Alignment guidance for sensor assembly for person detection

Abstract

The name of the invention is alignment guidance of a sensor assembly for person detection. A sensor assembly for detecting the presence of a human within an elevator system includes a sensor and a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a connection member secured to the sensor, and a mounting bracket movably coupled to the connection member via an interface. The interface includes an instrument that identifies the position of the sensor relative to the mounting bracket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments described herein relate to elevator systems, and more particularly to elevator systems that include one or more sensor assemblies for detecting a person in a pit of the elevator system. Background Art

[0002] Personnel such as maintenance personnel may need to enter the pit of the elevator shaft for inspection, maintenance, etc. There are numerous safety measures to prevent injuries to personnel in the pit. Additional safety measures, while not required, may be beneficial. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to an embodiment, a sensor assembly associated with a safety chain of an elevator system includes a sensor and a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a connecting member fixed to the sensor and a mounting bracket movably coupled to the connecting member via an interface. The interface includes an instrument that identifies a position of the sensor relative to the mounting bracket.

[0004] In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described herein, in further embodiments, the mounting bracket is slidably coupled to the connecting member.

[0005] In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described herein, in further embodiments, the mounting bracket is rotatably coupled to the connecting member.

[0006] In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described herein, in further embodiments, the instrument includes a plurality of markings, and each marking of the plurality of markings identifies a respective angle of the sensor relative to the mounting bracket.

[0007] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments include a locking mechanism for locking the position of the connecting member relative to the mounting bracket.

[0008] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described herein, in further embodiments, the mounting bracket includes a first leg and a second leg, and the first leg is arranged at a non-parallel angle to the second leg.

[0009] In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described herein, in further embodiments the mounting bracket is an L-shaped bracket.

[0010] In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments include at least one device for detecting a position of the mounting bracket relative to at least one of a horizontal or vertical plane.

[0011] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, in further embodiments, the sensor includes at least one of a LIDAR sensor, a millimeter wave RADAR sensor, and an RGBD camera.

[0012] In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, in a further embodiment the elevator system comprises at least one sensor assembly.

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, in another embodiment, an elevator system includes a hoistway, an elevator car configured to travel in the hoistway, and a pit located at the bottom of the hoistway. At least one sensor assembly is installed in the hoistway and is operable to detect a person in the pit.

[0014] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, in another embodiment, an elevator system includes a hoistway, an elevator car configured to travel in the hoistway, a pit located at the bottom of the hoistway; and a ladder extending from the pit. At least one sensor assembly is installed near the ladder and is operable to detect a person on the ladder.

[0015] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, in another embodiment, an elevator system includes a hoistway, an elevator car configured to travel in the hoistway, and a counterweight. At least one sensor assembly is mounted to at least one of the elevator car, the elevator counterweight, and a wall of the hoistway.

[0016] According to an embodiment, a method of installing a sensor assembly in a monitored area of ​​an elevator system includes attaching a mounting bracket to a mounting surface of the elevator system; and adjusting a position of the sensor assembly relative to the mounting bracket to a predetermined position using an instrument integrated with the mounting bracket.

[0017] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments include locking the sensor assembly in a predetermined position.

[0018] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments include leveling the mounting bracket with respect to the mounting surface.

[0019] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments include: detecting a person in the area to be monitored by a sensor assembly; and upon detecting a person in the area to be monitored, initiating opening of a safety chain to disable movement of the elevator car.

[0020] In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described herein, in further embodiments, the instrument includes a plurality of markings, and each marking of the plurality of markings identifies a respective angle of the sensor relative to the mounting bracket.

[0021] Unless otherwise expressly indicated, the aforementioned features and elements may be combined into various combinations without exclusivity. In view of the following description and accompanying drawings, these features and elements and their operation will become more clear. However, it should be understood that the following description and accompanying drawings are essentially intended to illustrate and explain, rather than to limit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limitation, in the accompanying figures, in which like references indicate similar elements.

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an elevator system in which various embodiments of the present disclosure may be employed;

[0024] Figure 2 depicts a top portion of an elevator car including a sensor assembly according to an embodiment;

[0025] Figure 3 depicts an elevator pit including a sensor assembly according to an embodiment;

[0026] Figure 4 depicts a pit ladder including a sensor assembly according to an embodiment;

[0027] Figure 5 depicts a sensor assembly according to an embodiment; and

[0028] Figure 6 A mounting assembly for mounting a sensor assembly within an elevator hoistway is depicted according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of an elevator system 101, which includes an elevator car 103, a counterweight 105, a tension member 107, a guide rail 109, a machine 111, a position reference system 113, and a controller 115. The elevator car 103 and the counterweight 105 are connected to each other by the tension member 107. The tension member 107 may include or be configured as, for example, a rope, a steel cable, and / or a coated steel belt. The counterweight 105 is configured to balance the load of the elevator car 103 and is configured to facilitate the movement of the elevator car 103 in an elevator shaft or hoistway 117 and along the guide rail 109 in a direction opposite to the counterweight 105.

[0030] The tension member 107 engages a machine 111, which is part of the overhead structure of the elevator system 101. The machine 111 is configured to control the movement between the elevator car 103 and the counterweight 105. The position reference system 113 can be mounted on a fixed portion of the top of the hoistway 117, such as on a support or rail, and can be configured to provide a position signal related to the position of the elevator car 103 within the hoistway 117. In other embodiments, the position reference system 113 can be mounted directly to the moving parts of the machine 111, or can be located in other positions and / or configurations as known in the art. The position reference system 113 can be any device or mechanism for monitoring the position of the elevator car and / or counterweight as known in the art. For example, but not limitation, the position reference system 113 can be an encoder, a sensor, or other system, and can include speed sensing, absolute position sensing, etc., as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0031] As shown, the controller 115 may be located in a controller room 121 of the elevator shaft 117 and configured to control the operation of the elevator system 101, particularly the elevator car 103. It is to be appreciated that the controller 115 need not be in the controller room 121, but may be in the hoistway or other locations in the elevator system. For example, the controller 115 may provide drive signals to the machine 111 to control the acceleration, deceleration, leveling, stopping, etc. of the elevator car 103. The controller 115 may also be configured to receive position signals from the position reference system 113 or any other desired position reference device. When moving up or down along the guide rail 109 in the hoistway 117, the elevator car 103 may stop at one or more landings 125 under the control of the controller 115. Although shown in the controller room 121, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the controller 115 may be located and / or configured elsewhere or at locations within the elevator system 101. In one embodiment, the controller 115 may be located remotely or in a distributed computing network (e.g., a cloud computing architecture). The controller 115 may be implemented using a processor-based machine such as a personal computer, a server, a distributed computing network, or the like.

[0032] The machine 111 may include a motor or similar drive mechanism. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the machine 111 is configured to include an electrically driven motor. The power supply for the motor may be any power source (including the power grid), and the power supply is supplied to the motor in combination with other components. The machine 111 may include a traction sheave that transmits force to the tension member 107 to move the elevator car 103 within the hoistway 117.

[0033] The elevator system 101 also includes one or more elevator doors 104. The elevator doors 104 may be attached to the elevator car 103, or the elevator doors 104 may be located on a landing 125 of the elevator system 101, or both. The embodiments disclosed herein may be applicable to elevator doors 104 attached to the elevator car 103 or elevator doors 104 located on a landing 125 of the elevator system 101, or both. The elevator doors 104 open to allow passengers to enter and exit the elevator car 103.

[0034] Although shown and described with a rope system including tension members 107, elevator systems that employ other methods and mechanisms for moving an elevator car within an elevator shaft may employ embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, embodiments may be employed in ropeless elevator systems that use linear motors to impart motion to an elevator car. Embodiments may also be employed in ropeless elevator systems that use hydraulic lifts to impart motion to an elevator car. Embodiments may also be employed in ropeless elevator systems that use self-propelled elevator cars (e.g., elevator cars equipped with friction wheels, pinch wheels, or traction wheels). Figure 1 These are non-limiting examples presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes only.

[0035] During maintenance operations, several areas of the elevator system 101 may need to be entered or inspected by personnel. These areas include, but are not limited to, the machine room, the top of the elevator car ( Figure 2 ) and elevator pit ( Figure 3 ). To prevent accidental operation of the elevator system, the elevator system 101 includes a safety chain. The safety chain is a known component of an elevator system and typically includes a plurality of series contacts (e.g., relays) that control power to the elevator system machine 111 to enable or disable the elevator car 103 to move. If any of the contacts of the safety chain are open, the elevator car 103 is prevented from moving. Therefore, when a mechanic wants to enter the hoistway 117, it is desirable to open the safety chain to prevent the elevator car 103 from moving.

[0036] At least one sensor assembly 200 operable to detect the presence of a human being may be installed within the hoistway 117. One or more sensor assemblies 200 may be configured to move with the elevator car 103 or the counterweight 105. For example, Figure 2As shown in , at least one sensor assembly 200 is mounted to a railing 130 located at the top 106 of the elevator car 103. However, it should be appreciated that sensor assemblies 200 mounted to any suitable location of the counterweight 105 and the elevator car 103, including the bottom thereof, are contemplated herein. Alternatively or additionally, the elevator system 101 may include a sensor assembly 200 mounted at a fixed location within the hoistway 117. In such embodiments, the sensor assembly 200 may be mounted to a wall of the hoistway itself, such as near, for example, a landing door or a pit door, and / or may be arranged in or near an area of ​​the hoistway 117 that is typically occupied or accessed by maintenance personnel. For example, one or more sensor assemblies 200 may be positioned to monitor the presence of maintenance personnel in the elevator pit. As shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in , the sensor assembly 200 can be installed in an elevator pit (generally shown at 132), such as at or slightly offset from, for example, its floor 134. Although the sensor assembly 200 is shown as being located at a corner of the elevator pit 132, embodiments in which the sensor assembly 200 is located near only a single wall of the hoistway 117 are also within the scope of the present disclosure. In such embodiments, the sensor assembly can be configured to monitor in a plane oriented substantially parallel to the wall and / or in a plane arranged at an angle that is not parallel to the wall.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, the sensor assembly 200 may be positioned proximate to a ladder 136 configured to provide access to the elevator pit 132. Figure 4 In a non-limiting embodiment, the sensor assembly 200 is disposed within a vertical plane of the ladder 136. It should be appreciated that the suitable locations of the sensor assembly 200 illustrated and described herein are intended to be examples only, and that the sensor assembly may be disposed anywhere within or associated with the hoistway 117. Additionally, while the sensor assembly 200 is illustrated and described herein as monitoring within a two-dimensional plane, in some embodiments, the sensor assembly may be capable of monitoring in three dimensions.

[0038] Now refer to Figure 5, a schematic diagram of an example of the sensor assembly 200 is illustrated in more detail. As shown, the sensor assembly 200 includes at least one sensor. The sensor 202 may be a distance sensor that generates distance measurements in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional field of view. The sensor 202 may be implemented using a LIDAR sensor, a millimeter wave RADAR sensor, an RGBD camera, or other distance measurement sensor. In an embodiment, the sensor assembly 200 includes a processor 204 that controls the operation of the sensor assembly 200. The processor 204 may be implemented using a general-purpose microprocessor that executes a computer program stored on a storage medium to perform the operations described herein. Alternatively, the processor 204 may be implemented in hardware (e.g., ASIC, FPGA) or in a combination of hardware / software. The processor 204 allows the sensor assembly 200 to perform calculations locally, also known as edge computing. The processor 204 may send commands to other components of the elevator system 101 (such as, for example, the elevator controller 115) based on the results of the local calculations.

[0039] In one embodiment, the sensor assembly 200 includes one or more indicators 205, such as, for example, visual indicators and / or audio indicators operable to indicate an operational state of the sensor assembly 200. For example, the indicator 205 may identify one or more of when the sensor assembly 200 is active, when the sensor assembly 200 has detected the presence of a person in an area being monitored by the sensor 202, whether the sensor assembly 200 is functioning properly, and when the sensor assembly is properly positioned at the installation site, as will be described in more detail below. However, embodiments in which the sensor assembly includes another type of indicator 205 and / or in which the indicator is operable to identify other operating conditions are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] The sensor assembly 200 includes a memory 206 that can store computer programs executable by the processor 204, reference data, sensor data, etc. The memory 206 can be implemented using known devices such as random access memory. The sensor assembly 200 includes a communication unit 208 that allows the sensor assembly 200 to communicate with other components of the elevator system 101 (such as other sensor assemblies and / or the elevator controller 115). The communication unit 208 can be implemented using a wired connection (e.g., LAN, Ethernet, twisted pair, etc.) or a wireless connection (e.g., WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth, etc.).

[0041] In operation, the sensor assembly 200 can open the safety chain of the elevator system 101 under certain conditions. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor assembly 200 can control the safety chain contact 210 to open or close the safety chain. It should be appreciated that the safety chain contact 210 is one of several contacts that make up the safety chain.

[0042] The sensor assembly 200 may include a mounting assembly 220 for mounting the sensor assembly 200 at a desired location within the hoistway 117. Referring now to Figure 6 In an embodiment, the sensor assembly 200 includes a connecting member 222, and a mounting bracket or fixture 224 of the mounting assembly 220 is operably coupled to the connecting member 222. In an embodiment, the mounting bracket 224 is an L-shaped or angle bracket having a first leg 226 and a second leg 228. As shown, a portion of the first leg (such as, for example, its first end 230) is fixedly mounted to a portion of the second leg 228 (such as an adjacent end 232 of the second leg 228). However, embodiments in which the second leg 228 is movably coupled to the first leg 226 are also contemplated herein. It should be appreciated that the mounting brackets illustrated and described herein are intended to be examples only, and mounting brackets having another configuration are also within the scope of the present disclosure. The mounting bracket 224 can be fixed to a surface within the well 117, such as, for example, to one or more walls of the well 117, via one or more fasteners or other suitable connectors.

[0043] The mounting bracket 224 may include at least one device for detecting the relative position of the mounting bracket 224 (such as relative to a horizontal or vertical plane). In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the mounting bracket 224 includes a first bubble level 240 associated with its first leg 226 and a second bubble level 240 associated with its second leg 228. However, embodiments that include only a single level device are within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, in some embodiments, the device for detecting the position of the mounting bracket 224 includes a digital or laser level, or a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device. In other embodiments, the detection of the relative position of the mounting bracket 224 may be performed by a tool separate from the mounting bracket 224, such as, for example, by a level that is removably mountable on the surface of the mounting bracket.

[0044] In an embodiment, a connection member 222 fixed to the sensor assembly 200 is movably coupled to a portion of a mounting bracket 224. For example, a hinge is disposed at the interface between the connection member 222 and the mounting bracket 224 such that the connection member 222, and thus the sensor assembly 200 coupled to the connection member 222, is rotatable relative to the mounting bracket 224 about an axis X. However, in other embodiments, the connection member 222 and the sensor assembly are configured to slide relative to the mounting bracket 224. In an embodiment, the interface between the connection member 222 and the mounting bracket 224 (such as, for example, a hinge) includes an instrument 242, such as, for example, a plurality of markings that identify various angles of the sensor assembly 200 relative to the mounting bracket 224 or a corresponding surface to which the mounting bracket 224 is fixed. Although the sensor assembly 200 via the connector member is illustrated as being movable in a single degree of freedom relative to the mounting bracket, it should be appreciated that embodiments in which the sensor assembly 200 is movable in two or three degrees of freedom are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] During installation of the sensor assembly 200 within the hoistway, personnel will mount the mounting bracket 224 to one or more surfaces of the elevator system 101. The installer will use at least one leveling device to ensure that the one or more surfaces of the mounting bracket are arranged in a desired plane. Based on the configuration of the elevator system 101 and the location within the elevator system 101 where the sensor assembly 200 is to be installed, the installer will be provided with a desired position or angle of the connecting member 222 relative to the mounting bracket 224. Using markings or instruments provided on the mounting bracket 224 and / or the connecting member 222, the installer will move (e.g., rotate) the connecting member 222 relative to the mounting bracket 224 until the desired position is reached. Once the connecting member 222 is arranged in a predetermined position, the position of the connecting member 222 can be locked relative to the mounting bracket 224. Any suitable locking mechanism ( Figure 6 244 in the figure) can be used to maintain the connecting member 222 in a predetermined position. Examples of such locking mechanisms include, but are not limited to, locking pins or tightening screws.

[0046] Installing the sensor assembly 200 using the mounting assembly 220 as described herein increases the speed of installation while also increasing the alignment accuracy of the sensor assembly 200 and the repeatability of the installation process.

[0047] The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error associated with the measurement of the particular quantity and / or based on manufacturing tolerances of equipment available at the time the application was filed.

[0048] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "a", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. It will be further understood that the terms "include" and / or "comprise" when used in this specification specify the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or groups thereof.

[0049] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various example embodiments are shown and described herein, all with certain features in specific embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited thereby. On the contrary, the present disclosure may be modified to incorporate any number of variations, changes, substitutions, combinations, sub-combinations, or equivalent arrangements not previously described but commensurate with the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments. Therefore, the present disclosure is not to be considered limited by the foregoing description, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sensor assembly for detecting the presence of a human in an elevator system, include: sensor; An installation component, the installation component comprising: a connecting member fixed to the sensor; A mounting bracket is movably coupled to the connection member via an interface, wherein the interface includes instrumentation that identifies a position of the sensor relative to the mounting bracket.

2. The sensor assembly according to claim 1, in, The mounting bracket is slidably coupled to the connecting member.

3. The sensor assembly according to claim 1, in, The mounting bracket is rotatably coupled to the connecting member.

4. The sensor assembly according to claim 3, in, The instrument further includes a plurality of markings, and each marking of the plurality of markings identifies a respective angle of the sensor relative to the mounting bracket.

5. The sensor assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: include: A locking mechanism for locking the position of the connecting member relative to the mounting bracket.

6. The sensor assembly according to claim 1, in, The mounting bracket includes a first leg and a second leg, wherein the first leg is arranged at a non-parallel angle to the second leg.

7. The sensor assembly according to claim 6, in, The mounting bracket is an L-shaped bracket.

8. The sensor assembly according to claim 6, further comprising: include: At least one means for detecting a position of the mounting bracket relative to at least one of a horizontal or vertical plane.

9. The sensor assembly according to claim 1, in, The sensor includes at least one of the following: a LIDAR sensor, a millimeter wave RADAR sensor, and an RGBD camera.

10. An elevator system comprising at least one sensor assembly according to claim 1.

11. The elevator system according to claim 10, in, The elevator system further comprises: Well; an elevator car configured to travel in the hoistway; and A pit is located at a bottom of the hoistway, wherein at least one sensor assembly is mounted within the hoistway and is operable to detect personnel in the pit.

12. The elevator system according to claim 10, in, The elevator system further comprises: Well; an elevator car configured to travel in the hoistway; a pit at the bottom of the hoistway; and A ladder extends from the pit, wherein at least one sensor assembly is mounted proximate the ladder and is operable to detect a person on the ladder.

13. The elevator system according to claim 10, in, The elevator system further comprises: Hoistways; and An elevator car and an elevator counterweight configured to travel in the hoistway, wherein the at least one sensor assembly is mounted to at least one of the elevator car, the elevator counterweight, and a wall of the hoistway.

14. A method for installing a sensor assembly in an area to be monitored in an elevator system, include: attaching a mounting bracket to a mounting surface of the elevator system; as well as The position of the sensor assembly relative to the mounting bracket is adjusted to a predetermined position using an instrument integrated with the mounting bracket.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: include: The sensor assembly is locked in the predetermined position.

16. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: include: Level the mounting bracket with respect to the mounting surface.

17. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: include: Detecting personnel in the area to be monitored by using the sensor assembly; as well as Once a person is detected in the area to be monitored, the sensor assembly initiates the opening of the safety chain to prevent the elevator car from moving.

18. The method according to claim 14, in, The instrument further includes a plurality of markings, and each marking of the plurality of markings identifies a respective angle of the sensor relative to the mounting bracket.

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