Elevator component communication

Abstract

 Elevator components (310, 320) can communicate with each other over a signal path (330) using a combination of direct current (DC) and oscillating signals. An oscillating signal on the signal path (330) can be interpreted as indicating a first state of a component (320) (e.g., "active"), a first DC signal on the signal path (330) can be interpreted as indicating a second state of the component (e.g., "inactive") (320), and a second DC signal on the signal path (330) can be interpreted as indicating a third state of the component (e.g., "fault") (320). Thus, three states of the component (320) can be communicated over a single signal path (330).

Description

[0001] This disclosure relates to communications between elevator system components.

[0002] Components in elevator systems often communicate with each other using binary signals. For example, 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). However, failure of the first component (including, e.g., a wire break or short circuit) can be hidden from the second component if the failure produces a signal that is similar to one of the binary signals. To monitor possible failure of the first component, some systems send pairs of complementary signals S, S (e.g., LOW-HIGH, HIGH-LOW) from the first component to the second component.

[0003] US3188579 describes representing binary states using oscillating and non-oscillating values.

[0004] The above issues are, in at least some cases, addressed through the technologies described in the claims.

[0005] 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"), and a second DC signal on the signal path can be interpreted as indicating a third state of the component (e.g., "fault"). Thus, three states of the component can be communicated over a single signal path.

[0006] Some embodiments of 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. In some cases, 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. In some cases, the communications path is the only path for carrying signals between the first and second elevator components.

[0007] In further embodiments, 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. In some cases, 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, and 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.

[0008] In additional embodiments, 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. In some cases, 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. In some cases, 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. In some cases, 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.

[0009] 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.

[0010] In further embodiments, one or more method acts disclosed herein are performed by a processor executing instructions stored on one or more computer-readable storage media.

[0011] The disclosure refers to the following figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a building with an elevator system.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an elevator system.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of two exemplary elevator components.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an elevator communication system component.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method for monitoring an elevator system component.

FIGS. 6A-6C show exemplary signals that can be transmitted over a signal path between two elevator system components.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a signal exchange diagram for a system using one or more of the disclosed technologies.

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a computer.

[0012] Disclosed below are embodiments of elevator communication technologies and/or related systems and methods. The embodiments should not be construed as limiting in any way. Instead, the present disclosure is directed toward all novel and nonobvious features and aspects of the various disclosed methods and systems, and equivalents thereof, alone and in various combinations and sub-combinations with one another. The methods disclosed herein are not performed purely in the human mind.

[0013] As used in this application and in the claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term "includes" means "comprises." When used in a sentence, the phrase "and/or" can mean "one or more of" the elements described in the sentence. Embodiments described herein are exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technologies unless clearly stated otherwise.

[0014] Although the operations of some of the disclosed methods and systems are described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that this manner of description encompasses rearrangement, unless a particular ordering is required by specific language set forth herein. For example, operations described sequentially can in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently.

[0015] For the sake of simplicity, the figures may not show all of the various ways in which the disclosed methods and systems can be used in conjunction with other methods and systems. Additionally, the description sometimes uses terms like "receive," "determine" and "transmit" to describe the disclosed technologies. These and other terms are high-level abstractions of the actual operations that are performed. The actual operations that correspond to these terms may vary depending on the particular implementation.

[0016] Any of the methods described herein can be performed using software comprising computer-executable instructions stored on one or more computer-readable storage media. Furthermore, any intermediate or final results of the disclosed methods can be 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.

[0017] For clarity, only certain selected aspects of the software-based implementations are described. Other details that are well known in the art are omitted. For example, it should be understood that the disclosed technologies are not limited to any specific computer language, program, or computer.

[0018] Furthermore, any of the software embodiments (comprising, for example, computer-executable instructions for causing a computer to perform any of the disclosed methods) can be transmitted, received, or accessed through a suitable communication means. Such 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.

[0019] 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. Although only one elevator car 130 and one elevator shaft 140 appear in FIG. 1, embodiments of the disclosed technologies can be used with elevator systems having multiple shafts and multiple cars, including installations with multiple cars in a given shaft.

[0020] Various embodiments can also be used with destination call control systems and/or with conventional control systems.

[0021] Although 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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, and 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). In various embodiments, 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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. In a method act 510, 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. Usually, 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. In a method act 520, the receiving component determines a state of the transmitting component based on the received signal. Examples of such determinations are discussed below. In some cases, in a method act 530, 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.

[0027] 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. In each of FIGS. 6A-6C, 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 t₁ and t₂, 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Signals for the active state and the inactive state can be produced by one or more signal-generating devices in the transmitting component. Such signal-generating devices can include, for example, analog or digital circuits.

[0031] 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). Although 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. For example, if a signal path between the transmitting and receiving components is broken and cannot carry a signal, this malfunction can result in a condition (e.g., a LOW signal received by the receiving component) that is interpreted as a fault state, even if no signal is actually transmitted between the components. However, for convenience, the fault signal is described herein as being "sent" or "transmitted" by the transmitting component.

[0032] 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).

[0033] In some cases, 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.

[0034] In further cases, 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.

[0035] In further cases, 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.

[0036] Although 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.

[0037] 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. 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.

[0038] In particular embodiments, communication between two elevator system components occurs bi-directionally. For example, 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] In some cases, 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).

[0041] Having illustrated and described the principles of the disclosed technologies, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiments can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles. In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed technologies can be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only examples of the technologies and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims and their equivalents. I therefore claim as my invention all that comes within the scope of these claims.

Claims

1. An elevator communication system (300), comprising:

a first elevator component (320); and

a second elevator component (310), the second elevator component (310) being coupled to a communications path (330) and, during operation of the elevator communication system,
interpreting a first voltage level on the communications path (330) as a first binary safety signal sent by the first elevator component (320),
interpreting an oscillating voltage level on the communications path (330) as a second binary safety signal sent by the first elevator component (320), and
interpreting a second voltage level on the communications path (330) as an error safety signal for the first elevator component (320).

2. The elevator communication system (300) of claim 1, the first binary safety signal being interpreted by the second elevator component (310) as an inactive safety signal sent by the first elevator component (320) and the second binary safety signal being interpreted as an active safety signal sent by the first elevator component (320).

3. The elevator communication system (300) of any preceding claim, the second voltage level being approximately 0 volts.

4. The elevator communication system (300) of any preceding claim, the second elevator component (310) comprising a computer-based detection circuit (420).

5. The elevator communication system (300) of any preceding claim, the first elevator component (320) comprising a controlled component.

6. The elevator communication system (300) of claim 5, the controlled component comprising a safety monitoring device or a door contact input.

7. The elevator communication system (300) of any preceding claim, the second elevator component (310) comprising a controller.

8. The elevator communication system (300) of claim 7, the controller comprising an elevator control unit or a power conversion unit.

9. The elevator communication system (300) of any preceding claim, the communications path (330) being the only path for carrying signals between the first and second elevator components (320, 310).

10. An elevator system communication method, comprising:

receiving, using a first elevator communication component (310), a first safety signal on a communications path (330) for a second elevator communication component (320), the first safety signal having a first voltage level;

determining, using the first elevator communication component (310) and based on the first safety signal, that the second elevator communication component (320) is in an inactive state;

receiving, using the first elevator communication component (310), a second safety signal on the communications path (330) for the second elevator communication component (320), the second safety signal comprising an oscillating signal;

determining, using the first elevator communication component (310) and based on the second safety signal, that the second elevator communication component (320) is in an active state;

receiving, using the first elevator communication component (310), a third safety signal on the communications path (330) for the second elevator communication component (320), the third safety signal having a second voltage level; and

determining, using the first elevator communication component (310) and based on the third safety signal, that the second elevator communication component (320) is in a fault state.

11. The elevator system communication method of claim 10, the second voltage level being approximately 0 volts and the first voltage level being greater than 0 volts.

12. The elevator system communication method of claim 10 or 11, further comprising sending a determined state indicator to an elevator control unit (210).

13. The elevator system communication method of any of claims 10-12, the determining that the second elevator communication component (320) is in an inactive state being performed independently of a safety signal received before the first safety signal.

14. The elevator system communication method of any of claims 10-13, further comprising placing the first elevator communication component (310) into a safe state as a result of the determining that the second elevator component (320) is in a fault state.

15. One or more computer-readable storage media (820) having encoded thereon instructions that, when executed by a processor (810), cause the processor (810) to perform a method, the method comprising:

receiving, using a first elevator communication component (310), a first safety signal on a communications path (330) for a second elevator communication component (320), the first safety signal having a first voltage level;

determining, using the first elevator communication component (310) and based on the first safety signal, that the second elevator communication component (320) is in an inactive state;

receiving, using the first elevator communication component (310), a second safety signal on the communications path (330) for the second elevator communication component (320), the second safety signal comprising an oscillating signal;

determining, using the first elevator communication component (310) and based on the second safety signal, that the second elevator communication component (320) is in an active state;

receiving, using the first elevator communication component (310), a third safety signal on the communications path (330) for the second elevator communication component (320), the third safety signal having a second voltage level; and

determining, using the first elevator communication component (310) and based on the third safety signal, that the second elevator communication component (320) is in a fault state.

Drawing