JP7485220B2 - Elevator management system and elevator system - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to elevator management systems and elevator systems.

Patent Document 1 discloses an example of an elevator system. In the elevator system, when a communication device receives an email from a weather information service center notifying the user of the possibility of torrential rain occurring in the vicinity of a facility to which the elevator is applied, the communication device outputs an email reception signal to a control device. When the email reception signal is input from the communication device, the control device causes the elevator to perform a flood evacuation function.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-177475

However, in the elevator system of Patent Document 1, the flood evacuation function is released when the manager presses a release button on the control device. However, there are cases where the manager's arrival at the facility where the elevator is used is delayed due to the effects of a disaster that has occurred. In such cases, the delay in releasing the evacuation function can reduce convenience for users.

The present disclosure provides a management system and elevator system that can deactivate the evacuation function from flooding without the operation of an administrator in the facility in which the elevator is installed.

The management system disclosed herein comprises an acquisition unit that sequentially acquires from an external system the urgency of flooding in a location where a facility is installed to which an elevator having a car running in a hoistway is applied, and a command unit that causes the elevator to initiate a flood evacuation function when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined first reference value, and causes the elevator to deactivate the evacuation function when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit becomes less than a predetermined second reference value that is equal to or less than the first reference value, wherein the second reference value is set lower than the first reference value .
The management system disclosed herein comprises an acquisition unit that sequentially acquires from an external system the urgency of flooding in a location where a facility is installed to which an elevator having a car running in a hoistway is applied, a command unit that causes the elevator to initiate an evacuation function from flooding when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined first reference value, and causes the elevator to release the evacuation function when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit becomes less than a predetermined second reference value that is equal to or less than the first reference value, and a monitoring processing unit that accepts input of monitoring information by a person monitoring the elevator, and when the monitoring processing unit accepts input of monitoring information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the elevator, the command unit suspends release of the evacuation function of the elevator until the monitoring processing unit accepts input of monitoring information indicating that the abnormality has been resolved.
The management system disclosed herein comprises an acquisition unit that sequentially acquires from an external system the urgency of flooding in a location where a facility is installed to which an elevator having a car running in a hoistway is applied, and a command unit that causes the elevator to initiate a flood evacuation function when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined first reference value, and causes the elevator to deactivate the evacuation function when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit becomes less than a predetermined second reference value that is equal to or less than the first reference value, and the command unit causes the elevator to deactivate the evacuation function when a predetermined second time has elapsed since the elevator started the evacuation function if a predetermined first time has elapsed since the acquisition unit last acquired the urgency.
The management system disclosed herein comprises an acquisition unit that sequentially acquires from an external system the urgency of flooding in a location where a facility is installed to which an elevator having a car running in a hoistway is applied; a command unit that causes the elevator to initiate an evacuation function from flooding when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined first reference value, and causes the elevator to deactivate the evacuation function when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit becomes less than a predetermined second reference value that is equal to or less than the first reference value; a learning unit that learns the relationship between the occurrence of flooding in the hoistway and the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit based on the history of the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit and the history of flooding occurrence in the hoistway; and an update unit that updates the first reference value and the second reference value based on the results of learning by the learning unit.
The management system according to the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that sequentially acquires from an external system the urgency of flooding in a location where a facility is located, where an elevator having a car that runs in a hoistway is applied; a command unit that causes the elevator to initiate a flood evacuation function when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined first reference value, and causes the elevator to deactivate the evacuation function when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit is less than a predetermined second reference value that is equal to or less than the first reference value; a prediction unit that predicts the occurrence of flooding in the hoistway based on the conditions of a landing on an outdoor floor of the facility and meteorological information for the location where the facility is located; and a correction unit that corrects the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit based on the result of the prediction by the prediction unit.
The management system disclosed herein comprises an acquisition unit that sequentially acquires from an external system the urgency of flooding in a location where a facility is installed to which an elevator having a car running in an elevator shaft is applied, a command unit that causes the elevator to initiate a function of evacuation from flooding when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined first reference value, and causes the elevator to deactivate the evacuation function when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit becomes less than a predetermined second reference value that is equal to or less than the first reference value, and an image processing unit that detects flooding in the elevator shaft based on an image of the elevator shaft taken by a camera provided below the car, and when the image processing unit detects flooding in the elevator shaft, the command unit causes the elevator to refrain from traveling of the car up to the flooded portion of the elevator shaft.
The management system disclosed herein comprises an acquisition unit that sequentially acquires from an external system the urgency of flooding in a location where a facility is installed to which an elevator having a car running in a hoistway is applied, and a command unit that causes the elevator to initiate a function of evacuation from flooding when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined first reference value, and causes the elevator to deactivate the evacuation function when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit becomes less than a predetermined second reference value that is equal to or less than the first reference value, wherein the command unit sets, as the evacuation function, a waiting floor for the car at an upper floor above a preset floor in the facility, and while the evacuation function is being performed, the command unit causes the elevator to open the doors for a shorter time than during normal operation at outdoor floors of the facility.

The elevator system of the present disclosure comprises a management system including an acquisition unit that sequentially acquires from an external system the urgency of flooding in a location where a facility is located where an elevator having a car running in a hoistway is applied, and a command unit that causes the elevator to start an evacuation function from flooding when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined first reference value, and causes the elevator to cancel the evacuation function when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit becomes less than a predetermined second reference value that is equal to or less than the first reference value; a flood detection unit that is provided in the hoistway, is not connected to a control panel that controls the operation of the elevator, and detects flooding in the hoistway; and a remote monitoring device that is provided in the facility, is connected to the control panel, is connected to the flood detection unit so as to be able to receive information of detection by the flood detection unit, and provides information on the status of the elevator, including information of detection from the flood detection unit, to the management system.
The elevator system according to the present disclosure comprises a management system including an acquisition unit that sequentially acquires from an external system the urgency of flooding in a location where a facility is installed to which an elevator having a car traveling in a hoistway is applied, a command unit that causes the elevator to initiate an evacuation function from flooding when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit becomes equal to or greater than a preset first reference value, and causes the elevator to cancel the evacuation function when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit becomes less than a preset second reference value that is equal to or less than the first reference value, and an image processing unit that detects flooding in the hoistway based on an image of the hoistway taken by a camera provided under the car, and a swinging unit that performs an operation to ruffle the water surface when the hoistway is flooded, and the image processing unit detects flooding in the hoistway based on an image of the hoistway taken after the operation of the swinging unit, and the command unit causes the elevator to refrain from traveling of the car up to the flooded portion of the hoistway when the image processing unit detects flooding in the hoistway .

With the management system disclosed herein, the evacuation function from flooding can be deactivated without the operation of an administrator in the facility where the elevator is installed.

1 is a configuration diagram of an elevator system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a setting change screen in the management system according to the first embodiment; 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the management system according to the first embodiment; 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a main part of a management system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of an elevator system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of an elevator system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of an elevator system according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of an elevator system according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of an elevator system according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of an elevator system according to a seventh embodiment.

The embodiments for implementing the subject matter of this disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions are appropriately simplified or omitted. Note that the subject matter of this disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and any of the components of the embodiments may be modified or omitted without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an elevator system 1 according to the first embodiment.

The elevator system 1 includes an elevator 2. The elevator 2 is applied to a facility 3 having, for example, a plurality of floors. A hoistway 4 for the elevator 2 is provided in the facility 3. The hoistway 4 is a long space in the vertical direction spanning a plurality of floors. A pit is provided at the lower end of the hoistway 4. A landing 5 adjacent to the hoistway 4 is provided on each floor. A landing door 6 is provided at the landing 5 on each floor. The landing door 6 is a door that separates the hoistway 4 and the landing 5. The elevator 2 includes a hoisting machine 7, a main rope 8, a car 9, a counterweight 10, and a control panel 11.

The hoisting machine 7 is arranged, for example, at the top or bottom of the elevator shaft 4. For example, when a machine room of the elevator 2 is provided above the elevator shaft 4, the hoisting machine 7 may be arranged in the machine room. The hoisting machine 7 includes a motor and a sheave. The motor of the hoisting machine 7 is a device that generates driving force. The sheave of the hoisting machine 7 is a device that rotates by the driving force generated by the motor of the hoisting machine 7.

The main rope 8 is wound around the sheave of the hoist 7. The main rope 8 supports the load of the cage 9 on one side of the sheave of the hoist 7. The main rope 8 supports the load of the counterweight 10 on the other side of the sheave of the hoist 7. The main rope 8 moves so as to be wound up onto the sheave of the hoist 7 or to be unwound from the sheave of the hoist 7 as the sheave of the hoist 7 rotates.

The car 9 is a device that transports elevator 2 users and others between multiple floors by traveling up and down the hoistway 4. The car 9 travels up and down the hoistway 4 in conjunction with the movement of the main rope 8 caused by the rotation of the sheave of the hoisting machine 7. The car 9 is equipped with a car door 12. The car door 12 is a door that separates the interior and exterior of the car 9. The car door 12 is a device that opens and closes in conjunction with the landing door 6 of a floor when the car 9 stops at that floor.

The counterweight 10 is a device that balances the load on both sides of the sheave of the hoisting machine 7 with the car 9. The counterweight 10 runs up and down the hoistway 4 in the opposite direction to the car 9 in response to the movement of the main rope 8 caused by the rotation of the sheave of the hoisting machine 7.

The control panel 11 is a device that controls the operation of the elevator 2. The control panel 11 is arranged, for example, at the upper or lower part of the hoistway 4. For example, when a machine room of the elevator 2 is provided above the hoistway 4, the control panel 11 may be arranged in the machine room. The operation of the elevator 2 controlled by the control panel 11 includes the running of the car 9 and the opening and closing of the car door 12. For example, the control panel 11 runs the car 9 between a plurality of floors in response to a registered call. When the control panel 11 stops the car 9 at any floor, it links the landing door 6 to open the car door 12. The control panel 11 maintains the car door 12 and the landing door 6 in a fully open state for a preset door opening time. After the door opening time has elapsed since the car 9 was fully opened, the control panel 11 links the landing door 6 to close the car door 12.

An abnormality detection unit 13 is provided in the facility 3 to which the elevator 2 is applied. The abnormality detection unit 13 is a part that detects abnormalities in the facility 3. Abnormalities detected by the abnormality detection unit 13 include, for example, a malfunction of equipment in the elevator 2 applied to the facility 3, a malfunction of facilities in the facility 3, and damage to part of the facility 3. The abnormality detection unit 13 outputs information on the detected abnormality to a remote monitoring device 15 or the like. The abnormality detection unit 13 is, for example, a sensor provided in the equipment of the elevator 2 or the facilities of the facility 3.

A flood detection unit 14 is provided in the elevator 2. The flood detection unit 14 is a part that detects flooding in the hoistway 4. The flood detection unit 14 is arranged in the hoistway 4. The flood detection unit 14 may be arranged, for example, in a pit. In this example, the flood detection unit 14 outputs information about the detected flooding to the control panel 11. The flood detection unit 14 is, for example, a flood sensor.

The elevator system 1 includes a remote monitoring device 15. The remote monitoring device 15 is a device used for remote monitoring of the state of the elevator 2. The remote monitoring device 15 is connected to the control panel 11, etc. so as to collect information on the state of the elevator 2. The remote monitoring device 15 collects, for example, information input to the control panel 11 and information output from the control panel 11 as information on the state of the elevator 2. The information collected by the remote monitoring device 15 is transmitted to a device provided in the information center 17, etc., via a communication network 16 such as the Internet or a telephone line network. The information center 17 is a base that collects and manages information on the state of the elevator 2. The remote monitoring device 15 receives a control signal for the elevator 2 from outside the facility 3 in which the elevator 2 is provided, etc., via the communication network 16. The remote monitoring device 15 outputs the received control signal to the control panel 11.

The elevator system 1 comprises a management system 18. The management system 18 is a system that performs remote management of the elevator 2. The management system 18 is a system that includes, for example, one or more server devices. Devices such as the server of the management system 18 are located, for example, in an information center 17. The management system 18 is connected to a communication network 16. Some or all of the functions of the management system 18 may be implemented by processing and storage resources on a cloud service. The management system 18 collects information on the status of the elevator 2, for example, via the remote monitoring device 15 of the elevator 2. The management system 18 comprises an acquisition unit 19, a command unit 20, a monitoring processing unit 21, and a management processing unit 22.

The acquisition unit 19 is a part that acquires information from a system external to the management system 18 through the communication network 16. The external system is, for example, a weather information system 23 that distributes weather information. The weather information system 23 is a system operated by a public institution that handles weather information, such as the Japan Meteorological Agency in Japan, or an institution such as a private weather company. In this example, the weather information system 23 distributes information that indicates the urgency of flooding for each location. The distributed information is, for example, a risk distribution of heavy rain warnings (flooding) distributed by the Japan Meteorological Agency, or similar information. The distributed information is, for example, information that indicates the degree of urgency at each location on a five-level scale from risk level 0 to risk level 4. The acquisition unit 19 sequentially acquires the urgency of flooding at a location where the facility 3 to which the elevator 2 is applied is installed from the weather information system 23. In this example, the acquisition unit 19 periodically acquires the urgency. The cycle of acquiring the urgency is, for example, 10 minutes.

The command unit 20 is a part that outputs a control signal for the evacuation function from flooding to the elevator 2 via the communication network 16 and the remote monitoring device 15. The evacuation function is a function of the elevator 2 for avoiding or suppressing damage caused by flooding of the elevator shaft 4. The evacuation function includes, for example, upper floor waiting and operation suspension. Upper floor waiting is an evacuation function that sets the waiting floor of the car 9 to an upper floor. Here, the waiting floor of the car 9 is a floor where the car 9 waits when it is stopped in a directionless manner. Under normal circumstances, the waiting floor is set, for example, to the entrance floor of the facility 3. The upper floor is a floor above a floor that is set in advance in the facility 3. The upper floor is, for example, any floor above the entrance floor. The upper floor set as the waiting floor may be the top floor of the facility 3. Operation suspension is an evacuation function that suspends the car 9 without running. At this time, the elevator 2 suspends, for example, with the car 9 stopped at an upper floor.

The command unit 20 outputs a control signal based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 19. In the command unit 20, a first reference value and a second reference value for the urgency are set in advance. The second reference value is set to a value equal to or less than the first reference value. The first reference value is a reference value for the urgency that starts the evacuation function. The second reference value is a reference value for the urgency that cancels the evacuation function. In other words, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal for starting the evacuation function when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit 19 becomes equal to or greater than the first reference value. In addition, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal for canceling the evacuation function when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit 19 becomes less than the second reference value. The first reference value and the second reference value may be set, for example, for each type of evacuation function.

The monitoring processing unit 21 is a part that accepts input of monitoring information. The monitoring information is information input by a supervisor of the elevator 2. The supervisor of the elevator 2 is, for example, an operator at the information center 17 who monitors the elevator 2 as part of his/her job. The monitoring information is, for example, information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the elevator 2. When the supervisor receives a report of an abnormality from, for example, a user of the elevator 2, the supervisor inputs monitoring information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the elevator 2 into the monitoring processing unit 21. When an abnormality occurs in the elevator 2, the supervisor dispatches a maintenance worker to the elevator 2 to deal with the abnormality. When the abnormality is resolved by the maintenance worker's response, the supervisor inputs monitoring information indicating that the abnormality has been resolved into the monitoring processing unit 21.

The management processing unit 22 is a part that accepts management operations by the manager of the elevator 2. The manager accesses the management processing unit 22 of the management system 18, for example, using a management terminal 24 connected to the communication network 16. The management terminal 24 is a general-purpose information terminal such as a personal computer. At this time, the management processing unit 22 operates, for example, as a web server. The manager views information on the status of the elevator 2 through an application such as a web browser on the management terminal 24. The manager performs management operations for changing the settings through the management terminal 24. The management operations for changing the settings include, for example, setting a first reference value and a second reference value.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a setting change screen in the management system 18 according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 2 shows an example of a screen displayed on the management terminal 24.

In the management terminal 24, the elevator 2 for which the settings are to be changed is selected. In this example, the elevator 2 is selected using a pull-down menu. In this example, elevator 2 "001" is selected.

In the management terminal 24, a first reference value and a second reference value are set for each evacuation function. In this example, the first reference value and the second reference value are selected by a pull-down menu. In this example, the first reference value for starting the operation suspension is set to risk level 4. At this time, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal for starting the operation suspension when, for example, the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit 19 rises from risk level 3 to risk level 4. In addition, the second reference value for canceling the operation suspension is set to risk level 3. At this time, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal for canceling the operation suspension when, for example, the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit 19 falls from risk level 3 to risk level 2. In this example, the first reference value for starting the upper floor standby is set to risk level 3. At this time, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal for starting the upper floor standby when, for example, the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit 19 rises from risk level 2 to risk level 3. In addition, the second reference value for canceling the upper floor standby is set to risk level 3. At this time, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to cancel the upper floor waiting when, for example, the urgency level acquired by the acquisition unit 19 drops from risk level 3 to risk level 2.

In the management terminal 24, automatic control is set to be enabled or disabled for each evacuation function. In this example, enabling or disabling of automatic control is selected by a switch. In this example, automatic control of operation suspension is set to be enabled. Automatic control of upper floor standby is also set to be enabled. For evacuation functions for which automatic control is set to be disabled, the command unit 20 does not output a control signal for the evacuation function depending on changes in the level of urgency acquired by the acquisition unit 19.

The notification function is enabled or disabled in the management terminal 24. The notification function is a function for notifying the administrator from the management system 18 in response to changes in the level of urgency acquired by the acquisition unit 19. The management system 18 notifies the administrator, for example, by email or push notification from the management processing unit 22. In this example, the notification function is enabled or disabled by a switch.

For the notification function, an increase reference value and a decrease reference value are set in advance. As a notification function, the management processing unit 22 notifies the administrator, for example, when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit 19 becomes equal to or greater than the increase reference value, and when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit 19 becomes less than the decrease reference value. In this example, the increase reference value is specified as risk level 2. Also, the decrease reference value is specified as risk level 2. For this reason, the management processing unit 22 notifies the administrator when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit 19 increases from risk level 1 to risk level 2, and when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit 19 decreases from risk level 2 to risk level 1.

The increase reference value may be set to correspond to a first reference value of any of the evacuation functions. The decrease reference value may be set to correspond to a second reference value of any of the evacuation functions. The enablement or disablement of the notification function may be set for each of the notification based on the increase reference value and the notification based on the decrease reference value.

Continuing to use FIG. 2, an example of the function of the elevator system 1 will be described.
Here, we will explain a case where, when the settings are as shown in Figure 2, in a location where a facility 3 to which the elevator 2 is applied is located, the urgency level increases sequentially from risk level 0 to risk level 4 due to rainfall, and then decreases sequentially from risk level 4 to risk level 0.

Before rainfall, the acquisition unit 19 acquires an urgency level of risk 0 from the weather information system 23. At this time, the elevator 2 is operating normally.

After that, when the rainfall intensifies, the acquisition unit 19 acquires an urgency level of danger 1 from the weather information system 23. At this time, the elevator 2 is operating normally.

Thereafter, when the urgency of the flood damage increases due to an increase in precipitation, etc., the acquisition unit 19 acquires an urgency of risk level 2 from the weather information system 23. As the urgency level exceeds the increase threshold value of the notification function, the management processing unit 22 notifies the manager. At this time, the elevator 2 is operating normally.

After that, when the urgency of the flooding damage increases further, the acquisition unit 19 acquires an urgency level of risk 3 from the weather information system 23. At this time, the urgency level is equal to or greater than the first reference value for upper floor waiting. Since automatic control is enabled for upper floor waiting, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to the control panel 11 of the elevator 2 via the communication network 16 and the remote monitoring device 15 to start upper floor waiting. Here, the management processing unit 22 may notify the administrator when the urgency level is equal to or greater than the first reference value for upper floor waiting. Based on the control signal from the command unit 20, the control panel 11 sets the waiting floor for the car 9 to an upper floor, such as the top floor.

After that, when the flood damage progresses further, the acquisition unit 19 acquires an urgency of risk level 4 from the weather information system 23. At this time, the urgency becomes equal to or greater than the first reference value for suspending operation. Since automatic control for suspending operation is enabled, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to start suspending operation to the control panel 11 of the elevator 2 via the communication network 16 and the remote monitoring device 15. Here, the management processing unit 22 may notify the administrator when the urgency becomes equal to or greater than the first reference value for suspending operation. The control panel 11 suspends operation of the elevator 2 based on the control signal from the command unit 20. Before suspending operation of the elevator 2, the control panel 11 stops the car 9 at any floor of the facility 3 and allows passengers aboard the car 9 to disembark. In this example, the control panel 11 stops the car 9 at the nearest floor and allows passengers alight.

When the flooding detection unit 14 detects flooding in the hoistway 4, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to start the evacuation function even if the urgency is less than the first reference value for the evacuation function. For example, when the flooding detection unit 14 detects flooding in the hoistway 4, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to start an operation suspension even if the urgency is less than the first reference value for operation suspension. In other words, the command unit 20 prioritizes the detection of flooding in the hoistway 4 by the flooding detection unit 14 over a change in the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit 19 as a condition for outputting a control signal to start the evacuation function.

Thereafter, when the urgency is alleviated due to a decrease in precipitation, etc., the acquisition unit 19 acquires an urgency of risk level 3 from the weather information system 23. At this time, the urgency is equal to or greater than the second reference value for operation suspension, so the command unit 20 does not output a control signal to cancel operation suspension. Also, since the urgency is equal to or greater than the second reference value for upper floor standby, the command unit 20 does not output a control signal to cancel upper floor standby.

After that, when the urgency is further alleviated, the acquisition unit 19 acquires an urgency of risk level 2 from the weather information system 23. At this time, the urgency becomes less than the second reference value for operation suspension. Since the automatic control is set to be effective for operation suspension, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal for canceling the operation suspension to the control panel 11 of the elevator 2 through the communication network 16 and the remote monitoring device 15. Also, the urgency becomes less than the second reference value for upper floor standby. Since the automatic control is set to be effective for upper floor standby, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal for canceling the upper floor standby to the control panel 11 of the elevator 2 through the communication network 16 and the remote monitoring device 15. Here, the management processing unit 22 may notify the manager when the urgency becomes less than the second reference value for operation suspension. Also, the management processing unit 22 may notify the manager when the urgency becomes less than the second reference value for upper floor standby. The control panel 11 resumes operation of the elevator 2 based on the control signal from the command unit 20. In addition, the control panel 11 releases the upper floor standby state based on a control signal from the command unit 20.

Here, when the flooding detection unit 14 detects flooding in the hoistway 4, the command unit 20 does not output a control signal to deactivate the evacuation function even when the urgency level becomes less than the second reference value of the evacuation function. The command unit 20 suspends the deactivation of the evacuation function until the detection of flooding in the hoistway 4 by the flooding detection unit 14 is lifted. The command unit 20 outputs a control signal to deactivate the evacuation function if the urgency level is less than the second reference value of the evacuation function when the detection of flooding in the hoistway 4 by the flooding detection unit 14 is lifted. In other words, the command unit 20 prioritizes the detection of flooding in the hoistway 4 by the flooding detection unit 14 over a change in the urgency level acquired by the acquisition unit 19 as a condition for outputting a control signal to deactivate the evacuation function.

Furthermore, when the abnormality detection unit 13 detects an abnormality in the facility 3, the command unit 20 may refrain from outputting a control signal to deactivate the evacuation function even when the urgency level falls below the second reference value of the evacuation function. In this case, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to deactivate the evacuation function if the urgency level is below the second reference value of the evacuation function when the detection of the abnormality by the abnormality detection unit 13 is released.

Furthermore, when the monitoring processing unit 21 receives monitoring information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the elevator 2, the command unit 20 may refrain from outputting a control signal to deactivate the evacuation function even when the urgency level is less than the second reference value of the evacuation function. When the monitoring processing unit 21 receives monitoring information indicating that the abnormality in the elevator 2 has been resolved and the urgency level is less than the second reference value of the evacuation function, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to deactivate the evacuation function.

After that, when the urgency is further alleviated, the acquisition unit 19 acquires an urgency level of danger level 1 from the weather information system 23. Since the urgency level falls below the lowering threshold value of the notification function, the management processing unit 22 notifies the manager. At this time, the elevator 2 is operating normally.

After that, as the urgency is further alleviated, the acquisition unit 19 sequentially acquires urgency levels of risk 1 and risk 0 from the weather information system 23. At this time, the elevator 2 is operating normally.

When automatic control of the evacuation function is disabled, the command unit 20 does not output a control signal to start the evacuation function when the urgency level is equal to or greater than the first reference value for the evacuation function. On the other hand, the management processing unit 22 notifies the administrator when the urgency level is equal to or greater than the first reference value for the evacuation function. The administrator who receives the notification performs a management operation, for example, to start the evacuation function remotely, via the management terminal 24. When the management processing unit 22 accepts the management operation, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to start the evacuation function to the control panel 11 of the elevator 2.

Furthermore, when automatic control of the evacuation function is disabled, the command unit 20 does not output a control signal to deactivate the evacuation function when the urgency level falls below the second reference value for the evacuation function. On the other hand, the management processing unit 22 notifies the administrator when the urgency level falls below the second reference value for the evacuation function. The administrator who receives the notification performs a management operation, for example, to remotely deactivate the evacuation function, via the management terminal 24. When the management processing unit 22 accepts the management operation, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to deactivate the evacuation function to the control panel 11 of the elevator 2.

Next, an example of the operation of the management system 18 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management system 18 according to the first embodiment.

In FIG. 3, an example of the process when the save function is initiated is shown.
The management system 18 performs, for example, the process shown in FIG. 3 for each save function.

In step S1, the management processing unit 22 accepts a management operation for changing settings. Then, processing in the management system 18 proceeds to step S2.

In step S2, the acquisition unit 19 acquires the urgency of flood damage in the location where the facility 3 to which the elevator 2 is applied is located from the weather information system 23. Then, the processing in the management system 18 proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, the command unit 20 determines whether the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit 19 satisfies the condition for starting the evacuation function. In this example, the command unit 20 determines whether the urgency has become equal to or greater than a first reference value. If the determination result is No, the processing in the management system 18 proceeds to step S2. If the determination result is Yes, the processing in the management system 18 proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, the command unit 20 determines whether automatic control is enabled for the evacuation function that satisfies the start condition. If the determination result is Yes, the processing in the management system 18 proceeds to step S5. If the determination result is No, the processing in the management system 18 proceeds to step S6.

In step S5, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to the control panel 11 to start the evacuation function. Thereafter, the management system 18 ends the processing when the evacuation function is started.

In step S6, the management processing unit 22 notifies the manager of the elevator 2 that the conditions for starting the evacuation function have been met. Then, the processing in the management system 18 proceeds to step S7.

In step S7, the management processing unit 22 waits for input of a management operation from the notified administrator. Then, processing in the management system 18 proceeds to step S8.

In step S8, the management processing unit 22 determines whether a management operation input for remotely starting the evacuation function has been received from the administrator. If the determination result is Yes, the processing in the management system 18 proceeds to step S5. If the determination result is No, the processing in the management system 18 proceeds to step S7.

When the evacuation function is released, the same processing as in Figure 3 is performed. At this time, in a process similar to step S3, the command unit 20 may determine whether the flooding detection unit 14 has detected flooding. In this case, when the flooding detection unit 14 has detected flooding, the command unit 20 determines that the conditions for releasing the evacuation function are not met.

The urgency may be information expressed in six or more stages. The urgency may be information expressed in fewer than four stages. The urgency may be information expressed by a continuous numerical value.

As described above, the elevator system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a remote monitoring device 15 and a management system 18. The remote monitoring device 15 is provided in the facility 3 to which the elevator 2 is applied. The remote monitoring device 15 is connected to a control panel 11 that controls the operation of the elevator 2. The remote monitoring device 15 provides information on the state of the elevator 2 to the management system 18. The management system 18 includes an acquisition unit 19 and a command unit 20. The acquisition unit 19 sequentially acquires the urgency of flooding at the location where the facility 3 is installed from an external weather information system 23. The command unit 20 causes the elevator 2 to start the evacuation function from flooding when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit 19 becomes equal to or greater than a first reference value. The command unit 20 causes the elevator 2 to release the evacuation function when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit 19 becomes less than a second reference value. The first reference value and the second reference value are set in advance so that the second reference value is equal to or less than the first reference value.

With this configuration, the evacuation function is released in the elevator 2 based on a change in the information on the degree of urgency from the outside, such as the weather information system 23. Therefore, the evacuation function from flooding is released without the operation of the manager in the facility 3. This suppresses delays in the recovery of the elevator 2 due to delays in the arrival of the manager, etc. In addition, events caused by meteorological disasters such as flooding may occur simultaneously in multiple facilities 3 managed by the manager. In this case, the evacuation function is released based on information from the weather system, so the elevator 2 can be restored without waiting for the manager to arrive at each facility 3 in sequence. This makes it difficult for the convenience of users to be impaired. In addition, since the first reference value for starting the evacuation function and the second reference value for releasing the evacuation function are set individually, it is possible to set the reference values so that the evacuation function that has been started is released only after the urgency has been sufficiently alleviated. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress damage caused by flooding, etc.

In addition, the second reference value is set lower than the first reference value.

With this configuration, the evacuation function will be released once the emergency has been sufficiently alleviated, making it possible to more effectively mitigate damage caused by flooding, etc.

In addition, the command unit 20 notifies the manager of the elevator 2 when starting the evacuation function. The command unit 20 notifies the manager of the elevator 2 when canceling the evacuation function.

This configuration allows the manager to more easily grasp the implementation status of the evacuation function in elevator 2. This makes elevator 2 easier to manage.

In addition, the command unit 20 suspends operation of the elevator 2 as an evacuation function.

With this configuration, car 9 will not run when the urgency of flooding is high, reducing the likelihood of damage caused by car 9 being submerged in water and passengers becoming trapped inside.

In addition, as an evacuation function, the command unit 20 sets a waiting floor for the cage 9 at an upper floor above a preset floor in the facility 3.

With this configuration, when the urgency of flooding is high, the car 9 will wait on an upper floor. This makes it less likely that a waiting car 9 will be submerged or that a waiting car 9 will be splashed with water flowing in from an upper landing 5.

In addition, the command unit 20 suspends the release of the evacuation function of the elevator 2 while the abnormality detection unit 13 installed in the facility 3 detects an abnormality in the facility 3.

With this configuration, when an abnormality is detected in facility 3, elevator 2 will not be restored solely due to recovery in weather conditions. Therefore, even if weather conditions improve faster than facility 3 recovery, secondary damage to elevator 2 is suppressed.

In addition, the command unit 20 suspends the release of the evacuation function of the elevator 2 while the flooding detection unit 14 provided in the elevator shaft 4 detects flooding in the elevator shaft 4.

With this configuration, when flooding of the elevator shaft 4 is detected, the elevator 2 will not be restored solely by the recovery of weather conditions. Therefore, even if the weather conditions improve faster than the elevator shaft 4 can be drained and restored, secondary damage to the elevator 2 due to the car 9 being submerged, etc. is suppressed.

The management system 18 also includes a monitoring processing unit 21. The monitoring processing unit 21 accepts input of monitoring information from a supervisor of the elevator 2. When the monitoring processing unit 21 accepts input of monitoring information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the elevator 2, the command unit 20 suspends the release of the evacuation function of the elevator 2 until the monitoring information accepting unit accepts input of monitoring information indicating that the abnormality has been resolved.

With this configuration, even if no abnormality is detected in facility 3, if an abnormality is confirmed by a report or the like, elevator 2 will not be restored solely due to recovery in weather conditions. Therefore, even if weather conditions improve faster than facility 3 recovery, secondary damage to elevator 2 is suppressed.

The management system 18 also includes a management processing unit 22. The management processing unit 22 accepts input of management operations by the manager of the elevator 2. When the management processing unit 22 accepts a management operation to remotely release the evacuation function, the command unit 20 causes the elevator 2 to release the evacuation function.

With this configuration, even if the weather conditions have not improved, the function of the elevator 2 can be restored at the discretion of the manager. This makes it less likely that the convenience of users will be impaired. Note that the command unit 20 may prioritize detection of flooding in the hoistway 4 by the flood detection unit 14 over remote release by management operation as a condition for outputting a control signal to release the evacuation function.

For example, when a communication failure occurs before the evacuation function of the elevator 2 is released, the acquisition unit 19 may be unable to acquire weather information from the weather information system 23. In this case, the command unit 20 may output a control signal to automatically release the evacuation function based on the passage of time. For example, the command unit 20 determines whether a first time has elapsed since the acquisition unit 19 last acquired the urgency. The first time is, for example, a time that is set in advance based on the period of acquiring the urgency. If the first time has elapsed, the command unit 20 determines that the acquisition unit 19 is no longer able to acquire weather information from the weather information system 23. At this time, the command unit 20 determines whether a second time has elapsed since the elevator 2 started the evacuation function. The second time is, for example, a time that is set in advance as a sufficient time for the weather conditions to recover, such as 300 minutes. If the second time has elapsed, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to the elevator 2 to release the evacuation function.

With this configuration, even if a communication failure or the like occurs, the evacuation function is automatically released over time. This makes it less likely that user convenience will be impaired. Note that the command unit 20 may prioritize detection of flooding in the elevator shaft 4 by the flood detection unit 14 over the passage of the second time period as a condition for outputting a control signal to release the evacuation function.

Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the management system 18 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the main part of the management system 18 according to the first embodiment.

Each function of the processing in the management system 18 may be realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b. The processing circuit may include at least one dedicated hardware 200 in addition to or in place of the processor 100a and memory 100b.

When the processing circuit includes a processor 100a and a memory 100b, each function of the management system 18 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware is written as a program. The program is stored in the memory 100b. The processor 100a realizes each function of the management system 18 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 100b.

The processor 100a is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), processing device, arithmetic device, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. The memory 100b is composed of non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, and EEPROM.

When the processing circuitry comprises dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuitry may be realized, for example, as a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

Each processing function in the management system 18 can be realized by a processing circuit. Alternatively, each function of the management system 18 can be realized collectively by a processing circuit. Some of the functions of the management system 18 may be realized by dedicated hardware 200, and other parts may be realized by software or firmware. In this way, the processing circuit realizes each function of the management system 18 by dedicated hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

In each of the embodiments described below, the differences from the examples disclosed in the other embodiments are described in particular detail. For features not described in each of the embodiments below, any feature of the examples disclosed in the other embodiments may be adopted.

Embodiment 2.
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of an elevator system 1 according to the second embodiment.

The management system 18 includes a facility information storage unit 25. The facility information storage unit 25 is a unit that stores structural information of the facility 3. The structural information of the facility 3 includes information on whether each floor is an indoor floor or an outdoor floor. An indoor floor is a floor where a landing 5 is located indoors. An outdoor floor is a floor where a landing 5 is exposed to the outdoors. For example, if a landing 5 is adjacent to an exterior corridor on any floor of the facility 3, the floor is stored in the facility information storage unit 25 as an outdoor floor. Also, if a landing 5 is provided on the rooftop floor of the facility 3, the rooftop floor is stored in the facility information storage unit 25 as an outdoor floor. When the management system 18 is used to manage the elevators 2 of multiple facilities 3, the facility information storage unit 25 stores structural information for each facility 3.

The command unit 20 outputs a control signal to the elevator 2 based on information on the structure of the facility 3 stored in the facility information memory unit 25.

When the elevator 2 starts waiting at an upper floor, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to the control panel 11 to set one of the indoor floors in the facility 3 as the upper floor. The upper floor set at this time is, for example, the highest indoor floor in the facility 3. For example, if all floors above a certain indoor floor in the facility 3 are outdoor floors, the upper floor is set to that indoor floor.

When the elevator 2 is performing an evacuation function such as waiting on an upper floor, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to the control panel 11 to set the door open time based on information about the structure of the facility 3. In this example, when the elevator 2 starts waiting on an upper floor, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal so that the door open time on an outdoor floor of the facility 3 is shorter than the door open time in normal operation. At this time, when the elevator 2 releases waiting on an upper floor, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal so that the door open time on an outdoor floor of the facility 3 is returned to the door open time in normal operation.

The command unit 20 outputs a control signal to the control panel 11 to set the floor at which the car 9 should be stopped to allow passengers aboard the car 9 to disembark before the elevator 2 stops operating, based on information about the structure of the facility 3. In this example, the command unit 20 sets the floor in question to any indoor floor in the facility 3. If the facility 3 has multiple indoor floors, the command unit 20 may stop the car 9 at the nearest indoor floor.

As described above, the command unit 20 of the management system 18 in embodiment 2 sets an indoor floor of the facility 3 as the floor at which passengers are to disembark from the car 9 before the elevator 2 is shut down.

With this configuration, the floor where the car door 12 is opened to allow passengers to disembark is an indoor floor, preventing wind and rain from blowing into the car 9 and the elevator shaft 4 through the open car door 12. This more effectively prevents damage caused by water entering the elevator shaft 4, etc.

In addition, the upper floors are pre-set to be indoor floors of facility 3.

With this configuration, the car 9 waits at an indoor floor, preventing water blown into the landing 5 by the wind from flowing into the car 9 and the elevator shaft 4. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent damage caused by water entering the elevator shaft 4, etc.

In addition, while the evacuation function is being performed, the command unit 20 causes the elevator 2 to open the doors for a shorter time on outdoor floors of the facility 3 than during normal operation.

While waiting at an upper floor is being performed, the travel range of the car 9 does not need to be particularly limited. At this time, the car 9 may travel to an outdoor floor in response to a call from a user. Even in such a case, the door open time at the outdoor floor is shortened, so that wind and rain are prevented from blowing into the car 9 and the elevator shaft 4 through the open car door 12. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress damage caused by water entering the elevator shaft 4, etc.

Embodiment 3.
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of an elevator system 1 according to the third embodiment.

In the management system 18, a plurality of neighboring facilities 3a are preset for a facility 3 in which an elevator 2 is installed. The neighboring facilities 3a for a certain facility 3 are, for example, facilities within a range preset for that facility 3. In this example, a remote monitoring device 15 used for remotely monitoring the elevator 2 and the status of that elevator 2 is provided in each neighboring facility 3a.

The management system 18 includes a neighborhood information acquisition unit 26. The neighborhood information acquisition unit 26 is a part that acquires information about each of the neighboring facilities 3a of a facility 3. The neighborhood information acquisition unit 26 is connected to the remote monitoring device 15 of each neighboring facility 3a, for example, via the communication network 16. The neighborhood information acquisition unit 26 acquires, for example, information about the occurrence of flooding in the neighboring facility 3a from the remote monitoring device 15 of each neighboring facility 3a. The information about the occurrence of flooding in the neighboring facility 3a is, for example, information about the detection of flooding by a flood detection unit 14 provided in the hoistway 4 of the elevator 2 of the neighboring facility 3a.

The command unit 20 outputs a control signal to the elevator 2 based on the information acquired by the neighborhood information acquisition unit 26.

A reference value for the number of facilities is preset in the command unit 20. The reference value for the number of facilities is a number equal to or greater than two. In this example, the reference value for the number of facilities is set to two facilities. When the command unit 20 acquires information on the occurrence of flooding from the neighboring facilities 3a of the facility 3 that is equal to or greater than the reference value, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to cause the elevator 2 of the facility 3 to initiate an evacuation function such as waiting on an upper floor or suspending operation. In this example, when the command unit 20 acquires information on the occurrence of flooding from two or more neighboring facilities 3a of the facility 3, the command unit 20 causes the elevator 2 of the facility 3 to initiate an evacuation function.

As described above, the management system 18 according to the third embodiment includes a neighborhood information acquisition unit 26. The neighborhood information acquisition unit 26 acquires information on the occurrence of flooding in each of the neighboring facilities 3a that are preset for the facility 3. The command unit 20 causes the elevator 2 to initiate an evacuation function when the neighborhood information acquisition unit 26 acquires information on the occurrence of flooding from the number of neighboring facilities 3a that is equal to or greater than the preset number of facilities out of the multiple neighboring facilities 3a. Here, the reference value for the number of facilities is preset to 2 or more.

With this configuration, even if the forecast on which the urgency level is based by the weather information system 23 is incorrect, the evacuation function is initiated based on information from the nearby facility 3a. This makes it possible for the evacuation function to be initiated more reliably when necessary. Note that when flooding occurs only in a single nearby facility 3a, the flooding may be due to conditions specific to that nearby facility 3a. In such cases, the command unit 20 withholds output of a control signal to initiate the evacuation function, making it less likely that the evacuation function will be initiated when not necessary. This makes it less likely that user convenience will be impaired.

Embodiment 4.
FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of an elevator system 1 according to the fourth embodiment.

The management system 18 includes a learning unit 27 and an update unit 28. The learning unit 27 is a part that learns the relationship between the occurrence of flooding in the hoistway 4 and the urgency level acquired by the acquisition unit 19. The learning unit 27 performs learning based on the history of the urgency level acquired by the acquisition unit 19 and the history of the occurrence of flooding in the hoistway 4. The update unit 28 is a part that updates the reference value in the command unit 20 based on the results of learning by the learning unit 27. The update unit 28 updates, for example, a first reference value and a second reference value.

The learning unit 27 performs learning, for example, as follows. Based on past history, the learning unit 27 generates a frequency distribution for the urgency when the flooding detection unit 14 begins to detect flooding. Based on past history, the learning unit 27 also generates a frequency distribution for the urgency when the flooding detection unit 14 no longer detects flooding. These generated frequency distributions are examples of the relationship between the occurrence of flooding and the urgency.

The update unit 28 updates the reference value, for example, as follows. The update unit 28 calculates a representative value of the urgency based on the frequency distribution of the urgency when flooding begins to be detected. The representative value of the urgency is, for example, the average value, mode, median, or minimum value of the urgency. The update unit 28 updates a first reference value of the evacuation function so that an evacuation function such as waiting on an upper floor or suspending operation is initiated when the urgency is equal to or higher than the calculated representative value. The update unit 28 also calculates a representative value of the urgency based on the frequency distribution of the urgency when flooding is no longer detected. The update unit 28 updates a second reference value of the evacuation function so that an evacuation function such as waiting on an upper floor or suspending operation is not released when the urgency is equal to or higher than the calculated representative value.

The learning by the learning unit 27 and the updating of the reference value by the update unit 28 may be performed periodically, for example at a preset cycle, or may be performed every time a meteorological disaster occurs such as flooding of the elevator shaft 4.

As described above, the management system 18 according to the fourth embodiment includes a learning unit 27 and an updating unit 28. The learning unit 27 learns the relationship between the occurrence of flooding in the elevator shaft 4 and the urgency acquired by the acquiring unit 19, based on the history of the urgency acquired by the acquiring unit 19 and the history of the occurrence of flooding in the elevator shaft 4. The updating unit 28 updates the first reference value and the second reference value, based on the results of learning by the learning unit 27.

Depending on conditions specific to a facility 3, such as the surrounding topography or the structure of the facility 3, the likelihood of flooding occurring at that facility 3 may differ from that of a neighboring facility 3a. In response to this, the reference value is updated based on the history of flooding occurrence and urgency, so that the evacuation function is implemented based on the reference value that incorporates the influence of conditions specific to the facility 3. This makes it possible to both reduce damage caused by flooding and ensure convenience for users, taking into account the conditions of each facility 3.

Embodiment 5.
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of an elevator system 1 according to the fifth embodiment.

The management system 18 comprises a facility information storage unit 25, a prediction unit 29, and a correction unit 30. The prediction unit 29 is a part that predicts the occurrence of flooding in the elevator 4. The prediction unit 29 makes a prediction based on the conditions of the landing 5 on the outdoor floor of the facility 3 and meteorological information for the location where the facility 3 is located. Here, the prediction unit 29 refers to the facility information storage unit 25 to acquire the conditions of the landing 5 on the outdoor floor of the facility 3. The correction unit 30 is a part that corrects the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit 19 based on the result of the prediction by the prediction unit 29.

The prediction unit 29 predicts flooding based on a prediction model generated, for example, as follows. The prediction model, for example, uses weather information acquired by the acquisition unit 19 from the weather information system 23 as input and calculates the probability that flooding will occur in the hoistway 4 after a preset time. Here, the preset time is, for example, 60 minutes. The prediction unit 29 groups past weather events that may be related to the occurrence of flooding, such as rainfall, according to the strength of the association with flooding. The strength of the association with flooding is calculated based on weather information such as the amount of precipitation. The prediction unit 29 calculates, for each group, the proportion of events that have occurred in the hoistway 4 after a preset time among past events, as the probability that flooding will occur in the hoistway 4 after a preset time. The probability calculated for each group in this way is an example of a prediction model. The prediction unit 29 determines to which group a currently occurring event, such as rainfall, belongs, based on the weather information acquired by the acquisition unit 19. The prediction unit 29 calculates the probability calculated for the group to which the currently occurring event belongs as the probability that flooding will occur in the elevator shaft 4 a preset time from the present.

In addition, the prediction unit 29 may use the history of multiple different facilities 3 in generating the prediction model so as to ensure a sufficient number of events. At this time, the prediction unit 29 modifies the probability in the prediction model based on the conditions of the landing 5 on the outdoor floor of the facility 3 and the weather information in the location where the facility 3 is installed. Here, the conditions of the landing 5 on the outdoor floor include, for example, the area of the landing 5, the direction in which the landing 5 is exposed to the outdoors, and the degree of exposure of the landing 5. The degree of exposure includes, for example, the presence or absence of a roof, or the area of an opening exposed to the outdoors. In addition, the weather information includes actual or predicted values of wind speed, wind direction, or precipitation. The weather information includes information such as meteorological disaster warnings or advisories. For example, when the current windward direction is the direction in which the landing 5 on the outdoor floor is exposed, the prediction unit 29 calculates the probability of flooding by adjusting the probability in the prediction model according to the wind speed, the degree of exposure of the landing 5, and the like.

The correction unit 30 corrects the urgency, for example, as follows: When the probability of flooding predicted by the prediction unit 29 is higher than a preset probability, the correction unit 30 increases the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit 19 by one level. Alternatively, when the urgency is expressed by a continuous numerical value, the correction unit 30 may correct the urgency by adding a value corresponding to the probability predicted by the prediction unit 29 to the urgency.

The command unit 20 outputs a control signal based on the urgency corrected by the correction unit 30.

The prediction unit 29 may generate the prediction model by other methods. For example, the prediction unit 29 may generate a prediction model that receives as input weather information for the location where the facility 3 is installed and information on the structure of the facility 3, and outputs the time until flooding occurs. The prediction unit 29 generates the prediction model by, for example, a supervised learning method using a pair of weather information of a past event and information on the structure of the facility 3, and the time until flooding occurs due to the event in the facility 3 as learning data. The prediction unit 29 may generate the prediction model by other machine learning methods. At this time, the correction unit 30, for example, when the time until flooding occurs predicted by the prediction unit 29 is shorter than a preset time, increases the urgency level acquired by the acquisition unit 19 by one level.

The prediction unit 29 may also predict the occurrence of flooding in the elevator shaft 4 using information about abnormalities that have occurred in nearby facilities 3a.

As described above, the management system 18 according to the fifth embodiment includes a prediction unit 29 and a correction unit 30. The prediction unit 29 predicts the occurrence of flooding in the elevator shaft 4 based on the conditions of the landing 5 on the outdoor floor of the facility 3 and meteorological information for the location where the facility 3 is located. The correction unit 30 corrects the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit 19 based on the result of the prediction by the prediction unit 29.

With this configuration, the urgency level is corrected based on a prediction that incorporates conditions specific to facility 3, such as the conditions of landing 5 on the outdoor floor of facility 3, so that the evacuation function is implemented based on the urgency level that incorporates the effects of conditions specific to facility 3. This makes it possible to both reduce damage caused by flooding and ensure convenience for users, taking into account the conditions of each facility 3.

Embodiment 6.
FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of an elevator system 1 according to the sixth embodiment.

A camera 32 is provided in the elevator 2. The camera 32 is a device that photographs the elevator shaft 4. The camera 32 is disposed under the car 9. The camera 32 photographs, for example, the pit. Images captured by the camera 32 are collected in the management system 18, for example, via the control panel 11 and the remote monitoring device 15.

The elevator 2 is provided with a rocking unit 33. The rocking unit 33 is a part that performs an operation to ruffle the water surface when the elevator shaft 4 is flooded. The rocking unit 33 is arranged under the car 9. The rocking unit 33 performs operations such as dripping liquid, blowing air, or emitting sound waves below the car 9. When the elevator shaft 4 is flooded, these operations cause the water surface to ruffle. The management system 18 operates the rocking unit 33, for example, at a preset timing when it detects flooding. The management system 18 operates the rocking unit 33, for example, through a control signal from the command unit 20.

The management system 18 includes an image processor 31. The image processor 31 is a part that detects flooding of the hoistway 4 based on an image captured by the camera 32. When the hoistway 4 is flooded, the image processor 31 detects flooding of the hoistway 4 based on an image captured by the camera 32 after the operation of the swing unit 33 that ruffles the water surface, for example, as follows. When the hoistway 4 is flooded, the camera 32 captures the ruffled water surface caused by the operation of the swing unit 33. The image processor 31 detects flooding of the hoistway 4 by detecting ripples on the water surface. On the other hand, when the hoistway 4 is not flooded, there is no water surface within the range captured by the camera 32, so the image processor 31 does not detect ripples even if the swing unit 33 operates. For this reason, the image processor 31 does not detect flooding of the hoistway 4.

When the image processing unit 31 detects flooding, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to the control panel 11 of the elevator 2 to prevent the car 9 from traveling into the flooded area.

The management system 18 may use equipment used to operate the elevator 2 as the oscillating unit 33. The management system 18 may use equipment such as a governor rope (not shown) placed in the pit or a tensioning wheel thereof as the oscillating unit 33. These equipment move in the pit as the car 9 travels. For this reason, when the hoistway 4 is flooded, these equipment also cause ruffles on the water surface when the car 9 travels. For this reason, the management system 18 may cause the car 9 to travel upwards through a control signal from the command unit 20, etc., prior to image processing by the image processing unit 31, as an operation to ruffle the water surface when the hoistway 4 is flooded.

In addition, when water flows into the elevator shaft 4, the image processing unit 31 may detect flooding of the elevator shaft 4 by detecting ripples caused by the flowing water.

As described above, the management system 18 according to the sixth embodiment includes an image processing unit 31. The image processing unit 31 detects flooding in the hoistway 4 based on an image of the hoistway 4 captured by a camera 32 provided below the car 9. When the image processing unit 31 detects flooding in the hoistway 4, the command unit 20 causes the elevator 2 to restrain the car 9 from traveling up to the flooded portion of the hoistway 4.

This configuration allows flooding in the pit to be detected based on images even in elevators 2 that do not have a flooding detection unit 14 installed in the elevator shaft 4, or elevators 2 that have a flooding detection unit 14 installed high up. This more effectively reduces damage to the elevators 2 caused by flooding, etc.

The elevator system 1 also includes a swinging unit 33. The swinging unit 33 operates to ruffle the water surface when the hoistway 4 is flooded. The image processing unit 31 detects flooding of the hoistway 4 based on an image of the hoistway 4 taken after the operation of the swinging unit 33.

With this configuration, the image processing unit 31 can more reliably detect flooding of the elevator shaft 4 even when the flow of water into the elevator shaft 4 has stopped.

Embodiment 7.
FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of an elevator system 1 according to the seventh embodiment.

In this example, the flood detection unit 14 is a retrofit device that is added to an existing elevator 2. At this time, the flood detection unit 14 is not connected to the control panel 11. The flood detection unit 14 is connected to a remote monitoring device 15. The flood detection unit 14 is connected to a general-purpose switch of the remote monitoring device 15, etc.

As described above, the elevator system 1 according to embodiment 7 includes a management system 18, a flood detection unit 14, and a remote monitoring device 15. The flood detection unit 14 is provided in the hoistway 4. The flood detection unit 14 is not connected to the control panel 11. The flood detection unit 14 detects flooding in the hoistway 4. The remote monitoring device 15 is connected to the flood detection unit 14 so as to be able to receive detection information from the flood detection unit 14. The remote monitoring device 15 provides information on the status of the elevator 2, including the detection information from the flood detection unit 14, to the management system 18.

With this configuration, information detected by the flood detection unit 14 is provided to the management system 18 without passing through the control panel 11, making it possible to introduce the flood detection unit 14 without requiring construction work to change the specifications of the elevator 2 itself, including the control panel 11. This makes it possible to apply the management system 18 to a wider variety of elevators 2.

The elevator system of the present disclosure can be applied to facilities having multiple floors. The management system of the present disclosure can be applied to the elevator system.

1 elevator system, 2 elevator, 3 facility, 3a neighboring facility, 4 elevator shaft, 5 landing, 6 landing door, 7 hoist, 8 main rope, 9 cage, 10 counterweight, 11 control panel, 12 cage door, 13 abnormality detection unit, 14 flooding detection unit, 15 remote monitoring device, 16 communication network, 17 information center, 18 management system, 19 acquisition unit, 20 command unit, 21 monitoring processing unit, 22 management processing unit, 23 weather information system, 24 management terminal, 25 facility information storage unit, 26 neighboring information acquisition unit, 27 learning unit, 28 update unit, 29 prediction unit, 30 correction unit, 31 image processing unit, 32 camera, 33 swing unit, 100a processor, 100b memory, 200 dedicated hardware

Claims (17)

an acquisition unit that sequentially acquires from an external system an urgency of flood damage in a location where a facility in which an elevator having a car that travels in a hoistway is installed;
a command unit that causes the elevator to start a flood evacuation function when the urgency level acquired by the acquisition unit becomes equal to or greater than a preset first reference value, and causes the elevator to release the evacuation function when the urgency level acquired by the acquisition unit becomes equal to or less than a preset second reference value that is equal to or less than the first reference value;
Equipped with
The second reference value is set lower than the first reference value.
Management system. an acquisition unit that sequentially acquires from an external system an urgency of flood damage in a location where a facility in which an elevator having a car that travels in a hoistway is installed;
a command unit that causes the elevator to start a flood evacuation function when the urgency level acquired by the acquisition unit becomes equal to or greater than a preset first reference value, and causes the elevator to release the evacuation function when the urgency level acquired by the acquisition unit becomes equal to or less than a preset second reference value that is equal to or less than the first reference value;
A monitoring processing unit that receives input of monitoring information from a monitor of the elevator;
Equipped with
When the monitoring processing unit receives an input of monitoring information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the elevator, the command unit suspends the release of the evacuation function of the elevator until the monitoring processing unit receives an input of monitoring information indicating that the abnormality has been eliminated.
Management system. an acquisition unit that sequentially acquires from an external system an urgency of flood damage in a location where a facility in which an elevator having a car that travels in a hoistway is installed;
a command unit that causes the elevator to start a flood evacuation function when the urgency level acquired by the acquisition unit becomes equal to or greater than a preset first reference value, and causes the elevator to release the evacuation function when the urgency level acquired by the acquisition unit becomes equal to or less than a preset second reference value that is equal to or less than the first reference value;
Equipped with
The command unit causes the elevator to release the evacuation function when a preset second time has elapsed since the elevator started the evacuation function in a case where a preset first time has elapsed since the acquisition unit last acquired the urgency level.
Management system. an acquisition unit that sequentially acquires from an external system an urgency of flood damage in a location where a facility in which an elevator having a car that travels in a hoistway is installed;
a command unit that causes the elevator to start a flood evacuation function when the urgency level acquired by the acquisition unit becomes equal to or greater than a preset first reference value, and causes the elevator to release the evacuation function when the urgency level acquired by the acquisition unit becomes equal to or less than a preset second reference value that is equal to or less than the first reference value;
a learning unit that learns a relationship between the occurrence of flooding in the hoistway and the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit, based on a history of the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit and a history of the occurrence of flooding in the hoistway;
an update unit that updates the first reference value and the second reference value based on a result of learning by the learning unit;
A management system comprising: an acquisition unit that sequentially acquires from an external system an urgency of flood damage in a location where a facility in which an elevator having a car that travels in a hoistway is installed;
a command unit that causes the elevator to start a flood evacuation function when the urgency level acquired by the acquisition unit becomes equal to or greater than a preset first reference value, and causes the elevator to release the evacuation function when the urgency level acquired by the acquisition unit becomes equal to or less than a preset second reference value that is equal to or less than the first reference value;
a prediction unit that predicts flooding in the elevator shaft based on conditions of landings on outdoor floors of the facility and meteorological information of a location where the facility is installed;
a correction unit that corrects the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit based on a result of the prediction by the prediction unit;
A management system comprising: an acquisition unit that sequentially acquires from an external system an urgency of flood damage in a location where a facility in which an elevator having a car that travels in a hoistway is installed;
a command unit that causes the elevator to start a flood evacuation function when the urgency level acquired by the acquisition unit becomes equal to or greater than a preset first reference value, and causes the elevator to release the evacuation function when the urgency level acquired by the acquisition unit becomes equal to or less than a preset second reference value that is equal to or less than the first reference value;
an image processing unit that detects flooding of the elevator shaft based on an image of the elevator shaft captured by a camera provided under the car;
Equipped with
The command unit, when the image processing unit detects flooding of the elevator shaft, causes the elevator to suppress travel of the car to the flooded portion of the elevator shaft.
Management system. The command unit suspends operation of the elevator as the evacuation function.
The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . The command unit sets an indoor floor of the facility as a floor at which the user is to disembark from the car before suspending operation of the elevator.
The management system according to claim 7 . an acquisition unit that sequentially acquires from an external system an urgency of flood damage in a location where a facility in which an elevator having a car that travels in a hoistway is installed;
a command unit that causes the elevator to start a flood evacuation function when the urgency level acquired by the acquisition unit becomes equal to or greater than a preset first reference value, and causes the elevator to release the evacuation function when the urgency level acquired by the acquisition unit becomes equal to or less than a preset second reference value that is equal to or less than the first reference value;
Equipped with
The command unit sets a waiting floor for the car at an upper floor above a floor previously set in the facility as the evacuation function,
The command unit causes the elevator to open a door for a shorter time than during normal operation at an outdoor floor of the facility while the evacuation function is being performed.
Management system. The upper floor is preset as an indoor floor of the facility.
The management system according to claim 9 . The command unit notifies the elevator manager when starting the evacuation function, and notifies the elevator manager when canceling the evacuation function.
The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 10 . a neighborhood information acquisition unit that acquires information on the occurrence of flooding in each of a plurality of neighboring facilities that are preset for the facility,
When the neighboring information acquisition unit acquires information on the occurrence of flooding from a number of neighboring facilities that is equal to or greater than a preset number of facilities among the plurality of neighboring facilities, the command unit causes the elevator to start the evacuation function.
The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 11 . The command unit suspends the release of the evacuation function of the elevator while an abnormality detection unit installed in the facility detects an abnormality in the facility.
The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 12 . The command unit suspends release of the evacuation function of the elevator while a flood detection unit provided in the elevator shaft detects flooding in the elevator shaft.
The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 13 . a management processing unit that receives an input of a management operation by a manager of the elevator,
The command unit causes the elevator to release the evacuation function when the management processing unit receives a management operation for remotely releasing the evacuation function.
The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 14 . an acquisition unit that sequentially acquires from an external system the urgency of flood damage in a location where a facility in which an elevator having a car traveling in a hoistway is installed;
a command unit that causes the elevator to start a function of evacuation from flooding when the degree of urgency acquired by the acquisition unit becomes equal to or greater than a first reference value set in advance, and causes the elevator to release the evacuation function when the degree of urgency acquired by the acquisition unit becomes equal to or less than a second reference value set in advance that is equal to or less than the first reference value;
A management system comprising :
A flood detection unit that is provided in the elevator shaft, is not connected to a control panel that controls the operation of the elevator, and detects flooding in the elevator shaft;
a remote monitoring device that is provided in the facility, connected to the control panel, and connected to the flood detection unit so as to be able to receive information on detection by the flood detection unit, and that provides information on the elevator status, including the information on detection from the flood detection unit, to the management system;
An elevator system comprising: an acquisition unit that sequentially acquires from an external system the urgency of flood damage in a location where a facility in which an elevator having a car that travels in a hoistway is installed;
a command unit that causes the elevator to start a function of evacuating from flooding when the degree of urgency acquired by the acquisition unit becomes equal to or greater than a first reference value set in advance, and causes the elevator to release the evacuation function when the degree of urgency acquired by the acquisition unit becomes equal to or less than a second reference value set in advance that is equal to or less than the first reference value; and
an image processing unit that detects flooding of the elevator shaft based on an image of the elevator shaft captured by a camera provided under the car;
A management system comprising :
A swinging unit that performs an operation of rippling a water surface when the elevator shaft is flooded;
Equipped with
The image processing unit detects flooding of the hoistway based on an image of the hoistway taken after the operation of the swing unit,
The command unit, when the image processing unit detects flooding of the elevator shaft, causes the elevator to suppress travel of the car to the flooded portion of the elevator shaft.
Elevator system.

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