Transmission system

Abstract

Provided is a transmission system capable of ensuring reliability of signal transmission. The transmission system includes a remote unit that alternately turns on and off a first switching element and a second switching element, thereby alternately outputting a pulse voltage having a positive polarity and a pulse voltage having a negative polarity as a signal; and a main unit that receives input of the signal from the remote unit through a cable, and separates the signal into a first signal corresponding to the pulse voltage having the positive polarity and a second signal corresponding to the pulse voltage having the negative polarity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to transmission systems. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an elevator in which the car moves up and down inside a shaft.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-34977 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the car described in Patent Document 1, various safety-related signals are output to the control device. Therefore, the reliability of signal transmission is required.

[0008] This invention was made to solve the aforementioned problems. The object of this invention is to provide a transmission system that ensures the reliability of signal transmission.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] The transmission system of the present invention comprises: a remote unit that alternately switches a first switching element and a second switching element, thereby alternately outputting a positively polarized pulse voltage and a negatively polarized pulse voltage as signals; and a main unit that receives an input signal from the remote unit via a cable and separates the signal into a first signal corresponding to a positively polarized pulse voltage and a second signal corresponding to a negatively polarized pulse voltage.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to the present invention, the remote unit alternately switches the first and second switching elements on and off, thereby alternately outputting positive and negative pulse voltages as signals. The main unit receives the signal input from the remote unit and separates the signal into a first signal corresponding to the positive pulse voltage and a second signal corresponding to the negative pulse voltage. Therefore, the reliability of signal transmission can be ensured. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an elevator system that uses the transmission system of Implementation Method 1.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the transmission system according to Implementation Method 1.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the operation commands from the remote unit of the transmission system of Embodiment 1 to the first and second switching elements.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the output voltage of the remote unit of the transmission system in Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the operation commands from the remote unit of the transmission system of Embodiment 1 to the first and second switching elements.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the first signal and the second signal of the main unit of the transmission system according to Embodiment 1.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a hardware structure diagram of the first remote side control circuit 19 of the transmission system in Implementation Method 1. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in each drawing, the same or equivalent parts are labeled with the same reference numerals. Repetitive descriptions of these parts have been simplified or omitted where appropriate.

[0021] Implementation method 1.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an elevator system that uses the transmission system of Implementation Method 1.

[0023] exist Figure 1 In the elevator system, shaft 1 runs through all floors of a building (not shown). Machine room 2 is located directly above shaft 1. Multiple landings 3 are located on each floor of the building. Each landing 3 is opposite shaft 1.

[0024] The traction machine 4 is located in the machine room 2. The main rope 5 is wound around the traction machine 4.

[0025] The car 6 is located inside the hoistway 1. The car 6 is supported on one side of the main rope 5. The counterweight is located inside the hoistway 1. The counterweight is supported on the other side of the main rope 5.

[0026] Multiple landing doors 7 are respectively located at the entrances and exits of multiple landings 3. Car doors 8 are located at the entrances and exits of the car 6.

[0027] Safety device 9 is installed in the car 6. Safety device 9 includes a car door opening detection device, a car stop device, an emergency stop detection device, and a car position detection device for door opening and travel detection.

[0028] The control device 10 is located in the computer room 2.

[0029] The transmission system includes a remote unit 11, a main unit 12, and a cable 13.

[0030] Remote unit 11 is installed in car 6 as a programmable electronic safety device. Remote unit 11 is electrically connected to the safety device. Main unit 12 is installed in control device 10 as a programmable electronic safety device. Cable 13 electrically connects remote unit 11 and main unit 12.

[0031] During elevator operation, the control device 10 causes the traction machine 4 to rotate. The main rope 5 moves in accordance with the rotation of the traction machine 4. The car 6 and the counterweight move up and down in opposite directions in accordance with the movement of the main rope 5.

[0032] During elevator operation, when an abnormality occurs, safety device 9 outputs an abnormality signal. Remote unit 11 receives the abnormality signal input from safety device 9. Remote unit 11 outputs a signal corresponding to the abnormality signal. Main unit 12 receives the signal input from remote unit 11 via cable 13.

[0033] The control device 10 detects abnormalities based on signals input to the main unit 12. Upon detecting an abnormality, the control device 10 stops the rotation of the traction machine 4. The main rope 5 stops moving as the rotation of the traction machine 4 stops. The car 6 and counterweight stop lifting and lowering as the movement of the main rope 5 stops.

[0034] Next, use Figure 2 The remote unit 11 and the main unit 12 are described below.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the transmission system according to Implementation Method 1.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the remote unit 11 includes a first switching element 14, a second switching element 15, a signal output circuit 16, a positive-side insulated signal element 17, a negative-side insulated signal element 18, a first remote-side control circuit 19, and a second remote-side control circuit 20.

[0037] The first switching element 14 is configured to be able to open and close. The second switching element 15 is configured to be able to open and close.

[0038] The signal output circuit 16 includes a positive power supply 16a and a negative power supply 16b. The signal output circuit 16 is configured to output a positively polarized pulse voltage as a signal using the power from the positive power supply 16a when the first switching element 14 is closed. The signal output circuit 16 is configured to output a negatively polarized pulse voltage as a signal using the power from the negative power supply 16b when the second switching element 15 is closed.

[0039] For example, the positive-side isolated signal element 17 is an optocoupler. The positive-side isolated signal element 17 is configured to output a signal corresponding to the open / closed state of the first switching element 14.

[0040] For example, the negative-side isolated signal element 18 is an optocoupler. The negative-side isolated signal element 18 is configured to output a signal corresponding to the open / closed state of the first switching element 14.

[0041] The first remote control circuit 19 and the second remote control circuit 20 are independent of each other. Synchronization, such as using the same clock, is not achieved in the first remote control circuit 19 and the second remote control circuit 20.

[0042] The first remote control circuit 19 and the second remote control circuit 20 operate in a manner in which the first switching element 14 and the second switching element 15 are alternately opened and closed. Specifically, the first remote control circuit 19 controls the opening and closing of the first switching element 14 by alternately opening and closing the first switching element 14 and the second switching element 15. The second remote control circuit 20 controls the opening and closing of the second switching element 15 by alternately opening and closing the first switching element 14 and the second switching element 15.

[0043] The first remote control circuit 19 monitors the opening and closing state of the first switching element 14 based on a signal from the positive-side insulating signal element 17. The first remote control circuit 19 monitors the opening and closing state of the second switching element 15 based on a signal from the negative-side insulating signal element 18.

[0044] The second remote control circuit 20 monitors the opening and closing state of the first switching element 14 based on the signal from the positive side insulating signal element 17. The second remote control circuit 20 monitors the opening and closing state of the second switching element 15 based on the signal from the negative side insulating signal element 18.

[0045] The main unit 12 includes a signal separation circuit 21, a first main-side control circuit 22, and a second main-side control circuit 23.

[0046] The signal separation circuit 21 includes a first separation element 21a and a second separation element 21b. The first separation element 21a uses the polarity of a light-emitting diode built into the optocoupler to generate a first signal corresponding to a positively polarized pulse voltage based on the signal from the remote unit 11. The second separation element 21b uses the polarity of a light-emitting diode built into the optocoupler to generate a second signal corresponding to a negatively polarized pulse voltage based on the signal from the remote unit 11.

[0047] The first main control circuit 22 monitors the first signal and the second signal from the signal separation circuit 21.

[0048] The second main control circuit 23 monitors the first and second signals from the signal separation circuit 21.

[0049] Next, use Figure 3 The operation of the first remote control circuit 19 and the second remote control circuit 20 will be explained.

[0050] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the operation commands from the remote unit of the transmission system of Embodiment 1 to the first and second switching elements.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the first remote control circuit 19 outputs an operation command to the first switching element 14, and stops the operation command to the first switching element 14 after a preset first operation time T1. The second remote control circuit 20, upon detecting that the first switching element 14 is open, outputs an operation command to the second switching element 15, and stops the operation command to the second switching element 15 after a preset second operation time T2. The first remote control circuit 19, upon detecting that the second switching element 15 is open, outputs an operation command to the first switching element 14, and stops the operation command to the first switching element 14 after a first operation time T1.

[0052] These actions are repeated. As a result, the first switching element 14 and the second switching element 15 alternately open and close.

[0053] In addition, Figure 3 In this case, the time T1 of the first action is the same as the time T2 of the second action. However, the time T1 of the first action and the time T2 of the second action can also be different.

[0054] Next, use Figure 4 The output voltage of remote unit 11 is explained.

[0055] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the output voltage of the remote unit of the transmission system in Embodiment 1.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown in the upper left section, the output voltage of the first switching element 14 is a positive pulse voltage. (As...) Figure 4 As shown in the lower left section, the output voltage of the second switching element 15 is a negative pulse voltage. As a result, as... Figure 4 As shown on the right, in the output voltage of the remote unit 11, pulse voltages with positive polarity and pulse voltages with negative polarity appear alternately as signals.

[0057] Next, use Figure 5 The actions of remote unit 11 when an anomaly is detected are explained.

[0058] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the operation commands from the remote unit of the transmission system of Embodiment 1 to the first and second switching elements.

[0059] like Figure 5 As shown, when the operation of safety device 9 is detected, the first remote monitoring device maintains the state of stopping the operation command to the first switching element 14. The second remote monitoring device maintains the state of stopping the operation command to the second switching element 15.

[0060] Next, use Figure 6 The abnormality detection of main unit 12 is explained.

[0061] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the first signal and the second signal of the main unit of the transmission system according to Embodiment 1.

[0062] like Figure 6 As shown, the first main control circuit 22 and the second main control circuit 23 add a pre-set first margin time T1 to the first action time T1. F An anomaly was detected when no first signal corresponding to a positively polarized pulse voltage was detected during the obtained time period. The first main control circuit 22 and the second main control circuit 23 added a pre-set second margin time T2 to the second action time T2. F An anomaly was detected when no second signal corresponding to a negatively polarized pulse voltage was detected during the obtained time period.

[0063] Additionally, the first residual time T1 F It is approximately several times the time of the first action, T1. The second margin time, T2... F It is approximately several times the time T2 of the second action.

[0064] According to Embodiment 1 described above, the remote unit 11 alternately opens and closes the first switching element 14 and the second switching element 15, thereby alternately outputting positive and negative pulse voltages as signals. The main unit 12 receives the signal input from the remote unit 11 and separates the signal into a first signal corresponding to the positive pulse voltage and a second signal corresponding to the negative pulse voltage. Therefore, if the first switching element 14 and the second switching element 15 are not properly opened and closed, the signal will not be properly restored in the main unit 12. As a result, reliable signal transmission can be ensured even over long transmission distances.

[0065] In serial communication such as RS-422, protection is required using algorithms like Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) to ensure the matching of security signal data, which raises concerns about increased data transmission volume. In contrast, the transmission system in Implementation Method 1 uses a simpler signal. Therefore, the signal transmission speed is faster. As a result, the required response time can be achieved as a means of transmitting security-related signals.

[0066] In the transmission system of Implementation Method 1, expensive cables such as twisted wires used for serial communication are not required. Therefore, a transmission system can be constructed at a low cost. Furthermore, while it is possible to reduce the amount of communication cable by including information other than security signals in the communication signals when using serial communication such as RS-422, it is difficult to separate security signals from non-security signals in this case.

[0067] In the transmission system of Implementation Method 1, the number of cables 13 can be reduced compared to parallel wiring. Therefore, the transmission system can be constructed at a low cost.

[0068] Furthermore, the first remote control circuit 19 controls the opening and closing of the first switch element 14 by alternately opening and closing the first switch element 14 and the second switch element 15. The second remote control circuit 20 controls the opening and closing of the second switch element 15 by alternately opening and closing the first switch element 14 and the second switch element 15. Therefore, a signal can be appropriately output from the remote unit 11.

[0069] Furthermore, the first remote control circuit 19 and the second remote control circuit 20 monitor the opening and closing states of the first switching element 14 and the second switching element 15. Therefore, it is possible to reliably detect jamming faults in the first switching element 14 and the second switching element 15. As a result, the required failure rate for the remote unit 11 can be maintained without stopping the elevator.

[0070] Furthermore, the first remote control circuit 19 closes the first switch element 14 when it detects that the second switch element 15 is open, and opens the first switch element 14 after a preset first operating time. The second remote control circuit closes the second switch element 15 when it detects that the first switch element 14 is open, and opens the second switch element 15 after a preset second operating time. Therefore, even if the first remote control circuit 19 and the second remote control circuit 20 do not achieve synchronization using the same clock, the first switch element 14 and the second switch element 15 can be reliably opened and closed alternately.

[0071] Furthermore, when the first remote control circuit 19 detects an anomaly, it keeps the first switching element in the open state. When the second remote control circuit 20 detects an anomaly, it keeps the second switching element 15 in the open state. Therefore, it is possible to output a signal corresponding to the anomaly to the main unit 12 more reliably.

[0072] Furthermore, the first main control circuit 22 and the second main control circuit 23 monitor the first signal corresponding to the positively polarized pulse voltage and the second signal corresponding to the negatively polarized pulse voltage. Therefore, the reliability of signal transmission can be ensured more reliably.

[0073] Furthermore, the first main control circuit 22 and the second main control circuit 23 detect an anomaly if they do not detect the first signal during the period of time obtained by adding a first margin time to the first action time, or if they do not detect the second signal during the period of time obtained by adding a second margin time to the second action time. Therefore, anomalies can be detected more reliably in the main unit 12.

[0074] Alternatively, the transmission system of Embodiment 1 can also be applied to elevators that do not have a machine room 2 but have a traction machine 4 and a control device 10 installed at the top or bottom of the shaft 1.

[0075] In addition, the transmission system of Implementation 1 can also be applied to signal transmission other than that of the elevator system.

[0076] Next, use Figure 7 An example of the first remote control circuit 19 will be described.

[0077] Figure 7 This is a hardware structure diagram of the first remote side control circuit of the transmission system in Implementation Method 1.

[0078] The functions of the first remote control circuit 19 can be implemented by a processing circuit. For example, the processing circuit includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b. For example, the processing circuit includes at least one dedicated hardware 200.

[0079] When the processing circuit includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b, the functions of the first remote-side control circuit 19 are implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware is described as a program. At least one of the software and firmware is stored in at least one memory 100b. The at least one processor 100a implements the functions of the first remote-side control circuit 19 by reading and executing the program stored in the at least one memory 100b. The at least one processor 100a is also referred to as a central processing unit, processing device, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. For example, at least one memory 100b is a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), disk, floppy disk, optical disk, CD (compact disk), mini disc, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), etc.

[0080] When the processing circuit has at least one dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuit can be implemented, for example, by a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programming processor, a parallel programming processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. For example, each function of the first remote-side control circuit 19 is implemented by the processing circuit. For example, each function of the first remote-side control circuit 19 is implemented centrally by the processing circuit.

[0081] Regarding the various functions of the first remote control circuit 19, some can be implemented by dedicated hardware 200, while others can be implemented by software or firmware. For example, the function of controlling the opening and closing of the first switching element 14 can be implemented by a processing circuit as dedicated hardware 200, while functions other than controlling the opening and closing of the first switching element 14 can be implemented by at least one processor 100a reading and executing a program stored in at least one memory 100b.

[0082] Thus, the processing circuit implements the functions of the first remote control circuit 19 through hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0083] Although not shown, the functions of the second remote-side control circuit 20 are implemented by the same processing circuits that implement the functions of the first remote-side control circuit 19. The functions of the first main-side control circuit 22 are also implemented by the same processing circuits that implement the functions of the first remote-side control circuit 19. The functions of the second main-side control circuit 23 are also implemented by the same processing circuits that implement the functions of the first remote-side control circuit 19.

[0084] Industrial availability

[0085] As described above, the transmission system of the present invention can be used in elevator systems.

[0086] Label Explanation

[0087] 1: Hoistway; 2: Machine room; 3: Landing station; 4: Traction machine; 5: Main rope; 6: Car; 7: Landing door; 8: Car door; 9: Safety device; 10: Control device; 11: Remote control unit; 12: Main unit; 13: Cable; 14: First switching element; 15: Second switching element; 16: Signal output circuit; 16a: Positive side power supply; 16b: Negative side power supply; 17: Positive side insulated signal element; 18: Negative side insulated signal element; 19: First remote side control circuit; 20: Second remote side control circuit; 21: Signal separation circuit; 21a: First separation element; 21b: Second separation element; 22: First main side control circuit; 23: Second main side control circuit; 100a: Processor; 100b: Memory; 200: Hardware.

Claims

1. A transmission system, wherein, The transmission system includes: The remote unit causes the first switching element and the second switching element to be switched on and off alternately, thereby outputting a pulse voltage with positive polarity and a pulse voltage with negative polarity alternately as a signal; as well as The main unit receives signal input from the remote unit via a cable and separates the signal into a first signal corresponding to a positive pulse voltage and a second signal corresponding to a negative pulse voltage. If the first and second switching elements in the remote unit fail to open and close properly, the signal from the remote unit in the main unit will not be properly restored. The remote unit has: A first remote-side control circuit controls the opening and closing of the first switching element by alternately opening and closing the first switching element and the second switching element; and The second remote control circuit controls the opening and closing of the second switching element by alternately opening and closing the first and second switching elements. The first remote control circuit closes the first switch element when it detects that the second switch element is open, and opens the first switch element after a preset first action time. The second remote control circuit closes the second switch element when it detects that the first switch element is open, and opens the second switch element after a preset second action time.

2. The transmission system according to claim 1, wherein, The first remote control circuit and the second remote control circuit monitor the opening and closing states of the first switching element and the second switching element.

3. The transmission system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When the first remote control circuit detects an abnormality, it keeps the first switching element in the open state. When the second remote control circuit detects an abnormality, it keeps the second switching element in the open state.

4. The transmission system according to claim 3, wherein, The main unit has: A first main-side control circuit monitors the first signal and the second signal; and The second main control circuit monitors the first signal and the second signal.

5. The transmission system according to claim 4, wherein, The first main control circuit and the second main control circuit detect an anomaly if they do not detect the first signal during the period when the first action time is obtained by adding a preset first margin time to the first action time, or if they do not detect the second signal during the period when the second action time is obtained by adding a preset second margin time to the second action time.

6. The transmission system according to claim 1, wherein, The remote unit is located in the elevator car.

7. The transmission system according to claim 1 or 6, wherein, The main unit is located in the elevator's control device.

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