Method and device for controlling closing movement of door of elevator car in event of power failure, method for retrofitting door of elevator car, door for elevator car and elevator device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling a closing movement of a door (104) of an elevator car (100) in the event of a power failure, in which electrical energy is cached during normal operation of the door (104) and in response to the power failure, the electrical energy is supplied as alternative energy (128) to a control device (110) of the door (104) in order to brake the closing movement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for controlling the closing movement of a door of an elevator car in the event of a power failure, a corresponding device, a method for retrofitting a door of an elevator car, a door for an elevator car and an elevator installation. Background Art

[0002] Elevator installations can have doors that can be closed without power supply. For this purpose, each door can have a mechanical energy accumulator, which is released in the event of a power failure and closes the door. For example, a mechanism is provided on the elevator door, which has, for example, a preloaded spring or a tensioning weight and is designed to automatically close the elevator door as soon as the elevator door is no longer actively loaded with force by an actuator that is powered during normal operation and is therefore held open.

[0003] In this case, closing can occur without braking. The door can accelerate rapidly and collide with the door stop. This can result in a loud noise.

[0004] To avoid noise, the door can be equipped with a friction brake. This results in additional costs as it is a component that is not used in normal operation. Alternatively, the drive motor can be used as a dynamic brake in the event of a power failure by quickly turning the drive motor into a generator during a power failure. This requires a special design of the drive motor.

[0005] For example, US2021 / 292129A1 describes a control device for elevator doors. JP1992059587A describes a door drive that uses an internal battery to monitor the closing movement. JP1999021052A shows a door drive that brakes the door movement in the event of a power failure and opens the door again. Summary of the invention

[0006] First and foremost, there would be a need for an improved method of controlling the closing movement of a door of an elevator car during a power failure. In addition, there would be a need for an improved device that can be used in such a method.

[0007] This need is met by a method and an apparatus according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims and are presented in the description.

[0008] In the solution proposed here, the door drive of the elevator car is used to brake the closing movement of the door of the elevator car. When the door is closed in the event of a power failure, the braking performance of the door drive is controlled in order to stop the door gently. For this purpose, an electrical buffer memory with control electronics is connected between the energy supply of the control device of the door drive and the control device. As long as the energy supply is functioning normally, the buffer memory is charged. If the energy supply fails due to a power failure, the buffered energy is released in a controlled manner by the control electronics to the control device in order to quantitatively use the door drive as a dynamic brake. In this case, the control device of the door drive is designed so that the door drive can rotate essentially freely without the energy supply and is locked after the energy supply is switched on.

[0009] By means of the method proposed here, a door drive of an elevator door can be used cost-effectively and easily as a controllable dynamic brake. The device proposed here can generally be retrofitted without further adaptation measures.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, a method is proposed for controlling the closing movement of a door of an elevator car in the event of a power failure, wherein electrical energy is buffered during normal operation of the door and, in response to the power failure, energy or electrical energy is provided as alternative energy for a door control device to brake the closing movement.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the invention, a device for controlling the closing movement of at least one door of an elevator car in the event of a power failure is proposed, which device is designed to carry out, implement and / or control the method according to the first aspect of the invention in a corresponding device.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for retrofitting a door of an elevator car is proposed, wherein the device according to the second aspect of the invention is connected to the energy supply line between the energy supply device of the control device and the controller.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a door for an elevator car is proposed, wherein the door has a mechanical closing mechanism for closing the door in the event of a power failure, and the device according to the second aspect of the invention is connected to the power supply line between the power supply device of the control device and the control device, and caches the electrical energy from the power supply device during normal operation.

[0014] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, an elevator installation is proposed having at least one door according to the fourth aspect of the invention.

[0015] The elevator device can be a personnel transport device. The elevator device can have at least one elevator car with at least one door. The door can be a sliding door in particular. The door can be opened and closed using a door drive by a motor. As long as the door drive is supplied with electrical energy, the door drive can exert a force on the door, thereby opening, closing or holding the door. If a power failure occurs, the door drive that is powered off will no longer be able to hold or move the door. The resulting unbraked door can be closed using a closing mechanism. The closing mechanism can have a mechanical energy accumulator. The energy accumulator can be, for example, a preloaded spring and / or a winding weight. The spring can be tensioned when the door opens. The weight can be pulled upward during the opening movement. The energy stored in the energy accumulator drives a one-time closing movement of the door. After the closing movement, the energy stored in the energy accumulator or the electrical energy is basically used up.

[0016] The gate drive is operated by the control device. The control device is supplied with electrical energy by the energy supply device. The energy supply device provides a supply voltage. The supply voltage can be a low voltage, for example a 24 V DC voltage. The control device uses the supply voltage to power the gate drive in order to operate the gate.

[0017] In the solution proposed here, the supply voltage for the control device is buffered in an electrical energy accumulator of the intermediate device according to the second aspect of the invention. The electrical energy accumulator can be, for example, a battery and / or a capacitor. If the power fails and thus the supply voltage fails, the buffered energy is released in a controlled manner by the control electronics of the device. The buffered energy can be provided as a substitute for the supply voltage for the control device. This means that the control device can continue to supply power to the door drive and the door drive can monitor the closing movement driven by the closing mechanism.

[0018] The alternative energy is provided intermittently, i.e. the alternative energy may be provided with temporary interruptions. In other words, the alternative energy may not be provided continuously. During the interruption, the door may be accelerated using the closing mechanism. While the alternative energy is provided, the door may be braked. Thus, an abrupt or distributed closing of the door is allowed. During the interruption, the door may be accelerated to a low speed in response to the force from the closing mechanism. When the alternative energy is provided, the low speed may be braked again.

[0019] After a power failure, alternative energy can be provided with a delay of a predetermined delay period. By delaying before providing the alternative energy, the door can be accelerated by the closing mechanism to allow the closing movement to begin. After the delay period, alternative energy is provided and the door is braked. The delay period can depend on the design of the door, the closing mechanism and / or the door drive. For example, the delay period can be shorter than 5 s, shorter than 2 s, shorter than 1 s or shorter than 0.5 s. For example, the delay period can be parameterized when the elevator installation is put into use or when the installation is retrofitted.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the replacement energy can be provided when the start of the closing movement is detected. The closing movement can be detected by a sensor. The signal from the sensor can be evaluated. The start of the closing movement can be detected when the door has traveled a minimum distance or reached a minimum speed.

[0021] The provisioning can be suspended after a predetermined provisioning period. During the provisioning period, the door can be slowed down to the desired target speed by the door drive. During the provisioning period, the door can also be braked to a standstill. After the provisioning period, the door can be accelerated again using the closing mechanism. The provisioning period can depend on the control device. The provisioning period can depend on the duration of the start-up process of the control device. The control device can short-circuit the coil of the door drive during the start-up process. The closing movement can be slowed down by the short circuit. The provisioning period also depends on the quality of the door. For example, the provisioning period can be parameterized when the elevator installation is put into operation or when the installation is retrofitted.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the provision can be interrupted if braking is detected. The closing movement can be detected by a sensor. The signal from the sensor can be evaluated. Braking can be detected when the door speed is below the target speed.

[0023] Alternatively, if the start-up of the control device is detected, the supply can be interrupted. The control device can send its state as a data signal. When the start-up process is completed, the replacement energy can be interrupted again.

[0024] After the interruption, the replacement energy can be supplied again with a delay of a predetermined delay period. The closing movement can be started again during the delay period. With the delay period, a new cycle of re-acceleration of the door and re-deceleration of the door can be started. Due to the predetermined delay period and the predetermined supply period, the closing movement can be monitored without data exchange between the device and the control device.

[0025] Replacement energy can be supplied until the buffered energy is exhausted. Supply and interruption can continue until the accumulator is empty. Supply and interruption can also be carried out when the door is closed.

[0026] The device can have a plug connector for plugging the device into the energy supply line between the energy supply device of the control device and the control device. The plug connector can be designed as an identical plug and socket. Using the plug connector, the device can be easily plugged into the existing separation point between the energy supply device and the control device. Retrofitting is thus particularly easy.

[0027] It should be noted that some feasible features and advantages of the present invention are introduced herein with reference to different embodiments of the method on the one hand and the device on the other hand. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these features can be appropriately combined, adjusted or interchanged to achieve further embodiments of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein neither the accompanying drawings nor the description should be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0029] Figure 1 The diagram shows an elevator installation according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] The figures are schematic and not drawn to scale. Identical reference numerals denote identical or identically acting features. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Figure 1 A diagram of an elevator installation 100 according to an embodiment is shown. The elevator installation 100 has at least one elevator car 102. The elevator car 102 has a door 104. The door 104 is driven by a door drive 106. The door drive 106 acts on the door 104 via a cable or a belt. Here, the door 104 has two opposing door leaves 108. Here, the cables or belts move the door leaves 108 in opposite directions.

[0032] The gate drive 106 is controlled by a control device 110. The control device 110 is powered by a power supply device 112 or a power supply device having a supply voltage 114. Here, the power supply device 112 converts the alternating current from the power grid into a low-voltage direct current to generate the supply voltage 114. The supply voltage 114 is, for example, 24 volts.

[0033] The control device 110 powers the door drive 106 using the supply voltage 114. As long as the door drive 106 is powered, the door drive can move or hold the door 104. If a power failure occurs in the door drive 106, the door drive can no longer exert any force on the door 104.

[0034] In the event of a power failure, the door 104 has a closing mechanism 116. The closing mechanism 116 is coupled to the door 104 and the door drive 106 via a cable or a belt. The closing mechanism 116 has a mechanical accumulator 118. Mechanical energy is stored in the accumulator 118 for closing the door 104 in the event of a power failure. The accumulator 118 is designed as a spring here, but can also be designed as a weight. The accumulator 118 is loaded or tensioned by the door drive 106 at each opening movement of the door 104 and unloaded or relaxed at each closing movement, thereby assisting the door drive 106. When the door 104 is open and the door drive 106 no longer exerts any force on the door 104 due to the power failure, the mechanical energy stored in the accumulator 118 pulls the door 104 closed by the closing movement.

[0035] In the solution proposed here, a device 122 for controlling the closing movement of the door 104 in the event of a power failure is connected to the energy supply line 120 between the energy supply device 112 and the control device 110. The device 122 has control electronics 124 and an electrical energy storage device 126. The energy storage device 126 can be designed, for example, as a battery and / or a capacitor.

[0036] During normal operation of the elevator system 100, electrical energy is buffered in the energy storage device 126. Therefore, during normal operation, the energy storage device 126 is charged by the control electronics 124 using the supply voltage 114. During power failures, the control electronics 124 provides the stored energy as replacement energy 128 for the control device 110.

[0037] In one embodiment, in the event of a power failure, the alternative energy 128 is provided in pulsed form, for example by means of current pulses that are periodically transmitted to the control device 110. When the alternative energy 128 is provided, the control device 110 energizes the door drive 106, and the door drive 106 counteracts the closing movement driven by the closing mechanism 116. This slows down or stops the closing movement. If the alternative energy 128 is interrupted, the door drive 106 is no longer powered by the control device 110. As a result, the door drive 106 can no longer counteract the force of the closing mechanism 116, and the closing movement is driven by the closing mechanism 116 again. Then the alternative energy 128 is provided again and the closing movement is braked again. By a repeated sequence of providing the alternative energy 128 and switching off the alternative energy 128, the closing movement can be performed in a jerky or pulsed manner. The average speed of the closing movement can thus be significantly reduced.

[0038] In one embodiment, the alternative energy 128 is not provided immediately after the power failure. When the alternative energy is first provided, a predetermined waiting time or delay period 130 is waited. The closing movement can be started during the delay period 130. After the delay period 130, the alternative energy 128 is provided and the control device 110 can energize the door drive 106, thereby braking the closing movement again.

[0039] In one embodiment, the supply of the alternative energy 128 is interrupted after a predetermined supply period 132. During the supply period 132, the alternative energy 128 is supplied. The supply period 132 is long enough so that the door drive 106 can brake the closing movement.

[0040] In one embodiment, the provision time period 132 is dependent on an initialization time period of the control device 110. The control device 110 requires a period of time until the door drive 106 is powered on after receiving the alternative energy 128. The provision time period 132 may be longer than the initialization time period so that a braking effect of the door drive 106 can occur.

[0041] In one embodiment, the delay time period 130 and the provision time period 132 depend on the size or mass of the door 104 and the strength of the closing mechanism 116. The provision time period 132 also depends on the braking performance of the door drive 106. The delay time period 130 and the provision time period 132 may be different for different elevator installations 100. If the installation 122 is retrofitted, the delay time period 130 and the provision time period 132 may be parameterized during the retrofitting.

[0042] In one embodiment, after the interruption of the supply, a delay period 130 is waited again until the replacement energy 128 is supplied again. This change between supply and non-supply can continue until the energy cached in the electrical energy storage device 126 is exhausted. This is done independently of the position of the door 104.

[0043] Supply and interruption can also be carried out in a controlled manner. For this purpose, sensors can be used in particular to detect and evaluate the movement of the door. For example, when the start of the closing movement is detected, replacement energy 128 can be provided. If a slowdown of the closing movement is detected, the supply can be interrupted.

[0044] This provision may also be interrupted when an initialization or startup of control device 110 is indicated.

[0045] In one embodiment, the device 122 has a plug connector 134, via which the device 122 is connected to the energy supply line 120. In this case, the device 122 is independent of the door 104 and only monitors the supply voltage 114. After an interruption of the supply voltage 114, buffered energy is provided as replacement energy 128. Due to the plug connector 134, the device 122 can be retrofitted particularly easily in an existing elevator system 100.

[0046] The following summarizes the feasible designs of the present invention again, or uses slightly different word choices to present the feasible designs of the present invention.

[0047] A device for installation in an elevator door, an elevator door, an elevator, a method for retrofitting an elevator and a method for slowly closing a door in the event of a power failure are proposed.

[0048] Elevator doors have a mechanism that is designed to close the door without any additional force. This is usually a spring or a tension weight. If a power failure occurs while the door is open, the door drive will no longer provide the energy to keep the door open and the door will close very quickly. This will cause a loud bang and may damage the door.

[0049] If a power failure occurs while the door is open, the solution described here allows the door to close slowly. To do this, a device is connected to the power supply of the door drive.

[0050] If the power supply is intact, the device simply passes 24V DC to the gate driver, charging the capacitor or battery at the same time.

[0051] If a power failure occurs, the gate drivers are alternately briefly supplied with 24 V and then disconnected from 24 V again.

[0052] Slow closing is achieved by starting up and then short-circuiting the coil of the motor as soon as the door drive is powered. This stops the drive. When the supply voltage drops again, the motor starts up again. The door can always close a short distance and then come to a stop. As a result, the door ultimately consumes less energy. Even after closing, the device can continue to operate without interruption.

[0053] The device can be easily retrofitted, as no part of the elevator needs to be adapted to it. In areas where power failures are common, the device can be installed from the outset without having to adapt other parts to its presence.

[0054] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "having", "comprising" etc. do not exclude other elements or steps, and terms such as "a" or "an" etc. do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps that have been described with reference to one of the above embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims should not be considered as limiting.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the closing movement of a door (104) of an elevator car (100) in the event of a power failure, wherein: buffering electrical energy during normal operation of the door (104) and, in response to a power failure, providing said electrical energy as replacement energy (128) to a control device (110) of the door (104) in order to brake the closing movement, Characterized in that the replacement energy (128) is provided intermittently.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: After the power failure, alternative energy (128) is provided with a delay of a predetermined delay period (130).

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: When the start of the closing movement is detected, replacement energy is provided ( 128 ).

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The provisioning process is interrupted after a predetermined provisioning time period (132).

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: If braking is detected, the provision process is interrupted.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: When activation of the control device (110) is detected, the provision process is interrupted.

7. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: After the interruption, the replacement energy (128) is provided again with a delay of a predetermined delay period (130).

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Replacement energy (128) is provided until the cached electrical energy is exhausted.

9. A device (122) for controlling the closing movement of a door (104) of an elevator car (100) in the event of a power failure, wherein: The device (122) is designed to carry out, execute and / or control a method according to any of the preceding claims in a corresponding apparatus.

10. The device (122) according to claim 9, wherein The device (122) has a plug connector (134) for connecting the device (122) to a power supply line (120) between a power supply device (112) of a control device (110) and the control device (110).

11. A method for retrofitting a door (104) of an elevator car (102), wherein: The device (122) according to any one of claims 9 to 10 is connected to a power supply line (120) between a power supply device (112) of a control device (110) and the control device (110).

12. A door (104) for an elevator car (102), wherein: The door (104) has a mechanical closing mechanism (116) for closing the door (104) in the event of a power failure, wherein a device (122) according to any one of claims 9 to 10 is connected to a power supply device (112) of the control device (110) and a power supply line (120) between the control device (110) and buffers electrical energy from the power supply device (112) during normal operation.

13. An elevator installation (100) having at least one door (104) according to claim 12.

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