Elevator parking brake, method for operating an elevator system, and elevator system

Abstract

According to one aspect, an elevator holding brake (100, 136) is provided that includes a brake pad (104) configured to provide a braking force on a guide rail (102) during loading and unloading of an elevator car (400); and at least one sensor (114). The elevator holding brake (100, 136) is configured to allow a predetermined amount of movement within the elevator holding brake (100, 134) during loading and unloading of the elevator car (400), and the at least one sensor (114) is configured to provide at least one indication associated with movement within the elevator holding brake (100, 136) during loading and unloading of the elevator car (400).

Description

Background Art

[0001] The elevator car needs to remain within the door zone of a landing so that the car and landing thresholds are at the same height, allowing passengers to board and exit safely. Due to the elasticity of the suspension ropes, changes in the load in the elevator car and the resulting changes in tension in the ropes can move the car and create a step between the car and the landing, creating a tripping hazard. To prevent this tripping hazard, the car can be re-leveled mechanically. However, precise positioning of the car is a complex task, and the dynamic load changes during car loading and unloading make this process difficult.

[0002] A parking brake solves the problems caused by suspension springiness during loading and unloading conditions of an elevator car. During loading and unloading, the parking brake holds the elevator car in position and releases its grip before the elevator begins moving again, after the load has been transferred to the suspension ropes and the car and landing doors have closed. The rope tension should be adjusted to match the varying load on the car to avoid unpleasant jerkiness when the parking brake is released.

[0003] There is a need for an elevator holding brake solution that avoids the unpleasant jerk when the holding brake is released. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect, an elevator holding brake is provided. The holding brake includes a brake pad configured to provide a braking force on a guide rail during loading and unloading conditions of the elevator car; and at least one sensor, wherein the elevator holding brake is configured to allow a predetermined amount of movement within the elevator holding brake during loading and unloading conditions of the elevator car, and wherein the at least one sensor is configured to provide at least one indication associated with movement within the elevator holding brake during loading and unloading conditions of the elevator car.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, an elevator holding brake includes a controller operably connected to at least one sensor.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, an elevator holding brake includes a first element, the first element including a brake pad, the first element including a first pivot point that enables the first element to pivot relative to a guide rail; a second element connected to the first element; and a third element connected to the second element via a second pivot point and configured to be attached to a sling, the second pivot point enabling the third element to pivot relative to the second element, wherein at least one sensor is arranged between the second element and the third element to detect movement of the third element relative to the second element.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the elevator holding brake includes a fourth element, the fourth element including a brake pad, the fourth element including a third pivot point, the third pivot point enabling the fourth element to pivot relative to the guide rail; a fifth element connected to the fourth element via the fourth pivot point and configured to be attached to the sling; a connecting element connected to the fourth element via the fifth pivot point; wherein at least one sensor is arranged between the connecting element and an attachment member configured to be connected to the sling or the elevator car to detect movement of the connecting element relative to the attachment member.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the elevator parking brake is configured to allow a predetermined amount of vertical movement within the brake housing or bracket during loading and unloading conditions of the elevator car.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one sensor is configured to provide at least one indication when a predetermined amount of movement is reached.

[0010] In an example embodiment, the at least one sensor includes at least one of a switch, a microswitch, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a strain gauge, an acceleration sensor, or a proximity sensor.

[0011] According to a second aspect, an elevator car is provided, comprising at least one elevator holding brake according to the first aspect.

[0012] According to a third aspect, a method for operating an elevator system is provided. The method comprises controlling at least one elevator holding brake according to the first aspect associated with an elevator car to provide a braking force on a guide rail in a loading and / or unloading situation of the elevator car; monitoring a state of at least one sensor of the at least one elevator holding brake based on at least one indication provided by at least one sensor during the loading and / or unloading situation; analyzing the state; and controlling a tension in a suspension device associated with the elevator car based on the analysis.

[0013] In one embodiment, monitoring the status of the at least one sensor includes monitoring a first indication from the at least one elevator holding brake that a predetermined amount of movement within the elevator holding brake has been achieved during an unloading condition; and controlling the tension of the suspension device includes relaxing the suspension device until the first indication from the at least one elevator holding brake is subsequently not detected.

[0014] In an example embodiment, monitoring the status of the at least one sensor includes monitoring a second indication from the at least one elevator holding brake, the second indication indicating that a predetermined amount of movement within the elevator holding brake has been reached during the loading condition; and controlling the tension of the suspension device includes tightening the suspension device until the second indication from the at least one elevator holding brake is subsequently not detected.

[0015] In an example embodiment, controlling includes adjusting tension in a suspension device associated with the elevator car based on the analysis to change an amplitude and / or frequency of vibration of the suspension device.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one sensor includes a single sensor, and the method further includes not detecting a change in the sensor state in an unloaded condition; loosening the tension of the suspension device until a change in the sensor state is detected; and tightening the tension of the suspension device until a subsequent change in the sensor state is detected.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one sensor includes a single sensor, and the method further includes not detecting a change in sensor state during the loading condition; tightening the tension of the suspension device until a change in sensor state is detected; and loosening the tension of the suspension device until a subsequent change in sensor state is detected.

[0018] According to a fourth aspect, an elevator system is provided, comprising an elevator car; at least one elevator parking brake according to the first aspect associated with the elevator car; a suspension device configured to support the elevator car in an elevator shaft; and a controller configured to control the at least one elevator parking brake to provide a braking force on a guide rail in loading and / or unloading conditions of the elevator car; monitor a status of at least one sensor of the at least one elevator parking brake based on at least one indication provided by the at least one sensor during the loading and / or unloading conditions; analyze the status; and control the tension of the suspension device based on the analysis.

[0019] In an example embodiment, the controller is configured to monitor for a first indication from at least one elevator holding brake that a predetermined amount of movement within the elevator holding brake has been achieved during an unloading condition; and to release the suspension device until the first indication from the at least one elevator holding brake is subsequently not detected.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the controller is configured to monitor for a second indication from the at least one elevator holding brake that a predetermined amount of movement within the elevator holding brake has been achieved during a loading condition, and to tighten the suspension device until the second indication from the at least one elevator holding brake is subsequently not detected.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the controller is configured to adjust the tension of a suspension device associated with the elevator car based on the analysis to change the amplitude and / or frequency of vibration of the suspension device.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one sensor includes a single sensor, and the controller is configured to, in an unloaded condition, not detect a change in the sensor state; loosen the tension of the suspension device until a change in the sensor state is detected; and tighten the tension of the suspension device until a subsequent change in the sensor state is detected.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one sensor includes a single sensor, and the controller is configured to, if no change in sensor state is detected during a loading condition, tighten the tension of the suspension device until a change in sensor state is detected; and loosen the tension of the suspension device until a subsequent change in sensor state is detected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, help to explain the principles of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1A An elevator holding brake according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0026] Figure 1B An elevator parking brake according to another example embodiment is shown.

[0027] Figure 1C An elevator parking brake according to another exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0028] Figure 2 A controller for operating an elevator system is shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] Figure 3 A method for operating an elevator system according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0030] Figure 4 An elevator system according to an embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] According to various embodiments, an elevator holding brake is disclosed. The elevator holding brake includes a brake pad configured to provide a braking force on a guide rail during loading and unloading of the elevator car and at least one sensor. The brake pad is configured to allow a predetermined amount of movement within the elevator holding brake during loading and unloading of the elevator car; and the at least one sensor is configured to provide at least one indication associated with movement within the elevator holding brake during loading and unloading of the elevator car.

[0032] Figure 1AAn elevator holding brake 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The elevator holding brake 100 holds the elevator car in position during loading and unloading and releases its grip before the elevator car begins moving again after the load has been transferred to the suspension means (e.g., suspension ropes) and the car and landing doors have closed.

[0033] The elevator holding brake 100 includes brake pads 104 configured to provide a braking force on the guide rails 102 during loading and unloading conditions of the elevator car. Figure 1A Only one brake pad is shown, and the elevator holding brake may include more than one brake pad. The elevator holding brake 100 is configured to allow a predetermined amount of movement within the elevator holding brake 100 during loading and unloading conditions of the elevator car. Movement may be achieved using elements 108, 118, 120 and pivot points 106, 112.

[0034] Elevator holding brake 100 includes a first element 118 including a brake pad 104. First element 118 includes a first pivot point 106, enabling first element 118 to pivot relative to guide rail 102. Second element 108 is connected to first element 118 via, for example, a bolt or pin. Third element 120 is connected to second element 108 via a second pivot point 112. Third element 120 is configured to be attached to sling 116. Second pivot point 112 enables third element 120 to pivot relative to second element 108 during loading and unloading of the elevator car. When the elevator car load increases (i.e., passengers enter the elevator car), third element 120 pivots counterclockwise relative to second pivot point 112. Similarly, when the elevator car load decreases (i.e., passengers exit the elevator car), third element 120 pivots clockwise relative to second pivot point 112. Because the shape of the third element 120 enables it to form a space between the second element 108 and the third element 120 on each side of the second pivot point 112, when the third element 120 rotates relative to the second element 108, the distance or angle between the third element 120 and the second element 108 changes.

[0035] At least one sensor 114 is disposed between the second element 108 and the third element 120 to detect movement of the third element 120 relative to the second element 108. In an exemplary embodiment, only one sensor 114 is disposed between the second element 108 and the third element 120. In another exemplary embodiment, a separate sensor 114 may be disposed on each side of the second pivot point 112. The sensor 114 is configured to provide at least one indication associated with movement during elevator car loading and unloading. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one indication may be provided when a predetermined amount of movement (e.g., 1-2 millimeters) is reached. In another exemplary embodiment, the at least one indication may reflect the amount of movement. The indication may include a status signal, such as a 0 or 1 (binary signal), or may include a numerical value reflecting the amount of movement. Furthermore, providing an indication should be broadly construed and may also refer to embodiments in which the sensor does not transmit any signal, i.e., the absence of a signal from the sensor. Thus, the absence of a signal from the sensor may also be understood as an "indication." Furthermore, in exemplary embodiments, the sensor 114 is a switch, a microswitch, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a strain gauge, an accelerometer, or a proximity sensor (optical or magnetic). In the case of using an acceleration sensor, based on the value provided by the acceleration sensor, it can be determined whether the elevator car is suspended by the suspension device or whether a predetermined amount of movement within the elevator parking brake 136 has been achieved.

[0036] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the load springs 110A, 110B may be disposed between the second element 108 and the third element 120, as shown in FIG. Figure 1A The load springs 110A, 110B can be configured to center the elevator parking brake 100. The load springs 110A, 110B position the second element 108 relative to the pivot point 112 when the parking brake is in the released state.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, elevator holding brake 100 may include a controller operably connected to at least one sensor 114 .

[0038] As Figure 1A Summary of the illustrated solution, which is based on the torque in the elevator holding brake 100 due to the distance 140 between the two pivot points 106 and 112 and the vertical force applied to the elevator holding brake 100. The illustrated solution avoids unpleasant jerkiness when the elevator holding brake is released because the tension in the suspension has been matched to the varying load in the elevator car.

[0039] Figure 1BAn elevator holding brake 136 according to another example embodiment is shown. The elevator holding brake 136 holds the elevator car in position during loading and unloading and releases its grip before the elevator car begins moving again after the load has been transferred to the suspension means (e.g., suspension ropes) and the car and landing doors have closed.

[0040] The elevator holding brake 136 includes brake pads 104 that are configured to provide a braking force on the guide rails 102 during loading and unloading conditions of the elevator car. Figure 1B Only one brake pad is shown, and the elevator holding brake may include more than one brake pad. The elevator holding brake 136 is configured to allow a predetermined amount of movement within the elevator holding brake 136 during loading and unloading conditions of the elevator car. Movement can be achieved using elements 126, 138, 130 and pivot points 122, 124, 128.

[0041] Elevator holding brake 136 includes a fourth element 138 that includes brake pad 104. Fourth element 138 includes a third pivot point 122 that enables fourth element 138 to pivot relative to guide rail 102. Elevator holding brake 136 also includes a fifth element 126 that is connected to fourth element 138 via a fourth pivot point 124 and is configured to be attached to sling 116. Elevator holding brake 136 also includes a connecting element 130 that is connected to fourth element 138 via the fifth pivot point 128. Elevator holding brake 136 can be connected to sling 116 or the elevator car via an attachment member 134.

[0042] Furthermore, at least one sensor 114 is positioned between the connecting element 130 and the attachment member 134 to detect movement of the connecting element 130 relative to the attachment member 134. Depending on the direction of rotation of the fourth element 138, the connecting element 130 moves to the right (reducing the load in the elevator car) or to the left (increasing the load in the elevator car). In an exemplary embodiment, a centering spring 132 may be positioned between the attachment member 134 and the connecting element 130. The centering spring 132 may be configured to center the mechanical components when the elevator parking brake 136 is in a released state. In another exemplary embodiment, the connecting element 130 itself may be capable of compression and decompression, and the at least one sensor 114 positioned between the attachment member 134 and the connecting element 130 is configured to detect movement of the connecting element 130 relative to the attachment member 134. At some point during compression or decompression, the distance between the connecting element 130 and the attachment member 134 has changed sufficiently to trigger an indication from the at least one sensor 114. In an example embodiment, at least one indication may be provided when a predetermined amount of movement has been achieved. In another example embodiment, at least one indication may reflect the amount of movement. The indication may include a status signal, such as 0 or 1 (binary signal), or the indication may include a numerical value reflecting the amount of movement. Furthermore, providing an indication should be understood broadly and may also refer to an embodiment in which the sensor does not send any signal, i.e., there is no signal from the sensor. Thus, the absence of a signal from the sensor may also be understood as an "indication." Furthermore, in an example embodiment, the sensor 114 is a switch, a microswitch, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a strain gauge, an accelerometer, or a proximity sensor (optical or magnetic). In the case of an accelerometer, based on the value provided by the accelerometer, it may be determined whether the elevator car is suspended by the suspension device or whether the predetermined amount of movement within the elevator parking brake 136 has been achieved.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, elevator holding brake 136 may include a controller operably connected to at least one sensor.

[0044] As Figure 1B Summary of the illustrated scheme based on the torque in the elevator holding brake 136 due to the distance between the brake pad 104 gripping point and the suspension cable anchor point when the elevator holding brake 136 is applied and the load in the elevator car varies. The illustrated scheme avoids the unpleasant jerk when the elevator holding brake is released because the suspension tension has been matched to the varying load in the elevator car.

[0045] Figure 1CAn elevator holding brake 142 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The elevator holding brake 142 holds the elevator car in position during loading and unloading and releases its grip before the elevator car begins moving again after the load has been transferred to the suspension means (e.g., suspension ropes) and the car and landing doors have closed.

[0046] The elevator parking brake 142 includes brake pads 104 that are configured to provide a braking force on the guide rails 102 during loading and unloading conditions of the elevator car. Figure 1C Only one brake pad is shown, and the elevator holding brake may include more than one brake pad. The elevator holding brake 142 is configured to allow a predetermined amount of movement within the elevator holding brake 142 during loading and unloading conditions of the elevator car. Movement may be achieved using elements 108 and 118.

[0047] The elevator holding brake 142 includes a first element 118 including a brake pad 104. A second element 108 is connected to the first element 118 by a connecting arrangement (eg, a bolt or pin). The second element 108 is further configured to be attached to the sling 116.

[0048] When the load of the elevator car increases (i.e., passengers enter the elevator car), the connection arrangement between the first element 118 and the second element 108 enables the second element 108 to move vertically away from the first element 118. Similarly, when the load of the elevator car decreases (i.e., passengers exit the elevator car), the connection arrangement between the first element 118 and the second element 108 enables the second element 108 to move vertically toward the first element 118.

[0049] At least one sensor 144 may be disposed between the first element 118 and the second element 108 to detect movement of the first element 118 relative to the second element 108. In an exemplary embodiment, one sensor may be configured to detect upward movement, and another sensor may be configured to detect downward movement. In another exemplary embodiment, only a single sensor may be used to detect movement in either the upward or downward direction. The sensor 144 is configured to provide at least one indication associated with movement of the second element 108 relative to the first element 118 during loading and unloading of the elevator car. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one indication may be provided when a predetermined amount of movement (e.g., 1-2 millimeters) is reached. In another exemplary embodiment, the at least one indication may reflect the amount of movement. The indication may include a status signal, such as a 0 or 1 (binary signal), or the indication may include a numerical value reflecting the amount of movement. Furthermore, providing an indication should be broadly construed and may also refer to embodiments in which the sensor does not transmit any signal, i.e., the absence of a signal from the sensor. Therefore, the absence of a signal from the sensor may also be understood as an "indication." Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the sensor 144 is a switch, a microswitch, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a strain gauge, an accelerometer, or a proximity sensor (optical or magnetic). In the case of an accelerometer, based on the value provided by the accelerometer, it can be determined whether the elevator car is suspended by the suspension device or has reached a predetermined amount of movement within the elevator parking brake 142.

[0050] As Figure 1C In summary of the illustrated approach, the elevator parking brake 142 can be configured to allow a predetermined amount of vertical movement within the brake housing or bracket during loading and unloading conditions of the elevator car, and at least one sensor 144 can be provided to detect the vertical movement.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, elevator holding brake 142 may include a controller operably connected to at least one sensor 144 .

[0052] Figure 2 A controller 200 for operating an elevator system is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 and Figure 3 、 Figure 4 Discuss together, Figure 3 A method of operating an elevator system according to an exemplary embodiment is shown, and Figure 4 An elevator system according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0053] The method includes controlling 300 at least one elevator parking brake 100 , 136 associated with an elevator car 400 to provide a braking force on the guide rails in loading and / or unloading situations of the elevator car 400 .

[0054] At 302, during a loading and / or unloading condition, the controller 200 is configured to monitor a status of at least one sensor of at least one elevator holding brake 100, 136 based on at least one indication provided by the at least one sensor. Furthermore, providing an indication should be broadly understood and may also refer to embodiments in which the sensor does not send any signal, i.e., there is no signal from the sensor. Thus, the absence of a signal from a sensor may also be understood as an "indication."

[0055] At 304 , the controller 200 is configured to analyze the status.

[0056] At 306 , the controller 200 is configured to control the tension of a suspension device associated with the elevator car 400 based on the analysis.

[0057] In an example embodiment, the controller 200 is configured to monitor an indication from at least one elevator holding brake 100, 136 at step 302. The indication may indicate that a predetermined amount of movement within the elevator holding brake 100, 136 has been reached in an unloading condition. The controller 200 is then configured to control the tension of the suspension device 402 to change until the indication from the at least one elevator holding brake 100, 136 changes to indicate that the load of the elevator car corresponds to the tension of the suspension device.

[0058] In another example embodiment, the controller 200 is configured to monitor for an indication from the at least one elevator holding brake 100, 136 at step 302. The indication may indicate that a predetermined amount of movement within the elevator holding brake 100, 136 has been reached during a loading condition. The controller 200 is then configured to control the tension of the suspension device 402 to tighten the suspension device 402 until no indication is subsequently received from the at least one elevator holding brake 100, 136.

[0059] In another exemplary embodiment, a single sensor is used to indicate, through its state, the balance between the elevator holding brake 100, 136 and the tension provided by the suspension 402. The controller 200 may be configured to monitor the state of the indication from the sensor in step 302. When only one sensor is used, the sensor may, for example, only detect when the load in the elevator car is greater than the tension in the suspension 402. When the load in the elevator car is less than the tension in the suspension 402, the sensor may not provide any indication to the controller 200. This means that when the load in the elevator car decreases (i.e., in an unloading situation), the state of the sensor does not change. The controller 200 may be configured to relax the tension in the suspension 402 by an amount that causes the state of the sensor to change. When the state changes, this means that due to the reduced tension from the suspension 402, the elevator holding brake 100, 136 is now carrying a portion of the elevator car's load. In response to detecting the change in the state of the sensor, the controller 200 may be configured to tighten the tension in the suspension 402 by an amount that causes the state of the indication from the sensor to change again, i.e., to a state where no indication is received from the sensor. This means that the suspension device 402 once again fully suspends the weight of the elevator car.

[0060] In another exemplary embodiment, a single sensor is used to indicate, through its state, the balance between the elevator holding brakes 100, 136 and the tension provided by the suspension 402. The controller 200 may be configured to monitor the state of the indication from the sensor in step 302. When only one sensor is used, the sensor may, for example, only detect when the load in the elevator car is less than the tension in the suspension 402. When the load in the elevator car is greater than the tension in the suspension 402, the sensor may not provide any indication to the controller 200. This means that when the load in the elevator car increases (i.e., in a loaded condition), the state of the sensor does not change. The controller 200 may be configured to tighten the tension in the suspension 402 by an amount that causes the state of the sensor to change. When the state changes, this means that the increased tension in the suspension 402 now corresponds to a load greater than the load in the elevator car. In response to detecting a change in the state of the sensor, the controller 200 may be configured to loosen the tension in the suspension 402 by an amount that causes the state of the indication from the sensor to change again, i.e., to a state where no indication is received from the sensor. This means that the suspension 402 is once again fully suspending the weight of the elevator car.

[0061] In another exemplary embodiment, the controller 200 can be configured to adjust the tension of the suspension 402 based on the analysis to change the vibration amplitude and / or sway frequency in the suspension 402. The suspension 402 associated with the elevator car 400 can be considered as freely vibrating "strings." These strings are excited to vibrate, for example, by movement of the elevator car 400 during loading and unloading, during travel, building sway, and motor-induced acceleration. The problem of suspension sway increases as the maximum travel distance of the elevator increases, as this increases the length of the vibrating elements. In a worst-case scenario, the sway amplitude can be so high that the suspension 402 contacts the elevator shaft wall or components fixed to the shaft wall. For example, during sway, the metal round ropes may also strike each other, generating noise and causing minor additional wear. As the elevator car moves upward in the elevator shaft, the length of the suspension from the elevator car to the motor decreases. This reduced suspension length increases the rope sway frequency, and the vibration energy stored in the suspension due to the movement of the elevator car and the building may also increase, i.e., energy is transferred from building motion to suspension motion. By dynamically adjusting the tension in the suspension 402, the vibration amplitude and / or frequency of the swaying suspension 402 can be changed. This allows decoupling from the resonant frequency of the suspension 402 and thus effectively preventing excessive suspension sway during loading / unloading of the elevator car 400.

[0062] With at least one elevator holding brake 100, 136 engaged, sway in the suspension 402, i.e., movement within the holding brake mechanism as described above, can be detected as the dynamic rope tension changes in the same manner as the car load changes.

[0063] In addition, the controller 200 may also be configured to actively modify the tension of the suspension device 402. Based on the sway detection information, the controller 200 may be configured to actively adjust the tension of the suspension device 402. For example, when the tension at the suspension device 402 reaches a peak, that is, when the suspension device 402 is farthest from its normal (straight) position, the tension may be reduced, and when the suspension device 402 has swung to the normal (straight) position and is about to continue swaying to the opposite side, the tension may be tightened.

[0064] While the essential novel features as applied to the preferred embodiments thereof have been shown, described, and pointed out, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in form and details of the apparatus and methods may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, it will be recognized that structures and / or elements and / or method steps shown and / or described in conjunction with any disclosed form or embodiment may be incorporated into any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a matter of general design choice. Furthermore, in the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein that perform the recited function, including not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.

[0065] Applicants hereby disclose individually each individual feature described herein, as well as any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such feature or combination can be implemented based on this specification as a whole, according to the common knowledge of a person skilled in the art, regardless of whether such feature or combination of features solves any problem disclosed herein, and without limiting the scope of the claims. Applicants indicate that the disclosed aspects / embodiments may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features. In view of the foregoing description, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that various modifications can be made within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An elevator parking brake, comprising: brake pads configured to provide a braking force on the guide rails during loading and unloading conditions of the elevator car; and at least one sensor; wherein the elevator holding brake is configured to allow a predetermined amount of movement within the elevator holding brake during the loading and unloading conditions of the elevator car while the brake pads are providing braking force on the guide rails; and wherein said at least one sensor is configured to provide at least one indication associated with said movement within said elevator parking brake during said loading and unloading conditions of said elevator car; Wherein the at least one sensor is configured to provide the at least one indication when the predetermined amount of movement has been reached.

2. The elevator parking brake according to claim 1, comprising: a first element comprising the brake pad, the first element comprising a first pivot point, the first pivot point enabling the first element to pivot relative to the guide rail; a second element connected to the first element; a third element connected to the second element via a second pivot point and configured to be attached to a sling, the second pivot point enabling the third element to pivot relative to the second element; The at least one sensor is arranged between the second element and the third element to detect movement of the third element relative to the second element.

3. The elevator parking brake according to claim 1, comprising: a fourth element comprising the brake pad, the fourth element comprising a third pivot point, the third pivot point enabling the fourth element to pivot relative to the guide rail; a fifth element connected to the fourth element via a fourth pivot point and configured to be attached to a sling; a connecting element connected to the fourth element via a fifth pivot point; Wherein the at least one sensor is arranged between the connecting element and an attachment member to detect movement of the connecting element relative to the attachment member, the attachment member being configured to be connected to the sling or the elevator car.

4. The elevator holding brake of claim 1 , wherein the elevator holding brake is configured to allow a predetermined amount of vertical movement within a brake housing or bracket under the loading and unloading conditions of the elevator car.

5. The elevator parking brake according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one of a switch, a micro switch, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a strain gauge, an acceleration sensor, or a proximity sensor.

6. An elevator car comprising at least one elevator holding brake according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A method for operating an elevator system, the method comprising: controlling at least one elevator holding brake according to any one of claims 1 to 5, associated with the elevator car, to provide a braking force on the guide rails in loading and / or unloading situations of the elevator car; monitoring a status of said at least one sensor of said at least one elevator holding brake based on said at least one indication provided by said at least one sensor during said loading and / or unloading condition; analyzing the state; and Based on the analysis, the tension of a suspension device associated with the elevator car is controlled.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: Monitoring the status of the at least one sensor includes: monitoring a first indication from the at least one elevator holding brake, the first indication indicating that a predetermined amount of movement within the elevator holding brake has been reached during the unloading condition; and Controlling the tension in the suspension device includes relaxing the suspension device until the analysis of the state of the at least one sensor indicates that the load of the elevator car is carried by the suspension device and not by the elevator holding brake.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein: Monitoring the status of the at least one sensor includes: monitoring a second indication from the at least one elevator holding brake, the second indication indicating that the predetermined amount of movement within the elevator holding brake has been reached during the loading condition; and Controlling the tension in the suspension device includes tightening the suspension device until the analysis of the state of the at least one sensor indicates that the load of the elevator car is carried by the suspension device and not by the elevator holding brake.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the controlling comprises: Based on the analysis, the tension of the suspension device associated with the elevator car is adjusted to change the vibration amplitude and / or frequency of the suspension device.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a single sensor, the method further comprising: In the uninstallation condition, no change in the state of the sensor is detected; relaxing the tension of the suspension device until a change in the state of the sensor is detected; and The tension in the suspension is tightened until a subsequent change in the state of the sensor is detected.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a single sensor, the method further comprising: In the loaded condition, no change in the state of the sensor is detected; tightening the tension of the suspension device until a change in the state of the sensor is detected; and The tension in the suspension is relaxed until a subsequent change in the state of the sensor is detected.

13. An elevator system comprising: elevator car; at least one elevator holding brake according to any one of claims 1 to 5, associated with the elevator car; a suspension device configured to support the elevator car in an elevator shaft; The controller is configured as: controlling the at least one elevator holding brake to provide a braking force on the guide rails in loading and / or unloading situations of the elevator car; monitoring a status of said at least one sensor of said at least one elevator holding brake based on said at least one indication provided by said at least one sensor during said loading and / or unloading condition; analyzing the state; and Based on the analysis, the tension of the suspension device is controlled.

14. The elevator system of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to: monitoring a first indication from said at least one elevator holding brake, said first indication indicating that a predetermined amount of movement within said elevator holding brake has been achieved during said unloading condition; and The suspension device is relaxed until the analysis of the state of the at least one sensor indicates that the load of the elevator car is carried by the suspension device and not by the elevator holding brake.

15. The elevator system of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to: monitoring a second indication from said at least one elevator holding brake, said second indication indicating that a predetermined amount of movement within said elevator holding brake has been achieved during said loading condition; and The suspension device is tightened until the analysis of the state of the at least one sensor indicates that the load of the elevator car is carried by the suspension device and not by the elevator holding brake.

16. The elevator system of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to adjust tension in the suspension associated with the elevator car based on the analysis to change an amplitude and / or frequency of vibration of the suspension.

17. The elevator system of claim 13, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a single sensor, and the controller is configured to: In the uninstallation condition, no change in the state of the sensor is detected; relaxing the tension in the suspension until a change in the state of the sensor is detected; and The tension in the suspension is tightened until a subsequent change in the state of the sensor is detected.

18. The elevator system of claim 13, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a single sensor, and the controller is configured to: In the loaded condition, no change in the state of the sensor is detected; tightening the tension of the suspension device until a change in the state of the sensor is detected; and The tension in the suspension is relaxed until a subsequent change in the state of the sensor is detected.

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