DRIVE ARRANGEMENT COMPRISING A MOVEABLE RAIL SEGMENT

Abstract

A drive arrangement includes a movable, rotatable rail segment of an elevator system. An electric motor moves the movable rail segment. The drive arrangement is configured to rotate the rail segment about an angle of rotation of less than 360. An inverter unit provides electrical power to the electric motor and is configured to receive a control command relating to the position of the movable rail segment and provide the electrical drive power based on the control command. The drive arrangement forms two or exactly three drive segments. Each drive segment includes an inverter unit and a coil arrangement, which is supplied with electrical power by the assigned inverter unit. Each inverter unit includes a communication unit, which receives the control command. The communication units are configured to specify amongst themselves a master communication unit and to specify the remaining communication unit as slave communication units.

Claims

1.-9. (canceled)

10. A drive arrangement for an elevator system, comprising: a movable rail segment, an electric motor configured to move the movable rail segment, wherein the drive arrangement is configured to rotate the rail segment about an angle of rotation of less than 360, at least one inverter unit configured to provide electrical power to the electric motor, wherein the inverter unit is configured to receive a control command relating to the position of the movable rail segment, and to provide the electrical drive power based on said control command, the drive arrangement includes two or exactly three drive segments, each drive segment comprising: an inverter unit, at least one coil arrangement, which is supplied with electrical power by a corresponding assigned inverter unit, wherein each inverter unit comprises a communication unit, which is configured to receive the control command, and wherein the communication units are configured to specify amongst themselves one communication unit from among the number of the communication units as a master communication unit and to specify the remaining communication units as slave communication units.

11. The drive arrangement of claim 10, wherein the rail segment is rotatable.

12. The drive arrangement of claim 10, wherein the communication units are configured to specify the master communication unit free of interconnection of a central control unit.

13. The drive arrangement of claim 10, wherein the communication units are configured such that only the master communication unit is authorized to issue a receipt or execution confirmation relating to a control command to the control unit.

14. The drive arrangement of claim 10, wherein the master communication unit is configured to receive a state value of the associated inverter unit and to send it to the slave communication units.

15. The drive arrangement of claim 14, wherein the sending of the state value to the slave communication unit takes place free of interconnection of a central control unit.

16. The drive arrangement of claim 14, wherein the inverter unit, which is superordinate to the master communication unit, comprises a controller and the state value to be sent represents a controller variable of the controller.

17. The drive arrangement of claim 14, wherein the inverter units each comprise an inverter and the state value to be sent represents a state variable of the inverter.

18. The drive arrangement of claim 14, wherein the inverter unit, which is superordinate to a slave communication unit, is configured to use the state value provided by the master communication unit for the provision of the drive power, even though the inverter unit is embodied to generate a corresponding state value on its own.

19. The drive arrangement of claim 10, wherein the communication units are configured such that the master communication unit prompts a reallocation of the master communication unit, as soon as the master communication unit determines an error within the corresponding drive segment, wherein the current master communication unit is excluded from a reallocation.

Description

[0026] The invention will be described in more detail below on the basis of the figures, wherein

[0027] FIG. 1 shows an elevator system, into which the drive arrangement according to the invention is installed;

[0028] FIG. 2 shows the circuit diagram of a drive arrangement according to the invention;

[0029] FIG. 3 shows a detailed circuit diagram of parts of the drive arrangement according to the invention;

[0030] FIG. 4 shows the circuit diagram of an alternative electric motor for the drive arrangement according to FIG. 2;

[0031] FIG. 5 shows a detailed circuit diagram of the inverter units of the drive arrangement according to the invention in a first operating state;

[0032] FIG. 6 shows the circuit diagram according to FIG. 5 in a second operating state;

[0033] FIG. 7 shows a detailed circuit diagram of the inverter units of an alternative drive arrangement according to the invention in a first operating state.

[0034] FIG. 1 shows parts of an above-mentioned elevator system 50. The elevator system 50 comprises stationary first guide rails 56, along which an elevator car 51 can be guided by means of a backpack bearing. The first guide rails 56 are aligned vertically in a first direction z and make it possible for the elevator car 51 to be moved between different floors. Arrangements of such first guide rails 56, along which the elevator car 51 can be guided by means of a backpack bearing, are arranged parallel to one another in two shafts 52, 52, which run parallel. Elevator cars in the one shaft 52 can move largely independently and unimpeded by elevator cars in the other shaft 52 on the respective first guide rails 56.

[0035] The elevator system 50 further comprises stationary second guide rails 57, along which the elevator car 51 can be guided by means of the backpack bearing. The second guide rails 57 are aligned horizontally in a second direction y and make it possible for the elevator car 51 to be moved within one floor. The second guide rails 57 further connect the first guide rails 56 of the two shafts 52, 52 to one another. The second guide rails 57 thus also serve to reposition the elevator car 51 between the two shafts 52, 52, e.g. in order to perform a modern paternoster operation.

[0036] The elevator car 51 can be transferred from the first guide rails 56 to the second guide rails 57 and vice versa via third guide rails 58. The third guide rails 58 are rotatable with respect to an axis of rotation A, which is perpendicular to a y-z plane, which is spanned by the first and the second guide rails 56, 57.

[0037] All guide rails 56, 57, 58 are at least indirectly fastened to at least one shaft wall of the shaft 52. The shaft wall defines a stationary reference system of the shaft. Alternatively, the term shaft wall also comprises a stationary frame structure of the shaft, which supports the guide rails. The rotatable third guide rails 58 are fastened to a rotating platform 53. The rotating platform 53 is supported by means of a platform pivot bearing, which is not illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0038] Such systems are described, in substance, in WO 2015/144781 A1 and also in the German patent applications 10 2016 211 997.4 and 10 2015 218 025.5. In this context, DE 10 2016 205 794.4 describes in detail an arrangement comprising integrated platform pivot bearings and an electric motor for rotating the rotating platform, which can also be used within the scope of the present invention for bearing purposes and as rotational drive for the rotating platform. The elevator system according to FIG. 1 now comprises a drive arrangement 1 according to the invention (FIG. 2) for rotating the rotatable guide rails 58 or for rotating the rotating platform 53, respectively.

[0039] FIG. 2 now shows the block diagram of a drive arrangement 1 according to the invention. An electric motor 2, here a three-phase motor 2, is the core of the drive arrangement. The electric motor 2 comprises a stator 6 and a rotor 7. In one embodiment, the electric motor can be an external rotor motor, wherein the rotor is arranged radially outside of the stator. The stator 6 comprises a plurality of coil units 3. The coil units are operated with the aid of inverter units 4, which provide electrical power P for the coil units 3 via power transfer connections 9. The rotational position of the electric motor 2 is determined on the basis of position sensors 8 and is provided to the inverter units 4 for control purposes.

[0040] A superordinate control unit 12 issues control commands 13 to the inverter units 4. A control command 13 can comprise, for example, an instruction that the rotatable rails 58 are to be arranged horizontally or vertically.

[0041] Together, the coil units 3.sub.I, 3.sub.II, 3.sub.III and the inverter unit 4.sub.I, 4.sub.II, 4.sub.III connected thereto form one of three drive segments I, II, III. In the present example, the three position sensors 8.sub.I, 8.sub.II, 8.sub.III are each also assigned to exactly one of the three drive segments I, II, III.

[0042] FIG. 3 shows the the coil unit 31 of the first drive segment I in detail, in an exemplary manner for the remaining coil units 3. Each coil unit 31 comprises three coils u,v,w, which are each assigned to a phase of the polyphase current and which are connected to one another via a star connection. For transferring the drive power P, the power transfer connection 9.sub.I comprises a multipolar power line 9 comprising lines 9.sub.Iu, 9.sub.Iv, 9.sub.Iw, for the three phases and also a neutral line 9.sub.IN. It is further suggested that a plurality of such coil units 3.sub.I are provided for each drive segment; all in-phase coils of a joint drive segment are then interconnected parallel to one another.

[0043] FIG. 4 shows the electric motor in a modified form. In the case of the stator and 6, the coil units 3.sub.I, 3.sub.II, 3.sub.III of the individual drive segments I, II, III are arranged so as to alternate in the circumferential direction. This has the advantage, in the event of a failure of one or a plurality of drive segments I, II, III, that the torques, which is generated by the coils, acts evenly on the rotor 7 across the circumference. One-sided loads on the mechanical components of the electric motor are thus avoided. For the sake of clarity, the lines 9 are not illustrated in this figure; it goes without saying, however, that the coil units are still connected to the respective assigned inverter unit of the same drive segment. The circuit diagram according to FIGS. 2 and 3 is applicable in this respect.

[0044] The inverter units 4 of the drive arrangement 1 according to FIG. 2 are illustrated in detail in FIGS. 5 and 6. All inverter units are embodied identically and are programmed identically. The inverter units can thus be exchanged easily or the number of the inverter units can readily be changed, respectively. The inverter units furthermore organize amongst one another as to which of them takes over the communication with the control unit 12. Representative for all inverter units 4, the mode of operation of the inverter units 4 will initially be described on the basis of the first inverter unit 4.sub.I. The distinctive features of the cooperation of the inverter units amongst one another will then be described further below by using the indexes .sub.I, .sub.II, .sub.III.

[0045] The first inverter unit 4.sub.I comprises a first inverter 21.sub.I. The first inverter 21.sub.I generates a first output power P.sub.I of the first inverter unit 4.sub.I, which is output to the first coil units 3.sub.I in the form of a polyphase current via the first line 9.sub.I. A first guide variable 20.sub.I, which is provided by a first controller 19.sub.I, serves as input variable for the first inverter 21.sub.I. For example a torque value can be used as first guide variable 20.sub.I. A first control difference 18.sub.I of a first guide variable 17.sub.I and a first state value 10.sub.I serves as first input variable 18.sub.I for the first controller 19.sub.I. In this example, the first state value is an actual value 10.sub.I of the position, which is provided by the first position sensor 8.sub.I. The first guide variable 17.sub.I is a first setpoint-actual value 17. It is provided, e.g., that, depending on the deviation of the first actual value 10.sub.I of the position from the first setpoint value 17.sub.I of the position, the first controller 19.sub.I outputs a higher or lower torque value, respectively, in order to compensate the first control difference 18.sub.I. The first guide variable 17.sub.I is provided by a first guide variable generator 16.sub.I. A first control signal 15.sub.I, which comprises, for example, the target alignment, which is desired and which is to be set, of the rotatable rail segment, serves as input variable for the first guide variable generator 16.sub.I. Based on this first control signal 15.sub.I, the first guide variable generator 16.sub.I selects a stored time-guide variable characteristic diagram, on the basis of which the first guide variable 17.sub.I is generated and is updated constantly.

[0046] The first guide variable generator 16.sub.I receives the first control signal 15.sub.I from a first communication unit 14.sub.I. This first communication unit 14.sub.I represents the data interface to the outside and can communicate both with the communication units of the other inverter units and with the control unit 12.

[0047] In the present exemplary embodiment, a data connection to the other communication units is formed via a bus system 5, here a data ring 5. Each communication unit 14 is thereby configured in such a way that, together with the other communication units, they can specify exactly one of the communication units as master communication unit. This specification can take place, for example, on the basis of a decentralized access method known by networks. In contrast to the network access methods, it is provided here that the master communication unit, which is now specified, initially does not release this master status again. A reallocation occurs only when a redundancy case occurs and the master communication unit has to be specified anew.

[0048] It is possible that the bus system 5 simultaneously also represents the connection to the control unit 12. In FIG. 2, this is illustrated by means of the dashed line, which is identified with reference numeral 5. The inverter units can also use this connection to communicate with one another. Alternatively, the connection 5 between the inverter units 4 can be implemented via a star-shaped or ring-shaped connection with cable connections between the inverter units 4. The controllers then communicate with one another and the control unit communicates with the inverter units via separate lines.

[0049] The connection of the communication units 14 via the data ring 5 according to a ring topology is to only be understood in an exemplary manner here. Other types of networking are also conceivable, for example a meshing or a bus connection. It is always provided, however, that the communication units 14 are basically embodied and programmed identically. Each of the communication units 14 is suitable and appropriately configured to take over the role of the master communication unit, if necessary. For the allocation of the master communication unit, the communication units do not require any external support and can thus carry out a reallocation independently.

[0050] An allocation with the aid of the central control unit 12, in contrast, would generate a so-called single point of failure, which is undesirable. With the device according to the invention, operation can be maintained even though each individual inverter unit or communication unit, respectively, can fail, as long as at least one communication unit takes over the master function. A communication unit can fulfill the master function as long as the superordinate inverter unit with its components is functioning in a largely error-free manner. Two inverter units can fail in the present case with three inverter units, whereby operation is then still possible with a single drive segment.

[0051] The first communication unit 14.sub.I of the first inverter unit 4.sub.I has now been specified as master communication unit in the present example. The inverter unit, which is superordinate to the respective current master communication unit, currently the first inverter unit 4.sub.I, will be referred to hereinafter as master inverter unit. The subunits and also state variables of the master inverter unit will also be provided with the prefixed designation master, here for example the master controller 19.sub.I and the master control variable 20.sub.I.

[0052] The master communication unit 14.sub.I receives the control command 24 from the control unit 12 and acknowledges receipt by sending a confirmation to the control unit 12. Only the master communication unit 14.sub.I sends the confirmation.

[0053] In the situation as is illustrated in FIG. 4, the communication unit 14.sub.I of the first inverter unit 4.sub.I is now specified as master communication unit, which is illustrated by the double frame. Individual master state values of the master inverter unit 4.sub.I are now continuously transmitted to the master communication unit 14.sub.I. This is in particular the master control variable 201 of the master controller 19.sub.I and also a master state variable 22.sub.I of the master inverter unit 22.sub.I. The master inverter unit 4.sub.I still operates in the manner as has been described further above for the first inverter unit 4.sub.I.

[0054] A state variable 22 of the inverter unit 21 can generally be an internal parameter of the inverter unit 21, which is a function of the incoming control variable on the inverter and/or which has influence on the output power P.

[0055] The inverter units, which are not master inverter units, and also the subunits and state variables thereof are provided with the prefixed designation slave.

[0056] The master state values 20.sub.I, 22.sub.I of the master inverter unit transmitted to the master communication unit 14.sub.I are transmitted to the other slave communication units 14.sub.II, .sub.III. The special feature is now that these master state values 20.sub.I, 22.sub.I are transmitted by the slave communication units 14.sub.II, .sub.III to the respective assigned slave subunit, here the slave controller 19.sub.II, .sub.III and also the slave inverter 21.sub.II, .sub.III, and the corresponding slave state values 20.sub.II, .sub.III, 22.sub.II, .sub.III are thereby replaced by the master state values 20.sub.I, 22.sub.I. In the present case, the master control variable 20.sub.I and the master state variable 22.sub.I thus replace the corresponding slave control variables 20.sub.II, .sub.III or the master state variables 22.sub.II,.sub.III, respectively. It can be seen that the slave controllers 19.sub.II, .sub.III thus idle, i.e. do not exert any actual influence on the control of the electric motor 2. In the case of the slave inverter units 4.sub.II, .sub.III the corresponding elements, which currently do not make any contribution to the control of the electric motor 2, are thus illustrated by means of dashes.

[0057] The redundancy case is illustrated in FIG. 6. Due to a malfunction, the first inverter unit 4.sub.I with the master communication unit 14.sub.I thereof is no longer able to fulfill the master function. The malfunction can be based on a defect of the corresponding position sensor 8.sub.I, of the controller 19.sub.I, of the inverter unit 21.sub.I, or of a connecting line. This malfunction is identified by the first communication unit 14.sub.I. Until this point in time, the first inverter unit 4.sub.I is still the master inverter unit. The master communication unit 14.sub.I now outputs a signal to the remaining communication units 14.sub.II, .sub.III, by means of which the latter are jointly requested to reallocate the master function. This signal includes the information that the first communication unit 14.sub.I is no longer available as master communication unit.

[0058] The current slave communication units now independently determine a new master communication unit from their midst. According to the present illustration, the second communication unit 14.sub.II is specified as master communication unit; the third communication unit 14.sub.III is still a slave communication unit. The first inverter unit 4.sub.I and thus the entire first drive segment I is now inoperative. The entire drive power is now provided via the remaining second and third drive segment II, III. The inverters and the coil units are dimensioned such that two drive segments are sufficient for maintaining the operation of the drive arrangement without performance loss. The service department can be notified in this phase and the defective drive segment can be repaired in a phase of low utilization, e.g. at night. In the unlikely case of a further failure of one of the remaining drive segments II, III, one operational drive segment still remains. The latter ensures at least an emergency operation with reduced performance. This means in particular that the duration of the rotation of the rotatable rail segments is extended with respect to normal operation. The operation of the elevator system can be maintained here, albeit with reduced capacity. It is already helpful, however, that it can be ensured by the emergency operation that the rotatable rail segment is set to vertical. The rotatable rail segment can thus permanently fulfill the function of a vertical rail segment, so that a vertical travel operation remains permanently ensured. Until the repair, the repositioning of the cars between two shafts then has to take place on different floors.

[0059] In the exemplary embodiment, the first control variable and the first state variable of the inverter, which are transmitted by the master inverter unit to the respective other slave inverter units and which are the basis for the operation of the other slave inverter units, is shown only in an exemplary manner as possible state value. The actual value or the control difference 18 provided by the sensor 10 can also be transferred as controller variable which is to be transferred. A concrete amperage value, for example, with which the inverter 21 currently operates, can be transmitted as state variable 22 of the inverter 21.

[0060] Alternatively, it is possible (FIG. 7) that the sensor value 10.sub.I of the master inverter unit 4.sub.I is distributed via the master communication unit 4.sub.II to the slave inverter units; together, the slave controllers 19.sub.II, 19.sub.III then use the same master sensor value 10.sub.I. The respective guide variables 17 can either be generated via the respective own guide variable generator of the respective inverter unit (as illustrated in FIG. 7), or can also be transmitted by the master inverter unit via the bus connection 5 (according to FIG. 5). If the sensor assigned to the master sensor unit fails, a reallocation of the master inverter unit is prompted according to the other embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0061] 1 drive arrangement [0062] 2 electric motor [0063] 3 coil arrangement [0064] 4 inverter unit [0065] 5 data ring [0066] 6 stator [0067] 7 rotor [0068] 8 position sensor [0069] 9 power transfer connection [0070] 10 position sensor value [0071] 11 confirmation to control unit [0072] 12 control unit [0073] 13 control command [0074] 14 communication unit [0075] 15 control signal [0076] 16 guide variable generator [0077] 17 guide variable [0078] 18 control difference [0079] 19 controller [0080] 20 control variable (state value of the inverter unit) [0081] 21 inverter [0082] 22 state variable of the inverter (state value of the inverter unit) [0083] 50 elevator system [0084] 51 elevator car [0085] 52 shaft [0086] 53 rotating platform [0087] 56 stationary first guide rail [0088] 57 second stationary guide rail [0089] 58 third rotatable guide rail [0090] I first drive segment [0091] II second drive segment [0092] III third drive segment [0093] P electrical power