Elevator system

Abstract

Provided is an elevator system that allows wheelchair users to use a car that performs a dedicated operation, and can prevent a decline in operating efficiency. This elevator system comprises: a car; a collection device that collects information on users at the landing; a first car operation device that is provided inside the car and receives an operation for a destination floor of the car; and a second car operation device, which is provided inside the car at a different position from the first car operation device, receives an operation for a destination floor of the car, and causes the car to perform wheelchair-dedicated operation when operated. When the presence of a wheelchair user at the landing is detected on the basis of the information collected by the collection device, the second car operation device becomes operable. When the presence of a wheelchair user at the landing is not detected on the basis of the information collected by the collection device, the second car operation device becomes inoperable.

Description

elevator system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to elevator systems.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an elevator system in which a wheelchair call button is provided inside the elevator car. When the wheelchair call button is operated, the elevator car can be operated exclusively for wheelchairs.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-133610

[0004] However, in the elevator system described in Patent Document 1, even users other than wheelchair users can operate the wheelchair call button, which may reduce the operating efficiency of the car.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide an elevator system that allows wheelchair users to use a car that is operated exclusively for wheelchair users and that can prevent a decrease in operational efficiency.

[0006] The elevator system according to the present disclosure includes a collection device that collects information on the car and users at the landing, a first car operating device that is provided inside the car and accepts operation of the car's destination floor, and a second car operating device that is provided inside the car at a position separate from the first car operating device and accepts operation of the car's destination floor and operates the car in wheelchair-only mode when operated. When the presence of a wheelchair user at the landing is detected based on the information collected by the collection device, the second car operating device becomes operable. When the presence of a wheelchair user at the landing is not detected based on the information collected by the collection device, the second car operating device becomes inoperable.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a second car operating device is provided inside the car, which, when operated, causes the car to operate exclusively for wheelchairs. If the presence of a wheelchair user at the landing is not detected, the second car operating device becomes inoperable. Therefore, in the elevator system, wheelchair users can use the car that operates exclusively for wheelchairs, and a decrease in operational efficiency can be suppressed.

[0008] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a building in which an elevator system according to embodiment 1 is installed. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of a car of the elevator system according to embodiment 1. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of a car of an elevator stem according to embodiment 1. Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the elevator system according to embodiment 1. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a first example of the operation of the elevator system according to embodiment 1. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a first example of the operation of the elevator system according to embodiment 1. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a second example of the operation of the elevator system according to embodiment 1. Fig. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an overview of the operation of the elevator system according to embodiment 1. Fig. 9 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control panel of the elevator system according to embodiment 1.

[0009] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of these parts will be appropriately simplified or omitted.

[0010] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a building provided with an elevator system according to a first embodiment.

[0011] In the elevator system 1 of Fig. 1, a hoistway 2 passes through each floor of a building 3. A machine room 4 is provided directly above the hoistway 2. A plurality of landings 5 ​​are provided on each floor of the building 3. Each of the plurality of landings 5 ​​faces the hoistway 2. A hoisting machine 6 is provided in the machine room 4. A main rope 7 is wound around the hoisting machine 6. A car 8 is suspended on one side of the main rope 7 inside the hoistway 2. A counterweight 9 is suspended on the other side of the main rope 7 inside the hoistway 2.

[0012] The plurality of landing doors 10 are provided at the entrances and exits of the plurality of landings 5, respectively. The plurality of collecting devices 11 are provided at the plurality of landings 5. For example, each of the plurality of collecting devices 11 is a camera. For example, the collecting device 11 is provided above the landing door 10. The collecting device 11 collects information about users present at the landing 5 where the collecting device 11 is installed. Specifically, the collecting device 11 collects information about the appearance of users by capturing an image of the landing 5. The collecting device 11 transmits the collected information.

[0013] The car door 12 is provided at the entrance and exit of the car 8. The first car operating device 13 is provided inside the car 8. The first car operating device 13 can receive a destination floor for the car 8. The second car operating device 14 is provided inside the car 8 at a location separate from the first car operating device 13. The second car operating device 14 can receive a destination floor for the car 8. The release device 15 is provided adjacent to the second car operating device 14. For example, the release device 15 is a switch.

[0014] The control panel 16 is provided in the machine room 4. The control panel 16 is capable of overall control of the elevator system 1. The control panel 16 is electrically connected to the hoisting machine 6 and the collection device 11. The control panel 16 is electrically connected to the car door 12, the first car operating device 13, the second car operating device 14, and the release device 15 via control cables (not shown).

[0015] When the elevator system 1 is operating normally, for example, a user who has boarded the car 8 operates the first car operating device 13 to input a destination floor. The control panel 16 registers the input call for the destination floor in the car 8. The control panel 16 closes the open car door 12. At this time, the landing door 10 closes together with the car door 12. The control panel 16 rotates the hoist 6. The main rope 7 moves following the rotation of the hoist 6. The car 8 and the counterweight 9 rise and fall in opposite directions following the movement of the main rope 7. After the car 8 arrives at the destination floor, the control panel 16 opens the car door 12. The control panel 16 operates the car 8 until there are no more calls registered in the car 8, i.e., until all calls registered in the car 8 have been completed.

[0016] The second car operating device 14 is an operating device through which a wheelchair user, who is a user in a wheelchair, inputs a destination floor. When the second car operating device 14 is operated, the control panel 16 performs wheelchair-only operation of the car 8. In wheelchair-only operation, operation is performed with consideration given to wheelchair users. For example, in wheelchair-only operation, the car door 12 is open for a longer period of time than in normal operation. For example, in wheelchair-only operation, the car door 12 closes at a slower speed than in normal operation. For example, in wheelchair-only operation, the acceleration of the car 8 at the time of departure and arrival is smaller than the acceleration of the car 8 at the time of departure and arrival in normal operation. Wheelchair-only operation continues until the car departs from the destination floor accepted by the second car operating device 14, and then ends.

[0017] Next, the first car operating device 13 and the second car operating device 14 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of the car of the elevator system in embodiment 1. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the car of the elevator system in embodiment 1.

[0018] 2 and 3, the first car operating device 13 is provided on the side of the car door 12. For example, the first car operating device 13 has a mechanical button that indicates the destination floor.

[0019] The second car operating device 14 is provided on a side of the car 8 that is different from the car door 12. For example, the second car operating device 14 is a touch panel type operating device. The second car operating device 14 displays buttons indicating destination floors on an operation screen. A wheelchair user operates the second car operating device 14 by touching the position of the button displayed on the operation screen.

[0020] Next, the second car operating device 14 and the control panel 16 will be further described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a block diagram of the elevator system according to the first embodiment.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 4, the second car operating device 14 includes a display unit 14a and an operation receiving unit 14b.

[0022] The display unit 14a is a touch panel display. The display unit 14a displays either an operation screen or a standby screen. The operation screen is a screen in which operations such as inputting a destination floor are possible. The operation screen displays operation buttons, a number indicating the current floor, and the like. Specifically, the standby screen is a screen in which operations such as inputting a destination floor are impossible and displays information that cannot be operated. The standby screen is also a screen that does not indicate an intention for general users to operate. Specifically, the standby screen displays information that is not an operation screen, such as information indicating that it is a standby screen, a pattern similar to the side of the car 8 (not shown in FIG. 4), news information, information guiding the interior of the building 3 (not shown in FIG. 4), advertising information, etc. Note that the standby screen may be a completely black screen or a screen with the display turned off. When the display unit 14a receives a command regarding the display content from the control panel 16, it displays the screen indicated by the command.

[0023] The operation acceptance unit 14b is a sensor for the touch panel. The operation acceptance unit 14b detects the position on the touch panel touched by the user. Based on the position, the operation acceptance unit 14b detects the button that was operated on the operation screen. The operation acceptance unit 14b transmits information indicated by the operated button to the control panel 16 as information such as the destination floor. The information transmitted by the operation acceptance unit 14b includes information indicating that the destination floor has been operated by the second car operating device 14.

[0024] The release device 15 includes a release switch. When the release switch is operated, the release device 15 determines that a release operation has been performed and transmits a release signal to the control panel 16. Although not shown, the release device 15 may have a message written on it urging the wheelchair user to operate the release switch.

[0025] The control panel 16 includes an operation control unit 16a, a detection unit 16b, and a display command unit 16c.

[0026] The operation control unit 16a controls the overall operation of the car 8. Specifically, the operation control unit 16a creates a call based on destination floor information received from the first car operating device 13 or the second car operating device 14, and registers it in the car 8. The operation control unit 16a moves the car 8 using the call registered in the car 8. The operation control unit 16a controls the opening and closing operation of the car door 12. When the operation control unit 16a receives information indicating that the second car operating device 14 has been operated, it performs wheelchair-only operation.

[0027] The detection unit 16b detects the presence of a wheelchair user at the platform 5 based on the information received from the collection device 11. Specifically, when the collection device 11 is a camera and receives an image of the platform 5 from the collection device 11, the detection unit 16b uses image recognition technology to detect that a wheelchair is captured in the image. In this case, the detection unit 16b detects that a wheelchair user is present at the platform 5 corresponding to the captured image.

[0028] The display command unit 16c creates commands for the display content of the second car operating device 14 and transmits them to the second car operating device 14. During normal operation, the display command unit 16c creates and transmits a command to display a standby screen when a wheelchair user is not detected at a landing 5. After a wheelchair user is detected at one of the multiple landings 5, the display command unit 16c creates and transmits a command to display an operation screen when the car 8 opens the car door 12 at that landing 5.

[0029] The display command unit 16c creates and transmits a command to display a standby screen when there are no more calls registered in the car 8 while the second car operating device 14 is displaying the operation screen. The display command unit 16c creates and transmits a command to display the operation screen when the second car operating device 14 receives a release signal from the release device 15 while displaying the operation screen.

[0030] Next, the operation of the elevator system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 8. Figure 5 is a diagram showing a first example of the operation of the elevator system according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 is a diagram showing a first example of the operation of the elevator system according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 is a diagram showing a second example of the operation of the elevator system according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 is a flowchart for explaining an overview of the operation of the elevator system according to the first embodiment. Note that the control panel 16 is not shown in Figures 5 to 7.

[0031] As shown in the first example of Fig. 5, the collection device 11 on a certain floor captures an image of a wheelchair user waiting in front of the landing door 10 at a landing 5. The control panel 16 detects that a wheelchair user is present at the landing 5.

[0032] The car 8 arrives at the landing 5. In Fig. 5, the car door 12 has not yet opened. In this state, the second car operating device 14 displays a standby screen indicated by diagonal lines based on a command from the control panel 16. In other words, the second car operating device 14 is in an inoperable state.

[0033] Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 6, the car door 12 opens. At this time, the control panel 16 transmits a command to the second car operating device 14 to display an operation screen. When this command is received, the operation screen is displayed on the second car operating device 14. In other words, the second car operating device 14 becomes operable.

[0034] Although not shown, the operation screen is then operated by a wheelchair user. Wheelchair-only operation is performed in the elevator system 1. When all calls registered for car 8 are completed and there are no more calls registered for car 8, the control panel 16 transmits a command to the second car operating device 14 to display a standby screen. When this command is received, the second car operating device 14 displays a standby screen instead of the operation screen. Thereafter, the second car operating device 14 displays the standby screen until another command is transmitted from the control panel 16. In other words, the second car operating device 14 is in an inoperable state.

[0035] As shown in the second example of Figure 7, the collection device 11 on a certain floor captures an image of a non-wheelchair user at the landing 5. The control panel 16 does not detect the presence of a wheelchair user at the landing 5. In this case, even if the car door 12 opens at the landing 5, the second car operating device 14 continues to display the standby screen. In other words, the second car operating device 14 becomes inoperable. The user does not intend to operate the standby screen. The user operates the first car operating device 13 to input the destination floor.

[0036] In the second example as well, when the release device 15 is operated at any timing, the second car operating device 14 displays an operation screen based on a command from the control panel 16. For example, even if a wheelchair user is present at the landing 5 but the control panel 16 does not detect the presence of the wheelchair user, the wheelchair user can use the operation screen by operating the release device 15.

[0037] The flowchart of FIG. 8 begins, for example, when the elevator system 1 is started.

[0038] In step S1, the control panel 16 transmits a command to display a standby screen, and the second car operating device 14 displays the standby screen.

[0039] Thereafter, if the release device 15 is not operated in step S2, the operation of step S3 is performed. In step S3, the control panel 16 determines whether or not a wheelchair user has been detected at any of the landings 5.

[0040] If a wheelchair user is not detected in step S3, the operations from step S1 onwards are carried out.

[0041] If a wheelchair user is detected in step S3, the operation of step S4 is performed. In step S4, the control panel 16 determines whether or not the car door 12 is open at the landing 5 where the wheelchair user is detected.

[0042] In step S4, if the car door 12 is not open at the landing 5, the operations from step S1 onwards are carried out.

[0043] In step S4, if the car door 12 is opened at the landing 5, the operation of step S5 is performed. In step S5, the control panel 16 transmits a command to display an operation screen. The second car operation device 14 displays the operation screen. At this time, the call input via the operation screen may be registered in the car 8.

[0044] Thereafter, in step S6, the car 8 is operated. Specifically, the control panel 16 moves the car 8 to the destination floor of the call registered in the car 8.

[0045] Thereafter, in step S7, the control panel 16 determines whether or not there is a call registered in the car 8.

[0046] In step S7, if there is a call registered in the car 8, the operations from step S6 onwards are carried out.

[0047] In step S7, if there is no call registered in the car 8, the operations from step S1 onwards are carried out. That is, the second car operating device 14 changes the display from the operation screen to the standby screen.

[0048] If the release device 15 is operated in step S2, the operations from step S5 onwards are carried out.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the detection unit 16b and the display command unit 16c may be provided in a device other than the control panel 16. For example, the detection unit 16b and the display command unit 16c may be provided in the second car operating device 14. In this case, information necessary for the operation of the detection unit 16b and the display command unit 16c may be transmitted from each device to the second car operating device 14, which is the device in question.

[0050] According to the first embodiment described above, the elevator system 1 includes a car 8, a collection device 11, a first car operating device 13, and a second car operating device 14. When the presence of a wheelchair user at the landing 5 is detected, the second car operating device 14 becomes operable. When a wheelchair user operates the second car operating device 14, the car 8 performs wheelchair-only operation. However, in wheelchair-only operation, it takes longer for the car 8 to move than in normal operation. When no wheelchair user is present at the landing 5, the second car operating device 14 becomes inoperable. In this case, because a user who is not a wheelchair user does not operate the second car operating device 14, wheelchair-only operation is not performed. In other words, wheelchair-only operation can be prevented from being performed even when no wheelchair user is on board. As a result, a decrease in operating efficiency can be prevented.

[0051] Furthermore, the second car operating device 14 becomes operable by displaying the operation screen, and becomes inoperable by not displaying the operation screen. In particular, the second car operating device 14 displays a standby screen instead of the operation screen. Therefore, the second car operating device 14 does not encourage users who are not wheelchair users to try to operate the second car operating device 14. As a result, it is possible to reduce user frustration that they are unable to operate the second car operating device 14.

[0052] The second car operating device 14 is a touch panel, which makes it easy to switch between an operable state and an inoperable state.

[0053] The second car operating device 14 may be an operating device using projection instead of a touch panel device. In this case, the second car operating device 14 does not have to be provided on the interior side of the car 8. For example, the display unit 14a may be a projector that projects an operation screen and a standby screen onto the interior side of the car 8. The operation accepting unit 14b may be a sensor that detects the presence of an object such as a human hand at the position of a button on the projected operation screen. In this case, the operation accepting unit 14b may detect the operated button by detecting the position of the object. The operation screen is in a state that can be operated by the user. The standby screen is in a state that cannot be operated by the user. Therefore, even if the second car operating device 14 is an operating device that uses projection, it can easily be switched between an operable state and an inoperable state.

[0054] Furthermore, the second car operating device 14 changes from an inoperable state to an operable state when the car door 12 opens at the landing 5 where a wheelchair user is detected. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the second car operating device 14 from being operated by a user who is not a wheelchair user before the vehicle arrives at the landing 5.

[0055] Furthermore, the second car operating device 14 changes from an operable state to an inoperable state when there are no more calls registered for the car 8. When there are no more calls registered for the car 8, it is assumed that there are no wheelchair users in the car 8. In other words, in this case, there is no need to operate the second car operating device 14. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the second car operating device 14 from being operated unnecessarily.

[0056] The elevator system 1 further includes a release device 15. When a release operation is performed on the release device 15, the second car operating device 14 becomes operable. Therefore, even if a wheelchair user is not correctly detected due to a malfunction of the collection device 11 or the detection unit 16b, for example, the wheelchair user can operate the second car operating device 14 by performing a release operation.

[0057] The control panel 16 may create a command to display a standby screen and send it to the second car operating device 14 when it detects that the second car operating device 14 has been operated, rather than when there are no more calls registered in the car 8. The control panel 16 may also create a command to display a standby screen and send it to the second car operating device 14 when wheelchair-only operation has ended. Even in this case, it is possible to prevent the second car operating device 14 from being operated unnecessarily.

[0058] The collection device 11 does not have to be a camera as long as it can collect information that identifies the user as a wheelchair user. Specifically, the collection device 11 may be a card reader that collects information from an ID card that indicates the user is a wheelchair user. For example, the collection device 11 may be a hall operating panel dedicated to wheelchair users that is provided at the hall 5. In either case, the detection unit 16b detects the presence of a wheelchair user at the hall 5 based on the received information.

[0059] The release operation of the release device 15 may not be a switch operation but may be any operation, etc. The release operation of the release device 15 may be performed using a specified release key.

[0060] Next, an example of hardware constituting the control panel 16 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a hardware configuration diagram of the control panel of the elevator system according to the first embodiment.

[0061] Each function of the control panel 16 may be realized by a processing circuit. For example, the processing circuit may include at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b. For example, the processing circuit may include at least one dedicated hardware 200.

[0062] When the processing circuit includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b, each function of the control panel 16 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. At least one of the software and firmware is stored in the at least one memory 100b. The at least one processor 100a realizes each function of the control panel 16 by reading and executing the program stored in the at least one memory 100b. The at least one processor 100a is also referred to as a central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. For example, the at least one memory 100b may be a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a minidisk, or a DVD.

[0063] When the processing circuit includes at least one dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuit may be realized, for example, as a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. For example, each function of the control panel 16 may be realized by a processing circuit. For example, each function of the control panel 16 may be realized collectively by a processing circuit.

[0064] Some of the functions of the control panel 16 may be realized by dedicated hardware 200, and the other parts may be realized by software or firmware. For example, the function of detecting a wheelchair user using information from the collection device 11 may be realized by a processing circuit as the dedicated hardware 200, and functions other than the function of detecting a wheelchair user using information from the collection device 11 may be realized by at least one processor 100a reading and executing a program stored in at least one memory 100b.

[0065] Thus, the processing circuitry implements the functions of the control panel 16 in hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0066] Although not shown, each function of the second car operating device 14 is also realized by a processing circuit equivalent to the processing circuit that realizes each function of the control panel 16.

[0067] As described above, the elevator system according to the present disclosure can be used as an elevator that operates exclusively for wheelchairs.

[0068] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Elevator system, 2 Hoistway, 3 Building, 4 Machine room, 5 Landing, 6 Hoisting machine, 7 Main rope, 8 Cage, 9 Counterweight, 10 Landing door, 11 Collection device, 12 Cage door, 13 First car operating device, 14 Second car operating device, 14a Display unit, 14b Operation reception unit, 15 Release device, 16 Control panel, 16a Operation control unit, 16b Detection unit, 16c Display command unit, 100a Processor, 100b Memory, 200 Hardware

Claims

1. Basket, A collection device for collecting information of users at a boarding area; A first car operation device provided inside the car and configured to accept an operation of a destination floor of the car; a second car operation device that is provided in the car at a position separate from the first car operation device, receives an operation of a destination floor of the car, and when the second car operation device is operated, the car performs wheelchair-only operation; Equipped with When it is detected that a wheelchair user is present at the platform based on the information collected by the collection device, the second car operation device is made operable, When the presence of a wheelchair user at the platform is not detected based on the information collected by the collection device, the second car operation device is in an inoperable state; When there is no call registered in the car while the second car operation device is in an operable state, the second car operation device changes from an operable state to an inoperable state. Elevator system.

2. A basket, A collection device for collecting information of users at a boarding area; A first car operation device provided inside the car and configured to accept an operation of a destination floor of the car; a second car operation device that is provided in the car at a position separate from the first car operation device, receives an operation of a destination floor of the car, and when the second car operation device is operated, the car performs wheelchair-only operation; A release device is provided inside the car at a position separate from the second car operation device and receives a release operation; Equipped with When it is detected that a wheelchair user is present at the platform based on the information collected by the collection device, the second car operation device is made operable, When the presence of a wheelchair user at the platform is not detected based on the information collected by the collection device, the second car operation device is in an inoperable state; When the release operation is performed on the release device while the second car operation device is in an inoperable state, the second car operation device changes from an inoperable state to an operable state. Elevator system.

3. The second car operating device is The car is made operable by displaying an operation screen for accepting operations for the destination floor of the car, 3. The elevator system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elevator system is rendered inoperable by not displaying the operation screen.

4. The elevator system according to claim 3, wherein the second car operating device is made inoperable by displaying a standby screen instead of the operation screen.

5. The elevator system according to claim 3, wherein the second car operation device accepts an operation of a destination floor of the car from the operation screen which is a touch panel type.

6. 4. The elevator system according to claim 3, wherein the second car operation device projects the operation screen and accepts an operation for a destination floor of the car by detecting the presence of an object on the operation screen.

7. 3. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein when a door of the car is opened at the landing after it is detected that a wheelchair user is present at the landing, the second car operating device is changed from an inoperable state to an operable state.

8. a release device provided inside the car and configured to accept a release operation; Further comprising:

2. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein when the release operation is performed on the release device while the second car operation device is in an inoperable state, the second car operation device changes from an inoperable state to an operable state.