Elevator safety system

Abstract

A safety system (105) for an elevator system (100) is disclosed. The safety system (105) includes a plurality of sensors (120) and a controller (110). Each of a plurality of sensors (120) is configured to generate an override signal when a landing door (112a) to which the sensor is connected is opened by manual override. The controller (110) is configured to command the elevator system (100) to automatically enter a special mode of operation when an override signal is received from one of the plurality of sensors (120).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for ensuring the safety of maintenance personnel when approaching an elevator hoistway. Background Art

[0002] During the elevator maintenance process, maintenance personnel often need to enter the hoistway of the elevator system to access the drive system, lighting system, sensor system, call system and various other components. To do this, maintenance personnel are given access to the hoistway at a landing above or below the elevator car. When maintenance personnel are in the hoistway and are not protected by being inside the elevator car, additional protection must be provided.

[0003] When maintenance personnel are working in the hoistway, they should be provided with various safety precautions. For example, there must be a limit on how close the elevator car can get to the top of the hoistway. Currently, maintenance personnel must manually put the elevator system into maintenance mode. In the event that maintenance personnel forget to perform this step, or if non-maintenance personnel somehow gain access to the hoistway, a serious accident could occur.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a system that automatically switches the elevator system to a maintenance mode before maintenance personnel are able to enter the hoistway. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a safety system for an elevator system is provided. The elevator system comprises a shaft, a plurality of landing doors located on corresponding landings, and an elevator car arranged in the shaft. The plurality of landing doors are configured to provide access to the shaft. The safety system comprises a plurality of sensors and a controller. Each of the plurality of sensors is configured to generate an override signal when the landing door to which the sensor is connected is opened by manual override. The controller is configured to command the elevator system to automatically enter a special operating mode when an override signal is received from one of the sensors.

[0006] Will understand, the controller automatically commands the elevator system to enter the special operating mode as an additional safety measure. By automating this process, it reduces the possibility of injury to maintenance personnel when performing maintenance procedures such as inspection or maintenance of the elevator system.

[0007] It will also be appreciated that the safety system can operate independently of other control devices within the elevator system so that it can be provided as a standalone system.Therefore, the safety system can be retrofitted into existing elevator systems and buildings, providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to improve the safety of maintenance personnel.

[0008] It will also be appreciated that the safety system does not need to monitor or detect the position of the elevator car in the hoistway to command the elevator system to automatically enter a special operating mode. Therefore, the system according to the present disclosure is simple and cost-effective to implement even in very basic existing elevator systems.

[0009] In some examples, the plurality of sensors are connected to the controller via a wireless connection.

[0010] In some examples, the plurality of sensors are connected to the controller via a wired connection.

[0011] The plurality of sensors may be connected to the controller in any conceivable manner so that they can communicate with the controller. In different applications, different connection methods may be applied.

[0012] In some examples, the plurality of sensors do not generate an override signal when a landing door to which each sensor is connected opens in response to the elevator car arriving at the landing door.

[0013] In some examples, the plurality of sensors are configured such that an override signal is not generated when a landing door opens in response to the elevator car arriving at the landing.

[0014] In some examples, each sensor of the plurality of sensors is configured to be connected to a landing door of a corresponding landing.

[0015] In some examples, multiple sensors are connected in series.

[0016] By connecting the sensors in series, the complexity of the system is reduced. However, other connection methods are available which may be used to provide further detail as to which sensor is generating the override signal.

[0017] In some examples, each sensor of the plurality of sensors includes a switch.

[0018] In some examples, each sensor of the plurality of sensors is configured to generate an override signal in response to being activated by a key.

[0019] In some examples, each sensor of the plurality of sensors includes a switch including electrical contacts that open when a landing door to which the sensor is connected is opened via a manual override.

[0020] In some examples, the special operating mode is a maintenance mode.

[0021] In some examples, one or more of the plurality of sensors are configured to generate an override signal in response to being activated by a key, optionally wherein the key is configured to allow opening of the landing door via a manual override when inserted into the lock.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an elevator system is provided. The elevator system includes a shaft; an elevator car disposed in the shaft; a plurality of landing doors, each landing door being located at a corresponding landing and configured to provide access to the shaft, the elevator car being adapted to travel to the corresponding landing. The elevator system also includes a safety system for the elevator system as described above. Each of the one or more sensors is connected to a corresponding landing door in the landing doors.

[0023] In some examples, when in a special operating mode, the elevator system is configured to deploy a safety brake and / or a safety barrier, and optionally a top railing, on the elevator car.

[0024] In some examples, the elevator car cannot move while in the special operating mode.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operating a safety system for an elevator system is provided. The elevator system includes: a shaft, a plurality of landing doors located on corresponding landings, and an elevator car arranged in the shaft. The plurality of landing doors are configured to provide access to the shaft. The safety system includes a plurality of sensors, each of which is connected to a corresponding landing door and a controller. The method includes opening the landing door by manual override; in response to opening the landing door by manual override, a sensor connected to the landing door generates an override signal; and in response to the controller receiving the override signal, the controller commands the elevator system to automatically enter a special operating mode.

[0026] In some examples, the method includes the elevator system deploying a safety brake and / or a safety barrier, and optionally a top railing, on the elevator car when entering the special operating mode.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product for a safety system as described above or a controller of an elevator system as described above is provided. The computer program product includes instructions, which, when executed by a processor, cause the controller to perform operations, the operations including: in response to receiving an override signal from one of a plurality of sensors, commanding the elevator system to automatically enter a special operating mode.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for modifying an elevator system is provided. The elevator system includes: a shaft, a plurality of landing doors located on corresponding landings, and an elevator car arranged in the shaft. The plurality of landing doors are configured to provide access to the shaft. The method includes: connecting a corresponding sensor to each of the plurality of landing doors, each sensor being configured to generate an override signal in response to opening the landing door to which it is connected by manual override; and connecting the sensor to a controller, the controller being configured to cause the elevator system to automatically enter a special operating mode in response to receiving an override signal from one of the sensors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of an elevator system according to at least one example of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A schematic illustration of a portion of an elevator system;

[0031] Figure 3 A simplified diagram showing a method according to at least one example of the present disclosure; and

[0032] Figure 4 A simplified diagram of a second method according to at least one example of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Figure 1 An elevator system 100 is shown that includes an elevator car 102 in a hoistway 104. The elevator car 102 is configured to move up and down the hoistway 104 to transport passengers between different landings 106a-106f in a building (not shown). It will be understood that a building typically includes a plurality of different floors, and each floor may have a landing from which the hoistway can be accessed. Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated that the elevator system 100 may include other standard components, including but not limited to drive components, tension members, counterweights, power supplies, and control panels.

[0034] like Figure 1 As seen in FIG. 1 , the elevator system 100 includes a plurality of landing doors 112. Each landing door 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f in the elevator system 100 is located on a different corresponding landing 106a-106f. A plurality of landing doors 112a-112f provide passage to the shaft 104 when opened. When the landing door 112 on the landing is closed, it is not possible to have passage from the corresponding landing to the shaft 104. It will be understood that when the elevator car 102 is located at the corresponding landing 106f and when both the elevator car door (not shown) and the landing 112f are opened, the elevator car 102 can also be approached via the landing door 112f.

[0035] The elevator system 100 includes a safety system 105. The safety system 105 is used to ensure the safety of maintenance personnel when attempting to enter the hoistway 104 to perform maintenance procedures such as maintenance or inspection of the elevator car 102 or the hoistway 104.

[0036] It will be understood that maintenance personnel are personnel responsible for performing maintenance actions on the elevator system. They differ from non-maintenance personnel only in that they perform actions on the elevator system that go beyond what would be considered "normal use". Actions that may be performed by maintenance personnel include, but are not limited to, inspection and / or maintenance of the elevator system.

[0037] The safety system 105 includes a controller 110. The controller 110 may include a processor and a memory. The elevator system 100 may include other controllers, each of which performs different functions to facilitate the operation of the elevator system 100. In some examples, the controller 110 may be integrated with or be part of the other controllers of the elevator system 100.

[0038] The safety system 105 includes two or more sensors 120. The sensor 120 can generate an output (called an override signal) in response to an event occurring. In any example of the present disclosure, the event indicates that the landing door to which the sensor is connected has been opened by manual override. Two or more sensors 120 and the controller 110 can be connected to form a safety chain 122. The outputs from two or more of the sensors 120 can be transmitted to the controller 110 via the safety chain 122. When two of the sensors 120 generate an override signal, the override signal is transmitted to the controller 110 via the safety chain 122.

[0039] In some examples, sensors 120 are connected to each other. In such examples, sensors 120 can be connected via wired electrical connections. In such examples, sensors 120 can be connected in series.

[0040] In other examples, the sensors 120 are individually connected to the controller 110. In such examples, the controller 110 may be able to discern which of the sensors 120 has generated the override signal.

[0041] In some examples, sensor 120 is connected to controller 110 via a wired electrical connection. In other examples, sensor 120 is connected to controller 110 via a wireless connection.

[0042] In some examples, the override signal includes a change in normal output from sensor 120 to controller 110 via safety chain 122 .

[0043] In an example, the normal output from sensor 120 may be a positive signal. In an example, the positive signal may be the flow of electrical current. In other examples, the positive signal may be a constant stream of data transmitted wirelessly. In such examples, the override signal may include that electrical current is no longer flowing, or that the constant stream of data transmitted wirelessly is interrupted.

[0044] In other examples, the normal output from the sensor 120 may be a negative signal. In an example, the negative signal may be the absence of a current flow or the absence of wirelessly transmitted data. In such examples, the override signal may include the flow of current, the flow of data being wirelessly transmitted.

[0045] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic illustration of a portion of an elevator system 100 as seen in FIG. Figure 2 , the sensor 120 is connected to the plurality of landing doors 112. In some examples, each sensor 120a is connected to a single landing door 112a. In some examples, the sensor 120 may be located adjacent to the plurality of landing doors 112, respectively, so that each landing door 112a is adjacent to the sensor 120a.

[0046] The sensors 120 are configured to generate an override signal to be received by the controller 110 when any of the plurality of landing doors 112 to which they are connected is opened by maintenance personnel or when they are opened by manual override. In an example, when the elevator car 102 is located at one of the other landing doors in the plurality of landing doors 112, or when the elevator car 102 is not located at any of the plurality of landing doors 112, maintenance personnel can open the landing door 112a to gain access to the exterior of the hoistway 104 and / or the elevator car 102 to perform maintenance procedures such as maintenance and / or inspection.

[0047] The sensor 120 is configured to not generate an override signal in response to any of the plurality of landing doors 112 opening in what is considered a "normal" manner. In this context, a "normal" manner is considered to be that after the elevator car 102 arrives at the landing where the landing door 120 is located, the landing door 120 opens at a similar time as the elevator car door.

[0048] In some examples, two or more sensors 120 each include a switch. The switch may be moved from an open position to a closed position by manually overriding or in other words opening the landing door 112a in a non-conventional manner. Alternatively, the switch may be moved from a closed position to an open position by manually overriding or in other words opening the landing door 112a in a non-conventional manner. The switch may cause an override signal to be generated in response to the landing door 112a being opened in a non-conventional manner by manually overriding or in other words.

[0049] In any example, the or each switch may include an electrical contact 116 that is opened or closed such that when the contact 116 is closed, current can flow along the safety chain 122, and when the contact 116 is open, no current can flow along the safety chain 122. The controller 110 may be configured to command the elevator system 100 to automatically enter a special operating mode when no current is received from the safety chain 122, such as when the electrical contact 116 of one sensor 120 has been opened (indicating that a landing door has been opened by a manual override).

[0050] In some examples, maintenance personnel can open landing door 112a by manual override with a key (not shown), which activates sensor 120a and causes sensor 120a to generate an override signal received by controller 110. The key can be unusually or uniquely shaped. In some examples, the key can have a blade with a triangular cross-section along its longest axis.

[0051] In some examples, the sensor 120a can generate an override signal in response to a key being inserted into the lock 118 and the key subsequently being rotated relative to the lock 118. The lock 118 can include the sensor 120a or be a part of the sensor 120a. In any example, the lock 118 can include an electrical contact 116 of the type described above, so that turning the key in the lock 118 moves the electrical contact 116 from a closed position to an open position to stop the current flowing through the safety chain 122 (in other words, generate an override signal). The lock 118 can be located adjacent to the landing door 112a. In any example, the lock 118 can be provided for each respective landing door 112.

[0052] In some examples, the landing door 112a is configured to be opened in response to a key being inserted into and rotated relative to the lock 118. The landing door 112a can be opened in this manner regardless of the position of the elevator car 102 in the hoistway 104.

[0053] In normal mode, the elevator system 100 permits the elevator car 102 to move freely through the hoistway 104 depending on landing calls and the like.

[0054] In an example, the controller 110 continuously monitors the safety chain 122 to receive output from the sensor 120. In some examples, the controller 110 may monitor current flowing through the safety chain 122 or monitor data wirelessly transmitted via the safety chain 122.

[0055] When the controller 110 receives an override signal indicating that at least one of the plurality of landing doors 112 has been opened by manual override or by maintenance personnel, the controller 110 commands the elevator system 100 to automatically enter the special operating mode.

[0056] In some examples, the special operating mode may be a maintenance mode, an inspection mode, or an override mode. In some examples, the controller 110 may command the elevator system 100 to immediately enter the special operating mode immediately after receiving an override signal from one of the sensors 120 .

[0057] In some examples, when in a special operating mode, the elevator system 100 deploys additional safety mechanisms to ensure the safety of maintenance personnel in the hoistway 104, near the plurality of landing doors 112, and in or on the elevator car 102. When in a special operating mode, the elevator system 100 may deploy a safety brake (not shown) on the elevator car 102 to prevent the elevator car 102 from moving in the hoistway 104. The safety brake may prevent the elevator car 102 from moving and may not be overridden before the elevator system 100 re-enters the normal mode. Additionally or alternatively, the elevator system 100 may deploy additional safety rails or railings around the elevator car 102 to prevent maintenance personnel or objects from falling into the hoistway 104. The safety rails may not be removed or moved out of position before the elevator system 100 re-enters the normal mode. Additionally or alternatively, the elevator system 100 may deploy additional lighting systems and sound systems to warn nearby people and / or assist maintenance personnel in performing their duties.

[0058] In examples where the controller 110 can identify which of the sensors 120 has generated an override signal, the elevator system 100 can deploy additional safety measures at the landing door 112 associated with the sensor that has generated the override signal among the multiple sensors 120 (or in the hoistway 104 adjacent to the landing door 112). In other examples, safety measures can be deployed at all of the landing doors in the multiple landing doors 112.

[0059] When in the special operating mode, the elevator system 100 is in a safe state to access the hoistway 104 and to perform service procedures such as maintenance or inspection.

[0060] In an example, the controller 110 may also be configured to command the elevator system 100 to return to a normal mode. In some examples, the controller 110 may command the elevator system 100 to return to a normal mode in response to receiving a normal output from the sensor 120 that generated the override signal. In an example, the normal output may be received via the safety chain 122. In some examples, the normal output may be generated in response to the key being turned and removed from the lock 118, and in some examples, the normal output may be generated in response to closing the electrical contacts 116.

[0061] In other examples, the elevator system 100 may return to normal mode after further command input by maintenance personnel (eg, to a controller).

[0062] Figure 3 A method 300 of operating the security system 105 of the elevator system 100 is depicted, and the elevator system 100 is also disclosed. The security system 105 and the elevator system 100 may include all of the features described above.

[0063] The method 300 includes a maintenance person opening one or more landing doors of the plurality of landing doors 112 via a manual override (step 302). In some examples, the maintenance person may open one of the plurality of landing doors 112 by inserting a key into a lock 118 and turning the key relative to the lock 118. In other examples, the maintenance person may open one of the landing doors 112 by pressing a button or entering a code into a numeric keypad.

[0064] In response to maintenance personnel opening one of the plurality of landing doors 112 , one of the sensors 120 (connected to the sensor of the corresponding landing door) generates an override signal (step 304 ). In an example, the override signal may be transmitted to the controller 110 via the safety chain 122 .

[0065] In response to receiving the override signal, controller 110 commands elevator system 100 to enter a special operating mode (step 306).

[0066] In an example, when in a special operating mode, the elevator system 100 can deploy additional safety measures at multiple landing doors 112 and / or in the hoistway 104 (step 308). In some examples, the elevator system 100 can deploy safety brakes, additional safety rails or railings, and lighting systems in the hoistway 104 or at multiple landing doors 112.

[0067] When the elevator system 100 is in the special operating mode, it is safe for maintenance personnel to enter the hoistway 104.

[0068] After completing a maintenance procedure such as maintenance or inspection, the maintenance personnel can close one or more previously opened landing doors (step 310) in the plurality of landing doors 112. In some examples, one or more landing doors can be closed by removing a key from a lock 118, by pressing a button or by entering a code into a numeric keypad.

[0069] In response to one or more landing doors being closed, the sensor 120 may generate a normal output instead of an override signal (step 312 ). In an example, the normal output may be received by the controller 110 via the safety chain 122 .

[0070] In response to receiving the normal output, the controller 110 may command the elevator system 100 to enter the normal mode, or to recover from the special operating mode to the normal operating mode.

[0071] Figure 4A method 400 for modifying an elevator system is depicted. Prior to modification, the elevator system includes all conventional components of an elevator system, but does not include a safety system 105 that automatically commands the elevator system to enter a special operating mode when a maintenance person attempts to approach the hoistway 104. There are many such elevator systems and are used in buildings that would benefit from being modified to include a safety system according to an example of the present disclosure. It will be understood that a safety system 105 according to the present disclosure can be retrofitted into an existing elevator system. In addition, the controller 110 does not need to measure or monitor the position of the elevator car 102 in the hoistway 104 to automatically enter a special operating mode of the elevator system 100.

[0072] The method includes connecting one or more sensors 120 to each landing door in the plurality of landing doors 112 (step 402). In some examples, the one or more sensors 120 can be placed adjacent to each landing door in the landing doors 112. The one or more sensors 120 are configured to generate an override signal in response to maintenance personnel opening one or more landing doors in the plurality of landing doors 112 by manually overriding.

[0073] In some examples, the method also includes connecting sensors 120 together, such as in series, such as via a wired connection (step 404).

[0074] The method also includes connecting the one or more sensors 120 to the controller 110 (step 406). The controller 110 is configured to command the elevator system 100 to enter a special operating mode in response to receiving an override signal from the one or more sensors 120. In an example, the one or more sensors 120 and the controller 110 may be connected to form a safety chain 122. In any example, the controller 110 may be an existing controller of the elevator system 100 or may be an additional controller.

[0075] The method also includes connecting the controller 110 to the elevator system 100 (step 408).

[0076] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure has been illustrated by describing one or more examples thereof, but is not limited to these examples; many variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the elevator car may be used in a roped or ropeless elevator system or another type of transport system.

Claims

1. A safety system (105) for an elevator system (100), the elevator system (100) comprising a shaft (104), a plurality of landing doors (112a-112f) located at respective landings (106a-106f), and an elevator car (102) disposed in the shaft (104), wherein the plurality of landing doors (112a-112f) are configured to provide access to the shaft (104), in, The safety system (105) comprises: a plurality of sensors (120); and a controller (110), wherein each sensor (120a) of the plurality of sensors is configured to generate an override signal when the landing door (112a) to which the sensor (120a) is connected is opened by manual override, Wherein, the controller (110) is configured to command the elevator system (100) to automatically enter a special operation mode when receiving the override signal from one of the plurality of sensors.

2. The security system (105) of claim 1, wherein: The plurality of sensors (120) are connected to the controller (110) via a wireless connection, or The plurality of sensors (120) are connected to the controller (110) via a wired connection.

3. The security system (105) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The plurality of sensors (120) are configured such that no override signal is generated when a landing door (112a) opens in response to the elevator car (102) arriving at the landing (106a).

4. The security system (105) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein: Each sensor (120a) of the plurality of sensors (120) is configured to be connected to a landing door (112a-112f) of a corresponding landing (106a-106f).

5. The safety system (105) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The plurality of sensors (120) are connected in series.

6. The safety system (105) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each sensor of the plurality of sensors (120) includes a switch.

7. The security system (105) of claim 6, wherein: Each sensor of the plurality of sensors (120) includes a switch including electrical contacts (116) that open when the landing door (112) to which the sensor is connected is opened by a manual override.

8. The safety system (105) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: One or more of the plurality of sensors (120) are configured to generate an override signal in response to being activated by a key, optionally wherein the key is configured to allow opening of the landing door (112) by manual override when inserted into the lock (118).

9. An elevator system (100), comprising: Well (104); An elevator car (102) disposed in the hoistway (104); a plurality of landing doors (112a-112f), each landing door being located at a respective landing (106a-106f) and configured to provide access to the hoistway (104), wherein the elevator car (102) is adapted to travel to the respective landing (106a-106f); and The safety system (105) according to any one of the preceding claims, Each of the plurality of sensors (120) is connected to a corresponding landing door among the plurality of landing doors (112a-112f).

10. The elevator system (100) according to claim 9, wherein: When in the special operating mode, the elevator system (100) is configured to deploy a safety brake and / or a safety barrier, and optionally a top rail, on the elevator car (102).

11. The safety system according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or the elevator system (100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The special operating mode is a maintenance mode, and / or Wherein, when in the special operation mode, the elevator car (102) cannot move.

12. A method (300) of operating a safety system (105) for an elevator system (100), in, The elevator system (100) comprises: a hoistway (104), a plurality of landing doors (112a-112f) located at corresponding landings (106a-106f), and an elevator car (102) disposed in the hoistway (104), wherein the plurality of landing doors (112a-112f) are configured to provide access to the hoistway (104), Wherein, the safety system (105) comprises: a plurality of sensors (120), each sensor being connected to a corresponding landing door; and a controller (110), The method comprises: Opening the landing door (112a) by manual override; In response to the landing door (112a) being opened by manual override, the sensor connected to the landing door (112a) generates an override signal; and In response to the controller (110) receiving the override signal, the controller (110) commands the elevator system (100) to automatically enter a special operating mode.

13. The method (300) of claim 12, comprising: The elevator system (100) deploys a safety brake and / or a safety barrier, and optionally an upper railing, on the elevator car (102) when automatically entering the special operating mode.

14. A computer program product for a controller (110) of a safety system (105) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or 11 or an elevator system (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, the computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the controller (110) to perform operations comprising: In response to receiving an override signal from one of the plurality of sensors (120), the elevator system (100) is commanded to automatically enter a special operating mode.

15. A method (400) of modifying an elevator system (100), wherein: The elevator system (100) comprises: a hoistway (104), a plurality of landing doors (112a-112f) located at corresponding landings (106a-106f), and an elevator car (102) disposed in the hoistway (104), wherein the plurality of landing doors (112a-112f) are configured to provide access to the hoistway (104); The method comprises: connecting a respective sensor (120) to one or more landing doors of the plurality of landing doors (112a-112f), wherein each sensor is configured to generate an override signal in response to opening the landing door to which it is connected via a manual override; and The sensors are connected to a controller (110), wherein the controller (110) is configured to cause the elevator system (100) to automatically enter a special operating mode in response to receiving the override signal from one of the sensors.

Images