JP2006256830A - Elevator system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an elevator system capable of altering the elevator specifications simply on the customer side without calling a maintenance operator. <P>SOLUTION: The elevator system is configured so that a special-usual changeover switch 27 is installed on an operation board 24 installed inside an elevator car, and if the special mode is started actuated from the changeover switch 27, the elevator specifications are altered through the operation part 25 of the operation board 24 and its display part 26. This enables simply altering the elevator specifications on the customer side without calling the maintenance operator. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an elevator system that changes the specifications of an elevator through an operation panel installed in the elevator car.

  In the elevator car, operation means called an operation panel is provided near the car door. The operation panel is provided with buttons for passengers to register destination floors, buttons for opening and closing doors, and the like.

  Conventionally, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228707 discloses a special operation using each button on the operation panel in the car.

In this Patent Document 1, a switch that is operated using a key is provided on an operation panel (registration device) in a car, and an operation mode is switched by this switch operation, and maintenance is performed using each button on the operation panel. It is disclosed to perform inspection work. However, it is premised on maintenance and inspection, and the specification of the elevator cannot be changed through the operation panel.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-338942

  The specifications of the elevator are determined for each customer at the time of shipment from the factory, and after delivery, the elevator is operated according to the determined specifications. Here, when the specification is changed for the convenience of the customer after delivery of the elevator, it is necessary to contact the elevator management company and have maintenance personnel come to the site.

  However, customer requests regarding changes in specifications such as changing tenants in buildings, changing floors of elevators due to redesigns, organizational changes, etc., extending door opening times, ringing landing chimes, etc. appear. For this reason, the present situation is that the elevator management company cannot respond to these requests immediately.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an elevator system that can easily change the specifications of an elevator on the customer side without calling a maintenance staff.

  The elevator system according to the present invention includes an operating means installed in an elevator car, a mode starting means for starting a special mode, and the special mode is started by the mode starting means. And control means for executing a specific function for changing the specifications of the elevator through the operation means.

  According to such a configuration, the specification of the elevator can be changed through the operation means in the car by the activation of the special mode.

  In the elevator system, the specific function includes an optional function for enabling or disabling additional specifications of the elevator.

  According to such a configuration, the additional specifications of the elevator can be switched between valid and invalid by setting the optional function through the operation means in the car.

  In the elevator system, the specific function includes an adjustment function for adjusting the operation of the elevator.

  According to such a configuration, the operation of the elevator can be adjusted by setting the adjustment function through the operation means in the car.

  In the elevator system, the specific function includes an information browsing function for browsing information necessary for changing the specifications of the elevator.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to browse information necessary for changing the specifications of the elevator by setting the information browsing function through the operating means in the car.

  The elevator system may further include communication means for transmitting usage information of the optional function to a management company.

  According to such a configuration, when the optional function is used on the elevator side, the usage information is transmitted to the management company, so that the management company can charge an option usage fee.

  According to the present invention, when an elevator specification is changed due to the convenience of the customer, the customer's manager or the like does not need to contact the elevator management company and call a maintenance person each time. By operating the operating means, the elevator specifications can be easily changed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an elevator system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a customer-side elevator installed in a building or the like, and 12 denotes an elevator management company that manages the elevator 11. Show.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the elevator 11 on the customer side is provided with an elevator control device 21, a car 22, a communication unit 23, and the like.

  The elevator control device 21 controls the entire elevator including the operation control of the car 22. The elevator control device 21 is composed of a general-purpose computer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like. The car 22 moves up and down in the hoistway by driving a hoisting machine (not shown) under the control of the elevator control device 21. The car 22 is provided with an operation panel 24 for a passenger to register a destination floor. The configuration of the operation panel 24 will be described in detail later.

  The communication unit 23 provided in the elevator 11 is used as a means for communicating with the elevator management company 12 existing in a remote place, and has a function of performing data communication via the communication line 13.

  On the other hand, the elevator management company 12 is provided with a communication unit 31, a computer 32, and a database (DB) 33.

  The communication unit 31 performs data communication with the elevator 11 via the communication line 13. The computer 32 exists as a control device for performing processing necessary for managing the elevator 11. The database 33 is used as a storage unit for storing various types of information including usage information of optional functions on the elevator 11 side.

  In the example of FIG. 1, only one elevator 11 is illustrated, but in reality, a large number of elevators existing in various places are managed, and the elevator management company 12 centrally manages these elevators, If an abnormality occurs, the system will immediately send maintenance personnel to the site.

  Next, the operation panel 24 installed in the car 22 of the elevator 11 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a view showing a configuration in the car 22. The operation panel 24 used as operation means is installed in the vicinity of the car door 22a of the car 22, for example, on the right side or the left side of the car door 22a.

  3 and 4 are diagrams showing the configuration of the operation panel 24 provided in the car 22. FIG. On the operation surface of the operation panel 24, an operation unit 25, a display unit 26, and a special / normal switching switch 27 are provided. The operation unit 25 includes a door opening button 25b for instructing door opening, a door closing button 25c for instructing door closing, and the like in addition to an input button group 25a including a numeric keypad. The display unit 26 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, and normally (normal mode) displays the current floor, traveling direction, and the like on the screen.

  The special / normal switching switch 27 is a switch for switching between the special mode and the normal mode. The normal mode is a mode for performing a normal driving service. As shown in FIG. 3, when the normal mode is activated with the special / normal switching switch 27 at the lower side, the input button group 25a of the operation unit 25 functions as a registration button for the destination floor. Used as a normal operating means to go to. In addition, the display unit 26 displays the current floor, traveling direction, and the like according to the traveling state of the car 22.

  On the other hand, the special mode is a mode for changing the specifications of the elevator. As shown in FIG. 4, when the special mode is activated with the special / normal switching switch 27 in the upper side, the input button group 25a of the operation unit 25 functions as a menu selection button to change the elevator specifications. It is used as an operating means. In addition, the display unit 26 displays a menu relating to the elevator specification change.

  The special / normal switching switch 27 is operated by a specific person who is permitted to change the specifications of the elevator, such as a building manager. Therefore, it is preferable to install a place that is difficult for general passengers to operate, such as the lower side of the operation panel 24, or to be provided in a storage box with a lock.

  The case where the special mode is activated by the special / normal switch 27 will be described below.

  When the special mode is activated, first, a menu screen 41 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display unit 26 of the operation panel 24. In the menu screen 41, items such as “option setting”, “adjustment function”, and “information browsing” are provided as a main menu. These items relate to the specification change of the elevator 11.

“Option Settings”: Items for setting the optional functions of the elevator
"Adjustment function": Items for setting the elevator adjustment function
“Information browsing”: An item for setting the information browsing function of the elevator.

(1) “Option settings”
When “Option setting” at the first of the menu screen 41 is selected by operating the input button group 25a, as shown in FIG. 5, “Separate service floor”, “landing chime”, “auto-announce”, “ A screen 42 for selecting each item of optional functions such as “open door extension”, “specific floor forced stop”, etc. is displayed on the display unit 26 of the operation panel 24.

“Separate service floor”: Item for setting the floor to be separated from the service floor
“Fixing chime”: Item for setting ON / OFF of notification sound when landing
“Auto Announce”: Item for setting ON / OFF of announcement
"Open door extension": Item for setting extended door opening time
“Specific floor forced stop”: An item for setting a specific floor to be forcibly stopped.

  The optional function is a function for validating or invalidating additional specifications. The above items correspond to additional specifications.

  When an arbitrary item on the selection screen 42 is selected, screens corresponding to the selected item are sequentially displayed in a conversational manner under the control of the elevator control device 21, and are selected or input on those screens. Options are set according to the data.

  6 and 7 are examples of screens when the first “separate service floor” is selected on the selection screen 42, FIG. 6 shows the input screen 43a for the floor to be disconnected, and FIG. 7 shows the call type of the floor to be disconnected. The input screen 43b is shown. The “car call” in the figure is a call registered by operating the registration button on the destination floor in the car. The “hall call” is a call registered by operating the registration button in the upward or downward destination direction at the hall (hall).

  When option setting is performed through the operation panel 24 in this manner, the elevator control device 21 enables the corresponding option function and sends the usage information to the elevator management company 12 via the communication line 13. When the elevator management company 12 acquires the usage information of the optional function from the elevator 11, the information is stored in the database 33.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the database 33 of the elevator management company 12.

  In the database 33, information indicating the use status of various options for each customer (such as the presence / absence of use and the use start time) is accumulated. In the elevator management company 12, based on the option usage information stored in the database 33, an option usage fee is charged to the elevator 11 side that is a customer.

  In addition, as a billing method, you may charge via the communication line 13 from the elevator management company 12, or you may charge using mail etc. In addition, the fee may be charged by the number of option usages or by individual usage hours. In the present invention, the billing method and fee are not particularly limited.

(2) “Adjustment function”
When the second “adjustment function” on the menu screen 41 is selected by operating the input button group 25a, as shown in FIG. 9, “door opening time adjustment”, “door opening / closing speed adjustment”, “home landing floor” A screen 44 for selecting items such as “setting”, “volume of auto-announcement”, “change of floor display”,... Is displayed on the display unit 26 of the operation panel 24. These items relate to the operation service of the elevator 11.

"Adjustment of door opening time": Items for adjusting the door opening time when landing
"Adjusting the door opening / closing speed": Items for adjusting the door opening / closing speed when landing
“Home landing floor setting”: Item for setting the reference floor
“Auto Announcement Volume”: Items for adjusting the announcement volume
“Change of floor display”: An item for changing the method of floor display.

  When an arbitrary item on the selection screen 44 is selected, screens corresponding to the selected item are sequentially displayed in a conversational format, and adjustments are made according to the data selected or input on those screens.

  FIGS. 10 to 12 are screen examples when the first “adjustment of door opening time” is selected on the selection screen 44, and FIG. 10 shows a door opening time setting screen 45a for the case of only a car call, FIG. Shows a door opening time setting screen 45b in the case of only a hall call, and FIG. 12 shows a door opening time setting screen 45c in the case of having both a car call and a hall call.

  In this way, any item can be adjusted through the operation panel 24. Thereafter, when the mode is switched to the normal mode, the elevator control device 21 controls the operation of the elevator 11 with the adjusted content. That is, for example, if the opening time is set to 3 seconds on the setting screen 45a in FIG. 10, when the car 22 reaches the floor registered by the car call, the elevator control device 21 opens the car door 22a. Open for 3 seconds.

(3) "Information browsing"
When “information browsing” on the third menu screen 41 is selected by operating the input button group 25a, items such as “option use status”, “handling explanation”, and “maintenance information” are selected as shown in FIG. A screen 46 is displayed on the display unit 26 of the operation panel 24. These items are for browsing information necessary for changing the specifications of the elevator.

“Option Usage Status”: Items for viewing option usage status
“Instructions”: Items for viewing instructions
“Maintenance information”: An item for viewing maintenance information.

  When an arbitrary item is selected on the selection screen 46, screens corresponding to the selected item are sequentially displayed in a conversation format, and various information can be browsed according to data selected or input on those screens.

  That is, for example, if the first “option usage status” on the selection screen 46 is selected, information regarding the option usage status as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display unit 26 of the operation panel 24 and the contents thereof are browsed. be able to. In this case, an information request is made from the elevator 11 to the elevator management company 12 via the communication line 13. In response to the information request, the elevator management company 12 reads the option usage information of the elevator 11 from the database 33 and distributes it.

  Note that the option usage status may be managed on the elevator 11 side. In this way, it is possible to display the option usage status without accessing the elevator management company 12.

  When the second “handling explanation” on the selection screen 46 is selected, a handling explanation screen 47 as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed. The handling instruction screen 47 is provided with many items related to the specifications of the elevator 11 including how to use the operation panel 24. When one of them is selected, explanation data corresponding to the item is read from a memory (not shown) in the elevator control device 21 and displayed on the display unit 26 of the operation panel 24. If such a “handling instruction” function is used, anyone can easily perform a specification change operation without contacting the elevator management company 12 and confirming the operation method.

  Further, when the third “maintenance information” on the selection screen 46 is selected, maintenance information 48 as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed, for example, confirmation of parts requiring a request, current maintenance status, etc. be able to. Such maintenance information is also managed by the elevator control device 21, and corresponding information is read from a memory (not shown) and displayed on the display unit 26 in accordance with the operation on the selection screen 46.

  As described above, when the specification of the elevator 11 is changed, the special mode is activated by operating the special / normal switching switch 27 without contacting the elevator management company 12 and calling a maintenance person. Operations such as option setting and adjustment can be easily performed through the operation panel 24.

  At that time, if you use the “Information Browsing” function, even if there are unclear points in the operation, it can be solved on the spot, and work can be carried out quickly without erroneous operation. . Furthermore, when the maintenance staff conducts an inspection at the site, the use of the “information browsing” function makes it unnecessary to carry a large number of manuals and other materials.

  Further, when the customer uses the optional function, the usage information is transmitted to the elevator management company 12 via the communication line 13, so the elevator management company 12 may charge the option usage fee. it can.

  In the above embodiment, the normal mode and the special mode are switched by the special / normal switching switch 27. However, for example, the mode may be switched by a password method using a numeric keypad (input button group 25a). .

  Further, when each menu item is selected, for example, a joystick that can be moved up and down and left and right may be used, or the display unit 26 may be selected as a touch panel by a touch method.

  In short, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the components without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an elevator system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration in the elevator car in the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of an operation panel installed in the elevator car in the same embodiment, and is a diagram showing a screen state in the normal mode. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of an operation panel installed in the elevator car in the embodiment, and is a diagram showing a screen state in a special mode. FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of an elevator option function selection screen according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen relating to “service floor separation” included in the optional function of the elevator in the embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating a screen for inputting a separation target floor. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen relating to “service floor disconnection” included in the optional function of the elevator in the embodiment, and is a diagram showing a screen for inputting a call type of the floor to be disconnected. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an elevator management company database according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an elevator adjustment function selection screen in the embodiment. FIG. 10 is an example of a screen related to “adjustment of door opening time” included in the elevator adjustment function according to the embodiment, and is a diagram showing a setting screen of door opening time when only a car call is made. FIG. 11 is an example of a screen relating to “adjustment of door opening time” included in the elevator adjustment function in the embodiment, and is a diagram showing a setting screen of door opening time in the case of hall call only. FIG. 12 is an example of a screen related to “adjustment of door opening time” included in the elevator adjustment function in the embodiment, and is a diagram showing a setting screen of door opening time when there is both a car call and a hall call. . FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an elevator information browsing function selection screen in the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a “handling explanation” screen included in the elevator information browsing function in the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a screen example of “maintenance information” included in the elevator information browsing function according to the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Elevator, 12 ... Elevator management company, 13 ... Communication line, 21 ... Elevator control device, 22 ... Car, 22a ... Car door, 23 ... Communication part, 24 ... Control panel, 25 ... Operation part, 25a ... Input button Group, 25b ... Door open button, 25c ... Door close button, 26 ... Display part, 27 ... Special / normal changeover switch, 31 ... Communication part, 32 ... Computer, 33 ... Database.

Claims (5)

Operating means installed in the elevator car;
Mode activation means for activating the special mode;
Control means for executing a specific function for changing the specifications of the elevator through the operation means in the car when the special mode is activated by the mode activation means. Elevator system.   2. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein the specific function includes an optional function for enabling or disabling additional specifications of the elevator.   The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein the specific function includes an adjustment function for adjusting the operation of the elevator.   The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein the specific function includes an information browsing function for browsing information necessary for changing specifications of the elevator.   The elevator system according to claim 2, further comprising communication means for transmitting usage information of the optional function to a management company.

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