A state monitoring solution for an elevator

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for condition monitoring of an elevator buffer device (116, 118) of an elevator entity (102, 108). The method comprises controlling (210) an elevator hoisting machine system to drive the elevator entity (102, 108) to compress the elevator buffer device (116, 118), recording (220) torque data of an elevator hoisting motor of the elevator hoisting machine system during compression of the elevator buffer device (116, 118) of the elevator entity (102, 108), and condition monitoring (230) the elevator buffer device (116, 118) based on the recorded torque data. The invention also relates to an elevator control system (110) for condition monitoring of an elevator buffer device (116, 118) of an elevator entity (102, 108).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to the technical field of elevators. In particular, this invention relates to the status monitoring of elevator buffer devices. Background Technology

[0002] The elevator system includes an elevator car configured to travel between floors along an elevator shaft. The system also includes a buffer device disposed in the pit of the elevator shaft to mitigate the stopping of the elevator car as it attempts to pass the bottom floors towards the pit. Furthermore, if the elevator car attempts to pass the top floor towards the top of the elevator shaft, a separate buffer device is provided in the pit to cushion the stopping of the counterweight by absorbing its kinetic energy.

[0003] Elevator shaft space efficiency can be improved by reducing the headroom at the top of the shaft and the pit height at the bottom. Reduced headroom at the shaft ends necessitates providing and maintaining enhanced safety measures. For example, reducing pit height by using smaller buffers requires elevator overspeed monitoring to reduce overspeed limits towards the shaft ends. As a result of this development, operational tolerances for elevator functions and components have become smaller. Traction ropes are such critical components, and their condition needs careful monitoring. With a smaller pit, gradual stretching must be monitored in particular. When the car is at the top floor, free space must be maintained between the counterweight and its buffer to ensure that accidental collisions do not occur.

[0004] Typically, the condition of the buffer unit can be inspected during a maintenance visit, for example, by maintenance personnel. To inspect the buffer unit, maintenance personnel need to enter the elevator shaft pit for a manual visual inspection. The frequency of inspection may depend on the type of buffer unit. For example, some polyurethane buffer units may be sensitive to water and other materials, which can lead to damage. Typically, the buffer unit manufacturer provides a certain lifespan for the buffer unit. During a maintenance visit, several other checks are usually performed from inside the pit. For example, maintenance personnel may measure the free space below the counterweight during the maintenance visit to ensure there is no risk of accidental collision with the buffer unit.

[0005] Low-pit elevator systems are becoming increasingly common. However, performing inspections from within the pit of the elevator shaft in these systems presents significant challenges.

[0006] Therefore, further solutions for condition monitoring elevator buffer devices need to be developed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The following is a simplified summary of the invention to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of various embodiments of the invention. This summary is not a broad overview of the invention. It is neither intended to identify key or essential elements of the invention nor to depict its scope. The following summary presents only some concepts of the invention in a simplified form, serving as a prelude to a more detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method and control system for monitoring the status of an elevator buffer device in an elevator structure. Another purpose of this invention is to enable remote monitoring of the status of the elevator buffer device using both the method and control system.

[0009] The object of the present invention is achieved by the method and elevator control system defined by the respective independent claims.

[0010] According to a first aspect, a method for monitoring the state of an elevator buffer device for an elevator entity is provided, wherein the method includes: controlling an elevator traction machinery system to drive the elevator entity to compress the elevator buffer device; recording torque data of the elevator traction motor of the elevator traction machinery system during the compression of the elevator buffer device of the elevator entity; and monitoring the state of the elevator buffer device based on the recorded torque data.

[0011] Monitoring the condition of an elevator buffer device based on recorded torque data may include comparing the recorded torque data with reference torque data and evaluating the condition of the elevator buffer device based on the comparison results.

[0012] The difference between the recorded torque data and the reference torque data can indicate the deterioration status of the elevator's buffer system.

[0013] Reference torque data can be defined during the commissioning of the elevator buffer device.

[0014] An elevator buffer device may include two or more buffer elements, and monitoring the state of the elevator buffer device based on recorded torque data may also include monitoring the state similarity between two or more buffer elements of the elevator buffer device.

[0015] Discontinuities in the recorded torque data can indicate the dissimilarity in the states of two or more buffer elements in an elevator buffer system.

[0016] The elevator body can be a counterweight, and the elevator buffer device can be a counterweight buffer device.

[0017] When the elevator body is a counterweight and the elevator buffer device is a counterweight buffer device, the method may further include measuring the free space between the counterweight and the counterweight buffer device when the elevator car is at the top floor.

[0018] Measuring the free space between the counterweight and the counterweight buffer device may include: obtaining distance data from an encoder device, the distance data representing the distance the elevator car travels from the top floor upwards until the counterweight reaches the counterweight buffer device; and determining the free space between the counterweight and the counterweight buffer device based on the obtained distance data and the recorded torque data.

[0019] Alternatively, the elevator body can be an elevator car, and the elevator buffer device can be an elevator car buffer device.

[0020] According to a second aspect, an elevator control system for monitoring the status of an elevator buffer device of an elevator entity is provided, wherein the elevator control system includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured together with the at least one processor to cause the elevator control system to perform: controlling an elevator traction machinery system to drive the elevator entity to compress the elevator buffer device; recording torque data of the elevator traction motor of the elevator traction machinery system during the compression of the elevator buffer device; and monitoring the status of the elevator buffer device based on the monitored torque curve.

[0021] Monitoring the condition of an elevator buffer device based on recorded torque data may include configuring the elevator control system to compare the recorded torque data with reference torque data and evaluate the condition of the elevator buffer device based on the comparison results.

[0022] The difference between the recorded torque data and the reference torque data can indicate the deterioration status of the elevator's buffer system.

[0023] Reference torque data can be defined during the commissioning of the elevator buffer device.

[0024] An elevator buffer device may include two or more buffer elements, and monitoring the state of the elevator buffer device based on recorded torque data may further include: the elevator control system may be configured to monitor the state similarity between two or more buffer elements of the elevator buffer device.

[0025] Discontinuities in the recorded torque data can indicate the dissimilarity in the states of two or more buffer elements in an elevator buffer system.

[0026] The elevator body can be a counterweight, and the elevator buffer device can be a counterweight buffer device.

[0027] When the elevator body is the counterweight and the elevator buffer is the counterweight buffer, the elevator control system can also be configured to measure the free space between the counterweight and the counterweight buffer when the elevator car is at the top floor.

[0028] Measuring the free space between the counterweight and the counterweight buffer device can include: the elevator control system can be configured to: obtain distance data from an encoder device, the distance data representing the distance the elevator car travels from the top floor upwards until the counterweight reaches the counterweight buffer device; and determine the free space between the counterweight and the counterweight buffer device based on the obtained distance data and recorded torque data.

[0029] Alternatively, the elevator body can be an elevator car, and the elevator buffer device can be an elevator car buffer device.

[0030] Various exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the invention (with regard to structure and operation) and their additional objects and advantages will be best understood from the following description of specific exemplary and non-limiting embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0031] The verbs “comprising” and “including” are used herein as open-ended restrictions, neither excluding nor requiring the presence of any unlisted features. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the features recited in the dependent claims may be freely combined with each other. Furthermore, it should be understood that the use of “a” or “an,” i.e., the singular form, throughout the document does not exclude a plurality. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings by way of example and not limitation.

[0033] Figure 1 An example of an elevator system is illustrated schematically.

[0034] Figure 2 An example of a method for monitoring the status of an elevator buffer device for an elevator entity is illustrated schematically.

[0035] Figure 3 A more detailed example of the method is illustrated schematically.

[0036] Figure 4-5 Other more detailed examples of this method are illustrated schematically.

[0037] Figure 6A A simplified example of an elevator system is illustrated, showing the free space between the counterweight and the counterweight buffer.

[0038] Figure 6B A simplified example of an elevator system is illustrated, showing the distance the elevator car travels upwards from the top floor until the counterweight reaches the counterweight buffer.

[0039] Figure 7 Another example of this method is illustrated schematically.

[0040] Figure 8An example of a component of an elevator control system is shown schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Figure 1 An example of an elevator system 100 is schematically shown. The elevator system 100 includes an elevator car 102, a counterweight 108, and an elevator control system 110. The elevator car 102 is configured to travel along an elevator shaft 104 between multiple floors (i.e., landings) 106a-106n. The elevator system 100 can also form elevator groups, i.e., groups of two or more elevator cars 102, each elevator car 102 traveling along a separate elevator shaft 104, the elevator shaft 104 being configured as a unit operation serving the same landings. The elevator system 100 also includes a traction machinery system configured to drive the elevator cars 102 along the elevator shaft 104 between floors 106a-106n. The elevator traction machinery system may include, for example, an elevator traction motor (e.g., an electric motor) and a traction sheave 112 for traction of the elevator cars 102. For illustrative purposes, Figure 1 Only the traction sheave 112 of the elevator traction mechanism is shown. The elevator car 102, the traction mechanism, and the counterweight 108 are interconnected via the elevator traction rope assembly 114 and the traction sheave 112. The elevator traction rope assembly 114 is connected via multiple pulleys (for clarity, ...). Figure 1 Wiring (not shown). When the traction sheave 112 rotates, the elevator car 102 and the counterweight 108 move vertically (V) along the elevator shaft 104. The elevator traction rope assembly 114 includes at least one traction rope. The elevator system 100 also includes a buffer device 116 for the elevator car 102 and a buffer device 118 for the counterweight 108. From now on, throughout this application, the buffer device 116 for the elevator car 102 is referred to as the elevator car buffer device, and the buffer device 118 for the counterweight 108 is referred to as the counterweight buffer device. The elevator car buffer device 116 is arranged in the pit of the elevator shaft 104 to mitigate the stopping of the elevator car 102 by absorbing the kinetic energy of the elevator car 102 when the elevator car 102 attempts to pass over the bottom floor 106a toward the pit. To mitigate the cessation of movement of the elevator car 102, the elevator car buffer 116 is compressed when the elevator car 102 reaches (i.e., is driven to abut) the elevator car buffer 116. Similarly, a counterweight buffer 118 is arranged in the pit of the elevator shaft 104 to mitigate the cessation of movement of the counterweight 108 by absorbing the kinetic energy of the counterweight 108 when the elevator car 102 attempts to move toward the top of the elevator shaft 104 past the top floor 106n. To mitigate the cessation of movement of the counterweight, the counterweight buffer 118 is compressed when the counterweight 108 reaches (i.e., is driven to abut) the counterweight buffer 118.

[0042] Elevator control system 110 (e.g., elevator controller) is configured to at least control the operation of elevator system 100. Elevator control system 110 may be located within machine room 120 (e.g., Figure 1 (as shown in the example) or located at one of floors 106a-106n, for example in a machine room-less elevator system. The elevator control system 110 is communicatively connected to other entities of the elevator system 100. Communication between the elevator control system 110 and other entities of the elevator system 100 can be based on one or more known wired or wireless communication technologies. The implementation of the elevator control system 110 can be accomplished as a standalone control entity or as a distributed control environment among multiple standalone control entities (e.g., multiple servers), thereby providing distributed control resources. The elevator control system 110 may, for example, include one or more elevator controllers. The elevator control system 110 includes an elevator drive system 122 for controlling the elevator traction motor of the elevator traction machinery system (e.g., power supply to the elevator traction motor, speed of the elevator traction motor, and torque of the elevator traction motor) to drive the elevator car 102 along the elevator shaft 104. The elevator system 100 may also include one or more known elevator-related entities, such as user interface devices, elevator doors, sensor devices, safety circuits and devices, and / or elevator brakes, etc., which are not explicitly shown in the text. Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, the elevator control system 110 can be communicatively connected to the remote computing system 124. Communication between the elevator control system 110 and the remote computing system 124 can be based on one or more known wired or wireless communication technologies. The remote computing system 124 may, for example, include one or more computing entities located remotely from the elevator system 100. The remote computing system 124 may be, for example, at least one of the following: a cloud server, a service center, a data center, a remote monitoring system, or a remote diagnostic system.

[0043] Next, through reference Figure 2 An example of a method for monitoring the status of elevator buffer devices 116, 118 for elevator entities 102, 108. Figure 2The method is schematically illustrated in a flowchart. The method is executed by an elevator control system 110. Elevator entities 102 and 108 can be elevator car 102 or counterweight 108. If elevator entities 102 and 108 are elevator car 102, then elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 are elevator car buffer devices 116. If elevator entities 102 and 108 are counterweight 108, then elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 are counterweight buffer devices 118. Elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 include at least one buffer element. Elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 can be polyurethane (PU) buffers, spring buffers, or hydraulic buffers, or any other type of buffer device. Elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 implemented as polyurethane buffers may include at least one polyurethane buffer element. Elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 implemented as spring buffers may include at least one spring buffer element. Elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 implemented as hydraulic buffers may include at least one hydraulic buffer element.

[0044] In step 210, the elevator control system 110 controls the elevator traction mechanism to drive elevator bodies 102 and 108 to compress the corresponding elevator buffers 116 and 118. For example, the elevator drive system 122 of the elevator control system 110 can control the elevator traction motor of the elevator traction mechanism to drive elevator bodies 102 and 108 to compress elevator buffers 116 and 118. Because the elevator car 102 and the counterweight 108 are interconnected via the elevator traction rope assembly 114, the two elevator bodies are driven simultaneously, but in opposite directions. Therefore, driving either elevator body 102 or 108 upwards or downwards also causes the other elevator body 102 or 108 to be driven downwards or upwards, respectively. In other words, when the elevator car 102 is driven upwards along the elevator shaft 104, the counterweight is simultaneously driven downwards along the elevator shaft 104, and vice versa. For safety reasons, the elevator car 102 is preferably empty when elevator bodies 102 and 108 are driven to compress the corresponding elevator buffers 116 and 118. If there is a load (e.g., one or more passengers) inside the elevator car 102, the mass of the elevator car 102 can be measured when the elevator bodies 102, 108 are driven to compress the corresponding elevator buffer devices, and the effect of the load on the elevator car 102 on the torque data of the elevator traction motor of the elevator traction machinery system can be considered (recorded in step 220, as described below). The mass of the elevator car 102 can be measured using any elevator car load measurement method, such as, but not limited to, using a load weighing device.

[0045] In step 220, the elevator control system 110 records torque data of the elevator traction motor of the elevator traction machinery system during the compression of the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 of the elevator bodies 102 and 108. The torque data represents the torque of the elevator traction motor. The torque data may include a torque curve or one or more points on a torque curve. A torque curve represents the torque generated by the elevator traction motor as a function of time. The torque data may be determined, for example, by the drive system 122. The torque data may be determined, for example, based on the electrical quantities of the elevator traction motor. The electrical quantities of the elevator motor include at least the motor current and motor voltage, i.e., the current and voltage supplied to the elevator traction motor. The electrical quantities of the elevator motor may also include the frequency of the motor current and motor voltage.

[0046] When elevator bodies 102 and 108 are driven to compress the corresponding elevator buffer devices 116 and 118, the buffer devices 116 and 118 begin to support the elevator bodies 102 and 108. This causes a change in the imbalance state at the traction sheave 112 of the elevator traction mechanism, which in turn causes a change in the torque of the elevator traction motor, for example, an increase. It can be assumed that the compression of the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 substantially follows the behavior of an ideal spring. Specifically, when the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 are spring buffers, it can be assumed that the compression of the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 follows the behavior of an ideal spring. When the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 are PU buffers or hydraulic buffers, the compression of the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 does not necessarily perfectly follow the behavior of an ideal spring. However, again, in the case where the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 are PU buffers or hydraulic buffers, it can be assumed that the compression of the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 substantially follows the behavior of an ideal spring. When elevator bodies 102 and 108 are driven to compress the corresponding elevator buffers 116 and 118, initially, the compression of the elevator buffers 116 and 118 is substantially linear. When the compression of the elevator buffers 116 and 118 is substantially linear, the change in the torque curve is also substantially linear, and the slope of the torque curve can be determined based on the spring stiffness (i.e., spring constant) of the elevator buffers 116 and 118. The region where the compression of the elevator buffers 116 and 118 is substantially linear can be referred to as the linear region of the elevator buffers 116 and 118. When the elevator buffers 116 and 118 are further compressed, at a certain moment, the compression of the elevator buffers 116 and 118 is no longer substantially linear, but begins to be nonlinear. When the compression of the elevator buffers 116 and 118 is no longer linear (i.e., outside the linear region of the elevator buffers 116 and 118), the spring constant no longer applies, which again means that the change in the torque curve is no longer substantially linear, but begins to be nonlinear. In other words, it is assumed that the change in the torque curve is essentially linear, as long as it remains within the linear region of the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118.

[0047] At step 230, the elevator control system 110 monitors the status of the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 based on the recorded torque data. The status monitoring of the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 of the elevator entities 102 and 108 can be performed periodically, for example, according to a predefined schedule. For example, status monitoring can be performed a predetermined number of times, such as weekly, monthly, or annually, for example, once a month or four times a year. Optionally or additionally, the status monitoring of the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 of the elevator entities 102 and 108 can be performed in response to receiving control signals from the remote computing system 124. Figure 3 It is illustrated in a more detailed manner. Figure 2The flowchart. In particular, step 230, the step of monitoring the status of elevator buffer devices 116 and 118, from... Figure 3 It became clear.

[0048] According to one example, monitoring the state of the elevator buffer devices 116, 118 based on the recorded torque data in step 230 may include monitoring changes in the torque data compared to reference torque data. This is performed at step 310, where the elevator control system 110 can monitor changes in the torque data compared to reference torque data. In this application, by reference... Figure 4 Step 310 describes in more detail the changes in the monitored torque data compared to the reference torque data.

[0049] According to another example, if the elevator buffer devices 116, 118 include two or more buffer elements, then the state monitoring of the elevator buffer devices 116, 118 based on the recorded torque data in step 230 may alternatively or additionally include monitoring the state similarity between the two or more buffer elements of the elevator buffer devices 116, 118. This is performed at step 320, wherein the elevator control system 110 may monitor the state similarity between the two or more buffer elements of the elevator buffer devices 116, 118. (See references in this application.) Figure 5 Step 320 for monitoring state similarity is described in more detail.

[0050] Figure 4 A more detailed schematic illustration is shown. Figure 3Step 310 involves monitoring the change in torque data compared to reference torque data. At step 410, the elevator control system 110 compares the recorded torque data with the reference torque data. Reference torque data can be defined during the commissioning of the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118. When the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 are used, and when the corresponding elevator bodies 102 and 108 are driven to compress the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118, the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 have a certain influence on the torque data. However, over time, the state of the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 changes due to, for example, aging (e.g., deterioration) of the buffer material. Changes in the state of the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 lead to changes in their influence on the torque data. Therefore, changes in the state of the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 can be detected based on changes in the torque data compared to the reference torque data. The reference torque data may include a reference torque curve or one or more points on a reference torque curve. Comparing the recorded torque data and reference torque data may include comparing one or more points of the torque curve included in the recorded torque data with corresponding one or more points of the reference torque curve included in the reference torque data. If both the recorded torque data and the reference torque data include a torque curve, then comparing the recorded torque data and the reference torque data may include comparing the torque curve included in the recorded torque data with the reference torque curve included in the reference torque data. The reference torque data may, for example, be stored in the memory unit 820 of the elevator control system 110. Optionally or additionally, the elevator control system 110 may provide the reference torque data to the remote computing system 124 and / or to a database for storing the reference torque data therein.

[0051] At step 420, the elevator control system 110 can evaluate the condition of the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 based on the comparison result at step 410. The difference between the recorded torque data and the reference torque data can indicate the deterioration condition of the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 at step 430. The difference between the recorded torque data and the reference torque data may manifest as, for example, an increase or decrease in torque value compared to the reference torque data. A deterioration condition of the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 means that the characteristics of the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 have changed significantly, requiring replacement with new buffer devices. Alternatively, no difference between the recorded torque data and the reference torque data can indicate an acceptable condition of the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 at step 440. An acceptable condition of the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 means that the characteristics of the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 have at least remained substantially unchanged.

[0052] At step 450, the elevator control system 110 may generate a maintenance request in response to the detection at step 430 of a difference between the recorded torque data and reference torque data (i.e., a deterioration state of the elevator buffer devices 116, 118). The maintenance request may, for example, include an instruction to replace the elevator buffer devices 116, 118 with new buffer devices. The maintenance request may also include, for example, information indicating the state of the elevator buffer devices 116, 118, such as their deterioration state. For example, the maintenance request may be generated for the remote computing system 124 and / or maintenance personnel. Generating a maintenance request in response to the detection at step 430 of a difference between the recorded torque data and reference torque data (i.e., a deterioration state of the elevator buffer devices 116, 118) enables preventative maintenance of the elevator buffer devices 116, 118, since the deterioration state of the buffer devices 116, 118 can be detected, and maintenance personnel can be notified of the deterioration state of the elevator buffer devices 116, 118 prior to a scheduled maintenance visit.

[0053] Figure 5 A more detailed schematic illustration is shown. Figure 3Step 320, namely the step of monitoring state similarity. At step 510, the elevator control system 110 monitors the state similarity between two or more buffer elements of the elevator buffer devices 116, 118. Discontinuities in the recorded torque data (e.g., abnormal displacement) can indicate dissimilarity in the states of two or more buffer elements of the elevator buffer devices 116, 118 at step 520. As mentioned above, it is assumed that the change in the torque curve is substantially linear, as long as it remains within the linear region of the elevator buffer devices 116, 118. However, in the case where the elevator buffer devices 116, 118 include two or more buffer elements, where the state of at least one of the two or more buffer elements differs from the state of the other buffer elements, the change in the torque curve may initially be substantially linear, but the difference in the state of the buffer elements of the elevator buffer devices 116, 118 may lead to discontinuities in the torque curve. For example, if elevator buffer devices 116, 118 include two buffer elements, one of which (e.g., the second buffer element) collapses more than the other (e.g., the first buffer element), then when elevator bodies 102, 108 begin to compress the first buffer element (i.e., the less collapsed buffer element), the change in the torque curve can be substantially linear. However, when elevator bodies 102, 108 also begin to compress the second buffer element (i.e., the more collapsed buffer element), a distinguishable discontinuity in the torque curve can be detected. Alternatively, if no discontinuity is detected in the recorded torque data, the similarity of the states of the two or more buffer elements of elevator buffer devices 116, 118 can be indicated at step 530. For example, dissimilarity might be caused by differences between the states of two or more buffer elements. In other words, if the states of two or more buffer elements are different from each other, it results in dissimilarity of the states of the two or more buffer elements of elevator buffer devices 116, 118. The difference in the state of two or more buffer elements can be, for example, the amount of collapse—for instance, one or more of the buffer elements may collapse more than the others—or any other difference in the state of the two or more buffer elements. Alternatively or additionally, dissimilarity can be caused, for example, by the two or more buffer elements being at different levels. In other words, if the top surfaces of two or more buffer elements (i.e., the surfaces facing the elevator bodies 102, 108) are at different levels in the vertical direction, it may result in a difference in the state of the two or more buffer elements of the elevator buffer devices 116, 118.

[0054] At step 540, the elevator control system 110 may generate a maintenance request in response to the detection at step 520 of a non-linear increase in the recorded torque data (i.e., dissimilarity in the states of two or more buffer elements of elevator buffer devices 116, 118). The maintenance request may include, for example, instructions to replace at least one of the two or more buffer elements of elevator buffer devices 116, 118 with a new buffer element, to replace the entire elevator buffer device 116, 118 with a new buffer device, and / or to adjust the level of at least one of the two or more buffer elements of elevator buffer devices 116, 118. The maintenance request may further include, for example, information indicating the dissimilarity in the states of the two or more buffer elements. For example, the maintenance request may be generated for remote computing system 124 and / or maintenance personnel. A maintenance request is generated in response to the detection of a nonlinear increase in the recorded torque data at step 520 (i.e., dissimilarity in the state of two or more buffer elements of elevator buffer devices 116, 118), enabling preventative maintenance of elevator buffer devices 116, 118, since the dissimilarity in the state of two or more buffer elements of elevator buffer devices 116, 118 can be detected and the maintenance personnel can be notified of the dissimilarity before a scheduled maintenance visit.

[0055] According to another example, where elevator bodies 102 and 108 are counterweight 108 and elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 are counterweight buffer devices 118, when the elevator car 102 is at the top floor 106n, the elevator control system 110 can also measure the free space between the counterweight 108 and the counterweight buffer device 118 (i.e., the free space below the counterweight 108). When the elevator car 102 is at the top floor 106n, the free space below the counterweight 108 is the distance between the bottom surface of the counterweight 108 and the top surface of the counterweight buffer device 118. Figure 6A A simplified example of an elevator system 100 is schematically shown, illustrating the free space (FS) between the counterweight 108 and the counterweight buffer device 118. Figure 6A Example elevator system 100 may include Figure 1 Example elevator system 100 entity and / or Figure 6A One or more other entities not shown in the diagram. Figure 7 An example of a method for monitoring the status of elevator buffer devices 116, 118 of elevator entities 102, 108 is illustrated, wherein the method further includes measuring the free space between the counterweight 108 and the counterweight buffer device 118.

[0056] At step 710, the elevator control system 110 can obtain distance data. The elevator control system 110 can obtain distance data from the encoder device 610. The encoder device 610 can be arranged in the elevator traction mechanism. The elevator control system 110 is communicatively connected to the encoder device 610. Communication between the elevator control system 110 and the encoder device 610 can be based on one or more known wired or wireless communication technologies. The obtained distance data represents the distance (D) from when the elevator car 102 moves upward from the top floor 106n until the counterweight 108 reaches the counterweight buffer device 118 (i.e., until the counterweight buffer device 118 begins to compress due to the counterweight 108). As described above, at step 210, the elevator car 102 moves upward from the top floor 106n until the counterweight 108 reaches the counterweight buffer device 118. Figure 6B A simplified example of an elevator system 100 is schematically shown, illustrating the distance (D) that the elevator car 102 travels upward from the top floor 106n until the counterweight 108 reaches the counterweight buffer device 118. Figure 6B Example elevator system 100 may include Figure 1 Example elevator system 100 entity and / or Figure 6B One or more other entities not shown. The encoder device 610 can count the number of revolutions of the traction sheave 112 caused by the elevator car 102 moving upward from the top floor 106n until the counterweight 108 reaches the counterweight buffer device 118. The distance (D) that the elevator car 102 travels upward from the top floor 106n until the counterweight 108 reaches the counterweight buffer device 118 can be determined based on the counted revolutions of the traction sheave 112. Since the vertical distance traveled by the counterweight 108 corresponds to the vertical distance traveled by the elevator car 102, the distance (D) corresponds to the free space (FS) between the counterweight 108 and the counterweight buffer device 118. After obtaining the distance data, the elevator control system 110 can record torque data at step 220, as described above.

[0057] At step 720, the elevator control system 110 can determine the free space between the counterweight 108 and the counterweight buffer device 118 based on the acquired distance data and the recorded torque data. The starting point of the distance measurement is the point at the top floor 106n of the elevator car 102, and the ending point of the distance measurement is the point where the counterweight 108 reaches the counterweight buffer device 118. When the counterweight 108 is driven to compress the counterweight buffer device 118, the recorded torque data can be used to detect when the counterweight 108 reaches the counterweight buffer device 118. In other words, the ending point of the distance measurement can be determined based on the recorded torque data. As described above, when the counterweight 108 is driven to compress the counterweight buffer device 118, the buffer devices 116, 118 begin to support the counterweight 108, which causes a change in the imbalance state at the traction sheave 112 of the elevator traction machinery system, which in turn causes a change in the torque of the elevator traction motor. This means that when the counterweight 108 reaches the counterweight buffer device 118, it causes a significant change in the torque curve. Therefore, the change in torque data indicates that the counterweight has reached the counterweight buffer device 118.

[0058] At step 730, the elevator control system 110 may generate a maintenance request in response to detecting that the determined free space between the counterweight 108 and the counterweight buffer device 118 has reached and / or fallen below a predefined free space limit. In other words, the elevator control system 110 may detect whether the determined free space between the counterweight 108 and the counterweight buffer device 118 has reached and / or fallen below a predefined free space limit, and if the elevator control system 110 detects that the determined free space between the counterweight 108 and the counterweight buffer device 118 has reached and / or fallen below the predefined free space limit, the elevator control system 110 may generate a maintenance request. The maintenance request may, for example, include an instruction to adjust the free space between the counterweight 108 and the counterweight buffer device 118 by adjusting the length of the elevator rope. The maintenance request may also include, for example, information indicating the determined free space between the counterweight 108 and the counterweight buffer device 118. For example, the maintenance request may be generated to the remote computing system 124 and / or maintenance personnel. A maintenance request is generated in response to the detection in step 730 that a defined free space between the counterweight 108 and the counterweight buffer device 118 has reached and / or fallen below a predefined free space limit, enabling preventative maintenance of the elevator system, since the reduced counterweight free space can be detected and maintenance personnel can be notified of the reduced free space prior to a scheduled maintenance visit.

[0059] exist Figure 7 In the example, step 230 (i.e., status monitoring of the counterweight buffer device 118) is performed before step 720 (i.e., determining the free space). However, these method steps can also be performed in the reverse order, i.e., step 720 can also be performed before step 230.

[0060] According to the example, the elevator control system 110 can also provide status data to the telecomputing system 124, which includes at least a partial indication of the results of the status monitoring step 230. This enables remote monitoring of the status of the elevator buffers 116 and 118 of the elevator entities 102 and 108 from the elevator system 100. For example, the elevator control system 110 can provide status data to the telecomputing system 124, which includes an indication of the assessment results of the status of the elevator buffers 116 and 118 at step 420, such as a deteriorated state or an acceptable state of the elevator buffers 116 and 118. Alternatively or additionally, the elevator control system 110 may, for example, provide status data to the remote computing system 124, including an indication of the result of a similarity assessment of the states of two or more buffer elements of the elevator buffer devices 116, 118 at step 510, such as dissimilarity of the states of two or more buffer elements of the elevator buffer devices 116, 118 or similarity of the states of two or more buffer elements of the elevator buffer devices 116, 118. The elevator control system 110 may also provide status data to the remote computing system 124, including an indication of the result of determining the free space between the counterweight 108 and the counterweight buffer device 118 in step 720, such as the determined free space between the counterweight 108 and the counterweight buffer device 118. This allows monitoring of the free space between the counterweight 108 and the counterweight buffer device 118 remotely from the elevator system 100.

[0061] According to another example, the elevator control system 110 may alternatively or additionally provide the recorded torque data to the remote computing system 124 to enable remote status monitoring of the elevator buffer devices 116, 118 from the elevator system 100. The remote computing system 124 can then perform status monitoring of the elevator buffer devices based on the recorded torque data, similar to that described above for the elevator control system 110. The elevator control system 110 may also provide the acquired distance data to the remote computing system 124 to enable the measurement of the free space between the counterweight 108 and the counterweight buffer device 118 remotely from the elevator system 100. The remote computing system 124 can then perform determination of the free space between the counterweight 108 and the counterweight buffer device 118 based on the distance data and the recorded torque data, as described above for the elevator control system 110.

[0062] Figure 8An example of components of an elevator control system 110 is schematically shown. The elevator control system 110 may include: a processing unit 810 including one or more processors, a memory unit 820 including one or more memories, a communication unit 830 including one or more communication devices, and a possible user interface (UI) unit 840. The aforementioned components may be communicatively coupled to each other using, for example, a communication bus. The memory unit 820 may store and maintain portions of a computer program (code) 825, recorded torque data, reference torque data, distance data, and any other data. The computer program 825 may include instructions that, when executed by the processing unit 810 of the elevator control system 110, cause the processing unit 810 and thus the elevator control system 110 to perform desired tasks, such as one or more of the method steps described above. Therefore, the processing unit 810 may be arranged to access the memory unit 820 and retrieve any information from and store any information in the memory unit 820. For clarity, the term "processor" herein refers to any unit suitable for processing information and controlling the operation of the elevator control system 110, as well as other tasks. These operations can also be implemented using a microcontroller solution with embedded software. Similarly, memory unit 820 is not limited to a certain type of memory, but any type of memory suitable for storing the described multiple pieces of information can be applied in the context of this invention. Communication unit 830 provides one or more communication interfaces for communicating with any other unit (e.g., encoder device 610, other entities of the elevator system, one or more databases) and / or with any other unit. User interface unit 840 may include one or more input / output (I / O) devices for receiving user input and output information, such as buttons, keyboards, touch screens, microphones, speakers, displays, etc. Computer program 825 may be a computer program product that may be included in a tangible, non-volatile (non-transitory) computer-readable medium carrying computer program code 825 embodied therein for use with a computer (i.e., elevator control system 110).

[0063] The method and elevator control system 110 described above for monitoring the status of elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 of elevator entities 102 and 108 can remotely monitor the status of the buffer devices 116 and 118, i.e., the status of the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 can be checked without entering the pit of the elevator shaft 104. This is particularly advantageous in the case of low-pit elevator systems with a pit depth of less than 500 mm. Furthermore, at least some embodiments enable remote monitoring of the free space between the counterweight 108 and the counterweight buffer device 118. Since the status of the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118 and / or the free space between the counterweight 108 and the counterweight buffer device 118 can be remotely monitored, the duration of maintenance visits can be reduced, and the safety of maintenance visits can be improved. Therefore, the inspection work that needs to be performed at the elevator system 110 can also be reduced. In addition, at least some of the embodiments implement preventive maintenance of the elevator buffer devices 116 and 118.

[0064] The specific examples provided in the description above should not be construed as limiting the applicability and / or interpretation of the appended claims. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the list and groups of examples provided in the description above are not exhaustive.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring the status of elevator buffer devices (116, 118) for elevator bodies (102, 108), the method comprising: Control (210) the elevator traction mechanical system to drive the elevator body (102, 108) to compress the elevator buffer device (116, 118). During the compression of the elevator buffer devices (116, 118) in the elevator entities (102, 108), the torque data of the elevator traction motor of the elevator traction mechanical system is recorded (220). and The elevator buffer devices (116, 118) are monitored for status (230) based on the recorded torque data.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The condition monitoring (230) of the elevator buffer devices (116, 118) based on the recorded torque data includes: The recorded torque data is compared with the reference torque data (410), and The state of the elevator buffer device (116, 118) is evaluated based on the results of the comparison (420).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The difference between the recorded torque data and the reference torque data indicates (430) the deterioration state of the elevator buffer device (116, 118).

4. The method according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein, The reference torque data is defined during the commissioning of the elevator buffer devices (116, 118).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The elevator buffer device (116, 118) includes two or more buffer elements, and wherein the state monitoring (230) of the elevator buffer device (116, 118) based on the recorded torque data further includes monitoring (320) the state similarity between the two or more buffer elements of the elevator buffer device (116, 118).

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The discontinuity in the recorded torque data indicates (520) the dissimilarity of the states of the two or more buffer elements of the elevator buffer device (116, 118).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The elevator body (102, 108) is a counterweight (108), and the elevator buffer device (116, 118) is a counterweight buffer device (118).

8. The method according to claim 7 further includes measuring the free space between the counterweight (108) and the counterweight buffer device (118) when the elevator car (102) is at the top floor (106n).

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, Measuring the free space between the counterweight (108) and the counterweight buffer device (118) includes: Distance data (710) is obtained from the encoder device (610), the distance data representing the distance the elevator car (102) travels upward from the top floor (106n) until the counterweight (108) reaches the counterweight buffer device (118); and The free space between the counterweight (108) and the counterweight buffer device (118) is determined (720) based on the obtained distance data and the recorded torque data.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The elevator entities (102, 108) are elevator cars (102), and the elevator buffer devices (116, 118) are elevator car buffer devices (116).

11. An elevator control system (110) for monitoring the status of elevator buffer devices (116, 118) of elevator bodies (102, 108), the elevator control system (110) comprising: At least one processor (810); and At least one memory (820) includes computer program code (825). The at least one memory (820) and the computer program code (825) are configured to, together with the at least one processor (810), enable the elevator control system (110) to execute: Control the elevator traction mechanical system to drive the elevator body (102, 108) to compress the elevator buffer device (116, 118). During the compression of the elevator buffer devices (116, 118), the torque data of the elevator traction motor of the elevator traction mechanical system is recorded; as well as The status of the elevator buffer devices (116, 118) is monitored based on the monitored torque curves.

12. The elevator control system (110) according to claim 11, wherein, Status monitoring of the elevator buffer devices (116, 118) based on the recorded torque data includes: the elevator control system (110) being configured as follows: The recorded torque data is compared with the reference torque data, and The status of the elevator buffer devices (116, 118) is evaluated based on the results of the comparison.

13. The elevator control system (110) according to claim 12, wherein, The difference between the recorded torque data and the reference torque data indicates the deterioration state of the elevator buffer devices (116, 118).

14. The elevator control system (110) according to any one of claims 12 or 13, wherein, The reference torque data is defined during the commissioning of the elevator buffer devices (116, 118).

15. The elevator control system (110) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein, The elevator buffer device (116, 118) includes two or more buffer elements, and wherein monitoring the state of the elevator buffer device (116, 118) based on recorded torque data further includes: the elevator control system (110) being configured to monitor the state similarity between the two or more buffer elements of the elevator buffer device (116, 118).

16. The elevator control system (110) according to claim 15, wherein, The discontinuity in the recorded torque data indicates the dissimilarity in the state of the two or more buffer elements of the elevator buffer device (116, 118).

17. The elevator control system (110) according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein, The elevator body (102, 108) is a counterweight (108), and the elevator buffer device (116, 118) is a counterweight buffer device (118).

18. The elevator control system (110) according to claim 17 is further configured to measure the free space between the counterweight (108) and the counterweight buffer device (118) when the elevator car (102) is at the top floor (106n).

19. The elevator control system (110) according to claim 18, wherein, The measurement of the free space between the counterweight (108) and the counterweight buffer device (118) includes: the elevator control system (110) being configured as follows: Distance data is obtained from the encoder device (610), the distance data representing the distance the elevator car (102) is driven upward from the top floor (106n) until the counterweight (108) reaches the counterweight buffer device (118); and The free space between the counterweight (108) and the counterweight buffer device (118) is determined based on the obtained distance data and the recorded torque data.

20. The elevator control system according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein, The elevator entities (102, 108) are elevator cars (102), and the elevator buffer devices (116, 118) are elevator car buffer devices (116).

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