Detecting elevator mechanics in elevator systems

Embodiments include a method and system for detecting mechanics in an elevator system. The system includes a controller configured to communicate with one or more anchors, and a tag configured to transmit a signal, wherein the signal includes an identifier and location information. The system also includes one or more anchors, wherein the one or more anchors are configured to detect the signal from the tag, wherein the controller is configured to execute a safety action response to detecting the signal from the tag.

CROSS-REFERENCED TO RELATE APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Indian Application No. 201811028705 filed Jul. 31, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The embodiments herein relate to sensors, and more specifically, to sensors for detecting elevator mechanics in elevator systems.

Elevator mechanics perform service and repairs to ensure the proper functioning of the elevator systems. In some instances, the mechanics must gain access to the hoistway of the elevator system to perform maintenance where they are exposed to various cables, beams, structures, and other moving parts. In order to ensure the safety of the mechanics in the hoistway, effective safety measures are needed to detect the presence of a mechanic and perform a responsive action for their protection.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, a method for detecting mechanics in a system is provided. The method includes monitoring a zone using one or more anchors. The method also includes detecting a location of a tag in the zone, and executing a safety action based at least in part on the location of the tag.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include calibrating one or more anchors in the system, wherein the anchors are positioned in a hoistway of an elevator system, wherein the one or more anchors monitor at least one of an area above an elevator car or an elevator pit.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include configuring a master anchor to communicate with other anchors and a controller, wherein the master anchor is selected based on at least one of a static assignment or a dynamic assignment, wherein the dynamic assignment is based on at least one of a battery life, functionality, or power ON sequence of the one or more anchors.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include safety actions such as activating an alarm system, activating the elevator safety chain and processes, sending an alarm, disabling an elevator car, reducing elevator car speed, or restricting access to one or more floors.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include transmitting an alarm to at least one of a user device or a system.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include a tag that is an ultra-wide band (UWB) RF tag.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include executing a safety action on an adjacent elevator car based at least in part on the location of the tag.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include performing a first safety action based at least in part on the detection of the tag in a first sub-zone of the area of an elevator car.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include performing a second safety action based at least in part on the detection of the tag in a second sub-zone of the area of the elevator car, wherein the first safety action is different from the second safety action.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include detecting multiple tags having a unique identifier.

In another embodiment, a system for detecting mechanics is provided. The system includes a controller configured to communicate with one or more anchors, and a tag configured to communicate with other tags and the anchor, and transmit a signal, wherein the signal includes identifier and location information. The system also includes one or more anchors, wherein the one or more anchors are configured to detect the signal from the tag, wherein the controller is configured to execute a safety action response to detecting the signal from the tag.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include an anchor that is configured as a master anchor.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include a tag that is an ultra-wide band (UWB) RF tag.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include anchors that are positioned in a hoistway of an elevator system to monitor at least one of an area above one or more elevator cars or an elevator pit.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include anchors that are configured to perform a calibration which includes configuring a master anchor to communicate with other anchors and the controller, wherein the master anchor is selected based on at least one of a static assignment or a dynamic assignment, where the dynamic assignment is based on at least one of a battery life, functionality, or power ON sequence of the one or more anchors.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include executing safety actions such as disabling an elevator car, reducing elevator car speed, or restricting access to one or more floors.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include a controller that is configured to transmit an alarm to at least one of a user device or an external system.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include a controller that is configured to execute a safety action on an adjacent elevator car based at least in part on the location of the tag.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include a controller that is configured to perform a first safety action based at least in part on the detection of the tag in a first sub-zone of the area of an elevator car, and perform a second safety action based at least in part on the detection of the tag in a second sub-zone of the area of the elevator car, wherein the first safety action is different from the second safety action.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include a plurality of tags, wherein each tag of the plurality of tags includes a unique identifier.

Technical effects of embodiments of the present disclosure include detecting the precise location of the mechanic using robust sensor technology to prevent any potential risks or provide an alarm to the mechanic to ensure their safety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Elevator hoistways may be equipped with various types of sensors and cameras to detect the presence of mechanics and other personnel. However, current solutions using cameras may suffer from low lighting conditions inhibiting the ability to positively detect a person in the area. Other sensors and detectors may be affected by the dust build up on the equipment which can interfere with their performance Other sensors and detectors may be limited by their directional zone of coverage and they may also be limited by the structures enclosing the area.

In one or more embodiments, tags such as ultra-wide band (UWB) RF (hereinafter referred to as UWB tag) are used to determine a precise location of a mechanic. It is to be understood that other types of wireless technology can be used in association with the tags. The UWB tag offers a number of added benefits over the conventional techniques. The UWB tag is configured to sweep several different frequencies and is not limited to a single frequency. The UWB tag offers a robust solution with low interference to other signals and objects within a zone of coverage. In addition, the UWB tag is able to transmit signals and beacons beyond a confined space and can be detected through walls and other structures. In addition, the techniques described herein provide a solution that can be quickly installed and retrofit on existing elevator configurations to enhance the safety features of the system. The techniques described herein not only detect the presence of a mechanic but determine the location of the mechanic. In addition, the techniques described herein are not solely limited to UWB technology but can also be applied to other wired and wireless technologies.

The tension member107engages the machine111, which is part of an overhead structure of the elevator system101. The machine111is configured to control movement between the elevator car103and the counterweight105. The position reference system113may be mounted on a fixed part at the top of the elevator shaft117, such as on a support or guide rail, and may be configured to provide position signals related to a position of the elevator car103within the elevator shaft117. In other embodiments, the position reference system113may be directly mounted to a moving component of the machine111, or may be located in other positions and/or configurations as known in the art. The position reference system113can be any device or mechanism for monitoring a position of an elevator car and/or counter weight, as known in the art. For example, without limitation, the position reference system113can be an encoder, sensor, or other system and can include velocity sensing, absolute position sensing, etc., as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art.

The controller115is located, as shown, in a controller room121of the elevator shaft117and is configured to control the operation of the elevator system101, and particularly the elevator car103. For example, the controller115may provide drive signals to the machine111to control the acceleration, deceleration, leveling, stopping, etc. of the elevator car103. The controller115may also be configured to receive position signals from the position reference system113or any other desired position reference device. When moving up or down within the elevator shaft117along guide rail109, the elevator car103may stop at one or more landings125as controlled by the controller115. Although shown in a controller room121, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the controller115can be located and/or configured in other locations or positions within the elevator system101. In one embodiment, the controller may be located remotely or in the cloud.

The machine111may include a motor or similar driving mechanism. In accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, the machine111is configured to include an electrically driven motor. The power supply for the motor may be any power source, including a power grid, which, in combination with other components, is supplied to the motor. The machine111may include a traction sheave that imparts force to tension member107to move the elevator car103within elevator shaft117.

Although shown and described with a roping system including tension member107, elevator systems that employ other methods and mechanisms of moving an elevator car within an elevator shaft may employ embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, embodiments may be employed in ropeless elevator systems using a linear motor to impart motion to an elevator car. Embodiments may also be employed in ropeless elevator systems using a hydraulic lift to impart motion to an elevator car.FIG.1is merely a non-limiting example presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes.

In other embodiments, the system comprises a conveyance system that moves passengers between floors and/or along a single floor. Such conveyance systems may include escalators, people movers, etc. Accordingly, embodiments described herein are not limited to elevator systems, such as that shown inFIG.1.

InFIG.2, a system200for performing mechanic detection in accordance with one or more embodiments is shown. The system200includes an elevator car202which can include one or more components of the elevator system101shown inFIG.1. The elevator car202is coupled to a controller204that is configured to communicate with and control the elevator car202by exchanging commands/signals. In some embodiments, the controller204is an elevator controller204that is configured to control the operation of one or more elevator cars202. Also shown inFIG.2are tags206A,206B configured to communicate with anchors208. The tags206and anchors208are both configured for bidirectional communication for distance/ranging protocols where the anchors208as shown have a zone of coverage210. In one or more embodiments, the tags206are battery powered. In one or more embodiments, the tag206can be incorporated in the clothing or equipment of the person or object to be detected. This includes glasses, watches, phones, safety helmets, etc. It should be understood the tag can be appended to any item and/or location for detection. The tags206A and206B can be UWB tags and the anchors208can be configured to detect the transmitted signals. In this non-limiting example, the tag206A is located outside of the hoistway and the tag206B is located on top of the elevator car202. In another example, the anchors208can be used to determine whether the mechanic is working in an adjacent hoistway and further determine whether a safety action is needed based on the precise location of the mechanic. In one or more embodiments, the tag(s)206and anchors208can operate independently of the elevator controller (204) to detect and track the tag(s)206.

The anchors208are configured to receive and detect signals/beacons that are transmitted from the tags206. In some embodiments, the anchors208are battery powered anchors and in other embodiments, the anchors can be directly coupled to a power source such as an AC power source. In other embodiments, the anchors can be operably coupled to the elevator car or a controller. In the example configuration shown inFIG.2, three anchors208are shown to monitor the top portion of the elevator202. The combination of anchors208is configured to perform trilateration to determine the location of the tag206B which is detected on top of the elevator car202. In one or more embodiments, the trilateration is performed from at least three beacon signals from the anchors. Additionally, the trilateration can be performed in an anchor, external processing system, controller, in any other local or remote computing device. The location data of the tag206can include an x, y, z coordinate information, radial location information, or any other type of coordinate information that can be used to provide a location data of the tag206. The anchors208are capable of determining that the tag206A is not located in the hoistway and therefore, that no safety action needs to be performed. Although it is shown that the anchors208are configured to monitor the top212of an elevator car202, the anchors can also be configured to monitor the elevator pit214or floor, or any other desired location where an operator may be exposed to a risk of injury such as a machine room.

In one or more embodiments, a master anchor is configured to collect data from the other anchors. The data includes detection information of the tag206. Each tag206can be configured with a unique identifier to allow the location of multiple mechanics to be monitored by the anchors208. The master anchor can be configured to perform the calculation to determine the location of the one or more tags. The master anchor can also be configured to communicate with other anchors, a controller, user device, etc. The master anchor can include the same design as the other anchors or include a different specialized design for increased functionality, such as increased computing power to perform calculations on the received signals to determine the location of the tag. In one or more embodiments, the data can be provided to a controller or some other local device to perform the calculation. In a different embodiment, the calculation can be performed by processing device in the network cloud. In other embodiments, the calculations can be embedded locally in one or more of the anchors such as the master anchor.

The master anchor can be configured in a static or dynamic fashion. A master anchor can be statically selected by pre-configuring the master anchor among the plurality of anchors. The master anchor can be dynamically selected based on the remaining battery life of each of the plurality of anchors or the first anchor to be powered ON. In addition, the master anchor can be selected based on the functionality of each anchor. It should be understood the master anchor can be selected by other techniques.

In other embodiments, the functionality of the master anchor can be distributed among the plurality of anchors. For example, a first anchor can be configured to communicate with a user device, such as for a mechanic A second anchor can be configured to communicate with a controller. Another anchor can be configured to collect the data from the other anchors. It should be understood that these functions and/or other additional functions can be performed by any combination of anchors.

The plurality of anchors208can be configured to detect a subzone of an area such as the top portion of the elevator202. The top portion212of the elevator in this non-limiting example is divided into four subzones212A-D. The plurality of anchors can detect the zone tag206is present and also detect the exact location within the subzone the tag206is located. In this non-limiting example, the tag206B is detected in the subzone212A. This zone or the precise location can be used to determine which safety action is to be performed. Although only four subzones212A-D are shown, the anchors208are capable of supporting more or fewer subzones including subzones in the pit214or any other desired monitoring area.

In some embodiments, the area above and/or below the elevator car202can be divided into subzones, such as subzones212A-D, where a detection in each subzone can trigger a different safety action to be performed based on the level of risk associated with each subzone. For example, in a multi-car elevator system having a first elevator hoistway that is adjacent to a second elevator hoistway, such as that shown inFIG.3, the area above the top of each elevator car can be divided into multiple subzones. In the event a mechanic is detected in a subzone of the first elevator that is not adjacent to a subzone in the second elevator, a safety action or safety measure can be implemented to reduce the speed of the second elevator when it comes in close proximity, such as one or two floors away, to the location of the detected mechanic. In another example, the second elevator can be stopped and the floors where the mechanic is working on the first elevator can be restricted to the second elevator. On the other hand, if the mechanic is detected in the zone of the first elevator that is adjacent to a zone in the second elevator, the second elevator can be immediately stopped for the safety of the mechanic. In a different example, the adjacent elevator can be configured to operate normally if a mechanic in a non-adjacent zone and slowed down if the mechanic is detected in an adjacent zone. It should be understood that other configurations can be used.

In one or more embodiments, the location of the tag can be monitored as a mechanic wearing the tag approaches the hoistway and a corresponding safety action can be taken based on the location/distance relative to the hoistway the mechanic is in. For example, as a mechanic approaches the hoistway and upon detection of the tag, a notification can be transmitted to the mechanic, such as to a mobile device or an audio/visual indication provided outside of the hoistway. As the mechanic gets closer to the hoistway an alert can be transmitted to the mechanic. As the mechanic enters the hoistway and the precise location is determined an alarm or other indication can be provided to the mechanic. It should be understood the notifications can also be transmitted to a controller and further transmitted to another device or system for further processing. This configuration provides escalating an alert level as the mechanic approaches and enters the hoistway to ensure the mechanic is aware of his presence in a particular safety zone.

In one or more embodiments, the safety action can include disabling the elevator car202. In other embodiments, the elevator car202can be slowed down or restricted from accessing a certain number of floors. Other actions can be taken such as temporarily delaying the operation of an elevator car202. The delay can be a pre-configured delay or the presence can be detected again to determine whether it is safe to operate the elevator car202. It is to be understood that the tag and anchor(s) can perform the detection and tracking independently of the elevator system. Also, the results of the detection and tracking can be used for a number of applications and is not limited by those disclosed in association with the elevator system. In one or more embodiments, a master anchor can be configured as a controller and operated to manage the tags and anchors independently of the elevator system.

InFIG.3, a multi-elevator car system300in accordance with one or more embodiments is shown. The multi-elevator system300includes a first elevator car302in a first hoistway304that is adjacent to a second elevator car312in a second hoistway314. The first and second elevator cars302,312as shown are coupled to a controller320. In a different embodiment, separate controllers are used to control the first and second elevator cars302,312. It should be understood that although only two elevator cars are shown any number and configuration of elevator cars can be used. The first and second elevator hoistways304,314can be configured with multiple anchors (not shown) to monitor the areas above306,316and/or below308,318the elevator cars302,312. In a non-limiting example, if a mechanic wearing a tag is detected on top of the first elevator car302in a subzone nearest the second elevator car312, a safety action may require the second elevator car312to be stopped. However, if the tag is detected on the side furthest from the second elevator car312, the second elevator car312may remain operational or may operate at a reduced speed. In another scenario, the anchors (not shown) of the first elevator car302responsive to detecting a tag in the second elevator hoistway314can take safety actions to ensure the safety of the mechanic wearing the detected tag in the first elevator hoistway304.

Now referring toFIG.4, a flowchart of a method400for performing elevator mechanic detection in an elevator system in accordance with one or more embodiments is shown. The method400begins at block402and proceeds to block404which provides for calibrating one or more anchors. The calibration includes determining a master anchor that is configured as the master anchor. In one or more embodiments, during a calibration phase the plurality of anchors are configured to exchange signals to perform an automatic referencing process among the anchors. The signals can include time information and signal strength information which can be used to determine the relative location of the anchors. In addition, the signals can include battery strength information where the anchor with the highest battery capacity is configured as the master anchor. The position of the anchors defines the zone of detection. The plurality of anchors can be located in the hoistway to monitor an area above the elevator car or in the elevator pit. It should be understood the anchors can be positioned in other areas that are desired to be monitored.

The method400, at block406provides for monitoring a zone using the one or more anchors. The anchors are configured to determine when a tag has entered the area. In other embodiments, each tag is configured with an identifier and the anchors can detect and track multiple tags (mechanics) in a location simultaneously.

At block408the method400includes detecting a location of a tag in the zone. In one or more embodiments, the data is collected from the plurality of anchors to determine a location of the tag. The data can include performing trilateration techniques using the plurality of sensors to determine the location of the tag such as the x, y, z, coordinates of the tag. The location information can also be indicated in the form of a timestamp and signal strength. In one or more embodiments, the anchors are configured to exchange tag information among the anchors. For example, the anchors are configured to share tag distance information with other tags.

The method400proceeds to block410which provides for executing a safety action, responsive to detecting the location of the tag. In one or more embodiments, the safety action can include disabling an elevator car such as opening the safety chain. In another example, the operating speed of the elevator car can be reduced. In a different example, the access to a number of floors can be restricted based on the detection. In other embodiments, the anchors can track the movement of the tag independent of performing a safety action on the elevator system.

The method400can be repeated at a configurable interval or can be triggered by an initial detection of the tag by at least one of the anchors. In one or more embodiments, the anchors can be configured to operate in a low power, low frequency listen-only mode until a tag is detected. The method400ends at block412. Although the detectors are discussed in reference to UWB transmitters/receivers, it should be understood that the UWB transmitters/receives can be coupled with other types of technologies for communication, detectors, and sensors in the system to implement safety measures for the mechanics present in a monitored location.

The technical benefits and effects include improved safety for elevator service mechanics. The accurate position information reduces the triggering of false alarms based on a mechanic standing next to a designated safety area or working on an adjacent elevator in a multi-unit system. The technical benefits and effects improve over simply detecting if a user is present but determines an exact location to select a safety measure to implement. The tags offer a high data rate in short range, non-interfering, and high multi-path immunity configuration that improves over the current systems.

The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity and/or manufacturing tolerances based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application.