HK40000549B - Automatic elevator inspection and positioning systems and methods - Google Patents

Description

Automatic elevator inspection and positioning system and method

Background Art

The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to elevator systems and, more particularly, to elevator inspection and positioning systems and methods.

Elevator systems typically include multiple belts or ropes (load-bearing members) that move the elevator car vertically between multiple elevator landings within a hoistway or elevator shaft. Positioning the elevator car relative to the landings to facilitate passenger entry and exit is an important feature of the elevator system.

For example, when an elevator car is parked at a corresponding landing, changes in the size of the load within the car can cause changes in the vertical position of the car relative to the landing. For example, when one or more passengers and/or cargo move from the landing into the elevator car, the elevator car may move vertically downward relative to the elevator landing. In another example, when one or more passengers and/or cargo move from the elevator car onto the landing, the elevator car may move vertically upward relative to the elevator landing. Such changes in the vertical position of the elevator car may be caused by the expansion and/or contraction of soft hitch springs and/or load-bearing members, particularly in elevator systems with relatively large travel heights and/or a relatively small number of load-bearing members. In certain circumstances, the expansion and/or contraction of the load-bearing members and/or hitch springs can cause destructive oscillations in the vertical position of the elevator car, such as an up-and-down "bouncing" motion. Therefore, it is advantageous to ensure that the elevator car is properly positioned relative to the landing door.

Summary of the Invention

According to some embodiments, an elevator system is provided. The elevator system includes an elevator car within an elevator shaft; a plurality of landing doors located at corresponding landings within the elevator shaft; at least one landing locating element mounted within the elevator shaft and positioned relative to at least one of the landing doors; and an inspection system including a detector located on the elevator car and arranged to detect the presence of the landing locating element in an inspection area to determine whether a position of the elevator car relative to the landing doors is within a predetermined range.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the elevator system may include a control unit configured to analyze the output of the detector, determine whether there is an error in the position of the elevator car relative to the landing, and generate an error notification when an error in the elevator position is determined.

In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the elevator system may include a control unit located on the elevator car and in communication with the detector.

In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the elevator system may include a detector capturing an image of a landing locating element for inspection.

In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the elevator system can include landing locating elements comprising at least one of a colored paint, a textured surface, or a reflective surface.

In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the elevator system may include the detector being located on one of the top or bottom of the elevator car.

In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the elevator system may include the detector comprising at least two cameras arranged to inspect a plurality of landing locating elements located at a particular landing.

In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the elevator system can include the landing locating element including at least one position detecting sub-element.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the elevator system may include at least one position detection subelement including a first region and a second region, wherein the first region defines a position range for proper alignment of the elevator car relative to a landing, and the second region is outside the first region.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the elevator system may include generating an error notification when a second area is detected within the inspection area.

According to some embodiments, a method for checking a landing position of an elevator car in an elevator system is provided. The method includes moving the elevator car to a landing within an elevator shaft; observing an inspection area using a detector located on the elevator car, the inspection area being an area including a landing locating element positioned relative to a landing door of the landing; determining whether there is an error in the position of the elevator car relative to the landing based on the position of the landing locating element within the landing area, and generating an error notification when an error in the elevator position is determined.

In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include automatically performing the method based on at least one of: (i) a maintenance schedule, (ii) a predetermined interval, (iii) whenever an elevator stops at a landing, (iv) a customer complaint, (v) a request made at an on-site location, (vi) a request made at an off-site location, or (vii) a scheduled maintenance visit.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include analyzing, with a control unit, an output of the detector; determining whether there is an error in the position of the elevator car relative to the landing; and generating an error notification when an error in the elevator position is determined.

In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include the control unit being located on the elevator car and in communication with the detector.

In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include capturing images of landing locating elements for inspection.

In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include the landing locating element including at least one of a colored paint, a textured surface, or a reflective surface.

In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include the detector comprising at least two cameras arranged to inspect a plurality of landing locating elements located at a particular landing.

In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include the landing locating element including at least one position detecting sub-element.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include at least one position detection subelement including a first region and a second region, wherein the first region defines a position range of proper alignment of the elevator car relative to the landing door, and the second region is located outside the first region.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include that when the second area is detected within the inspection area, the method further includes generating an error notification.

In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include moving the elevator car to a second landing within the elevator shaft; observing an inspection area of the second landing using a detector, the inspection area being an area at the second landing that includes landing locating elements; determining whether there is an error in the position of the elevator car relative to the second landing based on the landing locating elements detected within the inspection area at the second landing, and generating an error notification when an error in the elevator position is determined.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, the aforementioned features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity. These features and elements and their operation will become more apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the following description and accompanying drawings are intended to be illustrative and explanatory in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed at the end of the specification. The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an elevator system in which various embodiments of the present disclosure may be employed;

2A is a schematic diagram of an elevator car with a landing location checking system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG2B is a top view of a landing door of the elevator system of FIG2A ;

FIG2C is an enlarged view of the landing location checking system of FIG2A-2B ;

FIG3 is a side view of a landing position checking system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a landing positioning element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG5 is a flow chart for performing a landing location check according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown and described herein, various features of the present disclosure will be presented. Various embodiments may have the same or similar features, and therefore, the same or similar features may be labeled with the same reference symbols, but preceded by a different first digit, which indicates the drawing to which the feature is shown. Although similar reference symbols may be used in a general sense, various embodiments will be described, and the various features may include variations, modifications, alterations, etc., as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, whether explicitly described or otherwise appreciated by those skilled in the art.

1 is a perspective view of an elevator system 101 that includes an elevator car 103, a counterweight 105, ropes 107, guide rails 109, a machine 111, a position encoder 113, and a controller 115. Elevator car 103 and counterweight 105 are connected to each other via ropes 107. Ropes 107 may include or be configured as, for example, ropes, steel cables, and/or coated steel belts. Counterweight 105 is configured to balance the load of elevator car 103 and to facilitate simultaneous and opposite movement of elevator car 103 relative to counterweight 105 within an elevator shaft 117 and along guide rails 109.

Ropes 107 engage machine 111, which is part of the overhead structure of elevator system 101. Machine 111 is configured to control movement between elevator car 103 and counterweight 105. Position encoder 113 may be mounted on an upper pulley of governor system 119 and may be configured to provide a position signal related to the position of elevator car 103 within elevator shaft 117. In other embodiments, position encoder 113 may be mounted directly to a moving component of machine 111, or may be located in other locations and/or configurations as known in the art.

As shown, the controller 115 is located in a control room 121 within the elevator shaft 117 and is configured to control the operation of the elevator system 101, and specifically, the operation of the elevator car 103. For example, the controller 115 may provide drive signals to the machine 111 to control the acceleration, deceleration, leveling, and parking of the elevator car 103. The controller 115 may also be configured to receive position signals from the position encoder 113. While moving up and down along the guide rails 109 within the elevator shaft 117, the elevator car 103 may stop at one or more landings 125 as controlled by the controller 115. Although shown in the control room 121, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the controller 115 may be located and/or configured at other locations or positions within the elevator system 101.

The machine 111 may include a motor or similar drive mechanism. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the machine 111 is configured to include an electric drive motor. The power source for the motor may be any power source, including an electrical grid, which is supplied to the motor in conjunction with other components.

Although shown and described with respect to a rope system, elevator systems that employ other methods and mechanisms for moving an elevator car within an elevator hoistway may employ embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 is a non-limiting example presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes only.

Elevators are inspected and monitored for compliance with regulatory requirements. Furthermore, elevators must be precisely positioned at landings to ensure smooth operation and easy access for passengers. Inspection, monitoring, and associated repairs can be expensive, time-consuming, and/or inconvenient. Furthermore, improper alignment and/or inaccurate positioning at a landing can detract from the passenger experience. Therefore, it would be advantageous to develop systems, devices, and processes to improve the efficiency of inspection, monitoring, and positioning accuracy of elevator cars at landings within an elevator system. For example, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and processes for improving landing position accuracy and/or inspection of landing position accuracy are provided.

Turning now to Figures 2A-2C, a schematic diagram of a landing position checking system 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2A schematically illustrates an elevator car 203 and a landing 225 having landing doors 202a, 202b. The elevator car 203 has elevator car doors 204 and a car door lintel 206. When the elevator car 203 is located at the landing doors 202a, 202b, the car door lintel 206 is aligned with a portion of a landing door frame 208 including a landing door lock 210. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the landing door frame 208 includes a landing threshold having a track and enables the landing doors 202a, 202b to be opened and closed within the landing door frame 208. In operation, when the landing doors 202a, 202b are opened, a mechanism within the car door lintel 206 engages and unlocks the landing door locks 210 to operate the landing doors 202a, 202b to open. To ensure proper engagement between the elevator car 203 (and its components) and the landing 225 (and its components), the elevator car 203 must be properly and accurately positioned within the elevator shaft and relative to the landing 225.

To monitor the position of the elevator car 203 relative to the landing, the landing position checking system 200 includes a detector 214 positioned on the elevator car 203. The detector 214 and/or other detectors may be positioned at one or more locations on the exterior of the elevator car 203 and/or mounted inside the elevator car 203. If mounted on the exterior, the detector may have a direct line of sight to one or more features within the elevator car. However, in embodiments where the detector is mounted on an interior portion of the elevator car, a window, opening, or other mechanism may be provided to enable the detector to view features within the elevator shaft (e.g., on the exterior of the elevator car).

2A , the detector 214 is mounted on the top 216 of the elevator car 203. In some embodiments, the detector (or additional detectors) can be positioned on the bottom 218 of the elevator car 203, or on some other exterior surface and/or interior of the elevator car 203, and arranged to view a portion or area of the landing 225, as described herein. The detector 214 is arranged to detect the position of the elevator car 203 relative to the landing 225 within the elevator shaft to ensure proper positioning of the elevator car 203. The detector 214 can be a camera or other visual/optical detector that can detect and measure features within the elevator shaft, and particularly features relative to the landing 225 (e.g., located on the landing door frame 208 or elsewhere within the elevator shaft). In some embodiments, as the elevator car 203 approaches the landing 225, the detector 214 can capture one or more images or videos of one or more landing positioning elements 212a, 212b and thereby measure and detect the position of the elevator car 203 relative to the landing 225, as described herein.

Although the landing locating elements 212a, 212b are shown to be located near the landing doors 202a, 202b (e.g., above and below the doors), those skilled in the art will recognize that other locations and/or additional landing locating elements can be installed in the elevator shaft at other locations. For example, in some embodiments, one or more landing locating elements may be located on a wall of the elevator shaft opposite the landing door and/or on a wall of the elevator shaft perpendicular to (or adjacent to) the landing door. Furthermore, in some embodiments, instead of being located above and below the landing door, one or more landing locating elements may be arranged to the side of the landing door. That is, the location of the landing locating elements is not restrictive, and in each configuration, one or more detectors are appropriately arranged on the outside or inside of the elevator car.

Figure 2B is a front view of the landing 225 of Figure 2A, and Figure 2C is a side view of a portion of the landing 225. As shown in Figures 2B-2C, the landing doors 202a, 202b are positioned within the landing door frame 208, and the first landing locating element 212a and the second landing locating element 212b are arranged on the landing door frame 208 relative to the landing 225.

When the elevator car 203 approaches the landing 225, the detector 214 can capture images and/or videos of the landing locating elements 212a, 212b. The images/videos can be analyzed to determine whether the elevator car 203 is properly and accurately positioned. The landing locating elements 212a, 212b can be arranged to make it easy for the detector 214 to detect and can include coloring, coatings, textures, surface features, etc. that can be easily detected by the detector 214. Due to the landing locating elements 212a, 212b according to the present disclosure, the detector 214 can determine whether the elevator car 203 is properly positioned relative to the landing 225. Based on the detection, if the landing position of the elevator car is not expected, the landing position checking system 200 can generate an error notification. In some embodiments, the landing locating elements 212a, 212b can include scales or other indicators to enable the elevator car 203 to be accurately positioned within the elevator shaft.

2C , the detector 214 may observe and/or inspect the landing locator element 212a at an inspection area 220. The inspection area 220 is a predetermined location or area when the detector 214 is actively observing the elevator shaft, and in particular the landing locator element 212a.

2A-2C illustrate a single detector 214 positioned to view landing locating elements 212a, 212b (e.g., above and below landing doors 202a, 202b). However, in alternative embodiments, two or more detectors may be mounted or otherwise positioned at various locations on the elevator car 203 to monitor and/or inspect the landing locating elements 212a, 212b. For example, a first detector may be located on the top 216 of the elevator car 203, and a second detector may be located on the bottom 218 of the elevator car 203. In some embodiments, the detectors may be located on the outer sidewalls of the elevator car 203 and/or within the elevator car 203 and provided with a mechanism (e.g., a window, opening, hole, aperture, mirror, etc.) for viewing the landing locating elements 212a, 212b.

Turning now to FIG3 , a schematic diagram of a landing location checking system 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. FIG3 schematically illustrates a detector 314 mounted on an exterior surface of an elevator car 303, as shown at a bottom 318 of the elevator car 303. The detector 314 is arranged to view a landing locating element 312 that is fixedly positioned within the elevator shaft relative to and associated with a landing door 302 of a landing 325. As shown, the landing locating element 312 is fixedly mounted or attached to a portion of a landing door frame 308 below the landing door 302.

The portion of the landing location checking system 300 on the elevator car 303 includes a detector 314, a control unit 326, and a communication connection 328 that enables communication between the detector 314 and the control unit 326. The control unit 326 can be a computer or other electronic device that can send commands to the detector 314 and receive data from the detector 314. In some embodiments, the control unit 326 can receive output (e.g., images, video, etc.) from the detector 314. The communication connection 328 can be a physical wire or a wireless communication connection, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In addition, although the control unit 326 is shown as being located on the bottom 318 of the elevator car 303, such an arrangement is not limiting. For example, in some embodiments, the control unit can be part of an elevator controller or other electronic device associated with other parts or components of the elevator system. In some embodiments, the control unit can be located at a location remote from the elevator car. In addition, in some embodiments, the control unit can be part of a general-purpose computer configured to enable maintenance, inspection, and/or monitoring of the elevator system.

Detector 314 is arranged to detect the position of the elevator car 303 relative to the landing door 302 by detecting and/or interacting with a landing locating element 312 that is part of and/or applied to the landing door frame 308. Detector 314 is positioned and calibrated so that it can detect the presence of the landing locating element 312 within an inspection region 320. As shown, inspection region 320 is defined as the space or area aligned with and associated with the landing locating element 312. Inspection region 320 is selected to determine whether the elevator car 303 is properly parked at a landing 325. Inspection region 320 enables accurate measurement of the position of the elevator car 303 relative to the landing 325. Control unit 326 (or, depending on the electronic configuration, a portion of detector 314) performs image analysis of inspection region 320 to determine which portion of the landing locating element 312 is visible within inspection region 320, thereby determining the accuracy of the positioning of the elevator car 303 relative to the landing 325.

Detector 314 (and/or control unit 326) is configured to detect and determine the position of elevator car 303 by viewing and/or interacting with landing locator element 312. The landing locator elements of embodiments of the present disclosure can take a variety of forms. For example, in some embodiments, the landing locator element can be a colored paint that contrasts with the color or texture of the landing door frame 308 and/or other features within the elevator shaft (e.g., the shaft wall). In such embodiments, detector 314 can be an optical sensor (e.g., a camera) configured to detect at least the presence of the colored paint on the landing locator element. In other embodiments, the landing locator element can be a reflective or refractive surface, texture, or coating applied to the landing door frame 308 (or other fixed/static elevator shaft feature) or a portion thereof, and detector 314 can be configured appropriately. For example, in the case of a reflective surface landing locator element, detector 314 can include a light source that projects light toward the reflective landing locator element. In such an arrangement, detector 314 also includes a sensor capable of detecting whether any light is reflected from the reflective landing locator element. In some embodiments, the landing locating element can be a textured surface or other surface feature of the landing door frame 308 that can be detected by the detector 314. Additionally, in some embodiments, the landing locating element can be a code applied by and detectable by the detector 314 of the landing position checking system 300. Additionally, in some embodiments, the detector 314 and/or the landing locating element 312 can be selected to operate at (and/or react to) a specific wavelength or wavelength range. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other types of detectors and/or indicator elements can be employed without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

In operation, in one non-limiting example, such as during an automatic positioning and inspection operation, when the detector 314 detects that the landing positioning element 312 is within the inspection area 320, the control unit 326 determines whether the position of the elevator car 203 accurately meets the preset conditions and/or requirements (e.g., within the tolerance range of the horizontal distance from the landing 325). If the detector 314 detects that the elevator car 303 is not properly indicated or positioned within the inspection area 320, the control unit 326 determines that the positioning system of the elevator car 303 (e.g., the machine 111, the position encoder 113, and/or the controller 115 shown in FIG. 2) is malfunctioning, does not meet the preset conditions or requirements, and/or is damaged. Such an error may be caused by a defective or damaged component, rope stretching, etc. In this case, the control unit 326 may generate an error notification or other message that may be used to indicate that the elevator system requires maintenance.

4, a schematic diagram of a landing locating element 412 is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the embodiment of FIG4, the landing locating element 412 includes a plurality of different sub-elements to enable accurate position detection by a detector as shown and described herein.

The landing locating element 412 includes a first position detecting sub-element 422, a second position detecting sub-element 424, and a third position detecting sub-element 426. As shown, the first position detecting sub-element 422 is a colorable coded feature, where each color represents a different alignment state when the elevator car is positioned at a landing. In addition, in some embodiments, and as shown, the first position detecting sub-element 422 can include textures and/or markings to identify various areas or regions of the first position detecting sub-element 422.

For example, as shown, the first position detection subelement 422 has a first area 428 that is selected to indicate proper alignment of the elevator car. The first area 428 may have a range that defines an acceptable tolerance for position variations of the elevator car relative to a landing. The second areas 430a, 430b of the first position detection subelement 422 define one or more areas of interest outside the first area 428. As shown, the second areas 430a, 430b include areas above and below the first area 428. The second areas 430a, 430b may define areas of interest outside the first area 428 that may not be outside the acceptable position range. The second areas 430a, 430b may be color-coded areas and/or include markings to distinguish them from the first area 428. If detected by the detector, the second areas 430a, 430b may indicate a first positioning error of the elevator car, where the first error is defined by a first distance or offset from the first area 428.

Outside the second regions 430a, 430b are third regions 432a, 432b, which represent a greater distance or offset from the first region 428. The third regions 432a, 432b of the first position detecting sub-element 422 define one or more regions of interest outside the first region 428 and the second regions 430a, 430b. As shown, the third regions 432a, 432b include regions above and below the second regions 430a, 430b. The third regions 432a, 432b can define regions of interest outside the second regions 430a, 430b that may be outside an acceptable position range (e.g., a second positioning error); or they can be regions of interest that are still within an acceptable operating range for the elevator system. The third regions 432a, 432b can be color-coded and/or include markings to distinguish them from the first region 428 and the second regions 430a, 430b. The third area 432a , 432b , if detected by the detector, may indicate a second positioning error of the elevator car, where the second error is defined by a second distance or offset from the first area 428 .

As schematically shown and as described above, the layer locating element 412 includes a second position detecting sub-element 424 and a third position detecting sub-element 426. As shown, the second position detecting sub-element 424 is textual and the third position detecting sub-element 426 is graphical. Thus, the layer locating element 412 may include a plurality of different indicators to enable position detection by the detectors shown and described above. Although only three examples of different position detecting sub-elements are shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that other types of position detecting sub-elements may be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, although the embodiment of Figure 4 includes three position detecting sub-elements, those skilled in the art will understand that the layer locating element of the present disclosure may include more or fewer position detecting sub-elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The detectors of the present disclosure may be positioned so that a portion of the layer locating element described herein can be detected and accurately measured.

Turning now to FIG. 5 , a process 500 for performing an automatic elevator position check is shown. An elevator position check can be performed using an elevator system as shown and described, having a control unit, a detector, one or more landing locating elements, and an elevator car capable of moving between landings within an elevator shaft. An elevator position check operation can be initiated by a mechanic or other person when it is desired to determine the status of one or more landing positions of the elevator system (e.g., to ensure that the elevator car is properly parked at one or more landings). Such a check can be performed when the elevator system is initially installed in a building; can be performed at various times thereafter to monitor landing door clamps as part of a regular maintenance schedule; and/or can be performed during normal operation of the elevator system.

For example, an inspection can be automatically performed during an inspection of an elevator's travel through the elevator shaft at hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, or any other predetermined interval. In some embodiments, an inspection can be automatically performed each time an elevator stops at a landing. In some embodiments, an inspection can be automatically triggered by a customer complaint. In some embodiments, an inspection can be triggered remotely (e.g., via a remote computer system) or on-site by a mechanic. In one embodiment, an inspection can be automatically triggered before a mechanic makes a scheduled maintenance visit to the elevator facility, and the results can be automatically sent to the mechanic in advance or saved in the elevator controller for download by the mechanic.

At block 502, the elevator system may be operated in a maintenance mode of operation. Operation within the maintenance mode is optional, and in some embodiments, process 500 may be performed during normal operation of the elevator system (omitting block 502). In embodiments where the maintenance mode is activated, such activation may be manual or automatic. For example, in a manual operation example, a mechanic or technician may use control elements to operate the elevator system in the maintenance mode to perform inspections or other maintenance operations while the mechanic or technician is present. In other embodiments, the maintenance mode of operation may be automatically activated, such as by an elevator controller or control unit that is programmed to perform automatic inspections and monitoring of various components of the elevator system.

At block 504, the elevator car moves to a landing door for inspection (which may be during maintenance mode or based on a passenger/potential passenger's request in normal operating mode). The landing door may be any landing within the elevator shaft and may be selected based on routine maintenance (e.g., automatic and/or programmed), based on a selection or instruction from a mechanic or technician (e.g., manual/automatic), or based on a request made by a passenger/potential passenger. In some embodiments, such as when maintenance mode is activated, movement of the elevator car may be controlled by the control unit to move within the elevator shaft at a maintenance operating speed, which may be less than the normal operating speed. Such a reduced speed may facilitate performing elevator position inspections according to the present disclosure, but such a reduced speed is not required in all embodiments.

At block 506, a detector is used to observe the inspection area, such as shown and described above. As shown and described above, the detector can be an optical detector or other sensor or device that can detect a landing locator element located at a fixed (stationary) position on or within the elevator shaft and near a landing/landing door. The observation can be an image or snapshot taken at a predetermined position to enable accurate inspection of the indicator element in the inspection area (if any). In some embodiments, the observation can be a video, continuous image capture/detection, and/or a series of image captures or detections.

At block 508, the detector and/or control unit analyzes the observations made at block 506 to determine whether the landing locating element (or a portion thereof) is present in the inspection area. In some embodiments, the analysis may be digital and/or image analysis to determine whether an error exists in the position of the elevator car relative to the landing. The analysis may be performed on an output of the detector, such as an image or video output.

If the detector detects the landing locating element and its first area, the system can determine that the elevator position is within the requirements, and therefore process 500 can end. Alternatively, after the elevator position is detected at the first landing, the process can continue at different landings (that is, return to frame 504), or can proceed to frame 510 and generate a no-error notification. The detection of the landing locating element can prompt the detection analysis to determine whether the elevator car is properly leveled or positioned. For example, the detector can detect the area (for example, the first area) of the landing locating element. When the first area of the landing locating element is detected, this type of no-error notification can be provided to notify the mechanic or technician that the elevator car is leveled and positioned in accordance with the desired operation and/or can be used to generate an inspection history. Therefore, if no error is detected, the landing position inspection system of the present disclosure can be configured to operate in various predetermined ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

If it is determined at frame 508 that a portion of the landing locating element is detected to be within the inspection area, then process 500 continues to frame 512. At frame 512, the control unit (or other components) generates an error notification to indicate that there is an error in the positioning of the elevator car at a specific landing. In some embodiments, if an error message or error notification is generated, the control unit can limit the operation of the elevator system so that a specific elevator travel speed cannot be exceeded until "no error" is achieved (e.g., re-leveling operation, adjusting elevator, etc.). In addition, upon receiving an error notification or indication, a mechanic can perform a maintenance operation to repair the elevator system. After completing the maintenance operation, the system can run process 500 again to determine whether the maintenance operation has corrected the error at the specific landing.

In some embodiments, as schematically shown, process 500 can execute a loop of checks performed at multiple landings in a single check operation (or whenever the elevator car approaches and stops at a landing). For example, if a weekly maintenance check operation is performed, the elevator system can execute process 500 to check the landing position of the elevator car at one or more (including all) landings in the elevator shaft. When the system detects an error, such error can be recorded (e.g., an error notification at block 512), and process 500 continues until all landings have been checked. At the end of checking all landings, a single report can be generated that combines the error notifications and no error notifications of process 500.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various exemplary embodiments are shown and described herein, each of which has certain features in a specific embodiment, but the present disclosure is not limited thereby. That is, the features of the various embodiments may be exchanged, modified, or otherwise combined into different combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

For example, in another example, the detector can capture images that are transmitted to a display for manual inspection. In such an embodiment, a mechanic can initiate an inspection operation, similar to process 500, but the process does not include blocks 508-512. Instead, the captured images are transmitted to a display on-site or off-site for human (mechanic, analyst, etc.) inspection and analysis and/or for automated and/or digital (computerized) inspection. When an error is detected (e.g., an elevator position outside of the first area 428 shown in Figure 4), a report can be generated to indicate the need for maintenance.

Advantageously, the embodiments described herein provide for automatic checking of elevator positions at landings within an elevator shaft. The automation can be implemented manually and without requiring a technician to enter the elevator shaft, or can be fully automated as described herein.

Although the present disclosure has been described in detail in conjunction with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the present disclosure may be modified to incorporate variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, sub-combinations, or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described but commensurate with the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it should be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments.

Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (14)

1. An elevator system comprising: An elevator car, which is located inside an elevator shaft; Multiple landing doors, wherein the multiple landing doors are located at corresponding landings within the elevator shaft; At least one landing positioning element, said at least one landing positioning element being installed in the elevator shaft and positioned relative to at least one landing door; and An inspection system, comprising a detector located on the elevator car and arranged to detect the presence of the landing positioning element within an inspection area, to determine whether the position of the elevator car relative to the landing door is within a predetermined range. The station positioning element includes at least one position detection sub-element. The at least one position detection sub-element is an coded feature comprising a first region and a second region. The first region defines the positional range for proper alignment of the elevator car relative to the landing door, and the second region is located outside the first region. Furthermore, when the second region is detected within the inspection area, an error notification is generated. 2. The elevator system according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit, the control unit being configured to: Analyze the output of the detector; Determine whether there is an error in the position of the elevator car relative to the landing; and When an error is detected in the elevator position, an error notification is generated. 3. The elevator system of claim 2, wherein the control unit is located on the elevator car and communicates with the detector. 4. The elevator system of claim 1, wherein the detector captures an image of the landing positioning element for inspection. 5. The elevator system of claim 1, wherein the landing positioning element comprises at least one of colored paint, textured surface, or reflective surface. 6. The elevator system of claim 1, wherein the detector is located on either the top or the bottom of the elevator car. 7. The elevator system of claim 1, wherein the detector comprises at least two cameras arranged to inspect a plurality of floor positioning elements located at a particular floor. 8. A method for checking the landing position of an elevator car within an elevator system, the method comprising: Move the elevator car to the floor within the elevator shaft; The inspection area is observed using a detector located on the elevator car. The inspection area includes a landing positioning element positioned relative to the landing door of the landing. Based on the landing positioning elements within the inspection area, determine whether there is an error in the position of the elevator car relative to the landing; and When an error is detected in the elevator position, an error notification is generated. The station positioning element includes at least one position detection sub-element. The at least one position detection sub-element is an coded feature comprising a first region and a second region. The first region defines the positional range for proper alignment of the elevator car relative to the landing door, and the second region is located outside the first region. Furthermore, when the second region is detected within the inspection area, an error notification is generated. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: The output of the detector is analyzed using the control unit; Determine whether there is an error in the position of the elevator car relative to the landing; and When an error is detected in the elevator position, an error notification is generated. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the method is performed automatically based on at least one of the following: (i) a maintenance plan, (ii) a predetermined interval, (iii) whenever the elevator stops at a floor, (iv) a customer complaint, (v) a request made at an on-site location, (vi) a request made at an off-site location, or (vii) a scheduled maintenance visit. 11. The method of claim 8, further comprising capturing an image of the station positioning element for inspection. 12. The method of claim 8, wherein the layer positioning element comprises at least one of a colored coating, a textured surface, or a reflective surface. 13. The method of claim 8, wherein the detector comprises at least two cameras arranged to inspect a plurality of floor positioning elements located at a particular floor. 14. The method of claim 8, further comprising: The elevator car is moved to the second floor within the elevator shaft. The detector is used to observe the inspection area of the second floor station, the inspection area being the area including the floor station positioning element at the second floor station; Based on the landing positioning element detected in the inspection area at the second landing, it is determined whether there is an error in the position of the elevator car relative to the second landing; and When an error is detected in the elevator position, an error notification is generated.