JP2019165275A - Radio communication system and radio communication equipment arrangement method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a radio communication system and a radio communication equipment arrangement method each of which enables the cost thereof to be suppressed, and furthermore enables satisfactory communication quality to be materialized.SOLUTION: The radio communication system comprises: first radio communication equipment installed in a mobile object; and a plurality of second radio communication equipment installed along a moving route of the mobile object. The position of the second radio communication equipment is determined on the basis of at least one of the intensity, the error rate and the signal-to-noise ratio of a first signal transmitted by the first radio communication equipment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a wireless communication system and a method for arranging wireless communication devices.

  Control signals, monitoring signals, and the like are transmitted and received between the elevator car and an external control device. In general, these signals are transmitted and received through a large cable called a tail cord connected to an elevator car. The weight of the tail cord is on the order of several tons for high-rise apartments and high-rise buildings. For this reason, there are problems such as an increase in energy consumption by the elevator, a rise in construction cost, an adverse effect on the speeding up of the elevator, and difficulty in maintenance work.

  Therefore, in recent years, it has been studied to transmit and receive signals between the elevator car and the control device by wireless communication. However, the elevator car itself may become a shield in the radio signal propagation path, and radio communication within the line-of-sight is not always possible, and communication quality may deteriorate. Although the number of wireless communication devices on the hoistway side can be increased, the cost is increased. Therefore, it is required to realize good communication quality while suppressing costs.

Japanese Patent No. 6188156

  Embodiments of the present invention provide a wireless communication system and a method for arranging wireless communication devices that realize good communication quality while reducing costs.

  A wireless communication system as an embodiment of the present invention includes a first wireless communication device installed in a mobile body and a plurality of second wireless communication devices installed along a movement path of the mobile body, The position of the second wireless communication device is determined based on at least one of the strength, error rate, and signal-to-noise ratio of the first signal transmitted by the first wireless communication device.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an entire system according to a first embodiment. The figure which showed the structural example of the radio | wireless communication apparatus installed in the elevator car. The figure which showed the 1st step when determining arrangement | positioning of the radio | wireless communication apparatus by the side of a hoistway. The figure which showed the example of the moving mechanism which enabled it to adjust the position of the antenna by the side of a hoistway. The figure which showed the 2nd step when determining arrangement | positioning of the radio | wireless communication apparatus by the side of a hoistway. The figure which showed the 3rd step when determining arrangement | positioning of the radio | wireless communication apparatus by the side of a hoistway. The figure which showed the 4th step when deciding arrangement | positioning of the radio | wireless communication apparatus by the side of a hoistway. The figure which shows the structural example of the whole system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the structural example of the elevator car which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the structural example of the whole system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows the structural example of the whole system which concerns on 4th Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the entire wireless communication system according to the first embodiment. Below, the radio | wireless communications system which concerns on this embodiment is demonstrated, referring FIG.

  The wireless communication system according to the present embodiment includes a car 10, a hoistway 20, a rope 21, a hoisting machine 30, a central control device 40, a communication cable 41, and wireless communication devices 51 to 55. Yes. Among these, the car 10 includes a door 11, a control device 12, a wireless communication device 13, and an antenna 14 as components.

  The car 10 is installed in the hoistway 20, and moves up and down via the rope 21 by driving the hoisting machine 30. The door 11 provided in the car 10 can be opened and closed. Passengers, equipment, supplies, and the like can enter and exit the interior of the car 10 from the opened door 11. The wireless communication device 13 provided on the upper portion of the car 10 can transmit and receive wireless signals via the antenna 14 and can communicate with at least one of the wireless communication devices 51 to 55 on the hoistway side.

  In the present embodiment, a case where a wireless communication system is built in an elevator will be described as an example. However, the wireless communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to an elevator, and can be applied to any moving body that moves along a predetermined movement route. Examples of the moving body that moves along a predetermined route include a railway vehicle, a subway, a monorail, a cable car, a lift, an automobile, a bus, a truck, and a construction machine, but the type is not particularly limited. Examples of the movement route include a tunnel, a bridge, and an indoor passage, but the passage may not be a passage or a track in a closed space.

  Here, the elevator car 10 is an example of a moving body. The hoistway 20 is an example of a moving path of the moving body. The height direction of the elevator hoistway is an example of the length direction of the moving path of the moving body. The direction of the moving path of the moving body and the moving direction of the moving body are not particularly limited. The moving direction of the moving body may be constant, or the direction may be changed in the middle of the moving path. The wireless communication device 13 is an example of a first wireless communication device installed on a moving body.

  The wireless communication devices 51 to 55 are installed along the hoistway at intervals in the height direction (z-axis direction) of the hoistway. The wireless communication devices 51 to 55 are examples of second wireless communication devices that are installed along the moving path of the moving body. All of the wireless communication devices 51 to 55 in FIG. 1 are arranged along a surface of the hoistway 20 facing the antenna 14 of the car 10. The wireless communication devices 51 to 55 may be installed along any surface on the inner circumference of the hoistway 20, and the installation surface is not particularly limited. In addition, all the wireless communication devices on the hoistway side are not necessarily arranged along the same surface. However, in order to prevent the radio signal transmitted / received to / from the car side from being shielded, the surface on which the wireless communication devices 51 to 55 are installed is preferably a surface other than the surface through which the elevator counterweight passes.

  In FIG. 1, five wireless communication devices 51 to 55 are installed on the hoistway side, but this number is only an example. Therefore, a different number of wireless communication devices may be installed on the hoistway side. Hereinafter, several configuration examples of a wireless communication system in which a plurality of wireless communication devices are installed on the hoistway side will be described. However, in any configuration example, the number of wireless communication devices on the hoistway side is not particularly limited. Absent.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the distance between the wireless communication devices in the height direction (z-axis direction) becomes narrower from the upper side to the lower side (z-axis negative direction). The height at which the hoistway side radio communication device is installed is determined based on the strength and communication quality of the radio signal propagated between the car 10 side radio communication device. Details of the height at which the hoistway-side wireless communication device is installed will be described later.

  The hoistway side wireless communication devices 51 to 55 are electrically connected to the central control device 40 via the communication cable 41. The central control device 40 transmits a control signal to the hoisting machine 30 via the communication cable 41, and controls the lifting / lowering operation of the car 10. In addition, the central control device 40 can transmit and receive control signals and monitoring signals to and from the control device 12 on the car 10 side using the wireless communication devices 51 to 55.

  The antenna 14 in FIG. 1 is installed along the edge on the y-axis positive side of the upper surface (z-axis positive side surface) of the elevator car 10, and is electrically connected to the wireless communication device 13. However, the arrangement of the antenna on the car side in FIG. 1 is only an example, and the position where the antenna 14 is installed is not particularly limited. For example, a car-side antenna may be provided on the lower surface (z-axis negative side surface) of the elevator car 10, or the antenna may be installed along the car wall. Further, the car-side antenna may be arranged at a position away from the edge of the upper surface of the car 10.

  However, the arrangement of the car-side antenna and the wireless communication apparatus needs to be determined in consideration of various conditions. As the first condition, the probability of performing line-of-sight communication can be cited. In general, in a narrow closed space, communication within a line-of-sight can propagate a radio signal farther than communication outside a line-of-sight. In the car 10 installed in the hoistway 20, the car 10 or the wall of the hoistway 20 may shield the radio signal. For this reason, when the antenna is installed on the upper surface or the lower surface of the car, it is easier to propagate the radio signal far away by line-of-sight communication than when the antenna is installed along the side wall of the car.

  The second condition includes ease of maintenance. In general, it can be said that the maintenance work is easier when the wireless communication device is arranged at the upper part of the car than when the antenna is arranged at the lower part of the car. Furthermore, the third condition is to ensure safety. When heavy rain or flood damage occurs in the elevator installation environment, the lower part of the car 10 can be relatively easily submerged even at a low water level. In order to reduce the risk of the wireless communication device being submerged, it is desirable to install the wireless communication device on the top of the car.

  As shown in FIG. 1, by installing the car-side antenna 14 along the outer periphery of the upper surface of the car 10, the distance between the car-side antenna and the hoistway-side antenna is shortened, and good communication quality is maintained. Can do.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the main body of the wireless communication device 13 is installed in the vicinity of the antenna 14, but the main body of the wireless communication device 13 may be disposed at a position away from the antenna 14 of the car 10.

  The control device 12 of the car 10 is electrically connected to the wireless communication device 13 and provides an elevator operation function, a call function, a monitoring function, and the like. For example, the control device 12 receives an operation command input from the operation panel by the user, and transfers the command to the central control device 40. In addition, the control device 12 provides a user with a call function to the outside in the car. Further, data related to devices in the car 10 such as a door motor is collected, and the collected data is transferred to the central controller 40.

  When the wireless communication system according to the present embodiment is an IEEE 802.11 series wireless LAN, for example, the wireless communication device 13 of the car 10 is configured as an access point (AP), and the wireless communication devices 51 to 55 on the hoistway side are wireless. It can be configured as a terminal (STA). In this case, when the wireless communication system is operating, each wireless communication device on the hoistway side confirms whether data communication with the wireless communication device 13 of the car 10 is possible.

  When the car-side radio communication device moves to a distance that allows communication with the hoistway-side radio communication device, the radio communication device establishes a connection (link) for data communication with the car-side radio communication device. When the car 10 moves to a position where the radio signal transmitted from the radio communication device cannot reach, another hoistway side radio communication device establishes a connection (link) with the car side radio communication device. . For example, when a hoistway-side wireless communication device (STA) can receive a beacon signal transmitted by a car-side wireless communication device (AP) with a certain strength, the car-side wireless communication device (AP) It can be determined that the user has moved to a communicable distance. Here, the beacon signal is an example of a signal transmitted by the hoistway-side radio communication device, and the hoistway-side radio communication device determines whether communication with the car-side radio communication device is possible using other signals. Good.

  The wireless communication device on the hoistway side is arranged so that it can always communicate with two or more wireless communication devices regardless of the position of the wireless communication device 13 of the car 10 in the hoistway. Therefore, even if the wireless communication device 13 loses the connection (link) with one wireless communication device on the hoistway side, it can continue communication using the connection (link) with another wireless communication device. . In the wireless communication system of the present embodiment, the control device 12 and the central control device 40 of the car 10 can continue communication regardless of the position and movement state of the car 10.

  Examples of IEEE802.11 series wireless LAN standards include IEEE802.11a, IEEE802.11b, IEEE802.11g, IEEE802.11n, IEEE802.11ac, IEEE802.11ax, and the like. These communication standards are examples, and do not prevent the wireless communication system according to the present embodiment from using a communication standard different from this.

  The control device 12 and the central control device 40 may be implemented by software (program) that operates on a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or may be implemented by a hardware circuit such as an FPGA or an ASIC. And you may be comprised by these combination. Further, the control device 12 and the central control device 40 may include a storage unit. The storage unit includes, for example, a NAND flash memory, a NOR flash memory, an MRAM, a ReRAM, a hard disk, a non-volatile storage device such as an optical disk, a volatile storage device such as a DRAM, or a combination thereof.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a wireless communication device installed in an elevator car. In the example of FIG. 2, the antenna 14 a and the antenna 14 b are installed along the edge on the y-axis positive side of the upper surface of the car 10. The antenna 14a is electrically connected to the wireless communication device 13a. Similarly, the antenna 14b is electrically connected to the wireless communication device 13b. In the case of the configuration in FIG. 2, for example, a hoistway-side wireless communication device can be installed along the z-axis on the y-axis positive side facing the car-side antennas 14 a and 14 b.

  In the example of FIG. 1, only one combination of a wireless communication device and an antenna is installed in the elevator car 10. However, a combination of a plurality of wireless communication apparatuses and antennas may be installed on the car side as in the example of FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the wireless communication devices 13a and 13b transmit the same data in parallel during the transmission process, and receive the same data in parallel during the reception process. When the wireless communication devices 13a and 13b are wireless communication devices that support full-duplex communication, both wireless communication devices execute the same transmission / reception process. Thus, by making the configuration of the radio communication system redundant and causing each radio communication device to perform the same communication processing, the reliability of data communication and the radio communication between the car-side control device 12 and the central control device 40 are improved. Increase system availability. Further, there is a high possibility that the communication connection can be maintained regardless of the position of the car 10 and the moving state.

  When a plurality of wireless communication devices are installed in the elevator car, each wireless communication device may execute transmission / reception of different data. Further, some wireless communication devices may transmit data, and the remaining wireless communication devices may receive data.

  As described above, when the configuration of the wireless communication system is made redundant, the reliability of data communication and the availability of the wireless communication system are increased, and it is necessary to maintain the communication connection regardless of the position and movement state of the car 10, It is necessary to determine the arrangement of the wireless communication devices on the hoistway side so that the elevator-side wireless communication devices can perform data communication with at least two wireless communication devices installed on the hoistway side.

  Below, the method to determine arrangement | positioning of the radio | wireless communication apparatus by the side of a hoistway is demonstrated.

FIG. 3 shows a first step when determining the arrangement of the wireless communication device on the hoistway side. In the first step of FIG. 3, the car 10 is moved to the lowermost part of the hoistway 20. Also in the example of FIG. 3, the car-side antenna is assumed to be installed along the edge on the y-axis positive side of the upper surface of the car 10. Let c ₁ be the position of the car-side antenna when the car 10 is at the lowest part of the hoistway 20. In addition, the lowest part of the hoistway 20 is an example of the edge part of the movement path | route of a moving body.

As in the example of FIG. 2, when a plurality of antennas to the car 10 is installed, it is possible to set the representative position of the plurality of antennas to c _1. For example, the position of any one of the antennas may be set to the representative position c ₁ of the antenna, the coordinate values indicating the positions of the plurality of antennas are respectively obtained, and the average value of all the coordinate values is obtained as the representative value of the antenna. it may be set to Do positions c _1.

The positions s ₁ and s _{2 in} FIG. 3 are positions where the antenna of the wireless communication apparatus is installed on the hoistway side. The position s ₁ is a point away from the antenna position c ₁ by a distance a ₁ and is out of line of sight from the position c ₁ . In the case of the example in FIG. 3, the position s ₁ is located below the position c ₁ (on the z-axis negative side). The position s ₂ is a point that is away from the position c _{1 of} the antenna by a distance b ₁ and is in line of sight from the position c ₁ . In the case of the example in FIG. 3, the position s ₁ is located above the position c ₁ (z axis positive side).

For example, the positions s ₁ and s on the line P parallel to the height direction (z-axis direction) of the hoistway 20 where the radio signal transmitted from the car-side antenna (position c ₁ ) arrives at a constant intensity A ₂ is determined. The line P is a line that indicates the vicinity of the hoistway 20 and corresponds to a position where an antenna of the hoistway-side wireless communication device can be installed along the inner periphery of the hoistway 20. The distances from the car-side antenna to the positions s ₁ and s ₂ are distances a ₁ and b ₁ , respectively. The position s ₂ is in line-of-sight from the car-side antenna (position c ₁ ), but the position s ₁ is out of line-of-sight from the car-side antenna (position c ₁ ), so the distance is generally a ₁ <b The relationship of ₁ is satisfied.

As a reference value for determining the positions s ₁ and s ₁ , the communication quality of the radio signal and the transmission rate of data carried by the radio signal may be used instead of the strength of the radio signal. Examples of the communication quality index R in the radio signal include a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and various error rates, but other indices may be used. Examples of error rates include packet error rates, bit error rates, symbol error rates, etc., but other types of error rates may be used.

Also, when the distance in the y-axis direction from the position c ₁ of the car-side antenna to the line P where the antenna of the wireless communication device on the hoistway side is installed is short, the position is approximately above the position s ₁ (z-axis positive). A point on the line P advanced by a ₁ + b _{1 in the} direction) may be set at the position s ₂ .

The position s ₁ , s ₁ may be determined by actually moving the elevator car 10 to a predetermined position, transmitting a radio signal from the car-side antenna, and measuring the radio signal that arrives on the line P. Then, the positions s ₁ and s ₁ may be determined by estimating the strength of the radio signal on the line P using a program such as an electromagnetic simulator operating on a computer.

If the wireless communication device on the hoistway side is configured to be movable using an actuator, the work of determining the positions s ₁ and s ₁ by actually measuring the wireless signal transmitted from the car-side antenna can be performed efficiently. . FIG. 4 shows an example of a moving mechanism that can adjust the position of the antenna on the hoistway side on the line P. FIG. 4 shows wireless communication devices 56 to 58, a frame 60, and sliders 61 to 63.

  The frame 60 is installed in the vertical direction (z-axis) direction and includes a guide rail to which the sliders 61 to 63 can move. The sliders 61 to 63 movably supported in the guide rails of the frame 60 incorporate a servo motor. Inside the sliders 61 to 63, the rotary motion of the servo motor is converted into a linear motion by a gear mechanism such as a ball screw mechanism, a trapezoidal screw, or a rack and pinion. Control of the servo motor may be performed directly by, for example, the central controller 40 or may be performed by a dedicated controller. The moving mechanism shown in FIG. 4 is an example, and a linear motor or the like that realizes linear motion may be used instead of the servo motor.

  The wireless communication device 56 is mounted on the slider 61, the wireless communication device 57 is mounted on the slider 62, and the wireless communication device 58 is mounted on the slider 63. The antennas of the wireless communication devices 56 to 58 are located on the line P. When the slider is moved along the guide rail, the position of the wireless communication device attached to each slider can be adjusted. Since the wireless communication devices are moved in the vertical direction (z-axis direction), the position of the antenna of each wireless communication device on the line P can be adjusted.

  The electric actuator is an example of an actuator, and the position of the wireless communication device on the hoistway side may be adjusted using a mechanical actuator such as hydraulic pressure or pneumatic pressure. Moreover, you may adjust the position of the radio | wireless communication apparatus by the side of a hoistway manually without using an electric actuator like the above-mentioned example.

FIG. 5 shows a second step when determining the arrangement of the wireless communication device on the hoistway side. Compared to the first step (FIG. 2), the car 10 in the second step moves upward (z-axis positive direction) from the lowermost part of the hoistway 20. In the second step, the strength at the point s ₂ on the line P of the radio signal transmitted from the car-side antenna is measured while raising the car 10. In the second step, based on the intensity of the radio signal at point s _2, to determine the increase of the car 10. In basket 10 after being increased in the second step, the position of the antenna and c _2. Position c ₂ viewed from Te point s ₂ is outside sight is located in the lower position c ₂ (z-axis negative direction).

In the second step, when the intensity of the radio signal at the point s ₂ reaches α × A, the raising of the car 10 is stopped. Here, since α is a number greater than 0 and less than 1, a relationship of α × A <A is established. As examples of the value of α, values of 0.90 and 0.95 can be used, but other values may be used. 5, the distance between points _{c 2} and the point _{s 2} is _{a 2.} In the second step, the reference value of the strength of the radio signal is set to a lower value than in the first step, so the relationship of a ₂ > a ₁ is established for the distance.

Similarly, in the second step of FIG. 5, after the rise of the car 10, there from the position c ₂ of the car side of the antenna in the sight, the intensity of the radio signal transmitted from the car side of the antenna is alpha × A , S ₃ is a point on the line P. Point _{s 3} is located above (z-axis positive direction) position _{c 2.} B _{2 in} FIG. 5 is a distance between the point c ₂ and the point s ₃ . In the second step, the reference value of the wireless signal strength is set to a lower value than in the first step, so the relationship of b ₂ > b ₁ is established. Since a radio signal is less likely to propagate to a point that is out of line of sight compared to a point that is within line of sight from the antenna, a relationship of a ₂ > b ₂ is established.

If the distance in the y-axis direction from the position c ₂ of the car-side antenna to the line P on which the antenna of the hoistway-side wireless communication apparatus is installed is short, the position is approximately above the position s ₂ (in the positive z-axis direction). ), The position on the line P advanced by a ₂ + b ₂ may be set as the position s ₃ .

When the wireless signal transmission speed is used as a reference value for determining the position where the antenna of the wireless communication device on the hoistway side is installed, the amount of increase of the car 10 and the position of the point s ₃ are determined by the same method as described above. Can be sought. When an index relating to communication quality such as a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and various error rates is set to the reference value R, the reference value R is multiplied by β, which is a number larger than 1, instead of the above-described α, and the car The amount of increase of 10 and the position of the point s ₃ are obtained. As an example of the value of β, values such as 1.1 and 1.2 can be used, but other values may be used. In the second step, the intensity of the radio signal at each position on the line P may be calculated using a program such as an electromagnetic field simulator, as in the first step.

FIG. 6 shows a third step when determining the arrangement of the wireless communication device on the hoistway side. In the third step, the car 10 moves further upward (z-axis positive direction) of the hoistway 20 as compared to the second step. In the third step, the strength at the point s ₃ on the line P of the radio signal transmitted from the car-side antenna is measured while raising the car 10. In the third step, the rising amount of the car 10 is determined based on the strength of the radio signal at the point s ₃ . Let c ₃ be the position of the antenna in the car 10 that has been raised in the third step. Position c ₃ viewed from Te point s ₃ is outside sight is located below the position c ₃ (z-axis negative direction).

In the third step, when the intensity of the radio signal at the point s ₃ reaches α ² A, the raising of the car 10 is stopped. Since 0 <α <1, the relationship α ² A <A is established. In FIG. 6, the distance between the point c ₃ and the point s ₃ is a ₃ . In the third step, the reference value of the strength of the radio signal is set to a lower value than in the second step, so that a relationship of a ₃ > a ₂ > a ₁ is established with respect to the distance.

Similarly, in the third step of FIG. 6, the strength of the radio signal transmitted from the car-side antenna is α ² A, which is within line of sight from the position c ₃ of the car-side antenna after the car 10 is lifted. a point on the line P and _{s 4.} Point _{s 4} is positioned above the position _{c 3} (z-axis positive direction). B _{3 in} FIG. 6 is a distance between the point c ₃ and the point s ₄ . In the third step, the reference value of the wireless signal strength is set to a lower value than in the second step, and therefore, the relationship of b ₃ > b ₂ is established. Since a radio signal is less likely to propagate to a point outside the line of sight compared to a point within the line of sight from the antenna, the relationship of a ₃ > b ₃ is established.

When the distance in the y-axis direction from the position c ₃ of the car-side antenna to the line P on which the antenna of the hoistway-side wireless communication device is installed is short, it is approximately above the position s ₃ (in the positive z-axis direction). ), The position on the line P advanced by a ₃ + b ₃ may be set as the position s ₄ .

When the wireless signal transmission speed is used as a reference value for determining the position where the antenna of the wireless communication device on the hoistway side is installed, the amount of increase of the car 10 and the position of the point s ₄ are determined by the same method as described above. Can be sought. When a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or an error rate is used as the reference value R, β ² R is calculated, and the rising amount of the car 10 and the position of the point s ₄ are obtained. In the third step, the intensity of the radio signal at each position on the line P may be calculated using a program such as an electromagnetic field simulator, as in the first step and the second step.

FIG. 7 shows a fourth step when determining the arrangement of the wireless communication devices on the hoistway side. In the fourth step, the car 10 is moved further upward (z-axis positive direction) of the hoistway 20 as compared to the third step (FIG. 6). In the fourth step, the strength at the point s ₄ on the line P of the radio signal transmitted from the car-side antenna is measured while raising the car 10. In the fourth step, based on the intensity of the radio signal at point s _4, it determines the rise of the car 10. In basket 10 after being raised in the fourth step, the position of the antenna and c _4. The point s ₄ is out of sight from the position c ₄ and is located below the position c ₄ (z-axis negative direction).

In the fourth step, when the intensity of the radio signal at the point s ₄ reaches α ³ A, the raising of the car 10 is stopped. Since 0 <α <1, the relationship of α ³ A <A is established. _{A 4} in FIG. 7, the distance between points _{c 4} and the point _{s 4.} In the fourth step, the wireless signal strength reference value is set to a lower value than in the fourth step, and therefore, a relationship of a ₄ > a ₃ > a ₂ > a ₁ is established with respect to the distance.

Similarly, in the fourth step of FIG. 7, after rising of the car 10 is within sight from the position c ₄ of the car side of the antenna, the intensity of the radio signal transmitted from the car side of the antenna is alpha ^{3 A} a point on the line P and _{s 5.} B _{4 in} FIG. 7 is the distance between the point c ₄ and the point s ₅ . In the fourth step, the reference value of the wireless signal strength is set to a lower value than in the fourth step, and therefore the relationship b ₄ > b ₃ is established. Since a radio signal is less likely to propagate at a point outside the line of sight compared with a point within the line of sight from the antenna, the relationship of a ₄ > b ₄ is established.

If the distance in the y-axis direction from the position c ₄ of the car-side antenna to the line P on which the antenna of the hoistway-side wireless communication apparatus is installed is short, it is approximately above the position s ₄ (in the positive z-axis direction). ), The position on the line P advanced by a ₄ + b ₄ may be set as the position s ₅ .

When the transmission speed of the radio signal is used as a reference value for determining the position where the antenna of the radio communication device on the hoistway side is installed, the amount of increase of the car 10 and the point s ₅ by the same method as described above. The position can be determined. When the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or error rate is used as the reference value R, β ³ R is calculated, and the amount of increase of the car 10 and the position of the point s ₅ are obtained. Further, the intensity of the radio signal at each position on the line P may be calculated using a program such as an electromagnetic field simulator as in the first to third steps.

  By determining the position where the antenna of the wireless communication device on the hoistway side is installed by the above-described method, the distance in the height direction (z-axis direction) between the antennas of the wireless communication device on the hoistway side is decreased from the upper side (z-axis negative). (Direction) can be set smaller. During operation of the elevator, the antenna of the wireless communication device below the hoistway is more likely to be shielded by the car, and the probability of being out of sight as viewed from the car-side antenna increases. Accordingly, by increasing the arrangement density of the wireless communication devices below the hoistway, the communication quality can be stabilized even when the elevator car itself becomes a shield in wireless communication.

When the above steps are repeated k times and the car is raised to the top of the hoistway, the intensity of the radio signal serving as the reference value becomes α ^k A (0 <α <1), and the reference value A used in the initial step It should be noted that the value becomes smaller than. For this reason, even in the antenna arranged at the top of the hoistway where the intensity of the radio signal is α ^k A, the coefficient α is set so that the intensity of the radio signal becomes a sufficient value for elevator control and monitoring. Or, the reference value A of the strength of the radio signal used as the reference value in the first step is determined. Whether or not the intensity α ^k A of the radio signal is a value sufficient for controlling or monitoring the elevator is based on an index indicating the quality of the radio signal, such as a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or an error rate of the radio signal. Can be judged.

Ensuring communication quality sufficient for elevator control and monitoring even in β ^k R, even when signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or error rate is used as a reference for determining the antenna position of the wireless communication device on the hoistway side The initial reference value R and the value of the coefficient β are determined so that they can be performed.

  In order to prevent radio signals related to different propagation paths from interfering with each other and weakening each other, the distance between the antennas of the radio communication devices on the hoistway side is set to 1/2 or more of the wavelength of the radio signal, and is a multiple of the wavelength. Preferably not. By determining the values of the coefficient α (β) and the reference value A (R) so as to satisfy the condition, good communication quality can be maintained.

  Good communication without increasing the number of installed wireless communication devices in the entire hoistway by narrowing the distance between the hoistway side wireless communication devices as it goes from the upper side to the lower side of the hoistway as in this embodiment. Quality can be obtained. In addition, an increase in cost associated with an increase in the number of installed wireless communication devices can be prevented.

  In the above description, the case where the first wireless communication device is located on the upper part of the car (moving body) has been described as an example. Therefore, the car starts from the lowermost part of the hoistway (moving path), and the hoistway side first car is raised while raising the car. 2 The position of the wireless communication device was determined. However, when the first wireless communication device is at the lower part of the car (moving body), the car starts from the top of the hoistway (moving route), and the second wireless communication device on the hoistway side is lowered while lowering the car. The position may be determined. That is, the position of the first wireless communication device on the moving body side and the direction of the end of the moving path are not particularly limited.

(First modification)
In the first embodiment, the radio signal transmitted from the car-side radio communication device (first radio communication device) is measured, and the obtained measurement value is compared with α ^k A or β ^k R, and the hoistway side The position of the wireless communication device (second wireless communication device) is determined. The coefficient value at this time was 0 <α <1 or 1 <β.

However, α = 1 or β = 1 may be used as the coefficient value. If α = 1 or β = 1, the relationship of a ₁ = a ₂ = a ₂ = a ₃ ..., b ₁ = b ₂ = b ₂ = b ₃ . Therefore, the intervals at which the hoistway-side wireless communication devices are installed can be set at substantially equal intervals. From the position c _n of the car side of the antenna, when the distance y-axis direction to the line P of the antenna of the radio communication apparatus hoistway are installed is short, the installation interval of the second wireless communication device of approximately hoistway side a ₁ + b ₁ can be set.

  To summarize the above processing, first, a signal is transmitted from the first wireless communication device installed in the moving body, and when the moving body is at the end of the moving path, the signal strength becomes equal to the reference value A. A first point that is out of line of sight from one wireless communication apparatus and near the movement path and a second point that is within line of sight from the first wireless communication apparatus are found.

  The signal intensity at the (n + 1) th point (n is an integer satisfying 1 ≦ n ≦ k and k is an integer of 1 or more) is moved until the reference value A is multiplied by a coefficient α of 1 or less n times. The body is raised, and the signal strength is a value obtained by multiplying the reference value A by the coefficient α n times, and the process of obtaining the n + 2 point in the vicinity of the moving path within the line of sight from the first wireless communication device is executed k times. The second wireless communication device is arranged from the first point to the (k + 2) th point. In the process of obtaining the (n + 2) th point, the signal may be measured while moving the second wireless communication apparatus.

  In another example of the above-described processing, first, a signal is transmitted from the first wireless communication device installed in the mobile body, and when the mobile body is at the end of the mobile path, the signal error rate or the signal-to-noise ratio is Is determined to be equal to the reference value R, and a first point that is outside the line of sight from the first wireless communication device and near the movement path is determined from the first wireless communication device and a second point that is within the line of sight from the first wireless communication device. Yes.

  Then, the signal error rate or signal-to-noise ratio at the (n + 1) th point (n is an integer satisfying 1 ≦ n ≦ k and k is an integer of 1 or more) is multiplied by a coefficient β of 1 or more by a reference value R n times. The error rate or signal-to-noise ratio of the signal is a value obtained by multiplying the reference value R by the coefficient β n times, and within the line of sight from the first wireless communication device, in the vicinity of the moving path. The step of obtaining a certain n + 2 point is executed k times, and the second wireless communication device is arranged from the first point to the k + 2 point. In the process of obtaining the (n + 2) th point, the signal may be measured while moving the second wireless communication apparatus.

(Second Embodiment)
In the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment, the antenna of the wireless communication device is provided along one edge (specifically, the y-axis positive side) of the upper surface of the elevator car. The wireless communication device and the antenna are installed only on one surface of the hoistway (specifically, the surface on the y-axis positive side facing the car-side antenna). However, this configuration is only an example. For example, you may install the antenna of a radio | wireless communication apparatus along the some edge of the upper surface of the elevator car. Furthermore, you may arrange | position the radio | wireless communication apparatus and antenna which oppose the some surface by the side of a hoistway.

  FIG. 8 shows a configuration example of the entire system according to the second embodiment. In the wireless communication system of FIG. 8, as in the first embodiment, the antenna 14 and the wireless communication device 13 are disposed along the edge on the y-axis positive side of the upper surface of the car 10. Furthermore, an antenna 16 and a wireless communication device 15 are arranged along the edge on the negative side of the y-axis on the upper surface of the car 10.

  As in the first embodiment, the wireless communication devices 51a to 55a are arranged on the surface of the hoistway 20 that faces the antenna 14 of the car 10 (the surface on the y-axis positive side). In FIG. 8, wireless communication devices 51 b to 55 b are further arranged on the surface of the hoistway 20 facing the antenna 16 of the car 10 (surface on the negative side of the y axis).

  The wireless communication device 13 of the car 10 is assumed to perform wireless communication with at least one of the wireless communication devices 51a to 55a. However, this does not prevent the wireless communication device 13 of the car 10 from performing wireless communication with at least one of the wireless communication devices 51b to 55b. Similarly, the wireless communication device 15 of the car 10 performs wireless communication with at least one of the wireless communication devices 51b to 55b. However, this does not prevent the wireless communication device 15 of the car 10 from performing wireless communication with at least one of the wireless communication devices 51a to 55a.

  The wireless communication devices 51 a to 55 a and the wireless communication devices 51 b to 55 b are electrically connected to the central control device 40 via the communication cable 41. Therefore, it is possible to transmit and receive an elevator control signal and a monitoring signal using the wireless communication devices 51a to 55a and the wireless communication devices 51b to 55b. By using the configuration as shown in FIG. 8, the independence of the propagation path related to the radio signal transmitted / received by the antenna 14 and the propagation path related to the radio signal transmitted / received by the antenna 16 is enhanced, and the influence of multipath fading is suppressed. Can do. Thereby, the communication quality in the radio communication system can be improved.

  In addition, arrangement | positioning of the radio | wireless communication apparatuses 51a-55a and the radio | wireless communication apparatuses 51b-55b can be determined by the method similar to the method demonstrated in 1st Embodiment.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of an elevator car according to the second embodiment. As in the example of FIG. 9, the car-side wireless communication device may be arranged on a diagonal line on the upper surface of the car. A wireless communication device 13 and an antenna 14 are arranged near the vertex X on the upper surface of the car. On the other hand, a wireless communication device 15 and an antenna 16 are arranged near the vertex Y on the upper surface of the car. As in the example of FIG. 9, by increasing the distance between the car-side antenna 14 and the antenna 16, the communication with the wireless communication devices 51 a to 55 a and 51 b to 55 b is suppressed and the influence of the shielding object is suppressed. Quality can be improved. In the car-side radio communication apparatus, it is preferable that the distance between the antennas is not less than a half of the wavelength of the radio signal and not a multiple of the wavelength.

  In the example of FIG. 9, the antenna of the wireless communication device on the hoistway side is arranged on a diagonal line of a cross section obtained by cutting the hoistway along the xy plane. Lines C and D are parallel to each other in the height direction (z-axis direction) passing through apexes located on the diagonal line of the cross section obtained by cutting the hoistway along the xy plane. The line C passes through the vicinity of the vertex X of the car 10, and the line D passes through the vicinity of the vertex Y of the car 10.

  The points 70a, 71a, 72a on the line C and the points 70b, 71b, 72b on the line D are all examples of positions where the antenna of the wireless communication apparatus is installed on the hoistway side. In FIG. 9, the antennas of the hoistway side wireless communication devices are all arranged at different heights. By arranging the antennas of the hoistway side wireless communication apparatus at different heights as shown in FIG. 9, the distance between the antennas can be increased. Thereby, in the communication with the wireless communication devices 51a to 55a and 51b to 55b, the influence of the shielding object can be suppressed and the communication quality can be improved. As in the first embodiment, the distance between the antennas of the radio communication device on the hoistway side is preferably not less than ½ of the wavelength of the radio signal and not a multiple of the wavelength.

(Third embodiment)
In each of the above-described embodiments, the example of the wireless communication system constructed in the elevator in which one car is installed in the hoistway has been described. A wireless communication system may be constructed in an elevator in which a plurality of cars are installed in the hoistway.

  FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of the entire system according to the third embodiment. In the example of FIG. 10, the car 10a and the car 10b are installed in the hoistway 20a. The car 10a includes a control device 12a, a wireless communication device 13a, and an antenna 14a. The car 10b includes a control device 12b, a wireless communication device 13b, and an antenna 14b.

  The wireless communication device 13a and the antenna 14a are installed along the edge on the y-axis positive side of the upper surface of the car 10a. Further, on the surface (surface on the positive side of the y axis) facing the antenna 14a of the car 10a of the hoistway 20a, hoistway side wireless communication devices 80 to 84 are installed. The wireless communication device 13a of the car 10a performs data communication with at least one of the wireless communication devices 80 to 84 on the hoistway side. However, this does not prevent the wireless communication device 13a of the car 10a from communicating with at least one of the wireless communication devices 85 to 89.

  The wireless communication device 13b and the antenna 14b are installed along the y-axis negative side edge of the car 10b. In addition, the hoistway-side wireless communication devices 85 to 89 are installed on the surface (the y-axis negative side surface) facing the antenna 14b of the car 10b of the hoistway 20a. The wireless communication device 13b of the car 10b performs data communication with at least one of the wireless communication devices 85 to 89 on the hoistway side. However, this does not prevent the wireless communication device 13b of the car 10b from communicating with at least one of the wireless communication devices 80 to 84.

  With the configuration in FIG. 10, the independence of the propagation path related to the radio signal transmitted and received by the antenna 14a and the propagation path related to the radio signal transmitted and received by the antenna 14b can be increased. Therefore, the influence of multipath fading can be suppressed and communication quality can be improved.

  In addition, arrangement | positioning of the radio | wireless communication apparatuses 80-84 and the radio | wireless communication apparatuses 85-89 can be determined by the method similar to having demonstrated in 1st Embodiment. For example, the arrangement of the wireless communication devices 80 to 84 can be determined while raising the car 10b from the lowermost part of the hoistway 20a. Similarly, the arrangement of the wireless communication devices 85 to 89 can be determined while raising the car 10a from the lowermost part of the hoistway 20a. When determining the arrangement of the wireless communication device on the hoistway side while raising one car, it is desirable to stop the other car and suppress fluctuations in measurement conditions.

(Fourth embodiment)
In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the wireless communication system is built in the elevator has been described. However, the wireless communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention can be applied to a mobile body other than an elevator. For example, in a section where a subway or a railroad passes through a tunnel, a vehicle as a moving body moves in a narrow closed space like an elevator, so a wireless communication device in the vehicle and a wireless communication device on the track side May not be able to communicate within the line of sight, or the vehicle itself may become a shield.

  FIG. 11 shows a configuration example of the entire system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 shows a railway vehicle 6 that moves on a track laid in the tunnel 5. Although only one railway vehicle is shown in FIG. 11, a formation in which a plurality of railway vehicles are connected may move on the track in the tunnel 5. A radio communication device 7 including an antenna is installed inside the railway vehicle 6. The wireless communication device 7 communicates with other wireless communication devices installed outside the railway vehicle 6. The railway vehicle 6 departs from the first station and travels from the right to the left in FIG.

  Radio communication devices 7 a to 7 d are installed on the floor of the tunnel 5. The installation location of the wireless communication devices 7a to 7d is not limited to the floor, and may be, for example, a tunnel ceiling or wall surface. The wireless communication devices 7a to 7d are electrically connected to each other by the communication cable 8. It is assumed that the communication cable 8 is connected to a security device such as a railway command station or a control device.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the railway vehicle-side wireless communication device 7 cannot be installed at the bottom of the railway vehicle that easily communicates with the tunnel-side wireless communication devices 7 a to 7 d due to design restrictions or the like, It itself becomes a shield for radio signals. For example, in the example of FIG. 11, the radio communication device 7 on the railcar side can communicate with the radio communication device 7 a within the line of sight, but the other radio communication devices 7 b to 7 d are the radio communication devices 7 on the railcar side. Seen from the perspective of the outlook.

  Therefore, the arrangement of the wireless communication devices on the tunnel side can be determined using the same method as described above. For example, the railway vehicle is moved from the starting station (departure point), and the strength of the radio signal transmitted from the radio communication device 7 on the railway vehicle side is measured at the position where the radio communication device on the tunnel side is installed. The installation interval of the wireless communication device on the tunnel side is narrowed near the starting station of the railway vehicle, and the installation interval of the wireless communication device on the tunnel side is increased in a place away from the starting station. As a result, the installation density of the wireless communication devices on the tunnel side increases near the first station where the probability of going out of sight is high, as viewed from the wireless communication device 7 on the railway vehicle side, and good communication quality can be ensured.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements 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.

5 Tunnel 6 Railcar 10, 10a, 10b Car 11 Door 12, 12a, 12b Control device 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 13, 13a, 13b, 15, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a, 51b, 52b, 53b, 54b, 55b, 56, 57, 58, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 8
8, 41 Communication cable 9 Wireless communication device 14, 14a, 14b, 16 Antenna 20 Hoistway 21, 21a, 21b Rope 30 Hoisting machine 40 Central controller 60 Frame 61, 62, 63 Slider 70a, 70b, 71a, 71b, 72a, 72b points

Claims (11)

A first wireless communication device installed in a mobile body;
A plurality of second wireless communication devices installed along a movement path of the mobile body,
Determining the position of the second wireless communication device based on at least one of the strength, error rate, and signal-to-noise ratio of the first signal transmitted by the first wireless communication device;
Wireless communication system. The second wireless communication device establishes a connection with the first wireless communication device when the second signal transmitted by the first wireless communication device can be received with a certain strength. Wireless communication system. The second radio communication device is arranged such that an interval between antennas of the second radio communication device is not less than ½ of a wavelength of a radio signal and does not become a multiple of the wavelength. Wireless communication system. 4. The wireless device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the second wireless communication devices are attached to an actuator, and the actuator moves the second wireless communication device in a length direction of the movement path. 5. Communications system. Transmitting a first signal from a first wireless communication device installed in a mobile body;
By moving the second wireless communication device and measuring the first signal, the strength of the first signal becomes equal to a reference value when the moving body is at an end of a moving path. A first point that is out of line of sight from one wireless communication device and near the movement path and a second point that is within line of sight from the first wireless communication device and near the movement path;
Until the intensity of the first signal at the n + 1th point (n is an integer satisfying 1 ≦ n ≦ k and k is an integer of 1 or more) is a value obtained by multiplying the reference value by a coefficient of 1 or less n times. By measuring the first signal while moving the moving body and moving the second wireless communication device, the intensity of the first signal is a value obtained by multiplying the reference value by the coefficient n times. A process of obtaining the n + 2 point in the vicinity of the moving path within the line of sight from the first wireless communication device is performed k times, and the second wireless communication device is arranged from the first point to the k + 2 point,
The wireless communication system according to claim 4. Transmitting a first signal from a first wireless communication device installed in a mobile body;
By moving the second wireless communication apparatus and measuring the first signal, the error rate or signal-to-noise ratio of the first signal is a reference value when the moving body is at the end of the moving path. A first point that is out of line of sight from the first wireless communication device and near the movement path and a second point in line of sight from the first wireless communication device and near the movement path;
The error rate or signal-to-noise ratio of the first signal at the (n + 1) th point (n is an integer satisfying 1 ≦ n ≦ k and k is an integer of 1 or more) is multiplied by a coefficient of 1 or more to the reference value n times. The error rate or the signal-to-noise ratio of the first signal is determined by moving the moving body until the value reaches the reference value and measuring the first signal while moving the second wireless communication apparatus. The value obtained by multiplying the coefficient by n times, and the process of obtaining the (n + 2) point in the vicinity of the moving path within the line-of-sight from the first wireless communication device is executed k times, and the second wireless communication device is moved to the first wireless communication device. From the point to the k + 2th point,
The wireless communication system according to claim 4. The moving body is an elevator car, and the moving path is an elevator hoistway;
The radio | wireless communications system as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6. The first wireless communication device is installed in an upper part or a lower part of the car;
The radio | wireless communications system of Claim 7. The space | interval of the said 2nd radio | wireless communication apparatus is narrow, so that it goes to the edge part of the said hoistway. The moving body is a railway vehicle, and the moving path is a tunnel in which a track is laid.
The wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 8. Transmitting a signal from a first wireless communication device installed in a moving body;
A first point that is out of line of sight from the first wireless communication device and is in the vicinity of the moving path, wherein the signal strength is equal to a reference value when the moving body is at an end of the moving path; Determining a second point in line of sight from the wireless communication device and in the vicinity of the travel path,
The moving object until the signal intensity at the (n + 1) th point (n is an integer satisfying 1 ≦ n ≦ k, and k is an integer of 1 or more) is a value obtained by multiplying the reference value by a coefficient of 1 or less n times. The signal intensity is a value obtained by multiplying the reference value by the coefficient n times, and the step of obtaining the n + 2 point in the vicinity of the moving path within the line-of-sight from the first wireless communication device is performed k times. And the second wireless communication device is arranged from the first point to the k + 2 point.
Arrangement method of wireless communication device. Transmitting a signal from a first wireless communication device installed in a moving body;
When the moving body is at the end of the moving path, the signal error rate or the signal-to-noise ratio is equal to a reference value. Determining a point and a second point within the line of sight within the line of sight from the first wireless communication device,
A value obtained by multiplying the reference value by n times a coefficient of 1 or more for the error rate or signal-to-noise ratio of the signal at the n + 1th point (n is an integer satisfying 1 ≦ n ≦ k and k is an integer of 1 or more). And the error rate or signal-to-noise ratio of the signal is a value obtained by multiplying the reference value by the coefficient n times, and within the line-of-sight from the first wireless communication device, The step of obtaining the n + 2 point in the vicinity is executed k times, and the second wireless communication device is arranged from the first point to the k + 2 point.
Arrangement method of wireless communication device.

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