EP3458399B1 - Method and device for detecting damage in a supporting means for a lift system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a device for detecting damage in a suspension element with at least one tension member for an elevator installation.

Elevator systems typically have at least one car that can be moved between floors. The car is generally moved along an elevator shaft with the aid of a rope-like or belt-like suspension element. If necessary, a counterweight can be provided which is also suspended from such a support means that the counterweight moves in the opposite direction to the cabin.

In the course of the operation of the elevator system, the suspension element is repeatedly bent and / or flexed, for example by repeated deflection on deflection rollers or the traction sheave, and is thus heavily mechanically loaded. For example, in order to be able to reliably prevent tearing or breaking of the suspension element due to such mechanical loads and a possibly associated fall of the car or the counterweight, damage or wear within the suspension element must be reliably detected in good time.

The suspension element can be, for example, a belt, a rope or the like. As a belt, the suspension element normally has a plurality of electrically conductive metal tension members and an electrically insulating jacket, which normally consists of a plastic material or a polymer, which encompasses tension members from the outside and can protect them against corrosion or mechanical wear.

A determination or monitoring of an electrical resistance or an electrical conductivity of a suspension element or tension member was recognized in principle as a possibility of detecting damage in the suspension element.

WO 2014130029 A1 describes a method for detecting damage in a suspension element of an elevator system, in which at least part of the suspension element is exposed to an electrical alternating voltage and an electrical impedance is measured in this part of the suspension element, which can be used to infer damage states in the belt or rope.

WO201230332 discloses a monitoring system for a support means, the monitoring system comprising a circuit and a resistance circuit in order to be able to couple to the support means. The resistor circuit has a first and a second group of resistors, the second group of resistors being configured to be able to provide a reference voltage. A comparator can compare a voltage across a resistor with the reference voltage and consequently generate an output signal. The circuit monitors an effective resistance of the suspension element with regard to the output signal

US2007090834 is also relevant.

The above two methods are based on an analog data processing method and measure either an electrical current or an electrical voltage. Therefore, they could be very susceptible to interference.

The invention is based on the object of being able to monitor a suspension element of an elevator system, which has at least one electrically conductive tension member, in a simple and safe manner.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method with the features of claim 1 or a device with the features of claim 11.

The invention is based on the idea of detecting damage within a suspension element with the aid of its signal transmission capability. Such damage, which could occur in the form of cracks or breaks in the suspension element, for example, is usually associated with a change in the signal transmission capability within the suspension element caused by the damage. By means of an analog-digital converter, a so-called A / D converter, an electrical analog signal can be converted into an electrical digital signal with a certain time discretization (sampling) or period duration. A digital signal converted in this way oscillates between two different ones Signal levels or logic levels, a high level and a low level, with a set constant signal frequency, the high and the low level usually being represented by a logic function of a logic one "1" or a logic zero "0". An electrical digital signal can thus be encoded as a binary number so that its quantization can be specified in bits. By monitoring how such digital signals of "0" and "1" are transmitted in the suspension element, damage in the suspension element can be determined at an early stage or a defective or defective tension element can be determined.

According to the invention, a method for detecting damage or defects in a suspension element with at least one tension member for an elevator installation is specified. The suspension element can be, for example, a belt, a rope or the like. The tension member consists of an electrically conductive material such as steel or another metal. At least one electrical digital input signal is generated by a pulse generator. The digital input signal can represent at least a first binary number. A so-called binary number means that it is represented by one or more logical ones and / or logical zeros and thus consists exclusively of the number "1" and / or "0". The digital input signal can be assigned to the at least one tension member so that this tension member can be checked by means of the digital input signal or the first binary number. The digital input signal is fed to the tension member. After the digital input signal has passed through the tension member, it is detected as a digital output signal, e.g. by means of a detector, the digital output signal also representing at least a second binary number. The pulse generator (9) and the detector (10) can be clocked or operated with the same frequency and period. The second binary number is then compared with a desired binary number and / or directly with the first binary number, in particular compared in places or bits. The binary nominal binary number can, for example, be specified as a constant value or it can be generated dynamically using a current digital input signal. Damage in the tension member is determined on the basis of an issued comparison result. If the second binary number deviates from the nominal binary number and / or from the first binary number, an error message is generated.

The error message can be in different forms and sent to a control device of the elevator system or to a monitoring center and / or maintenance center, that are removed from the elevator system. In contrast to methods in which a suspension element is to be monitored by measuring electrical resistances using analog signals, in the method presented here, this monitoring is carried out digitally in a simple manner, without having to measure fault-prone factors such as electrical resistances or voltages.

At least one analog electrical signal is generated by a signal source such as a voltage or current source, the signal source serving as a signal generator. The analog electrical signal, e.g. a current or a voltage, is converted into a digital electrical signal by the pulse generator. Therefore, a digit "1" of the first or the second binary number can represent a pulse of a physical quantity such as an electrical voltage or an electrical current. The level height and the pulse length of the pulse depend, for example, on the length, the diameter or the material of a tension member. The signal source can be a direct voltage or direct current source, but also an alternating voltage or alternating current source.

The method according to the invention can advantageously be carried out for the tension member or members of the suspension element individually, in part, or all of them. The tension members can be grouped into at least one group if the suspension element has two or more tension members. Then the method can also be carried out for the tension members of the group individually, in part, or all of them. In the case of two or more groups of tension members, this method can also be carried out either separately for a single group or for two or more groups at the same time.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one group can have an identical or different number of tension members. In particular, advantageously, the total number of tension members of the suspension element corresponds to twice or more than a number of tension members in the group. A belt is used in such a suspension element. Several tension members are included as a core in a jacket of the belt. Typically, a belt includes 12, 16, 20 or 24 tension members. Accordingly, it is advantageous, for example, to group the tension members into three, fourth, fifth or sixth groups so that each group comprises four tension members. In this case the first binary number is a four-digit binary number for all groups or Tension member.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the digital input signal is generated in such a way that the total number of digits or the number of bits of the first binary number is equal to or greater than the number of tension members of the suspension element or group. As an example of this, a first binary number such as 0001, 000001 or 100010 can be formed if a group comprises only four tension members.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first binary number has at least one first special digit. This first special position can be filled with a number "1", for example, but also possible with a number "0". Within a group of tension members, the first special places of all first binary numbers can be positioned differently from one another and, in particular, offset from one another. By means of different first special places, the first binary numbers can thus represent or show different tension members in a group or in the suspension element. In the simplest way, the first binary number has only a first special position at which there is either a digit “1” or “0”. In this case, the first binary number such as 0001, 0010, 0100 or 1000 can be formed if a group includes, for example, four tension members. In addition, the order of the digit "1" in the first binary numbers can also correspond to an order of the tension members of the group. As an alternative, a first binary number, the binary number of digits of which is more than the number of tension members of the group or of the suspension element, can also have a corresponding number of first special positions, at least one of which can determine an individual tension member. In this case, the first special positions can be filled with digits "1" and / or "0" as required.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second binary numbers can add up to one another. A sum resulting therefrom is evaluated to determine damage in a tension member or the tension members in a group by comparing the sum with the stored nominal binary number and / or with the first binary number. As a result, the detection method for a group or for the suspension element can even be carried out only once, so that all tension members of the group or of the suspension element are already detected or checked. If every first binary number only has a first special position with a digit "1" and these positions are offset from one another, and only in all other binary positions of the first binary number Digit "0", a resulting sum of all first binary numbers should have a number of digits "1" equal to the total number of the tension members tested. That means a normal condition of the suspension element.

If a digital input signal or a first binary number was transmitted with a delay due to interference or another technical error, a case could arise in which the sampling or period duration of the first or the second binary number could be different. As a result, the binary digit position of the digit "1" in the second binary number is no longer to be held like that in the corresponding first binary number. Therefore, the second binary numbers cannot add correctly to one another because the binary digits do not correspond to one another one to one. Such a case occurs, for example, in digital electrical engineering when a brief false statement in an electrical circuit or a temporary falsification of a logical function occurs due to different signal propagation times. This case is then recognized as an unknown condition and is indicated by a special value, e.g. a third value "X" next to the digits "0" and "1".

The resulting sum is therefore to be defined as a special value if the first and / or the second binary number have a different period duration or different numbers of digits. That is, if the total has a different number of digits "1" or is a special value, this means that the suspension element is in a faulty state. Depending on how many and which binary points, where there is no digit "1", it can be evaluated how many and which or which tension members are damaged.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first binary number has at least one second special position which can represent or show a specific group, a binary value remaining unchanged at the second special position. This means that the individual groups can also be distinguished from one another if there are several groups. The second special position can also be generated separately from the first binary number, i.e. the second special position can be represented by an independent binary number that represents a specific group.

Furthermore, a device according to the invention for detecting damage or defects in a suspension element with at least one tension member for an elevator system is provided formed, wherein the device comprises a pulse generator for generating at least one electrical digital input signal. The electrical digital input signal can represent at least one first binary number. The input signal can be applied to a first connection of the tension member. The device has a detector for detecting an electrical digital output signal, wherein the output signal can also represent at least one second binary number. In fact, the digital output signal is considered to be a digital input signal transmitted from the first connection through the tension member to the second connection. The device also has a processor for comparing, in particular for comparing digit by digit or bit by bit, the second binary number with a nominal binary number and / or directly with the first binary number. The processor can evaluate an output comparison result. The device also has an error message for generating an error message if the second binary number deviates from the first binary number and / or from the nominal binary number.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device can be connected to at least one signal source such as a voltage source and / or a current source, wherein the signal source can generate an analog electrical signal.

The desired binary number can advantageously be specified as a constant value or can be generated dynamically by the processor on the basis of the current digital input signal.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pulse generator and the detector can be operated or clocked with the same frequency and period duration, so that a synchronization between the two devices or between the signal transmission and reception occurs.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the method and the device are event-controlled, manually and / or automatically carried out or activated when the elevator system is out of operation, for example in a maintenance or installation state, or in a waiting period (standby). An event can be triggered both externally, for example by a user input or a technical value, and by the device itself (for example change notifications).

An advantageous embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein neither the drawings nor the description are to be interpreted as restricting the invention. The drawings are only schematic and not true to scale. Identical reference symbols denote identical or identically acting features.

An electrical contact point at which the suspension element or its tension member can be electrically contacted for measurement can be, for example, any deflection roller, wherein the deflection roller can be a deflection roller fixedly arranged in the elevator shaft or also one of the deflection rollers of the counterweight or the elevator car . The contact point can therefore be a sliding contact or a contact point which is arranged, for example, at a short distance from the suspension element. This contact can be any part of the elevator system that the suspension element is guided past. An example of this is a so-called retainer, i.e. a derailment protection system, which deflection pulleys usually have. However, support rollers of the counterweight or the elevator car and, in principle, the traction sheave as well as metallic shaft components can also be considered.

The contact point can be a metallic surface that is coated, for example, with a highly conductive material such as copper or brass. Brush contacts, for example in the form of carbon fiber brushes, copper brushes or the like, can also be used. The use of brushes has the advantage that the brushes nestle against a surface of the suspension element, i.e. they follow a contoured or shaped surface exactly, so that the entire surface is covered. However, it is primarily essential that the contact point is conductive and can advantageously be grounded - if the monitoring device is operated with direct current - or a voltage can be applied to the contact point - if the monitoring device is operated with alternating current - and basically a contact to the conductive part or the conductive parts of a suspension element is possible if this conductive part of the suspension element comes into contact with this contact point.

This last-mentioned contact between the contact point, for example the pulley, and the conductive part or parts of the suspension element can arise, if, for example, individual tension members break and subsequently pierce through the sheath. These broken tension members graze along the contact point and thus establish electrical contact during the contact time. By evaluating the resulting total resistance or a corresponding current parameter, an interruption in a tension member, a transverse or short circuit between tension members or damage to the sheathing or piercing of individual tension members can be determined.

• FIG 1 Eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Detektieren von Schäden in einem Tragmittel für eine Aufzuganlage,
• FIG 2 Ein Ausführungsbeispiel für eine Ermittlung eines Schadens in einem einzelnen Zugträger des Tragmittels.

Show it:

• FIG 1 A schematic representation of a device according to the invention for detecting damage in a suspension element for an elevator system,
• FIG 2 An exemplary embodiment for determining damage in a single tension member of the suspension element.

Fig. 1 shows a device 1 according to the invention for detecting damage in a suspension element 2 for an elevator installation (not shown). The suspension element 2 can be, for example, a belt, a rope or the like. Nowadays, belts are often used as modern suspension elements for elevator systems. The suspension element 2 has at least one tension member (in Fig. 1 not shown), wherein the tension member can consist of an electrically conductive material such as steel.

An analog electrical signal 6 is generated by a signal source such as a direct voltage or direct current source 16. A pulse generator 9 then enables analog signals to be converted into digital signals. As a result, the analog electrical signal 6, for example an appropriate current or an appropriate voltage, is converted into a digital electrical input signal 4 or in the form of a first binary number 4B.

In the simplest way, the pulse generator 9 can be an A / D converter or generate an adjustable basic cycle for pulse trains, ie adjustable pulse group train periods. The pulse generator 9 can possibly be designed as a pulse width modulator (PWM) so that the input signal 4 can also be generated in the form of a pulse sequence and the pulse amplitude or signal level or the pulse width as required can be set flexibly. One advantage of this is that the bit time for a logical one "1" and a logical zero "0" can be set differently as required.

With the help of software or electronic circuit technology, such as a multiplexer, TTL (transistor-transistor logic) or COMS (complementary metaloxide-semiconductor), the pulse sequence generated by the pulse generator 9, i.e. the digital input signal 4, can be flexibly applied to a single Tension members 3 of the suspension element 2 are supplied separately or on several or all of the tension members 3 of the suspension element 2 in part or to all of them at the same time. Such a multiplexer can also be built integrated into the pulse generator 9.

The digital input signal 4 can be assigned to a tension member 31 and applied to its first connection 3A. As a result, the digital input signal 4 or the first binary number 4B is fed to the tension member 31 and transmitted through this tension member 31 to its second connection 3B. The second connection 3B is located at the opposite end of the tension member 3 opposite the first connection 3A. The connections 3A and 3B serve as an interface which is able to transmit the binary numbers supplied to the suspension element 2 either individually or together or in combination.

A digital output signal 5 can be detected by a detector 10 at the second connection 3B, the output signal 5 also being represented by at least one second binary number 5B. In fact, the digital output signal is considered to be a first input signal transmitted from the first connection through the tension member to the second connection. The device 1 also has a processor 11, which can receive digital signals from the detector 10, and an error message 12 for generating an error message. The signal processor 11 can receive and analyze the output signals 5 from the detector 10 continuously or at regular time intervals. There is a synchronization 19 between the detector 10 and the pulse generator 9 so that the two devices can have the same clock rate when processing signals. The clock rate is determined by the frequency or the period of the input signal 4 generated.

The second binary number 5B detected by the detector 10 can either by the processor 11 be compared in places with a binary nominal binary number 14 or directly with the corresponding second binary number 4B. The binary nominal binary number 14 can be stored beforehand as a reference value or it can be generated dynamically by the processor 11 on the basis of the current first binary number 4B. A comparison result resulting therefrom is analyzed or evaluated in the processor 11. If the second binary number 5B is not the same as the first binary number 4B and / or as the target binary number 14, an error message is generated. The error message can be generated in different forms such as acoustically or optically. The error message is sent to a control device of the elevator system or to a monitoring center and / or maintenance center 13 remote from the elevator system in order to indicate a risk of damage in the tension member 31 or in the suspension element 2.

In the Fig. 1 it is shown that the device 1 and the signal source 16 are located within the elevator system. However, it is not excluded that this device 1 or the signal source 16 are arranged outside or at least partially outside the elevator installation.

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment for determining a damage in a single tension member 3 of the suspension element 2. A detection method can be carried out either separately for one tension member 3 or for several tension members 3 simultaneously. In this exemplary embodiment, the suspension element 2 is provided with a total of twelve tension members 3. The twelve tension members 3 are thus distributed in three groups 7a, 7b, 7c in order to be able to determine or detect damage in the suspension element 2 more quickly. The respective groups 7a, 7b, 7c comprise four tension members, the first group 7a having the tension members 31, 32, 33 and 34. That is to say, the number of total tension members 3 of the suspension element 2 is three times the number of tension members 3 in a group 7a, 7b, 7c. For a belt 2 with 16, 20 or 24 tension members 3, the tension members 3 can for example be divided into four, five or six groups 7 analogously to the design described above, each group 7 comprising four tension members 3. For a simplified overview, only the first and last tension members in groups 7b and 7c are shown here.

The detection method is carried out at once for the tension members 31, 32, 33, 34 in the first group 7a, for example. The pulse generator 9 can convert an electrical analog signal 6, which is generated by the signal source 16, into an electrical digital input signal 4 and then generated in the form of a first binary number 4B with the same period duration so that the number of digits or the number of bits of the first binary number 4B is the same as the tension member number of the first group 7a, 7b, 7c. Then the generated first binary numbers 4B are four-digit binary numbers. One of the first binary numbers 4B is assigned to each tension member 31, 32, 33, 34, whereby the tension members 31, 32, 33, 34 are checked by means of the digital input signal 4 or the first binary number 4B.

The first binary number 4B has a first special position 4C which is marked with a leading character "". Within the group 7a, such first special points 4C are positioned differently from one another and in particular offset from one another. For this exemplary embodiment, each first binary number 4B has a pulse, namely a digit "1", at its special place 4C, the binary digit position of the digit "1" in the first binary number 4B representing a specific tension member 31, 32, 33, 34. In addition, the places of the number "1" exist in an order that corresponds to an order of the tension members 31, 32, 33, 34 in group 7a. Therefore, the binary numbers 4B for the group 7a can be generated, for example, in an order of "1000", "0100", "0010", and "0001", the positions of the digit "1" denoting the four tension members 31, 32, 33, 34 mean this group 7a from top to bottom.

The four first binary numbers 4B, “1000”, “0100”, “0010”, and “0001” are fed to the respective associated tension members 31, 32, 33, 34. At a second connection 3B of the tension member 3, an electrical digital output signal 5 is detected, which is also represented by a second binary number 5B. The total of four second binary numbers 5B are added to one another, resulting in a binary number as the sum 17. This sum 17 is to be compared in places by a processor 11 with a binary target binary number 14 or directly with the first binary numbers 4B, the target binary number 14 being specified as a constant value or dynamically generated by the processor 11 using a current digital input signal 4.

Using a comparison result, damage to the tension members 31, 32, 33, 34 can be determined. If the suspension element 2 is in good condition, the first binary numbers “1000”, “0100”, “0010” and “0001” are transmitted by the tension members 31, 32, 33, 34 without losses or disturbing noise. Ie at the second connection 3B the the same binary numbers as the first binary numbers "1000", "0100", "00 10", and "0001". The four binary numbers are added to each other. A binary number of "1111" results as a sum 17. Here, a binary number “1111” is already specified as the target binary number 14. It is therefore known that all four tension members 31, 32, 33, 34 are not damaged if the sum 17 corresponds to the nominal binary number 14. If there is damage or wear in the tension members 31, 32, 33, 34, the second binary number 5B will have a binary number other than "1111".

The sum 17 can also be compared with the respective first binary numbers 4B. Damage in the tension members 31, 32, 33, 34 can be determined on the basis of an issued comparison result if the second binary numbers 5B deviate from the corresponding first binary numbers 4B. Furthermore, you can immediately determine how many and which or which tension members have been damaged. For example, if a second binary number "1011" is detected, it means that the second tension member 32 has been damaged. Similarly, "0111" applies to tension member 31, "1101" to tension member 33, and "1110" to tension member 34.

If a first binary number 4B was transmitted with a delay, the period or the number of digits of the first 4B or the second binary numbers 5B then no longer remain the same. The second binary numbers 5B cannot add to one another correctly because the binary digit positions of the digit “1” in the second binary numbers 5B are not exactly offset in places. In this case, a third value "X" is given next to the digits "0" and "1", which indicates an unknown state. Then the sum 17 is set as a third value "X".

If damage or an unknown condition has been detected in one of the tension members 31, 32, 33, 34, an error message is generated by an error indicator 12. This error message can be sent to a monitoring center and / or maintenance center 13.

This transmission can take place, for example, through a public or private network 18 such as the Internet or LAN (Local Area Network) and through wired or wireless transmissions. The connection of the device 1 or the elevator system to the control center 13 can be via mobile radio, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) or existing private Network infrastructures.

In addition, the first binary number 4B can additionally have a second special position 4D, which can represent or show a specific group 7, a binary value at the second special position remaining unchanged. The second special place 4D can also be generated separately from the first binary number 4B by the pulse generator 9, ie the first binary number 4B and the second special place 4D can either be represented by one binary number together or by two binary numbers separately. In this way, a binary number of the individual groups 7a, 7b, 7c can also be distinguished from one another. An example of this would be that the binary numbers 1000 01 , 0100 01 represent the first 31 and second tension members 32 of the first group 7a, the binary numbers 0100 10 , 0010 10 the second 32 and third tension members 33 of the second group 7b, and the binary numbers 0010 11 , 0001 11 the third 33 and the fourth tension member 34 of the third group 7c, the last two binary digits marked with an underscore being the second special digits 4D.

Such a detection or determination method can be carried out for the three groups 7a, 7b, 7c as desired for one group separately or for two or for all three groups 7a, 7b, 7c at the same time. As a result, several or all tension members 3 of the suspension element 2 can be checked or monitored at the same time, in that the device 1 only has to be activated a few times or even only once.

The explanations given above can be illustrated by the following tables. An example of a test for the tension member group 7a is shown in Table-1 when all the tension members 31, 32, 33, 34 are in good condition.

An example of a test for the tension member group 7a is shown in Table-2, if there is damage such as a breakage or breakthrough in at least one tension member 31, 32, 33, 34.

Another example of a test of the tension member group 7a is shown in Table-3 when there is damage in the tension member 32. Different errors can occur. In the event of a short circuit, an "X" could result at the second connection 3B of the tension member 32, in the case of a breakdown or too high a resistance a second binary number "0000 01 ", in the case of a resistance too low a second binary number "1111 01 " faulty transmission such as a delay the "0010 01 ". Depending on what type of error occurs, an error can be defined either for the specific tension member 32 or for the group 7a or for the suspension element 2.

The method and device 1 presented above can be used for a single tension member 3 of the suspension element 2 can be carried out or activated separately or for the entire tension member 3 of the suspension element 2 in part or all at the same time, both manually and automatically, if the elevator system is out of operation, in a maintenance or installation state or in a waiting time (standby ) is.

In summary, embodiments of the method presented here or the device 1 presented here allow damage within the suspension element 2 or the tension members 3 to be reliably detected using digital electronics. Even minor damage within the suspension element 25 can be made possible by fine adjustment of the pulse generator 9 such as the period duration, sampling or level height so that the output signal 5 or the second binary number 5B can still be plausibly recognized due to the associated changes in the signal transmission capability in the damaged tension member 3 .

Finally, it should be pointed out that terms such as “having”, “comprising”, etc. do not exclude any other elements or steps and that terms such as “a” or “an” do not necessarily exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be pointed out that features or steps that have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be regarded as a restriction.

It is pointed out that possible features and advantages of embodiments of the invention are described herein partly with reference to a method according to the invention and partly with reference to a device according to the invention. A person skilled in the art will recognize that the individual features can be combined, modified or exchanged in a suitable manner and that in particular features described for the method can be transferred analogously to the device and vice versa in order to arrive at further embodiments of the invention.

List of reference symbols

• 1 device for an elevator system
• 2 suspension means
• 3 tension members
• 31, 32, 33, 34 grouped tension members
• 3A the first connection of the tension member
• 3B the second connection of the tension member
• 4 digital input signal
• 4B the first binary number
• 4C the first special place
• 4D the second special point
• 5 digital output signal
• 5B the second binary number
• 6 analog signal
• 7 Group of tension members
• 7a, 7b, 7c three groups of the tension members
• 9 pulse generator
• 10 detector
• 11 processor
• 12 error messages
• 13 Control unit or monitoring center / maintenance center
• 14 nominal binary number
• 16 signal source
• 17 total
• 18 network
• 19 synchronization

Claims (15)

1. A method for detecting damage in a support means (2) comprising at least one tension member (3) for an elevator system, comprising the following steps:

   - generating at least one digital input signal (4) by means of a pulse generator (9), wherein the digital input signal (4) represents at least one first binary number (4B),

   - feeding the digital input signal (4) to the at least one tension member (3),

   - detecting a digital output signal (5) after the digital input signal (4) has passed through the at least one tension member (3), wherein the digital output signal (5) represents at least one second binary number (5B),

   - comparing, in particular comparing digit by digit, the second binary number (5B) with a binary setpoint binary number (14) and/or directly with the first binary number (4B),

   - reporting a fault state, when the second binary number (5B) differs from the setpoint binary number (14) and/or from the first binary number.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein
   the binary setpoint binary number (14) is specified as a constant value or is generated dynamically on the basis of the current digital input signal (4).
3. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein
   the support means (2) comprises two or more tension members (31, 32, 33, 34), wherein the tension members (31, 32, 33, 34) are grouped into at least one group (7a, 7b, 7c), and wherein in the case of several groups the at least one group (7a, 7b, 7c) has an identical or different tension member number.
4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein
   the method for the at least one tension member (3) of the support means (2) and/or of the group (7a, 7b, 7c) can be carried out individually, in part or all simultaneously.
5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein
   the input signal (4) is generated in such a way that a number of digits of the first binary number (4B) is identical to or larger than the tension member number of the support means (2) or of the group (7a, 7b, 7c).
6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein
   the first binary number (4B) has at least one first extra digit (4C), wherein the position of the first extra digit (4C) in the first binary number (4B) represents a certain tension member (3, 31, 32, 33, 34) of the support means (2) or of the group (7a, 7b, 7c), wherein the positions of the first extra digits (4C) of the first binary numbers (4B) within a group (7a, 7b, 7c) or of the support means (2) are optionally different from one another, wherein the first extra digits (4C) of the first binary numbers (4B) are optionally placed differently, in such a way that the first extra digits (4C) are shifted relative to one another and correspond to a sequence of the tension members (3, 31, 32, 33, 34) in the group (7a, 7b, 7c) or in the support means (2).
7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein
   the second binary numbers (5B) are added to each other, and a sum (17) of these two binary numbers (5B) resulting therefrom is evaluated to determine damage in a tension member or in the tension members (3, 31, 32, 33, 34) of the group (7a, 7b, 7c), in that the sum (17) is compared with the setpoint binary number (14) and/or with the first binary number (4B).
8. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein
   the resultant sum (17) is to be defined as a special value, when the first (4B) and/or the second binary number (5B) have a different period duration or different numbers of digits.
9. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein
   the first binary number (4B) has at least one second extra digit (4D), wherein the second extra digit (4D) represents a certain group (7a, 7b, 7c), wherein a binary value at the second extra digit (4D) remains unchanged.
10. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein
    the method is carried out in an event-driven manner, manually and/or automatically, when the elevator system is out of service, in a maintenance or installation state, or in a waiting period.
11. A device (1) for detecting damage in a support means (2) comprising at least one tension member (3) for an elevator system, wherein the device (27) has:

    - a pulse generator (9) for generating at least one digital input signal (4), wherein the digital input signal (4) can represent at least one first binary number (4B) and can be applied at the first connection (3A) of the at least one tension member (3),

    - a detector (10) for detecting a digital output signal (5) at a second connection (3B) of the tension member (3), wherein the output signal (5) can represent at least one second binary number (5B),

    - a processor (11) for comparing, in particular for comparing digit by digit, the second binary number (5B) with a binary setpoint binary number (14) and/or directly with the first binary number (4B), and

    - a fault indicator (12) for generating a fault message, when the second binary number (5B) differs from the setpoint binary number (14) and/or from the first binary number (4B).
12. The device (1) according to claim 11, wherein
    the device (1) can be connected with at least with one signal source (16), wherein the signal source (16) can generate an analog electrical signal (6).
13. The device (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein
    the binary setpoint binary number (14) is specified as a constant value or can be generated dynamically on the basis of the current digital input signal (4) by means of the processor (11).
14. The device (1) according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein
    the pulse generator (9) and the detector (10) can be operated or are in time with an identical frequency and period duration or.
15. The device (1) according to any of claims 11 to 14, wherein
    the device (1) can be activated in an event-driven manner, manually and/or automatically, when the elevator system is out of service, in a maintenance or installation state or in a waiting period.

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