EP1415947B1 - Device and methode for remote monitoring of an elevator - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device and a method for remote maintenance and monitoring of an elevator installation according to the definition of the patent claims.

For operational control, each elevator system is assigned an elevator control to which sensors and actuators, such as, for example, operating, actuating and adjusting elements of the elevator system are connected. A microprocessor of the local elevator control reads the input signals and switches the output signals according to the intended control or regulation program. The processing of the signals and the information stored in the elevator control, describing the elevator system, such as B. number of floors, drive type, etc. takes place in a microprocessor on site at the elevator system.

From the Patent specifications EP 0 252 266 , JP 04 235881 , U.S. 3,973,648 and U.S. 5,450,478 Elevator systems have become known whose elevators are not only equipped with a conventional elevator control but also with a modem for remote maintenance. With this remote maintenance of elevator systems, the elevator control of each individual elevator system communicates under certain conditions by means of a modem via the public telecommunications network with a central service center. The data exchange provided for this primarily relates to predefined diagnostic data with regard to the operating status, fault and alarm events of all elevator systems connected to the central service center.

In this context, remote maintenance function means that diagnostic data relating to a specific part or function of an elevator are transmitted to a specific service center and evaluated in the service center. A remote maintenance function can, for example, monitor the lighting in the cabin or the vibrations of the drive or the door opening. When the data is just transmitted to the service center, the remote maintenance function is monodirectional. If data is transmitted back to the elevator system from the service center after the evaluation in the service center, the remote maintenance function is bidirectional. A remote maintenance module consists of several remote maintenance functions that relate to the same part or the same function of an elevator, for example lighting or door opening. A remote maintenance system consists of an elevator system, a service center for remote maintenance of the elevator and their connection.

Depending on the structure and mode of operation, the actual system-specific data exchange is preceded by a data exchange procedure which, on the one hand, establishes the communication path, and, on the other hand, regulates access or access authorization to data from the elevator control.

Elevator systems equipped in this way with an elevator-specific elevator control including modem extension and central service center have proven themselves, but due to the structural and functional properties explained so far, they are complex in terms of device and only a limited selection of predefined messages can be transmitted monodirectionally to the service center. The maintenance of the individual elevator systems connected to the service center in the overall system, sometimes geographically far apart, is costly, since in the event of malfunctions in an elevator system or an elevator, the maintenance technicians have to take long distances to determine the cause of the malfunction and rectify the malfunction on site. Long waiting times arise in the event of operational disruptions.

These conventional remote maintenance systems for elevator systems are primarily characterized by a rigid configuration of the remote maintenance modules, which makes any necessary adjustments to the remote maintenance functions cumbersome and time-consuming. The number and type of interface is predefined and limits the flexibility in setting up the remote maintenance functions required by customers and the market.

A high flexibility of the remote maintenance modules is required above all when an existing elevator system is modernized with a remote maintenance system. For example, the elevator systems to be modernized sometimes have a remote alarm system, sometimes not. During the modernization, any existing remote alarm function must therefore be taken into account as part of the remote maintenance functions.

The object of the present invention is to provide a device and method for remote maintenance and monitoring of an elevator system of the type mentioned at the beginning, which provide a high degree of flexibility in the choice and configuration of the remote maintenance functions and which prove to be inexpensive.

This object is achieved by the invention as defined in the claims.

The device has at least one input to which first signals from sensors attached to the elevator system and / or from the elevator control are transmitted, and has at least one output via which a telecommunications network is connected. All sensors and actuators required to operate the elevator system can be connected to the device. This information is transmitted, for example, wirelessly by radio or via wired media, such as optical or copper conductors, etc ... in a conventional manner. For example, a first signal is transmitted to an input, the device reads this first signal and / or evaluates it and / or revises it. The device forwards such a first signal in the form of a second signal via the output to the telecommunications network. If necessary, an unprocessed first signal can also be forwarded to a telecommunications network. The device is at the same time capable of receiving signals from the telecommunication network and of transmitting and / or converting these to the elevator control as commands or information.

According to the invention, a set of remote maintenance functions can be stored and activated. The set of remote maintenance functions is preferably loaded into a data memory of the device.

If necessary, the device is configured for the purpose of activating a remote maintenance function, ie hardware and software adjustments are made on the device so that the device recognizes that a first signal arriving at a specific input represents, for example, the lighting of the elevator car and / or a second signal via a specific output is transmitted to the telecommunications network. The configuration of the remote maintenance functions is preferably carried out by adapting the hardware and software to the device. The universality and the standardization of the electronic components used make it possible to achieve a high degree of flexibility in the remote maintenance functions. The structure of the remote maintenance functions is modular. The remote maintenance functions can be easily expanded and retrofitted. This adaptation of the device is advantageously carried out via an I / O box between the elevator system and the device. This simple adaptation of the device to all types of elevator systems via an interface allows the standardization of heterogeneous system portfolios from the point of view of the service center. This means that various proprietary elevator systems can be operated via the interface with standardized remote maintenance functions.

The activation of a remote maintenance function defines the loading of a remote maintenance function from the memory into the processor , so that the device is completely ready to carry out the operations provided by a remote maintenance function.

Since the hardware of the device can be configured as required according to the number and type of incoming signals, remote maintenance functions are stored, removed, selected, activated and deactivated in a corresponding data memory as a set or software program.

By loading a software program into a data memory of the device, one or more remote maintenance functions are generally added and / or removed as a set. In this case, it is sufficient to activate a remote maintenance function, for example by selecting this function in a menu of the software program and loading the corresponding software into the processor, in order to make the software program available for the new remote maintenance function.

The maintenance functions and the programs are advantageously transmitted via the telecommunications network so that the transmission can take place as quickly as possible.

New remote maintenance functions can also be activated or added without interrupting the operation of the elevator system, since the device is not absolutely necessary for normal operation of the elevator and can be carried out separately from normal operation. The activation of a remote maintenance function advantageously does not result in any operational interruption of other remote maintenance functions which are not affected by the activated function.

The advantages resulting from this are that the device can be easily assembled and disassembled, so that the elevator system can be operated with or without remote maintenance functions. The number and type of interfaces between the device and the elevator system are variable and freely configurable so that the remote maintenance functions can be selected or removed.

When all elevator system data and elevator system parameters are transferred to the service center of the overall system, central remote maintenance is possible using this technology. Time-consuming and wage-intensive settings and adjustments on site at the elevator are no longer necessary or can be planned explicitly. By modifying the software of the service center and / or the device, elevator functions can be influenced for both individual and multiple elevators. It is also possible to have one map the complete actual state of the elevator system in the service center and correct data relating to usage rights, travel destinations, etc. at a central point.

In addition, completely new forms of elevator system monitoring, preventive remote maintenance and servicing are possible with the device according to the invention. In addition to the control algorithms, the encoder signals are evaluated separately for wear and failure analysis. Each assembly is analyzed preventively and statistically evaluated. Information about the system is made available to the customer in any form (e.g. Internet pages instead of lobby PC).

The device is advantageously hidden, dissimulated and made invisible to the fitter / user so that unauthorized and strangers cannot sabotage, manipulate or remotely control the elevator system.

• Fig. 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer durch die Vorrichtung ferngesteuerten Aufzugsanlage,
• Fig. 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung,
• Fig. 3 eine schematische Darstellung von verschiedenen Sensoren in der Aufzugsanlage,
• Fig. 4 ein Blockdiagramm einer möglichen Konfiguration von USB Steckern und Adaptern, die an einer erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung angeschlossen werden,
• Fig. 5 eine mögliche ästhetische Gestaltung einer erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung, die in Form eines intelligenten Kabels oder eines intelligenten Steckers erscheint,
• Fig. 6 eine schematische Darstellung einer dritten modularen Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung.

In the following the invention is based on exemplary embodiments according to FIG Figures 1-5 explained in detail. Here shows:

• Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an elevator system remotely controlled by the device,
• Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the device,
• Fig. 3 a schematic representation of various sensors in the elevator system,
• Fig. 4 a block diagram of a possible configuration of USB plugs and adapters that are connected to a device according to the invention,
• Fig. 5 a possible aesthetic design of a device according to the invention, which appears in the form of an intelligent cable or an intelligent plug,
• Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a third modular embodiment of the device.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the principle.
In the Figure 1 1 denotes an elevator system which has an elevator car 3 which can be moved in the shaft 2. As in this exemplary embodiment, elevator system 1 can be a single elevator or else a system with several elevators in a building that are linked to form a group. The elevator car 3 is suspended from ropes 4 which are guided over a traction sheave 5. The traction sheave 5 is set in motion by means of the drive machine 6, which is supplied with electrical energy via an elevator control 7. To monitor the movement of the traction sheave 5 and thus the position of the elevator car 3 in the shaft 2, a position sensor 8 is provided, for example. In the machine room 9 there is also a temperature sensor 10, for example on the drive motor. Another current sensor 11 measures, for example, a current in the elevator control 7. In the elevator car 3 according to FIG Figure 1 a car panel 12 is arranged, via which the destinations are entered. An alarm button 13 and a microphone 14 and / or a loudspeaker, which are connected to a telecommunications network 16 by a line, are arranged in the car panel. The signal lines are shown with broken lines.

An essential feature of the invention is a device 17 in the form of a schematic box Figure 1 connected through an output 15 to the telecommunications network 16, which collects and processes the signals generated by the sensors 8, 10 and 11 and transmitted through the input 18. The device 17 also receives serial signals from the elevator control directly through the serial connection with the elevator control 19. In the embodiment described, the elevator systems 1 and the service center 20 are connected to one another via the telecommunications network 16, which is the public telephone network. With knowledge of the present invention, the person skilled in the art can of course also implement other types of connection between the device and the elevator control, such as, for example, a parallel connection.

In a preferred embodiment, a not in Figure 1 The I / O box shown is introduced as an interface between the device 17 and the elevator system, which converts the parallel signals arriving from the elevator control, the elevator car, the elevator shaft and the machine room into serial signals, so that they are then sent serially through a bus to the device 17 can be transmitted. The I / O box has several inputs for parallel signals. Each input corresponds to a specific signal and is connected to the corresponding cable routed from the elevator system. The output of the I / O box is typically a UBS plug to which a bus is connected, which transmits the data to the device 17.

A large number of cables in the elevator system must be properly and safely connected to the corresponding inputs and outputs of the I / O box, which requires the use of marking systems for these inputs and outputs. The central cable duct for the cable feed is characteristic. These supplied cables are divided into input and output channels as well as a logical, physical area for the safety circuit via the marking and routing logic in the I / O box. The cable routing in the I / O box also provides strain relief geometries for strain relief and support surfaces where the cables rest in order to avoid breaks.

An LED can be provided for each input of the I / O box, the flashing of which confirms whether the input is working properly or not and enables a quick visual check of the functionality of the I / O box or the current status of the entire elevator system. A temperature sensor is preferably provided in the I / O box to avoid heat damage.

The device 17 will preferably configure itself automatically during commissioning and learn by itself which input of the I / O box corresponds to which signal. A learning run of the elevator car from bottom to top is effected, for example. During the journey, the device 17 measures the signals arriving from the inputs of the I / O box and can thereby send the corresponding signals to each input assign physical signal to the elevator system. The device 17 also carries out a plausibility test of the allocation of the signals to the inputs of the I / O box. This means that logic errors in the cabling of the I / O box are automatically recognized, identified and can be corrected quickly and easily. During the learning run, the device 17 automatically detects the number of floors in the building, the type of elevator door and elevator drive, and other important properties of the elevator system.

The device 17 does not necessarily have to be connected directly to an I / O box or to an elevator installation, but can also be connected to a further device 17 via a bus, thereby realizing a hub function. With knowledge of the present invention, this modular concept allows a person skilled in the art to have great expansion options for the device.

The device 17 can also take the form of a smart cable or plug. It is as inexpensive as possible, small, easy to retrofit, assemble and dismantle. For this purpose, the service center 20 is connected to all elevators of a plant system via a data transmission device. Elevator data and parameters are communicated between each elevator system and the service center. The inputs of the device 17 are connected to the cables, for example by USB plugs (Universal Serial Bus) and fieldbus, which transmit the signals generated by the elevator installation.

Figure 1 shows a service center 20 which regulates the operation of the elevator systems 1 and monitors and records the maintenance status of the elevator systems 1. The service center 20 is composed of a computer system 21 and a database 22 in which data relevant to maintenance and operating status are stored. The computer system 21 and the database 22 are connected via a data bus 23. Via the data bus 23, with the aid of additional data processing devices, either those in the Database 22 stored data and / or current operating data of the elevator systems 1 can be called up and further processed for additional evaluation.

The transmitted information is processed in the service center 20 in the computer system 21. The computer system 21 also derives the control commands for operating the systems 1 from the information received. These control commands are then transmitted from the service center 20 to the elevator systems 1 with the aid of the device 17. At each elevator installation 1, the device 17 forwards the control commands. The device 17 controls the actuators or actuators such. B. the prime mover 6 or the display devices.

Unusual states of the elevator system detected by the device 17 can be reported directly to the service center 20. The service center 20 is organized in such a way that, immediately after a fault report, it distributes an order to a maintenance technician belonging to a network according to ability and / or availability, so that the elevator system can be repaired as soon as possible. A diagnosis system is thus integrated which, as an expert system, enables effective and efficient troubleshooting and maintenance of the elevator system.

In the embodiment described, the elevator systems 1 and the service center 20 can also be connected to one another via the public mobile telecommunications network 24. In this case, a GSM modem and a GSM SIM card are provided in the device 17, which take care of the mobile telecommunication. The software of the GSM card is preferably equipped with coding systems in order to be protected from misuse. The mobile telecommunication brought about by the device 17 enables, for example, a technician to check and diagnose the functionality of the elevator system by cell phone, GSM or laptop prior to personal presence in the elevator system building.

By means of the telephone line 16 or 24, the device 17 can be connected to Ethernet or Firewire and thus remotely monitored and programmed.

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a possible embodiment of the device 17. A box 25 serves as a housing and acts as a shell and contains a processor (CPU, central processing unit) and a data memory, which are not shown in the figure. The input 18 of the box consists of a sensor bus, for example USB (Universal serial bus), which transmits the signals generated by the sensors (8, 10, 11). The output 15 of the box consists of a Telecombus 26, for example RJ45, which transmits signals on a telecommunications network. The necessary electrical energy is supplied by the plug-in power supply unit 27, for example. Another output, not shown, enables direct access to the CPU and to the data memory of the box 25 by a PC. Another input, not shown, transmits serial signals from the elevator control 7 directly to the box 25. As in FIG Figure 2 can be seen, the box 25 is advantageously inserted into a holder so that it can be easily and quickly assembled and disassembled.

Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of various sensors, the signals of which can be transmitted at the input 18 of the box 25. 28 is an embodiment of a temperature sensor which can be attached in the machine room 9 or on the drive machine 6 or in the shaft door area. 29 is an embodiment of a current sensor that can be installed in the elevator controller 7. 30 is an embodiment of a microphone and 31 is a camera to be mounted on the wall of the elevator car 3. Many other types of sensors are conceivable, the signals of which can be transmitted at the input 18 of the box 25, for example sensors that determine a distance, the expansion, the leveling of the elevator car, the speed, the shock (acceleration), the vibrations, the Measure the jerk, the moment, the pressure, the force, the amount of light, the brightness, the level, the density, the magnetic field, the humidity, the smoke, the exhaust gases, the taste, the smell and / or a conductivity. As in Figure 3 can be seen, the sensors are advantageously inserted into a holder so that they can be easily and quickly assembled and disassembled.

Still other detectors for explosives, vandalism and rope monitoring can be connected to the device 17, which can thus also perform the function of a safety device. The transmission of a combination of measured values to the device 17 is also possible.

Various external devices can be connected to the device 17, such as cameras, microphones, automatic systems for access control, the identification and allocation of elevators (e.g. Schindler ID), or automatic systems for the security monitoring of an elevator installation (e.g. Qualison).
Examples of remote maintenance functions that can be taken over by the device 17 are: triggering test drives and learning drives, counting trips, counting door openings, reporting an open door, remote alarms, fault reports, remote control of certain elevator functions, information about the status of the elevator, the status of the door, the status of certain relays, the elevator position, the direction of travel, remote access to the elevator status and data, control of access rights, statistical analysis of traffic, control of the status of the load-bearing ropes, stopping accuracy, control of the elevator car by a camera , Temperature sensors e.g. for the drive motor, the car or the elevator shaft, smoke detectors, remote diagnosis and repair, by resetting the elevator control, for example, measurement and evaluation of vibrations, measurements of voltage, current, brightness, lighting, temperature, position of the car, direct Effect on certain relay offs gears, e.g. switching on a fan.

The device 17 can also automatically activate flashing lights in the elevator installation, compile and show display and texts and activate signaling elements.

This list is not exhaustive. With knowledge of the present invention, the person skilled in the art can imagine and introduce further remote maintenance functions. Further applications of the device 17 are described at the end of this document.

• Ein zusätzlicher USB Stecker 41 mit zum Beispiel 4 USB Ausgängen wird an dem Hub Adapter 37 (Verkehrsknotenpunkt) angeschlossen.
• Ein Feldbus Adapter 42 wird mit einem der USB Ausgänge des zusätzlichen USB Steckers verbunden, um durch ein Protokoll das Signal des Helligkeitssensorskabels 40 zur Vorrichtung 17 kommunizieren zu können.
• Die drei anderen USB Ausgänge des zusätzlichen USB Steckers 41 bleiben verfügbar für die Signale von noch anderen Sensoren, die eventuell eingeführt werden müssen.

In den Datenspeicher der Vorrichtung 17 wird ein Software Programm dann geladen, das die Steuerung der neuen Fernwartungs-Funktion "Messung der Helligkeit der Aufzugskabine " enthält. Das Laden der Software kann durch das Telekommunikations-Netz 16 oder direkt durch eine lokale Verbindung mit einem Fernwartungs-PC erfolgen. Wenn im Datenspeicher der Vorrichtung ein Programm bereits gespeichert ist, das ein Set von Fernwartungs-Funktionen beinhaltet, wobei die Fernwartungs-Funktion "Messung der Helligkeit der Aufzugskabine " bereits vorgesehen ist, genügt die Aktivierung der Fernwartungs-Funktion, zum Beispiel durch die Wahl dieser Funktion in einem Software Menu, um die Software für die neue Fernwartungs-Funktion in den Prozessor zu laden und bereitzustellen. Die aktivierte Fernwartungs-Funktion "Messung der Helligkeit der Aufzugskabine" wertet erste Signale aus, die zum Beispiel zur Helligkeit proportionale elektrische Spannungen sein können und gibt entsprechende zweite Signale aus, die zum Beispiel eine Zahl (1 bis 10) oder ein digitales Wort (Hell oder Dunkel) sein können. Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a possible configuration of USB plugs that can be connected to a device according to the invention. It also explains how a remote maintenance function is activated.
To begin with, the device 17 has four USB (Universal Serial Bus) plugs 32-35. The USB connector 32 is connected to a serial adapter 36, which receives the signals from the elevator control. The communication protocol is, for example, RS232 (recommended standard 232). The USB plug 33 is connected to a hub adapter 37 (traffic junction). The USB plug 34 is connected to a network adapter 38, which is provided for the Ethernet communication protocol. The USB plug 35 is connected to a modem adapter 39, which provides the connection to the telecommunications network. Possible communication networks are: PSTN (public switched telephone network), ISDN (integrated service digital network), GSM (global system mobile communication), DSL (digital subscriber line).
Let us now assume that the elevator system requires a remote maintenance function "measurement of the brightness of the car", for example. The activation of this new function takes place through the use of hardware and / or software means. A brightness sensor must of course be installed in the elevator car and connected to the device 17 by a brightness sensor cable 40. The interface with the device 17 is carried out as follows:

• An additional USB plug 41 with, for example, 4 USB outputs is connected to the hub adapter 37 (traffic junction).
• A fieldbus adapter 42 is connected to one of the USB outputs of the additional USB connector in order to be able to communicate the signal from the brightness sensor cable 40 to the device 17 by means of a protocol.
• The three other USB outputs of the additional USB connector 41 remain available for the signals from other sensors that may have to be introduced.

A software program is then loaded into the data memory of the device 17 which contains the control of the new remote maintenance function “measurement of the brightness of the elevator car”. The loading of the software can be done through the telecommunication network 16 or directly through a local connection with a remote maintenance PC. If a program containing a set of remote maintenance functions is already stored in the data memory of the device, the remote maintenance function "measurement of the brightness of the elevator car" being provided, the activation of the remote maintenance function is sufficient, for example by selecting it Function in a software menu to load the software for the new remote maintenance function into the processor and make it available. The activated remote maintenance function "Measurement of the brightness of the elevator car" evaluates first signals, which can be electrical voltages proportional to the brightness, for example, and outputs corresponding second signals, which, for example, contain a number (1 to 10) or a digital word (Hell or dark).

By using the additional USB connector 41 in the device 17 and activating the corresponding remote maintenance function "measurement of the brightness of the elevator car" in the software program, the remote maintenance system is made capable of also remotely controlling the brightness of the elevator car in a quick, cheap and simple manner to monitor. This flexibility and speed in the configuration of the remote maintenance functions offered by the device 17 have no precedent in the prior art.

The device 17 can, for example, have the appearance of a box or a box, as in FIG Figure 3 shown; it can be positioned anywhere, for example in the machine room in the control cabinet, on the control cabinet, on the floor, on the wall or in the elevator control. The device 17 can, however, also have the form of an intelligent plug or intelligent cable, which can completely or partially dissimulate and hide their remote maintenance functions and their circuits. An intelligent cable or intelligent plug can thus be achieved which allow forgery-proof remote maintenance of the elevator system: only authorized and competent fitters recognize the presence of the device 17 and can switch the remote maintenance functions on or off. Fig. 5 shows a possible aesthetic design of a device according to the invention, which appears in the form of an intelligent cable 43 or intelligent plug 44. In this case the Device 17 together with the system of cables with which it is connected and which can also be located outside the elevator system. The box and / or the cable and / or the plug are advantageously interchangeably connected to the elevator system and can be exchanged easily and quickly in a practical manner.

Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a third modular embodiment of the device 17. A plug-in frame 45 acts as a cover. The processor (CPU, central processing unit) and the various serial interfaces, such as the Universal Serial Bus (USP), the RS232 connector, the modem, the Ethernet connection, the Line Manager Telephone (LU) and the LON are used as separate, independent modules 46 built and pushed into the plug-in frame 45. The communication between these separate modules 46 is provided by the back panel 47, which is also pushed into the plug-in frame 45 and has several plug pins to connect to the plugs of the modules 46. The back panel 47 achieves serial communication through a bus between the modules 46, which is characterized as being particularly flexible and free in terms of configuration. At the same time, the power supply is integrated into the connector strip of the back panel by means of separate contacts.

The modular structure of the device 17 in Figure 6 is also very convenient. The modules 46 can be inserted and pushed out as desired without the functionality of the device 17 being impaired and without operations for a new configuration of the device 17 having to be undertaken.

Preferably, the device 17 is in the Figure 6 placed in a thick, soft, removable rubber case that is easy to assemble and is drip-proof. The rubber housing provides protection against knocks and moisture and is aesthetically pleasing. The rubber housing can be implemented in various protective designs, depending on the operating and environmental requirements.

A data acquisition of the device 17 is advantageously synchronized with the elevator travel. The acquisition of measurement data is controlled by the individual sequences of an elevator journey. This means that the recording of data can be made dependent on well-defined situations and circumstances. For example, vibration measurements can be carried out on the drive unit under very specific load conditions.

Automatic acquisition of measurement data is also advantageously provided. Measurement data are recorded according to predefined criteria, compiled into data blocks and transmitted to a field office in accordance with specified rules. For example, door opening times can be monitored by regularly recording the associated measured values, compressing them when a certain amount of data is reached and sending the resulting data to a branch office for further processing.

A special application can be represented by the vibroacoustic measurements . The drive unit is equipped with a sensor for detecting vibrations, for example an accelerometer, which enables the dynamic processes to be analyzed. This enables the drive unit to be diagnosed with regard to bearing damage, gear damage, imbalances and wear. The measuring unit can be attached to the drive unit for traction elevators and to the pump for hydraulic drives.

The maintenance instructions can also be transmitted by the device 17. Depending on the current state and operational readiness of an elevator, the instructions required for maintenance and / or repair are sent from an external location to the remote maintenance unit on the elevator installation. The technician arriving at the system can then view it with the help of a data display device and carry out the necessary work immediately. The execution of the instructions can be confirmed by the technician and then automatically communicated to the field office become. The delivery of maintenance instructions can also be generated as a direct result of a fault report.

The routine transmission of measurement data to a branch office is advantageously carried out in a chronological order so that the connection costs minimally. For this purpose, the currently applicable tariffs are transmitted to the remote maintenance unit or retrieved from it, and the transmission is planned taking into account any priorities and delivery times to be observed for the messages. The transmission then takes place according to this planning.

The device can, for example , initiate stress tests , ie the automatic loading of an elevator installation with travel orders to determine their robustness, availability and performance. For this purpose, driving requests are generated by a remote maintenance unit, transmitted to the system by floor and car calls and the processing of these calls is registered. The result of such a check can be communicated to a branch office for further processing.

The device can also initiate automatic tests, for example. The acknowledgment of a fault message automatically triggers a corresponding test sequence to check that the fault has been rectified. The way in which the test is carried out can be made dependent, for example, on the content of the associated fault message.

Test marks can be used in this context. When a malfunction is detected, a mark is generated and communicated to a branch office together with the associated malfunction report. With the help of this mark, certain test functions are subsequently accessible, which are no longer available after the malfunction has been rectified. This can relate to the remote initiation of a test drive using an analog telephone connection and DTMF-coded key information. The validity of a trademark can also expire if it is used.

Under certain circumstances, the device can carry out a control of the branch office. The availability of a branch office is checked by requesting an authentication feature and certain functions are modified according to the outcome of this check. For example, the range of functions can be restricted, settings re-parameterized or availability reduced.

The elevator parameters can also be continuously adapted by the device. Data generated during operation are collected and transmitted to a control center for evaluation. This is done in such a way that a setting that is favorable to a certain extent is derived taking into account data from other systems. This setting is automatically transmitted to the corresponding system for further operation. In a specific embodiment, for example, information on the failure of a system can be used to achieve a test strategy that is optimal with regard to statistical variables. For this purpose, system-specific failures are recorded, parameters for describing the probability of failure of each system are determined in a central station and these are then transmitted to the system to adapt the test strategy.

Claims (20)

1. Device (17) for remote maintenance and monitoring of an elevator installation (1), comprising at least one input (18) for detecting first signals from the elevator controller (7) and/or from a sensor (8, 10, 11, 28, 29, 30, 31), at least one output (15) of second signals to a telecommunications network (16, 24), at least one processor and a data memory, characterized in that a set of remote maintenance functions is stored in the data memory, the set of remote maintenance functions including at least one element from the group consisting of monitoring the voltage measurements in the car, temperature monitoring and activating a camera, and in that at least one of these remote maintenance functions can be activated as desired.
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the remote maintenance function configures hardware and software of the device and in that a remote maintenance function can be activated by loading from the data memory into the processor.
3. Device according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that an activated remote maintenance function evaluates first signals and outputs a second signal corresponding to the result of the evaluation.
4. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor is a sensor for temperature (10, 28) and/or current (11, 29)/voltage and/or audio (14, 30)/video (31) from the elevator car (3)/shaft (2) and/or distance and/or strain and/or leveling of the elevator car and/or speed and/or jolting (acceleration) and/or vibrations and/or jerking and/or moment and/or pressure and/or force and/or light quantity and/or brightness and/or fill level and/or density and/or magnetic field and/or humidity and/or smoke and/or exhaust gases and/or taste and/or odor and/or conductivity.
5. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that an I/O box is introduced as an interface between the device and the elevator installation, which I/O box converts the parallel signals arriving from the elevator controller, the elevator car, the elevator shaft and the machine room into preferably serial signals and transmits them to the device.
6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that interfaces which are adapted to different proprietary elevator installations are provided, and in that these interfaces transmit standardized signals to the device such that these elevator installations can be operated using standardized remote maintenance functions.
7. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device automatically configures itself during the start-up and/or itself learns which input corresponds to which signal by means of a learning journey.
8. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is dissimulated in a box (25), intelligent cable (43) and/or intelligent plug (44).
9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the box and/or the cable and/or the plug are interchangeably connected to the elevator installation.
10. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a modular design, different modules (46) and a back panel (47) being inserted into a plug-in frame (45), and the back panel providing serial communication between the modules.
11. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that external apparatuses are connected to the device, such as cameras, microphones, automatic systems for access control, identification and allocation of elevators, and/or automatic systems for monitoring the safety of an elevator installation.
12. Method for remote maintenance and monitoring of an elevator installation, in which first signals are detected by an elevator controller and/or by a sensor and second signals are transmitted to a telecommunications network, characterized in that a set of remote maintenance functions is stored, the set of remote maintenance functions including at least one element from the group consisting of monitoring the voltage measurements in the car, temperature monitoring and activating a camera, and in that at least one remote maintenance function from the set of remote maintenance functions is activated as desired.
13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that at least one remote maintenance function is added to and/or removed from the set.
14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the remote maintenance function is transmitted to the set via the telecommunication network.
15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that a remote maintenance function is activated without interrupting the operation of the elevator installation and/or other remote maintenance function which is not affected by the activated function.
16. Method according to any of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the remote maintenance function is triggering learning journeys, test journeys (e.g. automatic tests or stress tests) and/or journey counting and/or counting the door openings and/or reporting an open door and/or a remote alarm and/or fault messages and/or remotely controlling certain elevator functions and/or adapting the elevator parameters and/or statements with respect to the state of the elevator and/or the state of the door and/or the state of certain relays and/or the elevator position and/or the direction of travel and/or remotely accessing the elevator status and elevator data and/or checking access authorizations and/or statistical analysis of traffic and/or checking the state of the load-bearing cables, the stopping accuracy and/or checking the elevator car by means of a camera and/or temperature sensors, for example for the drive motor, the car or the elevator shaft and/or smoke detectors and/or remote diagnosis and remote repair, by resetting the elevator controller, for example, and/or transmitting maintenance instructions and/or checking an external point and/or measuring and evaluating vibrations and/or measurements of voltage, current, brightness, lighting, temperature, the position of the car and/or directly acting on certain relay outputs, e.g. switching on a fan.
17. Method according to any of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the second signals are transmitted to a service center (20) which controls the operation of the elevator installation and monitors and records the maintenance status of the elevator installation.
18. Method according to any of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that the data acquisition of the first signals is synchronized with the elevator journey.
19. Method according to any of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that an automatic acquisition of measurement data relating to the first signals is provided.
20. Method according to any of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that different proprietary elevator installations are operated via interfaces using standardized remote maintenance functions.

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