HOISTWAY INSPECTION DEVICE

BACKGROUND

[0001] Elevator systems typically include an elevator car and other components within a hoistway. There are various times and reasons for inspecting one or more conditions within an elevator hoistway. In most situations, the condition of interest cannot be determined without requiring an individual to enter the hoistway to perform the inspection. There are various possible difficulties associated with that technique. [0002] For example, an individual typically must position an elevator car at an appropriate location and then access the top of the car to be able to visually inspect the portion of the hoistway of concern. In some situations, it may not be possible to move the elevator car because of the condition of interest. Under those circumstances, entering the hoistway and performing a manual inspection can prove very difficult. Additionally, it is desirable to minimize the amount of time an individual has to enter an elevator hoistway for such purposes.

SUMMARY

[0003] An exemplary elevator hoistway inspection device includes an imaging device. An elongated suspension member supports the imaging device and facilitates moving the imaging device within a hoistway. A stabilizer is associated with the imaging device for controlling a position of the imaging device. The stabilizer is configured to follow along a vertically disposed member in the hoistway.

[0004] An exemplary method of inspecting an elevator hoistway includes suspending a imaging device within the hoistway and stabilizing the imaging device by following along a vertically disposed member in the hoistway. Obtaining at least one image from the imaging device provides information for conducting an inspection of at least a portion of the hoistway.

[0005] The various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 schematically illustrates selected portions of an elevator system and an inspection device designed according to one embodiment of this invention. [0007] Figure 2 schematically illustrates an example feature of one example embodiment.

[0008] Figure 3 schematically illustrates an example feature of another embodiment.

[0009] Figure 4 schematically illustrates example features of another example embodiment.

[00010] Figure 5 schematically illustrates another example arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00011] Disclosed example devices facilitate inspecting an elevator hoistway without requiring an individual to enter the hoistway for manually observing a condition of interest.

[00012] Figure 1 schematically shows selected portions of an example elevator system 20. An elevator car 22 is supported by a roping arrangement (e.g., ropes or belts) 24 within a hoistway 26. Guide rails 28 are provided for guiding the movement of the elevator car 22 throughout the hoistway 26. Another example type of elevator system includes a hydraulic arrangement for moving and positioning an elevator car. The disclosed examples are not necessarily limited to a particular type of elevator system.

[00013] The illustrated example includes a hoistway inspection device 30 for gathering information regarding one or more conditions of the hoistway 26. A imaging device 32 is supported by an elongated suspension member 34 so that the imaging device 32 can be located in a desired position within the hoistway 26. In the illustrated example, a payout mechanism 36 includes a reel that selectively winds up or unwinds the elongated suspension member 34 for purposes of positioning the imaging device 32 as desired.

[00014] In the illustrated example, at least one support arm 38 facilitates supporting the suspension member 34 and imaging device 32 in a desired location within the hoistway 26. In this example, the payout mechanism 36 and the support arm 38 are located at a landing 40 associated with a door opening 42 that provides

access to the hoistway 26. The illustrated example provides one way of facilitating placing the imaging device 32 within the hoistway 26. Other positions or locations of the device 30 are possible.

[00015] One example imaging device includes a known CCD device. Another imaging device includes a known CMOS device. Various imaging devices including cameras, thermal sensors and motion detectors are potentially useful in an embodiment of this invention provided that such devices facilitate an inspection. The disclosed examples are not necessarily limited to any particular kind of imaging device. The imaging device 32 in the illustrated example is selected to be of a relatively small size so that the imaging device 32 is able to fit between the relatively tight spaces within the hoistway 26. For example, there is typically not much clearance between sides of the elevator car 22 and other components within the hoistway 26 or the hoistway walls themselves so that the imaging device 32 should be of a sufficiently small size to be able to be strategically positioned in a desired location within the hoistway 26.

[00016] The illustrated example includes a stabilizer 50 that facilitates maintaining a desired position or orientation of the imaging device 32 within the hoistway 26. In this example, the stabilizer 50 is configured to follow along a vertically disposed member in the hoistway 26. The stabilizer 50 facilitates keeping the imaging device 32 from swaying or otherwise moving in an uncontrolled or undesirable manner while the imaging device 32 is within the hoistway 26.

[00017] In the example of Figure 1, the stabilizer 50 is received at least partially about a traveling cable 52 associated with the elevator car 22. The traveling cable 52 has a generally stable vertical position within the hoistway 26 especially when the elevator car 22 is stationary. By placing at least a portion of the stabilizer 50 about the traveling cable 52, the position of the imaging device 32 can be predictably controlled as the imaging device 32 moves within the hoistway 26 or remains stationary, for example.

[00018] Figure 2 schematically illustrates another example arrangement where a weighted line 54 is inserted into the hoistway 26 to extend vertically. A weighted end 56 of the line 54 may be resting on a horizontal surface near the bottom of the hoistway 26, for example. In another example, the weighted end 56 is suspended in air within the hoistway 26 and the weight of the line 54 and the weighted end 56 are

sufficient to maintain a desired level of stability (e.g., maintain the line 54 in a generally stationary position).

[00019] In the example of Figure 2, the stabilizer 50 is received at least partially about the line 54 so that the stabilizer follows along the line 54 as the imaging device 32 moves vertically within the hoistway 26. Depending on the configuration of the line 54, the size and shape of the stabilizer 50 may be customized to provide a desired interaction between the stabilizer 50 and the line 54. The vertically extending line 54 in one example comprises a cable or a rope. One example includes securing an upper end of the line 54 in a desired location near the components of the inspection device 30 that are manipulated by an individual so that the line 54 can be inserted or removed from the hoistway 26 in a convenient manner.

[00020] In the examples of Figures 1 and 2, the stabilizer 50 comprises a loop, hook, ring, sleeve or clamp that is capable of holding the stabilizer 50 and the associated imaging device 32 in a desired position relative to the vertically extending member selected to provide the stabilization.

[00021] The stabilizer 50 of the examples of Figures 1 and 2 can also be associated with one or more load bearing members of the roping arrangement 24 (e.g., a rope or flat belt) for stabilizing the movement and position of the imaging device 32 within the hoistway 26. [00022] Figure 3 schematically illustrates another example where the stabilizer

50 is configured to be received about at least a portion of a guide rail 28. In this example, the stabilizer 50 is configured to follow along one of the surfaces of the guide rail 28 to facilitate accurate movement of the imaging device 32 within the hoistway. In the example of Figure 3, the stabilizer 50 comprises a generally U- shaped channel that is at least partially received onto a portion of the guide rail 28.

[00023] Referring again to Figure 1, the example hoistway inspection device 30 includes a communication module 60 that communicates with the imaging device 32 for gathering information from the imaging device 32 and providing that information to one or more other devices. In this example, the communication module 60 includes a display 62 for displaying an image of what is being observed by the imaging device 32. The illustrated example also includes a remote device 64 that receives information from the communication module 60 for displaying observed hoistway conditions. This example includes an audio output 66 to allow an individual to listen

to any sounds captured within the hoistway 26 for a particular inspection procedure, for example.

[00024] In the illustrated example, at least one of the communication module 60 or the remotely located device 64 includes a memory for storing information regarding at least one hoistway condition observed by the imaging device 32. The illustrated example provides the ability to maintain hoistway condition information for later analysis or historical purposes. Additionally, the illustrated example allows for a remotely located individual to make an assessment of a hoistway condition without having to be present at the site of the hoistway 26. [00025] In one example, the communication module 60 communicates with the imaging device 32 over the suspension member 34. In such an example, the suspension member 34 comprises at least one conductive line that facilitates providing power to the imaging device 32. At least one conductive line provides the ability to communicate signals or other information between the communication module 60 and the imaging device 32 such as control signals to the imaging device 32 or captured video images from the imaging device 32.

[00026] In another example, wireless communication facilitates controlling operation of the imaging device 32 (e.g., controlling image collection, tilt, pan, zoom, brightness or amplification), gathering information from the imaging device 32 or both.

[00027] Referring to Figure 4, one example imaging device 32 has a light source 70 associated with it for illuminating an area within the hoistway 26 that is of interest. A positioner 72 is also associated with the imaging device for controlling at least one of a tilt or zoom of the imaging device 32. In one example, the positioner also controls a panning movement of the imaging device 32. By communicating appropriate signals over the suspension member 34, an individual located near the communication module 60 can remotely control what is observed through the imaging device 32 as the positioner 72 responds to appropriate commands.

[00028] While the example of Figure 1 includes suspending the imaging device 32 from above, it is also possible to utilize the imaging device 32 in a manner where the imaging device 32 is raised from beneath. Figure 5 schematically illustrates an arrangement where the suspension member 34 has a first portion extending upward toward a support 80, which in this example comprises at least one pulley wheel. Another portion of the suspension member 34 extends between the support 80 and the

imaging device 32. The example of Figure 4 allows for raising the imaging device 32 from beneath the support 80 for purposes of facilitating an inspection of a hoistway.

[00029] The preceding description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not necessarily depart from the essence of this invention. The scope of legal protection given to this invention can only be determined by studying the following claims.