Resetting a safety actuator in an elevator system

Abstract

In a method of resetting a safety actuator (52) in an elevator system, the elevator controller receives a signal to reset the safety actuator (52) and moves the elevator car upward relative to the rails (106a) to release the safety brake (48). The safety board controller is instructed to operate the electromagnet (62) in the safety actuator (52) to laterally pull the magnetic actuator pad (54') away from the rails (106a) to a reset position as the elevator car moves upward during the reset operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method for resetting a safety actuator in an elevator system, and to related elevator systems. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, elevator cars include safety brakes. The function of the safety brake is to be triggered in the event of overspeeding, over-acceleration, or freefall of the elevator car. Once triggered, the safety brake engages with the guide rails to stop any movement of the elevator car.

[0003] Traditional safety brakes (or "safety devices") are located on either side of the elevator car and are mechanically synchronized by a linkage rod spanning the elevator car structure. One of the safety devices is connected to the governor rope, so that overspeed of the elevator car will cause relative movement between the governor rope and a portion of the safety device, triggering the safety device to engage. This engagement of the safety device transmits the motion via the linkage rod to the safety devices on the opposite side of the elevator car, causing both safety devices to engage with the guide rails on either side of the elevator car.

[0004] Recently, traditional speed governor overspeed systems with their mechanical safety actuations have been replaced by safety controllers that communicate with so-called electronic safety actuators (ESAs) for each safety brake. An ESA may include a magnetic component that contacts a guide rail to trigger the safety brake. Once the safety brake has been triggered, manual intervention is required to remove and release it by moving the elevator car upwards before the ESA can be reset. This may be done as part of an emergency rescue operation if passengers are trapped inside the elevator car.

[0005] However, in order to successfully reset the ESA, the elevator car must be moved to a position that allows the magnetic components to align with the electromagnetic coil.

[0006] This alignment is often hampered by any swaying or bouncing of the elevator car. Furthermore, adjusting the elevator car's position can be difficult when it is near the top of the shaft. Multiple attempts are common before the ESA resets and the elevator car can be put back into motion. This is inefficient and frustrating for any passengers trapped inside the elevator car. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a method for resetting a safety actuator in an elevator system is provided, wherein:

[0008] The elevator system includes an elevator car driven to move along guide rails, a safety brake mounted to the elevator car and operable to prevent the elevator car from moving along the guide rails, and a safety actuator mounted to the elevator car, the safety actuator including a magnetic actuator pad capable of moving laterally relative to the guide rails.

[0009] The safety actuator is mechanically coupled to the safety brake and configured to trigger the safety brake when the magnetic actuator pad is laterally pushed against the guide rail to create relative movement between the safety brake and the elevator car; and

[0010] The safety actuator includes an electromagnet that, when aligned with the magnetic actuator pad during a reset operation, is operable to pull the magnetic actuator pad laterally away from the guide rail.

[0011] The method includes:

[0012] Upon receiving a signal to reset the safety actuator, the elevator car moves upward relative to the guide rails to release the safety brake; and

[0013] During the reset operation, as the elevator car moves upward, the electromagnet is operated to pull the magnetic actuator pad laterally away from the guide rail to the reset position.

[0014] It should be understood that the safety actuator reset operation is performed without stopping the elevator car. During the reset operation, the elevator car remains moving, rather than attempting to move the elevator car to the position where the electromagnet and magnetic actuator pad are expected to align and stop at that position before operating the electromagnet. This avoids any bounce or wobbling that might occur when the elevator car stops. For example, a bounce of only 4-5 mm could prevent alignment and cause the reset operation to fail.

[0015] The safety actuator is configured to trigger the safety brake when the magnetic actuator pad is laterally pushed against the guide rail, for example, into the trigger position. In this trigger position, the magnetic actuator pad is in contact with the guide rail, and due to the relative downward movement of the safety actuator compared to the magnetic actuator pad in contact with the guide rail, an upward reaction force is generated and transmitted by the linkage mechanism to the safety brake, thereby moving the safety brake into the braking position to engage with the guide rail and stop the movement of the elevator car. Those skilled in the art will understand that the contact between the magnetic actuator pad and the guide rail results in friction between the magnetic actuator pad and the guide rail, but this friction alone is not strong enough to stop the downward movement of the elevator car relative to the guide rail. In the trigger position, the magnetic actuator pad has moved laterally to contact the guide rail, but there may still be some degree of relative vertical movement between them. It is the engagement of the safety brake with the guide rail that generates a much larger frictional force to stop the elevator car. When the safety brake is triggered, it enters intentional hard contact with the guide rail to create an engagement function that provides sufficient frictional braking force to stop all movement of the elevator car.

[0016] In some instances, the method further includes monitoring the vertical position of the elevator car as it moves upward relative to the guide rails in order to determine the alignment position of the electromagnet with the magnetic actuator pad.

[0017] In some instances, the method further includes: after the elevator car has reached the alignment position, continuing to move the elevator car upward relative to the guide rail while operating an electromagnet to pull the magnetic actuator pad laterally away from the guide rail.

[0018] For example, by determining when the elevator car reaches the alignment position, it is possible for the electromagnet to operate only after alignment has been achieved.

[0019] In some instances, the safety actuator includes a hard stop configured to prevent relative movement between the electromagnet and the magnetic actuator pad once the electromagnet is aligned with the magnetic actuator pad during upward movement of the elevator car. The method includes actuating the electromagnet to laterally pull the magnetic actuator pad away from the guide rail after the magnetic actuator pad has reached the hard stop. It should be understood that upward movement of the elevator car causes the stop to contact the magnetic actuator pad, such that the electromagnet and the magnetic actuator pad remain aligned during continued upward movement of the elevator car.

[0020] In some instances, the elevator system includes an elevator controller arranged to drive an elevator car along guide rails, and a safety actuator including a safety plate controller in communication with the elevator controller. The elevator controller may be arranged to receive a signal to reset the safety actuator and first drive the elevator car upward relative to the guide rails to release the safety brake; and then the elevator controller may send a reset signal to the safety plate controller to operate an electromagnet to pull the magnetic actuator pad away from the guide rails while the elevator car is still moving upward during the reset operation.

[0021] In some instances, where the elevator car is driven to move along a pair of guide rails, the elevator system includes a pair of safety brakes mounted on either side of the elevator car, wherein corresponding first and second safety actuators are mechanically coupled to the pair of safety brakes. The method may include:

[0022] During the reset operation, as the elevator car moves upward, the first electromagnet of the first safety actuator is activated to pull the magnetic actuator pad away from the first guide rail of the pair of guide rails to the reset position; and

[0023] Subsequently, while the elevator car is still moving upward during the reset operation, the second electromagnet of the second safety actuator is operated to pull the magnetic actuator pad away from the second guide rail of the pair of guide rails to the reset position.

[0024] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, an elevator system is provided, comprising:

[0025] An elevator car that can move along guide rails;

[0026] An elevator controller, which is arranged to drive the elevator car to move along guide rails;

[0027] A safety brake, which is installed in the elevator car and operable to prevent the elevator car from moving along the guide rails; and

[0028] A safety actuator, which is installed in the elevator car, includes a magnetic actuator pad capable of lateral movement relative to the guide rails.

[0029] The safety actuator is mechanically connected to the safety brake and is configured to trigger the safety brake when the magnetic actuator pad is laterally pushed against the guide rail to generate relative movement between the safety brake and the elevator car.

[0030] The safety actuator includes an electromagnet that, when aligned with the magnetic actuator pad during a reset operation, is operable to pull the magnetic actuator pad laterally away from the guide rail.

[0031] The elevator controller is configured to move the elevator car upward relative to the guide rails upon receiving a signal to reset the safety actuator, thereby releasing the safety brake; and

[0032] The elevator controller is configured to send a signal to the operating electromagnet when the elevator car moves upward during the reset operation, so as to pull the magnetic actuator pad laterally away from the guide rail to the reset position.

[0033] As mentioned above, a reset operation is performed as the elevator car continues to move upward to avoid any bounce or wobbling that could interfere with the alignment between the electromagnet and the magnetic actuator pad. The elevator car moves upward while the electromagnet operates to laterally pull the magnetic actuator pad away from the guide rail to its reset position.

[0034] After the safety actuator has been successfully reset, the elevator controller can be configured to stop the upward movement of the elevator car (e.g., if the elevator car is near the top of the shaft). However, in at least some instances, the elevator controller can continue to drive the elevator car upwards to the next floor before stopping the elevator car (typically by applying the drive brake when the elevator car has already stopped). This allows any trapped passengers to exit the elevator car as quickly as possible after the reset operation.

[0035] When the disclosed magnetic actuator pad is laterally pushed against the guide rail, it will be appreciated that the magnetic actuator pad can be pushed by its own magnetic attraction, for example because the magnetic actuator pad includes a permanent magnet that is naturally attracted to the ferrous guide rail. In some instances, additionally or alternatively, it will be appreciated that the magnetic actuator pad can be pushed by, for example, a repulsive magnetic force actively generated by an electromagnet. In at least some instances, additionally or alternatively, the magnetic actuator pad can be pushed by a spring bias force.

[0036] When a disclosed safety actuator includes an electromagnet operable to laterally pull a magnetic actuator pad away from a guide rail, it will be appreciated that the electromagnet may be generating a magnetic force that directly attracts the magnetic actuator pad (e.g., overcoming any natural magnetic attraction to the ferrous guide rail). In some instances, additionally or alternatively, it will be appreciated that the electromagnet (e.g., by changing the current) may be operable to remove the repulsive magnetic force, causing the magnetic actuator pad to be laterally pulled away from the guide rail, for example, under magnetic field reversal to induce an attractive force and / or under spring bias.

[0037] In some instances, the magnetic actuator pad comprises a ferromagnetic material. The magnetic actuator pad may comprise any ferromagnetic material, such as iron, cobalt, nickel, or any alloy of these metals. In such instances, the magnetic actuator pad itself is not magnetically attracted to the ferromagnetic rail. The inclusion of the ferromagnetic material allows the magnetic actuator pad to be magnetized in the presence of a magnetic field applied by an electromagnet.

[0038] In some instances, the magnetic actuator pad is permanently magnetic, for example, comprising a permanent magnet material. In such instances, the magnetic actuator pad is magnetically attracted to an iron rail, and the electromagnet must overcome this natural attraction to pull the magnetic actuator pad away from the rail.

[0039] In some instances, the electromagnet is fixed within a safety actuator. In other instances, the electromagnet is movable within the safety actuator.

[0040] In some instances, the elevator system further includes a position monitoring system arranged to monitor the vertical position of the elevator car, wherein the elevator controller communicates with the position monitoring system and is arranged to determine the alignment position of the electromagnet and the magnetic actuator pad. As is known in the art, the position monitoring system can be any device or mechanism for monitoring the vertical position of the elevator car. For example, without limitation, the position monitoring system may include an encoder and / or an absolute position sensor.

[0041] In some instances, the elevator controller is arranged to send a signal to the operating electromagnet after the elevator car has reached the alignment position, while continuing to drive the elevator car upward relative to the guide rails.

[0042] In some instances, safety actuators include hard stops that are configured to prevent relative movement between the electromagnet and the magnetic actuator pad once the electromagnet is aligned with the magnetic actuator pad during the upward movement of the elevator car.

[0043] In some instances, the elevator controller is arranged to send a signal to operate the electromagnet after the magnetic actuator pad has reached the hard stop.

[0044] In some instances, the safety actuator includes a safety panel controller that communicates with the elevator controller; the elevator controller is arranged to receive a signal to reset the safety actuator and to first drive the elevator car upward relative to the guide rails to release the safety brake; and the elevator controller is then arranged to send a reset signal to the safety panel controller to operate an electromagnet to pull the magnetic actuator pad away from the guide rails while the elevator car is still moving upward during the reset operation.

[0045] In some instances, the elevator system includes a pair of guide rails along which the elevator car is driven to move, a pair of safety brakes mounted on either side of the elevator car, and corresponding first and second safety actuators mechanically coupled to the pair of safety brakes, wherein the elevator controller is arranged as follows:

[0046] During the reset operation, as the elevator car moves upward, a first signal is sent to the first electromagnet of the first safety actuator to pull the magnetic actuator pad away from the first guide rail in the pair of guide rails; and

[0047] Subsequently, while the elevator car is still moving upward during the reset operation, a second signal is sent to the second electromagnet of the second safety actuator to pull the magnetic actuator pad away from the second guide rail in the pair of guide rails.

[0048] As will be understood from this disclosure, triggering the safety brake means physically engaging the safety brake (its components) with the guide rail to stop the car. It will also be understood from this disclosure that releasing the safety brake means physically disengaging the safety brake (its components) from the guide rail to allow the car to move along the guide rail. In some instances, the safety brake is arranged to move between a non-braking position where the safety brake is not engaged with the guide rail and a braking position where the safety brake is engaged with the guide rail to prevent the elevator car from moving along the guide rail. It will be appreciated that this contrasts with the operation of a magnetic actuator pad, since laterally moving the magnetic actuator pad to contact the guide rail does not prevent the elevator car from moving along the guide rail.

[0049] Safety brakes may include any suitable device (or assembly, arrangement) for stopping and preventing the movement of an elevator car via mechanical engagement with guide rails. In some instances, safety brakes include wedge brakes. Some suitable wedge brake devices include rollers mounted to move relative to a wedge, or one or more wedge-shaped brake pads mounted to move to engage with the guide rails. Thus, the movement of the linkage between the wedge brake and the safety actuator causes the lateral movement of the magnetic actuator pad toward the trigger position when the safety actuator moves downward relative to the guide rails to generate an upward reaction force transmitted by the linkage to move the wedge brake upward to the engagement (i.e., braking) position. The wedge brake will engage against the guide rails, and the friction between these two surfaces will stop the elevator car. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Certain preferred embodiments of this disclosure will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0051] Figure 1 A schematic side view of an elevator system according to an example of this disclosure is shown;

[0052] Figure 2 An example of a safety actuator device is shown;

[0053] Figures 3A-3C The safety actuator device during the triggering operation of the safety brake is shown;

[0054] Figures 4A-4C Another example of a safety actuator device during a reset operation of the safety actuator is shown;

[0055] Figure 5 It is a schematic overview view of the elevator system; and

[0056] Figure 6 An example of a position monitoring system in an elevator system is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0057] Figure 1 An elevator system 100 according to the present disclosure is shown. The elevator system 100 includes an elevator car 102 (e.g., arranged to travel within a shaft, not shown). The elevator car 102 travels along a first guide rail 106a located on a first side of the shaft 104 and a second guide rail 106b located on an opposite second side of the shaft 104.

[0058] The elevator car 102 includes a first safety brake device 108a positioned on a first side of the elevator car 102 and a second safety brake device 108b positioned on a second side of the elevator car 102. As will be described in more detail below, each of these safety brake devices 108a, 108b includes a safety brake for stopping the elevator car 102, and in the illustrated example includes an integrated safety actuator for triggering the safety brake.

[0059] The elevator car 102 is connected to the counterweight 112 by one or more tension members 114. The tension members 114 may include or be configured as, for example, ropes, cables, and / or coated belts including load-bearing ropes. The tension members are driven by a machine (or traction machine) 116 to drive the movement of the elevator car 102 and the counterweight 112. The counterweight 112 is configured to balance the load on the elevator car 102 and facilitate simultaneous and opposite movement of the elevator car 102 relative to the counterweight 112 along guide rails 106a, 106b.

[0060] Elevator system 100 includes an elevator controller (not shown) configured to control the operation of elevator system 100, and particularly the vertical movement of elevator car 102. For example, the elevator controller may provide drive signals to machine 116 to control the acceleration, deceleration, leveling, and stopping of elevator car 102. The elevator controller may also be configured to receive position signals from a position reference system. Figure 5 and 6 (As seen in the text).

[0061] Although a rope system including one or more tension members 114 has been shown and described, the elevator system 100 may employ other methods and mechanisms for moving the elevator car 102. For example, embodiments may be used in cordless elevator systems that use a linear motor to provide motion to the elevator car 102. Embodiments may also be used in cordless elevator systems that use a hydraulic lift to provide motion to the elevator car 102. Figure 1 These are non-restrictive examples presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes only.

[0062] Figure 2 It shows that it can be installed to Figure 1An example of a safety brake device 108a on an elevator car 102. The safety brake device 108a includes, in this example, a safety actuator 52 mechanically coupled to a safety brake 48 by a lever 50 (or other mechanical linkage). The safety brake device 108a includes a mounting portion 42 that can be mounted on the outer surface of the elevator car 102. For example, the mounting portion 42 includes an opening 44 that allows the mounting portion 42 to be secured to the elevator car frame. The safety brake device 108a further includes a channel 46 extending along the length of the safety brake device 108a and configured to receive a guide rail 106a (not shown).

[0063] Safety actuator 52 includes an electromagnet 62 and a magnetic actuator pad 54. When the safety brake device 108a is installed in the elevator car 102, the magnetic actuator pad 54 is selectively deployed by the operation of the electromagnet 62 to contact the guide rail 106a arranged in the channel 46. Figure 1 (As seen in the text). Figure 2 As seen, the magnetic actuator pad 54 of the safety actuator 52 is operably connected to the safety brake 48 by the rod 50. The magnetic actuator pad 54 is movable relative to the mounting portion 42. Figures 3A-3C As shown, when the safety brake 48 is triggered, for example in an overspeed situation, the relative upward movement of the magnetic actuator pad 54 pulls on the rod 50, engaging the safety brake 48 by bringing it into a braking position (e.g., wedged against the guide rail).

[0064] The safety brake 48 is movable between a non-braking position where the safety brake 48 is not engaged with the guide rail 106a and a braking position where the safety brake 48 is engaged with the guide rail 106a. The safety brake 48 is shown as a wedge-type safety brake, which includes an angled "wedge" surface 48b and a roller 48a, the roller being movable along surface 48b from the non-braking position (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (As seen in the image) the roller 48a is moved to the braking position, where it is brought into engagement with the guide rail 106a. Such wedge-type safety brakes are well known in the art, for example, as seen in US4,538,706. However, it will be appreciated that the safety brake 48 can take any suitable form and can be modified to include a wedge-shaped brake pad instead of a roller, or a magnetic actuator pad.

[0065] exist Figure 2 In the example seen, the magnetic actuator pad 54 is ferromagnetic, and the safety actuator 52 includes a spring 56, a support 58, and a set of linear roller bearings 60 arranged between the magnetic actuator pad 54 and the mounting portion 42. (See reference...) Figure 3A , 3B As will be described in 3C, the magnetic actuator pad 54 can be in a first position spaced apart from the guide rail 106a (e.g. Figure 2The magnetic actuator pad 54 (as seen in the image) moves laterally between its first position and its trigger position in contact with the guide rail 106a. A spring 56 is coupled at one end to a magnetic actuator pad 54 and configured to apply a bias force to move the magnetic actuator pad 54 from the first position to the trigger position. The spring 56 is coupled at its other end to a support 58. The support 58 contacts a linear roller bearing 60, allowing the support 58, spring 56, and magnetic actuator pad 54 to move linearly relative to the mounting portion 42 (i.e., vertically when the safety device 108a is installed in the elevator car). In this example, the electromagnet 62 is fixed in place relative to the mounting portion 42 and arranged to apply a magnetic force to hold the magnetic actuator pad 54 in the first position. Therefore, the magnetic force counteracts and overcomes the bias force of the spring 56.

[0066] Turn now Figure 3A , 3B And 3C, can be seen Figure 2 The schematic side view of an example of the safety braking device 108a shown in use. Figures 3A-3C Shown in the reference frame of elevator car 102.

[0067] Figure 3A The safety brake 108a is shown in a non-engaged position, such as during initial installation or after release / reset. The safety brake 108a is mounted on the elevator car via mounting portion 42, such that the safety brake 108a moves up and down along guide rail 106a with the elevator car. A magnetic actuator pad 54 (ferromagnetic in this example) is held away from guide rail 106a by a magnetic force provided by electromagnet 62, which overcomes a bias force provided by spring 56. In this example, electromagnet 62 includes a “G-shaped” iron core 64 and an electric coil 66. The controller ( Figure 5 (As seen in the diagram) it communicates electrically with the electromagnet 62 and is configured to control the power supply to the coil 66. Therefore, as... Figure 3A As shown, when the safety braking device 108a is not triggered, the magnetic actuator pad 54 is in the first position and does not contact the guide rail 106a, resulting in a gap 68 between the magnetic actuator pad 54 and the guide rail 106a.

[0068] Spring 56 connects the magnetic actuator pad 54 and the support 58. Guide rod 70 is arranged through the center of spring 56 and is connected to the support 58 and magnetic actuator pad 54 by nut 72. Magnetic actuator pad 54 has a high-friction surface 74, which is arranged to contact guide rail 106a when in the triggered position.

[0069] In this example, the magnetic actuator pad 54 includes a reset portion 84, which is arranged to form part of a ferromagnetic core 64 inside the coil 66 when the magnetic actuator pad 54 is in the first position. This means that the magnetic actuator pad 54 completes the magnetic circuit of the electromagnet 62 to assist in the reset of the safety braking device 108a.

[0070] If the elevator car is detected to be in a freefall, overspeed, or over-acceleration state, the elevator controller ( Figure 5 (As seen in the diagram) the electrical power to the electromagnet 62 will be removed or reduced. In one example, the mechanism is bistable and arranged such that when the power to the coil 66 is removed, the magnetic actuator pad 54 no longer experiences any magnetic force. Thus, when the elevator car descends too quickly, the bias force applied to the magnetic actuator pad 54 by the spring 56 will pull the magnetic actuator pad 54 from... Figure 3A The first position shown is moved to Figure 3B The trigger location is shown in the image. From... Figures 3A-3C It can be seen how the guide rod 70 helps guide the lateral movement of the magnetic actuator pad 54.

[0071] The contact between the magnetic actuator pad 54 and the guide rail 106a, and especially the high-friction surface 74 in contact with the guide rail 106a, causes the connected support 58 and the magnetic actuator pad 54 to move upward relative to the elevator car. This movement occurs in... Figure 3C As shown, this occurs due to the friction between the guide rail 106a and the magnetic actuator pad 54. The friction between the guide rail 106a and the magnetic actuator pad 54 results in an upward reaction force. This is due to the downward movement of the elevator car and the mounting portion 42 fixed to the elevator car.

[0072] The magnetic actuator pad 54, spring 56, support 58, and guide rod 70 are capable of upward movement due to the linear roller bearing 60 that allows the support 58 to move upward and downward relative to the mounting portion 42. As the support 58 and magnetic actuator pad 54 move upward due to an upward reaction force, this upward reaction force is applied to the rod 50 connecting the magnetic actuator pad 54 and the safety brake 48. Figure 3C As shown, the lever 50 thus transmits an upward reaction force to the roller 48a of the safety brake 48, causing the roller 48a to move upward along the inclined surface 48b into the braking position, engaging the guide rail 106a and preventing further downward movement of the elevator car. Therefore, when the safety controller (described further below) detects an overspeed or freefall state of the elevator car, the safety brake device 108a triggers the safety brake 48 to prevent further downward movement of the elevator car.

[0073] To release the safety brake 48, for example after an emergency stop procedure, the elevator car moves upward to disengage roller 48a from guide rail 106a. To reset the safety actuator 52, mounting portion 42 moves upward until electromagnet 62 aligns with magnetic actuator pad 54. During the reset operation, power is restored to electromagnet 62 by the controller to generate an attractive magnetic force between electromagnet 62 and magnetic actuator pad 54. Realignment of reset portion 84 with ferromagnetic core 64 helps strengthen the magnetic field and pulls magnetic actuator pad 54 from its triggered position back to its first position, the reset position. When this magnetic force exceeds the bias force caused by spring 56, magnetic actuator pad 54 is thus pulled laterally away from guide rail 106a to the reset position, creating a gap 68 between magnetic actuator pad 54 and guide rail 106a (e.g., Figure 3A (As seen in the text).

[0074] Now refer to Figures 4A-4C The reset operation for the safety braking device 108a is further described.

[0075] Turn now Figures 4A-4C You can see that Figure 2 A schematic side view of another example of the safety braking device 108a shown. In this example, the safety braking device 108a again includes a safety actuator 52, which is mechanically coupled to the safety brake 48 by a lever 50 (or other mechanical linkage). The safety braking device 108a includes a vertical channel extending along its length to receive a guide rail 106a. In this example, the safety actuator 52 includes an electromagnet 62 and a permanent magnetic actuator pad 54'. Figure 4A As seen, the permanent magnetic actuator pad 54' moves laterally to contact the guide rail 106a via the operation of the electromagnet 62. When the permanent magnetic actuator pad 54' is in this triggered position, the safety brake 48 engages with the guide rail 106a to prevent movement of the elevator car (to... Figure 3C (The same manner as seen in the previous example). The relative vertical movement between the electromagnet 62 and the permanent magnet actuator pad 54' has caused them to become misaligned.

[0076] During the reset operation, such as Figure 4B and 4C As seen, the elevator car and therefore the safety actuator 52 move upward relative to the guide rail 106a to release the wedge of the safety brake 48. After the electromagnet 62 has been aligned with the permanent magnet actuator pad 54' ( Figure 4B The electromagnet 62 is operable to laterally pull the permanent magnet actuator pad 54' away from the guide rail 106a to the reset position. Figure 4C To ensure the reset operation is performed reliably, the elevator car continues to move upwards under drive throughout the entire reset process.

[0077] Available Figures 4A-4C As can be seen, the electromagnet 62 is fixed together with the stop 63 in the appropriate position within the safety actuator 52. The stop 63 is configured to prevent relative movement between the electromagnet 62 and the permanent magnet actuator pad 54' once they are aligned. Figure 4B As seen in the image), this allows them to remain aligned as the elevator car moves further upward (as...). Figure 4C (As seen in the text).

[0078] Figure 5 A schematic overview view of an elevator system 100 is provided, which includes an elevator car 102 and a drive unit 115 electrically connected to a machine 116 and an encoder 117. The drive unit 115 is connected to an elevator controller 120 via CAN. The elevator controller 120 communicates with a safety controller 122 via CAN. The safety controller 122 is electrically connected to and configured to control a machine brake 124. The safety controller 122 is also connected via CAN to a safety panel controller 126 mounted on the elevator car 102. A tension member 114 connects the elevator car 102 to the machine 116, the encoder 117, and the machine brake 124.

[0079] Safety panel controller 126 is a safety braking device 108a, 108b installed in elevator car 102. Figure 1 (As seen in the image) provides local control. In this example, a position monitoring system 128 is also installed on the elevator car 102. The position monitoring system 128 can be used to monitor the vertical position of the elevator car 102, especially during the reset operation described above. The safety controller 122 and the elevator controller 120 communicate with the position monitoring system 128. When at least one of these controllers 120, 122 determines that the elevator car 102 has reached the alignment position where the electromagnet and magnetic actuator pad are aligned (as shown in the image), Figure 4B As seen in the image, starting from that point, as the elevator car 102 continues to move upward, the magnetic actuator pad is pulled laterally away from the guide rail by the operation of the electromagnet to the reset position to perform a reset operation (as shown in the image). Figure 4C (As seen in the text).

[0080] like Figure 5 As seen in the exemplary method of resetting the safety actuator in elevator system 100, the starting point is engaging the safety brake. Typically, a maintenance technician goes to the maintenance panel at elevator controller 120 and initiates safety brake release as the first step. For example, during an emergency rescue operation, elevator car 102 is driven upwards by elevator controller 120. Elevator controller 120 detects when elevator car 102 has moved far enough to align the electromagnet with the magnetic actuator pad (e.g., ...). Figure 4B(As seen in the diagram), and then sends a reset signal to safety controller 122, which communicates with safety panel controller 126. Safety panel controller 126 controls the two safety brake devices 108a, 108b to reset their safety actuators one after another in sequence. Safety panel controller 126 checks that the reset operation has been successful and sends a signal back to controllers 120, 122. The maintenance panel can be used to notify technicians of the success of the reset and can terminate the reset operation, or alternatively, drive the elevator car 102 to a floor.

[0081] Figure 6 A perspective view of an elevator system 100 including an elevator car 102 arranged to move vertically along guide rails 106a, 106b in a hoistway 130 is shown. The hoistway 130 includes a position measuring band 132 for mounting a position monitoring system 128 to the elevator car 102. The position monitoring system 128 includes an absolute position sensor (e.g., a camera or other optical sensor) that detects position markers, such as increments, on the position measuring band 132. The position monitoring system 128 may either process the collected data itself or pass the data to another component of the elevator system (e.g., a safety panel controller 126, a safety controller 122, or an elevator controller 120) for further processing. The data is processed to determine the vertical position, or height, of the elevator car 102 within the hoistway 130. For example, each position marker may be unique and can be looked up in a lookup table (created during initial calibration) that includes a corresponding height for each position marker.

[0082] Those skilled in the art will recognize that this disclosure has been described by way of one or more specific aspects, but the disclosure is not limited to these aspects; many variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the safety braking device disclosed herein can be used in corded or cordless elevator systems.

Claims

1. A method for resetting a safety actuator (52) in an elevator system (100), wherein: The elevator system (100) includes an elevator car (102) driven to move along guide rails (106a, 106b), a safety brake (48) mounted to the elevator car (102) and operable to prevent the elevator car (102) from moving along the guide rails (106a, 106b), and a safety actuator (52) mounted to the elevator car (102), the safety actuator (52) including a magnetic actuator pad (54, 54') capable of laterally moving relative to the guide rails (106a, 106b); The safety actuator (52) is mechanically coupled to the safety brake (48) and configured to trigger the safety brake (48) when the magnetic actuator pad (54, 54') is laterally pushed against the guide rails (106a, 106b) to generate relative movement between the safety brake (48) and the elevator car (102); and The safety actuator (52) includes an electromagnet (62) that, when aligned with the magnetic actuator pad (54, 54') during a reset operation, is operable to laterally pull the magnetic actuator pad (54, 54') away from the guide rail (106a, 106b). The method includes: Upon receiving a signal to reset the safety actuator (52), the elevator car (102) is moved upward relative to the guide rails (106a, 106b) to release the safety brake (48); and During the reset operation, as the elevator car (102) moves upward, the electromagnet (62) is operated to pull the magnetic actuator pad (54, 54') laterally away from the guide rails (106a, 106b) to the reset position.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The vertical position of the elevator car (102) is monitored as the elevator car (102) moves upward relative to the guide rails (106a, 106b) in order to determine the alignment position of the electromagnet (62) and the magnetic actuator pad (54, 54').

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: After the elevator car (102) reaches the alignment position, the elevator car (102) continues to move upward relative to the guide rails (106a, 106b), while the electromagnet (62) is operated to pull the magnetic actuator pad (54, 54') laterally away from the guide rails (106a, 106b).

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The safety actuator (52) includes a stop (63) configured to prevent relative movement between the electromagnet (62) and the magnetic actuator pad (54, 54') once the electromagnet (62) is aligned with the magnetic actuator pad (54, 54') during upward movement of the elevator car (102), the method comprising: After the magnetic actuator pads (54, 54') reach the stop (63), the electromagnet (62) is operated to pull the magnetic actuator pads (54, 54') laterally away from the guide rails (106a, 106b).

5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The elevator system (100) includes an elevator controller (120) arranged to drive the elevator car (102) to move along the guide rails (106a, 106b), and the safety actuator (52) includes a safety board controller (126) in communication with the elevator controller (120). The elevator controller (120) is arranged to receive a signal to reset the safety actuator (52) and first drive the elevator car (102) upward relative to the guide rails (106a, 106b) to release the safety brake (48); and The elevator controller (120) then sends a reset signal to the safety panel controller (126) to operate the electromagnet (62) to pull the magnetic actuator pad (54, 54') away from the guide rail (106a, 106b) while the elevator car (102) is still moving upward during the reset operation.

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The elevator car (102) is driven to move along a pair of guide rails (106a, 106b), the elevator system (100) includes a pair of safety brakes (48) mounted on either side of the elevator car (102), wherein corresponding first and second safety actuators are mechanically coupled to the pair of safety brakes (48), the method comprising: During the reset operation, as the elevator car (102) moves upward, the first electromagnet of the first safety actuator is operated to pull the magnetic actuator pad (54, 54') away from the first guide rail (106a, 106b) of the pair of guide rails; and Subsequently, while the elevator car (102) is still moving upward during the reset operation, the second electromagnet of the second safety actuator is operated to pull the magnetic actuator pad (54, 54') away from the second guide rail (106a, 106b) of the pair of guide rails.

7. An elevator system (100), comprising: An elevator car (102) is movable along guide rails (106a, 106b); An elevator controller (120) is arranged to drive the elevator car (102) to move along the guide rails (106a, 106b); A safety brake (48) is mounted to the elevator car (102) and operable to prevent the elevator car (102) from moving along the guide rails (106a, 106b); and A safety actuator (52) is installed in the elevator car (102), the safety actuator (52) including a magnetic actuator pad (54, 54') capable of moving laterally relative to the guide rails (106a, 106b); The safety actuator (52) is mechanically coupled to the safety brake (48) and configured to trigger the safety brake (48) when the magnetic actuator pad (54, 54') is laterally pushed against the guide rail (106a, 106b) to generate relative movement between the safety brake (48) and the elevator car (102). The safety actuator (52) includes an electromagnet (62) that, when aligned with the magnetic actuator pad (54, 54') during a reset operation, is operable to laterally pull the magnetic actuator pad (54, 54') away from the guide rail (106a, 106b). The elevator controller (120) is arranged to move the elevator car (102) upward relative to the guide rails (106a, 106b) upon receiving a signal to reset the safety actuator (52), thereby releasing the safety brake (48); and The elevator controller (120) is arranged to send a signal to operate the electromagnet (62) to laterally pull the magnetic actuator pad (54, 54') away from the guide rails (106a, 106b) to the reset position when the elevator car (102) moves upward during the reset operation.

8. The elevator system (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The elevator system further includes a position monitoring system (128) arranged to monitor the vertical position of the elevator car (102), wherein the elevator controller (120) is in communication with the position monitoring system (128) and is arranged to determine the alignment position of the electromagnet (62) and the magnetic actuator pad (54, 54').

9. The elevator system (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The elevator controller (120) is arranged to send a signal to operate the electromagnet (62) after the elevator car (102) reaches the alignment position, while continuing to drive the elevator car (102) to move upward relative to the guide rails (106a, 106b).

10. The elevator system (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The safety actuator (52) includes a stop (63) configured to prevent relative movement between the electromagnet (62) and the magnetic actuator pad (54, 54') once the electromagnet (62) is aligned with the magnetic actuator pad (54, 54') during upward movement of the elevator car (102).

11. The elevator system (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The elevator controller (120) is arranged to send a signal to operate the electromagnet (62) after the magnetic actuator pad (54, 54') reaches the stop (63).

12. The elevator system (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that, The safety actuator (52) includes a safety board controller (126) that communicates with the elevator controller (120); The elevator controller (120) is arranged to receive a signal to reset the safety actuator (52) and first drive the elevator car (102) upward relative to the guide rails (106a, 106b) to release the safety brake (48); and The elevator controller (120) is then arranged to send a reset signal to the safety panel controller (126) to operate the electromagnet (62) to pull the magnetic actuator pad (54, 54') away from the guide rail (106a, 106b) while the elevator car (102) is still moving upward during the reset operation.

13. The elevator system (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that, The elevator system includes a pair of guide rails (106a, 106b) along which the elevator car (102) is driven to move, a pair of safety brakes (48) mounted on either side of the elevator car (102), and corresponding first and second safety actuators mechanically coupled to the pair of safety brakes (48), wherein the elevator controller (120) is arranged as follows: During the reset operation, as the elevator car (102) moves upward, a first signal is sent to the first electromagnet of the first safety actuator to pull the magnetic actuator pad (54, 54') away from the first guide rail (106a, 106b) of the pair of guide rails. as well as Subsequently, while the elevator car (102) is still moving upward during the reset operation, a second signal is sent to the second electromagnet of the second safety actuator to pull the magnetic actuator pad (54, 54') away from the second guide rail (106a, 106b) of the pair of guide rails.

14. The method or elevator system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The safety brake (48) is arranged to move between a non-braking position where the safety brake (48) is not engaged with the guide rails (106a, 106b) and a braking position where the safety brake (48) is engaged with the guide rails (106a, 106b) to prevent the elevator car (102) from moving along the guide rails (106a, 106b).

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