Monitoring method and monitoring system for escalator
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/CN2025/084397
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-01
Smart Images
Figure CN2025084397_01102026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Monitoring methods and systems for escalators Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to a monitoring method for escalators, a monitoring system for implementing the monitoring method, and an escalator including the monitoring system. Background Technology
[0002] Escalators, as an important vertical transportation facility in modern buildings, can threaten passenger safety if they malfunction. Causes of escalator malfunctions include abnormal handrails, such as handrails that are too loose or too tight. A loose handrail may cause the escalator to stop operating, while an overly tight handrail may shorten its lifespan. In most cases, the tightness or looseness of the handrail is not easily detected and is often only discovered when serious consequences such as abnormal escalator stops or passenger accidents occur. Summary of the Invention
[0003] At least one embodiment of this disclosure provides a monitoring method for an escalator. The method includes: acquiring a set of first temperature values of a first handrail belt of the escalator; acquiring a set of second temperature values of a second handrail belt of the escalator; and issuing an alarm signal based on the deviation between the set of first temperature values and the set of second temperature values exceeding a first predetermined temperature difference threshold.
[0004] At least one embodiment of this disclosure provides a monitoring system for an escalator. The monitoring system includes: a first temperature sensor for acquiring a set of first temperature values of a first handrail belt of the escalator; a second temperature sensor for acquiring a set of second temperature values of a second handrail belt of the escalator; and a server for issuing an alarm signal based on a deviation between the set of first temperature values and the set of second temperature values exceeding a first predetermined temperature difference threshold.
[0005] At least one embodiment of this disclosure provides an escalator including a monitoring system as described in any of the preceding claims.
[0006] The monitoring method and system disclosed herein provide early warning of handrail abnormalities by monitoring the temperature difference between the two handrails of an escalator. This allows the abnormalities to be detected and repaired in a timely manner, thus avoiding serious consequences such as abnormal escalator shutdowns or passenger safety accidents. Attached Figure Description
[0007] The aspects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become clearer and more readily understood from the following description of embodiments of this disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0008] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic monitoring system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0009] Figure 2 shows a schematic flowchart of a monitoring method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0010] Figure 3 shows another schematic flowchart of a monitoring method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] Figure 4 shows another schematic flowchart of a monitoring method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] Figure 5 shows another schematic flowchart of a monitoring method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of the temperature difference between the two handrails of an escalator over time without the application of the monitoring method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0014] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the temperature difference between the two handrails of an escalator over time when a monitoring method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. Detailed Implementation
[0015] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein, which may be implemented in many different forms. The described embodiments are provided only to make the present disclosure thorough and complete, and to fully convey the concept of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Features of the various embodiments described may be combined with or substituted for each other, unless expressly excluded or should be excluded based on the context.
[0016] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components.
[0017] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar structural or functional components, and repeated descriptions of them will be omitted in the following description.
[0018] As mentioned earlier, the tightness of escalator handrails is not easily noticeable and is often only discovered when serious consequences such as escalator malfunctions or passenger accidents occur. The tightness of the handrails is closely related to their temperature. When one handrail is too tight or too loose relative to the other, a temperature difference will inevitably exist between the two handrails. If not adjusted in time, this difference will inevitably increase over time. Based on this principle, this disclosure proposes monitoring the temperature difference between the two handrails and issuing an alarm signal when the temperature difference reaches a certain level. This alarm signal can indicate that the handrails are abnormal, enabling escalator maintenance personnel to promptly inspect and take appropriate measures.
[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic monitoring system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] The elements indicated by dashed lines in Figure 1 are optional. Referring to Figure 1, a monitoring system 100 according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure may include at least a first temperature sensor 110, a second temperature sensor 120, and a server 130. The monitoring system 100 may optionally include a data transmission device 140, a third temperature sensor 150, and an edge computing device 160.
[0021] The first temperature sensor 110 can collect a set of first temperature values {T} of the first handrail belt (e.g., the left handrail belt) of the escalator 10. L1 ,T L2 ,…,T Ln The second temperature sensor 120 can collect a set of second temperature values {T} of the second handrail belt (e.g., the right handrail belt) of the escalator 10. R1 ,T R2 ,…,T Rn Server 130 can base its decision on a first temperature value and a second temperature value exceeding a first predetermined temperature difference threshold T. TEM1 An alarm signal is issued.
[0022] The first temperature sensor 110 and the second temperature sensor 120 can be non-contact sensors, such as infrared temperature sensors. As shown in Figure 1, the first temperature sensor 110 can be installed at a certain distance above the first handrail belt to collect its temperature. The second temperature sensor 120 can be installed at a certain distance above the second handrail belt to collect its temperature. In one example, the first temperature sensor 110 and the second temperature sensor 120 are installed at a distance of 8-12 mm from the first handrail belt and the second handrail belt, respectively. The first temperature sensor 110 and the second temperature sensor 120 can collect the first temperature value T at the same predetermined sampling frequency (e.g., once per minute, once every ten minutes, etc.). L Second temperature value T RWhen the first temperature sensor 110 and the second temperature sensor 120 can communicate directly with the server 130, they can transmit the collected first temperature value T. L Second temperature value T R The data is transmitted directly to server 130 at a predetermined transmission frequency (e.g., once per minute, once every ten minutes, etc.). When the first temperature sensor 110 and the second temperature sensor 120 cannot communicate directly with server 130, data transmission device 140 can be used to receive the collected first temperature value T from the first temperature sensor 110 and the second temperature sensor 120. L Second temperature value T R Then, the collected first temperature value T is transmitted at the predetermined frequency. L Second temperature value T R Send to server 130. Each first temperature value T L and each second temperature value T R The timestamp (i.e., the time of collection) can also be recorded and sent to server 130. The predetermined sampling frequency can be equal to the predetermined transmission frequency, i.e., once for each collection, or greater than the predetermined transmission frequency, i.e., once for multiple collections.
[0023] In one example, server 130 can always compare the first temperature value T with the latest timestamp. L and the second temperature value T with the latest timestamp R For example, server 130 can compare a set of collected first temperature values {T} L1 ,T L2 ,…T Ln The first temperature value T with the latest timestamp in} Ln and a set of second temperature values {T} collected R1 ,T R2 ,…T Rn The second temperature value T with the latest timestamp in} Rn If the first temperature value T has the latest timestamp Ln Compared to the second temperature value T with the latest timestamp Rn Up to the first predetermined temperature difference threshold T TEM1 Or a second temperature value T with the latest timestamp Rn Compared to the first temperature value T with the latest timestamp Ln Up to the first predetermined temperature difference threshold T TEM1 If so, an alarm signal will be issued.
[0024] Alarm signals can include those that indicate handrail abnormalities in the form of text, sound, sight, or touch. Escalator maintenance personnel can use these alarm signals to inspect both handrails, thus promptly detecting abnormalities in one or both. A first predetermined temperature difference threshold T TEM1 This can be determined based on empirical values obtained through a limited number of trials or based on relevant historical data. In one example, the first predetermined temperature difference threshold T... TEM1 It is 5 degrees Celsius.
[0025] Thus, by monitoring whether the temperature difference between the two handrails exceeds a first predetermined temperature difference threshold T TEM1 It can detect abnormalities in the handrail in a timely manner, prompting maintenance personnel to inspect the abnormal handrail in a timely manner, avoiding problems such as abnormal shutdown of the escalator, and extending the service life of the escalator.
[0026] In another example, the server can compare a first set of temperature values {T} L1 ,T L2 ,…T Ln The statistics of} and a set of second temperature values {T R1 ,T R2 ,…T Rn The deviation between statistical measures. The statistical measures can be, for example, the mean, median, mode, etc., of all temperature values in the group. For example, server 130 can compare the average of a certain number (e.g., 10, 20, etc.) of recently received first temperature values with the average of the same number of recently received second temperature values. If the deviation between these two averages exceeds a first predetermined temperature difference threshold T... TEM1 If so, an alarm signal will be issued.
[0027] Therefore, compared to comparing only the most recently collected temperature values of the two handrails, comparing the statistics of multiple most recently collected temperature values of the two handrails can reduce false alarms caused by random errors.
[0028] Furthermore, considering that when the escalator is in a stopped state with zero operating speed or in a low standby state with low operating speed, the friction between the handrail and the guide rail and drive wheel is very small or almost non-existent. Therefore, excluding the handrail temperature value corresponding to this part and only considering the handrail temperature value corresponding to the escalator in full-speed operation can reduce the overall calculation workload and achieve more accurate alarms.
[0029] Referring again to Figure 1, server 130 can also obtain a set of speed values {S1, S2, ..., S} of the escalator during a predetermined time period in the past. n The escalator may not be running at full speed throughout the predetermined time period; therefore, the set of speed values {S1, S2, ..., S} will vary.n} Only some of the speed values may belong to speed values collected when the escalator is in full-speed operation. For example, the server 130 may acquire these speed values from a device that stores operating parameters of the escalator (e.g., operating speed, operating direction, start-stop time, etc.). The device may be, for example, an Internet of Things (IoT) cloud platform, which uses Internet of Things (IoT) technology to collect and store operating parameters of all escalators associated therewith (such as parameters including the operating speed, operating direction, and start-stop time of the escalator collected by a speed sensor, a Hall sensor, and an acceleration sensor respectively) for subsequent use. The server 130 may also be the device itself that stores the operating parameters of the escalator.
[0030] In order to screen out handrail belt temperature values when the escalator is in full-speed operation, the server 130 can obtain a set of collected first temperature values {T L1 ,T L2 ,…,T Ln}, select at least one first temperature value that has the same timestamp as a speed value exceeding a predetermined speed threshold Ts in the set of speed values {S1,S2,…S n} as a set of target first temperature values, and select at least one second temperature value that has the same timestamp as a speed value exceeding the predetermined speed threshold Ts in the set of speed values {S1,S2,…S R1 ,T R2 ,…,T Rn} as a set of target second temperature values. Wherein, the predetermined speed threshold Ts is the operating speed of the escalator when it is in full-speed operation. Assuming that the sampling frequency of speed values is the same as the sampling frequency of the first temperature values and the second temperature values, only {S n} in the set of speed values {S1,S2,…S n}, {S k ,S k+1 ,…S m}(k>1 and m<n) are speed values collected when the escalator is in full-speed operation, then the server 130 can select {T Lk ,T Lk+1 ,…T Lm} as a set of target first temperature values, and select {T Rk ,T Rk+1 ,…T Rm} as a set of target second temperature values.
[0031] Then, the server 130 can compare the set of target first temperature values {T Lk ,T Lk+1 ,…T Lm} with the set of target second temperature values {T Rk ,T Rk+1,…T Rm The deviation between}. For example, server 30 can compare the first temperature value {T} of this group of targets. Lk ,T Lk+1 ,…T Lm The first temperature value T with the latest timestamp in} Lm With the second temperature value of this group of targets {T Rk ,T Rk+1 ,…T Rm The second temperature value T with the latest timestamp in} Rm If the deviation between these two exceeds the first predetermined temperature difference threshold T TEM1 If so, an alarm signal will be issued. For example, server 30 can also compare the first temperature value {T} of the target group. Lk ,T Lk+1 ,…T Lm The statistics of} and the second temperature value of the target group {T} Rk ,T Rk+1 ,…T Rm If the deviation between two statistical measures (e.g., mean, median, mode, etc.) exceeds a first predetermined temperature difference threshold T, then... TEM1 If so, an alarm signal will be issued.
[0032] Thus, by excluding the handrail temperature values corresponding to the escalator being stopped and in standby mode, and only considering the handrail temperature values when the escalator is in full-speed operation, the amount of calculation can be reduced and the accuracy of the alarm can be improved.
[0033] Furthermore, in addition to monitoring whether the temperature difference between the two handrails exceeds a first predetermined temperature difference threshold T... TEM1 It can also additionally monitor whether the temperature difference between the two handrails continues to increase beyond a predetermined time threshold T. TIM In this case, server 30 can also continuously increase the deviation between a selected set of target first temperature values and a selected set of target second temperature values beyond a predetermined duration threshold T. TIM To issue an alarm signal.
[0034] Following the previous example, server 130 selected a set of target first temperature values {T} Lk ,T Lk+1 ,…T Lm} and a set of target second temperature values {T Rk ,T Rk+1 ,…T Rm After that, the deviation between each of the m-k+1 pairs of the first and second temperature values can be calculated, and it can be determined whether the calculated m-k+1 deviations continue to increase over time exceeding a predetermined time threshold T. TIMIf yes, an alarm signal will be issued. If no, no alarm signal will be issued. Preset duration threshold T. TIM The timeframe can be determined based on the urgency of the handrail abnormality warning; for example, it might be set to 2 hours in one instance.
[0035] Thus, even if the temperature difference between the two armrests does not reach the first predetermined temperature difference threshold T TEM1 However, as long as the temperature difference between the two handrails continues to increase beyond the predetermined time threshold T, TIM It will also issue an alarm signal. This means that abnormalities in the handrail can be monitored from multiple angles, enabling more comprehensive early warning of handrail abnormalities.
[0036] Furthermore, consider the following special case: when the two handrail straps are approximately the same degree of looseness or tightness, causing their temperatures to rise or fall synchronously, the temperature difference between them does not exceed a first predetermined temperature difference threshold T over time. TEM1 There was no sustained increase. In this situation, the aforementioned monitoring method would not issue an alarm signal, causing the abnormality of the handrail to go unnoticed. In view of this, based on the aforementioned monitoring of the temperature deviation between the two handrails, this disclosure further monitors the deviation of each handrail from the ambient temperature, based on the principle that the tightness of the handrail is closely related to the ambient temperature, so as to be able to issue an early warning of handrail abnormalities even under this special circumstance.
[0037] Referring again to Figure 1, the monitoring system 100 may further include a set of ambient temperature values {T} for collecting data about the escalator. E1 ,T E2 ,…,T En The third temperature sensor 150. Similar to the aforementioned selection of a first set of target temperature values and a second set of target temperature values, the server 130 can also select from the collected ambient temperature values {T}. E1 ,T E2 ,…,T En Select a set of velocity values {S1, S2, ..., S} within a predetermined time period. n The server 130 selects at least one ambient temperature value with the same timestamp that exceeds a predetermined speed threshold as a set of target ambient temperature values. Then, the server 130 can further select target ambient temperature values based on the fact that the deviation between the selected first target temperature value and the selected target ambient temperature values, and the deviation between the selected second target temperature value and the selected target ambient temperature values, both exceed a second predetermined temperature difference threshold T. TEM2 To issue an alarm signal.
[0038] The installation position of the third temperature sensor 150 can be adjusted according to the drive mode of the escalator. For example, when the handrail belt is driven by friction wheels, the third temperature sensor 150 can be installed on the C-shaped part of the escalator's skirt panel; when the handrail belt is driven by end wheels, the third temperature sensor 150 can be installed on the escalator's support column, and so on. The third temperature sensor 150 can collect a set of ambient temperature values {T} at the same sampling frequency as the first temperature sensor 110 and the second temperature sensor 120. E1 ,T E2 ,…,T En The collected ambient temperature value is then sent to server 130. When the third temperature sensor 150 can communicate directly with server 130, it can send the collected ambient temperature value directly to server 130. When the third temperature sensor 150 cannot communicate directly with server 130, it can send the collected ambient temperature value to server 130 via data transmission device 140. The timestamp of the collected ambient temperature value can also be recorded and sent to server 130.
[0039] Following the previous example, server 130 can also collect a set of ambient temperature values {T E1 ,T E2 ,…,T En Select the speed value {S} collected during the full-speed operation of the escalator. k ,S k+1 ,…,S m A set of target ambient temperature values {T} with the same timestamp Ek ,T Ek+1 ,…T Em}. After determining the selected set of target first temperature values {T}. Lk ,T Lk+1 ,…T Lm} and the selected set of target second temperature values {T Rk ,T Rk+1 ,…T Rm The deviation between them did not exceed the first predetermined temperature difference threshold T. TEM1 And the first temperature value of this group of targets {T Lk ,T Lk+1 ,…T Lm} and the second temperature value of the target group {T Rk ,T Rk+1 ,…T Rm The deviation between them did not continue to increase beyond the predetermined duration threshold T. TIM In this case, server 130 can further determine the first temperature value {T} of the target group. Lk ,T Lk+1 ,…T Lm} and the target ambient temperature value {TEk ,T Ek+1 ,…T Em The deviation between} and the second target temperature value {T} of this group Rk ,T Rk+1 ,…T Rm} and the target ambient temperature value {T Ek ,T Ek+1 ,…T Em The deviation between}. If both deviations exceed the second predetermined temperature difference threshold T TEM2 If the selected target temperature value {T} is reached, an alarm signal will be issued. Similarly, after determining the selected set of target temperature values {T}... Lk ,T Lk+1 ,…T Lm} and the selected set of target ambient temperature values {T Ek ,T Ek+1 ,…T Em When considering the deviation between}, the first temperature value T with the latest timestamp can be determined. Lm With the environmental temperature value T with the latest timestamp Em The deviation between, or the deviation between, the statistical measure used to determine the first temperature value of the target group and the statistical measure used to determine the ambient temperature value of the target group. Similarly, in determining the second temperature value {T} of the target group... Rk ,T Rk+1 ,…,T Rm} and the target ambient temperature value {T Ek ,T Ek+1 ,…,T Em When the deviation between} is considered, the second temperature value T with the latest timestamp can be determined. Rm With the environmental temperature value T with the latest timestamp Em The deviation between the two, or the deviation between the statistic used to determine the second temperature value of the target group and the statistic used to determine the ambient temperature value of the target group.
[0040] In this way, by monitoring the temperature deviation between the two handrails, and further monitoring the temperature deviation between the two handrails and the ambient temperature, even if the two handrails are almost the same in terms of being too loose or too tight, resulting in a small temperature deviation between the two handrails, it is possible to issue an early warning of abnormalities in the handrails in a timely manner.
[0041] Furthermore, to reduce false alarms, it is beneficial to preprocess or clean the collected set of first temperature values, second temperature values, and ambient temperature values.
[0042] For example, still referring to Figure 1, the monitoring system 100 may further include an edge computing device 160, which can preprocess a set of first temperature values, a set of second temperature values, and a set of ambient temperature values, so that the server 130 can determine whether an alarm signal should be issued based on the preprocessed set of first temperature values, the preprocessed set of second temperature values, and the preprocessed set of ambient temperature values. For example, in an embodiment that monitors only the temperature deviation of two handrails, the server can issue an alarm signal based on the deviation between the preprocessed set of first temperature values and the preprocessed set of second temperature values exceeding a first predetermined temperature difference threshold. This preprocessing may include weighted averaging, normalization, filtering, and other processing to eliminate noise, errors, and inconsistencies in the original sampled first temperature values, second temperature values, and ambient temperature values. Thus, data availability is improved, and alarm accuracy is consequently increased.
[0043] For example, when server 130 selects at least one first temperature value from a set of collected first temperature values that shares the same timestamp as a speed value exceeding a predetermined speed threshold within a set of speed values over a predetermined time period as a set of target first temperature values, outliers in the collected set of first temperature values can be excluded. Similarly, when selecting at least one second temperature value from a set of speed values that shares the same timestamp as a speed value exceeding a predetermined speed threshold as a set of target second temperature values, outliers in the collected set of second temperature values can also be excluded. Similarly, when selecting at least one ambient temperature value from a set of speed values that shares the same timestamp as a speed value exceeding a predetermined speed threshold as a set of target ambient temperature values, outliers in the collected set of ambient temperature values can also be excluded. This avoids outliers misleading the aforementioned judgment process, thereby reducing the probability of false alarms.
[0044] Figure 2 shows an example flowchart of a monitoring method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0045] Referring to Figure 2, the monitoring method 200 may include steps S210 to S240, and the monitoring method may be implemented by, for example, the monitoring system 100 shown in Figure 1.
[0046] In step S210, a set of first temperature values of the first handrail of the escalator 10 can be collected. In step S220, a set of second temperature values of the second handrail of the escalator can be collected. Steps S210 and S220 can be executed in parallel. In step S230, it can be determined whether the deviation between the set of first temperature values and the set of second temperature values exceeds a first predetermined temperature difference threshold T. TEM1 If the deviation exceeds the first predetermined temperature difference threshold T TEM1 If the deviation does not exceed the first predetermined temperature difference threshold T, proceed to step S240 and issue an alarm signal. TEM1Then, return to step S210. In step S230, it is possible to compare whether the first temperature value with the latest timestamp in the first group of temperature values and the second temperature value with the latest timestamp in the second group of temperature values exceed a first predetermined temperature difference threshold T. TEM1 Alternatively, compare whether the deviation between the statistics of the first temperature value in the group and the statistics of the second temperature value in the group exceeds a first predetermined temperature difference threshold T. TEM1 The process of implementing steps S210 to S240 of the monitoring system 100 has been described above with reference to Figure 1. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.
[0047] In this way, abnormalities in the handrails can be detected in a timely manner by monitoring the temperature difference between the two handrails.
[0048] Figure 3 shows another example flowchart of a monitoring method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0049] Referring to Figure 3 and comparing it with Figure 2, in addition to steps S210 to S240, the monitoring method 200 may also include additional steps S222 to S226.
[0050] Referring to Figure 3, in step S222, a set of speed values of the escalator over a predetermined time period can be obtained. For example, this set of speed values can be obtained from a device storing a set of operating parameters for the escalator. In step S224, at least one first temperature value with the same timestamp as a speed value exceeding a predetermined speed threshold in the collected set of first temperature values can be selected as a set of target first temperature values. In step S226, at least one second temperature value with the same timestamp as a speed value exceeding a predetermined speed threshold in the collected set of second temperature values can be selected as a set of target second temperature values. Steps S224 and S226 can be executed in parallel. In this case, in step S230, it is determined that the deviation between the set of target first temperature values and the set of target second temperature values exceeds a first predetermined temperature difference threshold T. TEM1 If the deviation between the first temperature value and the second temperature value of the target group exceeds the first predetermined temperature difference threshold T... TEM1 If the error occurs, proceed to step S240 and issue an alarm signal. Conversely, if the deviation between the first temperature value and the second temperature value of the target group does not exceed the first predetermined temperature difference threshold T... TEM1 Then return to step S210. The process of the monitoring system 100 implementing steps S222 to S226 has been described above with reference to Figure 1, and will not be repeated here to avoid repetition.
[0051] Thus, by only considering the handrail temperature when the escalator is running at full speed, the amount of calculation can be reduced.
[0052] Figure 4 shows another example flowchart of a monitoring method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0053] Comparing Figure 4 and Figure 2, in addition to steps S210 to S240 and steps S222 to S226, the monitoring method 200 may also include steps S235 and S250.
[0054] Referring to Figure 4, after performing steps S224 and S226 to select a set of target first temperature values and a set of target second temperature values that have the same timestamp as the speed values exceeding a predetermined speed threshold from the set of speed values, steps S230 and S235 can be performed in parallel. In step S230, it is determined whether the deviation between the selected set of target first temperature values and the selected set of target second temperature values exceeds a first predetermined temperature difference threshold T. TEM1 In step S235, the selected set of target first temperature values T is determined. L and the selected set of target second temperature values T R Does the deviation between them continue to increase beyond the predetermined duration threshold T? TIM If the deviation between the first temperature value and the second temperature value of the target group exceeds the first predetermined temperature difference threshold T... TEM1 Or, the deviation between the first temperature value and the second temperature value of the target group continues to increase beyond the predetermined time threshold T. TIM If at least one of the determination results in step S230 and step S235 is "yes", then proceed to step S240 and issue an alarm signal. Conversely, if the deviation between the first temperature value and the second temperature value of the target group does not exceed the first predetermined temperature difference threshold T, then proceed to step S240 and issue an alarm signal. TEM1 Furthermore, the deviation between the first and second target temperature values in this group did not continue to increase or did not exceed the predetermined time threshold T. TIM If both the determination results of step S230 and step S235 are "no" (i.e., the "yes" branch of step S250), then return to step S210. The process of the monitoring system 100 implementing steps S235 and S250 has been described above with reference to Figure 1, and will not be repeated here to avoid repetition.
[0055] Thus, even if the temperature difference between the two armrests does not reach the first predetermined temperature difference threshold T TEM1 However, as long as the temperature difference between the two handrails continues to increase beyond the predetermined time threshold T, TIM It will also issue an alarm signal.
[0056] Figure 5 shows another example flowchart of a monitoring method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0057] Referring to Figure 5 and comparing it with Figure 4, in addition to steps S210 to S240, step S222, step S226, and steps S235 and S250, the monitoring method 200 may also include additional steps S221, S228, and S260.
[0058] Step S221 can be executed in parallel with steps S210 and S220. In step S221, a set of ambient temperature values of the escalator can be collected. For example, the third temperature sensor 130 shown in FIG1 collects the ambient temperature of the escalator at the same predetermined sampling frequency as the first temperature sensor 110 and the second temperature sensor 120. Step S228 can be executed in parallel with steps S224 and S226. In step S228, at least one ambient temperature value with the same timestamp as the speed value exceeding a predetermined speed threshold in a set of speed values acquired within a predetermined time period can be selected from the collected set of ambient temperature values as a set of target ambient temperature values. After executing step S230 or S235, if the deviation between the selected set of target first temperature values and the selected set of target second temperature values does not exceed a first predetermined temperature difference threshold T. TEM1 Furthermore, the deviation between the selected set of target first temperature values and the selected set of target second temperature values does not continue to increase or the continuous increase does not exceed the predetermined time threshold T. TIM If both the determination results of step S230 and step S235 are "no" (i.e., the "yes" branch of step S250), then proceed to step S260. In step S260, it is further determined whether the deviation between the selected set of target first temperature values and the selected set of target ambient temperature values, and the deviation between the selected set of target second temperature values and the selected set of target ambient temperature values, both exceed the second predetermined temperature difference threshold T. TEM2 If both exceed the second predetermined temperature difference threshold T TEM2 If the condition is met, proceed to step S240 and issue an alarm signal. Conversely, if none of the conditions are met, or only one of the conditions exceeds the second predetermined temperature difference threshold T, proceed to step S240 and issue an alarm signal. TEM2 Then return to step S210. The process of the monitoring system 100 implementing steps S221, S228 and S260 has been described above with reference to Figure 1, and will not be repeated here to avoid repetition.
[0059] In this way, in addition to monitoring the temperature deviation between the two handrails, it also monitors the deviation between the temperature values of the two handrails and the ambient temperature value, so that even if the two handrails are almost the same degree of being too loose or too tight, resulting in a small temperature deviation between the two handrails, it can still issue an early warning of abnormalities in the handrails in a timely manner.
[0060] The above description, in conjunction with Figures 2 to 5, only outlines a portion of the monitoring method 200 performed by the monitoring system 100. The monitoring method 200 may refer to and incorporate various operations of the monitoring system 100 described above in conjunction with Figure 1. For example, the aspects associated with the monitoring system 100 described above may be modified as one or more additional steps of the monitoring method 200.
[0061] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of the temperature difference between the two handrails of an escalator over time without the application of the monitoring method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0062] In Figure 6, the horizontal axis represents time (year-month-day), the left vertical axis represents temperature, and the right vertical axis represents the temperature difference between the two handrails. In the example in Figure 6, the monitoring method according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure is not applied. Due to an anomaly in one of the two handrails, the temperature difference between the two handrails increases over time. If timely inspection and adjustment are not carried out, it will eventually lead to an abnormal shutdown of the escalator.
[0063] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the temperature difference between two handrails of an escalator over time when a monitoring method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is applied.
[0064] In the example of Figure 7, a monitoring method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. Although one of the two handrails malfunctions, causing a large temperature difference between the two handrails, an alarm signal is issued at time t1. Maintenance personnel promptly inspect and adjust the handrail, and the temperature difference between the two handrails returns to normal, thereby preventing abnormal shutdown of the escalator.
[0065] The block diagrams of devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems disclosed herein are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner that achieves the desired purpose.
[0066] Those skilled in the art should understand that the specific embodiments described above are merely examples and not limitations. Various modifications, combinations, partial combinations, and substitutions can be made to the embodiments of this disclosure according to design requirements and other factors, as long as they are within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents, and thus fall within the scope of the rights to be protected by this disclosure.
Claims
1. A monitoring method for escalators, comprising: Collect a set of first temperature values for the first handrail belt of the escalator; Collect a set of second temperature values for the second handrail belt of the escalator; and An alarm signal is issued if the deviation between the first set of temperature values and the second set of temperature values exceeds a first predetermined temperature difference threshold.
2. The monitoring method according to claim 1 further includes: Obtain a set of speed values of the escalator within a predetermined past time period; Select at least one first temperature value from the set of first temperature values that has the same timestamp as the speed value in the set of speed values that exceeds a predetermined speed threshold as a set of target first temperature values; and Select at least one second temperature value from the set of second temperature values that has the same timestamp as the velocity value in the set of velocity values that exceeds a predetermined velocity threshold as a set of target second temperature values; The method of issuing the alarm signal based on the deviation between the set of first temperature values and the set of second temperature values exceeding a first predetermined temperature difference threshold includes: issuing the alarm signal based on the deviation between the set of target first temperature values and the set of target second temperature values exceeding the first predetermined temperature difference threshold.
3. The monitoring method according to claim 2 further includes: An alarm signal is issued if the deviation between the first set of target temperature values and the second set of target temperature values continues to increase beyond a predetermined time threshold.
4. The monitoring method according to claim 3 further includes: Collect a set of ambient temperature values for the escalator; Select at least one ambient temperature value from the set of ambient temperature values that has the same timestamp as the speed value in the set of speed values that exceeds a predetermined speed threshold, as a set of target ambient temperature values; and The alarm signal is issued based on the fact that the deviation between the first set of target temperature values and the first set of target ambient temperature values, and the deviation between the second set of target temperature values and the first set of target ambient temperature values, both exceed a second predetermined temperature difference threshold.
5. The monitoring method according to claim 2, wherein, The predetermined speed threshold is the operating speed of the escalator when it is running at full speed.
6. The monitoring method according to claim 1, wherein, The alarm signal is issued based on the fact that the deviation between the set of first temperature values and the set of second temperature values exceeds a first predetermined temperature difference threshold, including: An alarm signal is issued based on the deviation between the latest timestamped first temperature value in the first set of temperature values and the latest timestamped second temperature value in the second set of temperature values exceeding a first predetermined temperature difference threshold. An alarm signal is issued if the deviation between the statistical values of the first set of temperature values and the statistical values of the second set of temperature values exceeds the first predetermined temperature difference threshold.
7. The monitoring method according to claim 4, wherein, Selecting the set of target first temperature values includes excluding outliers from the set of first temperature values; Selecting the set of target second temperature values includes excluding outliers from the set of second temperature values; Selecting the set of target ambient temperature values includes excluding outliers from the set of ambient temperature values.
8. The monitoring method according to claim 1 further includes: The first set of temperature values and the second set of temperature values are preprocessed. The method of issuing an alarm signal based on the deviation between the set of first temperature values and the set of second temperature values exceeding a first predetermined temperature difference threshold includes: issuing an alarm signal based on the deviation between the pre-processed set of first temperature values and the pre-processed set of second temperature values exceeding a first predetermined temperature difference threshold.
9. The monitoring method according to claim 1, wherein, The first set of temperature values and the second set of temperature values are collected using a non-contact sensor.
10. A monitoring system for escalators, comprising: The first temperature sensor is used to collect a set of first temperature values of the first handrail belt of the escalator; The second temperature sensor is used to collect a set of second temperature values of the second handrail belt of the escalator; and The server is used to issue an alarm signal based on the deviation between the set of first temperature values and the set of second temperature values exceeding a first predetermined temperature difference threshold.
11. The monitoring system according to claim 10, wherein, The server is also used for: Obtain a set of speed values of the escalator within a predetermined past time period; Select at least one first temperature value from the set of first temperature values that has the same timestamp as the speed value in the set of speed values that exceeds a predetermined speed threshold as a set of target first temperature values; and From the set of second temperature values, select at least one second temperature value that has the same timestamp as the velocity value in the set of velocity values that exceeds a predetermined velocity threshold as a set of target second temperature values. The server issues an alarm signal based on the deviation between the first set of target temperature values and the second set of target temperature values exceeding the first predetermined temperature difference threshold.
12. The monitoring system according to claim 11, wherein, The server is also used for: An alarm signal is issued if the deviation between the first set of target temperature values and the second set of target temperature values continues to increase beyond a predetermined duration threshold.
13. The monitoring system according to claim 12, further comprising: The third temperature sensor is used to collect a set of ambient temperature values for the escalator. The server is further configured to select from the set of ambient temperature values at least one ambient temperature value that has the same timestamp as the speed value in the set of speed values that exceeds a predetermined speed threshold, as a set of target ambient temperature values. The server also issues an alarm signal based on the fact that the deviation between the first set of target temperature values and the first set of target ambient temperature values, and the deviation between the second set of target temperature values and the first set of target ambient temperature values, both exceed a second predetermined temperature difference threshold.
14. The monitoring system according to claim 11, wherein, The predetermined speed threshold is the operating speed of the escalator when it is running at full speed.
15. The monitoring system according to claim 10, wherein, The server issues an alarm signal based on the deviation between the first temperature value with the latest timestamp in the set of first temperature values and the second temperature value with the latest timestamp in the set of second temperature values exceeding a first predetermined temperature difference threshold, or based on the deviation between the statistical values of the set of first temperature values and the statistical values of the set of second temperature values exceeding the first predetermined temperature difference threshold.
16. The monitoring system according to claim 13, wherein, The server excludes outliers from the set of first temperature values during the selection of the set of target first temperature values; The server excludes outliers from the set of second temperature values during the selection of the set of target second temperature values; and The server excludes outliers from the set of target ambient temperature values during the selection process.
17. The monitoring system according to claim 10, further comprising: An edge computing device is used to preprocess the set of first temperature values and the set of second temperature values; The server issues an alarm signal based on the deviation between a pre-processed set of first temperature values and a pre-processed set of second temperature values exceeding a first predetermined temperature difference threshold.
18. The monitoring system according to claim 10, wherein, The first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are non-contact sensors.
19. The monitoring system according to claim 10, further comprising: A data transmission device is used to receive the set of first temperature values and the set of second temperature values from the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, and transmit them to the server.
20. An escalator comprising a monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 10-19.