United States Patent: 3643762

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( 53045 of 53045 )

United States Patent	3,643,762
Schibli	February 22, 1972

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING AN ELEVATOR FOR MEDIUM TO HIGH RUNNING SPEED

Abstract

A nominal value element, an actual value element, a control panel and a selector are operatively associated with a speed regulated drive for an elevator cabin. Those floors lying in the selected running direction are successively searched for the presence of a call and, immediately after starting of the run, a pulse sequence is produced to advance the selector and a counter, in synchronism, step-by-step. Upon discovery of a call by the selector, or when a pulse total greater by one than the number of floors that can be served at a running speed not exceeding a predetermined first velocity, the pulse sequence is interrupted by the counter. In the absence of a call, after interruption of the pulse sequence, and until a call is discovered, the selector is advanced by brake engagement start pulses correlated with a predetermined second velocity. The braking nominal voltage, corresponding to the running speed adjusting itself, is preselected by evaluating the counting position of the counter. The brake engagement starting pulse, to be supplied to the nominal value element, is selected by the starting pulse correlated to the target floor as well as to the selected running direction and to the running speed. The nominal value element includes a time-dependent nominal value setter, a path-dependent nominal value setter, a root former and a discriminator. The control panel includes a selection circuit, connected to shaft switches, a nominal value starter, a blocking circuit, the counter, a pulse generator and a stopping transmitter. The nominal value element and the selector are connected to the control panel.

Inventors:	Schibli; Marcel (Kussnacht a.Rigi, CH)
Assignee:	Inventio Aktiengesellschaft (Hergiswil NW, CH)
Appl. No.:	05/089,996
Filed:	November 16, 1970

Foreign Application Priority Data


Nov 18, 1969 [CH]			17259/69

Current U.S. Class: 187/293

Current International Class: B66B 1/16 (20060101); B66B 1/14 (20060101); B66b 001/30 ()

Field of Search: 187/29

References Cited [Referenced By]

U.S. Patent Documents


3523232	August 1970	Hall et al.
3526300	September 1970	Ferrot
3570630	March 1971	Voigt et al.

Primary Examiner: Gilheany; Bernard A.
Assistant Examiner: Duncanson, Jr.; W. E.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. Method of controlling, for medium to high running speeds, an elevator of the type including a speed-regulated drive, a selector with stepping mechanism for stop predetermination, a nominal value element supplying to the drive, for acceleration, a first and increasing nominal voltage and, at a certain path point before each stop, a brake nominal value start pulse which initiates a second nominal voltage which decreases as a function of the path traveled and which, when equal to a voltage corresponding to the instantaneous elevator cabin speed, is applied to the drive as a nominal voltage for deceleration: said method comprising the steps of successively searching those floors lying in the selected running direction for the presence of a call; immediately after starting of the run, producing a pulse sequence advancing the selector and a counter synchronously step by step; upon discovery of a call by the selector, or when a pulse total greater by one than the number of floors that can be served at a running speed not exceeding a predetermined first main running velocity is produced, interrupting the pulse sequence by the counter; in the absence of a call after interruption of the pulse sequence, and until a call is discovered, advancing the selector by brake engagement start pulses correlated with the predetermined second main run velocity; preselecting the braking nominal voltage, corresponding to the running speed adjusting itself, by evaluating the counting position of the counter; and effecting selection of the brake engagement starting pulse to be supplied to the nominal value element by the starting pulse correlated to the target floor as well a to the selected running direction and to the running speed.

2. A method of controlling an elevator, as claimed in claim 1, including interrupting the pulse sequence for the advance of the selector and the counter upon discovery of a call by the selector.

3. A method of controlling an elevator, as claimed in claim 1, including the step of interrupting the pulse sequence for the advance of the selector and the counter responsive to receipt of three pulses by the counter.

4. Control arrangement, for medium to high running speeds of an elevator of the type including a speed-regulated drive, a selector with stepping mechanism for stop predetermination, a nominal value element supplying to the drive, for acceleration, a first and increasing nominal voltage and, at a certain path point before each stop, a brake nominal value start pulse which initiates a second nominal voltage which decreases as a function of the path traveled and which, when equal to a voltage corresponding to the instantaneous elevator cabin speed, is applied to the drive as a nominal voltage for deceleration: said control arrangement comprising, in combination, respective shaft switches on said cabin each corresponding to a respective running direction and to a respective first or second main running velocity; shaft flags secured in the elevator shaft at theoretical brake path distances before the respective floors and each operable to actuate a respective shaft switch; a selection circuit connected to said shaft switches to receive pulses therefrom; a selector providing running direction signals to said selection circuit; a counter supplying velocity signal to said selection circuit; a nominal value starter; said selection circuit, as a function of the supplied running direction signals and the supplied velocity signals, supplying pulses corresponding to the selected running direction and speed to said nominal value starter; a blocking circuit connected to said nominal value starter; a nominal value element; said nominal value starter, as a function of an output signal from said blocking circuit, either blocking said pulses or transmitting said pulses to said nominal value element; said counter supplying velocity signals to said nominal value element; said nominal value element, as a function of the velocity signals supplied thereto, producing a deceleration nominal voltage correlated with one of said first and second main running velocities; a stopping pulse generator connected to said counter and to said selector; a main pulse generator connected to said stopping pulse generator; said stopping pulse generator, as a function of velocity signals of said counter and stop signals of said selector, supplied thereto, blocking the pulses of said main pulse generator, or blocking the pulses of said shaft switches correlated to the second main running velocity, or transmitting said pulses of said main pulse generator or said pulses of said shaft switches to said selector and to said counter; and means connecting said counter to said blocking circuit, said counter controlling said blocking circuit and producing the running velocity signal as a function of the counter position.

5. A control arrangement for an elevator, as claimed in claim 4, including an output conductor connected to said selection circuit; a NOR-element included in said nominal value starter; and a delayed NOR-element said conductor being directly connected to a first input of said NOR-element, being connected to a second input thereof through said delayed NOR-element, and being connected to a third input of said NOR-element through said blocking circuit.

6. A control arrangement for an elevator, as claimed in claim 4, including a first output conductor connecting said selection circuit to said blocking circuit; a second output conductor connected to said nominal value starter; a memory element connected to receive the signal on said first output conductor; a NOR-element having three inputs; said memory element being resettable by the signal on said second output conductor to a first input of said NOR-element; third and fourth conductors connecting the outputs of said counter to the second and third inputs of said NOR-element; a second NOR-element having one input connected to the output of said first-mentioned NOR-element; and a fifth conductor supplying the stop signal of said selector to a second input of said second NOR-element.

7. A control arrangement for an elevator, as claimed in claim 4, in which said counter has four switch positions; said counter, in its fourth position, changing the velocity signal.

8. A control arrangement for an elevator, as claimed in claim 4, in which said stopping pulse generator includes two first NOR-elements each correlated to a respective running direction; each first NOR-element having a first input receiving the corresponding running direction signal, a second input receiving the stop signal, a third input receiving the velocity signal, a fourth input receiving the nominal value start signal, and a fifth input receiving the shaft pulse signal correlated to the second main running velocity and to the corresponding running direction; a second NOR-element in said stopping pulse generator having first and second inputs each connected to the output of a respective first NOR-element; an output conductor applying the output of said main pulse generator to the third input of said second NOR-element; and means supplying the output of said second NOR-element to said selector and to said counter.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In elevators having a low running speed, the rated running speed is attained, in each run, independently of the distance or path traveled. Consequently, the braking distance has a constant length and brake engagement occurs always at the same path point before the target floor and irrespective of the departure floor. This path point usually is marked by a shaft flag mounted in the elevator shaft and spaced from the target floor by the length of the braking distance.

In elevators having a higher running speed, the rated running speed is not attained in certain short runs where the sum of the acceleration and deceleration paths, corresponding to the rated running speed, is greater than the distance between the departure and target floor. In this case, the braking distance no longer has a constant length, and brake engagement occurs at different path points before the target floor and as a function of the departure floor.

In most elevators having higher running speeds, this fact is taken into account in that two to three graded rated running speeds are provided and, for each run, the highest rated running speeds still attainable on the respective path is selected. However, an equal rated running speed is assigned to a whole series of runs of different lengths of travel. As the selection of the rated running speed values must be effected so that each step value is matched to the shortest length of travel of the respective series, all longer lengths of travel of this series are run under less favorable conditions, that is, with a longer running time. Theoretically, this disadvantage could be avoided by correlating an individual rated running speed with each possible section of travel. In practice, however, this solution is not feasible because of the high cost and, in particular, because of the large number of shaft flags per floor.

There has already been proposed a control device with only one high-rated running speed, where the optimum running speed, for each travel path, adjusts or sets itself automatically. For this control device, there is used a so-called selector, which comprises a number of call memories correlated to the floors and a stepping mechanism advanced, with a lead, by pulses depending on the cabin position. The stepping mechanism has a number of position units correlated to the individual floors, and producing a stop signal when the stepping mechanism reaches a position which corresponds to a floor for which a call is stored in the correlated call memory. Upon departure of a cabin from a starting floor, a nominal voltage, increasing according to a certain acceleration law, is preset on the speed-regulated drive and, at the same time, a brake nominal voltage is initiated and this decreases according to a certain deceleration law and corresponds, at every moment, to the maximum permissible speed for serving the next floor. The selector is then advanced by one step to the position corresponding to the next following floor. As soon as the two nominal voltages have reached an equal voltage value, the braking nominal voltage is preset on the drive if there is a stop signal from the selector. If, however, a stop signal is not present at this moment, the selector is advanced by one step and, at the same time, a new braking nominal voltage is started and decreases according to the certain deceleration law and corresponds, at every moment, to the maximum permissible speed for serving the next floor. This procedure is repeated until the selector produces a stop signal.

With this proposed control device, the running speed, still permissible for serving the next possible stop floor, and the respective braking nominal value curve, are computed at every moment. This involves such a great expense that the use of this principle is worthwhile, at the most, only for maximum speed elevators.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling, for medium to high running speeds, an elevator of the type having a speed-regulated drive and a selector with stepping mechanism for stop predetermination, and in which there is supplied to the drive, from a nominal value element for the acceleration, a first increasing nominal voltage and, producing at a certain path point before each stop, a brake nominal value start pulse which initiates a second nominal voltage which decreases as a function of the path traveled and which, at equality with a voltage corresponding to the instanteous cabin speed, is preset on the drive as a nominal voltage for the deceleration of the elevator.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a compromise solution between the expensive control system, which provides an optimum speed for each run, and the system provided with fixed speed steps, which provides optimum speeds for only a few runs. In accordance with the invention, the expensive computation of the respective maximum permissible running speeds is especially to be avoided, and the number of runs which can be carried out at optimum running speed is to be maintained as high as possible, without requiring a large number of fixed nominal running speed steps and a shaft flags per floor.

In accordance with the invention method, the floors lying in the desired running direction are successively searched for the existence of a call. Immediately after the run is started, a pulse sequence is produced, and advances the selector and a counter synchronously step by step. Upon discovery of a call by the selector, or upon reaching a pulse number greater by one than the number of floors that can be served at a running speed not exceeding a predetermined first main running velocity, the pulse sequence is interrupted by the counter. In the absence of a call, after the interruption of the pulse sequence, and until a call is discovered, the selector is advanced by brake engagement start pulses which are correlated to a predetermined second main running velocity. The counting position of the counter is evaluated to preselect the braking nominal voltage corresponding to the running speed adjusting itself, and the selection of the braking nominal voltage to be supplied to the nominal value element is effected by the start pulse correlated to the target floor as well as to the selected running direction and running speed.

The apparatus of the invention comprises a control device in which, for each running direction, a shaft switch, correlated to a first main running velocity and a shaft switch correlated to a second main running velocity are mounted on the elevator cabin. The shaft switches are actuable by shaft flags which are secured in the elevator shaft at a theoretical brake path distance before the floors and correlated to the respective main running velocity. The pulses of the shaft switches are supplied to a selection circuit which, as a function of supplied running direction signals of a selector and speed signals of a counter, transfers the pulses, corresponding to the selected running direction and speed, to a nominal value starter. This starter, as a function of a supplied output signal of a blocking circuit, either blocks the pulses or transmits the pulses to a nominal value element. In the nominal value element, and as a function of the supplied velocity signal of the counter, a deceleration nominal voltage, correlated to either the first or the second main running velocity, is produced. A stepping pulse generator blocks the pulses of a pulse generator, or the pulses of the shaft switches correlated to the second main running velocity, or else transmits the pulses to the selector and to the counter as a function of the running speed signals of the counter and stops signals from the selector supplied to it. The counter controls the blocking circuit, and produces the running velocity signal as a function of its counting position.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved and simplified method and apparatus for the control of an elevator for medium to high running speed.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a method and apparatus which represents a compromise solution between an expensive control system, providing an optimum speed for each run, and a system having fixed speed steps, providing optimum speeds for only a few runs. A further object of the invention is to provide such a method and apparatus which does not involve expensive computation of the respective maximum permissible running speed for each path of travel.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a method and apparatus in which the number of runs which can be carried out at optimum running speed is maintained as high as possible without requiring a large number of fixed nominal running speed steps and a large number of shaft flags per floor.

For an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference is made to the following description of a typical embodiment thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a schematic part sectional view and part block diagram illustrating the important parts of an elevator in connection with the control device of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic wiring diagram of a nominal value element;

FIG. 3 is a graphic representation of the curve of the elevator speed as a function of the path traveled between two floors;

FIG. 4 is a somewhat schematic vertical sectional view illustrating a particular arrangement of shaft flags in an elevator shaft;

FIG. 5 is a schematic wiring diagram of a NOR element;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a NOR memory;

FIG. 7 is a schematic wiring diagram of a delayed NOR element;

FIG. 8 is a schematic wiring diagram of a relaxation switch;

FIG. 9 is a schematic wiring diagram of a bistable multivibrator;

FIG. 10 is a schematic wiring diagram of the invention control device; and

FIG. 11 is a graphic illustration, associated with FIG. 4, of the acceleration, constant velocity, and deceleration curves corresponding to various runs of the elevator.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring first to FIG. 1, an elevator shaft 2, shown only partially, has an elevator cabin 3 guided therein. Cabin 3 is secured to hoisting cable 5 driven by a hoisting machine 4, and serves, for example, nine floors S1 to S9, of which only floors S5 and S6 are illustrated in FIG. 1. The shaft doors arranged on floors S5 and S6 are illustrated at T5 and T6, respectively. Hoisting machine 4 is speed-regulated, and the control arrangement consists of a nominal value element 6, an actual value element 7 and an amplifier 8, in the usual arrangement.

In the particular example chosen, the actual value element 7 is a tachometer dynamo coupled with the drive shaft of hoisting machine 4, and which produces an actual voltage proportional to the driving speed. The actual voltage is counterconnected with a nominal voltage produced by nominal value element 6, and proportional to the desired drive speed. Amplifier 8 is controlled by the difference voltage resulting from these two counterconnected voltages and, in turn, controls the drive speed of machine 4. A travel direction switch means is illustrated at 9, and, in a known manner, poles the nominal voltage according to the planned direction of travel.

As explained in the following description of FIG. 2, nominal value element 6 produces, over the entire travel path of the elevator, a nominal voltage which increases, during the acceleration of the elevator, as a function of time, remains constant during travel at rated speed, and decreases, during deceleration of the elevator, as a function of the path traveled by cabin 3. To produce the path-dependent nominal voltage, path pulses are supplied to nominal value element 6 by a conductor LA, from a photoelectric scanner A mounted on cabin 3 and which scans a perforated tape 10 arranged in elevator shaft 2 and extending over the entire hoisting height. A control device, embodying the invention, is indicated at 11 and, as will be clear from the following description of FIG. 10, control device 11, on the one hand, controls, through conductors LSW1, LSW 2 and LV2, the nominal value element 6 and, on the other hand, supplies, through conductor LF stepping pulses to a so-called selector 12. Shaft pulses are supplied to control device 11 from four shaft switches MV1u, MV2u, MV1d and MV2d arranged on cabin 3, through respective conductors LV1u, LV2u, LV1d and LV2d. As cabin 3 passes along shaft 2, these shaft switches are actuated by shaft flags F, indicated more fully in FIG. 4.

Selector 12 is a known elevator control apparatus, with stepping mechanism, described in detail in Swiss Pat. No. 381,831 for a collective control arrangement. When there are nine service floors, selector 12 has a series of nine memory elements corelated to the cabin calls, and which are operable by cabin call transmitters C1-C9, arranged in cabin 3, through respective lines LC1-LC9. Selector 12 also has eight memory elements correlated to the upward or downward floor calls, and which are operable by the upward floor call transmitters Su1-Su8 or, respectively, by the downward floor call transmitters Sd2-Sd9, through the associated respective conductors LSu1-LSu8 and LSd2-LSd9. The stepping mechanism of selector 12 has nine position units correlated to the individual floors, and is advanced, with a certain lead, by shaft pulses which are dependent on the position of cabin 3.

When a call is present, selector 12 determines the direction of travel to be taken for serving this call, and transmits, through conductors Lu and Ld corresponding travel direction signals to control device 11 and travel direction switch 9. In addition, selector 12 produces a departure signal which is transmitted, through conductor LST, to nominal value element 6 to start the latter. During travel, the stepping mechanism is advanced step by step. As soon as the stepping mechanism has reached a position which corresponds to a floor for which one of the correlated call memory elements has a call stored, selector 12 produces a stop signal which is supplied to control device 11 through conductor LH.

Referring to FIG. 2, nominal value element 6 comprises a time-dependent nominal value setter 6.1, for presetting the nominal acceleration, a path-dependent nominal value setter 6.2, for presetting the nominal deceleration, followed by a root former 6.3, and a discriminator 6.4, which controls the transition from time-dependent to path-dependent nominal value presetting. Nominal value element 6 has two output terminals 6.5 and 6.6, at which the nominal voltage is available, and eight input terminals 6.7-6.14. A stabilized DC voltage source (not shown) is connected to input terminals 6.7, 6.8 and 6.9, with zero potential being applied at terminal 6.8, a positive potential at terminal 6.7, and a negative potential, of equal magnitude to the positive potential, at terminal 6.9.

In time-dependent nominal value setter 6.1 the nominal voltage appears across a condenser CT1 which is connected, on the one hand, to the zero potential of terminal 6.8 and, on the other hand, and through two resistances RT1 and RT2 to the collector of a transistor TT1 which is in collector connection. The emitter of transistor TT1 is connected, through a resistance RT3, with the positive potential at terminal 6.7, while the base of this transistor leads into discriminator 6.4. Another condenser CT2 is connected between the junction point of resistances RT1 and RT2 and terminal 6.8, at zero potential. The series connection of resistance RT2 with condenser CT2 is bridged or shunted by a rest contact STK or a relay ST, which is actuated by the departure signal produced by selector 12 and transmitted, through conductor LST to terminal 6.10, through a conventional switching transistor TT2. The departure signal is maintained, and hence contact STK remains open, until the elevator has practically completed the respective run, that is, until the holding brake of the elevator is closed or applied.

Path-dependent nominal value setter 6.2 comprises two condensers CW1 and CW2 each having one terminal connected, at zero potential, to terminal 6.8. The other terminals of condensers CW1 and CW2 can be coupled, through a rest contact SW1k of a relay SW1, with respective taps TW1 and TW2 of a potentiometer PW between terminals 6.7 and 6.8, and can be selectively connected, through a make-and-break contact V2WK of a relay V2W to a resistance RW. The other terminal of resistance RW is connected with a collector of a transistor TW1, whose emitter is connected to the negative potential of terminal 6.9. The base of transistor TW1 is connected to the output of a conventional NOR element NW having two inputs, one connected, through terminal 6.11, with conductor LA, and the other connected, through terminal 6.12, with conductor LSW1.

NOR element NW is a static circuit element, called a "NEITHER-NOR-Element," and produces an output signal 1 when all input signals are 0, but furnishes an output signal 0 as soon as at least one input signal assumes the value 1. The principle of this element will be evident from FIG. 5, described hereinafter. Between that terminal of resistance RW connected with contact V2WK and terminal 6.8, there is connected a diode DW across which is applied the output voltage of path-dependent nominal value setter 6.2. Relay SW1 is actuated by the control signal from control device 11 through conductor LSW2 applied to terminal 6.13, and relay V2W is actuated by the control signal from control device 11 applied through conductor LV2 to terminal 6.14. The actuation of relays SW1 and V2W by their respective control signals is effected through respective switching transistors TW2 and TW3, arranged in the usual manner.

Root former 6.3 serves to transform the curve form of the output voltage of path-dependent nominal value setter 6.2, and comprises a commercial amplifier LW, such as an amplifier having a very high gain, which is connected in negative feedback by means of nonlinear members in such a way that a certain curve form results. Amplifier LW has applied thereto the positive potential of terminal 6.7 and the negative potential of terminal 6.9, and the output voltage of path-dependent nominal value setter 6.2 is applied to its input. Between the output of amplifier OW and the zero potential of terminal 6.8 there is present the output voltage of root former 6.3. The negative feedback is effected through parallel current branches successively blocking at decreasing voltage, of which the first two branches each comprise a resistance RW1 or RW2 and an associated zener diode ZW1 or ZW2, while the third branch comprises a resistance RW3 and a diode DW3. A last parallel branch is provided and comprises a resistance RW4. Due to this negative feedback, the return of amplifier OW becomes progressively weaker at decreasing input voltage, so that the amplification increases.

In discriminator 6.4, one output terminal 6.5 is connected to zero potential terminal 6.8, while the other output terminal 6.6 is connected to terminal SD1.1, which is the fixed terminal of a make-and-break contact SD1 of a relay SD. Rest contact terminal SD1.2 associated with movable contact SD1 has applied thereto the output voltage of time-dependent nominal value setter 6.1, and working or transfer terminal SD1.3 has applied thereto the output voltage of root former 6.3. Discriminator 6.4 comprises two operation amplifiers OD1 and OD2, which are connected to the positive potential of terminal 6.7 and to the negative potential of terminal 6.9. These amplifiers serve as flip type difference amplifiers, and flip to the negative side at small negative difference of the input potentials and to the positive side at small positive difference of the input potentials.

One output of amplifier OD1 is connected, through a potentiometer PD1, to the positive potential of terminal 6.7, and the adjustable tap of this potentiometer is connected to the base of transistor TT1 of time-dependent nominal value setter 6.1. One input of amplifier OD1 is in connection with rest or back contact terminals SD1.2 associated with movable contact SD1, and the other input is connected, on the one hand and through a potentiometer PD2, with working contact terminal SD1.3 associated with movable contact SD1 and, on the other hand, with the collector of a transistor TB1 whose emitter has applied thereto the negative potential of terminal 6.9 and whose base is maintained at a constant potential by means of a series connection of a resistance RD with a Zener diode ZD, which series connection is connected between terminals 6.8 and 6.9. The movable tap of potentiometer PD2 is connected, through a diode DD, with the collector of transistor TT1 of time-dependent nominal value setter 6.1.

The output of operation amplifier OD2 is connected to the base of the transistor TD2, whose emitter is connected to the zero potential of terminal 6.8 and whose collector is connected, through the winding of relay SD, to the positive potential of terminal 6.7. One input of amplifier OD2 is connected with rest terminal SD1.2, and the other input with working terminal SD1.3, both associated with movable contact SD1.

In nominal value element 6, in the state of rest, when the feed voltage source is connected, condensers CT1 and CT2 are short-circuited through contact STK, so that the condenser voltages are zero. Condensers CW1 and CW2, on the other hand, are charged to the voltages adjusted by means of potentiometer PW, condenser CW2 having a higher voltage than condenser CW1. At NOR-element NW, input terminal 6.12 presents the signal 1, so that the output signal of element NW, connected to the base of transistor TW1, is equal to 0 regardless of the signal of input terminal 6.11, and transistor TW1 blocks. The output of path-dependent nominal value setter 6.2, and those also that of root former 6.3, thus carry the voltage corresponding to condenser CW1 charged to its maximum voltage, this voltage being applied to working contact terminal SD1.2. A small constant current flows through potentiometer PD2, so that, at the associated input of amplifier OD1, the output voltage of root former 6.3, reduced by the voltage drop across potentiometer PD2, is available.

As the output voltage of time-dependent nominal value setter 6.1, applied to rest contact terminal SD1.3, is zero, there appears, at the input of amplifier OD1, a negative difference voltage so that the amplifier output has negative potential. Current thus flows through potentiometer PD1, and thus transistor TT1 is held open. Diode DD, connnected to the top of potentiometer PD2, does not carry current, as the collector of transistor TT1 is maintained on zero potential through contact STK. At the input of amplifier OD2, there also prevails a negative difference voltage, so that its output has negative potential and blocks transistor TD2. Relay SD is thus in the released or deenergized position, and thus the nominal voltage at terminals 6.5 and 6.6 is zero.

As soon as a departure signal is received from selector 12 through conductor LST connected to terminal 6.10, relay ST is energized and opens contact STK. Condensers CT1 and CT2 are now charged with constant current through transistor TT1. The nominal voltage then appearing at terminals 6.5 and 6.6 is entered in the diagram of FIG. 3. In this diagram, there are plotted, on the abscissa, the path s traveled by the elevator cabin 3 and, on the ordinate, the nominal voltage US or, respectively, the velocity v of cabin 3. The response of the nominal voltage US or velocity v during the acceleration phase of the elevator is represented by the curve USb, which originates at the path point Po. The shape of curve USb is parabolic since, owing to the charging of condensers CT1 and CT2 with constant current, the nominal voltage increases linearly as a function of time.

Path-dependent nominal value setter 6.2 produces, selectively, one or the other of two different nominal voltages for deceleration of the elevator on approaching a floor. The nominal voltage beginning at a smaller initial value, and produced by discharge of condenser CW1, is required for runs over two floors at the most, and the nominal voltage beginning at a greater initial value, and produced by the discharge of condenser CW2, is for runs extending over three or more floors. The selection is made, at the beginning of each run, by control device 11 which, for runs over more than two floors, supplies a control signal to terminal 6.14 through conductor LV2. Relay V2W is then actuated through transistor TW3, and transfers the make-and-break contact V2WK.

As soon as the elevator moves, there are produced, in scanner A, pulses which are supplied through conductor LA and terminal 6.11 to one input of NOR-element NW. Element NW does not change its output signal as long as the other input on line LSW1 presents the signal 1. During the run of the elevator, at a certain path point P1 determined by one of the shaft flags F, a start signal, for the path-dependent nominal value element, is supplied to terminals 6.12 and 6.13 by control device 11 through conductors LSW1 and LSW2. As a result, relay SW1 is actuated and opens its contact SW1k, so that NOR element NW, whose input connected to terminal 6.12 has become 0, now lets pass the signal sequence of scanner A so that transistor TW1 is opened and closed step by step. Condenser CW1 or, respectively, condenser CW2 is now discharged through the series connection of resistance RW and transistor TW1 against the negative potential of terminal 6.9. By the discharge against the negative potential, there is attained that the nominal voltage, dropping to zero, sweeps only the practically linear zone of the exponential function corresponding to the condenser discharge. A change of charge of condenser CW1 or condenser CW2 is prevented by diode DW, since the latter becomes conductive as soon as the condenser voltage changes direction.

The output voltage of path-dependent nominal value setter 6.2 has a linearly decreasing response as a function of the path traveled by elevator cabin 3. It is known that good running comfort is obtained when the deceleration is as nearly constant as possible over the entire braking distance. This means that the nominal voltage, or respectively the velocity, must decrease parabolically as a function of the path. The output voltage, decreasing linearly as a function of the path, of path-dependent nominal value setter 6.2 therefore is supplied to root former 6.3. Root former 6.3 transforms this output voltage by means of amplifier OW and of the nonlinear negative feedback members ZW1, ZW2 and DW3 into a parabolic nominal voltage, although, to attain a steep and defined termination, the feedback in the last branch is effected by a linear resistance RW4. The resulting slight falsification of the parabolic form, at the end of the curve, can be accepted without disadvantage, and is even desirable in certain cases. The respective nominal voltage response at the output of the root former is represented, in the diagram of FIG. 3, by the curve USv, which starts at path point P1.

According to FIG. 3, the path-dependent nominal value setter 6.2 was started during the acceleration phase of the elevator. When a run over several floors is intended, this start will take place usually only at a later time. In any case, however, the instantaneous value of the time-dependent nominal voltage supplied to rest contact terminal SD1.2 is compared, in discriminator 6.4, with the instantaneous value of the path-dependent nominal voltage applied to the working contact terminal SD1.3. As soon as the difference between these two nominal voltages USb and USv has decreased to the value of the voltage drop UPD2 of potentiometer PD2, operation amplifier OD1 flips to the positive side and transistor TT1 is blocked. There then occurs only an equalization of the voltages of the two condensers CT1 and CT2 through the resistance RT1.

Since, during charging through transistor TT1, condenser CT2 had a voltage greater, by the voltage drop at resistance RT1, than the condenser CT1, the latter is charged by a small additional value. This brings about a smooth transition from acceleration to running at constant speed. The respective response of the nominal voltage USk is illustrated in the diagram of FIG. 3. At path point P2, at which the difference voltage reaches the value UPD2, transistor TT1 is blocked and, at path point P3, the equalization of the voltages of the two condensers CT1 and CT2 is completed. The nominal voltage USk, tapped at terminals 6.5 and 6.6 or, respectively, the running speed of the elevator cabin, now remains constant that the value USk to path point P4, while the path-dependent nominal voltage USv continues to decrease.

At path point P4, this voltage has decreased to the extent that now diode DD becomes conductive, the difference between the voltages USv and USk still having a certain value UDD. Condensers CT1 and CT2 are discharged through diode DD, potentiometer PD2 and transistor TD1 against the negative potential and with a small current. At path point P5, the difference between the two voltages USk or USb, and USv, practically become zero and change the sign. Now, operation amplifier OD2 immediately flips to the positive side. Transistor TD2 becomes conductive, so that relay SD responds and transfers its make-and-break contact SD1. The nominal voltage Us at the terminals 6.5 and 6.6, now follows the curve USv of the path-dependent acceleration nominal value. At path point P6, the nominal voltage Us becomes zero and the elevator is stopped. With the engagement of the holding brake of the elevator, the nominal value element 6 is returned to the initial state.

As mentioned before, starting of the path-dependent nominal value setter 6.2 occurs through one of the solenoid switches MV1u, MV2u, MV1d or MV2d arranged on cabin 3, and which are actuated by flags F mounted in elevator shaft 2, upon passage of the elevator cabin 3, and furnish a signal to inputs 6.12 and 6.13 of the path-dependent nominal value setter 6.3 through control device 11 and conductors LSW1 and LSW2.

The arrangement of these flags is illustrated in FIG. 4, wherein the nine floors of elevator shaft 2 are marked S1 to S9. The flags F1u2 to F1u9, for actuation of shaft switch MV1u are intended for upward travel, and the flanges F1d1 to F1d8 are arranged for actuation of shaft switch MV1d for downward travel over one or two floors. These flags are mounted in the elevator shaft, as viewed in the respective directions of travel, in advance of the floor in question by a distance which is equal to the deceleration path preset by path-dependent nominal value setter 6.2 upon discharge of condenser CW1 from the maximum voltage to zero voltage. For runs over three or more floors, there are provided, for upward runs, flags F2u4 to F2u9, actuating shaft switch MV2u, and for downward runs, flags F2d1 to F2d6 actuating shaft switch MV2d. These are mounted in the elevator shaft, viewed in the respective direction of travel, in advance of the floor in question and by a distance which is equal to the deceleration path preset by path-dependent nominal value setter 6.2 upon discharge of condenser CW2 from its maximum voltage to zero voltage.

The control device is constructed from static components, and particular the so-called NOR elements and memory elements resulting combination of two NOR elements. In addition, the control device comprises so-called delayed NOR elements, an oscillator and a counter.

Referring to FIG. 5, the NOR element comprises a transistor Tr. The inputs e1, e2, e3 and e4 of the NOR element are connected with the base of transistor Tr through respective resistances W1, W2, W3 and W4. The emitter of transistor Tr is grounded, while the collector is connected, through a resistance WC, to what, in relation to ground, is a positive potential (+) of a DC voltage source. The collector has further connected thereto the output a of the NOR element. Instead of the input resistances, there may be provided diodes, connected with the base of transistor Tr, through an additional resistance.

A memory element G, resulting from the interconnection of two NOR-elements N1 and N2, is illustrated in FIG. 6. The output aG1 of element N1 is coupled with one of the inputs of element N2, and the output aG2 of element N2 is coupled with one of the inputs of element N1. When input eG1 presents the signal 1, and input eG2 the signal 0, there appears, at output aG1, the signal 0 and, at output aG2, the signal 1. If there is a change of signal at input aG1, the signals at the outputs aG1 and aG2 do not change. The output position can be changed only when the signal at input eG2 becomes 1.

FIG. 7 illustrates a delayed NOR element, which comprises a transistor Trt whose collector, to which the output at is applied, is again connected through a resistance WC1 to what in relation to ground, is a positive potential (+) of a DC voltage source, and whose emitter is again grounded. The base is connected through a resistance W5 with input et of the NOR element. A condenser C is inserted between the base and collector of transistor Trt, and is charged when an input signal appears. The output signal thereby is postponed or delayed by a certain time interval relative to the input signal.

The oscillator used in the particular control device 11 selected for illustration consists of a relaxation switch KS shown in FIG. 8 and which, for pulse formation, is followed by a bistable multivibrator MV, shown in FIG. 9. Relaxation switch KS includes a condenser CKS which is charged with a certain current through a resistance RKS1, and is discharged through a double base diode DDKS when a predetermined voltage is reached. One plate CKS1 of condenser CKS is grounded, while the other plate CKS2 is connected through a diode DKS with control input KS1 of switch KS, through resistance RKS1 with what, in relation to ground, is a positive potential (+) of a DC voltage source, and further with the emitter of the double base diode DDKS. One base of diode DDKS is connected through a current limiting resistance RKS2 to the positive potential, and the other base, to which the output KS2 of switch KS is connected, through a resistance RKS3 to ground.

Input KS1 is coupled with the output of a NOR element. As long as the NOR element furnishes an output signal 0, plate CKS2 of condenser CKS is grounded through diode DKS. As soon as a signal 1 appears at the input, condenser CKS begins to charge toward the positive potential. At the beginning of the condenser, charging of double base diode DDKS is still blocked, and it becomes conductive when the condenser voltage, applied to its emitter, reaches a certain portion of the voltage connected through the two bases. On reaching this value, condenser CKS discharges across resistance RKS3 with a large current. At that point, a voltage pulse appears at output KS2 of relaxation switch KS. On completion of the discharge of condenser CKS, diode DDKS returns to the blocking state, so that condenser CKS can charge again. The discharge process is repeated with a certain frequency until the output signal of the NOR element becomes 0.

The bistable multivibrator MV, shown in FIG. 9 and connected after relaxation switch KS, is a known circuit arrangement which does not require further explanation. It includes two transistors TMV1 and TMV2, whose emitters are grounded and whose collectors are connected, through respective resistances, with a positive potential (+) in relation to ground. The base of each transistor TMV1 and TMV2 is coupled with the collector of the other transistor. The changeover pulses are supplied through terminal MV3, and the output signal can be attained either through terminal MV1, from the collector of transistor TMV1, or through terminal MU2, from the collector of transistor TMV2. A return signal can be supplied to the multivibrator through terminal MV4, to return the multivibrator to one position.

When using multivibrator MV in the oscillator, the return input MV4 and the output MV1 are not needed. The output of relaxation switch KS is conducted to the changeover input MV3 and, by the voltage pulses of switch KS, multivibrator MV is flipped over with a certain frequency and produces, at its output MV2, a corresponding sequence of rectangular pulses.

To form the counter used in control device 11, two such bistable multivibrators MV may be joined together. One output MV2 of the first multivibrator MV is then connected to the changeover input MV3 of the second multivibrator MV. The multivibrators flip over whenever the input MV3 is reset from the signal value 1 to the signal value 0. The return inputs MV4 are needed to return the counter to a unique starting position. There is thus formed a four-digit binary counter, whose four outputs are successively brought into the positions 1001, 0110 and 1010, starting from the starting position 0101, by changeover pulses at the input MV3 of the first multivibrator.

In FIG. 10, which serves to explain more fully control device 11, the nominal value element is again designated 6 and the selector is again designated 12. As mentioned, selector 12 furnishes, to control device 11, travel direction signals through conductors Lu and Ld, and the stop signal through conductor LH. MV1u, MV2u, MV1d and MV2d are shaft switches which furnish shaft pulses to control device 11 through respective conductors LV1u, LV2u, LV1d and LV2d. Control device 11 comprises a selection circuit 11.1, a nominal value starter 11.2, a blocking circuit 11.3, a counter 11.4, a pulse generator 11.5 and a stepping pulse transmitter 11.6.

In selection circuit 11.1 each of the conductors LV1u, LV2u, LV1d and LV2d is connected to the first input of a respective NOR-element N1.1, N1.2, N1.3 and N1.4. To the second input of each of the elements N1.1 and N1.3, there is connected a conductor LV2 and, to the second input of each of the elements N1.2 and N1.4, there is connected a conductor LV1. The outputs of elements N1.1 and N1.2 are connected commonly to one of the two inputs of a NOR-element N1.5, and the outputs of elements N1.3 and N1.4 are commonly connected to one of the two inputs of a NOR-element N1.6. Each of the elements N1.5 and N1.6 has its output connected with the first input of a respective NOR-element N1.7 and N1.8. The second input of element N1.7 has connected thereto a conductor Lu leading from selector 12, and the second input of element N1.8 has connected thereto a conductor Ld coming from selector 12. The outputs of elements N1.7 and N1.8 are each connected to a respective one of two inputs of a NOR-element N1.9, and the output of element N1.9 is delivered, through a conductor L1.9, into nominal value starter 11.2 and into blocking circuit 11.3.

In nominal value starter 11.2, conductor L1.9 is connected, through a delayed NOR-element ZN2.1, to the first input and, in direct connection, to the second input, of a NOR-element N2.1. An output conductor L3.5 of blocking circuit 11.3 is connected to the third input of element N2.1. The output of element N2.1 is connected with one input of a NOR-element G2.11 of a memory G2.1, and the output of memory element G2.11 is connected by conductor LSW1 into nominal value element 6. One input of the other element G2.12 is connected, through a door contact KT, to the positive potential (+). The door contact KT is closed when the cabin door is open. The output of this memory element is connected, by a conductor LSW2, into nominal value element 6, into blocking circuit 11.3, into stepping pulse transmitter 11.5, and into pulse generator 11.6.

In blocking circuit 11.3, conductor L1.9 is connected to the input of a NOR-element N3.1, whose output is connected directly to one input and, through a delayed NOR-element ZN3.1, to the other input, of a NOR-element N3.2. The output of element N3.2 is connected with one input of a memory element G3.11 of a NOR-memory G3.1, and the input of the other memory element G3.12 is connected to conductor LSW2. The output of memory element G3.12 is connected to the input of a NOR-element N3.3, which has another input connected with conductor L4.11 and a further input connected with a conductor L4.22, and whose output is connected to one input of a NOR-element N3.4. Conductor LH is connected to the other input of element N3.4, and the output of this element is connected with the input of a NOR-element N3.5 whose output is connected, through a conductor L3.5, into nominal value starter 11.2.

Counter 11.4 comprises essentially an interconnection of two of the bistable multivibrators MV described with reference to FIG. 9 and designated, in FIG. 10, by MV4.1 and MV4.2. The changeover input of multivibrator MV4.1 is connected to the output of a NOR-element N4.3, which has an input connected with conductor LV2 and an input connected with conductor LF. At one output of multivibrator MV4.1, there is connected a conductor L4.11 which leads into blocking circuit 11.3, into pulse generator 11.5, and to the changeover input of the second multivibrator MV4.2. The second output of multivibrator MV4.1 is connected, by a conductor L4.12, with one input of a NOR-element N4.2. In multivibrator MV4.2, the first output is not in use while the second output is connected with the second input of NOR-element N4.2 through a conductor L4.22.

The return inputs of multivibrators MV4.1 and MV4.2 are connected jointly to the positive potential (+) through a conductor LKB and a brake control contact KB, while latter is closed when the elevator brake is closed or applied. The output of NOR-element N4.2 is connected by a conductor LV2 into nominal value element 6, into selection circuit 11.1, into pulse generator 11.5, and to the input of a NOR-element N4.1. The output of element N4.1 is connected by a conductor LV1 into selection circuit 11.1 and into stepping pulse transmitter 11.6. Multivibrators MV4.1 and MV4.2 flip over, or change their circuit position, when the input changes over to the signal value 0.

Pulse generator 11.5 comprises a NOR-memory G5.1 with two memory elements G5.11 and G5.12. Conductor L4.11 is connected to one input of memory element G5.11, and conductor LSW2 is connected to one input of memory element G5.12. The output of memory element G5.11 is connected to one input of a NOR-element N5.1, which has an input connected to a conductor L5.1 and an input connected to conductor LH, and whose output is connected with one input of a NOR-element N5.2. Element N5.2 has another input connected with conductor LV2, an input connected with conductor LSW2, and an input connected, through a NOR-element N5.3 and a contact KV, with the positive potential (+). Contact KV is controlled by a tachometer coupled with the drive machine and closes as soon as the elevator reaches a running speed of about 4 cm./sec. The output of NOR element N5.2 is connected to the input of the oscillator OZ5.1, which comprises the relaxation switch KS of FIG. 8 and the bistable multivibrator MV of FIG. 9. The output of the oscillator is connected by a conductor L5.1 into the stepping pulse transmitter 11.6 and to the NOR-element N5.1.

Stepping pulse transmitter 11.6 has two NOR-elements N6.1 and N6.2, each having five inputs, and one NOR-element having three inputs. It also comprises a NOR-element N6.4 having conductor LH connected to its input and conductor LH1 connected to its output. Conductors LH1, LSW2, Lu, LV1 and LV2u are connected to the inputs of element N6.1 and conductors LH1, LSW2, Ld, LV1 and LV2d are connected to the inputs of element N6.1. The outputs of elements N6.1 and N6.2 are connected to respective inputs of element N6.3. At the third input of element N6.3, there is connected conductor L5.1 leading from pulse transmitter 11.5. The output of element N6.3 is connected, through conductor LF, into counter 11.4 and into selector 12.

The starting position of control device 11, with the elevator installation switched on and with cabin 3 at rest on the floor with the door open, is represented, in FIG. 10, by the signal values 1 and 0 entered on the individual conductors. As soon as a run is initiated, selector 12, furnishes, to one of the conductors Lu or Ld, a travel direction signal 0, which reaches NOR-elements N1.7 and N6.1 or, respectively, N1.8 and N6.2, without any effect. The door is closed, and thereby contact KT is opened. Additionally, the elevator brake is released, and hence contact KB is opened, whereby counter 11.4 is free to advance. When the elevator has reached the speed of 4 cm./sec., contact KV closes, so that the output signal of NOR-element N5.3 changes to the value 0 and that of the NOR-element N5.2 to the value 1. Oscillator OZ5.1 thereby is started, and its output connected to conductor L5.1 first produces a signal 1, which is fed to the input of NOR-element N6.3. The output of element N6.3 thereby becomes 0. This signal is supplied by conductor LF to the input of selector 12 and to the input of NOR-element N4.3. Selector 12 is advanced one step in the intended direction of travel. The output of NOR-element N4.3 becomes 1. Counter 11.4 advances by one step only after its input has changed back to the signal 0, and it therefore remains in the starting position.

Now, when a cabin or floor call is present for the contiguous floor to which the selector was advanced, selector 12 gives a stop signal 0 through conductor LH to an input of each of the NOR-elements N3.4, N5.1 and N6.4. The output of NOR-element N3.4 thus becomes 1, so that the signal on conductor L3.5 changes to 0. The output signal of oscillator OZ5.1 then becomes 0 again, owing to which the signal 0 appears at the input of multivibrator MV4.1, which is thereby flipped and produces, at its output connected to conductor L4.11, the signal 1. This causes a changeover of memory G5.1, so that its element G5.11 produces the output signal 0. Since also conductors LH and L5.1 carry the signal 0, NOR-element N5.1, now changing its output signal, stops oscillator OZ5.1 through NOR-element N5.2.

When the elevator cabin is in upward travel, conductor Lu carries the signal 0. Of the signals which are supplied to conductors LV1u, LV2u, LV1d and LV2d, by the respective solenoid switches MV1u, MV2u, MV1d and MV2d, actuated during travel of the cabin, only those of the solenoid switch MV1u reach output conductor L1.9 of selection circuit 11.1. As soon as the solenoid switch MV1u supplies a signal 0 to conductor LV1u, the output of NOR-element N1.1 changes to the signal value 1, the output of element N1.5 changes to the signal value 0, the output of element N1.7 changes to the signal value 1, and the output of element N1.9 changes to the signal value 0. Through conductor L1.9, this signal 0 is fed to nominal value starter 11.2 and blocking circuit 11.3. In blocking circuit 11.3, this input signal 0 causes no change of the output signal 0. In nominal value starter 11.2, this signal passes directly to one of the three inputs NOR-element N2.1 and, through the delayed NOR-element ZN2.1, to another input of element N2.1. Before the output of element ZN2.1 assumes the value 1, however, all three inputs of NOR element N2.1 are briefly 0, owing to which memory element G2.1 is changed over and furnishes a start pulse to nominal value element 6. At that point, the signal on conductor LSW1 changes to 0 and that on conductor LSW2 to 1. Since the signal 0 on conductor LV2 leading into nominal value element 6 was not changed, condenser CW1 is now discharged step by step in the path-dependent nominal value setter 6.2.

When no call is present for the contiguous floor, to which selector 12 is advanced by a pulse of pulse generator 11.5, and therefore selector 12 does not produce a stop signal 0, first the output signal of oscillator OZ5.1 again becomes 1, the signal on conductor LF again becomes 0, and the output signal of NOR-element N4.3 again becomes 1. This causes selector 12 to be again advanced by one step. Now, when there is a call for this next floor, selector 12 then produces a stop signal 0, which is supplied to the NOR-elements N3.4, N5.1 and N6.4, with the effect described above. Although the output signal of memory element G5.11 now shows the value 0, oscillator OZ5.1 is not yet stopped through NOR element N5.1, since it furnishes a signal 1 to the input of element N5.1. The output of oscillator OZ5.1 now becomes 0 for the second time, as a result of which counter 11.4 is again advanced one step and conductor L4.11 again carries the signal 0. Now also oscillator OZ5.1 is stopped through NOR element N5.1, all of whose inputs now have the signal 0. Output conductor L4.22 of multivibrator MV4.2 now carries the signal 0, so that the output signal of NOR element N3.3 changes to the signal 1. The output signal of blocking circuit 11.3, previously changed to 0 by the stop signal of selector 12, is thereby returned to 1.

The first shaft pulse, produced by shaft switch MV1u and supplied to the output of NOR-element N1.9 by conductor L1.9, thus does not produce a changeover of NOR-element N2.1 in nominal value starter 11.2. This first shaft pulse passes, through NOR-element N3.1, on a direct path, and through delayed NOR-element ZN3.1 to the two inputs of NOR-element N3.2. Only after the trailing edge of this pulse has reached the element N3.2 by the direct path, do the two inputs of element N3.2 have the signal values 0. At this moment, the output of element N3.1 changes to the signal value 1 and the memory element G3.1 is switched over. As a stop signal is already present, the signal on output conductor L3.5 of blocking circuit 11.3 is changed to the value 0. As memory element G3.1 no longer can be switched over from the side of NOR-element N3.2, the output signal remains in existence on conductor L3.5 also when the trailing edge shaft pulse switches NOR-element N3.2 over again at the output of element ZN3.1.

To prevent the occurrence of a changeover of NOR-element N2.1 when the trailing edge of the shaft pulse, on conductor L1.9, coincides with the signal change on conductor L3.5, the delayed NOR-element ZN2.1 has been provided, and, during this critical time, conducts its output signal 1 to the input of element N2.1. As conductor L3.5 now carries the signal 0 up to the start of the nominal value element 6, the next shaft pulse of shaft switch MV1u causes a changeover of NOR element N2.1, and thus the transmission of a start signal, through conductors LSW1 and LSW2, to nominal value element 6. Since thereby the signal 0 supplied to nominal value element 6 by conductor LV2 was not changed, discharge of the condenser CW1, in path-dependent nominal value setter 6.2, is again caused.

If no call is stored for the respective floor in selector 12 for the second circuit position into which the latter has been brought by pulses of pulse generator 11.5, the selector does not produce a stop signal stopping oscillator OZ5.1. At the output of oscillator OZ5.1, there then appears again a signal 1 advancing selector 12 by one additional step. If there is a call for the floor corresponding to the new circuit position of selector 12, then, at that moment, a stop signal 0 is produced which causes the changeover of the output signal of blocking circuit L3, on conductor L3.5, to the value 0. NOR-element N5.1 does not change this output value, as conductor L5.1 carries the signal 1. The output signal of oscillator OZ5.1 thus becomes 0 again and causes the advance of counter 11.4 by one step. Both output conductors L4.12 and L4.22 of counter 11.4, connected to the input of NOR-element N4.2, carry the signal 0, so that the output of element N4.2 changes to 1.

This signal 1 is supplied, through conductor LV2, to nominal value element 6, for the preselection of the path-dependent nominal value curve corresponding to condenser CW2, to NOR-element N5.2, for stopping oscillator OZ5.1, to NOR-element N4.3, for blocking of the advance of counter 11.4, to NOR-elements N1.1 and N1.3, and, through reversing NOR-element N4.1, to NOR-elements N1.2 and N1.4 of selection circuit 11.1. Selection circuit 11.1 now supplies only the shaft pulses produced by shaft switch MV2u to output conductor L1.9. Upon the appearance of such a pulse, conductor L1.9 changes to the signal 0, so that nominal value starter 11.2 furnishes a start pulse to nominal value element 6. Since conductor LV2 now has the signal 1, the discharge of condenser CW2 is brought about by this start pulse.

Even when, in this position of counter 11.4, no call is present on the floor corresponding to the circuit position of selector 12, and hence a stop pulse is not yet produced, there appears, on output conductor LV2 of counter 11.4, the signal 1, which stops oscillator OZ5.1. Hence, the oscillator no longer produces pulses for the advance of selector 12. Now, however, selector 12 is advanced by the shaft pulses of shaft switch MV2u. Upon occurrence of such a shaft pulse, the input of NOR element N6.1, connected to conductor LV2u, is switched over to 0. As the other inputs of this element N6.1, connected to conductors LH1, LSW2, Lu and LV1, already have the signal 0, its output changes to the signal 1. The output of NOR-element N6.3 thereby becomes 0, resulting in the advance of selector 12 by one step. Counter 11.4 is not advanced further, as NOR-element N4.3 blocks the signal on conductor LF. The shaft pulse does not cause any pulse transmission of nominal value starter 11.2, as output conductor L3.5 of blocking circuit 11.3 carries the signal 1 as long as no stop pulse is produced.

Selector 11 is advanced by shaft pulses through NOR-element N6.1 until it reaches a circuit position for which the respective floor must be served. Selector 12 then produces a stop signal which is supplied, through conductor LH, to the input of NOR-element N3.4 and, through reversing NOR-element N6.4, to the input of NOR-element N6.1. The output signal on conductor L3.5 thereby becomes 0, so that the next shaft pulse of switch MV2u releases, in nominal value starter 11.2, a start pulse and thus the discharge of condenser CW2 of path-dependent pulse setter 6.2. This shaft pulse does not cause an advance of selector 12 since, due to the stop pulse, the input of element N6.1, connected to the output of element N6.4, presents the signal 1.

In all runs over one, two, three or more floors, and at a theoretical brake engagement point determined by the arrangement of the shaft flags F, there is produced, by NOR-memory G2.1 of nominal value starter 11.2, a start pulse for the path-dependent nominal value setter 6.2. The output signal of memory element G2.12, present on conductor LSW2, then assumes the value 1. Through conductor LSW2, this signal 1 is supplied to NOR-memory G3.1, so that the latter is reset to the starting position shown in the drawing. As the stop signal of selector 12 disappears again, or the signal on conductor LH again becomes 1, immediately after the theoretical brake engagement was determined by the shaft flag, this signal 1 of conductor LSW2 is conducted to NOR-elements N6.1 or, respectively, N6.2 and N5.2, to prevent the advance of selector 12 and or oscillator OZ5.1. Additionally, this signal 1 on conductor LSW2 returns NOR-memory G5.1 to the starting position again. When the speed of elevator has dropped below the value of 4 cm./sec., contact K5 is reopened. After the elevator has come to a standstill, the elevator brake engages whereby contact KB is closed, while returning multivibrators MV4.1 and MV4.2 of counter 11.4 to the starting position. Upon opening of the cabin door, contact KT is again closed, whereby NOR-memory G2.1 is returned to the starting position. Thus, the entire control device 11 is again in the starting position shown in the drawing.

The operation of the control device now will be explained with reference to some run examples, the run curves of which are illustrated in FIG. 11. In FIG. 11, the running speed V of the elevator, or, respectively, the nominal voltage US of nominal value element 6, are plotted on the abscissa. On the ordinate, and on the same scale as the elevator shaft 2 of FIG. 4, there is plotted the path s of the elevator, with S1-S9 marking the path points corresponding to the individual floors. A first and lower main running velocity is indicated at V1, and a second and higher main running velocity is indicated at V1, and a second and higher main running velocity is indicated at V2. V10 represents the theoretical maximum speed corresponding to the maximum voltage of condenser CW1, and V20 that corresponding to the maximum voltage of condenser CW2, of path-dependent nominal value setter 6.2. FK, SK and KF designate run curves, or nominal value curves, which result with runs extending over differing numbers of floors, and UPD2 designates the adjusted voltage of potentiometer PD2 of nominal value element 6. As soon as the difference between the nominal value element 6. As soon as the difference between the nominal voltages FK and SK fall short of the magnitude of voltage UPD2, transistor TT1 in nominal value element 6, is blocked. The rounding off of the run curves, attained by means of the arrangement of condenser CT2 of nominal value element 6, are not taken into consideration in the illustrated examples.

Let it be assumed that elevator cabin 3 is on floor S2 and the floor call Su3 on floor S3 is actuated, that is, a run extending through a distance of one floor must be carried out. Selector 12 gives a signal 0 to conductor Lu and a signal 1 to conductor LST. The travel direction component 9 poles the output voltage of nominal value element 6 in the direction corresponding to the upward direction of elevator travel. The elevator door is closed and locked, whereby contact KT is opened. Relay ST, in time-dependent nominal value setter 6.1, pulls up and opens its contact STK. At output terminals 6.5 and 6.6 there thus appears a voltage produced by the charging of condenser CT1 and increasing linearly as a function of time. After release of the brake, with resultant opening of contact KB, the elevator is set in motion, with the running speed being a function of the path traveled as indicated by curve FK23 in FIG. 11.

After this speed has exceeded the value of 4 cm./sec., pulse generator 11.5 is started by contact KV. Selector 12 thereby is advanced by one step to the position corresponding to floor S3, and now immediately releases a stop signal which unblocks blocking circuit 11.3 and prepares the blocking of oscillator OZ5.1. The signal 0 provided by oscillator OZ5.1 on conductor L5.1, advances counter 11.4 to the next position, and blocks oscillator OZ5.1 through NOR element N5.1. After some time, shaft flag F1u3 produces, in shaft switch MV1u, a pulse which passes through selection circuit 11.1 to nominal value starter 11.2. Since, due to the blocking circuit 11.3, the blocking of this first shaft pulse is cancelled, there is provided, in nominal value starter 11.2, a start pulse which starts path-dependent nominal value setter 6.2, so that conductor LSW1 now carries the signal 0. Thus, NOR-element NW transmits the shaft pulses of conductor LA to transistor PW1, and condenser CW1 is discharged step by step. The signal on conductor LSW2 becomes 1, so that relay SW1 is energized and opens contact SW1k. The stop signal now disappears again.

By the discharge of condenser CW1, nominal value setter 6.2 produces, at the output of root former 6.3, a nominal voltage corresponding to curve SK23, which is compared, in discriminator 6.4, with the nominal voltage corresponding to curve FK23. As soon as the difference between these two nominal voltages has dropped to the value UPD2, further charging of condenser CT1 is blocked by the transistor TT1. The elevator now continues to run at a constant running speed in accordance with curve KF23. When the difference between the two nominal voltages has attained a certain smaller value, diode DD becomes conductive, and condensers CT1 and CT2 begin to discharge through this diode. The moment the difference between the two nominal voltages has dropped to 0, relay SD connects path-dependent nominal voltage SK23 across output terminals 6.5 and 6.6 of nominal value element 6. The elevator now decelerates according to curve SK23.

Now shaft switch MV1d is actuated by flag F1d2, and shaft switch MV2u by shaft flag F2u5. The respective shaft pulses, however, are not transmitted by the selection circuit. As soon as the running speed falls short of the value of 4 cm./sec., contact KV is opened, and oscillator OZ5.1 is now also blocked by signal 1 on conductor L5.3. Upon arrival of cabin 3 at floor S3, the path-dependent nominal voltage SK23 becomes zero, so that cabin 3 stops and the elevator brake engages and closes contact KB. The elevator door is opened, whereby also contact KT is closed. The signal on conductor LST becomes 0, so that relay ST releases and closes contact STK. The time-dependent nominal voltage therefore returns to zero. By the closing of contact KB, counter 11.4 is returned to the starting position, and the closing of contact KT returns NOR-memory G2.1 to the starting position. The signal 1, then appearing on conductor LSW1, blocks, through NOR-element NW, the passage of the shaft pulses of conductor LA, and the signal 0, on conductor LSW2, returns NOR memories G3.1 and G5.1 and, through relay SW1, contact SW1K, to the starting position. Since there is now again a negative difference voltage at the input of operation amplifier OD2, transistor TD2 is blocked, so that relay SD releases again and switches make-and-break contact SD1 so that the output voltage of time-dependent nominal value setter 6.1 is connected to terminals 6.6 and 6.5.

The elevator is now at floor S3. If cabin call C5 is now actuated, the elevator must run upwardly the distance of two floors. The initiation of the run is effected in the same manner as in the preceding example, and the running speed increases according to curve FK35. However, after selector 12 has been advanced, by the first pulse of oscillator OZ5.1, to the position corresponding to floor S4, no stop signal is produced. The output of oscillator OZ5.1 becomes 0 and switches counter 11.4 to the next counting step. Later this output again becomes 1, and switches selector 12 to the position corresponding to floor S5. At this time, a signal 0 is supplied to conductor LH, whereby the blocking circuit 11.3 is unblocked. Immediately thereafter, the output of oscillator OZ5.1 again becomes 0, and counter 11.4 is advanced to the next counting position. Since the inputs of NOR-element N3.3 now have the signal 0, the blocking circuit is immediately blocked again, that is, the signal on conductor L3.5 becomes 1. Pulse generator 11.5 is blocked.

During the run of the elevator, shaft switches MV2d, MV1u and MV2u are actuated first by shaft flags F2d1, F1u4 and F2u6. Only the signal of shaft switch MV1u passes to the output of selection circuit 11.1. Blocking circuit 11.3, however, prevents transmission of this signal to nominal value starter 11.2 but, on the other hand, this signal causes the unblocking of blocking circuit 11.3. After, also, shaft signals, not transmitted by selection circuit 11.1, are produced by shaft flags F1d3 and F2d2, flag F1u5 actuates shaft switch MV1u. This shaft signal now releases, in nominal value starter 11.2, the emission of a start signal whereupon, in principle, the same process as in the preceding example repeats. In this case, a path-dependent nominal voltage in accordance with nominal value curve SK35 is produced but, since in this instance the run has a longer duration, the first main running velocity V1 is attained before path-dependent nominal value setter 6.2 is started. The elevator therefore runs at the constant velocity V1, according to curve KF35, until diode DD becomes conductive and thus the above-described deceleration process occurs until the elevator stops at floor S5.

If now a call for floor S8 is stored in selector 12, the elevator must make a run through a distance of three floors in the upper direction. The initiation of the run is again effected exactly as in the preceding examples, and the elevator is accelerated according to curve FK58. After selector 12 has been advanced by pulses of pulse generator 11.5 without emitting a stop signal, counter 11.4, having been advanced by two steps, oscillator OZ5.1 again produces an output signal 1. Selector 12 therefore is advanced to the step corresponding to floor S8 and now provides a stop signal 0 on conductor LH, and the blocking circuit 11.3 is again blocked by this signal. When the output of the oscillator again becomes O, counter 11.4 advances by one step. Both multivibrators MV4.1 and MV4.2 now are flipped out of their initial position. As a result, both inputs of NOR element N4.2 carry the signal 0, so that conductor LV2 has the signal 1 and conductor LV1 the signal 0. Oscillator OZ5.1 thereby is stopped and the state of selection circuit 11.1 is changed so that only the shaft pulses coming from shaft switch MV2u are transmitted. Further, this signal energizes relay V2W in path-dependent nominal value setter 6.2, so that make-and-break contact V2WK is transferred.

If now, during continued travel of the elevator cabin 2, shaft switch MV2u is actuated by shaft flag F2u8, there is emitted, by nominal value starter 11.2, a start signal which initiates discharge of condenser CW2. The resulting path-dependent nominal voltage follows curve SK58. When the difference between the two nominal voltages FK58 and SK58 fall short of the value UPD2, the elevator continues to run, exactly as in the first example, at a constant speed KF58, but which is higher than the first main running velocity. Then the same deceleration process occurs as in the first example, At the end of the run, by the return of counter 11.4, the signal on conductor LV2 again becomes 0 and that on conductor LV1 again becomes 1.

For the final example, let it be assumed that cabin 2 is at floor S9 and that, by actuation of floor call Sd1, it receives a command for a downward run extending over nine floors. Selector 12 now transmits a signal 0 to conductor Ld, add travel direction switching device 9 is actuated accordingly and the elevator accelerated according to curve FK91. When the elevator running speed exceeds 4 cm./sec., the pulses of generator 11.5 advance selector 12 and counter 11.4 by three steps without a stop signal being emitted. The signal on conductor LV2 then becomes 1 and that on conductor LV1 becomes 0. Oscillator OZ5.1 thus is stopped, and the advance of counter 11.4 is suppressed through NOR-element N4.3. At NOR-element N6.2, all input conductors LH1, LSW2, Ld and LV1, with the exception of conductor LV2d, now carry the signal 0. Selector 12 therefore is advanced by one step by the pulses produced by each of flags F2d6 through F2d2. By the shaft pulse produced by shaft flag F2d2, the selector is brought to the position corresponding to floor S1, and therefore emits a stop signal which unblocks blocking circuit 11.3. The shaft pulse produced by shaft switch MV2d by shaft flag F2d1, as cabin 3 continues to move, therefrom is transmitted to nominal value starter 11.2 and results in the generation of a start signal, or, respectively, the discharge of condenser CW2. The difference between the output voltage of root former 6.3 and the time-dependent nominal voltage thus reaches the value preselected by means of potentiometer PD2 long before path-dependent nominal value setter 6.2 is started, so that the elevator runs over a greater distance at the constant second main velocity V2. After this difference voltage has decreased to zero, the elevator is decelerated in the same manner as in the preceding examples.

The invention is not limited to the illustrated example, but can comprise variance within its scope. At corresponding nominal value presetting and fixation of shaft flags F, control device 11 can, without substantial change, be designed so that even for runs over more than one floor, a running speed correlated to the second main velocity V2 is attained. Naturally, control device 11 may be constructed alternatively with other logical elements, for example, AND, OR or NOT elements, storage functions, with integrated circuit elements, or with relays. The nominal value setters may be of any kind, for example a mechanical kind. For the production of the path-dependent brake nominal value there is particularly suitable a counter with an afterconnected DA transformer. The brake nominal value can be obtained also by path integration. In addition, the scanning of the perforated tape 10, or a corresponding perforated disk arranged in the machine room and coupled with the driving machine, may be effected by induction, for example.

The path data, produced by shaft switches MV and shaft flags F, can also be obtained by means of perforated or magnetic tapes arranged in the shaft, or by perforated, slotted, or line disks containing, among other things, a coded information, the scanning of the information carriers being possible by photoelectric, inductive or other suitable means.

Instead of the selector 12 described in Swiss Pat. No. 381,831, another similarly operating control apparatus may be used, for example, a relay control apparatus. Furthermore, the invention is applicable also to DC or AC drives which are regulated or controlled only partially, and which may include an arrival correction.

While a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

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Current U.S. Class:	187/293
Current International Class:	B66B 1/16 (20060101); B66B 1/14 (20060101); B66b 001/30 ()
Field of Search:	187/29