Method and computing unit for detecting a tripped inside an elevator car
By acquiring telemetry information after the elevator car has traveled, determining the baseline of the load value, and detecting significant changes, the problem of identifying trapped passengers in the elevator car has been solved, thus improving the safety and evacuation efficiency of the elevator system.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380097256.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-21
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies cannot effectively identify whether passengers are trapped inside an elevator car, especially when the elevator system is inoperable, and remote monitoring and service centers cannot obtain information about entrapment in a timely manner.
After acquiring telemetry messages after a configurable number of trips in the elevator car, the load value is observed and a constant baseline load value is determined. The load value of the last trip is compared with the baseline value. If it is significantly greater than the baseline value, a entrapment situation is detected, and a service request is generated to evacuate passengers.
It enables accurate detection of entrapment situations inside elevator cars, improving the safety of elevator systems and passenger evacuation efficiency, and reducing the delay in response time for manual reports.
Smart Images
Figure CN120957940A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention generally relates to the technical field of elevator systems. In particular, this invention relates to detecting the entrapment status of an elevator car. Background Technology
[0002] Passenger safety is one of the most critical safety factors in elevator systems. For example, passenger safety is paramount if the elevator system becomes inoperable, such as due to a malfunction of one or more elevator components. When an elevator system becomes inoperable, passengers may be trapped inside if the elevator car stops between floors or if it stops at a floor but the doors do not open. Typically, in such a situation, passengers must manually contact the service provider to notify them of the elevator system's inoperability and to evacuate the passengers from the elevator car. Faults in elevator systems can usually be detected remotely at a service center. However, remote monitoring and service centers often lack information about potential entrapment situations.
[0003] Sensor-based solutions exist for detecting entrapment situations. For example, weight measuring devices can be used to detect one or more objects inside an elevator car. However, it's impossible to identify whether the detected objects are passengers or non-human objects, such as cargo.
[0004] Therefore, further solutions are needed to detect entrapment in elevator cars. Summary of the Invention
[0005] To provide a basic understanding of some aspects of various embodiments of the invention, a simplified overview is given below. This overview is not a detailed summary of the invention. It is neither intended to identify key or essential elements of the invention nor to depict its scope. The following overview presents only some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention.
[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a method, calculation unit, and detection system for detecting entrapment situations inside an elevator car. Another object of the present invention is to improve the safety of elevator systems by providing the method, calculation unit, and detection system for detecting entrapment situations inside an elevator car.
[0007] The objective of this invention is achieved by the method, computing unit, and detection system defined in the respective independent claims.
[0008] According to a first aspect, a method for detecting entrapment within an elevator car is provided, wherein the method includes: acquiring telemetry messages after a configurable number of trips of the elevator car, wherein each telemetry message includes a load value representing the load of the elevator car during the configurable number of trips; observing a predetermined number of load values from the most recent trips of the elevator car to determine a constant baseline load value representing the load of the elevator car when there are no human objects inside it; comparing the load value from the last trip of the elevator car with the constant baseline load value; and detecting entrapment within the elevator car if the comparison indicates that the load value from the last trip is significantly greater than the constant baseline load value.
[0009] The method may also include generating at least one service request, which includes an indication of a entrapment situation detected inside the elevator car.
[0010] The load value may include the mass of the load on the elevator car or a parameter representing the mass of the load on the elevator car.
[0011] The parameters may include: power data, which represents the electrical power supplied to the hoisting motor used to move the elevator car; torque and current data, which represents the torque and current of the hoisting motor during the constant speed phase of the elevator car's travel; or energy data, which represents the cumulative power supplied to the hoisting motor during the travel of the elevator car.
[0012] Each telemetry message may also include stop position data, which indicates the position in the elevator shaft where the elevator car stops at the end of the configurable number of trips.
[0013] Alternatively or additionally, the method may further include: receiving an inoperability notification indicating that the elevator car is inoperable; and in response to receiving the inoperability notification, observing a predetermined number of recently traveled load values of the elevator car to determine a constant baseline load value, which represents the load of the elevator car when there are no human objects inside the elevator car.
[0014] Inoperability notifications can be fault telemetry messages, including fault notifications indicating that the elevator car is inoperable.
[0015] The recent number of elevator car trips can be determined based on the following: a time window before the last trip of the elevator car, the recent trip of a predetermined constant number of elevator car trips, or the recent trip of a variable number of elevator car trips.
[0016] Determining a constant baseline load value may include: selecting at least a predetermined number of minimum load values from a predetermined number of recently traveled observed load values of the elevator car; verifying that the selected minimum load values are within a predetermined error tolerance between them; and determining a constant baseline load value based on the verified selected minimum load values.
[0017] According to a second aspect, a computing unit for detecting entrapment within an elevator car is provided. The computing unit includes: a processing unit comprising one or more processors; and a storage unit comprising one or more memories storing computer program code. The one or more memories and the computer program code are configured to utilize the one or more processors to cause the computing unit to: acquire telemetry messages after a configurable number of trips of the elevator car, wherein each telemetry message includes a load value representing the load of the elevator car during the configurable number of trips; observe a predetermined number of load values from the most recent trips of the elevator car to determine a constant baseline load value representing the load of the elevator car when there are no human objects inside; compare the load value from the last trip of the elevator car with the constant baseline load value; and detect entrapment within the elevator car if the comparison indicates that the load value from the last trip is significantly greater than the constant baseline load value.
[0018] The computing unit can also be configured to generate at least one service request, which includes an indication of a entrapment situation detected inside the elevator car.
[0019] The load value may include the mass of the load on the elevator car or a parameter representing the mass of the load on the elevator car.
[0020] The parameters may include: power data, which represents the electrical power supplied to the hoisting motor used to move the elevator car; torque and current data, which represents the torque and current of the hoisting motor during the constant speed phase of the elevator car's travel; or energy data, which represents the cumulative power supplied to the hoisting motor during the travel of the elevator car.
[0021] Each telemetry message may also include stop position data, which indicates the position in the elevator shaft where the elevator car stops at the end of the configurable number of trips.
[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the computing unit may also be configured to: receive an inoperability notification indicating that the elevator car is inoperable; and in response to receiving the inoperability notification, observe a predetermined number of recently traveled load values of the elevator car to determine a constant baseline load value, which represents the load of the elevator car when there are no human objects inside the elevator car.
[0023] Inoperability notifications can be fault telemetry messages, including fault notifications indicating that the elevator car is inoperable.
[0024] The recent number of elevator car trips can be determined based on the following: a time window before the last trip of the elevator car, the recent trip of a predetermined constant number of elevator car trips, or the recent trip of a variable number of elevator car trips.
[0025] Determining a constant baseline load value may include: configuring the calculation unit to: select at least a predetermined number of minimum load values from a predetermined number of recently traveled observed load values of the elevator car; verify that the selected minimum load values are within a predetermined error tolerance between them; and determine a constant baseline load value based on the verified selected minimum load values.
[0026] According to a third aspect, a detection system for detecting entrapment in an elevator car is provided, wherein the detection system includes an elevator control system and a computing unit as described above.
[0027] When read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the various exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the invention, as well as their additional objects and advantages, will be best understood from the following description of specific exemplary and non-limiting embodiments.
[0028] The verbs “comprising” and “including” are used herein as open-ended restrictions, neither excluding nor requiring the presence of any unlisted features. Features described in the dependent claims may be freely combined with each other unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that the use of “a” or “an,” i.e., the singular form, throughout this document does not exclude a plurality. Attached Figure Description
[0029] Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings as exemplary and non-limiting.
[0030] Figure 1 An example of an elevator environment is illustrated, in which a detection system for detecting entrapment within an elevator car can be implemented.
[0031] Figures 2A to 2C An example of a detection system for detecting entrapment inside an elevator car is shown schematically.
[0032] Figure 3 An example of a method for detecting entrapment inside an elevator car is illustrated schematically.
[0033] Figure 4 An example of determining a constant baseline load value is illustrated schematically.
[0034] Figure 5A and Figure 5B An example of the telemetry message obtained regarding the predetermined number of recent trips of the elevator car is illustrated schematically.
[0035] Figure 6 An example of a component of a computing unit is shown schematically. Detailed Implementation
[0036] Figure 1 An example of an elevator environment is schematically shown, such as elevator system 100, in which a detection system 200 for detecting entrapment within elevator car 110 can be implemented. Elevator system 100 includes at least one elevator car 110 and elevator control system 140, wherein the at least one elevator car 110 travels along a respective elevator shaft 120 between multiple floors, i.e., floors 130a-130n. Elevator system 100 can also form an elevator group, i.e., a group consisting of two or more elevator cars 110, wherein each elevator car travels along a separate elevator shaft 120, and the elevator group operates as a unit serving the same floors 130a-130n. Elevator system 100 also includes a lifting system with a lifting motor that drives at least one elevator car 110 along the respective elevator shaft 120 between floors 130a-130n. For clarity, Figure 1 The lifting system is not shown. The elevator system 100 may also include one or more known elevator-related entities, such as user interface devices, elevator doors, safety circuits and devices, and / or elevator brakes, etc., for clarity. Figure 1 They are not shown in the text.
[0037] The elevator control system 140 controls at least the operation of the elevator system 100. The elevator control system 140 may be located within the machine room 150 (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown in the example) or located on one of floors 130a-130n. The elevator control system 140 is communicatively connected to other entities of the elevator system 100. Communication between the elevator control system 140 and other entities of the elevator system 100 can be based on one or more known wired or wireless communication technologies. The elevator control system 140 can realize a distributed control environment for independent control entities or multiple independent control entities (e.g., multiple servers) that provide distributed control resources.
[0038] Figure 2AAn example of a detection system 200 for detecting entrapment within an elevator car 110 is schematically illustrated. The detection system 200 includes an elevator control system 140 and a computing unit 210. The elevator control system 140 is directly or indirectly communicatively connected to the computing unit 210. Communication between the elevator control system 140 and the computing unit 210 can be based on one or more known wired or wireless communication technologies. Indirect communication between the elevator control system 140 and the computing unit 210 can be performed via a connection module (e.g., a gateway device). The computing unit 210 can be implemented as a local computing unit located at the elevator system 100, i.e., a field computing unit, or a remote computing unit located away from the elevator system 100, i.e., a non-field computing unit. The computing unit 210 can be part of a remote monitoring system 220, i.e., embedded within the remote monitoring system; for example, the computing unit 210 can be included in the remote monitoring system 220, such as... Figure 2A As shown in the example. Alternatively, the computing unit 210 may be part of the elevator control system 140, i.e., embedded within the elevator control system 140. For example, the computing unit 210 may be included in the elevator system 140, such as... Figure 2B As shown in the figure, this schematically illustrates another example of the detection system 200. The computing unit 210 included in the elevator system 140 can be communicatively connected to the remote monitoring system 220. Alternatively, the computing unit 210 can be a separate computing unit (an independent unit separate from the remote monitoring system 220 and the elevator control system 140) communicatively connected to the remote monitoring system 220, such as... Figure 2C As shown in the figure, this schematically illustrates another example of the detection system 200. Communication between the computing unit 210 and the remote monitoring system 220 can be based on one or more known wired or wireless communication technologies. According to this further example, the computing unit 210 can be part of any other device or system, i.e., embedded within that other device or system, such as an edge device arranged in the elevator system 110, for example, arranged in the elevator car 110, for example, arranged on the top of the elevator car 110, or arranged in the machine room 150. The remote monitoring system 220 can be, for example, a cloud server, service center, maintenance center, or data center. Some non-limiting examples of the computing unit 210 can include cloud-based computing units, servers, networks of computing devices, etc.
[0039] Next, refer to Figure 3 This describes an example of a method for detecting entrapment within an elevator car 110. Figure 3 The method is illustrated schematically in a flowchart. This method is described for detecting entrapment in one elevator car 110, but entrapment in more than one elevator car 110 of the elevator system 100 can be detected in a similar manner to that described for one elevator car 110.
[0040] In step 310, after a configurable, predetermined number of trips of the elevator car 110, the calculation unit 210 obtains telemetry messages, such as car event (CE) telemetry messages, from the elevator control system 140. The configurable number of trips of the elevator car 110 is at least one. Preferably, the calculation unit 210 can obtain telemetry messages from the elevator control system 140 after each trip of the elevator car 110. In other words, preferably, the configurable number of trips of the elevator car 110 can be one. The configurable number of trips of the elevator car 110 can be adjustable. For example, the configurable number of trips of the elevator car 110 can be initially set to 1, i.e., obtaining telemetry messages after each trip of the elevator car 110, and subsequently adjusted to 2, i.e., obtaining telemetry messages after every two trips of the elevator car. One trip of the elevator car 110 includes the movement of the elevator car 110 from the departure floor to the destination floor. Each telemetry message includes a load value representing the load on the elevator car 110 during a configurable number of trips of the elevator car 110. For example, if a telemetry message is received after each trip of the elevator car 110, each telemetry message includes the load value for that one trip. According to another example, if a telemetry message is received after every two trips of the elevator car 110, each telemetry message includes the load values for those two trips. The load value may be, for example, the mass of the load on the elevator car 110, or any other parameter representing the mass of the load on the elevator car 110, which can be determined, for example, calculated and / or estimated. The mass of the load on the elevator car 110 can be provided, for example, by using a load weighing device (e.g., a weighbridge) arranged on the elevator car 110 or by using a mechanical load weighing device, for example, by measurement. The load value included in the telemetry message may, for example, directly include the mass of the load on the elevator car 110. Alternatively, the load value included in the telemetry message may include raw measurement data, based on which the mass of the load on the elevator car 110 can be determined, for example, by calculation unit 210 by taking into account the fixed elevator structure, for example, by subtracting a fixed structure load value representing the mass of the fixed elevator structure. The fixed elevator structure to be taken into account may depend on the load weighing equipment used. For example, if a weighbridge is used, the floor of the elevator car 110 needs to be taken into account. According to another example, if a mechanical load weighing equipment is used, the elevator car 110 itself, the counterweight, and the suspension ropes need to be taken into account. The fixed structure load value may be predetermined, for example, based on historical data. According to a non-limiting example, the mass of the load on the elevator car 110 may be expressed as a value in kilograms, for example, or as a percentage of the nominal load of the elevator car 110.
[0041] Parameters representing the mass of the load on the elevator car 110 can be, for example, power data, torque and current data, or energy data. Power data can, for example, represent the electrical power supplied to the hoisting motor that moves the elevator car 110 along the elevator shaft 120. Assuming the balance remains constant (under normal conditions), the electrical power substantially accurately indicates the mass of the load on the elevator car 110, but direction needs to be considered because the electrical power differs for the same load within the elevator 110 when traveling upwards and downwards. Therefore, the power data can also include the direction of travel of the elevator car 110. Torque and current data can, for example, represent the torque and current of the hoisting motor during the constant speed phase of the elevator car 110's travel. The electrical power, and therefore the mass of the load on the elevator car 110, can be determined based on the torque and current data. Energy data can represent the cumulative power, i.e., energy, supplied to the hoisting motor during the travel of the elevator car 110. Since energy is the integral of power, more energy will be consumed as the elevator car 110 travels a longer distance and thus has a longer nominal speed range carrying the load. Therefore, it is necessary to consider both the travel distance and the direction of travel of the elevator car 110. Thus, the energy data may also include the travel distance and direction of travel of the elevator car 110. Based on the energy data, the electrical power and the mass of the load on the elevator car 110 can be determined.
[0042] Each telemetry message may also include stop position data indicating the position where the elevator car 110 stops in the elevator shaft 120 at the end of a configurable number of trips of the elevator car 110. For example, if a telemetry message is received after each trip of the elevator car 110, each telemetry message includes stop position data indicating the position where the elevator car 110 stops in the elevator shaft 120 at the end of said trip. According to another example, if a telemetry message is received after every two trips of the elevator car 110, each telemetry message includes stop position data indicating the position where the elevator car 110 stops in the elevator shaft 120 at the end of said two trips of the elevator car 110. This position may be one of the floors 130a-130n of the elevator shaft 120, such as the destination floor of said trip of the elevator car 110, or a position between two consecutive floors 130a-130n (if the destination floor has not yet been reached, i.e., the elevator car 110 has stopped between floors 130a-130n). The computing unit 210 can store the acquired telemetry messages and / or the content of the acquired telemetry messages in, for example, the storage unit 620 of the computing unit 210 or a database.
[0043] In step 330, the calculation unit 210 observes a predetermined number of recently traveled load values of the elevator car 110 to determine a constant baseline load value, which represents the load of the elevator car 110 when there are no human objects 160 inside the elevator car 110. Since the load of the elevator car 110 is unlikely to remain constant when there are one or more human objects, i.e., one or more passengers, in the elevator car 110, it can be assumed that a substantially constant load value represents the load when there are no human objects 160 inside the elevator car 110. Therefore, the constant baseline load value can be determined, for example, based on a substantially constant load value. The determination of the constant baseline load value is discussed further later in this application. According to one example, the calculation unit 210 may observe the load value in response to receiving an inoperability notification from the elevator control system 140 indicating an inoperable condition of the elevator car 110. This is achieved through… Figure 3The example is illustrated by optional step 320. An inoperable condition of elevator car 110 may be caused by one or more malfunctions in elevator system 110. In an inoperable condition of elevator car 110, elevator car 110 may, for example, stop between floors 130a-130n, i.e., between two consecutive floors, or when elevator car 110 stops at a floor, the doors of elevator car 110 may not open, creating a possible entrapment situation. In an entrapment situation, a human object, such as passenger 160, may be trapped inside elevator car 110. An inoperability notification may, for example, be a fault telemetry message received from elevator control system 140, wherein the fault telemetry message includes a fault notification indicating that elevator car 110 is inoperable, i.e., a malfunction. When an inoperable condition of elevator car 110 is detected, elevator control system 140 sends a fault telemetry message. Typically, a fault telemetry message is sent immediately after an inoperable condition is detected. However, a predetermined delay may exist between detecting an inoperable condition of elevator car 110 and sending the fault telemetry message. If there are no non-human objects, such as goods, in elevator car 110 during a predetermined number of recent trips, the determined constant baseline load value can represent the load of an empty elevator car 110 (i.e., an elevator car 110 without human or non-human objects). Alternatively, if one or more non-human objects are consistently present in elevator car 110 during a predetermined number of recent trips, the determined constant baseline load value can represent the constant mass of one or more non-human objects in elevator car 110. The predetermined number of recent trips of elevator car 110 can be determined, for example, based on a time window prior to the last trip of elevator car 110, a predetermined constant number of recent trips of elevator car 110, or a varying number of recent trips of elevator car 110. The last trip of elevator car 110 is the latest, i.e., most recent trip of elevator car 110, after which the most recent telemetry message is acquired. According to one example, if an inoperability notification is received in step 320, the last trip of the elevator car can be the most recent (i.e., the latest) trip of elevator car 110 before the inoperability notification; that is, the inoperability notification was received after that trip of elevator car 110. According to a non-limiting example, a time window before the last trip of elevator car 110 can be 10 minutes, 15 minutes, half an hour, or one hour, etc. The duration of the time window can be determined based on the utilization rate of elevator car 110. For example, if the utilization rate of elevator car 110 is high, a shorter time window can be used, while if the utilization rate of elevator car 110 is low, a longer time window can be used. In other words, the time window used to determine a predetermined number of recent trips of elevator car 110 can be a sliding time window triggered by the last trip of the elevator car before the inoperability notification.The predetermined constant number of recent trips of elevator car 110 can be, for example, but not limited to, 5, 10, 15, 20, or any other constant number of recent trips of elevator car 110. The variable number of recent trips of elevator car 110 can vary, for example, based on the utilization rate of elevator car 110 or some other factors.
[0044] Figure 4 An example of determining a constant baseline load value in step 330 is illustrated schematically.
[0045] In step 410, the calculation unit 210 selects a predetermined number of minimum load values from the observed load values of a predetermined number of recent trips of the elevator car 110. The predetermined number of minimum load values can be determined, for example, based on a predetermined number of recent trips of the elevator car 110 and / or the utilization rate of the elevator car 110. For example, if the predetermined number of recent trips of the elevator car 110 is high, a higher number of minimum load values can be selected, and if the predetermined number of recent trips of the elevator car 110 is low, a lower number of minimum load values can be selected. According to a non-limiting example, if the predetermined number of recent trips of the elevator car 110 is 20, five minimum load values can be selected from the load values observed in the predetermined number of recent trips of the elevator car 110.
[0046] In step 420, the calculation unit 210 checks that the selected minimum load values are within a predetermined error tolerance between them. It may be necessary to allow at least some error tolerance between the selected minimum load values because some normal variations may be observed under a constant load on the elevator car 110. If one or more of the selected minimum load values are not within the predetermined error tolerance of the other selected minimum load values, then the one or more load values can be removed from the selected minimum load values.
[0047] In step 430, calculation unit 210 determines a constant baseline load value based on the verified selected minimum load value. The constant baseline load value can be determined statistically, for example, based on the verified selected minimum load value. For instance, the constant baseline load value can be the average of the verified selected minimum load values, such as an arithmetic mean. The constant baseline load value enables the determination of the mass generated by one or more non-human objects, such as cargo, within the elevator car 110.
[0048] In step 340, the calculation unit 210 compares the load value of the last trip of the elevator car 110 with the constant baseline load value determined in step 330.
[0049] In step 350, if the comparison in step 340 indicates that the load value of the last trip is significantly greater than the constant baseline load value, then the calculation unit 210 detects a entrapment situation within the elevator car 110. In other words, if the load value of the last trip of the elevator car 110 is significantly greater than the constant baseline load value, it indicates that one or more human objects 160 may be trapped inside the elevator car 110 after its last trip. This, in particular, using the determined constant baseline load value, makes it possible to identify whether one or more human objects, such as passenger 160, are trapped inside the elevator car 110. In the context of comparing the load value of the last trip with the constant baseline load value in step 350, the expression "significantly greater than" may, for example, mean that the load value of the last trip of the elevator car 110 is greater than the constant baseline load value by at least a predetermined threshold. This predetermined threshold may, for example, be determined based on an estimate of the minimum load, which represents an estimate of the minimum mass of the human object. Alternatively or additionally, the predetermined threshold may be determined, for example, based on the error tolerance used in the inspection step 420 of the selected minimum load value, such that the predetermined threshold may be determined to be at least greater than the error tolerance.
[0050] In step 360, in response to the detection of a entrapment situation within the elevator car 110 in step 350, the calculation unit 210 may generate at least one service request, such as a maintenance request. This at least one service request may include an indication of the detected entrapment situation within the elevator car 110. This at least one service request may be generated for example, for service personnel, such as maintenance personnel, to inform them of the entrapment situation and to facilitate the evacuation of passengers 160 trapped within the elevator car 110. If the telemetry message of the last travel of the elevator car 110 also includes the stopping position of the elevator car 110, this stopping position may be included in the service request, for example, to guide service personnel to the correct location to evacuate passengers trapped within the elevator car 110.
[0051] According to one example, the load value included in the acquired telemetry messages can also be used to determine the human object empty load value of elevator car 110, which represents the load when there is no human object 160 in elevator car 110. If the load value included in one of the acquired telemetry messages is significantly lower than the determined constant baseline load value by an error tolerance, it indicates that one or more non-human objects previously left in elevator car 110 have been removed from elevator car 110. In this case, the previously mentioned "load value significantly lower than the determined constant baseline load value by an error tolerance" can, for example, be set by calculation unit 210 as the human object empty load value. According to a non-limiting example, if the error tolerance is ±3 kg, and the load value of elevator car 110 included in one of the acquired telemetry messages is, for example, 10 kg lower than the determined constant baseline load value, indicating that one or more non-human objects previously left in elevator car 110 have been removed from elevator car 110, then calculation unit 210 can set the load value of elevator car 110 as the human object empty load value. If the constant baseline load value is determined over a long period of time, such as a long time window for determining the constant baseline load value, it is particularly advantageous to determine the human object empty load value of the elevator car 110 based on the load value included in the acquired telemetry messages.
[0052] Figure 5A and Figure 5B An example of a predetermined number of telemetry messages acquired from the elevator car 110 during its most recent trip is illustrated, wherein each telemetry message is acquired after one trip of the elevator car 110. Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the example, each telemetry message includes a load value (solid line) and the stopping position of the elevator car 110 (dashed line). The load value is the load of the elevator car 110, expressed as a percentage of the nominal load of the elevator car 110. The stopping position is expressed as the number of floors. If the destination floor has been reached at the end of the elevator car 110's journey, the stopping position is the destination floor of the elevator car 110's journey. If the elevator car 110 has not reached the destination floor at the end of the elevator car's journey, for example, if the elevator car 110 has stopped between two consecutive floors, the stopping position is between the two consecutive floors. Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the example, the most recent predetermined number of trips of elevator car 110 is 21, which belongs to the last trip of elevator car 110, that is, the 21st trip of elevator car 110 in these examples.
[0053] exist Figure 5AIn the example, the predetermined number of minimum load values selected from the load values observed in the predetermined number of recent trips of elevator car 110 is 5. These five selected minimum values (percentage of the nominal load of elevator car 110) are 0 (trip 1), 0 (trip 8), -1 (trip 13), 0 (trip 16), and 0 (trip 20). The selected minimum values are in... Figure 5A The values are indicated by circles. In this example, the predetermined error tolerance can be ±1, meaning that all five selected minimum values are within a predetermined error tolerance range from each other. Therefore, in this example, the constant baseline load value 510 is 0, which is the result of rounding the average of the selected minimum load values to the nearest integer. The constant baseline load value 510 is close to 0 percent of the nominal load of the elevator car 110, indicating that the elevator car 110 has no constant load, i.e., non-human objects, such as goods, that are constantly present in the elevator car 110 (i.e., during all predetermined number of trips of the elevator car 110). In this example, the load value of the last trip (trip 21) of the elevator car 110 is 15, which is significantly greater than the constant baseline load value 510. This again indicates that there may be one or more human objects 160 in the elevator car 110, and therefore the calculation unit 210 detects a entrapment situation in the elevator car 110 and can generate at least one service request.
[0054] exist Figure 5B In the example, the predetermined number of minimum load values selected from the load values observed in the predetermined number of recent trips of elevator car 110 is 5. These five selected minimum values (percentages of the nominal load of elevator car 110) are 8 (trip 2), 10 (trip 9), 8 (trip 14), 11 (trip 17), and 10 (trip 21). The selected minimum values are in... Figure 5BThe values are indicated by circles. In this example, the last trip of elevator car 110 (trip 21) is also included in the predetermined number of minimum load values selected from the load values observed in the predetermined number of recent trips of elevator car 110. However, the last trip of elevator car 110 can be excluded from the selected predetermined number of minimum load values. In this example, the predetermined error tolerance can be ±3, meaning that all five selected minimum values are within the predetermined error tolerance between each other. Therefore, in this example, the constant baseline load value 510 is 9, which is the result of rounding the average of the selected minimum load values to the nearest integer. The constant baseline load value 510 exceeds 0 percent of the nominal load of elevator car 110, indicating that there is a constant load, i.e., a non-human object, such as goods, that is constantly present in elevator car 110 (i.e., during all predetermined number of trips of elevator car 110). In this example, the load value of the last trip of elevator car 110 (trip 21) is 9, which is not significantly greater than the constant baseline load value 510. This further indicates that there is very likely no human object 160 inside the elevator car 110, and therefore the computing unit 210 will not detect any entrapment situation inside the elevator car 110.
[0055] Figure 6An example of components of computing unit 210 is schematically shown. Computing unit 210 may include: a processing unit 610, which includes one or more processors; a storage unit 620, which includes one or more memories; a communication unit 630, which includes one or more communication devices; and may include a user interface (UI) unit 640. The mentioned elements may be communicatively connected to each other via, for example, a communication bus. Storage unit 620 may store and maintain portions of computer program (code) 625 and data, such as the contents of acquired telemetry messages or any other data. Computer program 625 may include instructions that, when executed by processing unit 610 of computing unit 210, cause processing unit 610 and thus computing unit 210 to perform desired tasks, such as one or more method steps described above. Therefore, processing unit 610 can access storage unit 620 and retrieve and store any information therein. For clarity, processor here refers to any unit suitable for processing information and controlling the operation of computing unit 210 and other tasks. These operations may also be implemented using a microcontroller solution with embedded software. Similarly, storage unit 620 is not limited to a specific type of memory, but any type of memory suitable for storing multiple pieces of described information can be applied in the context of this invention. Communication unit 630 provides one or more communication interfaces for communicating with any other unit (e.g., elevator control system 140, connection module, remote monitoring system 220, one or more databases). User interface unit 640 may include one or more input / output (I / O) devices, such as buttons, keyboards, touchscreens, microphones, speakers, displays, etc., for receiving user input and output information. Computer program 625 may be a computer program product, which may be contained in a tangible, non-volatile (non-transient) computer-readable medium carrying computer program code 625 for a computer (i.e., computing unit 210).
[0056] The specific examples provided in the above description should not be construed as limiting the applicability and / or interpretation of the appended claims. The list and groups of examples provided in the above description are not exhaustive unless otherwise expressly stated.
Claims
1. A method for detecting entrapment within an elevator car (110), the method comprising: Telemetry messages are acquired (310) after a configurable number of trips of the elevator car (110), wherein each telemetry message includes a load value representing the load of the elevator car (110) during the configurable number of trips of the elevator car (110). Observe (330) a predetermined number of recently traveled load values of the elevator car (110) to determine a constant baseline load value (510), which represents the load of the elevator car (110) when there is no human object (160) inside it; The load value of the last trip of the elevator car (110) is compared (340) with the constant baseline load value (510); and If the comparison results indicate that the load value of the last trip is significantly greater than the constant baseline load value (510), then the entrapment situation inside the elevator car (110) is detected (350).
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising generating (360) at least one service request, the at least one service request including an indication of a entrapment situation detected in the elevator car (110).
3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The load value includes the mass of the load of the elevator car (110) or a parameter representing the mass of the load of the elevator car (110).
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The parameters include: power data, which represents the electrical power supplied to the hoisting motor configured to move the elevator car (110); torque and current data, which represents the torque and current of the hoisting motor during a constant speed phase of the elevator car (110)'s travel; or energy data, which represents the cumulative power supplied to the hoisting motor during the travel of the elevator car (110).
5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each telemetry message also includes stop position data, which indicates the position in which the elevator car (110) stops in the elevator shaft (120) at the end of a configurable number of trips of the elevator car (110).
6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises: Receive (320) an inoperability notification indicating that the elevator car (110) is inoperable; as well as In response to receiving the inoperability notification, a predetermined number of recently traveled load values of the elevator car (110) are observed (330) to determine the constant baseline load value (510), which represents the load of the elevator car (110) when there is no human object (160) in the elevator car (110).
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The inoperability notification is a fault telemetry message, which includes a fault notification indicating that the elevator car (110) is inoperable.
8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The predetermined number of recent trips of the elevator car (110) is determined based on: a time window before the last trip of the elevator car (110), a predetermined constant number of recent trips of the elevator car (110), or a varying number of recent trips of the elevator car (110).
9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Determining the constant baseline load value (510) includes: Select (410) at least a predetermined number of minimum load values from a predetermined number of recently traveled observed load values of the elevator car (110); The minimum load value selected for verification (420) is within the predetermined error tolerance between them; and The constant baseline load value (430) is determined based on the selected minimum load value that has been verified.
10. A calculation unit (210) for detecting entrapment within an elevator car (110), the calculation unit (210) comprising: Processing unit (610), the processing unit including one or more processors, and Storage unit (620), the storage unit including one or more memories storing computer program code (625), One or more memories and the computer program code (625) are configured to utilize the one or more processors to cause the computing unit (210) to execute: Telemetry messages are acquired after a configurable number of trips of the elevator car (110), wherein each telemetry message includes a load value representing the load of the elevator car (110) during the configurable number of trips of the elevator car (110); A predetermined number of recently traveled load values of the elevator car (110) are observed to determine a constant baseline load value (510), which represents the load of the elevator car (110) when there are no human objects inside it. The load value of the last trip of the elevator car (110) is compared with the constant baseline load value (510); and If the comparison results indicate that the load value of the last trip is significantly greater than the constant baseline load value (510), then a entrapment situation is detected in the elevator car (110).
11. The computing unit (210) according to claim 10 is further configured to generate at least one service request, the at least one service request including an indication of a entrapment situation detected in the elevator car (110).
12. The computing unit (210) according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein, The load value includes the mass of the load of the elevator car (110) or a parameter representing the mass of the load of the elevator car (110).
13. The computing unit (210) according to claim 12, wherein, The parameters include: power data, which represents the electrical power supplied to the hoisting motor configured to move the elevator car (110); torque and current data, which represents the torque and current of the hoisting motor during a constant speed phase of the elevator car (110)'s travel; or energy data, which represents the cumulative power supplied to the hoisting motor during the travel of the elevator car (110).
14. The computing unit (210) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein, Each telemetry message also includes stop position data, which indicates the position in which the elevator car (110) stops in the elevator shaft (120) at the end of the trip.
15. The computing unit (210) according to any one of claims 10 to 14 is further configured to: Receive an inoperability notification indicating that the elevator car (110) is inoperable; In response to receiving the inoperability notification, a predetermined number of recently traveled load values of the elevator car (110) are observed to determine the constant baseline load value (510), which represents the load of the elevator car (110) when there are no human objects inside the elevator car (110).
16. The computing unit (210) according to claim 15, wherein, The inoperability notification is a fault telemetry message, which includes a fault notification indicating that the elevator car (110) is inoperable.
17. The computing unit (210) according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein, The predetermined number of recent trips of the elevator car (110) is determined based on: a time window before the last trip of the elevator car (110), a predetermined constant number of recent trips of the elevator car (110), or a variable number of recent trips of the elevator car (110).
18. The computing unit (210) according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein, Determining the constant baseline load value (510) includes configuring the computing unit (210) to: Select at least a predetermined number of minimum load values from a predetermined number of recently traveled observed load values of the elevator car (110); The selected minimum load values are verified to be within the predetermined error tolerances between them; as well as The constant baseline load value (510) is determined based on the selected minimum load value that has been verified.
19. A detection system (200) for detecting entrapment within an elevator car (110), the detection system (200) comprising: Elevator control system (140); as well as The computing unit (210) according to any one of claims 10 to 18.