A method for controlling elevator brakes

Abstract

This application discloses an elevator brake control method, comprising: a signal processing module receiving a detection signal sent by a safety loop end signal detection module, and outputting a first signal when the detection signal meets preset conditions; and a drive buffer module, upon receiving the first signal, disconnecting the connection between the brake control circuit and the drive circuit of the brake control circuit; wherein the signal processing module and the drive buffer module are hardware circuits. This embodiment solves a series of problems inherent in relying solely on software control, reduces response delay, and improves the reliability of brake control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to elevator control technology, and more particularly to an elevator brake control method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, elevator brake control systems in the industry include... Figure 1 As shown, the control method involves the safety circuit end detection module A detecting the safety circuit and outputting high and low level detection signals. These signals are input to the elevator's main control MCU (microcontroller unit), which then controls the switching of transistor Q, which in turn controls the switching of relay K, thereby controlling the switching of brake contactor B, and ultimately energizing brake C. When brake C is energized, it releases, motor M rotates, and the elevator runs normally; when brake C is de-energized, it engages, motor M stops rotating, and the elevator stops running. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides an elevator brake control method that can solve the problems of pure software control in brake control, reduce delay, and improve control reliability.

[0004] This application provides an elevator brake control method, which may include:

[0005] The signal processing module receives the detection signal from the signal detection module at the end of the safety loop, and when it confirms that the detection signal meets the preset conditions, it can output the first signal.

[0006] After receiving the first signal, the drive buffer module disconnects the connection between the brake control circuit and the drive circuit of the brake control circuit; wherein, the signal processing module and the drive buffer module are hardware circuits.

[0007] In one embodiment, the drive circuit may include an elevator main control MCU; the method may further include:

[0008] The elevator main control MCU receives the detection signal sent by the safety circuit end signal detection module. When the detection signal meets the preset conditions, it can drive the brake control circuit to de-energize the brake. When the detection signal does not meet the preset conditions, it can drive the brake control circuit to energize the brake.

[0009] In one embodiment, the disconnection of the brake control circuit and the drive circuit of the brake control circuit may include:

[0010] Disconnect the connection between the brake control circuit and the elevator main control MCU;

[0011] The method may further include:

[0012] After the drive cache module disconnects the connection between the brake control circuit and the elevator main control MCU, the brake control circuit can be de-energized, thereby de-energizing the brake.

[0013] In one embodiment, the method may further include:

[0014] The signal processing module receives the detection signal sent by the end signal detection module of the safety loop, and outputs a second signal when the detection signal does not meet the preset conditions.

[0015] When the drive buffer module receives the second signal, it maintains the connection between the brake control circuit and the drive circuit.

[0016] In one embodiment, the signal processing module may include an isolation comparator.

[0017] In one embodiment, the detection signal may be a detection voltage; the preset condition may include: the detection voltage is greater than or equal to a preset reference voltage;

[0018] The step of outputting a first signal when the detection signal meets preset conditions may include:

[0019] The isolation comparator compares the detected voltage with a pre-stored reference voltage. When the detected voltage is greater than or equal to the reference voltage, the isolation comparator can output the first signal.

[0020] In one embodiment, the isolation comparator can be implemented using the AMC23C11 chip.

[0021] In one embodiment, the driver cache module may include a cache chip.

[0022] In one embodiment, the buffer chip can be implemented using a 74VHCV244FT chip.

[0023] In one embodiment, the drive buffer module may include a controllable switch; the controllable switch may include: a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal, and a first controlled terminal; the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal may be respectively connected to the signal input terminal of the brake control circuit and the signal output terminal of the drive circuit;

[0024] When the drive buffer module receives the first signal, it disconnects the connection between the brake control circuit and the drive circuit of the brake control circuit, which may include:

[0025] When the first controlled terminal receives the first signal, the connection between the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal can be disconnected.

[0026] In one embodiment, the controllable switch may include a MOSFET.

[0027] Compared with related technologies, the elevator brake control device of this application embodiment may include: a signal processing module receiving a detection signal from a safety loop end signal detection module, and outputting a first signal when confirming that the detection signal meets preset conditions; and a drive buffer module, after receiving the first signal, disconnecting the connection between the brake control circuit and the drive circuit of the brake control circuit. This embodiment solves a series of problems existing in current brake control that rely solely on software control, reduces response delay, and improves the reliability of brake control.

[0028] Other features and advantages of this application will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the application. Other advantages of this application can be realized and obtained by means of the solutions described in the description and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings are used to provide an understanding of the technical solutions of this application and constitute a part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this application to explain the technical solutions of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions of this application.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an elevator brake control device in related technologies;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the elevator brake control method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the elevator brake control device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0033] This application describes several embodiments, but these descriptions are exemplary and not restrictive, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the embodiments described herein. Although many possible combinations of features are shown in the drawings and discussed in the detailed description, many other combinations of the disclosed features are also possible. Unless specifically limited, any feature or element of any embodiment may be used in combination with, or may replace, any feature or element of any other embodiment.

[0034] This application includes and contemplates combinations of features and elements known to those skilled in the art. The embodiments, features, and elements disclosed in this application may also be combined with any conventional features or elements to form a unique inventive scheme as defined by the claims. Any feature or element of any embodiment may also be combined with features or elements from other inventive schemes to form another unique inventive scheme as defined by the claims. Therefore, it should be understood that any feature shown and / or discussed in this application may be implemented individually or in any suitable combination. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited except by the limitations imposed by the appended claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

[0035] Furthermore, in describing representative embodiments, the specification may have presented methods and / or processes as a specific sequence of steps. However, the method or process should not be limited to the specific order of steps described herein, to the extent that it does not depend on such a specific order. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, other sequences of steps are also possible. Therefore, the specific order of steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as a limitation of the claims. Moreover, the claims concerning the method and / or process should not be limited to the steps performed in the written order, and those skilled in the art will readily understand that these orders can be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0036] This application provides an elevator brake control method, such as... Figure 2 As shown, steps S101-S102 may be included:

[0037] S101, Signal processing module D receives the detection signal sent by the safety loop end signal detection module A, and when it confirms that the detection signal meets the preset conditions, it can output the first signal;

[0038] S102. After receiving the first signal, the drive buffer module E disconnects the connection between the brake control circuit F and the drive circuit of the brake control circuit F.

[0039] In one embodiment, the method may further include:

[0040] The signal processing module D receives the detection signal sent by the safety loop end signal detection module A, and outputs a second signal when the detection signal does not meet the preset conditions.

[0041] When the drive buffer module E receives the second signal, it maintains the connection between the brake control circuit and the drive circuit.

[0042] Both the signal processing module D and the drive buffer module E are pure hardware circuits (i.e., each function is implemented in hardware). By configuring the signal processing module D and the drive buffer module E, hardware control of the brake control circuit F is achieved, which can solve many problems existing in pure software control of brake control, reduce delay, and improve control reliability.

[0043] In one embodiment, the drive circuit may include an elevator main control MCU (microcontroller unit); the method may further include:

[0044] The elevator main control MCU receives the detection signal sent by the safety circuit end signal detection module A. When the detection signal meets the preset conditions, it can drive the brake control circuit F to de-energize the brake C. When the detection signal does not meet the preset conditions, it can drive the brake control circuit F to energize the brake C.

[0045] In one embodiment, the elevator main control MCU can be configured to receive the detection signal sent by the safety circuit end signal detection module A, and drive the brake control circuit F when the detection signal meets the preset conditions.

[0046] The brake control circuit F can be configured to release the brake C when driven by the elevator main control MCU, and to engage the brake C when not driven by the elevator main control MCU.

[0047] In one embodiment, the connection between the brake cutoff control circuit F and the drive circuit of the brake control circuit F may include:

[0048] Disconnect the connection between the brake control circuit F and the elevator main control MCU;

[0049] The method may further include:

[0050] After the drive cache module E disconnects the connection between the brake control circuit F and the elevator main control MCU, the brake control circuit F can be de-energized, thereby de-energizing the brake C, which then engages, thus controlling the elevator to stop running.

[0051] like Figure 1 The current elevator brake control scheme shown above only uses software (such as the software program in the elevator main control MCU) to control the brake. When the elevator malfunctions and needs to be stopped urgently, the brake needs to be activated in time. This control method has too long a delay time. Furthermore, if the software program malfunctions at this time, it cannot ensure that the power supply to the brake is disconnected in time, which will cause the elevator to slip and fail to stop in time.

[0052] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the brake C is controlled jointly by the elevator main control MCU, signal processing module D, and drive buffer module E, achieving cross-interlocking. The detection signal output from the safety circuit end signal detection module A is input to the elevator main control MCU, which outputs a control signal. This control signal can be transmitted to the control switch Q via the drive buffer module E, driving the control switch Q. The detection signal is also simultaneously input to the signal processing module D, which processes the signal and outputs a corresponding signal to control the drive buffer module E based on the processing result. When the drive buffer module E receives the first signal, it can de-energize the brake C, causing the brake to engage, stopping the elevator motor, and halting the elevator's operation. The signal processing module D and drive buffer module E are purely hardware circuits, achieving a response time in the nanosecond (ns) range. This solves the problems of excessive delay time and the limitations of single software control, improving the reliability of the elevator brake control and thus enhancing elevator safety.

[0053] In one embodiment, the circuit structure of the elevator brake control device of this application embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0054] In one embodiment, the brake control circuit may include, but is not limited to, a control switch, a normally open relay, and a brake contactor;

[0055] The control switch can be configured to energize the coil of the normally open relay when driven by the elevator main control MCU, and de-energize the coil of the normally open relay when not driven by the elevator main control MCU.

[0056] The contacts of the normally open relay (which may include a first stationary contact and a first moving contact) can be connected to the coil ends of the brake contactor respectively; the contacts of the brake contactor (which may include a second stationary contact and a second moving contact) can be connected in series with the brake.

[0057] The normally open relay can be configured such that when the coil of the normally open relay is energized, the coil of the brake contactor is energized, thereby energizing the brake; and when the coil of the normally open relay is de-energized, the coil of the brake contactor is de-energized, thereby de-energizing the brake C.

[0058] In one embodiment, the output terminals of the drive buffer module E and the safety loop end signal detection module A can be connected to the signal input terminal of the elevator main control MCU and the signal input terminal of the signal processing module D, respectively.

[0059] The signal output terminal of the signal processing module D can be connected to the first signal input terminal of the drive buffer module E;

[0060] The signal output terminal of the elevator main control MCU can be connected to the second signal input terminal of the drive buffer module E; the signal output terminal of the drive buffer module E can be connected to the second controlled terminal corresponding to the control switch Q; or, the signal output terminal of the elevator main control MCU can be connected to the second signal input terminal of the drive buffer module E and the second controlled terminal of the control switch Q, and the signal output terminal of the drive buffer module E can be grounded.

[0061] The first terminal of the control switch Q can be connected to the first terminal of the first coil in the normally open relay K, and the second terminal of the control switch Q can be grounded; the second terminal of the first coil can be connected to the first power supply VCC2.

[0062] The first stationary contact of the normally open relay K, the first moving contact of the normally open relay K, the second power supply VCC3, and the second coil of the brake contactor B are connected in series;

[0063] The second stationary contact of the brake contactor B, the second moving contact of the brake contactor B, the third power supply VCC4, and the brake C are connected in series.

[0064] In one embodiment, the input terminal of the safety loop end signal detection module A can be an input voltage, such as VCC1.

[0065] In one embodiment, the control switch Q may include, but is not limited to, a transistor.

[0066] In one embodiment, the signal processing module D may include, but is not limited to:

[0067] Isolation circuits and comparator circuits; or,

[0068] Isolation comparator.

[0069] In one embodiment, the signal processing module D can be obtained by building a separate isolation circuit and a separate comparison circuit, or it can be obtained by an integrated circuit or integrated chip, such as an isolation comparator.

[0070] In one embodiment, the signal processing module D may include an isolation circuit and a comparison circuit; the detection signal may be a detection voltage; the preset condition may include: the detection voltage is greater than or equal to a preset reference voltage;

[0071] The isolation circuit can be configured to isolate the signal from the signal detection module A at the end of the safety loop;

[0072] The comparator circuit can be configured to compare the detected voltage V with a pre-stored reference voltage Ve. When the detected voltage V is greater than or equal to the reference voltage Ve, it can output a first signal.

[0073] In the exemplary embodiments of this application, by using hardware-based isolation circuits and comparison circuits, the response time can be shortened to a certain extent, and the elevator brake action can be controlled in a timely manner, thereby improving the sensitivity and reliability of elevator control.

[0074] In one embodiment, when an isolation comparator is used, the isolation comparator can be implemented using the chip AMC23C11.

[0075] In one embodiment, the isolation comparator may be configured to compare the detected voltage with a pre-stored reference voltage, and output the first signal when the detected voltage is greater than or equal to the reference voltage.

[0076] In one embodiment, the isolation circuit and the comparison circuit, or the isolation comparator, compare the detected voltage with a reference voltage. When the detected voltage is greater than or equal to the reference voltage, a first signal can be output, and when the detected voltage is less than the reference voltage, a second signal can be output. In another embodiment, it is also possible to detect whether the detected voltage is high. When the detected voltage is high, a first signal can be output, and when the detected voltage is low, a second signal can be output.

[0077] In one embodiment, the driver cache module may include a cache chip.

[0078] In one embodiment, the buffer chip can be implemented using a 74VHCV244FT chip.

[0079] In the exemplary embodiments of this application, by using a hardware-based isolation comparator and buffer chip, the response time can be significantly shortened, and the elevator brake action can be controlled in a timely manner, thereby improving the sensitivity and reliability of elevator control.

[0080] In one embodiment, the detection signal (e.g., detection voltage) output by the safety circuit end signal detection module A is input to the elevator main control MCU. The elevator main control MCU outputs a control signal, which is transmitted to the control switch Q through the drive buffer module E (the drive buffer module can be composed of devices such as the 74VHCV244FT chip) to drive the control switch Q. At the same time, the detection signal is also input to the signal processing module D (the signal processing module D can be composed of devices such as comparators). The signal processing module D processes the detection signal and outputs a corresponding signal according to the processing result to control the drive buffer module E (e.g., comparing the detection voltage with a reference voltage; outputting a first signal when the detection voltage is greater than or equal to the reference voltage, and outputting a second signal when the detection voltage is less than the reference voltage; or, detecting whether the detection voltage is high level; outputting a first signal when it is high level, and outputting a second signal when it is low level). When the drive buffer module E receives the first signal (e.g., a first level, which can be a high level), it can de-energize the brake C, thereby causing the brake to engage, the elevator motor to stop running, and the elevator to stop.

[0081] In one embodiment, when the elevator malfunctions and requires an emergency stop, the signal processing module D uses hardware devices such as isolation comparators, enabling output at the nanosecond level. This disconnects the power supply to the brake C, causing it to engage. Even if the software program malfunctions, the signal processing module D, being entirely hardware-based, can quickly activate the drive buffer module E, disconnecting the power supply to the brake C and engaging it to stop the elevator promptly. This eliminates the need for software intervention, improving the reliability of elevator control.

[0082] In one embodiment, the drive buffer module E may include a controllable switch; the controllable switch may include: a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal, and a first controlled terminal;

[0083] The first controlled terminal can be used as the first signal input terminal in the drive buffer module; the first connection terminal can be used as the second signal input terminal in the drive buffer module; the second connection terminal can be used as the signal output terminal in the drive buffer module.

[0084] The second connection terminal can be grounded;

[0085] Under the control of the input signal received by the first controlled terminal, the first connection terminal can be connected to or disconnected from the second connection terminal.

[0086] In one embodiment, when the input signal received by the first controlled terminal is the first signal, the first connection terminal can be connected to the second connection terminal, so that the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal are connected, and the signal output terminal of the elevator main control MCU can be grounded, then the input signal of the second controlled terminal of the control switch is 0.

[0087] When the input signal received by the first controlled terminal is the second signal, the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal can be disconnected, so that the signal output terminal of the elevator main control MCU can be disconnected from the ground, thereby allowing the output signal of the elevator main control MCU to be normally input to the second controlled terminal in the control switch.

[0088] In one embodiment, the controllable switch may include, but is not limited to, transistors, MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors), etc.

[0089] In one embodiment, a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) is used as an example. For instance, the gate of the MOSFET can be a first controlled terminal, the source of the MOSFET can be a first connection terminal, and the drain of the MOSFET can be a second connection terminal.

[0090] In an exemplary embodiment of this application, an analog circuit can be built to replace the buffer chip. For example, a MOSFET is connected to the elevator main control MCU (microcontroller unit) and the ground. The output of the isolation comparator controls the switching on and off of the MOSFET. When the elevator malfunctions, the MOSFET is turned on, and the drive signal output by the elevator main control MCU is connected to the ground, thereby clamping the output, causing the normally open relay K and the brake contactor B to be de-energized, thereby de-energizing the brake C, engaging the brake C, and stopping the elevator.

[0091] In exemplary embodiments of this application, the solutions of this application embodiments include at least the following advantages:

[0092] 1. The control of the brake C will be jointly controlled by the elevator main control MCU, signal processing module D and drive buffer module E to achieve cross-interlocking.

[0093] 2. The signal processing module D and the drive buffer module E are pure hardware circuits, which can achieve a response time in the nanosecond (ns) range. This solves a series of problems caused by excessive delay time and single software control (e.g., the inability to ensure timely disconnection of the brake power supply, which may lead to elevator slippage or failure to stop the elevator in time). This improves the reliability of the elevator brake control and thus enhances elevator safety.

[0094] 3. The signal processing module D and the driver buffer module E are implemented using chips, which have simple hardware circuits, are easy to implement and understand, and are easy to procure.

[0095] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that all or some of the steps, systems, or apparatuses disclosed above, and their functional modules / units, can be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, or suitable combinations thereof. In hardware implementations, the division between functional modules / units mentioned above does not necessarily correspond to the division of physical components; for example, a physical component may have multiple functions, or a function or step may be performed collaboratively by several physical components. Some or all components may be implemented as software executed by a processor, such as a digital signal processor or microprocessor, or as hardware, or as an integrated circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Such software may be distributed on a computer-readable medium, which may include computer storage media (or non-transitory media) and communication media (or transient media). As is known to those skilled in the art, the term computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data). Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical disc storage, magnetic cartridges, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information and can be accessed by a computer. Furthermore, it is well known to those skilled in the art that communication media typically contain computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in modulated data signals such as carrier waves or other transmission mechanisms, and may include any information delivery medium.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an elevator brake, characterized in that, The method includes: The signal processing module receives the detection signal sent by the signal detection module at the end of the safety loop, and outputs a first signal when the detection signal meets the preset conditions; When the drive cache module receives the first signal, it disconnects the connection between the brake control circuit and the drive circuit of the brake control circuit, wherein the drive circuit includes the elevator main control MCU; The elevator main control MCU receives the detection signal sent by the safety circuit end signal detection module. When it is determined that the detection signal meets the preset conditions, the drive buffer module drives the brake control circuit to cut off the power to the brake. The signal processing module and the drive buffer module are hardware circuits. The signal input terminal of the drive buffer module is connected to the signal output terminal of the drive circuit and the signal output terminal of the signal processing module, respectively. The signal output terminal of the drive buffer module is connected to the signal input terminal of the brake control circuit.

2. The elevator brake control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: When it is determined that the detection signal does not meet the preset conditions, the brake control circuit is driven to energize the brake.

3. The elevator brake control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connection between the brake cut-off control circuit and the drive circuit of the brake control circuit includes: Disconnect the brake control circuit from the elevator main control MCU; The method further includes: After the drive cache module disconnects the connection between the brake control circuit and the elevator main control MCU, the brake control circuit is de-energized, and the brake is de-energized.

4. The elevator brake control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The signal processing module receives the detection signal sent by the safety loop end signal detection module, and outputs a second signal when the detection signal does not meet the preset conditions; When the drive buffer module receives the second signal, it maintains the connection between the brake control circuit and the drive circuit.

5. The elevator brake control method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The signal processing module includes an isolation comparator.

6. The elevator brake control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The detection signal is a detection voltage; the preset condition includes: the detection voltage is greater than or equal to a preset reference voltage; The step of outputting a first signal when the detection signal meets preset conditions includes: The isolation comparator compares the detected voltage with a pre-stored reference voltage. When the detected voltage is greater than or equal to the reference voltage, the isolation comparator outputs the first signal.

7. The elevator brake control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The isolation comparator is an AMC23C11 chip.

8. The elevator brake control method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The driver cache module includes a cache chip.

9. The elevator brake control method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The drive buffer module includes a controllable switch; the controllable switch includes: a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal, and a first controlled terminal; the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal are respectively connected to the signal input terminal of the brake control circuit and the signal output terminal of the drive circuit; When the drive buffer module receives the first signal, it disconnects the connection between the brake control circuit and the drive circuit of the brake control circuit, including: When the first controlled terminal receives the first signal, the connection between the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal is disconnected.

10. The elevator brake control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The controllable switch includes a MOSFET.

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