EP3372545A1 - Technique for monitoring the use of an elevator equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

A technique for monitoring use of an elevator device (1000) is provided. This includes the steps of detecting (110) data indicative of use of the elevator device (1000); Calculating (120) at least one usage parameter P based on the acquired data, wherein the usage parameter P indicates at least a frequency of use of the elevator device (1000); Comparing (130) the calculated usage parameter with a predetermined usage threshold SP and calculating at least one comparison parameter Q, wherein the usage threshold SP indicates the need for lift maintenance; and generating (140), based on the calculated comparison parameter Q, an output signal provided for representing use of the elevator device (1000). The specified technique is particularly suitable for determining the wear.

Description

Field of engineering

The present invention relates generally to the elevator art field. In particular, the invention relates to a technique for monitoring use of an elevator.

State of the art

Elevator equipment, in particular those intended for the transport of persons, must be checked regularly to ensure the necessary safety. In Germany, the legislator sets a deadline for operational areas within which elevator facilities are to be checked. However, depending on the amount of use, an elevator may be subject to varying degrees of progressive wear.

In order to be able to maintain the safety even in the case of above-average use, therefore, there is a need to make data that allows conclusions about the intensity and frequency of use of the elevator device, for example, accessible to the operator of the elevator device. Thus, in case of particularly strong and / or frequent use of elevator equipment can be reacted prematurely. Under certain circumstances, the prescribed inspection intervals can be shortened or fixed test dates can be brought forward individually. At the same time, for an operator who uses his elevator equipment exclusively in the private sector and is not subject to legal supervision duty, the possibility of independent control over the use of his elevator device and the optimized determination of maintenance appointments.

Short outline

The present invention is intended to create a possibility for individually optimizing maintenance intervals for elevator devices. This should increase the safety in the use of elevator equipment.

To achieve this object, a method and a system for estimating wear of an elevator device according to the independent claims are provided.

Further advantageous embodiments of the method and the system can be found in the corresponding subclaims and the variants described below.

Short description of the figures

Fig. 1

ein Verfahren zum Überwachen einer Benutzung einer Aufzugseinrichtung;

Fig. 2

eine Variante des Verfahrens gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine weitere Variante des Verfahrens gemäß Fig. 1; und

Fig. 4

ein System zum Abschätzen eines Verschleißes einer Aufzugseinrichtung.

Details, aspects and advantages of the invention described herein will become apparent from the following drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a method for monitoring use of an elevator device;

Fig. 2

a variant of the method according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

a further variant of the method according to Fig. 1 ; and

Fig. 4

a system for estimating wear of an elevator device.

Detailed description

An elevator device according to the present invention comprises at least passenger and goods lifts, passenger lifts, stairlifts (or other types of lifts for people with physical disabilities), construction site lifts, access ramps, platform lifts and escalators and moving walks.

Fig. 1 FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a method 100 for monitoring use of an elevator apparatus 1000 based on data indicative of use of the elevator apparatus 1000. A system 200 according to the invention for implementing the method 100 is described in FIG Fig. 4 shown.

In the present disclosure, a use of the elevator device 1000 means a use in which the elevator device 1000 is actually in motion, such as a travel of the elevator device 1000 between two rest positions. Standstills and shutdowns of the elevator device 1000 are not considered to be use.

The method 100 according to the invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart in FIG Fig. 1 explained in more detail.

In a first step 110 of the method 100 according to the invention, first of all data is recorded which indicates a use (movement) of the elevator device 1000. The detection takes place with attached to the elevator device sensors 230-232 (see Fig. 4 ). These may measure the duration of use, the distance traveled during use, the load weight during use and / or the consumption of electrical power during use.

From the detected sensor data, a usage parameter P for the elevator device 1000 is calculated in a subsequent second step 120. The usage parameter P is an indicator of the strength of use of the elevator device 1000. The strength of the use of the elevator device 1000 means at least the frequency of use (ie how often or how long the elevator device has been moved). In addition to the frequency of elevator use, the load on the elevator device 1000 during use can still be taken into account.

The frequency of use can be described by the number N of uses, the duration of use t and / or by the distance traveled s of the elevator device 1000. The load on the elevator device 1000 during use may be described by the load weight g , for example. Additionally or alternatively, the consumed electrical energy E can be used to describe the strength of the use of the elevator device 1000.

According to one implementation, the calculated usage parameter P merely indicates the frequency of use, ie how often the elevator device 1000 is moved. In In this case, the usage parameter P can be calculated by incrementally summing the acquired usage durations t or traveled distances s of successive uses. As time progresses, therefore, the value of the usage parameter P increases. Alternatively, only the number of uses N can be counted as time progresses.

oder $$P=S=\mathit{\Sigma }{\mathit{s}}_{\mathit{i}},$$

oder $$P=N=\mathit{\Sigma }{\mathit{n}}_{\mathit{i}}$$

berechnet werden, wobei i=1, 2, 3, ... ein Laufindex ist, der der sich mit jeder erneuten Benutzung um einen Schritt erhöht. Je nachdem, welche der oben genannten Messgrößen zur Berechnung herangezogen wird, gibt der Benutzungsparameter P die Gesamtbenutzungszeit T, die zurückgelegte Gesamtwegstrecke S oder einfach nur die Gesamtzahl N der Benutzungen bezogen auf einen vorgegebenen Startpunkt an. Entsprechend weist der berechnete Benutzungsparameter P die Dimension einer Zeit oder eines Weges auf oder ist im Falle der Zählung der Benutzungen dimensionslos.In other words, the usage parameter P or its value may be according to the equations $$P=T={\mathit{\Sigma t}}_{\mathit{i}}.$$

or $$P=S=\mathit{\Sigma }{\mathit{s}}_{\mathit{i}}.$$

or $$P=N=\mathit{\Sigma }{\mathit{n}}_{\mathit{i}}$$

where i = 1, 2, 3, ... is a running index which increases by one step with each reuse. Depending on which of the above-mentioned measured variables is used for the calculation, the usage parameter P indicates the total usage time T, the total distance traveled S, or simply the total number N of uses with respect to a given starting point. Accordingly, the calculated usage parameter P has the dimension of a time or a path or is dimensionless in the case of counting the uses.

It is understood that t _i and s _i can take different values for each use i , depending on how long the period of use has been or which distance the elevator device 1000 has effectively traveled in use i . It will also be understood that the usage number n _i only counts the i th use event and thus is 1 for each use by definition .

The predetermined starting point for the calculation may be the time of the first operation after a new installation of the elevator device 1000 or just a restart of the elevator device 1000 after a regular maintenance. The calculation of the usage parameter P restarts in this case.

oder $$P=S=\mathit{\Sigma }{\mathit{F}}_{\mathit{i}}*s_i$$

oder $$P=N=\mathit{\Sigma }{\mathit{F}}_{\mathit{i}}*n_i,$$

berechnet werden, wobei i=1, 2, 3, ... wiederum ein Laufindex ist, der sich mit jeder erneuten Benutzung um einen Schritt erhöht. Der Gewichtungsfaktor F_i für die i-te Benutzung berechnet sich aus dem Quotienten des erfassten Ladegewichts g_i für die i-te Benutzung und dem vom Hersteller zugelassenen Maximalgewicht. Das Maximalgewicht umfasst das Leergewicht der Aufzugseinrichtung 1000 und das vom Hersteller zugelassene maximale Ladegewicht. In anderen Worten ist F_i = g_i /G und daher dimensionslos.
Durch die hier beschriebene Gewichtung kann eine Verschleiß verursachende Benutzung besser erfasst werden.According to an alternative implementation, the calculated usage parameter P indicates the frequency of use as well as the load during each use. In this case, the use of parameter P can be calculated by the i detected for each user usage time t _i, the distance traveled s _i or the detected Usage number n _i (this is for each use by definition 1 as set forth above) weighted with a dimensionless weighting factor F calculated from the detected load weight g . In this case, the usage parameter P or its value may be according to the equations $$P=T={\mathit{\Sigma F}}_i*t_i$$

or $$P=S=\mathit{\Sigma }{\mathit{F}}_{\mathit{i}}*s_i$$

or $$P=N=\mathit{\Sigma }{\mathit{F}}_{\mathit{i}}*n_i.$$

where i = 1, 2, 3, ... again is a run index which increases by one step each time it is used again. The weighting factor F _i for the i-th use is calculated from the quotient of the detected loading weight g _i for the i-th use and the maximum weight approved by the manufacturer. The maximum weight includes the curb weight of the elevator device 1000 and the maximum load weight allowed by the manufacturer. In other words, F _i = g _i / G and therefore dimensionless.
Due to the weighting described here, a wear-causing use can be better detected.

With each new use, the usage parameter P is recalculated. In this case, the (weighted) use values (ie s _i , t _i , n _i , F _i * s _i , F _i * n _i or F _i * t _i ) determined from the acquired sensor data are added to the previous usage values, as stated above , The value of the usage parameter P thus grows incrementally with each new use.

In the subsequent third step 130 of the method 100 according to the invention, the value of the usage parameter P calculated in step S120 is compared with a predetermined usage threshold SP .

The usage threshold SP indicates the need for maintenance of the elevator device 1000. The usage threshold SP is thus a measure of a maximum tolerable use up to a maintenance. It is pre-set by a manufacturer, operator or maintenance worker of the elevator device 1000 so that, when operated properly, no wear-threatening wear on the elevator device 1000 is expected when the usage parameter value P reaches the usage threshold SP . According to a variant of the Usage threshold SP to be reset after each maintenance. In particular, the usage threshold SP can be adapted to the age of the elevator device 1000. It can be reduced in older elevator device 1000.

The usage threshold SP has the same physical dimension as the calculated usage parameter P. Depending on the usage parameter P used , the usage threshold SP either gives an upper bound on the total weighted distance traveled S, the total usage time T or an upper bound on the (weighted) total number N of uses.

The comparing step 130 is also repeated for each newly calculated use parameter value P and serves to set the calculated use parameter P indicative of the strength of the use of the elevator device 1000 since a reinstallation or a last elevator maintenance in relation to the predetermined usage threshold SP . That is, it is compared after each use how much the usage parameter P approaches the usage threshold SP . This can be achieved by, for example, calculating a comparison parameter in the form of a quotient Q of usage parameter P and usage threshold SP (ie Q = P / SP ) and / or a difference between usage threshold SP and usage parameter P ( ie Δ = SP-P ) ,

Based on the comparison parameters Q and / or Δ calculated during the comparison step 130, in a subsequent step 140 an output signal is generated which is provided for the acoustic and / or visual representation of the comparison result. The generated output signal is provided to an output device (eg smartphone, PC) for audible and / or graphical representation. The generation and provision of the output signal can again take place after each use (so to speak in real time), so that an operator, owner and / or user is always informed about the progressive use.

To Fig. 2 , According to the in Fig. 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the comparing step 130 may further include, after each use, a query 132 as to whether the usage parameter meets or exceeds a predetermined warning limit of 80% of the usage threshold SP . If the usage parameter P falls below the 80% warning limit (no branch), thus, the method 100 returns to step 110 to acquire data of subsequent use of the elevator device 1000.

However, in the case of the query 132, the usage parameter P after use of the elevator device 1000 reaches or exceeds the predetermined warning limit of 80% (yes branch in FIG Fig. 2 ), a warning signal additional to the output signal is generated and output (step 142). The warning signal can in turn be an optical and / or acoustic warning signal for output on an output device (eg smartphone, PC). Warning signal and output signal can be output simultaneously.

If the usage parameter P reaches or exceeds the 80% limit of the usage threshold SP (query 132), a further query 134 is also provided. In this query, it is checked whether the usage parameter P is greater than or equal to the usage threshold SP . If this is not the case (no decision), the method returns to step 110. When the usage parameter P reaches or exceeds the usage threshold value SP (yes decision), the shutdown or shutdown of the elevator device 1000 is initiated. The switching off 180 of the elevator device 1000 can be supplemented or replaced by the output of a further warning signal.

Switching off the elevator device 1000 may include automatically maneuvering the elevator device 1000 to a predetermined position. According to one embodiment of the invention, the elevator device 1000 is a passenger elevator in a multi-storey building. If the usage parameter P exceeds the usage threshold SP in this case, the elevator for example can drive to the ground floor and open the doors. When all passengers have exited, the passenger elevator can automatically close the doors and switch off until maintenance has taken place. The implementation of the shutdown function 180 opens up additional possibilities in terms of increasing safety standards in the use of elevator equipment.

wobei Δt = t2-t1 ein Zeitintervall in der Vergangenheit zwischen den beiden Zeitpunkten t1, t2 ist. ΔP wird aus der Differenz des berechneten Benutzungsparameters P zum Zeitpunkt t2 und des berechneten Benutzungsparameters P zum Zeitpunkt t1 gemäß der Gleichung ΔP = P(t2)-P(t1) berechnet und ist somit ein Maß für die Stärke der Benutzung innerhalb des vorgegebenen Zeitintervalls Δt. To Fig. 3 , According to one embodiment, step 120 of calculating the usage parameter P may be in addition to that described above in connection with FIG Fig. 1 described calculation of an absolute value of the use parameter P additionally one Calculate a usage rate R (step 122) that describes the amount of usage within a given time interval. The usage rate R is calculated according to the equation $$R=\mathit{.DELTA.P}/\mathit{.DELTA.t}$$

where Δt = t2-t1 is a time interval in the past between the two times t1, t2. ΔP is calculated from the difference of the calculated use parameter P at time t2 and the calculated use parameter P at time t1 according to the equation ΔP = P (t2) -P (t1) and thus is a measure of the amount of use within the predetermined time interval Δt ,

A future date may be selected from the currently determined using parameters P and the above calculated Benutungsrate R then in a subsequent step 124 by comparison with the use of threshold value SP can be estimated at which the usage parameters P is the use of threshold value SP expected to reach or exceed.

The calculated future time may then be output in visual and / or audible form on an output device (e.g., smartphone, PC).

Fig. 4 shows an inventive system 200 for monitoring a use of an elevator device 1000 in the form of a block diagram. The system 200 comprises at least one sensor 230-232 and a computer device 240. The computer device 240 comprises a processor, a data memory 220, at least one communication interface 242, an output device 270 and an input device 210.

Furthermore, the computing device 240 comprises a computation module 244, a generation module 246 and a comparison module 148. The three modules 244, 246, 248 are respectively software and / or hardware modules that, for implementation in connection with the FIGS. 1 to 3 described method 100 are provided. The three modules 244, 246, 248 are in mutual communication with the processor for this purpose. It is also conceivable that the three modules 244, 246, 248 are formed as submodules of the processor. The calculation module 244 is provided for implementing the step 120 of the method 100. It is intended in particular for calculating the usage parameter P. It can also be provided for calculating the usage rate R.

The comparison module 248 is provided for implementing the step 130 of the method 100. It is provided in particular for carrying out the comparison of the usage parameter P with the usage threshold SP and all parameters or values derived therefrom (such as the comparison parameter Q ).

The generation module 246 is provided for generating a signal for displaying the comparison results. The signal is generated based on the comparison parameter.

The data memory 220 of the computing device 240 is in communication with the processor. It is designed to buffer captured sensor data. Furthermore, the data memory 220 is also designed to store or buffer the usage values calculated by the processor or modules 244, 246, 248.

The output device 270 is designed to output the optical and / or acoustic signals generated by the generation module 246. Thus, the usage status of the elevator device 1000 is continuously output to a user via the output device 270.

The input device 210 is adapted to receive commands or inputs by users and to transmit them to the processor, the modules 244, 248 or the data memory 220. In particular, a usage threshold value SP can be transmitted to the computing device 240 via the input device 210. The input device may include a touch screen, keyboard, and / or mouse.

The at least one communication interface 242 (in Fig. 4 referred to as interface) is adapted to exchange data between the computing device 240, the sensors 230-232 and / or external electronic devices (such as a user terminal). Such electronic devices may be electronic terminals, such as For example, be smartphones, tablets or PCs. The data transmission between the computing device 240 and the external user terminals may be wireless or wired. For wireless transmission (or radio transmission), the at least one interface 242 is configured as a wireless interface (for implementing WiFi). In the same way, the transmission between the sensors 230, 231, 232 installed in the elevator device and the computing device 240 can be wireless or wired. For the wireless or wired communication between the sensors of the elevator device and the computing device 240 corresponding wired or wireless interfaces are provided.

A variant of the invention provides that the data transmission between the computing device 240 and the external user terminals takes place directly via the Internet. According to this variant, the computing device 240 receives an internet server of the data via wireless or wired interfaces from the sensors 230, 231, 232 installed in the elevator device. In addition, data transmission between the Internet server and Internet-capable external user terminals is provided via appropriate wired or wireless interfaces. The data transmission may include the unprocessed sensor data and / or the usage data (such as the calculated comparison parameter, estimated time for reaching the usage threshold value) processed in the computing device 240 (and temporarily stored in the data memory). The data transmission can take place continuously, at predetermined time intervals or on request of the user terminal.

The at least one sensor 230-232 is installed on the elevator device 1000 and serves for the acquisition of measurement data which indicates a use of the elevator device 1000. The measurement data may include data on the load weight, the distance traveled, the consumed electrical energy during use of the elevator device 1000. The measured data can also provide information about the number of uses.

The computing device 240 described above may also be installed on the elevator device 1000 or be arranged away from the elevator device 1000. The computing device 240 may be a PC, a server computer or even a smartphone, which implements the components or modules described above.

A variant of the invention provides a real-time representation of the use of the elevator device 1000 on one or more smartphones, tablets or other portable electronic user terminals. For this purpose, the output signal generated in the computing device 240 on the basis of the calculated comparison parameter Q is sent directly to the corresponding ones Transfer user terminals. A user can thus check the usage status of an elevator device at any time.

In particular, the technology for monitoring the use of an elevator device described here makes it possible to draw conclusions about a wear of the elevator device. Depending on the frequency and intensity of the use of the elevator device and the thereby slower or faster progressing wear of the elevator device, thereby maintenance dates for the elevator device can be optimally determined and / or adjusted. As a result, the safety of elevator equipment is further increased.

Claims (10)

A method (100) for monitoring use of an elevator (1000) comprising the steps of: Detecting (110) data indicative of use of the elevator device (1000); Calculating (120) at least one usage parameter P based on the acquired data, the usage parameter P indicating at least a frequency of use of the elevator device (1000); Comparing (130) the calculated usage parameter with a predetermined usage threshold SP and calculating at least one comparison parameter Q, wherein the usage threshold SP indicates the need for lift maintenance; and Generating (140), based on the calculated comparison parameter Q , an output signal provided for representing use of the elevator device (1000). The method (100) of claim 1, wherein the method steps are repeated each time the elevator device (1000) is used, wherein the value of the usage parameter P increments incrementally with the number N of uses. The method (100) of claim 2, wherein the step of calculating (120) further comprises: Calculating a usage rate R indicative of use of the elevator device (1000) within a predetermined time interval; and the step of comparing (130) further comprises: Estimating a time when the usage parameter P reaches or exceeds the usage threshold SP based on the calculated use rate R ; and wherein outputting (140) the signal comprises outputting the estimated time. The method (100) of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Outputting (160) a warning signal if the calculated usage parameter P reaches or exceeds 80% of the predetermined usage threshold SP . The method (100) of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: automatically shutting down (180) the elevator device (1000) when the calculated usage parameter P reaches the usage threshold SP . Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the acquired data indicate a number N of uses, a duration of use, a distance traveled, a loading weight and / or a consumed electrical energy of the elevator device (1000). Computer program product with program code for carrying out the method according to at least one of the preceding claims, when the computer program product is executed on a computer device. A system (200) for monitoring use of an elevator device (1000), comprising: at least one sensor (230, 231, 232) for detecting (110) data indicative of use of the elevator device (1000); a computing device (240) adapted to: calculate at least one usage parameter P based on the acquired data (120, 250), the usage parameter P indicating at least a frequency of use of the elevator device (1000); compare the calculated usage parameter P with a predetermined usage threshold SP and calculate at least one comparison parameter Q , wherein the usage threshold SP indicates the need for lift maintenance; and to generate an output signal (140) based on the calculated comparison parameter Q , representing an operation of the elevator device (1000) on an eye device. The system (200) of claim 8, wherein the computing device (240) is further configured to calculate a usage rate R and, based on the calculated usage rate R , to estimate a time at which the usage parameter P reaches or exceeds the usage threshold SP . The system (200) of claim 8 or 9, wherein the at least one sensor (230, 231, 232) comprises a displacement sensor, weight sensor, a clock, an event counter, and / or a current sensor.

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