System and method for predicting maintenance requirements for at least one component

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and a method for predicting maintenance requirements for at least one component, in particular to a monitoring system for predicting maintenance requirements for at least one component. The sensor is configured to detect or measure at least one operating parameter of at least one operation of at least one component of the elevator system or the personnel transport plane; at least one monitor configured to check whether the at least one operating parameter is outside of at least one predefined parameter range; at least one counter configured to increase or decrease at least one counter value if the at least one operating parameter is outside the at least one predefined parameter range; at least one comparator configured to compare the at least one counter value to at least one predefined counter limit; and at least one alarm generator configured to issue an alarm if the at least one counter value exceeds or falls below the at least one predefined counter limit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to lift systems and people movers, and more particularly to the maintenance of lift systems and people movers. The present invention particularly relates to systems and methods for predicting the maintenance needs of at least one component of a lift system or a people mover. Hereinafter, the components of a lift system or a people mover will be briefly referred to as "components". Background Art

[0002] People movers for transporting people in buildings and similar structures can include escalators and moving walkways.

[0003] Lift systems and people movers include at least one movable transport component, such as a lift car or a chain of pallet steps, for transporting passengers between a plurality of landings. Lift systems as well as people movers also include a plurality of functional components, such as a drive for moving the movable transport component, at least one brake for braking the movement of the movable transport component and / or a door drive for opening and closing doors.

[0004] The reliable operation of all functional components is necessary to ensure the reliable operation of lift systems and people movers. A failure of at least one of the functional components may cause an unplanned interruption of the operation of the lift system or the people mover, which is unpleasant for users. In the worst case, a failure of at least one of the functional components may cause passengers to be trapped inside the lift system or the people mover, for example, trapped in the lift car of the lift system.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a monitoring system and method that allows optimizing the maintenance of lift systems and / or people movers, particularly by reducing the need for manual maintenance and at the same time reducing the risk of unplanned interruptions of the operation of the people mover due to failures of components of the lift system or the people mover. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a monitoring system is configured to predict a maintenance need for at least one component of a lift system or a people mover by monitoring at least one operating parameter of the at least one component. The monitoring system includes: at least one detector configured to detect or measure at least one operating parameter of at least one operation of the at least one component; at least one monitor configured to check whether the at least one operating parameter is outside at least one predefined parameter range; at least one counter configured to increment or decrement at least one counter value when the at least one operating parameter is outside the at least one predefined parameter range; at least one comparator configured to compare the at least one counter value with at least one predefined counter limit; and at least one alarm generator configured to issue an alarm if the at least one counter value exceeds or drops below the at least one predefined counter limit. The alarm may particularly include a maintenance message requesting maintenance of the at least one component.

[0007] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention further includes a lift system, which includes: at least one movable transport component, particularly at least one lift car, for transporting passengers between a plurality of landings; and at least one monitoring system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which is configured to monitor at least one operating parameter of at least one component of the lift system. The lift system may particularly include a plurality of monitoring systems according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which are configured to monitor different operating parameters of one or more components of the lift system.

[0008] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention further includes a people mover, such as an escalator or a moving walkway, which includes at least one movable transport component, such as a chain of transport elements, for transporting passengers between a plurality of landings; and at least one monitoring system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which is configured to monitor at least one operating parameter of at least one component of the people mover. The people mover may particularly include a plurality of monitoring systems according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which are configured to monitor different operating parameters of one or more components of the people mover.

[0009] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention also include a method for predicting the maintenance need of at least one component of a lift system or a people mover by monitoring at least one operating parameter of the at least one component. The method includes repeatedly detecting or measuring at least one operating parameter of at least one operation of the at least one component; checking whether the at least one operating parameter is outside at least one predefined parameter range; increasing or decreasing a counter value when the at least one operating parameter is outside the at least one predefined parameter range; comparing the counter value with at least one predefined counter limit; and issuing an alarm if the counter value exceeds or drops below at least one predefined counter limit. The alarm may particularly include a maintenance message requesting maintenance of the at least one component.

[0010] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention allow predicting the maintenance need of components of a lift system or a people mover by monitoring the operation of at least one component, wherein the monitoring particularly includes detecting or measuring at least one operating parameter of at least one operation of the at least one component, and counting events in which the at least one operating parameter is detected to be outside a predefined parameter range that has been set for the corresponding operating parameter. In a particular embodiment, the monitoring may be carried out at continuous times, particularly at regular time intervals, and even continuously.

[0011] A single event in which the at least one operating parameter is detected to be outside the predefined parameter range may occur accidentally. Thus, the occurrence of a single event is not a reliable indicator of the need to maintain or replace the monitored component.

[0012] However, multiple occurrences of such events may be a strong indication that there is a problem with the monitored component, indicating that the component should be maintained or replaced to prevent the occurrence of a failure, which may lead to an unplanned shutdown of the lift system or the people mover.

[0013] By setting the at least one predefined parameter range and the at least one counter limit, the monitoring system and method for predicting the maintenance need of at least one component of a lift system or a people mover according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be individually adjusted for at least one monitored component so as to optimize the prediction of the maintenance need.

[0014] The at least one predefined parameter range and the at least one counter limit may be set based on the past experience of the at least one monitored component.

[0015] By keeping a record of the operation of the monitoring system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and adjusting or readjusting the at least one predefined parameter range and / or the at least one counter limit based on the recorded data, the at least one predefined parameter range and / or the at least one counter limit can be further optimized during the operation of the system.

[0016] This can be accomplished by using a dedicated lift system or a dedicated people mover installed to perform this task, or by using a model of a lift system or a people mover available in the test environment. The model can be a physical model or a numerical model, which is included in the computational simulation of the lift system or the people mover. Setting the at least one predefined parameter range and the at least one counter limit can also include using data from a real lift system or a real people mover in combination with data provided by the model of the lift system or the people mover, respectively.

[0017] The efficiency and reliability of a monitoring system and method for predicting the maintenance need of at least one component can be even further enhanced, as the corresponding parameter ranges and / or the corresponding counter limits are monitored during the service life of the system and, if appropriate, readjusted.

[0018] Numerous alternative features are set forth below. These features can be implemented in a particular embodiment either individually or in combination with any other features.

[0019] The people mover can also be an escalator or a moving walkway, wherein at least one transport component comprises a chain of transport elements (such as steps or pallets) extending in the longitudinal transport direction between two landings.

[0020] The monitoring system can be configured to reset at least one counter. The monitoring system can in particular be configured to reset the at least one counter after an alarm has been issued and / or after maintenance has been performed.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the monitoring system can be configured to reset the at least one counter after the counter value has exceeded or dropped below the at least one predefined counter limit.

[0022] Resetting the counter allows the monitoring system to restart in order to detect future events, which may indicate the maintenance need of the at least one component.

[0023] After the maintenance of the system has been completed, the at least one counter can be reset manually by a mechanic, for example. This allows the at least one counter to be reliably reset only after the mechanic has inspected the component in question and, if necessary, has repaired potential problems.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one counter can be automatically reset if the at least one counter value has not changed for a predefined period of time, or if fewer than a predefined number of notifications have been issued within a predefined amount of time.

[0025] The fact that the at least one counter value has not changed or has changed very little for a predefined period of time may indicate that any previously detected event has been an unexpected event and / or that a detected potential problem no longer exists. Thus, resetting the at least one counter may prevent false alarms from being issued.

[0026] The at least one monitored operation of the at least one component may include the operation of a brake of a lift system or a people conveyor. The at least one operating parameter may include, for example, the activation time and / or the release time of the monitored brake.

[0027] The at least one monitored operation of the at least one component may include the movement of at least one door of a lift system. The at least one door may be a landing door provided at a landing of the lift system or a door of a lift car of the lift system.

[0028] The at least one operating parameter monitored by the monitoring system may include the opening time and / or the closing time of the at least one door. The opening time and / or the closing time are important parameters for monitoring the condition of the door of the lift system and the corresponding door drive, which is configured to move the respective door. An unusually long opening time and / or an unusually long closing time of a lift door may be an indicator of a problem with the lift door and / or the corresponding door drive, which requires maintenance in order to maintain the reliable operation of the lift system.

[0029] The at least one monitored operation of the at least one component may include the operation of a drive of a lift system or a people conveyor, the drive being configured to move the at least one movable transport component of the lift system or the people conveyor.

[0030] The at least one monitored operation of the at least one movable transport component may particularly include the operation of a lift drive or a chain drive, the lift drive being configured to move the at least one lift car of the lift system, the chain drive being configured to move the chain of steps or pallets and / or the handrail of an escalator and / or a moving walkway, respectively.

[0031] When the drive is operated, the at least one operating parameter may include the current flowing through the electric motor of the drive. When the drive is operated at its maximum speed, the at least one operating parameter may particularly include the current flowing through the electric motor.

[0032] An unusually large current flowing through the electric motor may be an indicator of a problem with the electric motor and / or another part of the drive and / or the transmission system.

[0033] In the case of a lift system, the at least one monitored operation of the at least one component of the lift system may include employing a positioning system for positioning the lift car at a predefined position within the hoistway, in particular at a position at a predefined landing. The at least one operating parameter may in particular include the distance between the actual position of the lift car after it has been positioned by the positioning system and the predefined position.

[0034] The positioning system is essential for the reliable operation of the lift system, which allows the determination of the current position of the lift car and the positioning of the lift car at a predefined position within the hoistway, in particular at a desired landing. It is desirable to position the lift car as close as possible to the desired landing to prevent the formation of steps between the floor of the landing and the floor of the lift car.

[0035] The monitoring system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention may include a plurality of detectors. The plurality of detectors may be configured to detect and / or measure different operating parameters of one or more operations of one or more components.

[0036] The monitoring system may also include a plurality of monitors and / or a plurality of counters and / or a plurality of comparators and / or a plurality of alarm generators. In particular, dedicated monitors, dedicated counters, dedicated comparators and dedicated alarm generators may be assigned to each of the plurality of detectors.

[0037] The monitors, counters, comparators and alarm generators may be provided as separate components, which may in particular be provided as separate circuits.

[0038] In such embodiments, the monitoring system may include a plurality of monitoring subsystems, which may operate independently of each other. As a result, a failure of one of the monitoring subsystems does not adversely affect the operability of the other monitoring subsystems. This allows at least some operations of the monitored components to be monitored even if one of the monitoring subsystems fails.

[0039] Alternatively, the functions of the monitors, counters, comparators and alarm generators may be provided by a single circuit, in particular by an integrated circuit. For example, the single circuit may include a microprocessor configured to run a program that causes the microprocessor to provide the desired functions. The microprocessor and the program may in particular be configured to provide the functions of monitors, counters, comparators and alarm generators for a plurality of detectors, in particular for a plurality of detectors monitoring the same component.

[0040] Integrating a plurality of functions in a single circuit, in particular in an integrated circuit such as a microprocessor, may simplify the structure of the monitoring system. This may allow the cost of producing and maintaining the monitoring system to be reduced. Employing a software program running on a microprocessor simplifies the maintenance and optimization of the monitoring system, since such changes can be easily implemented by changing the software program. Description of the Drawings

[0041] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 Schematically depicts an elevator system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 2 Schematically depicts a drive monitoring system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 3 Schematically depicts a positioning system monitoring system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 4 Schematically depicts a door drive monitoring system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 5 Schematically depicts a brake monitoring system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 6 Schematic side view of an escalator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 7 Schematic side view of a moving walkway according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 8 Schematically depicts a handrail monitoring system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0050] Figure 1 Schematically depicts an elevator system 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, including a monitoring system, in particular an elevator monitoring system.

[0051] The elevator system 2 includes a hoistway 4 that extends vertically between a plurality of landings 8 located on different floors.

[0052] The elevator system 2 further includes an elevator car 6 configured to move along the hoistway 4 between the plurality of landings 8.

[0053] The elevator car 6 can be particularly configured to move along at least one guiding member 16 (such as a guide rail extending vertically within the hoistway 4).

[0054] The lift car 6 is movably suspended in the hoistway 4 by means of a tension member 3. The tension member 3 (such as a rope or a belt) is connected to a lift drive 5 which is configured to drive the tension member 3 in order to move the lift car 6 along the longitudinal direction / height of the hoistway 4 between a plurality of landings 8.

[0055] Figure 1 The exemplary embodiment of the lift system 2 shown in [reference] uses a 1:1 rope to suspend the lift car 6. However, it will be readily understood by a person skilled in the art that the type of rope is not essential to the present invention and different types of ropes, such as a 2:1 rope, may also be used. The lift system 2 may also include a counterweight (not shown) that moves simultaneously and in the opposite direction with respect to the lift car 6. Alternatively, the lift system 2 may be a lift system 2 without a counterweight, as Figure 1 shown in [reference]. The lift system 2 may have a machine room or may be a machine-roomless lift system. The lift system 2 may use a tension member 3, as Figure 1 shown in [reference], or it may be a lift system without a tension member 3, including for example a hydraulic drive or a linear drive (not shown).

[0056] The lift drive 5 includes at least one lift brake 22 which is configured to selectively brake any movement of the lift car 6 by interacting with the tension member 3. Alternatively or additionally, at least one lift brake 22 for braking the movement of the lift car 6 may be provided at the lift car 6 itself. The at least one lift brake 22 may for example be configured to engage with a guiding member 16 for braking any movement of the lift car 6 relative to the guiding member 16.

[0057] Each landing 8 is provided with a landing door (lift shaft door) 10 and the lift car 6 is provided with a corresponding lift car door 11 which allows passengers 30 to transfer between the landing 8 and the interior space of the lift car 6 when the lift car 6 is positioned at the corresponding landing 8.

[0058] The lift system 2 also includes a door drive 20 which is configured to move the landing door 10 and the lift car door 11.

[0059] Separate door drives 20 may be provided for moving the landing door 10 and the lift car door 11 respectively.

[0060] Alternatively, the door drive 20 provided at one of the landings 8 may be configured to move the (multiple) landing doors 10 at the corresponding landing 8 and the lift car door 11 of the lift car 6 simultaneously when it is positioned at the corresponding landing 8.

[0061] In an alternative embodiment, the door drive 20 provided at the lift car 6 can be configured to move the lift car door 11 and the landing door(s) 10 simultaneously at the landing 8 at which the lift car 6 is currently located.

[0062] Hereinafter, the term "lift doors 10, 11" encompasses the lift car door 11, the landing door 10 and any combination thereof.

[0063] Each lift door 10, 12 can be provided with a door sensor 23, which is configured to detect whether the respective lift door 10, 11 is open or closed.

[0064] The lift drive 5 is controlled by the lift controller 15 to move the lift car 6 along the hoistway 4 between different landings 8.

[0065] Inputs to the lift controller 15 can be provided via lift hall call buttons 7a provided at each landing 8 close to the lift landing door 10 and / or via lift car control buttons 7b provided inside the lift car 6.

[0066] The lift hall call buttons 7a can include destination call buttons, which allow passengers to enter their respective destinations before entering the lift car 6. When the lift hall call buttons 7a are set as destination call buttons, there is no need to provide lift car control buttons 7b inside the lift car 6.

[0067] The lift hall call buttons 7a and the lift car control buttons 7b can be connected to the lift controller 15 by means of Figure 1 wires not shown, in particular via an electrical bus (e.g., a fieldbus such as a CAN bus) or by means of wireless data transmission.

[0068] To determine the current position of the lift car 6, the lift car 6 is provided with a positioning system 18, which includes, for example, a position sensor 19 mounted to the lift car 6. The position sensor 19 can interact optically or magnetically, for example, with a corresponding scale 17 fixedly provided in the hoistway 4, so as to allow the positioning system 18 to detect the current position of the lift car 6 in the hoistway 4.

[0069] Alternatively or additionally, the position sensor 19 can include a speed sensor and / or an acceleration sensor (not shown) for detecting the speed and / or acceleration of the lift car 6 in the hoistway 4. In this case, the position sensor 19 can be configured to determine the current position of the lift car 6 in the hoistway 4 from the detected speed and / or acceleration of the lift car 6.

[0070] In a lift system 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the lift drive 5 may be equipped with a drive monitoring system 51 which is configured to monitor the operation of the lift drive 5.

[0071] Figure 2 An enlarged schematic view depicting the drive monitoring system 51 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0072] The drive monitoring system 51 includes a drive detector 52 and a drive monitor 53. The drive detector 52 is configured to detect at least one operating parameter of the drive 5. The drive monitor 53 is configured to check whether the at least one operating parameter detected by the drive detector 52 is within a predefined parameter range or outside the predefined parameter range. It is also configured to issue a notification in the case where the at least one operating parameter is outside the predefined parameter range.

[0073] The predefined parameter range may be limited at both ends, i.e., at its upper end and at its lower end. Alternatively, the predefined parameter range may be limited only at one end, in particular at its upper end, such that the drive monitor 53 issues a notification only when the at least one operating parameter exceeds a predefined limit corresponding to the upper end of the predefined parameter range.

[0074] The at least one operating parameter detected by the drive monitoring system 51 may be, for example, the current supplied to the lift drive 5 when the lift drive 5 is operated. In this case, the predefined parameter range may be the range of the current expected to be supplied to the lift drive 5 during normal operation. The drive monitor 53 may be particularly configured to issue a notification in the case where the detected current supplied to the lift drive 5 exceeds a predefined maximum current which is not expected to be exceeded during normal operation.

[0075] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one operating parameter detected by the drive monitoring system 51 may be the period during which the current supplied to the lift drive 5 exceeds a predefined current limit. In this case, the predefined parameter range may define the range of the period for which the current supplied to the lift drive 5 is expected to exceed the predefined current limit.

[0076] The drive monitoring system 51 further includes a drive counter 54. The drive counter 54 is configured to increment the count value of the drive counter 54 each time the drive monitor 53 issues a notification indicating that the at least one operating parameter monitored by the drive monitoring system 51 is outside the predefined parameter range.

[0077] The drive monitoring system 51 further includes a drive comparator 55 configured to compare the count value of the drive counter 54 with a predefined drive counter limit; and a drive alarm generator 56 configured to issue an alarm if the counter value of the drive counter 54 exceeds the predefined drive counter limit. The alarm may include a drive maintenance message that requests maintenance of the lift system 2, in particular of the lift drive 5.

[0078] The drive monitoring system 51 may be configured to reset the drive counter 54 to its starting value when the counter value of the drive counter 54 exceeds the predefined drive counter limit,

[0079] In an alternative embodiment, the drive counter 54 may be configured to decrement the counter value each time the drive monitor 53 issues a notification indicating that the at least one operating parameter monitored by the drive monitoring system 51 is outside a predefined parameter range.

[0080] In such a configuration, the drive alarm generator 56 is configured to issue an alarm if the counter value of the drive counter 54 drops below the predefined drive counter limit. The predefined drive counter limit may in particular be zero.

[0081] The alarm may include a drive maintenance message that requests maintenance of the lift system 2, in particular of the lift drive 5.

[0082] The drive monitoring system 51 may be configured to reset the drive counter 54 to its starting value when the counter value of the drive counter 54 drops below the predefined drive counter limit.

[0083] After an alarm has been issued, in particular a drive maintenance message, and thereafter, the drive counter 54 may also be reset to its starting value, for example by the drive alarm generator 56.

[0084] Alternatively, the drive counter 54 may be manually reset by a mechanic after the maintenance of the lift system 2 has been completed.

[0085] Optionally, the drive counter 54 may be automatically reset if no notification has been issued for a predefined period of time.

[0086] As a further option, the drive counter 54 may be automatically reset if fewer than a predefined number of notifications have been issued within a predefined amount of time.

[0087] The positioning system 18 is equipped with a positioning system monitoring system 181 configured to monitor the operation of the positioning system 18.

[0088] Figure 3An enlarged schematic view depicting a positioning system monitoring system 181 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] The positioning system monitoring system 181 includes a positioning system detector 182 configured to detect at least one operating parameter of the positioning system 18. The positioning system monitoring system 181 further includes a positioning system monitor 183 configured to check whether the at least one operating parameter detected by the positioning system detector 182 is outside a predefined parameter range. The positioning system monitor 183 is further configured to issue a notification in the case where the at least one operating parameter is outside the predefined parameter range.

[0090] The predefined parameter range may be limited at both ends, i.e., at the upper end and the lower end of the predefined parameter range. Alternatively, the predefined parameter range may be limited only at one end, particularly at its upper end, such that a notification is issued by the positioning system monitoring system 181 in the case where the at least one operating parameter exceeds a predefined limit corresponding to the upper end of the predefined parameter range.

[0091] The at least one operating parameter monitored by the positioning system monitoring system 181 may include, for example, the position of the lift car 6 relative to at least one landing 8.

[0092] After the lift controller 15 has instructed the lift drive 5 to move the lift car 6 to a selected landing 8 and the lift drive 5 has moved the lift car 6 to the said landing 8, a lift car leveling system (not shown) may be employed to move the lift car 6 accurately to a predefined position within the hoistway 4, particularly accurately to a predefined position relative to the corresponding landing 8, in order to prevent a step from being formed between the floor of the lift car 6 and the floor of the corresponding landing 8.

[0093] The lift car leveling system may include at least one leveling position sensor which allows the position of the lift car 6 within the hoistway 4 to be determined with high precision.

[0094] When the control of the lift drive 5 is transferred from the positioning system 18 to the lift car leveling system, the at least one leveling position sensor may be used as the positioning system detector 182 for determining the position of the lift car 6 relative to one of the landings 8 with high precision.

[0095] When the control of the lift drive 5 is transferred from the positioning system 18 to the leveling system, the parameter range may correspond to the range of allowable positions of the lift car 6 relative to one of the landings 8. The positioning system monitor 183 may be configured to issue a notification in the case where the lift car 6 is positioned outside the range of allowable positions of the lift car 6 relative to one of the landings 8 when the control of the lift drive 5 is transferred from the positioning system 18 to the leveling system.

[0096] The door drive monitoring system 181 further includes a positioning system counter 184 configured to increment the count value of the positioning system counter 184 each time the positioning system monitor 183 issues a notification indicating that at least one operating parameter monitored by the positioning system monitoring system 181 is outside a predefined parameter range, i.e., when the control of the lift drive 5 is transferred from the positioning system 18 to the leveling system, and when the lift car 6 is positioned outside the allowable position range of the lift car 6 relative to one of the landings 8.

[0097] The positioning system monitoring system 181 further includes a positioning system comparator 185 configured to compare the counter value of the positioning system counter 184 with a predefined positioning system counter limit; and a positioning system alarm generator 186 configured to issue an alarm if the counter value of the positioning system counter 184 exceeds the predefined positioning system counter limit. The alarm may include a positioning system maintenance message that requests maintenance of the lift system 2, in particular of the positioning system 18.

[0098] In an alternative embodiment, the positioning system counter 184 may be configured to decrement the counter value each time the positioning system monitor 183 issues a notification indicating that at least one operating parameter monitored by the positioning system monitoring system 181 is outside a predefined parameter range.

[0099] In such a configuration, the positioning system alarm generator 186 is configured to issue an alarm if the counter value of the positioning system counter 184 drops below a predefined positioning system counter limit. The predefined positioning system counter limit may particularly be zero. The alarm may include a positioning system maintenance message that requests maintenance of the lift system 2, in particular of the positioning system 18.

[0100] The positioning system monitoring system 181 may be configured to reset the positioning system counter 184 to an initial value if the counter value of the positioning system counter 184 exceeds the predefined positioning system counter limit or if the counter value of the positioning system counter 184 drops below the predefined positioning system counter limit.

[0101] The positioning system monitoring system 181 may be configured to reset the positioning system counter 184 to an initial value after an alarm has been issued, in particular a lift drive maintenance message, and / or after maintenance has been performed.

[0102] If the counter value of the positioning system counter 184 exceeds or drops below the predefined positioning system counter limit, the positioning system counter 184 may be reset, for example, by the positioning system comparator 185.

[0103] The positioning system counter 184 can be reset, for example, by the positioning system alarm generator 186 after an alarm has been issued, in particular a positioning system maintenance message.

[0104] Alternatively, the positioning system counter 184 can be manually reset by a mechanic after maintenance of the lift system 2 has been completed, in particular maintenance of the positioning system 18.

[0105] Optionally, the positioning system counter 184 can be automatically reset if no notification has been issued for a predefined period of time.

[0106] As a further option, the positioning system counter 184 can be automatically reset if fewer than a predefined number of notifications have been issued within a predefined amount of time.

[0107] Each of the door drives 20 of the lift system 2 can be equipped with a door drive monitoring system 201, which is configured to monitor the operation of the respective door drive 20.

[0108] Figure 4 An enlarged schematic view of the door drive monitoring system 201 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is depicted.

[0109] The door drive monitoring system 201 includes a door drive detector 202, which is configured to detect at least one operating parameter of the associated door drive 20. The door drive monitoring system 201 further includes a door drive monitor 203, which is configured to check whether the at least one operating parameter detected by the door drive detector 202 is outside a predefined parameter range. The door drive monitor 203 is further configured to issue a notification if the at least one operating parameter is outside the predefined parameter range.

[0110] The predefined parameter range can be limited at both ends, i.e., at the upper and lower ends of the predefined parameter range. Alternatively, the predefined parameter range can be limited only at one end, in particular at its upper end, such that a notification is issued by the door drive monitoring system 201 if the at least one operating parameter exceeds a predefined limit corresponding to the upper end of the predefined parameter range.

[0111] The at least one operating parameter monitored by the door drive monitoring system 201 can include, for example, the door opening period. The door opening period can be defined as the period required to open the lift doors 10, 11 driven by the door drive 20. More specifically, the door opening period can be defined by a period that starts at a first time point when the respective door drive 20 is instructed to open the associated lift doors 10, 11 and stops at a second time point when the respective lift doors 10, 11 are fully open.

[0112] Each of the lift doors 10, 11 or the door drive 20 may be provided with a door sensor 23 (see Figure 1 ), which is configured to detect whether the corresponding lift doors 10, 11 are fully open and to provide a corresponding door open signal.

[0113] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one operating parameter monitored by the door drive monitoring system 201 may include a door closing time period, which is defined as the time period required to close the lift door(s) 10, 11 driven by the door drive 20.

[0114] More specifically, the door closing time period may be defined by a time period which starts at a third time point when the corresponding door drive 20 is instructed to close the associated lift door(s) 10, 11 and stops at a fourth time point when the corresponding lift door(s) 10, 11 are fully closed.

[0115] Each of the lift doors 10, 11 or the door drive 20 may be provided with a door sensor 23, which is configured to detect whether the corresponding lift doors 10, 11 are fully closed and to provide a corresponding door open signal.

[0116] The same door sensor 23 may be configured to detect whether the associated lift doors 10, 11 are open or closed. Alternatively, a first door sensor 23 may be configured to detect whether the associated lift doors 10, 11 are open and a second door sensor 23 associated with the same lift doors 10, 11 may be configured to detect whether the associated lift doors 10, 11 are closed. For the sake of simplicity and clarity of illustration, only a single door sensor 23 is shown at each of the lift doors 10, 11 in Figure 1 .

[0117] The parameter ranges of the door closing time and the door opening time may be limited at their upper ends, respectively defining a maximum door opening time or a maximum door closing time that should not be exceeded during normal operation of the lift system 2.

[0118] The door drive monitoring system 201 further includes a door drive counter 204, which is configured to increment the count value of the door drive counter 204 each time the door drive monitor 203 issues a notification indicating that the at least one operating parameter monitored by the door drive monitoring system 201 is outside a predefined parameter range.

[0119] The door drive monitoring system 201 further includes a door drive comparator 205 configured to compare the counter value of the door drive counter 204 with a predefined door drive counter limit; and a door drive alarm generator 206 configured to issue an alarm, particularly including a door drive maintenance message, which requests maintenance of the lift system 2, particularly of the door drive 20 and / or the lift doors 10, 11, when the counter value of the door drive counter 204 exceeds the predefined door drive counter limit.

[0120] In an alternative embodiment, the door drive counter 204 may be configured to decrease the counter value each time the door drive monitor 203 issues a notification indicating that at least one of the operating parameters monitored by the door drive monitoring system 201 is outside a predefined parameter range.

[0121] In such a configuration, the door drive alarm generator 206 is configured to issue an alarm, particularly a door drive maintenance message, which requests maintenance of the lift system 2, more particularly of the door drive 20 and / or the lift doors 10, 11, when the counter value of the door drive counter 204 drops below a predefined door drive counter limit. The predefined door drive counter limit may particularly be zero.

[0122] The door drive monitoring system 201 may be configured to reset the door drive counter 204 to a starting value when the counter value of the door drive counter 204 exceeds the predefined door drive counter limit or when the counter value of the door drive counter 204 drops below the predefined door drive counter limit. The door drive monitoring system 201 may be configured to reset the door drive counter 204 to the starting value after an alarm has been issued and / or after maintenance has been performed.

[0123] When the counter value of the door drive counter 204 exceeds or drops below the predefined door drive counter limit, the door drive counter 204 may be reset, for example, by the door drive comparator 205.

[0124] The door drive counter 204 may be reset by the lift door drive alarm generator 206 after an alarm has been issued, particularly a door drive maintenance message.

[0125] Alternatively, the door drive counter 204 may be manually reset by a mechanic after maintenance of the lift system 2 has been completed, particularly of the door drive 20 and / or the lift doors 10, 11.

[0126] Optionally, the door drive counter 204 may be automatically reset if no notification has been issued for a predefined period of time.

[0127] As an additional option, the door driver counter 204 can be automatically reset if fewer than a predefined number of notifications have been issued within a predefined amount of time.

[0128] The brake 22 can be equipped with a brake monitoring system 221 configured to monitor the operation of the brake 22.

[0129] Figure 5 An enlarged schematic view of the brake monitoring system 221 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted.

[0130] The brake monitoring system 221 includes a brake detector 222 configured to detect at least one operating parameter of the brake 22. The brake monitoring system 221 further includes a brake monitor 223 configured to check whether the at least one operating parameter detected by the brake detector 222 is outside a predefined parameter range. The brake monitor 223 is further configured to issue a notification if the at least one operating parameter is outside the predefined parameter range.

[0131] The predefined parameter range can be limited at both ends, i.e., at its upper end and at its lower end. Alternatively, the predefined parameter range can be limited only at one end, particularly at its upper end, such that a notification is issued by the brake monitoring system 221 if the at least one operating parameter exceeds a predefined limit corresponding to the upper end of the predefined parameter range.

[0132] The at least one operating parameter monitored by the brake monitoring detector 222 can include, for example, the activation time and / or the release time of the brake 22.

[0133] The activation time of the brake 22 can be defined as the time period between a first time point at which the brake 22 is triggered, for example, by supplying an activation signal to the brake 22, and a second time point at which the brake 22 is fully engaged, preventing any movement of the lift car 6.

[0134] Similarly, the release time of the brake 22 can be defined as the time period between a third time point at which the brake 22 is commanded to be released, for example, by supplying a deactivation signal to the brake 22 or by deactivating the activation signal already supplied to the brake 22, and a fourth time point at which the brake 22 is released, thereby allowing movement of the lift car 6.

[0135] The brake monitoring system 221 further includes a brake counter 224 configured to increment the count value of the brake counter 224 each time the brake monitor 223 issues a notification indicating that the at least one operating parameter monitored by the brake monitoring system 221 is outside the predefined parameter range.

[0136] The brake monitoring system 221 further includes a brake comparator 225 and a brake alarm generator 226. The brake comparator 225 is configured to compare the counter value of the brake counter 224 with a predefined brake counter limit. The brake alarm generator 226 is configured to issue an alarm if the counter value of the brake counter 224 exceeds the predefined brake counter limit.

[0137] The alarm may include a brake maintenance message that requests maintenance of the lift system 2, particularly of the brake 22.

[0138] In an alternative embodiment, the brake counter 224 may be configured to decrease the counter value each time the brake monitor 223 issues a notification indicating that the at least one operating parameter monitored by the brake monitoring system 221 is outside a predefined parameter range.

[0139] In such a configuration, the brake alarm generator 226 is configured to issue an alarm if the counter value of the brake counter 224 drops below a predefined brake counter limit, particularly including a brake maintenance message that requests maintenance of the lift system 2, more particularly of the brake 22. The predefined brake counter limit may particularly be zero.

[0140] The brake monitoring system 221 may be configured to reset the brake counter 224 to an initial value if the counter value of the brake counter 224 exceeds the predefined brake counter limit or if the counter value of the brake counter 224 drops below the predefined counter limit.

[0141] The brake monitoring system 221 may be configured to reset the brake counter 224 to an initial value after an alarm has been issued and / or after maintenance has been performed.

[0142] When the counter value of the brake counter 224 exceeds or drops below the predefined brake counter limit, the brake counter 224 may be reset, for example, by the brake comparator 225.

[0143] The brake counter 224 may be reset, for example, by the brake alarm generator 226 after a brake maintenance message has been issued and / or after maintenance has been performed.

[0144] Alternatively, the brake counter 224 may be manually reset by a mechanic after maintenance of the lift system 2 has been completed.

[0145] Optionally, the brake counter 224 may be automatically reset if no notification has been issued for a predefined period of time.

[0146] As an additional option, the brake counter 224 can be automatically reset if fewer than a predefined number of notifications have been issued within a predefined amount of time.

[0147] Figure 6 Fig. shows a schematic side view of an escalator 302a, which includes a chain 312 of transport elements 313 or steps 313a that extends in the longitudinal transport direction between two landings 320, 321. The transport element 313 includes rollers 323 that are guided and supported by guide rails. Figure 6 The guide rails are not shown.

[0148] In two turning sections 317 located beside the landings 320, 321, the chain 312 of the transport element 313 enters the return section 318 from the transport section 316, and vice versa.

[0149] For clarity, Figure 6 only some of the transport elements 313 are depicted, in particular the transport elements 313 in the transport section 316. In addition, not all of the transport elements 313 and rollers 323 are labeled with reference numerals.

[0150] A drive belt 315 that extends along a closed loop is connected to the chain 312 of the transport element 313. The drive belt 315 is a toothed belt that is formed with teeth at least on the inner side of the loop. The drive belt 315 engages with and is driven by at least one toothed pulley 332 arranged in one of the turning sections 317. A drive 325 (which may be represented as a chain drive 325) is configured to drive the toothed pulley 332.

[0151] The people mover 302a, 302b also includes a chain brake 329 that is configured to brake the movement of the chain 312 of the transport element 313. The chain brake 329 can engage with the toothed pulley 332 or the shaft of the toothed pulley 332. In Figure 6 the chain brake 329 is depicted separately from the drive 325. The chain brake 329 can also be integrated with the drive 325.

[0152] The railing 304 that supports the moving handrail 306 extends parallel to the transport section 316. In Figure 1 the side view shown, only one of the railings 304 is visible.

[0153] Figure 7 Fig. depicts a schematic side view of a moving walk 302b.

[0154] The moving walk 302b includes an endless chain 312 of transport elements 313 or trays 313b that moves in the longitudinal transport direction in the upper transport section 316 and moves in a direction opposite to the transport direction in the lower return section 318.

[0155] Landings 320 and 321 are provided at both ends of the moving walkway 302b. In the two turning portions 317 located beside the landings 320 and 321, the chain 312 of the transport element 313 enters the return portion 318 from the transport portion 316, and vice versa. Also, for clarity, not all of the transport elements 313 or pallets 313b are provided with reference numerals.

[0156] The railing 304 supporting the moving handrail 306 extends parallel to the transport portion 316 on both lateral sides of the chain 312 of the transport element 313. In the Figure 7 side view shown, only one of the railings 304 is visible.

[0157] Similar to Figure 6 the embodiment shown in, the chain 312 of the transport element 313 is connected to the toothed endless drive belt 315. In at least one of the turning portions 317, the endless drive belt 315 engages with a toothed pulley 332. When the moving walkway 302b is operated, the toothed pulley 332 is driven by a drive 325 for driving the chain 312 of the transport element 313.

[0158] The moving walkway 302b further includes a chain brake 329 configured to brake the movement of the chain 312 of the transport element 313. Although shown separately, the chain brake 329 can also be integrated with the drive 325.

[0159] The drive 325 of the escalator 302a and the drive 325 of the moving walkway 302b can be equipped with a drive monitoring system 51 configured to monitor the operation of the respective drive 325, as previously described with reference to Figure 2 the example of the lift drive 5.

[0160] Reference Figure 2 The description of the operation of the drive monitoring system 51 provided for the example of the lift drive 5 correspondingly applies to operating the drive monitoring system 51 to respectively monitor Figure 6 the operation of the drive 325 of the escalator 302a depicted in and for monitoring Figure 7 the operation of the drive 325 of the moving walkway 302b depicted in.

[0161] The chain brake 329 of the escalator 302a and the chain brake 329 of the moving walkway 302b can be provided with a brake monitoring system 221 configured to monitor the operation of the chain brake 329, as previously described with reference to Figure 5 the example of the lift brake 22.

[0162] Reference Figure 2The description of the operation of the brake monitoring system 221 provided for the example of the lift mechanism brake 22 correspondingly applies to operating the brake monitoring system 221 for monitoring respectively Figure 6 the operation of the chain brake 329 of the escalator 302a depicted in Figure 7 and for monitoring the operation of the chain brake 329 of the moving walkway 302b depicted in

[0163] Additionally or alternatively, at least one handrail 306 of the escalator 302a and / or at least one handrail 306 of the moving walkway 302b may be equipped with a handrail monitoring system 241, which is configured to monitor the movement of the respective handrail 306.

[0164] Figure 8 depicts an enlarged schematic view of a handrail monitoring system 241 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0165] The handrail monitoring system 241 includes a handrail detector 242, which is configured to detect at least one operating parameter of the handrail 306. The handrail detector 242 may for example be configured to detect the speed of the handrail 306. Alternatively, the handrail detector 242 may be configured to detect the acceleration of the handrail 306, in particular when the escalator 302 or the moving walkway 302b is activated or deactivated.

[0166] The handrail monitoring system 241 further includes a handrail monitor 243, which is configured to check whether the at least one operating parameter detected by the handrail brake detector 242 is outside a predefined parameter range. The predefined parameter range may for example define a range of allowable speeds of the handrail 306.

[0167] The predefined parameter range may be limited at both ends, i.e. at its upper end and at its lower end. Alternatively, the predefined parameter range may be limited only at one end, in particular at its upper end, such that in the case where the at least one operating parameter exceeds a predefined limit corresponding to the upper end of the predefined parameter range, a notification is issued by the handrail monitoring system 241.

[0168] The handrail monitoring system 241 may also be configured to compare respectively the speeds of two handrails 306 of the escalator 302 or the moving walkway 302b, and the at least one operating parameter may include the speed difference of the movement of the two handrails 306.

[0169] The handrail brake monitor 243 is also configured to issue a notification in the case where the at least one operating parameter is outside the predefined parameter range.

[0170] The handrail brake monitoring system 241 further includes a handrail brake counter 244 configured to increment the count value of the handrail counter 244 each time the handrail monitor 243 issues a notification indicating that the at least one operating parameter monitored by the handrail monitoring system 241 is outside a predefined parameter range.

[0171] The handrail monitoring system 241 further includes a handrail comparator 245 and a handrail alarm generator 246. The handrail comparator 245 is configured to compare the count value of the handrail counter 224 with a predefined handrail counter limit. The handrail alarm generator 246 is configured to issue an alarm if the count value of the handrail counter 224 exceeds the predefined handrail counter limit. The alarm may particularly include a handrail maintenance message that requests maintenance of the escalator 302 or moving walk 302b, particularly of the handrail 306 of the escalator 302 or moving walk 302b.

[0172] In an alternative embodiment, the handrail counter 244 may be configured to decrement the count value each time the handrail monitor 243 issues a notification indicating that the at least one operating parameter monitored by the handrail monitoring system 241 is outside a predefined parameter range.

[0173] In such a configuration, the handrail alarm generator 246 is configured to issue an alarm if the count value of the handrail counter 244 drops below a predefined handrail counter limit, particularly including a handrail maintenance message that requests maintenance of the escalator 302 or moving walk 302b, more particularly of the handrail 306. The predefined handrail counter limit may particularly be zero.

[0174] The handrail monitoring system 241 may be configured to reset the handrail counter 244 to an initial value when the count value of the handrail counter 244 exceeds a predefined handrail counter limit or when the count value of the handrail counter 244 drops below a predefined handrail counter limit.

[0175] The handrail monitoring system 241 may be configured to reset the handrail counter 244 to an initial value after an alarm has been issued and / or after maintenance has been performed.

[0176] When the count value of the handrail counter 244 exceeds or drops below a predefined lift handrail counter limit, the handrail counter 244 may be reset, for example, by the handrail comparator 245.

[0177] The handrail counter 244 may be reset, for example, by the handrail alarm generator 246 after an alarm has been issued and / or after maintenance has been performed.

[0178] Alternatively, the handrail counter 244 can be manually reset by a mechanic after maintenance of the escalator 302 or moving walk 302b has been completed.

[0179] Optionally, the handrail counter 244 can be automatically reset if no notification has been issued for a predefined time period. As an additional option, the handrail counter 244 can be automatically reset if fewer than a predefined number of notifications have been issued within a predefined amount of time.

[0180] The parameters to be monitored by the monitoring system and method according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention as specifically mentioned in the foregoing description are provided only by way of example. The monitoring system and method for predicting the maintenance need of at least one component of the people mover 302a, 302b can be similarly applied to other parameters of the people mover 302a, 302b, even if these parameters are not specifically mentioned in the foregoing description. Additional parameters can include, for example, the speed of the lift car 6 and / or the speed of the chain 312 of the transport element 313.

[0181] Reference numerals

[0182] 2 Lift system

[0183] 3 Tension member

[0184] 4 Hoistway

[0185] 5 Lift drive

[0186] 6 Lift car

[0187] 7a Lift hall call button

[0188] 7b Lift car control button

[0189] 8 Landing

[0190] 10 Landing door

[0191] 11 Lift car door

[0192] 15 Lift controller

[0193] 16 Guide member

[0194] 17 Corresponding scale

[0195] 18 Positioning system

[0196] 19 Position sensor

[0197] 20 Door drive

[0198] 22 Lift brake

[0199] 23 Door sensor

[0200] 30 passengers

[0201] 51 Drive monitoring system

[0202] 52 Drive detector

[0203] 53 Drive monitor

[0204] 54 Drive counter

[0205] 55 Drive comparator

[0206] 56 Drive alarm generator

[0207] 181 Positioning system monitoring system

[0208] 182 Positioning system detector

[0209] 183 Positioning system monitor

[0210] 184 Positioning system counter

[0211] 185 Positioning system comparator

[0212] 186 Positioning alarm generator

[0213] 201 Door drive monitoring system

[0214] 202 Door drive detector

[0215] 203 Door drive monitor

[0216] 204 Door drive counter

[0217] 205 Door drive comparator

[0218] 206 Door alarm generator

[0219] 221 Brake monitoring system

[0220] 222 Brake detector

[0221] 222 Brake monitoring detector

[0222] 223 Brake monitor

[0223] 224 Brake counter

[0224] 225 Brake comparator

[0225] 226 Brake alarm generator

[0226] 241 Armrest monitoring system

[0227] 242 Armrest detector

[0228] 243 Handrail Monitor

[0229] 243 Handrail Brake Monitor

[0230] 244 Handrail Brake Counter

[0231] 244 Handrail Counter

[0232] 245 Handrail Comparator

[0233] 246 Handrail Alarm Generator

[0234] 302a Escalator

[0235] 302b Moving Walkway

[0236] 304 Rail

[0237] 306 Handrail

[0238] 312 Chain of Transport Elements

[0239] 313 Transport Element

[0240] 313a Step

[0241] 313b Tray

[0242] 315 Drive Belt

[0243] 316 Transport Section

[0244] 318 Return Section

[0245] 320, 321 Floor Landing

[0246] 223 Roller

[0247] 325 Chain Drive

[0248] 329 Chain Brake

[0249] 332 Toothed Pulley

Claims

1. A monitoring system (51, 181, 201, 221, 241) for predicting maintenance needs for at least one component of an elevator system (2) or a personnel transporter (302a, 302b), the monitoring system (51, 181, 201, 221, 241) comprising: at least one detector (52, 182, 202, 222, 242) configured to detect or measure at least one operating parameter of at least one operation of the at least one component; at least one monitor (53, 183, 203, 223, 243) configured to check whether the at least one operating parameter is outside of at least one predefined parameter range; at least one counter (54, 184, 204, 224, 244) configured to increase or decrease at least one counter value if the at least one operating parameter is outside the at least one predefined parameter range; at least one comparator (55, 185, 205, 225) configured to compare the at least one counter value to at least one predefined counter limit; and At least one alarm generator (56, 186, 206, 226) is configured to issue an alarm if the at least one counter value exceeds or falls below the at least one predefined counter limit.

2. The monitoring system (51, 181, 201, 221, 241) according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one predefined counter limit is based on a factory created model of the transport system and / or on a history of the transport system.

3. A monitoring system (51, 181, 201, 221, 241) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: The monitoring system is configured to reset the at least one counter after the counter value has exceeded or fallen below the at least one predefined counter limit.

4. A monitoring system (51, 181, 201, 221, 241) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: The monitoring system (51, 181, 201, 221, 241) is configured to reset the at least one counter (54, 184, 204, 224, 244) after the alarm has been issued and / or after maintenance has been performed.

5. The monitoring system (51, 181, 201, 221, 241) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: The monitoring system is configured to reset the at least one counter (54, 184, 204, 224, 244) if no notifications have been issued for a predefined period of time or if less than a predefined number of notifications have been issued in the predefined amount of time.

6. The monitoring system (51, 181, 201, 221, 241) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one operation of the at least one component includes at least one of the following: operating a brake (22, 329) of the elevator system (2) or the personnel transporter (302a, 302b), wherein the at least one operating parameter comprises an activation time and / or a release time of the brake (22, 329); moving a door (10, 11) of the elevator system (2), and wherein the at least one operating parameter comprises an opening time and / or a closing time of the door (10, 11); operating a drive (5, 325) of the elevator system (2) or the people mover (302a, 302b), wherein the at least one operating parameter includes a current flowing through an electric motor of the drive (5, 325); positioning an elevator car (6) of the elevator system (2) at a predefined position, wherein the at least one operating parameter comprises a distance between the actual position of the elevator car (6) and the predefined position of the elevator car (6); A handrail (306) of the people mover (302a, 302b) is moved, wherein the at least one operating parameter includes a velocity and / or an acceleration of the handrail (306).

7. The monitoring system (51, 181, 201, 221, 241) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of detectors (52, 182, 202, 222, 242), wherein the plurality of detectors (52, 182, 202, 222, 242) are configured to detect or measure different operating parameters of one or more operations of one or more components.

8. A personnel transporter (302a, 302b), in particular an escalator (302a) or a moving walkway (302b), comprising: at least one movable transport element (313, 313a, 313b) for transporting passengers between a plurality of landings (320, 321); as well as At least one monitoring system (51, 221, 241) according to any one of claims 1 to 7; Wherein, the personnel transporter (302a, 302b) particularly comprises a plurality of monitoring systems (51, 221, 241) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of monitoring systems (51, 221, 241) are configured to monitor different operating parameters of one or more components of the personnel transporter (302a, 302b).

9. Lifting system (2), comprising: at least one elevator car (6) which is movable as a movable transport element (6) along a shaft (4) between a plurality of landings (8) for transporting passengers between the plurality of landings (8); At least one monitoring system (51, 181, 201, 221) according to any one of claims 1 to 7; Therein, the elevator system (2) particularly comprises a plurality of monitoring systems (51, 181, 201, 221) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of monitoring systems (51, 181, 201, 221) are configured to monitor different operating parameters of one or more components of the elevator system (2).

10. A method for predicting a maintenance need for at least one component of an elevator system (2) or a personnel transporter (302a, 302b) by monitoring at least one operating parameter of at least one component of the elevator system (2) or the personnel transporter (302a, 302b), the method comprising repeatedly detecting or measuring at least one operating parameter of at least one operation of the at least one component; checking whether the at least one operating parameter is outside of at least one predefined parameter range; In the event that the at least one operating parameter is outside the at least one predefined parameter range, increasing or decreasing at least one counter value of at least one counter (54, 184, 204, 224); comparing the at least one counter value to at least one predefined counter limit; and If the at least one counter value exceeds or falls below the at least one predefined counter limit, an alarm is issued.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The method includes resetting the at least one counter (54, 184, 204, 224) after the counter value has exceeded or fallen below the at least one predefined counter limit.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The method includes resetting the at least one counter (54, 184, 204, 224) after the alarm has been issued and / or after maintenance has been performed.

13. The method according to claims 10 to 12, wherein: The method includes resetting the at least one counter (54, 184, 204, 224, 242) if no notifications have been issued for a predefined period of time or if less than a predefined number of notifications have been issued in the predefined amount of time.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein: The at least one operation of the at least one component includes at least one of the following: operating a brake (22, 329) of the elevator system (2) or the personnel transporter (302a, 302b), wherein the at least one operating parameter comprises an activation time and / or a release time of the brake (22, 329); moving a door (10, 11) of the elevator system (2), wherein the at least one operating parameter comprises an opening time and / or a closing time of the door (10, 11); operating a drive (5, 325) of the elevator system (2) or the people mover (302a, 302b), wherein the at least one operating parameter includes a current flowing through an electric motor of the drive (5, 325); positioning an elevator car (6) of the elevator system (2) at a predefined position, wherein the at least one operating parameter comprises a deviation of the actual position of the elevator car (6) from the predefined position of the elevator car (6); and A handrail (306) of the people mover (302a, 302b) is moved, wherein the at least one operating parameter includes a velocity and / or an acceleration of the handrail (306).

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein: The method includes monitoring a plurality of operating parameters of one or more operations of one or more components of the elevator system (2) or the people mover (302a, 302b).

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