Elevator monitoring system

Abstract

An elevator monitoring system (30) is described that includes a supervisory controller (32) for communicating with a remote monitoring device (60). The supervisory controller (32) includes a signal input (36) for connecting the supervisory controller (32) to a sensor system (34) of the elevator monitoring system (30). The sensor system (34) includes a first sensor module (40) for determining a status of an elevator controller (18) of an elevator system (10) being monitored by the elevator monitoring system (30) and a second sensor module (42) for determining motion information of the monitored elevator system (10). The sensor system (34) is capable of combining an output status of the first sensor module (40) and an output status of the second sensor module (42) into a single output status through a logical AND operation and providing the single output status as an input to the signal input (36).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an elevator monitoring system and a method for determining elevator status information. Background Technology

[0002] Elevator monitoring systems are well-known. For example, WO 2009 / 150251 A2 discloses a system for monitoring elevator car doors and submitting sensor data to a remote monitoring center. Furthermore, another remote monitoring device for elevator systems is known from WO 2010 / 122041 A1. It is known from the prior art to connect multiple sensors to multiple ports of a monitoring controller, or to use communication protocols that allow multiple sensors to communicate with the monitoring controller through a single communication port. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an elevator monitoring system that allows for the use of technically very simple sensors for monitoring elevator equipment through a technically simple elevator monitoring solution.

[0004] The objectives of this invention are achieved through the subject matter of the independent claims. Other advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0005] According to the first aspect, this objective is achieved by an elevator monitoring system including a monitoring controller for communicating with a remote monitoring device. The monitoring controller includes a signal input terminal for connecting the monitoring controller to a sensor system of the elevator monitoring system. The sensor system includes a first sensor module and a second sensor module, the first sensor module being used to determine the state of the elevator controller of the elevator system being monitored by the elevator monitoring system, and the second sensor module being used to determine motion information of the monitored elevator system. The sensor system is capable of combining the output states of the first sensor module and the second sensor module into a single output state through a logical AND operation, and providing this single output state as the input to the signal input terminal.

[0006] According to the second aspect, this objective is achieved through a method for determining elevator status information of an elevator system via an elevator monitoring system. The monitoring system includes a monitoring controller for communicating with remote monitoring equipment. The monitoring controller includes a signal input terminal and a first sensor module for determining the status of the elevator controller of the elevator system monitored by the elevator monitoring system. The monitoring controller further includes a second sensor module for determining motion information of the elevator system. The method includes:

[0007] - The current state of the elevator controller is determined by the first sensor module as the first sensor state;

[0008] - The current motion information determined by the second sensor module is used as the state of the second sensor;

[0009] - Combine the first sensor state and the second sensor state using a logical AND operation; and

[0010] The results are transmitted as input to the monitoring controller of the elevator monitoring system.

[0011] Different embodiments of the invention will be discussed below.

[0012] In another embodiment, the output state of the first sensor module during normal operation of the monitored elevator system has a value opposite to the output state of the second sensor module during movement of the car in the monitored elevator system.

[0013] In another embodiment, the output state of the first sensor module during normal operation of the monitored elevator system has the same value as the output state of the second sensor module during a stationary state of the car of the monitored elevator system.

[0014] In another embodiment, the first sensor module is able to determine the state of the elevator controller by sensing the state indication of the elevator controller.

[0015] In another embodiment, the elevator controller is in a state of "normal operation" or "service stopped".

[0016] In another embodiment, the second sensor module is able to determine the motion information by sensing the state of the elevator motor.

[0017] In another embodiment of the method for determining elevator status information, the method includes:

[0018] - Record the input of the monitoring controller of the elevator monitoring system at any time; and

[0019] - Reconstruct at least two of the following values ​​based on the recorded input: the operating status of the elevator system, the number of trips, the total travel length, and / or the releveling operation.

[0020] Advantageous improvements to the system and method are described in its dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings, for this purpose:

[0022] Figure 1 The elevator system is shown and monitored by the elevator monitoring system.

[0023] Figure 2 The elevator monitoring system is shown in more detail.

[0024] Figure 3 The sensor module of the monitoring system is shown.

[0025] Figure 4 The diagram shows the time span during which the elevator system can accept calls and the corresponding output status or signal of the sensor system.

[0026] Figure 5 The time span of the sensor system’s output status or signal is shown, during which the elevator system is available to accept calls at the beginning and transitions to fault mode from time t1.

[0027] Figure 6 The time span of the sensor system's output status or signal is shown, during which the elevator system can be used to accept and serve calls.

[0028] Figure 7 The time span of the sensor system's output status or signal is shown, during which the elevator system can be used to accept calls, serve calls, and perform some releveling operations after a call has been served.

[0029] Figure 8 Another embodiment of the elevator monitoring system is shown.

[0030] Figure 9 A method for determining elevator status information is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other potential features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the specification, drawings, and claims.

[0032] Figure 1 An elevator system 10 is shown, installed in an elevator shaft 12, including a car 14 that moves within the shaft 14 and is driven by a motor 16. The drive of the motor 16 is controlled by an elevator controller 18. The elevator controller 18 is also connected to other parts of the elevator equipment, such as the car operation panel installed in the car 14 and the landing operation panel installed on each floor 19, and to other components as needed or desired.

[0033] For the connection of different control components of an elevator, wired or wireless communication devices can be used. Figure 1The image shows a travel cable 20 used for the connection between the elevator controller 18 and the control section mounted on the car 14. Such elevator equipment is well known to those skilled in the art. Typical variations of elevator equipment are also well known. Figure 1 An elevator device using ropes or belts 22 is shown. Other types of elevator devices (such as hydraulic elevators) are also possible.

[0034] The elevator system 10 is monitored by an elevator monitoring system 30, which includes a monitoring controller 32 and a sensor system 34. The monitoring controller 32 is capable of communicating with a remote monitoring device 60, such as a remote monitoring center of an elevator service company or a monitoring application installed on a personal computer (including a mobile device) of a technician or any other person (such as a building owner interested in the current status of the elevator equipment).

[0035] Typically, the connection between the monitoring controller 32 and the remote monitoring device 60 is established via a data connection over the Internet 62. The connection between the monitoring controller 32 and the Internet 62, and between the Internet 62 and the remote monitoring device 60, can be established via wired or wireless data communication links. Typical examples are Ethernet or other wired data connections. Wired connections can include electrical wires and optical-based connections. Wireless communication can be established via WiFi, Bluetooth, GMS, LTE, 5G, or any other wireless protocol.

[0036] Figure 2 Showing more details Figure 1 The monitoring system 30.

[0037] The monitoring system 30 includes a first sensor module 40 and a second sensor module 42 connected in series with each other. The sensor system 30 (i.e., the first sensor module 40 and the second sensor module 42) is also connected in series to the signal input terminal 36 of the monitoring controller 32. In other words, the monitoring controller 32, the first sensor module 40 and the second sensor module 42 are connected in series.

[0038] The first sensor module 40 and the second sensor module 42 are essentially the same type, but may be slightly different. Sensor module 44, which can be used as either the first sensor module 40 or the second sensor module 44, will be described below.

[0039] Figure 3Sensor module 44 is shown. Sensor module 44 has an input terminal 50 for acquiring a measurement signal. This measurement signal can be acquired in various different ways. For example, the sensor can be used to sense voltage, current, or anything else that the corresponding sensor can observe. Another possibility is to connect a wire directly to input terminal 50, with its other end connected to a specific location within the circuit to be sensed, such as the wiring entering elevator controller 18, as for... Figure 2 The first sensor module 40 is shown in the diagram.

[0040] The sensor module 44 also includes a switching element 52, which is controlled by the input signal from the sensor module 44. The switching element 52 can be a mechanical switch such as a relay or any electrical switch based on semiconductor technology, such as a thyristor, IGBT, transistor, etc. An opto-isolator, also known as an optocoupler, can be used for the switching element 52. Other embodiments of the switching element are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0041] Switching element 52 defines the output state of sensor module 44. Switching element 52 has two states corresponding to the information to be determined by sensor module 44. Examples of first sensor module 40 and second sensor module 42 are given below. Switching contacts 54 and 55 are electrically connected to each other through switching element 52 in the closed state. Switching contacts 54 and 55 are electrically disconnected from each other through switching element 52 in the open state.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the first sensor module 40 is used to determine whether the elevator controller 18 is in normal operating mode. In normal operating mode, the elevator controller is ready to serve elevator calls. Conversely, the elevator may also be in a fault or error mode, in which the elevator controller cannot serve elevator calls.

[0043] There are various possibilities for determining the current mode of elevator controller 18. For example, many types of elevator controllers available from different manufacturers have status lights (e.g., LEDs) that indicate the current mode of the elevator controller. The light from the LEDs can be sensed by a light sensor. The output signal of the light sensor can be used as an input to the first sensor module 40.

[0044] As mentioned above, another possibility is to attach the wire directly to the elevator controller 18 and sense the pattern by picking up the electrical signal of the elevator controller and using the signal as the input of the first sensor module 40.

[0045] The second sensor module 42 is used to sense the status of the motor 16 or the movement of the car. Therefore, in Figure 2 In the example shown, a current sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, can be used to measure the current used to drive the motor 16. Because only information about whether the motor rotor is rotating is needed, and not the actual direction or speed of rotation, a very simple sensor can be used. When the motor is stationary, the switching element 52 of the second sensor module 42 is closed. As soon as the motor starts rotating, the second sensor module 42 is configured to disconnect the switching element 52.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the switching element 52 of the first sensor module 40 and the switching element 52 of the second sensor module 42 are connected in series with the signal input terminal 36 of the monitoring controller via line 46.

[0047] In the following text, the switching element 52 of the first sensor module 40 and the switching element 52 of the second sensor module 42 will be referred to as switching element 52. The first sensor module 40 and the second sensor module 42 will be referred to as sensor modules 40 and 42.

[0048] As described above, switching element 52 provides the output states of sensor modules 40 and 42. The output states of the first sensor module 40 and the second sensor module 42 are combined via a logical AND operation through a series connection.

[0049] This logical AND operation, and through the output states of sensor modules 40 and 42 as described above, allows for the sensing of a surprisingly wide variety of information using very simple electrical wiring. This will be described with reference to the following figures.

[0050] Figure 4 This illustrates a scenario where the elevator system can be used to accept a call but is not currently transporting any person, goods, robot, or anything else that might be transported by the elevator. Therefore, the car is stationary, motor 16 is not rotating, and the brakes are typically closed.

[0051] The first sensor module 40 provides an output state indicating the availability of the elevator system. This state is represented by the logic "true", which is equal to 1. This state is shown in a graph 80 of the output state of the first sensor module 40 over time.

[0052] The second sensor module 42 provides an output state indicating the stationary state of the elevator car. This state is represented by the logic "true", which is equal to 1. This state is shown in graph 82, which shows the output state of the second sensor module 42 over time.

[0053] exist Figure 4The combined output state of the first sensor module 40 and the second sensor module 42 is also shown in Figure 86. This combined output state is achieved through a logical AND operation.

[0054] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the state in which elevator system 10 is available to accept calls up to time t1. At time t1, elevator controller 18 changes from its available state to an unavailable state. First sensor module 40 therefore provides an output state indicating the availability of the elevator system up to time t1 and its unavailability from that time t1. At time t1, the output state of first sensor module 40 thus changes from "true" to "false," which is equivalent to changing from 1 to 0. Hereinafter, "true" and 1 are used as equivalents. The same applies to "false" and 0. This is indicated in graph 80 of the output states of first sensor module 40. Graph 80 again shows the output states over time.

[0055] exist Figure 5 Throughout the entire time span shown in the diagram, the car is stationary, motor 16 is not rotating, and the brakes are typically closed.

[0056] The second sensor module 42 provides an output state indicating the stationary state of the elevator car 14. A "true" value represents the state of no movement. This is indicated in graph 82, which shows the output state of the second sensor module 42 over time.

[0057] exist Figure 5 The diagram also shows the combined output states of the first sensor module 40 and the second sensor module 42. These are combined using a logical AND operation.

[0058] Figure 6 The elevator system is shown in Figure 6 The graph shows the availability of the elevator system for accepting calls throughout the entire time period. The first sensor module 40 again provides an output status indicating the availability of the elevator system. This is represented by a "true" value. In the graph 80 of the output status of the first sensor module 40, this is indicated by a "true" value that is constant over time.

[0059] Furthermore, the car does not move until time t1. At time t1, the car begins to move until time t2, which is likely due to the car traveling from one floor to another. Further movement of the car is shown from time t3 to t4.

[0060] The second sensor module 42 provides an output state indicating the stationary state of the elevator car. Since the car in this example travels from time t1 to t2 and from time t3 to t4, graph 86 indicates the stationary state up to t1, from t2 to t3, and from t4 onwards. The stationary state is indicated as "true" in graph 82 of the output states of the second sensor module 42, and otherwise as "false". Graph 82 shows the output states over time.

[0061] exist Figure 6 The combined output state of the first sensor module 40 and the second sensor module 42 is also shown in Figure 86. This combined output state is achieved through a logical AND operation.

[0062] Figure 7 The elevator system is shown in Figure 7 The graph shows the availability of the elevator system for accepting calls throughout the entire time period. The first sensor module 40 again provides an output status indicating the availability of the elevator system. This is indicated by a "true" value. In the graph 80 of the output status of the first sensor module 40, this is indicated by a "true" value that is constant over time.

[0063] Furthermore, the car does not move until time t1. At time t1, the car begins to move until time t2, which is likely due to the car traveling from one floor to another. From time t3 to t4, only a short period of further movement of the car is shown. This movement is likely caused by the car's releveling action.

[0064] The second sensor module 42 again provides an output state indicating the stationary state of the elevator car. Since the car in this example travels from time t1 to t2, and only moves a few times in short intervals from time t3 to t4, graph 82 indicates the stationary state up to t1, from t2 to t3, and from t4 onwards. The stationary state is indicated as "true" in graph 82 of the output state of the second sensor module 42, and otherwise as "false". Graph 82 again shows the output state over time. As can be seen from graph 82, during times t3 and t4, the graph shows multiple short movements.

[0065] exist Figure 7 The combined output state of the first sensor module 40 and the second sensor module 42 is also shown in Figure 86. This combined output state is achieved through a logical AND operation.

[0066] From the output state of the sensor system 34 described above, which is a combined state provided to the signal input terminal of the monitoring controller 32 by combining the output states of the first sensor module 40 and the second sensor module 42 through a logical AND operation, the following can be inferred. For evaluation, the values ​​provided to the signal input terminal 36 are recorded for a period of time, for example, by storing these values ​​in the memory of the monitoring controller 32 and / or the memory of the remote monitoring device. The memory can be any known storage medium, which can be a volatile storage medium such as RAM or a non-volatile storage medium such as a solid-state drive, EPROM, flash memory, or an electromechanical storage medium such as a hard disk drive.

[0067] If signal input 36 is consistently "true" or 1, it can be inferred that the elevator system is available. This can be reported to remote monitoring equipment by monitoring controller 32.

[0068] If signal input 36 is "false" or 0 for an extended period of time, it can be inferred that the elevator system is unavailable. This can be reported by monitoring controller 32 to remote monitoring device 60. "Extended period of time" can be a duration exceeding one minute, as elevator travel should typically be less than 45 seconds.

[0069] If the signal input is "false" or 0 during a time period corresponding to the typical duration of elevator travel, it can be inferred that the elevator is serving a call. The travel counter of the monitoring system can be incremented. Based on the actual duration of the travel and the typical speed of the elevator car 14, the distance traveled by the car for that travel and the cumulative distance can also be calculated. These values ​​can also be reported to remote monitoring equipment by the monitoring controller 32. The "typical duration of elevator travel" is typically between 6 and 45 seconds.

[0070] If the signal input is "false" or 0, or "true" or 1, for a period of time shorter than the typical duration of elevator travel, it can be inferred that the elevator car must have undergone some releveling operation to align the elevator car with the floor level. The releveling operation can also be reported by the monitoring controller 32.

[0071] The reported value can be stored on the monitoring system 30 and reported to the remote monitoring device 60 upon request. Alternatively or additionally, the monitoring system 30 may continuously report the value or continuously report the signal input 36 to the remote monitoring device 60.

[0072] exist Figure 8 In another embodiment shown, the second sensor module 42 includes a first submodule 42' and a second submodule 42'", which together form the second sensor module 42. The first submodule 42' and the second submodule 42' are referred to as above. Figure 3The sensor module 44 is described. The output states of the first submodule 42' and the second submodule 42" are combined via a logical AND operation. This can be achieved again by connecting the first submodule 42' and the second submodule 42" in series. The first sensor module 40 is again connected in series with the first submodule 42' and the second submodule 42" again. This sensor system 30 can be used when the elevator controller 32, which controls the drive of the motor 16 or the motor 32, provides a signal for the movement of the motor 16 in one direction and another signal for the movement of the motor 16 in the other direction. If the first submodule 42' and the second submodule 42" report a stationary state, the output state of the second sensor module 42 is "true" or 1. When either the first submodule 42' or the second submodule 42" reports movement, the output state of the second sensor module 42 is "false" or 0.

[0073] In another embodiment, the first sensor module 40 can also be implemented by several sub-modules, such as those mentioned above. Figure 8 The description pertains to the second sensor module 42. It should also be noted that the submodules for the first sensor module and the submodules for the second sensor module can be arranged in parallel such that the output states of the submodules can be combined via a logical OR operation.

[0074] In another embodiment, the first sensor module can detect the unavailability of the elevator system to be monitored. In this case, the sensor module has an additional operation to switch the output state. This can be achieved by a converter for controlling the switching element or by selecting a switching element with switching control.

[0075] In another embodiment, the first sensor module and the second sensor module provide a single logic output state or output signal. The output signal can be combined by logic units that implement a logical AND operation in an integrated circuit. The output of the logical AND operation can be provided as the output of the sensor unit and used as an input to the signal input terminal of the monitoring controller.

Claims

1. An elevator monitoring system, comprising: The elevator monitoring system (30) includes a monitoring controller (32) for communicating with a remote monitoring device (60). The monitoring controller (32) includes a signal input terminal (36) for connecting the monitoring controller (32) to the sensor system (34) of the elevator monitoring system (30). -The sensor system (34) includes: - First sensor module (40), the first sensor module (40) is used to determine the status of the elevator controller (18) of the elevator system (10) monitored by the elevator monitoring system (30), and - Second sensor module (42), the second sensor module (42) is used to determine the motion information of the monitored elevator system (10), and -The sensor system (34) can combine the output state of the first sensor module (40) and the output state of the second sensor module (42) into a single output state through a logical AND operation, and provide the single output state as the input of the signal input terminal (36).

2. The elevator monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein, The output state of the first sensor module (40) during normal operation of the monitored elevator system (10) has a value opposite to that of the output state of the second sensor module (42) during the movement of the car of the monitored elevator system (30).

3. The elevator monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The output state of the first sensor module (40) during normal operation of the monitored elevator system (10) has the same value as the output state of the second sensor module (40) during the stationary state of the car (14) of the monitored elevator system (10).

4. The elevator monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The first sensor module (40) is able to determine the state of the elevator controller (18) by sensing the state indication of the elevator controller (18).

5. The elevator monitoring system according to claim 4, wherein, The state of the elevator controller (18) is "normal operation" or "stop service".

6. The elevator monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The second sensor module (42) can determine the motion information by sensing the state of the elevator motor (16).

7. A method for determining elevator status information of an elevator system (10) via an elevator monitoring system (30), wherein, The monitoring system (30) includes a monitoring controller (32) for communicating with a remote monitoring device (60). The monitoring controller (32) includes a signal input terminal (36), a first sensor module (40), and a second sensor module (42). The first sensor module (40) is used to determine the state of the elevator controller (18) of the elevator system (10) monitored by the elevator monitoring system (30). The second sensor module (42) is used to determine the motion information of the elevator system (10). The method includes: - The current state of the elevator controller (18) is determined by the first sensor module (40) as the first sensor state (80). - The current motion information is determined by the second sensor module (42) as the state of the second sensor (82); - Combine the first sensor state (80) and the second sensor state (82) using a logical AND operation; and - The result is transmitted as input to the monitoring controller (32) of the elevator monitoring system (30).

8. The method of claim 7, comprising: - Record the input of the monitoring controller (32) to the elevator monitoring system (30) over time; as well as - Reconstruct at least two of the following values ​​based on the recorded input: the operating status of the elevator system, the number of trips, the total travel length, and / or the releveling operation.

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