WO2016193631A1

WO2016193631A1 - Monitoring of closed-loop elevator equipment

Info

Publication number: WO2016193631A1
Application number: PCT/FR2016/051322
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stéphane REAU; Bernard Hautesserres
Original assignee: Sodimas
Priority date: 2015-06-04
Filing date: 2016-06-02
Publication date: 2016-12-08
Also published as: EP3303203B1; EP3303203A1; FR3037052A1; FR3037052B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for monitoring elevator equipment. Said elevator equipment includes a car and/or counterweight, two pulleys that are to be installed on the respective ends of an elevator shaft, a linear element passing through the pulleys and on which the car and/or counterweight is mounted, and a drive motor for moving said linear element. The elevator equipment is arranged so that said at least one linear element forms a closed loop with the pulleys and the car and/or counterweight mounted on the linear element. The method includes: (a) receiving (204) a measured value of a parameter representing a drive torque (C'') applied by the motor, (b) estimating (202, 205) at least one value (Q) of a parameter related to the elevator equipment on the basis of the value received in step (a) of the parameter representing the drive torque, and (c) transmitting a signal, produced on the basis of the value estimated in step (b), to a user interface or device for controlling the elevator equipment.

Description

MONITORING A CLOSED LOOP ELEVATOR INSTALLATION.

The invention relates to the monitoring of a closed-loop elevator installation.

This type of installation comprises a linear drive element driven by a motor, supporting a cab and / or a counterweight, and forming a closed loop extending over the entire stroke of the cab. This may make it possible to arrange the motor at a different location than at one end of the duct.

By "counterweight" is meant both a counterweight in the conventional sense of the term and a balancing mass. In other words, the installation may include a counterweight having a mass less than that of the cabin, equal to that of the cabin, or greater than that of the cabin. The installation may also have no counterweight.

The linear element of the closed loop may comprise a belt, of relatively flat section, and comprising for example metal cables embedded in a matrix. The pulleys of the closed loop can thus be chosen relatively small diameter for more compactness.

It is known to monitor a certain number of parameters, in particular parameters relating to the belt, for example the aging or the voltage, and parameters relating to the use of the installation, for example the load to be lifted.

For example, cable tension is likely to change over time. If the belt is relatively tight, there is a risk of slipping of belt on a driving pulley, and therefore of drifting of the cabin. In addition, users of the installation may be likely to hear a sound called belt noise.

It is known to provide visits of technicians, for example monthly, to measure the tension of the belt or means of a suitable tool, and possibly tighten the belt to limit the risk of loss of adhesion.

In general, there is a need for a method of monitoring a closed loop type elevator installation to reconcile simplicity and reliability. Indeed, there is provided a method of monitoring an elevator installation, this installation comprising:

at least one load element, each load element comprising a cabin or a counterweight,

- two pulleys intended to be installed at the respective ends of an elevator shaft,

a linear element passing through the pulleys and on which at least one load element is mounted, and

- A drive motor for driving in motion this linear element.

The elevator installation is arranged so that this linear element forms with the pulleys, and with this at least one load element mounted on the linear element, a closed loop. The method comprises:

(a) receiving a measured value of a parameter representative of a motor torque applied by the drive motor, for example a motor torque value, a consumed current value, or the like,

(b) estimating at least one parameter value relating to the elevator installation as a function of this value of the parameter representative of the engine torque received,

(c) transmitting an elaborated signal based on the estimated value in step (b) to a user interface or to a control device of the elevator installation.

It has indeed been found that the motor torque could, in the case of a closed-loop installation, be expressed according to certain parameters relating to the elevator installation. It is therefore possible to estimate a parameter value relating to the elevator installation as a function of the engine torque in a relatively precise and reliable manner.

This method may further allow monitoring of a parameter relating to a sensorless elevator installation dedicated to this monitoring.

This at least one parameter relating to the elevator installation may for example comprise a tension of a linear element, a parameter representative of the adhesion of a linear element to a pulley secured to a shaft of the drive motor. , a parameter representing the aging of a linear element, a parameter representative of a cabin load, and / or other. Advantageously and without limitation, the installation may further comprise a tensioner for tensioning the linear element. Alternatively, it is possible for example to provide an adjustable attachment of one end of the linear element, for example by means of a screw.

The sheath may be vertical, that is to say extend in a direction parallel to the gravity vector, or not. For example, an oblique sheath may be provided, extending in a direction having a vertical component and a component in a plane normal to the direction of the gravity vector.

An installation can be provided with one or more load elements in the closed loop. The installation may further comprise one or more load elements out of the closed loop, or not. In particular, the installation can be devoid of counterweight.

The linear element may for example comprise a belt, or other.

The linear element may be unique, that is to say that the closed loop is then made with a single linear element, for example a single belt. Alternatively, a linear element can be provided in several parts, possibly of different natures, for example a belt part passing through one of the two pulleys of the closed loop, and a cable part passing through the other of the two pulleys of the loop. closed.

The drive motor may be part of the closed loop, or not.

The invention is limited to a particular location of the drive motor, provided that this motor allows to drive in motion the linear element. For example, the motor can be mounted on one of the two pulleys, for example at the top or bottom of the sheath. Alternatively, it will be possible to laterally offset the motor, for example by using an additional linear element mounted on the motor and on one of the two pulleys.

The measured value of the parameter representative of the engine torque can for example be derived from a value of current consumed by the drive motor, a power value consumed by this drive motor, and / or other.

Advantageously, the value received in step (a) can be measured when the car is at a standstill. We can thus improve the accuracy of the estimation to the extent that some factors of the friction type or otherwise, then exert relatively little influence on the engine torque.

Advantageously, the method may comprise, prior to step (b) of estimation, a step of receiving a measured value of a parameter representative of the position of the load element in the sheath. During step (b), it is possible to estimate the parameter value relating to the elevator installation in addition to this value of the parameter representative of the position of the load element in the duct. In addition, the value received in step (a) may have been measured while the car is at the position corresponding to the parameter value relating to the elevator installation received.

Taking into account the current cabin position during the measurement of the engine torque can thus allow a still better accuracy in the estimation of the parameter relating to the elevator installation.

Advantageously, the value received in step (a) can be measured for a cabin position value imposed by a control device.

For example, the method may comprise, prior to step (a), a step of verifying that the received position value is equal to a desired position value.

Advantageously, the value of the parameter relating to the elevator installation can be estimated by comparing the value received in step (a) with a value of the parameter representative of the engine torque stored in memory, this value having been advantageously measured while the cabin was in that same position. The difference between these values of engine torque may indeed be attributable to one or more parameters relating to the elevator installation. The method can thus be relatively simple to implement.

Advantageously, the parameter value estimated in step (b) may comprise a value of a parameter relating to at least one linear training element.

For example, it may be considered that this parameter relating to at least one linear training element is written as a sum of a parameter representative of a linear element voltage and of representative term (s) of an effort of 'elasticity. According to another example, it can be considered that this parameter relating to at least one linear drive element is equal to or proportional to a parameter representative of a linear element voltage.

According to yet another example, it may be considered that this parameter relating to at least one linear drive element is equal to or proportional to a sum comprising a term representative of a spring force, this term being proportional to a product of a drive element average section value and an elongation value.

Advantageously, this parameter value relating to at least one linear drive element can be estimated as a function, moreover, of a current cabin load value during the measurement of the engine torque.

For example, it is possible to measure the cabin load at the same time as the engine torque, for example by means of a dedicated sensor, and to use this measured load value to estimate the value of the parameter relating to at least one linear element. drive.

Advantageously, the value of engine torque received in step (b) can be measured for a cabin load value assumed to be known, for example a zero car load value.

Advantageously, the value of the parameter relating to at least one linear drive element can be estimated by comparing the value received in step (a) with a value of the parameter representative of the engine torque stored in memory and measured for the same cabin load. , and advantageously for the same position in the sheath of the cabin.

The method may comprise, if the difference between these torque values is greater than a threshold, a step of transmitting an alarm signal, so that a technician can measure the voltage of (or) the element. linear drive, and if necessary adapts the tensioner to bring this voltage value to a desired value. The signal developed in step (c) then has a value corresponding to a request for a technician visit.

This method is advantageous in that the number of human interventions can be limited compared with the prior art, in which regular checks are planned. This process can therefore make the monitoring less restrictive than in the prior art, and in a relatively reliable manner.

Alternatively, the method may comprise a step of estimating the value of a parameter representative of the voltage of (or of) the linear drive element as a function of the value received in step (a).

For example, it can be considered that the difference between the value received in step (a) and a previously measured value for the same cabin load and the same cabin position is attributable to a decrease in the voltage of the linear element d 'training.

A current linear element voltage can thus be estimated for example, and in particular in the case of the installation of FIG. 1, by applying the following formula:

1

T = T _! + - (C - C _! )

R

where 1 is the linear element voltage value,

C is a motor torque value stored in memory, this value being a museum for a cabin position equal to the current position and for a cabin load equal to or assumed to be the current load,

e _s t _a linear element voltage value stored in memory, this value having been measured or estimated when measuring the motor torque C _t?

R is the value of the radius of the traction sheave, secured to the shaft of the drive motor, and

C is the motor torque value received in step (a).

The method may include a step of generating a control signal of the tensioner, as a function of the estimated voltage value, in order to tension the linear element. The number of technical interventions can then be much smaller than in the prior art, since the control of the tensioner is thus automated.

Advantageously, the method may comprise a step of estimating the adhesion of the linear element to a driving pulley, as a function of the value of the parameter relating to at least one element linear drive, for example depending on the value of the parameter representative of the estimated voltage.

In a closed-loop elevator installation, the adhesion can indeed be estimated according to the cable tension and the load to be lifted.

For example, in the case of the installation shown in FIG. 1, and for a cabin assumed to be empty during engine torque measurement, provision may be made to apply the following formula:

Ά ₌ ^P c + S ^X QMAX

where the ratio represents the adhesion of the linear element to the driving pulley,

P _c is the parameter relating to the linear element, for example the estimated voltage,

S is the acceleration of gravity,

X is the load factor of the car corresponding to the balance with the counterweight, and

Q _MAX ^es tl ^has a maximum authorized load, the counterweight thus having a mass equal to _MAX XQ ■

The transmission of an alarm signal and / or a control signal

tensioner can be function (s) of this adhesion value,.

2

Advantageously, it is possible to compare the adhesion value thus deduced with a predetermined threshold and to generate an alarm signal if this adhesion value proves to be less than or equal to this threshold.

Advantageously, the parameter relating to at least one linear drive element may comprise a parameter characterizing the state of the linear drive element, for example a parameter that is a function of the average cross-section of the cable (s) of the linear element. driving and / or elongation of the linear drive element. Advantageously, the parameter characterizing the state of the linear drive element can be estimated as a function also of a voltage value of the linear drive element.

The voltage value of the linear element may for example have been measured, for example by an electronic tensioner, or it may be known following a control of the tensioner, for example after being reduced to a determined value, for example after have applied a method described above.

Advantageously, it is possible to store in memory an initial value of the parameter representative of the engine torque C _t measured for an applied voltage equal to the voltage value corresponding to the value received in step (a), and advantageously for the same value of load and for the same cabin position. By comparing the value received in step (a), measured under the same conditions, with the value C _t stored in memory, it is possible to estimate a parameter value characterizing the state of the linear drive element, for example , and in particular in the case of the installation of FIG. 1, by applying the following formula:

OR

C is the value of engine torque measured under the same conditions (linear drive element voltage, cab position and load) that the value 1 ecr is a value of elastic force of the current linear element,

^F eci is a value of elastic force of the linear element stored in memory, and measured or estimated during the measurement of the value C _t .

From this current elastic force value, it may possibly be possible to estimate a section value of the linear element and / or an elongation value of the linear element, for example using the following formula: ^F ecr - ^ES - (4)

OR AL is an elongation value of the linear element,

L is a value of the stroke of the elevator, stored in memory, E is the dYoung module of the linear element, this value being stored in memory, and

S is an equivalent section value of the linear element.

In one embodiment, in which neither AL nor S are otherwise known, provision may be made for comparing the product S x AL, or a value proportional to this product, for example the estimated value τ r, at a threshold.

More generally, it will be possible to compare the parameter value characterizing the linear element, for example AL and / or ύ with a threshold.

Depending on the result of the comparison, it is possible to generate an alarm signal calling for the replacement of the linear drive element.

This method can thus make it possible to limit the unnecessary replacements of the linear element.

In particular, this method can make it possible to save money compared to a method of the type known from the prior art in which the linear element is replaced after an arbitrary period of use, for example ten years.

The invention is not limited to a particular method for obtaining AL and S values.

Advantageously, it can be expected that when the product

S x AL, or a value proportional to this product, for example the estimated F _ecr value, is greater than a threshold, a signal is sent to a user interface so that an operator places a mass load in the cabin Q ₀ predetermined, for example 10% of the maximum permissible load, or even 100 kg. A position sensor is then given a value l _t (Qo) of elongation of the linear element following this cabin loading. This value l _t (Qo) received is then compared with a value stored in memory, measured initially, for example when the linear element was new, for the same cabin load Q ₀ . The difference between these two values is kept at least temporarily in memory and / or compared with a threshold, so that an alarm signal can be emitted according to the result of the comparison.

Advantageously, a motor torque value C (Q ₀ ) measured for this cabin load Q _{0 is also received} . This received value C '(Q ₀ ) is compared with a motor torque value stored in memory and measured initially, for example when the linear element was new, for the same cabin load Q ₀ , for the same cabin position and for the same linear element voltage. Using a formula similar to formula (3), a current elastic stress value can be estimated for this predetermined load. We can then deduce, using a formula similar to formula (4), these values ^ ecr (&) and ΔΙ (β,) an effective section value S of the linear element. This S-section value of the linear element can be compared to a threshold, so that an alarm signal can be emitted according to the result of the comparison.

Advantageously, the parameter (s) relating to the estimated elevator installation may comprise a parameter representative of the cabin load. The method described above can thus allow a relatively accurate measurement of this load, and without scale type sensor.

Advantageously, the value of the cabin load can be estimated as a function of a parameter relating to at least one linear drive element, for example a cable voltage value.

Taking into account the current linear element voltage during the measurement of the motor torque can thus allow a still better accuracy in the estimation of the load.

Step (c) may comprise a step of comparing the value received in step (b) with a value of the parameter representative of the motor torque stored in memory and measured for the same cable voltage, and advantageously for the same position. cabin. It can advantageously be considered that the difference between these values of the parameter representative of the engine torque is attributable to a load difference, and thus to estimate a cabin load value.

Advantageously, it is possible to generate a control signal for the speed of the car as a function of the load value thus estimated, as described in application PCT / FR2014 / 052477.

In addition, a device for monitoring an elevator installation is provided, this installation comprising:

- A drive motor for driving in motion this linear element.

The elevator installation is arranged so that this linear element forms with the pulleys, and with this at least one load element mounted on the linear element, a closed loop.

The device comprises:

receiving means for receiving a measured value of a parameter representative of a motor torque applied by the drive motor,

processing means connected to the reception means for estimating at least one parameter value relating to the elevator installation as a function of this value of the parameter representative of the engine torque, and

transmission means for transmitting an elaborated signal according to the value of the parameter relating to the estimated elevator installation resulting from the processing means to a user interface or to a control device of the elevator installation.

The monitoring device may for example include or be integrated in one or more processor (s), for example a microcontroller, a microprocessor or other.

The receiving means may for example comprise an input port, an input pin or the like. The processing means may for example comprise a processor core or CPU (of the "Central Processing Unit"), or other.

The transmission means may for example comprise an output port, an output pin, or other.

The control device may for example comprise or be integrated in one or more processor (s), for example a microcontroller, a microprocessor or other.

The monitoring device and the control device can be integrated in the same processor, or not. For example, remote devices may be provided.

There is further provided a control unit of an elevator installation comprising a monitoring device as described above and a control device adapted to develop elevator system control signals.

This control device may for example comprise motor control means for controlling the motor, in order to impose a determined car speed and / or a determined displacement.

This control device may for example tensioning control means for controlling a tensioner, in order to control the voltage applied to the linear element.

It is further proposed an elevator installation comprising the monitoring device and / or the control unit described (s) above.

The invention will be better understood with reference to the figures, which illustrate embodiments given by way of example and not limiting.

Figure 1 shows an example of an elevator installation according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a logic diagram corresponding to an exemplary method according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a logic diagram corresponding to an exemplary method according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 shows an example of an elevator installation according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 shows an example of elevator installation according to another embodiment of the invention. Figure 6 shows an example of an elevator installation according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 shows an example of an elevator installation according to another embodiment of the invention.

With reference to FIG. 1, an elevator installation 1 comprises a cabin 2 and a counterweight 3 mounted on a linear element 4 of cable or belt type.

A drive motor 5 is mounted on a first pulley 6 installed at the bottom end of an elevator shaft not shown in FIG. 1.

A second pulley 7 is installed on an upper end of this sheath.

The pulleys 6 and 7 are mounted on a linear element of belt type 8, and on which are also mounted the counterweight 3 and a tensioning device 9.

The tensioner 9 makes it possible to apply a tension to the belt 8.

The cabin 2 and the counterweight 3 are also mounted on the cable 4 by means of a third pulley 10 installed on the counterweight 3, a fourth pulley 1 1 installed at the upper end of the sheath and two fifth pulleys 12, 13 installed on the cabin 2.

The cable 4 is also fixed by its ends to the upper end of the sheath.

Thus, the tensioner, the counterweight 3 and the pulleys 6 and 7 form a closed loop.

In this example, the tensioner is part of the closed loop, but it could be otherwise. For example, one could provide an architecture (not shown) in which the tensioner is disposed at a fixed end of a linear drive element of the closed loop.

Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the arrangement of FIG. 1, and other architectures of elevator systems could quite well be provided. Figures 4 to 7 show examples of other possible architectures.

Returning to FIG. 1, a monitoring device 14, for example a microcontroller, is electrically connected to a not shown control circuit of the drive motor 5. The methods described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 are implemented by this processor 14.

More specifically, the processor 14 regularly imposes a cabin stop at a given position, for example the ground floor or the ^1st floor, and at a time such that one can reasonably expect that the cabin is empty, for example every night at 4am. Step 100 thus corresponds to sending a command message SOUT to impose this stop at a given cabin position. It goes without saying that during the car movement, values of current positions are received, during steps not shown, in order to control the stop at the desired position.

A power value consumed by the drive motor referenced 5 in FIG. 1 while the car is stationary at the imposed position is then received by the processor referenced 14, and converted into a value of engine torque C during of a step 101.

In an alternative embodiment and not shown, it could be provided in place of step 100 that the processor 14 determines each night at 4 o'clock in the morning, if the cabin is at a given position, for example at the ground floor. floor. In this case, a torque value is measured, as in step 101.

During a step that is not shown, an initial belt tension value Ti and an initial engine torque value Ci are read from a memory, this motor torque value having been measured for this initial belt tension Ti, for this same cab position and for an empty load.

During step 102, the values Ti, Ci, stored in memory, and as a function of a radius value R are calculated as a function of the value of the torque value C received in step 101. pulley stored in a memory, a parameter value relating to the belt P _c .

In step 103, the difference between the values P _c and Ti is compared with a threshold THR. If it turns out that the estimated value P _c differs too much from the initial belt tension value Ti, then it is considered that there is a risk that the belt tension is too low and / or the belt has too much tension. aged, and an alarm signal is issued during a step 104. This signal is sent to a user interface, for example a server managed by a maintenance company, and a technician can then perform a measurement of the belt tension by means of a suitable tool and estimate the aging of the belt, by example by examining whether the cables are intact.

If necessary, the technician actuates the tensioner so that the effective cable tension is reduced to the desired value Ti.

The processor, after a waiting time of for example a day (step 105), or after a step not shown manual reactivation performed by the technician, then generates a new signal to impose a cab stop at the same position, and always at a time such that we can assume that the cabin is empty, during a step 106.

During a step 107, it is measured, while the cabin is at the same level as before, for example at the first level or the ground floor, a new value of engine torque C.

During a step not shown, a value of initial elasticity force FECI is read in a memory. This value has been calculated for example by applying the following formula:

F _ecl = ~ Q - Ti - Mc _(5l

Where Q is the load to be lifted for an empty cabin, and

Me the mass of the portion of the cable referenced 4 in Figure 1 which exerts efforts on the idler pulley referenced 7 in Figure 1. The mass of this cable part can be easily expressed according to the position of the cabin in the sheath.

Then, during a step 108, the initial engine torque value Ci, the previously read value R, of this initial spring force value FECI, and the value of the engine torque received at the step are deduced. 107 a current elastic stress value FECR.

This current elastic stress value FECR is assumed to be proportional to the cable section and the elongation. In other words, it is possible to estimate from this second engine torque measurement (step 107) a state of aging of the cable. In case of proven degradation of the state of the belt, it is possible to provide the development and transmission of an alarm signal, during a step 109. Provided that if this elasticity value is less than a threshold, the signal SOUT developed in step 109 corresponds to a stop control signal of the elevator installation.

In an advantageous and not shown embodiment, it is possible to provide instead of step 109 the following steps:

if the value FECR is greater than a predetermined threshold, sending a message inviting a technician to place in the cabin a load of a predetermined mass, for example 100 kg;

receiving a value of belt elongation following this loading,

comparison of this value of belt extension received with a value stored in memory, measured while the belt was new for the same load of 100 kg, for the same cable tension Ti and advantageously for the same cabin position and the same temperature exterior.

- if the difference between these belt elongation values exceeds a predetermined threshold, issuing an alarm signal inviting a control or a belt replacement.

In an advantageous embodiment, not shown, the following steps could be further provided:

measuring a value of engine torque, while the cabin is thus loaded,

- estimate from this motor torque value and an earlier engine torque value, measured under the same conditions (same cabin height, same belt tension Ti, same load of 100 kg for example) of a value of current elastic stress for this load,

- determination from this current elasticity value and from the difference between the belt elongation values of a cable mean section value for this belt,

generating a message signaling the breaking of one or more cables as a function of this average cable section value.

Referring to Figure 3, the processor is initially in a sleep state. When a cabin movement is controlled by a user interface, the processor receives a position value of the cabin, this value having been measured by a sensor of the known type of the prior art. This measurement at the standby state output is represented by steps 200, 201.

During a step 204, a motor torque value C "measured for this position of the car is received, while the car is still at a standstill.

A value of belt tension T is read from a memory, for example an initial value imposed by a technician, or else an estimated value.

In an advantageous but optional embodiment, a value of elasticity force FECR estimated by applying the method described with reference to FIG. 2 is furthermore read in memory.

These memory reads are represented by step 203.

In an alternative embodiment and not shown, it would be possible, in place of step 203, to read in memory the value P _c estimated during the previous night, at step 102 of the method described with reference to FIG. Figure 2.

To return to FIG. 3, it is estimated during a step 202 a mass value Me of the cable portion supported by the pulley referenced 7 in FIG. 1, this value Me being a function of the position value of the cabin received in step 201.

Then, during a step 205, it is estimated a load value to be raised Q as a function of this value Me estimated in step 202, of the value of engine torque C "received at step 204, and advantageously to according to the parameter values relating to the belt T, FECR read in step 203.

If it turns out that this load value to lift Q is relatively low, it can be expected to impose a higher travel speed than a nominal speed value, thus reducing waiting times for users . The treatment leading to this speed control is not shown in FIG.

Referring to Figure 4, an installation according to another embodiment of the invention may comprise two pulleys 46, 47, a tensioner 49 and a cabin 42 mounted in a closed loop with a belt 48. By the pulley 47 passes through. in addition to another belt 48 'mounted on a motor 45. The motor 45 is thus slightly offset relative to the closed loop. The installation further comprises a counterweight 43, having for example a mass equal to that of the cabin 42. A cable 44 mounted on a pulley 41 1 connects the cabin 42 to the counterweight 43.

A control cabinet 414, comprising one or more processors, makes it possible to control the motor 45.

In the embodiment of Figure 5, the installation is devoid of counterweight. There is simply a cabin 52 mounted in a closed loop with a tensioner not shown between two pulleys 57, 58 at the ends of the sheath. One of these pulleys is driving, the corresponding motor being driven by a not shown processor able to determine a belt tension value from a value of current consumed by the engine.

In the embodiment of Figure 6, the cabin 62 is slid with two additional pulleys 612, 613.

A motor 65 is mounted offset, by means of two other pulleys 614, 615.

This engine is driven by a processor 614 capable of estimating the load of the cabin 62 according to the power consumed by the engine and according to a cabin height value.

In the embodiment of Figure 7, there is provided a belt portion 78 and a cable portion 79 forming with pulleys 76, 77, a cabin 72 and a counterweight 73 a closed loop.

In this example, the pulley 76 is driving, and a processor 714 able to monitor the aging of the belt 78 from the engine torque applied, the cabin load, the cabin height and the belt tension, drive this drive pulley 76.

The installations of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, each comprise a tensioner (not shown in these figures) making it possible to ensure that the corresponding linear element is energized.

Claims

claims

1. A method of monitoring an elevator installation, said installation comprising at least one load element, each load element comprising a cabin or a counterweight, two pulleys intended to be installed at the respective ends of an elevator shaft, a linear element passing through the pulleys and on which is mounted at least one load element, and a drive motor for driving in motion this linear element, the linear element forming with the pulleys and with said at least one mounted load element on the linear element a closed loop, the method comprising:

(a) receiving (204) a measured value of a parameter representative of a motor torque (C ") applied by the motor,

(b) estimating (202, 205) at least one parameter value relating to the elevator installation (Q) as a function of the value of the parameter representative of the engine torque received in step (a), and

The method of claim 1, wherein

said at least one parameter relating to the elevator installation comprises a parameter relating to the linear element (P _c , FECR), and

said parameter relating to the linear element is furthermore estimated according to a current cabin load value during the measurement of the engine torque.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the parameter relating to the linear element is a parameter representative of a linear element voltage.

4. Method according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the signal developed in step (c) has a value corresponding to a request for a technician visit if the parameter value relative to the linear element (P _c ) estimated in step (b) deviates too much from an expected value (Ti).

The method of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein

said parameter relating to the linear element comprises a parameter characterizing the state of said linear element (FECR), and

the value of said parameter characterizing the state of said linear element is furthermore estimated as a function of a voltage value of said linear element.

The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein

said at least one parameter relating to the elevator installation comprises a cabin load (Q), and

the value of said cabin load is further estimated as a function of a value of a parameter relative to the linear element (P _c , FECR).

The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein

the parameter value relating to the elevator installation (P _c , FECR, Q) is further estimated as a function of a parameter value representative of a motor torque (Ci) stored in memory.

The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein

the parameter value relating to the elevator installation (P _c , FECR, Q) is furthermore estimated as a value of a parameter representative of the position of the cabin in the duct, the value received at the time step (a) having been measured for a corresponding cabin position, said value of the parameter representative of the position of the cabin in the duct.

9. Monitoring device (14) of an elevator installation (1), said installation comprising at least one load element (2,

3), each load element comprising a cabin (2) or a counterweight (3), two pulleys (6, 7) to be installed at respective ends of an elevator shaft, a linear element (8) passing through the pulleys and on which at least one load element (3) is mounted, a drive motor (5) for driving in motion this linear element , the elevator installation being arranged so that the linear element forms with the pulleys and this at least one load element (3) mounted on the linear element a closed loop, the device comprising

receiving means for receiving a measured value of a parameter representative of a motor torque applied by the motor, processing means in communication with the receiving means, arranged to estimate at least one parameter value relating to the installation of elevator according to the value of the parameter representative of the engine torque, and

transmission means for transmitting an elaborated signal according to the value estimated by the processing means to a user interface or to a control device of the elevator installation.

10. Control unit of an elevator installation comprising a monitoring device (14) according to claim 9 and a control device adapted to develop control signals for controlling the elevator installation.

1 1. Elevator installation (1) comprising

at least one load element (2, 3), each load element comprising a cabin (2) or a counterweight (3),

two pulleys (6, 7) intended to be installed at the respective ends of an elevator shaft,

a linear element (8) passing through the pulleys and on which at least one load element (3) is mounted,

a drive motor (5) for driving this linear element in motion, and

a monitoring device (14) according to claim 9, the elevator installation being arranged so that the linear element forms with the pulleys and said at least one load element.

(3) mounted on the linear element a closed loop.