Safety system, elevator and method for upgrading a safety system of an elevator

Abstract

A safety system (50) of an elevator (100) provided herein can include a safety controller (10), a sensor unit (12) configured to generate a first sensor signal indicative of a travel parameter and provide the first sensor signal to an elevator drive unit (30) of the elevator (100), and a signal converter (14) connected to the sensor unit (12) and configured to convert the first sensor signal into a second signal in a second format compatible with the safety controller (10) and provide the second signal in the second format to the safety controller (10). The safety controller (10) can be configured to receive the second signal in the second format and determine whether an emergency condition exists based on the second signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to elevators. In particular, however, non-exclusively, this invention relates to a safety system for an elevator, such as one configured to determine emergency conditions of the elevator and preferably further initiate an emergency stop of the elevator. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, elevator drives have many individual sensors and actuators that are general-purpose devices, meaning they are not designed for any specific elevator drive application. Typically, these sensors and actuators are complex, expensive, and slow due to the many overlapping processing and control functions. Therefore, each application requires a separate sensor. The same applies to elevator safety systems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of this invention is to provide a safety system, an elevator, and a method for upgrading the safety system of an elevator. Another object of this invention is that the safety system, elevator, and method facilitate the operation of the safety system without increasing the number of sensors used to measure the elevator's travel parameters, such as those related to the operation of the elevator's motor and / or traction sheave.

[0004] The objectives of this invention are achieved by the safety systems, elevators, and methods defined in the respective independent claims.

[0005] According to a first aspect, an elevator safety system is provided. The safety system includes: a safety controller; a sensor unit configured to generate a first sensor signal having a first format indicating travel parameters and to provide the first sensor signal to an elevator drive unit; and a signal converter connected to the sensor unit and configured to convert the first sensor signal into a second signal in a second format compatible with the safety controller, the first format being different from the second format, and to provide the second signal in the second format to the safety controller. Further, the safety controller is configured to receive the second signal in the second format and determine the presence of an emergency condition based on the second signal, and the safety controller is configured to compare the travel parameters carried by the second signal with an emergency stop criterion used to determine the emergency condition. Furthermore, the signal converter is arranged in or with the elevator drive unit in the same rack for mounting multiple electronic devices.

[0006] In this paper, the travel parameters of an elevator refer to parameters indirectly related to the movement of the elevator car. Therefore, travel parameters can refer to the operation of the motor or the parameters of the elevator's traction sheave. Travel parameters may include, for example, at least one of the following: rotor angular position, rotational speed with velocity and / or direction, amount of rotation of the traction sheave, and acceleration and / or deceleration of the traction sheave.

[0007] In various embodiments, the format change performed by the signal converter does not simply mean filtering and / or changing the resolution of the first sensor signal. A format change could mean, for example, changing the signal from an analog signal to a digital signal. In various embodiments, a format change could mean actually converting the first sensor signal into a format suitable for use in a safety controller and optionally in some other equipment within the elevator.

[0008] In various embodiments, the safety controller can be configured to trigger an emergency stop upon determination of an emergency condition. For example, the safety controller may be an Emergency Terminal Speed ​​Limit Controller (ETSL).

[0009] In one embodiment, the safety controller may be configured to compare the travel parameters carried by the second signal with emergency stop criteria (such as those related to the speed of the motor) to determine an emergency condition.

[0010] In various embodiments, the sensor unit may include an encoder. The encoder may optionally utilize digital synchronous serial communication technology.

[0011] In some embodiments, the encoder may be a synchronous serial interface (SSI) encoder. Preferably, the first sensor signal may be in SSI signal format.

[0012] In some embodiments, the sensor unit may include a magnetic field sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor unit may include an inductive proximity sensor.

[0013] In various embodiments, the first sensor signal may be an analog signal.

[0014] In various embodiments, the second signal having the second format is an orthogonal signal.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second signal having a second format may be in a data frame format, such as an Ethernet frame, a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus frame, or a Local Operation Network (LON) bus frame.

[0016] In various embodiments, the signal converter may be arranged in or closely connected to the elevator drive unit.

[0017] According to a second aspect, an elevator is provided. The elevator includes: an elevator car arranged to be moved in an elevator shaft by an elevator motor; and an elevator drive unit arranged to operate the motor. Furthermore, the elevator includes a safety system according to the first aspect.

[0018] According to a third aspect, a method for upgrading a safety system for an elevator is provided. The safety system, prior to implementation of the method, includes: a current sensor unit arranged to be connected to the elevator's motor and configured to generate a second signal having a second format indicating travel parameters, and to provide the second signal to an elevator drive unit operating the motor; and a safety controller configured to receive the second signal and determine, based on the second signal, whether an emergency condition exists, the safety controller being configured to: compare the travel parameters carried by the second signal with an emergency stop criterion used to determine the emergency condition.

[0019] The method includes replacing a current sensor unit with a sensor unit configured to generate a first sensor signal having a first format, which differs from a second format. The sensor unit is configured to provide the first sensor signal to an elevator drive unit, wherein the elevator drive unit is adapted to be compatible with the first sensor signal. The method further includes: obtaining or manufacturing a signal converter configured to convert the first sensor signal having the first format into a second signal having a second format; and arranging the signal converter connected to the sensor unit, wherein the signal converter is arranged in or with the elevator drive unit in the same rack for mounting multiple electronic devices, and providing the second signal in the second format to a safety controller.

[0020] In various embodiments, the arrangement may include placing a signal converter to or closely connecting it to the elevator drive unit.

[0021] This invention provides a safety system, an elevator, and a method for upgrading the safety system of an elevator. The invention offers advantages over known solutions in that it reduces the number of sensors required to measure the operating parameters of the elevator's motor and / or traction sheave, relative to obtaining the necessary information for the elevator's safety system.

[0022] Based on the following detailed description, various other advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0023] The expression “multiple” can refer to any positive integer starting from two (2), i.e., at least two.

[0024] Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used herein to distinguish one element from another and do not specifically prioritize or order them.

[0025] The exemplary embodiments of the invention presented herein should not be construed as limiting the applicability of the appended claims. The verb "comprising" is used herein as an open-ended limitation, which does not exclude features that are present or not recited. Unless expressly stated otherwise, features recited in the appended claims may be freely combined with each other.

[0026] Novel features considered characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. However, the construction and operation of the invention itself, as well as its additional objects and advantages, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0027] In the accompanying drawings, some embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example rather than limitation.

[0028] Figure 1 An elevator according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0029] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A security system according to some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0030] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0031] According to various embodiments of the present invention, an elevator safety system can be provided. In particular, the safety system can be an emergency stop system for the elevator. Using this safety system, the number of sensors measuring the elevator's travel parameters can be reduced without causing a shortage of measurement data. For example, many conventionally complex and expensive components, such as pulse encoders, can be omitted. In various embodiments, the elevator's travel parameters can include at least one of the following: rotor angular position, rotational speed with velocity and / or direction, rotational amount of the traction sheave, and acceleration and / or deceleration of the traction sheave.

[0032] Figure 1 An elevator according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated. Elevator 100 may include an elevator car 110 arranged to move within an elevator shaft 112. Movement of the elevator car 110 may preferably be implemented via a lifting rope or belt 115 connected to a traction sheave 24, etc. Furthermore, elevator 100 may include a motor 20 arranged to operate (e.g., rotate) the traction sheave 24 to move the elevator car 110. The traction sheave 24 may be directly or indirectly connected to the shaft of the motor 20 via a mechanical connection 22, or via gears. Elevator 100 may include a machine room or be machine-room-less, such as having the motor 20 within an elevator shaft 112.

[0033] Elevator 100 may preferably include at least one hoisting mechanical brake 116, which is configured to resist or preferably prevent movement of motor 20 (i.e., its rotor) directly or via traction sheave 114 or its components and / or components therebetween when such action is required. In particular, movement can be prevented in emergency situations of elevator 100. Furthermore, elevator 100 may include a brake controller 125 configured to operate at least one of the at least one hoisting mechanical brake 116. Brake controller 125 may also be connected to other components of elevator 100, such as elevator control unit 1000. Brake controller 125 may include, or at least be connected to, an actuator (not shown) for operating the brake 116.

[0034] According to various embodiments, and as Figure 1 As shown, a safety system 50 for elevator 100 is proposed. The safety system 50 may include at least a safety controller 10 and a sensor unit 12 configured to generate a first sensor signal, for example in a first format, including information about at least one travel parameter. The sensor unit 12 may be adapted to generate the first sensor signal, such as providing it to the elevator drive unit 30 for operating and controlling the operation of the motor 20. The safety system 50 preferably also includes a signal converter (…). Figure 1 (Not shown in the image), the signal converter is connected to the sensor unit 12 and configured to convert the first sensor signal into a second signal having a second format compatible with the safety controller 10. Further, the safety controller 10 can be configured to receive the second signal in the second format and determine, based on the second signal, whether a condition is met to determine the emergency conditions of the elevator 100. Preferably, the second format of the second signal differs from the first format of the first sensor signal.

[0035] The elevator control unit 1000 can generally be configured to control the operation of the elevator 100. As those skilled in the art of elevators know, this can mean a variety of things. The elevator control unit 1000 can be connected to safety elements and devices of the elevator 100, such as safety chains. The elevator control unit can be configured to, for example, control the movement of the elevator car 110 in the elevator shaft 112 via the elevator drive unit 30.

[0036] In various embodiments, the elevator control unit 1000 may include a safety controller 10 or be at least arranged to be connected to the safety controller.

[0037] In at least some embodiments, a counterweight 118, such as that known to those skilled in the art of elevators, may additionally be present and arranged to connect with the elevator car 110. Further still, the elevator 100 may additionally include one or more guide rails 117 arranged in the elevator shaft 112 to guide the movement of the elevator car 110.

[0038] Figure 1 The elevator 100 also schematically illustrates an elevator drive unit 30, such as including an inverter or frequency converter, for connection to the motor 20 and control of the operation of the motor 20 via its controller. The controller may preferably be configured to operate the elevator drive unit 30 to provide electrical power (signals) (such as having variable voltage and / or current and variable frequency) to the motor 20. For example, the controller may be a separate controller device or may be included within the elevator drive unit 30.

[0039] Additionally, the elevator 100 may include a sensor unit 12 arranged to connect to the motor 20 and / or the traction sheave 24 for determining at least one travel parameter of the elevator 100, which is preferably an angular position and / or rotational speed, and / or acceleration and / or deceleration of the motor 20 (i.e., its rotor) or the traction sheave 24. The sensor unit 12 is preferably connected to the elevator drive unit 30 to provide it with a first signal generated by the sensor unit 12 and including information related to the at least one travel parameter. The first signal may include information about at least one of the following: rotor angular position, rotational speed having velocity and / or direction, amount of rotation of the traction sheave, acceleration and / or deceleration of the traction sheave; i.e., at least one travel parameter of the elevator 100.

[0040] Furthermore, the elevator drive unit 30 can be arranged to be fed by a power source (such as the elevator 100) from an external power grid having a base frequency of 50 or 60 Hz or from another power source (such as a battery system). Additionally, the power source can obtain power from the elevator drive unit 30.

[0041] Elevator 100 preferably includes stopping floors 19 and, for example, stopping floor doors and / or openings, and elevator car 10 is arranged to be moved between the stopping floor and the stopping floor doors and / or openings during normal operation of elevator 100, such as to move people and / or goods between the floors 19.

[0042] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A security system 50 according to some embodiments of the present invention is schematically illustrated. Figure 2AThe diagram illustrates a safety controller 10 and a sensor unit 12, which can be configured to generate a first sensor signal indicating travel parameters and provide the first sensor signal to an elevator drive unit 30 of the elevator. A signal converter 14 is further shown. The signal converter 14 can be connected to the sensor unit 12 and is configured to convert the first sensor signal into a second signal in a second format compatible with the safety controller 10. Preferably, the second format of the second signal is different from the format of the first sensor signal. The signal converter 14 can also be configured to provide the second signal in the second format to the safety controller 10. The safety controller 10 can be configured to receive and read the second signal in the second format and determine, based on the second signal, whether an emergency condition exists in the elevator 100. Also as Figure 2A As shown, the signal converter 14 can be positioned virtually anywhere in the elevator 100, provided that the first sensor signal is arranged to at least provide the signal converter 14 with the signal.

[0043] The signal converter 14 can be implemented by utilizing a circuit system comprising multiple electronic components and / or by utilizing programmable logic circuits or programmable processing units.

[0044] Figure 2B An embodiment of safety system 50 is illustrated, which, in other respects, is integrated with the elevator drive unit 30, or at least closely connected thereto (such as in the same rack used to mount multiple electronic devices), except that the signal converter 14 is included in the elevator drive unit 30. Figure 2A The security system shown is similar.

[0045] In some embodiments (e.g. with) Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the embodiments described above, the first sensor signal can preferably be sent to the elevator drive unit 30 via the signal converter 14 with substantially no modification. Alternatively, the first sensor signal can be provided directly to the elevator drive unit 30.

[0046] As in Figure 2A and Figure 2B As can be seen, the signal converter 14 can be connected to the sensor unit 14 via the first communication channel 16 and to the safety controller 10 via the second communication channel 18, and optionally, to some other system of the elevator 100. In various embodiments, the other system may refer to a system that monitors the speed of the elevator car 110 and / or the speed of the elevator car 110, the motor, or the traction sheave when the elevator car 110 approaches the end of the elevator shaft 112.

[0047] According to various embodiments, sensor unit 12 may include an encoder for generating a first sensor signal, which preferably includes information about at least one travel parameter.

[0048] Sensor unit 12 may include a magnetic field sensor. Alternatively, sensor unit 12 may include an inductive proximity sensor.

[0049] In various embodiments (such as with) Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the embodiments described above, the first sensor signal can be transmitted via a first communication channel 16 arranged between the sensor unit 12 and the elevator drive unit 30. Optionally, the first sensor signal is an analog signal. Additionally, the second signal can be transmitted via a second communication channel 18. Optionally, the second signal is in the format of a quadrature encoder signal. The first communication channel 16 and the second communication channel 18 can be channels of the same or similar type, or alternatively preferably, the first communication channel 16 and the second communication channel 18 can be channels of different types relative to each other.

[0050] The first communication channel 16 may be adapted to be used with, for example, one of the following sensor technologies (i.e., from which a first signal is transmitted): a DC tachometer, a rotary transformer, a pulse encoder, such as a rotary encoder, or a Sin / Cos encoder. Alternatively, for example, the first communication channel 16 may be adapted to be used with one of the following sensor technologies (i.e., from which a first signal is transmitted using serial communication): a Synchronous Serial Interface (SSI) encoder, a Bidirectional / Serial / Synchronous (BiSS) encoder, or an Encoder Data (EnDat) encoder.

[0051] The second communication channel 16 can be used in a data frame format, such as an Ethernet frame, a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus frame, or a Local Operation Network (LON) bus frame.

[0052] In this embodiment, the encoder of sensor unit 12 may be an SSI encoder. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first sensor signal has a format, namely a first format, suitable for this synchronous serial communication in SSI signal format. Signal converter 14 may optionally be configured to convert this first format of synchronous serial communication into orthogonal pulse waves based on the first sensor signal, and the orthogonal pulse waves include information about the travel parameters indicated by the first sensor signal.

[0053] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0054] Step 300 refers to the initial stage of the method. In some cases, this could mean shutting down elevator 100 in order to upgrade elevator 100 or, in particular, its safety system 50.

[0055] Step 310 refers to replacing the current or existing sensor unit with sensor unit 12 (i.e., the new sensor unit 12). Sensor unit 12 can be configured to generate a first sensor signal with a first format, which is different from the second format of the second signal. Sensor unit 12 can also be configured to provide the first sensor signal to elevator drive unit 30.

[0056] Step 320 refers to obtaining or manufacturing a signal converter 14, which is configured to convert a first sensor signal having a first format into a second signal having a second format.

[0057] Step 330 refers to arranging the signal converter 14, which is connected to the sensor unit 12 and provides a second signal in a second format to the safety controller 10. In some embodiments, the arrangement may include arranging the signal converter 14 to or closely connecting it to the elevator drive unit 30.

[0058] Method execution can be stopped at step 399. Safety system 50 has been upgraded with a new sensor unit 12.

[0059] The advantage of this method is that even if the sensor unit 12 is repositioned, the safety controller 14 does not need to be changed, and optionally, other systems utilizing the measurement data from the sensor unit 12 do not need to be changed. Furthermore, no new sensors need to be installed for the safety controller 14 or, optionally, for other systems utilizing the measurement data from the sensor unit 12.

Claims

1. A safety system (50) of an elevator (100), comprising: a safety controller (10); a sensor unit (12) configured to generate a first sensor signal in a first format indicative of a travel parameter and to provide the first sensor signal to an elevator drive unit (30) of the elevator (100); a signal converter (14) connected to the sensor unit (12) and configured to convert the first sensor signal into a second signal in a second format compatible with the safety controller (10), the first format being different from the second format, and to provide the second signal in the second format to the safety controller (10), wherein the safety controller (10) is configured to receive the second signal in the second format and to determine, based on the second signal, whether an emergency condition exists, and the safety controller is configured to compare the travel parameter carried by the second signal with an emergency stop criterion for determining the emergency condition, characterized in that the signal converter is arranged to the elevator drive unit (30) or together with the elevator drive unit (30) in the same rack for mounting a plurality of electronic equipment.

2. The safety system (50) according to claim 1, wherein the safety controller (10) is configured to cause an emergency stop in case the emergency condition is determined.

3. The safety system (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the safety controller (10) is an emergency terminal overspeed controller.

4. The safety system (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein an encoder of the sensor unit (12) is a synchronous serial interface encoder.

5. The safety system (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the sensor unit (12) comprises a magnetic field sensor.

6. The safety system (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the sensor unit (12) comprises an inductive proximity sensor.

7. The safety system (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first sensor signal is in a synchronous serial interface signal format.

8. The safety system (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first sensor signal is an analog signal.

9. The safety system (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the second signal in the second format is a quadrature signal.

10. The safety system (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the second signal in the second format is in a data frame format, such as one of the following: an Ethernet frame, a Controller Area Network bus frame, or a Local Operating Network bus frame.

11. An elevator (100) comprising: an elevator car (110) arranged to move in an elevator shaft (112) by means of an electric motor (20) of the elevator (100); an elevator car (110) arranged to move in an elevator shaft (112) by means of an electric motor (20) of the elevator (100); and an elevator drive unit (30) configured to operate the electric motor (20), characterized in that the elevator (100) comprises a safety system (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A method for upgrading a safety system (50) of an elevator (100), wherein the safety system (50) comprises: a current sensor unit arranged in connection with an electric motor (20) of the elevator (100) and configured to generate a second signal having a second format indicative of a travel parameter and to provide the second signal to an elevator drive unit (30) operating the electric motor (20), and a safety controller (10) configured to receive the second signal and to determine, based on the second signal, whether an emergency condition exists, the safety controller (10) being configured to compare the travel parameter carried by the second signal with an emergency stop criterion for determining the emergency condition, wherein the method comprises: replacing (310) the current sensor unit with a sensor unit (12) configured to generate a first sensor signal having a first format, the first format being different from the second format, configured to provide the first sensor signal to the elevator drive unit (30), wherein the elevator drive unit (30) is adapted to be compatible with the first sensor signal, characterized in that the method further comprises: obtaining or manufacturing (320) a signal converter (14) configured to convert the first sensor signal having the first format into the second signal having the second format, and arranging (330) the signal converter (14) in connection with the sensor unit (12) and arranged to the elevator drive unit (30) or together with the elevator drive unit (30) in the same rack for installing a plurality of electronic equipment and to provide the second signal in the second format to the safety controller (10).

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