U.S. patent application number 16/532972 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-28 for elevator.
This patent application is currently assigned to KONE Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is KONE Corporation. Invention is credited to Tero HAKALA, Ari KATTAINEN, Jussi LAHTEENMAKI, Jussi PERALA, Tero PUROSTO, Seppo SUUR-ASKOLA.
Application Number | 20190359447 16/532972 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58213029 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-28 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190359447 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HAKALA; Tero ; et
al. |
November 28, 2019 |
ELEVATOR
Abstract
An elevator and a method for testing an operating condition of
two or more elevator car brakes are provided, each of the car
brakes including an actuator to control the car brake and each of
the car brakes mounted to elevator car and fitted to selectively
engage against a guide rail of an elevator car to stop movement of
an elevator car or to open to enable movement of an elevator car.
The method includes an empty car is kept at a standstill by
providing a driving force upwards with all the N movers mounted to
the elevator car, and total current Lot of all N movers is
determined. One of the car brakes is applied while the others are
kept open. The driving current of each of the movers is gradually
decreased, and movement of elevator car is observed. When movement
of elevator car is detected, the driving current at the moment
movement started is recorded, and the recorded current is compared
to a reference value, and if the recorded current is higher than
the reference value, safety measures with the elevator are
performed.
Inventors: |
HAKALA; Tero; (Helsinki,
FI) ; KATTAINEN; Ari; (Helsinki, FI) ;
LAHTEENMAKI; Jussi; (Helsinki, FI) ; SUUR-ASKOLA;
Seppo; (Helsinki, FI) ; PERALA; Jussi;
(Helsinki, FI) ; PUROSTO; Tero; (Helsinki,
FI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KONE Corporation |
Helsinki |
|
FI |
|
|
Assignee: |
KONE Corporation
Helsinki
FI
|
Family ID: |
58213029 |
Appl. No.: |
16/532972 |
Filed: |
August 6, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/EP2018/054476 |
Feb 23, 2018 |
|
|
|
16532972 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B66B 5/027 20130101;
B66B 1/3492 20130101; B66B 2201/00 20130101; B66B 2201/34 20130101;
B66B 1/36 20130101; H02P 3/08 20130101; B66B 5/0037 20130101; B66B
9/02 20130101; H02K 41/033 20130101; B66B 5/18 20130101; B66B
1/3453 20130101; H02P 25/064 20160201; B66B 11/0407 20130101; B66B
1/3476 20130101; B66B 5/0025 20130101; B66B 5/0031 20130101; B66B
5/16 20130101; B66B 5/0093 20130101; B66B 5/04 20130101; B66B
1/3461 20130101; B66B 9/003 20130101; B66B 2201/30 20130101; B66B
1/32 20130101; B66B 1/28 20130101; H02K 7/1023 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B66B 1/32 20060101
B66B001/32; B66B 11/04 20060101 B66B011/04; B66B 1/36 20060101
B66B001/36; B66B 5/02 20060101 B66B005/02; B66B 5/18 20060101
B66B005/18; B66B 1/34 20060101 B66B001/34; B66B 5/00 20060101
B66B005/00; H02K 41/03 20060101 H02K041/03 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 2, 2017 |
EP |
17158966.6 |
Claims
1. An elevator comprising: an elevator car; one or more guide rails
to define path of movement of an elevator car; and an electric
linear motor comprising at least one linear stator designed to be
located in a fixed correlation to an environment, and at least one
mover designed for connection with an elevator car to be moved and
co-acting with the stator to move the car, the electric linear
motor comprising a stator beam supporting said at least one stator,
the stator beam having at least one side face carrying
ferromagnetic teeth of said stator spaced apart by a pitch, and the
mover comprises at least one counter-face facing said side face of
the stator beam, the motor further comprising electro-magnetic
components being mounted to the mover and/or to the stator to
provide propulsion force to the elevator car; elevator two or more
elevator car brakes mounted to an elevator car, each of the car
brakes comprising an actuator to control the car brake and each of
the car brakes being fitted to selectively engage against a guide
rail of an elevator car to stop movement of an elevator car or to
open to enable movement of an elevator car.
2. The elevator according to claim 1, further comprising a
backup-power supply and an emergency stop circuit, the emergency
stop circuit being connected to a position and/or velocity and/or
acceleration sensor of the elevator, and the emergency stop circuit
being configured to adjust the energization of the electromagnetic
components and/or the actuators of one or more car brakes depending
on the signal of the above sensor.
3. The elevator according to claim 2, wherein the backup-power
supply is a battery.
4. The elevator according to claim 3, further comprising a battery
monitoring circuit for monitoring the functional status of the
battery.
5. The elevator according to claim 2, wherein the emergency stop
circuit is configured to adjust the energization of the
electromagnetic components and/or the actuators of one or more car
brakes such that the car stops within a defined stopping
distance.
6. The elevator according to claim 1, wherein the elevator control
comprises a brake test circuit configured to operate in a brake
test mode wherein only one actuator is de-energized to apply
elevator car brake when the car is not moving.
7. The elevator according to claim 1, wherein associated with each
car brake there is a load sensor, arranged between the car and the
car brake to measure a total weight of car.
8. A method for testing an operating condition of an elevator car
brake in the elevator according to claim 1, the method comprising
the succession of following steps: keeping an empty car at a
standstill by providing a driving force upwards with the at least
one mover mounted to the elevator car; applying one of the car
brakes while the others are kept open; gradually decreasing the
driving current of the at least one mover and observing movement of
elevator car; when movement of elevator car is detected, recording
the driving current of the at least one mover at the moment
movement started, and comparing the recorded current to a reference
value; and if the recorded current is higher than the reference
value, performing safety measures with the elevator.
9. A method for testing an operating condition of elevator car
brake in an elevator according to claim 1, wherein associated with
each of the car brakes there is a load sensor, arranged between the
car and the car brake to measure a total weight of car, the method
comprising the succession of following steps: applying one of the
car brakes while the others are kept open; keeping an empty car at
a standstill by providing a driving force upwards with the at least
one mover, such that the load sensor of the applied car brake
indicates zero weight; gradually decreasing the driving current of
the at least one mover, and observing movement of elevator car;
when movement of elevator car is detected, recording the reading of
the load sensor of the applied car brake at the moment movement
started, and comparing the recorded reading to a reference value;
and if the recorded reading of the load sensor is lower than the
reference value, performing safety measures with the elevator.
10. The method according to claim 8, which wherein the brake test
mode is performed when the car is stopping at a floor.
11. The method according to claim 8, wherein the safety measures
comprise at least one of the following steps: sending a log report
with the energization when the car starts moving to a maintenance
center; sending a log report with the threshold value which the
energization was compared to a maintenance center; putting the
elevator out of service; and issuing a maintenance request.
12. The elevator according to claim 3, wherein the emergency stop
circuit is configured to adjust the energization of the
electromagnetic components and/or the actuators of one or more car
brakes such that the car stops within a defined stopping
distance.
13. The elevator according to claim 4, wherein the emergency stop
circuit is configured to adjust the energization of the
electromagnetic components and/or the actuators of one or more car
brakes such that the car stops within a defined stopping
distance.
14. The elevator according to claim 2, wherein the elevator control
comprises a brake test circuit configured to operate in a brake
test mode wherein only one actuator is de-energized to apply
elevator car brake when the car is not moving.
15. The elevator according to claim 3, wherein the elevator control
comprises a brake test circuit configured to operate in a brake
test mode wherein only one actuator is de-energized to apply
elevator car brake when the car is not moving.
16. The elevator according to claim 4, wherein the elevator control
comprises a brake test circuit configured to operate in a brake
test mode wherein only one actuator is de-energized to apply
elevator car brake when the car is not moving.
17. The elevator according to claim 5, wherein the elevator control
comprises a brake test circuit configured to operate in a brake
test mode wherein only one actuator is de-energized to apply
elevator car brake when the car is not moving.
18. The elevator according to claim 2, wherein associated with each
car brake there is a load sensor, arranged between the car and the
car brake to measure total weight of car.
19. The elevator according to claim 3, wherein associated with each
car brake there is a load sensor, arranged between the car and the
car brake to measure total weight of car.
20. The elevator according to claim 4, wherein associated with each
car brake there is a load sensor, arranged between the car and the
car brake to measure total weight of car.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to an elevator comprising two
or more car brakes to brake elevator car movement or to hold
elevator car at standstill. The elevator may comprise an electric
linear motor as it is disclosed in the WO 2016/207136 A1. The
linear motor may comprise a linear stator designed to be located in
a fixed correlation to an environment, particularly a building. The
elevator may further comprise at least one mover designed for
connection with an elevator car to be moved and co-acting with the
stator to move the car. The motor may comprise a stator beam
supporting said at least one stator, which stator beam has at least
one side face carrying ferromagnetic poles of said stator spaced
apart by a pitch. Accordingly, the mover may comprise at least one
counter-face facing said side face of the stator beam, in which
counter-face electromagnetic components of the mover are arranged
to co-act with the ferromagnetic poles of the stator beam. During
the operation of the elevator, particularly when the elevator car
is running, the magnetic field of the electromagnetic components of
the mover keep the counter-face of the mover spaced apart from the
side face of the stator by an air gap a. This new technology has
proved to be quite efficient, particularly in elevator
constructions in which the travelling of the car is not only
vertical. For this reason, the general design of elevator brakes
which were always based on the braking of the traction sheave
driving an elevator car via the hoisting ropes is not applicable in
this concept. Furthermore, if hoisting ropes are very long, as is
the case with high-rise elevators, movement of the elevator car due
to sway or stretch of the hoisting ropes may cause unwanted
movement of elevator car. For these reasons, among others, car
brakes have been provided in connection with elevator car. By
engaging the car brakes against guide rails, elevator car can be
hold standstill or movement of elevator car can be braked.
[0002] To improve elevator safety, this invention suggests a method
for monitoring operating condition of the car brakes. The object is
solved with an elevator according to claim 1 as well as with
methods according to claims 8 and 9. Advantageous embodiments of
the invention are subject matter of the corresponding dependent
claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are also subject
matter of the description and of the drawings.
[0003] A first aspect of the invention is an elevator comprising an
elevator car and one or more guide rails to define path of movement
of an elevator car, the elevator further comprising an electric
linear motor comprising at least one linear stator designed to be
located in a fixed correlation to an environment, particularly
building, and at least one mover designed for connection with an
elevator car to be moved and co-acting with the stator to move the
car. Motor comprises a stator beam supporting said at least one
stator, which stator beam has at least one side face carrying
ferromagnetic teeth of said stator spaced apart by a pitch, and
which mover comprises at least one counter-face facing said side
face(s) of the stator beam, the motor further comprising
electro-magnetic components being mounted to the mover and/or to
the stator to provide propulsion force to the elevator car, wherein
the elevator comprises two or more elevator car brakes mounted to
an elevator car, each of the car brakes comprising an actuator to
control the car brake and each of the car brakes fitted to
selectively engage against a guide rail of an elevator car to stop
movement of an elevator car or to open to enable movement of an
elevator car. One suitable car brake is represented in EP 0856485
A1. It has as an actuator an electromagnet 15 with coil 16 and
magnetic core to control opening/engaging of the brake against
guide rail 2. When the car brake is engaged, elevator car is kept
at its level via mere friction of braking surfaces of the car brake
against the guide rail.
[0004] According to an embodiment, the elevator comprises a
backup-power supply and an emergency stop circuit, which emergency
stop circuit is connected to a position and/or velocity and/or
acceleration sensor of the elevator, and which emergency stop
circuit is configured to adjust the energization of the
electromagnetic components of the linear motor and/or the actuators
of one or more car brakes depending on the signal of the above
sensor(s). Via this means it can be ensured that in any case of
power off, the elevator does not suddenly stop but via the backup
power supply, the emergency stop circuit ensures deceleration of
the elevator car within allowed tolerances until the stop of the
elevator car. This measure ensures the safety of the passengers in
any case of power failure of the AC mains.
[0005] According to an embodiment, the emergency stop circuit is
configured to adjust the energization of the electromagnetic
components and/or the actuators of one or more car brakes such that
the car stops within a defined stopping distance.
[0006] According to an embodiment, the elevator control comprises a
brake test circuit configured to operate in a brake test mode
wherein only one actuator is de-energized to apply elevator car
brake when the car is not moving, particularly if it is stopping at
a floor.
[0007] According to an embodiment, associated with each car brake
there is a load sensor, such as a strain gauge, arranged between
the car and the car brake to measure total weight of car.
[0008] Second aspect of the invention is a method for testing
operating condition of an elevator car brake in an elevator
according to the first aspect of the invention. The method
comprises the succession of following steps: an empty car is kept
standstill by providing a driving force upwards with the at least
one mover mounted to the elevator car. One of the car brakes is
applied while the others are kept open. The driving current of the
at least one mover is gradually decreased, and movement of elevator
car is observed. When movement of elevator car is detected, the
total driving current of the at least one mover at the moment
movement started is recorded, and the recorded current is compared
to a reference value. If the recorded current is higher than the
reference value, safety measures with the elevator are performed.
Applying of the car brake means that, by controlling the actuator,
brake is engaged against the guide rail to brake movement of the
car/hold the car at level.
[0009] A third aspect of the invention is a method for testing
operating condition of an elevator car brake in an elevator
according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the
elevator further comprises associated with each of the car brakes a
load sensor, such as a strain gauge, which is arranged between the
car and the car brake to measure total weight of car, the method
comprising the succession of following steps: one of the car brakes
is applied while the others are kept open, and an empty car is kept
standstill by providing a driving force upwards with the at least
one mover, such that the load sensor of the applied car brake
indicates preferably zero weight. The driving current of the at
least one mover is gradually decreased, and movement of elevator
car is observed, and when movement of elevator car is detected, the
reading of the load sensor of the applied car brake at the moment
movement started is recorded, and the recorded reading is compared
to a reference value. If the recorded reading of the load sensor is
lower than the reference value, safety measures with the elevator
are performed. According to a refinement, as the driving current of
the at least one mover is gradually decreased, at the same time the
reading of the load sensor of the engaged car brake is observed and
compared to said driving current, to ensure that decreasing of the
driving current causes reading of the load sensor to increase with
a predefined pattern. This means that correct operation of the load
sensor can be monitored.
[0010] The car brakes are preferably tested one at a time, such
that after one car brake has been tested, it is opened and another
one is applied and then the testing method according to the second
or third aspect of the invention is repeated.
[0011] According to an embodiment, brake test mode is performed
when the car is stopping at a floor.
[0012] According to an embodiment, the safety measures comprises at
least one of the following steps: sending a log report with the
energization when the car starts moving to a maintenance center,
sending a log report with the threshold value which the
energization was compared to a maintenance center, putting the
elevator out of service, issuing a maintenance request
[0013] Preferably, this backup-power supply is a battery, but it
also may be a series of super-capacitors and/or second independent
power supply network.
[0014] In case a battery is used as a backup-power supply, the
elevator preferably comprises a battery monitoring circuit for
monitoring the function or status of the battery. By this means it
can be ensured that the functional status of the battery is such
that the elevator stop circuit is always able to ensure a smooth
elevator stop drive in case of power off as mentioned above.
[0015] Preferably, on this behalf, the current of the movers is
compared with at least one threshold value, which allows the
differentiation of brake in order/brake has to be maintained or is
not working in a sufficient manner to provided required safety.
Preferably two threshold values are provided for comparison with
the critical current value, so that three different operational
status of the brake can be identified: brake in order, brake needs
maintenance and brake is not safe as mentioned above in connection
with the description of the inventive elevator.
[0016] Preferably, the upwards propulsion force of each mover is
adjusted to a value corresponding to a test force F defined as
follows:
F=(M+L)g/(N-1)
[0017] wherein
[0018] F is required test force for testing one brake at a time
[0019] M is weight of empty elevator car in kilograms
[0020] L is rated maximum load of elevator car in kilograms
[0021] g is gravity constant 9.81
[0022] N is number of brakes in one car.
[0023] Example: N=4 brakes, M=800 Kg, L=1000 Kg, then
F=1800 Kg*9.81/3=5886 N.
[0024] This also fulfils the requirement that all N brakes must
hold together (125%*L+M)g In the above example the requirement is:
(125%*1000 Kg+800 Kg)9.81=20110 N. On the other hand it has already
been tested that 4 brakes can perform: 4*5886 N=23544 N which is
sufficient.
[0025] If this test force does not lead to the car starts moving,
the brake test is terminated and the brake is evaluated as being in
order.
[0026] In some embodiments, it may be also necessary to not only
decrease the upwards propulsion force during testing but also to
further increase it in the opposite direction, e.g. in the
downwards direction or otherwise in the direction of interaction of
gravity, to increase the test force to a magnitude required for
testing.
[0027] It is clear for the skilled person that the above-mentioned
embodiments can be combined with each other arbitrarily. It has
been mentioned that preferably an elevator car is supported with
two stator beams and two vertically spaced apart movers which means
four movers per elevator car. Preferably the elevator car is
supported by at least two car brakes, most preferably by at least 4
car brakes. This number of movers/car brakes per elevator car may
differ from this value. If the stator beam is large enough as well
as the mover is large and long enough, even one stator beam and one
mover per elevator car may be sufficient to support the car and to
implement the necessary brake interface. If there are only two car
brakes per elevator car, they are preferably associated with
separate guide rails to enhance reliability and safety.
[0028] Following terms are used as synonyms: critical energization
value--energization value when the car starts moving in the brake
test mode; elevator control--elevator motor control; car--elevator
car; brake interface--elevator brake
[0029] The invention is hereinafter described via an example with
the aid of the enclosed drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The invention is now described hereinafter with respect to
the enclosed drawing. In this drawing
[0031] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an elevator shaft with a linear
elevator motor according to the invention comprising two parallel
stator beams,
[0032] FIG. 2 shows a horizontal cross-section of the parts of the
elevator motor and the guide rails in the area between the elevator
car and the shaft wall of FIG. 1,
[0033] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section through a stator beam and a
mover of FIG. 2,
[0034] FIG. 4 shows a side view of an elevator having two elevator
shafts which are connected at their upper and lower ends with
horizontal passages,
[0035] FIG. 5 shows a horizontal cross-section of the connecting
part between the shaft wall and an elevator car at the car guide
position, showing a guide element of the elevator car with two
pivoted guide rollers which guide element is running along guide
surfaces of the stator beam of FIG. 7,
[0036] FIG. 6 shows a schematic side view of an elevator system
having two elevator shafts which are connected with horizontal
passages at each elevator floor whereby the landing doors are
located in the area of the horizontal passages between each
shaft,
[0037] FIG. 7 shows a horizontal moving mechanism with shaft-side
horizontal guide tracks and a car-side horizontal moving means
comprising rollers co-acting with the horizontal guide tracks,
[0038] FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of the elevator control
controlling movers in a brake test mode,
[0039] FIG. 9 shows a diagram regarding the use of the critical
energization for deriving brake status information/perform failure
measures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] It is emphasized that identical parts or parts with the same
functionality are designated by the same reference numbers in all
figures.
[0041] FIG. 1 shows an elevator 10 comprising an elevator shaft 12
wherein an elevator car 16 moves up and down as an element to be
moved, along a path of movement defined by two guide rails. The
elevator 10 has a linear elevator motor 14. The linear elevator
motor 14 comprises stators 50 (see FIG. 3) located in a side face
of a stator beam 18 which is mounted with fastening elements 20 to
a shaft wall 22 of the elevator shaft 12. In this example the
elevator 10 has two parallel stator beams 18, which can be seen in
FIG. 2.
[0042] The elevator car 16 comprises two movers 24, 26 located one
above the other. The lower mover 24 is located in the lower half of
the elevator car whereas the upper mover 26 is located in the upper
half of the elevator car. These two movers 24, 26 comprise
electro-magnetic components as e.g. irons, windings and permanent
magnets 70, 71, 72, 74, 76 (FIG. 4) which co-act with stator poles
52 located in the side faces of the stator beam 18, formed by
stator teeth. Accordingly, the elevator car travels upwards and
downwards via corresponding control of both movers 24, 26 co-acting
with the stator beams 18.
[0043] Of course, the elevator car has a corresponding set of two
movers 24, 26 for each vertical stator beam 18 so that the elevator
car 16 has in total four movers, two lower movers 24 and two upper
movers 26 to co-act with two stator beams 18.
[0044] Of course, each stator beam 18 may have one or several
stators 50 as it is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0045] In some other embodiments, the windings may be provided in
the stator and mover has permanents magnets. In this case, the
propulsion force for the movers is provided by supplying current to
the stator coils.
[0046] FIG. 2 shows in one embodiment car guides 32, 34 of the
elevator car 16 co-acting with guide rails 28 running vertically
along the shaft wall 22 of FIG. 1. The shaft wall 22 comprises two
parallel guide rails 28, 30 co-acting with corresponding car guides
32, 34. Each car guide 32, 34 has a set of guide rollers co-acting
with the car guide rails 28, 30. As these car guides 32, 34 in
connection with the car guide rails 28, 30 are configured for a
rucksack type suspension, the corresponding guide system 28, 30,
32, 34 is configured to keep the car 16 horizontally in connection
with the shaft wall 22 as these both car guide rails 28, 30 are the
only guide rails of the elevator car 16 in the shaft 12. In
connection with each elevator car there are four car brakes as well
as for movers. Two of the car brakes are fitted to engage same
guide rail (car brakes , which are not shown in FIG. 2, are the
same type as disclosed in EP 0856485 A1).
[0047] The vertical stator beams 18 as well as the movers 24, 26 of
the elevator car 16 are shown in more detail in FIG. 3. Generally,
guide rails with a round cross-section may be used which are
surrounded by rollers of the car guide, thereby fixing the car
horizontally in connection with the guide rail.
[0048] According to FIG. 3 the vertical stator beam 18 comprises a
metal support structure 40 with a square cross-section. On each
side the support structure 40 carries a metal stator rod 50
comprising stator teeth 52, which form the four side faces 42, 44,
46, 48 of the stator beam 18. Each of these stator rods (or bars)
50 with the stator teeth 52 forms a stator of the linear motor 14
so that the stator beam 18 shown in FIG. 3 comprises four stators.
The stator teeth 52 co-act with windings 74, 76 (FIG. 4) and mover
irons 70,72 and permanent magnets 71 located along counter-faces 54
in the four arms 56, 58, 60, 62 of the C-type profile of the mover
24, 26. This C-type profile of the mover surrounds the stator beam
18 but leaves an opening 64 for the adaption of the fastening
elements 20, as the mover 24, 26 travels along the shaft 12.
[0049] The stator rods 50 on all four side faces 42, 44, 46, 48
have the same pitch d. Anyway, the first and third side face 42, 46
of the stator beam also have an identical teeth position in
vertical direction whereas the second and fourth side face 44, 48
have the same pitch but the teeth position is vertically offset
with respect to the stator teeth 52 on the first and third side
face 42, 46 by a 1/4 pitch.
[0050] Via this arrangement, it is ensured that on one hand, the
horizontal forces between the stators 50 on opposite sides
eliminate each other whereas the vertical offset of the pitches of
the side faces oriented rectangular leads to a better efficiency
and a smoother run of the elevator motor, as a moving step of such
a motor 14 is a half pitch. By the fact that four stators 50 are
located within the stator beam 18 the force generated between the
movers 24, 26 and the stator beam 18 is multiplied by four, thereby
achieving less horizontal ripples and a smoother movement of the
movers 24, 26 with respect to the vertical stator beam 18.
[0051] FIG. 4 shows an elevator 100 having two elevator shafts 102,
104 which are connected by an upper horizontal passage 106 at the
top end of both shafts 102, 104 as well as a lower horizontal
passage 108 at the bottom end of both elevator shafts 102, 104.
Thus, the both elevator shafts 102, 104 with the upper and lower
horizontal passage 106, 108 form a closed loop whereby the movement
of the elevator cars 16a-16d is only allowed in one direction
according to the arrows shown in the figure. By this measure it is
ensured that cars run only in one direction in each of the shafts
which lead to a higher transport capacity and to an easier control
of the cars in the shaft.
[0052] In both elevator shafts 102, 104, vertical stator beams 18,
114 e.g. according to one of the previous embodiments, or according
to FIGS. 4 are located which co-act with movers 24, 26 located at
the elevator cars 16a-16d. Each shaft 102, 104 may comprise
preferably two, three or four parallel stator beams 18, 114. The
figure shows landing doors 110 located in the first elevator shaft
102 as well as in the second elevator shaft 104. The cars 16a-16d
are horizontally moved in the horizontal passages 106, 108 in a not
specified manner by horizontal moving mechanisms.
[0053] Both elevator shafts are cut out along the cutting line 112
for clarity reasons, as normally this concept is preferably
designed for high-rise elevators having 20 floors or more.
Accordingly, the two shafts 102, 104 are able to accommodate a much
larger number of elevator cars than the four cars 16a-16d shown in
the figure. Each car 16a-16d is able to move largely independent of
the others within the two shafts 102, 104 except the fact that
collisions between cars have to be avoided. By the fact that in the
first elevator shaft 102 the elevator cars 16a-16d only drive
downwards and in the second elevator shaft 104 only drive upwards,
the probability of mutual affection is decreased. Furthermore, by
this circular moving scheme, the transport capacity of both shafts
is drastically increased on one hand because now the two elevator
shafts may comprise much more elevator cars than in conventional
systems and on the other hand, because in each elevator shaft, all
elevator cars only move in the same direction, avoiding
counter-movements of cars which reduce an economic shaft use and
necessitate extensive anti-collision control.
[0054] FIG. 6 shows an elevator 200 comprising two elevator shafts
202, 204 which are preferably no longer separated by shaft walls.
The vertical stator beams 114 correspond to the stator beams shown
in FIG. 5 and the car guides 140 of the cars 16a-16d of FIG. 6
correspond to the car guides 140 shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 6, at
each elevator floor, horizontal guide tracks (see also FIG. 6) 206
are extending horizontally along horizontal passages 208 located
between the two elevator shafts 202, 204 whereby the term "elevator
shaft" in this connection designates the vertical moving paths of
the elevator cars 16a-16d in this elevator 200. The two remaining
shaft walls 22 which are opposite to the horizontal passages 208 do
not only comprise the vertical stator beams but also the vertical
bus bars which are not shown for clarity reasons, as FIG. 6 focuses
on the horizontal moving mechanism 205. The horizontal moving
mechanism 205 comprises the horizontal guide tracks 206 on each
elevator floor and a horizontal moving means 210 located on top of
each elevator car 16a-16d. The horizontal moving means 210 of the
elevator car comprises support rollers 212 which can be moved
between a retracted position and an operational position wherein
the support rollers 212 run on the horizontal guide tracks 206.
[0055] The moving pattern of the elevator cars in the elevator car
200 corresponds to that of FIG. 4 which means that in the first
elevator shaft 202, the elevators all move in the same direction,
i.e. upwards, whereas in the second elevator shaft 204 all elevator
cars 16a-16d move downwards. Therefore, also in this elevator 200,
a kind of circular movement is achieved whereby the circular
movement can be shortened as the elevator cars can travel from one
elevator shaft 202, 204 into the other at each elevator floor via
the horizontal moving mechanism 205 comprising the horizontal guide
tracks 206 and the horizontal moving means 210 of the elevator
car.
[0056] The function of the horizontal moving mechanism 205 based on
the interaction between the horizontal guide tracks 206 and the
horizontal moving means 210 of the elevator car 16a-16d is
described in more detail with respect to FIG. 7. The elevator car
16a-16d comprises a car control 214 having a wireless transmission
means 216 for wireless communication with the elevator control.
Furthermore, the elevator car 16a-16d comprises a power source 218,
preferably an accumulator, which feeds the movers 24, 26; 126 of
the elevator car 16, 16a-16d as well as all other electrical
components connected to the elevator car. The horizontal moving
means 210 comprises of four roller arrangements 220. Each roller
arrangement 220 comprises a mounting base 222 on which a support
arm 224 is pivotally hinged. The support arm 224 can be moved
between a retracted position (shown on the left side of the figure)
and an operational position (shown on the right side) in which the
support roller 212 runs on top of the horizontal guide track 206.
Connected with the support arm 224 is a drive member 226 on which
the support roller is supported. The drive member comprises an
electric motor which is configured to rotate the support roller 212
on the horizontal guide track 206. It is self-evident that any
operation of the pivot mechanism in the mounting base 222 can be
prohibited when the support roller is currently positioned in the
retracted position shown on the left side as well as in the
operational position of the support roller 212 on the horizontal
guide track 206. Therefore a locking mechanism (not shown) is
preferably provided to lock the corresponding positions.
[0057] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the invention with an elevator
(motor) control 230, preferably comprising an emergency stop
circuit 232 backed-up by an backup power supply 234, preferably a
battery.
[0058] The elevator control 230 selectively energizes the coils of
the car brakes 301, 302 to open or apply the car brakes. When
applied, the car brakes 301, 302 engage against guide rails (not
shown in FIG. 8). The elevator control 230 also energizes the
windings 74, 76 of the movers 24, 26 on one hand as to regulate the
air gap between stator side faces 42-48 and counterfaces 54 of the
mover 24, 26. On the other hand the elevator control energizes the
windings 74, 76 as to move the car along the stator beams 18.
[0059] Before the car begins to move the elevator control 230
energizes the windings 74, 76 as to regulate the air gap and only
afterwards starts to energize the windings in a way as to move the
car. In contrast when the car shall stop at a floor or in emergency
cases the car brakes 301, 302 are applied as to decelerate the car
16 to stop and hold the car at standstill.
[0060] The elevator control 230 comprises a braking test circuit
236 which in a braking test mode (when the car brakes 301, 302 are
applied (car is stopped) and the brake interface is active)
energizes the movers, and opens only one car brake such that the
other car brake is still engaged. Via decreasing upwards propulsion
force of the movers 24 the force acting on the engaged car brake
increases due to gravity until the engaged car brake is no longer
able to withstand the force, which is when the car starts
moving.
[0061] The emergency stop circuit 232 of the elevator control
ensures safe deceleration and stop of the elevator car in all
abnormal operation conditions of the elevator, particularly in case
of an AC power failure. In this case the elevator control
immediately switches the power supply for the mover windings 74, 76
to the backup power supply 234 and continues current supply to
magnetizing coils of the car brakes from the backup power supply.
Thereby the elevator control 230 decelerates the car to stop either
with a defined deceleration and/or within a defined stopping
distance. After car stop the mover windings 74, 76 are de-energized
and car brakes 301, 302 are applied so that the car 16 is safely
supported on the stator beams 18. Preferably the car might be
driven in an emergency car ride to the next floor in driving
direction so that the passengers may leave the car. This option is
only provided for emergency situations in which the elevator car is
allowed to drive to the next floor, e.g. in case of a power failure
of AC mains.
[0062] Optionally the elevator control 230 may comprise a battery
monitoring circuit 238 for the backup power supply 234 to ensure
functionality of the backup power supply in emergency situations.
This battery monitoring circuit may issue a battery change signal
if the battery performance decreases.
[0063] FIG. 9 show a schematic diagram of the checking of the
functional state of the car brake, formed by the brake interface
51, 55.
[0064] At the start 240 of the brake test mode the brake test
circuit 236 applies one of the car brakes while the other ones
remain open. Upwards propulsion force is provided by supplying
current to the windings of the movers 24. In step 242 the current
flow of the windings 74, 76 generating upwards propulsion force is
decreased.
[0065] In the first deciding step 244 it is checked whether the
elevator car starts moving which information is obtained via
position sensors and/or velocity sensors and/or acceleration
sensors of the elevator. If the elevator does not start moving the
process loops back to step 242 wherein the current flow generating
upwards propulsion force is further decreased. If the elevator
starts moving the first deciding step 244 branches to log step 246
wherein the critical current flow when the car began moving is
recorded. In the second deciding step 248 the critical current flow
is compared with a first threshold value. If the critical current
flow is below this first threshold value the process moves to the
third deciding step 252. If the critical current flow value is
above the first threshold value the elevator is taken out of
service in step 250 and a notice is given to a remote maintenance
center, possibly comprising the critical current flow value and
optionally the first threshold value.
[0066] In the third deciding step 252 the critical current flow
value is compared with a second threshold value which is lower than
the first threshold value. When the critical current flow (current)
is above the second threshold value a maintenance signal is issued
to a remote maintenance center in step 254. This signal may
comprise information about the critical current flow value as well
as about one or both threshold values.
[0067] The braking mode is stopped in termination step 256
whereafter the normal operating mode of the elevator is
started.
[0068] It is clear for the skilled person that the retracted and
operational position of the support roller 212 is controlled in
synchronization with the initiation and releasing of the contact
between the movers 126 and the corresponding vertical stator beams
114. Via this arrangement, it is ensured that the car is always
supported in vertical direction either by the force of the mover
126 on the vertical stator beam 114 or by the support of the
support rollers 212 on the horizontal guide tracks 206.
[0069] Thus, high safety of the elevator car may be maintained
corresponding to a gripping device.
[0070] The invention can be carried out within the scope of the
appended patent claims. Thus, the above-mentioned embodiments
should not be understood as delimiting the invention.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
[0071] 10 elevator [0072] 12 elevator shaft [0073] 14 elevator
motor [0074] 16 elevator car [0075] 18 stator beam [0076] 20
fastening elements [0077] 22 shaft wall/shaft side [0078] 24 lower
mover [0079] 26 upper mover [0080] 28 first guide rail [0081] 30
second guide rail [0082] 32 first car guide [0083] 34 second car
guide [0084] 40 support structure [0085] 42 first side face [0086]
44 second side face [0087] 50 stator/stator rod [0088] 51 stator
brake surface-stator braking pad [0089] 52 stator teeth [0090] 53
teeth gaps [0091] 54 counter face of mover [0092] 55 mover brake
surface--mover braking pad [0093] 56 first arm of C-profile mover
[0094] 58 second arm of C-profile mover [0095] 60 third arm of
C-profile mover [0096] 62 fourth arm of C-profile mover [0097] 70
first mover iron [0098] 71 permanent magnet [0099] 72 second mover
iron [0100] 74 first winding [0101] 76 second winding [0102] 100
elevator (second embodiment) [0103] 102 first elevator shaft [0104]
104 second elevator shaft [0105] 106 upper horizontal passage
[0106] 108 lower horizontal passage [0107] 110 landing door [0108]
114 stator beam (second embodiment) [0109] 116 first side face
(first guide face) [0110] 118 second side face [0111] 120 third
side face [0112] 122 fourth side face (second guide face) [0113]
124 fifth side face (third guide face) [0114] 126 mover (second
embodiment) [0115] 128 mounting element [0116] 130 bus bar [0117]
132 connector rails [0118] 134 contactor [0119] 136 spring support
[0120] 140 car guide (second embodiment) [0121] 142 first guide
roller, at the car side [0122] 144 second guide roller, at the
shaft wall side [0123] 146 third guide roller, at the shaft wall
side [0124] 148 pivot arm [0125] 150 pivoting mechanism [0126] 200
elevator (third embodiment) [0127] 202 first elevator shaft [0128]
204 second elevator shaft [0129] 205 horizontal moving mechanism
[0130] 206 horizontal guide track [0131] 208 horizontal passage
[0132] 210 horizontal moving means mounted to the elevator car
[0133] 212 support roller [0134] 214 car control [0135] 216
wireless transmission means [0136] 218 power supply [0137] 220
roller arrangement [0138] 222 mounting base [0139] 224 support arm
[0140] 226 drive member [0141] 230 elevator control [0142] 232
emergency stop circuit [0143] 234 backup power supply [0144] 236
brake test circuit [0145] 238 battery monitoring circuit [0146] 240
start of brake test mode--a part of the movers is energized, a part
is de-energized [0147] 242 increasing the energization/current of
the energized mover [0148] 244 first deciding step--car starts
moving? [0149] 246 recording the critical energization/current
[0150] 248 second deciding step--first threshold value passed by
critical energization value? [0151] 250 elevator taken out of
service [0152] 252 third deciding step--second threshold value
passed by critical energization value? [0153] 254 maintenance
requested for the elevator [0154] 256 end of the brake test
mode
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