Self-checking device and method for an elevator brake arrangement and elevator system

Abstract

This invention provides a self-detection device and method for an elevator braking device, as well as an elevator system. The self-detection device includes: a controller that controls the voltage applied to the electromagnetic coil of the elevator braking device, the controller being configured to put the elevator into a test mode, and to gradually increase the voltage applied to the electromagnetic coil of the braking device in a predetermined pattern when the braking device is in a braking state, or to gradually decrease the voltage applied to the electromagnetic coil of the braking device in a predetermined pattern when the braking device is in a non-braking state; and a processor configured to receive and record a first time t1 when the brake switch of the braking device is triggered; and to determine, based on the first time t1, whether the brake switch is in an appropriate position. The device and method according to embodiments of the invention can monitor the position of the brake switch.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of elevators, and more specifically, to a self-detection device and method for elevator braking systems. Background Technology

[0002] To ensure elevator safety, standards stipulate that elevator systems must be equipped with brake switches to provide feedback on the position of the moving plate. When the moving plate moves from the braking position to the non-braking position or vice versa, it presses or releases the brake switch. This switching of the brake switch provides feedback on whether the moving plate is in the braking position. Because the brake switch is mounted on the stationary plate, its position may change after repeated contact by the moving plate. When this position change reaches a certain level, it becomes impossible to accurately reflect the moving plate's state. In this case, the elevator system will malfunction for safety reasons if the moving plate's position cannot be determined.

[0003] In emergency repairs of braking system malfunctions, a large proportion are related to the position of the brake switch. Maintaining the brake switch in the proper position is crucial for the normal operation of the elevator system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve or at least alleviate the problems existing in the prior art; On the one hand, a self-detection device for an elevator braking system is provided, comprising: A controller that controls the voltage applied to the electromagnetic coil of the elevator braking device, the controller being configured to put the elevator into a test mode, and to gradually increase the voltage applied to the electromagnetic coil of the braking device in a predetermined pattern when the braking device is in a braking state, or to gradually decrease the voltage applied to the electromagnetic coil of the braking device in a predetermined pattern when the braking device is in a non-braking state; and A processor configured to receive and record a first time t1 when the brake switch of the braking device is triggered; and to determine, based on the first time t1, whether the brake switch is in an appropriate position.

[0005] Optionally, in an embodiment of the self-detection device, the processor is further configured to: monitor the current of the electromagnetic coil; record fluctuations in the current of the electromagnetic coil, and record a second time t2 at the start of the current fluctuation and a third time t3 at the trough of the current fluctuation; and determine whether the brake switch is in an appropriate position based on the relative relationship between the first time t1, the second time t2, and the third time t3, or determine whether the brake switch is in an appropriate position based on the relative relationship between the current I1 at the first time t1, the current I2 at the second time t2, and the current I3 at the third time t3.

[0006] Optionally, in an embodiment of the self-detection device, the processor is configured to determine that the brake switch is in an appropriate position when (t1-t2) is within the range of a1(t3-t2) to a2(t3-t2), and to determine that the brake switch is in an inappropriate position when (t1-t2) is outside the range of a1(t3-t2) to a2(t3-t2), wherein a1 is selected from 0.2-0.5 and a2 is selected from 0.5-0.8.

[0007] Optionally, in an embodiment of the self-testing device, the processor is further configured to: determine a reference trigger time t0 of the brake switch based on the correct installation position of the brake switch during commissioning; and determine whether the brake switch is in the appropriate position based on the difference between the first time t1 and the reference trigger time t0.

[0008] Optionally, in an embodiment of the self-detection device, the controller is configured to cause the voltage to increase or decrease at a first rate in a first segment before the fluctuation position, at a second rate in a second segment including the fluctuation position, and at a third rate in a third segment after the fluctuation position, wherein the second rate is lower than the first rate and the third rate.

[0009] Optionally, in an embodiment of the self-detection device, the controller is configured to apply the voltage by gradually increasing it from 0% to 100% or gradually decreasing it from 100% to 0% in a pulse width modulation duty cycle manner.

[0010] Optionally, in an embodiment of the self-testing device, the controller is configured to repeatedly perform self-tests at specific time intervals.

[0011] Optionally, in an embodiment of the self-detection device, the processor is configured to send a notification when the brake switch is not properly installed.

[0012] On the other hand, an elevator system is provided, which includes a self-detection device according to various embodiments.

[0013] On the other hand, a self-detection method for an elevator braking device is provided, the method comprising: Put the elevator into test mode; When the braking device is in a braking state, the voltage applied to the electromagnetic coil of the braking device is gradually increased in a predetermined pattern, or when the braking device is in a non-braking state, the voltage applied to the electromagnetic coil of the braking device is gradually decreased in a predetermined pattern. Record the first time t1 when the brake switch of the braking device is triggered; and Based on the first time t1, it is determined whether the brake switch is in the appropriate position.

[0014] Optionally, the method further includes: Monitor the current in the electromagnetic coil; Record the fluctuations in the current of the electromagnetic coil, and record the second time t2 at the start of the current fluctuation and the third time t3 at the trough of the current fluctuation; and The brake switch is determined to be in an appropriate position based on the relative relationship between the first time t1, the second time t2, and the third time t3, or based on the relative relationship between the current I1 at the first time t1, the current I2 at the second time t2, and the current I3 at the third time t3.

[0015] Optionally, the method further includes: determining that the brake switch is in an appropriate position when (t1-t2) is within the range of a1(t3-t2) to a2(t3-t2), and determining that the brake switch is in an inappropriate position when (t1-t2) is outside the range of a1(t3-t2) to a2(t3-t2), wherein a1 is selected from 0.2-0.5 and a2 is selected from 0.5-0.8.

[0016] Optionally, the method further includes: The reference trigger time t0 of the brake switch is determined based on the correct installation position of the brake switch during commissioning; and The brake switch is determined to be in the appropriate position based on the difference between the first time t1 and the reference trigger time t0.

[0017] Optionally, the method further includes: the voltage increasing or decreasing at a first rate in a first segment before the fluctuation position, increasing or decreasing at a second rate in a second segment including the fluctuation position, and increasing or decreasing at a third rate in a third segment after the fluctuation position, wherein the second rate is lower than the first rate and the third rate.

[0018] Optionally, the method further includes: applying the voltage by gradually increasing it from 0% to 100% or gradually decreasing it from 100% to 0% using a pulse width modulation duty cycle.

[0019] Optionally, the method further includes: repeatedly executing the self-detection method at specific time intervals.

[0020] Optionally, the method further includes sending a notification when the brake switch is not properly installed.

[0021] On the other hand, a computer program is provided that, when executed, performs the methods described according to various embodiments.

[0022] On the other hand, a computer-readable medium is provided that stores a computer program, which, when executed, performs the methods described according to various embodiments.

[0023] The apparatus and method according to embodiments of the present invention can monitor the position of the brake switch. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The disclosure of this invention will become more readily understood with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that these drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. Furthermore, similar numbers in the drawings are used to denote similar components, wherein: Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary braking device is shown; Figure 2 and Figure 3 They are shown respectively Figure 1 Cross-sectional views of an exemplary braking device in both braking and non-braking states; Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the current variation over time in a method according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of region D of the curve. Detailed Implementation

[0025] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The diagram shows a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an exemplary braking system for an elevator system in both braking and non-braking states. The braking device includes a bracket 11, a frame 12 fixed to the bracket 11, a brake disc 13 connected to the drive shaft of the elevator system, a moving plate 14, and a stationary plate 15. The moving plate 14 and the frame 12 are located on opposite sides of the brake disc 13, and friction pads are provided on the side facing the brake disc 13. Figure 2As shown, spring 16 is located between moving plate 14 and stationary plate 15. It is compressed to tend to make the brake pads on moving plate 14 and frame 12 contact the brake disc 13 on the drive shaft and generate friction with the brake disc 13, thereby suppressing the rotation of the drive shaft. An electromagnetic coil 17 is also provided at stationary plate 15, which generates a magnetic field when energized. This attracts moving plate 14 towards stationary plate 15 and away from brake disc 13, thereby releasing brake disc 13 and allowing the drive shaft connected to brake disc 13 to rotate freely and drive the elevator car up and down. Brake switch 18 can be located between stationary plate 15 and moving plate 14. It will contact and switch the state of brake switch 18 during the process of moving plate 14 being attracted towards stationary plate 15 or driven away from stationary plate 15 by spring 16. Therefore, the position of moving plate 14, i.e., the state of the braking device, can be determined by the signal from brake switch 18. Brake switch 18 is generally fixed to stationary plate 15 by a bracket. During initial installation, the operator will set the position of brake switch 18 so that it can accurately reflect the position of moving plate 14. Figure 2 The braking position shown or Figure 3 The non-braking position is shown. However, during use, the position of the brake switch 18 may shift. When this shift reaches a certain level, it may cause the position of the moving plate 14 to be unrecognized or incorrectly identified. Consequently, the elevator system's safety system may not be aware of the moving plate's status and, for safety reasons, may stop the elevator system. In this case, the user will report a repair, and technicians will need to rush to the site to perform repairs and readjust the position of the brake switch 18. Emergency repairs due to the brake switch 18's position may account for a large proportion of all repair reports. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a device and method that can detect the shift of the brake switch 18 and notify maintenance personnel when the brake switch 18 shifts so that it can be adjusted to the proper position during routine maintenance.

[0026] According to one aspect, a self-testing device and method for an elevator braking device are provided. The method includes: putting the elevator into a test mode; and, when the braking device is in a state such that… Figure 2 When the braking state is shown, the voltage applied to the electromagnetic coil 17 of the braking device is gradually increased in a predetermined pattern, or when the braking device is in a state such as Figure 3In the non-braking state shown, the voltage applied to the electromagnetic coil 17 of the braking device is gradually reduced in a predetermined pattern; the first time t1 when the braking switch 18 of the braking device is triggered is recorded; and based on the first time t1, it is determined whether the braking switch 18 is in the appropriate position. The "appropriate position" can refer to the range of positions where the braking switch 18 can operate normally within the allowable offset near its pre-installation position. The self-testing method can be performed based on time, for example, at fixed time intervals, such as once every week, ten days, or once a month, or before routine maintenance. The self-testing method can be performed when the elevator system is not braking, for example, at night. Generally, the self-testing method begins when the braking device is in the braking state and the elevator is stopped. First, the elevator is put into a test mode, for example, by control. The control device can determine whether it is appropriate to enter the test mode based on factors such as time, the current load of the elevator, and the current number of elevators. After entering the test mode, the control device will no longer accept other commands such as call commands until the elevator completes its self-test. Subsequently, the control device can control a voltage application device, such as a braking device, to gradually increase the voltage applied to the electromagnetic coil 17 of the braking device in a predetermined pattern. Simultaneously, the elevator's control system will provide torque to maintain the car's position. Here, "predetermined pattern" refers to the voltage applied to the electromagnetic coil 17 gradually increasing according to a predetermined voltage waveform or voltage curve, for example... Figure 4 As shown, the voltage increases linearly in three segments with different slopes, including a first segment from 0 to a, a second segment from a to b, and a third segment from b to c, with different rates of voltage increase (i.e., slopes of the curves for each segment). In alternative embodiments, the voltage increase pattern or graph may differ from the illustrated embodiment, for example, with only two linear segments or only one linear segment. Subsequently, for example, the processor may record the first time t1 at which the brake switch 18 of the braking device is triggered; and determine, based on this first time t1, whether the brake switch 18 is in the appropriate position.

[0027] The first time t1 at which the brake switch 18 is triggered is associated with the position of the brake switch 18. When the position of the brake switch 18 begins to shift, this first time t1 will also change. Therefore, the difference or shift in this first time t1 can be used to determine whether the brake switch 18 is in the appropriate position. For example, in some embodiments, the method may include determining a reference trigger time t0 for the brake switch based on the correct installation position of the brake switch 18 during commissioning; and determining whether the brake switch 18 is in the appropriate position based on the difference between the first time t1 and the reference trigger time t0. For instance, the reference trigger time t0 can be measured during the installation and commissioning of the elevator system, and the difference between the first time t1 and the reference trigger time t0 can be compared during actual testing. When the difference reaches a certain level, it is considered that the position of the brake switch 18 needs to be adjusted; otherwise, it may affect the normal operation of the elevator.

[0028] In some embodiments, the method further includes: monitoring the current of the electromagnetic coil, such as... Figure 4As shown, there is a correspondence between the current curve and the voltage curve. Further, the fluctuations in the current of the electromagnetic coil are recorded, including the second time t2 at the start of the current fluctuation and the third time t3 at the trough of the current fluctuation; and the relative relationship between the first time t1, the second time t2, and the third time t3 is used to determine whether the brake switch 18 is in the appropriate position. It should be understood that the fluctuation w in the current curve can be explained by Lenz's law. The second time t2 at the start of the fluctuation corresponds, for example, to the time when the electromagnetic force generated by the electromagnetic coil 17 just exceeds the elastic force applied by the spring 16, and the time when the moving plate 14 just begins to separate from the brake disc 13. The third time t3 at the trough of the current fluctuation corresponds to the time when the moving plate 14 just engages with the stationary plate 15. It should be understood that the first time t1 at which the brake switch 18 is triggered should fall between the second time t2 and the third time t3, because the moving plate 14 triggers the brake switch 18 first after separating from the brake disc 13 before contacting the stationary plate 15. Therefore, the position of the brake switch 18 can be determined based on the relative relationships between the first time t1, the second time t2, and the third time t3. For example, in some embodiments, a function related to the first time t1, the second time t2, and the third time t3 can be set. When the actual detected first time t1, the second time t2, and the third time t3 conform to the function, the brake switch 18 is considered to be properly positioned; otherwise, the position of the brake switch 18 is considered to have been offset and needs adjustment. The specific function can be set according to factors such as the actual installation conditions and the tolerance for switch position offset. For example, in a non-limiting example, the brake switch 18 can be determined to be in an appropriate position when (t1-t2) is within the range of a1(t3-t2) to a2(t3-t2), and to be in an inappropriate position when (t1-t2) is outside the range of a1(t3-t2) to a2(t3-t2), where a1 is selected, for example, from 0.2-0.5 and a2 is selected from 0.5-0.8. That is, if t1 is considered to be in the middle region between t2 and t3 or closer to t2, the brake switch 18 is considered to be properly positioned; otherwise, the brake switch 18 is considered to be offset and needs adjustment. In other embodiments, the current magnitude relationship on the current curves at the first time t1, the second time t2, and the third time t3 can also be used as a basis for judgment. More specifically, the appropriate position of the brake switch can be determined based on the relative relationship between the current I1 at the first time t1, the current I2 at the second time t2, and the current I3 at the third time t3.For example, in some embodiments, a function related to the current I1 at the first time t1, the current I2 at the second time t2, and the current I3 at the third time t3 can be set. If the actual detected currents I1 at the first time t1, I2 at the second time t2, and I3 at the third time t3 conform to the function, then the brake switch 18 is considered properly positioned; otherwise, the position of the brake switch 18 is considered to have shifted and needs adjustment. In some embodiments, a judgment benchmark function can be determined based on the relationship between the benchmark trigger time t0 during the benchmark test and the benchmark second time t2' and third time t3'. It is then determined whether the first time t1, the second time t2, and the third time t3 during the actual test conform to the judgment benchmark function, thereby determining whether the position of the brake switch 18 needs adjustment. Similarly, the benchmark function can also be set based on the benchmark currents I1, I2, and I3 during the test.

[0029] In some embodiments, the applied voltage increases at a first rate in a first segment 0-a before the fluctuation position, at a second rate in a second segment ab including the fluctuation position, and at a third rate in a third segment after the fluctuation position, wherein the second rate is lower than the first and third rates. It should be understood that increasing the voltage at a decreasing rate in the second segment where the fluctuation will occur amplifies the fluctuation, making it easier and more accurate to detect the relationship between the first time t1, the second time t2, and the third time t3. Furthermore, the voltage should be increased at the highest possible rate in the first and third segments, thereby shortening the overall test cycle and avoiding prolonged testing that could affect the normal operation of the elevator. It should be understood that during the entire test, in addition to fluctuations caused by the movement of the moving plate, the current may be disturbed by other factors. In this case, since no signal of the brake switch 18 being triggered is received within the fluctuation time interval, the processor will ignore the current fluctuation. It should be understood that in Figure 4 The curve shown contains two fluctuations, D and E, in its rising section. These correspond to the movement of the two moving plates driven by the two coils, respectively. The two troughs can be used as independent curves to determine the brake switch position corresponding to each moving plate. If only one brake is engaged per test, meaning the other brake remains engaged during the test, only one trough will be observed corresponding to the switch signal. Furthermore, although not seen in the curve shown, there may be interfering troughs caused by factors such as brake plate tilt or uneven air gap. These interfering troughs can be eliminated by determining whether a corresponding switch signal is present. Additionally, in Figure 4 The curve also shows fluctuations F and G in the descending section, which can be used in a similar way to determine the installation position of the brake switch.

[0030] In some embodiments, the voltage can be applied by gradually increasing from 0% to 100% or gradually decreasing from 100% to 0% using a pulse width modulation duty cycle. In some embodiments, a notification can be sent to maintenance personnel if the brake switch is not properly installed. Maintenance personnel can then adjust the brake switch to the appropriate position during the next routine maintenance, thereby preventing the elevator system from stopping due to brake switch misalignment.

[0031] The apparatus and method according to the present invention can provide early warning of brake switch position misalignment, prompting staff to adjust the brake switch to the appropriate position during routine maintenance, thereby avoiding malfunctions caused by actuation switch position misalignment.

[0032] The specific embodiments described above are merely for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention, wherein the various components are clearly shown or described to make the principles of the present invention easier to understand. Various modifications or variations can be readily made to the present invention by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that all such modifications or variations should be included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A self-detection device for an elevator braking system, characterized in that, include: A controller that controls the voltage applied to the electromagnetic coil of the elevator braking device, the controller being configured to put the elevator into a test mode, and to gradually increase the voltage applied to the electromagnetic coil of the braking device in a predetermined pattern when the braking device is in a braking state, or to gradually decrease the voltage applied to the electromagnetic coil of the braking device in a predetermined pattern when the braking device is in a non-braking state. as well as A processor configured to receive and record a first time t1 when the brake switch of the braking device is triggered; and to determine, based on the first time t1, whether the brake switch is in an appropriate position. The processor is further configured to: monitor the current of the electromagnetic coil; record the fluctuations of the current of the electromagnetic coil, and record a second time t2 at the beginning of the current fluctuation and a third time t3 at the trough of the current fluctuation; and determine whether the brake switch is in an appropriate position based on the relative relationship between the first time t1, the second time t2, and the third time t3, or determine whether the brake switch is in an appropriate position based on the relative relationship between the current I1 at the first time t1, the current I2 at the second time t2, and the current I3 at the third time t3.

2. The self-testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processor is configured to determine that the brake switch is in an appropriate position when (t1-t2) is within the range of a1(t3-t2) to a2(t3-t2), and to determine that the brake switch is in an inappropriate position when (t1-t2) is outside the range of a1(t3-t2) to a2(t3-t2), wherein a1 is selected from 0.2-0.5 and a2 is selected from 0.5-0.

8.

3. The self-testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processor is also configured to: determine the reference trigger time t0 of the brake switch based on the correct installation position of the brake switch during commissioning; And determine whether the brake switch is in the appropriate position based on the difference between the first time t1 and the reference trigger time t0.

4. The self-testing device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The controller is configured to cause the voltage to increase or decrease at a first rate in a first segment before the fluctuation position, at a second rate in a second segment including the fluctuation position, and at a third rate in a third segment after the fluctuation position, wherein the second rate is lower than the first rate and the third rate.

5. The self-testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is configured to apply the voltage by gradually increasing it from 0% to 100% or gradually decreasing it from 100% to 0% using a pulse width modulation duty cycle.

6. The self-testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is configured to perform self-tests repeatedly at specific time intervals.

7. The self-testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processor is configured to send a notification when the brake switch is not properly installed.

8. An elevator system, characterized in that, The elevator system includes a self-detection device as described in any one of claims 1-7.

9. A self-testing method for an elevator braking device, characterized in that, The method includes: Put the elevator into test mode; When the braking device is in a braking state, the voltage applied to the electromagnetic coil of the braking device is gradually increased in a predetermined pattern, or when the braking device is in a non-braking state, the voltage applied to the electromagnetic coil of the braking device is gradually decreased in a predetermined pattern. Record the first time t1 when the brake switch of the braking device is triggered; and Based on the first time t1, determine whether the brake switch is in an appropriate position; The method further includes: Monitor the current in the electromagnetic coil; Record the fluctuations in the current of the electromagnetic coil, and record the second time t2 at the start of the current fluctuation and the third time t3 at the trough of the current fluctuation; and The brake switch is determined to be in an appropriate position based on the relative relationship between the first time t1, the second time t2, and the third time t3, or based on the relative relationship between the current I1 at the first time t1, the current I2 at the second time t2, and the current I3 at the third time t3.

10. The self-detection method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The brake switch is determined to be in an appropriate position when (t1-t2) is within the range of a1(t3-t2) to a2(t3-t2), and is determined to be in an inappropriate position when (t1-t2) is outside the range of a1(t3-t2) to a2(t3-t2), wherein a1 is selected from 0.2-0.5 and a2 is selected from 0.5-0.

8.

11. The self-detection method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: The reference trigger time t0 of the brake switch is determined based on the correct installation position of the brake switch during commissioning; and The brake switch is determined to be in the appropriate position based on the difference between the first time t1 and the reference trigger time t0.

12. The self-detection method according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The voltage increases or decreases at a first rate in a first segment before the fluctuation position, at a second rate in a second segment including the fluctuation position, and at a third rate in a third segment after the fluctuation position, wherein the second rate is lower than the first rate and the third rate.

13. The self-detection method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The voltage is applied by gradually increasing from 0% to 100% or gradually decreasing from 100% to 0% using a pulse width modulation duty cycle.

14. The self-detection method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method also includes repeatedly executing the self-detection method at specific time intervals.

15. The self-testing method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method also includes sending a notification when the brake switch is not properly installed.

16. A computer-readable medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable medium stores a computer program that, when executed, performs the method as described in any one of claims 9-15.

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