EP3621910B1 - Safety device of a lift system, lift system and method for operating such safety device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a safety device for an elevator system, as well as an elevator system with such a safety device and a method for operating a safety device. The invention is therefore particularly in the field of elevator technology.

State of the art

Elevator systems typically have at least one safety device in order to meet the safety requirements. Safety devices are designed, for example, to prevent uncontrolled movement of a car and in particular a crash of the car in an emergency and / or in the event of a malfunction. Such a safety device is for example in the DE 10 2015 217 423 A1 described.

Such safety devices are often spring-loaded and / or weight-loaded mechanical systems, a driving force being designed to move the safety device from a release position into a blocking position. The safety devices are typically held in the release position by a holding force, with the holding force being lowered or switched off in an emergency and / or in the event of a malfunction to trigger the safety device in order to bring the safety device into the locked position and thereby trigger the safety device. Often an electromagnet is used to provide the holding force, the magnetic force of which is greater than the driving force and at least partially opposed to the driving force in order to be able to hold the safety device in the release position. For example, an electromagnet with a power consumption between 50 W and 500 W can be suitable to be used in the context of a holding element.

For this purpose, the electromagnet used is usually permanently energized in order to keep the safety device permanently in the release position and to ensure that in the event of a power failure the holding force is automatically lowered and the safety device is thereby automatically brought into the locked position. Furthermore, the safety devices are typically configured in such a way that the electromagnet is switched off and / or its magnetic force or holding force is reduced when a fault and / or an emergency is detected. Due to the driving force of the safety device, the safety device is activated immediately as soon as the holding force of the electromagnet is reduced below the driving force or is completely eliminated.

Unintentional triggering of the safety device can, under certain circumstances, necessitate maintenance of the elevator system and / or the actuation of an actuator provided specifically for this purpose, which often results in downtime of the elevator system. In order to prevent the safety device from being triggered unintentionally, the electromagnet therefore usually has to be permanently energized, regardless of whether the elevator system is in motion or not. In particular in the case of less frequented elevator systems, the electrical power consumed by the electromagnet can thus make up a large proportion of the total electrical power consumed by the elevator system. For this reason, especially in the case of less frequented elevator systems, the operating costs of the elevator system are noticeably increased by the safety device. In addition, it is typically necessary to have a correspondingly large storage device for electrical energy, for example a rechargeable battery, ready for an emergency, such as for emergency operation and / or the evacuation of the elevator system.

A regular and / or scheduled shutdown of the magnet is also often not provided because this leads to undesirable noises in the elevator system and / or because the mechanics of the safety device may not be designed for a large number of cycles or triggers and / or after If the safety device is triggered, a complex maintenance and / or reset procedure of the safety device may be required.

In addition, the holding force or the electromagnet is typically dimensioned or configured in such a way as to avoid unintentional triggering of the safety device during operation of the elevator system, as this, for example, causes severe delays in the car and / or locked passengers and / or a reduction in the availability of the Elevator system can result, as well as an increased effort for the Can cause recommissioning. In addition, the holding force must be measured in such a way that other environmental influences are also taken into account by means of a tolerance amount, which may reduce the effect of the holding force on the safety device, such as existing dust between the magnets and an armature plate and / or an increased operating temperature which can reduce the can reduce the effective holding force of the magnet. The holding force must also be dimensioned in such a way that accelerations and / or vibrations occurring in the elevator system during operation do not lead to an unintentional triggering of the safety device. For these reasons, the holding force to be provided for the safety device, which is provided for example by means of an electromagnet, is many times greater than the amount of the driving force of the safety device. Correspondingly, sufficient current is supplied to the electromagnet in order to provide the required holding force, which can result in a considerable need for electrical energy.

It is therefore desirable to provide a safety device for an elevator system which ensures safe operation of the elevator system and yet has the lowest possible energy consumption.

Disclosure of the invention

According to the invention, a safety device for an elevator system, an elevator system and a method for operating an elevator system with the features of the respective independent claims are proposed. Advantageous refinements are the subject matter of the subclaims and the description below.

In one aspect, the invention particularly also or alternatively relates to a safety device for an elevator system with a safety element which keeps a safety system deactivated in a release position and activates the safety system in a locked position, the safety element exerting a driving force, the effect of which is directed in such a way, the safety element to transfer from the release position to the locked position. Furthermore, the safety device has a holding element which exerts a holding force on the safety element in such a way that the holding force counteracts the driving force in order to hold the safety element in the release position. In the release position of the security element, the holding force exceeds the driving force by a tolerance amount, the tolerance amount being adjustable as a function of different operating modes which are possible in the release position of the security element is. The safety device is also set up to reduce the holding force in order to transfer the safety element into the blocking position in such a way that the driving force exceeds the holding force.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to an elevator installation with a safety device according to the invention.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a car of an elevator installation with a safety device according to the invention.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for operating an elevator system with a safety device according to the invention, comprising determining the holding force of the at least one holding element during a first operating state, in particular a driving mode, of the elevator system in such a way that the tolerance amount of the holding force has a first value greater than zero assumes, and determining the holding force of the at least one holding element during a second operating state, in particular at least partially during idle operation of the elevator system such that the tolerance amount of the holding force assumes a second value greater than zero, which is smaller than the first value.

An exertion of the holding force on the safety element is to be understood in particular as providing a force and / or a moment at a position of the safety device, in particular of the actuating mechanism. If a holding force is thus exerted which is equal to the driving force, i.e. if the tolerance amount is equal to zero, there is an equilibrium of forces between the holding force and the driving force. If the tolerance amount is greater than zero, the holding force exceeds the driving force by the tolerance amount. The holding force exerted or the holding force at a point of application of the holding force therefore does not necessarily have to be equal to an amount of the holding force at a power source.

The different operating modes are in particular different operating modes of the elevator system. The different operating modes preferably include driving mode and / or idle mode of the elevator system. In addition, further operating modes can preferably be designed or provided.

The elevator system is preferably operated during travel operation in such a way that the at least one car of the elevator system can be moved and, in particular, can approach different stops of the elevator system. For example, the Driving operations also include stopping and / or waiting in one of the stops and / or away from the stops. For example, the driving operation can also enable loading and / or unloading of the at least one car and / or boarding and / or disembarking of passengers, preferably in or at stops of the elevator system. In particular, the driving mode can represent an operating mode in which the occurrence of fluctuations, oscillations and / or vibrations in the elevator system and / or the car, in particular while the car is moving, is to be expected and therefore a larger amount of tolerance can be advantageous in order to avoid a to reliably prevent unintentional triggering of the security element.

The elevator system is preferably operated during idle operation in such a way that the at least one car is in a rest position or parking position for a longer period of time without it being possible to move the at least one car without further ado during the longer period of idle operation. For example, the at least one car can be positioned or parked in a stop of the elevator system during idle operation. In particular, it may be necessary during idle mode before moving the car to first end idle mode and to switch the elevator system to another operating mode, for example to travel mode, before the at least one car can be moved. In particular, the idle mode can represent an operating mode in which the occurrence of fluctuations, oscillations and / or vibrations in the elevator system and / or the car, in particular while at least one car is parked, is not to be expected and therefore a smaller tolerance amount may be sufficient in order to reliably prevent unintentional triggering of the safety element.

The deactivated safety element preferably enables a car of the elevator installation to be moved in normal operation, and the activated safety element at least partially prevents the car of the elevator installation from being moved. In other words, according to preferred embodiments, the security element can be designed to restrict or even completely prevent a movement or mobility of a car of the elevator installation in the active state.

In particular, the provision of a standby mode can be advantageous in the case of less frequented elevator systems which are only rarely used, for example. In this case, for example, the elevator system and / or the safety device can be set up in such a way that after a predetermined period of time in which the elevator system was not used, the elevator system and / or the safety device is switched to idle mode. Alternatively or additionally, the elevator system can be switched to travel mode for some periods of time so that the elevator system is ready to move the cars, and it can be switched to idle mode during other periods of time so that the elevator system can remain parked in an energy-saving manner. For example, the elevator system can be set up to be switched to driving mode during predetermined or fixed opening times of a building and / or to be switched to idle mode at least temporarily outside of opening times. For example, the elevator system can also be set up to be switched to one of several operating modes by qualified operating personnel.

In particular, the tolerance amount is understood to mean that portion of the holding force which in terms of amount exceeds the driving force. In this respect, the tolerance amount provides security if the driving force increases or the holding force decreases during operation, for example due to vibrations. The invention offers the advantage that the tolerance amount can have different values. This makes it possible, in particular for an operating mode of the elevator system, to select the tolerance amount so high that safe operation of the elevator system is made possible and, in particular, an unintentional triggering of the safety device is prevented. In particular, the tolerance amount can be selected such that the holding force is sufficient to reliably prevent the safety device from being triggered unintentionally, for example, even when adverse influences such as vibrations and / or increased ambient temperatures occur. For this purpose, the tolerance amount can be selected, for example, such that the amount of the total holding force exceeds the amount of the driving force many times over. On the other hand, the invention enables the amount of tolerance of the holding force to be adapted in such a way that the amount of tolerance can be reduced when the elevator installation is in idle mode and / or not in operation. In other words, the invention enables the holding force to be reduced, in particular when the elevator system is not in the driving mode, but is, for example, in a rest position or in a rest mode. The security element preferably has a weight-loaded mechanical system and / or a spring-loaded mechanical system, or is designed as such. For example, the safety device can be designed as a safety device or have one. Furthermore, the safety device can preferably be arranged in and / or on a car of the elevator system and / or be arranged in and / or on a shaft of the elevator system.

The inventors have recognized that a reduction in the holding force or the tolerance amount of the holding force is advantageous when the elevator system is not in operation and / or in idle mode, since outside of operation of the elevator system there is no high decelerations and / or accelerations and / or Vibrations in the elevator system is to be expected and therefore a lower tolerance amount of the holding force can be sufficient to reliably prevent an unintentional triggering of the safety device.

However, should the safety device be unintentionally triggered outside of operation or during idle operation of the elevator system, for example because the tolerance amount has been reduced too far and / or unexpectedly high influences, such as vibrations and / or temperatures, act on the safety device and thereby reduce the driving force at least for a short time support, the consequences of unintentional triggering of the safety device may be justifiable because, for example, it is not possible to lock passengers in if the elevator car or cars are in a stop as long as the elevator system is not in operation and / or in idle mode.

The invention thus enables the holding force or the amount of tolerance of the holding force to be adapted in accordance with the situation in order to keep the holding force as low as possible but nevertheless to ensure adequate protection against unintentional triggering of the safety device. This therefore makes it possible, for example, to reduce the energy consumption of the holding element at least during times when the elevator system is not in operation and / or in idle mode, but nevertheless, if a greater tolerance amount is required, for example while the elevator system is in motion, protection corresponding to the desired requirements to offer against an unintentional triggering of the safety device. Thus, not only can the energy consumption of the elevator system be reduced, in particular when the elevator system is not in operation or in idle mode, but also a longevity or service life of the holding element can be increased, since this is at least during times when the elevator system is not in operation or in idle mode, is exposed to lower loads.

The invention therefore offers an advantage, in particular for less frequented elevator systems, in which typically the energy consumption during times when the elevator system is not in operation or in idle mode represents a large proportion of the total energy consumption.

The holding element is preferably variable and / or influenceable in such a way that the tolerance amount of the holding force can be varied. For example, this can be achieved in that a holding element is provided whose holding force or the tolerance amount of the holding force can be adjusted. This offers the advantage that the holding force of the holding element or the tolerance amount of the holding force, which exceeds the amount of the driving force, can be adapted to the needs or requirements of the respective elevator system. A holding element can particularly preferably be designed in such a way that the holding force or the tolerance amount of the holding force can be varied continuously in a predetermined value range. This offers the advantage that the safety device has a high degree of flexibility and can be easily adapted to the requirements of the elevator system.

The safety device is preferably set up in such a way that the tolerance amount of the holding force can be varied by means of a power supply to the holding element. For example, by varying the energy or power supplied to the holding element or the safety device, the holding force of the holding element or the tolerance amount of the holding force can be varied. This offers the advantage that a particularly simple setting option for the holding force or the amount of tolerance can be achieved, the setting options preferably not requiring any mechanical change and / or no mechanical action on the safety device and / or the holding element.

The safety device preferably has a plurality of holding elements which are set up to jointly exert the holding force on the security element, the safety device being set up to vary the tolerance amount of the holding force by activating and / or deactivating part of the plurality of holding elements. For example, the safety device has a plurality of holding elements which can be switched on and / or switched off as required. If, for example, only a small amount of tolerance or a low holding force is required, such as when the elevator system is not in operation or in idle mode, it may be sufficient, for example, if only a part of the majority of the holding elements is active to maintain the holding force provide, while other holding elements of the plurality of holding elements are deactivated and / or do not contribute to the provision of the holding force. However, if a high tolerance or a high holding force is required, for example for the operation of the elevator system, one or more holding elements can preferably be switched on so that the holding force is provided by a greater number of holding elements than during a period in which the elevator system is not in operation or in idle mode.

A particularly flexible variability of the safety device or the holding element or the holding force is achieved as a result. The holding elements of the plurality of holding elements can each be designed in the same or different manner and in particular can be designed to provide equally strong or differently strong portions of the holding force.

The safety device preferably has at least two holding elements which are set up to exert a different holding force, and the safety device is set up to activate a first holding element of the at least two holding elements which has the greater holding force of the at least two in order to set a larger tolerance amount Exerts holding elements, and to set a smaller amount of tolerance to activate a second holding element of the at least two holding elements which exerts the smaller holding force of the at least two holding elements.

The tolerance amount has at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 15%, even more preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 30%, much more preferably at least 40%, most preferably at least 50% of an amount of the driving force. Furthermore, the tolerance amount is preferably at most fifteen times, preferably at most ten times, more preferably at most eight times, even more preferably at most four times as large as the amount of the driving force. In this way, an unintentional or unintentional triggering of the safety device can be reliably prevented and a reduction in the power requirement can nevertheless be achieved.

The holding element preferably has at least one electromagnet, the at least one electromagnet being particularly preferably set up to provide the holding force by means of a magnetic force. This offers the advantage that the magnetic force or holding force provided by the electromagnet can be varied and / or adjusted in a simple manner by, for example, varying the energization of the at least one electromagnet. A higher current can provide a higher magnetic force and correspondingly a higher holding force, while a lower current flow can be required for a lower holding force. Advantages in terms of energy consumption can also result from the fact that an operating voltage of the at least one electromagnet is varied and, in particular, is reduced when the elevator system is not in operation or in idle mode. In particular, there can be a non-linear dependency of the magnetic force or holding force on the operating voltage, whereby, for example, a reduction in the required holding force enables a disproportionately greater reduction in the operating voltage and thus a disproportionately greater saving in electrical energy. For example, the reduction in The square of the operating voltage is associated with the reduction in the holding force. For example, a reduction in the amount of tolerance or the holding force by 50% can enable the operating voltage of the at least one electromagnet to be reduced by 75%. Preferably, a reduction in the electrical voltage and thus a reduction in the consumption of electrical energy and / or electrical current and thus a reduction in the tolerance amount of the holding force can be achieved by means of a transformer and / or a pulse width modulation of the electrical voltage.

According to a preferred embodiment, the holding element or the safety device has at least two electromagnets of different strength, between which a switch can be made depending on the required holding force. For example, the stronger of the at least two electromagnets can be activated during driving operation in order to provide a holding force with a greater tolerance amount. On the other hand, when the elevator system is not in operation or in idle operation, the weaker of the at least two electromagnets can be activated, while the stronger of the two electromagnets is deactivated in order to provide a holding force with a lower tolerance amount. Alternatively, at least two similar or different electromagnets can be provided, with, for example, when the elevator system is not in operation or in idle mode, only one electromagnet provides the holding force, whereas during travel operation at least two electromagnets provide the holding force.

According to some preferred embodiments, a series resistor can also be provided to vary the holding force, which makes it possible to vary the consumption of electrical current and / or electrical power by the at least one electromagnet and thereby add the magnetic force or holding force caused by the at least one electromagnet vary

According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one holding element can have a permanent magnet and an electromagnet, the holding force provided or exerted by the permanent magnet being smaller than the driving force and the holding force provided or exerted by the electromagnet being smaller than the driving force, the The sum of the holding force of the permanent magnet and the holding force of the electromagnet is greater than the driving force. In other words, the permanent magnet and the electromagnet are designed in such a way that they can only together provide a total holding force or holding force which is sufficient to hold the security element in the release position. This has the advantage that the Electromagnet with a lower power or a lower holding force can be provided than when an electromagnet alone has to provide the entire holding force or total holding force. As a result, the energy consumption of the holding element can thus be reduced.

The safety element preferably has folding stops which are set up to limit a travel area of a car of the elevator installation. The folding stops can for example be held in the release position by the holding element and / or brought into a blocking position by a driving force.

Preferably, the safety element can alternatively or additionally have, for example, a telescopic apron on a door of a car, which is preferably designed to prevent passengers from falling into an area below the car in the locked position.

As an alternative or in addition, the safety element can preferably have an additional brake, for example, which is set up to brake a movement of the elevator car.

As an alternative or in addition, the safety element can preferably have, for example, one or more pivotable buffers which, for example, limit a travel area of at least one car in the locked position and release, i.e. not restrict, the travel area in the release position.

As an alternative or in addition, the safety element can preferably have, for example, a pivotable railing which is set up, for example, to prevent passengers from falling in the locked position.

Preferably, the security element can alternatively or additionally have, for example, an adaptable ventilation opening which can be brought into different operating positions by the holding element and / or by the driving force.

As an alternative or in addition, the security element can preferably have, for example, an access control to an emergency evacuation route, for example in order to give passengers access to the emergency evacuation route in the event of danger.

As an alternative or in addition, the safety element can preferably be designed, for example, as a catching device (10) or have one. This can offer the advantage that, in the event of danger, an uncontrolled downward movement of at least one car can be avoided if the safety device is moved into the locked position.

Further advantages and embodiments of the invention emerge from the description and the accompanying drawings.

It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present claims.

The invention is shown schematically in the drawings using an exemplary embodiment and is described below with reference to the drawings.

Figure description

• Figure 1 shows schematically a preferred embodiment of a safety device according to the invention for an elevator installation in the non-triggered state.
• Figure 2 shows the safety device Figure 1 when triggered.
• Figure 3 shows in a diagram a comparison of the forces to be applied by a safety device for a first operating mode I and a second operating mode II of an elevator installation.

Detailed description of the drawing

The Figures 1 and 2 are described coherently and each show schematically a preferred embodiment of a safety device 10 according to the invention for an elevator system. The safety device 10 is designed as a safety device 10. The safety device 10 is attached, for example, to a car of an elevator system, the movement of which is to be braked in an emergency and / or in the event of a fault.

The safety device 10 has a safety element 100 which, in the embodiment shown, is designed as a wedge brake 100 which, in the actuated state, is able to brake a movement of a car (not shown) of the elevator system. For this purpose, the wedge brake 100 has a stationary brake shoe 101 and a wedge-shaped brake shoe 102 which is movable vertically and horizontally in the figure (each indicated by double arrows) and is supported on an inclined plane 103. In an intermediate space between the brake shoes 101 and 102, for example, a guide rail (not shown) of the elevator system can run, which can be clamped by closing the wedge brake 100.

The wedge brake 100, more precisely its movable brake shoes 102, is connected to a tappet 201 of an actuation mechanism 200. The actuation mechanism 200 is configured to assume a first and a second position, the actuation mechanism 200 in the first, in FIG Figure 1 position shown, the release position, the wedge brake 100 leaves unactuated and in the second, in Figure 2 The position shown, the locking position, actuates the wedge brake 100.

The actuation mechanism 200 has a coupling gear 202, 203, 204, which has a first lever, here acting as an actuating lever 202, and a second lever, here acting as a reset lever 204, which are coupled to one another via a coupling rod 203.

The operating lever 202 is at a first end (in the Figure 1 the left end) pivotably mounted and connected to the plunger 201 at a second, in particular displaceable end (the right end in the figure). The actuating lever 202 is connected to the coupling rod 203 at a connection point in between.

The reset lever 204 is pivotably mounted at its end on the right in the figure and is acted upon with pressure or force in the region of its movable end by a pressure accumulator, designed here as a compression spring 205. The pressure accumulator 205 is designed to provide the driving force F1 of the safety element 100. The reset lever 204 is also coupled to the coupling rod 203 at a connection point.

The coupling rod 203 has a freewheel 203a, which enables the actuation mechanism 200 to be reset from the second position to the first position without simultaneously resetting the wedge brake 100 from the activated, actuated position to the deactivated, non-actuated position. In other words, this goes further below The explained tensioning or resetting of the actuating mechanism 200 in the triggered case of the safety gear not also automatically for releasing (transferring from the activated position to the deactivated position) the wedge brake; rather, for safety reasons, it is provided that the wedge brake 100 must be released separately, for example manually.

In the embodiment shown, the actuation mechanism 200 also has a catch mechanism monitoring means 206. The monitoring means 206 monitors whether the wedge brake 100 is in the actuated (activated) or the inactivated (deactivated) position. In the illustration shown, the catch mechanism monitoring means 206 has a switch 206a which is closed when the wedge brake is opened (deactivated) (see FIG Figure 1 ), and which is open when the wedge brake is closed (activated) (see Figure 2 ).

The safety device 10 furthermore has a holding element 300 which, in the example shown, is coupled to the reset lever 204. However, the holding element can also be coupled to the actuating lever 202 without restricting the generality.

The holding element 300 is designed to hold the actuating mechanism 200 in the first, in FIG. 1, using a permanent magnet 301, which magnetically attracts an associated armature 302 Figure 1 release position shown. The permanent magnet 301 and the armature 302 are, however, designed in such a way that the holding force generated by these components alone cannot hold the safety device in its release position.

The safety device 10 or the holding element 300 furthermore has an electromagnet 400 which is set up to, together with the permanent magnet, the compression spring 205 in the Figure 1 to hold the first release position shown. For this purpose, a magnetic field is generated by the electromagnet 400, which finally generates a holding force which counteracts the driving force F1 exerted by the compression spring 205. Together with the holding force brought about by the permanent magnet 301, a total holding force F2 is exerted which is greater than the driving force F1 exerted by the compression spring. By switching off or reducing the power of the electromagnet 400, the transfer of the safety device into the blocking position is initiated.

The driving force F1, the holding force F2 and the tolerance amount T are in Figure 1 illustrated by way of example by the corresponding arrows. It can be seen that the amount of holding force F2 on the component on which the forces act, according to the embodiment shown, exceeds the amount of the driving force F1 by the tolerance amount. For example, the tolerance amount T can be selected such that the holding force F2 only slightly exceeds the driving force when the elevator system is idle, whereas the tolerance amount T can be selected during operation of the elevator system such that the holding force F2 exceeds the driving force T by a larger amount.

The forces acting on the respective component or on the holding element must always be compared. This means that the forces are in equilibrium when the amount of the driving force F1 is equal to the amount of the holding force F2. However, under certain circumstances, these amounts can differ from the amounts of the respective forces at the power sources, for example because leverage moments lead to a translation and / or force conversion.

According to the preferred embodiment shown, the holding element 300 comprises only one electromagnet 400, wherein other embodiments can have a larger number of electromagnets. The electromagnet 400 or the holding element 300 are set up in such a way that the magnetic field of the electromagnet 400 or the holding force can be varied, so that a tolerance amount T by which the holding force F2 of the holding element 300 exceeds the driving force F1 of the compression spring 205 is set variably or can be adjusted. This ensures that a large tolerance amount T or a large holding force F2 can be provided while the elevator system is in motion, in order to reliably prevent an unwanted triggering of the safety device even when vibrations and / or fluctuations and / or shocks occur in the elevator system. For example, the safety device can be set up in such a way that the holding force F2 while the elevator system is in operation is approximately four times as great as the driving force F1 or compressive force of the compression spring 205. On the other hand, the variability of the holding element 300 allows the holding force F2 or the tolerance amount T be reduced when the elevator system is not in operation or in idle mode, so that the holding force F2 is, for example, only twice as large as the amount of the driving force F1 of the compression spring 205. This reduces the strength of the magnetic field to be provided by the electromagnet 400, which also reduces the Consumption of electrical power or energy by the electromagnet 400 can be reduced. Therefore, by adapting the holding force F2 or the tolerance amount T of the holding force F2, a significant amount of electrical power or energy can be saved when the elevator installation is not in operation or in idle mode.

Finally, the safety gear 10 has a reset mechanism 500 which is set up to reverse the actuation mechanism 200 from the in FIG Figure 2 second locking position shown in Figure 1 reset shown first release position. Alternatively or in addition, the reset mechanism 500 can also be set up, without loss of generality, to reset the wedge brake 100 from the actuated (activated) position to the inactivated (deactivated) position.

To this end, the reset mechanism 500 has a spindle drive 501, in which a spindle 502 can be moved by an electric motor (direction indicated by the double arrow shown in the spindle drive 501). The spindle 501 is connected to the reset lever 204 of the actuating mechanism 200 via a further freewheel 503. In the figure, this connection coincides with the connection of the compression spring 205, which, however, is to be seen purely by way of example.

The freewheel 503 can for example (like the freewheel 203) be designed as a pin movable in an elongated hole. The freewheel 503 serves to prevent a movement of the wedge brake 100 from the inactivated, in Figure 1 position shown in the actuated, in the actuated in Figure 2 To enable the position shown without moving the reset mechanism or its electric motor. This ensures that the wedge brake must be actuated essentially without force and, in particular, not against a holding force of the reset mechanism or its electric motor.

The reset mechanism 500 is further equipped with a reset mechanism monitoring means 504 which monitors whether a movement of the wedge brake 100 from the inactivated (deactivated) position to the activated (activated) position is possible without moving the reset mechanism 500 or its electric motor 501. In the example shown, an electrical switch of the monitoring means 504 is closed when the freewheel 503 allows a movement of the reset lever 204 and thus also of the brake shoe 102 via the coupling rod 203, the actuating lever 202 and the tappet 201, without the actuating mechanism 500 or its electric motor at the same time 501 to move with. Otherwise, if the freewheel 503 does not allow such a movement without moving the actuating mechanism 500 or its electric motor 501 (because the spindle 502 is retracted), the switch of the reset mechanism monitoring means 504 is open.

The monitoring means 206 and 504 serve to increase the safety in that, when the switches are closed, which enables the application of a closed-circuit current principle, the functionality or tripping capability of the safety gear is displayed.

A safety gear according to the invention can be operated in a very energy-saving manner, since the holding device is designed in such a way that it holds the actuating mechanism in a particularly energy-saving manner. In particular, the variability of the holding element 300 or the electromagnet 400 offers the possibility of saving electrical energy, since a reduction in the holding force when the elevator system is not in operation enables, for example, a reduction in the electrical voltage with which the electromagnet 400 is supplied becomes.

Figure 3 shows in a diagram a comparison of the forces to be applied by a safety device for a first operating mode I and a second operating mode II of an elevator installation. For example, the operating mode I can be an idle state of the elevator system, while the operating mode II can be present while the elevator system is in motion.

The vertical axis F indicates the force at its respective point of application. F1 indicates the driving force of the security element. In order to hold the security element in the release position, a holding force F2 counteracting the driving force F1 must act at the point of application, the amplitude of which is at least as great as the driving force F1. In operating mode I, the corresponding holding force F2, I exceeds the driving force F1 only by a small tolerance amount T, I, which, however, is sufficient to keep the actuating mechanism in the release position or the safety element deactivated as long as there are no significant force influences on the safety element and / or occur on the holding element 300. Thus, the small tolerance amount T, I can be sufficient, in particular, for idle operation or immobilization of the elevator system.

Both in operating mode I and in operating mode II, the holding force F2, I or F2, II is provided partly by a permanent magnet (component F _PM ) and partly by an electromagnet (component F _EM ). While the portion of the holding force F _PM provided by the permanent magnet is constant or unchangeable, the portion of the holding force F _EM provided by the electromagnet is variable and can therefore be increased and / or reduced.

In operating mode II, however, the holding force F2, II exceeds the driving force F1 by a much larger tolerance amount T, II than T, I, so that the holding force F2, II at the point of application is significantly greater than the driving force F1. This offers the advantage of ensuring that the actuating mechanism is held securely in the release position or the security element in the deactivated position even if there are significant external forces acting on the safety element and / or on the holding element. Thus, such a large tolerance amount T, II is particularly advantageous for an operation of the elevator system in which, for example, vibrations and / or shocks are to be expected.

In contrast, in operating mode I, compared to operating mode II, the portion F _{EM of} the holding force can be reduced by means of the electromagnet. The difference ΔT between the two tolerance amounts T, I and T, II represents the saving in holding force, which can be achieved if the tolerance amount of the holding force of T, II when changing to another operating mode in which no large amount of tolerance is required is lowered to T, I. This offers the advantageous effect that the energy consumption and thus the operating costs can be reduced.

List of reference symbols

10

Safety gear / safety device

100

Wedge brake / safety element

101

fixed brake shoes

102

wedge-shaped brake shoes

103

inclined plane

200

Operating mechanism

201

Plunger

202

Operating lever

203

Coupling rod

203a

Freewheel

204

Reset lever

205

Compression spring / pressure accumulator

206

Trapping mechanism monitoring means

206a

Switch / monitoring means

300

Retaining element

301

Permanent magnet

302

anchor

400

Electromagnet

500

Reset mechanism

501

Spindle drive

502

spindle

503

Freewheel

504

Reset mechanism monitoring means

F1

Driving force

F2

Holding power

T

Tolerance amount

Claims (15)

1. Safety device (10) for an elevator system, comprising:

   - an actuating mechanism (200) which in a release position holds a safety element (100) in a deactivated state and in a blocking position activates the safety element (100), wherein the actuating mechanism (200) exerts a driving force (F1), the action of which is directed in such a manner as to activate the safety element (100);

   - a holding element (300) which exerts a holding force (F2) on the actuating mechanism (200) in such a manner that the holding force (F2) counteracts the driving force (F1) in order to hold the actuating mechanism (200) in the release position and/or to hold the safety element (100) in the deactivated state;

   wherein in the release position the holding force (F2) exceeds the driving force (F1) by a tolerance amount (T), and
   wherein the safety device (10) is adapted, for transfer into the blocking position, to reduce the holding force (F2) in such a manner that the driving force (F1) exceeds the holding force (F2), characterized
   in that the tolerance amount (T) is adjustable in dependence on different operating modes which are possible in the release position of the safety element (100).
2. Safety device according to Claim 1,
   wherein the holding element (300) can be varied and/or influenced in such a manner that the holding force (F2) and/or the tolerance amount (T) of the holding force (F2) is variable.
3. Safety device (10) according to Claim 2,
   wherein the holding element (300) is so adapted that the tolerance amount (T) of the holding force (F2) is variable by means of a power supply of the holding element (300).
4. Safety device (10) according to Claim 2 or 3, comprising
   a plurality of holding elements (300) which are adapted to exert the holding force (F2) together, wherein the safety device (10) is adapted to vary the holding force (F2) and/or the tolerance amount (T) of the holding force (F2) by activating and/or deactivating some of the plurality of holding elements (300).
5. Safety device (10) according to one of Claims 2 to 4,
   wherein the safety device (10) comprises at least two holding elements (300) which are adapted to exert different holding forces (F2), and
   wherein the safety device (10) is adapted, for adjusting a larger tolerance amount, to activate a first holding element (300) of the at least two holding elements (300) which exerts the greater holding force of the at least two holding elements (300) and, for adjusting a smaller tolerance amount, to activate a second holding element (300) of the at least two holding elements (300) which exerts the smaller holding force of the at least two holding elements (300).
6. Safety device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the tolerance amount (T) is at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, further preferably at least 15%, yet further preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 30%, much more preferably at least 40%, most preferably at least 50%, of an amount of the driving force (F1);
   and/or
   wherein the tolerance amount (T) is not more than fifteen times, preferably not more than ten times, further preferably not more than eight times, yet further preferably not more than four times, as great as the amount of the driving force (F1).
7. Safety device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the safety element (100) in the release position allows an elevator car of the elevator system to move in normal operation and, in the blocking position, at least partly prevents the elevator car of the elevator system from moving.
8. Safety device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the at least one holding element (300) comprises at least one electromagnet (400), and wherein the at least one electromagnet (400) is adapted to provide the holding force (F2) by means of a magnetic force.
9. Safety device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the safety element (100) comprises a weight-loaded mechanical system and/or a springloaded mechanical system.
10. Safety device (100) according to one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the safety element comprises articulated stops which are adapted to limit a range of travel of an elevator car of the elevator system, and/or comprises a telescopic apron at a door of an elevator car, and/or comprises an additional brake, and/or comprises a hinged buffer, and/or comprises a hinged guardrail, and/or comprises an adjustable ventilation opening, and/or comprises an access control to an emergency rescue path, and/or is in the form of an arresting device (10) or comprises such a device.
11. Safety device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the holding elements (300) comprises a permanent magnet (301) which is configured with an associated armature (302) to exert a holding force (F2) which is smaller than the driving force (F1).
12. Safety device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the safety device (10) is arranged in and/or on an elevator car of the elevator system and/or
    wherein the safety device (10) is arranged on a shaft of the elevator system.
13. Elevator car for an elevator system,
    wherein the elevator car comprises a safety device according to one of the preceding claims.
14. Elevator system which comprises a safety device according to one of Claims 1 to 12 or an elevator car according to Claim 13.
15. Method for operating an elevator system having a safety device according to one of Claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps:

    - specifying the holding force (F2) of the at least one holding element (300) during a first operating state, in particular a travel mode, of the elevator system, in such a manner that the tolerance amount (T) of the holding force (F2) assumes a first value greater than 0;

    - specifying the holding force (F2) of the at least one holding element (300) during a second operating state, in particular at least in part during a rest mode of the elevator system, in such a manner that the tolerance amount (T) of the holding force (F2) assumes a second value greater than 0 which is smaller than the first value.

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