Holder and communication unit

Abstract

Provided are a holder and a communication unit with which it is possible to improve a radio wave communication state inside a hoistway. This holder is for holding, inside a hoistway of an elevator, a relay device that transmits and receives radio waves, the holder comprising a first holding body that is detachably attached to a rail of the elevator, and a second holding body that extends from the first holding body and has the relay device attached thereto. This communication unit comprises the holder, a relay device, a communication device capable of communicating with an external network, and a communication cable that electrically connects the relay device and the communication device so as to enable signal communication. The relay device relays communication between the communication device and the interior of the hoistway by using radio waves, and the communication device supplies power to the relay device via the communication cable.

Description

Holder and communication unit

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a holder and a communication unit.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an elevator system. In the elevator system, a camera unit installed under the car in the elevator shaft communicates wirelessly with an access point. The access point is installed in the machine room and transmits video data received from the camera unit to a mobile device or the like. A worker carrying the mobile device can use the video data displayed on the mobile device to perform maintenance work or the like.

[0003] International Publication No. 2020 / 208847

[0004] However, it is often difficult for wireless communication signals to pass between the inside and outside of the elevator shaft. Even in the elevator system described in Patent Document 1, a structure such as a truss is provided between the elevator shaft and the machine room. This makes it difficult to communicate via radio waves with the equipment inside the elevator shaft.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a holder and a communication unit that can improve the state of radio wave communication inside an elevator shaft.

[0006] The holder of the present disclosure is a holder for holding a repeater that transmits and receives radio waves inside an elevator shaft, and comprises a first holder that can be detachably attached to the elevator rail, and a second holder that extends from the first holder and to which the repeater is attached.

[0007] The communication unit according to the present disclosure comprises the above-mentioned holder, a repeater, a communication device capable of communicating with an external network, and a communication cable electrically connecting the repeater and the communication device so as to enable signal communication, wherein the repeater relays communication between the communication device and the inside of the elevator shaft via radio waves, and the communication device supplies power to the repeater via the communication cable.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the radio wave communication conditions inside the elevator shaft.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a management system in embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an imaging unit of the management system in embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a holder and a repeater of the management system in embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a holder and a repeater of the management system in embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the repeater of the management system in embodiment 1 is attached, viewed from below. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a holder and a repeater of the management system in embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is a top view showing a holder and a repeater of the management system in embodiment 1. FIG. 8 is an equipment configuration diagram of the main parts of the management system in embodiment 1.

[0010] 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.

[0011] Embodiment 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a management system in embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of an imaging unit of the management system in embodiment 1.

[0012] The management system 1 is applied to a construction site. In particular, as shown in Fig. 1 , the management system 1 is applied to a construction site of an elevator device 200. Hereinafter, as an example, an example in which the management system 1 is applied to a construction site of the elevator device 200, in particular, a modernization site which is a renewal and renovation work for the elevator device 200, will be described.

[0013] Elevator device 200 is provided in building 300. Hoistway 201 of elevator device 200 passes through each floor of building 300. Machine room 202 is provided directly above hoistway 201. Hoistway 201 and machine room 202 are separated by truss 203. Truss 203 forms the ceiling of hoistway 201 and also forms the floor of machine room 202. Although not shown, truss 203 has one or more through holes connecting hoistway 201 and machine room 202. Pit 204 is the lowest part of hoistway 201. A buffer, etc., not shown, is provided in pit 204.

[0014] Rails 205 are provided inside hoistway 201. Rails 205 are provided from truss 203 to pit 204 with their longitudinal direction oriented vertically. Note that management system 1 may be applied to elevator apparatus 200 in a state where rails 205 are not installed or in a state where only a portion of rails 205 is installed in hoistway 201.

[0015] Cage 206 is provided inside hoistway 201. Cage 206 can move up and down inside hoistway 201 while being guided by rails 205. Cage 206 has a cab room 207 inside. The upper side of the ceiling of cab room 207 is the upper surface of car 206, where workers and the like can stand. For example, a car fence 208 is provided on the upper surface of car 206. Note that management system 1 may be applied to elevator apparatus 200 in a state where car 206 is not installed or in a state where only a portion of car 206 is installed in hoistway 201.

[0016] The management system 1 comprises an imaging unit 2, a management server 3, and a viewing terminal 4. The imaging unit 2 is a group of devices installed at a construction site and used to capture an image or a video sequence of images. The management server 3 is composed of devices that enable viewing of the captured image or video of the construction site.

[0017] The viewing terminal 4 is a terminal for viewing images or videos managed by the management server 3. The viewing terminal 4 may be a terminal carried by a worker, a terminal operated by a site agent who supervises the construction site, or a terminal operated by a safety and health instructor who provides guidance on safety and health management at the construction site. The viewing terminal 4 has a screen for displaying information and an input means for accepting input of information. The viewing terminal 4 may be any terminal such as a smartphone, a personal computer, or a tablet.

[0018] Next, the imaging unit 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 in addition to Fig. 1. The imaging unit 2 includes a communication device 10, four cameras 20, a network hub 30, a repeater 40, a holder 50, and a power supply 60. The communication device 10, the network hub 30, the repeater 40, the holder 50, and the power supply 60 function as a communication unit for realizing communication between the cameras 20 and a management server 3. The management server 3 stores information for identifying the imaging unit 2. The management server 3 also stores information for identifying each of a plurality of other imaging units 2 (not shown).

[0019] The communication device 10 can communicate with the management server 3 via an external network N1. For example, the communication device 10 can communicate with the management server 3 using wireless communication radio waves. The communication device 10 is also included in a network N2 configured by the imaging unit 2.

[0020] As an example, the communication device 10 has a main body 11 and an installation stand 12. The main body 11 is a portable wireless communication terminal capable of communicating with the network N1. The installation stand 12 is also called a cradle and is a stand that can be electrically connected to the main body 11. The installation stand 12 is an interface that supplies power to the main body 11 and connects the main body 11 to a communication cable.

[0021] The network hub 30 constitutes part of the network N2. The network hub 30 is electrically connected to the installation stand 12 of the communication device 10 via a communication cable 31. The network hub 30 can be considered to be included in the configuration of the communication device 10. In this case, the network hub 30, which is the communication device 10, can be supplied with power via the communication cable.

[0022] The repeater 40 constitutes part of the network N2. The repeater 40 is electrically connected to the network hub 30 via a communication cable 32 that allows signal communication. The repeater 40 receives power from the network hub 30 via the communication cable 32.

[0023] The repeater 40 is placed inside the elevator shaft 201 by a holder 50. The repeater 40 is capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves for communication. Specifically, for example, the repeater 40 is capable of wireless communication using radio waves conforming to the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. The repeater 40 has an antenna surface 41 that transmits directional radio waves. For example, the repeater 40 transmits directional radio waves in the normal direction of the antenna surface 41. The receiving sensitivity of the repeater 40 is designed to be higher on the antenna surface 41 than on other surfaces.

[0024] Generally, wireless radio waves from outside reach the interior of the hoistway 201 with difficulty. For this reason, wireless communication is difficult between the communication device 10 installed in the machine room 202 and the equipment inside the hoistway 201. Furthermore, due to the presence of obstacles such as the car 206 inside the hoistway 201, wireless communication is difficult between the equipment installed at the top and bottom. The repeater 40 relays communication between the communication device 10 and the equipment installed in the hoistway 201 by radio waves. In this case, the repeater 40 maintains a good environment for wireless communication with the equipment installed in the hoistway 201 by transmitting radio waves that are directional in the longitudinal direction of the hoistway 201.

[0025] The power supply 60 is connected to an external power supply (not shown) and supplies power from the external power supply to the communication device 10 and the network hub 30. The power supply 60 has a USB standard terminal that can supply power.

[0026] The four cameras 20 each have the same configuration. The cameras 20 are capable of capturing images or video. The following description will be given of the case where the cameras 20 capture video, but video may be interpreted as images as appropriate. The cameras 20 are capable of recording audio along with video. The cameras 20 perform various functions by appropriately executing stored applications. The cameras 20 constitute part of the network N2. The cameras 20 can communicate with the communication device 10 directly or via the repeater 40. The cameras 20 can communicate with the management server 3 via the network N1 via the communication device 10. The four cameras 20 and the communication device 10 constitute one group. For example, the communication device 10 may be a device that acts as an intermediary with the network N1 and can communicate only with the four cameras 20. The four cameras 20 may be a device that communicates with the network N1 and can communicate only with the communication device 10.

[0027] As an example, the camera 20 has a rechargeable battery and can capture images without receiving an external power supply. For example, the camera 20 is connected to the terminals of the power supply 60 and charged. The camera 20 can be installed in any location using a magnet. Alternatively, the camera 20 may be installed by being mechanically fixed using a mounting fixture.

[0028] The camera 20 has a function of identifying its own location using a GPS (Global Positioning System). After being started up, the camera 20 identifies its own location, generates location information, and transmits the location information to the management server 3.

[0029] Each of the four cameras 20 has unique camera identification information. The four cameras 20 consist of a first camera 20a, a second camera 20b, a third camera 20c, and a fourth camera 20d. The first camera 20a is disposed inside the machine room 202 so as to be able to capture images of the interior of the machine room 202. The second camera 20b is disposed inside the car 206 so as to be able to capture images of the interior of the car 206.

[0030] The third camera 20c is disposed on the upper surface of the car 206 so as to be able to capture an image of at least one of the upper surface of the car 206 and the middle portion of the hoistway 201. For example, the third camera 20c is attached to the car fence 208 of the car 206. The third camera 20c may be attached to the rail 205 or another device in the middle portion of the hoistway 201. The middle portion of the hoistway 201 is the portion between the upper end and the lower end of the hoistway 201. When attached to the upper surface of the car 206, the third camera 20c can be considered to be attached to the middle portion of the hoistway 201.

[0031] The fourth camera 20d is disposed inside the pit 204 at the bottom end of the elevator shaft 201 so as to be able to capture images of the inside of the pit 204.

[0032] Note that a maximum of four cameras 20 included in the imaging unit 2 is sufficient. Because the equipment configuration of the elevator apparatus 200 is concentrated vertically, the number of locations where work can be performed simultaneously during construction of the elevator apparatus 200 is limited. Specifically, from a safety standpoint, although work and the like may be performed in four locations: the machine room 202, the pit 204, the inside of the car 206, and the middle portion of the hoistway 201 above the car 206, it is unlikely that work will be performed in more locations than this simultaneously. For this reason, the imaging unit 2 is designed so that cameras 20 can be installed in a maximum of the four locations described above.

[0033] Next, the holder 50 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 8. Figures 3 to 5 and 7 are perspective views showing the holder and repeater of the management system in embodiment 1. Figure 6 is a perspective view from below showing the state in which the repeater of the management system in embodiment 1 is installed. Figure 8 is a top view showing the holder and repeater of the management system in embodiment 1.

[0034] 3 to 7, the holder 50 includes a first holder 51, a second holder 52, a plurality of magnets 53, and a bolt 54. For example, the holder 50 is made from a plate bent into an L-shape.

[0035] The first holding body 51 has a plate shape and has a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0036] The second holder 52 has a plate shape. The second holder 52 extends perpendicularly from one end of the first holder 51 in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction of the second holder 52 is the direction in which it extends from the first holder 51. A through-hole 52a is provided in a holding surface 52s of the second holder 52. The holding surface 52s is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first holder 51. Note that the holding surface 52s may be either of two surfaces of the second holder 52 that face opposite each other.

[0037] The plurality of magnets 53 are provided on the first holding body 51. As an example, two magnets 53 are provided. The plurality of magnets 53 are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the first holding body 51. Hereinafter, the direction in which the plurality of magnets 53 are aligned is also referred to as the alignment direction.

[0038] The bolt 54 passes through the through hole 52a and is screwed into the repeater 40. In this way, the repeater 40 is detachably attached to the second holder 52 by the bolt 54. Although not shown, the second holder 52 and the repeater 40 may be provided with attachment magnets. In this case, the repeater 40 may be detachably attached to the second holder 52 by the attachment magnets.

[0039] Specifically, the repeater 40 is attached to the second holder 52 so that the mounting surface 42 and the holding surface 52s are in contact. The mounting surface 42 faces away from the antenna surface 41 and is parallel to the antenna surface 41. That is, the repeater 40 is held in the holder 50 so that the antenna surface 41 is parallel to the holding surface 52s. When the repeater 40 is attached, the alignment direction of the multiple magnets 53 is perpendicular to the antenna surface 41. This is because the alignment direction is perpendicular to the holding surface 52s, and the holding surface 52s and the antenna surface 41 are parallel. As shown in FIG. 6 , the repeater 40 has radio wave directivity in the normal direction of the antenna surface 41. For example, when the repeater 40 is attached, the antenna surface 41 faces vertically downward.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 7 , the holder 50 further includes a fall prevention body 55. One end of the fall prevention body 55 is attached to the repeater 40. The other end of the fall prevention body 55 is attached to equipment inside the hoistway 201. Specifically, the fall prevention body 55 has a wire 56 and a hook 57. One end of the wire 56 is attached to the repeater 40. The hook 57 is provided at the other end of the wire 56. The hook 57 can be fixed to equipment or a member inside the hoistway 201. For example, if the repeater 40 becomes detached from the second holder 52, or if the first holder 51 becomes detached and falls off together with the repeater 40, the fall prevention body 55 can prevent the repeater 40 and the holder 50 from falling further downward and colliding with the car 206, the pit 204, etc.

[0041] FIG. 8 shows the holder 50 and the relay 40 attached to the rail 205. FIG. 8 shows a cross section of the rail 205 taken along a horizontal plane. The rail 205 has a head 205a and a bottom 205b. The head 205a extends from the bottom 205b. Although not shown, the head 205a comes into contact with the car 206 to guide the car 206. The bottom 205b is fixed in position within the hoistway 201 by a bracket or the like, not shown. FIG. 8 shows a main portion of the rail 205 where a surface 205s of the bottom 205b is spaced apart from the wall surface of the hoistway 201, etc. The surface 205s is the surface of the bottom 205b opposite the head 205a.

[0042] The multiple magnets 53 generate an attractive force due to magnetic force between them and the bottom 205b. The holder 50 and the repeater 40 are detachably attached to the surface 205s of the bottom 205b. At this time, the alignment direction of the multiple magnets 53 faces the longitudinal direction of the rail 205. By attaching them in this manner, the direction of the directivity of the repeater 40 faces downward in the vertical direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the elevator shaft 201. For example, the antenna surface 41 of the repeater 40 faces the pit 204.

[0043] The length of the first holder 51 in the short direction is shorter than the horizontal length of the surface 205s of the bottom 205b of the rail 205. Therefore, the first holder 51 is attached to the rail 205 without protruding from the bottom 205b of the rail 205.

[0044] The length of the second holder 52 in the longitudinal direction may be shorter than the length of one end of the repeater 40. In this case, the second holder 52 holds the repeater 40 without protruding from the repeater 40.

[0045] The magnetic forces of the multiple magnets 53 are designed so that the resultant force of the attractive forces generated between the multiple magnets 53 and the rail 205 is greater than the sum of the gravity applied to the holder 50 and the gravity applied to the repeater 40. In particular, the magnetic forces of the multiple magnets 53 are designed so that the resultant force of the attractive forces generated between the multiple magnets 53 and the rail 205 is greater than the gravity applied to at least the repeater 40, the first holder 51, and the second holder 52.

[0046] Next, the configuration of the management server 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the management system in embodiment 1. Note that Fig. 9 shows a plurality of imaging units 2.

[0047] As shown in Figure 9, the management server 3 includes an intermediate server 110 and an information server 120. The intermediate server 110 and the information server 120 are installed in different locations and are separated into different sections on the network. Note that the management server 3 may be configured as an integrated server as long as it includes the functions of the intermediate server 110 and the information server 120. For example, some of the functions described below as functions of the information server 120 may be realized as functions of the intermediate server 110 rather than the information server 120.

[0048] The intermediate server 110 is capable of communicating with the imaging unit 2 and the information server 120 via the network N1. The information server 120 is capable of communicating with the imaging unit 2 via the intermediate server 110 via the network N1. For example, when information is transmitted from the imaging unit 2 to the intermediate server 110, the intermediate server 110 notifies the information server 120 that the information has been transmitted. Note that the information server 120 may be capable of communicating with the imaging unit without going through the intermediate server 110. The intermediate server 110 mainly stores image or video information.

[0049] Information server 120 constitutes part of network N3. Network N3 is managed by the company that owns information server 120 and is an intranet that includes information server 120 and some of the viewing terminals 4. The viewing terminals 4 included in network N3 are included in the internal network of the company that manages information server 120. Viewing terminals 4 that are not included in network N3 but have completed the required security authentication can access network N3 from an external network. Information server 120 mainly manages image or video information stored in intermediate server 110 and provides a management interface for viewing the images or videos on viewing terminals 4. Information server 120 displays the images or videos on the screen of viewing terminal 4 via the management interface. Owners of viewing terminals 4 can view the images or videos.

[0050] According to the first embodiment described above, the communication unit included in the imaging unit 2 includes a holder 50. The holder 50 includes a first holder 51 and a second holder 52. The repeater 40 is held inside the hoistway 201 by the holder 50. It is known that radio waves do not easily travel inside the hoistway 201. By holding a device that generates radio waves inside the hoistway 201, the radio wave communication conditions inside the hoistway 201 can be improved.

[0051] Furthermore, the second holder 52 holds the repeater 40 so that the antenna surface 41 of the repeater 40 faces the pit 204. This improves the communication conditions in the pit 204.

[0052] The holder 50 further includes a plurality of magnets 53. The alignment direction of the plurality of magnets 53 is parallel to the antenna surface 41. Therefore, when the holder 50 is holding the repeater 40, the antenna surface 41 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rail 205. This can improve the communication conditions in the longitudinal direction of the elevator shaft 201 and in the pit 204, for example.

[0053] The magnetic force of the magnets 53 is designed to have sufficient attraction, so that the holder 50 can securely hold the repeater 40. As a result, the repeater 40 is prevented from falling.

[0054] The holder 50 further includes bolts 54 for attaching the relay unit 40. Therefore, the relay unit 40 can be stably attached to the holder 50.

[0055] The holder 50 may further include a mounting magnet for mounting the repeater 40. This allows the repeater 40 to be mounted on the holder 50 in a state that makes it easier to attach and detach the repeater 40.

[0056] Furthermore, the length of the first holder 51 in the short direction is shorter than the horizontal width of the bottom 205b of the rail 205. Therefore, even when the first holder 51 is attached to the rail 205, the surface where the first holder 51 is attached to the bottom 205b does not protrude from the bottom 205b. Furthermore, even if other equipment is present right next to the bottom 205b, the first holder 51 is securely attached to the bottom 205b. Therefore, the holder 50 can be stably attached to the rail 205 without interfering with other equipment.

[0057] Furthermore, the longitudinal length of the second holder 52 is shorter than the length of one side of the repeater 40. It is desirable that the repeater 40 be installed according to a directional direction. Therefore, the space occupied by the repeater 40 in the held state is determined according to the shape of the repeater 40. When the repeater 40 is held by the second holder 52, the second holder 52 does not protrude from the space occupied by the repeater 40. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the position at which the repeater 40 is placed from being limited due to, for example, the shape of the holder 50.

[0058] The holder 50 further includes a fall prevention member 55. This prevents the relay 40 from falling and colliding with the pit 204, the upper surface of the car 206, etc. As a result, the relay 40 is prevented from breaking down. Furthermore, the safety of workers can be improved.

[0059] Furthermore, in the communication unit, the repeater 40 receives power from the communication device 10 via the communication cable 32. Therefore, there is no need to supply power to the repeater 40 from, for example, a power outlet. This eliminates the need to prepare a separate cable for supplying power, and it is possible to avoid risks such as the cable falling or interfering with construction work. Furthermore, the location where the repeater 40 can be placed is not limited by the location of a power outlet, etc. This improves the flexibility of placement of the repeater 40.

[0060] The management system 1 may also be applied to an elevator system that does not have a machine room and in which the hoisting machine and the like are provided at the bottom or top of the elevator shaft.

[0061] As described above, the holding device 50 according to the present disclosure can be used for construction work inside the hoistway of an elevator system.

[0062] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Management system, 2 Imaging unit, 3 Management server, 4 Viewing terminal, 10 Communication device, 11 Main body, 12 Installation stand, 20 Camera, 20a First camera, 20b Second camera, 20c Third camera, 20d Fourth camera, 30 Network hub, 31 Communication cable, 32 Communication cable, 40 Repeater, 41 Antenna surface, 42 Mounting surface, 50 Holder, 51 First holder, 52 Second holder, 52a Through hole, 52s Holding surface, 53 Magnet, 54 Bolt, 55 Fall prevention body, 56 Wire, 57 Hook, 60 Power supply unit, 110 Intermediate server, 120 Information server, 200 Elevator device, 201 Hoistway, 202 Machine room, 203 Truss, 204 Pit, 205 Rail, 205a Head, 205b Bottom, 205s Surface, 206 Cage, 207 Cage room, 208 Cage fence, 300 Building

Claims

1. A holder for holding a repeater that transmits and receives radio waves inside an elevator shaft, comprising: a first holder that can be detachably attached to the elevator rail; and a second holder extending from the first holder and to which the repeater is attached.

2. A holder as described in claim 1, in which the repeater is attached to the second holder so that the antenna surface of the repeater, which transmits radio waves directional in the normal direction, faces the pit of the elevator shaft.

3. A holder as described in claim 2, further comprising: a plurality of magnets arranged in the longitudinal direction of the first holder and fixed to the first holder, the magnets having a magnetic force that generates an adhesive force between the first holder and the rail; wherein the second holder has a mounting surface perpendicular to the alignment direction in which the plurality of magnets are arranged, the repeater is attached to the mounting surface so that the mounting surface and the antenna surface are parallel, and the plurality of magnets are attached to the bottom of the rail so that the alignment direction faces the longitudinal direction of the rail.

4. A holder as described in claim 3, wherein the magnetic force of the multiple magnets is designed so that the adhesive force between the multiple magnets and the rail is greater than the gravitational forces between the first holder, the second holder and the repeater.

5. A holder as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a bolt which penetrates the second holder and is screwed into the repeater to removably fix the repeater to the second holder.

6. A holder as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a mounting magnet fixed to the second holder and for removably mounting the repeater to the second holder by a magnetic force generated between the repeater and the mounting magnet.

7. A retaining device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the short-side length of the first retaining body is shorter than the width of the face of the bottom of the rail opposite the head of the rail, and the first retaining body is attached to the face of the bottom of the rail so that its longitudinal direction perpendicular to the short-side direction faces the longitudinal direction of the rail.

8. A holder according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the longitudinal length of the second holder is shorter than the length of one side of the repeater.

9. A holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a fall prevention body, one end of which is attached to the repeater and the other end of which is fixed to equipment or a member inside the elevator shaft.

10. A communication unit comprising: a holder as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; the repeater; a communication device capable of communicating with an external network; and a communication cable electrically connecting the repeater and the communication device so as to enable signal communication, wherein the repeater relays communication between the communication device and the inside of the elevator shaft via radio waves, and the communication device supplies power to the repeater via the communication cable.

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