Escalator with distributed status sensors

Abstract

An escalator system is disclosed, the escalator system having: escalator steps; and a plurality of status sensors, including a main sensor and an auxiliary sensor, wherein the auxiliary sensors are fixed to different steps of the escalator steps, wherein the main sensor is configured to: receive auxiliary sensor data from the auxiliary sensor; and transmit the data to an escalator call center when the auxiliary sensor data detects that a fault condition has occurred.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to escalators, and more particularly to escalators equipped with distributed status sensors. Background Art

[0002] Escalator service contracts can rely heavily on maintenance performed at regularly scheduled intervals. Despite scheduled maintenance, unplanned failures can occur, resulting in system downtime. Mechanics must often identify failures without information about the failed component or location. This lack of information can increase the incidence and duration of system downtime. Summary of the invention

[0003] An escalator system is disclosed, which includes: escalator steps; and a plurality of status sensors, which include main sensors and auxiliary sensors, wherein the auxiliary sensors are fixed to different steps of the escalator steps, wherein the main sensor is configured to: receive auxiliary sensor data from the auxiliary sensor; and when the auxiliary sensor data detects that a fault condition has occurred, transmit the data to an escalator call center.

[0004] In addition to one or more of the above-disclosed features of the system, or as an alternative, one or more auxiliary sensors determine one or more of the physical state of the escalator, the operating state of the escalator, and the location of fault conditions along the escalator, and the determination is included in the auxiliary sensor data; or the main sensor determines the physical state of the escalator, the operating state of the escalator, and the location of fault conditions along the escalator, and the determination is included in the data.

[0005] In addition to or in addition to one or more of the above-disclosed features of the system, or as an alternative, the master sensor forwards data to an escalator call center via a cloud service, and the cloud service determines from the data one or more of the physical state of the escalator, the operating state of the escalator, and the location of a fault condition along the escalator.

[0006] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above-disclosed features of the system, the auxiliary sensor transmits raw or filtered sensor data as the auxiliary sensor data; and / or the primary sensor transmits a raw form of the auxiliary sensor data as the data.

[0007] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above-disclosed features of the system, the auxiliary sensor transmits filtered sensor data as the auxiliary sensor data, wherein the filtered sensor data is filtered to include only sensor data above and / or below a predetermined peak value.

[0008] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the above-disclosed features of the system, the primary sensor is fixed to one of the escalator steps or to a fixed location on or near the escalator.

[0009] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the above-disclosed features of the system, a primary sensor is secured to a fixed location on or near the escalator and communicates with respective auxiliary sensors within a predetermined distance of the primary sensor.

[0010] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above-disclosed features of the system, the primary sensor and / or the escalator call center is configured to determine the occurrence of a fault condition based on a sensor transmission delay from the auxiliary sensor.

[0011] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the above-disclosed features of the system, the plurality of state sensors include one or more of an accelerometer, a strain gauge, a camera, and a microphone.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the above-disclosed features of the system, the primary sensor is configured to communicate with the auxiliary sensor on a first network that is a wireless network and to communicate with the escalator call center on a second network different from the first network.

[0013] A method for monitoring an escalator system is disclosed, the method comprising: receiving auxiliary sensor data from auxiliary sensors of a plurality of status sensors through a main sensor of the plurality of status sensors, wherein the auxiliary sensors are fixed to different escalator steps of the escalator; and transmitting the data to an escalator call center through the main sensor when a fault condition is detected from the auxiliary sensor data.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features of the method disclosed above, or as an alternative, the method includes one or more of the auxiliary sensors determining one or more of the physical state of the escalator, the operating state of the escalator, and the location of a fault condition along the escalator, and including the determination in the auxiliary sensor data; or the main sensor determining one or more of the physical state of the escalator, the operating state of the escalator, and the location of a fault condition along the escalator, and including the determination in the data.

[0015] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features of the method disclosed above, the method includes a primary sensor forwarding data to an escalator call center via a cloud service, and the cloud service determining from the data one or more of the physical state of the escalator, the operating state of the escalator, and the location of a fault condition along the escalator.

[0016] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above-disclosed features of the method, the method comprises the auxiliary sensor transmitting raw or filtered sensor data as the auxiliary sensor data; and / or the primary sensor transmitting a raw form of the auxiliary sensor data as the data.

[0017] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above-disclosed features of the method, the method comprises the auxiliary sensor transmitting filtered sensor data as auxiliary sensor data, wherein the filtered sensor data is filtered to include only sensor data above and / or below a predetermined peak value.

[0018] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above disclosed features of the method, the primary sensor is fixed to one of the escalator steps or to a fixed position on or near the escalator.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the above disclosed features of the method, the primary sensor is fixed to a fixed position on or near the escalator, and the method includes the primary sensor communicating with respective auxiliary sensors within a predetermined distance of the primary sensor.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the above-disclosed features of the method, the method includes the primary sensor and / or the escalator call center determining the occurrence of a fault condition based on a sensor transmission delay from the auxiliary sensor.

[0021] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above-disclosed features of the method, the plurality of state sensors include one or more of an accelerometer, a strain gauge, a camera, and a microphone.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the above-disclosed features of the method, the method includes the primary sensor communicating with the auxiliary sensor on a first network being a wireless network and communicating with the escalator call center on a second network different from the first network. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a side view of an escalator system that may utilize features of the disclosed embodiments;

[0025] Figure 2A An escalator system equipped with a sensor according to an embodiment is shown;

[0026] Figure 2B shows a communication protocol performed by an escalator system according to an embodiment; and

[0027] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method of monitoring an escalator according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods is given herein by way of example and not limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic side view of a people conveyor, in particular an escalator 1a, is shown, which comprises a plurality of pallets 13 (steps 13a) which are connected to one another to form an endless pallet belt 12a which extends in the longitudinal conveying direction between a lower landing 21a and an upper landing 21b. Figure 1 Only some of the pedals 13 are depicted, in particular the pedals 13 in the conveying section 16a. Furthermore, not all of the pedals 13 are denoted by reference numerals.

[0030] In the upper turnaround portion 17a near the upper landing 21a and the lower turnaround portion 24a near the lower landing 20a, the endless tread belt 12a enters the return portion 18a from the conveying portion 16a extending between the upper landing 21b and the lower landing 21a, and vice versa.

[0031] The upper swivel part 17a is the drive part and comprises a tension member drive system 25a. The tension member drive system 25a comprises a motor which drives a drive shaft 42a via a transmission element 26a, in particular a toothed belt, a belt or a chain. The drive shaft 42a supports a drive wheel 32a, for example a toothed belt drive pulley, a traction pulley or a sprocket.

[0032] The drive wheel 42a drivingly engages the annular pedal drive tension member 15a. The annular pedal drive tension member 15a may be a belt, in particular a toothed belt or a chain. The annular pedal drive tension member 15a is drivingly coupled to the pedal 13 and thereby drives the pedal 13 along the annular path of the pedal belt 12a. The annular pedal drive tension member 15a is annular and therefore extends along a closed loop. The annular pedal drive tension member 15a engages with and is driven by the drive wheel 32a supported by the drive shaft 42a.

[0033] The lower swivel portion 24a includes a swivel element 36a, such as an idler wheel or idler sprocket attached to the swivel shaft 30h. The swivel element 36a engages the endless pedal drive tension member 15a to guide the endless pedal drive tension member 15a from the delivery portion 16a to the return portion 18a.

[0034] In the tension portion 34a, the annular pedal drive tension member 15a engages a tension shaft 35a having a tension element, such as an idler sprocket or idler wheel. The tension element is configured to adjust the tension of the annular pedal drive tension member 15a as it travels along its annular path, thereby reducing wear of the annular pedal drive tension member 15a. For example, the tension portion 34a may be located in the return portion 18a.

[0035] In a further embodiment, the tensioning portion 34a may be located in the upper swivel portion 17a and / or the lower swivel portion 24a. In this case, the upper / lower swivel shaft may also provide the function of the tensioning shaft.

[0036] Alternatively, the revolving portion 24a near the lower landing 21a may be a driving portion.

[0037] The personnel conveyor 1a further comprises a brake 31a, which is configured to brake the movement of the endless step belt 12a. The brake 31a is Figure 1 31a is depicted as a separate component of the tension member drive system 25a. However, the brake 31a may be integrated with another component of the tension member drive system 25a. For example, the brake 31a may be engaged with the drive wheel 42a or the drive shaft 32a.

[0038] The handrails 4a supporting the moving handrails 6a extend parallel to the conveying section 16a. The handrails 4a are each supported by a separate truss 39a. Figure 1 In the side view shown in , only one of the trusses 39a and the railing 4a can be seen. The trusses 39a are connected to each other by one or more crossbeams 100 forming a connecting structure. The crossbeams 100 may include different profiles, such as rectangular, triangular or circular profiles. The crossbeams 100 are fixed to the trusses 39a by a detachable connection (such as by at least one bolt or screw) or by a fixed connection (such as by at least one weld). The crossbeam 100 is located below the endless pedal belt 12a and the endless pedal drive tension member 15a. This allows the endless pedal drive tension member 15a to be easily removed during maintenance or repair, since there is no need to open the endless pedal drive tension member 15a.

[0039] Go to Figure 2A and 2B , the disclosed embodiments provide an escalator system 105 that is capable of predicting impending failures and locating occurring failures, thereby reducing maintenance time per failure and allowing, for example, contractors to perform maintenance as needed.

[0040] The escalator system 105 includes a plurality of state sensors 150 on the escalator steps 13a of the escalator 1a, which communicate wirelessly with each other to predict and locate impending component failures. It will be appreciated that the sensors 150 may be installed on each step, every other step, every third step, etc., i.e., at any desired frequency. The state sensors 150 may include accelerometers, strain gauges, cameras, and microphones to record data. That is, the state sensors 150 are used to determine the physical and operational state of the escalator 1a.

[0041] The state sensors 150 of the escalator system 105 include a main sensor (or main group) 170 and auxiliary sensors (or auxiliary sensor groups) 180a, 180b (auxiliary sensors are generally referred to as 180). The auxiliary sensors 180 are distributed on different steps of the escalator steps 13a1, 13a2 (escalator steps are generally referred to as 13a). The main sensor 170 can be located on one of the escalator steps 13a3 (as shown in the figure), or can be located at a nearby position along the escalator 1a or adjacent thereto. The state sensors 150 can communicate with each other using a first network 160, which is a wireless network such as a personal area network (including but not limited to Bluetooth Wifi, Zigbee, Zwave) or a similar network.

[0042] The auxiliary sensors 180 communicate with the main sensor 170. The main sensor 170 may be on the step 13a or may be at a fixed location nearby. The communication between the master 170 and the auxiliary sensors 180 may be substantially constant, or the master 170 may communicate with each auxiliary sensor 180 within a predetermined distance of the main sensor 170. The step sensor pairs may be mapped from, for example, the hardware addresses of the sensors. Therefore, if a sensor senses a problem, the location of the problem may be easily determined.

[0043] The main sensor 170 may be configured for edge computing and includes a computer circuit 200 including a memory 210 and a processor 220. Figure 2B As shown in block 2B1 in FIG. 2 , the auxiliary sensor (or auxiliary node) 180 may measure data and transmit the measured auxiliary sensor data to the main sensor (or main node) 170 .

[0044] As shown in block 2B2, the primary sensor 170 may receive the auxiliary sensor data via the first network 160, process the auxiliary sensor data to obtain the primary sensor data, and transmit the primary sensor data to the escalator call center 230 via the second network 240. The second network 240 may be a wireless network, such as a cellular or satellite network. Alternatively, if the primary sensor 170 is in a fixed location, a landline connection may be used for at least a portion of the second network.

[0045] Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary sensor 180 may also perform at least some onboard processing / analysis. For example, the auxiliary sensor 180 may perform relatively basic tasks such as filtering sensor data and transmit high and / or low filtered data to the primary sensor 170. In some embodiments, the auxiliary sensor 180 may perform fault analysis based on the sensor data, for example, using edge computing.

[0046] That is, the primary sensor 170 is capable of saving fault data and performing data analysis (such as stress / strain and statistical analysis) on the sensor signals received from the auxiliary sensor 180. In addition, the primary sensor data may, for example, identify the occurrence of a fault condition, include a shutdown instruction, and include a full request for service. In one embodiment, the primary sensor 170 may transmit all primary sensor data to a cloud service 235. For simplicity, the cloud service is referred to as the cloud. As shown in box 2B3, the escalator call center 230 may receive the primary sensor data and dispatch service. The primary sensor 170 is configured to initiate a service call to the escalator call center 230 directly or through the cloud 235 (e.g., via a second network 240 that is a cellular network or similar network).

[0047] In the case where the state sensors 150 are networked with each other, the fault can be identified and located (e.g., the location can be confirmed) by performing data analysis on the auxiliary sensor data. Alternatively, the fault can be inferred by the main sensor 170 using sensor delays (e.g., using different response times of the state sensors). In addition, the processed data can be used by the main sensor 170 to determine whether there is an overload type fault condition on the escalator 1a and initiate an emergency stop before actual damage is caused to the escalator system 105. Using the state sensors 150, the main sensor 170 can perform prediction and health management and condition-based maintenance (CBM) of components.

[0048] Data analysis including machine learning can be performed on the primary sensor 170 to infer component states (e.g., component load paths, stress / strain states, and operating modes) using performance data from field or segmented testing and measurement (empirically acquired) and simulations (analytically acquired) and combinations thereof. The result is health assessments for a greater number of components than might be instrumented, and / or more comprehensive assessments of components using fewer instruments.

[0049] In one embodiment, empirically obtained data may be organized in a lookup table related to component loads, stresses, and strains. In one embodiment, the analysis may be based on, for example, finite element analysis. As auxiliary sensor data is received, graphs may be stored on the primary sensor 170 and analysis may be performed at the primary sensor 170 in real time.

[0050] The disclosed embodiments can also be used to infer conditions between different escalators without having to equip every escalator. For example, after a disturbance such as an earthquake, instrument readings on escalator 1a equipped with condition sensor 150 can be used to identify problems that may have occurred on every escalator in the same bank, building, or geographic area.

[0051] Benefits of the disclosed embodiments include: real-time prognostics and diagnostics of components, utilizing sensor data and diagnostics to reduce scheduled maintenance, reducing field mechanic time and component failure rates, the ability to identify failed components at a local level, and the ability to automatically shut down the failed component escalator 1a through operation of the master sensor 170 when an overload type fault condition or other unacceptable condition occurs. Tracked data can be used to enhance future escalator designs for better performance / longer component life.

[0052] Go to Figure 3 , a flow chart shows a method for monitoring an escalator system 105. As shown in box 310, the method includes receiving auxiliary sensor data from an auxiliary sensor 180 of the state sensor 150 through the main sensor 170 of the state sensor 150. The auxiliary sensor data may be raw data or processed data. As indicated, the auxiliary sensor 180 is fixed to a plurality of escalator steps 13a of the escalator 1a. As indicated, the main sensor 170 may also be fixed to one of the escalator steps 13a. In one embodiment, the main sensor 170 may be located at a fixed position on or near the escalator 1a. As indicated, the state sensor 150 may include one or more of an accelerometer, a strain gauge, a camera, and a microphone.

[0053] As shown in block 320, the method may further include transmitting an alarm to the escalator call center 230 via the primary sensor 170 upon detecting the occurrence of a fault condition from the auxiliary sensor data. In one embodiment, the primary sensor 170 may transmit raw data to the escalator call center 230.

[0054] As shown in box 330, the method may also include one or more auxiliary sensors 170 determining one or more of the physical state of the escalator 1a, the operating state of the escalator 1a, and the location of a fault along the escalator 1a, and including the determination in the auxiliary sensor data. In addition or as an alternative, as shown in box 340, the method may also include the main sensor 170 determining one or more of the physical state of the escalator 1a, the operating state of the escalator 1a, and the location of a fault along the escalator 1a, and including the determination in the data.

[0055] As shown in block 350, the method may further include the master sensor 170 forwarding the data to the escalator call center 230 via the cloud service 235. As shown in block 360, the method may include the cloud service 235 determining from the data one or more of a physical state of the escalator 1a, an operational state of the escalator 1a, and a location of a fault along the escalator 1a.

[0056] As shown in block 365, the method may include the auxiliary sensor 180 transmitting raw or filtered sensor data as auxiliary sensor data. As shown in block 370, the method may include the primary sensor 170 transmitting raw form of the auxiliary sensor data it receives from the auxiliary sensor 180 as data. As shown in block 380, the method may include the auxiliary sensor 180 transmitting filtered sensor data as auxiliary sensor data. In one embodiment, the filtered sensor data is filtered to include only sensor data above and / or below a predetermined peak value, such as provided by hardware or software bandpass filtering.

[0057] As indicated, the primary sensor 170 is fixed to a fixed position on or near the escalator 1a. As shown in block 390, the method may include the primary sensor 170 communicating with each of the auxiliary sensors 180 within a predetermined distance of the primary sensor 170. As shown in block 395, the method may also include determining, by the primary sensor 170, the occurrence of a fault condition based on a sensor transmission delay from the auxiliary sensor 180.

[0058] As shown in block 400, the method may also include communicating with the auxiliary sensor via the primary sensor 170 over the first network 160, which is a wireless network. As shown in block 400, the method may also include communicating with the escalator call center 230 via the primary sensor 170 over a second network 240 that is different from the first network 160. As indicated, the first network 160 may be a personal area network, and the second network 240 may be a cellular network.

[0059] As described above, embodiments may be in the form of processor-implemented processes and devices (such as processors) for implementing those processes. Embodiments may also be in the form of computer program code containing instructions embodied in tangible media (such as network cloud storage, SD card, flash drive, floppy disk, CD ROM, hard drive, or any other computer-readable storage medium), wherein when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes a device for implementing the embodiments. Embodiments may also be in the form of computer program code, for example, whether the computer program code is stored in a storage medium, loaded into and / or executed by a computer, or transmitted on a transmission medium, loaded into and / or executed by a computer, or transmitted on a transmission medium (such as on a wire or cable, through an optical fiber) or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein when the computer program code is loaded into or executed by a computer, the computer becomes a device for implementing the embodiments. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segments configure the microprocessor to generate a specific logic circuit.

[0060] The terms used herein are used only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless otherwise clearly indicated hereinafter. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" when used in this specification indicate the presence of the indicated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0061] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its basic scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode for carrying out the concepts of the present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments that fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An escalator system, comprising: escalator steps; as well as a plurality of state sensors including a primary sensor and an auxiliary sensor, wherein the primary sensor is affixed to a fixed position on or near the escalator and communicates with respective ones of the auxiliary sensors within a predetermined distance of the primary sensor, wherein the auxiliary sensors are affixed to different steps of the escalator, wherein the primary sensor is configured to: receiving auxiliary sensor data from the auxiliary sensor; as well as When the occurrence of a fault condition is detected from the auxiliary sensor data, transmitting the data to an escalator call center; determining the occurrence of the fault condition based on different response times of the auxiliary sensors; wherein one or more of the auxiliary sensors determines one or more of a physical state of the escalator, an operational state of the escalator, and a location of a fault condition along the escalator, and includes the determination in the auxiliary sensor data; or the primary sensor determining one or more of a physical state of the escalator, an operational state of the escalator, and a location of a fault condition along the escalator, and including the determination in the data; Wherein the master sensor forwards the data to the escalator call center via a cloud service, and the cloud service determines from the data one or more of the physical state of the escalator, the operating state of the escalator, and the location of a fault condition along the escalator.

2. The escalator system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The auxiliary sensor transmits raw or filtered sensor data as the auxiliary sensor data; and / or The primary sensor transmits a raw form of the secondary sensor data as the data.

3. The escalator system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The auxiliary sensor transmits filtered sensor data as the auxiliary sensor data, wherein the filtered sensor data is filtered to include only sensor data above and / or below a predetermined peak value.

4. The escalator system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The primary sensor is secured to one of the escalator steps or to a fixed location on or near the escalator.

5. The escalator system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of state sensors include one or more of an accelerometer, a strain gauge, a camera, and a microphone.

6. The escalator system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The primary sensor is configured to communicate with the auxiliary sensor over a first network that is a wireless network and to communicate with the escalator call center over a second network that is different from the first network.

7. A method for monitoring an escalator system, comprising: receiving auxiliary sensor data from auxiliary sensors of the plurality of state sensors by a primary sensor of the plurality of state sensors, wherein the auxiliary sensors are affixed to different ones of escalator steps of an escalator, wherein the primary sensor is affixed to a fixed position on or near the escalator, and the method includes the primary sensor communicating with respective ones of the auxiliary sensors within a predetermined distance of the primary sensor; as well as When the occurrence of a fault condition is detected from the auxiliary sensor data, the data is transmitted to the escalator call center via the main sensor; The main sensor and / or the escalator call center determines the occurrence of the fault condition based on the different response times of the auxiliary sensors; one or more of the auxiliary sensors determine one or more of a physical state of the escalator, an operational state of the escalator, and a location of a fault condition along the escalator, and include the determination in the auxiliary sensor data; or the primary sensor determining one or more of a physical state of the escalator, an operational state of the escalator, and a location of a fault condition along the escalator, and including the determination in the data; The master sensor forwards the data to the escalator call center via a cloud service, and The cloud service determines from the data one or more of a physical state of the escalator, an operational state of the escalator, and a location of a fault condition along the escalator.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The method comprises: The auxiliary sensor transmits raw or filtered sensor data as the auxiliary sensor data; and / or The primary sensor transmits a raw form of the secondary sensor data as the data.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The method comprises: The auxiliary sensor transmits filtered sensor data as the auxiliary sensor data, wherein the filtered sensor data is filtered to include only sensor data above and / or below a predetermined peak value.

10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The primary sensor is secured to one of the escalator steps or to a fixed location on or near the escalator.

11. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The plurality of state sensors include one or more of an accelerometer, a strain gauge, a camera, and a microphone.

12. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The method comprises: The primary sensor communicates with the auxiliary sensor over a first network that is a wireless network, and communicates with the escalator call center over a second network that is different from the first network.

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