HK1240196B - System for the generation of call advance data - Google Patents

Description

System for generating call reservation data

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system for generating call reservation data for an elevator controller. Currently, elevator cars moving in an elevator hoistway and the hoistway walls are equipped with cooperating position detection systems that inform the elevator controller of their current position and speed in the hoistway. The elevator controller (particularly in its call distribution unit) uses this data to provide call reservation data, which informs the call distribution unit at which point in time (instantaneously) the moving elevator car can stop at the next approaching floor in the direction of travel of the elevator car. A problem arises during the modernization of elevators or elevator groups, particularly during overlay modernizations, in which a new elevator controller is connected to an existing elevator system to replace an old one and, optionally, operate simultaneously with the old one during a transition period. The legacy position detection systems associated with old elevator controllers often fail to comply with current communication standards. Because elevators have a service life exceeding 30 years, the original position detection systems may be purely mechanical or analog, not allowing for digital signal output. Sometimes, the old position detection systems are even worn out or no longer function according to current standards. Therefore, there is a need to re-acquire call reservation data for the new elevator controller.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention satisfies this need with a system for generating call reservation data and an elevator system having at least one elevator. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are also presented in the descriptive section of this application. The content of the present invention may also consist of several separate inventions, particularly if the invention is considered in terms of explicit or implicit subtasks or in terms of the advantages or benefits achieved. In this case, some of the attributes contained in the following content may be identical from the perspective of the independent inventive concepts.

According to the present invention, an acceleration sensor and/or a magnetometer are installed in relation to the elevator car. The acceleration sensor provides an output signal containing current acceleration data of the elevator car, and the magnetometer provides information about the magnetic flux at the current position of the elevator car in the hoistway. While the current acceleration data provided by the acceleration sensor must be calculated into the car position data and car speed data, the magnetic flux data of the magnetometer already provides the position data of the elevator car in the elevator hoistway because the magnetic flux in the elevator hoistway is unique at each position of the elevator car in the hoistway. Therefore, compared to the magnetic flux profile established through initial testing of the elevator car, the current magnetic flux data output by the magnetometer represents the current position of the elevator car in the elevator hoistway. Therefore, by comparing the current magnetic flux data with the magnetic flux profile, the position data and speed data of the elevator car can be easily calculated. It is important that either of the two sensors, the accelerometer and the magnetometer, can provide the call reservation processing unit with sufficient data to obtain information about the current car position and speed so that the call reservation data required by the call distribution unit of the elevator controller can be calculated.

The present invention includes a speed calculation unit that calculates current car speed data based on current acceleration data or current magnetic flux data. The present invention also uses a position calculation unit that calculates current car position data based on current acceleration data or magnetic flux data and/or based on current car speed data. These two calculation units can be integrated into a single calculation unit or implemented as separate units. As described above, the system for generating call reservation data includes a call reservation processing unit that calculates call reservation data based on current car speed data and current car position data, the call reservation data specifying the time at which the car can stop at the next approaching floor in the direction of travel. The call reservation processing unit can be located together with the sensor assembly and the calculation unit, for example, in a sensor unit mounted on the elevator car, or can be provided in conjunction with a call distribution unit of an elevator controller. Based on the call reservation data, the call distribution unit can determine whether the elevator car can still service the issued car or floor call, that is, whether the elevator car can stop at the next approaching floor to service the call.

The present invention offers substantial advantages: by installing a simple sensor unit on the elevator car, for example during modernization, a new elevator controller that is to be connected to an existing elevator system can obtain the necessary call reservation data and thus perform call distribution in an efficient manner. It is therefore independent of the existing car position detection system and is therefore no longer necessary unless it is still required by the old elevator controller, for example during a transition period. Of course, the present invention can also be used for modernization of sensor components alone and thus in conjunction with existing elevator controllers that will not be modernized. The system of the present invention utilizes sensors for generating call reservation data and a computing unit that can provide car position data and current car speed data in a digital format that can be processed by the modern elevator controller. Another advantage of the present invention is that the installation of the sensor unit, which includes an accelerometer and/or a magnetometer, together with the corresponding processing unit, does not require extensive wiring, as the sensor unit can communicate wirelessly with a transmitter connected to the new elevator controller. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system of the present invention includes a first wireless data transmission link connected to the speed calculation unit and/or the position calculation unit and/or to the call reservation process, components of which are connected to, for example, an acceleration sensor and/or a magnetometer in the sensor unit. The first wireless transmission link cooperates with a second wireless transmission link, which is connected to the new elevator controller. The first wireless data transmission link can, for example, be a broadcast transmitter with a medium range of, for example, up to 50 meters, which is preferably located outside the elevator car. The second wireless transmission link is preferably arranged in the elevator shaft so that there is a direct obstruction path in the elevator shaft between the first and second wireless transmission links.

Preferably, the acceleration sensor and/or magnetometer, as well as the velocity and position calculation units, are housed in a sensor unit mounted on the elevator car. The sensor unit preferably includes a housing for the sensor, the calculation unit, and, optionally, the call reservation processing unit. The sensor housing and the corresponding calculation unit provide a protected arrangement that, on the one hand, protects the components from contaminants and environmental influences in the elevator hoistway, and, on the other hand, allows for easy installation in existing elevator cars without the need for complex individual component wiring. The call reservation processing unit is preferably located in the sensor unit, but can also be associated with the call distribution unit of a new elevator controller. The sensor unit, which optionally also includes a camera that scans the car interior or the car door area, can acquire the following data: door status, car load, car position, car speed, number of people in the car, car acceleration, maintenance data, wear data, and car lighting data. If the sensor unit has its own power supply, all of this data can be acquired without any wiring.

The integrated arrangement of a velocity calculation unit and a position calculation unit in combination with an acceleration sensor and/or a magnetometer has the following advantages: the sensor unit provides position and velocity signals, which are currently provided by the legacy position and velocity detection systems of older elevator systems. This is particularly true if the call reservation processing unit is integrated with these components in the sensor unit. The sensor unit thus provides call reservation data for call distribution by the elevator controller in a simple manner according to current standards.

The first and second wireless transmission links are preferably implemented as bidirectional transmission links, so that the acceleration sensor and/or magnetometer can be activated by the new elevator controller to establish an acceleration profile or magnetic profile of the elevator car in the elevator shaft. The elevator controller thus controls the elevator car's movement and the recording status of the sensors. By establishing these profiles, the system is able to verify the current acceleration or magnetic flux data by comparing it with the established acceleration or magnetic profile, thereby improving the accuracy of the data and obtaining better accuracy for the current car position and car speed. In the case of a magnetometer, the magnetic flux profile is necessary to obtain the current car position.

If acceleration curves are created or stored for different car load conditions, the current acceleration data of the acceleration sensor can even be used to determine the current car load, since the current acceleration varies slightly depending on the actual load state of the elevator. The same is true for the current magnetic flux data if the acceleration data is processed and compared with the created acceleration curves.

Furthermore, using acceleration or magnetic curves, it is possible to verify not only the car load but also the wear of elevator components. If, for example, the acceleration curve changes over time, this could be an indicator of increased friction in the elevator system or a loss of driving force in the drive system. Therefore, by monitoring the acceleration curve or the current acceleration and comparing it with older acceleration curves, information about the wear and maintenance of the elevator or elevator group can be easily obtained. Therefore, the acceleration curve is preferably updated at specific intervals. Alternatively, the acceleration curve can be updated if the current acceleration data deviates increasingly from the established acceleration curve, for example, by at least reaching a certain threshold.

Preferably, a memory is provided near the acceleration sensor and/or magnetometer or near the elevator controller in which the magnetic flux curve and/or acceleration curve is stored. The processing and evaluation of the different curves can be performed in a corresponding monitoring module in the sensor unit or the elevator controller or by comparing the curves with current data.

Preferably, the acceleration curve comprises acceleration values of the elevator car from each floor to each other floor of the building, so that by comparing current acceleration data with this informative acceleration curve the current car position and speed can be easily obtained in every possible travel scenario of the elevator car.

The invention also relates to an elevator or a group of elevators comprising a system for generating call reservation data as described above.

The present invention also relates to a method for generating call reservation data for an elevator controller, in which at least one acceleration sensor and/or magnetometer is installed in connection with an elevator car to generate current acceleration/magnetic flux data, calculate velocity data, and current car position data. Call reservation data is then generated from the current car position data and velocity data for an elevator controller, such as a new elevator controller replacing an old one during modernization of an elevator or elevator group. The call reservation data is preferably calculated in a sensor unit installed on the elevator car, or it can also be calculated in the elevator controller, particularly in its distribution unit. This method makes it easy to provide a new elevator controller without requiring complex wiring and installation in existing elevator systems. Consequently, data from existing old car position detection systems, which often do not conform to current data formats, can be ignored, allowing the old position detectors to be removed or left unused. The present invention thus provides elevator builders with an easy option for providing call reservation data associated with new elevator controllers. With regard to the method of the present invention, reference is made to the description of the system of the present invention described above.

It should be understood that the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily.

It should be understood that the acceleration sensor and/or magnetometer, the speed calculation unit, and the position calculation unit can be located either in a connected manner or in an integrated manner with the call reservation processing unit, for example in a sensor unit associated with the elevator car or with the elevator controller, so that the output signal of the acceleration sensor or magnetometer is simply sent to the elevator controller where the speed calculation unit, the position calculation unit, and the call reservation processing unit are located. In any case, preferably, at least the speed calculation and position calculation unit, and preferably the call reservation processing unit, are integrated with the sensor (i.e., the acceleration sensor or the magnetometer), which has the advantage that the integrated sensor unit outputs a call reservation data signal that can be easily processed by every modern elevator controller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In these drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a call reservation data generating system using the present invention during coverage modernization of an elevator.

FIG. 2 is a detail of the sensor unit from FIG. 1 mounted on the elevator car.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG1 shows an elevator system 10, which includes an elevator hoistway 12 in which an elevator car 14 moves vertically. The elevator system also includes an old position detection system 15, 16 connected to an old elevator controller 18 and no longer used in the present invention. The old position detection system 15, 16 includes a first sensor component 15 installed at the elevator car 14, which works in conjunction with a second sensor component 16 installed along the length of the hoistway. The electrical components of the car 14, such as ventilation, lighting, and a car operating panel display, as well as other common electrical components located in the elevator car, such as the first sensor component 15 of the old position detection system, are connected to the old elevator controller 18 via a car cable 20. A new elevator drive unit 22 (e.g., a traction sheave drive unit) is located at the upper end of the hoistway and drives the elevator car 14 via suspension ropes (not shown). The new drive unit 22 is connected to a new elevator controller 24, which will replace the old elevator controller and cooperate with it during the transition period. A new elevator controller 24 is installed in an existing elevator system 10 to establish a modernization overlay, in which a new drive and an improved call distribution system are provided. In order to enable the new elevator controller 24 to obtain call reservation data for performing complex car distribution, a sensor unit 26 is installed on the top of the elevator car. The sensor unit 26 has a first communication link 28 that communicates with a second data transmission link 30, which is installed on the top of the elevator shaft 12 and connected to the new elevator controller 24. The sensor unit 26 is provided to inform the new elevator controller of the current car position and car speed and call reservations, which enable improved call distribution in the elevator system 10. The elevator system can be a single elevator, a group of elevators, or multiple groups, for example, in a high-rise building.

2 , the sensor unit 26 comprises a housing 27, in which a magnetometer or acceleration sensor 32, a sensor unit control 34, a first data transmission link 28, a memory 36, an (optional) camera 40, and an optional call reservation processing unit 42 are located. An antenna 38 of the first data transmission link 28 protrudes from the housing 27. The call reservation processing unit 42 can also be located at least partially in the new elevator controller 24.

The magnetometer or acceleration sensor 32 is connected to a sensor unit controller 34, which includes a velocity calculation unit for calculating current car velocity data based on the signal from sensor 32, and a position calculation unit for calculating current car position data based on the sensor signal or from the current car velocity data. The sensor unit controller 34 is further connected to a memory 36, which includes at least one acceleration profile of the elevator car's inter-floor travel in the elevator hoistway and/or a magnetic profile indicating the magnetic flux of the elevator car at each position in the elevator hoistway. The sensor unit controller 34 is also connected to a first wireless data transmission link 28, which includes an antenna 38 for outputting data to a second wireless transmission link 30 located in the elevator hoistway 12. Finally, the sensor unit controller 34 is connected to a camera 40, which scans the interior of the car, particularly the entrance area of the elevator car, to obtain car load data and/or door position data, which provides the elevator controller with further information about important parameters of the elevator 10. Optionally, the sensor unit 26 may include a call reservation processing unit 42 for calculating call reservation data, which specifies the time at which the car can stop at the next approaching floor in the direction of travel, based on the current car speed data and the current car position data calculated by the speed and position calculation unit in the sensor unit controller 34. This call reservation processing unit may also be provided in association with the new elevator controller.

Finally, the sensor unit 26 includes a battery 44 that serves as a power source for all components provided in the sensor unit 26. The advantage of having its own power source is that absolutely no wiring is required to connect the sensor unit to the elevator car 14. The sensor unit 26 is preferably located in the car roof 15 near a corner of the elevator car. This arrangement provides the optional camera 40 with an optimal detection range. It is also possible to position the sensor unit 26 in the car roof or car wall opposite the car door, allowing the entrance area of the car door to be monitored by the optional camera. The sensor unit can generate the following data: door status data, car load data, car position data, car speed data, number of people in the car, car acceleration data, maintenance data, wear data, and car lighting data.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but may be varied within the scope of the invention.

Claims (14)

1. A system for generating call reservation data for use in an elevator controller, the system being adapted to be installed in an elevator car moving in an elevator shaft (12), and comprising at least one accelerometer (32) outputting current acceleration data and/or a magnetometer (32) outputting a magnetic flux signal, the magnetic flux signal comprising current magnetic flux data at the current position of the elevator car, the accelerometer and/or the magnetometer being mounted on the elevator car (14). The speed calculation unit calculates the current car speed data based on the current acceleration/magnetic flux data or the current car position data. The position calculation unit calculates the current car position data based on the current acceleration/magnetic flux data and/or the current car speed data; And a call reservation processing unit (42) that calculates call reservation data based on current car speed data and current car position data, the call reservation data specifying the time when the car can stop at the next approaching floor along the direction of travel, the call reservation data being sent to the call distribution unit (25) of the elevator controller (24). 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the accelerometer and/or magnetometer (32), the speed calculation unit, the position calculation unit and the call reservation processing unit are located in a sensor unit (26) installed in the elevator car (14). 3. The system according to claim 1 includes a first wireless data transmission link (28) and works in conjunction with a second wireless transmission link (30), the second wireless transmission link (30) being connected to the elevator controller (24). 4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the first wireless data transmission link (28) is located outside the elevator car (14). 5. The system according to claim 3, wherein the second wireless transmission link (30) is located in the elevator shaft (12). 6. The system according to any one of claims 1-5, comprising a memory (36) for at least one acceleration curve that establishes acceleration versus time curves for different routes of the elevator car (14) in the shaft (12). 7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the call reservation processing unit (42) compares the current acceleration data with the acceleration curve to verify or improve the accuracy of the current car position data or car speed data. 8. The system according to claim 6, wherein different acceleration curves are stored in memory (36) for different car load conditions. 9. The system according to claim 8, comprising a car load calculation unit, which derives the current car load by comparing the current acceleration data with the acceleration curve of the corresponding car load condition. 10. The system of claim 6, wherein the acceleration curve is updated at regular intervals. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein if the current acceleration data deviates from the acceleration curve by at least a certain threshold, the acceleration curve is updated. 12. The system of claim 6, wherein the acceleration curves are repeatedly stored in the memory (36), and a maintenance calculation unit is arranged in the system, the maintenance calculation unit including a comparator for comparing the acceleration curves over time, thereby deriving a maintenance signal if the difference between corresponding values of past acceleration curves and current acceleration curves exceeds a certain threshold. 13. The system according to claim 6, wherein the acceleration curve includes the acceleration value of the elevator traveling from each floor to each other floor. 14. An elevator system (10) having at least one elevator, the at least one elevator having at least one elevator car (14) driven by a drive unit (22) to travel in at least one elevator shaft (12), the elevator system (10) having a system for generating call reservation data for an elevator controller (24) according to any of the preceding claims.