Elevator system with data power nodes for elevator operating terminals

Abstract

An elevator system (1) has a power cable (26) extending substantially inside an elevator hoistway (10) and coupled to a power source (32, 34) configured to output a voltage of a predetermined value. The elevator controller (12) and the plurality of operating terminals (4) are coupled to the power cable (26). Each operating terminal (4) is configured to receive power from a power source (32, 34), and to transmit and receive, via a power cable (26), a data signal relating to an elevator call input by a user at the operating terminal (4). The elevator controller (12) is configured to transmit and receive data signals related to elevator calls via the power cable (26).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology described herein generally relates to elevator systems. Exemplary embodiments of the technology particularly relate to coupling an elevator operating terminal to an elevator control system. Exemplary embodiments of the technology also relate to a method for operating such an elevator system. Background Art

[0002] In known elevator systems, a user can input an elevator call at an elevator operating terminal (hereinafter referred to as an "operating terminal"). According to a control technology used in elevator systems, namely the destination call control technology, the operating terminal is arranged on a floor of a building to call the elevator by inputting the desired destination when standing on the floor; such a call is called a "destination call". The operating terminal may have a keypad or a touch screen, the keypad having a set number of keys assigned to the floors served by the elevator system, and the touch screen displays a field representing the floors served by the elevator system. The operating terminal may have a power port and a data port, wherein a power cable connects the power port to a power source (e.g., 24 / 48 VDC), and wherein a data cable connects the data port directly or via a switch to the elevator control system. The data cable is typically an Ethernet cable provided with an RJ45 connector. Alternatively, the operating terminal may be powered using, for example, Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology specified in IEEE Standard 802.3af.

[0003] The more floors a building has, and therefore the more operating terminals, the more cables are needed, and the more complicated the wiring of the cables becomes. For example, cables (e.g., with RJ45 connectors) must be customized to a predetermined length, such as the cables must be trimmed to a certain length to reach a switch in an elevator shaft or an operating terminal on a specific floor. Therefore, a technology that solves these cable-related problems is needed. Summary of the invention

[0004] One aspect of the technology described herein relates to an elevator system having an elevator controller, an elevator car, a plurality of operating panels for users to input elevator calls, a predetermined number of cable connectors, and a power cable, the power cable extending substantially inside the elevator shaft and having a wire coupled to a power supply that provides at least one predetermined voltage to the elevator system. The elevator controller has a first communication port configured to send and receive data signals according to a predetermined communication standard. The elevator car can move between floors of a building in the elevator shaft under the control of the elevator controller. Each operating terminal has a second communication port configured to send and receive data signals according to a predetermined communication standard. Each cable connector has a pin configured to be connected to the wire of the power cable at a selected section of the power cable. In addition, the elevator system has a modulation circuit and a predetermined number of power supply and modulation circuits. The modulation circuit is coupled to the first communication port of the elevator controller and the pin of the first cable connector, and the modulation circuit is configured to feed the data signal from the first communication port into the power cable and extract the data signal from the power cable, wherein the extracted data signal is available at the first communication port. Each power supply and modulation circuit is assigned to one of the cable connectors and one of the operator terminals, and is coupled to the second communication port of the assigned operator terminal and the pin of the assigned cable connector. The power supply and modulation circuit is configured to: feed power to the assigned operator terminal; extract data signals from the power cable and feed the data signals to the assigned operator terminal; and feed data signals from the assigned operator terminal to the power cable.

[0005] Another aspect relates to a method for operating such an elevator system. According to the method, a modulation circuit coupled to a power cable and a predetermined number of power supply and modulation circuits are provided. An elevator controller is coupled to the modulation circuit, and each power supply and modulation circuit is coupled to an operator terminal. During operation of the elevator system, an elevator call is received from a user at one of the operator terminals. Using the power supply and modulation circuit assigned to the operator terminal receiving the elevator call, a first data signal is inserted into the power cable, wherein the first data signal includes call information derived from the elevator call. Using the modulation circuit coupled to the elevator controller, the first data signal is extracted from the power cable to obtain the call information. The elevator controller processes the call information, wherein the processing includes generating a confirmation message to be transmitted to the operator terminal receiving the elevator call. Using the modulation circuit coupled to the elevator controller, a second data signal corresponding to the confirmation message is inserted into the power cable. Using the power supply and modulation circuit assigned to the operator terminal receiving the elevator call, the second data signal is extracted from the power cable to obtain the confirmation message. The operator terminal receiving the elevator call is operated to convey the confirmation message to the user.

[0006] Various aspects of the technology disclosed herein provide an improved power supply and communication configuration in an elevator system. This improved configuration particularly addresses the above-mentioned cable-related problems, among other problems. Since the operator terminal is powered by the power cable and communicates through the power cable, the complexity of trimming the cable to individual lengths and floor-specific lengths is removed. Since the power cable is shared for power supply and communication purposes, the overall length of the cable is reduced.

[0007] Various aspects of the technology disclosed herein facilitate the installation of an elevator system. In one embodiment, for example, a power cable extends from an elevator controller at one of the uppermost floors to the lowermost floor. In order to connect an operator terminal at a particular floor to the power cable, a cable connector is connected to the power cable; the connection can be made at a cable section suitable for the particular floor. A communication cable connects the cable connector and the operator terminal. For example, assuming that the operator terminals on all floors are approximately the same distance from the power cable, all communication cables can have approximately the same length, thereby eliminating the need to provide floor-specific lengths of communication cables. In addition, since the power cable provides direct access to power and data, it is advantageous to add an operator terminal for any reason; this does not require an additional switch.

[0008] In one embodiment, the power cable is constructed as a flat cable. In such a flat cable, its conductors are embedded in a coating material and fixed separately from each other at fixed positions. This allows the conductors to be contacted at selected sections using a cable connector that implements known contact technology, such as a lever-operated pin or screw that penetrates the coating material when a technician acts on it. Those skilled in the art recognize that the power cable can have other configurations as long as its conductors can be distinguished from each other and contacted at selected cable sections.

[0009] In one embodiment, which may be used in combination with one or more of the foregoing embodiments, the predetermined communication standard is the Ethernet protocol. This is an established communication protocol for which suitable equipment and cables are commercially available.

[0010] In one embodiment, which can be applied in combination with one or more of the foregoing embodiments, an Ethernet cable interconnects the second communication port of each operator terminal with the allocated power supply and modulation circuit. Such Ethernet cables are usually equipped with (male) RJ45 connectors, and devices such as operator terminals are correspondingly equipped with (female) RJ45 connectors (RJ45 sockets). Even if a power cable, such as a power cable configured as a flat cable, is used in the elevator shaft, coupling to the operator terminal via the Ethernet cable can be performed, so there is no need to replace the connector at the operator terminal.

[0011] In one embodiment that can be applied in combination with one or more of the foregoing embodiments, the modulation circuit and its assigned cable connector are installed to the power cable as a unit. In another embodiment, the modulation circuit is arranged in the elevator shaft, separate from the assigned cable connector of the modulation circuit installed to the power cable. Similarly, in one embodiment, each power supply and modulation circuit and the assigned cable connector are installed to the power cable as a unit. In another embodiment, each power supply and modulation circuit is arranged in the elevator shaft, separate from the assigned cable connector of the power supply and modulation circuit installed to the power cable. Such a unit can have a housing, in which the cable connector and the corresponding circuit are integrated. These options allow the selection of an optimized mode for coupling to the power cable taking into account the cost of the connector and the time required for coupling. For example, improved installation efficiency can be balanced with the potential higher cost of the integrated unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] In the following, various aspects of the improved technology are explained in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. All drawings are merely schematic diagrams of methods and systems or components thereof according to exemplary embodiments of the improved technology. In particular, distances and size relationships are not reproduced to scale in the drawings. In the drawings, the same elements have the same reference numerals. In the drawings:

[0013] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing an exemplary elevator system in a building having several floors is shown;

[0014] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing an exemplary power supply and communication configuration employed in an elevator system;

[0015] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a master node used in a power supply and communication configuration;

[0016] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a terminal node used in a power supply and communication configuration;

[0017] Figure 5 Shows Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a terminal node applied in a power supply and communication configuration of FIG.

[0018] Figure 6 A flow chart of a method for operating an elevator system is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Figure 1A schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an elevator system 1 in a building is shown; the building can in principle be any type of multi-story building (e.g., a residential building, a hotel, an office building, a sports station, etc.), wherein the technology described herein is particularly advantageous in very high buildings with multiple floors. In the following, the components and functions of the elevator system 1 are explained insofar as they are considered helpful for understanding the technology described herein. Figure 1 The building shown has a plurality of floors L1, L2, L3 served by the elevator system 1, i.e., after a user inputs a call at the operation terminal 4 while standing at the boarding floor, the user can be transported from the boarding floor to the destination floor by the elevator system 1. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the elevator system 1 has an elevator car 6 that can move along a travel path in the building. For example, the travel path extends along a vertical elevator shaft 10, but is not limited to such a travel path. In the following, reference is made to Figure 1 The illustrated exemplary elevator system 1 depicts an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0020] Figure 1 The elevator system 1 shown also includes an elevator controller (EC) 12, a drive machine (M) 14, a counterweight 18, a signal transmission system 20 (also called suspension cables 20), a suspension device 16 (one or more steel ropes or flat belts) and a plurality of deflection pulleys 24. The suspension device 16 has two ends, each of which is attached to a fixed point 22 in the elevator shaft 10. Between the fixed points 22, the suspension device 16 is partially wound around the deflection pulley 24 on the counterweight 18, the traction sheave of the drive machine 14 and the deflection pulley 24 on the elevator car 6. Therefore, the elevator system 1 shown is a traction elevator, in which the deflection pulley 24 on the elevator car 6 is partially wound around the deflection pulley 24 on the counterweight 18. Figure 1 Further details are not shown, such as guide rails for the elevator car 6 and guide rails for the counterweight 18. The elevator controller 12 is connected to the drive machine 14 and controls the drive machine 14 to move the elevator car 6 in the hoistway 10. The function of a traction elevator, its components and the tasks of the elevator controller 12 are generally known to those skilled in the art. Those skilled in the art recognize that the technology described herein is not limited to use or Figure 1 Exemplary wiring of the suspension device 16 is shown. In addition, those skilled in the art recognize that the elevator system 1 can have multiple elevator cars 6 or multiple floors in one or more elevator shafts 10, or the elevator system 1 can have one or more groups of elevators.

[0021] exist Figure 1In the embodiment of the present invention, the operation terminal 4 is arranged on each floor L1, L2, L3, and is configured to communicate with the elevator controller 12 via a cable 38, a cable connector 30 and a power cable 26. As used herein, a cable is an assembly of one or more wires and is used to carry current and / or data signals. Each wire can be insulated, for example, by a plastic coating, and more than one wire can extend side by side, twisted, or have any other typical configuration, with or without a common coating. The wires can be color-coded. Regardless of the specific cable configuration, its wires can be distinguished from each other and contact at selected cable sections.

[0022] The cable 38 is configured for transmitting data signals according to a predetermined communication standard; in the embodiment described herein, the communication standard is the Ethernet protocol (IEEE-Standard 802.3), and the cable 38 is referred to as the Ethernet cable 38 hereinafter. Another operator terminal 2 is arranged in the elevator car 6 and is configured to communicate with the elevator controller 12 via the suspension cable 20. The floor-side operator terminal 4 can be referred to as the landing operator terminal 4, and the car-side operator terminal 2 can be referred to as the car operator terminal 2. For the purpose of illustration, the operator terminals 2, 4 are shown with the same symbol. Those skilled in the art recognize that the configuration of the operator terminals 2, 4 is different. For example, if the landing operator terminal 4 allows the user to enter the destination floor, the car operator terminal 2 only allows the user to, for example, signal an emergency and / or affect the closing of the elevator door. The following describes an embodiment of the present technology with reference to the destination call control technology and the operator terminal 4 arranged on the floors L1, L2, L3.

[0023] Figure 2 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary power supply and communication configuration employed in an elevator system 1. Among other components, an elevator controller 12, an operator terminal 4, and power sources 32, 34 are shown, all of which are coupled to a power cable 26. Further details are provided in Figures 3 to 5 The power cable 26 extends inside the elevator shaft 10, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the Ethernet cable 38 branches from the power cable 26 at the cable connector 30 to connect to the operating terminal 4 on the floors L1, L2, and L3. The power cable 26 has a cable coating, and the conductors 26.1, 26.2, and 26.3 are embedded in the cable coating. The power cable 26 can be configured as a flat cable with a predetermined width and a predetermined height, wherein the width is greater than the height. The length of the power cable 26 depends on, for example, the height of the building; the power cable 26 can extend from the pit (a space at or near the bottom of the elevator shaft 10) to the clearance (a space at or near the top of the elevator shaft 10) or the machine room, for from the lowest floor (bottom floor) served by the elevator system 1 to the uppermost floor (top floor).

[0024] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the power cable 26 extends between the end cap 39 and the power source 32, 34, which in the illustrated embodiment has an AC / DC converter 32, which is coupled to a power output 34 (PWR) of the indoor facilities of the building (coupled to the public power grid). The power output 34 can output a voltage of, for example, about 220V to 240V (AC), and the AC / DC converter 32 converts the voltage to one or more voltage levels, such as a voltage level of about 5V, 24V or 48V (DC). One conductor (e.g., 26.1) of the power cable 26 can provide a voltage of about 24V or 48V relative to ground (e.g., 26.2). The power cable can have at least one additional conductor (e.g., 26.3), for example, for grounding (0V potential to ground / earth). Those skilled in the art recognize that the power output 34 and the AC / DC converter 32 can provide other voltages, and if the AC voltage is supplied to the power cable 26, the AC / DC converter 32 can be omitted.

[0025] The elevator controller 12 has a communication port 13 configured to send and receive data signals according to a predetermined communication standard (Ethernet protocol) via a cable 36 (referred to as Ethernet cable 36) coupled to a first cable connector 30. Associated with this first cable connector 30 is a modulation circuit 40 (Mod) coupled to the Ethernet cable 36 and to two pins 30.1, 30.2 of the cable connector 30. Another pin ( Figure 2 The modulation circuit 40 is configured to feed the data signal from the first communication port 13 into the power cable 26 and extract the data signal from the power cable 26 to make it available at the first communication port 13. The bidirectional transmission of the data signal is indicated by the double arrow D.

[0026] In one embodiment, the connector 30 is integrated into a clamping device having a contact mechanism and a cable receiving support for manual operation by a technician. The contact mechanism is arranged to act on the pins 30.1, 30.2 of the connector. In one embodiment, the contact mechanism may include one or more levers configured to force the pins 30.1, 30.2 into the cable coating until they contact the wires 26.1, 26.2, 26.3. In another embodiment, the contact mechanism may include individual screws coupled to the pins 30.1, 30.2 such that when the screws are tightened, they force the pins 30.1, 30.2 into the cable coating until the pins contact the wires 26.1, 26.2, 26.3. Figure 2During installation of the illustrated power supply and communication configuration, a technician may position the clamping device at a desired section of a power cable 26 disposed in the elevator shaft 10 and insert the power cable 26 into the cable receiving support. The technician may then operate a lever or screw to force the pins 30.1, 30.2 of the connector through the cable coating and contact the embedded wires 26.1, 26.2, 26.3 of the power cable 26. Those skilled in the art recognize that any other method commonly used to make electrical contact with the wires may be used to contact the wires 26.1, 26.2, 26.3.

[0027] Each operator terminal 4 has a communication port 15 configured to send and receive data signals according to a predetermined communication standard (Ethernet protocol) via a corresponding Ethernet cable 38 coupled to a cable connector 30 assigned to the corresponding operator terminal 4. The bidirectional transmission of data signals to and from the operator terminal 4 is indicated by the double arrow marked D. The operator terminal 4 may have, for example, a device identifier (also referred to as a device ID) or a password by which the operator terminal 4 is identifiable and addressable; for example, the operator terminal 4 may send an elevator call input by a user together with its device ID to the elevator controller 12, which confirms the call to the operator terminal 4 identified by the device ID. In this case, information about the elevator assigned to serve the call may also be sent to the operator terminal 4 to inform the user.

[0028] Associated with each cable connector 30 is a power supply and modulation circuit 42 (P / M) that is coupled to the pins 30.1, 30.2 of the cable connector and to the Ethernet cable 38 leading to the communication port 15 of the assigned operator terminal 4. The combination of the cable connector 30 and its associated power supply and modulation circuit 42 may be referred to as a node; for purposes of illustration, Figure 2 Three terminal nodes N1, N2, N3 are shown. Another node may be formed by the combination of the modulation circuit 40 and its assigned cable connector 30; this node may be referred to as the master node and is Figure 1 and Figure 2 26, and is labeled "INS" as an indication that it is functionally and signally closest to elevator controller 12, and that one of the functions of this node is to insert data signals into power cable 26. Those skilled in the art recognize that another function of the master node is to extract data signals from power cable 26.

[0029] Each power supply and modulation circuit 42 of the terminal nodes N1, N2, N3 is configured to supply power (DC voltage) to the assigned operation terminal 4. The DC voltage is provided at Figure 2 The arrow P at the terminal node N1 =The power supply and modulation circuit 42 is configured to extract the data signal from the power cable 26 and feed the (extracted) data signal to the assigned operator terminal 4. In addition, the power supply and modulation circuit 42 is configured to feed the data signal from the assigned operator terminal 4 into the power cable 26, as indicated by the double arrow D at the terminal node N1. It is conceivable that the remaining terminal nodes N2, N3 can also be indicated by arrows P = and D mark.

[0030] In one embodiment, the modulation circuit 40 and its assigned cable connector 30 are mounted as a unit to the power cable 26. Figure 2 In another embodiment, the modulation circuit 40 is arranged in the elevator shaft 10, separate from the assigned cable connector 30 of the modulation circuit 40 installed to the power cable 26. Similarly, in one embodiment, each power supply and modulation circuit 42 and its assigned cable connector 30 are installed to the power cable 26 as a unit. This Figure 2 In another embodiment, each power supply and modulation circuit 42 is arranged in the elevator shaft 10, separate from the assigned cable connector 30 of that power supply and modulation circuit 42 mounted to the power cable 26.

[0031] Figure 3 Shown is applied to Figure 2 Schematic diagram of one embodiment of a power supply and communication configuration of an master node (INS). For context, Figure 3 The elevator controller 12 is shown coupled to a modulation circuit 40 (INS), and the power sources 32, 34 coupled to the power cable 26 via a frequency filter circuit 44. To couple to the elevator controller 12, the modulation circuit 40 has, for example, a (female) RJ45 connector 40.1, which is coupled to a complementary (male) RJ45 connector 36.1 of the Ethernet cable 36. Figure 3 A male RJ45 connector 36.1 having eight conductors is shown, for example. A modulation circuit 40 is coupled to the connector 30, which is coupled to the conductors 26.1, 26.2, 26.3 of the power cable 26. It is contemplated that the connector 30 may be implemented in the modulation circuit 40, or considered to be part of the modulation circuit 40.

[0032] The modulation circuit 40 is configured to receive a data signal from the elevator controller 12 and to adapt the data signal for transmission via the power cable 26. Adapting the data signal includes modulating the (Ethernet) data signal onto the power cable 26 using a carrier frequency modulation system. The data signal thus modulated is transmitted on the power cable 26 at a frequency of approximately 30 MHz to 100 MHz at a data rate of approximately 2 GB / s. Furthermore, the modulation circuit 40 is configured to extract the data signal transmitted from the operator terminal 4 from the power cable 26 and demodulate the data signal for further processing. An exemplary modulated data signal (D) propagating on the conductors 26.1, 26.2, 26.3 is shown in FIG. Figures 3 to 5 Further details on the operation of the modulation circuit 40 are shown in Figures 3 to 5 4. The power supply and modulation circuit 42 shown in FIG.

[0033] The data signal is generally intended (i.e., addressed) for a specific operator terminal 4, for example, an operator terminal 4 for transmitting a user's elevator call and receiving a confirmation message from the elevator controller 12 in response. The confirmation message may acknowledge the registration of the elevator call, and / or specify a certain elevator assigned to serve the elevator call. This communication between the elevator controller 12 and the specific operator terminal 4 is bidirectional and only between the elevator controller 12 and the specific operator terminal 4. For this bidirectional communication, a unique device ID is assigned to each of these devices so that each device can be individually addressed. In addition, the elevator controller 12 can broadcast the data signal to substantially all operator terminals 4, for example, in preparation for a service interruption (e.g., during maintenance of the elevator system 1), the operator terminal 4 can be commanded to display a message such as "there is a fault" or a similar message.

[0034] Furthermore, in order to ensure communication and prevent other operation terminals 4 coupled to the power cable 26 from being able to process the data signal of the communication, the modulation circuit 40 may be configured to encrypt the data signal before inserting it into the power cable 26. Accordingly, the modulation circuit 40 is configured to demodulate and decrypt the data signal extracted from the power cable 26 and transmitted by the operation terminal 4. For such encrypted communication, for example, passwords or identifiers assigned to the power supply and modulation circuits 42 of the terminal nodes (N1, N2, N3) and the modulation circuit 40 of the master node may be used.

[0035] Figure 3The illustrated frequency filter circuit 44 is configured as a wave trap, also known as a line trap. Such a wave trap includes a parallel resonant circuit coupled to the power lines (26.1, 26.2) to prevent the high frequency (40kHz to 1000kHz) carrier signal of the power line communication from being transmitted to an unwanted destination. The inductive reactance of the wave trap presents a high reactance to high frequency signals but a low reactance to mains frequencies. Thus, the frequency filter circuit 44 blocks an exemplary (HF) data signal (D) propagating on the conductors 26.1, 26.2, 26.3, as shown in FIG. Figures 3 to 5 shown.

[0036] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a terminal node (N1, N2, N3) applied in a power supply and communication configuration. For context, Figure 4 The node's power supply and modulation circuit 42 is shown, which is coupled to the RJ45 connector 4.1 of the elevator terminal 4 (via cable 38) and to the power cable 26 via connector 30, as combined with Figure 3 as described. The power supply and modulation circuit 42 is configured to extract and demodulate / decrypt data signals intended for its operation terminal 4 from the power cable 26, and to insert and modulate / encrypt data signals for transmission to the elevator controller 12 via the power cable 26. As described above, the modulation circuit 40 at the master node is also configured to insert and extract data signals from the power cable 26; therefore, the following description of the power supply and modulation circuit 42 is also applicable to the modulation circuit 40, except that power can be provided from a separate power source. In the power supply and communication configuration shown, corresponding passwords, identifiers and / or device identifiers (for addressing purposes) of the circuits (40, 42) can be used.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the power supply and modulation circuit 42 includes a data coupling transformer circuit 46, an analog front end circuit 48 (AFE), a digital communication processor 50 (ETH MAC), an Ethernet physical layer device 52 (ETH PHY), an Ethernet magnetic component 54 (ETH MAG), a power supply device 56 (PSE PoE), and a node power supply 58. The power supply device 56 (PSE PoE) and the node power supply 58 are connected to the conductors 26.1 (e.g., 24 / 48V) and 26.2 (e.g., ground) via the connector 30, wherein the power supply device 56 is connected to the Ethernet magnetic component 54. The data coupling transformer circuit 46 is connected to the conductor 26.1 (e.g., 24 / 48V), to the conductor 26.2 (e.g., ground), and to the conductor 26.3 (e.g., ground). The functions of these components are summarized below.

[0038] The data coupling transformer circuit 46 provides galvanic isolation between the power supply and modulation circuit 42 and the power cable 26 .

[0039] The analog front end circuit 48 (AFE) includes integrated circuits for conditioning analog signals, such as amplifying, filtering, and processing such signals. The analog front end circuit 48 may include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and / or a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The analog front end circuit 48 is also configured to modulate data signals for transmission over the power cable 26 and demodulate data signals received from the power cable 26. In addition, the analog front end circuit 48 is also configured to encrypt and decrypt data signals.

[0040] The digital communication processor 50 includes an Ethernet media access controller (MAC). The Ethernet MAC is defined by the IEEE Standard 802.3 Ethernet standard and implements a data link layer, for example, for operation at 10 Mbits / s, 100 Mbits / s, or 1 Gbit / s. In addition, the MAC controller implements a medium-independent interface (MII) also defined in IEEE Standard 802.3. The MII includes a data interface and a management interface between the Ethernet MAC and the Ethernet physical layer device 52. The data interface has a channel for a transmitter and a separate channel for a receiver. Using the management interface, the upper layer can monitor and control the Ethernet physical layer device 52.

[0041] The Ethernet physical layer device 52 is a physical interface transceiver that implements the physical layer according to the IEEE standard 802.3.

[0042] Ethernet magnetics 54 (ETH MAG) provide, for example, electrical isolation, signal balancing, common-mode rejection, impedance matching, and EMC improvements. The following sections briefly describe each of these areas. For personal safety, the IEEE specification requires that 10 / 100 / 1000 BASE-T ports be able to withstand 1500 VAC at 50Hz to 60Hz for 1 minute between ports or from each port to chassis ground. Transformers can be used to provide a balanced connection to each pair of cables and can also provide effective rejection of common-mode signals. The common-mode rejection of the transformer works in both signal directions of the port.

[0043] The node power supply 58 obtains power (eg, a DC voltage of approximately 5 V and 48 V) from the power cable 26 . The node power supply 58 is connected to the electrical components of the power supply and modulation circuit 42 to provide the obtained power to these electrical components, as indicated by arrows 60 .

[0044] The power supply device 56 is connected to the node power supply 58 and the Ethernet magnetics 54 and is configured to implement a function called Power over Ethernet (PoE) by which power (eg, 48V DC voltage) is provided to the operator terminal 4 via the RF45 connector 4.1 and the Ethernet cable 38.

[0045] Figure 5 Shows Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a terminal node (N1, N2, N3) applied in a power supply and communication configuration of FIG. The second embodiment is similar to Figure 4 In this embodiment, the PoE function is directly implemented at the MAC layer. Figure 4 The Ethernet physical layer device 52, RJ45 connector 4.1, Ethernet cable 38 and Ethernet magnetics 54 are shown, which results in reduced costs.

[0046] With the above elevator system 1 and its components understood, Figure 6 A description is provided of an exemplary method for operating an elevator system 1. The exemplary description is provided with reference to an operator terminal 4 arranged on one of the floors L1, L2, L3. The elevator system 1 is in operation (ie, not in standby mode). Figure 6 The described method starts at step S1 and ends at step S9. A person skilled in the art realizes that the division into the steps shown is exemplary and that one or more of these steps may be divided into one or more sub-steps, or several of these steps may be combined into one step.

[0047] Referring to step S2, a modulation circuit 40 is provided at the master node (INS), and a power supply and modulation circuit 42 is provided at each terminal node N1, N2, N3. The modulation circuit 40 and the power supply and modulation circuit 42 are coupled to the power cable 26. In addition, the elevator controller 12 is coupled to the modulation circuit 40, and each power supply and modulation circuit 42 is coupled to the operation terminal 4, as shown in the figure, for example, Figure 2 As shown in and described above.

[0048] In step S3, an elevator call is received at one of the operator terminals 4. The operator terminal 4 allows the user to input a desired destination floor, such input of a destination floor constituting an elevator call or destination call. Information derived from the input of the elevator call indicates the destination floor and the operator terminal 4 at which the elevator call was received. The features and functions of such an operator terminal 4 are known to those skilled in the art.

[0049] In step S4, using the power supply and modulation circuit 42 assigned to the operating terminal 4 that received the elevator call, a data signal including information derived from the elevator call is inserted into the power cable 26. The power supply and modulation circuit 42 modulates and encrypts the call signals, addresses them to the elevator controller 12, and inserts them into the power cable 26 as an analog data signal, as combined with Figure 4 and Figure 5 Indicated and described (signal D). The encrypted call signal indicates the destination floor, the transmitting operation terminal 4 and the device ID of the elevator controller 12 or its assigned modulation circuit 40 as the intended recipient of the call signal (data signal).

[0050] In step S5, the data signal is extracted from the power cable 26 using the modulation circuit 40 at the master node. Since the data signal is intended for the elevator controller 12, the modulation circuit 40 to which it is assigned can demodulate and decrypt the received data signal to obtain the analog call signal. The analog call signal is converted into a digital call signal according to the Ethernet protocol and fed to the elevator controller 12 via the Ethernet cable 36.

[0051] In step S6, the elevator call is processed at the elevator controller 12. The processing includes registering the elevator call, dispatching the elevator car 6 to serve the elevator call, and generating a confirmation message. Dispatching includes planning the trip of the elevator car 6 from the current position to the boarding floor (if not already at the boarding floor) and from the boarding floor to the destination floor. If the elevator system 1 includes more than one elevator car 6, each with its own allocation computer, an allocation algorithm is used to allocate the elevator car 6 that is most suitable for serving the elevator call. The allocation algorithm can be implemented in the elevator controller 12, in a dedicated allocation computer, or in a combination of the functions of the dedicated allocation computer and the operator terminal 4. Such a combination can involve communication between the call receiving operator terminal 4 and the allocation computer occurring on the power cable 26. For example, the call receiving operator terminal 4 can address a call representation data signal to all allocation computers to request input about the cost that each elevator can serve the elevator call. The elevator with the lowest cost can then be selected, for example, by the call receiving operator terminal 4.

[0052] A confirmation message, for example issued by the selected elevator, will be transmitted to the operator terminal 4 from which the elevator call originated. For this purpose, the confirmation message may include a password or a device ID assigned to the operator terminal 4. Furthermore, the confirmation message may indicate the elevator car 6 serving the elevator call.

[0053] In step S7, the confirmation message is inserted into the power cable 26 using the modulation circuit 40 at the master node. The modulation circuit 40 inserts the confirmation message as a data signal intended for the (call receiving) operating terminal 4 in a manner similar to that described above in relation to step S4.

[0054] In step S8, the data signal corresponding to the confirmation message is extracted from the power cable 26 using the power supply and modulation circuit 42 assigned to the operator terminal 4 that sent the call signal (elevator call). The power supply and modulation circuit 42 can demodulate and decrypt the received data signals, which are then converted into digital (confirmation) signals according to the Ethernet protocol and fed to the operator terminal 4 via the Ethernet cable 38, as shown. Figure 4 As shown. Figure 5 In the embodiment of , such a feed via the Ethernet cable 38 is not required. Upon receipt of the confirmation message, the operating terminal 4 communicates the confirmation and / or the allocated elevator car 6 to the user. The method ends in step S9.

Claims

1. An elevator system (1), comprising: an elevator controller (12) having a first communication port (13) configured to send and receive data signals according to a predetermined communication standard; an elevator car (6) capable of moving between floors (L1, L2, L3) of a building in an elevator shaft (10) under the control of the elevator controller (12); a power cable (26) extending inside the elevator shaft (10) and having conductors (26.1, 26.2, 26.3) coupled to a power source (32, 34) providing at least one predetermined voltage to the elevator system (1); A plurality of operating terminals (4), each operating terminal having a second communication port (15) configured to send and receive data signals according to the predetermined communication standard; a predetermined number of cable connectors (30), each cable connector having pins (30.1, 30.2) configured to connect to the conductors (26.1, 26.2, 26.3) of the power cable (26) at selected sections of the power cable (26); a modulation circuit (40) coupled to the first communication port (13) of the elevator controller (12) and to the pins (30.1, 30.2) of the first cable connector (30), and configured to feed a data signal from the first communication port (13) into the power cable (26) and to extract a data signal from the power cable (26), wherein the extracted data signal is available at the first communication port (13); A predetermined number of power supply and modulation circuits (42), each of which is assigned to one of the cable connectors (30) and one of the operation terminals (4), and is coupled to the second communication port (15) of the assigned operation terminal (4) and the pins (30.1, 30.2) of the assigned cable connector (30), wherein the power supply and modulation circuit (42) is configured to: - feeds power to the assigned operating terminals (4), - extracting data signals from the power cable (26) and feeding the data signals to the assigned operating terminal (4), and - Feeding data signals from the assigned operating terminal (4) into the power cable (26).

2. The elevator system (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The power cable (26) is designed as a flat cable.

3. The elevator system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The modulation circuit (40) and the first cable connector (30) are mounted to the power cable (26) as a unit.

4. The elevator system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The modulation circuit (40) is arranged in the elevator shaft (10) and is separate from the first cable connector (30) mounted to the power cable (26).

5. The elevator system (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: Each power supply and modulation circuit (42) and its assigned cable connector (30) are mounted as a unit to the power cable (26).

6. The elevator system (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: Each power supply and modulation circuit (42) is arranged in the elevator shaft (10) separately from its assigned cable connector (30) mounted to the power cable (26).

7. Elevator system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: The predetermined communication standard is the Ethernet protocol.

8. The elevator system (1) according to claim 7, wherein: An Ethernet cable (38) interconnects the second communication port (15) of each operating terminal (4) with the allocated power supply and modulation circuit (42).

9. Elevator system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: The power cable (26) has a cable coating, the conductors (26.1, 26.2, 26.3) are embedded in the cable coating, and each cable connector (30) is configured such that pins (30.1, 30.2) of the cable connector penetrate the cable coating and contact the conductors (26.1, 26.2, 26.3).

10. Elevator system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein The modulation circuit (40) and the power supply and modulation circuit (42) are configured to modulate and encrypt data signals to be fed into the power cable (26), and demodulate and decrypt extracted data signals.

11. A method for operating an elevator system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: providing a modulation circuit (40) coupled to the power cable (26) and a predetermined number of power supply and modulation circuits (42), wherein the elevator controller (12) is coupled to the modulation circuit (40), and each power supply and modulation circuit (42) is coupled to the operation terminal (4); Receiving an elevator call from a user at one of the operation terminals (4); inserting a first data signal into the power cable (26) using the power supply and modulation circuit (42) assigned to the operator terminal (4) receiving the elevator call, wherein the first data signal includes call information derived from the elevator call; extracting the first data signal from the power cable (26) to obtain the call information using the modulation circuit (40) coupled to the elevator controller (12); processing the call information by the elevator controller (12), wherein the processing includes generating a confirmation message to be transmitted to the operator terminal (4) receiving the elevator call; inserting a second data signal corresponding to the confirmation message into the power cable (26) using the modulation circuit (40) coupled to the elevator controller (12); extracting the second data signal from the power cable (26) to obtain the confirmation message using the power supply and modulation circuit (42) assigned to the operating terminal (4) receiving the elevator call; as well as The operation terminal (4) receiving the elevator call is operated to convey the confirmation message to the user.

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