Energy saving mode control of elevator

Abstract

To provide a control device configured to control an elevator energy saving mode.SOLUTION: A control device configured to control an elevator energy saving mode comprises at least one processing part and at least one storage part. The at least one storage part stores the command for causing the control device, when a mode is executed by the at least one processing part, to: obtain the information related to at least elevator operation; dynamically determine the maintaining period of the elevator standby mode based on at least partially based on this information; and output the request to switch from the standby mode to the energy saving mode after this period is over.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments generally relate to the field of elevator systems. In particular, some embodiments relate to solutions for controlling an energy-saving mode of an elevator.

Background Art

[0002] An elevator has a plurality of components that consume energy during operation of the elevator. In addition to this, the energy consumption of an elevator can be relatively high even during periods between operations, i.e., even when the elevator is waiting. As one possible solution for initiating an energy-saving mode, the power supply to certain elevator components can be interrupted after a predetermined time has elapsed from a recent observed event, such as a landing call signal or a speed signal of an elevator car. However, as already mentioned above, the energy consumption of an elevator can be relatively high even during the predetermined time period. Another problem with the predetermined time period is how to determine the predetermined time period while taking into account the energy consumption of the elevator during the predetermined time period.

[0003] Furthermore, some elevator components, such as contactors, may have mechanical parts that wear out when opened and closed. In view of their lifetimes, it would be desirable to limit the number of unnecessary switching operations in order to extend the lifetimes of the components. Although this is the case, if these parts are always maintained in a standby mode, the energy consumption may remain relatively high even during the standby mode.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The scope of protection sought for the various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is defined by the independent claims. If there are exemplary embodiments and configurations described herein that are not included in the scope of the independent claims, they shall be construed as useful examples for understanding the various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0005] According to a first aspect, a control device for controlling an energy-saving mode of an elevator is provided. The control device includes at least one processing unit and at least one storage unit. When executed by the at least one processing unit, the at least one storage unit causes the elevator system equipment to at least obtain information associated with the operation of the elevator, dynamically determine a period for maintaining the standby mode of the elevator at least partially based on the obtained information, and output a request to switch from the standby mode to the energy-saving mode after the end of this period. The at least one storage unit stores instructions for performing these operations.

[0006] In one implementation of the first aspect, the information associated with the operation of the elevator includes at least one elevator event. When executed by the at least one processing unit, the at least one storage unit causes the control device to at least identify the elevator event and output a request to switch from the standby mode to the energy-saving mode after the end of the maintenance period from the last elevator event. The at least one storage unit stores instructions for performing these operations.

[0007] In one implementation of the first aspect, dynamically determining the period for maintaining the standby mode at least partially based on the obtained information includes dynamically determining the period for maintaining the standby mode at least partially based on the number per time unit of the most recent elevator event.

[0008] In one implementation of the first aspect, dynamically determining the period for maintaining the standby mode at least partially based on the obtained information includes dynamically determining the period for maintaining the standby mode at least partially based on the time over a number of the most recent elevator events.

[0009] In one implementation of the first aspect, dynamically determining the period for maintaining the standby mode at least partially based on the obtained information includes dynamically determining the period for maintaining the standby mode at least partially based on the statistical distribution of elevator events.

[0010] In one embodiment of the first aspect, when executed by at least one processing unit, at least one storage unit stores instructions for causing the control device to at least increase the maintenance period in response to an increase in the number of elevator events per unit time of the most recent elevator event.

[0011] In one embodiment of the first aspect, when executed by at least one processing unit, at least one storage unit stores instructions for causing the control device to at least shorten the maintenance period in response to a decrease in the number of elevator events per unit time of the most recent elevator event.

[0012] In one embodiment of the first aspect, when executed by at least one processing unit, at least one storage unit stores instructions for causing the control device to at least increase the maintenance period in response to a decrease in the time between the most recent elevator events.

[0013] In one embodiment of the first aspect, when executed by at least one processing unit, at least one storage unit stores instructions for causing the control device to at least shorten the time delay in response to an increase in the time between the most recent elevator events.

[0014] In one embodiment of the first aspect, an elevator event includes an elevator service request output via an input device.

[0015] In one embodiment of the first aspect, an elevator event includes elevator travel of an elevator.

[0016] In one embodiment of the first aspect, information associated with the operation of an elevator includes the known and / or expected lifespan of at least one elevator component.

[0017] In one embodiment of the first aspect, information associated with the operation of an elevator includes the power consumption of the elevator.

[0018] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the information associated with the operation of the elevator includes the statistical elevator traffic distribution at different times of the day.

[0019] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the information associated with the operation of the elevator includes the cost of the energy to operate the elevator.

[0020] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the control device is an elevator control unit.

[0021] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the control device is a control unit of a drive unit of an elevator hoisting motor.

[0022] According to a second aspect, control equipment for controlling an energy-saving mode of an elevator is provided. This control equipment includes a control device according to the first aspect and a power supply switch configured to cut off the power supply of at least one elevator component in response to a request from the control device.

[0023] In one embodiment of the second aspect, at least one elevator component includes a drive unit of an elevator hoisting motor.

[0024] According to a third aspect, a method for controlling an energy-saving mode of an elevator is provided. This method includes acquiring, by a control device, information associated with the operation of the elevator, dynamically determining, by the control device, a period for maintaining a standby mode at least partially based on the acquired information, and outputting, by the control device, a request to start an energy-saving mode after this period has ended.

[0025] In one embodiment of the third aspect, the information associated with the operation of the elevator includes at least one elevator event, and the method further includes identifying the elevator event and outputting, after the period from the last elevator event has ended, a request to switch from the standby mode to the energy-saving mode.

[0026] In one embodiment of the third aspect, dynamically determining the period for maintaining the standby mode based at least in part on the acquired information includes dynamically determining the period for maintaining the standby mode based at least in part on the number per unit time of the most recent elevator events.

[0027] In one embodiment of the third aspect, dynamically determining the period for maintaining the standby mode based at least in part on the acquired information includes dynamically determining the period for maintaining the standby mode based at least in part on the time over the number of the most recent elevator events.

[0028] In one embodiment of the third aspect, dynamically determining the period for maintaining the standby mode based at least in part on the acquired information includes dynamically determining the period for maintaining the standby mode based at least in part on the statistical distribution of elevator events.

[0029] In one embodiment of the third aspect, the method further includes increasing the maintenance period in response to an increase in the number per unit time of the most recent elevator events.

[0030] In one embodiment of the third aspect, the method further includes decreasing the maintenance period in response to a decrease in the number per unit time of the most recent elevator events.

[0031] In one embodiment of the third aspect, the method further includes increasing the maintenance period in response to a decrease in the time between the most recent elevator events.

[0032] In one embodiment of the third aspect, the method further includes shortening the time delay in response to an increase in the time between the most recent elevator events.

[0033] In one embodiment of the third aspect, the elevator events include elevator service requests output via an input device.

[0034] In one embodiment of the third aspect, the elevator event includes the elevator operation of the elevator.

[0035] In one embodiment of the third aspect, the information associated with the operation of the elevator includes the known and / or predicted lifespan of at least one elevator component.

[0036] In one embodiment of the third aspect, the information associated with the operation of the elevator includes the power consumption of the elevator.

[0037] In one embodiment of the third aspect, the information associated with the operation of the elevator includes the statistical elevator traffic distribution at different times of the day.

[0038] In one embodiment of the third aspect, the information associated with the operation of the elevator includes the cost of the energy to operate the elevator.

[0039] In one embodiment of the third aspect, the control device is an elevator control unit.

[0040] In one embodiment of the third aspect, the control device is a control unit of a drive unit of an elevator hoisting motor.

[0041] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a computer program including instructions for causing a system to execute a method according to the third or fourth aspect when executed by at least one processing unit.

[0042] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium including a computer program including instructions for causing a system to execute a method according to the third or fourth aspect when executed by at least one processing unit.

[0043] According to a sixth aspect, a control device for controlling an energy-saving mode of an elevator is provided. The control device acquires information associated with the operation of the elevator, dynamically determines a period for maintaining a standby mode at least partially based on the acquired information, and includes means for outputting a request to start an energy-saving mode after this period ends.

[0044] According to a seventh aspect, an elevator provided with a control facility according to the second aspect is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0045] The accompanying drawings are included for the purpose of enhancing the understanding of the present invention and form a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present invention and help to explain the principles of the present invention together with the detailed description.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0046] Solutions for controlling an energy-saving mode of an elevator are shown by various examples and embodiments described below. In the solutions described in detail, the period in which the elevator is configured to enter from a standby mode to an energy-saving mode is dynamically determined during the operation of the elevator based on information associated with operating the elevator. In other words, this period is not a fixed period and can change during the operation of the elevator.

[0047] FIG. 1 shows a flowchart of a method according to an exemplary embodiment. The method may be implemented by elevator system equipment, for example, a control device of an elevator system. The control device may be, for example, an elevator control unit or a control unit of a drive unit of an elevator hoisting motor.

[0048] In step 100, information associated with the operation of the elevator is acquired. This information may indicate characteristics in the operation of the elevator. For example, the information associated with the operation of the elevator may include at least one elevator event. In an exemplary embodiment, the elevator event may include an elevator run of the elevator. In an exemplary embodiment, the information associated with the operation of the elevator may include the known and / or predicted life of at least one elevator component. In another exemplary embodiment, the information associated with the operation of the elevator may include the power consumption of the elevator. In another exemplary embodiment, the information associated with the operation of the elevator may include the statistical elevator traffic distribution at different times of the day. In another exemplary embodiment, the information associated with the operation of the elevator may include the cost of the energy to operate the elevator.

[0049] In step 102, it is possible to dynamically determine, at least in part, the period for maintaining the standby mode of the elevator based on the aforementioned information. The expression "dynamically determine" means that the period is not fixed to a specific value or hard-coded, but can change according to the information indicating the characteristics in the operation of the elevator. Therefore, this has the same meaning as "dynamic period". The period may change according to the time of day. The standby mode of the elevator refers to a mode in which the elevator is not in use but is immediately available, that is, a mode in which the elevator is currently not responding to elevator calls but is in a state where it can immediately respond to elevator calls. The energy consumption of the elevator in the standby mode may be relatively high even if the elevator is not responding to elevator calls.

[0050] In step 104, a request to switch from the standby mode to the energy-saving mode can be output after the end of the period. In the energy-saving mode, power supply to the target elevator component is not performed. In other words, in the energy-saving mode, power may not be supplied to one or more elevator components.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the information associated with the operation of the elevator includes at least one elevator event. The elevator event may refer to, for example, one or more recent elevator events. For example, the elevator event may refer to one or more of a landing call signal, an elevator car speed signal, or a signal from a light curtain, a camera, or an access detection device corresponding thereto. The control device may be configured to identify an elevator event that will occur soon and output a request to switch from the standby mode to the energy-saving mode after the period from the final elevator event has ended. In an exemplary embodiment, the aforementioned period may be individual for an elevator component or a group of elevator components. In other words, different elevator components may have different periods associated with maintaining the standby mode. For example, some elevator components such as an elevator drive unit may take longer to return from the energy-saving mode than some other elevator components such as a processor board. Therefore, it may be useful for the drive unit to maintain the standby mode for a longer period.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, dynamically determining the period for maintaining the elevator standby mode, at least in part, based on the above information may include dynamically determining the period for maintaining the standby mode, at least in part, based on the number of elevator events per time unit of the most recent elevator event. For example, if the number of the most recent elevator events exceeds a specified first threshold, the period may be adjusted accordingly. Similarly, if the number of elevator events per time unit of the most recent elevator event exceeds a specified second threshold, the period may be readjusted to a different value. The following shows an example of pseudo code for determining the period for maintaining the elevator standby mode based on the start of the elevator. if(starts_in_last_10min 1= previous_starts_in_last_10min { / / increase or decrease delay based on start amount if / starts_in_last_10min > 10) standbydelay = standbydelay + 5s if / starts_in_last_10min < 5) standbydelay = standbydelay ‐ 1s / / limit delay if(standbydelay < 5s) standbydelay = 5s if(standbydelay > 45s) standbydelay = 55s }

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, dynamically determining the period for maintaining the elevator standby mode based at least in part on the above-described information may include dynamically determining the period for maintaining the standby mode based at least in part on the time between the most recent elevator event counts, e.g., between recent landing calls or recent elevator runs. The number of the most recent elevator events may be set to any suitable value, e.g., 5, 10, 20, or any other value. In other words, since the time difference between two subsequent elevator events may be determined when identifying elevator events, the time differences associated with subsequent elevator events can be monitored. For example, when the time difference becomes longer, the period may be dynamically determined to become longer.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, dynamically determining the period for maintaining the elevator standby mode based at least in part on the above-described information may include dynamically determining the period for maintaining the standby mode based at least in part on the statistical distribution of elevator events. For example, if the statistical distribution of elevator events shows that elevator events are identified more frequently during a first period of the day than during a second period of the day, the maintenance period may be determined to be longer during the first period of the day than during the second period of the day.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the control device may be configured to increase the above-described period in response to an increase in the number of elevator events per unit time of the most recent elevator events. In other words, when it becomes desirable that elevator events occur more frequently and thus it is not desirable to configure the elevator to start the energy saving mode too early, the above-described period can be adjusted to a larger value.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, the control device may be configured to shorten the above-mentioned period in response to a decrease in the number of elevator events per unit time of the most recent elevator event. In other words, when elevator events occur less frequently, and thus the elevator can be configured to start the energy-saving mode to save energy, the above-mentioned period can be adjusted to a smaller value.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the control device may be configured to lengthen the above-mentioned period in response to a decrease in the time between the most recent elevator events. In other words, when elevator events occur more frequently, and thus it is not desirable to configure the elevator to start the energy-saving mode too early, the above-mentioned period can be adjusted to a larger value.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, the control device may be configured to shorten the time delay in response to an increase in the time between the most recent elevator events. In other words, when elevator events occur less frequently, and thus the elevator can be configured to start the energy-saving mode to save energy, the above-mentioned period can be adjusted to a smaller value.

[0059] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a control device 200 according to an exemplary solution. The control device 200 may include, for example, an elevator control unit or a control unit of a drive unit of an elevator hoisting motor. The control device 200 may adopt a configuration that implements the steps described in detail with respect to FIG. 1.

[0060] The control device 200 includes one or more processing units 202, one or more storage units 204 containing computer program code 206, and / or a communication interface 208 for wired communication and / or wireless communication. The control device 200 is depicted as having only one processing unit 202, but the control device 200 may have two or more processing units. In an exemplary embodiment, the storage unit 204 can store instructions, such as an operating system and / or various applications.

[0061] Furthermore, the processing unit 202 can execute the stored instructions. In an exemplary embodiment, the processing unit 202 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single-core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single-core processors. By way of example, the processing unit 202 can be embodied as one or more of various processing devices such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing circuit with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a computer chip for a specific purpose, or something similar thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, the processing unit 202 may be configured to execute hard-coded functions. In an exemplary embodiment, the processing unit 202 may be embodied as an executor of software instructions, and specifically, the instructions may be configured such that when the instructions are executed, the processing unit 202 executes the algorithms and / or operations described in this application, for example, the steps detailed with respect to any of those in FIG. 1.

[0062] The memory unit 204 may be embodied as one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and / or a combination of one or more volatile memory devices and non-volatile memory devices. For example, the memory unit 204 may be embodied as a semiconductor memory (such as mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory), etc.).

[0063] At least one memory unit 204 may store program instructions that cause the control device 200 to execute the functions of the various embodiments detailed in the present application when executed by at least one processing unit 202. Further, in one embodiment, at least one of the processing unit 202 and the memory unit 204 may constitute means for embodying the detailed functions. For example, the control device 200 may be configured to obtain a signature that is a signature associated with elevator system equipment and at least partially an elevator system equipment identifier, and metadata that is at least partially associated with the elevator system part to be installed, obtain the metadata, and further verify the signature using an encryption key, the elevator system equipment identifier, and the metadata. The computer program may include instructions that cause the control device 200 to execute any of the above-described methods when the program is executed by at least one processing unit 202. Further, the computer-readable medium may include this computer program.

[0064] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of control equipment for controlling the energy-saving mode of an elevator according to an exemplary embodiment. This control equipment includes the control device 200 described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, and a power supply switch 300 configured to cut off the power supply to at least one elevator component in response to a request from the control device 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the power supply switch 300 may be a contactor or a relay. In an exemplary embodiment, the elevator may be provided with this control equipment.

[0065] One or more of the foregoing examples and exemplary embodiments can be a solution for dynamically controlling the energy-saving mode of an elevator. In other words, instead of taking a predetermined period to start the energy-saving mode from the standby mode, the period changes so that it can adapt to the operation of the elevator. According to one or more of the above-described examples and exemplary embodiments, it is also possible to easily optimize energy consumption in combination with optimizing the lifespan of specific elevator components.

[0066] The foregoing examples may be implemented in software, hardware, application logic, or a combination of software, hardware, and application logic. The exemplary device can store information regarding the various methods described in this application. Such information can be stored in one or more storage units such as a hard disk, a solid-state drive (SSD), an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a RAM, etc. One or more databases can store the information used to implement the foregoing examples. The database can be constructed using data structures (e.g., records, tables, arrays, fields, graphs, trees, lists, and the like) included in one or more of the memories or storage devices listed in this application. The methods described in connection with the foregoing examples may include appropriate data structures in one or more databases for storing data of the devices and subsystems of the foregoing examples collected and / or generated by this method.

[0067] The components of the above-described examples may include a computer-readable medium or storage unit for holding instructions programmed according to the teachings and for holding data structures, tables, records, and / or other data described herein. In one example, application logic, software, or an instruction set is stored on any one of various conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, "computer-readable medium" may be any medium or means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport instructions used by or connected to an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device such as a computer. The computer-readable medium may include a computer-readable storage medium that can be any medium or means that can contain or store instructions used by or connected to an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device such as a computer. The computer-readable medium can include any suitable medium involved in providing instructions to an execution processor. Such media can take many forms including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, transmission media, etc.

[0068] Although the main novel configurations when applied to its preferred examples have been illustrated, described, and taught, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the shape and details of the described devices and methods may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, it is clearly intended that all combinations of those elements and / or method steps that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain the same result are within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, it should be recognized that the structures and / or elements and / or method steps illustrated and / or described in connection with any disclosed form or example may be incorporated into any other disclosed, described, or suggested form as a matter of general design choice. Further, in the claims, the means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover not only the structures described herein as performing the defined function but also structural equivalents as well as equivalent structures.

[0069] The applicant of the present application discloses each individual configuration described in the present application and any combination of two or more such configurations, without limitation to the scope of the claims of the present patent, and without regard to whether such a configuration or combination of configurations solves any of the problems disclosed in the present application, and can be implemented based on the present specification as a whole to the extent that it can be realized in light of the ordinary general knowledge of those skilled in the art. The applicant of the present application shows that the disclosed embodiments / aspects can consist of any such individual configuration or combination of configurations. Considering the foregoing description, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0070] 200 Control device 202 Processing unit 204 Storage unit 300 Power supply switch

Claims

1. A control device for controlling an energy-saving mode of an elevator, comprising: at least one processing unit; at least one storage unit, wherein when executed by the at least one processing unit, the at least one storage unit causes the control device to at least: acquire information associated with the operation of the elevator; dynamically determine a period for maintaining the standby mode of the elevator, at least in part based on the information; and store instructions for causing, after the end of the period, a request to switch from the standby mode to the energy-saving mode to be output.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the information associated with the operation of the elevator includes at least one elevator event, and when executed by the at least one processing unit, the at least one storage unit causes the control device to at least: identify elevator events; store instructions for causing the request to switch from the standby mode to the energy-saving mode to be output after the end of the period from the last elevator event.

3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein dynamically determining a period for maintaining the standby mode, at least in part based on the information, includes dynamically determining the period for maintaining the standby mode, at least in part based on the number per time unit of the most recent elevator events.

4. The control device according to claim 2, wherein dynamically determining a period for maintaining the standby mode, at least in part based on the information, includes dynamically determining the period for maintaining the standby mode, at least in part based on the time over a number of the most recent elevator events.

5. The control device according to claim 2, wherein dynamically determining a period for maintaining the standby mode, at least in part based on the information, includes dynamically determining the period for maintaining the standby mode, at least in part based on the statistical distribution of the elevator events.

6. The control device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein when the at least one storage unit is executed by the at least one processing unit, the control device is caused to execute at least increasing the period in response to an increase in the number per unit time of the most recent elevator events.

7. The control device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein when the at least one storage unit is executed by the at least one processing unit, the control device is caused to execute at least shortening the period in response to a decrease in the number per unit time of the most recent elevator events.

8. The control device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein when the at least one storage unit is executed by the at least one processing unit, the control device is caused to execute at least increasing the period in response to a decrease in the time between the most recent elevator events.

9. The control device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein when the at least one storage unit is executed by the at least one processing unit, the control device is caused to execute at least shortening the time delay in response to an increase in the time between the most recent elevator events.

10. The control device according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the elevator event includes an elevator service request output via an input device.

11. The control device according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the elevator event includes elevator travel of the elevator.

12. In the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the information associated with the operation of the elevator is the known and / or predicted life of at least one elevator component, the power consumption of the elevator, the statistical elevator traffic distribution in different time periods of a day, and the cost of the energy for operating the elevator and includes one or more of them.

13. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the control device is a control unit of an elevator controller or an elevator hoist motor drive unit.

14. Control equipment for controlling the energy-saving mode of an elevator, the control equipment is A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and a control facility comprising a power supply switch configured to cut off the power supply to at least one elevator component in response to the request from the control device. **Claim 15** A method for controlling an energy-saving mode of an elevator, the method comprising: acquiring, by a control device, information associated with the operation of the elevator; dynamically determining, by the control device, a period for maintaining a standby mode based at least in part on the information; and outputting, by the control device, a request to start the energy-saving mode after the period has ended. **Claim 16** A computer program comprising instructions for causing at least one processing unit to execute the method of claim 15 when executed by the at least one processing unit.

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