EP4532388A1

EP4532388A1 - Devices, systems, methods and computer programs for measuring one or more operational parameters of an elevator

Info

Publication number: EP4532388A1
Application number: EP22731593.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Henri WENLIN; Leena Ranta; Petri Alkula; Lasse HURRI; Tommi PIRHONEN; Marko Rilla; Andrej Burakov
Original assignee: Kone Corp
Current assignee: Kone Corp
Priority date: 2022-06-01
Filing date: 2022-06-01
Publication date: 2025-04-09
Also published as: WO2023232244A1; CN119301058A

Abstract

Devices, systems, methods and computer programs for measuring one or more operational parameters of an elevator are disclosed. At least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow omitting traditional complicated and expensive measurement devices, such as load cells, brake switches, slack rope switches or vibration sensors.

Description

DEVICES, SYSTEMS, METHODS AND COMPUTER PROGRAMS FOR MEASURING ONE OR MORE OPERATIONAL PARAMETERS OF AN ELEVATOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of elevators, and, more particularly, to measuring one or more operational parameters of an elevator, and related devices, systems, methods and computer programs.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, an elevator system has many separate sensor devices (including, e.g., scales and other measuring devises) , which typically are universal standalone devices designed to fit into various applications. Therefore, they are often complicated and expensive due to, e.g., overlapping processing and control functions.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

It is an object of the present disclosure to allow measuring one or more operational parameters of an elevator. The foregoing and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementation forms are apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

According to a first aspect of the disclosure, a processing device is provided. The processing device comprises at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to , with the at least one processor, cause the processing device at least to perform receiving a sensor signal from a proximity sensor . The proximity sensor is attached to a first top portion of an elevator hoisting machinery and configured to measure at least a first distance to a first measuring point on a second top portion of the elevator hoisting machinery . Operation of the elevator hoisting machinery causes displacement between the first top portion and the second top portion . The received sensor signal indicates the measured at least first distance . The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to , with the at least one processor, cause the processing device at least to perform determining at least a first displacement measure of the second top portion with respect to the f irst top portion based on the measured at least first distance indicated by the received sensor signal . The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to , with the at least one processor, cause the processing device at least to perform determining at least one elevator related operational parameter based on the determined at least first displacement measure .

In an implementation form of the first aspect , the at least one elevator related operational parameter comprises an elevator load .

In an implementation form of the first aspect , the proximity sensor is further configured to measure a second distance to a second measurement point on the second top portion and a third distance to a third measurement point on the second top portion, the received sensor signal further indicates the measured second distance and third distance , and the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to , with the at least one processor, cause the processing device at least to perform determining a second displacement measure of the second top portion with respect to the first top portion based on the measured second distance indicated by the received sensor signal . The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to , with the at least one processor, cause the processing device at least to perform determining a third displacement measure of the second top portion with respect to the first top portion based on the measured third di stance indicated by the received sensor signal . The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to , with the at least one processor, cause the processing device at least to perform determining a rotation measure of the second top portion with respect to the first top portion based on the determined first , second and third displacement measures . The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to , with the at least one processor, cause the processing device at least to perform determining at least one additional elevator related operational parameter based on the determined rotation measure .

In an implementation form of the first aspect , the at least one additional elevator related operational parameter comprises at least one of a stalling situation of a counterweight , a j ump load, aging of dampers of the elevator hoisting machinery, a condition of an elevator component , or a condition of brakes of the elevator hoisting machinery .

In an implementation form of the first aspect , the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to , with the at least one processor, cause the processing device at least to perform forwarding at least one of the determined at least one elevator related operational parameter or the determined at least one additional elevator related operational parameter to at least one of a motion control unit or a safety monitoring unit . According to a second aspect of the disclosure , a system is provided . The system comprises an elevator hoisting machinery having a first top portion and a second top portion such that operation of the elevator hoisting machinery causes displacement between the first top portion and the second top portion . The system further comprises a proximity sensor attached to the first top portion and configured to measure at least a first distance to a first measurement point on the second top portion .

In an implementation form of the second aspect , the system further comprises the processing device according to the first aspect .

In an implementation form of the second aspect , the f irst top portion comprises a support frame of the elevator hoisting machinery and the second top portion comprises a hoisting motor or a traction sheave of the elevator hoisting machinery .

In an implementation form of the second aspect , the first top portion comprises a hoisting motor or a traction sheave of the elevator hoisting machinery and the second top portion comprises a support frame of the elevator hoisting machinery .

In an implementation form of the second aspect , the proximity sensor is further configured to measure at least a second distance to a second measurement point on the second top portion and a third distance to a third measurement point on the second top portion .

According to a third aspect of the disclosure , a method is provided . The method comprises receiving, at a processing device , a sensor signal from a proximity sensor, the proximity sensor being attached to a first top portion of an elevator hoisting machinery and configured to measure at least a first distance to a first measuring point on a second top portion of the elevator hoisting machinery, wherein operation of the elevator hoisting machinery causes displacement between the first top portion and the second top portion, and the received sensor signal indicates the measured at least first distance . The method further comprises determining, by the processing device , at least a first displacement measure of the second top portion with respect to the first top portion based on the measured at least first distance indicated by the received sensor signal . The method further comprises determining, by the processing device , at least one elevator related operational parameter based on the determined at least first displacement measure .

In an implementation form of the third aspect , the at least one elevator related operational parameter comprises an elevator load .

In an implementation form of the third aspect , the proximity sensor is further configured to measure a second distance to a second measurement point on the second top portion and a third distance to a third measurement point on the second top portion, the received sensor signal further indicates the measured second distance and third distance , and the method further comprises determining a second displacement measure of the second top portion with respect to the first top portion based on the measured second distance indicated by the received sensor signal . The method further comprises determining a third displacement measure of the second top portion with respect to the first top portion based on the measured third di stance indicated by the received sensor signal . The method further comprises determining a rotation measure of the second top portion with respect to the first top portion based on the determined first , second and third displacement measures . The method further comprises determining at least one additional elevator related operational parameter based on the determined rotation measure . In an implementation form of the third aspect , the at least one additional elevator related operational parameter comprises at least one of a stalling situation of a counterweight , a j ump load, aging of dampers of the elevator hoisting machinery, a condition of an elevator component , or a condition of brakes of the elevator hoisting machinery .

In an implementation form of the third aspect , the method further comprises forwarding at least one of the determined at least one elevator related operational parameter or the determined at least one additional elevator related operational parameter to at least one of a motion control unit or a safety monitoring unit .

According to a fourth aspect of the disclosure , a computer program is provided . The computer program comprises instructions for causing a device to perform at least the following : receiving a sensor s ignal from a proximity sensor, the proximity sensor being attached to a first top portion of an elevator hoisting machinery and conf igured to measure at least a f irst distance to a first measuring point on a second top portion of the elevator hoisting machinery, wherein operation of the elevator hoisting machinery causes displacement between the first top portion and the second top portion, and the received sensor signal indicates the measured at least first distance ; determining at least a first displacement measure of the second top portion with respect to the first top portion based on the measured at least first distance indicated by the received sensor signal ; and determining at least one elevator related operational parameter based on the determined at least first displacement measure .

At least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow omitting traditional complicated and expensive measurement devices , such as load cells , brake switches , slack rope switches or vibration sensors . At least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow space saving as the placement of the proximity sensor takes no additional space

At least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow cost savings .

At least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow removing the need for other additional measuring devises .

At least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow getting information about vibrations during an elevator car ride .

At least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow measurements that make it possible to calculate braking, deceleration or acceleration torque .

At least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow recogni zing aging of the dampers of an elevator hoisting machine , thereby allowing prevention of ride comfort issues .

At least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow recogni zing a stalling situation, thereby improving safety .

At least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow collecting information on j ump loads .

Many of the features wi ll be more readi ly appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings .

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, example embodiments are described in more detail with reference to the attached figures and drawings , in which :

Fig . 1 is a block diagram illustrating an elevator system;

Fig . 2 is a block diagram illustrating a processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure ; Fig . 3 is a diagram illustrating a sensor system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure ;

Figs . 4A to 4C are diagrams further illustrating a sensor system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure ; and

Fig . 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure .

In the following, identical reference signs refer to identical or at least functionally equivalent features .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings , which form part of the disclosure , and in which are shown, by way of illustration, speci fic aspects in which the invention may be placed . It is understood that other aspects may be utili zed, and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention . The following detailed description, therefore , is not to be taken in a limiting sense , as the scope of the invention is defined in the appended claims .

For instance , it is understood that a disclosure in connection with a described method may also hold true for a corresponding device or system configured to perform the method and vice versa . For example , i f a speci fic method step is described, a corresponding device may include a unit to perform the described method step, even i f such unit is not explicitly described or il lustrated in the f igures . On the other hand, for example , i f a speci fic apparatus or device is described based on functional units , a corresponding method may include a step performing the described functionality, even i f such step is not explicitly described or illustrated in the figures . Further, it is understood that the features of the various example aspects described herein may be combined with each other, unless speci fically noted otherwise .

The present disclosure is related to measuring one or more operational parameters of an elevator .

In the following, a general description of an elevator system 100 in which various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is provided with reference to Fig . 1 .

The elevator system 100 may comprise an elevator shaft 110 defined by surrounding walls and top end terminal 110A and bottom end terminal H OB . The elevator system 100 may further comprise an elevator car 120 that is vertically movable in the elevator shaft 110 . The elevator system 100 may further comprise an elevator hoisting machinery 130 that is adapted to drive the elevator car 120 . The elevator system 100 may further comprise electromechanical brakes 150A, 150B that are configured to brake the movement of the elevator car 120 and/or hold the car in a standstill in the elevator shaft 110 . That is , the electromechanical brakes 150A, 150B may apply, e . g . , to a traction sheave or a rotating axis of the hoisting machinery 130 a frictional force causing braking torque to stop the movement of the hoisting machinery 130 and therefore that of the elevator car 120 driven by the hoisting machinery 130 . The hoisting machinery 130 normally has two electromechanical brakes . However, any number of electromechanical brakes may be used . The elevator car 120 may be driven with hoisting ropes 140 running via the traction sheave of the hoisting machinery 130 . The elevator system 100 may further comprise a counterweight (not illustrated in Fig . 1 ) .

The elevator system 100 may further comprise a sensor system 250 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure , including, e . g . , a processing device 200 and/or a proximity sensor 210 . The sensor system 250, the processing device 200, and the proximity sensor 210 will be described in more detail below.

The elevator system 100 may further comprise a motion control unit 160 and/or a safety monitoring unit 170 that may be communicatively connected to the processing device 200.

At least in some embodiments, the elevator system 100 may comprise a machine-room-less (MRL) elevator system. As the name implies, an MRL elevator system does not require a machine room. Instead, the hoisting machinery 130 may be attached on, e.g., a guide rail or a top side wall of the elevator shaft 110 using, e.g., a support frame.

Next, example embodiments of the processing unit 200 are described based on Fig. 2. Some of the described features are optional features which may provide further advantages.

At least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow a measurement arrangement which is integrated into an elevator hoisting machine. The measurement arrangement may be operational to determine one or more operational parameters of the elevator, e.g., from bending or flexure of the hoisting machine structure under a mechanical stress. This means that more information with increased accuracy and with less measurement hardware can be obtained about the operation of the elevator than earlier .

Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the processing device 200, in accordance with an example embodiment .

The processing device 200 comprises at least one processor 202, and at least one memory 204 including computer program code. The processing device 200 may also include other elements not shown in Fig. 2.

The processing device 200 may comprise a dedicated processing device 200, or the processing device 200 may be integrated with another device, such as a frequency converter.

Although the processing device 200 is depicted to include only one processor 202, the processing device 200 may include more processors. In an embodiment, the memory 204 is capable of storing instructions, such as an operating system and/or various applications. Furthermore, the memory 204 may include a storage that may be used to store, e.g., at least some of the information and data used in the disclosed embodiments.

Furthermore, the processor 202 is capable of executing the stored instructions. In an embodiment, the processor 202 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single core processors. For example, the processor 202 may be embodied as one or more of various processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP) , a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) , a field programmable gate array (FPGA) , a microcontroller unit (MCU) , a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. In an embodiment, the processor 202 may be configured to execute hard-coded functionality. In an embodiment, the processor 202 is embodied as an executor of software instructions, wherein the instructions may specifically configure the processor 202 to perform the algorithms and/or operations described herein when the instructions are executed.

The at least one memory 204 may be embodied as one or more volatile memory devices, one or more nonvolatile memory devices, and/or a combination of one or more volatile memory devices and non-volatile memory devices. For example, the at least one memory 204 may be embodied as semiconductor memories ( such as mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM) , EPROM ( erasable PROM) , flash ROM, RAM ( random access memory) , etc . ) .

The at least one memory 204 and the computer program code are configured to , with the at least one processor 202 , cause the processing device 200 at least to perform receiving a sensor signal from a proximity sensor 210 .

The proximity sensor 210 is attached to a first top portion 130A of an elevator hoisting machinery 130 and conf igured to measure at least a first di stance to a first measuring point on a second top portion 130B of the elevator hoisting machinery 130 . Operation of the elevator hoisting machinery 130 causes displacement between the first top portion 130A and the second top portion 130B . The received sensor signal indicates the measured at least first distance .

The at least one memory 204 and the computer program code are further configured to , with the at least one processor 202 , cause the processing device 200 at least to perform determining at least a first displacement measure of the second top portion 130B with respect to the first top portion 130A based on the measured at least first distance indicated by the received sensor signal .

Herein, the term "displacement measure" is used to refer to an amount of bending, tilt and/or movement of the second top portion with respect to the first top portion in a speci fic angle or in a speci fic direction .

The at least one memory 204 and the computer program code are further configured to , with the at least one processor 202 , cause the processing device 200 at least to perform determining at least one elevator related operational parameter based on the determined at least first displacement measure . For example , the at least one elevator related operational parameter may comprise an elevator load . Herein, the elevator load refers to a load received in the elevator car 120 .

At least in some embodiments , the proximity sensor 210 may be further configured to measure a second distance to a second measurement point on the second top portion 130B and a third distance to a third measurement point on the second top portion 130B . The first, second and third measurement point on the second top portion 130B define a measurement plane on the second top portion 130B such that a spatial direction of the measurement plane may be determined with respect to the first top portion 130A . The received sensor signal may further indicate the measured second distance and third distance .

The at least one memory 204 and the computer program code may be further configured to , with the at least one processor 202 , cause the processing device 200 to perform determining a second displacement measure of the second top portion 130B with respect to the first top portion 130A based on the measured second di stance indicated by the received sensor signal . The at least one memory 204 and the computer program code may be further configured to , with the at least one proces sor 202 , cause the processing device 200 to perform determining a third displacement measure of the second top portion 130B with respect to the f irst top portion 130A based on the measured third distance indicated by the received sensor signal .

The at least one memory 204 and the computer program code may be further configured to , with the at least one processor 202 , cause the processing device 200 to perform determining a rotation ( e . g . , flexing or bending) measure of the second top portion 130B with respect to the first top portion 130A based on the determined first , second and third displacement measures . The at least one memory 204 and the computer program code may be further configured to , with the at least one processor 202, cause the processing device 200 to perform determining at least one additional elevator related operational parameter based on the determined rotation measure.

For example, the at least one additional elevator related operational parameter may comprise at least one of a stalling situation of a counterweight, a jump load, aging of dampers of the elevator hoisting machinery 130, a condition of an elevator component, or a condition of the brakes 150A, 150B of the elevator hoisting machinery 130. The stalling situation refers to a dangerous situation in which the counterweight gets ammed in the elevator shaft 110 while the elevator car 120 continues moving upwards, such that the tension in the hoisting ropes 140 starts to decrease. The jump load refers to a situation in which the tension of the hoisting ropes 140 on the traction sheave rapidly decreases causing "load jumps", for example in an emergency stopping situation. The aging of the dampers may be determined on the basis of the determined displacement measure (s) and/or rotation measure (s) drifting over time. The condition of the brakes 150A, 150B may comprise, e.g., the amount of wear of the brakes 150A, 150B which may also be determined on the basis of the determined displacement measure (s) and/or rotation measure (s) drifting over time. The condition of the elevator component may comprise, e.g., the amount of degradation of the hoisting ropes 140.

The determination of at least some of the operational parameter may be performed by utilizing a finite element method (FEM) -based analysis, for example .

At least in some embodiments, the at least one memory 204 and the computer program code may be further configured to, with the at least one processor 202, cause the processing device 200 to perform forwarding the determined at least one elevator related operational parameter and/or the determined at least one additional elevator related operational parameter to the motion control unit 160 and/or the safety monitoring unit 170 . The motion control unit 160 may be configured to perform motion control related actions based on the received operational parameter ( s ) . The safety monitoring unit 170 may be configured to perform safety related actions ( e . g . , overload situation related actions ) based on the received operational parameter ( s ) .

Figs . 3 and 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating the sensor system 250 , in accordance with example embodiments .

Fig . 4A illustrates a side view of the elevator hoisting machinery 130 in the sensor system 250 , Fig . 4B illustrates a front view of the elevator hoisting machinery 130 in the sensor system 250 , and Fig . 4C illustrates a top view of the elevator hoisting machinery 130 in the sensor system 250 . In Figs 4A to 4C, straight arrows indicate example linear movements ( caused by operation of the elevator hoisting machinery 130 ) of the second top portion 130B with respect to the first top portion 130A, and curved arrows indicate example rotational movements ( caused by operation of the elevator hoisting machinery 130 ) of the second top portion 130B with respect to the first top portion 130A. The linear movements may be measured with the displacement measurements performed by the proximity sensor 210 , and the rotational movements may be measured with the rotation measurements performed by the proximity sensor 210 . It is to be noted that the locations or positions of the first top portion 130A and the second top portion 130B are merely examples and other locations are also possible . For example , the locations may be reversed .

The sensor system 250 comprises the elevator hoisting machinery 130 that has a first top portion 130A and a second top portion 130B such that operation of the elevator hoisting machinery 130 causes displacement between the first top portion 130A and the second top portion 130B . At least in some embodiments , the first top portion 130A may comprise a support frame of the elevator hoisting machinery 130 and the second top portion 130B may comprise a hoisting motor or a traction sheave of the elevator hoisting machinery 130 . Alternatively, at least in some embodiments , the first top portion 130A may comprise the hoisting motor or the traction sheave of the elevator hoisting machinery 130 and the second top portion 130B may comprise the support frame of the elevator hoisting machinery 130 .

The sensor system 250 further comprises the proximity sensor 210 attached to the f irst top portion 130A and configured to measure at least the first distance to the first measurement point on the second top portion 130B . At least in some embodiments , the proximity sensor 210 may comprise an inductive proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, or a photoelectric proximity sensor . As discussed above in connection with Fig . 2 , at least in some embodiments the proximity sensor 210 may be further configured to measure at least the second distance to the second measurement point on the second top portion 130B and the third distance to the third measurement point on the second top portion 130B .

At least in some embodiments , the sensor system 250 may further comprise the processing device 200 .

Further features of the sensor system 250 directly result from the functionalities and parameters of the processing device 200 and thus are not repeated here .

Fig . 5 il lustrates an example f low chart o f a method 500 , in accordance with an example embodiment .

At operation 501 , the sensor signal is received at the process ing device 200 from the proximity sensor 210 . The proximity sensor 210 is attached to the first top portion 130A of the elevator hoisting machinery 130 and configured to measure at least the first distance to the f irst measuring point on the second top portion 130B of the elevator hoisting machinery 130 . Operation of the elevator hoisting machinery 130 causes displacement between the first top portion 130A and the second top portion 130B, and the received sensor s ignal indicates the measured at least first distance . Optionally, the proximity sensor 210 may be further configured to measure the second distance to the second measurement point on the second top portion 130B and the third distance to the third measurement point on the second top portion 130B, in which case the received sensor signal may further indicate the measured second distance and third distance .

At operation 502 , the processing device 200 determines at least the first displacement measure of the second top portion 130B with respect to the first top portion 130A based on the measured at least first distance indicated by the received sensor signal . When the received sensor signal further indicates the measured second distance and third distance , at operation 502 the proces sing device 200 may further determine the second displacement measure of the second top portion 130B with respect to the first top portion 130A based on the measured second distance indicated by the received sensor signal and the third displacement measure of the second top portion 130B with respect to the f irst top portion 130A based on the measured third distance indicated by the received sensor signal . Furthermore , when the received sensor signal further indicates the measured second distance and third distance , at operation 502 the processing device 200 may further determine the rotation measure of the second top portion 130B with respect to the first top portion 130A based on the determined first , second and third displacement measures . At operation 503 , the processing device 200 determines at least one elevator related operational parameter based on the determined at least first displacement measure . When the received sensor signal further indicates the measured second distance and third distance , at operation 503 the processing device 200 may further determine at least one additional elevator related operational parameter based on the determined rotation measure .

At optional operation 504 , the processing device 200 may forward the determined at least one elevator related operational parameter and/or the determined at least one additional elevator related operational parameter to the motion control unit 160 and/or the safety monitoring unit 170 .

The method 500 may be performed by the processing device 200 of Fig . 2 . The operations 501-504 can, for example , be performed by the at least one processor 202 and the at least one memory 204 . Further features of the method 500 directly result from the functionalities and parameters of the processing device 200 , and thus are not repeated here . The method 500 can be performed by computer program ( s ) .

The processing device 200 may comprise means for performing at least one method described herein . In an example , the means may comprise the at least one processor 202 , and the at least one memory 204 including program code configured to, when executed by the at least one processor 202 , cause the processing device 200 to perform the method .

The functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part , by one or more computer program product components such as software components . According to an embodiment , the processing device 200 may comprise a processor or processor circuitry, such as for example a microcontroller, configured by the program code when executed to execute the embodiments of the operations and functionality described. Alternatively, or in addition, the functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used include Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) , Program-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) , Programspecific Standard Products (ASSPs) , System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs) , Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs) , and Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) .

Any range or device value given herein may be extended or altered without losing the effect sought. Further, any embodiment may be combined with another embodiment unless explicitly disallowed.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims and other equivalent features and acts are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages. It will further be understood that reference to 'an' item may refer to one or more of those items.

The steps of the methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from any of the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter de- scribed herein . Aspects of any of the embodiments described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other embodiments described to form further embodiments without losing the ef fect sought .

The term ' comprising ' is used herein to mean including the method, blocks or elements identi fied, but that such blocks or elements do not comprise an exclusive list and a method or apparatus may contain additional blocks or elements .

It will be understood that the above description is given by way of example only and that various modi fications may be made by those s ki lled in the art . The above speci fication, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of example embodiments . Although various embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments , those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of this speci fication .

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. A processing device (200) , comprising: at least one processor (202) ; and at least one memory (204) including computer program code; the at least one memory (204) and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor (202) , cause the processing device (200) at least to perform: receiving a sensor signal from a proximity sensor (210) , the proximity sensor (210) being attached to a first top portion (130A) of an elevator hoisting machinery (130) and configured to measure at least a first distance to a first measuring point on a second top portion (130B) of the elevator hoisting machinery (130) , wherein operation of the elevator hoisting machinery (130) causes displacement between the first top portion (130A) and the second top portion (130B) , and the received sensor signal indicates the measured at least first distance; determining at least a first displacement measure of the second top portion (130B) with respect to the first top portion (130A) based on the measured at least first distance indicated by the received sensor signal; and determining at least one elevator related operational parameter based on the determined at least first displacement measure.

2. The processing device (200) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one elevator related operational parameter comprises an elevator load.

3. The processing device (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the proximity sensor (210) is further configured to measure a second distance to a second measurement point on the second top portion (130B) and a third distance to a third measurement point on the second top portion (130B) , the received sensor signal further indicates the measured second distance and third distance, and the at least one memory (204) and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor (202) , cause the processing device (200) at least to perform: determining a second displacement measure of the second top portion (130B) with respect to the first top portion (130A) based on the measured second distance indicated by the received sensor signal; determining a third displacement measure of the second top portion (130B) with respect to the first top portion (130A) based on the measured third distance indicated by the received sensor signal; determining a rotation measure of the second top portion (130B) with respect to the first top portion (130A) based on the determined first, second and third displacement measures; and determining at least one additional elevator related operational parameter based on the determined rotation measure.

4. The device (200) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one additional elevator related operational parameter comprises at least one of a stalling situation of a counterweight, a jump load, aging of dampers of the elevator hoisting machinery, a condition of an elevator component, or a condition of brakes of the elevator hoisting machinery.

5. The device (200) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one memory (204) and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor (202) , cause the processing device (200) at least to perform: forwarding at least one of the determined at least one elevator related operational parameter or the determined at least one additional elevator related operational parameter to at least one of a motion control unit (160) or a safety monitoring unit (170) .

6. A sensor system (250) , comprising: an elevator hoisting machinery (130) having a first top portion (130A) and a second top portion (130B) such that operation of the elevator hoisting machinery (130) causes displacement between the first top portion (130A) and the second top portion (130B) ; and a proximity sensor (210) attached to the first top portion (130A) and configured to measure at least a first distance to a first measurement point on the second top portion (130B) .

7. The sensor system (250) according to claim 6, further comprising the processing device (200) according to any of claims 1 to 5.

8. The sensor system (250) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first top portion (130A) comprises a support frame of the elevator hoisting machinery (130) and the second top portion (130B) comprises a hoisting motor or a traction sheave of the elevator hoisting machinery (130) .

9. The sensor system (250) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first top portion (130A) comprises a hoisting motor or a traction sheave of the elevator hoisting machinery (130) and the second top portion (130B) comprises a support frame of the elevator hoisting machinery (130) .

10. The sensor system (250) according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the proximity sensor (210) is further configured to measure at least a second distance to a second measurement point on the second top portion (130B) and a third distance to a third measurement point on the second top portion (130B) .

11. A method (500) , comprising: receiving (501) , at a processing device (200) , a sensor signal from a proximity sensor (210) , the proximity sensor (210) being attached to a first top portion (130A) of an elevator hoisting machinery (130) and configured to measure at least a first distance to a first measuring point on a second top portion (130B) of the elevator hoisting machinery (130) , wherein operation of the elevator hoisting machinery (130) causes displacement between the first top portion (130A) and the second top portion (130B) , and the received sensor signal indicates the measured at least first distance ; determining (502) , by the processing device (200) , at least a first displacement measure of the second top portion (130B) with respect to the first top portion (130A) based on the measured at least first distance indicated by the received sensor signal; and determining (503) , by the processing device (200) , at least one elevator related operational parameter based on the determined at least first displacement measure.

12. A computer program comprising instructions for causing a device to perform at least the following: receiving a sensor signal from a proximity sensor, the proximity sensor being attached to a first top portion of an elevator hoisting machinery and configured to measure at least a first distance to a first measuring point on a second top portion of the elevator hoisting machinery, wherein operation of the elevator hoisting machinery causes displacement between the first top portion and the second top portion, and the received sensor signal indicates the measured at least first distance ; determining at least a first displacement measure of the second top portion with respect to the first top portion based on the measured at least first distance indicated by the received sensor signal ; and determining at least one elevator related operational parameter based on the determined at least first displacement measure .