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

Elevator Management System

[0001] The present disclosure relates to elevator management systems.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a maintenance device for elevators and other elevating machines. The maintenance device includes a part life analysis and setting means for analyzing and setting the lifespan of parts. The maintenance device includes a maintenance work setting means for setting part replacement intervals and inspection intervals. The maintenance device also includes an operation data collection means for collecting operation data of the elevator.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-238041

[0004] In the elevator maintenance device of Patent Document 1, the operation data includes data such as the load on components, environmental temperature, humidity, operating speed, and rotation speed. The maintenance device performs processing such as lifespan analysis using operation data collected from each elevator via a wide-area communication network such as the Internet. Here, if operation data such as car speed, which indicates the operating status of elevator equipment such as an elevator, and time-series data on the rotation speed and current of the electric motor are used to perform lifespan analysis more accurately, the amount of communication via the wide-area communication network may become enormous.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to solving such problems, and provides a management system that can reduce the amount of communication over a communication network regarding information used for evaluating the lifespan of elevator equipment.

[0006] The management system according to the present disclosure comprises: a monitoring device that is provided in a facility where an elevator is used and monitors 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 operation status of the elevator 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 operation status of the elevator when performing the operation represented by the operation data based on an operation model of the elevator; an evaluation unit that uses the operation data reproduced by the reproduction unit to evaluate deterioration factors that affect the deterioration of equipment of the elevator 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 equipment of the elevator evaluated by the evaluation unit to determine the remaining life of the equipment based on a life model of the equipment.

[0007] According to the management system of the present disclosure, the amount of communication over the communication network for information used to evaluate the lifespan of elevator equipment is reduced.

[0008] It is a block diagram of a management system according to embodiment 1. It is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the management system according to embodiment 1. It is a hardware block diagram of a main part of the management system according to embodiment 1.

[0009] The following describes embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are appropriately simplified or omitted. Note that the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and any component of the embodiments may be modified or omitted within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0010] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of a management system 1 according to a first embodiment.

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

[0012] An elevator shaft 3 is provided in a facility 2 to which the elevator is applied. The shaft 3 is a vertically long space that spans multiple floors of the facility 2. The elevator includes a hoist 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 a 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 upper or lower part of the hoistway 3. If a machine room is provided above the hoistway 3, the hoisting machine 4 may be installed in the machine room.

[0014] The main ropes 5 are wound around sheaves of the hoisting machine 4. The main ropes 5 suspend the car 6 in the hoistway 3, thereby supporting the load of the car 6. The main ropes 5 suspend the counterweight 7 in the hoistway 3, thereby supporting the load of the counterweight 7. The main ropes 5 may be, for example, strand ropes or belt ropes.

[0015] The car 6 and counterweight 7 travel in opposite directions in the hoistway 3 as the main ropes 5 move due to the rotation of the sheave of the hoisting machine 4. The car 6 is a device that transports passengers and the like between multiple floors by traveling up and down inside the hoistway 3. The counterweight 7 is a device that balances the loads applied to the main ropes 5 on both sides of the sheave of the hoisting machine 4 between the car 6 and the counterweight 7. The car 6 and counterweight 7 travel up and down inside the hoistway 3 by being guided, for example, by guide rails (not shown). The 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 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 car due to the weight of passengers and the like riding in the 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, above or below 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 running of the car 6 in response to a user's call. In this example, the running of the car 6 from when it departs from the departure floor to when it stops at the destination floor is considered to be one run of the car 6. The control device 8 also controls, for example, the opening and closing of the car door 9 of the elevator car 6. In this example, the series of operations from when the car door 9 is fully opened from a fully closed state by an opening operation, when it waits in the fully open state, to when it is fully closed by a closing operation is considered to be one opening and closing of the car door 9.

[0017] The control device 8 stores control information related to elevator control. The control information includes parameters causally related to either or both of the transient heat generation and cooling of each device constituting the elevator. The parameters may be continuous, discrete, or may represent one of multiple options. The control information includes discontinuous values ​​representing the elevator status, such as an inverter drive command signal, a fan drive command signal, a door open command signal, a door close command signal, a door full open recognition signal, a door full closed recognition signal, and landing plate information. Here, the inverter is, for example, a device that outputs drive current to the electric motor of the hoisting machine 4. The fan is, for example, a device that blows air to the air-cooled devices constituting the elevator. The control information also includes continuous or discrete numerical information such as time information, information on the floor where the car 6 is located, information on the absolute or relative position of the car 6 in the elevator shaft 3, load inside the car, car travel speed command value, hoisting machine motor speed command value, hoisting machine motor speed feedback value, hoisting machine motor current command value, hoisting machine motor current feedback value, hoisting machine 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] An environmental sensor 11 is applied to an elevator. The environmental sensor 11 is a device that acquires data on the elevator's operating environment. The environmental sensor 11 is installed, for example, in the elevator shaft 3 or the machine room. The environmental sensor 11 is preferably installed in a location where it is less affected by local heat generation by the equipment that makes up the elevator, such as 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 installed in an elevator.

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

[0020] The monitoring device 12 is provided for each elevator managed by the management system 1. When the management system 1 manages multiple elevators, the management system 1 may include multiple management devices. In this case, 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 status of the corresponding elevator by acquiring information about the elevator, for example, from the elevator's control device 8 and an environmental sensor 11 that acquires data on the elevator's operating environment. The monitoring device 12 is connected to the analysis device 13 via a wide-area first communication network 14, such as the Internet. The first communication network 14 may be a virtual private network (VPN) configured on a public network such as the Internet, or another secure network. The monitoring device 12 is, for example, an edge server. The monitoring device 12 transmits operation data indicating the elevator's operation status to the analysis device 13 via the first communication network 14.

[0021] Here, the operation data is, for example, information representative of each elevator operation, 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 that represents continuous temporal changes in numerical values, such as physical quantities including speed and current, by a series of such numerical values ​​corresponding to each point in time. Here, the operation data regarding each up-and-down run of the car 6 may be referred to as car run basic information. Furthermore, the operation data regarding each opening and closing of the car door 9 may be referred to as car door open / close basic information. In this example, the operation data includes the car run basic information and the car door open / close basic information.

[0022] The car running basic information includes, for example, the running start time of the car 6, the departure floor of the car 6 or its position in the elevator shaft 3 at the time of departure, the arrival floor of the car 6 or its position in the elevator shaft 3 at the time of arrival, the running completion time of the car 6, and the load in the car. The car running basic information does not have to include any of this information. The car running basic information does not have to include, for example, one of the running start time of the car 6 and the running completion time of the car 6.

[0023] The basic car door opening / closing information includes, for example, the floor on which the car door 9 is opened and closed, the start time of the opening operation of the car door 9, the waiting time for the car door 9 in the fully open state, and the completion time of the closing operation of the car door 9. The basic car door opening / closing information does not need to include any of this information. For example, the basic car door opening / closing information does not need to include either the start time of the opening operation of the car door 9 or the completion time of the closing operation of the car door 9. The basic car door opening / closing information may include the number of times the car door 9 has reversed.

[0024] In addition, the operation data may include information on the elevator's operation mode regarding the running of the car 6 and the opening and closing of the car door 9, for example, if the elevator is equipped with an operation mode for wheelchair users.

[0025] The analysis device 13 is a device that processes information about 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 functions. Some or all of the server devices 15 that make up the analysis device 13 are installed in remote locations from the facility 2 in which the elevator corresponding to the monitoring device 12 is used. The analysis device 13 may be installed in a country or region different from that of the facility 2 in which the elevator corresponding to the monitoring device 12 is used. When the analysis device 13 is configured with multiple server devices 15, some of the server devices 15 may be installed in a country or region different from that of the other server devices 15. When the analysis device 13 is configured with multiple server devices 15, the respective server devices 15 are connected to each other, for example, via a first communication network 14. Some or all of the functions of the analysis device 13 may be installed on an on-premise server of a maintenance company that operates the management system 1, or may be installed on a cloud server. Some or all of the functions of the analysis device 13 may 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 an intranet or private network of a maintenance company. For example, when 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. In the management system 1, users who are allowed to access the second communication network 16 are set. Note that the user's access authority may be granted to the user himself / herself, to a group to which the user belongs, or to a role assigned to the user. The group to which the user belongs may be, for example, a group of bases such as the maintenance company's head office 17a, branch office 17b, branch office 17c, sales office 17d, and manufacturing plant 17e, or may be a group of another organization 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. Part or all of the specification database 18 and the maintenance database 19 are installed on, for example, an on-premise server or a cloud server of a maintenance company. Part or all of the specification database 18 and the maintenance database 19 may also be installed in 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 in association with the elevator specification information. The elevator specification information includes, for example, the elevator control method, the model name of the elevator hoist 4, the model name of the elevator control device 8, the rated speed, the rated load capacity, the lift stroke, and the model name of the 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 elevator maintenance information. The maintenance database 19 stores identification information that identifies elevators managed by the management system 1 and the maintenance information of the elevators in association with each other. The elevator maintenance information includes, for example, information such as the operation start date when the elevator started operation after installation and the parts replacement history.

[0030] The monitoring device 12 includes a 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 collection unit 20 is a part equipped with a function for collecting information from the elevator control device 8, the environmental sensor 11, etc. The collection unit 20 collects, for example, control information from the elevator control device 8. The collection unit 20 may acquire detailed information such as time-series data as control information. The collection unit 20 collects data on the operating environment from the environmental sensor 11. The collection unit 20 may also collect information on the time the information was collected. The collection unit 20 outputs the collected information to the temporary storage unit 21.

[0032] The temporary storage unit 21 is a part equipped with a function of temporarily storing 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 in association with each other based on information on the collection time.

[0033] The first conversion unit 22 is a component equipped with a function for 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 converts it. The first conversion unit 22 extracts basic car travel information, such as the departure and arrival floors of the car 6, from time-series data on the position, speed, or acceleration of the car 6. The first conversion unit 22 extracts basic car door opening / closing information, such as the start time of the opening operation of the car door 9 and the completion time of the closing operation, from time-series data on the opening degree of the door panel of the car door 9. The first conversion unit 22 generates elevator operation data using the extracted information. The first conversion unit 22 may convert the data collected from the elevator into operation data sequentially each time the data is collected, or may convert the data into operation data at predetermined regular or irregular intervals. The first conversion unit 22 outputs the converted operation data to the facility communication unit 24.

[0034] The second conversion unit 23 is a component equipped with a function for resampling a portion of the operating environment data collected from the environmental sensor 11 and the like, and converting the data 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 a predetermined cycle. 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 at predetermined regular or irregular timings. The second conversion unit 23 outputs the operating environment data converted by resampling to the facility communication unit 24.

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

[0036] The facility communication unit 24 transmits operation data and operating environment data taking into account one or both of the processing load of the analysis device 13 and the communication load of the first communication network 14. The facility communication unit 24 transmits data during times when elevators are less active, such as at night. The facility communication unit 24 may transmit data based on schedule management on the analysis device 13 side, to prevent the processing load from concentrating on the analysis device 13. The facility communication unit 24 may, for example, inquire about the processing load of the analysis device 13 and determine the timing of data transmission based on an answerback from the analysis device 13. The facility communication unit 24 may transmit data to the analysis device 13 upon receiving, for example, a regular or irregular polling trigger sent from the analysis device 13. The facility communication unit 24 may temporarily stop transmitting data when, for example, the communication load of the first communication network 14 becomes large. Note that the communication load of the first communication network 14 may be monitored by either the monitoring device 12 or the analysis device 13.

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

[0038] The first server-side communication unit 25 is a unit that has a function of communicating information 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 operation data and operating environment data of elevators that are 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 a function for storing information. The input information storage unit 26 classifies and stores the 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 in the operation data transmitted from the monitoring device 12 is small, the input information storage unit 26 may store information so as to record the lifetime history of the elevator over the entire operating period from the start of operation of the elevator.

[0040] The reproducing unit 27 is a component equipped with a function for reproducing operation data representing the elevator operation status during operation represented by the operation data, based on the elevator operation model. The operation data is data that specifically reproduces kinematic, dynamic, or electromagnetic physical quantities, such as speed and current, during each elevator operation. Here, the physical quantities in the operation data may be actual values ​​of quantities such as the speed of the car 6 or the current of the motor, as well as command values ​​or feedback values ​​of these quantities. Furthermore, for example, the motor current in the operation data may be component values ​​obtained by coordinate transformation, such as d-axis current and q-axis current. In this example, the operation data is data that represents the elevator operation status, such as the running of the car 6 and the opening and closing of the car doors 9, in more detail than the operation data. The operation data may include time-series data that represent continuous time changes in numerical values ​​of physical quantities, including speed and current, by a series of numerical values ​​corresponding to each time point. The operation data includes time-series data such as the running speed of the car 6, the hoist motor current, and the hoist motor voltage. The operation data includes, for example, time-series data such as the opening / closing speed of the car door 9, the current of the door opening / closing motor, and the voltage of the door opening / closing motor. The reproduction unit 27 reads out 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, dynamic, or electromagnetic characteristics of the elevator. The reproduction unit 27 may reproduce the operation data sequentially every time the first server-side communication unit 25 receives operation data from the monitoring device 12, or may convert the accumulated operation data into operation data at preset regular or irregular timing. 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 for evaluating deterioration factors that affect the deterioration of elevator equipment during elevator operation. The evaluation unit 28 evaluates deterioration factors during elevator operation represented by operation data received from the monitoring device 12. The evaluation unit 28 performs evaluation based on a preset deterioration factor model using the operation data reproduced by the reproduction unit 27 and the operating environment data read from the input information storage unit 26. Since the deterioration mechanism differs for each elevator equipment, the deterioration factors differ for each elevator equipment. Therefore, when evaluating deterioration factors for multiple elevator equipment, the evaluation unit 28 may evaluate the deterioration factors for each equipment using multiple deterioration factor models.

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

[0043] The deterioration factor may also be information about bending that has occurred in equipment that may experience bending fatigue, such as the elevator main rope 5. The bending information includes, for example, information about the magnitude, direction, and frequency of bending. The bending information is estimated based on, for example, the running position of the car 6 in the reproduced operation data, the load inside the car, and the like.

[0044] Furthermore, the deterioration factor may be the number of times an electromagnetic contactor or other device mechanically switches electrical contacts. The number of times an electromagnetic contactor switches is estimated based on, for example, the number of times the elevator travels in the reproduced operation data, as well as the duration of current flow and the current flow.

[0045] The determination unit 29 is a component equipped with a function for determining the remaining lifespan of elevator 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 a lifespan model for the equipment. The determination unit 29 may determine the remaining lifespan for each of multiple pieces of equipment. The lifespan model includes a model based on, for example, the Arrhenius equation, which associates a lifespan consumption rate, which indicates the remaining lifespan or the rate of deterioration progression, with deterioration factors such as temperature. The determination unit 29 determines the remaining lifespan of the equipment by, for example, comparing the deterioration factors evaluated by the evaluation unit 28 with data on the relationship between lifespan and deterioration factors provided by the manufacturer of the equipment. The determination unit 29 may determine the remaining lifespan of the equipment by, for example, comparing the deterioration factors evaluated by the evaluation unit 28 with the deterioration factors in the past operating history of the same type of equipment. The remaining lifespan is, for example, a numerical value that indicates what percentage of the lifespan has been consumed in the current state, where the new state of the target device at the start of use is 100% and the state at the end of the product lifespan is 0%. The determination unit 29 may predict the transition of the remaining lifespan of the device. The transition of the remaining lifespan of the device is estimated, for example, based on the past usage history of the device. The determination unit 29 may determine when the target device will reach the end of its product lifespan based on the prediction result of the transition of the remaining lifespan. The determination unit 29 outputs the determination results, such as the remaining lifespan of the target device and the time when the target device will reach the end of its product lifespan, to the lifespan information accumulation unit 30.

[0046] The lifespan information accumulation unit 30 is a part equipped with a function for accumulating and storing the determination results by the determination unit 29. In this example, the lifespan information accumulation unit 30 accumulates and stores information on the remaining lifespan determined by the determination unit 29 throughout the entire operation period from the start of elevator operation. At this time, the lifespan information accumulation unit 30 stores the determination results of the remaining lifespan for each operation period for the elevator equipment, i.e., the transition of the remaining lifespan. The remaining lifespan accumulation unit stores identification information for identifying the elevator managed by the management system 1, information for identifying the equipment to be determined for that elevator, and the determination results for that equipment, in association with each other. The remaining lifespan accumulation unit may also store the evaluation results of the deterioration factors for that equipment.

[0047] The second server-side communication unit 31 is a part that has a function of communicating information via the second communication network 16. The analysis device 13 accesses the specification database and the maintenance database 19, etc., via the second server-side communication unit 31. The analysis device 13 may use specification information read from the specification database when reproducing operation data, evaluating deterioration factors, determining remaining life, etc. The analysis device 13 may write the remaining life determination result, etc., into the maintenance information in the maintenance database 19.

[0048] The analysis device 13 may also grant, to users who can access the second communication network 16, some or all of the following access rights: access to view the information stored in the lifespan information storage unit 30; access to update the operation 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 grant access rights individually for each user, group, or role. The analysis device 13 may also change the presence or type of access rights to be granted in advance. For example, the analysis device 13 grants, to a user at the manufacturing plant 17e, access rights to view the information stored in the lifespan information storage unit 30, access rights to update the operation model, access rights to update the degradation factor model, and access rights to update the lifespan model. For example, the analysis device 13 grants, to a user at the sales office 17d, access rights to view the information stored in the lifespan information storage unit 30.

[0049] A user who can access the second communication network 16 or the analysis device 13 makes a maintenance decision, such as a decision to replace elevator equipment, based on the remaining lifespan determination result. The replacement decision may be made by the analysis device 13, for example, based on a predetermined criterion for the remaining lifespan. More specifically, for example, when the remaining lifespan determined by the determination unit 29 falls below a predetermined replacement criterion for each equipment, the equipment is determined to need replacement. The replacement decision may also be made by a maintenance technician in charge of elevator maintenance. More specifically, for example, the maintenance technician determines whether or not the equipment needs replacement based on the remaining lifespan determination result for the elevator and a future maintenance plan. The replacement decision may also be made by the analysis device 13, for example, based on a relative comparison with other elevators. For example, for equipment with a limited quantity, a decision may be made as to which elevator equipment should be prioritized for replacement. In this case, the analysis device 13, for example, sorts elevators of the same type in order of shortest remaining lifespan, allowing equipment with a shorter remaining lifespan to be replaced with higher priority. Such maintenance decisions make it easier to organize matters that need to be addressed in advance, such as arranging for replacement equipment and scheduling replacement work.

[0050] Next, an example of the operation of the management system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0051] In step S11, the 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 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 processing of the monitoring device 12 proceeds again to step S14. On the other hand, if it is determined that the load is not high, the processing of the monitoring device 12 proceeds to step S15. In step S15, the facility communication unit 24 transmits both the operation data and the resampled operating environment data to the analysis device 13. Then, the processing of the monitoring device 12 proceeds 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 deterioration factors of the elevator equipment based on the deterioration factor model of the equipment from the operation data and the operating environment data. Then, in step S24, the determination unit 29 evaluates the remaining life of the equipment from the deterioration factors of the elevator equipment. Then, in step S25, the life information accumulation unit 30 accumulates and stores the remaining life determination result made by the determination unit 29. The processing of the analysis device 13 then proceeds to step S21.

[0053] The monitoring device 12 may collect operation data from the elevator control device 8 or the like. At this time, the first conversion unit 22 converts the collected operation data into operation data so as to reduce the communication load through the first communication network 14. The monitoring device 12 may also collect operation data from the elevator control device 8 or the like. At this time, the monitoring device 12 may transmit the collected operation data to the analysis device 13 without converting it. The analysis device 13 reproduces the operation data from the collected operation data based on an operation model.

[0054] As described above, the management system 1 according to the first embodiment includes the monitoring device 12 and the analysis device 13. The monitoring device 12 is provided 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 the first communication network 14. The analysis device 13 includes 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 operation status of the elevator 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 an elevator operation model. The evaluation unit 28 uses the operation data reproduced by the reproduction unit 27 to evaluate deterioration factors that affect deterioration of elevator equipment when performing the operation represented by the operation data, based on a deterioration 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 life of the equipment based on a life model of the equipment.

[0055] With this configuration, even when the analysis device 13 that performs the lifespan assessment of elevator equipment uses operation data including, for example, time-series data, lighter operation data is communicated between the monitoring device 12 in the facility 2 and the analysis device 13. The analysis device 13 reproduces the operation data using the operation data, enabling lifespan assessment based on detailed operation data while minimizing communication traffic through the first communication network 14. The management system 1 may also manage multiple elevators, numbering from thousands to tens of thousands. Even in this case, the management system 1 can perform practical remaining lifespan assessments that are more economical in terms of the development and maintenance of communication infrastructure and communication costs. Because the lifespan of each piece of elevator equipment can be affected by the operating environment and operating conditions, the actual lifespan of each piece of equipment may differ from its original design lifespan. Meanwhile, the management system 1, by taking into account the elevator operating conditions and other factors, can prevent unrealistic situations, such as replacing equipment with a long remaining lifespan or allowing equipment to reach the end of its lifespan before replacement. Furthermore, the analysis device 13 can reproduce detailed information such as the frequency of elevator operation as operation data. This allows the analysis device 13 to more accurately evaluate deterioration factors, particularly temperature, and improve the accuracy of determining the remaining lifespan based on the deterioration factors. Furthermore, the analysis device 13 can evaluate the lifespan of multiple elevators using the same types of models, such as an operation model, a deterioration factor model, and a lifespan model, making it possible to compare the conditions of other elevators with similar specifications and understand the differences.

[0056] The monitoring device 12 also includes a first conversion unit 22. The first conversion unit 22 extracts information from data collected from elevators 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 data on the operating environment of the elevators observed in the 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 information collected from the elevator and environmental sensors 11, etc. into lighter data before transmitting it to the analysis device 13. This reduces the amount of communication via the first communication network 14.

[0058] The data on the elevator operating environment includes data on at least one of the temperature and humidity of the elevator operating environment.

[0059] This configuration allows the management system 1 to take into account the influence of factors external to the elevator, such as the weather, for example electronic equipment that may be affected by temperature and humidity.

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

[0061] This configuration prevents a decrease in processing efficiency or communication efficiency due to a concentration of load.

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

[0063] With this configuration, even if the operation model, deterioration factor model, or lifespan model is updated, the analysis device 13 can go back and replay the operation data, evaluate the deterioration factors, and determine the remaining lifespan. Furthermore, by storing operation data, which is lighter than operation data, the required storage capacity can be reduced. This improves the flexibility of the elevator management system 1.

[0064] The analysis device 13 is also connected to a second communication network 16. The second communication network 16 is a communication network that can access a specification database 18 and a 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, etc., taking into account the specification information of the elevator. Furthermore, the analysis device 13 can reflect the determination result of the remaining lifespan, etc., in the maintenance information of the elevator.

[0066] Furthermore, the analysis device 13 allows authorized users who can access the second communication network 16 to access the remaining life determination result obtained by the determination unit 29 .

[0067] With this configuration, authorized users such as maintenance personnel can directly refer to the remaining life determination results, making it easier to formulate maintenance plans for elevators and other equipment they are responsible for.

[0068] In addition, the analysis device 13 allows authorized users who have access to the second communication network 16 to update models for at least one of the operating model used by the reproduction unit 27, the deterioration factor model used by the evaluation unit 28, and the life model used by the judgment unit 29.

[0069] With this configuration, the analysis device 13 can determine the remaining life using a model that reflects the latest knowledge, etc., and can therefore more accurately determine the remaining life.

[0070] The analysis device 13 also includes a lifespan information accumulation unit 30. The lifespan information accumulation unit 30 accumulates and stores information on the remaining lifespan determined by the determination unit 29 over the entire operation period from the start of operation of the elevator.

[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 configured with a plurality of server devices 15. One of the plurality of server devices 15 is installed in a first country. In this case, another of the plurality of server devices 15 may be installed in a second country that is a country or region different from the first country.

[0073] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the management system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the main part of the management system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0074] Each function of the management system 1 may be realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit includes at least one processor 100 a and at least one memory 100 b. The processing circuit may include at least one dedicated hardware 200 in addition to or in place of the processor 100 a and the memory 100 b.

[0075] When the processing circuit includes 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. The 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] Where the processing circuitry comprises dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuitry may be implemented, for example, as a single circuit, multiple circuits, a programmed processor, parallel programmed processors, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0078] Each function of the management system 1 can be realized by a processing circuit. Alternatively, each function of the management system 1 can be realized collectively by a processing circuit. Some of the functions of the management system 1 may be realized by dedicated hardware 200, and other parts may be realized by software or firmware. In this way, the processing circuit realizes each function of the management system 1 by dedicated hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

[0079] The management system according to the present disclosure can be applied to elevator management.

[0080] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Management system, 2 Facility, 3 Hoistway, 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 Determination unit, 30 Life information storage unit 31 Second server side communication unit, 100a Processor, 100b Memory, 200 Dedicated hardware

Claims

1. A monitoring device provided in a facility where an elevator is used and monitoring the status of the elevator; an analysis device connected to the monitoring device through a first communication network; Equipped with The analysis device a receiving unit that receives operation data representing an operation status of the elevator from the monitoring device via the first communication network; a reproducing unit that reproduces operation data representing an operation status of the elevator when performing an operation represented by the operation data, based on an operation model of the elevator, using the operation data received by the receiving unit; an evaluation unit that uses the operation data reproduced by the reproduction unit to evaluate deterioration factors that affect deterioration of equipment of the elevator when the elevator operates as represented by the operation data, based on a deterioration factor model of the equipment; a determination unit that determines a remaining life of the equipment based on a life model of the equipment using the deterioration factors of the equipment of the elevator evaluated by the evaluation unit; Equipped with Management system.

2. The monitoring device a first conversion unit that extracts information from the data collected from the elevator and converts the information into the operation data; Equipped with The management system according to claim 1 .

3. The monitoring device a second conversion unit that resamples a portion of the data on the operating environment of the elevator observed in the facility and converts the data into data that can be communicated together with the operation data; Equipped with The management system according to claim 1 .

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

5. The monitoring device a transmission unit that transmits the operation data to the analysis device at a timing or time that takes into consideration at least one of a processing load of the analysis device and a 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 installed in a first country; the second server is installed in a second country different from the first country; The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The analysis device a lifespan information storage unit that accumulates and stores information on the remaining lifespan determined by the determination unit over the entire operation 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 analysis device an input information storage unit that accumulates and stores the operation data received by the receiving unit over the entire operation period from the start of operation of the elevator; 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 that stores specification information of the elevator and a maintenance database that stores maintenance information of the elevator; The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. the analysis device allows an authorized user who can access the second communication network to access the remaining life determination result by the determination unit; The management system according to claim 9.

11. the analysis device allows an authorized user who can access the second communication network to update at least one of an operation model used by the reproduction unit, a deterioration factor model used by the evaluation unit, and a lifespan model used by the determination unit. The management system according to claim 9.