Brake testing device for an elevator and elevator system

Abstract

The application discloses an elevator brake testing device and an elevator system, comprising a detection unit configured to detect an operating state parameter of the brake; a control unit in communication connection with the detection unit and configured to generate a test instruction according to the operating state parameter; and an execution unit in communication connection with the control unit and configured to apply a test load to the brake to make the brake perform a braking action under simulated operating conditions in response to the test instruction. The elevator brake testing device and the elevator system provided by the application can collect the operating state parameter of the brake in real time through the detection unit, generate the test instruction according to the operating state parameter through the control unit, and apply the test load under the simulated operating conditions to the brake in response to the test instruction through the execution unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of elevator technology, and more particularly to an elevator brake testing device and an elevator system. Background Technology

[0002] As an indispensable means of transportation in modern buildings, the safety of elevators directly relates to the lives and property of passengers. Brakes are used to maintain the car's position or to brake it in emergencies. Currently, the inspection of elevator brakes mainly relies on periodic manual inspections or simple static tests. This approach has many limitations: Firstly, manual inspections cannot simulate the dynamic load state of the brake under actual operating conditions, making it impossible to accurately assess the braking performance under real working conditions. Secondly, traditional testing methods lack real-time monitoring and data collection of brake operating parameters, making it difficult to detect potential degradation trends in braking performance in a timely manner. Repair or replacement is often only possible after a significant brake failure occurs. Furthermore, existing testing equipment is usually independent of the elevator control system and requires operation by professionals during specific maintenance times, resulting in low testing efficiency and an inability to continuously track and evaluate brake performance.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a new elevator brake testing device and elevator system to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides an elevator brake testing device and an elevator system.

[0005] This invention provides a test device for an elevator brake, the brake being used to hold or brake the elevator car, comprising: The detection unit is configured to detect the operating status parameters of the brake; The control unit is communicatively connected to the detection unit and configured to generate test instructions based on the operating status parameters. An execution unit, communicatively connected to the control unit, is configured to apply a test load to the brake in response to the test command, so that the brake performs a braking action under simulated operating conditions; The control unit is further configured to evaluate the braking performance of the brake based on the operating state parameters fed back by the detection unit during the brake's braking action.

[0006] Preferably, the detection unit includes: A displacement sensor is used to detect the amount of displacement of the braking components of the brake during the braking process; A force sensor is used to detect the braking force generated by the brake during braking. A temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the brake.

[0007] Preferably, the execution unit includes: A loading mechanism configured to apply the test load to the brake; A drive mechanism is connected to the loading mechanism and configured to drive the loading mechanism to move according to the test command.

[0008] Preferably, the loading mechanism is an inertial flywheel assembly that engages with the brake wheel or brake disc of the brake, and the driving mechanism is a variable frequency drive motor configured to drive the inertial flywheel assembly to rotate according to the test command, so as to apply an inertial load to the brake.

[0009] Preferred options also include: The status monitoring unit is communicatively connected to the control unit and is configured to monitor the operating status of the test device in real time and send an alarm signal to the control unit when an abnormal status is detected. The control unit is also configured to interrupt the test process in response to the alarm signal.

[0010] An elevator system including a brake testing device for an elevator includes a hoistway, a car, a traction machine, and a brake. The car is movably disposed within the hoistway, the traction machine is used to drive the car to move, and the brake is disposed on the traction machine to hold or brake the car. The brake testing device is configured to test the brake during a non-service state of the elevator system.

[0011] Preferred options also include: The elevator control cabinet is communicatively connected to the traction machine and the brake. The brake testing device is integrated into the elevator control cabinet or is set up independently of the elevator control cabinet and is connected in communication.

[0012] Preferably, the non-service state includes at least one of the following states: The elevator system is in a dormant state at night. The elevator system is undergoing routine maintenance. The elevator system enters a standby test state in response to a remote test command.

[0013] Preferably, the brake testing device is further configured as follows: Obtain historical test data of the brake; Based on the comparison results between the braking performance evaluated in the current test and the historical test data, information on the performance change trend of the brake is generated; The performance change trend information is sent to the remote monitoring terminal.

[0014] Preferably, the brake testing device is further configured as follows: When the braking performance of the brake is assessed to be lower than a preset threshold, a maintenance reminder signal is generated and sent to the elevator maintenance management center or the mobile terminal of the designated maintenance personnel.

[0015] Compared with related technologies, the elevator brake testing device and elevator system provided by the present invention have the following advantages: The elevator brake testing device and elevator system provided by this invention collect the operating status parameters of the brake in real time through a detection unit. The control unit generates test commands based on the operating status parameters, and the execution unit applies test loads under simulated operating conditions to the brake in response to the test commands, causing the brake to perform braking actions under dynamic conditions. The control unit evaluates the braking performance based on the operating status parameters fed back during the braking process, realizing dynamic testing and performance evaluation of the brake under simulated real operating conditions. This effectively solves the technical problem that traditional static testing cannot accurately reflect the actual working performance of the brake. At the same time, the status monitoring unit realizes the safety monitoring of the testing process, and the integration of historical test data generates performance change trends and realizes remote early warning, providing a reliable basis for predictive maintenance of the brake and improving the safety and reliability of elevator operation. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 The present invention provides a schematic diagram of the elevator brake testing device and the elevator system structure. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0018] In the specific implementation process, such as Figure 1 As shown, an elevator brake testing device and an elevator system including the device are disclosed. The device includes a shaft, a car, a traction machine, a brake, and an elevator control cabinet. The car is movably installed in the shaft. The traction machine is used to drive the car to move up and down. The brake is installed on the traction machine, specifically at the brake wheel of the traction machine, and is used to maintain the position of the car when the elevator stops, or to brake the car in an emergency. The elevator control cabinet is communicatively connected to the traction machine and the brake and is used to control the normal operation of the elevator.

[0019] The elevator system also includes an elevator brake testing device. The testing device is used to perform performance tests on the brake when the elevator system is not in service. In this invention, the brake testing device is set up independently from the elevator control cabinet, but it establishes a communication connection with the elevator control cabinet through an industrial fieldbus to obtain the elevator's operating status information and receive test commands. The brake testing device can also be integrated into the elevator control cabinet as a functional module.

[0020] The brake testing device includes a detection unit, a control unit, an execution unit, and a status monitoring unit.

[0021] The control unit consists of an embedded industrial control motherboard with an integrated microprocessor and memory. The control unit communicates with the detection unit, execution unit and status monitoring unit through communication interfaces. The control unit is responsible for coordinating the entire test process and performing data calculation and logical judgment.

[0022] The execution unit is used to apply test loads to the brake according to the instructions of the control unit. The execution unit includes a loading mechanism and a driving mechanism. The loading mechanism is an inertial flywheel assembly that can selectively engage or disengage with the brake wheel on the traction machine. When testing is required, the control unit controls an electromagnetic clutch to engage the inertial flywheel assembly with the brake wheel. The driving mechanism is a variable frequency drive motor, and the output shaft of the variable frequency drive motor is connected to the inertial flywheel assembly. According to the preset test program, the control unit sends speed and torque commands to the variable frequency drive motor to drive the inertial flywheel assembly to rotate to the preset speed, thereby simulating the inertia of the elevator car under different loads and speeds, and thus applying an inertial load to the brake.

[0023] The detection unit is used to collect various operating status parameters of the brake in real time during the test. In order to comprehensively evaluate the braking performance, the detection unit of the present invention integrates a variety of sensors. Specifically, the detection unit includes a displacement sensor, a force sensor and a temperature sensor. The displacement sensor is a laser displacement sensor, whose probe is aimed at the brake arm or brake shoe of the brake, to accurately detect the displacement of the braking components during the braking process, thereby reflecting the response time and stroke of the brake. The pressure sensor is a spoke-type pressure sensor, which is set between the brake shoe and the brake wheel, to directly detect the magnitude of the braking force generated by the brake during the braking process. The temperature sensor is an infrared temperature sensor, whose probe is aimed at the friction surface of the brake shoe, to non-contactly detect the temperature change of the brake during the braking process in real time, so as to prevent the braking performance from deteriorating due to overheating.

[0024] The status monitoring unit is used to ensure the safe operation of the testing device itself. The status monitoring unit includes multiple monitoring sub-modules, such as a PT100 thermal resistor for monitoring the temperature of the variable frequency drive motor windings, a vibration sensor for monitoring the vibration acceleration of the inertial flywheel assembly, and proximity switches for monitoring whether the positions of each actuator are in place. The monitoring sub-modules feed back real-time data to the control unit. Once the control unit determines that a parameter exceeds the preset safety threshold (such as excessive motor temperature or excessive flywheel vibration), the status monitoring unit generates an alarm signal. Upon receiving the alarm signal, the control unit will immediately interrupt the current testing process, control the inertial flywheel assembly to disengage from the brake wheel, and simultaneously decelerate and stop the variable frequency drive motor to ensure the safety of the equipment and personnel.

[0025] The workflow of the brake testing device of the present invention for performing a complete test is as follows: First, the control unit obtains the current status of the elevator system through the elevator control cabinet. When it is determined that the elevator system is in a "non-service state", the testing device enters a standby state. The "non-service state" in this invention includes various situations: such as the elevator system being in a dormant state where no one is using it from 23:00 to 6:00 the next day; or the "routine maintenance state" initiated by maintenance personnel on-site through a handheld terminal; or the "standby test state" in which the elevator system responds to the "remote test command" sent by the remote monitoring center and confirms that there are no call requests. The test will only be started in these states to avoid affecting the normal use of passengers.

[0026] When the test conditions are met, the control unit sends a test command to the execution unit, and the variable frequency drive motor starts to drive the inertia flywheel assembly to accelerate rotation until it reaches the preset speed. The speed corresponds to the inertia of the elevator when it is running at the rated speed under the rated load. Then, the control unit sends a braking command to the brake to simulate the braking process during normal operation of the elevator. The brake shoes of the brake quickly press against the brake wheel under the action of electromagnetic force, forming a braking system together with the inertia flywheel assembly.

[0027] Throughout the entire braking process, the sensors in the detection unit continuously collect data at a sampling frequency of milliseconds. The displacement sensor records the displacement curve of the brake arm from the start of action to full compression in real time, the force sensor records the dynamic change curve of the braking force from zero to the maximum value and remaining stable, and the temperature sensor records the temperature rise curve of the brake shoe surface. All these operating status parameters are fed back to the control unit in real time.

[0028] After receiving the parameters, the control unit immediately analyzes and calculates them to evaluate the braking performance of the brake. For example, the control unit calculates the brake's action response time based on the displacement-time curve, calculates the average braking force and braking force fluctuation amplitude based on the force-time curve, and judges whether the brake has a risk of thermal fade by combining the temperature curve. The control unit compares these real-time evaluation results with the historical test data of the brake stored in the memory to generate brake performance change trend information. If the average braking force of this test decreases by 5% compared with the previous test and the response time increases by 10%, the control unit will record the change trend.

[0029] After the test is completed, the control unit will send the detailed data, evaluation results and performance change trend information of this test to the remote monitoring terminal through the built-in wireless communication module (4G / 5G module). The elevator maintenance company's managers can view the health status of all online elevator brakes on the remote monitoring terminal.

[0030] Furthermore, the control unit has a preset braking performance threshold. If the control unit assesses that the current braking performance is below the threshold (e.g., the average braking force is less than 80% of the rated value), it determines that there is a safety hazard in the brake. At this time, the control unit will automatically generate a maintenance reminder signal. The signal contains information such as the elevator number, brake number, and specific non-compliant parameters. The maintenance reminder signal is also sent to the elevator maintenance management center through the wireless communication module, and at the same time sent to the mobile terminal of the designated maintenance personnel via SMS or application push, thereby realizing predictive maintenance and avoiding safety accidents caused by brake failure.

[0031] The condition monitoring unit runs continuously throughout the test. Once an abnormality is detected, such as the vibration sensor detecting abnormal vibration of the inertial flywheel assembly, the control unit will immediately interrupt the test and report a "flywheel vibration abnormality" fault code to the upper system to guide maintenance personnel to conduct an inspection.

[0032] The elevator brake testing device and elevator system provided by this invention simulate real operating conditions using an inertial flywheel assembly in a non-service state, and combine multi-sensor fusion detection to achieve a comprehensive, accurate, and automated evaluation of the braking performance of the elevator brake. At the same time, through data comparison, trend analysis, and remote early warning, a complete brake health management system is constructed, which effectively improves the safety and maintenance level of elevator operation.

[0033] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A brake testing device for an elevator, comprising: The detection unit is configured to detect the operating status parameters of the brake; The control unit is communicatively connected to the detection unit and configured to generate test instructions based on the operating status parameters. An execution unit, communicatively connected to the control unit, is configured to apply a test load to the brake in response to the test command, so that the brake performs a braking action under simulated operating conditions; The control unit is further configured to evaluate the braking performance of the brake based on the operating state parameters fed back by the detection unit during the brake's braking action.

2. The elevator brake testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection unit includes: A displacement sensor is used to detect the amount of displacement of the braking components of the brake during the braking process; A force sensor is used to detect the braking force generated by the brake during braking. A temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the brake.

3. The elevator brake testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The execution unit includes: A loading mechanism configured to apply the test load to the brake; A drive mechanism is connected to the loading mechanism and configured to drive the loading mechanism to move according to the test command.

4. The elevator brake testing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The loading mechanism is an inertial flywheel assembly that engages with the brake wheel or brake disc of the brake, and the driving mechanism is a variable frequency drive motor configured to drive the inertial flywheel assembly to rotate according to the test command, so as to apply an inertial load to the brake.

5. The elevator brake testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The status monitoring unit is communicatively connected to the control unit and is configured to monitor the operating status of the test device in real time and send an alarm signal to the control unit when an abnormal status is detected. The control unit is also configured to interrupt the test process in response to the alarm signal.

6. An elevator system comprising a brake testing device for an elevator as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The system includes a hoistway, a car, a traction machine, and a brake. The car is movably disposed within the hoistway. The traction machine is used to drive the car to move. The brake is disposed on the traction machine and is used to hold or brake the car. The brake testing device is configured to test the brake when the elevator system is not in service.

7. The elevator system according to claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: The elevator control cabinet is communicatively connected to the traction machine and the brake. The brake testing device is integrated into the elevator control cabinet or is set up independently of the elevator control cabinet and is connected in communication.

8. The elevator system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The non-service state includes at least one of the following states: The elevator system is in a dormant state at night. The elevator system is undergoing routine maintenance. The elevator system enters a standby test state in response to a remote test command.

9. The elevator system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The brake testing device is also configured to: Obtain historical test data of the brake; Based on the comparison results between the braking performance evaluated in the current test and the historical test data, information on the performance change trend of the brake is generated; The performance change trend information is sent to the remote monitoring terminal.

10. The elevator system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The brake testing device is also configured to: When the braking performance of the brake is assessed to be lower than a preset threshold, a maintenance reminder signal is generated and sent to the elevator maintenance management center or the mobile terminal of the designated maintenance personnel.

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