Lift system, and method for transmitting data in a lift system

Abstract

The invention relates to a lift system comprising: a lift car; a suspension means having an electric conductor running along the suspension means; and a communication system. The communication system comprises: a transmitter unit for inductively coupling an electrical signal comprising transmission data into the electrical conductor; and a receiver unit for inductively decoupling the electrical signal comprising the transmission data and receiving the transmission data contained in the signal. The communication system is designed to transmit a signal between the transmitter unit and the receiver unit. The transmitter unit is designed to transmit the signal at a frequency of less than 1 MHz.

Description

[0001] Elevator system and method for data transmission in an elevator system

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The invention relates to an elevator system and a method for data transmission in an elevator system.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Devices for data transmission in elevator systems are known in the art. In conventional elevator systems, data transmission devices are implemented using cables designed for data transmission and carried along with an elevator car. Devices are also known in which signals are transmitted via electrically conductive cables of a suspension cable.

[0006] An example of a prior art signal transmission device is shown in US 2004 / 0026177 A1.

[0007] Carrying cables increases the overall weight of the elevator car, which can lead to problems and design limitations, especially in high-rise applications. Contactless signal transmission via electrically conductive cables of a suspension cable results in low bit transmission rates and increased magnetization losses.

[0008] Disclosure of the invention

[0009] The object of the invention is to solve the problems of the prior art, at least in part.

[0010] The object is achieved with an elevator system according to claim 1 and a method according to the independent claim. Advantageous further developments and embodiments emerge from the subclaims and from this description. One aspect relates to an elevator system. The elevator system comprises an elevator car; a support means with an electrical conductor running along the support means; and a communication system. The communication system comprises a transmitter unit for inductively coupling an electrical signal comprising transmission data into the electrical conductor; and a receiver unit for inductively coupling the electrical signal comprising the transmission data and receiving the transmission data contained in the signal. The communication system is configured to transmit a signal between the transmitter unit and the receiver unit.The transmitter unit is designed to transmit the signal at a signal frequency of less than 1 MHz.

[0011] Typically, transmitting a signal between the transmitter unit and the receiver unit involves inductively coupling a signal into the electrical conductor and inductively coupling the signal out. For example, a signal can be transmitted from the transmitter unit to the receiver unit. The signal is inductively coupled into the electrical conductor by the transmitter unit. The transmitter unit can be configured to couple the signal into the electrical conductor at a signal frequency of less than 1 MHz. The signal is inductively coupled out of the electrical conductor by the receiver unit. A signal can be transmitted from the receiver unit to the transmitter unit. For this purpose, the transmitter unit and the receiver unit are designed as transceiver units, as described below. The signal is coupled into the electrical conductor by the receiver unit.The signal is inductively coupled from the electrical conductor by the receiver unit.

[0012] The support means comprises the electrical conductor. The electrical conductor runs along the support means. The support means can comprise an electrical insulator running along the support means. The electrical insulator can be polyurethane (PU). The electrical conductor can be encased by the electrical insulator along the support means. The electrical conductor is designed to transmit an electrical signal comprising transmission data. The electrical conductor is designed to transmit a current comprising an electrical signal comprising transmission data. Typically, the electrical conductor has a conductivity or electrical resistance of 0.0020 mΩ / m to 0.0100 mΩ / m, preferably 0.00375 mΩ / m.

[0013] Typically, the electrical conductor forms a closed conductor loop. In embodiments, the support means may form a closed loop, and the electrical conductor is closed inwardly to form a closed conductor loop. In further embodiments, the support means may not form a closed loop, i.e., the support means and the electrical conductor comprise open ends, typically two open ends. The open ends of the electrical conductor can be electrically connected, e.g., by a copper cable that is galvanically connected to the electrical conductor at the open ends.

[0014] In typical embodiments, the support means is a support belt and has two or more electrical conductors. In particular, the support belt can have 4 or 6 electrical conductors. The electrical conductors can be electrically insulated from one another. The electrical conductors can be separated from one another and electrically insulated by an electrical insulator, at least in sections (e.g. along the longitudinal extent of the support means or a - preferably predominant - part thereof). The electrical conductors can be electrically connected to one another, in particular short-circuited to one another, for example in order to form a parallel circuit. The electrical insulator can be PU.The electrical conductors can be arranged in the electrical insulator such that the support belt has ribs which extend in a longitudinal direction of the support belt, wherein an electrical conductor is arranged in each rib. Each of the two or more electrical conductors can form a closed conductor loop. In a self-contained support belt which forms a closed loop, the electrical conductors are self-contained and form a closed conductor loop. In an open support belt, open ends of the respective electrical conductors can be electrically connected, e.g. by copper cables, in order to create a closed conductor loop. The support means can be designed as a support cable. The support cable can comprise an electrical conductor.

[0015] The support means can be fixedly connected to the elevator car, a counterweight and / or a fixed part of the elevator system, e.g. a building ceiling or a building floor of a building in which the elevator system is located. The support means can be movably connected to the elevator car. The support means can be movably connected to the counterweight. If the support means is movably connected to the elevator car, the support means can apply a support force to the elevator car and be movable relative to the elevator car. In particular, the support means can be movable relative to the elevator car in a direction along the support means. For example, the support means can be movably connected to the elevator car via a deflection pulley. If the support means is movably connected to the counterweight, the support means can apply a support force to the counterweight and be movable relative to the counterweight.In particular, the support means can be movable relative to the counterweight in a direction along the support means. For example, the support means can be movably connected to the counterweight via a pulley.

[0016] The elevator system may comprise at least one further support means. In typical embodiments, the elevator system comprises a further support means, and the further support means is a support belt and has two or more electrical conductors. The at least one further support means may be designed in accordance with the support means described herein (hereinafter referred to as the first support means). The at least one further support means may run parallel to the first support means. In particular, the at least one further support means may follow the course of the first support means in the elevator system and exert load-bearing forces in the same direction as the first support means.

[0017] The elevator system can be designed such that the electrical conductors of the two (first and second) support belts are electrically connected to form a closed conductor loop. The at least one further support means can advantageously be used in elevator systems in which the electrical conductors of the first support means do not form closed conductor loops, for example in elevator systems with a 1:1 suspension. The first support means and a further support means of the at least one further support means (hereinafter referred to as the second support means) can form a closed conductor loop. In particular, the electrical conductors of the first support means can be electrically connected to electrical conductors of the second support means to form a closed conductor loop.

[0018] The second support means can have a number of electrical conductors that is different from the number of electrical conductors of the first support means. The second support means can have a number of electrical conductors that is equal to the number of electrical conductors of the first support means. The electrical conductors of the second support means can be connected to the electrical conductors of the first support means in a 1:1 assignment, i.e. each electrical conductor of the second support means is connected to exactly one corresponding electrical conductor of the first support means. The electrical conductors of the second support means can be electrically connected at both ends of the second support means and electrically connected to the electrical conductors of the first support means that are electrically connected at both ends of the first support means. The elevator system can be designed for different areas of application.The elevator system can be designed for high-rise applications. In particular, the elevator system can be configured for travel heights from 0 to 500 m, preferably between 50 m and 200 m. Advantageously, additional components for a communication system are eliminated. This enables a more compact and lightweight elevator system design. Cost savings can also be achieved. Especially for high-rise applications, this can advantageously lead to significant weight savings in the entire elevator system due to the high travel heights.

[0019] Communication system

[0020] The communication system comprises a transmitter unit for inductively coupling an electrical signal containing transmission data into the electrical conductor, and a receiver unit for inductively coupling the electrical signal containing the transmission data and receiving the transmission data contained in the signal. The transmitter unit can couple the signal into the electrical conductor in a first section. The receiver unit can decouple the signal from the electrical conductor in a second section. The electrical conductor can transmit the signal from the first section to the second section.

[0021] The transmitter unit can be in communication with a machine room. The transmitter unit can be mounted remotely from the receiver unit. The transmitter unit can be arranged near the support means. The transmitter unit can be arranged near a portion of the support means. The receiver unit can be in communication with the elevator car. The receiver unit can be mounted on the elevator car. The receiver unit can be arranged near the support means. The receiver unit can be arranged near a portion of the support means.

[0022] The transmitter unit can comprise an inductive element for inductively coupling the electrical signal into the electrical conductor. The receiver unit can comprise an inductive element for inductively coupling the electrical signal out. The inductive element can be a coil. Typically, the transmitter unit comprises two or more inductive elements which are designed as coils. Typically, the receiver unit comprises two or more inductive elements which are designed as coils. Typically, the coils comprise two turns. The coil can be wound such that the support means is located in an inner region which is defined by the turning of the coils. The coil can be wound around a magnetic yoke. The magnetic yoke can have a closed structure with an inner opening. The electrical conductor can run through the inner opening of the magnetic yoke. The magnetic yoke can be designed as an open structure, e.g.B. U-shaped, and arranged in close proximity to the support means. The support means can be movable relative to the receiver unit. The support means can be movable relative to the transmitter unit. The support means can be movable relative to the inductive elements of the transmitter unit and the receiver unit. The support means can be movable relative to the coil or the magnetic yoke.

[0023] In typical embodiments, the transmitter unit is configured to transmit the signal with a bandwidth of 160 kHz. The signal can be transmitted with a bandwidth of 25 to 320 kHz. The transmitter unit can be designed to couple the signal with a bandwidth of 25 to 320 kHz into the electrical conductor. The transmitter unit can be configured to transmit the signal with a bit transmission rate of less than 250 kbps. The signal can be transmitted with a bit transmission rate of 50 to 500 kbps. The transmitter unit can be designed to couple the signal with a bit transmission rate of 50 to 500 kbps into the electrical conductor. In typical embodiments, the transmitter unit is configured to transmit the signal with a signal frequency of 400 kHz. The signal can be transmitted with a signal frequency of less than 1 MHz, in particular with a signal frequency of 400 kHz - 1 MHz.The transmitter unit can be configured to couple the signal into the electrical conductor at a signal frequency of 400 kHz - 1 MHz.

[0024] Advantageously, transmitting the signal at frequencies less than 1 MHz, in particular at signal frequencies of 400 kHz or 700 kHz, results in a reduction of magnetization losses.

[0025] The transmitter unit can be configured to transmit the signal over one frequency band. The frequency band can be at a frequency of 400 kHz or 425 kHz. The transmitter unit can be configured to transmit the signal over two frequency bands. The transmitter unit can be configured to couple the signal into the electrical conductor over two frequency bands. The signal is transmitted over a first frequency band via a first frequency. The signal is transmitted over a second frequency band via a second frequency. The first frequency band is different from the second frequency band. The first frequency band can be at a frequency of 400 kHz or 425 kHz. The second frequency band can be at a frequency of 700 kHz or more. The transmitter unit can be designed to transmit the signal over more than two frequency bands.The signal is transmitted over a third or further bands using a third or further frequency, with the first, second, third, and further frequencies being different from one another. In typical embodiments, the transmitter unit is configured to transmit the signal at a signal frequency of 400 kHz.

[0026] The receiver unit can be configured to extract the signal from the electrical conductor. The receiver unit can be configured to extract the signal from the electrical conductor with a bandwidth of 25 kHz to 320 kHz. The receiver unit can be configured to extract the signal from the electrical conductor with a bit transmission rate of 50 to 500 kbps. The receiver unit can be configured to extract the signal from the electrical conductor with a signal frequency of 400 kHz to 1 MHz. The receiver unit can be configured to extract the signal from the electrical conductor across one or more frequency bands.

[0027] In typical embodiments, the electrical signal comprising the transmission data is modulated using a modulation method. The modulation method can be a quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) modulation method. In particular, the modulation method can be 8-phase shift keying (8-PSK) with trellis coding. The transmitter unit can be configured to create an electrical signal comprising the transmission data from the transmission data. In particular, the transmitter unit can be configured to model the transmission data as an electrical signal using a modulation method. The receiver unit can be configured to obtain the transmission data from the electrical signal comprising the transmission data. In particular, the receiver unit can be configured to determine the transmission data from the electrical signal comprising the transmission data.

[0028] Bidirectional transceiver unit. In typical embodiments, the communication system is configured for bidirectional transmission. In particular, the receiver unit is configured to inductively couple an electrical signal containing transmission data into the electrical conductor, and the transmitter unit is configured to inductively couple the electrical signal containing the transmission data and receive the transmission data contained in the signal. The receiver unit can receive data from the elevator car and transmit the data to the transmitter unit.

[0029] The transmitter unit can be configured to have the functions of the receiver unit as described herein. The receiver unit can be configured to have the function of the transmitter unit as described herein. The transmitter unit can be embodied as a bidirectional transceiver unit. The receiver unit can be embodied as a bidirectional transceiver unit. The transceiver unit can be configured to have the functions of the transmitter unit and the function of the receiver unit as described herein. The transceiver unit can comprise a transmitter unit and a receiver unit.

[0030] The transceiver unit can be operated as both a transmitter unit and a receiver unit. In the transmitting direction, the transceiver unit is operated as a transmitter unit. In the receiving direction, the transceiver unit is operated as a receiver unit. The transceiver unit can comprise an inductive element for inductive coupling. The inductive element can be a coil. Typically, the transceiver unit comprises two or more inductive elements which are designed as coils. Typically, the coils comprise two turns. In the transmitting direction, the transceiver unit can couple an electrical signal comprising transmission data into the electrical conductor via the inductive elements. In the receiving direction, the transceiver unit can couple an electrical signal comprising transmission data out of the electrical conductor via the inductive elements.In typical embodiments in which the transmitter unit and the receiver unit are embodied as transceiver units, the transmitter unit can be configured to transmit a signal over a first frequency band, and the receiver unit can be configured to transmit a signal over a second frequency band, wherein the first frequency band is different from the second frequency band, in particular wherein the first frequency band is at 400 kHz and the second frequency band is at 700 kHz. Transmission over two different frequency bands enables simultaneous bidirectional transmission between the transmitter unit and the receiver unit.

[0031] A further receiver unit can be attached to a counterweight. In particular, the further receiver unit can be designed as a transceiver unit or configured for bidirectional communication. The further receiver unit can communicate with a counterweight brake. The further receiver unit can communicate with the transmitter unit and / or the receiver unit via the first frequency band, the second frequency band, or a further frequency band. In particular, transmission data can be transmitted between the transmitter unit, the receiver unit, and the further receiver unit via the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and / or the further frequency band.

[0032] The additional receiving unit can receive, in particular, data for controlling or activating and / or deactivating the counterweight brake. If the additional receiving unit is configured as a transceiver unit, the counterweight brake can transmit, in particular, data relating to the activation status of the counterweight brake, as well as, if applicable, diagnostic and / or error data.

[0033] Prioritization of input data

[0034] The communication system can be configured to transmit data from different sources between the transmitter unit and the receiver unit. Different priorities can be assigned to the data from different sources. The communication system can prioritize the transmission of data according to the priority. For example, higher-priority data can be transmitted before lower-priority data.

[0035] In typical embodiments, the transmitter unit has first to third input interfaces for respectively receiving input data. The first to third input interfaces are assigned a first to third priority, and the input data of the first to third input interfaces is assigned the priority of the respective input interface. The transmitter unit has a multiplexer for creating transmission data as a serial transmission data stream. The transmission data comprises input data with first to third priorities, and when creating the transmission data, the respective priority of the input data with first to third priorities is taken into account. The transmitter unit has a transmitter for inductively coupling the electrical signal comprising the transmission data into the electrical conductor.

[0036] The first data input interface has priority 1, the second data input interface has priority 2, and the third data input interface has priority 3. Priority 1 corresponds to the highest priority, priority 2 corresponds to the second highest priority, and priority 3 to the third highest priority. Data with priority 1 includes data relevant to the safety of the elevator system (Safety CAN). Data with priority 2 includes data relevant to the control of the elevator system (Control CAN). Data with priority 3 includes all other data; for example, data with priority 3 includes data for communication between a service employee and a person in the elevator car via an intercom in the elevator car.

[0037] The transmission data can comprise payload and control data. The payload comprises the input data with first to third priorities. The control data can comprise data for addressing, transmission sequence, data flow control, and error correction. The payload can have a limited payload memory. The input data with first to third priorities is stored in the payload memory. When creating the transmission data, the payload of the transmission data can be created from the input data with first to third priorities. In particular, the payload memory can be filled with input data with first to third priorities. When filling the payload memory, the priority of the input data can be taken into account. In typical embodiments, the serial transmit data stream comprises transmit data packets, and the multiplexer creates the transmit data packets from the input data, taking the respective priorities into account.

[0038] When creating the transmission data, the respective priority of the input data is taken into account. Data with priority 1 is included in the transmission data first, followed by data with priority 2. Then data with priority 3 is included in the transmission data. For example, all existing data with priority 1 can be included first, in particular in the payload memory. Then all existing data with priority 2 can be included, in particular in the payload memory. Then all existing data with priority 3 can be included, in particular in the payload memory. If the payload memory is not sufficient to hold all existing data with priorities 1 - 3, data can be postponed. Data can be postponed by temporarily storing it in a buffer or by deleting the data.First, data with priority 3 is deferred, then data with priority 2 is deferred, and then data with priority 1 is deferred.

[0039] In typical embodiments, the multiplexer has first to third input buffers. The first to third input buffers are respectively assigned to the first to third input interfaces for receiving input data from the first to third input interfaces. The input data is temporarily stored in the respective input buffer. The transmitter unit can receive input data packets at the first to third input interfaces. The input data packets include the input data, corresponding to the payload of the input data packets, and control data for addressing, transmission sequencing, data flow control, and error correction. The input data packets are unpacked in the multiplexer, and the input data is stored in the input buffer. When creating the transmission data, the multiplexer obtains the input data packets from the first to third input buffers.The first through third input buffers are assigned the first through third priorities. Input data from the first through third input buffers are assigned the first through third priorities.

[0040] The multiplexer can be configured to delete data from the respective buffer in the event of a buffer overflow. For example, the assigned third input buffer may overflow when resetting data with priority 3. To continue storing data with third priority in the assigned third input buffer, the multiplexer can delete data from the third input buffer.

[0041] In typical embodiments, the receiver unit has a receiver for inductively extracting the electrical signal comprising the transmission data and receiving the transmission data contained in the signal. The receiver unit has a demultiplexer for creating output data from the transmission data. Output data with first to third priorities is created from the input data with first to third priorities contained in the transmission data. The receiver unit has first to third output interfaces for outputting output data. The first to third output interfaces are assigned a first to third priority, and output data is assigned according to the priority of the respective output interface.

[0042] The transmission data includes input data with first to third priorities. When creating the output data, the demultiplexer detects the input data with first to third priorities. In particular, the demultiplexer reads the payload memory of the transmission data. The payload memory includes input data with first to third priorities. Output data with first priority is created from input data with first priority. Output data with second priority is created from input data with second priority. Output data with third priority is created from input data with third priority.

[0043] In typical embodiments, the demultiplexer includes first through third output buffers. The first through third output buffers are assigned to the first through third output interfaces, respectively, for receiving output data with first through third priorities.

[0044] The transmitter unit can be designed as a transmitter / receiver unit. The receiver unit can be designed as a transmitter / receiver unit. The transmitter / receiver unit can comprise first to third data interfaces, a multiplexer / demultiplexer unit, a data transmission unit, and first to third buffers. In the transmission direction, the transmitter / receiver unit is operated as a transmitter unit. The first to third data interfaces correspond to the first to third input interfaces for receiving input data, respectively. The multiplexer / demultiplexer unit is operated as a multiplexer. The data transmission unit is operated as a transmitter. The first to third buffers correspond to the first to third input buffers. In the reception direction, the transmitter / receiver unit is operated as a receiver unit. The first to third data interfaces correspond to the first to third output interfaces.The multiplexer / demultiplexer unit operates as a demultiplexer. The data transmission unit operates as a receiver. The first through third buffers correspond to the first and third output buffers.

[0045] The transceiver unit may comprise a transmitter unit and a receiver unit. The transceiver unit may have first to third input interfaces for receiving input data, a multiplexer for generating transmission data as a serial transmission data stream, and a transmitter for inductively coupling the electrical signal comprising the transmission data into the electrical conductor. Furthermore, the transceiver unit may have a receiver for inductively extracting the electrical signal comprising the transmission data and receiving the transmission data contained in the signal, a demultiplexer for generating output data from the transmission data, and first to third output interfaces for outputting output data.

[0046] The bit transmission rate of the communication system is determined by the inductive coupling and decoupling. The bit transmission rate of the communication system can be 250 kbps or less. Dividing the data to be transmitted into data with first to third priorities enables a reduction in the required bit transmission rates while simultaneously ensuring secure and stable communication. The data is divided as follows: Priority 1 data includes data relevant to the safety of the elevator system (Safety CAN), Priority 2 data includes data relevant to the control of the elevator system (Control CAN), and Priority 3 data includes data for, for example, subordinate communication systems.By dividing data into first to third priority, it can be ensured that almost all data is transmitted with priority 1 and priority 2 at a bit rate of 250 kbps or less.

[0047] One aspect relates to a method for data transmission in a typical elevator system described herein. The method comprises inductively coupling an electrical signal containing transmission data into the electrical conductor, transmitting the electrical signal containing the transmission data in the electrical conductor, inductively coupling the electrical signal containing the transmission data out of the electrical conductor, and receiving the transmission data contained in the signal. The signal is transmitted at a signal frequency of less than 1 MHz.

[0048] In typical embodiments, the method comprises receiving input data, wherein the input data is assigned a first to third priority, and creating the transmission data. The transmission data comprises the input data with the first to third priority, and when creating the transmission data, the respective priority of the input data with the first to third priority is taken into account. In particular, the method can further comprise creating output data from the transmission data. Output data with the first to third priority is created from the input data with the first to third priority contained in the transmission data. The method can further comprise outputting output data with the first to third priority.

[0049] Short description of the drawings

[0050] The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the figures show:

[0051] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an elevator system;

[0052] Fig. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a communication system for an elevator system according to an embodiment

[0053] Fig. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a transmitter unit of a communication system according to an embodiment

[0054] Fig. 4a is a schematic cross-sectional view of a support means according to an embodiment

[0055] Fig. 4b is a schematic cross-sectional view of a support means according to an embodiment

[0056] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of an inductive coupling to a support means according to an embodiment

[0057] Fig. 6 shows a typical method for data transmission in an elevator system

[0058] Description of implementation examples

[0059] Typical embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the figures. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments; rather, the scope of the invention is determined by the claims. In describing the embodiment, the same reference numerals may be used for the same or similar parts in different figures and for different embodiments to simplify the description. However, this does not mean that corresponding parts of the invention are limited to the variants shown in the embodiments.

[0060] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of an elevator system 100. The elevator system comprises an elevator car 110, a counterweight 120, a support means 130 and a communication system 150.

[0061] The support means 130 is movably connected to the elevator car 110 and the counterweight 120. The support means is connected to the elevator car via deflection pulleys. The support means is connected to the counterweight via a deflection pulley. The support means is not closed and comprises two open ends. The two open ends of the support means are attached to a fixed ceiling. The support means 130 comprises at least one electrical conductor 135, as shown in Figs. 4a and 4b. The at least one electrical conductor comprises two open ends. The open ends of the at least one electrical conductor are electrically connected via another electrical conductor (not shown), forming a closed conductor loop.

[0062] A deflection pulley 140 is arranged between the elevator car and the counterweight such that the support means 130 extends over the counterweight 120, to the deflection pulley 140, and to the elevator car 110. The deflection pulley is designed to move the elevator car 110 and the counterweight 140 in a vertical direction, wherein a vertical direction corresponds to a direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravity. The deflection pulley 140 can be designed as a traction sheave.

[0063] The communication system 150 includes a transmitter unit 200 and a receiver unit 300. The transmitter unit 200 is mounted remotely from the transmitter unit. The transmitter unit 200 is mounted remotely from the elevator car 110. The transmitter unit is mounted in close proximity to the support means 130. The transmitter unit is inductively coupled to the electrical conductor 135 of the support means. The transmitter unit is in communication with an external system. For example, the transmitter unit may be in communication with a machine room. The receiver unit 300 is mounted on the elevator car. The receiver unit is mounted in close proximity to the support means 130. The receiver unit is inductively coupled to the support means 130.

[0064] Furthermore, Fig. 1 shows an additional receiver unit 300' attached to the counterweight 120 and a counterweight brake 121. The additional receiver unit 300' communicates with the counterweight brake 121. The additional receiver unit can, in principle, be designed in the same way as the receiver unit 300 according to the preceding and following description.

[0065] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a communication system 150. The communication system comprises a transmitter unit 200 and a receiver unit 300. The transmitter unit 200 comprises first to third input interfaces 210, 220, 230 for receiving input data. The first to third input interfaces are assigned a first to third priority. The first input interface 210 is assigned the first priority. The first priority is priority 1. The second input interface 220 is assigned the second priority. The second priority is priority 2. The third input interface 230 is assigned the third priority. The third priority is priority 3. Input data received at the first to third input interfaces is assigned the first to third priority of the respective input interface.

[0066] The transmitter unit 200 includes a multiplexer 240. The multiplexer 240 creates transmission data as a serial transmission data stream. The transmission data includes the input data with first to third priorities, which is received at the input interfaces with first to third priorities. The transmission data is transmitted as transmission data packets 245. The multiplexer 240 creates transmission data packets from the input data with first to third priorities. The multiplexer takes the priority of the input data into account. The transmission data packets are first filled with input data of priority 1. The transmission data packets are then filled with input data of priority 2. The transmission data packets are then filled with input data of priority 3. The transmission data in the form of transmission data packets 245 is transmitted to a transmitter 250. The transmitter unit includes the transmitter 250.

[0067] The transmitter 250 is inductively coupled to the support means 130. In particular, the transmitter 250 is inductively coupled to the electrical conductor 135 of the support means 130. The transmitter 250 receives the transmission data packets 245 from the multiplexer 240. The transmitter is configured to couple an electrical signal Isignai comprising the transmission data into the electrical conductor 135. The electrical signal is transmitted in the electrical conductor 135. The electrical signal is transmitted from a first location in the electrical conductor, which is in close proximity to the transmitter unit 200, to a second location in the electrical conductor, which is in close proximity to the receiver unit 300.

[0068] The receiver unit 300 comprises a receiver 350. The receiver 350 is inductively coupled to the support means 130. In particular, the receiver 350 is inductively coupled to the electrical conductor 135 of the support means 130. The receiver is configured to inductively extract the electrical signal Isignai, which comprises the transmission data, from the electrical conductor. The receiver is configured to receive the transmission data from the signal Isignai. The receiver is configured to receive the transmission data packets 245 from the signal Isignai as reception data packets 345.

[0069] The receiver unit 300 comprises a demultiplexer 340 and first to third output interfaces 310, 320, 330. The first to third output interfaces are assigned the first to third priorities. The first output interface 310 has the first priority. The first priority is priority 1. The second output interface 320 has the second priority. The second priority is priority

[0070] 2. The third output interface 330 has the third priority. The third priority is priority 3.

[0071] The receiver 350 transmits the receive data packets 345 to the demultiplexer 340. The receive data packets comprise the input data with first to third priorities. The demultiplexer creates output data with first to third priorities from the input data with first to third priorities. Output data with first priority is created from input data with first priority. Output data with second priority is created from input data with second priority. Output data with third priority is created from input data with third priority. The output data with first to third priorities are assigned to the first to third output interfaces with first to third priorities. Output data with first priority is assigned to the first output interface 310 with first priority. Output data with second priority is assigned to the second output interface 320 with second priority.Third priority output data is assigned to the third priority output interface 330.

[0072] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a transmitter unit 200. The transmitter unit comprises first to third input interfaces 210, 220, 230, a multiplexer 240 and a transmitter 250.

[0073] Input data with first to third priorities is received at the first to third input interfaces 210, 220, 230 as data packets received with first to third priorities. The data packets with first to third priorities include the respective input data with first to third priorities as well as control data. The multiplexer 240 includes first to third input buffers 211, 221, 231 for temporarily storing input data with first to third priorities. The first to third input buffers 211, 221, 231 are assigned to the respective input interfaces 210, 220, 230. The first input buffer 211 is assigned to the first input interface 210. The second input buffer 221 is assigned to the second input interface 220. The third input buffer 230 is assigned to the third input interface 230.The third input buffer 231 is designed to delete input data with third priority, which is to be temporarily stored in the third input buffer 231, in the event of a memory overflow.

[0074] The data packets with first to third priorities are unpacked in the multiplexer. The input data with first to third priorities is buffered in the respective input buffers 211, 221, 231. Input data with first priority is buffered in input buffer 211 with first priority. Input data with second priority is buffered in input buffer 221 with second priority. Input data with third priority is buffered in input buffer 231 with third priority. When creating the transmission data, the multiplexer obtains the input data with first to third priorities from the first to third input buffers 211, 221, 231.

[0075] The receiver unit 300 may include first to third output buffers for buffering output data with first to third priorities, which are arranged correspondingly as in the transmitter unit described above. The demultiplexer includes the first to third output buffers with first to third priorities. The first to third output buffers are respectively assigned to the first to third output interfaces. The output data with first to third priorities is respectively buffered in the first to third output buffers with first to third priorities, according to the priority. The output data with first to third priorities is transmitted from the first to third output buffers to the first to third output interfaces.

[0076] The transmitter unit 200 and the receiver unit 300 can be implemented as transmit / receive units. A transmit / receive unit comprises first to third data interfaces, a multiplexer / demultiplexer unit, a data transmission unit, and first to third buffers. In the transmit direction, the transmit / receive unit is operated as transmitter unit 200. The first to third data interfaces correspond to the first to third input interfaces 210, 220, 230 for receiving input data, respectively. The multiplexer / de- - TI -

[0077] The multiplexer unit is operated as a multiplexer 240. The data transmission unit is operated as a transmitter 250. The first to third buffers correspond to the first to third input buffers 211, 221, 231. In the receive direction, the transceiver unit is operated as a receiver unit 300. The first to third data interfaces correspond to the first to third output interfaces 310, 320, 330. The multiplexer / demultiplexer unit is operated as a demultiplexer 340. The data transmission unit is operated as a receiver 350. The first to third buffers correspond to the first to third output buffers.

[0078] The transmitting-receiving unit may comprise a transmitter unit 200 and a receiver unit 300.

[0079] 4a and 4b are schematic sectional views of a suspension element 130. Fig. 4a shows a suspension element 130a embodied as a suspension cable. The suspension element 130 comprises an electrical conductor 135, which is sheathed by an insulator 133. Fig. 4b shows a suspension element 130b embodied as a suspension belt. The suspension belt comprises first to fourth electrical conductors 135a, 135b, 135c, 135d. The first to fourth electrical conductors are arranged side by side and sheathed by an electrical insulator such that the first to fourth electrical conductors form ribs in a direction along the belt.

[0080] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of an inductive coupling to the support means 130, in particular to the electrical conductor 135 of the support means 130. The support means is embodied, for example, as a suspension cable. The support means 130 passes through a first magnetic yoke 255 and a second magnetic yoke 355. The first magnetic yoke 255 is wound with a first coil T x for inductive coupling of an electrical signal and a second coil R x for inductive coupling of an electrical signal. The second magnetic yoke 355 is wound for inductive coupling of an electrical signal T x and a second coil for inductively coupling out an electrical signal R x . The first coils T x of the first magnetic yoke 255 and the second magnetic yoke 355 comprise two turns. Due to the small number of turns of the coils T xBy coupling a signal into the electrical conductor, magnetization losses can be minimized. The two pairs of coils per magnetic yoke allow signals to be transmitted on two different frequency bands.

[0081] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but the scope of the invention is determined by the appended claims.

[0082] Fig. 6 shows a method 600 for data transmission in a typical elevator system described herein. In step 610, an electrical signal comprising transmission data is inductively coupled into the electrical conductor 135. The signal is coupled into a first section of the electrical conductor 135. In step 620, the electrical signal comprising the transmission data is transmitted in the electrical conductor. In particular, the signal is transmitted from the first section to a second section of the electrical conductor 135. In step 630, the electrical signal comprising the transmission data is coupled out of the electrical conductor. The signal is coupled out in the second section of the electrical conductor. In step 640, the transmission data contained in the signal is received. The signal is transmitted at a signal frequency of less than 1 MHz.

[0083] Fig. 6 also shows steps 601 and 602. In step 601, input data is received. The input data is assigned a first to third priority. The input data can originate from various sources. The input data can be received at various interfaces, in particular at a first to third input interface. In step 602, transmission data is created. The transmission data comprises the input data with the first to third priority. When creating the transmission data, the respective priorities of the input data with the first to third priority are taken into account. In particular, input data with a higher priority is included in the transmission data with a higher priority than input data with a lower priority.

[0084] Figure 6 also shows steps 641 and 642. In step 641, output data is created from the transmission data. Output data with first to third priorities is created from the input data with first to third priorities contained in the transmission data. In step 642, the output data with first to third priorities are output.

Claims

Patent claims 1. An elevator system (100) comprising: an elevator car (110); a support means (130) with an electrical conductor (135) running along the support means; and a communication system (150), the communication system comprising: a transmitter unit (200) for inductively coupling an electrical signal (Isignai) comprising transmission data into the electrical conductor (135); and a receiver unit (300) for inductively coupling the electrical signal (Isignai) comprising the transmission data and receiving the transmission data contained in the signal; wherein the communication system (200) is configured to transmit a signal between the transmitter unit (200) and the receiver unit (300), and wherein: the transmitter unit is configured to transmit the signal at a signal frequency of less than 1 MHz.

2. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein the support means (130) forms a closed loop and the electrical conductor (135) is closed in itself to form a closed conductor loop.

3. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein the support means (130) and the electrical conductor (135) comprise open ends and the open ends of the electrical conductor (135) are electrically connected.

4. The elevator system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a further receiving unit (300') is attached to a counterweight (120) of the elevator system, wherein the further receiving unit (300') is in communication with a counterweight brake (121).

5. The elevator system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmitter unit (200) is configured to transmit the signal with a bandwidth of 160 kHz.

6. The elevator system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmitter unit (200) is configured to transmit the signal at a signal frequency of 400 kHz.

7. The elevator system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication system is configured for bidirectional transmission, in particular wherein: the receiver unit (300) is configured to inductively couple an electrical signal (Isignai) comprising transmission data into the electrical conductor (135); and the transmitter unit (200) is configured to inductively couple the electrical signal comprising the transmission data and receive the transmission data contained in the signal.

8. The elevator system according to claim 7, wherein the transmitter unit (200) is configured to transmit a signal over a first frequency band and the receiver unit is configured to transmit a signal over a second frequency band and the first frequency band is different from the second frequency band, in particular wherein the first frequency band is at a frequency of 400 kHz and the second frequency band is at a frequency of 700 kHz.

9. The elevator system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical signal comprising transmission data is modulated by a modulation method, and wherein the modulation method is a quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) modulation method, in particular wherein the 10. The elevator system according to one of the preceding claims: wherein the transmitter unit comprises: first to third input interfaces (210, 220, 230) for respectively receiving input data; wherein the first to third input interfaces are assigned a first to third priority, and the input data of the first to third input interfaces are assigned the priority of the respective input interface; a multiplexer (240) for creating transmission data as a serial transmission data stream, wherein the transmission data comprises input data with first to third priorities; and when creating the transmission data, the respective priority of the input data with first to third priorities is taken into account; a transmitter (250) for inductively coupling the electrical signal (Isignai) comprising the transmission data into the electrical conductor (135).

11. The elevator system according to claim 10, wherein the multiplexer (240) comprises: first to third input buffers (211, 221, 231), the first to third input buffers being respectively associated with the first to third input interfaces for respectively receiving input data from the first to third input interfaces.

12. The elevator system according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the receiver unit (300) comprises: a receiver (350) for inductively coupling out the electrical signal (Isignai) comprising the transmission data and receiving the transmission data contained in the signal; a demultiplexer (340) for creating output data from the transmission data, wherein output data with first to third priorities are created from the input data with first to third priorities contained in the transmission data; first to third output interfaces (310, 320, 330) for outputting output data; wherein the first to third output interfaces are assigned a first to third priority, and output data is assigned according to the priority of the respective output interface.

13. The elevator system according to claim 12, wherein the de-multiplexer (340) comprising: first to third output buffers, wherein the first to third output buffers are respectively assigned to the first to third output interfaces, for receiving output data with first to third priority.

14. The elevator system according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein: the serial transmit data stream comprises transmit data packets (245); and the multiplexer (240) creates the transmit data packets (245) from the input data, taking into account the respective priorities.

15. The elevator system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support means (130) is a support belt and has two or more electrical conductors (135a, 135b, 135c, 135d), 16. The elevator system according to claim 15, wherein the elevator system comprises a further support means, wherein the further support means is a support belt and has two or more electrical conductors, wherein in particular the electrical conductors of the two support belts are electrically connected such that they together form a closed conductor loop.

17. The elevator system of claim 16, wherein the elevator system has a 1:1 suspension.

18. Method for data transmission in an elevator system according to one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: inductively coupling an electrical signal comprising transmission data into the electrical conductor (135), Transmitting the electrical signal comprising the transmission data in the electrical conductor (135); inductively coupling the electrical signal comprising the transmission data from the electrical conductor (135); and Receiving the transmission data contained in the signal, wherein the signal is transmitted at a signal frequency of less than 1 MHz.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: Receiving input data, wherein the input data is assigned a first to third priority; and Creating the transmission data, where the transmission data contains the input data with first to third Priority; and the respective priority of the input data with first to third priority is taken into account.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: Creating output data from the transmission data, whereby output data with first to third priority are created from the input data with first to third priority contained in the transmission data; and Outputting output data with first to third priority.

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