A tension member tension monitoring arrangement, a tension member tension monitoring method and an elevator

Abstract

Tension member tension monitoring device and method for measuring tension member tension of elevator tension members of a bundle of tension members, the elevator comprising an elevator car (102, 202, 302) suspended by tension members (e.g. ropes or belts) of a bundle of tension members (103, 203, 303), a terminal (401) at one end of the tension members and a mounting plate (403) for connecting the terminal relative to a hoistway (101, 301), counterweight and / or elevator car (102, 202, 302). The tension member tension monitoring device comprises at least one capacitive pressure sensor (120, 220, 320, 420, 520) arranged to be connected with the terminal (401) of the tension members. The device further comprises a control unit (702) connected with the at least one sensor (120, 220, 320, 420, 520). The at least one sensor (120, 220, 320, 420, 520) is configured to sense a tension member force of a tension member of the bundle of tension members attached to the terminal (401) of the tension members and to generate a signal related to one or more tension members of the bundle of tension members readable and / or measurable by the control unit (702) and proportional to the sensed load or force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a tension monitoring device for tension components, a tension monitoring method for tension components, and an elevator. Background Technology

[0002] Condition monitoring of elevators is used to ensure the reliable operation and long service life of elevators and their components. Condition monitoring also offers other benefits, such as cost savings, component life prediction, and large-scale data collection. As part of elevator condition monitoring, the tension of the elevator's tension components is also monitored. This enables the extension of the lifespan of the traction sheave and suspension ropes.

[0003] The tension difference of the tension members during the operation of the elevator may be related to the following: changes in stiffness of the tension members during their bending life, tolerance errors between the bending diameters of the traction wheels (e.g., excessive tolerance), diameter differences between ropes in the same installation, and improper adjustment of the tension member end springs.

[0004] Early detection of tension differences and corrective action during maintenance can prevent wear on the traction sheave grooves. When the tension of the tension members begins to change, slippage and surface pressure between each tension member and the traction sheave grooves trigger groove wear. Even if groove wear itself isn't a major problem, uneven wear can damage the traction sheave. For example, if the rope is poorly lubricated, the grooves wear 4-6 times faster than when the rope is properly lubricated. Rapid detection of wear through rising tension changes allows for timely corrective action, thus saving maintenance costs.

[0005] Several rope tension measurement solutions are currently available, such as those using loop sensors where the end rod passes through the sensor, or rope bending-based sensors where three outriggers are connected to each suspension rope. The problem with these existing solutions is their high material and installation costs, as they must be customized for each lift, and service or installers must install individual sensor elements one by one. Besides material costs, a typical issue is fitting the sensor elements to the suspension plate design. Typically, ropes and belts are placed very close to each other because the rope bundles should be tight to avoid deflection angles at the nearest steering pulley and because end springs fit into narrower spaces than loop sensors. Belts can also be placed very close to each other, leaving no space for loop sensors.

[0006] Given the problems discussed above, current sensor solutions are not widely used. Therefore, in practice, the tension of non-uniform tension members is currently monitored manually by service personnel by observing the movement of the terminal springs. In all cases, the movement of the springs cannot definitively and accurately indicate the tension of the tension member, as the tolerance range of the springs is quite wide. For this reason, good accuracy cannot be achieved. Furthermore, in some types of elevators, when the elevator is operating normally, there is no passage to the top of the car, making manual inspection of the terminal spring movement difficult or impossible.

[0007] For these reasons, there is a need for improved solutions for providing reliable and compact tension monitoring of tension components for elevators and equipment related to the elevator environment. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a reliable and compact tension monitoring solution for tension components in elevators, which can be implemented in a cost-effective manner and is easy to install by service or installation personnel. The tension component includes at least one rope and / or belt, and the tension component bundle includes rope bundles and / or belt bundles.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a tension member tension monitoring device for measuring the tension member tension of individual elevator tension members in a tension member bundle, the elevator including an elevator car suspended by tension members in the tension member bundle, a terminal at one end of the tension member, and a mounting plate for attaching the terminal relative to the hoistway and / or the elevator. The tension member tension monitoring device includes at least one capacitive pressure sensor arranged to be connected to the tension member terminal and a control unit connected to the at least one sensor. The at least one sensor is configured to sense the tension member force of an individual tension member of the tension member bundle attached to the tension member terminal and generate a signal associated with one or more tension members of the tension member bundle, the signal being readable and / or measurable by the control unit and proportional to the sensed load or force.

[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one capacitive pressure sensor is arranged below or above a separate tension member terminal, for example, on a car-side tension member terminal and / or a hoistway tension member terminal.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, the device includes at least one washer disposed between a separate sensor element and the terminal spring of the tension member, wherein the reaction force on the sensor element is guided by the washer.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor includes an elastic material and a capacitive sensing element disposed on a first side of the elastic material (e.g., below the elastic material), and a conductive plate disposed on a second side of the elastic material (e.g., above the elastic material), wherein the distance between the plate and the capacitive element is configured to vary as a function of load. The elastic material may include foam, solid plastic material, polyurethane, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, and / or BASF's Cellasto, such as MH24-55.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, individual sensors and / or capacitive sensing elements in the sensor have a circular, square, or honeycomb shape.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, the device includes a sensor structure comprising a plurality of capacitive pressure sensor elements, wherein each sensor element is configured to be connected to a separate tension member terminal.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor structure includes a conductive plate disposed on a second side (e.g., below) of an elastic material and a plurality of capacitive sensing elements disposed on a first side of the elastic material (e.g., on top of the elastic material), each capacitive sensing element being arranged to be connected to a separate tension member terminal.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the device includes a conductive component and a connector for connecting a sensor to a control unit, wherein the conductive component is arranged between a single sensor element and the connector.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the device is configured to measure the value of the relative force between different tension members and / or tension member terminals, and / or to compare the reaction force between each tension member and / or tension member terminal.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the device is configured to measure the force value at a reference level or under no-load conditions at the start of the elevator's operating life, for example, the force value when the tension member, such as on the car side, is relaxed.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor is mounted to be connected to the end of the tension member on the elevator car side, and / or the device is configured to operate as a weighing device by using the sum of absolute loads measured for all tension members when determining the weight of the elevator car and / or the load of the elevator car.

[0020] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for measuring the tension of a tension member of an elevator tension member bundle using a tension member tension monitoring device for an elevator, the elevator including a tension member of the tension member bundle, such as a rope or a suspended elevator car, an end at one end of the tension member, and a mounting plate for attaching the end relative to a hoistway, counterweight, and / or elevator. The tension member tension monitoring device includes at least one capacitive pressure sensor arranged to connect to the tension member end and a control unit connected to the at least one sensor. In the method, the at least one sensor senses the tension member force of the tension member attached to the tension member end and generates a signal readable and / or measurable by the control unit and proportional to the sensed load or force.

[0021] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to an elevator, comprising an elevator car, an elevator motor configured to move the elevator car, and a tension member monitoring device according to the present invention.

[0022] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to the invention.

[0023] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-readable medium comprising a computer program according to the invention.

[0024] The present invention provides several advantages over existing technologies. In one embodiment, tension differences can be detected before they cause wear on the traction wheel. Unmanned maintenance checks can also be performed, for example, by issuing a service call when a threshold is exceeded. Furthermore, it enables an easy-to-use maintenance tool for adjusting tension members and an installation inspection tool for any critical points in the shaft.

[0025] Because the tension member tension monitoring solution has a compact structure and includes sensing elements for individual tension members, the tension member tension monitoring can be easily assembled in the correct position and connected to the control unit by service or installation personnel.

[0026] The expression “several” in this article refers to any positive integer starting from 1, such as 1, 2, or 3.

[0027] The expression “multiple” in this article refers to any positive integer starting from 2, such as 2, 3, or 4.

[0028] When read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the various exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the invention, as well as their additional objects and advantages, will be best understood from the following description of specific exemplary and non-limiting embodiments.

[0029] The verbs “comprising” and “including” are used herein as open-ended restrictions, neither excluding nor requiring the presence of any unlisted features. Unless otherwise expressly stated, features in the dependent claims may be freely combined with each other. Furthermore, it should be understood that the use of “a” or “an,” i.e., the singular form, throughout the document does not exclude multiple instances. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings by way of example rather than limitation, wherein:

[0031] Figure 1 An elevator according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figure 2 An elevator according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 3 An elevator according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0034] Figure 4 An embodiment of a tension member monitoring device arranged to be connected to the end of a tension member is shown;

[0035] Figure 5A An embodiment of a sensor for the tension component of a tension monitoring device is shown;

[0036] Figure 5B Shown in cross section Figure 5A Examples of sensors;

[0037] Figure 6A An embodiment of a sensor for a tension member monitoring device is shown;

[0038] Figure 6B An embodiment of a sensor for a tension member monitoring device is shown;

[0039] Figure 6C An embodiment of a sensor for a tension member monitoring device is shown;

[0040] Figure 7 An embodiment of a tension monitoring device for tension components is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The specific embodiments provided in the following description should not be construed as limiting the scope and / or applicability of the appended claims. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the list and groups of examples provided in the following description are not exhaustive.

[0042] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0043] The present invention relates to a tension member tension monitoring device for measuring the tension member tension of individual tension members of a tension member bundle. The tension member tension monitoring device includes at least one capacitive pressure sensor arranged to be connected to a tension member terminal and a control unit connected to the at least one sensor. The at least one sensor is configured to sense the tension member force of an individual tension member of the tension member bundle attached to the tension member terminal and generate a signal associated with one or more tension members of the tension member bundle, which is readable and / or measurable by the control unit and proportional to the sensed load or force. The tension member includes at least one rope and / or belt, and the tension member bundle includes a rope bundle and / or belt bundle.

[0044] Figure 1 An elevator system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the solution of the invention can be used. The elevator system in this embodiment includes an elevator shaft 101, wherein an elevator car 102 moves to serve different floors. Figure 1 Only one type of elevator system is shown and described in this paper, but the solutions of the present invention can be used in conjunction with [other applications]. Figure 1 The different types of elevators described. Although Figure 1 Four floors are shown: 103, 104, 105, and 106, but there can be any number of floors. Similarly, although... Figure 1 Only one elevator shaft 101 is shown, but there can be more than one elevator shaft in an elevator system. Figure 1 In the elevator system 100 shown, each floor has a landing door 107 that can be opened to the side thereof. Although Figure 1 One side is shown, but in another embodiment, the elevator car may have doors facing more than one side of the elevator car 102.

[0045] The elevator car 102 is configured to travel within the elevator shaft 101, wherein in this example, the elevator car is moved by a motor via a traction wheel 108 and a tension member bundle 103 (e.g., bundled ropes and / or bundled belts). The term "travel" can refer to a process in which the elevator car 102 can be configured to move within the elevator shaft 101 such that each floor is passed or visited at least once, i.e., the elevator car 102 can perform end-to-end travel. In another embodiment, the travel within the elevator shaft 101 may not be a completely end-to-end journey. For example, it may not travel to one or more floors, such as the top or bottom floor. The elevator system may include a controller 110 configured to control the movement of the elevator, as well as, for example, an electric motor, and, for example, communicate with a remote computer such as a remote monitoring system 111, so that tension member tension measurements can be sent to the remote computer. The sensor 120 of the tension member tension monitoring device can be arranged, for example, on the side of the elevator car, and in this example, the tension member monitoring sensor structure 120 is arranged to be connected to the tension member terminal at the elevator car 102.

[0046] Figure 2 Another example of an elevator in which the solutions of the present invention can be used is shown. In this embodiment, the elevator is a high-rise elevator. The example implementation includes an elevator car 202, a tension member 203 such as a rope and / or belt, a compensator 201, a traction wheel 208, and a counterweight 205. In this embodiment, the sensor 220 of the tension member tension monitoring device can be arranged to connect to one tension member terminal, multiple tension member terminal locations, or all tension member terminal locations, for example, to the elevator tension member terminal, the counterweight tension member terminal, and / or the shaft tension member terminal.

[0047] Figure 3 Another example of an elevator in which the solution of the present invention can be used is shown. In this embodiment, the elevator is a 2:1 rope ratio type elevator. Furthermore, this type of elevator is arranged to move within an elevator shaft 301 and includes a counterweight 309. In this type of elevator, tension members 303, such as ropes and / or belts, are arranged such that one end of each tension member extends downward from a dead end hitch in the top, below the car pulleys 304, 305, upward over the hoist traction wheel 308, downward around the balance wheel 306, and upward to another dead end hitch in the top. In this embodiment, a sensor 320 of the tension member tension monitoring device may be arranged to connect to one or more tension member end locations, for example, to the shaft tension member end.

[0048] In the present invention, at least one capacitive pressure sensor 420 can be arranged below or above a separate tension member terminal (e.g., a rope terminal and / or a belt terminal), for example, located at the car-side tension member terminal and / or the hoistway tension member terminal.

[0049] In one embodiment of the invention, the device includes at least one washer disposed between a single sensor element and the terminal spring of the tension member. In this case, the reaction force on the sensor element can be guided by a suitable washer located between the sensor and the terminal spring. Thus, the load-bearing area can be maximized. The size of the ring and the geometry of the sensor structure can be optimized and selected based on, for example, the type of elevator, the thickness of the tension member, and the number of tension members in the tension member bundle.

[0050] Figure 4 An embodiment of a tension member monitoring device arranged to connect to a tension member terminal is shown. The exemplary device includes a terminal 401 at one end of the tension member and a mounting plate 403 for attaching the terminal relative to a hoistway or elevator car. A sensor structure 420 is positioned between a suspension device 402 and the mounting plate 403 such that the sensor 420 generates a signal proportional to the load on a single tension member terminal 401. A washer 404 can be arranged to fit between the sensor 420 and a spring 405 to distribute the load evenly across the individual sensor element.

[0051] The terminal may include a rod 402 with a threaded end. This rod may extend through a mounting plate 403 to attach to the suspension device. The mounting plate 403 may be fixed to a guide rail, machine beam, shaft wall, or elevator car. Alternatively, the mounting plate may be removed, and the terminal may be directly connected to the machine beam or other suitable structure. A spring 405 or a damper may be arranged on the rod 402. The spring 405 may be held in place, for example, by a first nut and a locking nut, between the upper surface of the mounting plate 403 and the washer 404.

[0052] Figure 5AAn embodiment of a sensor 520 for a tension member tension monitoring device is shown. Sensor 520 includes multiple capacitive pressure sensor elements. Each sensor element is arranged to connect to a separate tension member terminal and is configured to sense the force on the individual tension member. Each sensor element has a hole 502 in its center through which the tension member can be guided. The sensor structure and pressure sensor may have a substantially flat shape. The sensor elements may be arranged side-by-side, one after another, and / or, for example, in an interlaced pattern to the sensor structure. The structure may be arranged, for example, on a circuit board. The sensor structure includes a conductive plate 501, which in this example substantially covers an area of ​​the sensor structure separate from the hole disposed in the sensor structure.

[0053] The device may include a conductive component 503 and a connector 505 for connecting sensors to a control unit, such as an elevator control unit or a sensor control unit. The conductive component 503 is disposed between the respective sensor elements and the connector 505.

[0054] The sensor structure may include a conductive plate disposed on a second side (e.g., below) of an elastic material and a plurality of capacitive sensing elements disposed on a first side of the elastic material (e.g., on top of the elastic material), each capacitive sensing element being configured to terminate with a separate tension member. In one embodiment of the invention, the distance between the conductive plate and the capacitive elements is configured to vary according to the load due to the elastic material disposed between the capacitive sensing elements and the conductive plate. The elastic material may include, for example, foam, solid plastic material, polyurethane, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, or BASF's Cellasto, such as MH24-55.

[0055] Figure 5B It shows as from Figure 5A The sectional view observed by section line AA in the middle Figure 5A An embodiment of the sensor is described. In this embodiment, a conductive plate 501 is disposed at the bottom of the sensor structure. A circuit board may be disposed below the conductive plate 501. An elastic material 506 is disposed on top of the conductive plate 501 and surrounds an aperture 502. A capacitive sensing element 504 is disposed on top of the elastic material 506 and surrounds the aperture 502. Thus, the elastic material is disposed between the conductive plate 501 and the capacitive sensing element 504, such that the distance between the conductive plate and the capacitive element is configured to vary as a function of the load.

[0056] Figures 6A to 6C Examples of sensors for tension member monitoring devices are shown. These examples illustrate individual sensor elements and their arrangement relative to other sensor elements. Figure 6A In the example, the individual sensing element 601 has a circular shape. Figure 6BIn the example, the individual sensing element 602 has a square shape. Figure 6C In this example, the individual sensing elements 603 have a honeycomb shape. The individual sensing elements are arranged side by side and one after another in the sensor structure, making the structure compact and easier to install in the required location.

[0057] Figure 7 An embodiment of a tension member tension monitoring device is illustrated. This example demonstrates how monitoring results are created, collected, and utilized. The monitoring system includes a control unit 702 connected to sensor 520. Control unit 702 can control the measurement based on signals received from a single element and / or sensor 520. Sensor control unit 702 can be connected to lift control unit 710. In one embodiment of the invention, sensor control unit 702 can be integrated into sensor 520. In another embodiment of the invention, sensor control unit 702 can be integrated into lift control unit 710. Sensor control unit 702 or lift control unit 710 (e.g.) Figure 7 (As shown) can be configured to send monitoring results to an external computer 701, such as an external server and / or an external service such as a cloud service.

[0058] In one embodiment of the invention, the device is configured, for example, via a control unit that controls the measurement events, to measure the relative force values ​​between different tension members and / or tension member terminals, and / or to compare the reaction forces between each tension member and / or tension member terminal. In one example, the device is configured to measure the force values ​​at a reference level or under no-load conditions at the start of the elevator's operating life, for example, when the tension members are relaxed, such as on the car side.

[0059] In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor is mounted to be connected to the end of the tension member on the elevator car side, and / or the device is configured to operate as a weighing device by using the sum of the absolute loads measured by all tension members when determining the weight of the elevator car and / or the load of the elevator car.

[0060] The tension member tension monitoring device and / or a remote computer connected to it can present the tension measurement results to the user equipment and / or the elevator monitoring device, and generate an alarm, for example, if the tension of the elevator's tension member is not optimal or within acceptable limits. This allows maintenance personnel to easily monitor and adjust the force of the tension member, and deviations from allowable values ​​can be quickly communicated to them. The invention can also be used as a tool to locate critical points in the shaft during elevator operation. In this case, measurements must be performed relatively frequently to reliably measure different critical points at different locations within the shaft.

[0061] A controller or sensor for an elevator system that may be used in one embodiment of the invention may include at least one processor connected to at least one memory. The at least one memory may include at least one computer program that, when executed by one or more processors, causes the controller to perform programmed functions. In another embodiment, the at least one memory may be the internal memory of the at least one processor. The controller may also include an input / output interface. The control device may be connected to at least one wireless device via the input / output interface. The controller may be a control entity configured to implement only the above-described operating features, or it may be part of a larger elevator control entity, such as an elevator controller or an elevator group controller.

[0062] As described above, components or other parts of the embodiments may include computer-readable media or memory for storing instructions programmed according to the teachings of this embodiment, as well as for storing data structures, tables, records, and / or other data described herein. Computer-readable media may include any suitable medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution. Common forms of computer-readable media may include, for example, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tape, any other suitable magnetic media, CD-ROM, CD±R, CD±RW, DVD, DVD-RAM, DVD1RW, DVD±R, HD DVD, HDDVD-R, HD DVD-RW, HDDVD-RAM, Blu-ray discs, any other suitable optical media, RAM, PROM, EPROM, FLASH-EPROM, any other suitable memory chip or cartridge, or any other suitable medium from which a computer may read.

[0063] The embodiments of the invention described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the overview of the invention can be used in any combination with each other. At least two embodiments can be combined to form another embodiment of the invention.

[0064] The specific embodiments provided in the above description should not be construed as limiting the application and / or interpretation of the appended claims. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the list and groups of examples provided in the above description are not exhaustive.

Claims

1. A tension member tension monitoring device for measuring the tension of a tension member in a lift, the lift including a lift car (102, 202, 302) suspended by tension members of a tension member bundle (103, 203, 303); a terminal (401) at one end of the tension member; and a mounting plate (403) for attaching the terminal relative to the shaft (101, 301), a counterweight, and / or the lift car (102, 202, 302); The tension member tension monitoring device includes at least one capacitive pressure sensor (120, 220, 320, 420, 520), which is arranged to be connected to the tension member terminal (401). The device further includes a control unit (702) which is connected to the at least one capacitive pressure sensor (120, 220, 320, 420, 520). The at least one capacitive pressure sensor (120, 220, 320, 420, 520) is configured to sense the tension member force of the tension member bundle (103, 203, 303) attached to the tension member terminal (401), and generate a signal that is readable and / or measurable by the control unit (702) and proportional to the sensed load or force, associated with one or more tension members of the tension member bundle. The at least one capacitive pressure sensor (120, 220, 320, 420, 520) comprises a plurality of capacitive pressure sensor elements, each of which is arranged to be connected to a separate tension member terminal (401).

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one capacitive pressure sensor (120, 220, 320, 420, 520) is arranged below or above a separate tension member terminal (401).

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the at least one capacitive pressure sensor (120, 220, 320, 420, 520) is arranged at the car-side tension member terminal, the counterweight-side tension member terminal and / or the hoistway tension member terminal.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one washer (404) disposed between an individual capacitive pressure sensor element among the plurality of capacitive pressure sensor elements and a terminal spring (405) of a tension member, wherein the reaction force on the individual capacitive pressure sensor element is guided by the washer (404).

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the capacitive pressure sensor comprises: An elastic material (506) and a capacitive sensing element (504) are disposed on the first side of the elastic material; And a conductive plate (501) is disposed on the second side of the elastic material, wherein the distance between the conductive plate (501) and the capacitive sensing element (504) is configured to vary according to the load; and / or wherein the elastic material (506) comprises foam, solid plastic material, polyurethane, silicone resin, thermoplastic elastomer and / or BASF's Cellasto.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first side is the top of the elastic material, the second side is below the elastic material, and the BASF Cellasso is MH24-55.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the individual capacitive pressure sensor elements among the plurality of capacitive pressure sensor elements and / or the capacitive sensing element (601, 602, 603) of the capacitive pressure sensor in the at least one capacitive pressure sensor have a circular, square, or honeycomb shape.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein each capacitive sensing element (504) is arranged to be connected to a separate tension member terminal (401).

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the apparatus comprises a conductive component (503) and a connector (505) for connecting the capacitive pressure sensor to the control unit (702), wherein the conductive component (503) is arranged between a single capacitive pressure sensor among a plurality of capacitive pressure sensors and the connector (505).

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the apparatus is configured to measure relative forces between different tension members and / or relative forces between tension member terminals (401), and / or is configured to compare reaction forces between each tension member and / or between each tension member terminal (401).

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the apparatus is configured to measure a reference level at the beginning of the elevator's operating life, or a force value when there is no load on the car side.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the force value is measured when the tension member relaxes.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one capacitive pressure sensor (120, 220, 320, 420, 520) is mounted to be connected to the end of the tension member on the elevator car side, and / or the apparatus is configured to operate as a weighing device by using the sum of the absolute loads measured for all tension members when determining the weight of the elevator car (102, 202, 302) and / or the load of the elevator car (102, 202, 302).

14. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tension member comprises at least one of the following: a rope or a belt.

15. A method for measuring the tension of a tension member in an elevator tension member bundle (103, 203, 303), wherein the tension of the tension member is measured using a tension member tension monitoring device for an elevator, the elevator comprising: The elevator car (102, 202, 302) is suspended by the tension members of the tension member bundle (103, 203, 303), the terminal (401) at one end of the tension member, and the mounting plate (403) for attaching the terminal (401) to the hoistway (101, 301), the counterweight, and / or the elevator car (102, 202, 302). The tension monitoring device for the tension member includes at least one capacitive pressure sensor (120, 220, 320, 420, 520), which is arranged to be connected to the tension member terminal (401). The device further includes a control unit (702) connected to the at least one capacitive pressure sensor (120, 220, 320, 420, 520). In the method described herein, at least one capacitive pressure sensor (120, 220, 320, 420, 520) senses the tension member force of the tension member attached to the end of the tension member and generates a signal that is readable and / or measurable by the control unit (702) and proportional to the sensed load or force. The at least one capacitive pressure sensor (120, 220, 320, 420, 520) comprises a plurality of capacitive pressure sensor elements, each of which is arranged to be connected to a separate tension member terminal (401).

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the device measures the value of the relative force between different terminals (401) and / or compares the reaction force between each terminal (401).

17. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein the device measures a reference level at the beginning of the elevator's operating life, or a force value under no-load conditions.

18. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the at least one capacitive pressure sensor (120, 220, 320, 420, 520) is mounted to be connected to the end of the tension member on the elevator car side, and / or the device is configured to operate as a weighing device by using the sum of the absolute loads measured for all tension members when determining the weight of the elevator car (102, 202, 302) and / or the load of the elevator car (102, 202, 302).

19. An elevator, comprising: Elevator cars (102, 202, 302); The elevator motor is configured to move the elevator car (102, 202, 302); and The tension monitoring device for tension components according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

20. A computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 15 to 18.

21. A computer-readable medium comprising a computer program product according to claim 20.

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