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WO2008082380A1 - Système d'avertissement pour mécanique dans des gaines d'ascenseur - Google Patents

Système d'avertissement pour mécanique dans des gaines d'ascenseur Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2008082380A1
WO2008082380A1 PCT/US2006/049510 US2006049510W WO2008082380A1 WO 2008082380 A1 WO2008082380 A1 WO 2008082380A1 US 2006049510 W US2006049510 W US 2006049510W WO 2008082380 A1 WO2008082380 A1 WO 2008082380A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mechanic
cab
hoistway
sensing
range
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2006/049510
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jae-Hyuk Oh
William A. Veronesi
Norbert A.M. Hootsmans
Steven M. Skolnick
Alberto Vecchiotti
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Otis Elevator Co
Original Assignee
Otis Elevator Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Otis Elevator Co filed Critical Otis Elevator Co
Priority to PCT/US2006/049510 priority Critical patent/WO2008082380A1/fr
Publication of WO2008082380A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008082380A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66B—ELEVATORS; ESCALATORS OR MOVING WALKWAYS
    • B66B5/00—Applications of checking, fault-correcting, or safety devices in elevators
    • B66B5/0043—Devices enhancing safety during maintenance
    • B66B5/005—Safety of maintenance personnel

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to elevator systems, and in particular to a warning system for mechanics performing work in elevator hoistways.
  • Maintenance and repair of elevator systems can require a mechanic to enter the elevator hoistway.
  • the mechanic may need to work within the pit area at the bottom of a hoistway, or may need to work on top of the elevator cab or in the overhead (top of the hoistway).
  • Mechanics can be faced with dangerous situations caused by a moving elevator cab and a moving counterweight. For example, a mechanic must avoid a collision with the top of the hoistway when working on top of the cab.
  • a mechanic working on top of the cab must also avoid collision with a passing counterweight for that cab or for a cab in an adjacent hoistway.
  • the mechanic When working in the pit, the mechanic must avoid a collision with either a cab or a counterweight moving downward into the pit.
  • the mechanic When working in the overhead, the mechanic must avoid a collision with either a cab or a counterweight moving upward into
  • the present invention is a system and method that warns mechanics of approaching danger caused by a moving elevator cab or counterweight when the mechanic is either on top of the cab, or in the pit area or in the overhead.
  • the system determines cab position within the hoistway and senses presence of the mechanic either on top of the cab or in the bottom of the hoistway or in the overhead.
  • a voice-based warning message is provided to the mechanic of any approaching danger.
  • the verbal content of the warning message is based upon sensed cab position and the location of the mechanic.
  • the voice- based warning message may, for example, address the mechanic by name, identify the specific source of the danger, identify the location of the mechanic or the danger (or both), provide instructions and suggest evasive action to be taken by the mechanic.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FlG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an elevator system having multiple hoistways and having cab position and mechanic position sensing used by the warning system of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 shows an example of a coded ultrasonic signal used to inform the warning device of the sensed location of the mechanic.
  • FIG. 3 shows a portable device for providing voice-based warnings to a mechanic working within a hoistway of the elevator system of FIG. 1.
  • FlG. 4 is a chart illustrating the sensed cab positions and the sensed mechanic positions that result in production of a voice-based warning message to the mechanic.
  • FIG. 1 shows elevator system 10 in which the warning systems of the invention is implemented.
  • Elevator system 10 has multiple hoistways HW1 through HWN.
  • hoistways HW1 , HW2, HW3, and HWN are shown.
  • Each hoistway HW1-HWN includes elevator cab 12, drive system 14, counterweight 16, top limit switch 18, and bottom limit switch 20.
  • a mechanic may enter one of the o hoistways HW 1 -HWN to perform work on top of one of the cabs 12, or in the pit areas at the bottom of hoistways HW1-HWN.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates three ranges R1 , R2, and R3 where hazards can be presented for a mechanic working in hoistways HW1-HWN.
  • Range R1 is at the top of the hoistway, and is an area where a mechanic working5 on top of cab 12 must avoid contact with the top end of the hoistway.
  • Range R2 is an intermediate area within the hoistway where a mechanic on top of cab 12 must avoid contact with a passing counterweight in that hoistway or an adjacent hoistway.
  • Range R3 defines the pit area at the bottom end of each hoistway. A mechanic working in range R3 must avoid contact with a o descending cab 12 or counterweight 16 within a particular hoistway and any adjacent hoistway.
  • a fourth range may also be defined to deal with situations where the mechanic is working in the overhead.
  • the warning system of the present invention helps a mechanic to avoid these hazards by sensing elevator position within each hoistway HW1-HWN, sensing mechanic position either on top of cab 12 or within the pit area or overhead of each hoistway, and providing a voice-based warning 5 message to the mechanic based upon the sensed elevator and mechanic positions.
  • elevator position sensing is accomplished with RFID sensing technology, while mechanic position sensing is achieved using ultrasonic motion detection and ultrasonic signal transmission.
  • Elevator position sensing in each hoistway HW1-HWN is provided by RFID reader 22 and multiple passive RFID tags 24a-24h.
  • RFID reader 22 is a low cost, short range (less than 10 cm) RFID reading device carried on cab 12. Each tag 24a-24h has a unique ID which is read by RFID reader 22 as cab 12 passes. s RFID tags 24a-24h are arranged in pairs and are spaced about
  • Each pair of RFID tags is at the end of one of the ranges R1-R3.
  • Tags 24a and 24b are at the lower end of range R1.
  • Tags 24c and 24d are located at the upper end of range R2, while tags 24e and 24f are located at the lower end of range R2.
  • Tags 24g and 24h are o located at the upper end of range R3.
  • RFID reader 22 detects the two tags one-by-one. Based on the order in which the two RFID tags are read, RFID reader 22 is able to determine whether cab 12 is entering or leaving a range. Whenever cab 12 is entering one of the ranges R1 -R3,5 RFID reader 22 broadcasts a message through an RF transmitter associated with RFID reader 22. The message transmitted identifies the hoistway HW1-HWN and the range R1-R3 that cab 12 is entering.
  • RFID tags 24a-24h are simple. RFID tags 24a-24h can be glued to the wall of each hoistway. RFID o reader 22 and tags 24a-24h do not need any fine tuning in positioning.
  • RFID tags 24a-24h and RFiD reader 22 can alsn be used for other functions of elevator system 10.
  • RFID tags 24a, 24b, 24g, and 24h and RFID reader 22 can be used alone or in conjunction with additional RFID tags to provide signals used for a normal terminal slowdown device (NTSD) feature and an emergency terminal stopping device (ETSD) feature of elevator system 10. These features are used to stop movement of car 12 when it reaches stopping zones near the top and bottom ends of the hoistway.
  • NTSD normal terminal slowdown device
  • ETSD emergency terminal stopping device
  • the time difference between readings by reader 22 of RFID tags 24a-24h can be used for speed measurement as part of an emergency terminal speed limiting device (ETSLD) feature of elevator system 10.
  • ETSLD emergency terminal speed limiting device
  • Sensing of mechanic position is performed by ultrasonic motion detection using a pair of ultrasonic transceivers for each hoistway.
  • Cab ultrasonic transceiver 26 is carried on the top of cab 12 and defines cab top sensing zone 28 above cab 12.
  • Pit ultrasonic transceiver 30 is positioned within the pit area (range R3) of each hoistway HW1-HWN, and produces an associated pit sensing zone 32.
  • Ultrasonic transceivers 26 and 30 send out ultrasonic pulses to detect any moving objects within their respective sensing zones 28 and 32.
  • the detection zones 28 and 32 can be confined to within the associated hoistway, as illustrated in hoistway HW1 in FIG. 1.
  • ultrasonic transceiver 26 or 30 detects a moving object, it begins sending out a coded message as part of the ultrasonic pulses.
  • This coded signal identifies the transceiver 26 or 30 by hoistway and location.
  • FIG. 2 shows one example of a coded ultrasonic signal, which includes synchronization pulses 32, start code 34, identification code 36 for the ultrasonic transceiver producing the signal, and stop code 38.
  • transceiver 26 or 30 If transceiver 26 or 30 cannot detect a moving object, it stops sending out the code, and continues to send out nominal ultrasonic pulses until a moving object is once again sensed. This minimizes ultrasonic interference among the ultrasonic transceivers in 5 the hoistways.
  • FIG. 3 shows portable warning device 40, which uses cab position information broadcast by RFID readers 22 and mechanic position information received from a nearby ultrasonic transceiver 26 (in the form of the coded ultrasonic signal) to determine whether a voice-based warningo message should be provided to the mechanic.
  • Portable device 40 is a headset including RF receiver 42, ultrasonic receiver 44, battery-powered warning circuitry 46, and speaker 48.
  • RF receiver 42 provides cab position information received from RFID readers 22 carried on cabs 12. The information received indicates thes hoistway and the range for the associated cab 12.
  • Ultrasonic receiver 44 receives any incoming ultrasonic pulses, synchronizes itself with the incoming signal, and extracts the unique identification number of the ultrasonic transceiver 26 or 30 producing the detected ultrasound. Once the identification number of ultrasonic transceiver 26 or 30 is known, the position0 of the mechanic carrying ultrasonic receiver 44 is known to warning device 40.
  • circuitry 46 Based upon the unique number of the adjacent ultrasonic transceiver 26 or 30 and the range and hoistway information received from the RF transmitter, circuitry 46 knows whether it needs to send out a voice-5 based warning message through headphone/speaker 48. Circuitry 46, which may be microprocessor based, includes logic for determining the need for and the verbal content of a voice message based upon cab position and mechanic position, and speech synthesizer circuitry for generating the warning message. o FIG.4 is a chart showing when warning device 40 generates a voice-based warning message based upon cab position and mechanic position. An "X" in the boxes corresponding to a particular cab position (hoistway and range) and a particular mechanic position (hoistway and cab top or pit) indicates that a voice-based warning message is generated.
  • warning device 40 produces a warning message not only based upon location of cab 12 in the same hoistway as 5 the mechanic, but also takes into account position of cabs in adjacent ho ⁇ stways. For example, if the mechanic is on top of cab 12 in hoistway HW2, a voice-based warning message is generated only when cab 12 enters either range R1 or R2 of hoistway HW2. However, if the mechanic is in the pit of hoistway HW2, a voice-based warning message is generatedo when the cabs in hoistways HW 1 , HW2 and HW3 enter either range R1 or range R3.
  • the adjacent hoistways are considered since the mechanic can be injured by an adjacent cab or counterweight while the mechanic is working within the pit area.
  • warning device 40 has been shown as as headset, it can take other forms as well.
  • warning device 40 can be incorporated into a safety helmet. It can also accommodate or be incorporated into ordinary radio communication devices used by mechanics performing elevator repair.
  • the safety system of the present invention provides enhancedo mechanic safety on an automated basis.
  • the mechanic is verbally warned of potential hazards not only from activity within the particular hoistway in which the mechanic is working, but also adjacent hoistways.
  • the warning messages are specific to a particular mechanic, rather than being broadcast to all workers within the elevator system. Thus,5 when a warning message is received, the mechanic knows that it is intended specifically for him or her.
  • the voice-based message provides a verbal warning and instructions to the mechanic.
  • the verbal content of the message is specific to the mechanic wearing portable warning device 40, and therefore can beo personalized by including the mechanic's name in the message.
  • the mechanic can supply his or her name when device 40 is issued to the mechanic, and data includin ⁇ the mechanic's name can be stnrpd fnr MCA JW the voice synthesizer circuitry.
  • the verbal content of the voice-based warning message may include, for example, the mechanic's name; an identification of the specific danger; an identification of the location of the mechanic or the danger, or 5 both; instructions to the mechanic; and suggested evasive action to be taken by the mechanic.
  • a voice-based warning message may be: "Tom, cab is approaching, step back.” If a counterweight is approaching while the mechanic is in the pit, the voice-based message may be: "Tom, i o counterweight is approaching the pit, move away from hoistway number one counterweight.”
  • Similar voice-based warning messages can be provided to the mechanic when the mechanic is on top of the elevator car.
  • the warning messages may tell the mechanic that a cab or a counterweight is passing, or is . that the cab on which the mechanic is riding is approaching the top of the hoistway.
  • voice-based warning messages may verbally warn the mechanic that a car or counterweight in an adjacent hoistway is approaching, so that the mechanic knows the nature of the danger and its location, and knows what to do to avoid the danger.
  • voice-based warning messages can be provided when the mechanic is working in the overhead.
  • the warning message can verbally warn the mechanic of an approaching car or counterweight, much like the warnings provided when the.mechanic is working in the pit.
  • a voice-based warning message provides far move information 5 than a buzzing sound, a ringing sound, or some other form of non-voice- based alert that is limited because it does not use speech to communicate to the mechanic.
  • Information can be provided verbally by a voice-based warning message to ensure that the mechanic knows that the warning message is directed to him or her, knows what the danger is, and knows 0 what action needs to be taken in order to be safe.
  • the voice-based warning message may include instructions on evasive action, since the location of the threat, its direction of movement, and the location of the> mfirhanin am known and have been used to determine what voice-based warning message should be provided.
  • the mechanic may be safe as long as the mechanic does not move into the path of the approaching danger.
  • the voice-based warning message may include as instructions that the mechanic not move in a particular direction, or that the mechanic avoid a certain location nearby.
  • voice-based warning messages increases the chance that the message will be understood by the mechanic, and will not be ignored.
  • the mechanic is not bothered by alarms or messages that are not related to the particular location and the particular activity being performed by the mechanic at the time.
  • Mere warning sounds such as a buzzing, ringing, or clicking sound are less helpful because the information conveyed is extremely limited and can be easily ignored or misunderstood.
  • the warning system has very low material cost in terms of the
  • the battery powered portable device is relatively low in complexity, and can be incorporated into existing radio communication devices used by mechanics. Installation cost of the warning system is also low, since RFID tags and the pit area ultrasonic transceivers can be attached to walls, and installation location accuracy is at the centimeter level, rather than higher precision. Maintenance cost is low, since the components in the hoistway do not typically require maintenance.

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  • Indicating And Signalling Devices For Elevators (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système d'avertissement pour parties mécaniques fonctionnant dans des gaines d'ascenseur (HW1, HW2, HW3, HWN), lequel détecte la position de la cabine d'ascenseur dans la gaine et capte la présence d'une partie mécanique au sommet de la cabine d'ascenseur (12) ou dans une cuvette au fond de la gaine ou au-dessus, au sommet. Une partie mécanique dont la présence a été captée recevra un message d'avertissement vocal concernant un danger en approche. Le contenu verbal du message d'avertissement est fondé sur les positions de la cabine (12) dans la gaine (HW1, HW2, HW3, HWN), tout comme sur la position des cabines dans des gaines adjacentes, de telle sorte que la partie mécanique puisse remarquer le danger en approche provoqué par une cabine mobile (12) ou un contrepoids (16).
PCT/US2006/049510 2006-12-29 2006-12-29 Système d'avertissement pour mécanique dans des gaines d'ascenseur Ceased WO2008082380A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2006/049510 WO2008082380A1 (fr) 2006-12-29 2006-12-29 Système d'avertissement pour mécanique dans des gaines d'ascenseur

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2006/049510 WO2008082380A1 (fr) 2006-12-29 2006-12-29 Système d'avertissement pour mécanique dans des gaines d'ascenseur

Publications (1)

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WO2008082380A1 true WO2008082380A1 (fr) 2008-07-10

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Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3064463A1 (fr) * 2015-03-02 2016-09-07 Kone Corporation Agencement de sécurité d'un ascenseur et son procédé de fonctionnement
CN106904516A (zh) * 2015-12-22 2017-06-30 通力股份公司 用于电梯维护操作的方法和装置
JP2019014582A (ja) * 2017-07-07 2019-01-31 三菱電機ビルテクノサービス株式会社 警報システム
EP3459894A1 (fr) 2017-09-26 2019-03-27 Otis Elevator Company Système d'alerte de mouvement d'ascenseur
WO2019063265A1 (fr) * 2017-09-27 2019-04-04 Inventio Ag Système d'avertissement pour un système d'ascenseur et procédé d'avertissement d'une personne assurant la maintenance d'un système d'ascenseur
US10252882B2 (en) 2015-11-17 2019-04-09 Otis Elevator Company Elevator motion alert system
US10462638B2 (en) 2017-06-20 2019-10-29 Otis Elevator Company Lone worker fall detection
US11548761B2 (en) 2018-07-31 2023-01-10 Otis Elevator Company Detecting elevator mechanics in elevator systems

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6202797B1 (en) * 1999-08-26 2001-03-20 Otis Elevator Company Automatic protection of elevator mechanics
US20060065489A1 (en) * 2003-02-03 2006-03-30 Jae-Hyuk Oh Passive ultrasonic rfid elevator positioning reference system

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6202797B1 (en) * 1999-08-26 2001-03-20 Otis Elevator Company Automatic protection of elevator mechanics
US20060065489A1 (en) * 2003-02-03 2006-03-30 Jae-Hyuk Oh Passive ultrasonic rfid elevator positioning reference system

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3064463A1 (fr) * 2015-03-02 2016-09-07 Kone Corporation Agencement de sécurité d'un ascenseur et son procédé de fonctionnement
US10252882B2 (en) 2015-11-17 2019-04-09 Otis Elevator Company Elevator motion alert system
CN106904516A (zh) * 2015-12-22 2017-06-30 通力股份公司 用于电梯维护操作的方法和装置
CN106904516B (zh) * 2015-12-22 2020-08-21 通力股份公司 用于电梯维护操作的方法和装置
US10462638B2 (en) 2017-06-20 2019-10-29 Otis Elevator Company Lone worker fall detection
JP2019014582A (ja) * 2017-07-07 2019-01-31 三菱電機ビルテクノサービス株式会社 警報システム
EP3459894A1 (fr) 2017-09-26 2019-03-27 Otis Elevator Company Système d'alerte de mouvement d'ascenseur
US10741049B2 (en) 2017-09-26 2020-08-11 Otis Elevator Company Elevator motion alert system
WO2019063265A1 (fr) * 2017-09-27 2019-04-04 Inventio Ag Système d'avertissement pour un système d'ascenseur et procédé d'avertissement d'une personne assurant la maintenance d'un système d'ascenseur
US11548761B2 (en) 2018-07-31 2023-01-10 Otis Elevator Company Detecting elevator mechanics in elevator systems

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