Heavy load elevator system comprising plurality of drive machines

Abstract

The invention relates to an elevator system (1), in particular in the form of a heavy-load elevator system for loads greater than 20 t. The elevator system comprises:-a travel member (3), such as an elevator car (5) movable along a travel path (7); a first drive machine (9) and a second drive machine (11); -a controller (13) for controlling the operation of both the first drive machine and the second drive machine; a plurality of suspension means (15); and-a special fastening means (23). A first subset (17) of suspension means extends between the travel member and the first drive machine, and a second subset of suspension means extends between the travel member and the second drive machine. The ends (21) of the first and second subsets of suspension means are both fastened to a common fastening member. The fastening member is fixed to a portion (25) of a building housing the elevator system or to the travel member so as to be able to withstand tensile loads in a first direction (31) of the travel path and to be able to move transversely to the travel path in a second direction (33). This allows insufficient synchronization between the two drive machines to be compensated or counteracted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an elevator system. In particular, this invention relates to an elevator system capable of transporting particularly heavy loads. Background Technology

[0002] Elevator systems are used to transport people and / or other loads between different height levels within a building. For this purpose, the elevator car is displaced along a largely vertical path of travel, such as between different floors. In commonly used types of elevator systems, the drive mechanism is provided, for example, in the form of an electric motor equipped with a traction sheave, by means of which one or more cable-like support devices in the form of cables or belts are displaced and coupled to the elevator car. In this case, the elevator system typically also has at least one counterweight, which is also coupled to the support devices, and is designed, for example, by means of a deflector wheel, to twist (girdle) such that the counterweight driven by the drive mechanism and the elevator car move in opposite directions, for example, within the elevator shaft, along their parallel paths of travel. Elevator systems operated with support devices can also be used in very tall structures to overcome large differences in height.

[0003] Elevator systems typically used for transporting people are generally designed for loads ranging from several hundred kilograms to several tons. However, for specialized applications, elevator systems capable of transporting much heavier loads may be required. For example, heavy-duty elevator systems can be designed to transport loads exceeding 20 tons, and sometimes even exceeding 40 tons. Such heavy-duty elevator systems are typically operated with hydraulic actuators. However, especially in the case of tall structures, it may also be advantageous to use cable-stayed systems to operate heavy-duty elevator systems.

[0004] However, it has been observed that elevator systems cannot always be easily scaled to accommodate greater load capacities. In particular, it has been observed that the drive mechanism and / or support structure cannot be manufactured arbitrarily larger or more robust in order to transport heavier loads.

[0005] Therefore, an elevator system capable of reliably and safely transporting particularly heavy loads may be required. In particular, an elevator system that uses cable-like support devices may be needed to reliably, safely, and / or efficiently move heavy loads over large height differences.

[0006] This need can be met by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims and the following description, or are shown in the drawings.

[0007] EP1591399B1 discloses a balancing mechanism for elevator equipment, having a horizontally extending pivot shaft and a balancing body attached to the car for pivoting about the pivot shaft. The balancing body has a first cable connection portion and a second cable connection portion arranged on the side of the pivot shaft opposite to the first cable connection portion. The main cable body has a first main cable wound around a first traction sheave and a second main cable wound around a second traction sheave. The first main cable has a first car end connected to the first cable connection portion and a first counterweight end connected to the counterweight, and the second main cable has a second car end connected to the second cable connection portion and a second counterweight end connected to the counterweight.

[0008] CN103608280A discloses a tensioning device for a traction system in an elevator. The tensioning device includes: at least one elevator car arranged to move vertically within an elevator shaft; at least one or more counterweights connected to support the elevator car via their own support devices (e.g., by cables or belts and sheaves); and an elevator equipped with at least one traction sheave or equivalent, and also with at least one traction device, such as a belt, cable, or chain, configured to convert rotational movement of the traction sheave into movement of the elevator car and the counterweights. The traction device is fastened at least at one end to a fastening device to ensure substantially constant tension. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, an elevator system is described, comprising a traveling member displaceable along a travel path, a first drive machine and a second drive machine, a controller for controlling the operation of both the first drive machine and the second drive machine, and a plurality of support devices. A first subgroup of the support devices extends between the traveling member and the first drive machine. A second subgroup of the support devices extends between the traveling member and the second drive machine. The support device ends of the first and second subgroups of the support devices are fastened to a common fastening member. The fastening member is fixed in a first direction of the travel path to a building portion of the building housing the elevator system or to the traveling member so as to withstand tensile loads and to be displaceable in a second direction transverse to the travel path along a compensating (counteracting) path.

[0010] The basic ideas of the embodiments of the present invention described herein will be briefly explained through introduction; this explanation should be interpreted as merely a rough overview and not a limitation of the invention: It has been recognized that in heavy-duty elevator systems, it may be advantageous to use two or more drive machines, rather than a single drive machine, to displace a movable traveling component, such as a large elevator car. Each of these drive machines is connected to the traveling component via a cable-like support device so that the traveling component can be moved along its travel path by appropriately driving the support device.

[0011] However, it is also recognized that it may be technically difficult to achieve, and it cannot be guaranteed in all cases that the two drive machines will operate in perfect synchronization with each other. A lack of synchronization between the two drive machines can result in excessive forces acting on one of the drive machines and / or its associated support structure.

[0012] To prevent overload, this paper describes a special fastening component by which a support device can be secured to a building or a traveling component. On one hand, this fastening component is adapted to transmit tensile loads (i.e., typically vertical tensile loads) acting in the direction of the traveling component's path of travel, in a manner substantially fixed to the building or traveling component. On the other hand, the fastening component is configured to be capable of displacement laterally to the traveling path; that is, when a force is applied to the fastening component in that direction (i.e., typically horizontal), it can move laterally to the traveling path of the traveling component along a compensating (counteracting) path.

[0013] The lateral displacement capability makes it particularly advantageous in situations where poor synchronization of the operation of a single drive machine leads to different movements of the sub-groups of support devices associated with the drive machine. Uneven force loads on the fastening components can be compensated by allowing them to move along a compensation path. Furthermore, in response to the displacement of the fastening components along the compensation path, insufficient synchronization of the operations of the two drive machines can be counteracted.

[0014] The following describes in more detail possible embodiments of the elevator system and the advantages of each embodiment.

[0015] The elevator system described herein can be specifically configured to allow the traveling components to be displaced under loads greater than 20t, preferably greater than 25t, greater than 30t, greater than 40t, or even greater than 50t.

[0016] Therefore, an elevator system has traveling components, at least two drive mechanisms, a controller, multiple support devices, and specific fastening components. The possible characteristics of the mentioned components or functional units are explained below.

[0017] The traveling component can move along a travel path. The traveling component is typically the elevator car, which can also be referred to as the cabin. The elevator car can be provided and sized to carry a large number of people (e.g., over 200 people) and / or heavy objects as a load. Alternatively, a counterweight can also be used as the traveling component. The travel path describes the route the traveling component can take along its displacement within a building or structure. Typically, the travel path extends vertically, i.e., the direction of the trajectory corresponds to the direction of gravity. In special cases, such as inclined elevators, the travel path may also extend at an angle to the vertical direction. The travel path typically extends within an elevator shaft. The elevator shaft is surrounded by shaft walls and limited at the top by a top slab and at the bottom by a bottom slab. Adjacent to the travel path or elevator shaft, a machine room can be provided, in which the operating components of the elevator system can be housed.

[0018] The elevator system's at least two drive units are, in principle, separate and independently operable devices. More than two drive units may also be provided, although an even number may be preferred. The drive units can be arranged symmetrically, particularly mirror-symmetrically. The drive units can be located anywhere, such as in a machine room above or below the elevator shaft. Each drive unit can have a motor, such as a high-power electric motor, particularly a gearless electric motor. The shaft driven by the motor can be equipped with a traction sheave so that the motor can rotate the traction sheave via the shaft. The operation of each individual drive unit can be controlled by controlling or regulating the power supplied to the drive unit. Typically, the timing of the drive unit's start-up rotation and its rotational speed can be controlled or regulated.

[0019] The controller is used to control the operation of each drive machine. To this end, the controller can control or regulate the power supplied to each drive machine as needed. Specifically, the controller should operate the drive machines in such a way that these drive machines move the traveling components together in a synchronized manner. For this purpose, the controller should specifically synchronize the start-up time and operating speed of each drive machine to apply a generally uniform and balanced force to the traveling components, enabling the traveling components to move along the straightest possible path in a centered manner. To achieve this synchronized operation, the controller can be electrically connected to each drive machine. On the one hand, the provision of electrical connection allows for the controlled or regulated supply of power to the drive machines. Furthermore, the provision of electrical connection allows for the feedback of operating data from the drive machines to the controller. In addition, the controller can be coupled to other operating components of the elevator system, particularly to exchange data or signals with these operating components. This allows the controller to derive information about the current operating state, especially about the current synchronization between the drive machines. In particular, as described in more detail below, the controller can receive information from the fasteners that allows statements about which lateral forces are currently acting on the fasteners, wherein analysis of these lateral forces can then allow conclusions about the current insufficient synchronization between the drive machines.

[0020] Support devices connect each drive machine to the traveling component. The support device can be cable-like, meaning it can withstand tensile loads but can bend laterally in the tensile direction. The support device can be a cable, belt, strip, or the like. The support device can also be referred to as a suspended traction device (STM). Each drive machine can be associated with a subgroup of support devices, where each subgroup can further include multiple support devices. The support device can run on the traction sheave of one of the drive machines and be displaced by traction. In principle, the support device can extend along a direct path between the drive machine on one side or the traction sheave driven by the drive machine and the traveling component on the other side. However, it may be preferable, particularly in the case of heavy-duty elevator systems, to achieve force transmission by arranging the support devices on one or more rollers to form a type of wheel system. Here, the force transmission ratio can be implemented as, for example, 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, or even 1:16. The rope path (i.e., the arrangement or path along which the support device runs) can suitably extend from a first fixed point to a second fixed point via at least one traveling component (optionally one or more deflecting wheels and optionally one or more force-transmitting wheels), with one end of the support device secured to the first fixed point. One or both of these fixed points can be located on the building portion housing the elevator system, such as the top or bottom slab of the elevator shaft, or in a machine room adjacent to the elevator shaft. Alternatively or additionally, one or both of these fixed points can also be located on the traveling component.

[0021] In conventional elevator systems, anchor points are typically formed by fastening components. These fastening components are securely attached to the corresponding building section or traveling component, and the ends of multiple support devices are securely fixed to these fastening components. This is generally possible and without issue, provided all support devices are driven by the same drive mechanism.

[0022] However, problems can arise if a single traveling component is connected to multiple subgroups of a support assembly, each driven by a different drive machine. The lack of synchronization between the operations of the individual drive machines can cause the subgroups of the support assembly to exert uneven forces on the traveling component. In extreme cases, for example, only one of the two drive machines may begin moving its associated subgroup of the support assembly, thereby lifting the traveling component, while the other drive machine either does not begin operation or only begins operation after a delay. In this situation, the inactive drive machine acts as a fixed point for the associated support assembly. Therefore, in this case, instead of each subgroup of the support assembly bearing only half the weight, the subgroup of the support assembly associated with the first drive machine, along with the associated drive machine, must essentially bear the entire load of the traveling component. This can lead to overload or failure.

[0023] To counteract or avoid the first situation, a special fastening component is proposed for use in the elevator system described herein. This fastening component is used to fasten support devices driven by a first drive mechanism and support devices driven by a second drive mechanism to the building portion or traveling component. However, this special fastening component is configured to fasten the support device ends of both the first and second subgroups of the support devices to the building portion or traveling component in a first direction of the traveling path to withstand tensile loads, but the fastening component is also configured to allow a certain degree of displacement within a so-called compensation path in a second direction transverse to the traveling path.

[0024] In other words, the fastening member is configured relative to the vertically displaceable moving member such that the vertically acting force applied to the fastening member by the support device ends of both the first and second subgroups of the support devices attached to the fastening member is transmitted directly or at least substantially directly from the fastening member to the building portion or traveling member to which the fastening member is attached. On the other hand, the force applied horizontally to the fastening member by the support device ends of at least two subgroups of the support devices will cause the fastening member to move horizontally along a compensation path to at least a predetermined limited extent. The compensation path can have a considerable length. For example, the compensation path can be longer than 10 cm, longer than 30 cm, or even longer than 1 m. Alternatively, the compensation path may include at least 10%, at least 30%, or even at least 50% of the dimension of the traveling member measured in the second direction (i.e., the width of an elevator car).

[0025] Because of this possible horizontal compensating movement, forces such as those exerted on fastening components by the subgroup of its associated support devices (especially in cases of poor synchronization between the two drive machines) can be at least partially permitted or compensated without causing overload, for example, without causing overload at one of the drive machines or its associated support device. Furthermore, as explained in more detail below, the possibility of lateral movement along the compensation path can be used to determine the degree of lack of synchronization or poor synchronization between the two drive machines, and then to counteract the lack of synchronization or poor synchronization accordingly.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the support devices of the first subgroup on one side and the support devices of the second subgroup on the other side are fastened to the fastening member in such a way that when all the support devices are subjected to tensile loads, the force exerted on the fastening member by the support devices of the first subgroup is opposite to the force exerted on the fastening member by the support devices of the second subgroup.

[0027] In other words, the support devices of the various subgroups of the support device are preferably fastened to the fastening member in such a way that, when subjected to tensile load in each case, they exert forces on the fastening member in opposite directions. Due to the opposite orientation of the various tensile forces, they can partially or completely cancel each other out. The tensile forces do not necessarily have to act in completely antiparallel directions; on the contrary, for example, if the support devices of the first subgroup and the second subgroup are not arranged in the same or parallel plane, but in planes that extend at an angle to each other and are fastened to the fastening member, only a portion of the forces caused by the different subgroups of the support device can act on the fastening member in opposite directions.

[0028] In the case of only two drive machines and correspondingly two subgroups of support devices, this means that the first drive machine can apply a tensile force to the fastening member in a first tensile direction along a compensation path via the first subgroup of the support device, while the second drive machine can apply a tensile force to the fastening member in the opposite second tensile direction along a compensation path via the second subgroup of the support device. If the two drive machines are well synchronized with each other, the two tensile forces cancel each other out, so that the fastening member remains stationary and does not displace along the compensation path. However, if the two drive machines are not well synchronized with each other, but operate, for example, at different times or with different forces, this results in a total tensile force on the fastening member causing the fastening member to continuously displace along the compensation path. Due to this compensating motion, the power difference caused by the lack of synchronization between the two drive machines can be at least partially compensated.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the fastening component includes a guide rail extending in a second direction and a carriage displaceable along the guide rail. The support device ends of the first and second subgroups of the support device are fastened to the carriage.

[0030] Therefore, the fastening components can be designed in at least two parts. A first part, in the form of a guide rail, can be securely attached to the building section or traveling component. A second part, in the form of a carriage, can move relative to the guide rail. Specifically, the carriage can be displaced along the guide rail while being guided by the guide rail along a compensating path. The support ends of the first and second subgroups are fastened to the carriage such that if the forces applied by the respective subgroups do not cancel each other out (e.g., due to insufficient synchronization of the respective drive mechanisms), the forces applied by the respective subgroups can cause displacement of the carriage.

[0031] The guide rail can extend along a compensation path. The guide rail can extend in a straight line. Alternatively, the guide rail can be designed with a slight curvature. The guide rail can be designed as a highly stable component, for example, in the form of a metal component or metal profile. The carriage can be held on the guide rail in a manner capable of accepting heavy loads. For example, the carriage can engage with or clamp around the guide rail. The carriage can be mounted on the guide rail to minimize friction between the carriage and the guide rail. Therefore, the force applied to the carriage by the support device can be stably transferred to the guide rail and ultimately to the building section or traveling component connected to the guide rail.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the elevator system further includes a position measuring device for measuring the current position of the fastening component along the compensation path and for generating a position signal indicating the current position.

[0033] In other words, the position measuring device can be arranged on or near the fastening component, and this device is configured to measure the current point of the fastening component along the compensation path. Specifically, referring to the above embodiment, the position measuring device can determine the position of the carriage of the fastening component relative to its guide rail. The position measuring device can, for example, have an encoder that interacts with the fastening component or carriage, wherein a structural component of the encoder follows the movement of the fastening component or carriage, and the movement of this structural component can be determined by measurement so that its position change can be read. The position measuring device can determine the current position of the fastening component either through mechanical coupling with the fastening component or without contact. A position signal can then be generated (e.g., in the form of an electrical signal encoding information about the current position), and the position signal can then be forwarded to other elevator components.

[0034] According to a particular embodiment, the controller can be configured to take position signals into account when controlling the operation of the first drive machine and the second drive machine.

[0035] Specifically, the controller can use position signals provided by a position measuring device to synchronize the drive machines as much as possible. This can be achieved by utilizing the fact that poor synchronization of the drive machine operation typically results in a force acting on the fasteners in the lateral direction, and thus a displacement of the fasteners along a compensation path, allowing information about the current position of the fasteners to be used to draw conclusions about the degree of poor synchronization. The greater the positional change relative to the initial or base position indicated by the position signal, the greater the synchronization deviation between the drive machines can be considered. The controller can then compensate for this deviation by taking the position signal into account.

[0036] For example, if the tensile force applied to the fastening member by the support device driven by one drive machine is weaker than that of the support device of another drive machine, so that the fastening member moves in the direction of the tensile force of the support device of the other drive machine, then the drive machine can be controlled in a way that makes the drive machine rotate faster, so that there is a balance between the tensile forces of the two drive machines.

[0037] According to another specific embodiment, the controller may be configured to control the operation of the first drive machine and the second drive machine in consideration of time variations in the position signal.

[0038] In other words, as a substitute for or supplement to the position signal, the controller can also consider the time variation of the position signal in order to control the operation of the drive machine. This time variation of the position signal represents the speed at which the fastening component moves along the compensation path. Information about this speed allows for conclusions about the degree of insufficient synchronization of the drive machine, so that the controller can then appropriately control the drive machine to achieve better synchronization.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the elevator system also includes limit switches at each end of the opposite ends of the compensation path, each limit switch being configured and arranged to change a switching signal when the fastening member reaches a predetermined end position on the compensation path.

[0040] Limit switches are typically switches with only two states: actuated or inactive. The switch can be configured and arranged such that its state changes from actuated to inactive when the fastening member has moved sufficiently along the compensation path to reach a predetermined end position, and vice versa. Limit switches can be, for example, switches that are mechanically operated and / or mechanically actuated. For example, the limit switch can be mechanically actuated by the fastening member when the end position is reached. Alternatively, the limit switch can use other actuation principles, such as optical detection, electrical detection, magnetic detection, etc., to detect actuation. A switch signal, then generated and indicating the switch state, can be used to detect, for example, when the carriage of the fastening member in the above embodiment has moved to an end position near one end of the guide rail. This switch signal can then be forwarded to other components of the elevator system so that these components take the switch signal into account when operating the elevator system.

[0041] According to another specific embodiment, the elevator system's controller and / or safety circuit can be configured to stop the operation of the first and second drive machines upon receiving a change switch signal indicating that the fastening component has reached the end position.

[0042] In other words, once the controller detects that the fastening component has reached its end position due to a changing switch signal, the controller can stop the operation of all drive machines. Alternatively, limit switches can be integrated into the elevator system's safety circuit so that actuation of one of the limit switches interrupts the safety circuit, thereby stopping the elevator system (including all drive machines). By stopping in this way when the fastening component reaches its end position, the continued operation of the elevator system in this situation can be prevented, and the risk of further increased lack of synchronization between drive machines leading to mechanical overload on the fastening component, support structure, and / or drive machines can be prevented.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the elevator system further includes an end stop adjacent to the opposite end of the compensation path, wherein the end stop is configured to prevent displacement of the fastening member beyond the position of the end stop.

[0044] The end stops represent mechanical limits on the compensation path. The fastening component can therefore move along the compensation path up to the maximum value of one of the end stops. Before the fastening component reaches the end stops, it should typically have already actuated a limit switch arranged before the end stops, designed to prevent further displacement of the fastening component. However, if this does not occur, for example due to a technical malfunction, and the fastening component moves along the compensation path beyond the limit switch, it will stop upon finally reaching the end stop. This prevents overloading of the fastening component. Specifically, in the above embodiment, it is possible to prevent the carriage from moving along the compensation path and dislodging from the guide rail.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the elevator system also includes a load measuring device for measuring the force acting on the fastening member parallel to the travel path.

[0046] The load measuring device is configured to measure the load currently acting on the traveling component. This load typically acts in the vertical direction. This load is related to the force that must be applied by the drive mechanism to displace the traveling component along the travel path. This force acts parallel to the travel path and on the fastening component. The load measuring device can, for example, be clamped between the fastening component and the building portion to which the fastening component is fixed, or the traveling component, so that the force acting on the fastening component is transferred via the load measuring device to the building portion or the traveling component, and can be measured by the load measuring device. Depending on the intended use of the elevator system, the load measuring device can be adapted for heavy-duty elevator systems that measure loads exceeding 20t or even 40t.

[0047] By appropriately measuring the load, the operation of the driven machine can be appropriately controlled, for example. The measurement signal from the load measuring device can be taken into account by the controller.

[0048] According to a particular embodiment, the load measuring device has a force gauge at each of the opposite ends of a nearby compensation path.

[0049] For example, the fastening component can be fixed to the building section or traveling component at a location corresponding to or near the opposite end of the compensation path. A force gauge can then be provided at each of these locations to measure the force transmitted from the fastening component to the building section or traveling component. By using multiple force gauges, the total force applied to the fastening component and thus the load acting on the traveling component can be reliably determined. The total load here corresponds to the sum of the forces measured by two force gauges.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the elevator system also includes a slack cable contact for each support device, the slack cable contact being clamped between one end of the respective support device and the fastening member, and configured to detect a state in which the associated support device does not apply a tensile force to the fastening member, and accordingly generate a slack cable signal.

[0051] A slack cable contact can be used to detect when one or more supports are no longer under tension and are therefore slack. For example, this lack of tension on one or more supports may occur due to malfunctions in the drive mechanism or due to faults such as blockages or jamming of traveling components along their path. In this case, the switching state of the slack cable contact changes so that the lack of tension on the support can be detected by the correspondingly altered slack cable signal. The slack cable contact can be, for example, a mechanical contact whose switching state changes depending on whether the associated support is taut or slack.

[0052] According to a particular embodiment, the controller can be configured to take into account slack cable signals to control the operation of the first drive machine and the second drive machine.

[0053] Specifically, if a lack of tension is detected on one of the support devices based on a slack cable signal, the controller can stop the operation of the drive machine, in particular to avoid potential overload of the drive machine or other components in the elevator system.

[0054] According to one particular embodiment, the traveling component may be an elevator car. The elevator system may have at least one first counterweight associated with a first drive mechanism, the first counterweight being coupled to the elevator car via a first subgroup of support devices. Furthermore, the elevator system may have at least one second counterweight associated with a second drive mechanism, the second counterweight being coupled to the elevator car via a second subgroup of support devices.

[0055] In other words, at least two drive machines can be provided in the elevator system to enable the elevator car to move along its travel path. Each of these drive machines moves a subgroup of supports in its associated support structure, which is coupled to the elevator car on one hand and to one or more counterweights associated only with that drive machine on the other. Thus, the number of counterweights is at least equal to the number of drive machines. However, when the elevator car is lifted, each counterweight supports only its associated drive machine. Therefore, each counterweight can be displaced independently of each other, at least in principle. This also allows for individual control of the operation of each drive machine to compensate for any lack of synchronization that may occur between the drive machines.

[0056] It should be noted that this document describes some possible features and advantages of the invention with reference to different embodiments of elevator systems. Those skilled in the art will recognize that features can be appropriately combined, transferred, adjusted, or replaced to implement other embodiments of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0057] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not intended to be construed as limiting the invention.

[0058] Figure 1 An elevator system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0059] Figure 2 Fastening components in a sub-region of an elevator system according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0060] The accompanying drawings are schematic only and are not drawn to scale. The same reference numerals indicate the same or equivalent features. Detailed Implementation

[0061] Figure 1 An elevator system 1 is shown. The elevator system 1 includes a traveling component 3 in the form of an elevator car 5, which can be vertically displaced within an elevator shaft 29 along a travel path 7 in a first direction 31. For moving the traveling component 3, the elevator system 1 has a first drive machine 9 and a second drive machine 11. Each of the drive machines 9 and 11 has a motor 61, and a traction sheave 63 can be rotated by the motor 61. The operation of the two drive machines 9 and 11 is controlled by a joint controller 13.

[0062] Drive mechanisms 9 and 11 are connected to the traveling member 3 via a cable-like support device 15. A first sub-group 17 of the support device 15 extends between the traveling member 3 and the first drive mechanism 9, while a second sub-group 19 of the support device 15 extends between the traveling member 3 and the second drive mechanism 11. Furthermore, two counterweights 55 and 57 are provided in the elevator system 1, each counterweight coupled (connected) to one of the two sub-groups 17 and 19 of the support device 15. Therefore, on the one hand, the elevator car 5 and the first counterweight 55 can be displaced in opposite directions via the first sub-group 17 of the support device 15 and the cooperating first drive mechanism 9, while on the other hand, the elevator car 5 and the second counterweight 57 can be displaced in opposite directions via the second sub-group 19 of the support device 15 and the cooperating second drive mechanism 11. The elevator car 5 and / or the counterweights 55 and 57 can be guided along the travel path 7 of the elevator car 5 and / or the counterweights 55 and 57 by means of guide rails (not shown) arranged to extend vertically within the elevator shaft 29.

[0063] In general, the increased load-bearing capacity of the elevator system 1 can be achieved by providing multiple individual subgroups 17, 19 of multiple drive machines 9, 11 and support devices 15.

[0064] In the example shown, the support device 15 of each of the subgroups 17, 19 is fixed at one end to the shaft top plate 27 of the elevator shaft 29, which serves as part 25 of the building, by means of a fixed fastening device 65. From there, each support device 15 first extends to the first or second counterweight 55, 57 associated with the corresponding subgroup 17, 19, then further extends to the corresponding first or second drive mechanism 9, 11, then further extends to the deflector 67 on the elevator car 5, and finally extends to the common fastening member 23. The support device ends 21 of the first and second subgroups 17, 19 of the support device 15 are each fastened to the fastening member 23.

[0065] It should be noted that, Figure 1In the example shown, only a highly simplified form of elevator system 1 is depicted for the sake of simplified graphical representation. This illustration is sufficient to explain the operating principle as it applies to elevator system 1, but it does not typically correspond to the actual design of an elevator system, which usually has a much more complex design for practical use. Specifically, the diagram only shows a 1:2 rope path (twisted, stranded), i.e., where the cable guides, with a 1:2 ratio and only two separate drive machines 9, 11, achieve wheel-like force transmission. In practical use, much more complex rope paths, such as 1:8 or 1:16 rope paths, can be used. Furthermore, a greater number of drive machines can be provided, such as four or more. Additionally, elevator system 1 can be configured with a modified rope path so that the common fastening component 23 is not arranged and fastened to the shaft top plate 27 or another fixed building section 25, but rather arranged and fastened to the traveling component 3.

[0066] In the following text, refer to Figure 2 The enlarged illustration of the common fastener 23 is used to explain the possible details and operating modes of the common fastener 23.

[0067] The fastening member 23 is fixed to the shaft top plate 27 in a first direction 31 corresponding to the direction of the vertical travel path 7 so as to be able to withstand tensile loads. In this case, the fastener 69 and the entire fastening member 23 are adapted and sized to be sufficiently robust so that the high load of the elevator car 5 can be applied to the fastening member 23 and transferred to the shaft top plate 27 via the member and the fastener 69.

[0068] In a second direction 33 that extends laterally and preferably perpendicular to the first direction 31 and thus horizontally, at least one structural element of the fastening member 23 or its fastening support end 21 may be displaced along the compensation (counteracting) path 35.

[0069] Although the fastening member 23 can therefore not be displaced in the vertical first direction 31, or even under the aforementioned high load, it can only be displaced insignificantly at most, the forces acting on the fastening member 23 via the respective subgroups 17, 19 of the support device 15 can cause displacement along the compensation path 35 in the horizontal second direction 33. The support device 15 of the first subgroup 17 and the support device 15 of the second subgroup 19 extend in opposite directions in their regions adjacent to the fastening member 23, and in their respective cases are fastened to the opposite side of the fastening member 23 by their support device ends 21.

[0070] Therefore, when all support devices 15 are subjected to tensile loads, the force induced by the support devices 15 of the first subgroup 17 on the fastening member 23 acts in opposite directions to the force induced by the support devices 15 of the second subgroup 19 on the fastening member 23, so that the forces at least partially or completely compensate (cancel each other) when force balance is achieved. If force balance is not achieved (which occurs, for example, if the operation of the two drive machines 9, 11 is not sufficiently synchronized), the force acting in the second horizontal direction 33 acts accordingly on the fastening member 23, and the fastening member 23 can be displaced in that direction, causing lateral displacement along the compensation path 35. Here, the compensation path 35 can have a relatively large length, for example, greater than 0.5 m. Due to the lateral displacement, the force imbalance or insufficient synchronization between the drive machines 9, 11 can be at least partially compensated.

[0071] In the embodiment specifically shown in the accompanying drawings, the fastening member 23 includes a guide rail 37 extending in a second direction 33, along which the movable carriage 39 can move under the guidance of the guide rail 37. The support device ends 21 of the two subgroups 17, 19 of the support device 15 are fastened to the carriage 39.

[0072] The position measuring device 41 can be used to measure the current position of the fastening component 23 or the carriage 39 along the compensation path 35. The position measuring device 41 has an encoder 59 that interacts with the carriage 39 and generates a position signal corresponding to the current position of the carriage 39. This position signal can then be sent to the controller 13.

[0073] Then, the controller 13 can take position signals into account to control the operation of the two drive machines 9, 11, and by doing so, ensure that the two drive machines 9, 11 work as synchronously as possible with each other, so that the forces applied to the fastening member 23 by the two subgroups 17, 19 of the support device 15 are each of the same magnitude and substantially compensate each other, so that the carriage 39 does not have any further lateral displacement, or even the carriage 39 does not return to the initial position, for example, in the middle of the compensation path 35.

[0074] Additionally or alternatively, the controller 13 can also analyze the time variation of the position signal, which indicates the speed at which the fastening component 23 moves along the compensation path 35, and can take this into account when controlling the two drive machines 9, 11.

[0075] Furthermore, limit switches 43 are disposed on the fastening member 23. Limit switches 43 are arranged at each of the opposite ends of the compensation path 35. Each of these limit switches 43 can change its switching signal when actuated by the fastening member 23 or its carriage 39, such actuation occurring when the fastening member 23 or its carriage 39 reaches a predetermined end position 45 on the compensation path 35. If a signal indicating arrival at one of the end positions 45 is generated by changing the switching signal of one of the limit switches 43, this information can be forwarded to the controller 13, at which point, as a precaution, the controller can stop the operation of both drive machines 9, 11.

[0076] Alternatively or additionally, limit switch 43 may also be integrated into the safety circuit (not shown) of the elevator system, such that disconnecting one of the safety switches 43 necessarily results in the disconnection of the safety circuit, which in turn can lead to the forced shutdown of the elevator system 1.

[0077] However, as a rule, controller 13 should counteract excessive displacement of fastening component 23 or carriage 39 in the early stages by properly controlling the two drive machines 9, 11, so that they do not move to one of the end positions 45 under normal conditions.

[0078] For added safety, additional end stops 47 are provided in the elevator system 1 at the opposite end of the compensation path 35 (i.e., at or near end position 45). These mechanical end stops 47 reliably prevent displacement of the fastener 23 or carriage 39 beyond the position of the end stops 47.

[0079] Furthermore, slack cable contacts 53 are provided on or near the fastening member 23 at or near the support end 21 of each support device 15. The slack cable contacts 53 use sensors to check the current mechanical tension of each support device 15. Therefore, the contact can detect that the corresponding support device 15 is not applying tension to the fastening member 23 and is thus in a slack state, and can generate a corresponding slack cable signal. This slack cable signal can then be sent to the controller 13. Since slack in one of the support devices 15 typically indicates a fault or defect within the elevator system, the controller 13 can then interrupt the operation of the elevator system 1 and / or appropriately control the drive machines 9, 11 to counteract the slack in the support device 15. Additionally or alternatively, the slack cable contacts 53 can also be integrated into the safety circuitry of the elevator system 1.

[0080] Elevator system 1 also includes a load measuring device 49, which can measure the force acting on fastening member 23 in a first direction 31 parallel to the travel path 7, which substantially corresponds to the load currently caused by elevator car 5.

[0081] In the example shown, the load measuring device 49 is designed to have two force gauges 51. One of these force gauges 51 is clamped between the fastening member 23 and the well top plate 27 near the lateral end of the fastening member 23 or its guide rail 37 (i.e., near one end of the compensation path 35). Therefore, the entire force acting vertically on the fastening member 23 is transferred to the well top plate 27 via the two force gauges 51 of the load measuring device 49.

[0082] If the carriage 39 of the fastening component 23 is currently off-center between the two force gauges 51, a portion of the total force may be asymmetrically distributed via the two force gauges 51. However, in this case, the total force can also be reliably measured by summing the force values ​​determined by the two force gauges 51.

[0083] The load information determined by the load measuring device 49 can then be forwarded to the controller 13, so that the controller can control the operation of the drive machines 9 and 11 accordingly based on the load. Alternatively or additionally, this information can also be used for other purposes, such as detecting overload of the elevator system 1.

[0084] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "comprising" or "having" do not exclude other elements or steps, and terms such as "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the exemplary embodiments described above may also be used in combination with other features or steps of the other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference numerals in the claims should not be considered limiting.

Claims

1. An elevator system (1), comprising: The traveling component (3) is capable of displacement along the traveling path (7); First drive machine (9) and second drive machine (11); A controller (13) is used to control the operation of both the first drive machine (9) and the second drive machine (11); Multiple support devices (15), wherein a first subgroup (17) of the support devices (15) extends between the traveling member (3) and the first drive machine (9), and wherein a second subgroup (19) of the support devices (15) extends between the traveling member (3) and the second drive machine (11); In this case, the support device ends (21) of the first subgroup (17) and the second subgroup (19) of the support device (15) are fastened to a common fastening component (23). The fastening component (23) is fixed in the first direction (31) of the travel path (7) to a building portion (25) of the building housing the elevator system (1) or to the traveling component (3) so as to be able to withstand tensile loads. The fastening member (23) is characterized in that it is capable of displacement along the compensation path (35) in a second direction (33) transverse to the travel path (7).

2. The elevator system (1) according to claim 1. in, On the one hand, the support device (15) of the first subgroup (17) and on the other hand, the support device (15) of the second subgroup (19) are fastened to the fastening member (23) in such a way that when all the support devices (15) are subjected to tensile loads, the force exerted on the fastening member (23) by the support device (15) of the first subgroup (17) is opposite to the force exerted on the fastening member (23) by the support device (15) of the second subgroup (19).

3. The elevator system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, The fastening component (23) includes a guide rail (37) extending in the second direction (33) and a carriage (39) capable of displacement along the guide rail (37), and In this case, the support device ends (21) of the first subgroup (17) and the second subgroup (19) of the support device (15) are fastened to the carriage (39).

4. The elevator system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. It also includes a position measuring device (41) for measuring the current position of the fastening member (23) along the compensation path (35) and for generating a position signal indicating the current position.

5. The elevator system (1) according to claim 4. in, The controller (13) is configured to take the position signal into account when controlling the operation of the first drive machine (9) and the second drive machine (11).

6. The elevator system (1) according to any one of claims 4 and 5. in, The controller (13) is configured to control the operation of the first drive machine (9) and the second drive machine (11) in consideration of the time variation of the position signal.

7. The elevator system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. It also includes a limit switch (43) located at each end of the opposite ends of the compensation path (35), each limit switch (43) being configured and arranged to change the switching signal when the fastening member (23) reaches a predetermined end position (45) on the compensation path (35).

8. The elevator system (1) according to claim 7. in, The safety circuit of the controller (13) and / or the elevator system (1) is configured to stop the operation of the first drive machine (9) and the second drive machine (11) when a switch signal indicating that the fastening member (23) has reached the change of the end position (45) is received.

9. The elevator system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. It also includes end stops (47) adjacent to each end of the opposite end of the compensation path (35). in, The end stop (47) is configured to prevent the fastening member (23) from displacing beyond the position of the end stop (47).

10. The elevator system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. It also includes a load measuring device (49) for measuring the force acting on the fastening member (23) parallel to the travel path (7).

11. The elevator system (3) according to claim 10. in, The load measuring device (49) has a force gauge (51) adjacent to each end of the opposite end of the compensation path (35).

12. The elevator system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. It also includes a slack cable contact (53) for each support device (15), the slack cable contact being sandwiched between one end of the respective support device (15) and the fastening member (23), and being configured to detect the state in which the associated support device (15) does not apply a tensile force on the fastening member (23), and generate a slack cable signal accordingly.

13. The elevator system (1) according to claim 12. in, The controller (13) is configured to take into account the slack cable signal to control the operation of the first drive machine (9) and the second drive machine (11).

14. The elevator system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, The elevator system (1) is configured to displace the traveling component (3) under a load greater than 20t.

15. The elevator system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, The traveling component (3) is the elevator car (5), and The elevator system (1) has at least one first counterweight (55) associated with the first drive machine (9), the first counterweight being coupled to the elevator car (5) via a first subgroup (17) of the support device (15), and the elevator system (1) has at least one second counterweight (57) associated with the second drive machine (11), the second counterweight being coupled to the elevator car (5) via a second subgroup (19) of the support device (15).

Images