Apparatus, system, method and computer program for measuring one or more operating parameters of an elevator

Abstract

Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer programs for measuring one or more operating parameters of an elevator are disclosed. At least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow for the omission of conventional complex and expensive measuring devices, such as load cells, brake switches, slack cord switches, or vibration sensors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of elevators, and more particularly, to measuring one or more operating parameters of an elevator, and related devices, systems, methods, and computer programs. Background Art

[0002] Traditionally, elevator systems have many individual sensor devices (including, for example, scales and other measuring devices), which are typically general-purpose stand-alone devices designed to fit a variety of applications. As a result, they are typically complex and expensive due to, for example, overlapping processing and control functions. Summary of the invention

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce some concepts in a simplified form, which are further described in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] The object of the present disclosure is to allow measuring one or more operating parameters of an elevator. The aforementioned and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementation forms are evident from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a processing device is provided. The processing device includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the processing device to at least perform receiving a sensor signal from a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor is attached to a first top portion of an elevator hoisting machine and is configured to at least measure a first distance to a first measurement point on a second top portion of the elevator hoisting machine. The operation of the elevator hoisting machine causes a displacement between the first top portion and the second top portion. The received sensor signal indicates at least the measured first distance. The at least one memory and the computer program code are also configured to, using the at least one processor, cause the processing device to at least perform: determining at least a first displacement measurement of the second top portion relative to the first top portion based on the measured at least first distance indicated by the received sensor signal. The at least one memory and the computer program code are also configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the processing device to at least perform: determining at least one elevator-related operating parameter based on the determined at least first displacement measurement value.

[0006] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the at least one elevator-related operating parameter comprises an elevator load.

[0007] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the proximity sensor is further configured to measure a second distance to a second measurement point on the second top portion and a third distance to a third measurement point on the second top portion, the received sensor signal further indicating the measured second distance and third distance, and the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to cause the processing device, with the at least one processor, to at least perform: determining a second displacement measurement of the second top portion relative to the first top portion based on the measured second distance indicated by the received sensor signal. The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to cause the processing device, with the at least one processor, to at least perform: determining a third displacement measurement of the second top portion relative to the first top portion based on the measured third distance indicated by the received sensor signal. The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to cause the processing device, with the at least one processor, to at least perform: determining a rotation measurement of the second top portion relative to the first top portion based on the determined first displacement measurement, the second displacement measurement and the third displacement measurement. The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to cause the processing device, with the at least one processor, to at least perform: determining at least one additional elevator-related operating parameter based on the determined rotation measurement.

[0008] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the at least one additional elevator related operating parameter comprises at least one of a stall condition of the counterweight, a jump load, an aging of a damper of the elevator hoisting machine, a condition of an elevator component or a condition of a brake of the elevator hoisting machine.

[0009] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the processing device to at least perform sending at least one of the determined at least one elevator-related operating parameter or the determined at least one additional elevator-related operating parameter to at least one of the motion control unit or the safety monitoring unit.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a system is provided. The system includes an elevator hoisting machine having a first top portion and a second top portion, such that operation of the elevator hoisting machine causes a displacement between the first top portion and the second top portion. The system also includes a proximity sensor attached to the first top portion and configured to measure at least a first distance to a first measurement point on the second top portion.

[0011] In an implementation manner of the second aspect, the system further includes the processing device according to the first aspect.

[0012] In an implementation form of the second aspect, the first top part comprises a support frame of the elevator hoisting machine and the second top part comprises a hoisting motor or a traction sheave of the elevator hoisting machine.

[0013] In an implementation form of the second aspect, the first top part comprises a hoisting motor or a traction sheave of the elevator hoisting machine and the second top part comprises a supporting frame of the elevator hoisting machine.

[0014] In an implementation form of the second aspect, the proximity sensor is further configured to measure at least a second distance to a second measuring point on the second top portion and a third distance to a third measuring point on the second top portion.

[0015] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes receiving a sensor signal from a proximity sensor at a processing device, the proximity sensor being attached to a first top portion of an elevator hoisting machine and being configured to measure at least a first distance to a first measurement point on a second top portion of the elevator hoisting machine, wherein operation of the elevator hoisting machine causes a displacement between the first top portion and the second top portion, and the received sensor signal indicates the measured at least first distance. The method also includes determining, by the processing device, at least a first displacement measurement of the second top portion relative to the first top portion based on the measured at least first distance indicated by the received sensor signal. The method also includes determining, by the processing device, at least one elevator-related operating parameter based on the determined at least first displacement measurement value.

[0016] In an implementation form of the third aspect, the at least one elevator-related operating parameter comprises an elevator load.

[0017] In an implementation form of the third aspect, the proximity sensor is further configured to measure a second distance to a second measuring point on the second top portion and a third distance to a third measuring point on the second top portion, the received sensor signal further indicating the measured second and third distances, and the method further comprises: determining a second displacement measurement of the second top portion relative to the first top portion based on the measured second distance indicated by the received sensor signal. The method further comprises determining a third displacement measurement of the second top portion relative to the first top portion based on the measured third distance indicated by the received sensor signal. The method further comprises determining a rotation measurement of the second top portion relative to the first top portion based on the determined first, second and third displacement measurements. The method further comprises determining at least one additional elevator-related operating parameter based on the determined rotation measurement.

[0018] In an implementation form of the third aspect, the at least one additional elevator related operating parameter comprises at least one of a stall condition of the counterweight, a jump load, an aging of a damper of the elevator hoisting machine, a condition of an elevator component or a condition of a brake of the elevator hoisting machine.

[0019] In an implementation form of the third aspect, the method further comprises sending at least one of the determined at least one elevator-related operating parameter or the determined at least one additional elevator-related operating parameter to at least one of the motion control unit or the safety monitoring unit.

[0020] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided. The computer program includes instructions for causing a device to perform at least the following operations: receiving a sensor signal from a proximity sensor, the proximity sensor being attached to a first top portion of an elevator hoisting machine and being configured to measure at least a first distance to a first measurement point on a second top portion of the elevator hoisting machine, wherein operation of the elevator hoisting machine causes a displacement between the first top portion and the second top portion, and the received sensor signal indicates the measured at least first distance; determining at least a first displacement measurement value of the second top portion relative to the first top portion based on the measured at least first distance indicated by the received sensor signal; and determining at least one elevator-related operating parameter based on the determined at least first displacement measurement value.

[0021] At least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow for the omission of conventional complex and expensive measuring devices, such as load cells, brake switches, slack rope switches, or vibration sensors.

[0022] At least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow for space savings because placement of the proximity sensor does not take up additional space.

[0023] At least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow for cost savings.

[0024] At least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow for the elimination of the need for other additional measurement devices.

[0025] At least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow information to be obtained regarding vibrations during travel of an elevator car.

[0026] At least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow for measurement that enables calculation of braking, deceleration, or acceleration torque.

[0027] At least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow for identification of aging of dampers of an elevator hoistway, thereby allowing for prevention of ride comfort issues.

[0028] At least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow for identification of stall conditions, thereby improving safety.

[0029] At least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow for the collection of information regarding jump loads.

[0030] By referring to the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, many of the features will be more readily appreciated as they become better understood. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In the following, example embodiments are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and figures, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an elevator system;

[0033] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a sensor system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C is a diagram further illustrating a sensor system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0036] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] In the following, identical reference numerals refer to identical or at least functionally equivalent features. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the present disclosure and in which are shown by way of illustration specific aspects in which the present invention may be placed. It should be understood that other aspects may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered to have a limiting meaning, as the scope of the present invention is defined in the appended claims.

[0039] For example, it should be understood that the disclosure in conjunction with the described method may also apply to a corresponding device or system configured to perform the method, and vice versa. For example, if a specific method step is described, the corresponding device may include a unit that performs the described method step, even if such a unit is not explicitly described or shown in the drawings. On the other hand, for example, if a specific device or equipment is described based on a functional unit, the corresponding method may include steps to perform the described function, even if such steps are not explicitly described or shown in the drawings. In addition, it should be understood that the features of the various example aspects described herein may be combined with each other unless otherwise specifically noted.

[0040] The present disclosure relates to measuring one or more operating parameters of an elevator.

[0041] In the following, reference Figure 1 A general description of an elevator system 100 is provided in which various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented.

[0042] The elevator system 100 may include an elevator shaft 110 defined by a surrounding wall and a top end 110A and a bottom end 110B. The elevator system 100 may also include an elevator car 120 that can move vertically in the elevator shaft 110. The elevator system 100 may also include an elevator hoisting machinery 130 that is suitable for driving the elevator car 120. The elevator system 100 may also include an electromechanical brake 150A, 150B, which is configured to brake the movement of the elevator car 120 and / or keep the car stationary in the elevator shaft 110. That is, the electromechanical brake 150A, 150B may, for example, apply friction to the traction sheave or the rotating shaft of the hoisting machinery 130, causing a braking torque to stop the movement of the hoisting machinery 130, and thus stop the movement of the elevator car 120 driven by the hoisting machinery 130. The hoisting machinery 130 typically has two electromechanical brakes. However, any number of electromechanical brakes may be used. The elevator car 120 may be driven by hoisting ropes 140 extending through a traction sheave of the hoisting machine 130. The elevator system 100 may also include a counterweight ( Figure 1 not shown).

[0043] The elevator system 100 may also include a sensor system 250 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, including, for example, the processing device 200 and / or the proximity sensor 210. The sensor system 250, the processing device 200, and the proximity sensor 210 will be described in more detail below.

[0044] The elevator system 100 may also include a motion control unit 160 and / or a safety monitoring unit 170 that may be communicatively connected to the processing device 200 .

[0045] In at least some embodiments, the elevator system 100 can include a machine room-less (MRL) elevator system. As the name implies, an MRL elevator system does not require a machine room. Alternatively, the lifting machine 130 can be attached to, for example, a guide rail or a top side wall of the elevator shaft 110 using, for example, a support frame.

[0046] Next, based on Figure 2 An example embodiment of a processing unit 200 is described. Some of the features described are optional features that may provide further advantages.

[0047] At least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow a measurement device to be integrated into an elevator hoist. The measurement device may be operable to determine one or more operating parameters of the elevator, for example based on bending or flexing of the hoist structure under mechanical stress. This means that more information about the operation of the elevator may be obtained with increased accuracy and less measurement hardware than was previously possible.

[0048] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a processing device 200 according to an example embodiment.

[0049] The processing device 200 includes at least one processor 202 and at least one memory 204 including computer program code. The processing device 200 may also include Figure 2 Other elements not shown.

[0050] The processing device 200 may include a dedicated processing device 200, or the processing device 200 may be integrated with another device such as a frequency converter.

[0051] Although the processing device 200 is depicted as including only one processor 202, the processing device 200 may include more processors. In an embodiment, the memory 204 can store instructions, such as an operating system and / or various applications. In addition, the memory 204 may include a storage device that can be used to store at least some of the information and data used in the disclosed embodiments, for example.

[0052] In addition, the processor 202 is capable of executing the stored instructions. In an embodiment, the processor 202 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single-core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single-core processors. For example, the processor 202 may be embodied as one or more of various processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing circuit with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits (such as, for example, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), microcontroller units (MCUs), hardware accelerators, dedicated computer chips, etc.). In an embodiment, the processor 202 may be configured to perform hard-coded functions. In an embodiment, the processor 202 is implemented as an executor of software instructions, wherein the instructions may specifically configure the processor 202 to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed.

[0053] At least one memory 204 may be embodied as one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and / or a combination of one or more volatile memory devices and non-volatile memory devices. For example, at least one memory 204 may be embodied as a semiconductor memory (such as a mask ROM, a PROM (programmable ROM), an EPROM (erasable PROM), a flash ROM, a RAM (random access memory), etc.).

[0054] The at least one memory 204 and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor 202 , cause the processing device 200 to at least perform receiving a sensor signal from the proximity sensor 210 .

[0055] Proximity sensor 210 is attached to first top portion 130A of elevator hoisting machine 130 and is configured to measure at least a first distance to a first measurement point on second top portion 130B of elevator hoisting machine 130. Operation of elevator hoisting machine 130 causes displacement between first top portion 130A and second top portion 130B. The received sensor signal indicates at least the measured first distance.

[0056] The at least one memory 204 and the computer program code are also configured to, together with the at least one processor 202, cause the processing device 200 to at least perform: determining at least a first displacement measurement value of the second top portion 130B relative to the first top portion 130A based on the measured at least first distance indicated by the received sensor signal.

[0057] As used herein, the term "displacement measurement" is used to refer to the amount that the second top portion bends, tilts, and / or moves relative to the first top portion at a particular angle or in a particular direction.

[0058] The at least one memory 204 and the computer program code are further configured to cause the processing device 200 to at least perform, using the at least one processor 202, determining at least one elevator-related operating parameter based on the determined at least first displacement measurement value. For example, the at least one elevator-related operating parameter may include an elevator load. In this document, the elevator load refers to a load received in the elevator car 120.

[0059] In at least some embodiments, proximity sensor 210 may also be configured to measure a second distance to a second measurement point on second top portion 130B and a third distance to a third measurement point on second top portion 130B. The first, second, and third measurement points on second top portion 130B define a measurement plane on second top portion 130B such that a spatial orientation of the measurement plane may be determined relative to first top portion 130A. The received sensor signal may also indicate the measured second and third distances.

[0060] The at least one memory 204 and the computer program code may also be configured to, with the at least one processor 202, cause the processing device 200 to perform, based on the measured second distance indicated by the received sensor signal, a second displacement measurement of the second top portion 130B relative to the first top portion 130A. The at least one memory 204 and the computer program code may also be configured to, with the at least one processor 202, cause the processing device 200 to perform, based on the measured third distance indicated by the received sensor signal, a third displacement measurement of the second top portion 130B relative to the first top portion 130A.

[0061] The at least one memory 204 and the computer program code may also be configured to, with the at least one processor 202, cause the processing device 200 to perform determining a rotation (e.g., deflection or bending) measurement of the second top portion 130B relative to the first top portion 130A based on the determined first, second, and third displacement measurements. The at least one memory 204 and the computer program code may also be configured to, with the at least one processor 202, cause the processing device 200 to perform determining at least one additional elevator-related operating parameter based on the determined rotation measurement.

[0062] For example, at least one additional elevator-related operating parameter may include at least one of a stall condition of the counterweight, a jump load, aging of a damper of the elevator hoisting machinery 130, a condition of an elevator component, or a condition of a brake 150A, 150B of the elevator hoisting machinery 130. A stall condition refers to a dangerous situation in which the counterweight becomes stuck in the elevator shaft 110 as the elevator car 120 continues to move upward, causing the tension in the hoisting rope 140 to begin to decrease. A jump load refers to a situation in which the tension of the hoisting rope 140 on the traction sheave decreases rapidly, resulting in a "load jump", such as in an emergency stop situation. Aging of the damper may be determined based on the determined displacement measurement(s) and / or rotation measurement(s) drifting over time. The condition of the brake 150A, 150B may include, for example, an amount of wear of the brake 150A, 150B, which may also be determined based on the determined displacement measurement(s) and / or rotation measurement(s) drifting over time. The condition of the elevator component may include, for example, an amount of degradation of the hoisting rope 140.

[0063] For example, the determination of at least some of the operating parameters may be performed by utilizing a finite element method (FEM) based analysis.

[0064] At least in some embodiments, the at least one memory 204 and the computer program code may also be configured to, together with the at least one processor 202, cause the processing device 200 to execute sending the determined at least one elevator-related operating parameter and / or the determined at least one additional elevator-related operating parameter to the motion control unit 160 and / or the safety monitoring unit 170. The motion control unit 160 may be configured to perform motion control-related actions based on the received operating parameters. The safety monitoring unit 170 may be configured to perform safety-related actions (e.g., overload condition-related actions) based on the received operating parameters.

[0065] Figure 3 and FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating a sensor system 250 according to an example embodiment.

[0066] Figure 4A A side view of an elevator hoisting machine 130 in a sensor system 250 is shown, Figure 4B A front view of the elevator hoisting machine 130 in the sensor system 250 is shown, and Figure 4C A top view of elevator hoisting machinery 130 in sensor system 250 is shown. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C , the straight arrows indicate exemplary linear movement of the second top portion 130B relative to the first top portion 130A (caused by operation of the elevator hoisting machinery 130), and the curved arrows indicate exemplary rotational movement of the second top portion 130B relative to the first top portion 130A (caused by operation of the elevator hoisting machinery 130). The linear movement may be measured using displacement measurements performed by the proximity sensor 210, and the rotational movement may be measured using rotation measurements performed by the proximity sensor 210. It should be noted that the positioning or location of the first top portion 130A and the second top portion 130B are merely examples, and other positionings are possible. For example, the positions may be reversed.

[0067] Sensor system 250 includes an elevator hoisting machine 130 having a first top portion 130A and a second top portion 130B such that operation of elevator hoisting machine 130 causes displacement between first top portion 130A and second top portion 130B. In at least some embodiments, first top portion 130A may include a support frame of elevator hoisting machine 130, and second top portion 130B may include a hoisting motor or a traction sheave of elevator hoisting machine 130. Alternatively, in at least some embodiments, first top portion 130A may include a hoisting motor or a traction sheave of elevator hoisting machine 130, and second top portion 130B may include a support frame of elevator hoisting machine 130.

[0068] The sensor system 250 also includes a proximity sensor 210 that is attached to the first top portion 130A and is configured to measure at least a first distance to a first measurement point on the second top portion 130B. At least in some embodiments, the proximity sensor 210 may include an inductive proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, or a photoelectric proximity sensor. Figure 2 As discussed, at least in some embodiments, the proximity sensor 210 can also be configured to measure at least a second distance to a second measurement point on the second top portion 130B and a third distance to a third measurement point on the second top portion 130B.

[0069] In at least some embodiments, sensor system 250 may also include processing device 200 .

[0070] Other features of the sensor system 250 result directly from the functions and parameters of the processing device 200 and are therefore not repeated here.

[0071] Figure 5 An example flow diagram of a method 500 according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0072] At operation 501, a sensor signal is received at the processing device 200 from the proximity sensor 210. The proximity sensor 210 is attached to the first top portion 130A of the elevator hoisting machine 130 and is configured to measure at least a first distance to a first measurement point on the second top portion 130B of the elevator hoisting machine 130. Operation of the elevator hoisting machine 130 causes a displacement between the first top portion 130A and the second top portion 130B, and the received sensor signal indicates at least the measured first distance. Optionally, the proximity sensor 210 may be further configured to measure a second distance to a second measurement point on the second top portion 130B and a third distance to a third measurement point on the second top portion 130B, in which case the received sensor signal may further indicate the measured second distance and third distance.

[0073] At operation 502, the processing device 200 determines at least a first displacement measurement of the second top portion 130B relative to the first top portion 130A based on the measured at least first distance indicated by the received sensor signal. When the received sensor signal further indicates a measured second distance and a third distance, at operation 502, the processing device 200 may further determine a second displacement measurement of the second top portion 130B relative to the first top portion 130A based on the measured second distance indicated by the received sensor signal, and determine a third displacement measurement of the second top portion 130B relative to the first top portion 130A based on the measured third distance indicated by the received sensor signal. In addition, when the received sensor signal further indicates the measured second distance and the third distance, at operation 502, the processing device 200 may further determine a rotation measurement of the second top portion 130B relative to the first top portion 130A based on the determined first, second, and third displacement measurements.

[0074] At operation 503, the processing device 200 determines at least one elevator-related operating parameter based on the determined at least first displacement measurement value. When the received sensor signal further indicates the measured second distance and third distance, at operation 503, the processing device 200 may further determine at least one additional elevator-related operating parameter based on the determined rotation measurement value.

[0075] At optional operation 504 , the processing device 200 may send the determined at least one elevator-related operating parameter and / or the determined at least one further elevator-related operating parameter to the motion control unit 160 and / or the safety monitoring unit 170 .

[0076] Method 500 may be performed by Figure 2 The method 500 is performed by the processing device 200. Operations 501-504 may be performed, for example, by at least one processor 202 and at least one memory 204. Other features of the method 500 result directly from the functions and parameters of the processing device 200 and are therefore not repeated here. The method 500 may be performed by (one or more) computer programs.

[0077] The processing device 200 may include means for performing at least one method described herein. In an example, the means may include at least one processor 202 and at least one memory 204, the at least one memory 204 including program code, the program code being configured to cause the processing device 200 to perform the method when executed by the at least one processor 202.

[0078] The functions described herein may be performed at least in part by one or more computer program product components (such as software components). According to an embodiment, the processing device 200 may include a processor or processor circuit, such as a microcontroller, which is configured by program code to perform embodiments of the described operations and functions when executed. Alternatively or additionally, the functions described herein may be performed at least in part by one or more hardware logic components. For example, but not limited to, illustrative types of hardware logic components that may be used include field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), program application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), program application specific standard products (ASSPs), systems on chips (SOCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and graphics processing units (GPUs).

[0079] Any range or device value given herein may be expanded or changed without losing the effect sought. In addition, unless explicitly not permitted, any embodiment may be combined with another embodiment.

[0080] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or actions, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Instead, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims, and other equivalent features and actions are intended to fall within the scope of the claims.

[0081] It should be understood that the above benefits and advantages may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to those embodiments that solve any or all of the problems described or those embodiments that have any or all of the benefits and advantages described. It will be further understood that reference to "an" item may refer to one or more of those items.

[0082] The steps of the methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. In addition, individual blocks may be deleted from any method without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Aspects of any of the above embodiments may be combined with aspects of any other embodiment described to form further embodiments without losing the effects sought.

[0083] The term "comprising" is used herein to mean including the identified methods, blocks, or elements, but such blocks or elements do not include an exclusive list and the method or apparatus may include additional blocks or elements.

[0084] It should be understood that the above description is given as an example only, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. The above description, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of the example embodiments. Although various embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity or with reference to one or more separate embodiments, those skilled in the art may make many changes to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of this specification.

Claims

1. A processing device (200), comprising: at least one processor (202); and at least one memory (204) comprising computer program code; The at least one memory (204) and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor (202), cause the processing device (200) to at least execute: receiving a sensor signal from a proximity sensor (210), the proximity sensor (210) being attached to a first top portion (130A) of an elevator hoisting machine (130) and being configured to measure at least a first distance to a first measurement point on a second top portion (130B) of the elevator hoisting machine (130), wherein operation of the elevator hoisting machine (130) causes displacement between the first top portion (130A) and the second top portion (130B), and the received sensor signal is indicative of at least the first distance measured; determining at least a first displacement measurement of the second top portion (130B) relative to the first top portion (130A) based on the measured at least a first distance indicated by the received sensor signal; and At least one elevator related operating parameter is determined based on the determined at least first displacement measurement value.

2. The processing device (200) according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one elevator related operating parameter comprises elevator load.

3. The processing device (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The proximity sensor (210) is further configured to measure a second distance to a second measurement point on the second top portion (130B) and a third distance to a third measurement point on the second top portion (130B), the received sensor signal further indicating the measured second distance and third distance, and the at least one memory (204) and the computer program code are further configured to cause the processing device (200) to execute, with the at least one processor (202), at least: determining a second displacement measurement of the second top portion (130B) relative to the first top portion (130A) based on a measured second distance indicated by the received sensor signal; determining a third displacement measurement of the second top portion (130B) relative to the first top portion (130A) based on a measured third distance indicated by the received sensor signal; determining a rotation measurement of the second top portion (130B) relative to the first top portion (130A) based on the determined first displacement measurement, the second displacement measurement, and the third displacement measurement; and At least one additional elevator-related operating parameter is determined based on the determined rotational measurement.

4. The device (200) according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one additional elevator related operating parameter comprises at least one of a stall condition of a counterweight, a jump load, an aging of a damper of the elevator hoisting machine, a condition of an elevator component, or a condition of a brake of the elevator hoisting machine.

5. The device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The at least one memory (204) and the computer program code are further configured to, together with the at least one processor (202), cause the processing device (200) to at least execute: At least one of the determined at least one elevator-related operating parameter or the determined at least one additional elevator-related operating parameter is sent to at least one of a motion control unit (160) or a safety monitoring unit (170).

6. A sensor system (250), comprising: an elevator hoisting machine (130) having a first top portion (130A) and a second top portion (130B), such that operation of the elevator hoisting machine (130) causes displacement between the first top portion (130A) and the second top portion (130B); and A proximity sensor (210) is attached to the first top portion (130A) and is configured to measure at least a first distance to a first measurement point on the second top portion (130B).

7. The sensor system (250) according to claim 6, further comprising a processing device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The sensor system (250) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The first top portion (130A) includes a support frame of the elevator hoisting machine (130), and the second top portion (130B) includes a hoisting motor or a traction sheave of the elevator hoisting machine (130).

9. The sensor system (250) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The first top portion (130A) includes a hoisting motor or traction sheave of the elevator hoisting machine (130), and the second top portion (130B) includes a support frame of the elevator hoisting machine (130).

10. The sensor system (250) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein: The proximity sensor (210) is also configured to measure at least a second distance to a second measurement point on the second top portion (130B) and a third distance to a third measurement point on the second top portion (130B).

11. A method (500), comprising: receiving (501) at a processing device (200) a sensor signal from a proximity sensor (210), the proximity sensor (210) being attached to a first top portion (130A) of an elevator hoisting machine (130) and being configured to measure at least a first distance to a first measurement point on a second top portion (130B) of the elevator hoisting machine (130), wherein operation of the elevator hoisting machine (130) causes a displacement between the first top portion (130A) and the second top portion (130B), and the received sensor signal is indicative of at least the first distance measured; determining (502), by the processing device (200), at least a first displacement measurement of the second top portion (130B) relative to the first top portion (130A) based on the measured at least a first distance indicated by the received sensor signal; and At least one elevator related operating parameter is determined (503) by the processing device (200) based on the determined at least first displacement measurement value.

12. A computer program comprising instructions for causing a device to at least: receiving a sensor signal from a proximity sensor attached to a first top portion of an elevator hoisting machine and configured to measure at least a first distance to a first measuring point on a second top portion of the elevator hoisting machine, wherein, operation of the elevator hoisting machine causes displacement between the first top portion and the second top portion, and the received sensor signal is indicative of at least a first distance measured; determining at least a first displacement measurement of the second top portion relative to the first top portion based on the measured at least a first distance indicated by the received sensor signal; and At least one elevator related operating parameter is determined based on the determined at least first displacement measurement value.

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