Elevator pit monitoring and integrity check of monitoring system

Abstract

An elevator system includes a hoistway, an elevator car configured to travel in the hoistway, and a pit at a bottom of the hoistway. The safety chain is configured to enable or disable movement of the elevator car, and the sensor assembly is configured to initiate opening of the safety chain to disable movement of the elevator car upon detection of a person in a detection area of the sensor assembly in the hoistway. The test device is configured to test operation of the sensor assembly to detect malfunction and / or tampering of the operation of the sensor assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments herein relate to elevator systems, and more particularly to elevator systems including 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 many safety measures to prevent injury to personnel in the pit. Additional safety measures, while not necessary, may be beneficial. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to an 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. A safety chain is configured to enable or disable movement of the elevator car, and a sensor assembly is configured to initiate opening of the safety chain to disable movement of the elevator car upon detecting a person in a detection area of ​​the sensor assembly in the hoistway. A test device is configured to test the operation of the sensor assembly to detect malfunction and / or tampering of the operation of the sensor assembly.

[0004] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, in further embodiments the testing device is configured to place a known background across a field of view of the sensor assembly such that the sensor assembly evaluates the known background to test functionality of the sensor assembly.

[0005] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, in further embodiments the sensor assembly is configured to open the safety chain when a known background evaluated when testing the operation of the sensor assembly is outside a predetermined threshold.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the test device includes a variable aperture that is positioned across the field of view of the sensor assembly such that during normal operation of the sensor assembly, the aperture is in an open position and during testing operation of the sensor assembly, the aperture is in a closed position.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the testing device includes a movable plate having a fixed opening such that during normal operation of the sensor assembly, the fixed opening is positioned across the field of view, and during testing operation of the sensor assembly, the movable plate blocks the field of view.

[0008] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, in further embodiments the sensor assembly includes a sensor that measures a distance to an object in the hoistway.

[0009] 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.

[0010] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, in further embodiments the sensor assembly includes a safety chain contact as a component of a safety chain.

[0011] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, in further embodiments the sensor assembly is configured to detect a tampering device when the detected background differs from an expected background.

[0012] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, in a further embodiment the sensor assembly is configured to open the safety chain when said detected background is different from said expected background.

[0013] According to another embodiment, a method of operating an elevator system, the elevator system comprising: a hoistway; an elevator car, the elevator car configured to travel in the hoistway; a pit, the pit located at the bottom of the hoistway; a safety chain, the safety chain configured to enable or disable movement of the elevator car; and a sensor assembly, the method comprising: detecting, by the sensor assembly, a person in a detection area of ​​the sensor assembly in the hoistway; and upon detecting a person in the detection area, the sensor assembly initiating opening of the safety chain to disable movement of the elevator car. Testing the operation of the sensor assembly to detect malfunction and / or tampering with the operation of the sensor assembly.

[0014] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, in further embodiments, a testing operation of the sensor assembly includes placing a known background in a detection area of ​​the sensor assembly, and evaluating the known background to test functionality of the sensor assembly.

[0015] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, in further embodiments, the safety chain is opened when a known background evaluated while testing the operation of the sensor assembly is outside a predetermined threshold.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the test device includes a variable aperture that is positioned across the detection area of ​​the sensor assembly so that during normal operation of the sensor assembly, the aperture is in an open position and during testing operation of the sensor assembly, the aperture is in a closed position.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the testing device includes a removable cover having a fixed opening such that during normal operation of the sensor assembly, the fixed opening is positioned across the detection area and during testing operation of the sensor assembly, the removable plate blocks the detection area.

[0018] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, in further embodiments the sensor assembly includes a sensor that measures the distance to an object in the detection area.

[0019] 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.

[0020] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, in further embodiments the sensor assembly includes a safety chain contact as a component of a safety chain.

[0021] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments include detecting a tampering device when a detected context differs from an expected context.

[0022] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments include opening a security chain when the detected background is different from the expected background.

[0023] Unless otherwise expressly indicated, the aforementioned features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity. These features and elements and their operation will become more apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the following description and accompanying drawings are intended to be illustrative and explanatory in nature, rather than restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of examples and not limitation in the accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements.

[0025] Figure 1is a schematic illustration of an elevator system in which various embodiments of the present disclosure may be employed;

[0026] Figure 2A depicts an elevator pit in an example embodiment;

[0027] Figure 2B Depicting a safety chain contact portion of an elevator pit in an example embodiment;

[0028] Figure 3 depicts a sensor assembly in an example embodiment;

[0029] Figure 4 Describes a test setup for a sensor assembly in an example embodiment;

[0030] Figure 5 a graphical illustration depicting data from example testing of a sensor assembly;

[0031] Figure 6 Another view of a test apparatus depicting a sensor assembly in an example embodiment;

[0032] Figure 7 A further view depicting a test apparatus for a sensor assembly in an example embodiment;

[0033] Figure 8 Describes a test device for a sensor assembly in another example embodiment;

[0034] Fig. 9 another view of a test apparatus depicting a sensor assembly in another example embodiment;

[0035] Fig.10 Still another view depicting a test apparatus for a sensor assembly in another example embodiment;

[0036] Fig.11 is a graphical illustration of data from the sensor assembly indicating tampering with the operation of the sensor assembly; and

[0037] Fig.12 is another graphical illustration of data from a sensor assembly indicative of tampering with the operation of the sensor assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Figure 11 is a perspective view of an elevator system 101 including 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 to facilitate the movement of the elevator car 103 in opposite directions and simultaneously relative to the counterweight 105 within an elevator shaft or hoistway 117 and along the guide rail 109.

[0039] 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 at the top of the elevator shaft 117, such as on a support or guide rail, and can be configured to provide a position signal related to the position of the elevator car 103 within the elevator shaft 117. In other embodiments, the position reference system 113 can be mounted directly to the moving components 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 limited to, 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 understood by those skilled in the art.

[0040] As shown, the controller 115 is located in a controller room 121 of the elevator shaft 117 and is configured to control the operation of the elevator system 101 (and in particular 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 location in the elevator system. For example, the controller 115 can provide drive signals to the machine 111 to control the acceleration, deceleration, leveling, stopping, etc. of the elevator car 103. The controller 115 can 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 rails 109 in the elevator shaft 117, the elevator car 103 can stop at one or more landings 125 as controlled by the controller 115. Although shown in the controller room 121, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the controller 115 can be located and / or configured elsewhere or at a location within the elevator system 101. In one embodiment, the controller 115 can 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 (eg, a personal computer, a server, a distributed computing network, etc.).

[0041] 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 electric drive motor. The power source for the motor may be any power source, including an electrical grid, which is combined with other components to be supplied to the motor. The machine 111 may include a traction sheave that transmits force to the tension member 107 to move the elevator car 103 within the elevator shaft 117.

[0042] The elevator system 101 also includes one or more elevator doors 104. The elevator doors 104 can be attached to the elevator car 103, or the elevator doors 104 can be located on a landing 125 of the elevator system 101, or both. The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied 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.

[0043] Although shown and described using a roping 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 a ropeless elevator system that uses a linear motor to move the elevator car. Embodiments may also be employed in a ropeless elevator system that uses a hydraulic lift to move the elevator car. Embodiments may also be employed in a ropeless elevator system that uses a self-propelled elevator car (e.g., an elevator car equipped with friction wheels, pinch wheels, or traction wheels). Figure 1 These are non-limiting examples presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes only.

[0044] Figure 2A Depicts an elevator pit 200 in an example embodiment. The elevator pit 200 is located at the bottom of the hoistway 117 and includes equipment that may need to be accessed or inspected by a person 202. Access to the pit 200 is through an access door 204, which may be a door at the lowest landing of the building or another door. A ladder 206 provides access to and exits the pit 200. A sensor assembly 220 monitors the pit 200 for the presence of (one or more) persons 202. Although described herein as being located in the pit 200 and monitoring the pit 200, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that the sensor assembly 200 may be located and / or monitor other locations in the hoistway 117, such as above or below the elevator car 103, above or below the counterweight 105, or a portion at or near the machine 111. A run-stop interface 210 is provided in the pit 200. The run-stop interface is manually operated by the person 202 to open or close the safety chain of the elevator system 101. When the safety chain is open, the elevator car 103 is prevented from moving.

[0045] Figure 2AThe elevator pit 200 in FIG. 1 includes safety chain contacts, including a sensor assembly safety chain contact 230, a pit door safety chain contact 234, and a pit ladder safety chain contact 236. If any of the safety chain contacts 230, 234, and 236 are open, the elevator car 103 will be prevented from moving. In addition, if the run-stop interface 210 is open, the elevator car 103 will be prevented from moving.

[0046] Figure 2B The safety chain contacts 230, 234, and 236 and the run-stop interface 210 of the elevator pit 200 in the example embodiment are depicted. The safety chain contacts 230, 234, and 236 and the run-stop interface 210 are part of the safety chain of the elevator system 101. If any of the safety chain contacts 230, 234, and 236 and the run-stop interface 210 is "open", the movement of the elevator car 103 is prevented. The safety chain contacts 230, 234, and 236 and the run-stop interface 210 are connected to the sensor assembly 220 by a link so that the sensor assembly 220 can detect the state (e.g., open or closed) of each of the run-stop interface 210 and the safety chain contacts 230, 234, and 236. The link can be a wired connection that allows the sensor assembly 220 to detect the state of each of the run-stop interface 210 and the safety chain contacts 230, 234, and 236.

[0047] Figure 3 Depicts the sensor assembly 220 in an example embodiment. The sensor assembly 220 includes one or more sensors 222. The sensor 222 can be a distance sensor that generates distance measurements in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional field of view. The sensor 222 can be implemented using a LIDAR sensor, a millimeter wave RADAR sensor, an RGBD camera, or other distance measurement sensor. The sensor assembly 220 includes a processor 224 that controls the operation of the sensor assembly 220. The processor 224 can 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 224 can be implemented in hardware (e.g., ASIC, FPGA) or in a combination of hardware / software. The processor 224 allows the sensor assembly 220 to perform calculations locally, also known as edge computing. The processor 224 can send commands to other components of the elevator system 101 based on the results of the local calculations.

[0048] The sensor assembly 220 includes a memory 226 that can store computer programs, reference data, sensor data, etc. that can be executed by the processor 224. The memory 226 can be implemented using known devices such as random access memory. The sensor assembly 220 includes a communication unit 228 that allows the sensor assembly 220 to communicate with other components of the elevator system 101 (e.g., other sensor assemblies and / or the elevator controller 115). The communication unit 228 can be implemented using a wired connection (e.g., LAN, Ethernet, twisted pair, etc.) or a wireless connection (e.g., WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth, etc.).

[0049] In operation, the sensor assembly 220 can open the safety chain of the elevator system 101 under certain conditions. The safety chain is a known component of the elevator system and typically includes a plurality of contacts (e.g., relays) in series that control power to the elevator system machine 111 to enable or disable movement of the elevator car 103. If any of the contacts of the safety chain are open, the elevator car 103 is prevented from moving. In an example embodiment, the sensor assembly 220 can control the sensor assembly safety chain contact 230 to open or close the safety chain. It is understood that the sensor assembly safety chain contact 230 is one of several contacts that make up the safety chain.

[0050] It is desirable to periodically or continuously evaluate the performance of the sensor 222 to ensure that the sensor has not been damaged or tampered with, for example. This testing helps prevent false positive indications and false negative indications when the sensor assembly 220 monitors the pit 200. Referring now to Figure 4 , an embodiment of a sensor 222 and a test device 232 is shown. The test device 232, when activated, places a known background at a known distance into the field of view of the sensor 222. This may also be referred to as a "known background data pattern". When activated with the sensor 222, the test device 232 produces a well-defined point cloud target pattern 234, such as Figure 5 . Fluctuations in target pattern 234 that exceed preselected threshold 238 indicate an unhealthy, malfunctioning, failed, or otherwise improperly operating sensor 222 and may result in operation of safety chain contact 230 to disable movement of elevator car 103. Additionally, deviations from target pattern 234 may indicate the health of sensor assembly 220 and may be communicated to controller 115 or other device (e.g., cloud computing for condition-based monitoring) to record maintenance actions for sensor assembly 220.

[0051] An exemplary test device 232 is Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7, and includes a controllable aperture 240 positioned across a field of view 242 of the sensor 222. In normal operation, for example Figure 4 and Figure 6 , aperture 240 is in an open position, allowing normal operation of sensor 222 in detecting objects in pit 200. Aperture 240 may be controlled by movement of diaphragm 243 driven by motor 244. Test device 232 is controlled by sensor assembly 200 to close aperture 240 across field of view 242 periodically, automatically or when a test is initiated by an operator. When aperture 240 is closed across field of view 242, for example Figure 7 As illustrated in , it can be expected that sensor 222 generates a point cloud target pattern 234, such as Figure 5 As shown in the figure.

[0052] exist Figure 8-Figure 10 In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 , the test device 232 includes a plate 246 that is rotatable about a plate axis 248 and has a plate opening 250 therein. In normal operation, the plate 246 is positioned so that the plate opening 250 spans the field of view 242 of the sensor 222, thereby allowing normal operation of the sensor 222 in detecting objects in the pit 200, such as Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The test device 232 is controlled by the sensor assembly 200 to rotate the plate 246 about the plate axis 248 as driven by the motor 244, either periodically and automatically or when the test is initiated by the operator. The plate 246 rotates about the plate axis 248 so that the plate 246 blocks the field of view 242 of the sensor 222, for example Fig.10 As illustrated in , it can be expected that sensor 222 generates a point cloud target pattern 234, such as Figure 5 As shown in the figure.

[0053] In addition to detecting damage or malfunction of sensor assembly 220, it is also desirable to detect whether sensor assembly 220 or its operation has been tampered with, for example, by a person who intends to perform tasks in pit 200 in an unsafe manner. To achieve such detection, sensor assembly 220 is configured to detect highly reflective surfaces, such as mirrors, placed in field of view 242 of sensor 222. Fig.11 , sensor assembly 220 is configured to detect known background 252, or an expected representation of pit 200. When an object, such as a reflector, is placed in field of view 242, the collected data, represented as point cloud 254, deviates significantly and significantly from known background 252. Fig.11 In the illustration of FIG. 2 , sensor 222 detects the opaque side of the reflector as represented by point cloud 254, while in Fig.12, the sensor detects opaque trim around the reflector as represented by point cloud 256. When a detected point cloud (e.g., point clouds 254 and 256) is detected that deviates greatly and significantly from known background 252, this may indicate tampering with the operation of sensor assembly 220. In some embodiments, detection of such a change may result in operation of safety chain contact 230 to disable movement of elevator car 103.

[0054] The term "approximately" is intended to include the degree of error associated with the measurement based on the particular quantity and / or manufacturing tolerances of the equipment available at the time the application was filed.

[0055] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limitations of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a / an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises and / or comprising" when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components and / or groups thereof.

[0056] 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. An elevator system, comprising: Well; an elevator car configured to travel in the hoistway; A pit, the pit being located at the bottom of the hoistway; a safety chain configured to enable or disable movement of the elevator car; a sensor assembly configured to initiate movement of opening the safety chain to disable the elevator car upon detecting a person in a detection area of ​​the sensor assembly in the hoistway; as well as A testing device is configured to test the operation of the sensor assembly to detect malfunction and / or tampering with the operation of the sensor assembly.

2. The elevator system according to claim 1, in, The test device is configured to place a known background across a field of view of the sensor assembly such that the sensor assembly evaluates the known background to test functionality of the sensor assembly.

3. The elevator system according to claim 2, in, The sensor assembly is configured to open the safety chain when a known context evaluated while testing the operation of the sensor assembly is outside a predetermined threshold.

4. The elevator system according to claim 2, in, The test device includes a variable aperture positioned across the field of view of the sensor assembly such that during normal operation of the sensor assembly the aperture is in an open position and during testing operation of the sensor assembly the aperture is in a closed position.

5. The elevator system according to claim 2, in, The testing device includes a movable plate having a fixed opening such that during normal operation of the sensor assembly the fixed opening is positioned across the field of view and during testing operation of the sensor assembly the movable plate blocks the field of view.

6. The elevator system according to claim 1, in, The sensor assembly includes a sensor that measures distance to objects in the hoistway.

7. The elevator system according to claim 6, in, The sensor includes at least one of a LIDAR sensor, a millimeter wave radar RADAR sensor and an RGBD camera.

8. The elevator system according to claim 1, in, The sensor assembly includes a safety chain contact as a component of the safety chain.

9. The elevator system according to claim 1, in, The sensor assembly is configured to detect a tampering device when the detected background is different than an expected background.

10. The elevator system according to claim 9, in, The sensor assembly is configured to open the security chain when the detected background is different from the expected background.

11. A method of operating an elevator system, the elevator system include: Well; an elevator car configured to travel in the hoistway; A pit, the pit being located at the bottom of the hoistway; a safety chain configured to enable or disable movement of the elevator car; and a sensor assembly, the method comprising: detecting, by the sensor assembly, a person in a detection area of ​​the sensor assembly in the hoistway; Upon detecting a person in the detection area, the sensor assembly initiates movement to open the safety chain to disable the elevator car; as well as The operation of the sensor assembly is tested to detect malfunction and / or tampering with the operation of the sensor assembly.

12. The method according to claim 11, in, The operation of testing the sensor assembly includes: placing a known background in the detection area of ​​the sensor assembly; as well as The known background is evaluated to test the functionality of the sensor assembly.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising opening the safety chain when the operation of the sensor assembly is tested and an evaluated known background is outside a predetermined threshold.

14. The method according to claim 12, in, The testing device includes a variable aperture positioned across the detection area of ​​the sensor assembly such that during normal operation of the sensor assembly the aperture is in an open position and during testing operation of the sensor assembly the aperture is in a closed position.

15. The method according to claim 12, in, The testing device includes a removable cover having a fixed opening such that during normal operation of the sensor assembly the fixed opening is positioned across the detection region and during testing operation of the sensor assembly the removable plate blocks the detection region.

16. The method of claim 11, in, The sensor assembly includes a sensor that measures the distance to an object in the detection area.

17. The method of claim 16, in, The sensor includes at least one of a LIDAR sensor, a millimeter wave RADAR sensor, and an RGBD camera.

18. The method of claim 11, in, The sensor assembly includes a safety chain contact as a component of the safety chain.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising detecting a tampering device when the detected background is different than an expected background.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising opening the security chain when the detected background is different from the expected background.

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