EP4713281A1 - Elevator arrangement - Google Patents
Elevator arrangementInfo
- Publication number
- EP4713281A1 EP4713281A1 EP23731318.4A EP23731318A EP4713281A1 EP 4713281 A1 EP4713281 A1 EP 4713281A1 EP 23731318 A EP23731318 A EP 23731318A EP 4713281 A1 EP4713281 A1 EP 4713281A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- guide rail
- strain gauge
- hoisting machine
- elevator arrangement
- support point
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66B—ELEVATORS; ESCALATORS OR MOVING WALKWAYS
- B66B11/00—Main component parts of lifts in, or associated with, buildings or other structures
- B66B11/0035—Arrangement of driving gear, e.g. location or support
- B66B11/0045—Arrangement of driving gear, e.g. location or support in the hoistway
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Lift-Guide Devices, And Elevator Ropes And Cables (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to an elevator arrangement (1) comprising a guide rail (2); and a hoisting machine (3) mounted on the guide rail (2) to be vertically supported by the guide rail (2), the hoisting machine (3) comprising a motor (4) and a drive member (5) rotatable by the motor (4), the hoisting machine (3) being mounted at least on a first support point (2a) of the guide rail (2) to be supported vertically and/or horizontally by the first support point (2a) and on a second support point (2b) of the guide rail (2) to be supported vertically and/or horizontally by the second support point (2b), wherein the first point (2a) is at a first vertical level (L1) and the second point (2b) is at a second vertical level (L2), which second vertical level (L2) is substantially higher than the first vertical level (L1); and a hoisting roping (6) passing around the drive member (5), suspending on one side of the drive member (5) a first movable unit (7), preferably an elevator car, and on the other side a second movable unit (8), preferably a counterweight; and a monitoring system (9,10; 9', 10), the monitoring system (9,10; 9', 10) comprising one or more sensing devices (9;9'), and a monitoring unit (10) for monitoring output of said one or more sensing devices (9;9'). Said one or more sensing devices (9;9') comprise at least one strain gauge device (9;9') attached on the surface of the guide rail (2) at a third vertical level (L3), which is between said first and second vertical level (L1, L2).
Description
ELEVATOR ARRANGEMENT
Field of the invention
The invention relates to monitoring an elevator arrangement, wherein the elevator arrangement is in particular an elevator arrangement for transporting passengers and/or goods.
Background of the invention
Elevators typically have an elevator car and a counterweight, which are interconnected by a hoisting roping passing around a drive member of a hoisting machine. The drive member is rotatable by a motor of the hoisting machine. The drive member is typically in the form of a drive wheel, and the car and counterweight are on opposite sides of the drive wheel such that when one is moved upwards by rotating the drive wheel, the other moves downwards.
There are such elevators where the hoisting machine is mounted on a guide rail to be vertically supported by the guide rail as well as possibly also by with other structures of the elevator. Such an elevator is illustrated in document US6021873 A, for example.
In elevators, forces appearing in the elevator arrangement are generally monitored for different purposes. The monitoring involves collecting data from the elevator arrangement. The data can be used for analytics and/or for ensuring safe and efficient operation of the elevator arrangement. The data to be collected may relate to tension of the hoisting roping, the torque of drive member or the prevailing load situation of the car, for instance. For the purpose of collecting the data, different means have been used. For instance, tension of the roping can be obtained by sensors at the rope terminals, which measure forces exerted by the ropes. The prevailing car load can be obtained
by aid of force sensors mounted on the car or by said force sensors at the rope terminals, for instance. The magnitude of the torque of the drive member can be obtained by the motor.
Data indicating forces of the elevator arrangement can be used for revealing an unsafe situation. For example, abnormally high forces may indicate an overload at some part of the elevator arrangement (such as car overload) or at least non-optimal operation which may require immediate reaction or preventive maintenance, depending on the case. Likewise, abnormally low forces may indicate malfunction or at least non-optimal operation. For example, abnormally low force measurements obtained from tension sensors may indicate a slack rope situation (stalling situation). Generally, abnormalities can be reacted to by aid of limits reaching of which triggers an alarm signal and/or predetermined actions, such as calling a preventive maintenance visit or even preventing further operation of the elevator arrangement. The limits can be preset based on normal values determined by calculations and/or testing. The force related data obtained can be also be used in various ways for determining the prevailing state of the elevator arrangement, such as weighing the prevailing load of the car, for example.
In prior art, such solutions exist where forces are monitored by monitoring output of force sensors, which may be strain gauge devices, for example. Such a solution is disclosed in document US6021873 A, for example. In this solution, the strain gauge devices are arranged to measure forces of a rope terminal. This position of the strain gauge device is well suitable to be used for determining rope tension and weight of the load inside the elevator car.
Brief description of the invention
The object of the invention is to provide an improved elevator arrangement wherein relevant force related data can be obtained simply and efficiently.
It is in particular introduced a solution by which force related data can be simply collected, which is usable for various purposes, such as for determining
a value of one or more parameters which cause torque on the guide rail. These parameters can include, for instance, one or more of the following: weight of the components suspended by the hoisting machine, weight of the load of the car, a torque or a force exerted on the guide rail by or via the hoisting machine, a torque or a force exerted by the hoisting roping on the drive member, a hoisting machine braking torque.
It is also introduced a solution by which force related data can be collected, which data facilitates well informed controlling of the elevator arrangement and/or well-informed maintenance thereof and/or safety of the elevator arrangement through reacting to force related data when it meets criteria indicating an abnormal situation. An abnormal can be any abnormal situation detectable by force related data, such as for example, but not limited to, an overload of some kind or a stalling situation / slack rope situation. Also general data indicating performance can be collected, such as information about brake operation or brake condition.
It is brought forward a new a new elevator arrangement comprising a guide rail; and a hoisting machine mounted on the guide rail to be vertically supported by the guide rail, the hoisting machine comprising a motor and a drive member rotatable by the motor, the hoisting machine being mounted at least on a first support point of the guide rail to be supported vertically and/or horizontally by the first support point and on a second support point of the guide rail to be supported vertically and/or horizontally by the second support point, wherein the first point is at a first vertical level and the second point is at a second vertical level, which second vertical level is substantially higher than the first vertical level; and a hoisting roping passing around the drive member, suspending on one side of the drive member a first movable unit, preferably an elevator car, and on the other side a second movable unit, preferably a counterweight; and
a monitoring system, the monitoring system comprising one or more sensing devices, and at least one monitoring unit for monitoring output of said one or more sensing devices. Said one or more sensing devices comprise at least one strain gauge device attached on the surface of the guide rail at a third vertical level, which is between said first and second vertical level.
With this kind of solution one or more of the above-mentioned objects can be facilitated. The position at said third vertical level is particularly advantageous, because this part of the guide rail experiences such kinds of forces during elevator use, the effects of which can be simply sensed for collecting relevant force related data.
Preferable further details of the elevator arrangement are introduced in the following, which further details can be combined with the elevator arrangement individually or in any combination.
In a preferred embodiment, the hoisting machine, in particular a frame thereof, is rigidly fixed to the first support point and to the second support point.
In a preferred embodiment, the hoisting machine, in particular a frame part of the hoisting machine, is rigidly fixed to the first support point of the guide rail by a bolt, and the hoisting machine, in particular a frame part 3b of the hoisting machine is rigidly fixed to the second support point of the guide rail by a bolt.
In a preferred embodiment, the guide rail comprises a section in vertical direction between the first support point and the second support point within the height of which section:
- there is no support point of the guide rail on which the hoisting machine is mounted to be supported vertically and/or horizontally by the first support point, and/or
- there is no rigid fixing between the hoisting machine and the guide rail.
Each of these features facilitates transmission of forces such that bending deformation caused by torque becomes well detectable and measurable by a strain gauge device.
In a preferred embodiment, the height of said section is at least 30 cm.
In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring system, in particular the monitoring unit thereof, is configured to determine based on output of said one or more sensing devices a value of one or more parameters of the elevator arrangement. Said parameters preferably in particular include at least one parameter which causes torque on the guide rail.
In a preferred embodiment, said one or more parameters include one or more of the following:
- a torque or a force exerted on the guide rail, in particular by or via the hoisting machine; and/or
- a torque exerted by the hoisting roping on the drive member; and/or
- weight of the load of the car, ; and/or
- weight of the components suspended by the hoisting machine,
- a braking torque exerted by the brakes of the hoisting machine on the drive member.
The aforementioned parameters relate to forces and torque caused on the guide rail, which causes bending effect at the third vertical level to such degree that it can be measured. Thus, by aid of at least one strain gauge device attached on the surface of the guide rail at the third vertical level data can be collected such that one or more of these parameters can be monitored. Getting information of these parameters is advantageous, because this increases awareness of the operating condition of the elevator arrangement, and in particular force related aspects thereof.
In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring system, preferably in particular the monitoring unit thereof, is configured to perform one or more predetermined actions if the determined value of one or more of the aforementioned parameters fulfills one or more predetermined criteria. Thus, it is possible to react in an appropriate predetermined way based on the value. The actions can include for instance one or more of: sending an alarm signal, calling a preventive maintenance visit, stopping movement of the car, preventing further operation of the elevator arrangement.
In a preferred embodiment, the strain gauge device is attached on the surface of the guide rail between the hoisting machine and the guide rail.
In a preferred embodiment, the hoisting machine is mounted on the guide rail such that the drive member thereof is disposed on the back side of the guide rail.
In a preferred embodiment, the hoisting machine is mounted on the guide rail such that the drive member thereof is disposed on the back side of the guide rail, and the strain gauge device is attached on the back surface of the guide rail. In an alternative embodiment, the hoisting machine is mounted on the guide rail such that the drive member thereof is disposed on the back side of the guide rail, and the strain gauge device is attached on the front surface of the guide rail.
In a preferred embodiment, the strain gauge device is below the level of the central axis of the motor and the drive member.
In a preferred embodiment, the central axis of the motor and the drive member is at a level, which is between said first and second vertical level.
In a preferred embodiment, the strain gauge device is within the lowermost quarter of the height.
In a preferred embodiment, the strain gauge device is arranged to measure dimension changes of the guide rail.
In a preferred embodiment, the strain gauge device is arranged to measure dimension changes of the guide rail in longitudinal direction of the guide rail.
In a preferred embodiment, the said strain gauge device is an ohmic resistance strain gauge device.
In a preferred embodiment, the said strain gauge device is or at least comprises a strain gauge component comprising a conductor, and the monitoring system, in particular the monitoring unit thereof, is configured to monitor an electrical property of the conductor, most preferably the ohmic resistance thereof.
In a preferred embodiment, the conductor extends back and forth in longitudinal direction of the strain gauge component.
In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the strain gauge component is parallel with the longitudinal direction of the guide rail or at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail, the angle however preferably being at most 45 degrees.
In a preferred embodiment, the strain gauge device is attached on the surface of the guide rail by glue and/or by screws.
In a preferred embodiment, the strain gauge device comprises a strain gauge component resting against the surface of the guide rail or against a surface of a base member attached on the surface of the guide rail. In the latter case, the base member is preferably a base plate. The base member is preferably attached on the surface of the guide rail by screws but alternatively it could be attached by other means such as by glue, for example.
In a preferred embodiment, the strain gauge device comprises the aforementioned base member attached on the surface of the guide rail, preferably glue and/or by screws.
In a preferred embodiment, the strain gauge component comprises the aforementioned conductor embedded in a resistive foil.
In a preferred embodiment, the strain gauge component is more than 1 cm in length.
In a preferred embodiment, the guide rail is arranged to carry majority, i.e. more than 50% of the weight of the hoisting machine. In the preferred embodiment, the guide rail is arranged to carry complete weight of the hoisting machine.
In a preferred embodiment, the hoisting machine is mounted at the first support point of the guide rail to be supported vertically and horizontally by the first support point and on a second support point of the guide rail to be supported vertically and horizontally by the second support point.
In a preferred embodiment, the elevator arrangement comprises a vertically oriented elongated guide rail line comprising the aforementioned guide rail. The guide rail is preferably on top of other guide rails comprised in the guide rail line. The aforementioned guide rail is preferably the uppermost guide rail of the guide rail line. The guide rail line is preferably arranged to guide the elevator car, e.g. via roller or slide guides comprised in the elevator car.
In a preferred embodiment, the elevator arrangement is an elevator arrangement for transporting passengers and/or goods. At least one of the movable units is an elevator car. The car preferably comprises an interior, and one or more doors by which a doorway leading to the interior can be opened and closed, such as preferably an automatic door.
Brief description of the drawings
In the following, the present invention will be described in more detail by way of example and with reference to the attached drawings, in which
Figure 1 illustrates schematically an elevator arrangement according to an embodiment.
Figure 2 illustrates a front view of the hoisting machine and the guide rail of the elevator arrangement of Figure 1.
Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the hoisting machine and the guide rail of the elevator arrangement of Figure 1.
Figure 4 illustrates an enlargement of a part of Figure 3.
Figure 5 illustrates a preferred positioning of a strain gauge device as viewed from back side of the guide rail (from right in Figure 3, the hoisting machine omitted for the sake of clarity).
Figure 6a illustrates preferred structure of the strain gauge device according to a first embodiment.
Figure 6b illustrates preferred structure of the strain gauge device according to a second embodiment.
Figure 7a illustrates a side view of the strain gauge device of Figure 6a attached on a surface of a guide rail.
Figure 7b illustrates a side view of the strain gauge device of Figure 6b attached on a surface of a guide rail.
Figure 8a illustrates schematically a preferred embodiment of the monitoring system.
Figure 8b illustrates schematically preferred details of the elevator arrangement.
Figure 9 illustrates measurements in different positions along the guide rail presented as curves.
Figures 10-13 illustrate alternative positions and numbers of strain gauge devices.
Detailed description
Figure 1 illustrates an elevator arrangement 1. The elevator arrangement 1 comprises a vertically oriented elongated guide rail line G1 comprising a vertically oriented elongated guide rail 2, and a hoisting machine 3 mounted on the guide rail 2 to be vertically supported by the guide rail 2. The guide rail 2 is on top of other guide rails comprised in the guide rail line Gl. The hoisting machine 3 comprises a motor 4 and a drive member 5 rotatable by the motor 4. Figures 2-5 illustrate details of the elevator arrangement 1 of Figure 1.
The hoisting machine 3 is mounted on a first support point 2a of the guide rail 2 to be supported vertically and horizontally by a first support point 2a as well as on a second support point 2b of the guide rail 2 to be supported vertically and horizontally by the second support point 2b. These support points are on different vertical levels, in particular such that the first point 2a is at a first vertical level LI and the second point 2b is at a second vertical level L2, which second vertical level L2 is substantially higher than the first vertical level LI.
The elevator arrangement 1 further comprises a hoisting roping 6 passing around the drive member 5, suspending on one side of the drive member 5 a first movable unit 7, which is in the preferred embodiment an elevator car, and on the other side a second movable unit 8, which is in the preferred embodiment a counterweight.
The elevator arrangement 1 further comprises a monitoring system 9,10; 9', 10, the monitoring system 9,10; 9', 10 comprising one or more sensing devices 9;9', and a monitoring unit 10 for monitoring output of said one or more sensing devices 9;9'. The monitoring unit 10 can be local or remote.
In the preferred embodiment, the hoisting machine 3 is rigidly fixed to the first support point 2a of the guide rail 2 as well as to the second support point 2b
of the guide rail 2. The mounting is more specifically implemented such that the hoisting machine 3, in particular a frame part 3a of the hoisting machine 3, is rigidly fixed to the first support point 2a by a bolt b, and the hoisting machine 3, in particular a frame part 3b of the hoisting machine 3 is rigidly fixed to the second support point 2b by a bolt b.
Said one or more sensing devices 9;9' comprise a strain gauge device 9;9' attached on the surface of the guide rail 1 at a third vertical level L3, which is between said first and second level LI, L2. The strain gauge device 9;9' is arranged to measure dimension changes of the guide rail 2. The output of the strain gauge device 9; 9' can be converted by calculation into a value of a parameter that is known to cause deformation of the guide rail 2. The position at said third vertical level L3 is advantageous, because this part of the guide rail 2 experiences such kinds of forces during elevator use, the effects of which can be simply sensed for collecting relevant force related data. The forces appearing in the guide rail 2 in said altitude are of such magnitude that the dimensional changes of the guide rail 2 caused by the forces are easy to measure reliably by a strain gauge device. The aforementioned position experiences particularly torque during elevator use, which causes the guide rail 2 to slightly bend. The bending causes dimensional changes on the surface of the guide rail 2 which can be measured by the strain gauge device 9;9'. This measurement is usable for various purposes, because it indicates an amount of bending of the guide rail, which is dependent on the prevailing torque exerted on the guide rail via the hoisting machine 2. Thus, it is possible to determine based on the output of said one or more sensing devices 9;9' a value of one or more parameters of the elevator arrangement. Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment the monitoring system 9,10; 9', 10, such as the monitoring unit 10 thereof in particular, is configured to determine based on output of said one or more sensing devices 10 a value of one or more parameters of the elevator arrangement. This determining may include calculating the value of each said parameter by the monitoring system, such as by the monitoring unit 10 in particular.
In the preferred embodiment, said parameters include at least one parameter which causes force and torque on the guide rail 1.
Said parameters preferably include particularly preferably
- a torque or a force exerted on the guide rail 2, in particular by or via the hoisting machine 3; and/or
- a torque or force exerted by the hoisting roping on the drive member 5; and/or
- weight of the load of the car 7; and/or
- weight of the components suspended by the hoisting machine 3,
- a braking torque exerted by the brakes 11 of the hoisting machine 3 on the drive member 5.
The parameters to be determined may include one or more, but possibly plurality of the above listed parameters or alternatively some other parameters calculated based on one or more of the above listed parameters. Getting information of each of the above listed parameters is advantageous, because this increases awareness of the operating condition of the elevator arrangement, and in particular force related aspects thereof. The determined value of any one of the aforementioned parameters can be used to trigger a predetermined action, if the value fulfils a predetermined criterium, such as exceeds an upper limit or goes below a lower limit, for example. For this purpose, in the preferred embodiment, the monitoring system 9,10; 9', 10, preferably in particular the monitoring unit 10 thereof, is configured to perform one or more predetermined actions if the determined value of one or more of the aforementioned parameters can fulfills one or more predetermined criteria. Thus, it is possible to react in an appropriate predetermined way based on the value. The actions can include for instance one or more of: sending an alarm signal, calling a preventive maintenance visit, stopping movement of the car, preventing further operation of the elevator arrangement.
In the embodiment according to Figures 2-5, the hoisting machine 3 is mounted on the guide rail 2 such that the drive member 5 thereof is disposed on the back side of the guide rail 2, and the strain gauge device 9;9' is attached on the back surface of the guide rail 2. The strain gauge device 9;9' is attached on the back surface of the guide rail 2 in particular between the hoisting machine 3 and the guide rail 2. In this position, it is protected from movable parts of the elevator arrangement, such as from parts moving along the guide surfaces of the guide rail 2, which are on the front side of the guide rail 2. Thus, for example roller or slide guides comprised in the elevator car 7 can pass the strain gauge device 9;9' without collision risks.
In the preferred embodiment, the guide rail 2 comprises a section 2c vertically between the first support point 2a and the second support point 2b within the height h of which section 2c there is no support point of the guide rail 2 on which the hoisting machine 3 is mounted to be supported vertically and horizontally by the first support point, and/or there is no rigid fixing between the hoisting machine 3 and the guide rail 2. This kind of section 2c facilitates transmission of forces such that bending deformation caused by torque becomes well detectable and measurable by a strain gauge device. The height h is preferably at least 30 cm, more preferably more than 50 cm, because when the span/distance between the support points 2a, 2b is relatively long the dimensional changes are of such scale that they are well detectable, whereby measurement by strain gauge device 9;9' is well working way to measure dimensional changes of the guide rail 2.
Figure 6a illustrates a preferred embodiment of the strain gauge device 9 according to a first embodiment and Figure 6b illustrates a preferred embodiment of the strain gauge device 9 according to a second embodiment. In both cases, the strain gauge device 9;9' is an ohmic resistance strain gauge device. The strain gauge device 9;9' comprises a strain gauge component 9a comprising a conductor 9c and the monitoring system, and preferably in particular the monitoring unit 10 thereof, is configured to monitor an electrical
property of the conductor 9c, preferably in particular the ohmic resistance thereof. The aformentioned conductor 9c is embedded in a resistive foil 9d. The conductor 9c extends back and forth in longitudinal direction of the strain gauge component 9a, which is also the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 2 in the preferred embodiment of Figures 1-5. The strain gauge component 9a is preferably more than 1 cm in length, preferably more than 2 cm in length whereby it is relatively simple to attach and the accuracy thereof is relatively good.
Figure 7a illustrates the strain gauge device 9 of Figure 6a attached on the surface of the guide rail 2 and Figure 7b illustrates the strain gauge device 9' of Figure 6b attached on the surface of the guide rail 2.
In the embodiment of Figure 7a, the strain gauge component 9a of the strain gauge device 9 is arranged to rest against the surface of the guide rail 2. It is preferably attached on the surface of the guide rail 2 by glue but alternatively it could be attached by other means such as by screws.
In the embodiment of Figure 7b, the strain gauge component 9a of the strain gauge device 9' is arranged to rest against a surface of a base member 9b attached on the surface of the guide rail 2. It is preferably attached on the surface of the base member 9b by glue but alternatively it could be attached by other means such as by screws. The base member 9b may be advantageous when direct attachment of the component 9a on the guide rail surface is not easy. The base member 9b provides that the guide rail surface need not be highly smooth and the means for attachment can be relatively freely chosen, e.g. screws. The strain gauge device 9' may also be more quickly attached. The base member 9b is preferably a base plate. The strain gauge device 9' could comprise additional members than the base member 9b, such as a cover member for protecting the strain gauge component 9a, for example. The base member 9b is preferably attached on the surface of the guide rail 2 by screws 9e but alternatively it could be attached by other means such as by glue, for example.
Figure 8a illustrates schematically a preferred embodiment of the monitoring system 9,10; 9', 10. In this case, the monitoring system 9,10 comprises one or more sensing devices 9, which is/are strain gauge devices attached on the surface of the guide rail 2 at a third vertical level L3, and a monitoring unit 10 for monitoring output of said one or more sensing devices 9;9'. One strain gauge device 9;9' positioned as defined is sufficient for providing sufficient amount of information, but also additional strain gauge devices 9;9' could be comprised in the monitoring system 9;9',10, which can be used to increase the information obtained. The additional strain gauge device is optional and illustrated by broken line in Figure 8a. In the preferred embodiment, said one or more sensing devices 9;9' are connected to the monitoring unit 10, prefererably electrically by a wire connection.
Figure 8b illustrates schematically preferred details of the elevator arrangement 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the monitoring unit 10 of the monitoring system 9;9',10 is part of the elevator control 11 for controlling the motor 4 of the elevator arrangement. Thus, at least part of the monitoring can be performed by the elevator control 11.
With regard to specific location of the strain gauge device, it has been noticed that it is preferred that the strain gauge device 9;9' is within the lowermost quarter of the aforementioned height h. Figure 9 illustrates measurements in different positions along the guide rail 2 as curves. Point pO is represents the top end of the guide rail 2. Each curve shows measurements done by a strain gauge device attached on the same spot of the guide rail 2 in different longitudinal positions. The spots include spots within the back face, front face and different parts of side faces. As visible, the different curves show that the curves peak at point p3, which means that at said point p3 the dimensional changes of the guide rail 2 are maximal and easiest to detect by a strain gauge device. This position is hereby an optimal position for a strain gauge device. Point p3 is between points p4 and pl, which points p4 and pl represent the first support point 2a, and the second support point 2b, respectively, in the
embodiment of Figures 1-5. Point p2 represents the level of the central axis C of the motor 4 and the drive member 5 in Figures 1-5.
In the preferred embodiments, the strain gauge device 9;9' is within the lowermost quarter of the height h. As visible in Figure 9, if the strain gauge device 9;9' is within this quarter, the measurements thereof are likely to bring out a relatively reliable result. The position need not be exactly the peak point, because within this quarter, the measurement well reflects the amount of bending of the guide rail 2. Thereby the measurement is well dependent on the parameter to be monitored.
Figures 10 and 11 illustrates an alternative place to position the strain gauge device 9;9', in particular as an alternative to the back surface of the guide rail 2. The vertical position is at said third vertical level L3, which is according to test results of Figure 9 an advantageous vertical position with respect to the peak position also in case the surface is not the back surface. In the illustrated case, the hoisting machine 3 is mounted on the guide rail 2 such that the drive member 5 thereof is disposed on the back side of the guide rail 2, and the strain gauge device 9;9' is attached on the front surface of the guide rail 2. As a yet further alternative position, the strain gauge device 9;9' could be attached on a side surface of the guide rail 2, as illustrated in Figure 13.
Figure 12 illustrates an embodiment, where there are plurality of strain gauge devices 9;9' attached on a surface of the guide rail 2 at a third vertical level L3, which is between said first and second vertical level LI, L2. Providing more than one of said strain gauge devices 9;9' facilitates obtaining an increased amount of information of the deformation of the guide rail 2, which may be used to increase reliability and accuracy of the information. This also makes it possible to obtain information from more than one lateral position of the guide rail 2.
The lateral position of the strain gauge devices 9;9', i.e. the surface (side surface, front surface or back surface) and the exact lateral position where the
strain gauge device 9;9' is attached on the surface in question, can be optimized for the parameter to be determined.
Generally, it is preferred that, as it is the case in the preferred embodiments, the longitudinal direction (vertical direction in the Figures) of the strain gauge component 9a is parallel with the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 2 (vertical direction in the Figures). Thereby, the strain gauge device 9;9' can efficiently sense bending deformation of the guide rail 2. The strain gauge component 9a could alternatively be at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 2, the angle however preferably being at most 45 degrees, since hereby the strain gauge device 9;9' can still sense bending deformation of the guide rail 2.
Generally, it is preferred that, as it is the case in the preferred embodiments, the guide rail 2 is arranged to carry at least majority, i.e. more than 50% of the weight of the hoisting machine 3. In the preferred embodiment, the guide rail 2 is arranged to carry the complete weight of the hoisting machine 3.
Generally, it is preferred that, as it is the case in the preferred embodiments, the hoisting machine 3 is fixed on the guide rail 2 such that the drive member 5 thereof is disposed on the back side of the guide rail 2, as well as of the guide rail line G1 in which the guide rail 2 is comprised, and the car 7 is arranged to travel guided by the guide rail line G1 on the front side of the guide rail line Gl.
Generally, when the parameters the value of which is to be determined include
- weight of the load of the car 7, or
- the weight of the components suspended by the hoisting machine 3, or
- a torque exerted on the guide rail (2) around an horizontal axis parallel with the back surface or front surface of the guide rail 2, then the at least one of the strain gauge devices 9;9' attached on the surface of the guide rail 2 preferably comprise at least one strain gauge device 9;9'
attached on the front surface or the back surface of the guide rail 2. Hereby, the above mentioned parameters can be efficiently determined based on the output of the strain gauge device(s) 9;9'. This kind of configuration is shown for example in the embodiments of Figures 2-5 and 10-12.
Also generally, when the parameters the value of which is to be to be determined include
- a braking torque 2 exerted by the brakes 11 of the hoisting machine 3 on the drive member 5, or
- a torque exerted on the guide rail 2 around an axis parallel to the central axis C of the motor 4 and the drive member 5, then the at least one of the strain gauge devices 9;9' attached on the surface of the guide rail 2 preferably comprise at least one strain gauge device 9;9' attached on the side surface or on the back surface of the guide rail 2 displaced horizontally from the central axis C of the motor 4 and the drive member 5. Hereby, the above mentioned parameters can be efficiently determined based on the output of the strain gauge device(s) 9;9'. This kind of configuration is shown for example in the embodiments of Figures 12 and 13.
Generally, it is preferred that, as it is the case in the preferred embodiments, the drive member 5 is a drive wheel, and the hoisting ropes of the hoisting roping 6 pass against the rim of the drive wheel 5.
It is to be understood that the above description and the accompanying Figures are only intended to teach the best way known to the inventors to make and use the invention. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The abovedescribed embodiments of the invention may thus be modified or varied, without departing from the invention, as appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. An elevator arrangement (1) comprising a guide rail (2); and a hoisting machine (3) mounted on the guide rail (2) to be vertically supported by the guide rail (2), the hoisting machine (3) comprising a motor (4) and a drive member (5) rotatable by the motor (4), the hoisting machine (3) being mounted at least on a first support point (2a) of the guide rail (2) to be supported vertically and/or horizontally by the first support point (2a) and on a second support point (2b) of the guide rail (2) to be supported vertically and/or horizontally by the second support point (2b), wherein the first support point (2a) is at a first vertical level (LI) and the second support point (2b) is at a second vertical level (L2), which second vertical level (L2) is substantially higher than the first vertical level (LI); and a hoisting roping (6) passing around the drive member (5), suspending on one side of the drive member (5) a first movable unit (7), preferably an elevator car, and on the other side a second movable unit (8), preferably a counterweight; and a monitoring system (9,10; 9', 10), the monitoring system (9,10; 9', 10) comprising one or more sensing devices (9;9'), and at least one monitoring unit (10) for monitoring output of said one or more sensing devices (9;9'), characterized in that said one or more sensing devices (9;9') comprise at least one strain gauge device (9;9') attached on the surface of the guide rail (2) at a third vertical level (L3), which is between said first and second vertical level (LI, L2).
2. An elevator arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the hoisting machine (3), in particular a frame (3a, 3b) thereof, is rigidly fixed to the first support point (2a) and to the second support point (2b).
3. An elevator arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hoisting machine (3), in particular a frame part (3a) of the hoisting machine (3), is rigidly fixed to the first support point (2a) of the guide rail (2) by a bolt (b), and the hoisting machine (3), in particular a frame part (3b) of the hoisting machine (3) is rigidly fixed to the second support point (2b) of the guide rail (2) by a bolt (b).
4. An elevator arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the guide rail (2) comprises a section (2c) in vertical direction between the first support point (2a) and the second support point (2b) within the height (h) of which section (2c):
- there is no support point of the guide rail (2) on which the hoisting machine (3) is mounted to be supported vertically and/or horizontally by a support point, and/or
- there is no rigid fixing between the hoisting machine (3) and the guide rail (2).
5. An elevator arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring system (9,10; 9', 10), in particular a monitoring unit (10) thereof, is configured to determine based on output of said one or more sensing devices (9;99 a value of one or more parameters of the elevator arrangement (1).
6. An elevator arrangement according to claim 5, wherein said one or more parameters include one or more of the following: a torque or a force exerted on the guide rail (2) preferably in particular by or via the hoisting machine (3); and/or a torque or a force exerted by the hoisting roping (6) on the drive member (5); and/or weight of the load of the car (7); and/or weight of the components suspended by the hoisting machine (3); and/or
a braking torque (2) exerted by the brakes (11) of the hoisting machine (3) on the drive member (5).
7. An elevator arrangement according to any of the preceding claims 5 or 6, wherein the monitoring system (9,10; 9', 10), preferably in particular the monitoring unit (10) thereof, is configured to perform one or more predetermined actions if the determined value of one or more of the aforementioned parameters fulfills one or more predetermined criteria.
8. An elevator arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the strain gauge device (9;99 is attached on the surface of the guide rail (2) between the hoisting machine (3) and the guide rail (2).
9. An elevator arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hoisting machine (3) is mounted on the guide rail (2) such that the drive member (5) thereof is disposed on the back side of the guide rail (2), and the strain gauge device (9;9') is attached on the back surface of the guide rail (2).
10. An elevator arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hoisting machine (3) is mounted on the guide rail (2) such that the drive member (5) thereof is disposed on the back side of the guide rail (2), and the strain gauge device (9;99 is attached on the front surface of the guide rail (2).
11. An elevator arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the strain gauge device (9;9') is below the level of the central axis (C) of the motor (4) and the drive member (5).
12. An elevator arrangement according to any of the preceding claims 4- 11, wherein the strain gauge device (9;9') is within the lowermost quarter (q) of the height (h).
13. An elevator arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the strain gauge device (9;9') is arranged to measure dimension changes of the guide rail (2).
14. An elevator arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the said strain gauge device (9;9') is an ohmic resistance strain gauge device.
15. An elevator arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the strain gauge device (9;9') is or at least comprises a strain gauge component (9a) comprising a conductor (9c), and the monitoring system (9,10; 9', 10), in particular the monitoring unit (10) thereof, is configured to monitor an electrical property of the conductor (9c), most preferably the ohmic resistance thereof.
16. An elevator arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the conductor (9c) extends back and forth in longitudinal direction (12) of the strain gauge component (9a) .
17. An elevator arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal direction (12) of the strain gauge component (9a) is parallel with the longitudinal direction (11) of the guide rail (2) or at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction (11) of the guide rail (2), the angle however preferably being at most 45 degrees.
18. An elevator arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the strain gauge device (9;99 is attached on the surface of the guide rail (2) by glue and/or by screws.
19. An elevator arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the strain gauge device (9;99 comprises a strain gauge component (9a) resting against the surface of the guide rail (2) or
against a surface of a base member (9b) attached on the surface of the guide rail (2).
20. An elevator arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the strain gauge device (9;9') comprises a base member (9b) attached on the surface of the guide rail (2) preferably glue and/or by screws.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/FI2023/050272 WO2024236218A1 (en) | 2023-05-16 | 2023-05-16 | Elevator arrangement |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP4713281A1 true EP4713281A1 (en) | 2026-03-25 |
Family
ID=86776515
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP23731318.4A Pending EP4713281A1 (en) | 2023-05-16 | 2023-05-16 | Elevator arrangement |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP4713281A1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN121194940A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2024236218A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FI107249B (en) | 1996-12-20 | 2001-06-29 | Kone Corp | Method and apparatus for measuring the load on an elevator |
| KR101162240B1 (en) * | 2006-09-29 | 2012-07-04 | 미쓰비시덴키 가부시키가이샤 | Elevator device |
| FI127156B (en) * | 2016-12-08 | 2017-12-15 | Kone Corp | Monitoring arrangement for a passenger carrier |
| EP3705441B1 (en) * | 2019-03-05 | 2025-05-07 | KONE Corporation | A method for controlling an elevator |
| EP3705435B1 (en) * | 2019-03-05 | 2021-09-15 | KONE Corporation | A combined elevator vibration isolation and load measurement element |
| JP2021051091A (en) * | 2020-12-24 | 2021-04-01 | 株式会社ＮｅｊｉＬａｗ | Sensor structure patterning method |
-
2023
- 2023-05-16 WO PCT/FI2023/050272 patent/WO2024236218A1/en not_active Ceased
- 2023-05-16 EP EP23731318.4A patent/EP4713281A1/en active Pending
- 2023-05-16 CN CN202380098125.XA patent/CN121194940A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2024236218A1 (en) | 2024-11-21 |
| CN121194940A (en) | 2025-12-23 |
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