Conveyor system, elevator system and conveyor device
By introducing a data frame-based communication system into the conveyor system, and utilizing VLANs and switching devices to achieve directional transmission of data frames, the complexity and high cost of traditional systems are solved, and the efficiency and flexibility of data communication are improved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KONE OYJ
- Filing Date
- 2021-06-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
AI Technical Summary
In traditional conveyor systems, multiple independent communication systems make the system complex and expensive, difficult to modify and maintain, and require improved data communication.
It adopts a data frame-based communication system, uses Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) for tag separation, and realizes the orientation and transmission of data frames through switching devices and trunk links, supporting unified management of multiple communication protocols.
It simplifies the system structure, reduces maintenance costs, improves the efficiency and flexibility of data communication, and supports high-bandwidth data transmission for various communication systems.
Smart Images
Figure CN117500739B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention generally relates to the technical field of personnel and / or goods conveyor systems. In particular, this invention relates to data communication in conveyor systems. Background Technology
[0002] Traditionally, in conveyor systems, such as elevator, escalator, and moving walkway systems, the internal communication systems—that is, the communication systems of applications and devices (e.g., controllers, sensors, actuators, etc.) that interconnect the people conveyor systems—have been implemented using building automation networks such as Controller Area Network (CAN) or Local Operation Network (LON). Typically, there are multiple independent communication systems with different protocol stacks within the same conveyor system.
[0003] Typically, if new devices and applications (such as information screens) need to access external data resources, a separate data link is established by adding a dedicated cable or a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. This results in complex and expensive systems that are difficult to modify and maintain.
[0004] Therefore, further solutions need to be developed to improve data communication in conveyor systems. Summary of the Invention
[0005] To provide a basic understanding of some aspects of various embodiments of the invention, a simplified overview is given below. This overview is not a comprehensive summary of the invention. It is neither intended to identify key or essential elements of the invention nor to depict the scope of the invention. The following overview merely presents some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention.
[0006] The object of this invention is to provide a conveyor system, an elevator system, and a conveyor device. Another object of this invention is to enable the conveyor system, elevator system, and conveyor device to achieve improved data communication.
[0007] According to a first aspect, a conveyor system is provided, comprising: a conveyor control unit, one or more conveyor components, and a communication system for providing data frame-based communication between the conveyor control unit, the one or more conveyor components, and / or one or more external or remote systems, wherein the communication system includes: at least two virtual local area networks (VLANs) separated by respective tags, wherein the tags are applied to each data frame to direct the data frame to the VLAN corresponding to the tag; a first switching device configured to connect one or more conveyor components to at least one of the at least two VLANs; a second switching device configured to connect the conveyor control unit and one or more external or remote systems to at least one of the at least two VLANs; and a trunk link configured to transmit data frames belonging to at least two VLANs between the first and second switching devices.
[0008] The trunk link can be adapted to travel within the cable arranged between the conveyor control unit and one or more conveyor components.
[0009] The first and / or second switching device may be configured to: in response to receiving a data frame from a trunk link, identify the VLAN to which the data frame is directed based on a tag applied to the data frame; and / or in response to receiving a data frame from one or more conveyor components, conveyor control units, and / or one or more external or remote systems, apply a tag to the data frame to direct the data frame to the VLAN corresponding to the tag based on where the data frame was received from.
[0010] Furthermore, after identifying the data frame, the first switching device and / or the second switching device can also be configured to remove the tag from the data frame and redirect the data frame to the VLAN corresponding to the tag.
[0011] At least one of the two VLANs can be dedicated to data communication related to the conveyor system.
[0012] At least one of the conveyor components and the conveyor control unit may belong to a VLAN dedicated to data communication related to the conveyor system.
[0013] Alternatively or additionally, one or more external or remote systems may include at least one third-party system, wherein at least one of the at least two VLANs may be dedicated to data communication related to the third-party system.
[0014] At least one of the conveyor components and at least one third-party system may belong to a VLAN dedicated to data communication related to the third-party system.
[0015] Alternatively or additionally, one or more external or remote systems may include one or more integrated systems.
[0016] At least one of the integrated systems may belong to a VLAN dedicated to data communication related to the conveyor system.
[0017] Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the at least two VLANs may be dedicated to integrated network-related data communications.
[0018] The conveyor control unit and at least one of the one or more integrated systems may belong to a VLAN dedicated to integrated network-related data communications.
[0019] The communication system may also include a second trunk link connecting the second switching unit and the conveyor control unit, and configured to carry data frames of at least a VLAN dedicated to data communication related to the conveyor system and a VLAN dedicated to data communication related to the integrated network.
[0020] One or more integrated systems may include at least one of the following: a remote conveyor control and monitoring system, a maintenance server, an access control system, a cloud network system, a building control system, a building automation system, a building management system, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) gateway system, and / or an external router system.
[0021] Alternatively or additionally, one or more external or remote systems may include at least one other conveyor system, wherein at least one of the at least two VLANs may be dedicated to communication of at least one other conveyor system, and wherein at least one other conveyor system may belong to at least one VLAN dedicated to communication of at least one other conveyor system.
[0022] One or more conveyor components may include at least one of the following: at least one sensor device, at least one actuator device, at least one display, at least one imaging device, at least one emergency device, and / or at least one conveyor-related device.
[0023] The conveyor system can be an elevator system, an escalator system, or a moving walkway system.
[0024] According to a second aspect, an elevator system is provided, comprising: an elevator car arranged to travel along an elevator shaft between multiple floors; an elevator control unit; one or more elevator components arranged to the elevator car; and a communication system for providing data frame-based communication between the elevator control unit, the one or more elevator components, and / or one or more external or remote systems, wherein the communication system includes: at least two virtual local area networks (VLANs) separated by respective tags, wherein the tags are applied to each data frame to direct the data frame to the VLAN corresponding to the tag; a first switching device configured to connect the one or more elevator components to at least one of the at least two VLANs; a second switching device configured to connect the elevator control unit and the one or more external or remote systems to at least one of the at least two VLANs; and a trunk link configured to transmit data frames belonging to the at least two VLANs between the first and second switching devices.
[0025] The trunk link can be adapted to travel within the travel cable laid between the elevator control unit and the elevator car.
[0026] Alternatively, the trunk link can be a wireless trunk link.
[0027] According to a third aspect, a conveyor device, particularly a conveyor control unit or conveyor component, is provided, wherein the conveyor device is configured to communicate in a trunk link of a frame-based communication system of the conveyor system, wherein the conveyor device includes: a switching device configured to connect the conveyor device to at least one VLAN of at least two VLANs of the communication system of the conveyor system separated by corresponding tags, and a processing unit communicatively connected to the switching device, wherein the communication in the trunk link includes the switching device being configured to apply a tag to each data frame to direct the data frame to the VLAN corresponding to the tag.
[0028] The conveyor component can be one of the following: elevator call device, display, safety sensor, safety brake, position sensor, elevator motor drive unit, or electronic safety control unit.
[0029] Various exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the invention with respect to structure and operation methods, as well as their additional objects and advantages, will be best understood from the following description of specific exemplary and non-limiting embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0030] The verbs “include” and “contain” are used herein as restrictions on disclosure, neither excluding nor requiring the presence of uncited features. Furthermore, it should be understood that the use of “a” or “one” throughout this document, i.e., the singular form, does not exclude the plural. Attached Figure Description
[0031] In the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the invention are shown by way of example rather than limitation.
[0032] Figure 1 An example of a conveyor system is illustrated schematically.
[0033] Figure 2 An example of a VLAN data frame is shown schematically.
[0034] Figure 3 Another example of a conveyor system is illustrated schematically.
[0035] Figure 4 This schematically illustrates yet another example of a conveyor system.
[0036] Figure 5 This schematically illustrates yet another example of a conveyor system.
[0037] Figure 6 This schematically illustrates yet another example of a conveyor system.
[0038] Figure 7A An example of an elevator system is illustrated schematically.
[0039] Figure 7B An example of an escalator system is illustrated schematically.
[0040] Figure 8 An example of a component of a conveyor system is shown schematically. Detailed Implementation
[0041] Figure 1An example of a conveyor system 100 including a data frame-based communication system 110 is schematically shown. The conveyor system 100 also includes a conveyor control unit 120 and one or more conveyor components 130a-130n. The conveyor system 100 can be a personnel and / or goods conveyor system. More specifically, the conveyor system 100 can be an elevator system, an escalator system, or a moving walkway system. Depending on the conveyor system 100, one or more conveyor components 130a-130n may include at least one sensor device, at least one actuator device, at least one display, at least one imaging device, at least one emergency device, at least one processing unit (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) processing unit), and / or at least one other conveyor-related device. Different types of conveyor components 130a-130n of different kinds of conveyor systems 100 will be discussed later in this application. The conveyor system 100 may further be associated with one or more external or remote systems 140, 140a-140d, as will be discussed. The communication system 110 of the conveyor system 100 includes at least two virtual local area networks (VLANs) 112a-112n, a first switching device 114, a second switching device 116, and a trunk link 118. Figure 1 Example communication system 110 includes two VLANs, 112a and 112n. However, communication system 110 may also include more than two VLANs 112a-112n. Communication system 110 is configured to provide data frame-based communication at least between conveyor control unit 120, one or more conveyor components 130a-130n, and / or one or more external or remote systems 140, 140a-140d. Communication system 110 enables high-bandwidth data communication at least between conveyor control unit 120, one or more conveyor components 130a-130n, and / or one or more external or remote systems 140, 140a-140d.
[0042] At least two VLANs 112a-112n are separated by their respective tags 206. In other words, each VLAN 112a-112n includes a separate, individual tag 206 to distinguish it from others. In frame-based communication, tag 206 is applied to each data frame 200 to direct the data frame 200 to the VLAN 112a-112n corresponding to tag 206. Different VLAN tagging methods can be used. Figure 2A non-limiting example of a VLAN data frame 200 implemented using the IEEE 802.1Q VLNA tagging method is illustrated schematically. IEEE 802.1Q, also known as "Dot One Q," is an IEEE standard for tagging data frames. In this method, a 4-byte tag 206 can be inserted between the source MAC address (SA) field 204 and the length / type field 208 in frame 200. The VLAN data frame 200 may also include a destination MAC address (DA) field 202, a data field 210, and a frame check sequence (FCS) field 212. The tag 206 may include, for example, a VLAN ID (VID) field to identify the VLAN to which the data frame 200 belongs (VLANs 112a-112n).
[0043] The first switching device 114 is configured to connect one or more conveyor components 130a-130n to at least one of at least two VLANs 112a-112n. The second switching device 116 is configured to connect the conveyor control unit 120 and one or more external or remote systems 140, 140a-140d to at least one of at least two VLANs 112a-112n. Furthermore, the first switching device 114 may be configured to connect one or more external or remote systems 140, 140a-140d to at least one of at least two VLANs 112a-112n, and / or the second switching device 116 may be configured to connect one or more conveyor components 130a-130n to at least one of at least two VLANs 112a-112n. Figure 1 In the example, the first switch 114 connects conveyor component 130a to VLAN 112a and conveyor component 130n to VLAN 112n, while the second switch 116 connects external or remote system 140 to VLAN 112a and conveyor control unit 120 to VLAN 112n. In other words, in Figure 1 In the example, conveyor component 130a and external or remote system 140 belong to VLAN 112a, while conveyor component 130n and conveyor control unit 120 belong to VLAN 112n. Trunk link 118 is configured to transmit data frames 200 belonging to at least two VLANs 112a-112n between the first switch 114 and the second switch 116. In other words, trunk link 118 is capable of carrying data frames 200 belonging to at least two VLANs 112a-112n between the first switch 114 and the second switch 116, for example, over a shared data cable or wireless link. Figure 1In this example, trunk link 118 transmits data frames 200 belonging to VLAN 112a and VLAN 112n between the first switch 114 and the second switch 116. The communication system 110 may also include at least one other trunk link, such as a second trunk link 518, as will be described later in this application.
[0044] The first switching device 114 and the second switching device 116 may include connection ports 115a-115n and 117a-117n to connect different components / systems / units / devices / backbone links 118 and 518. Switches 114 and 116 may include one or more access ports and one or more tag ports. One or more access ports may be used to connect components / systems / units (e.g., one or more conveyor components 130a-130n, one or more external or remote systems 140, 140a-140d, and / or conveyor control unit 120) via communication links (e.g., access links) to obtain access to at least two VLANs 112a-112n. Access links may carry data frames 200 for only one VLAN 112a-112n. One or more tag ports may be used to connect components / systems / devices / units, such as the first switching device 114, the second switching device 116, and / or the conveyor control unit 120, via backbone links 118 and 518. As described above, trunk links 118 and 518 can carry more than one VLAN 112a-112n data frame 200. Connection ports 115a-115n and 117a-117n can be, for example, Ethernet ports. Figure 1 In the example, the first switching device 114 includes an access port 115a for conveyor component 130a, an access port 115b for conveyor component 130n, and a marking port 115n for trunk link 118. Figure 1 In the example, the second switching device 116 includes an access port 117a for an external or remote system 140, an access port 117b for a conveyor control unit 120, and a marking port 117n for a trunk link 118.
[0045] The following discusses some examples of data frame-based communication. In response to receiving data frame 200 from trunk link 118, the first switch 114 can be configured to identify the VLAN 112a-112n to which the data frame 200 is directed based on the tag 206 applied to the data frame 200. After identifying the data frame 200, the first switch 114 can also be configured to remove the tag 206 from the data frame 200 and redirect the data frame 200 to the VLAN 112a-112n corresponding to the tag 206. For example, in Figure 1In the example, if the first switch 114 receives a data frame 200 from the trunk link 118 with a tag corresponding to VLAN 112a, the first switch 114 identifies VLAN 112a based on the tag 206 applied to the data frame 200, removes the tag 206 from the data frame 200, and directs the data frame to the VLAN 112a corresponding to the tag 206. Alternatively or additionally, in response to receiving the data frame 200 from one or more conveyor components 130a-130n by the first switch 114, the first switch 114 may be configured to apply the tag 206 to the data frame 200 to direct the data frame 200 to the VLAN 112a-112n corresponding to the tag 206 based on where the data frame 200 was received from. In other words, the first switching device 114 can be configured to apply tag 206 to data frames 200 received from one or more conveyor components 130a-130n, wherein the applied tag 206 corresponds to VLAN 112a-112n to which the one or more conveyor components 130a-130b belong. For example, in Figure 1 In the example, if the first switching device 114 receives data frame 200, for example, from conveyor component 130n, the first switching device 114 applies a tag 206 corresponding to VLAN 112n to direct the data frame 200 to VLAN 112n corresponding to tag 206. After applying tag 206 to the data frame, the first switching device 114 passes the data frame 200 to the trunk link 118 for transmission to the second switching device 116.
[0046] Similarly, in response to receiving data frame 200 from trunk link 118 by second switching device 116, second switching device 116 can be configured to identify the VLAN 112a-112n to which the data frame 200 is directed based on tag 206 applied to the data frame 200. After identifying the data frame 200, second switching device 116 can also be configured to remove tag 206 from the data frame 200 and redirect the data frame 200 to the VLAN 112a-112n corresponding to tag 206. For example, in Figure 1In the example, if the second switch 116 receives a data frame 200 from the trunk link 118 with a tag applied, for example, corresponding to VLAN 112n, the second switch 116 identifies VLAN 112n based on the tag 206 applied to the data frame 200, removes the tag 206 from the data frame 200, and directs the data frame to the VLAN 112n corresponding to the tag 206. Alternatively or additionally, in response to receiving the data frame 200 by the second switch 116 from the conveyor control unit 120 or from one or more external or remote systems 140, 140a-140d, the second switch 116 may be configured to apply the tag 206 to the data frame 200 to direct the data frame 200 to the VLAN 112a-112n corresponding to the tag 206 based on where the data frame 200 was received from. In other words, the second switching device 116 can be configured to apply tag 206 to data frames 200 received from the conveyor control unit 120 or from one or more external or remote systems 140, 140a-140d, wherein the applied tag 206 corresponds to the tag 206 of VLAN 112a-112n to which the conveyor control unit 120 belongs or to the tag 206 from one or more external or remote systems 140, 140a-140d. For example, in Figure 1 In the example, if the second switch 116 receives data frame 200, for instance, from the conveyor control unit 120, the second switch 116 applies a tag 206 corresponding to VLAN 112n to direct the data frame 200 to VLAN 112n corresponding to the tag 206. After applying the tag 206 to the data frame, the second switch 116 passes the data frame 200 to the trunk link 118 for transmission to the first switch 114.
[0047] The first switching device 114 and the second switching device 116 can be VLAN-capable switching devices. Preferably, the first switching device 114 and the second switching device 116 are VLAN-capable Ethernet switching devices. Alternatively, the first switching device 114 and the second switching device 116 can be router devices or firewall devices. Router devices and firewall devices typically do not apply tag 206 to data frames 200, but are capable of identifying, removing, and transmitting tagged data frames 200.
[0048] At least two VLANs (112a-112n) may be dedicated to different data communications. For example, one VLAN may be dedicated to data communications related to the conveyor system. Alternatively or additionally, at least one VLAN may be dedicated to data communications related to a third-party system. Alternatively or additionally, at least one VLAN may be dedicated to data communications related to the integrated network. Alternatively or additionally, at least one VLAN may be dedicated to data communications for at least one other conveyor system. Alternatively or additionally, one or more VLANs may be dedicated to any other data communications.
[0049] According to one example, at least one of one or more conveyor components 130a-130n and the conveyor control unit 120 may belong to a VLAN dedicated to data communication related to the conveyor system. For example, Figure 1 In the example, VLAN 112n can be a VLAN dedicated to data communication related to the conveyor system, while the conveyor control unit 120 and the conveyor component 130n belong to VLAN 112n dedicated to data communication related to the conveyor system.
[0050] According to another example, one or more external or remote systems 140, 140a-140d may include at least one third-party system 140a belonging to a VLAN dedicated to third-party system-related data communications. At least one of one or more conveyor components 130a-130n may further belong to a VLAN dedicated to third-party system-related data communications.
[0051] According to yet another example, one or more external or remote systems 140, 140a-140d may alternatively or additionally include one or more integrated systems 140b, 140c. One or more integrated systems 140b, 140c may include at least one of a remote conveyor control and monitoring system, a maintenance server, an access control system, a cloud network system, a building control system, a building automation system, a building management system, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) gateway system, and / or an external router system.
[0052] At least one of the one or more integrated systems 140b, 140c may belong to a VLAN dedicated to data communication related to the conveyor system. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the one or more integrated systems 140b, 140c may belong to a VLAN dedicated to data communication related to the integrated network. Figure 3An example of a conveyor system 100 is schematically illustrated, wherein one or more external remote systems 140, 140a-140d include a third-party system 140a and a first integrated system 140b. The third-party system 140a can be connected to a second switching device 116 via access port 117a, and the first integrated system 140b can be connected to the second switching device 116 via access port 117c. Figure 3 In the example, VLAN 112a can be a VLAN dedicated to data communication related to the third-party system, while VLAN 112n can be a VLAN dedicated to data communication related to the conveyor system. Third-party system 140a and conveyor component 130a belong to VLAN 112a, dedicated to data communication related to the third-party system. Conveyor component 130n, conveyor control unit 120, and first integrated system 140b belong to VLAN 112n, dedicated to data communication related to the conveyor system. Otherwise, the operation of conveyor system 100 corresponds to... Figure 1 An exemplary conveyor system 100.
[0053] Figure 4 Another example of a conveyor system 100 is schematically shown. In addition to one or more external or remote systems 140, 140a-140d, a second integrated system 140c is also included. Figure 4 The conveyor system 100 is similar to Figure 3 The conveyor system 100, and the second integrated system 140c belong to VLAN 112b, which is dedicated to integrated network-related data communication. The second integrated system 140c can be connected to the second switching device 116 via access port 117d. For example, but not limited to, the first integrated system 140b can be, for example, a PSTN gateway system, and the second integrated system 140c can be, for example, a remote conveyor control and monitoring system. Figure 4 In the example, trunk link 118 can transmit data frames 200 belonging to VLANs 112a, 112b and 112n between the first switching device 114 and the second switching device 116, namely VLAN 112a which is dedicated to data communication related to third-party systems, VLAN 112n which is dedicated to data communication related to conveyor systems and VLAN 112b which is dedicated to data communication related to integrated networks. Figure 4Only one example is shown, and trunk link 118 can carry data frames 200 from any other VLAN. Alternatively or additionally, communication system 110 may include any other number of VLANs 112a-112n. Alternatively or additionally, conveyor system 100 may include any other number of conveyor components 130a-130n. For example, conveyor system 100 may alternatively or additionally include one or more conveyor components 130a-130n belonging to VLAN 112b, which is dedicated to integrated network-related data communications. Alternatively or additionally, any other number of external or remote systems 140, 140a-140c and / or any other kind of external or remote systems 140, 140a-140c belonging to any other VLANs 112a-112n may be associated with and / or included by conveyor system 100.
[0054] According to another example, the communication system 110 may further include a second trunk link 518, for example, connected between the second switching unit 116 and the conveyor control unit 120, such that the conveyor control unit 120 may belong to more than one VLAN 112a-112n. The second trunk link 518 may be configured to transmit data frames 200 belonging to at least two VLANs 112a-112n between the second switching unit 116 and the conveyor control unit 120. Trunk link 118 and the second trunk link 118 may transmit data frames 200 belonging to the same at least two VLANs 112a-112n and / or different at least two VLANs 112a-112n. The control conveyor unit 120 may include an internal switching unit 502. The internal switching unit 502 may be configured to apply and / or identify and remove tags similarly to the first switching unit 114 and the second switching unit 116 described above. In other words, in response to internal switching unit 502 receiving data frame 200 from second trunk link 518, internal switching unit 520 can be configured to identify the VLAN 112a-112n to which data frame 200 is directed based on tag 206 applied to data frame 200; and / or in response to internal switching unit 502 receiving data frame 200 from conveyor control unit 120, internal switching unit 502 can be configured to apply tag 206 to data frame 200 to direct data frame 200 to VLAN 112a-112n corresponding to tag 206 based on where data frame 200 was received from. For example, conveyor control unit 120 may belong to a VLAN dedicated to data communication related to the integrated network, in addition to a VLAN dedicated to data communication related to the conveyor system. Figure 5An example of a conveyor system 100 is schematically shown, wherein the conveyor control unit 120 belongs to VLAN 112b, which is dedicated to integrated network-related data communication, and VLAN 112n, which is dedicated to conveyor system-related data communication. Figure 5 In this example, the communication system 110 includes a trunk link 118 between a first switching device 114 and a second switching device 116, and a second trunk link 518 between a conveyor control unit 120 and the second switching device 116. Figure 5 In the example, trunk link 118 can transmit at least VLAN 112b dedicated to conveyor system-related data communication between the first switch 114 and the second switch 116 and VLAN 112a dedicated to third-party system-related data communication, and the second trunk link 518 can transmit at least VLAN 112b dedicated to conveyor system-related data communication and VLAN 112b dedicated to integrated network-related data communication between the conveyor control unit 120 and the second switch 116. Figure 5 Only one example is shown, and trunk link 118 and second trunk link 518 may also carry data frames 200 of any other VLAN. Alternatively or additionally, communication system 110 may include any other number of VLANs 112a-112n. For example, trunk link 118 may further carry data frames 200 of VLAN 112b dedicated to integration network-related data communications, and conveyor system 100 may further include one or more conveyor components 130a-130n belonging to VLAN 112b dedicated to integration network-related data communications. Alternatively or additionally, conveyor system 100 may include any other number of conveyor components 130a-130n. Alternatively or additionally, any other number of external or remote systems 140, 140a-140d and / or any other kind of external or remote systems 140, 140a-140d belonging to any other VLAN 112a-112n may be associated with and / or included by conveyor system 100.
[0055] According to yet another example, one or more external or remote systems 140, 140a-140d may alternatively or additionally include at least one other conveyor system 140d. The at least one other conveyor system 140d may include at least one elevator system, at least one escalator system, and / or at least one moving walkway system. The at least one other conveyor system 140d may belong to at least one VLAN dedicated to communication for that at least one other conveyor system. Figure 6 An example of a conveyor system 100 is schematically shown, which is similar to Figure 5The conveyor system 100 is a first conveyor system, but the second conveyor system 140d is associated with the conveyor system 100. Figure 6 Only one example of conveyor system 100 is shown. At least one other conveyor system 140d may be associated with conveyor system 100, but the at least one other conveyor system 140d may alternatively or additionally relate to the above-referenced system. Figure 1 This is associated with any example conveyor system 100 discussed in 3-5. Figure 6 In the example, the second conveyor system 140b belongs to VLAN 112c, which is dedicated to communication with at least one other conveyor system. Figure 6 In this example, trunk link 118 can transmit data frames 200 of at least VLAN 112b dedicated to data communication related to the conveyor system, VLAN 112a dedicated to data communication related to third-party systems, and VLAN 112c dedicated to communication between at least one other conveyor system between the first switch 114 and the second switch 116. The second conveyor system 140d can be connected to the second switch 116 via access port 117e.
[0056] Trunk link 118 may be adapted to travel within a cable (e.g., a shared data cable) arranged between conveyor control unit 110 and one or more conveyor components 130a-130n. If conveyor system 100 is an elevator system, the cable may be a moving cable for the elevator car. The traveling cable can be used in an elevator system to connect electrical equipment (e.g., one or more conveyor components) in the elevator car to the conveyor control unit (e.g., the elevator control unit). If the conveyor system is an escalator system or a moving walkway system, the cable may be a cable extending along an intermediate section arranged between two landings. Reference will be made next. Figure 7A and 7B The implementation of the data frame-based communication system 1100 in elevator system 700a, escalator system 700b, and moving walkway system is discussed.
[0057] Figure 7A An example is shown where the conveyor system 100 is an elevator system 700a. The elevator system 700a includes an elevator car 702 arranged to travel along an elevator shaft 704 between multiple floors 706a-706n, an elevator control unit 120 being the aforementioned conveyor control unit 120, and one or more elevator components 130a-130n being the aforementioned one or more conveyor components 130a-130n. The one or more elevator components 130a-130n may be arranged to and / or associated with the elevator car 702. Figure 7AAn example elevator system 700a includes an elevator car 702 traveling along an elevator shaft 704; however, elevator system 700a may also include an elevator group, i.e., a group of two or more elevator cars 702, each elevator car traveling along a separate elevator shaft 704, the elevator shaft 704 configured as a unit operating to serve the same floors 706a-706n. Elevator control unit 120 may be configured to at least partially control the operation of elevator system 700a. Elevator control unit 120 may be located, for example, in a machine room (for clarity, in...). Figure 7A (Not shown in the image) or in one of the landings 706a-706n of elevator system 700a. Elevator system 700a may further include one or more other elevator-related entities, such as hoisting systems, safety circuits and equipment, elevator door systems, etc. For clarity, in Figure 7A Not shown in the diagram. Elevator system 700a includes the data frame-based communication system 110 discussed above. The communication system provides data frame-based communication at least between elevator control unit 120, one or more elevator components 130a-130n, and / or one or more external or remote systems 140, 140a-140d. Communication system 110 of elevator system 700a includes at least two VLANs separated by corresponding tags. A first switch 114 is configured to connect one or more elevator components 130a-130n to at least one of the at least two VLANs. A second switch 116 is configured to connect elevator control unit 120 and one or more external or remote systems 140, 140a-140d to at least one of the at least two VLANs. A trunk link is configured to transmit data frames 200 belonging to at least two VLANs between the first switch 114 and the second switch 116, as described above. Trunk link 118 may be adapted to travel within a travel cable 718 arranged between elevator control unit 120 and elevator car 702. Figure 7A In the example, a travel cable 718 is shown, with a trunk link 118 arranged within the travel cable 718. For clarity, Figure 7A Trunk link 118 is not shown. Optionally, trunk link 118 can be implemented as a wireless trunk link. To implement the wireless trunk link, the first switching device 114 and the second switching device 116 may each include or be associated with a wireless communication device for providing a wireless communication connection for the wireless trunk link between the first switching device 114 and the second switching device 116. Optionally, the elevator control unit 120 and the elevator car 702 or one or more elevator components 130a-130n may each include or be associated with a wireless communication device for providing a wireless communication connection for the wireless trunk link between the first switching device 114 and the second switching device 116. Figure 7AIn this example, elevator system 100 is associated with two external or remote systems 140a and 140b, but the number of external or remote systems 140a and 140b is not limited to this, and elevator system 100 may be associated with and / or include any other number of external or remote systems 140a and 140b. Figure 7A In the example, one of the elevator components 130n, the elevator control unit 120, and the external or remote system 140b belong to the same VLAN (in Figure 7A (shown in solid lines), and one of the elevator components 130a and the external or remote system 140a belong to another VLAN (in Figure 7A (Shown in dashed lines). One or more elevator components 130a-130n may include, but are not limited to, elevator call dispensing devices, displays (i.e., screens), safety sensors, safety brakes, position sensors, elevator motor drive units, and / or electronic safety control units. For example, in Figure 7A In the example, elevator component 130n can be an elevator call-giving device, such as a car control panel, and elevator component 130a can be a third-party device, such as a display. Figure 7A Only one example implementation of elevator system 700a is shown, and one or more of the above implementation examples (e.g., Figure 1 Examples (and / or 3-6) can be implemented in elevator system 700a.
[0058] Figure 7B An example is shown where the conveyor system 100 is an escalator system 700b. The escalator system 700b may include a conveyor entity 722, an escalator control unit (conveyor control unit 120 as described above), and one or more escalator components 130a-130n (one or more conveyor components 130a-130n as described above). The escalator control unit 120 may be configured to at least partially control the operation of the escalator system 700b. The escalator control unit 120 may, for example, be arranged on one of the platforms of the escalator system 700b, i.e., landings 726a, 726b. Figure 7B In the example, the escalator control unit 120 is arranged on the first platform of the escalator system 700b, namely the top platform 726a. Optionally, the escalator control unit 120 may be arranged on the second platform of the escalator system 700b, namely the bottom platform 726b. The conveying entity 722, i.e., the longitudinal intermediate portion arranged between platforms 726a and 726b, includes steps arranged to a circular conveyor belt supported by a truss. The escalator system 700b may further include one or more other escalator-related entities, such as drive mechanisms, etc. For clarity, in Figure 7BNot shown in the diagram. The escalator system 700b includes the aforementioned data frame-based communication system 110. The communication system 110 provides data frame-based communication at least between the escalator control unit 120, one or more escalator components 130a-130n, and / or one or more external or remote systems 140, 140a-140d. The communication system 110 of the escalator system 700b includes at least two VLANs separated by their respective tags. A first switch 114 is configured to connect one or more escalator components 130a-130n to at least one of the at least two VLANs. A second switch 116 is configured to connect the escalator control unit 120 and one or more external or remote systems 140a, 140b to at least one of the at least two VLANs. A trunk link 118 is configured to transmit data frames 200 belonging to at least two VLANs between the first switch 114 and the second switch 116. Trunk link 118 may be adapted to extend along the intermediate portion 726 arranged between the two platforms 726a, 726b (for clarity, in Figure 7B (Not shown in the image) Proceeding within. For clarity, Figure 7B Trunk link 118 is not shown. Figure 7B In the example, escalator system 700b is associated with two external or remote systems 140a, 140b, but the number of external or remote systems 140, 140a-140d is not limited to this, and escalator system 700b can be associated with and / or include any other number of external or remote systems 140, 140a-140d. Figure 7B In one example, one escalator component 130n, the escalator control unit 120, and the external or remote system 140b belong to the same VLAN (in Figure 7B (shown in solid lines), and one of the escalator components 130a and the external or remote system 140a belong to another VLAN (in Figure 7B (shown in dashed lines). One or more escalator components 130a-130n may include, but are not limited to, displays, i.e., traffic lights, screens, safety sensors such as lost or damaged step detectors, comb plate sensors, safety brakes, handrail movement sensors, position sensors, load sensors, proximity sensors, photocells, cameras, escalator motor drive units, and / or electronic safety control units. Figure 7B Only one embodiment of the escalator system 700b is shown, and one or more of the above embodiments (e.g.) Figure 1 Examples 3-6 can be implemented in escalator system 700b.
[0059] As described above, the conveyor system 100 can also be an automated walkway system. The automated walkway system may include a conveyor body, an automated walkway control unit (the conveyor control unit 120 as described above), and one or more automated walkway components 130a-130n (one or more conveyor components 130a-130n as described above). The automated walkway system is otherwise similar to the references above. Figure 7B The escalator system 700b is described, but the conveyor device entity of the moving walkway system includes a tray disposed on a circular conveyor belt. Therefore, all the contents disclosed above with reference to the escalator system 700b also apply to the moving walkway system. The moving walkway system can be an inclined moving walkway system, i.e., an moving walkway system configured to transport people or goods across an inclined plane (e.g., between two platforms). Alternatively, the moving walkway system can be a horizontal moving walkway system, i.e., an moving walkway system configured to transport people or goods on a horizontal plane, such as between two platforms.
[0060] Figure 8Examples of components of conveyor devices 120, 130a-130n are schematically shown. The conveyor device may be a conveyor control unit 120, such as an elevator control unit, escalator control unit, or moving walkway control unit. Alternatively, the conveyor devices 120, 130a-130n may be conveyor components 130a-130n, such as elevator components, escalator components, or moving walkway components. The conveyor devices 120, 130a-130n may include a processing unit 810 containing one or more processors, a storage unit 820 containing one or more memories, a communication interface unit 830 containing one or more communication devices, and a possible user interface (UI) unit 840. The mentioned components may be communicatively connected to each other, for example, via an internal bus. The storage unit 820 may store and maintain portions of a computer program (code) 825 and any other data. Computer program 825 may include instructions that, when executed by processing unit 810 of conveyor devices 120, 130a-130n, cause processing unit 810 and thus conveyor devices 120, 130a-130n to perform desired tasks, such as the operation of the conveyor devices 120, 130a-130n described above. Therefore, processing unit 810 may be configured to access storage unit 820 and retrieve and store any information in storage unit 820. For clarity, processor herein refers to any unit suitable for processing information and controlling the operation of conveyor devices 120, 130a-130n and other tasks. These operations may also be implemented using a microcontroller solution with embedded software. Similarly, storage unit 820 is not limited to a specific type of memory, but any type of memory suitable for storing the described information segments can be applied in the context of this invention. Communication interface unit 830 provides one or more communication interfaces for communicating with any other unit, such as another conveyor device 120, 130a-130n, first switching device 114, second switching device 116, one or more external or remote systems 140, 140a-140d, and / or any other unit. Communication interface unit 830 may include one or more communication devices, such as at least one transceiver circuit, at least one antenna, at least one communication port, etc. User interface unit 840 may include one or more input / output (I / O) devices, such as buttons, keyboards, touchscreens, microphones, speakers, displays, etc., for receiving user input and output information. Conveyor devices 120, 130a-130n may also include switching devices 114, 116, 502. Switching devices 114, 116, 502 may be external switching devices, such as the first switching device 114 and the second switching device 116 discussed above. Alternatively or additionally, switching devices 114, 116, and 502 may be internal switching devices, such as switching device 502 discussed above.Switching devices 114, 116, and 502 can be communicatively connected to processing unit 810. The switching functions of switching devices 114, 116, and 502 can be implemented by at least one switching component with VLAN capability. Alternatively or additionally, the switching functions of switching devices 114, 116, and 502 can be implemented by programming switching functions into a processing section that is communicatively connected to each communication port 115a-115n, 117a-117n of switching devices 114, 116, and 502 via transceiver circuitry (e.g., a MAC / PHY transceiver chip) without switching functionality. In the case of external switching devices 114 and 116, switching devices 114 and 116 may include a processing section, such as a microcontroller. In the case of internal switching device 502, the processing section may be, for example, the processing unit 810 of a conveyor device. Computer program 825 may be a computer program product, which may be contained in a tangible, non-volatile (non-transitory) computer-readable medium carrying embedded computer program code 825 for use with a computer, i.e., conveyor devices 120, 130a-130n. Conveyor devices 120, 130a-130n may be powered by a power source, such as a wall plug. Alternatively, conveyor devices 120, 130a-130n may be powered by one or more batteries, i.e., conveyor devices 120, 130a-130n may be battery-operated.
[0061] The aforementioned conveyor system 100, including a data frame-based communication system 110 with multiple VLANs, is at least able to improve data communication between the conveyor control unit 120, one or more conveyor components 130a-130n and / or one or more external or remote systems 140, 140a-140d.
[0062] The specific examples provided in the description above should not be construed as limiting the applicability and / or interpretation of the appended claims. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the list and groups of examples provided in the description above are not exhaustive.
Claims
1. A conveyor system (100), comprising: Conveyor control unit (120), One or more conveyor components (130a-130n), and A communication system (110) is used to provide data frame-based communication between a conveyor control unit (120), one or more conveyor components (130a-130n), and / or one or more external or remote systems (140), wherein, The one or more external or remote systems (140) include one or more integrated systems (140b, 140c), wherein the one or more integrated systems (140b, 140c) include at least one of a remote conveyor control and monitoring system, a maintenance server, an access control system, a cloud network system, a building control system, a building automation system, a building management system, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) gateway system, and / or an external router system. The communication system (110) includes: At least two Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) (112a-112n) separated by corresponding tags (206), wherein the tag (206) is applied to each data frame (200) to direct the data frame (200) to the VLAN (112a-112n) corresponding to the tag (206), wherein at least one of the at least two VLANs (112a-112n) is dedicated to data communication related to the conveyor system. A first switching device (114) is configured to connect one or more conveyor components (130a-130n) to at least one of at least two VLANs (112a-112n). The second switching device (116) is configured to connect the conveyor control unit (120) and one or more external or remote systems (140) to at least one of at least two VLANs (112a-112n), and The trunk link (118) is configured to transmit data frames (200) belonging to at least two VLANs (112a-112n) between the first switch (114) and the second switch (116).
2. The conveyor system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The trunk link (118) travels within a cable arranged between the conveyor control unit (120) and one or more conveyor components (130a-130n).
3. The conveyor system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first switching device (114) and / or the second switching device (116) are configured to: In response to receiving a data frame (200) from the trunk link (118), the VLAN (112a-112n) to which the data frame (200) is pointed is identified based on the tag (206) applied to the data frame (200), and / or In response to receiving a data frame (200) from one or more conveyor components (130a-130n), the conveyor control unit (120) and / or one or more external or remote systems (140) apply a tag (206) to the data frame (200) to direct the data frame (200) to the VLAN (112a-112n) corresponding to the tag (206) based on where the data frame (200) was received from.
4. The conveyor system according to claim 3, wherein, After identifying the data frame (200), the first switching device (114) and / or the second switching device (116) are further configured to remove the tag (206) from the data frame (200) and redirect the data frame (200) to the VLAN (112a-112n) corresponding to the tag (206).
5. The conveyor system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one of one or more conveyor components (130a-130n) and the conveyor control unit (120) belong to a VLAN dedicated to data communication related to the conveyor system.
6. The conveyor system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more external or remote systems (140) include at least one third-party system (140a), and at least one of the at least two VLANs (112a-112n) is dedicated to third-party system related data communication.
7. The conveyor system (100) according to claim 6, wherein, At least one of the one or more conveyor components (130a-130n) and the at least one third-party system (140a) belong to a VLAN dedicated to third-party system-related data communication.
8. The conveyor system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one of the one or more integrated systems (140b, 140c) belongs to a VLAN dedicated to data communication related to the conveyor system.
9. The conveyor system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one of the at least two VLANs (112a-112n) is dedicated to integrated network-related data communication.
10. The conveyor system (100) according to claim 9, wherein, At least one of the conveyor control unit (120) and one or more integrated systems (140b, 140c) belongs to a VLAN dedicated to integrated network-related data communication.
11. The conveyor system (100) according to claim 10, wherein, The communication system (110) further includes a second trunk link (518) connected between the second switching device (116) and the conveyor control unit (120), and configured to carry data frames (200) of at least a VLAN dedicated to data communication related to the conveyor system and a VLAN dedicated to data communication related to the integrated network.
12. The conveyor system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more external or remote systems (140) include at least one other conveyor system (140d), wherein at least one of the at least two VLANs (112a-112n) is dedicated to communication of the at least one other conveyor system (140d), and wherein the at least one other conveyor system (140d) belongs to at least one VLAN dedicated to communication of the at least one other conveyor system (140d).
13. The conveyor system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more conveyor components (130a-130n) include at least one of the following: at least one sensor device, at least one actuator device, at least one display, at least one imaging device, at least one emergency device, and / or at least one conveyor-related device.
14. The conveyor system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The conveyor system (100) is an elevator system (700a), an escalator system (700b), or an moving walkway system.