METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY MONITORING A HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT FOR LIFTS, GOODS LIFTS AND THE LIKE, EQUIPPED WITH INHERENT SAFETY MECHANISM

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for automatically monitoring a hydraulic circuit equipped with inherent safety mechanism.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a system for the movement of lifts or goods lifts or the like, implementing a method for automatically monitoring a hydraulic circuit equipped with inherent safety mechanism. In the sector of lifts, goods lifts and the like, the type of system used to move the cabin is chosen in relation to the specific intended use, as well as to the performance required of the same.

[0003] With specific reference to hydraulic systems, one important aspect relates to the safety of the system. Systems are therefore generally provided with special devices, such as for example electric valves or sensors which, in the case of engine failure, allow the movement of the cabin to be stopped. In systems in which the operating fluid involves the actuators themselves, both in the ascent and descent of the cabin, the oil flow rate generally regards at least two valves arranged in series.

[0004] In such context, wishing to achieve the required safety of the system and prevent, in the case of failure of one of the valves present, an unintentional descent of the cabin due to gravity, specific and independent members are used, which add to the design and production costs of the system.

[0005] The German patent DE 10 2015 111303 A1 discloses the process of monitoring the pressure of the hydraulic circuit of a lift with the use of two valves in parallel, so as to store energy in an accumulator and use it in the event of a mains power failure. In the solution described in WO 2017/013709 detection devices are instead provided, which are used only when the lift has the doors open with the cabin moving, with a sensor able to detect whether the differential value is outside a predefined range. The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks and limitations of the safety systems complained of above.

[0006] More in particular, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a monitoring method which improves the safety of the hydraulic systems used in lifts, goods lifts and the like, which has safety elements arranged in series.

[0007] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system which allows systematic checks of the functioning of the control elements.

[0008] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a monitoring method which is automated and coordinated with the movement actuation devices of the system to which it is applied, so as to ensure a high level of operating over time.

[0009] A no less important purpose of the invention is to provide a monitoring method which is simple to implement and such as to be easily and inexpensively manufactured.

[0010] The purpose is achieved by the 2 independent method claims .

[0011] The invention will be described below with reference to several examples, provided by way of non-limiting examples and illustrated in the appended drawings. These drawings illustrate different aspects and embodiments of the present invention and where appropriate similar reference numerals illustrate similar structures, components and /or elements in different drawings.

• Figure 1 shows an exemplary diagram of a hydraulic circuit for the implementation of a first embodiment of the monitoring method according to the present invention;
• Figure 2 shows an exemplary diagram of the hydraulic circuit in figure 1, for the implementation of a second embodiment of the monitoring method according to the present invention;
• Figure 3 shows an exemplary diagram of the hydraulic circuit in figure 1, for the implementation of a third embodiment of the monitoring method according to the present invention;
• Figure 4 shows an exemplary diagram of a variant of the circuit in figure 1 implementing the first embodiment of the monitoring method according to the present invention;
• Figure 5 shows a diagram of the circuit in figure 4, implementing the second embodiment of the monitoring method according to the present invention; and
• Figure 6 shows a diagram of the circuit in figure 4, implementing the third embodiment of the monitoring method according to the present invention.

[0012] With reference to the appended drawings, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a hydraulic circuit for lifts, goods lifts or the like, configured to move at least one cabin 101 by moving a piston 100.

[0013] In a possible preferred embodiment, as shown in figures 1 to 3, the circuit 1 comprises a flow regulator valve 8, a magnetic descent valve 12 which pilots a non-return valve 14 and a magnetic starter valve 18 which pilots a pressure relief valve 16 indicated as "VB".

[0014] The circuit further comprises a tank 26, a motor 28, a pump 29, a magnetic levelling valve 20, a flow valve 32 and a pilot valve 24, indicated as "VS".

[0015] Preferably the magnetic starter valve 18 also indicated as "VMP" is electrically controlled so as to keep the pressure relief valve 16 supported, i.e. closed, in the absence of an electric control.

[0016] More in particular, during the ascent phase said VMP valve 18 is not electrically controlled, so as to remain closed and support the pressure relief valve 16, preferably up to reaching a pressure value which is set on the pilot valve 24. This way it is possible to create the pressure needed for the ascent of the cabin 101 of the system.

[0017] During the descent phase, wishing to keep the pressure relief valve 16 open, it is activated by sending an electric signal to the VMP valve 18; this way the pressure relief valve 16 is not supported, thereby allowing the opening of the same and the consequent descent of the cabin 101 of the system. According to a similar method, the magnetic descent valve 12 receives an electric signal so as to pilot the opening of the non-return valve 14.

[0018] Preferably, the hydraulic circuit has the non-return 14 (indicated as "VRP") and pressure relief 16 (VB) valves arranged in series; while the first is a real and actual non-return valve, suitable to keep the cabin 101 stationary at the floor, the second has a safety function and is appropriately supported by the starter valve 18, in the manner previously described.

[0019] Preferably the two valves VRP and VB must be in the closed position when the cabin 101 is stationary at the floor.

[0020] During the descent phase of the cabin 101, the valves VRP and VB are brought into the open position so as to allow the outflow of the fluid contained in the circuit towards the tank 26.

[0021] Said conditions are achieved by means of a specific command on the control panel which electrically powers respectively, the descent valve 12 (VMD) which pilots the non-return valve 14 (VRP), and the starter valve 18 (VMP) which pilots the pressure relief valve 16 (VB). A construction variant of the hydraulic circuit 1 described above, implementing the monitoring method according to the present invention, is shown in figures 4 to 6, wherein the circuit 1 further comprises a stepper-motor 31 suitable to govern the flow regulator valve 8.

[0022] The hydraulic circuit 1 preferably presents, in all the embodiments shown in figures 1 to 6, an auxiliary circuit 200 designed for emergency manoeuvres in ascent of the cabin 101, comprising a manual pump and a second pressure relief valve 10.

[0023] According to both embodiments of the hydraulic circuit 1, a system with inherent safety is realised.

[0024] The hydraulic circuit 1 is further configured to implement an automatic monitoring method. This method is suitable to control the correct functioning of at least two electrically-controlled hydraulic valves operating in series present in said circuit, and to restore safe conditions of the system should malfunction of any elements of the system, appropriately identified in a design phase of said monitoring system, be detected.

[0025] According to the automatic monitoring method of the present invention, the provision of at least one position sensing device (not shown in the drawings) in proximity of at least one stopping plane of the cabin 101 is envisaged.

[0026] Preferably, said electrically-controlled hydraulic valves operating in series comprise check valves and/or regulator valves.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, said at least two hydraulic valves comprise a non-return valve 14 and a pressure relief valve 16.

[0028] In a first preferred embodiment, the monitoring method according to the present invention can be implemented in a continuous manner and comprises providing at least one control device (41, 42), associated with each of the two valves (14, 16) operating in series.

[0029] The method comprises receiving the signals detected by the control devices (41, 42) associated with each valve (14, 16) operating in series and, after receiving a signal generated by said at least one position sensing device, activating a comparative analysis of the signals coming from said control devices (41, 42) associated with each of the valves (14, 16).

[0030] Preferably, said activation of a comparative analysis comprises the steps of comparing the values of said signals detected by the control devices (41, 42) and, in the event in which at least one of said signals detected identifies an open status of the relative valve (14, 16), generating a system failure status report.

[0031] Preferably, following a failure status report, the system is automatically put into an out of service mode.

[0032] Preferably, the monitoring method comprises interrupting the movement of the cabin 101, following a failure status report resulting from said comparative analysis of the signals.

[0033] Advantageously, according to said monitoring method it is possible to verify, at the moment in which the cabin 101 is stationary at the floor, if the valves (14, 16) operating in series are closed or not.

[0034] Preferably said control devices consist of detectors and/or sensors. Preferably said control devices comprise one or more electromechanical sensors 41, configured to verify the closed and/or open position of the valves (14, 16) operating in series.

[0035] Preferably, said control devices comprise at least one hydraulic electro sensor 42 configured to verify the closed and/or open position of one of said valves (14, 16) operating in series.

[0036] Preferably, said at least one sensing device is positioned below the level of said stopping plane.

[0037] Preferably, said at least one sensing device is placed at a distance between 5 mm and 550 mm from the cabin stopping plane 101.

[0038] Even more preferably, said at least one sensing device is placed at a distance between 20 mm and 30 mm from the cabin stopping plane 101. According to a first preferred embodiment of the automatic, continuous monitoring method according to the present invention, as shown in figures 1 and 4, the position of the pressure relief valve 16 is verified by means of an electromechanical sensor 41. Preferably, according to said embodiment, the position of the non-return valve 14 is verified by means of an electrohydraulic sensor 42.

[0039] According to a second preferred embodiment of the automatic continuous monitoring method according to the present invention, as shown in figures 2 and 5, the position of the pressure relief valve 16 is verified by means of an electromechanical sensor 41. Preferably, according to said embodiment, the position of the non-return valve 14 is also verified by means of an electromechanical sensor 41.

[0040] According to a third preferred embodiment of the automatic continuous monitoring method according to the present invention, as shown in figures 3 and 6, the position of the pressure relief valve 16 is verified by means of two electromechanical sensors 41. Preferably, according to said embodiment, the position of the non-return valve 14 is also verified by means of two electromechanical sensors 41.

[0041] The continuous automatic monitoring method described above can be implemented on further possible layouts of hydraulic systems on condition that they have at least two electrically-controlled hydraulic valves operating in series.

[0042] Further embodiments are possible by appropriately configuring both the combinations of the control devices and hydraulic valves operating in series for which the correct position must be verified, and the number of said devices which need to be used to achieve the desired level of safety of the system.

[0043] In a second preferred embodiment, the monitoring method according to the present invention can be implemented in a programmed manner, scheduling the periodic performance of a specific test, which if passed ensures the integrity and proper functioning of the at least two electrically-controlled hydraulic valves operating in series, and therefore of the system overall.

[0044] Also according to said possible alternative embodiment, the automatic monitoring method comprises providing at least one position sensing device (not shown in the drawings) in the proximity of at least one stopping plane of the cabin 101.

[0045] Preferably, said at least one position sensing device is positioned below the level of said stopping plane.

[0046] According to such method, the automatic monitoring method of the present invention envisages two separate steps.

[0047] In a first test step, hereinafter referred to as F1, the control panel energises the starter valve 18 for a time t₁, predetermined during the design phase, and verifies that the cabin 101 does not intercept the position sensing device placed below the stopping plane. If the cabin 101 is not intercepted by said device, the test is considered as passed. In the case in which, instead, the cabin 101 is intercepted by the sensing device, the test is not considered passed and the device sends a signal to the control panel (not shown in the drawings) which de-energises the starter valve 18 and places the system in out of service status.

[0048] In the case in which the F1 step is passed, a second test step is performed, identified hereinafter as F2.

[0049] In said second step F2, the control panel energises the descent valve 12 for a time t₂, predetermined during the design phase, and verifies that the cabin 101 is not intercepted by the position sensing device positioned below the stopping plane. If said device does not intercept the cabin 101, the test is considered as passed. In the case in which, instead, the cabin 101 is intercepted by the sensing device, the test is not considered passed and said device sends a signal to the control panel which de-energises the descent valve 12 and places the system in out of service status. Preferably, said at least one sensing device is placed at a distance between 5 mm and 550 mm from the cabin stopping plane 101.

[0050] Even more preferably, said at least one sensing device is placed at a distance between 20 mm and 30 mm from the cabin stopping plane 101. Preferably the opening time t₁ is more than 0.1 second and less than 60 seconds.

[0051] Preferably the opening time t₂ is more than 0.1 second and less than 60 seconds.

[0052] In a preferred configuration, the opening time t₁ is more than 1 second and less than 10 seconds.

[0053] In a preferred configuration, the opening time t₂ is more than 1 second and less than 10 seconds.

[0054] Preferably, the test described above is performed regularly according to a time interval, between one test and the next, of more than 1 minute. The performance of said first step F1 and second step F2 can advantageously be actuated according to any desired sequence, on condition that both steps are completed, whenever the test is performed. Such scheduled automatic monitoring method can be conveniently implemented in pre-existing hydraulic circuits, allowing a significant increase in the safety of said circuits and at the same time limiting costs. Despite the invention having been described above with particular reference to several preferred embodiments, made solely by way of non-limiting examples, numerous modifications and variants will appear evident to a person skilled in the art in the light of the above description. The present invention therefore sets out to embrace all the modifications and variants which fall within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. Method for the automatic monitoring of a hydraulic circuit (1) operating in a system for the movement of lifts or goods lifts comprising at least one cabin (101) and at least two electrically controlled hydraulic valves (14, 16) arranged in series, said method comprising:

- providing at least one position sensing device near at least one stopping plane of said at least one cabin (101);

- providing at least one control device (41,42) associated with each of said at least two electrically controlled hydraulic valves (14, 16) arranged in series;

- receiving the signals detected by the control devices (41,42) associated with each valve (14, 16);

- after receiving a signal generated by said at least one position sensing device, activating a comparative analysis of the signals coming from said control devices (41,42);

wherein said activation of a comparative analysis comprises the steps of:

- comparing the values of said signals detected by the control devices (41,42);

- in the case in which at least one of the aforementioned detected signals identifies an open status of the relative valve (14, 16), generating a system failure status report.

2. Method according to claim 1, comprising interrupting the movement of the cabin (101), following a failure status report resulting from said comparative analysis of the signals.

3. Method according to claim 1, wherein said at least two electrically controlled hydraulic valves arranged in series comprise a non-return valve (14) and a pressure relief valve (16).

4. Method according to claim 1, wherein said control devices comprise at least one electromechanical sensor (41) configured to verify the closed and/or open position of one of said electrically controlled hydraulic valves (14, 16) arranged in series.

5. Method according to claim 1, wherein said control devices comprise at least one hydraulic electro sensor (42) configured to verify the closed and/or open position of one of said electrically controlled hydraulic valves (14, 16) arranged in series.

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the position of the pressure relief valve (16) is verified by an electromechanical sensor (41) and the position of the non-return valve (14) is verified by a hydraulic electro sensor (42).

7. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the position of the pressure relief valve (16) is verified by two electromechanical sensors (41) and the position of the non-return valve (14) is verified by two electromechanical sensors (41).

8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said at least one position sensing device is positioned below the level of the cabin stopping plane (101).

9. Method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said at least one position sensing device is placed at a distance between 5 mm and 550 mm from the cabin stopping plane (101).

10. Method for the automatic monitoring of a hydraulic circuit (1) operating in a system for the movement of lifts or goods lifts comprising at least one cabin (101) and at least two electrically controlled hydraulic valves (14, 16) arranged in series, respectively a non-return valve (14) and pressure relief valve (16), said method comprising:

- providing at least one position sensing device near at least one stopping plane of said at least one cabin (101);

- providing a control panel configured to send an electrical signal to at least one starter valve (18) and to a descent valve (12), receiving a signal from at least one position sensing device, comparing said signals;

- conducting a first test phase F1 wherein the control panel excites the starter valve (18), which controls said pressure relief valve (16) for a time t₁ and detects a signal from the position sensing device, said first test phase being passed if the cabin (101) is not intercepted by the position sensing device;

- if the first test phase F1 is passed, conducting e a second test phase F2 in which the control panel excites the descent valve (12), which controls said non-return valve (14) for a time t₂ and detects a signal from the position sensing device, said second test phase F2 being passed if the cabin (101) is not intercepted by the detection device; and wherein when at least one of said first and said second test phases is not passed, the control panel de-energises the starter valve (18) and/or the descent valve (12) and generates a system failure status report.

11. System for the movement of lifts or goods lifts comprising:

- at least one cabin (101) moved by means of a hydraulic circuit (1) having at least two electrically controlled hydraulic valves (14, 16) arranged in series;

- one or more flow regulating valves (8), of descent (12), non-return (14), pressure-relief (16) and a magnetic starter valve (18) electrically controlled during the descent phase of the cabin (101) so as to allow the opening thereof;

- at least one position sensing device near at least one stopping plane of said at least one cabin (101);

- at least one control device (41,42) associated with each of said at least two electrically controlled hydraulic valves (14, 16) arranged in series

- a control system operatively connected to said hydraulic circuit (1) implementing a method for automatic monitoring of the hydraulic circuit (1), according to claims 1 or 10.

Ansprüche

1. Verfahren zur automatischen Überwachung eines Hydraulikkreislaufs (1), der in einem System zur Bewegung von Aufzügen oder Lastenaufzügen betrieben wird, welches mindestens eine Kabine (101) und mindestens zwei in Reihe angeordnete elektrisch gesteuerte Hydraulikventile (14, 16) aufweist, wobei das Verfahren umfasst:

- Bereitstellen mindestens einer Positionserfassungsvorrichtung in der Nähe mindestens einer Anhalteebene der mindestens einen Kabine (101);

- Bereitstellen mindestens einer Steuerungsvorrichtung (41, 42), die mit jedem der mindestens zwei in Reihe angeordneten elektrisch gesteuerten Hydraulikventile (14, 16) verbunden ist;

- Empfangen der Signale, die von den Steuerungsvorrichtungen (41, 42) erfasst werden, welche jedem Ventil (14, 16) zugeordnet sind;

- nach dem Empfangen eines von der mindestens einen Positionserfassungsvorrichtung erzeugten Signals, Aktivieren einer vergleichenden Analyse der von den Steuervorrichtungen (41, 42) ankommenden Signale;

wobei das Aktivieren einer vergleichenden Analyse die folgenden Schritte umfasst:

- Vergleichen der Werte der von den Steuervorrichtungen (41, 42) erfassten Signale;

- in dem Fall, in dem mindestens eines der vorgenannten erfassten Signale einen offenen Zustand des jeweiligen Ventils (14, 16) identifiziert, Generieren eines Systemfehler-Statusreports.

2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, aufweisend eine Unterbrechung der Bewegung der Kabine (101) im Anschluss an einen Fehler-Statusreport, der aus der vergleichenden Analyse der Signale resultiert.

3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die mindestens zwei in Reihe angeordneten elektrisch gesteuerten Hydraulikventile ein Rückschlagventil (14) und ein Überdruckventil (16) umfassen.

4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Steuervorrichtungen mindestens einen elektromechanischen Sensor (41) umfassen, der so konfiguriert ist, dass er die geschlossene und/oder offene Position eines der elektrisch gesteuerten Hydraulikventile (14, 16), die in Reihe angeordnet sind, verifiziert.

5. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Steuervorrichtungen mindestens einen hydraulischen Elektrosensor (42) aufweisen, der so konfiguriert ist, dass er die geschlossene und/oder offene Position eines der elektrisch gesteuerten Hydraulikventile (14, 16), die in Reihe angeordnet sind, verifiziert.

6. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Position des Überdruckventils (16) durch einen elektromechanischen Sensor (41) verifiziert wird und die Position des Rückschlagventils (14) durch einen hydraulischen Elektrosensor (42) verifiziert wird.

7. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, wobei die Position des Überdruckventils (16) durch zwei elektromechanische Sensoren (41) verifiziert wird und die Position des Rückschlagventils durch zwei elektromechanische Sensoren (41) verifiziert wird.

8. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die mindestens eine Positionserfassungsvorrichtung unterhalb des Niveaus der Anhalteebene der mindestens einen Kabine (101) angeordnet ist.

9. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die mindestens eine Positionserfassungsvorrichtung in einem Abstand zwischen 5 mm und 550 mm von der Anhalteebene der Kabine (101) angeordnet ist.

10. Verfahren zur automatischen Überwachung eines Hydraulikkreislaufs (1), der in einem System zur Bewegung von Aufzügen oder Lastenaufzügen betrieben wird, welches mindestens eine Kabine (101) und mindestens zwei in Reihe angeordnete elektrisch gesteuerte Hydraulikventile (14, 16), beziehungsweise ein Rückschlagventil (14) und ein Überdruckventil (16) aufweist, wobei das Verfahren umfasst:

- Bereitstellen mindestens einer Positionserfassungsvorrichtung in der Nähe mindestens einer Anhalteebene der mindestens einen Kabine (101);

- Bereitstellen einer Steuertafel, die so konfiguriert ist, dass sie ein elektrisches Signal an mindestens ein Startventil (18) und ein Abstiegsventil (12) sendet; Empfangen eines Signals von mindestens einer Positionserfassungsvorrichtung und Vergleichen der Signale;

- Durchführen einer ersten Testphase F1, in der die Steuertafel das Startventil 18 anregt, dass das Überdruckventil (16) für eine Zeit t₁ steuert und ein Signal von der Positionserfassungsvorrichtung erfasst, wobei die erste Testphase bestanden ist, wenn die Kabine (101) nicht von der Positionserfassungsvorrichtung abgefangen wird;

- wenn die erste Testphase F1 bestanden ist, Durchführen einer zweiten Testphase F2, in der die Steuertafel das Abstiegsventil 12 anregt, dass das Rückschlagventil 14 für eine Zeit t₂ steuert und ein Signal von der Positionserfassungsvorrichtung erfasst, wobei die zweite Testphase F2 bestanden ist, wenn die Kabine (101) nicht von der Erfassungsvorrichtung abgefangen wird; und wobei

- wenn mindestens eine der ersten und zweiten Testphasen nicht bestanden wird, die Steuertafel das Anfahrventil (18) und/oder das Abstiegsventil (12) abschaltet und einen Systemfehler-Statusreport generiert.

11. System zur Bewegung von Aufzügen oder Lastenaufzügen, aufweisend:

- mindestens eine Kabine (100), die mittels eines Hydraulikkreislaufs (1) bewegt wird, der mindestens zwei in Reihe angeordnete elektrisch gesteuerte Hydraulikventile (14, 16) aufweist,

- ein oder mehrere Durchflussregelventile (8), ein Abstiegsventil (12), ein Rückschlagventil (14), ein Überdruckventil (16) und ein magnetisches Startventil (18), das während der Abstiegsphase (101) elektrisch so gesteuert wird, dass es dessen Öffnung ermöglicht;

- mindestens eine Positionserfassungsvorrichtung in der Nähe mindestens einer Anhalteebene der mindestens einen Kabine (101);

- mindestens eine Steuerungsvorrichtung (41, 42), die mit jedem der mindestens zwei in Reihe angeordneten elektrisch gesteuerten Hydraulikventile (14, 16) verbunden ist;

- ein Steuersystem, das mit dem Hydraulikkreislauf (1) verbunden ist und ein Verfahren zur automatischen Überwachung des Hydraulikkreislaufs (1) gemäß den Ansprüchen 1 oder 10 implementiert.

Revendications

1. Procédé de contrôle automatique d'un circuit hydraulique (1) utilisé dans un dispositif destiné à assurer la mise en mouvement d'ascenseurs ou de monte-charge comprenant au moins une cabine (101) et au moins deux électrovannes hydrauliques (14, 16) agencées en série, ledit procédé comprenant :

l'agencement d'au moins un dispositif de détection de position à proximité d'au moins un plan d'arrêt de ladite au moins une cabine (101) ;

l'agencement d'au moins un dispositif de commande (41, 42) associé à chacune desdites au moins deux électrovannes hydrauliques (14, 16) couplées en série ;

la réception des signaux détectés par les dispositifs de commande (41, 42) associés à chaque vanne (14, 16) ;

après réception d'un signal produit par ledit au moins un dispositif de détection de position, le déclenchement d'une analyse comparative des signaux provenant desdits dispositifs de commande (41, 42) ;

dans lequel ledit déclenchement d'une analyse comparative comprend les étapes de :

comparaison des valeurs desdits signaux détectés par les dispositifs de commande (41, 42) ;

dans le cas dans lequel au moins l'un desdits signaux détectés identifie un état ouvert de la vanne (14, 16) relative, production d'un rapport d'état de défaut de dispositif.

2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, comprenant l'interruption du mouvement de la cabine (101), suite à un rapport d'état de défaut résultant de ladite analyse comparative des signaux.

3. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel lesdites au moins deux électrovannes hydrauliques couplées en série comprennent un clapet antiretour (14) et une vanne de limitation de pression (16).

4. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel lesdits dispositifs de commande comprennent au moins un capteur électromécanique (41) configuré de manière à vérifier la position fermée et/ou ouverte de l'une desdites électrovannes hydrauliques (14, 16) couplées en série.

5. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel lesdits dispositifs de commande comprennent au moins un capteur électro-hydraulique (42) configuré de manière à vérifier la position fermée et/ou ouverte de l'une desdites électrovannes hydrauliques (14, 16) couplées en série.

6. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes dans lequel la position de la vanne de limitation de pression (16) est vérifiée par une capteur électromécanique (41) et la position du clapet antiretour (14) est vérifiée par un capteur électro-hydraulique (42).

7. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel la position de la vanne de limitation de pression (16) est vérifiée par deux capteurs électromécaniques (41) et la position du clapet antiretour (14) est vérifiée par deux capteurs électromécaniques (41).

8. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit au moins un dispositif de détection de position est positionné au-dessous du niveau du plan d'arrêt de cabine (101).

9. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes dans lequel ledit au moins un dispositif de détection de position est positionné à une distance comprise entre 5 mm et 550 mm du plan d'arrêt de cabine (101).

10. Procédé de contrôle automatique d'un circuit hydraulique (1) utilisé dans un dispositif destiné à assurer la mise en mouvement d'ascenseurs ou de monte-charge comprenant au moins une cabine (101) et au moins deux électrovannes hydrauliques (14, 16) couplées en série, respectivement un clapet antiretour (14) et une vanne de limitation de pression (16), ledit procédé comprenant :

l'agencement d'au moins un dispositif de détection de position à proximité d'au moins un plan d'arrêt de ladite au moins une cabine (101) ;

l'agencement d'un panneau de commande configuré de manière à envoyer un signal électrique à au moins une vanne de démarrage (18) et une vanne de descente (12), à recevoir un signal à partir d'au moins un dispositif de détection de position, à comparer lesdits signaux ;

la mise en œuvre d'une première phase d'essai F1, dans laquelle le panneau de commande active la vanne de démarrage (18), qui commande ladite vanne de limitation de pression (16) pendant un temps t1 et détecte un signal à partir du dispositif de détection de position, ladite première phase d'essai étant achevée si la cabine (101) n'est pas interceptée par le dispositif de détection de position ;

si la première phase d'essai F1 est achevée, la conduite d'une seconde phase d'essai F2 dans laquelle le panneau de commande active la vanne de descente (12), qui commande ledit clapet antiretour (14) pendant un temps t1 et détecte un signal à partir du dispositif de détection de position, ladite seconde phase d'essai F2 étant achevée si la cabine (101) n'est pas interceptée par le dispositif de détection ; et dans lequel, lorsque au moins l'une desdites première et seconde phases d'essai n'est pas achevée, le panneau de commande désactive la vanne de démarrage (18) et/ou la vanne de descente (12) et produit un rapport d'état de défaut de dispositif.

11. Dispositif destiné à assurer la mise en mouvement d'ascenseurs ou de monte-charge comprenant :

au moins une cabine (101) déplacée au moyen d'un circuit hydraulique (1) comportant au moins deux électrovannes hydrauliques (14, 16) couplées en série ;

une ou plusieurs vannes de régulation de débit (8), de descente (12), antiretour (14), de libération de pression (16) et une électrovanne de démarrage (18) commandée électriquement au cours de la phase de descente de la cabine (101) afin de permettre son ouverture ;

au moins un dispositif de détection de position à proximité d'au moins un plan d'arrêt de ladite au moins une cabine (101) ;

au moins un dispositif de commande (41, 42) associé à chacune desdites au moins deux électrovannes hydrauliques (14, 16) couplées en série ;

un dispositif de commande couplé de manière opérationnelle audit circuit hydraulique (1) mettant en œuvre un procédé de contrôle automatique du circuit hydraulique (1), selon les revendications 1 ou 10.

Drawing