Lift system

Abstract

The invention relates to a lift system (20). The lift system (20) has: a lift car (24); a first drive machine (30); a first counterweight (26); a first drive pulley (34) which is mechanically coupled to the first drive machine (30); a first support means (44) one side of which is arranged on the lift car (24), the other side of which is arranged on the first counterweight (26), and which runs from the lift car (24) via the first drive pulley (34) to the counterweight, with the result that the first counterweight (26) and the lift car (24) are suspended at least partially on the first drive pulley (34) and the first support means (44) is tensioned during proper operation of the lift system (20); and a first sensor (60) which is arranged on the first support means (44) vertically between the lift car (24) and the first drive pulley (34) or vertically between the first counterweight (26) and the first drive pulley (34) and designed such that a decrease in the tension of the first support means (44) can be detected by first sensor (60) and that the first sensor (60) generates a first sensor signal when the decrease in the tension of the first support means (44) is detected and provides said sensor signal to a lift controller (58) of the lift system (20).

Description

[0001] Elevator system

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to an elevator system.

[0004] In an elevator system, at least one elevator car can typically be moved within an elevator shaft between different floors. In a frequently used elevator type, the elevator car is held by one or more rope- or belt-like suspension elements. The suspension element can be coupled to the elevator car on the one hand and to a counterweight of the elevator system on the other. By moving the suspension element, the elevator car can be moved within the elevator shaft, for example, in a vertical direction, with the counterweight moving in the opposite direction to the elevator car. For this purpose, the suspension element can run over a corresponding traction sheave that is mechanically coupled to a drive machine of the elevator system.The drive machine is designed to rotate the traction sheave, thereby moving the support means and, as a result, to move the elevator car and the counterweight in the elevator shaft by means of the support means.

[0005] During proper operation of the elevator system, the elevator car and the counterweight are suspended at least partially from the traction sheave, such that a first section of the suspension element, which extends from the elevator car to the traction sheave, and a second section of the suspension element, which extends from the counterweight to the traction sheave, are tensioned. With increasing operating time of the elevator system, friction between the traction sheave and the suspension element can increase to such an extent that operating conditions can arise in which the first section and / or the second section are no longer tensioned, in other words, are loose. This can subsequently lead to jerky movement of the elevator car and / or the counterweight, which can impair travel comfort and cause wear and tear on the elevator system.It is known to arrange a sensor arrangement on the elevator car, which is coupled to the first section of the suspension element and is designed to detect tension in the suspension element in the first section. If the tension decreases, measures can be taken to subsequently prevent the jerky movement of the elevator car or the counterweight. For this purpose, the sensor arrangement can be communicatively coupled to an elevator control system of the elevator system, which can then initiate the measures. This communicative coupling can be implemented, for example, by means of a travel cable that is attached to the elevator car on one side and to the elevator control system on the other.Since the travel cable is attached to the elevator car and the elevator car can be moved vertically in the elevator shaft, the travel cable must, on the one hand, be long enough for the elevator car to reach the intended height levels despite being coupled to the travel cable, and, on the other hand, the travel cable must be arranged and / or stowed during operation of the elevator system in such a way that it does not interfere with the operation of the elevator system, in particular the movements of the elevator car and the counterweight.

[0006] Furthermore, the sensor arrangement only detects the tension of the first section of the suspension element, but not the tension of the second section. To detect the tension of the second section, a further sensor arrangement could be arranged on the counterweight, corresponding to the sensor arrangement on the elevator car. However, this sensor arrangement would require an additional travel cable for communication with the elevator control system, which in turn would have to be sufficiently long to allow the counterweight to be moved sufficiently in the elevator shaft, which would require additional space and material.

[0007] Among other things, there may be a need for an elevator system in which the tension of one or more of the elevator system's support elements can be detected in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0008] Such a need can be met by the subject matter according to the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims and the following description. According to a first aspect of the invention, an elevator system is described. The elevator system comprises: an elevator car; a first drive machine; a first counterweight; a first traction sheave mechanically coupled to the first drive machine; a first support means, which is arranged on the one hand on the elevator car and on the other hand on the first counterweight, and which runs from the elevator car via the first traction sheave to the first counterweight, so that the first counterweight and the elevator car hang at least partially from the first traction sheave and, during proper operation of the elevator system, the first support means is tensioned;and a first sensor which is arranged on the first support means vertically between the elevator car and the first traction sheave or vertically between the first counterweight and the first traction sheave and which is designed such that a reduction in the tension of the first support means can be detected by means of the first sensor and that the first sensor, upon detecting the reduction in the tension of the first support means, generates a first sensor signal and provides it to an elevator control of the elevator system;

[0009] The elevator system may have an elevator shaft in which the elevator car and the first counterweight are arranged so that they can be moved. If the elevator shaft extends vertically, the elevator car and the first counterweight are vertically movable. The first sensor may be fixedly arranged in the elevator shaft.

[0010] The elevator control can be designed to control the first drive machine, for example, to move the first support means by means of the first drive machine and thus to displace the elevator car in the elevator shaft. The elevator control can be communicatively coupled to the first drive machine. The elevator control can be communicatively coupled to the first sensor. The communicative coupling between the elevator control and the first sensor can be implemented by means of one or more first cables. The elevator control can be designed to initiate, in response to receiving the first sensor signal, one or more measures that counteract the release of tension in the first support means and, in particular, to re-tension the first support means such that no subsequent jerky movement of the first counterweight and / or the elevator car occurs.The first traction sheave and, if applicable, further traction sheaves are generally arranged in a shaft head of the elevator system, in which the elevator control system can also be located. Since the first sensor is arranged vertically between the elevator car and the first traction sheave or vertically between the first counterweight and the first traction sheave, the first sensor can be arranged so close to the first traction sheave and / or the elevator control system that the first cable can be short and / or stationary compared to a conventional travel cable. This can contribute to the elevator system being simple and cost-effective to manufacture. Furthermore, the stationary first cable can be subject to relatively little wear compared to the conventional travel cable, which is regularly moved in the elevator shaft, which is why a relatively simple cable can be used that does not have to be very robust and can be cost-effective.Thus, the first sensor, which is arranged vertically between the elevator car and the first traction sheave or vertically between the first counterweight and the first traction sheave, can contribute to the elevator system being subject to relatively low wear and / or being cost-effective to manufacture.

[0011] In this context, the phrase "vertically between the elevator car and the traction sheave or vertically between the counterweight and the traction sheave" can be understood to mean that the sensor is preferably arranged at a vertical distance from both the elevator car or the counterweight and the traction sheave. The sensor is preferably not mechanically connected, or at least not rigidly connected, to the elevator car or the counterweight. A distance, in particular to the elevator car or the counterweight, can preferably be greater than 5 cm, greater than 10 cm, greater than 20 cm, greater than 30 cm, or even greater than 50 cm, but preferably less than 3 m, less than 2 m, or less than 1 m.

[0012] The fact that a support means is arranged on the elevator car on the one hand and on a counterweight on the other hand can mean, for example, that a first end of the corresponding support means is fastened to the elevator car and / or that a second end of the corresponding support means is fastened to the corresponding counterweight. These fastenings can be realized indirectly, for example by means of one or more brackets arranged on the elevator car or the corresponding counterweight, or directly, for example by means of screws. The fact that a counterweight and the elevator car are partially suspended from a traction sheave can mean, for example, that part of the weight of the counterweight and the elevator car hangs on the traction sheave and that another part of the weight of the counterweight and the elevator car hangs on another traction sheave of the elevator system.In this description, the fact that a sensor provides a sensor signal to the elevator control system can mean, for example, that the corresponding sensor sends the corresponding sensor signal to the elevator control system or that the elevator control system retrieves the corresponding sensor signal from the corresponding sensor. In this description, the fact that a sensor is arranged on a support element can mean, for example, that at least one component of the corresponding sensor touches the corresponding support element.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the first sensor is arranged horizontally between a first section of the first support means, which runs from the first traction sheave to the elevator car, and a second section of the first support means, which runs from the first traction sheave to the first counterweight, the first sensor has a first sensor element and a second sensor element, the first sensor element is arranged on the first section, the second sensor element is arranged on the second section, and the first sensor is designed such that the release of the tension of the first support means between the elevator car and the first traction sheave can be detected by means of the first sensor element and the release of the tension of the first support means between the first counterweight and the first traction sheave can be detected by means of the second sensor element.

[0014] The two sensor elements enable the first sensor to detect the release of tension in the first support element between the elevator car and the first traction sheave, and the second sensor element to detect the release of tension in the first support element between the first counterweight and the first traction sheave. In this description, the fact that a sensor element is arranged on a section can mean, for example, that at least a part of the corresponding sensor element touches the corresponding section.According to one embodiment, the first sensor has a first sensor housing that is stationary in an elevator shaft of the elevator system; and the first sensor element has a first spring element that is prestressed between the first sensor housing and the first support means such that when the tension of the first support means between the elevator car and the first traction sheave is released, the corresponding prestress decreases and a first end of the first spring element facing away from the first sensor housing moves away from the first sensor housing, and the first sensor is designed such that it detects the movement of the first end towards the first section and generates the first sensor signal in response to the detection of this movement.Alternatively or additionally, the second sensor element has a second spring element which is prestressed between the first sensor housing and the second section such that when the tension of the first support means between the first counterweight and the first drive pulley is released, the corresponding prestress decreases and a second end of the second spring element facing away from the first sensor housing moves away from the first sensor housing, and the first sensor is designed such that it detects the movement of the second end towards the second section and generates the first sensor signal in response to the detection of this movement.

[0015] The stationary arrangement of the first sensor housing ensures that the first sensor does not move with the elevator car when it is moved, so that the movement of the elevator car does not need to be taken into account when designing and arranging the first cable. In particular, the first cable can be designed to be significantly shorter than the conventional contact cable. Furthermore, the first cable can be fixed in place over its entire length in the elevator shaft, particularly in the shaft head. This allows the use of a simpler and / or more cost-effective first cable than would be possible with a conventional contact cable, since the load on the stationary first cable is significantly lower than on the regularly moved conventional contact cable. Furthermore, the stationary arrangement of the first cable saves space in the elevator shaft, and there is no need to consider a dangling contact cable.

[0016] A spring element can, in principle, be any elastically deformable element, for example, a coil spring, a leaf spring, a compression spring, a conical spring, or a wave spring, each of which can be formed, for example, from spring steel, or, for example, a rubber body. The first and second spring elements can contribute to a simple detection of the tension of the first support element, in particular of the first and second sections, respectively. The movement of the first end and / or the second end away from the first sensor housing can be detected in various ways.For example, in addition to the first spring element, the first end can be coupled to the first sensor housing by means of a first pin, so that when the first end moves away from the first sensor housing, the first pin moves relative to the first sensor housing, which can be detected by a corresponding sensor in the first sensor housing, for example, capacitively or magnetically. Alternatively or additionally, the first end can be magnetic, have a magnet, or be coupled to a magnet, and a distance of the first end from the first sensor housing can be detected by means of a magnetic field sensor in the first sensor housing.Furthermore, in addition to the second spring element, the second end can be coupled to the first sensor housing by means of a second pin, so that when the second end moves away from the first sensor housing, the second pin moves relative to the first sensor housing, which can be detected by a corresponding sensor in the first sensor housing, for example, capacitively or magnetically. Alternatively or additionally, the second end can be magnetic, have a magnet, or be coupled to a magnet, and a distance of the second end from the first sensor housing can be detected by means of a magnetic field sensor in the first sensor housing.

[0017] The first sensor can have a contact body at the first end of the first spring element and / or at the second end of the second spring element, for example a first contact body or a second contact body. The contact bodies are each designed to be brought into physical contact with the corresponding section of the first support means. In particular, the contact bodies are arranged between the corresponding spring element and the corresponding section of the first support means. If the first sensor has the first and second pins, the first pin can be coupled to the first contact body and the second pin can be coupled to the second contact body. If the movement of the first or second end away from the first sensor housing is to be detected by means of the magnetic field sensor, the first or second contact bodies can be magnetic or each have a magnet.The contact bodies and optionally further contact bodies can, for example, be round, for example spherical or cylindrical, and / or comprise or be formed from metal.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the first drive machine, the first traction sheave and the first sensor are arranged in a shaft head of the elevator system.

[0019] The shaft head is the highest part of the elevator shaft. The shaft head can be open or closed to the rest of the elevator shaft. The shaft head can be designed so that the elevator car cannot be moved so high that it overlaps the shaft head. For example, an upper stop for the elevator car can be arranged below the shaft head. Alternatively, the shaft head can form the upper stop for the elevator car. Optionally, an elevator brake can be arranged in the shaft head. The elevator brake can be mechanically coupled to the first drive machine and / or to the first traction sheave. Arranging the first sensor in the shaft head makes it possible to arrange the first cable stationary in the shaft head and / or to make the first cable relatively short compared to a conventional travel cable.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the elevator installation has a second sensor, wherein the first sensor is arranged on a first section of the first support means vertically between the elevator car and the first traction sheave and is designed such that the release of the tension of the first support means in the first section can be detected by means of the first sensor, and the second sensor is arranged on a second section of the first support means vertically between the first counterweight and the first traction sheave and is designed such that the release of the tension of the first support means in the second section can be detected by means of the second sensor, and that the second sensor, upon detecting the release of the tension of the first support means in the second section, generates a second sensor signal and provides it to the elevator control system of the elevator installation.

[0021] The two sensors enable both the release of tension in the first support element between the elevator car and the first traction sheave and the release of tension in the first support element between the first counterweight and the first traction sheave to be detected. The elevator control system can be configured, in response to receiving the second sensor signal, to initiate one or more measures that counteract the release of tension in the first support element, and in particular to re-tension the first support element in such a way that no subsequent jerky movement of the first counterweight and / or the elevator car occurs. The second sensor can be communicatively coupled to the elevator control system. This communicative coupling can be implemented by means of a second cable.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the first sensor has a first sensor housing and a first sensor element, the first sensor housing is arranged in a stationary manner in an elevator shaft of the elevator system, the first sensor element has a first spring element which is prestressed between the first sensor housing and the first support means such that when the tension of the first support means between the elevator car and the first traction sheave is released, the corresponding prestress decreases and a first end of the first spring element facing away from the first sensor housing moves away from the first sensor housing, and the first sensor is designed such that it detects the movement of the first end away from the first sensor housing and generates the first sensor signal in response to the detection of this movement.Alternatively or additionally, the second sensor has a second sensor housing and a second sensor element, the second sensor housing is arranged in a stationary manner in the elevator shaft of the elevator system, the second sensor element has a second spring element which is prestressed between the second sensor housing and the first support means such that when the tension of the first support means between the first counterweight and the first traction sheave is released, the corresponding prestress decreases and a second end of the second spring element facing away from the second sensor housing moves away from the second sensor housing, and the second sensor is designed such that it detects the movement of the second end away from the second sensor housing and generates the second sensor signal in response to the detection of this movement.

[0023] The stationary arrangement of the two sensor housings means that the two sensors do not move with the elevator car when it is moved, so the movement of the elevator car does not need to be taken into account when designing and arranging the corresponding cables. In particular, the first and second cables can be designed to be significantly shorter than the conventional contact cable. Furthermore, the first and second cables can each be fixed in place over their entire length in the elevator shaft, particularly in the shaft head. This allows the use of simpler and / or more cost-effective cables than would be possible with conventional contact cables, since the load on the stationary cables is significantly lower than on the regularly moved conventional contact cables. In addition, the stationary arrangement of the cables saves space in the elevator shaft, and dangling contact cables do not need to be taken into account.

[0024] The first and second spring elements can contribute to easily detecting the tension of the first support means, in particular of the first and second sections, respectively. The movement of the first end away from the first sensor housing and / or the movement of the second end away from the second sensor housing can be detected in various ways. For example, in addition to the first spring element, the first end can be coupled to the first sensor housing by means of the first pin, so that when the first end moves away from the first sensor housing, the first pin moves relative to the first sensor housing, which can be detected by the corresponding sensor system in the first sensor housing, for example capacitively or magnetically.Alternatively or additionally, the first end can be magnetic, have the magnet or be coupled to the magnet and the distance of the first end to the first sensor housing can be detected by means of the magnetic field sensor in the first sensor housing. Furthermore, the second end can be coupled to the second sensor housing by means of the second pin in addition to the second spring element, so that when the second end moves away from the second sensor housing, the second pin moves relative to the second sensor housing, which can be detected by means of a corresponding sensor in the second sensor housing, for example capacitively or magnetically. Alternatively or additionally, the second end can be magnetic, have the magnet or be coupled to the magnet and the distance of the second end to the second sensor housing can be detected by means of a magnetic field sensor in the first sensor housing.According to one embodiment, the first drive motor, the first traction sheave, the first sensor, and the second sensor are arranged in a shaft head of the elevator system. Arranging the first and second sensors in the shaft head allows the first and second cables to be arranged in a fixed location in the shaft head and / or to make the first and second cables relatively short compared to conventional travel cables.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the elevator system comprises: a second drive machine; a second counterweight; a second traction sheave which is mechanically coupled to the second drive machine; a second support means which is arranged on the elevator car on the one hand and on the second counterweight on the other hand, and which runs from the elevator car via the second traction sheave to the second counterweight, so that the second counterweight and the elevator car are at least partially suspended from the second traction sheave and the second support means is tensioned during proper operation of the elevator system;and a third sensor which is arranged on the second support means between the elevator car and the second traction sheave or between the second counterweight and the second traction sheave and which is designed such that a reduction in the tension of the second support means can be detected by means of the third sensor and that the third sensor, upon detecting the reduction in the tension of the second support means, generates a third sensor signal and provides it to the elevator control of the elevator system;

[0026] The third sensor can be configured in principle like the first sensor and / or the functionality of the third sensor can fundamentally correspond to the functionality of the first sensor, with the difference that the first sensor is configured and arranged such that it can detect a release of tension in the first support element, and the second sensor is configured and arranged such that it can detect a release of tension in the second support element. The third sensor can be communicatively coupled to the elevator control system. This communicative coupling can be implemented, for example, by means of a third cable that runs from the third sensor to the elevator control system.

[0027] The first support means can be arranged on a first side of the elevator car, and the second support means can be arranged on a second side of the elevator car facing away from the first side. The first counterweight can hang in the elevator shaft next to the first side of the elevator car, and the second counterweight can hang in the elevator shaft next to the second side of the elevator car. The second drive machine, the second support means, and the second traction sheave can, in terms of their design, arrangement, and / or function, basically correspond to the first drive machine, the second support means, and the second traction sheave, respectively, wherein the two support means are designed to jointly support the elevator car, and the two drive machines are designed to jointly displace the elevator car by means of the corresponding traction sheaves and support means.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the third sensor is arranged horizontally between a third section of the second support means, which runs from the second traction sheave to the elevator car, and a fourth section of the second support means, which runs from the second traction sheave to the second counterweight, the third sensor has a third sensor element and a fourth sensor element, the third sensor element is arranged on the third section, the fourth sensor element is arranged on the fourth section, and the third sensor is designed such that the release of the tension of the second support means between the elevator car and the second traction sheave can be detected by means of the third sensor element and the release of the tension of the second support means between the second counterweight and the second traction sheave can be detected by means of the fourth sensor element.

[0029] The third and fourth sensor elements enable the third sensor to detect both the release of tension in the second support means between the elevator car and the second traction sheave and the fourth sensor element to detect the release of tension in the second support means between the second counterweight and the second traction sheave.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the third sensor has a third sensor housing that is stationary in the elevator shaft of the elevator system; and the third sensor element has a third spring element that is prestressed between the third sensor housing and the second support means such that when the tension of the second support means between the elevator car and the second traction sheave is released, the corresponding prestress decreases and a third end of the third spring element facing away from the third sensor housing moves away from the third sensor housing, and the third sensor is designed such that it detects the movement of the third end towards the third section and generates the third sensor signal in response to the detection of this movement.Alternatively or additionally, the fourth sensor element has a fourth spring element which is prestressed between the third sensor housing and the fourth section such that when the tension of the second support means between the second counterweight and the second drive pulley is released, the corresponding prestress decreases and a fourth end of the fourth spring element facing away from the third sensor housing moves away from the third sensor housing, and the third sensor is designed such that it detects the movement of the fourth end away from the third sensor housing and generates the third sensor signal in response to the detection of this movement.

[0031] The stationary arrangement of the third sensor housing ensures that the third sensor does not move with the elevator car when it is moved, meaning that the movement of the elevator car does not need to be taken into account when designing and arranging the third cable. In particular, the third cable can be designed to be significantly shorter than a conventional contact cable. Furthermore, the third cable can be fixed in place in the elevator shaft along its entire length. This allows the use of a simpler and / or more cost-effective third cable than would be possible with a conventional contact cable, since the load on the stationary third cable is significantly lower than on the regularly moved conventional contact cable. In addition, the stationary arrangement of the third cable saves space in the elevator shaft, and there is no need to consider a dangling contact cable.

[0032] The third and fourth spring elements can contribute to easily detecting the tension of the second support element, in particular of the third and fourth sections, respectively. The movement of the third end and / or the fourth end away from the third sensor housing can be detected in various ways. For example, in addition to the third spring element, the third end can be coupled to the third sensor housing by means of a third pin, so that when the third end moves away from the third sensor housing, the third pin moves relative to the third sensor housing. This can be detected by means of a corresponding sensor in the third sensor housing, for example, capacitively or magnetically.Alternatively or additionally, the third end can be magnetic, have a magnet, or be coupled to a magnet, and a distance of the third end from the third sensor housing can be detected by means of a magnetic field sensor in the third sensor housing. Furthermore, in addition to the fourth spring element, the fourth end can be coupled to the third sensor housing by means of a fourth pin, so that when the fourth end moves away from the third sensor housing, the fourth pin moves relative to the third sensor housing, which can be detected by means of a corresponding sensor in the third sensor housing, for example capacitively or magnetically. Alternatively or additionally, the fourth end can be magnetic, have a magnet, or be coupled to a magnet, and a distance of the fourth end from the third sensor housing can be detected by means of a magnetic field sensor in the third sensor housing.

[0033] The third sensor can have a contact body at the third end of the third spring element and / or at the fourth end of the fourth spring element, for example a third contact body or a fourth contact body. The third and fourth contact bodies are each designed to be brought into physical contact with the corresponding section of the second support means. In particular, the third and fourth contact bodies are arranged between the corresponding spring element and the corresponding section of the second support means. If the third sensor has the third and fourth pin, the third pin can be coupled to the third contact body and the fourth pin can be coupled to the fourth contact body. If the movement of the third or fourth end towards the third or fourth section is to be detected by means of the magnetic field sensor, the third or fourth contact bodies can be brought into physical contact with the corresponding section of the second support means.fourth contact body may be magnetic or each have a magnet.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the second drive motor, the second traction sheave, and the third sensor are arranged in the shaft head of the elevator system. Arranging the third sensor in the shaft head allows the third cable to be arranged in a fixed location in the shaft head and / or to make the third cable relatively short compared to a conventional travel cable.According to one embodiment, the elevator installation has a fourth sensor, wherein the third sensor is arranged and designed on a third section of the second support means vertically between the elevator car and the second traction sheave in such a way that the release of the tension of the second support means in the third section can be detected by means of the third sensor, and wherein the fourth sensor is arranged and designed on a fourth section of the second support means vertically between the second counterweight and the second traction sheave in such a way that the release of the tension of the second support means in the fourth section can be detected by means of the fourth sensor, and that the fourth sensor, upon detecting the release of the tension of the second support means in the fourth section, generates a fourth sensor signal and provides it to the elevator control of the elevator installation.

[0035] The third and fourth sensors enable both the release of tension in the second support means between the elevator car and the second traction sheave and the release of tension in the second support means between the second counterweight and the second traction sheave to be detected. The elevator control system can be configured, in response to receiving the fourth sensor signal, to initiate one or more measures that counteract the release of tension in the second support means, and in particular to re-tension the second support means in such a way that no subsequent jerky movement of the second counterweight and / or the elevator car occurs. The fourth sensor can be communicatively coupled to the elevator control system. This communicative coupling can be implemented by means of a fourth cable.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the third sensor has a third sensor housing and a third sensor element, the third sensor housing is arranged in a stationary manner in an elevator shaft of the elevator system, the third sensor element has a third spring element which is prestressed between the third sensor housing and the second support means such that when the tension of the second support means between the elevator car and the second traction sheave is released, the corresponding prestress decreases and a third end of the third spring element facing away from the third sensor housing moves away from the third sensor housing, and the third sensor is designed such that it detects the movement of the third end towards the third section and generates the third sensor signal in response to the detection of this movement.Alternatively or additionally, the fourth sensor has a fourth sensor housing and a fourth sensor element, the fourth sensor housing is arranged in a stationary manner in the elevator shaft of the elevator system, the fourth sensor element has a fourth spring element which is prestressed between the fourth sensor housing and the second support means such that when the tension of the second support means between the second counterweight and the second traction sheave is released, the corresponding prestress decreases and a fourth end of the fourth spring element facing away from the fourth sensor housing moves away from the fourth sensor housing, and the fourth sensor is designed such that it detects the movement of the fourth end towards the fourth section and generates the fourth sensor signal in response to the detection of this movement.

[0037] The stationary arrangement of the third and fourth sensor housings means that the third and fourth sensors do not move with the elevator car when it is moved, so that the movement of the elevator car does not have to be taken into account when designing and arranging the corresponding cables. In particular, the third and fourth cables can be made significantly shorter than conventional contact cables. Furthermore, the third and fourth cables can each be fixed in place over their entire length in the elevator shaft. This makes it possible to use simpler and / or more cost-effective cables than would be possible with conventional contact cables, since the load on the stationary cables is significantly lower than on regularly moved conventional contact cables. In addition, the stationary arrangement of the cables saves space in the elevator shaft and there is no need to consider dangling contact cables.

[0038] The third and fourth spring elements can contribute to easily detecting the tension of the second support means, in particular of the third and fourth sections, respectively. The movement of the third end away from the third sensor housing and / or the movement of the fourth end away from the fourth sensor housing can be detected in various ways. For example, in addition to the third spring element, the third end can be coupled to the third sensor housing by means of the third pin, so that when the third end moves away from the third sensor housing, the third pin moves relative to the third sensor housing, which can be detected by the corresponding sensor system in the third sensor housing, for example capacitively or magnetically.Alternatively or additionally, the third end can be magnetic, have the magnet or be coupled to the magnet and the distance of the third end to the third sensor housing can be detected by means of the magnetic field sensor in the third sensor housing. Furthermore, the fourth end can be coupled to the fourth sensor housing by means of the fourth pin in addition to the fourth spring element, so that when the fourth end moves away from the fourth sensor housing, the fourth pin moves relative to the fourth sensor housing, which can be detected by means of a corresponding sensor in the fourth sensor housing, for example capacitively or magnetically. Alternatively or additionally, the fourth end can be magnetic, have the magnet or be coupled to the magnet and the distance of the fourth end to the fourth sensor housing can be detected by means of a magnetic field sensor in the fourth sensor housing.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the second drive motor, the second traction sheave, the third sensor, and the fourth sensor are arranged in the shaft head of the elevator system. Arranging the third and fourth sensors in the shaft head allows the third and fourth cables to be arranged in a fixed location in the shaft head and / or to make the third and fourth cables relatively short compared to conventional travel cables.

[0040] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein neither the drawings nor the description are to be construed as limiting the invention.

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a sectional view through an elevator system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Fig. 2 shows a side view of exemplary embodiments of sensor arrangements of the elevator system according to Figure 1 in a first state.

[0043] Fig. 3 shows a side view of the sensor arrangements according to Fig. 2 in a second state. Fig. 4 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a sensor arrangement of the elevator system according to Fig. 1 in a first state.

[0044] Fig. 5 shows a side view of the sensor arrangements according to Figure 4 in a second state.

[0045] Fig. 6 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a sensor arrangement of the elevator system according to Figure 1.

[0046] The figures are merely schematic and not to scale. The same reference numerals designate the same or equivalent features in the various figures.

[0047] Fig. 1 shows a sectional view through an elevator system 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The elevator system 20 can be used, for example, to transport people and / or goods within a building from one floor of the building to another floor of the building.

[0048] The elevator system 20 comprises an elevator car 24, a first drive machine 30, a first counterweight 26, a first traction sheave 34, a first support means 44, a first sensor arrangement 40, and an elevator control system 58. The first traction sheave 34 is mechanically coupled to the first drive machine 30 and can be rotated by the first drive machine 30.

[0049] The elevator system 20 can have an elevator shaft 22 in which the elevator car 24 and the first counterweight 26 are displaceably arranged. If the elevator shaft 22 extends in the vertical direction, the elevator car 24 and the first counterweight 26 are displaceable in the vertical direction.

[0050] The first support element 44 is attached on the one hand to the elevator car 24 and on the other hand to the first counterweight 26. The first support element 44 extends from the elevator car 24 via the first traction sheave 34 to the first counterweight 26. The first counterweight 26 and the elevator car 24 are suspended at least partially from the first traction sheave 34. During proper operation of the elevator system 20, the first support element 44 is tensioned, i.e., not loose.

[0051] Optionally, the elevator system 20 can have a second drive machine 32, a second counterweight 28, a second traction sheave 36, a second support means 46, and a second sensor arrangement 42. The second traction sheave 46 is mechanically coupled to the second drive machine 32 and can be rotated by the second drive machine 32.

[0052] The second support means 46 is arranged on the one hand on the elevator car 24 and on the other hand on the second counterweight 28. The second support means 46 extends from the elevator car 24 via the second traction sheave 36 to the second counterweight 28, so that the second counterweight 28 and the elevator car 24 are at least partially suspended from the second traction sheave 36, and the second support means 46 is tensioned during proper operation of the elevator system 20.

[0053] The first support element 44 can be arranged on a first side of the elevator car 24. The second support element 46 can be arranged on a second side of the elevator car 24, which is opposite the first side of the elevator car 24. The first counterweight 26 can hang in the elevator shaft 24 adjacent to the first side of the elevator car 24. The second counterweight 28 can hang in the elevator shaft 22 adjacent to the second side of the elevator car 24.

[0054] The second drive machine 32, the second support means 46 and the second traction sheave 36 can basically correspond to the first drive machine 30, the first support means 44 and the first traction sheave 34 with regard to their design, arrangement and / or functioning, wherein the two support means 44, 46 are designed to jointly support the elevator car 24, and the two drive machines 30, 32 are designed to jointly displace the elevator car 24 by means of the corresponding traction sheaves 30, 32 and support means 44, 46.

[0055] The elevator control 58 can be configured to control the first and / or second drive machine 30, 32, for example, to move the first and / or second support means 44, 46 by means of the first and / or second drive machine 30, 32, respectively, and thus to displace the elevator car 24 in the elevator shaft 22. The elevator control 58 can be communicatively coupled to the first and / or second drive machine 30, 32.

[0056] The first drive machine 30, the second drive machine 32, the first traction sheave 34, the second traction sheave 36, the first sensor arrangement 40, and the second arrangement 42 can be arranged in a shaft head 48 of the elevator system 20. The shaft head 48 can be the highest part of the elevator shaft 22. The shaft head 48 can be open or closed to the rest of the elevator shaft 22. The shaft head 48 can be designed such that the elevator car 24 cannot be displaced so high that it overlaps with the shaft head 48. For example, an upper stop (not shown) for the elevator car 24 can be arranged below the shaft head 48. Alternatively, the shaft head 48 can form the upper stop for the elevator car 24. Optionally, an elevator brake (not shown) can be arranged in the shaft head 48.The elevator brake can be mechanically coupled to the first and / or second drive machine 30, 32 and / or to the first and / or second traction sheave 34, 36.

[0057] The first sensor arrangement 40 can be arranged in a stationary manner in the elevator shaft 22. The first sensor arrangement 40 is designed and arranged on the first support means 44 vertically between the elevator car 24 and the first traction sheave 34 and / or vertically between the first counterweight 26 and the first traction sheave 34 in such a way that a reduction in the tension of the first support means 44 can be detected by means of the first sensor arrangement 40, and that the first sensor arrangement 40, upon detecting the reduction in the tension of the first support means 44, generates a first and / or second sensor signal and provides it to the elevator control 58 of the elevator system 20. For this purpose, the first sensor arrangement 40 can be communicatively coupled to the elevator control 58 by means of an electrically conductive first cable 37 and / or by means of an electrically conductive second cable 38.The first and second cables 37, 38 can each be fixed in place over their entire length in the elevator shaft 22.

[0058] The second sensor arrangement 42 is designed and arranged on the second support means 46 between the elevator car 20 and the second traction sheave 36 or between the second counterweight 28 and the second traction sheave 36 such that a reduction in the tension of the second support means 46 can be detected by means of the second sensor arrangement 42, and that the second sensor arrangement 42, upon detecting the reduction in the tension of the second support means 46, generates a third and / or fourth sensor signal and provides it to the elevator control 58 of the elevator system 20. For this purpose, the second sensor arrangement 42 can be communicatively coupled to the elevator control 58 by means of an electrically conductive third cable 39 and / or fourth cable 41. The third and fourth cables 39, 41 can each be fixed in position in the elevator shaft 22 over their entire length.

[0059] The elevator control 58 can be designed to initiate, in response to receiving the first, second, third and / or fourth sensor signal, one or more measures that counteract the relaxation of the tension of the first or second support means 44, 46, and in particular to tension the first or second support means 44, 46 again such that no subsequent jerky movement of the first or second counterweight 26, 28 and / or the elevator car 24 occurs.

[0060] The first sensor arrangement 40 and the second sensor arrangement 42 can essentially be constructed identically, wherein the two sensor arrangements 40, 42 can be arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another with respect to a vertical center plane of the elevator shaft 22, and wherein the first sensor arrangement 40 can be arranged on the first support means 44 and the second sensor arrangement 42 can be arranged on the second support means 46. Therefore, in Figures 2 to 5, the traction sheaves 34, 36 and the sensor arrangements 40, 42 are shown only once.

[0061] Fig. 2 shows a side view of exemplary embodiments of the sensor arrangements 40, 42 of the elevator system 20 according to Fig. 1 in a first state. Figure 2 shows that the elevator system 20, in particular the first sensor arrangement 40, has a first sensor 60 and / or a second sensor 62.

[0062] The first sensor 60 is configured and arranged on a first section 50 of the first support means 44 vertically between the elevator car 24 and the first traction sheave 34 such that the first sensor 60 detects a reduction in the tension of the first support means 44 in the first section 50. The first sensor 60 can further be configured such that, upon detecting a reduction in the tension of the first support means 44 in the first section 50, the first sensor 60 generates the first sensor signal - TI - and provides it to the elevator control 58 of the elevator system 20. For this purpose, the first sensor 60 can be communicatively coupled to the elevator control 58. This communicative coupling can be implemented using the first cable 37.

[0063] The second sensor 62 is designed and arranged on a second section 52 of the first support element 44 vertically between the first counterweight 26 and the first traction sheave 34 such that the second sensor 62 can detect a reduction in the tension of the first support element 44 in the second section 52. The second sensor 62 can further be designed such that, upon detecting a reduction in the tension of the first support element 44 in the second section 52, the second sensor 62 generates the second sensor signal and provides it to the elevator control 58 of the elevator system 20. For this purpose, the second sensor 62 can be communicatively coupled to the elevator control 58. This communicative coupling can be implemented by means of the second cable 38.

[0064] The first sensor 62 can have a first sensor housing 70 and a first sensor element 77. The first sensor housing 70 can be arranged in a stationary manner in the elevator shaft 22. The first sensor element 77 can have a first spring element 80 which is pretensioned between the first sensor housing 70 and the first support means 44 such that when the tension of the first support means 44 between the elevator car 24 and the first traction sheave 34 is released, the corresponding pretension decreases and a first end of the first spring element 80 facing away from the first sensor housing 70 moves away from the first sensor housing 70. The first sensor 60 can be configured to detect the movement of the first end toward the first section 50 and to generate the first sensor signal in response to detecting this movement. The first end of the first spring element 80 can face the first section 50.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, the second sensor 62 can have a second sensor housing 72 and a second sensor element 78. The second sensor housing 72 can be stationary in the elevator shaft 22 of the elevator system 20. The second sensor element 78 can have a second spring element 82 that is preloaded between the second sensor housing 72 and the first support member 44 such that when the tension of the first support member 44 between the first counterweight 26 and the first traction sheave 34 is released, the corresponding preload decreases and a second end of the second spring element 82 facing away from the second sensor housing 72 moves away from the second sensor housing 72. The second sensor 62 can be configured to detect the movement of the second end of the second sensor housing 72 and, in response to detecting this movement, generate the second sensor signal. The second end of the second spring element 82 can face the second section 52.The first sensor 60 and the second sensor 62 can be arranged in the shaft head 48 of the elevator system 20.

[0066] The first and second spring elements 80, 82 can contribute to easily detecting the tension of the first support means, in particular of the first and second sections, respectively. The movement of the first end toward the first sensor housing 70 and / or the movement of the second end away from the second sensor housing 72 can be detected in various ways. For example, in addition to the first spring element 80, the first end can be coupled to the first sensor housing 70 by means of a first pin (not shown), so that when the first end moves away from the first sensor housing 70, the first pin moves relative to the first sensor housing 70, which can be detected by means of a corresponding sensor in the first sensor housing 70, for example, capacitively or magnetically.Alternatively or additionally, the first end may be magnetic, have a first magnet (not shown) or be coupled to the first magnet and the distance of the first end to the first sensor housing 70 may be detected by means of a magnetic field sensor in the first sensor housing 70.

[0067] Furthermore, in addition to the second spring element 82, the second end can be coupled to the second sensor housing 72 by means of a second pin (not shown), so that when the second end moves away from the second sensor housing 72, the second pin moves relative to the second sensor housing 72, which can be detected by means of a corresponding sensor in the second sensor housing 72, for example capacitively or magnetically. Alternatively or additionally, the second end can be magnetic, have a second magnet (not shown), or be coupled to the second magnet, and the distance of the second end from the second sensor housing 72 can be detected by means of a magnetic field sensor in the second sensor housing 72. The first sensor 60 can have a first contact body 90 at the first end of the first spring element 80. The second sensor 62 can have a second contact body 92 at the second end of the second spring element 82.The first and second contact bodies 90, 92 are each designed to be brought into physical contact with the corresponding section 50, 52 of the first support means 44. In particular, the first and second contact bodies 90, 92 can be arranged between the corresponding spring element 80, 82 and the corresponding section 50, 52 of the first support means 44. If the first sensor 60 has the first pin and the second sensor 62 has the second pin, the first pin can be coupled to the first contact body 90 and the second pin can be coupled to the second contact body 92. If the movement of the first or second end away from the first or second sensor housing 70, 72 is to be detected by means of the magnetic field sensor, the first or second contact bodies 90, 92 can be magnetically designed or have the first or second magnet.

[0068] Figure 2 further shows that the elevator installation 20, in particular the second sensor arrangement 42, can have a third sensor 64 and a fourth sensor 66. The third sensor 64 can be designed and arranged on a third section 54 of the second support means 46 vertically between the elevator car 24 and the second traction sheave 36 in such a way that the third sensor 64 can detect a release of the tension of the second support means 46 in the third section 54. The fourth sensor 66 can be designed and arranged on a fourth section 56 of the second support means 46 vertically between the second counterweight 28 and the second traction sheave 36 in such a way that the fourth sensor 66 can detect a release of the tension of the second support means 46 in the fourth section 56.The fourth sensor 66 can generate the fourth sensor signal upon detecting the relaxation of the tension of the second support means 46 in the fourth section 56 and provide it to the elevator control 58 of the elevator system 20.

[0069] The third sensor 64 can have a third sensor housing 74 and a third sensor element 79. The third sensor housing 74 can be arranged in a stationary manner in the elevator shaft 22. The third sensor element 79 can have a third spring element 84, which is prestressed between the third sensor housing 74 and the second support means 46 such that when the tension of the second support means 46 between the elevator car 24 and the second traction sheave 36 is released, the corresponding prestress decreases and a third end of the third spring element 84 facing away from the third sensor housing 74 moves away from the third sensor housing 74. The third sensor 64 can be configured to detect the movement of the third end of the third sensor housing 74 and to generate the third sensor signal in response to detecting this movement. The third end of the third spring element 84 can face the third section 54.

[0070] Alternatively or additionally, the fourth sensor 66 may comprise a fourth sensor housing 76 and a fourth sensor element 81. The fourth sensor housing 76 may be arranged in a fixed position in the elevator shaft 22 of the elevator system 20. The fourth

[0071] Sensor element 81 can have a fourth spring element 86 which is prestressed between the fourth sensor housing 76 and the second support means 46 such that when the tension of the second support means 46 between the second counterweight 28 and the second drive pulley 36 is released, the corresponding prestress decreases and a fourth end of the fourth spring element 86 facing away from the fourth sensor housing 76 moves away from the fourth sensor housing 76. The fourth sensor 66 can be configured to detect the movement of the fourth end of the fourth sensor housing 76 and to generate the fourth sensor signal in response to detecting this movement. The fourth end of the fourth spring element 86 can face the fourth section 56.

[0072] The movement of the third end away from the third sensor housing 74 and / or the movement of the fourth end away from the fourth sensor housing 76 can be detected in various ways. For example, in addition to the third spring element 84, the third end can be coupled to the third sensor housing 74 by means of a third pin (not shown), so that when the third end moves away from the third sensor housing 74, the third pin moves relative to the third sensor housing 74, which can be detected by means of a corresponding sensor in the third sensor housing 74, for example, capacitively or magnetically. Alternatively or additionally, the third end can be magnetic, have a third magnet (not shown), or be coupled to the third magnet, and the distance of the third end from the third sensor housing 74 can be detected by means of a magnetic field sensor in the third sensor housing 74.Furthermore, in addition to the fourth spring element 86, the fourth end can be coupled to the fourth sensor housing 76 by means of a fourth pin (not shown), so that when the fourth end moves from the fourth sensor housing 76, the fourth pin moves relative to the fourth sensor housing 76, which can be detected by a corresponding sensor in the fourth sensor housing 76, for example, capacitively or magnetically. Alternatively or additionally, the fourth end can be magnetic, have a fourth magnet (not shown), or be coupled to the fourth magnet, and the distance of the fourth end from the fourth sensor housing 76 can be detected by means of a magnetic field sensor in the fourth sensor housing 76.

[0073] The third sensor 64 can have a third contact body 94 at the third end of the third spring element 84. The fourth sensor 66 can have a fourth contact body 96 at the fourth end of the fourth spring element 86. The third and fourth contact bodies 94, 96 are each designed to be brought into physical contact with the corresponding section 54, 56 of the second support means 46. In particular, the third and fourth contact bodies 94, 96 can be arranged between the corresponding spring element 84, 86 and the corresponding section 54, 56 of the second support means 46. If the third sensor 64 has the pin and the fourth sensor 66 has the fourth pin, the third pin can be coupled to the third contact body 94 and the fourth pin can be coupled to the fourth contact body 96. If the movement of the third or fourth end away from the third or fourth endfourth sensor housing 74, 76 is to be detected by means of the magnetic field sensor, the third or fourth contact body 94, 96 can be magnetic or have the third or fourth magnet.

[0074] Figure 2 shows the first state of the first and second sensor arrangements 40, 42, respectively. In the first state, the elevator installation 20 is in perfect working order. In particular, in the first state, the first support element 44 and the second support element 46 are tensioned on both sides, particularly in the first to fourth sections 50, 52, 54, 56. In the first state, the first to fourth spring elements 80, 82, 84, 86 are each pretensioned and press the corresponding contact body 90, 92, 94, 96 against the corresponding support element 44, 46. The support elements 44, 46 exert a corresponding counterforce on the contact bodies 90, 92, 94, 96. In the first state, the contact bodies 90, 92, 94, 96 each have a predetermined first distance from the corresponding sensor housings 70, 72, 74, 76, wherein the first distance is representative of the fact that the support means 44, 46 are tensioned as intended.

[0075] Fig. 3 shows a side view of the sensor arrangements according to Figure 2 in a second state. In the second state, the elevator installation 20 is not in perfect condition. In particular, in the second state, for example, the tension of the first support means 44 or the third support means 46 has decreased, in particular in the first or fourth section 50, 56. In the second state, the first or fourth spring elements 80, 86 are no longer as strongly pretensioned as in the first state and press the corresponding contact body 90, 96 further away from the corresponding sensor housing 74, 76 than in the first state, since the support means 44, 46 exert a lower counterforce on the corresponding contact bodies 90, 96 in the corresponding section 50, 56 than in the first state.In the second state, the corresponding contact bodies 90, 96 have a predetermined second distance from the corresponding sensor housings 70, 72, 74, 76, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance and wherein the second distance is representative of the fact that the corresponding support means 44, 46 is not tensioned as intended. In particular, the corresponding support means 44, 46 in the corresponding section 50, 56 in the second state has a displacement 98 compared to a position of the corresponding support means 44, 46 in the corresponding section 50, 56 in the first state. The displacement 98 can correspond to a difference between the first distance and the second distance.

[0076] As explained above, the distances of the ends of the spring elements 80, 82, 84, 86 and / or the distances of the contact bodies 90, 92, 94, 96 to the corresponding sensor housings 70, 72, 74, 76 can be detected by the corresponding sensors 60, 62, 64, 66, so that when the tension of the first and / or second support means 44, 46 is released, the corresponding sensor signals can be generated.

[0077] Fig. 4 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a sensor arrangement 40 of the elevator system 20 according to Fig. 1 in a first state. The second sensor arrangement 42 can, in principle, be constructed identically to the first sensor arrangement 40. Therefore, only the first sensor arrangement 40 will be discussed in detail below. However, the following teaching relating to the first sensor arrangement 40 can readily be applied to the second sensor arrangement 42.

[0078] The first sensor arrangement 40 has the first sensor 60. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the first sensor 60 is arranged horizontally between the first section 50 of the first support means 44, which runs from the first traction sheave 34 to the elevator car 24, and the second section 52 of the first support means 44, which runs from the first traction sheave 34 to the first counterweight 26. The first sensor 60 has the first sensor element 77 and the second sensor element 78. The first sensor element 77 is arranged on the first section 52 and the second sensor element 78 is arranged on the second section 54.In this embodiment, the first sensor 60 is designed such that the release of the tension of the first support means 44 between the elevator car 24 and the first traction sheave 34 can be detected by means of the first sensor element 77 and the release of the tension of the first support means 44 between the first counterweight 26 and the first traction sheave 34 can be detected by means of the second sensor element 78.

[0079] The first sensor 60 can have the first sensor housing 70. The first sensor housing 70 can be arranged in a stationary manner in the elevator shaft 22 of the elevator system 20. The first sensor element 77 can have a first spring element 80 that is prestressed between the first sensor housing 70 and the first support means 44 such that when the tension of the first support means 44 between the elevator car 24 and the first traction sheave 34 is released, the corresponding prestress decreases and a first end of the first spring element 80 facing away from the first sensor housing 70 moves away from the first sensor housing 70. The first sensor 60 can be configured to detect the movement of the first end of the first sensor housing 70 and to generate the first sensor signal in response to detecting this movement.Alternatively or additionally, the second sensor element 78 can have a second spring element 82 that is preloaded between the first sensor housing 70 and the second section 52 such that when the tension of the first support means 44 between the first counterweight 26 and the first drive pulley 34 is released, the corresponding preload decreases and a second end of the second spring element 82 facing away from the first sensor housing 70 moves away from the first sensor housing 70. The first sensor 60 can be configured to detect the movement of the second end of the first sensor housing 70 and to generate the first sensor signal in response to detecting this movement.

[0080] The movement of the first end away from the first sensor housing 70 and / or the movement of the second end toward the second section 52 can be detected in various ways. For example, in addition to the first spring element 80, the first end can be coupled to the first sensor housing 70 by means of the first pin, so that when the first end moves away from the first sensor housing 70, the first pin moves relative to the first sensor housing 70, which can be detected by means of a corresponding sensor in the first sensor housing 70, for example capacitively or magnetically. Alternatively or additionally, the first end can be magnetic, have the first magnet, or be coupled to the first magnet, and a distance of the first end from the first sensor housing 70 can be detected by means of the magnetic field sensor in the first sensor housing 70.

[0081] Furthermore, in addition to the second spring element 82, the second end can be coupled to the first sensor housing 70 by means of the second pin, so that the second pin moves relative to the first sensor housing 70 as the second end moves toward the second section 52, which can be detected by a corresponding sensor in the first sensor housing 70, for example, capacitively or magnetically. Alternatively or additionally, the second end can be magnetic, have the second magnet, or be coupled to the second magnet, and a distance of the second end from the first sensor housing 70 can be detected by means of the magnetic field sensor in the first sensor housing 70.

[0082] In this embodiment, the second sensor arrangement 42 may, for example, include the third sensor 64. In this case, the third sensor 64 may include the third and fourth spring elements 84, 86, the third and fourth contact bodies 94, 96, and optionally the third and fourth pins or magnets.

[0083] Figure 4 shows the first state of the first sensor arrangement 40 and is representative of the first state of the second sensor arrangement 42. In the first state, the elevator installation 20 is in perfect condition. In particular, in the first state, the first support means 44 and the second support means 46 are each tensioned on both sides, in particular in the first to fourth sections 50, 52, 54, 56. In the first state, the first to fourth spring elements 80, 82, 84, 86 are each pretensioned and press the corresponding contact body 90, 92, 94, 96 against the corresponding support means 44, 46. The support means 44, 46 exert a corresponding counterforce on the contact bodies 90, 92, 94, 96. In the first state, the contact bodies 90, 92, 94, 96 have the predetermined first distance from the corresponding sensor housings 70, 72, 74, 76, wherein the first distance is representative of the fact that the support means 44, 46 are tensioned as intended.

[0084] Fig. 5 shows a side view of the first sensor arrangement 40 according to Fig. 4 in a second state. Fig. 5 is also representative of the second state of the second sensor arrangement 42, since it may correspond to the first sensor arrangement 40 in terms of its function and construction.

[0085] In the second state, the elevator installation 20 is not in perfect working order. In particular, in the second state, for example, the tension of the first support means 44 has decreased, in particular in the first section 50. In the second state, the first spring element 80 is no longer as strongly pretensioned as in the first state and presses the corresponding contact body 90 further away from the first sensor housing 70 than in the first state, since the first support means 44 exerts a lower counterforce on the first contact body 90 in the first section 50 than in the first state. In the second state, the first contact body 90 has the predetermined second distance from the first sensor housing 70, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance and wherein the second distance is representative of the fact that the first support means 44 is not tensioned as intended.In particular, the first support element 44 in the first section 50 in the second state has the displacement 98 relative to the position of the first support element 44 in the first section 50 in the first state. The displacement 98 may correspond to a difference between the first distance and the second distance.

[0086] As explained above, the distances of the ends of the spring elements 80, 82, 84, 86 and / or the distances of the contact bodies 90, 92, 94, 96 to the corresponding sensor housings 70, 72, 74, 76 can be detected by the corresponding sensors 60, 62, 64, 66, so that when the tension of the first and / or second support means 44, 46 is released, the corresponding sensor signals can be generated.

[0087] Fig. 6 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the first sensor arrangement 40 of the elevator system according to Figure 1. The second sensor arrangement 42 can basically be constructed identically to the first sensor arrangement 40. Therefore, only the first sensor arrangement 40 will be discussed in detail below. However, the following teaching relating to the first sensor arrangement 40 can easily be applied to the second sensor arrangement 42. The first sensor arrangement 40 shown in Figure 6 can largely correspond to the first sensor arrangement 40 explained with reference to Figure 4. Therefore, only those features of the first sensor arrangement 40 in which the first sensor arrangement 40 shown in Figure 6 differs from the first sensor arrangement 40 explained with reference to Figure 4 will be discussed below.

[0088] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the first sensor 60 may be arranged outside the first support means 44, i.e. not between the first section 50 and the second section 52. Furthermore, the first and second contact bodies 90, 92 may be mechanically coupled to one another and to the first spring element 80 by means of a coupling body 100.

[0089] Figure 6 shows the proper state of the elevator system 20, in which the first support element 44 is tensioned as intended. In this state, the first end of the first spring element 80, which faces away from the first sensor housing 70 and on which the coupling body 100 is arranged, has the predetermined first distance from the first sensor housing 70.

[0090] In the second state (not shown), the first support means 44 may not be sufficiently tensioned in the first section 50 or the second section 52. In this case, the coupling body 100 can be pressed toward the first sensor housing 70 by means of the sufficiently tensioned second section 52 or away from the first sensor housing 70 by means of the first spring element 80, depending on whether the tension in the first section 50 has decreased or whether the tension in the second section 52 has decreased. However, this also changes the distance between the first end of the spring element 80 and the first sensor housing 70. This change can be detected, as explained above, by the first sensor 60, which can then generate the first sensor signal and provide it to the elevator control 58.

[0091] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "having," "comprising," etc., do not exclude other elements or steps, and terms such as "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Elevator installation (20), comprising: an elevator car (24); a first drive machine (30); a first counterweight (26); a first traction sheave (34) mechanically coupled to the first drive machine (30); a first support means (44) which is arranged on the one hand on the elevator car (24) and on the other hand on the first counterweight (26), and which runs from the elevator car (24) via the first traction sheave (34) to the first counterweight (26), so that the first counterweight (26) and the elevator car (24) are at least partially suspended from the first traction sheave (34) and the first support means (44) is tensioned during proper operation of the elevator installation (20);and a first sensor (60) which is arranged on the first support means (44) vertically between the elevator car (24) and the first traction sheave (34) or vertically between the first counterweight (26) and the first traction sheave (34) and which is designed such that a reduction in the tension of the first support means (44) can be detected by means of the first sensor (60) and that the first sensor (60) generates a first sensor signal upon detecting the reduction in the tension of the first support means (44) and provides it to an elevator control (58) of the elevator installation (20); 2. Elevator installation (20) according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor (60) is arranged horizontally between a first section (50) of the first support means (44), which runs from the first traction sheave (34) to the elevator car (24), and a second section (52) of the first support means (44), which runs from the first traction sheave (34) to the first counterweight (26), the first sensor (60) has a first sensor element (77) and a second sensor element (78), the first sensor element (77) is arranged on the first section (50), the second sensor element (78) is arranged on the second section (52), and the first sensor (60) is designed such that the release of the tension of the first support means (44) between the elevator car (24) and the first traction sheave (34) can be detected by means of the first sensor element (77) and the release of the tension of the first support means (44) between the first counterweight (26) and the first traction sheave (34) can be detected by means of the second sensor element (78).

3. Elevator installation (20) according to claim 2, wherein the first sensor (60) has a first sensor housing (70) that is fixedly arranged in an elevator shaft (22) of the elevator installation (20); and the first sensor element (77) has a first spring element (80) that is prestressed between the first sensor housing (70) and the first support means (44) such that when the tension of the first support means (44) between the elevator car (24) and the first traction sheave (34) is released, the corresponding prestress decreases and a first end of the first spring element (80) facing away from the first sensor housing (70) moves away from the first sensor housing (70), and the first sensor (60) is designed to detect the movement of the first end away from the first sensor housing (70) and to generate the first sensor signal in response to detecting this movement;and / or the second sensor element (78) has a second spring element (82) which is prestressed between the first sensor housing (70) and the second section (52) such that when the tension of the first support means (44) between the first counterweight (26) and the first drive pulley (34) is released, the corresponding prestress decreases and a second end of the second spring element (82) facing away from the first sensor housing (70) moves away from the first sensor housing (70), and the first sensor (60) is designed such that it detects the movement of the second end away from the first sensor housing (70) and generates the first sensor signal in response to the detection of this movement.; 4. Elevator installation (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first drive machine (30), the first traction sheave (34) and the first sensor (60) are arranged in a shaft head (48) of the elevator installation (20).

5. Elevator installation (20) according to claim 1, comprising a second sensor (62), wherein the first sensor (60) is arranged on a first section (50) of the first support means (44) vertically between the elevator car (24) and the first traction sheave (34) and is designed such that the release of the tension of the first support means (44) in the first section (50) can be detected by means of the first sensor (60), and the second sensor (62) is arranged on a second section (52) of the first support means (44) vertically between the first counterweight (26) and the first traction sheave (34) and is designed such that the release of the tension of the first support means (44) in the second section (52) can be detected by means of the second sensor (62), and that the second sensor (62) upon detecting the release of the tension of the first support means (44) in the second section (52) generates a second sensor signal and transmits it to the elevator control (58) of the lift system (20).

6. Elevator installation (20) according to claim 5, wherein the first sensor (60) comprises a first sensor housing (70) and a first sensor element (77), the first sensor housing (70) is arranged in a stationary manner in an elevator shaft (22) of the elevator installation (20), the first sensor element (77) comprises a first spring element (80) which is prestressed between the first sensor housing (70) and the first support means (44) such that when the tension of the first support means (44) between the elevator car (24) and the first traction sheave (34) is released, the corresponding prestress decreases and a first end of the first spring element (80) facing away from the first sensor housing (70) moves away from the first sensor housing (70), and the first sensor (60) is designed such that it detects the movement of the first end away from the first sensor housing (70) and generates the first sensor signal in response to the detection of this movement;and / or the second sensor (62) has a second sensor housing (72) and a second sensor element (78); the second sensor housing (72) is arranged in a stationary manner in the elevator shaft (22) of the elevator system (20), the second sensor element (78) has a second spring element (82) which is prestressed between the second sensor housing (72) and the first support means (44) such that when the tension of the first support means (44) between the first counterweight (26) and the first traction sheave (34) is released, the corresponding prestress decreases and a second end of the second spring element (82) facing away from the second sensor housing (72) moves away from the second sensor housing (72), and the second sensor (62) is designed such that it detects the movement of the second end away from the second sensor housing (62) and generates the second sensor signal in response to the detection of this movement.

7. Elevator installation (20) according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the first drive machine (30), the first traction sheave (34), the first sensor (60) and the second sensor (62) are arranged in a shaft head (48) of the elevator installation (20).

8. Elevator system (20) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a second drive machine (32); a second counterweight (28); a second traction sheave (36) mechanically coupled to the second drive machine (32); a second support means (46) arranged on the one hand on the elevator car (24) and on the other hand on the second counterweight (28), and extending from the elevator car (24) via the second traction sheave (36) to the second counterweight (28), so that the second counterweight (28) and the elevator car (24) are at least partially suspended from the second traction sheave (36) and, during proper operation of the elevator system (20), the second support means (46) is tensioned;and a third sensor (64) which is arranged on the second support means (46) between the elevator car (24) and the second traction sheave (36) or between the second counterweight (28) and the second traction sheave (36) and which is designed such that a release is detected by means of the third sensor (64); the tension of the second support means (46) is detectable and that the third sensor (64) generates a third sensor signal upon detecting the relaxation of the tension of the second support means (46) and provides it to the elevator control (58) of the elevator system (20).

9. Elevator installation (20) according to claim 8, wherein the third sensor (64) is arranged horizontally between a third section (54) of the second support means (46), which runs from the second traction sheave (36) to the elevator car (24), and a fourth section (56) of the second support means (46), which runs from the second traction sheave (36) to the second counterweight (28), the third sensor (64) has a third sensor element (79) and a fourth sensor element (81), the third sensor element (79) is arranged on the third section (54), the fourth sensor element (81) is arranged on the fourth section (56), and the third sensor (64) is designed such thatthat the third sensor element (79) detects the release of the tension of the second support means (46) between the elevator car (24) and the second traction sheave (36) and the fourth sensor element (81) detects the release of the tension of the second support means (46) between the second counterweight (28) and the second traction sheave (36).

10. Elevator installation (20) according to claim 9, wherein the third sensor (64) has a third sensor housing (74) that is fixedly arranged in the elevator shaft (22) of the elevator installation (20); and the third sensor element (79) has a third spring element (84) that is prestressed between the third sensor housing (74) and the second support means (46) such that when the tension of the second support means (46) between the elevator car (24) and the second traction sheave (36) is released, the corresponding prestress decreases and a third end of the third spring element (84) facing away from the third sensor housing (74) moves away from the third sensor housing (74), and the third sensor (64) is designed such that it detects the movement of the third end away from the third sensor housing (74) and generates the third sensor signal in response to the detection of this movement; and / or the fourth sensor element (81) has a fourth spring element (86) which is prestressed between the third sensor housing (74) and the fourth section (56) such that when the tension of the second support means (46) between the second counterweight (28) and the second drive pulley (36) is released, the corresponding prestress decreases and a fourth end of the fourth spring element (86) facing away from the third sensor housing (74) moves away from the third sensor housing (74), and the third sensor (64) is designed such that it detects the movement of the fourth end away from the third sensor housing (74) and generates the third sensor signal in response to the detection of this movement.

11. Elevator installation (20) according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the second drive machine (32), the second traction sheave (36) and the third sensor (64) are arranged in the shaft head (48) of the elevator installation (20).

12. Elevator installation (20) according to claim 8, comprising a fourth sensor (66), wherein the third sensor (64) is arranged on a third section (54) of the second support means (46) vertically between the elevator car (24) and the second traction sheave (36) and is designed such that the third sensor (64) detects the relaxation of the tension of the second support means (46) in the third section (54), and the fourth sensor (66) is arranged on a fourth section (56) of the second support means (46) vertically between the second counterweight (28) and the second traction sheave (36) and is designed such that the fourth sensor (66) detects the relaxation of the tension of the second support means (46) in the fourth section (56), and that the fourth sensor (66) detects the relaxation of the tension of the second support means (46) in the fourth section (56) generates a fourth sensor signal and provides it to the elevator control (58) of the elevator system (20).

13. Elevator installation (20) according to claim 12, wherein the third sensor (64) has a third sensor housing (74) and a third sensor element (79), the third sensor housing (74) is arranged in a stationary manner in an elevator shaft (22) of the elevator installation (20), the third sensor element (79) has a third spring element (84) which is prestressed between the third sensor housing (74) and the second support means (46) such that when the tension of the second support means (46) between the elevator car (24) and the second traction sheave (36) is released, the corresponding prestress decreases and a third end of the third spring element (84) facing away from the third sensor housing (74) moves away from the third sensor housing (74), and the third sensor (64) is designed such that it detects the movement of the third end away from the third sensor housing (74) detects and generates the third sensor signal in response to detecting this movement;and / or the fourth sensor (66) has a fourth sensor housing (76) and a fourth sensor element (81), the fourth sensor housing (76) is arranged in a stationary manner in the elevator shaft (22) of the elevator system (20), the fourth sensor element (81) has a fourth spring element (86) which is prestressed between the fourth sensor housing (76) and the second support means (46) such that when the tension of the second support means (46) between the second counterweight (28) and the second traction sheave (36) is released, the corresponding prestress decreases and a fourth end of the fourth spring element (86) facing away from the fourth sensor housing (76) moves away from the fourth sensor housing (76), and the fourth sensor (66) is designed such that it detects the movement of the fourth end away from the fourth sensor housing (76) and generates the fourth sensor signal in response to the detection of this movement; 14. Elevator installation (20) according to one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the second drive machine (32), the second traction sheave (36), the third sensor (64) and the fourth sensor (66) are arranged in the shaft head (48) of the elevator installation (20).

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