EP3263502A1 - Lift facility and method for operating a lift facility - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an elevator installation (10) having an elevator car (14) movable in an elevator shaft (12) and a method for operating an elevator installation (10), wherein the elevator installation (10) is connected to the elevator car (14) in the elevator shaft (12 ) in a direction of movement of the elevator car (14) opposite direction of movement movable counterweight (26), wherein in the elevator shaft (12) a danger zone (B), wherein the elevator car (14) by means of a manually operable control element (30) is movable and wherein is provided as an unmistakable indication to service personnel on the danger zone (B) that by means of a processing unit (38) triggered by the operating element (30) travel command (32b) is automatically interrupted and a stop of the movement of the elevator car (14) results as soon as Elevator car (14) reaches the danger zone (B).

Description

The invention relates to an elevator installation with an elevator car and a counterweight, which are carried by means of at least one common support means and move in an elevator shaft opposite, and a method for operating such an elevator system. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a processing unit operating according to the method, in particular a processing unit comprised by an elevator control device. Finally, the invention also relates to a computer program for implementing the method functioning as a control program and to a computer program product with such a control program and to a device, for example the processing unit or the elevator control device, with such a control program as means for carrying out the method.

In an elevator installation which has an elevator cage in an elevator shaft, a counterweight connected via a suspension element to the elevator cage moves in the elevator shaft in a direction of movement opposite to the direction of movement of the elevator cage. When performing inspection or maintenance on the elevator installation, a technician controls the interior of the elevator shaft from a position outside the elevator car, usually from a position on the roof of the elevator car. The inspection refers, for example, to the shaft doors, the lighting, guides for the elevator car and / or the counterweight, sensors, cables and / or other suspension means and so on. The technician places the elevator system in a so-called inspection mode. In this case, he can move the elevator car by means of a command key ("drive button") with a comparatively low speed. In the inspection mode, the elevator car is therefore controlled manually and the technician must operate the button permanently so that the elevator car moves.

During this process of the elevator car, the elevator car encounters - as in normal operation - the counterweight moving in the opposite direction. Typically, the elevator car and the counterweight meet approximately halfway up the elevator shaft and thereby move very close to each other. Of the Area in which encounter the elevator car and the counterweight moved with the elevator car is hereinafter referred to as danger zone. The encounter of elevator car and counterweight is potentially dangerous for a person located on the roof of the elevator car, since in the case of carelessness there is a risk of collision with the counterweight. In the individual case, this applies in particular to any additional person who may be traveling, possibly bending over the edge of the elevator car while another person is actuating the travel button.

Dangers to persons, especially service personnel, should be excluded under all circumstances or at least minimized as far as possible. In this regard, various approaches have already become known in the prior art for avoiding the above outlined endangerment of persons.

According to the in the WO 2014/013600 A For example, an intermediate wall between the range of motion of the elevator car and the range of motion of the counterweight is provided. This has a control opening for the purpose of controlling the counterweight in the danger zone. Although such an intermediate wall prevents an otherwise possible collision of service personnel with the roadway area of the counterweight and the counterweight itself along the entire route, but is expensive and especially difficult to control the counterweight roadway.

In light of the collision of a technician traveling on the elevator car with the counterweight moving at the same speed as the elevator car, the collision energy is proportional to twice the speed of movement of the elevator car, it has been considered that the traveling speed of the elevator car depends on the position, namely on entry into the elevator car Danger zone to reduce. In that regard, for example, on the JP 2014-001022 to get expelled.

In the JP 48-87541 a proposed intermediate wall between the range of motion of the elevator car and the range of movement of the counterweight is provided in the region of the danger zone. This prevents a possibility of collision with the counterweight. In place of the risk eliminated so far, however, there is a risk of collision with the intermediate wall, due to the fixed arrangement of the Intermediate wall, however, the collision energy is reduced by half.

In the JP 2014-015300 Finally, it is proposed that the person or persons traveling on the elevator car carry a signal element which is to be activated by means of sensors on the car / counterweight, so that the respective person is warned when the counterweight approaches. Of course, this proposal can only lead to a reduction of risks for the service personnel if the signal element is actually carried along.

The hitherto known solutions for reducing the risk of service personnel located on the car roof during the execution of inspection or maintenance work on the elevator installation are either very complex and expensive, for example in the case of an intermediate wall along the entire height of the elevator shaft, require additional space in the elevator shaft For example, in the case of such an intermediate wall or even in the danger zone mounted intermediate wall are easily manipulated or dependent on the care of the service personnel, for example in the case of a signal element to be carried by the technician, or require a complex control algorithm, for example in the case of position-dependent reduced speed. In addition, some residual risks still exist.

An object of the present invention is to provide a simple alternative for reducing the risk of service personnel outlined above during the performance of inspection or maintenance work on the elevator installation.

This object is achieved by means of an elevator installation with the features of claim 1 and by means of a method for operating such an elevator installation with the features of the corresponding method claim.

The elevator installation comprises at least one elevator car movable in an elevator shaft. The approach proposed here is also readily applicable to an elevator installation with a plurality of independently movable elevator cars, and the following description is only continued in the interests of better readability using the example of a single elevator car. In addition to the elevator car, the elevator installation comprises, in a manner known per se, one with the elevator car in the elevator shaft in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the elevator car movement direction counterweight and a determined for controlling and / or monitoring the movement of the elevator car elevator control device. In the elevator shaft there is a danger zone, namely a danger zone for a technician or other service personnel on the roof of the elevator car. To carry out inspection or maintenance work, the elevator car can be moved by a technician by means of a manually operable operating element in a direction of travel selected by the technician, in particular under the control of the elevator control device. According to the approach proposed here, in order to avoid endangering the service personnel or at least reducing such a risk, it is provided that by means of a processing unit, in particular a processing unit comprised by the elevator control device, a movement command triggered by the operating element, according to which the elevator car moves in a selected direction of travel, is automatically interrupted and is interrupted during operation of the elevator installation, wherein a stop of the movement of the elevator car results as soon as the elevator car reaches the danger zone. After the stop of the movement of the elevator car, the elevator car can then continue to travel in the selected direction of travel.

The above object is also achieved by means of a method for operating such an elevator installation or an elevator installation according to the embodiments described below. In the method for operating such an elevator installation (operating method), a movement command triggered by the operating element by the respective technician, according to which the elevator cage is moved in a selected direction of travel, is automatically interrupted by the processing unit, so that the movement of the elevator cage is stopped as soon as the Elevator car reached the danger zone. Subsequently, a further journey of the elevator car in the selected direction of travel is in turn made possible.

The danger zone in the elevator shaft is, for example, a meeting zone in which the elevator car approaches the counterweight and / or the elevator car moves past the counterweight, although the approach proposed here is not limited to such a meeting zone. Consideration of such a meeting zone as a danger zone is against the background of the above-described potential dangers for service personnel particularly useful. Additionally or alternatively come as with the approach proposed here potentially considered hazard zones, for example, a wall projection in the elevator shaft, a support structure or the like into consideration. In the interests of better readability of the following description, this will be continued - without renouncing any further general validity - using the example of a zone of encounter as a danger zone. Other danger zones, for example danger zones of the type mentioned above, should always be read.

The processing unit, which causes the interruption of the travel command and thus at least indirectly the stopping of the elevator car and acts as a means for interrupting the movement command or comprises corresponding means may be part of the functionality of the elevator control device. Alternatively, the processing unit can also be realized as a functional unit spatially separated from the elevator control device, so that no intervention in the function of the elevator control device is necessary. Such a processing unit is arranged, for example, on the roof of the elevator car and can be combined with the control element acting as a drive button in a common housing.

The advantage of the invention is that the technician, who operates during the inspection or maintenance on the roof of the cabin driving the command button or other operating element and thereby triggers a travel command, and possibly traveling service personnel by stopping the movement of the elevator car attention is drawn to the approach to the danger zone or the reaching of the danger zone on account of the automatic interruption of the travel command. It is thus ruled out in principle that the service staff does not notice the stop of the elevator car. In addition, a verbal indication and / or beep, a signal light or the like emitted via a loudspeaker may additionally indicate that the stop is due to approaching or entering a danger zone. At different danger zones in the elevator shaft, depending on the respective danger zone, a different indication or signal sound can be output or a specific control of a signal light or the like can take place. By interrupting the previously issued by the drive button travel command, the button must be released and pressed again, so that the elevator car again moves in the previous direction of travel and moves on. The technician pressing the button must therefore explicitly make the decision to enter the danger zone, in particular the meeting zone. In this respect too, it is ensured that the service personnel are aware of the entry into the danger zone and if necessary can take the necessary precautionary measures beforehand and exercise caution in the danger zone. While driving through the danger zone, a possibly activated loudspeaker, buzzer or the like may remain activated. Optionally, it is also possible to draw attention to the danger zone by means of a marking on the shaft wall.

The encounter or danger zone is defined such that a person standing on the elevator car is still safely outside an area in which collisions can occur, for example a collision with the counterweight. The danger zone is defined, for example, by a sensor system intended for determining the position of the elevator car and / or the counterweight or by a sensor system intended for determining a distance between elevator car and counterweight, in particular a sensor system of the type described below. The danger zone is meaningfully defined so that the elevator car stops due to the interrupted travel command, before it can even come to a collision hazard. Accordingly, the danger zone is defined, for example, such that when the vehicle is moved upwards, the elevator car already stops when a person standing on the elevator car is still safely outside an area in which a collision with the downwardly running counterweight could occur. When the elevator car is moved downwards, stopping takes place correspondingly before the upwardly running counterweight reaches the upper edge of the elevator car.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. This used backlinks point to the further development of the subject matter of the main claim by the features of the respective subclaim and are not to be understood as a waiver of the achievement of an independent, objective protection for the feature combinations of the related subclaims. Furthermore, with a view to an interpretation of the claims in a closer specification of a feature in a subordinate claim, it is to be assumed that such a restriction does not exist in the respective preceding claims.

In one embodiment of the elevator installation, the latter comprises a sensor system (position sensor system) for detecting a position of the elevator car relative to the encounter or danger zone, wherein a position signal, which can be triggered by means of the position sensor system, is interrupted by means of the processing unit, in particular a processing unit comprised by the elevator control unit of the manually operable control element triggered travel command is evaluated. By the position of the elevator car can be detected by means of the position sensor and detected during operation of the elevator system, a position signal triggered by the position sensor and triggered during operation position signal can be processed automatically by the processing unit, namely for automatically interrupting the previously triggered movement command. The position sensor system can be mounted, for example, in the elevator shaft, on the elevator car, on the counterweight or on the one hand on the elevator car and on the other hand on the counterweight. Suitable sensors of such a position sensor are inductive or capacitive limit switches or optionally also mechanical switches and light barriers. Also measuring systems, which include a continuous position determination of the elevator car in the elevator shaft - for example, absolute position systems, such as optically or magnetically coded system - are suitable as position sensors. The automatic detection of the position of the elevator car by means of a position sensor has the advantage that the position of the elevator car is reliably detected and that can be generated by the position sensor position signal which the approach of the elevator car to the encounter or danger zone or the entrance of the elevator car in this zone indicates, is automatically processed by means of the processing unit and is processed automatically during operation. The processing by means of the processing unit is that the previously initiated travel command is interrupted. An interruption of the travel command means that the travel command is no longer effective and stops the movement of the elevator car.

In a further embodiment of the elevator installation, a time-lapse detection unit is provided, in particular a time-lapse detection unit comprised by the processing unit. By means of the time-lapse detection unit, registration of a new travel command triggered by the operating element can be prevented during a predetermined or predefinable period of time after the interruption of the movement command. In a processing unit included in the elevator control device, the time-out detection unit itself is also part of the elevator control device.

The timing acquisition unit may be implemented, for example, in the form of an incrementing or decrementing counter. Such a counter triggers and generates a corresponding signal when the counter reading reaches a larger, predefined or specifiable value (target value) starting from a start value, usually zero - incrementing counter - or if the counter starts from a predetermined or predefinable value ( Start value) reaches a smaller target value, usually zero, decrementing counter. The respective predefined or predefinable value encodes the time, the sequence of which is monitored by means of a counter which functions as a timing acquisition unit. The timing acquisition unit is referred to below as a counter for the sake of better readability of the further description. Other possibilities for realizing a timing acquisition unit, such as a clock (timer), are always read along. By means of the counter, registration of a new travel command triggered by the operating element can be prevented during a predetermined or predefinable period of time and is prevented during operation of the elevator installation. This increases the duration of a "forced break" resulting from the interruption of the travel command during the movement of the elevator car and in connection with the entry into the encounter or danger zone. The operator operating the drive button can only initiate a continuation of the movement when the counter has expired and the compulsory break points even more clearly than an otherwise possibly only brief stopping of the elevator car to the danger zone.

In yet another embodiment of the elevator installation, the latter has a sensor system on a roof of the elevator car, by means of which a presence of persons on the car roof can be detected and a relevant signal can be generated and generated during operation of the elevator installation. As a sensor, for example, a sensor comes into consideration, as it is covered by a so-called motion detector. If there are people on the cabin roof, this indicates that the person or persons are performing any inspection or maintenance work and, accordingly, the lift should be placed in an inspection mode without the intervention of the service personnel performing the inspection or maintenance work is. For this purpose, the signal available from the sensor system on the car roof is evaluated, which is referred to below as a mode signal for differentiation. For this purpose, the mode signal is evaluated by means of the processing unit or by means of the elevator control device and optionally as special operating mode of the elevator system activates an inspection mode. In the inspection mode, a travel command can be triggered by means of the operating element and such a travel command can be interrupted automatically as soon as the elevator car reaches the encounter or danger zone. The activation of the inspection mode can of course also be done in a known manner by means of a switch, which is folded when entering the cabin roof.

In yet another embodiment of the elevator installation, a travel speed of the elevator car can be limited and / or reduced within the encounter or danger zone and is limited and / or reduced during operation of the elevator installation. A reduced speed leads to additional safety, because at a reduced speed, even if a member of the service personnel collides with equipment or objects in the elevator shaft, due to the reduced speed, the collision energy is reduced and, correspondingly, the risk of injury is reduced. Limiting the speed ensures that the driving speed of the elevator car can not be increased beyond the speed given by the limit value. After leaving the encounter or danger zone, of course, a further journey in the usual framework is released. The usual frame is determined by the inspection mode.

The abovementioned object is also achieved by means of a processing unit, in particular a processing unit which can be combined with the elevator control device and which is intended and configured for carrying out the method and accordingly functions as a means for interrupting the movement command and / or means for interrupting the movement command Travel command includes. Such a processing unit is suitable for retrofitting existing elevator systems. The function of the processing unit is preferably realized by means of individual less analog and / or digital switching elements. Alternatively, an implementation of the function of the processing unit in software comes into consideration. In that regard, the invention is on the one hand also as a control program computer program executable by a computer program code instructions and on the other hand, a storage medium with such a control program, so a computer program product with program code means, and finally a processing unit or elevator control device, in the memory as means for carrying out the method and his designs loaded such a control program or is loadable. Such a computer program or computer program product thus also acts as a means for interrupting a travel command when approaching or when the elevator car enters the danger zone.

Optionally, collision-endangering devices and objects in the elevator shaft can in the broadest sense be provided with a "padding" made of an elastic, shock-absorbing material, so that in case of a collision the risk of injury is reduced. Such a padding can act as a deflector / deflector by a special design, so that in this way any additional risk of injury are reduced.

An embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. Corresponding objects or elements are provided in all figures with the same reference numerals.

The embodiment is not to be understood as limiting the invention. Rather, additions and modifications are quite possible in the context of the present disclosure, in particular those, for example, by combination or modification of individual in conjunction with the described in the general or specific description part and in the claims and / or the drawing features or method steps for those skilled in the art with regard to the solution of the problem can be removed and lead by combinable features to a new subject or to new process steps or process steps.

Fig. 1

eine Aufzugsanlage mit einer Aufzugssteuerungseinrichtung,

Fig. 2 und Fig. 3

eine Prinzipdarstellung einer Schaltung zur Realisierung des hier vorgeschlagenen Ansatzes,

Fig. 4 und Fig. 5

eine Prinzipdarstellung einer Schaltung oder einer Schaltungslogik zur Realisierung des hier vorgeschlagenen Ansatzes mit weiteren Details sowie

Fig. 6 und Fig. 7

eine Prinzipdarstellung zur Realisierung des hier vorgeschlagenen Ansatzes in Soft- oder Soft- und Firmware.

Show it

Fig. 1

an elevator installation with an elevator control device,

Fig. 2 and Fig. 3

a schematic diagram of a circuit for implementing the approach proposed here,

4 and FIG. 5

a schematic diagram of a circuit or a circuit logic for implementing the approach proposed here with further details and

Fig. 6 and Fig. 7

a schematic representation of the implementation of the proposed approach here in software or software and firmware.

The representation in FIG. 1 schematically shows greatly simplified an elevator system 10 in a building, not shown itself with at least one movable in an elevator shaft 12 elevator car 14 and an elevator control device 16. The elevator control device 16 is provided in a conventional manner for controlling and monitoring the elevator system 10. The elevator car 14 is movable in a manner known per se in the elevator shaft 12 so that different floors 18 of the building can be reached.

In order to move the elevator car 14, a drive device 20, for example in the form of an electric motor, which is controlled by the elevator control device 16, which is sometimes referred to below as the control device for a short time, is provided in a manner known per se. The drive device 20 drives for this purpose also known per se a traction sheave 22 or the like, so that by means of a guided over the pulley 22 and shown here as an example of a support means supporting cable 24 or by means of other support means the respective movement of the elevator car 14 and a simultaneous Movement of a counterweight 26 takes place. A commonly available, but basically optional compensation rope, which is attached to compensate for the weight of the support means, in particular for balancing the weight of the or each support cable 24, on the underside of the elevator car 14 and the underside of the counterweight 26 is not shown in the illustration.

The representation in FIG. 2 first shows a function as a control knob 30, for example, a control element 30 in the form of a button. This is located on the roof of the elevator car 14. After a service technician who has entered the roof of the elevator car 14 for inspection or maintenance, has put the elevator in an inspection mode, he can by means of the control element 30 a travel command signal 32 a and on the Base trigger a travel command 32b for the elevator car 14. Thus, the elevator car 14 can be moved by hand in the elevator shaft 12, so that the necessary inspection or maintenance work can be performed while different positions in the elevator shaft 12 can be reached. Shown here is only one control element 30 and the further description is continued on the basis of an operating element 30 and a travel command signal 32a which can be generated with it. It should always be read that two controls 30 or a control 30 with corresponding switching positions and a doubling of the other functional elements are necessary if different (up or down) directions of the elevator car 14 should be possible.

As described above, service personnel located on the roof of the elevator car 14 generally have an increased accident risk during execution of inspection or maintenance work. For example, there is the risk of a collision with the counterweight 26 also moving in the elevator shaft 12, namely the counterweight 26 moved counter to the direction of movement of the elevator car 14. The risk of such a collision is only along the height of the elevator shaft 12 in an area in which the Elevator car 14 and the counterweight 26 can meet. This area determines a meeting zone, here and hereinafter referred to as danger zone B ( Fig. 1 ) referred to as. The term danger zone is also used below as an example for further possible meeting zones, for example an area in which the elevator car 14 drives past a wall projection or the like in the elevator shaft 12.

Whether the elevator car 14 is in the danger zone B is automatically detected, for example, by means of a position sensor 34. As a sensor or sensors of such a position sensor 34, for example, an attached to the elevator car 14 or the counterweight 26 inductive or capacitive sensor is considered, which at a approach of the elevator car 14 to the counterweight 26 due to the counterweight 26 and the elevator car 14 changed Sensing electromagnetic field and a corresponding signal, namely a position signal 36, outputs. In general, a position of the elevator car 14 relative to the danger zone B is detected by means of the position sensor 34 and this is also possible, for example, on the basis of position information, as generated or processed in a manner known per se by the control device 16. In that regard, the control device 16 can act as a position sensor 34 and the position signal 36 are generated by the control device 16.

• Wenn der Techniker auf dem Kabinendach das als Fahrknopf fungierende Bedienelement 30 betätigt, löst er damit ein Fahrbefehlsignal 32a aus. Dieses wird der Verarbeitungseinheit 38 zugeführt und von dieser mittelbar, zum Beispiel über die Steuerungseinrichtung 16, oder unmittelbar an die Antriebseinrichtung 20 weitergeleitet, so dass sich die Antriebseinrichtung 20 und im Weiteren die Aufzugskabine 14 in einer gewählten Fahrrichtung in Bewegung setzt.

In addition to the control element 30 and the position sensor 34 are in the illustration in FIG. 2 a processing unit 38 and for the purpose of illustration as a functional element of the processing unit 38 an RS flip-flop 40 is shown. The processing unit 38 - and in the illustrated example, the RS flip-flop 40 - acts as a means for interrupting the movement command 32b. Using the example of such an RS flip-flop 40, the automatic interruption of a previously triggered travel command 32b provided in accordance with the innovation proposed here can be explained in the event of an entry or approach of the elevator car 14 to the danger zone B:

• When the technician on the car roof actuates the control button 30 functioning as a control button, it triggers a drive command signal 32a. This is supplied to the processing unit 38 and indirectly from this, for example via the control device 16, or forwarded to the drive means 20 so that the drive means 20 and further the elevator car 14 sets in a selected direction of travel in motion.

In the case of an RS flip-flop 40, the drive command signal 32a is supplied to it at the setting input S. In the case of a logical one, this is taken over as the state of the output Q1 and the travel command 32b is generated in this way. The drive command signal 32a is thus switched through to some extent and appears at the output of the RS flip-flop 40 as a move command 32b. Based on the state of the output Q1 (ie based on the travel command 32b), the drive device 20 can be controlled and is activated during operation. The reset input R of the RS flip-flop 40, the position signal 36 is supplied. In the case of an entry of the elevator car 14 in the danger zone B, coded as a position signal 36 in the form of a logical one, the output Q1 is cleared, that is to say the previously switched drive command 32b is interrupted. The output Q1 changes to the state logical zero. Actuation of the drive device 20 on the basis of the state of the output Q1 thus causes the drive device 20 to be deactivated. Deactivation of the drive device 20 causes the elevator car 14 to stop.

The resulting due to the approach of the elevator car 14 to the danger zone B or due to the entry of the elevator car 14 in the danger zone B position signal thus causes a previously triggered by the control element 30 move command 32b is automatically interrupted and a stop of the movement of the elevator car fourteenth results.

The representation in FIG. 3 shows one opposite FIG. 2 slightly supplemented function of the processing unit 38. By means of the reset input R upstream OR gate is achieved that the movement command 32b is immediately interrupted even when the technician releases the drive button (control element 30). In addition, the travel command 32b is further interrupted as soon as a corresponding state of the position signal 36 indicates that the elevator car 14 reaches the danger zone B or enters it.

It should be noted that the in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 shown circuits only the basic illustration of the interruption of the movement command 32b due to a position signal 36 are intended to serve. Namely, in the illustration, it is disregarded that a permanently pending position signal 36 (when the elevator car is in the danger zone B) precludes renewed switching through of a new travel command 32b triggered by the control element 30 and thus further travel through the danger zone B. Here, however, it should be assumed that means are provided which prevent this, for example by the position sensor 34 outputting the position signal 36 only as a short pulse or by the processing unit 38 by means of a corresponding circuit the position signal 36 only for a short time, for example during a clock period stores and the stored signal is then interrupted, so that the further drive through the danger zone B is made possible after a short stop.

One possible realization of an embodiment of the processing unit 38 supplemented in this respect is shown in FIG FIG. 4 shown in the form of a so-called function diagram and with an optional return of the output Q for locking. The travel command signal 32a and the position signal 36 are each routed to an input I. By means of so-called wipers 42a, 42b, 42c (first wiper 42a, second wiper 42b, third wiper 42c) is from a rising edge of the drive command signal 32a or the position signal 36 - ie upon actuation or release of the control element 30 or at the entrance of the elevator car 14 in the danger zone B - generates a short pulse. A RS flip-flop 40 acts as the means for generating a run command 32b and for interrupting the run command 32b. The graph shown inside the function blocks representing the wipers 42a-42c illustrates the function of a wiper 42a-42c: even with a long-duration signal (above in the function block shown) or even if a possibly permanently pending signal results in a short pulse (shown below in the function block), the duration of which is basically parameterizable. An input for parameterizing the wiper 42a-42c, which is usually provided for this purpose, is not shown in the interest of clarity, just as a usually likewise present input for resetting the wiper 42a-42c is not shown.

When the control element 30 is actuated and remains actuated, the drive command signal 32a is generated and the pulse generated by the first wiper 42a due to the rising edge of the drive command signal 32a is applied to the RS flip-flop 40 at its set input S and so at the output Q the move command 32b generates. If the operating element 30 is no longer actuated, ie the drive button (operating element 30) is released, the travel command signal 32a disappears. This is without effect at the output of the first wiper 42a. The second wiper 42b is therefore supplied with the inverted drive command signal 32a, so that it generates a short pulse upon release of the drive knob. The output of the second wiper 42b is fed to an OR gate (≥1) and to a subsequent AND gate. By means of the AND gate (&), a basically optional feedback of the output Q and thus of the instantaneous status of the travel command 32b takes place. The elevator car 14 only has to stop when it is released, if it is currently in motion, ie when a travel command 32b is present. The AND element implements this link / interlock. The output of the AND gate is fed to the reset input R of the RS flip-flop 40. The pulse generated by the second wiper 42b when releasing the drive button is forwarded by the OR gate and appears at the output of the AND gate only when currently a move command 32b is present. By activating the reset input R of the RS flip-flop 40, the travel command 32b is then interrupted and the elevator car 14 stops. The interruption of the travel command 32b should, however, take place especially when the elevator car 14 enters the danger zone B. The position signal 36 generated in this case is fed to the third wiper 42c, which generates a pulse from the rising edge of the position signal 36, which is initially permanently present when it enters the danger zone B. This is forwarded by the OR gate and also appears at the output of the subsequent, optional AND gate only when currently a move command 32b is pending. Then causes the up to the resetting input R of the RS flip-flop 40 through-connected, due to the position signal 36 pulse resetting the RS flip-flop 40 and the interruption of the travel command 32b. As a result, the elevator car 14 stops.

The representation in FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the realization of the processing unit 38 according to FIG. 4 , The same details are not described again here, so that to the preceding description FIG. 4 will refer. In the embodiment according to FIG. 5 acts as means for generating a travel command 32b and for interrupting the travel command 32b, a surge switch 44th

The graph shown inside the functional block representing the current surge switch 44 illustrates the function of a surge switch 44: A first input pulse, more specifically the rising edge of the pulse, results in a logical one output (high level). With the rising edge of a later second input-side pulse, the output signal is reset to a logical zero. The two input side pulses are shown at the top of the function block and the resulting output signal is shown at the bottom of the function block. The first pulse generates an output signal which in the present case is present at the output Q as the travel command 32b. A subsequent second pulse clears the output signal and thus interrupts the travel command 32b. A subsequent further pulse again generates an output signal and so on.

The generation of the travel command 32b on the basis of the travel command signal 32a generated upon actuation of the operating element 30 essentially corresponds to the generation of the travel command 32b at the in FIG. 4 shown situation. The generated by the first wiper 42a due to the rising edge of a drive command signal 32a and forwarded by the subsequent OR gate pulse controls the surge switch 44, whereupon the drive command 32b is generated as its output. This first drive corresponds to the driving of the RS flip-flop 40 at its set input S. When the control element 30 is released, the second wiper 42b generates a pulse due to the drive command signal 32a which is inverted at its input. Link is passed to the input of the surge switch 44 and there clears the output of the surge switch 44 (the previously generated drive command signal 32a is interrupted), so that the elevator car 14 stops when you release the knob. This second activation of the current pulse switch 44 corresponds to the activation of the RS flip-flop 40 at its resetting input R.

In the embodiment shown, a fundamentally optional AND gate is connected between the second wiper 42b and the OR gate. By means of this AND gate is here before in the description of the embodiment according to FIG. 4 already explained feedback of the output Q realized. By means of the AND gate, it is ensured that a pulse generated by the second wiper 42b is forwarded only if a travel command 32b is currently present and correspondingly at the output Q a logical one is present.

Of course, should also by means of in FIG. 5 shown embodiment, the interruption of the travel command 32b take place especially when the elevator car 14 reaches the danger zone B or enters into this. The position signal 36 generated in this case is also supplied to the third wiper 42c, which generates a pulse due to the rising edge of the position B, when it first enters the danger zone B, which is permanently present. This is finally forwarded via the OR gate to the input of the surge switch 44 and clears there the output of the surge switch 44. This may be a second control of the surge switch 44 and consequently also corresponds to the driving of the RS flip-flop 40 at the reset input In any case, the previously generated travel command 32b is interrupted by means of the pulse generated by the third wiper 42c, so that the elevator car 14 stops due to the position signal 36.

In this embodiment as well, a basically optional AND element for returning the output Q and thus the instantaneous status of the travel command 32b is connected between the third wiper 42c and the OR gate in the embodiment shown. By means of this AND gate it is ensured that a pulse generated by the third wiper 42c is forwarded only if there is currently a travel command 32b and correspondingly at the output Q a logic one is present. Thus, if the elevator car 14 is in motion due to a pending travel command 32b and enters the danger zone B, so that the position signal 36 is generated, resulting from the position signal 36, a pulse generated by the third wiper 42c, via the subsequent AND gate subsequent OR gate to the surge switch 44 is forwarded. The control of the surge switch 44 by this pulse causes an interruption of the travel command 32b, so that the elevator car 14 stops.

Also in a realization according to FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 The processing unit 38 itself and a functional element comprised thereof, for example an RS flip-flop 40, a surge switch 44 or the like, function as means for automatically interrupting a previously generated travel command 32b as soon as the elevator car 14 approaches or approaches the danger zone B. reached.

The representation in FIG. 6 shows the interruption of the travel command 32b ( Fig. 2 . Fig. 3 ) in the event of entry or approach of the elevator car 14 into or to the danger zone B, ie in the case of a subsequently triggered position signal 36, in the form of a flow chart. In this case, first (step 50) it is checked whether the operating element 30 is actuated and a drive command signal 32a is present. If this is the case (branch "+"), a move command 32b is generated (step 52) or maintained. Subsequently, it is checked whether there is a position signal 36 from the position sensor 34 (step 54). If this is the case (branch "+"), the travel command 32b is interrupted or deleted (step 56). On the other hand, if there is no position signal 36 (branch "-"), step 56 is skipped and the previously applied status of the movement command 32b is accepted. Finally, in step 58, an activation of the drive device 20 takes place on the basis of the respective status of the movement command 32b. In a pending from the operating element 30 command signal 32a and without a simultaneous position signal 36 from the position sensor 34 thus results in a move command 32b, so that the elevator car 14 is in motion or continues a current movement.

The execution of these steps is repeated cyclically. The respectively processed or generated signals are shown on the left side of the flowchart. In step 50 it is checked whether a travel command signal 32a is present from the operating element 30. In step 54 it is checked whether a position signal 36 is present from the position sensor system 34 and effected in step 58 with the respective status of the drive command 32b, the control of the drive device 20th

If it is determined in step 54 at any time that there is a position signal 36 from the position sensor 34 (branch "+"), the travel command 32b is immediately interrupted (step 56) and due to the resulting drive of the drive device 20 (step 58) stops Elevator car 14. Interrupting the Move command 32b due to the position signal 36 and the resulting stop the elevator car 14, the service personnel clearly on the danger zone B out.

The travel command 32b is also interrupted (step 60), if it is determined in step 50 (branch "-") that the operating element 30 is no longer actuated. The technician must therefore operate the control element 30 to trigger a driving movement of the elevator car 14 permanently. After the step 60, a branch is made after the step 52 (or possibly also immediately before the step 58), so that the movement command 32b interrupted in step 60 is not generated again in step 52.

The representation in FIG. 7 shows one opposite FIG. 6 supplemented form of the flowchart with an optional control and evaluation of a timing acquisition unit. The basic functional sequence corresponds to that described above in the description of FIG FIG. 6 explained functional sequence so that reference is made to avoid repetition. The supplement in FIG. 7 FIG. 5 is a schematic simplified representation of a step 62 for resetting and starting a counter 64 which functions as a timing acquisition unit. Step 62 is executed if a position signal 36 is detected in step 54 (branch "+") and the travel command 32b is interrupted (step 56) ). The state of the counter 64 is checked in step 50 after first generating a run command 32b (step 52) in addition to the status of the run command signal 32a. Because of this supplemented check, branching to branch 52 (branch "+") and a move command 32b are generated only when a move command signal 32a is present and the counter 64 has expired.

The sequence of the counter 64 which is necessary in this way causes a waiting time specified by the counter 64 to elapse after entry into the danger zone B before the drive command 32b is generated again in the same direction, which service staff stops by stopping the movement of the elevator car 14 points out more strongly to the potential hazards in danger zone B.

Also the representations in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are to be understood only as a principal illustration. For example, it is necessary to register when, on the basis of a position signal 36, a (first) interruption of the travel command 32b takes place (step 56), thus not in the further cyclic execution of the steps shown a permanently pending position signal 36 (when the elevator car 14 is in the danger zone B) a permanent interruption of the movement command 32b takes place and consequently no movement or no further travel of the elevator car 14 takes place. Here, too, it may therefore be provided, for example, that the position sensor 34 only outputs the position signal 36 in order to enable further travel within the danger zone B as a short pulse or that is registered when a first interruption of the movement command 32b has occurred due to a position signal 36 (Step 56) and this registration is only canceled when the position signal 36 disappears, so that only when a new occurrence of the position signal 36 again interrupting the movement command 32b takes place (step 56). Furthermore, it should be noted that in step 56 (interruption of the travel command 32b due to position signal 36), the operating element 30 is deactivated so that a renewed actuation of the operating element 30 is required before the travel command 32b can be re-enabled. Of course, when the elevator car 14 has left the meeting or danger zone again, the onward journey is released again in the usual frame, the usual frame being determined by the inspection mode.

The illustrations in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 . FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 such as FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are intended to illustrate that the function of the processing unit 38 as means for interrupting the movement command 32b by means of individual less analog and / or digital switching elements or in the form of software can be realized. An implementation of the above related to the representations in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 such as FIG. 6 and Figure 7 explained functionality in software or in software and firmware is an example of the above-mentioned and functioning as a control program computer program. Such a control program is loaded in a manner known per se into a memory of a corresponding processing unit 38 and is executed during operation of the elevator installation 10 by means of a microprocessor or the like comprised by the processing unit 38.

The innovation proposed here can be summarized briefly as follows: An elevator installation 10 with an elevator car 14 movable in an elevator shaft 12 and a method for operating an elevator installation 10 are indicated, wherein the elevator installation 10 is connected to the elevator car 14 in the elevator shaft 12 a direction of movement of the elevator car 14 opposite direction of movement movable counterweight 26, wherein the elevator shaft 12 is a danger zone B, wherein the elevator car 14 by means of a manually operable control element 30 is movable and being provided as an unmistakable indication to service personnel on the danger zone B that by means of a processing unit 38 by means of the control element 30th triggered movement command 32b is automatically interruptible and a stop of the movement of the elevator car 14 results as soon as the elevator car 14 reaches the danger zone B.

Claims (14)

Elevator installation (10) having an elevator car (14) which is movable in an elevator shaft (12),
one with the elevator car (14) in the elevator shaft (12) in a direction of movement of the elevator car (14) opposite direction of movement movable counterweight (26) and
a danger zone (B) in the elevator shaft (12),
wherein the elevator car (14) can be moved by means of a manually operable control element (30) in a selected direction of travel,
characterized,
that by means of the operating element (30) triggered movement command (32b) is automatically interrupted by means of a processing unit (38), so that a stop of the movement of the elevator car (14) results as soon as the lift cage (14) reaches the danger zone (B), and
in that, after the stop of the movement of the elevator car (14), the elevator car (14) can continue to travel in the selected direction of travel. Elevator installation (10) according to claim 1, wherein the danger zone (B) in the elevator shaft (12) is a meeting zone in which the elevator car (14) approaches the counterweight (26) and / or the elevator car (14) adjoins the counterweight ( 26) passed by. Elevator installation (10) according to claim 2, having a position sensor (34) for detecting a position of the elevator car (14) relative to the danger zone (B), wherein by means of the processing unit (38) a position signal (36) which can be triggered by the position sensor (34). for interrupting a previously commanded by the manually operable control element (30) driving command (32b) is evaluated. The elevator installation (10) according to claim 3, wherein the position sensor (34) is mounted in the elevator shaft (12), on the elevator car (14), on the counterweight (26) or on the elevator car (14) and on the counterweight (26). Elevator installation (10) according to one of the preceding claims, having a time-lapse detection unit (64), in particular one of the processing unit (38) included timing detection unit (64), by means of the timing acquisition unit (64) during a predetermined or predeterminable period of registration of a new, by means of the operating element (30) triggered travel command (32b) can be prevented. Elevator installation (10) according to one of the preceding claims, with a sensor system on a roof of the elevator car (14), wherein an activatable by means of the sensor on the car roof operating mode signal for activating an inspection mode is evaluated, wherein in the inspection mode by means of the operating element (30) a movement command (32b) can be triggered and such a movement command (32b) is automatically interrupted as soon as the elevator car (14) reaches the meeting zone or danger zone (B). Method for operating an elevator installation (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a movement command (32b) triggered by the control element (30) is automatically interrupted by the processing unit (38) and a stop of the movement of the elevator car (14) results as soon as the Elevator car (14) reaches the meeting zone or danger zone (B). The method of claim 7 for operating an elevator installation (10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein by means of the processing unit (38) triggered by the position sensor (34) position signal (36) for interrupting a previously by the manually operable control (30) triggered travel command (32b) evaluated and the travel command (32b) is interrupted. Method according to one of claims 7 or 8, wherein by means of a timing acquisition unit (64), in particular one of the processing unit (38) included timing detection unit (64), during a predetermined or predeterminable period of registration of a new, triggered by the operating element (30) driving command (32b) is prevented. Method according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein a triggered by means of a sensor on a roof of the elevator car (14) operating mode signal for activation of an inspection mode is evaluated, wherein in the inspection mode by means of the control element (30) a movement command (32b) can be triggered and such Move command (32b) is automatically interrupted as soon as the elevator car (14) reaches the meeting zone or danger zone (B). The method of claim 10, wherein after interrupting the movement command (32b) and the resulting stop of the elevator car (14) a further drive through the encounter zone or danger zone (B) is made possible. Method according to one of claims 7 to 11, wherein within the meeting zone or danger zone (B), a travel speed of the elevator car (14) is limited or reduced. Method according to one of claims 7 to 12, wherein within the meeting zone or danger zone (B) a signal tone or a signal light is activated. Method according to one of claims 7 to 13, wherein after leaving the meeting zone or danger zone (B) a continuation of the inspection mode is made possible.

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