Suspension device, its use in elevator equipment and method

Abstract

A suspension device (15) for fixing a brake (17) and at least one lifting device (6) and for measuring loads. The suspension device (15) comprises: at least one brake (17) for braking an elevator car (3) relative to a fixed component (13) of an elevator equipment (1); a brake retaining structure (19) for retaining the brake (17) on the elevator car (3); and a lifting device retaining structure (23) for retaining the lifting device (6) on the elevator car (3). The lifting device (6) is designed to connect the elevator car (3) to the counterweight (8) of the elevator equipment (1). The brake (17) and the brake retaining structure (19) are configured such that the brake (17) is retained on the elevator car (3) by means of the brake retaining structure (19) in such a way that the lifting device (6) can be displaced relative to the elevator car (3) primarily in the direction (39) of the force generated by the lifting device (6). The lifting device (6) and the lifting device retaining structure (23) are configured such that the lifting device (6) is held on the elevator car (3) by means of the lifting device retaining structure (23) in such a way that the lifting device (6) can be displaced relative to the elevator car (3) mainly in the direction (39) of the force generated by the lifting device (6). The load measuring device (21) is arranged such that the force (38, 39) generated by the relative displacement of the lifting device (6) and / or the brake (17) can be measured by the load measuring device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a suspension device for securing a brake and at least one lifting device and for measuring loads. The invention also relates to an elevator system equipped with such a suspension device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for measuring loads acting on an elevator car, a method for adjusting the force applied to the elevator car by a drive unit in response to load changes in the elevator car, and a method for detecting lifting device slack by measuring load changes when using the suspension device described herein. Background Technology

[0002] In elevator systems, the elevator car typically moves between different floors within a vertical elevator shaft. The movement of the elevator car is achieved using a drive mechanism, which acts on a hoisting device, such as a rope or belt, to hold the elevator car in place. The elevator car is usually guided by guide rails during its movement. To bring the elevator car to a stop at the desired floor, the movement is braked by a corresponding control drive mechanism.

[0003] When people step onto or leave the elevator car while it is parked on a floor, the resulting load changes can impede the car's travel weight, particularly its starting, thus reducing passenger comfort. A particularly significant problem is that load changes within the car during parking can cause a sudden change in the car's position when the brake is subsequently released.

[0004] Methods for measuring loads acting on an elevator car have been described. For example, EP1278694B1 describes a load receiving mechanism for a rope-traction elevator with an integrated load measuring device. EP0151949A2 describes an alternative load measuring device for an elevator car. US6,483,047B1 describes a brake load measuring system in which the load measuring unit cooperates with a brake. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The primary requirement is a suspension device that advantageously enables braking of the elevator car and is also designed to measure load changes occurring within the elevator car and detect unexpected conditions of the hoisting device, particularly hoisting slack. Furthermore, elevator equipment equipped with such a suspension device is needed. Additionally, an advantageous method for measuring the load acting on the elevator car is required. Furthermore, an advantageous method for adjusting the force applied to the elevator car by the drive unit in response to load changes within the elevator car is needed. Finally, an advantageous method for detecting hoisting slack by measuring load changes is needed.

[0006] This need is met by means of the suspension device, elevator equipment, method for measuring the load acting on the elevator car, method for adjusting the force applied to the elevator car by the drive device, and method for detecting slack in the suspension device, according to the present invention.

[0007] According to the present invention, a suspension device is provided that allows at least one brake and at least one hanger to be fixed to an elevator car. Thus, fixing at least one brake and at least one hanger to the car is achieved in a simple manner and with reduced assembly work compared to two separate suspension devices.

[0008] According to the present invention, the suspension device has at least one brake for fixing a component relative to the elevator equipment to brake the elevator car, for fixing the brake and at least one lifting device, and for measuring the load. Furthermore, the suspension device has a brake holding structure for holding at least one brake on the elevator car. The suspension device also has a lifting device holding structure for holding the lifting device on the elevator car. The lifting device is designed to connect the elevator car to the counterweight of the elevator equipment. The brake holding structure is constructed such that the brake can be held on the elevator car by means of the brake holding structure in such a way that the brake holding structure can deform relative to the elevator car primarily along the direction of the force generated by the brake. The lifting device holding structure is configured such that the lifting device can be held on the elevator car by means of the lifting device holding structure in such a way that the lifting device holding structure can deform relative to the elevator car primarily along the direction of the force generated by the lifting device.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the suspension device, the suspension device further includes a load measuring device. The load measuring device is arranged such that it can measure the force generated by the deformation of the lifting device and / or the brake.

[0010] In summary, the basic concept of the suspension system presented here can be viewed as achieving four functions through a single device: securing the elevator car's brake, securing the hoisting device to the elevator car, measuring load changes acting within the elevator car, and determining hoisting slack. To this end, the suspension system mainly consists of two parts. The first part includes the brake and the brake retaining structure. The brake is designed to generate forces between the elevator car and fixed components of the elevator equipment (e.g., guide rails). These forces act against the motion of the elevator car or its gravity, so that the braked elevator car is stopped in its motion and / or held immobile on the fixed components. The brake retaining structure is designed to mount the brake on the elevator car.

[0011] The second part of the suspension system includes a spreader holding structure. The spreader holding structure is designed to mount the spreader onto the elevator car.

[0012] Here, the two parts of the suspension system are designed such that they can deform in the direction of the force generated by the corresponding components (brake, hanger). This allows for the measurement of deformation relative to a fixed point on the car. Alternatively, deformation relative to each other can be measured. Thus, the force exerted by the suspension system and / or the brake can be measured.

[0013] In one embodiment, the suspension device is designed such that a load measuring device is arranged such that the force generated by the relative displacement of the hoist and the brake can be measured. This allows the load measuring device to measure the superimposed deformation of the two dominant forces acting on the suspension device. Thus, a single load measuring device can be used to measure the force acting critical to the control of the elevator equipment. This achieves a relatively simple and cost-effective multi-functional suspension device. Individual deformations are inferred through a corresponding evaluation of the superimposed deformation measurements and information from the controller indicating the elevator equipment should be at its operating point. Therefore, the force acting of the hoist and the force acting of the brake, which includes both the hoist and brake forces, can be calculated from the superimposed measurement signals.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the suspension device described in the context, the load measuring device is arranged between the brake holding structure and the spreader holding structure.

[0015] Therefore, it is possible to provide a suspension device in a simple way that uses a load measuring device to measure the force applied by the lifting device and the force applied by the brake.

[0016] The brake holding structure and the hoist holding structure are designed such that they are targeted, rather than absolutely statically fixed to the elevator car, but are capable of moving at least slightly relative to the elevator car, particularly in the direction of the generated force, i.e., in the direction in which the elevator car typically moves during its journey or in the opposite direction.

[0017] Therefore, the load measuring device is effectively connected to the brake or suspension device via a brake holding structure or a hanger holding structure. Thus, the motion of one of these components relative to the elevator car can be measured by the load measuring device. Specifically, the sum of the relative motions between these components can be measured. Therefore, the load measuring device can measure the forces acting on the elevator car, particularly in the direction of motion, that is, generally in the vertical direction. In particular, load changes and tension changes in the suspension device can be determined using the load measuring device.

[0018] In the preferred embodiment of the suspension device described in the context, the lifting device retaining structure and the brake retaining structure are respectively arranged in an elastically deformable manner on the web structure which is fixedly mounted on the elevator car.

[0019] In this embodiment, the spreader holding structure and the brake holding structure are not only effectively interconnected by the load measuring device to which they are connected, but also additionally connected to the web structure. Here, the web structure is fixedly fastened to the elevator car. The web structure should be configured such that the main portion of the forces acting between the brake holding structure and the spreader holding structure acts on the web structure rather than on the load measuring device. Specifically, the web structure should be configured such that, for example, in the event of a failure of the load measuring device, all forces acting between the brake holding structure and the elevator car, and between the spreader holding structure and the elevator car, can be transmitted solely through the web structure without damaging it.

[0020] Therefore, with the help of load measuring devices, the forces acting on the elevator car can be measured very accurately and reproducibly, even though the elevator car is relatively mechanically weak.

[0021] In the preferred embodiment of the suspension device described in the context, the brake retaining structure and the spreader retaining structure are arranged, sized, and constructed such that the brake retaining structure and the spreader retaining structure undergo primarily elastic deformation under the forces transmitted to them during almost normal operation.

[0022] In other words, the brake holding structure and the hoist holding structure can be arranged, sized, and constructed in such a way that the brake holding structure and the hoist holding structure only undergo elastic deformation under the forces that normally occur during the normal operation of the elevator equipment, in which case the elevator car should, for example, be stopped at a floor.

[0023] Therefore, several different influencing variables can be appropriately selected. For example, the spatial structure of the hoisting and / or brake retaining structures, i.e., particularly the position, orientation, and / or extension direction of the hoisting and / or brake retaining structures, can affect their mechanical load-bearing capacity and / or elastic deformation capacity. Furthermore, the corresponding dimensional settings of the retaining structures, i.e., particularly the cross-section, width, length, and height of the retaining structures, can affect their load-bearing capacity and / or elastic deformation capacity. In addition, other configuration parameters, such as the materials used and the processing performed during production, can affect the load-bearing capacity and / or elastic deformation capacity of the retaining structures. All these parameters can be appropriately selected so that the retaining structures are configured, for example, according to the characteristics of the elevator car (e.g., its weight and nominal load) and / or according to the requirements of the entire elevator equipment (e.g., braking processes involving safety requirements), such that during normal operation of the elevator equipment, the forces acting on the elevator equipment respond only to elastic deformation rather than plastic deformation.

[0024] By elastically deforming the lifting device and brake retaining structure relative to the web structure only during normal operation, the force proportionally transmitted to the load measuring device can always be primarily proportional to the total force acting between the brake retaining structure and the lifting device retaining structure and the elevator car.

[0025] In the preferred embodiment of the suspension device described in the context, the brake retaining structure and the spreader retaining structure are arranged, sized, and constructed such that, during normal operation, when force is transmitted to the brake retaining structure and the spreader retaining structure, they deform in such a way that the brake retaining structure and the spreader retaining structure move closer to and / or further away from each other by a distance of less than 2 mm, particularly preferably less than 1 mm.

[0026] In other words, the hoisting retaining structure and the brake retaining structure should be able to move slightly relative to the elevator car during braking or acceleration. However, the range of this relative movement should be limited by the specific construction of the respective retaining structures to the extent that, under normal circumstances, a relative movement exceeding 1 mm does not occur. This makes the relative movement of the two retaining structures relative to each other less than 2 mm. For many applications, it is even advantageous that the retaining structures are typically only allowed relative movement of less than 0.5 mm relative to the car. That is, a maximum movement of 1 mm is allowed for the relative movement of the retaining structures to each other.

[0027] In one embodiment, the web structure is arranged primarily parallel to the force applied to the lifting device or brake. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the retaining structure is preferably arranged primarily perpendicular to the direction of the force applied to the lifting device or brake, i.e., this portion of the retaining structure is arranged primarily perpendicular to the web structure.

[0028] In the preferred embodiment of the suspension device described in the context, the brake holding structure, the spreader holding structure, and the web structure are integrally formed from a common, punched sheet metal component.

[0029] For example, the brake retaining structure, the spreader retaining structure, and the web structure can be constructed integrally with a common, punched sheet metal component.

[0030] In other words, a single component can form a brake holding structure, a lifting device holding structure, and a web structure.

[0031] Here, the entire component can be easily manufactured and adapted to the forces to be borne and transmitted, for example, by appropriately selecting the plates used, particularly in terms of plate thickness and plate material.

[0032] By using an integrated design across all areas of this component, it is possible to avoid, for example, increased wear at weak points (which occur at transitions between components in multi-part structures). Therefore, an integrated component can withstand repetitive mechanical loads over a long period.

[0033] Here, in the integrated component, it is possible to securely mount the component onto the elevator car. Specifically, for example, holes can be provided in the web structure through which the component can be screwed to the elevator car. In the preferred embodiment of the suspension device described in the context, the load measuring device includes a force transmission element. The load measuring device is fixed to the brake holding structure. The force transmission element is connected to the hanger holding structure. The force transmission element acts on the strain gauges of the load measuring device.

[0034] The strain gauge used for the purposes of this invention achieves a very stable design for the load measuring device. Furthermore, the strain gauge can measure applied forces with very high accuracy and reproducibility.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the suspension device described in the context, the load measuring device is configured to generate an electrical signal reflecting the force acting on the force transmission element.

[0036] For example, the load measuring device can have sensors that monitor physical parameters that can infer the forces acting on the force-transmitting elements. Based on the monitored physical parameters, the sensors can generate electrical signals. Such electrical signals can be easily forwarded and, for example, transferred to the elevator equipment controller or an external monitoring device. For example, the electrical signals can be simply processed so that different force actions—namely, the force of the hoist and the force of the brake—are separated and correlated with their respective force actions. Based on these signals, the forces acting on the elevator car can then be inferred. For example, the elevator equipment controller can thus be informed of the nominal load currently present in the elevator car. Furthermore, it can be particularly noted that a change in force can indicate a slack in the hoist.

[0037] In the preferred embodiment of the suspension device described in the context, the brake is designed as a parking brake to hold the elevator car in a fixed position during parking, overcoming the weight of the elevator car. The brake is preferably also designed as a fall arrestor to stop the elevator car in emergency situations, particularly in the event of free fall. The suspension device may have two brakes, particularly in the brake holding structure. In other words, the brake should be designed such that the elevator car can be held fixedly on a fixed component of the elevator equipment that cooperates with the brake, i.e., for example, fixedly on a guide rail, while the elevator car is stopped, for example, at a floor. As such a parking brake, it can prevent the elevator car from moving due to load changes.

[0038] Another advantage is that the brake can be designed to have a higher load-bearing capacity, allowing it to also function as a fall arrestor. In this case, the brake should be designed to generate very large forces between the elevator car and the stationary components, so as to bring the elevator car to a stop within a short distance, even if all the hoisting devices of the stationary elevator car might tear. To reliably transmit the very large forces that occur briefly during this fall arrestor braking from the brake to the elevator car, the suspension system must be designed accordingly. In particular, the suspension system must be constructed to be stable enough not to break under large forces, thus allowing for plastic deformation.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the brake retaining structure has positions for two brakes, allowing the suspension to be equipped with two brakes. The second brake can quickly provide the large force required for fall protection.

[0040] When the suspension device according to the above embodiment is applied, in the elevator equipment according to the second aspect of the present invention, the elevator car on which the suspension device is held can reliably cooperate with the guide rail, for example, with its brake, so as to bring the elevator car to a stop.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator equipment as described in the context includes an elevator car, guide rails, and a suspension system, as described in the context. The elevator car can move along the guide rails. The suspension system holds the elevator car in place. A brake is used to engage with the guide rails to brake the elevator car.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the elevator equipment, as described in the context, the suspension device is arranged in the lower half of the elevator car.

[0043] It has been proven advantageous to place the suspension device in the lower half of the elevator car for forces acting on the elevator car, especially forces guided to the elevator car by the hoist.

[0044] As a supplement, within the scope of the method according to the third aspect of the invention, the suspension device can be used to measure the current load acting on the elevator car. In particular, temporary load changes can be measured.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the method for measuring the load acting on an elevator car, the method includes:

[0046] During the period when the elevator car is stopped, at least one brake of the suspension device held on the elevator car is activated, as described in the context;

[0047] The load acting on the elevator car is measured using a load measuring device attached to the suspension system.

[0048] For example, for this purpose, the brake of the suspension device can be activated when the elevator car is nearly stationary on a floor. Here, the brake can be activated, for example, only after the elevator car has come to a stop on the floor through proper operation of the drive mechanism. Alternatively, the brake can be used to actively brake the movement of the elevator car to a stop, wherein the brake can then remain active during the stop.

[0049] An activated brake prevents the elevator car from moving while it is stopped at a floor, such as when passengers are alighting or ascending. However, passengers getting on or off the elevator causes changes in the load within the elevator car. When using the suspension system described here, its load measuring device can be used to determine these load changes. This is particularly useful for identifying overloading of the elevator car, and thus, overload.

[0050] Alternatively or supplementally, according to an embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention, load changes in the car can be measured using the method described herein, and the information obtained herein can be used to adjust the force applied to the elevator car by the drive unit in such a way as to compensate for the measured load changes.

[0051] A preferred embodiment of a method for adjusting the force applied to the elevator car by a drive unit in response to load changes in the elevator car, as described in the context, includes:

[0052] The load change is measured by means of the method according to the third aspect of the invention, as described in the context;

[0053] Adjust the force applied to the elevator car by the drive unit to compensate for the measured load changes.

[0054] In other words, a load measuring device can first measure the degree to which the elevator car becomes heavier or lighter due to passengers getting on and off. Without proper intervention, load changes can cause the elevator car to suddenly drop or rise when the parking brake is subsequently released, because the elastic suspension holding the elevator car lengthens or shortens with the load change. This method allows for the measurement of load changes within the elevator car, enabling corresponding control of the drive mechanism to properly adjust the forces acting on the suspension before the parking brake is released. This prevents the elevator car from dropping or rising after the parking brake is released. The described process is also known as "pretorquing" in English.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the force measured by the load measuring device is used as a reference force before a load change occurs. The force applied to the elevator car is adjusted after the brake is activated and after a load change has occurred in the elevator car, such that the load measuring device measures a force equivalent to the reference force.

[0056] Therefore, it is not necessarily necessary to perform an absolute measurement of the force caused by load changes. A control signal for adjusting the torque can be determined, which is instead adjusted simply by continuously increasing or decreasing the torque. Simultaneously, the change in the current force measured by the load measuring device can be monitored. If this force corresponds to the initially determined reference value, it means that the torque generated by the drive device has been adjusted to an appropriate level.

[0057] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, slack in a lifting device can be detected, the method comprising:

[0058] Load changes are measured using a method according to a second aspect of the invention, as described in the context;

[0059] Determine the load variation that exceeds a pre-given limit value.

[0060] If the spreader slacks, the suspension system is no longer pre-tensioned along the spreader's direction. Therefore, the load measured by the suspension system changes suddenly and drastically. If the load change exceeds a certain limit or occurs at a specific point in time during elevator operation, it can be inferred that this load change is caused by a change in spreader tension; in extreme cases, it may be due to complete spreader slack rather than passengers boarding or alighting. Slow slack of the spreader over time can also be detected.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the fifth aspect of the invention, load changes are measured after the vehicle has stopped on the floor and primarily just before departure. If the load change exceeds a predetermined limit, at least one brake operates in fall-prevention mode.

[0062] Therefore, it can be ensured that even if the ropes sag before approaching the next floor, the elevator equipment is switched to a safe operating mode. Upon detecting sag, the elevator equipment immediately switches to anti-fall mode by activating the brakes.

[0063] Furthermore, as described above, the device and method ensure that no maintenance personnel are present in the car. Thus, for example, before switching from normal operation to maintenance, the car weight can be measured, and this value can then be compared with a value measured after maintenance before switching back to normal operation. If a discrepancy exists, switching back to normal operation can be prevented. This is particularly advantageous for elevator equipment without headroom. Load measurement performed on the car's brakes, as described in the context, allows for such use, compared to traditional load measurements on the car floor (which only detect a person when their weight is applied to the car floor).

[0064] It should be noted that some feasible features and advantages of the present invention are described herein with reference, on the one hand, to the suspension device itself, and on the other hand, to different embodiments of elevator equipment equipped with the suspension device and related uses of the suspension device in the methods described in the context. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these features can be combined, adapted, or interchanged in suitable ways to obtain other embodiments of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0065] The embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0066] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an elevator device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0067] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an elevator device according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0068] Figure 3 A perspective view of a suspension device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0069] Figure 4 A perspective view of a suspension device according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0070] These figures are schematic only and are not to scale. In each figure, the same reference numerals indicate the same features or features having the same effect. Detailed Implementation

[0071] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Elevator equipment 1 with different designs having suspension devices 15 are shown according to two embodiments of the present invention. In both embodiments, elevator equipment 1 is designed to have dual drive units, that is, two drive units 7, for example, arranged in the top of the shaft. In both embodiments, elevator equipment 1 has two counterweights 8 that can move opposite to the elevator car 3. Figure 3 The specific design of this suspension device 15 is shown in detail. Figure 4 Another embodiment of the suspension device 15 is shown in the figure.

[0072] exist Figure 1 The elevator equipment 1 shown includes an elevator car 3, which can be held and moved within an elevator shaft 11 by a belt-like or rope-like hoist 6. For this purpose, the hoist 6 can be moved by a drive device 7, for example, in the form of a traction pulley drive. The drive device 7 is installed at the top of the elevator shaft; however, the drive device 7 can also be installed in an area at the bottom of the shaft pit. The drive device 7 is controlled by a controller 9, which in this embodiment is located on top of the car. During its movement, the elevator car 3 is guided on at least one fixed component designed as a guide rail 13 on each side. In this embodiment, the elevator equipment 1 also has two hoists 6 below the elevator car 3. These hoists 6 are guided from the lower end of the elevator car 3 via deflecting rollers at the bottom of the shaft pit to the lower portion of the corresponding counterweight 8.

[0073] In particular, in order to keep the elevator car 3 stationary when it is stopped at a desired position, such as while it is on a floor, the elevator car 3 can be stopped after it has been moved to the desired position by the drive device 7, using a brake (not shown; but see below) mounted on its suspension device 15. Figure 3 and Figure 4The suspension device 15 is temporarily fixed to the guide rail 13. Each suspension device 15, i.e., each of the two suspension devices 15, may have two brakes (not shown). Here, each brake 17 is fixed to the elevator car 3 by means of a brake retaining structure 19 (not shown). In this embodiment, the suspension device is arranged in the lower half of the elevator car 3.

[0074] Figure 2 Another embodiment of the elevator device 1 according to the present invention is shown. As can be seen from this embodiment, according to... Figure 1 The lower lifting device in this embodiment is not absolutely necessary. The suspension device 15 is again shown only schematically and can be similar to... Figure 3 The suspension device 15 is described in detail. The elevator equipment 1 has an elevator car 3 and two counterweights 8. The elevator equipment 1 includes two drive units 7, which are arranged in the top of the elevator shaft 11. In this embodiment, the suspension device 15 is visibly arranged in the upper half of the elevator car 3.

[0075] exist Figure 3 The suspension device 15 is schematically shown. The suspension device 15 includes a spreader retaining structure 23, at the end of which a spreader 6 is fixed. At this fixing point, a force 39 is applied from the spreader 6 into the spreader retaining structure 23. The spreader retaining structure 23 is connected to a web structure 22. The web structure 22 extends substantially vertically and is fixed to the elevator car 3. In this embodiment, the suspension device 15 also has a web retaining structure 36, in which the web structure 22 is additionally fixed to the elevator car 3. A brake retaining structure 19 is formed on the lower end of the web structure 22, wherein the brake retaining structure extends substantially vertically, similarly to the web structure 22. Two recesses are provided in the brake retaining structure 19, in which brakes 17 are respectively arranged. In this embodiment, the suspension device 15 shown therefore includes two brakes 17. The brake 17 interacts with the guide rail 13, thus achieving, at least temporarily, that the elevator car 3 is fixed relative to the guide rail 13 when needed, via the suspension device 15. In this fixed state, a force 38 acts between the brake 17 and the brake holding structure 19 in one of the directions of the arrow. The suspension device 15 also includes a load measuring device 21 arranged between the hanger holding structure 23 and the brake holding structure 19. The load measuring device 21 includes a strain gauge 27 and a force transmission element 25.

[0076] The direction of force 39 is mainly equivalent to the direction of motion of elevator car 3 and is therefore basically vertical.

[0077] The web structure 22 of the suspension device 15 has a plurality of circular holes 33. Fixing elements (e.g., screws) are received in the circular holes 33, and the web structure 22, and thus the suspension device 15, are fixed to the elevator car 3 or its frame substantially without clearance by the fixing elements. By appropriately designing the hanger holding structure 23 or the brake holding structure 19, these elements can be slightly deformed, particularly bent, relative to the web structure 22 along the force 39, at which point the force is realized by activating the brake or by tensioning the hanger.

[0078] This relative displacement causes deformation, in particular, of the lifting device retaining structure 23 or the brake retaining structure 19. The lifting device retaining structure 23 and the brake retaining structure 19 are arranged, sized, and constructed such that deformation generally occurs elastically, at least as long as the forces generated by the brake 17 or the lifting device 6 only occur during the normal operation of the elevator equipment 1.

[0079] The relative displacement occurring between the brake holding structure 19 and the web structure 22 or between the lifting device holding structure 23 and the web structure 22 can be utilized to measure the load or load change currently acting on the elevator car 3 by means of the load measuring device 21.

[0080] Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the load measuring device 21 is securely connected to the brake holding structure 19, for example, by threaded connection. On the other hand, the force transmitting element 25 is connected, for example, to a portion of the hanger holding structure 23. Mechanical stresses, such as those generated between the force transmitting element 25 and the fixedly arranged elements of the load measuring device 21 and the strain gauge 27 contained therein, can be measured using electronic devices (not shown). These electronic devices can then generate an electrical signal that can be used as a measure of the force experienced by the load measuring device 21. Thus, the suspension device 15 can not only use its brake 17 to brake the elevator car 3, but also its load measuring device 21 to measure the load acting on the elevator car 3 and detect changes in tension in the hanger 6.

[0081] exist Figure 4 Another embodiment of the suspension device 15 according to the invention is shown, in which the suspension device is designed in multiple parts. In this embodiment, the load measuring device 21 is arranged in a U-shaped splice holding structure 23, on which the splice 6 is arranged. The splice holding structure 23 is connected to a brake holding structure 19 arranged on an elevator car 3 (not shown).

[0082] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "having" or "comprising" do not exclude other elements or steps, and terms such as "a" or "one" do not exclude multiple. Furthermore, it should be pointed out that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of the other embodiments described above. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A suspension device (15) for an elevator device (1), for fixing a brake (17) and at least one lifting device (6) and for measuring load, wherein, The suspension device (15) has: At least one brake (17) is used to brake the elevator car (3) relative to the guide rail (13) of the elevator equipment (1). A brake holding structure (19) is used to hold the brake (17) on the elevator car (3); The lifting device retaining structure (23) is used to hold the lifting device (6) on the elevator car (3), wherein the lifting device (6) is designed to connect the elevator car (3) to the counterweight (8) of the elevator equipment (1); The brake holding structure (19) is configured such that the brake (17) is held on the elevator car (3) by means of the brake holding structure (19), in such a way that the brake holding structure (19) can deform relative to the elevator car (3) mainly in the direction of the force (38) generated by the brake (17). The lifting device retaining structure (23) is configured such that the lifting device (6) is held on the elevator car (3) by means of the lifting device retaining structure (23) in such a way that the lifting device retaining structure can deform relative to the elevator car (3) mainly in the direction of the force (39) generated by the lifting device (6).

2. The suspension device (15) according to claim 1, wherein, The load measuring device (21) is arranged such that the force (39) generated by the deformation of the lifting device (23) and / or the force (38) generated by the deformation of the brake device (19) can be measured by the load measuring device.

3. The suspension device (15) according to claim 2, wherein, The load measuring device (21) is arranged between the brake holding structure (19) and the lifting device holding structure (23).

4. The suspension device (15) according to claim 2, wherein, The lifting device retaining structure (23) and the brake retaining structure (19) are respectively arranged on the web structure (22) in a way that allows for elastic deformation. The web structure is fixedly installed on the elevator car (3).

5. The suspension device (15) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The brake holding structure (19) and the lifting device holding structure (23) are arranged, sized, and constructed such that they only elastically deform when force is transmitted to the brake holding structure (19) and the lifting device holding structure (23) during normal operation.

6. The suspension device (15) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The brake holding structure (19) and the lifting device holding structure (23) are arranged, sized, and constructed such that when a force is transmitted to the brake holding structure (19) and the lifting device holding structure (23) during normal operation, the brake holding structure (19) and the lifting device holding structure (23) deform in such a way that the brake holding structure and the lifting device holding structure move toward each other and / or away from each other at a distance of less than 2 mm.

7. The suspension device (15) according to claim 6, wherein, The distance is less than 1 mm.

8. The suspension device (15) according to claim 4, wherein, The brake holding structure (19), the lifting device holding structure (23), and the web structure (22) are integrally formed from common components.

9. The suspension device (15) according to claim 4, wherein, The brake holding structure (19), the lifting device holding structure (23), and the web structure (22) are integrally formed from a common punched sheet metal component.

10. The suspension device (15) according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein, The load measuring device (21) includes a force transmission element (25), which is fixed on the brake holding structure (19). The force transmission element (25) is connected to the lifting device holding structure (23), and the force transmission element (25) acts on the strain gauge (27) of the load measuring device (21).

11. The suspension device (15) according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein, The load measuring device (21) is configured to generate an electrical signal that reflects the force acting on the force transmission element (25).

12. The suspension device (15) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The brake (17) is designed as a parking brake so that the elevator car (3) can be held in a fixed position against its own weight during parking when needed.

13. The suspension device (15) according to claim 12, wherein, The brake (17) is designed as a fall arrestor to stop the elevator car (3) in an emergency.

14. An elevator device (1), comprising: Elevator car (3); Guide rail (13); and The suspension device (15) according to any one of claims 1-13; in, The elevator car (3) can move along the guide rail (13); The suspension device (15) is held on the elevator car (3); and The brake (17) of the suspension device (15) is designed to cooperate with the guide rail (13) to brake the elevator car (3).

15. The elevator equipment (1) according to claim 14, wherein, The suspension device (15) is arranged in the lower half of the elevator car (3).

16. A method for measuring loads acting on an elevator car (3), the method comprising: During the period when the elevator car (3) is stopped, at least one brake (17) of the suspension device (15) held on the elevator car (3) according to any one of claims 1-13 is activated; and The load acting on the elevator car (3) is measured by means of the load measuring device (21) of the suspension device (15).

17. A method for detecting slack in a lifting device (6) by measuring load changes, the method comprising: The method according to claim 16 is used to measure load changes; Determine the load variation that exceeds a pre-given limit value.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, After parking on the first floor and primarily just before departure, load changes are measured, and if the load change exceeds a pre-defined limit, at least one brake (17) is switched to fall protection mode.

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