EP2774884A1 - Aufzugkomponentenkommunikation - Google Patents

Aufzugkomponentenkommunikation Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2774884A1
EP2774884A1 EP13158169.6A EP13158169A EP2774884A1 EP 2774884 A1 EP2774884 A1 EP 2774884A1 EP 13158169 A EP13158169 A EP 13158169A EP 2774884 A1 EP2774884 A1 EP 2774884A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
elevator
component
safety signal
signal
elevator communication
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP13158169.6A
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Christopher Mason
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Inventio AG
Original Assignee
Inventio AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Inventio AG filed Critical Inventio AG
Priority to EP13158169.6A priority Critical patent/EP2774884A1/de
Priority to PCT/EP2014/054297 priority patent/WO2014135609A1/en
Publication of EP2774884A1 publication Critical patent/EP2774884A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66B—ELEVATORS; ESCALATORS OR MOVING WALKWAYS
    • B66B1/00—Control systems of elevators in general
    • B66B1/34—Details, e.g. call counting devices, data transmission from car to control system, devices giving information to the control system
    • B66B1/3415—Control system configuration and the data transmission or communication within the control system
    • B66B1/3446—Data transmission or communication within the control system
    • B66B1/3453—Procedure or protocol for the data transmission or communication

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates to communications between elevator system components.
  • Components in elevator systems often communicate with each other using binary signals.
  • a first component in an elevator system is sometimes monitored by a second component based on binary signals sent by the first component (e.g., LOW, HIGH).
  • the first component e.g., LOW, HIGH
  • failure of the first component including, e.g., a wire break or short circuit
  • S pairs of complementary signals S, S (e.g., LOW-HIGH, HIGH-LOW) from the first component to the second component.
  • US3188579 describes representing binary states using oscillating and non-oscillating values.
  • Elevator components can communicate with each other over a signal path using a combination of direct current (DC) and oscillating signals.
  • An oscillating signal on the signal path can be interpreted as indicating a first state of a component (e.g., "active")
  • a first DC signal on the signal path can be interpreted as indicating a second state of the component (e.g., "inactive")
  • a second DC signal on the signal path can be interpreted as indicating a third state of the component (e.g., "fault”).
  • three states of the component can be communicated over a single signal path.
  • an elevator communication system comprise: a first elevator component; a second elevator component; and a communications path coupled to at least the second elevator component, the second elevator component, during operation of the elevator communication system, interpreting a first voltage level on the communications path as a first binary safety signal sent by the first elevator component, interpreting an oscillating voltage level on the communications path as a second binary safety signal sent by the first elevator component, and interpreting a second voltage level on the communications path as an error safety signal for the first elevator component.
  • the first binary safety signal can be interpreted by the second elevator component as an inactive safety signal sent by the first elevator component and the second binary safety signal can be interpreted as an active safety signal sent by the first elevator component.
  • the second voltage level is approximately 0 volts.
  • the second elevator component can comprise a computer-based detection circuit.
  • the first elevator component can comprise a controlled component, possibly a safety monitoring device or a door contact input.
  • the second elevator component can comprise a controller, possibly an elevator control unit or a power conversion unit.
  • the communications path is the only path for carrying signals between the first and second elevator components.
  • an elevator communication system component comprises: a signal input for receiving a single safety signal for an elevator system component; a signal output; and a detection circuit, the detection circuit, when activated, outputting an active signal on the signal output, an inactive signal on the signal output, or a fault signal on the signal output, the outputting being based on the received single safety signal for the elevator system component.
  • the active signal is output when the received single safety signal for the elevator system component comprises an oscillating signal
  • the inactive signal is output when the received single safety signal for the elevator system component comprises a first voltage
  • the fault signal is output when the received single safety signal for the elevator system component comprises a second voltage, the signal output being couplable to an elevator control unit.
  • the detection circuit can comprise a processor.
  • the detection circuit can also comprise a means for determining a state for the elevator system component.
  • an elevator system communication method comprises: receiving, using a first elevator communication component, a first safety signal for a second elevator communication component, the first safety signal having a first voltage level; determining, using the first elevator communication component and based on the first safety signal, that the second elevator communication component is in an inactive state; receiving, using the first elevator communication component, a second safety signal for the second elevator communication component, the second safety signal comprising an oscillating signal; determining, using the first elevator communication component and based on the second safety signal, that the second elevator communication component is in an active state; receiving, using the first elevator communication component, a third safety signal for the second elevator communication component, the third safety signal having a second voltage level; and determining, using the first elevator communication component and based on the third safety signal, that the second elevator communication component is in a fault state.
  • the second voltage level is approximately 0 volts and the first voltage level is greater than 0 volts.
  • the method can further comprise sending a determined state indicator to an elevator control unit.
  • the determining that the second elevator communication component is in an inactive state is performed independently of a safety signal received before the first safety signal.
  • the method further comprises placing the first elevator communication component into a safe state as a result of the determining that the second elevator component is in a fault state.
  • Some embodiments of an elevator installation comprise: a first elevator component; a second elevator component; and a communications path coupled to at least the second elevator component, the second elevator component, during operation of the elevator communication system, interpreting a first voltage level on the communications path as a first binary safety signal sent by the first elevator component, interpreting an oscillating voltage level on the communications path as a second binary safety signal sent by the first elevator component, and interpreting a second voltage level on the communications path as an error safety signal for the first elevator component.
  • one or more method acts disclosed herein are performed by a processor executing instructions stored on one or more computer-readable storage media.
  • Computer-readable storage media can include non-volatile storage such as, for example, read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk drives, floppy disks and optical disks. Computer-readable storage media can also include volatile storage such as, for example, random-access memory (RAM), device registers and processor registers. Any such software can be executed on a single computer or on a networked computer (networked, for example, via the Internet, a wide-area network, a local-area network, a client-server network, or other such network). Computer-readable storage media do not include embodiments that are pure transitory signals.
  • any of the software embodiments can be transmitted, received, or accessed through a suitable communication means.
  • suitable communication means include, for example, the Internet, an intranet, cable, magnetic communication means, electromagnetic communication means (including RF, microwave, and infrared communications), electronic communication means, or other such communication means.
  • FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a building 100 served by an elevator system 110.
  • the building 100 comprises a plurality of floors 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, which are served by the elevator system 110.
  • An elevator car 130 moves within a shaft 140 to reach the various floors 120, 122, 124, 126, 128.
  • the car 130 can be moved using various components, which (to improve clarity) are not shown in FIG. 1 .
  • Operation of the elevator system 110 is controlled by a control unit 150.
  • the control unit 150 is computer-based and comprises, for example, at least one processor and at least one computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions for the processor.
  • Various embodiments can also be used with destination call control systems and/or with conventional control systems.
  • the user 170 is depicted in FIG. 1 as a person, in various embodiments the user 170 can also comprise multiple people, a machine, an animal and/or another object for transportation with the elevator system 110.
  • the elevator system 110 further comprises components not shown in FIG. 1 , such as sensors and other devices that monitor various conditions related to the system 110.
  • FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an elevator system 200.
  • the system 200 comprises a computer-based elevator control unit 210, which can be similar to the control unit 150 described above.
  • the control unit 210 is communicatively coupled to various elevator components.
  • Such components can include, for example: a call input device 220; a safety chain 230; a brake system 240; and/or one or more other components 250, for example, a power conversion unit, a motor, and a door motion control.
  • FIG. 3 shows a block diagram 300 of two exemplary elevator components 310, 320.
  • the components 310, 320 are communicatively coupled by a signal path 330 (e.g., a wire).
  • the component 310 is a receiving component
  • the component 320 is a transmitting component. More particularly, the transmitting component 320 sends one or more signals to the receiving component 310 over the signal path 330 (e.g., a wire).
  • the receiving component 310 comprises a controller, such as an elevator control unit or a power conversion unit, for example.
  • the transmitting component 320 comprises a controlled component, such as a safety monitoring device or a door contact input, for example.
  • the signal path 330 carries one signal at a time between the components 310, 320.
  • the signal can comprise, for example, a safety signal that indicates proper operation of one component to the other component.
  • the term "safety signal” generally refers to a signal that originates from a component designed to provide a certain level of reliability in operation (e.g., under harsher-than-normal conditions).
  • the component can have a rating and/or a certification related to its operation.
  • a safety monitoring device and a door contact input are examples of components that transmit safety signals.
  • FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an elevator communication system component 410.
  • the component 410 can serve as, for example, the receiving component 310.
  • the component 410 comprises a detection circuit 420 coupled to a signal input 430 and to a signal output 440.
  • the signal input 430 can receive, at any given time, a single safety signal for another elevator system component (e.g., the transmitting component 320).
  • the detection circuit 420 interprets the received safety signal and outputs an indication of a corresponding state for the other elevator system component.
  • the detection circuit 420 can comprise, for example, a processor and/or another electronic component.
  • FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method 500 for monitoring an elevator system component.
  • the method 500 can be performed using two elevator system components, such as the components 310, 320.
  • the method can also be performed using the component 410.
  • a receiving component receives a signal over a signal path associated with a transmitting component.
  • the signal path is coupled to at least the receiving component.
  • the signal path is also coupled to the transmitting component, though this may not be the case if there is a malfunction with the signal path or with the transmitting component.
  • the signal is a binary, DC signal (e.g., LOW, HIGH) or an oscillating signal.
  • the receiving component determines a state of the transmitting component based on the received signal. Examples of such determinations are discussed below.
  • the receiving component sends an indicator of the determined state of the transmitting component. This indicator can be sent to, for example, an elevator control unit or another device.
  • FIGS. 6A-6C show exemplary signals that can be transmitted over a signal path between two elevator system components, such as the components 310, 320, or at least received by a receiving component.
  • a signal voltage is plotted on a vertical axis representing voltage and on a horizontal axis representing time.
  • the upper and lower limits of the voltage axes are shown as 24V and 0V, respectively, but in various embodiments any upper and lower voltages can be used.
  • the time limits of each signal are shown as t 1 and t 2 , but this does not mean that the signals in FIGS. 6A-6C necessarily have the same time length; nor does it mean that two or more of the signals are simultaneously present on the signal path.
  • FIG. 6A shows a "HIGH" DC signal 610 with a voltage of 24V. In particular embodiments, this HIGH DC signal 610 is interpreted as showing an inactive state of a monitored component.
  • FIG. 6B shows a waveform signal 620. In particular embodiments, this waveform signal 620 is interpreted as showing an active state of a monitored component. Although the waveform signal 620 is depicted as a square wave, in various embodiments any type of oscillating signal can be used (e.g., sine wave, triangle wave, or another type of wave). Various embodiments can also use different frequencies for the waveform signal 520.
  • FIG. 6C shows a LOW DC signal 630 with a voltage of 0V. In particular embodiments, this LOW DC signal 630 is interpreted as showing a fault state of a monitored component.
  • Active and inactive states can vary according to particular embodiments. Examples of possible active states are “intended motion requested,” “doors moving” and “inspection mode on.” Examples of possible inactive states are “no intended motion requested,” “doors at rest” and “inspection mode on.” A fault state can be caused by, for example, a wire break or a short circuit.
  • Signals for the active state and the inactive state can be produced by one or more signal-generating devices in the transmitting component.
  • signal-generating devices can include, for example, analog or digital circuits.
  • the signal for the fault state can be produced as a result of a malfunction of the transmitting component (e.g., by a wire break, a short circuit, or other defect).
  • a malfunction of the transmitting component e.g., by a wire break, a short circuit, or other defect.
  • the signal for the fault state is sometimes described herein as being “sent” or “transmitted” by the transmitting component, this technically may not be the case.
  • a condition e.g., a LOW signal received by the receiving component
  • the fault signal is described herein as being “sent” or "transmitted” by the transmitting component.
  • FIG. 7 shows an example of a signal exchange diagram for a system using one or more of the disclosed technologies.
  • the components involved in the depicted signal exchange include a transmitting component (e.g., the component 320, or a similar component), a receiving component (e.g., the component 310, or a similar component) and a control device (e.g., the elevator control unit 150).
  • a transmitting component e.g., the component 320, or a similar component
  • a receiving component e.g., the component 310, or a similar component
  • a control device e.g., the elevator control unit 150
  • the transmitting component sends a high signal 710 to the receiving component. Based on the high signal 710, the receiving component determines that the transmitting component is in an inactive state. Accordingly, the receiving component sends an inactive state signal 720 to the control device.
  • the transmitting component sends an oscillating signal 730 to the receiving component. Based on the oscillating signal 730, the receiving component determines that the transmitting component is in an active state. Accordingly, the receiving component sends an active state signal 740 to the control device.
  • the transmitting component sends a low signal 750 to the receiving component. Based on the low signal 750, the receiving component determines that the transmitting component is in a fault state. Accordingly, the receiving component sends a fault state signal 760 to the control device.
  • FIG. 7 depicts the signals 710, 730, 750 as being sent in a certain order
  • the signals 710, 730, 750 (and the respective corresponding signals 720, 740, 760) are sometimes also sent in one or more other orders.
  • FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a computer 800 (e.g., part of an elevator control, part of a receiving component) that can be used with one or more technologies disclosed herein.
  • the computer 800 comprises one or more processors 810.
  • the processor 810 is coupled to a memory 820, which comprises one or more computer-readable storage media storing software instructions 830.
  • the software instructions 830 When executed by the processor 810, the software instructions 830 cause the processor 810 to perform one or more method acts disclosed herein.
  • the computer 800 can communicatively couple to a network 840 to exchange information with other electronic devices. Further embodiments of the computer 800 can comprise one or more additional components.
  • communication between two elevator system components occurs bi-directionally.
  • a first component transmits a signal for reception by the second component, and then the second component transmits a signal for reception by the first component.
  • Each of these signals can be communicated using one or more embodiments of the disclosed technologies.
  • At least some embodiments of the disclosed technologies can allow for determining the status of an elevator system component without using redundant signals from the component. For example, instead of using a pair of complementary signals S, S, transmitted on two signal paths, a single signal transmitted on one signal path can be used. Using one signal path instead of two can mean, for example, that two components can be constructed to communicate using less space and fewer input/output ports. Additionally, use of the disclosed embodiments can mean that a malfunction of the transmitting component can be detected without the transmitting component switching states.
  • an elevator safety code may require that a single ground fault not disable a monitoring function. Accordingly, a receiving component needs to recognize when such a ground fault may have occurred. With at least some embodiments of the disclosed technologies, a 0V signal produced by a ground fault would be recognized by the receiving component as indicating a fault state. Thus, the receiving component can recognize that a defect has occurred, and can act accordingly (e.g., by defaulting to a safe state).

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Indicating And Signalling Devices For Elevators (AREA)
  • Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)
  • Maintenance And Inspection Apparatuses For Elevators (AREA)
EP13158169.6A 2013-03-07 2013-03-07 Aufzugkomponentenkommunikation Withdrawn EP2774884A1 (de)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP13158169.6A EP2774884A1 (de) 2013-03-07 2013-03-07 Aufzugkomponentenkommunikation
PCT/EP2014/054297 WO2014135609A1 (en) 2013-03-07 2014-03-06 Elevator component communication

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP13158169.6A EP2774884A1 (de) 2013-03-07 2013-03-07 Aufzugkomponentenkommunikation

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EP2774884A1 true EP2774884A1 (de) 2014-09-10

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EP13158169.6A Withdrawn EP2774884A1 (de) 2013-03-07 2013-03-07 Aufzugkomponentenkommunikation

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016037667A1 (en) * 2014-09-12 2016-03-17 Otis Elevator Company Ground fault detector and method for detecting ground faults
WO2017068169A1 (en) 2015-10-23 2017-04-27 I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.P.A. Apparatus to select-introduce printed or blank sheets and corresponding method
WO2019057801A1 (de) * 2017-09-21 2019-03-28 Knorr-Bremse Gesellschaft Mit Beschränkter Haftung Verfahren und steuergerät zum bestimmmen eines zustands eines systems

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105245411B (zh) * 2015-11-18 2018-05-11 中景恒基云端物联网科技成都有限公司 一种用于电梯井道物联网设备无线通信故障的处理方法

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3188579A (en) 1962-07-30 1965-06-08 Gen Electric Cryogenic oscillator
US4431864A (en) * 1981-10-14 1984-02-14 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force Communications system input-output converter
US20110302466A1 (en) * 2009-03-25 2011-12-08 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Signal transmission device for elevator

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3188579A (en) 1962-07-30 1965-06-08 Gen Electric Cryogenic oscillator
US4431864A (en) * 1981-10-14 1984-02-14 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force Communications system input-output converter
US20110302466A1 (en) * 2009-03-25 2011-12-08 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Signal transmission device for elevator

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016037667A1 (en) * 2014-09-12 2016-03-17 Otis Elevator Company Ground fault detector and method for detecting ground faults
CN106687814A (zh) * 2014-09-12 2017-05-17 奥的斯电梯公司 接地故障检测器以及用于检测接地故障的方法
WO2017068169A1 (en) 2015-10-23 2017-04-27 I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.P.A. Apparatus to select-introduce printed or blank sheets and corresponding method
WO2019057801A1 (de) * 2017-09-21 2019-03-28 Knorr-Bremse Gesellschaft Mit Beschränkter Haftung Verfahren und steuergerät zum bestimmmen eines zustands eines systems

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Publication number Publication date
WO2014135609A1 (en) 2014-09-12

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