearby, it may take time for the maintenance worker to arrive at the site. In these cases, it may take time to respond to the occurred abnormality.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to the solution of such problems. The present disclosure provides an elevator system and a moving body that can respond more quickly to an abnormality that has occurred in an elevator.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The elevator system according to this disclosure comprises an elevator having a car that travels between multiple floors of a facility, a drive device that generates a driving force to move the car, and a control panel that controls the movement of the car by the drive device, and a first mobile body that moves within the facility, wherein the first mobile body comprises a connection part that is electrically connected to the elevator so as to be able to communicate with the elevator when an abnormality occurs in the elevator, and a control unit that controls the movement of the car by the drive device by outputting a control signal via the connection part and performs operation in response to the abnormality that occurred in the elevator.

[0007] The mobile body according to this disclosure is a mobile body that moves within a facility in cooperation with an elevator having a car that travels between multiple floors of the facility, a drive device that generates a driving force to move the car, and a control panel that controls the movement of the car by the drive device, and comprises a connection unit that is electrically connected to the elevator so as to be able to communicate with the elevator when an abnormality occurs in the elevator, and a control unit that controls the movement of the car by the drive device by outputting a control signal via the connection unit and performs operation in response to the abnormality that occurred in the elevator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In the case of an elevator system or mobile device related to this disclosure, it is possible to respond quickly to any abnormalities that occur in the elevator. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the elevator system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of the elevator system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a hardware configuration diagram of the main parts of the elevator system according to Embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] 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.

[0011] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the elevator system 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0012] Elevator system 1 includes elevator 2. Elevator 2 is applicable to facilities having multiple floors. Facilities include, for example, commercial facilities, residential facilities, public facilities, office buildings, or other facilities or combinations thereof. Facilities may be a single building, may include multiple buildings, or may be part of a building. A hoistway 3 is provided in the facility. The hoistway 3 is a vertically long space spanning multiple floors. On each floor of the facility, a landing 4 is provided adjacent to the hoistway 3. At each landing 4 on each floor, a landing door 5 and a landing control panel 6 are provided. The landing door 5 is a door that separates the hoistway 3 and the landing 4. The landing control panel 6 is a device that receives operations such as registering user calls at the landing 4. Elevator 2 comprises a hoisting machine 7, a main rope 8, a car 9, a counterweight 10, an encoder 11, a brake 12, and a control panel 13.

[0013] The hoisting machine 7 is located, for example, at the top or bottom of the hoistway 3. For example, if the machine room for the elevator 2 is located above the hoistway 3, the hoisting machine 7 may be located in the machine room. The hoisting machine 7 comprises a motor and sheaves. The motor of the hoisting machine 7 is a device that generates driving force. The sheaves of the hoisting machine 7 are devices that rotate due to the driving force generated by the motor of the hoisting machine 7. The hoisting machine 7 is an example of a drive device.

[0014] The main rope 8 is wrapped around the sheave of the hoisting machine 7. The main rope 8 supports the load of the cage 9 on one side of the sheave of the hoisting machine 7. The main rope 8 supports the load of the counterweight 10 on the other side of the sheave of the hoisting machine 7. The main rope 8 moves as the sheave of the hoisting machine 7 rotates, so that one side of the sheave of the hoisting machine 7 is wound up.

[0015] The elevator car 9 is a device that transports elevator users 2 between multiple floors by traveling vertically in the hoistway 3. The elevator car 9 travels vertically in the hoistway 3 in conjunction with the movement of the main rope 8 caused by the rotation of the sheave of the hoisting machine 7. The elevator car 9 is equipped with a car door 14. The car door 14 is a door that separates the inside and outside of the elevator car 9. When the elevator car 9 stops at any floor, the car door 14 opens and closes in conjunction with the landing door 5 of that floor.

[0016] The counterweight 10 is a device that balances the loads on both sides of the sheave of the hoisting machine 7 with the cage 9. The counterweight 10 moves along the hoistway 3 on the opposite side of the cage 9 in the vertical direction, in conjunction with the movement of the main rope 8 due to the rotation of the sheave of the hoisting machine 7.

[0017] The brake 12 is a device that slows the movement of the cage 9. In this example, the brake 12 slows the rotation of the sheave of the hoisting machine 7. For example, when the cage 9 is about to stop, the brake 12 stops the cage 9 by slowing the rotation of the sheave of the hoisting machine 7.

[0018] The encoder 11 is a device that measures information about the movement of the cage 9. This information includes the position of the cage 9, the speed at which the cage 9 moves, the direction of travel of the cage 9, or information used to derive this information. The encoder 11 is an example of a measuring instrument. The encoder 11 measures the rotation angle of the sheave of the hoisting machine 7 as information about the movement of the cage 9.

[0019] The control panel 13 is a device that controls the operation of the elevator 2. The control panel 13 is arranged, for example, at the upper part or the lower part of the hoistway 3. For example, when a machine room of the elevator 2 is provided above the hoistway 3 or the like, the control panel 13 may be arranged in the machine room. The operations of the elevator 2 controlled by the control panel 13 include the running and braking of the car 9, as well as the opening and closing of the car door 14. The control panel 13 controls the operation of the elevator 2 based on information such as the running information of the car 9 obtained from measuring instruments such as the encoder 11. The control panel 13 causes the car 9 to run between a plurality of floors by the driving force generated by the hoisting machine 7 so as to respond to a registered call, for example. When the car 9 stops, the control panel 13 stops the car 9 by the braking force generated by the brake 12. When the car 9 is stopped at any floor, the control panel 13 opens the car door 14 in conjunction with the landing door 5.

[0020] In the elevator 2, a remote monitoring device 15 is provided. The remote monitoring device 15 is a device used for remote monitoring of the elevator 2 or the like. The remote monitoring device 15 is connected to the communication network 16 so as to be able to communicate with devices outside the facility where the elevator 2 is installed. The communication network 16 includes a wide-area network such as the Internet or a telephone line network, for example. The remote monitoring device 15 collects information such as the information input and output to the control panel 13 of the elevator 2 as information on the state of the elevator 2. The information collected by the remote monitoring device 15 is output through the communication network 16 to, for example, a server device provided in an information center. The information center is a base for collecting and managing information on the state of the elevator 2. The server device provided in the information center is, for example, a computer system composed of one or more server devices or the like that perform collection, storage, or management of information on the state of the elevator 2. Here, a computer system composed of one or more devices may be simply referred to as a computer.

[0021] In a facility where an elevator 2 is provided, a mobile system 17 is applied. Part or all of the mobile system 17 may be an internal system included in the elevator system 1, or an external system that cooperates with the elevator system 1. The mobile system 17 includes one or more mobile bodies 18 operating in the facility. In the facility of this example, a plurality of mobile bodies 18 are operating. The mobile body 18 is a device that moves within the facility to provide services and the like. Each mobile body 18 is, for example, an autonomous mobile body that moves within the facility by running, walking, or flying. Each mobile body 18 is equipped with a wireless communication function. Part or all of the mobile bodies 18 operate based on the control of the movement control device 19 of the mobile system 17. The movement control device 19 is a computer system such as one or more server devices that perform information processing regarding the control of the movement of the mobile body 18 and the provision of services. The movement control device 19 outputs a control signal and the like to the corresponding mobile body 18 through a communication network 16 or the like. Each mobile body 18 presents information such as its current position in the facility to, for example, the movement control device 19 through a communication network 16 or the like. Each mobile body 18 includes an observation unit 20, a connection unit 21, a control unit 22, a recognition unit 23, a speech unit 24, and a battery 25.

[0022] The observation unit 20 is a part equipped with a function of acquiring information on the situation around the mobile body 18. The information on the situation around the mobile body 18 includes, for example, the video around the mobile body 18 or the distance information between the mobile body 18 and the surrounding objects. The observation unit 20 includes, for example, a camera that captures the video around the mobile body 18. The observation unit 20 may include a distance sensor or the like. The observation unit 20 may acquire point cloud data or the like as information on the situation around the mobile body 18.

[0023] The connection unit 21 is a part that is electrically connected to the elevator 2 so that it can communicate with the elevator 2. The connection unit 21 is electrically connected to the elevator 2, for example, through terminals of a docking station provided in the facility where the elevator 2 is installed. A docking station is an example of a connection location. A connection location is a place where the mobile body 18 can be electrically connected to the elevator 2 by the connection unit 21. The connection unit 21 may also be electrically connected to the elevator 2 through a landing control panel 6 provided in the landing 4. The connection unit 21 outputs control signals and the like to the elevator 2 as electrical signals. The connection unit 21 also acquires control information and the like from the elevator 2 as electrical signals.

[0024] The control unit 22 is a part of the elevator that has functions to control the operation of elevator 2 when an abnormality occurs in elevator 2. When an abnormality occurs in elevator 2, normal operation by the control panel 13 may not be possible. Abnormalities that occur in elevator 2 include, for example, internal factors such as malfunctions, external factors such as earthquakes, or emergency stops due to other factors. In this case, depending on the position of the car 9 when it makes an emergency stop, it may be difficult to respond to the abnormality that has occurred. For example, if a passenger is inside the car 9 when it makes an emergency stop between floors, the abnormality of elevator 2 is that a passenger is trapped inside. In this case, a rescue operation is necessary to stop the car 9 at a stopping position on any floor so that the passenger can escape from inside the car 9. In such cases, the control unit 22 takes over the functions of the control panel 13 of elevator 2 and performs operations to respond to the abnormality that has occurred, such as rescue operations. Operations to respond to the abnormality include operations to move the car 9 from the emergency stop position to a pre-set position. Operations to respond to the abnormality include, for example, rescue operations to move the car 9 from the emergency stop position to the nearest floor or other floor stopping position. In rescue operation, the control unit 22 may output control signals such as opening the car door 14 after stopping the car 9 at the stopping position. The control unit 22 controls the operation of the elevator 2 by inputting and outputting control signals and control information through the connection unit 21.

[0025] The control unit 22 performs a substitute operation for the control panel as an operation to respond to an abnormality that occurs in the elevator 2, for example. The substitute operation for the control panel by the moving body 18 is an operation in which the hoisting machine 7 moves the car 9 using information on the movement of the car 9 that the control panel 13 uses when controlling the movement of the car 9. The information that the control panel 13 uses when controlling the movement of the car 9 is, for example, information acquired by measuring instruments such as the encoder 11. The control unit 22 acquires control information such as information on the rotation angle of the sheave of the hoisting machine 7 from the encoder 11 via the connection unit 21. The control unit 22 uses the acquired control information to output a control signal to the hoisting machine 7 to move the car 9. At this time, the control unit 22 may also output a control signal to the brake 12 to release the sheave of the hoisting machine 7. In this way, the control unit 22 performs a substitute operation for the control panel by outputting a control signal to the hoisting machine 7 using the control information acquired from the elevator 2. Control panel-assisted operation is an operating method in which the control unit 22 takes over the operation processing that would otherwise be performed by the control panel 13.

[0026] Alternatively, the control unit 22 may perform a substitute operation for a maintenance worker as an operation in response to an abnormality that has occurred in the elevator 2. The substitute operation for a maintenance worker by the mobile unit 18 is an operation in which the mobile unit 18 uses information on the movement of the car 9 acquired by the observation unit 20 to move the car 9 with the hoisting machine 7. The observation unit 20 of the mobile unit 18 acquires information such as the position of the car 9 using, for example, an image of an indicator that shows the position of the car 9 to users at the landing 4. When a security window is provided in the landing door 5 that allows the hoistway 3 to be viewed from the landing 4 side, the mobile unit 18 acquires information such as the position of the car 9 based on, for example, an image of the car 9 seen through the security window. The control unit 22 uses the information acquired by the observation unit 20 to output a control signal to the hoisting machine 7 to move the car 9. At this time, the control unit 22 may output a control signal to the brake 12 to release the sheave of the hoisting machine 7. In this way, the control unit 22 performs maintenance worker substitute operation by outputting control signals to the hoisting machine 7 using the information acquired by the observation unit 20. Maintenance worker substitute operation is an operation method in which the control unit 22 takes over the operation processing that would be equivalent to manual operation by a maintenance worker.

[0027] Alternatively, the control unit 22 may perform a brake release operation as a response to an abnormality that has occurred in the elevator 2. A brake release operation is an operation in which the car 9 is moved without using a drive device such as the hoisting machine 7. The control unit 22 outputs a control signal to the brake 12 to release the sheave of the hoisting machine 7. At this time, the car 9 moves up or down the hoistway 3 due to the unbalanced load between it and the counterweight 10.

[0028] The control unit 22 of the moving body 18 may, in response to an abnormality occurring in the elevator 2, for example, bring the car 9 to a stopping position on the floor where the moving body 18 is located. At this time, the control unit 22 stops the car 9 near the stopping position, for example by controlling the hoisting machine 7 or the brake 12. After that, the control unit 22 opens the car door 14 of the car 9 from the fully closed state so as not to go to the fully open state. The control unit 22 opens the car door 14 of the car 9 so that a gap of a predetermined size is created, for example. This gap is, for example, a gap between the double door panels of the car door 14 that is not wide enough for elevator users 2 to pass through. At this time, the observation unit 20 of the moving body 18 acquires information about the difference in height between the floor surface of the car 9 and the floor surface of the landing 4 through the gap created by opening the car door 14. Based on information obtained by the observation unit 20 of the mobile unit 18 regarding the difference in height between the floor surface of the car 9 and the floor surface of the landing 4, the control unit 22 of the mobile unit 18 adjusts the position of the car 9 by controlling the hoisting machine 7 or the brake 12, etc., so that the difference in height is eliminated.

[0029] The recognition unit 23 is a part equipped with a function to perform speech recognition of voices emitted by users of elevator 2, etc. The recognition unit 23 includes a sound collection unit such as a microphone and a unit for information processing. The recognition unit 23 interprets the content of the voice emitted by the user as, for example, Japanese or other natural language text, a token sequence based on said text, or other information. Speech recognition in the recognition unit 23 is performed, for example, by a pre-trained recognition model. The mobile unit 18 may transmit the voice emitted by the user or the content of said voice as interpreted by the recognition unit 23 to a server device in the information center, etc., via the remote monitoring device 15.

[0030] The speaking unit 24 is a part equipped with the function of emitting voice to users of the elevator 2. The speaking unit 24 provides voice guidance to users inside or around the elevator car 9 regarding the operating status of the elevator 2 in response to any abnormalities that have occurred, such as rescue operations performed by the control unit 22. The guidance provided by the speaking unit 24 may be, for example, an explanation of the operating procedure, such as "We will now raise the car," or an instruction or warning, such as "The car doors are opening. Please move away from the doors." The speaking unit 24 may also provide guidance to the user according to the interpretation of the voice spoken by the user by the recognition unit 23. The generation of speech content according to the interpreted content is performed, for example, by a pre-trained conversation model. The conversation model may be pre-distributed to each mobile unit 18. Alternatively, the mobile unit 18 may transmit the content of the voice interpreted by the recognition unit 23 to an external server equipped with a conversation model to inquire about the speech content emitted by the speaking unit 24. The announcements made by the speaking unit 24 may include questions such as "Is anyone injured?" directed at users inside the car 9 where an entrapment has occurred. Depending on the user's response to the question, the mobile unit 18 may take action such as contacting the elevator maintenance company 2, the facility manager, or other relevant organizations.

[0031] The battery 25 is a power storage unit. Under normal circumstances, the mobile unit 18 operates using the power stored in the battery 25. In the event of a power outage, for example, when an abnormality occurs in the elevator 2, the mobile unit 18 supplies power stored in the battery 25 to the elevator 2 via the connection unit 21. The elevator 2 may use the power supplied from the battery 25 to drive the hoisting machine 7 and release the brake 12, etc.

[0032] Next, we will explain an example of the operation of elevator system 1 using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the elevator system 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0033] In step S11, the control panel 13 of elevator 2 determines whether an abnormality has occurred in elevator 2. If no abnormality has occurred, the operation of elevator 2 proceeds back to step S11. On the other hand, if an abnormality has occurred, the operation of elevator 2 proceeds to step S12.

[0034] In step S12, the control panel 13 of the elevator 2 where the abnormality occurred notifies one of the moving parts 18 of the abnormality. The control panel 13 may notify the moving parts 18 via, for example, a moving part control device 19. The notification of the abnormality is sent, for example, to the moving part 18 closest to the landing 4 on the floor near where the abnormality occurred or where the car 9 is stopped. The moving part 18 to which the abnormality is notified may be selected by, for example, the control panel 13, or by a moving part control device 19 that relays the notification to the moving part 18. The notification of the abnormality may include information such as the type of abnormality that occurred. After that, the control panel 13 suspends the normal operation of the elevator 2. After that, the operation of the control panel 13 ends.

[0035] In step S21, the mobile unit 18, having received notification of an abnormality from elevator 2, moves to a connection location. The connection location to which the mobile unit 18 moves may be a location specified in the notification of the abnormality from elevator 2, a location determined by the mobile unit 18 depending on the type of abnormality that occurred, or a location pre-set in the facility. In this example, the mobile unit 18 moves to a landing 4 on a floor close to the location where the abnormality occurred or where the elevator car 9 is stopped. For example, if the facility has multiple elevators 2, the mobile unit 18 may move between floors using an elevator 2 that is continuing normal operation as needed. After that, the operation of the mobile unit 18 proceeds to step S22.

[0036] In step S22, the mobile unit 18, having arrived at the connection location, is electrically connected to the elevator 2 via the connection unit 21. In this example, the mobile unit 18 is electrically connected to the elevator 2 via the connection unit 21 and the landing control panel 6 located at the landing 4. At this time, the mobile unit 18 may also supply power stored in the battery 25 to the elevator 2 via the connection unit 21. The mobile unit 18 communicates control signals and control information with equipment such as the hoisting machine 7, brake 12, and encoder 11 of the elevator 2 via the connection unit 21. If the abnormality is entrapment and the connection location is near the car 9, the mobile unit 18, upon arriving at the connection location, may speak to the user inside the car 9 via the speaking unit 24 or the like. After that, the operation of the mobile unit 18 proceeds to step S23.

[0037] In step S23, the mobile body 18 connected to the elevator 2 at the connection section 21 determines whether the hoisting machine 7 is available. The availability of the hoisting machine 7 is determined based on information such as the type of abnormality included in the notification of abnormality occurrence. The availability of the hoisting machine 7 may also be determined by other control signals, for example. In this example, the state in which the hoisting machine 7 is available refers to the state in which the hoisting machine 7 can generate driving force in response to the control signal output from the control unit 22 of the mobile body 18, regardless of whether the hoisting machine 7 can receive the control signal from the control panel 13. If the hoisting machine 7 is available, the operation of the mobile body 18 proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if the hoisting machine 7 is not available, the operation of the mobile body 18 proceeds to step S27.

[0038] In step S24, the mobile unit 18 connected to the elevator 2 at the connection unit 21 determines whether measuring instruments such as the encoder 11 are available. The availability of the measuring instruments is determined based on information such as the type of abnormality included in the notification of abnormality occurrence. The availability of the measuring instruments may also be determined by other control signals, for example. In this example, the state in which the measuring instruments are available refers to the state in which the control unit 22 of the mobile unit 18 can acquire control signals from the measuring instruments, regardless of whether the control panel 13 can acquire control signals from the measuring instruments. If the measuring instruments such as the encoder 11 are available, the operation of the mobile unit 18 proceeds to step S25. On the other hand, if the measuring instruments are not available, the operation of the mobile unit 18 proceeds to step S26.

[0039] In step S25, the control unit 22 of the mobile unit 18 performs a control panel substitute operation as a response to an abnormality that occurred in the elevator 2. The control unit 22 acquires control information from measuring instruments such as the encoder 11 and outputs control signals to the hoisting machine 7 and the brake 12, etc. After the control panel substitute operation is completed, the operation of the mobile unit 18 ends.

[0040] In step S26, the control unit 22 of the mobile unit 18 performs a substitute operation for the maintenance worker as an operation in response to an abnormality that occurred in the elevator 2. The control unit 22 acquires information on the movement of the car 9, such as the position of the car 9, from the observation results of the observation unit 20, and outputs control signals to the hoisting machine 7 and the brake 12, etc. After the substitute operation for the maintenance worker is completed, the operation of the mobile unit 18 ends.

[0041] In step S27, the control unit 22 of the mobile unit 18 performs a brake release operation as an operation in response to an abnormality that occurred in the elevator 2. The control unit 22 acquires information on the movement of the car 9, such as the position of the car 9, from the observation results of the observation unit 20, and outputs a control signal to the brake 12 to release the sheave of the hoisting machine 7. After the brake release operation is completed, the operation of the mobile unit 18 ends.

[0042] As described above, the elevator system 1 according to Embodiment 1 comprises an elevator 2 and a mobile body 18 that moves within a facility. The elevator 2 comprises a car 9, a hoisting machine 7, and a control panel 13. The car 9 travels between multiple floors of the facility. The hoisting machine 7 generates the driving force to move the car 9. The control panel 13 controls the movement of the car 9 by the hoisting machine 7. The mobile body 18 comprises a connection unit 21 and a control unit 22. The connection unit 21 is electrically connected to the elevator 2 so that it can communicate with the elevator 2 when an abnormality occurs in the elevator 2. The control unit 22 controls the movement of the car 9 by the hoisting machine 7 by outputting a control signal via the connection unit 21 and performs operation in response to the abnormality that occurred in the elevator 2.

[0043] With this configuration, when an abnormality occurs in elevator 2, a mobile unit 18 operating within the facility where elevator 2 is installed will initiate operation to address the abnormality in elevator 2. Since there is no need to wait for maintenance personnel to arrive on-site, operation to address the abnormality can be initiated quickly. This enables a faster response to abnormalities in elevator 2.

[0044] Furthermore, the mobile unit 18 is equipped with a speech unit 24. The mobile unit 18 emits voice messages to users of the elevator 2 via the speech unit 24. If the malfunction in the elevator 2 is that a user is trapped inside the car 9, the control unit 22 performs a rescue operation for the user inside the car 9 as an operation to respond to the malfunction in the elevator 2 using the hoisting machine 7. The speech unit 24 provides voice guidance to the user inside the car 9 regarding the status of the rescue operation performed by the control unit 22. With this configuration, the mobile unit 18 can call out to the user inside the car 9 in the event of entrapment, instead of maintenance personnel. As guidance can be started quickly after entrapment occurs, the user's anxiety is reduced.

[0045] Furthermore, the mobile unit 18 is equipped with a recognition unit 23. The mobile unit 18 uses the recognition unit 23 to perform voice recognition of the voices emitted by users of the elevator 2. If an abnormality occurs in the elevator 2 and it is a user trapped inside the car 9, the recognition unit 23 interprets the content of the voices emitted by the user inside the car 9 through voice recognition, and the speaking unit 24 provides guidance to the user inside the car 9 according to the interpretation by the recognition unit 23. With this configuration, two-way dialogue with the user inside the car 9 becomes possible, so the user's anxiety can be more effectively suppressed. In addition, information about the situation inside the car 9 can be obtained from the content of the user's speech.

[0046] Furthermore, elevator 2 is equipped with measuring instruments that acquire information on the movement of car 9. The control unit 22 uses the information on the movement of car 9 acquired from the measuring instruments via the connection unit 21 to perform operation in response to abnormalities in elevator 2. As a result, the control unit 22 operates using information from measuring instruments and other sources that elevator 2 uses during normal operation, enabling more precise operation.

[0047] Furthermore, the mobile unit 18 is equipped with an observation unit 20 that acquires information about the surrounding conditions. The control unit 22 uses the information about the movement of the car 9 acquired by the observation unit 20 to perform operation in response to any abnormalities in the elevator 2. As a result, even if some or all of the control information cannot be acquired from the elevator 2, the control unit 22 can monitor the information about the movement of the car 9 and perform operation in response to any abnormalities in the elevator 2.

[0048] Furthermore, the control unit 22 opens the car door 14 of the car 9 so that a gap is created that prevents elevator users from passing through, and uses the information on the difference in height between the floor of the car 9 and the floor of the landing 4, acquired by the observation unit 20, to operate the elevator 2 in response to any abnormality. This makes the difference in height between the floor of the car 9 and the floor of the landing 4 sufficiently small, making it less likely for users to fall when disembarking from the car 9. In addition, the control unit 22 of the mobile unit 18 directly observes the height difference using the observation unit 20 of the mobile unit 18, so it can eliminate the height difference with sufficient accuracy. Also, since the gap opened for observation is not wide enough for users to pass through, it prevents users from disembarking before the height difference is eliminated.

[0049] Furthermore, elevator 2 is equipped with a brake 12. The brake 12 stops the movement of the car 9 when an abnormality occurs in elevator 2. When the control unit 22 is unable to perform normal operation to respond to an abnormality in elevator 2 using the hoisting machine 7, it outputs a control signal via the connection unit 21 to release the braking by the brake 12 and perform operation to respond to the abnormality in elevator 2. As a result, even when the hoisting machine 7 is unavailable, the control unit 22 can perform operation to respond to an abnormality in elevator 2 by using the unbalanced load between the car 9 and the counterweight 10, etc.

[0050] Furthermore, the mobile unit 18 is equipped with a battery 25. When an abnormality occurs in the elevator 2, the mobile unit 18 supplies power stored in the battery 25 to the elevator 2. This allows the mobile unit 18 to operate in response to an abnormality in the elevator 2, even when power supplied to the facility is unavailable, such as during a power outage.

[0051] Furthermore, the mobile body 18 connected to the elevator 2 at the connection section 21 may work in cooperation with other mobile bodies 18 that have an observation unit 20 and move around the facility to perform operations in response to abnormalities in the elevator 2. The mobile body 18 connected to the elevator 2 at the connection section 21 is an example of a first mobile body. The other mobile body 18 with an observation unit 20 is an example of a second mobile body. The control unit 22 of the mobile body 18 connected to the elevator 2 at the connection section 21 acquires information on the movement of the car 9 obtained by the observation unit 20 of the other mobile body 18 from the other mobile body 18 and uses it to perform operations in response to abnormalities in the elevator 2. The other mobile body 18 acquires information such as the position and direction of travel of the car 9 based on, for example, an image of the car 9 seen through a security window, and provides it to the mobile body 18 connected to the elevator 2 at the connection section 21. The other mobile body 18 may be located on a different floor or landing 4 than the mobile body 18 connected to the elevator 2 at the connection section 21. The mobile unit 18 connected to the elevator 2 at the connection unit 21 may work in cooperation with multiple other mobile units 18 to perform operations in response to abnormalities in the elevator 2. By using information observed by other mobile units 18, the mobile unit 18 connected to the elevator 2 at the connection unit 21 can obtain more accurate information about the movement of the elevator car 9. As a result, the mobile unit 18 connected to the elevator 2 at the connection unit 21 can perform operations in response to abnormalities in the elevator 2 more reliably.

[0052] Furthermore, elevator 2 may refuse to connect to the connection part 21 of the mobile body 18 when no abnormality has occurred. Elevator 2 accepts the electrical connection from the connection part 21 of the mobile body 18 when it detects the occurrence of an abnormality. The control panel 13 of elevator 2 may, for example, continuously output commands to the hoisting machine 7 and brake 12, etc., to refuse to accept control signals from the connection part 21 when no abnormality has been detected. In this case, when an abnormality occurs in elevator 2, the output of such commands will cease, making it possible to connect the mobile body 18 and elevator 2 through the connection part 21. In addition, the control panel 13 of elevator 2 may, for example, provide the mobile body 18 with authentication or authorization information that permits the connection when it notifies the occurrence of an abnormality. As a result, unnecessary control signals from the mobile body 18 are not input when no abnormality has occurred in elevator 2, so the normal operation of elevator 2 is less likely to be disrupted.

[0053] Furthermore, while elevator 2 is electrically connected to the connection part 21 of the mobile body 18, the control signals output from the control panel 13 may be blocked. This prevents the car 9 from moving unexpectedly, even if the control panel 13 suddenly resumes operation and outputs control signals to the hoisting machine 7, etc., while the mobile body 18 is operating under the control of the control unit 22. As a result, the mobile body 18 can more reliably perform operations in response to abnormalities in elevator 2.

[0054] Furthermore, the mobile unit 18 may be connected to an information center, for example, through a remote monitoring device 15. The mobile unit 18 may report to the information center that it has connected to the elevator 2 via the connection unit 21. At this time, the mobile unit 18 may relay voice calls between the operator at the information center and the user inside the elevator car 9.

[0055] Furthermore, in cases where communication congestion occurs during a large-scale disaster and other events prevents the notification of an anomaly from reaching the information center, or when it takes time for maintenance personnel to arrive and the anomaly persists for a long period of time, the mobile unit 18 may periodically prompt the remote monitoring device 15 to notify the information center or other relevant parties. In this case, if the communication path from the remote monitoring device 15 to the information center is down, the mobile unit 18 may itself send a notification to the information center via the communication network 16.

[0056] Furthermore, elevator 2 is not limited to a traction type elevator having a hoisting machine 7. Elevator 2 may be, for example, a hydraulic or other type of elevator. In this case, the drive device may be, for example, a hydraulic device that generates the driving force to move the car 9. Also, elevator 2 may be equipped with multiple types of measuring instruments. Measuring instruments may be, for example, a landing plate and its detection device that detect whether or not the car 9 is at the stopping position on each floor. Measuring instruments may also be other sensors or switches that elevator 2 uses during normal operation.

[0057] Next, we will explain an example of the hardware configuration of elevator system 1 using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the main parts of the elevator system 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0058] Each function of the elevator system 1 can be realized 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.

[0059] When the processing circuit includes a processor 100a and a memory 100b, each function of the elevator 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 elevator system 1 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 100b.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] Each function of the elevator system 1 can be implemented by a separate processing circuit. Alternatively, each function of the elevator system 1 can be implemented collectively by a processing circuit. For each function of the elevator 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 elevator system 1 using dedicated hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0063] To summarize the above explanation, the possible configurations of the technology relating to this disclosure include the configurations listed below as appendices. (Note 1) An elevator having a car that travels between multiple floors of a facility, a drive unit that generates a driving force to move the car, and a control panel that controls the movement of the car by the drive unit, A first mobile unit that moves the aforementioned facility, Equipped with, The first mobile body is A connection unit electrically connected to the elevator so as to be able to communicate with the elevator when an abnormality occurs in the elevator, A control unit that controls the movement of the car by the drive device by outputting a control signal via the connection part and performs operation in response to an abnormality that occurs in the elevator, Equipped with, Elevator system. (Note 2) The first mobile body is A speech unit that emits sound to the users of the elevator. Equipped with, If the malfunction in the elevator is that a user is trapped inside the car, The control unit performs a rescue operation for the passengers inside the elevator car as an operation to respond to an abnormality in the elevator using the drive device. The aforementioned speaking unit provides voice guidance to the passengers inside the elevator car regarding the status of the rescue operation performed by the control unit. The elevator system described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The first mobile body is A recognition unit that performs voice recognition of the voice spoken by the user of the elevator, Equipped with, If the malfunction in the elevator is that a user is trapped inside the car, The recognition unit interprets the content of the voice spoken by the user inside the car by voice recognition, The speech unit provides guidance to the user inside the cart according to the content interpreted by the recognition unit. The elevator system described in Appendix 2. (Note 4) The aforementioned elevator, A measuring instrument that acquires information on the movement of the aforementioned basket. Equipped with, The control unit uses the information on the movement of the elevator car obtained from the measuring instrument via the connection unit to perform operations in response to any abnormalities in the elevator. The elevator system described in any one of the appendices 1 through 3. (Note 5) The first mobile body is First observation unit acquires information about the surrounding environment. Equipped with, The control unit uses the information on the movement of the elevator car acquired by the first observation unit to perform operations in response to any abnormalities in the elevator. An elevator system described in any one of the appendices 1 through 4. (Note 6) The control unit opens the elevator car door so that a gap is created that prevents elevator users from passing through, and uses the information obtained by the first observation unit regarding the difference in height between the floor of the car and the floor of the landing to perform operation in response to the abnormality of the elevator. The elevator system described in Appendix 5. (Note 7) A second mobile unit that moves around the facility has a second observation unit that acquires information about the surrounding environment. Equipped with, The control unit obtains information on the movement of the elevator car, acquired by the second observation unit from the second mobile unit, and uses this information to perform operations in response to any abnormalities in the elevator. An elevator system described in any one of the appendices 1 through 6. (Note 8) The aforementioned elevator, A brake that stops the elevator car from moving when a malfunction occurs in the elevator. Equipped with, The control unit, when it is unable to perform normal operation in response to an abnormality in the elevator using the drive device, outputs a control signal via the connection unit to release the braking force from the brake and perform operation in response to the abnormality that occurred in the elevator. An elevator system described in any one of the appendices 1 through 7. (Note 9) The first mobile body is A battery that supplies stored power to the elevator when a malfunction occurs in the elevator. Equipped with, An elevator system described in any one of the appendices 1 through 8. (Note 10) The elevator refuses to connect to the connection part when no abnormality has occurred. An elevator system described in any one of the appendices 1 through 9. (Note 11) An elevator comprising a car that travels between multiple floors of a facility, a drive unit that generates the driving force to move the car, and a control panel that controls the movement of the car by the drive unit. It is a mobile unit that moves the aforementioned facility in cooperation with the above, A connection unit electrically connected to the elevator so as to be able to communicate with the elevator when an abnormality occurs in the elevator, A control unit that controls the movement of the car by the drive device by outputting a control signal via the connection part and performs operation in response to an abnormality that occurs in the elevator, A mobile device equipped with these features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1 Elevator system, 2 Elevator, 3 Hoistway, 4 Landing, 5 Landing door, 6 Landing control panel, 7 Hoisting machine, 8 Main rope, 9 Car, 10 Counterweight, 11 Encoder, 12 Brake, 13 Control panel, 14 Car door, 15 Remote monitoring device, 16 Communication network, 17 Mobile system, 18 Mobile unit, 19 Mobile unit control device, 20 Observation unit, 21 Connection unit, 22 Control unit, 23 Recognition unit, 24 Speech unit, 25 Battery, 100a Processor, 100b Memory, 200 Dedicated hardware

Claims

1. An elevator having a car that travels between multiple floors of a facility, a drive unit that generates a driving force to move the car, and a control panel that controls the movement of the car by the drive unit, A first mobile unit that moves the aforementioned facility, Equipped with, The first mobile body is A connection unit electrically connected to the elevator so as to be able to communicate with the elevator when an abnormality occurs in the elevator, A control unit that controls the movement of the car by the drive device by outputting a control signal via the connection part and performs operation in response to an abnormality that occurs in the elevator, Equipped with, Elevator system.

2. The first mobile body is A speech unit that emits sound to the users of the elevator. Equipped with, If the malfunction in the elevator is that a user is trapped inside the car, The control unit performs a rescue operation for the passengers inside the elevator car as an operation to respond to an abnormality in the elevator using the drive device. The aforementioned speaking unit provides voice guidance to the passengers inside the elevator car regarding the status of the rescue operation performed by the control unit. The elevator system according to claim 1.

3. The first mobile body is A recognition unit that performs voice recognition of the voice spoken by the user of the elevator, Equipped with, If the malfunction in the elevator is that a user is trapped inside the car, The recognition unit interprets the content of the voice spoken by the user inside the car by voice recognition, The speech unit provides guidance to the user inside the cart according to the content interpreted by the recognition unit. The elevator system according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned elevator, A measuring instrument that acquires information on the movement of the aforementioned basket. Equipped with, The control unit uses the information on the movement of the elevator car obtained from the measuring instrument via the connection unit to perform operations in response to any abnormalities in the elevator. The elevator system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first mobile body is The first observation unit acquired information about the surrounding conditions. Equipped with, The control unit uses the information on the movement of the elevator car acquired by the first observation unit to perform operations in response to any abnormalities in the elevator. The elevator system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The control unit opens the elevator car door so that a gap is created that prevents elevator users from passing through, and uses the information obtained by the first observation unit regarding the difference in height between the floor of the car and the floor of the landing to perform operation in response to the abnormality of the elevator. The elevator system according to claim 5.

7. A second mobile unit that moves around the facility has a second observation unit that acquires information about the surrounding environment. Equipped with, The control unit obtains information on the movement of the elevator car, acquired by the second observation unit from the second mobile unit, and uses this information to perform operations in response to any abnormalities in the elevator. The elevator system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The aforementioned elevator, A brake that stops the elevator car from moving when a malfunction occurs in the elevator. Equipped with, The control unit, when it is unable to perform normal operation in response to an abnormality in the elevator using the drive device, outputs a control signal via the connection unit to release the braking force from the brake and perform operation in response to the abnormality that occurred in the elevator. The elevator system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The first mobile body is A battery that supplies stored power to the elevator when a malfunction occurs in the elevator. Equipped with, The elevator system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. The elevator refuses to connect to the connection part when no abnormality has occurred. The elevator system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. An elevator comprising a car that travels between multiple floors of a facility, a drive unit that generates the driving force to move the car, and a control panel that controls the movement of the car by the drive unit. It is a mobile unit that moves the aforementioned facility in cooperation with the above, A connection unit electrically connected to the elevator so as to be able to communicate with the elevator when an abnormality occurs in the elevator, A control unit that controls the movement of the car by the drive device by outputting a control signal via the connection part and performs operation in response to an abnormality that occurs in the elevator, A mobile device equipped with these features.

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