Elevator car tilting monitoring

Abstract

According to an aspect, there is provided a method for monitoring elevator car tilting in an elevator shaft. The method comprises obtaining measurement data representing gaps between landing door lock rollers with respect to their associated elevator car door coupler vanes; and monitoring elevator car tilting in the elevator shaft based on the measurement data.

Description

[0001] ELEVATOR CAR TILTING MONITORING

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application relates to the field of elevator systems , and more particularly to a solution for monitoring elevator car tilting in an elevator shaft .

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] When an elevator car travels in an elevator shaft and stops at landings , there is a large amount of mechanical parts that move during the elevator operation . For example, correct landing door lock roller adj ustment is essential for elevator reliability and ride comfort . However, landing door lock roller adj ustment measurements may be difficult and time consuming . Elevator car tilting not only reduces elevator ride comfort , but it also reduces door reliability by ruining door coupling alignment . Further, when the elevator car is heavily tilted in the elevator shaft , the elevator shaft friction increases directly proportionally to the amount of elevator car tilting, causing higher power consumption from an elevator motor to drive the elevator car .

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] According to a first aspect, there is provided a method for monitoring elevator car tilting in an elevator shaft . The method comprises obtaining measurement data representing gaps between landing door lock rollers with respect to their associated elevator car door coupler vanes ; and monitoring elevator car tilting in the elevator shaft based on the measurement data . This may enable a solution in which elevator car tilting may be monitored easily .

[0008] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the method further comprises calculating, based on the measurement data, coupling index values , a coupling index value representing a relationship between a first gap between a first landing door lock roller and a first elevator car door coupler vane , and a second gap between a second landing door lock roller and a second elevator car door coupler vane ; and monitoring the elevator car tilting in the elevator shaft based on the coupling index values . This may enable a simple and a costefficient solution for monitoring the elevator car tilting .

[0009] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the method further comprises storing the coupling index values in a memory; statistically analyzing the stored coupling index values ; and monitoring the elevator car tilting in the elevator shaft based on the analysis . This may enable a solution in which the elevator car tilting can be determined efficiently .

[0010] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the method further comprises determining, based on the analysis , that the coupling index values remain within an allowed range of variation . This may enable a solution in which it can be efficiently determined whether the elevator tilting is within allowed limits .

[0011] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the method further comprises determining, based on the analysis , a deviation indicative of tilting of the elevator car . This may enable a solution in which abnormal situations with the elevator car tilting can be determined efficiently .

[0012] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the method further comprises determining, based on the analysis , that the deviation occurs with respect to multiple floors ; and determining, in response to determining that the deviation occurs with respect to multiple floors , that the deviation is caused by elevator car guiding element wearing . This may enable a solution in which wearing in an elevator car guiding element can be determined easily .

[0013] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the method further comprises determining, based on the analysis , that the deviation occurs only with respect to a specific floor ; and determining, in response to determining that the deviation occurs only with respect to a specific floor, that the deviation is caused by erroneous guide rail installation at the specific floor . This may enable a solution in which erroneous guide rai l installation can be determined easily .

[0014] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the method further comprises determining, based on the analysis , a gradual change over the time in the coupl ing index values ; and monitoring the elevator car tilting in the elevator shaft based on the gradual change . This may enable a solution in which gradual changes in the elevator car tiling can be determined easily and efficiently .

[0015] According to a second aspect , there is provided an apparatus for monitoring elevator car tilting in an elevator shaft . The apparatus comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform : obtaining measurement data representing gaps between landing door lock rollers with respect to their associated elevator car door coupler vanes ; and monitoring elevator car tilting in the elevator shaft based on the measurement data .

[0016] In an implementation form of the second aspect , the at least one memory stores instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform : calculating, based on the measurement data, coupling index values , a coupling index value representing a relationship between a first gap between a first landing door lock roller and a first elevator car door coupler vane , and a second gap between a second landing door lock roller and a second elevator car door coupler vane ; and monitoring the elevator car tilting in the elevator shaft based on the coupling index values .

[0017] In an implementation form of the second aspect , the at least one memory stores instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform : storing the coupling index values in a memory; statistically analyzing the stored coupling index values ; and monitoring the elevator car tilting in the elevator shaft based on the analysis .

[0018] In an implementation form of the second aspect , the at least one memory stores instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform : determining, based on the analysis , that the coupling index values remain within an allowed range of variation .

[0019] In an implementation form of the second aspect , the at least one memory stores instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform : determining, based on the analysis , a deviation indicative of tilting of the elevator car .

[0020] In an implementation form of the second aspect , the at least one memory stores instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform : determining, based on the analysis , that the deviation occurs with respect to multiple floors ; and determining, in response to determining that the deviation occurs with respect to multiple floors , that the deviation is caused by elevator car guiding element wearing .

[0021] In an implementation form of the second aspect , the at least one memory stores instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform : determining, based on the analysis , that the deviation occurs only with respect to a specific floor ; and determining, in response to determining that the deviation occurs only with respect to a specific floor, that the deviation is caused by erroneous guide rail installation at the specific floor .

[0022] In an implementation form of the second aspect , the at least one memory stores instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform : determining, based on the analysis , a gradual change over the time in the coupling index values ; and monitoring the elevator car tilting in the elevator shaft based on the gradual change .

[0023] According to a third aspect , there is provided an elevator system comprising an apparatus of the second aspect .

[0024] According to a fourth aspect , there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by at least one processor, cause an apparatus to perform the method of the first aspect .

[0025] According to a fifth aspect , there is provided a computer-readable medium comprising a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by at least one processor, cause an apparatus to perform the method of the first aspect . According to a sixth aspect , there is provided an apparatus for monitoring elevator car tilting in an elevator shaft . The apparatus comprises means for obtaining measurement data representing gaps between landing door lock rollers with respect to their associated elevator car door coupler vanes ; and means for monitoring elevator car tilting in the elevator shaft based on the measurement data .

[0026] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The accompanying drawings , which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description help to explain the principles of the invention . In the drawings :

[0028] FIG . 1A illustrates a flow diagram of a method for monitoring elevator car tilting in an elevator shaft according to an example embodiment .

[0029] FIG . IB illustrates a flow diagram of a method for monitoring elevator car tilting in an elevator shaft according to another example embodiment .

[0030] FIG . 2 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus according to an example embodiment .

[0031] FIG . 3A illustrates landing door lock roller adj ustment with respect to elevator car door coupler vanes according to an example embodiment .

[0032] FIG . 3B illustrates landing door lock roller adj ustment with respect to elevator car door coupler vanes according to an example embodiment . FIG . 4 illustrates a schematic illustration of elements associated with elevator doors according to an example embodiment .

[0033] FIG . 5A illustrates an example of a coupling index value according to an example embodiment .

[0034] FIG . 5B illustrates an example of a coupling index value according to another example embodiment .

[0035] FIG . 5C illustrates an example of a coupling index value according to another example embodiment .

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] FIG . 1A illustrates a flow diagram of a method for monitoring elevator car tilting in an elevator shaft according to an example embodiment . The method may be performed, for example , by an apparatus arranged in an elevator system or an apparatus communicatively connected to the elevator system .

[0038] At 100 , measurement data representing gaps between landing door lock rollers with respect to their associated elevator car door coupler vanes may be obtained . In an example embodiment , the measurement data may originate from a car door operator encoder that monitors a car door operator belt . The car door operator encoder may store car door operator position, when a safety circuit changes its state . This data thus represents gaps between landing door lock rollers with respect to their associated elevator car door coupler vanes .

[0039] At 102 , elevator car tilting in the elevator shaft may be monitored based on the measurement data . For example , the measurement data may be obtained over the time , and the obtained measurement data may be analyzed in order to determine how the elevator car tilting behaves over the time . In another example embodiment, the monitoring may reveal that the elevator car tilting behaves differently with respect to at least one floor compared to other floors .

[0040] FIG . IB illustrates a flow diagram of a method for monitoring elevator car tilting in an elevator shaft according to another example embodiment . The method may be performed, for example , by an apparatus arranged in an elevator system or an apparatus communicatively connected to the elevator system .

[0041] At 100 , measurement data representing gaps between landing door lock rollers with respect to their associated elevator car door coupler vanes may be obtained . In an example embodiment , the measurement data may originate from a car door operator encoder that monitors a car door operator belt . The car door operator encoder may store car door operator position, when a safety circuit changes its state . This data thus represents gaps between landing door lock rollers with respect to their associated elevator car door coupler vanes .

[0042] At 104 , based on the measurement data, coupling index values may be calculated . A coupl ing index value represents a relationship between a first gap between a first landing door lock roller and a first elevator car door coupler vane , and a second gap between a second landing door lock roller and a second elevator car door coupler vane .

[0043] At 106 , the elevator car tilting in the elevator shaft may be monitored based on the coupling index values . When the elevator car tilts , this can be seen in the first and second gaps between the landing door lock rollers and the elevator car door coupler vanes . Thus , by monitoring the first and second gaps , it indirectly also provides information about the elevator car tilting .

[0044] In an example embodiment , the coupling index values may be stored in a memory . The memory may reside locally in within an elevator system or alternatively the elevator system may transmit the coupling index values to an apparatus communicatively connected to the elevator system, and the apparatus then stores the coupling index values . The stored coupling index values may then be statistically analyzed and the elevator car tilting in the elevator shaft may be monitored based on the analysis . For example , the statistical analysis may, for example, show how the coupling index values behave over the time and / or in different parts of the elevator shaft .

[0045] In an example embodiment , it may be determined, based on the analysi s , that the coupling index values remain within an allowed range of variation . The allowed range of variation may define limits for the coupling index value , indicating that the elevator car behaves normally in the elevator shaft . In other words , if the coupl ing index values remain within the allowed range of variation, it can be determined that the elevator car is correctly installed and it is functioning correctly .

[0046] In another example embodiment , a deviation indicative of tilting of the elevator car may be determined based on the analysis . The tilting may be determined, for example , when the allowed range of variation is exceeded . In an example embodiment , it may be determined, based on the analysis , that the deviation occurs with respect to multiple floors , and in response to determining that the deviation occurs with respect to multiple floors , for example , al l floors , it may be determined that the deviation is caused by elevator car guiding element wearing . In other words , the statistical analysis may show that the deviation may exceed the allowed range of variation in all parts of the elevator shaft . This can then be used as an indication of the elevator car guiding element wearing .

[0047] In another example embodiment , it may be determined, based on the analysis , that the deviation occurs only with respect to a specific floor, and in response to determining that the deviation occurs only with respect to a specific floor, it may be determined that the deviation is caused by erroneous guide rail installation at the speci fic floor . In other words , the statistical analysis may show that data relating to only a specific section, i . e . a floor or multiple floors but not all floors , in the elevator shaft shows a deviation in the coupling index values . This can then be used as an indication that the guide rail installation has been implemented erroneously .

[0048] In another example embodiment , a gradual change over the time in the coupling index values may be determined based on the analys is , and the elevator car tilting in the elevator shaft may be monitored based on the gradual change . The statistical analysis may show, that with respect to one or more floor, the coupling index values may gradually change over the time . The gradual change over the time in the coupling index values may be caused, for example , by elevator car guiding element wearing . In an example embodiment , a threshold may be set for the coupling index values , and when the coupling index values exceed the threshold, it may de determined that excessive wearing has occurred . FIG . 2 il lustrates a block diagram of an apparatus 200 according to an example embodiment . The apparatus 200 may be configured to implement the method and its embodiments discussed in relation to FIGS . 1A and IB . The apparatus 200 may be an apparatus arranged in an elevator system, for example , an elevator controller or other controlling entity, or an apparatus communicatively connected to the elevator system being, for example , a cloud-based apparatus .

[0049] The apparatus 200 comprises one or more processors 202 , and one or more memories 204 that comprise computer program code 206 . The apparatus 200 may also comprise a communication interface 208 for wired and / or wireless communication . Although the apparatus 200 is depicted to include only one processor 202 , the apparatus 200 may include more than one processor . In an example embodiment , the memory 204 is capable of storing instructions , such as an operating system and / or various applications .

[0050] Furthermore , the processor 202 is capable of executing the instructions stored in the memory 204 . In an example embodiment , the processor 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 . For example , the processor 202 may 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 circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as , for example , an application specific integrated circuit (AS IC) , a field programmable gate array ( FPGA) , a microcontroller unit (MCU) , a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like . In an example embodiment , the processor 202 may be configured to execute hard- coded functionality . In an example embodiment , the processor 202 is embodied as an executor of software instructions , wherein the instructions may specifically configure the processor 202 to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed, for example , the steps discussed relating to FIGS . 1A and / or IB .

[0051] The memory 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 204 may be embodied as semiconductor memories ( such as mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM) , EPROM (erasable PROM) , flash ROM, RAM ( random access memory) , etc . ) .

[0052] In an embodiment , the at least one memory 204 may store program instructions 206 that , when executed by the at least one processor 202 , cause the apparatus 200 to perform the functionality of the various embodiments discussed herein . Further, in an embodiment , at least one of the processor 202 and the memory 204 may constitute means for implementing the discussed functionality .

[0053] FIGS . 3A and 3B illustrate landing door lock roller adj ustment with respect to elevator car door coupler vanes according to an example embodiment . FIGS . 3A and 3B illustrate how landing door lock rollers 302 may be positioned with respect to elevator car door coupler vanes 300 . References 304 and 306 illustrate the gaps between the landing door lock rollers 302 with respect to their associated elevator car door coupler vanes 300 . When an elevator car door coupler vane 300 moves , when a door open command is given, at some point the elevator car door coupler vane 300 touches its associated landing door lock roller 302 . The touching moment may be recorded by an elevator controller, and it is possible to determine, based on data provided by an elevator car door operator encoder, the distance travelled by the elevator car door coupler vanes 300 . A reference 308 indicates that a lock contact is opening as the elevator door coupler vane is moving a lock hook .

[0054] FIG . 4 illustrates a schematic illustration of elements associated with elevator doors according to an example embodiment .

[0055] When an elevator car door operator motor 400 is operated, it moves an elevator car door operator belt 404 , which in turn moves the elevator car door coupler and door panel s . An elevator car door operator encoder 402 is configured to monitor the position of the elevator car door operator belt 404 . Thus , based on data provided by the elevator car door operator encoder 402 , it is possible to determine the gaps 304 , 306 between the landing door lock rollers 302 with respect to their associated elevator car door coupler vanes 300 .

[0056] FIGS . 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate coupling index value examples according to an example embodiment . FIGS . 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate examples how the landing door lock rollers 302 may be positioned with respect to their associated elevator car door coupler vanes 300 .

[0057] In FIG . 5A, a first gap 500 between a first landing door lock rol ler and a first elevator car door coupler vane is equal , or substantial ly equal s , to a second gap 502 between a second landing door lock roller and a second elevator car door coupler vane . This situation can be interpreted so that the coupling index value equal s to 0 . In this case , the landing door lock rollers are aligned in the middle between the elevator car door coupler vanes . In practice , this is a desired status .

[0058] In FIG . 5B, the first gap 500 between the first landing door lock roller and the first elevator car door coupler vane is smaller than the second gap 502 between the second landing door lock roller and the second elevator car door coupler vane . This situation can be interpreted so that the coupling index value is larger than 0 . In this case , the landing door lock rollers are too much on the opening side .

[0059] In FIG . 5C, the first gap 500 between the first landing door lock roller and the first elevator car door coupler vane is larger than the second gap 502 between the second landing door lock roller and the second elevator car door coupler vane . This situation can be interpreted so that the coupling index value is smaller than 0 . In this case , the landing door lock rollers are too much on the closing side .

[0060] At least one of the above discussed examples and / or embodiments may provide a solution in which elevator ride comfort is improved without increasing hardware cost . Further, at least one of the above discussed examples and / or embodiments may provide a solution in which elevator door reliability is improved without increasing hardware cost . Further, at least one of the above discussed examples and / or embodiments may provide a solution in which power consumption of an elevator is reduced to increase its class of energy efficiency .

[0061] While there have been shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features as applied to preferred embodiments thereof , it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices and methods described may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the disclosure . Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and / or elements shown and / or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiments may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice .

[0062] The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features , to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole , in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art , irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims . The applicant indicates that the disclosed aspects / embodiments may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features . In view of the foregoing description, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the disclosure .

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A method for monitoring elevator car tilting in an elevator shaft , the method comprising : obtaining measurement data representing gaps between landing door lock rollers with respect to their associated elevator car door coupler vanes ; and monitoring elevator car tilting in the elevator shaft based on the measurement data .2 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising : calculating, based on the measurement data, coupling index values , a coupling index value representing a relationship between a first gap between a first landing door lock roller and a first elevator car door coupler vane , and a second gap between a second landing door lock roller and a second elevator car door coupler vane ; and monitoring the elevator car tilting in the elevator shaft based on the coupling index values .3 . The method of claim 2 , further compri sing : storing the coupling index values in a memory; statistically analyzing the stored coupling index values ; and monitoring the elevator car tilting in the elevator shaft based on the analysis .4 . The method of claim 3 , further compri sing : determining, based on the analysis , that the coupling index values remain within an allowed range of variation .5 . The method of claim 3 , further comprising : determining, based on the analysis , a deviation indicative of tilting of the elevator car .

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: determining, based on the analysis, that the deviation occurs with respect to multiple floors; and determining, in response to determining that the deviation occurs with respect to multiple floors, that the deviation is caused by elevator car guiding element wearing.

7. The method of claim 5, further comprising: determining, based on the analysis, that the deviation occurs only with respect to a specific floor; and determining, in response to determining that the deviation occurs only with respect to a specific floor, that the deviation is caused by erroneous guide rail installation at the specific floor.

8. The method of claim 3, further comprising: determining, based on the analysis, a gradual change over the time in the coupling index values; and monitoring the elevator car tilting in the elevator shaft based on the gradual change.

9. An apparatus for monitoring elevator car tilting in an elevator shaft, the apparatus comprising: at least one processor (200) ; and at least one memory (202) storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (200) , cause the apparatus (200) to at least perform: obtaining measurement data representing gaps between landing door lock rollers with respect to their associated elevator car door coupler vanes; and monitoring elevator car tilting in the elevator shaft based on the measurement data.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one memory (202) stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (200) , cause the apparatus (200) to at least perform: calculating, based on the measurement data, coupling index values, a coupling index value representing a relationship between a first gap between a first landing door lock roller and a first elevator car door coupler vane, and a second gap between a second landing door lock roller and a second elevator car door coupler vane; and monitoring the elevator car tilting in the elevator shaft based on the coupling index values.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one memory (202) stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (200) , cause the apparatus (200) to at least perform: storing the coupling index values in a memory; statistically analyzing the stored coupling index values; and monitoring the elevator car tilting in the elevator shaft based on the analysis.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one memory (202) stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (200) , cause the apparatus (200) to at least perform: determining, based on the analysis, that the coupling index values remain within an allowed range of variation .

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one memory (202) stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (200) , cause the apparatus (200) to at least perform:determining, based on the analysis, a deviation indicative of tilting of the elevator car.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least one memory (202) stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (200) , cause the apparatus (200) to at least perform: determining, based on the analysis, that the deviation occurs with respect to multiple floors; and determining, in response to determining that the deviation occurs with respect to multiple floors, that the deviation is caused by elevator car guiding element wearing.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least one memory (202) stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (200) , cause the apparatus (200) to at least perform: determining, based on the analysis, that the deviation occurs only with respect to a specific floor; and determining, in response to determining that the deviation occurs only with respect to a specific floor, that the deviation is caused by erroneous guide rail installation at the specific floor.

16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one memory (202) stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (200) , cause the apparatus (200) to at least perform: determining, based on the analysis, a gradual change over the time in the coupling index values; and monitoring the elevator car tilting in the elevator shaft based on the gradual change.

17. An elevator system comprising an apparatus of any one of claims 9 - 16.

Images