Arrangement and method for providing power reset to devices of elevator system and elevator system

Abstract

An arrangement (100) for providing a power reset to a device (20) of an elevator system (105) and an elevator system (105). The arrangement (100) comprises a power reset unit (10) comprising: a power reset device (12) arranged to interrupt and connect power to the device (20); and a wireless communication device (14) arranged to control the power reset device (12) to interrupt and connect power and configured to wirelessly connect by and receive a power reset signal from a user device (30) by a wireless communication technology, where the power reset unit (10) is integrated into the device (20) or arranged in contact with the device (20), or electrically connected between the device (20) and the power supply line (58).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to elevator systems and related devices. However, in particular, non-exclusively, the present invention relates to arrangements and methods for providing a power reset to devices of an elevator system. Background Art

[0002] Devices or components of an elevator system, such as destination guidance displays (DGDs) or media screens, etc., are increasingly often integrated into external systems, such as turnstiles or lobby area walls and / or supports. Such devices may obtain their power supply via the external system and / or its power supply. Generally, the device has a communication connection with a device or component that is also physically associated with the elevator system, such as a control unit arranged in a control room or machine room of the elevator system.

[0003] In the above solutions, it may become relatively challenging for an elevator system owner or operator to access such devices integrated into an external system. For example, an elevator system owner or operator may wish to access the power supply of the external system, such as to initiate a power reset cycle, without removing any covers / panels of the circuit protecting the external system.

[0004] In many cases, the level of integration of the external system with respect to the elevator system may be such that there is no remote control device to reset only one of the devices integrated into the external system, or in particular only the elevator device integrated therein. Even if such an arrangement for remotely controlling the device may exist, it may be the case that the device can no longer be reached via any data communication link (e.g., the elevator device is in some permanent error state) to initiate a controlled remote reset cycle.

[0005] Furthermore, if the external system (such as the turnstile into which the device is integrated) is delivered by some other party (such as a third-party supplier) other than the manufacturer or provider of the elevator system, then the maintenance personnel of another party need to be involved to perform the power reset task. Therefore, there is a need to develop solutions that enable easier operation of such elevator devices. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement for providing a power reset to devices of an elevator system, an elevator system, and a method for providing a power reset to devices of an elevator system. Another object of the present invention is that the device, elevator system, and method are capable of performing a power reset on devices included within the elevator system but installed in contact with or even integrated into an external system with respect to the elevator system.

[0007] The object of the present invention is achieved by an arrangement for providing a power reset to a device of an elevator system, an elevator system, and a method for providing a power reset to a device of an elevator system as defined by the respective independent claims.

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided an arrangement for providing a power reset to a device of an elevator system. The device is arranged to be in contact with or integrated into an external system that is external to the elevator system, and is communicatively connected to an elevator controller of the elevator system, and is powered by a power supply line (i.e., a first power supply line) of the external system. The arrangement includes a power reset unit. The power reset unit includes a power reset device and a wireless communication device. The power reset device is arranged to interrupt and connect the power to the device. The wireless communication device is arranged to control the power reset device to interrupt and connect the power, and is configured to be wirelessly connected to and receive a power reset signal from a user device by using a wireless communication technology. In addition, the power reset unit is integrated into the device or arranged to be in contact with the device, or is electrically connected between the device and the power supply line.

[0009] Thus, even for a functional part of the elevator system, the device has been arranged or will be arranged to be connected to or even integrated into an external system, and in at least some cases only includes a communication connection with other parts or devices of the elevator system. The communication connection can be wireless or wired.

[0010] In various embodiments, the elevator system can be powered via another separate power supply line (i.e., a second power supply line). Optionally, the first power supply line connected to the device cannot be controlled by the elevator system. Thus, the elevator system may not be able to control the power supply of the device in any way.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, the first power supply line can extend via components of the external system.

[0012] In addition, the power reset device can be a switch, a contactor, a relay, and / or a circuit breaker, etc. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the power reset device can be a relay, and the power is arranged to be supplied to the device via the relay.

[0013] The wireless communication device can be based on short-range communication technology. The short-range communication technology can be one of the group consisting of: Bluetooth, near-field communication, near-field magnetic induction. Optionally, the operating range of the short-range communication technology is at most 20 meters, preferably at most 10 meters, and even only one meter or less.

[0014] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device can at least include a microphone, and the wireless communication of the wireless communication device is based on audio.

[0015] In some other embodiments, additionally or alternatively, the wireless communication device may at least include an optical sensor, wherein the wireless communication of the wireless communication device is based on visible light, ultraviolet light, and / or infrared light, such as Li-Fi technology.

[0016] In various embodiments, a power reset may preferably include interrupting the power to the device and then reconnecting the power back to the device.

[0017] Regarding the device, the device may include, for example, a display screen.

[0018] The external system may be or include a gate, which includes a frame portion and a movable blocking element arranged to the frame portion, such as a door or a rod. According to an example, the device is a display screen that can be integrated into the frame portion. Thus, the display screen can be input with data from the elevator, but can be powered, for example, by the power supply of the gate.

[0019] In some embodiments, the display screen may be mounted on a wall or other structure of the external system.

[0020] According to a second aspect, an elevator system is provided. The elevator system includes at least one elevator car movable in at least one elevator shaft, an elevator controller for controlling the operation of the elevator system, including controlling the movement of at least one elevator car, and a device arranged to contact or be integrated into an external system that is external to the elevator system. The device is communicatively connected to the elevator controller and is powered by a power supply line (i.e., a first power supply line) of the external system. The elevator system further includes an arrangement according to the first aspect, some of whose embodiments are described above.

[0021] According to a third aspect, a method for providing a power reset to a device of an elevator system is provided. The method includes arranging a user device near a power reset unit (such as up to 10 meters), and providing a power reset signal from the user device to the power reset unit via a wireless communication connection between the user device and the power reset unit.

[0022] In some embodiments, the method may include providing an elevator system-specific and / or elevator device-specific authentication key from the user device to the power reset unit, and verifying that the authentication key is the correct key before performing the power reset.

[0023] Furthermore, the method may include creating a new authentication key in the power reset unit when or after the power reset has been performed. The new authentication key can then be transmitted to the elevator controller or other devices of the elevator system.

[0024] The present invention provides an arrangement for providing a power reset to a device of an elevator system, an elevator system, and a method for providing a power reset to a device of an elevator system. The present invention provides advantages over known solutions, since an elevator system operator can easily perform a power reset on a device even if it is difficult to access the device due to being mounted in close contact with or even integrated into an external system.

[0025] Based on the following detailed description, various other advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0026] The expression "a plurality of" can refer to any positive integer starting from two (2), i.e., two, at least two, three, at least three, etc.

[0027] The terms "first", "second", etc. are used herein to distinguish one element from another, and they are not particularly prioritized or ordered unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0028] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention presented herein should not be construed as limiting the applicability of the appended claims. The verb "comprising" is used herein as an open limitation, which does not exclude the presence of also unrecited features. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the features recited in the appended claims can be freely combined with each other.

[0029] The novel features that are considered to be characteristics of the present invention are particularly set forth in the appended claims. However, the present invention itself, as well as its construction and method of operation, and its additional objects and advantages, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] In the figures of the drawings, some embodiments of the present invention are shown by way of example and not by way of limitation.

[0031] Figure 1A-1C An arrangement for providing a power reset to a device of an elevator system is schematically shown.

[0032] Figure 2A and Figure 2B An elevator system is schematically shown, each elevator system including an arrangement for providing a power reset to a device of the elevator system.

[0033] Figure 3A and Figure 3B An elevator system is schematically shown, each elevator system including an arrangement for providing a power reset to a device of the elevator system.

[0034] Figure 4 A flowchart of a method for providing a power reset to a device of an elevator system is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Figure 1A-1C Schematically shows an arrangement 100 for providing a power reset to a device 20 of an elevator system. In the arrangement 100, the device 20 is arranged to be in contact with or integrated into an external system 50, which is external to the elevator system. In addition, the device 20 is arranged to be at least communicatively connected 111 to an elevator controller 110 of the elevator system 105 and is powered by a power supply line 58 of the external system 50. Thus, the elevator system 105 can be powered via another separate power supply line (not shown). In addition, the power supply line 58 connected to the device 20 may be uncontrollable by the elevator system 105, i.e., at least in other ways than by the power reset unit 10 as described herein.

[0036] Figure 1A Illustrates that the arrangement 100 includes a power reset unit 10. Figure 1A Also shown on the right is an example of the power reset unit 10 as an enlarged view. The power reset unit 10 includes a power reset device 12, such as a switch, contactor, relay, and / or circuit breaker, etc., which is arranged to interrupt and connect the power to the device 20. The power reset unit 10 also includes a wireless communication device 14, which is arranged to control the power reset device 12 to interrupt and connect the power and is configured to be wirelessly connected by a user device (not shown) and receive a power reset signal from the user device (not shown) by using wireless communication technology. Figure 1A The power reset unit 10 of is integrated into the device 20. This can mean, for example, that the power reset unit 10 is attached to the (back) side of the device 20 and then an interconnection is provided between them, or is connected to a connection interface or port inside the device 20 (such as at least inside the housing of the device 20) (e.g., like a device or card to the motherboard of a personal computer). In the above cases, the power reset unit 10 is inside the external system 50, such as within the volume or inside the housing defined by it. Thus, the power supply line 58 can optionally extend via components of the external system 50, such as the housing.

[0037] Figure 1B Illustrates that the arrangement 100 includes a power reset unit 10. The power reset unit 10 includes a power reset device 12, such as a switch, contactor, relay, and / or circuit breaker, etc., which is arranged to interrupt and connect the power to the device 20. The power reset unit 10 also includes a wireless communication device 14, which is arranged to control the power reset device 12 to interrupt and connect the power and is configured to be wirelessly connected by a user device (not shown) and receive a power reset signal from the user device (not shown) by using wireless communication technology. Figure 1B The power reset unit 10 of is arranged to be in contact with the device 20, such as being attached to the (back) side of the device 20.

[0038] Alternatively, the power reset unit 10 can be electrically connected at least between the device 20 and the power supply line 58 of the external system 50, and is disposed inside the external system 50, such as within or inside the volume defined by its housing. Thus, the power supply line 58 can optionally extend via components (such as the housing) of the external system 50. Alternatively, the power reset unit 10 can be arranged in the space or volume defined by the external system 50 and the device 20 therebetween. Thus, the power reset unit 10 can be arranged in a space or volume that is at least partially covered.

[0039] Figure 1C The arrangement 100 is illustrated as including the power reset unit 10. The power reset unit 10 includes power reset means 12, such as switches, contactors, relays, and / or circuit breakers, etc., which are arranged to interrupt and connect the electrical power to the device 20. The power reset unit 10 further includes wireless communication means 14, which are arranged to control the power reset means 12 to interrupt and connect the power, and are configured to be wirelessly connected to and receive a power reset signal from a user device (not shown) by using wireless communication technology. Figure 1C The power reset unit 10 is electrically connected between the device 20 and the power supply line 58 of the external system 50. In this case, the power reset unit 10 can be physically spaced apart or separated from the device 20, and optionally also spaced apart from and outside the external system 50. However, in some embodiments, when physically spaced apart or separated from the device 20, the power reset unit 10 can be arranged to be in contact with the housing or structure of the external system 50, i.e., outside the housing or structure.

[0040] In addition, other devices 52 of the external system 50 can be powered by the power supply line 58 or not. In some embodiments, there can be a dedicated supply line only for the device 20. Alternatively, the power reset unit 10 can be arranged to provide a power reset to the other device(s) 52 simultaneously when performing a power reset to the device 20, due to the fact that the power reset unit 10 is arranged on the same power supply line 58.

[0041] Figure 1A-1CIt is also shown that the power supply line 58 can be connected to the power input port 59, and the power input port 59 is further connected to the device 20 via the power reset unit 10. The power input port 59 can also be connected to other devices 52 of the external system 50. Alternatively, the power supply line 58 (such as a cable or conductor) can directly extend from outside the external system 50 to the device 20 via the power reset unit 10 without any ports or connection parts therebetween. Therefore, the power supply line 58 or at least a part thereof can extend inside the external system 50 (such as its housing) to the power reset unit 10, and the power supply line 58 or at least a part thereof can continue from the power reset unit 10 to the device 20.

[0042] In various embodiments, the wireless communication device 14 can preferably be based on short-range communication technologies, such as having an operating range of at most 20 meters, preferably at most 10 meters, or even only one meter or less, for transmitting and / or receiving the power reset signal. The short-range communication technology can be based on, for example, Bluetooth (BT), Near Field Communication (NFC), or Near Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI).

[0043] According to an embodiment, the wireless communication device 14 can at least include a microphone, and the wireless communication of the wireless communication device 14 is thus based on audio. For example, the speaker of the user device (30; see Figure 2A-3B ) transmits audio waves, and the microphone receives them and detects the power reset signal therefrom.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, the wireless communication device 14 can at least include an optical sensor, wherein the wireless communication of the wireless communication device 14 can be based on visible light, ultraviolet light, and / or infrared light, such as Li-Fi technology. Transmitting the power reset signal can thus be based on the foregoing signal types.

[0045] In various embodiments, the power reset unit 10 is configured to enable the user device 30 to provide a power reset to the device 20 using an elevator system-specific and / or elevator device-specific authentication key. Therefore, the user device 30 must provide the correct authentication key regarding the device 20 or the power reset unit 10 and / or the elevator system 105 in order to be able to provide a power reset. If the authentication key does not match, the power reset is not performed. The authentication key may have been created, for example, during the commissioning of the elevator system 105.

[0046] Figure 2A and Figure 2BAn elevator system 105 is schematically shown, and each elevator system includes an arrangement 100 for providing a power reset to the devices 20 of the elevator system 105. Some components of the elevator system 105 are shown on the right side, such as two elevator shafts A and B. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the elevator system 105 also includes other components and devices not visible in the figure. For example, there may be one or more elevator cars that can move in each of the elevator hoistways A and B. There may also be some lifting or driving devices, such as including an electric motor and a pulley, for moving the elevator cars in the shafts. In some embodiments, there may be only one elevator shaft and one elevator car, however, there may be more than two shafts in which the elevator car or cars can move. As described above, there may be an elevator controller 110 for controlling the operation of the elevator system, preferably including controlling the movement of at least one elevator car.

[0047] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A user 99 (such as a maintenance person) holding a user device 30 is further illustrated. The user device 30 is preferably configured to transmit a power reset signal to the arrangement 100 (specifically to the power reset unit 10) using the wireless communication technology of the user device. The wireless communication technology can preferably be functionally compatible with the wireless communication device 14 of the power reset unit 10. For example, both of them can use Bluetooth communication technology, just to give an example.

[0048] In addition, the elevator system 105 may include an external system 50, in Figure 2A and Figure 2B the case of which, the external system 50 is a gate, such as a revolving gate. The revolving gate includes one or more frame parts 54 and a movable blocking element 56 arranged to the one or more frame parts 54, such as a door or a rod. There may be a device 20 of the elevator system 105, such as a display screen, which is integrated into the revolving gate or at least arranged in contact with the revolving gate, as Figure 2A and Figure 2B shown. The display screen may be integrated into the frame part 54. As can be achieved, the display screen can be powered by the power supply line 58 of the revolving gate. Therefore, in various embodiments, the power reset unit 10 can be arranged in the revolving gate and connected to the power supply line 58 so as to enable a power reset to be provided to the display screen (i.e., the device 20). As described above, the power reset includes interrupting the power to the device 20 and then reconnecting the power back to the device 20, thereby providing a power reset.

[0049] In Figure 2A and 2B the power reset unit 10 is shown as residing within the frame 54 of the revolving gate. The power reset unit 10 can be arranged as described in any one of those in combination with Figure 1A-1C the above.

[0050] In some embodiments, elevator system 105 may further include a server system 200. The server system 200 may be a local server system at the site of the elevator system 105 or an external server system, such as a cloud computing system. A communication connection may be arranged between the elevator controller 110 and the server system 200. Alternatively or additionally, the user device 30 may be arranged to communicate with the server system 200. The communication connection with the server system 200 may preferably be based on a technology different from the connection to the power reset unit 10. This connection may be, for example, a mobile phone network connection, such as 3G, 4G, 5G, GSM, UMTS, etc., or it may be based on a wireless local area network connection, such as Wi-Fi. The connection between the elevator controller 110 and the server system 200 may be wired or wireless. The description of the server system 200 and its connection also applies to the system 105 in the embodiments including the server system 200 Figure 3A and Figure 3B system 105 in

[0051] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Elevator system 105 is schematically shown, each elevator system including an arrangement for providing a power reset to the devices 20 of the elevator system 105. The elevator system 105 may include an external system 50, in Figure 3A and Figure 3B the case of which the external system 50 is a display screen mounted to a wall (such as a lobby area wall) or other structure of the external system 50, and the external system 50 is part of a building in this context. In this particular example, the power reset unit 10 is arranged to be integrated into the display screen or arranged to be in contact with the display screen and reside in the space or volume between the display screen and the wall. Additionally, the power supply line 58 extends inside the wall and has a socket located behind the display screen. Thus, providing a power reset will require removing the display screen from the wall and even disassembling the conductors from the display screen. The device 20 may include its own device controller 22, which may include a processor and a memory to control the operation of the device 20. There may also be a communication unit.

[0052] In some embodiments, the power reset unit 10 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the display screen, such as arranged as a control panel, etc., as long as the power supply line 58 runs through it.

[0053] Figure 3BSchematically shown is that the elevator system 105 may also include various other devices, such as devices in the elevator shaft, mainly floor area sensors 61 - 72, etc. In addition, there may be elevator call buttons arranged beside the landing floor doors. All of these can be connected to the elevator controller 110 and are preferably powered by the power supply lines of the elevator system 105. However, as can be seen in Figure 3B the display screen arranged to be in communication connection 111 with the elevator controller 110 is supplied with power from the power supply line 58 via the power reset unit 10 of the arrangement 100.

[0054] Figure 4 A flowchart showing a method for providing a power reset to the devices of the elevator system 105.

[0055] Item or method step 400 refers to the startup phase of the method. Suitable equipment and components are obtained, and the system is assembled and configured for operation.

[0056] Item or method step 410 involves arranging the user device 30 near the power reset unit 10. For example, the user 99 (such as a maintenance person) can bring the user device 30 (such as a mobile terminal) nearby.

[0057] Item or method step 420 involves providing a power reset signal to the power reset unit 10 by the user device 30 via a wireless communication connection between the unit 10 and the user device 30. This occurs when the user device 30 is nearby so that a communication connection can be established. Thus, the user 99 does not have to open any panels, etc. to be able to provide a power reset.

[0058] The method execution can be stopped at step 499.

[0059] In various embodiments, the method may further include using an elevator system - specific and / or elevator device - specific authentication key to enable the user device 30 to provide a power reset to the device 20. Thus, the user device 30 must provide the correct authentication key regarding the device 20 or the power reset unit 10 and / or the elevator system 105 to be able to provide a power reset. If the authentication key does not match, the power reset is not performed. The authentication key may have been created, for example, during the commissioning of the elevator system 105.

[0060] In addition, the method may include creating a new authentication key in the power reset unit 10 when or after a power reset has been performed. Thereafter, the new authentication key may be transmitted to the elevator controller 110 and / or the server system 200. Thus, it may be required that the user device 30 obtain the new authentication key before being able to initiate a new power reset. Alternatively, the new authentication key may be loaded from another elevator device of the elevator system 105. Thus, in other words, a new authentication key may be created in response to a power reset.

Claims

1. An arrangement (100) for providing a power reset to a device (20) of an elevator system (105), wherein, The device (20) is arranged to be in contact with or integrated into an external system (50) that is external to the elevator system (105), and is communicatively connected (111) to an elevator controller (110) of the elevator system (105), and is powered by a power supply line (58) of the external system (105). The arrangement (100) includes: A power reset unit (10), comprising: A power reset device (12) arranged to interrupt and connect power to the device (20); A wireless communication device (14) arranged to control the power reset device (12) to interrupt and connect power, and configured to be wirelessly connected by a user device (30) via a wireless communication technology and receive a power reset signal from the user device (30); Wherein the power reset unit (10) is integrated into the device (20) or arranged to be in contact with the device (20), or is electrically connected between the device (20) and the power supply line (58).

2. The arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The elevator system (105) is powered by another separate power supply line. Optionally, the power supply line (58) connected to the device (20) cannot be controlled by the elevator system (105).

3. The arrangement (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The power supply line (58) extends via components of the external system (105).

4. The arrangement (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein, The power reset device (12) is a relay, through which power is arranged to be supplied to the device (20).

5. The arrangement (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 4, wherein, The wireless communication device (14) is based on short-range communication technologies in the group consisting of Bluetooth (BT), Near Field Communication (NFC), and Near Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI), for example having an operating range of at most 20 meters, preferably at most 10 meters, or even only 1 meter or less.

6. The arrangement (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 4, wherein, The wireless communication device (14) includes at least a microphone, and the wireless communication of the wireless communication device (14) is based on audio.

7. The arrangement (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 4, wherein, The wireless communication device (14) includes at least a light sensor, wherein the wireless communication of the wireless communication device (14) is based on visible light, ultraviolet light, and / or infrared light, such as Li-Fi technology.

8. The arrangement (100) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, Power reset includes interrupting power to the device (20) and then reconnecting power back to the device (20).

9. The arrangement (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 8, wherein, The device (20) includes a display screen.

10. The arrangement (100) according to claim 9, wherein, The external system (50) is a gate, which includes a frame part (54) and a movable blocking element (56) provided to the frame part (54), such as a door or a rod.

11. The arrangement (100) according to claim 10, wherein, The display screen is integrated into the frame part (54).

12. The arrangement (100) according to claim 9, wherein, The display screen is mounted on a wall or other structure of the external system (50).

13. An elevator system (105), comprising: At least one elevator car capable of moving in at least one elevator shaft; An elevator controller (110) for controlling the operation of the elevator system (105), including controlling the movement of at least one elevator car; A device (20) arranged to be in contact with or integrated into an external system (50) that is external to the elevator system (50), the device (20) being communicatively connected (111) to the elevator controller (110) and powered by a power supply line (58) of the external system (50), and An arrangement (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 12 for providing a power reset to a device (20).

14. A method for providing a power reset to a device (20) of an elevator system (105) according to claim 13, the method comprising: - arranging a user device (30) in the vicinity of the power reset unit (10), for example at most 10 meters, and - providing a power reset signal from the user device (30) to the power reset unit (10) via a wireless communication connection between the power reset unit (10) and the user device (20).

15. The method according to claim 14, comprising providing an elevator system specific and / or elevator device specific authentication key from the user device (30) to the power reset unit (10) and verifying whether the authentication key is a correct key before performing the power reset.

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