Method and device for detecting damage in a support for an elevator system

A method for detecting damage in an elevator system support means having at least one tension member, the method comprising the steps of:

• generating a digital input signal from a pulse generator, wherein the digital input signal represents a first binary number;
• feeding the digital input signal to the at least one tension member of the support means;
• detecting a digital output signal after the digital input signal has passed through the at least one tension member, wherein the digital output signal represents a second binary number;
• comparing the second binary number with at least one of a setpoint binary number and the first binary number;
• reporting a fault state of the support means when the second binary number differs from the setpoint binary number or the first binary number;
• and
• wherein the support means has a plurality of tension members including the at least one tension member, wherein the tension members are grouped into at least one group, and wherein when the tension members are grouped into at least two groups, the at least one group includes an identical number or a different number of the tension members as another of the groups.

A method for detecting damage in an elevator system support means having at least one tension member, the method comprising the steps of:

• generating a digital input signal from a pulse generator, wherein the digital input signal represents a first binary number;
• feeding the digital input signal to the at least one tension member of the support means;
• detecting a digital output signal after the digital input signal has passed through the at least one tension member, wherein the digital output signal represents a second binary number;
• comparing the second binary number with at least one of a setpoint binary number and the first binary number;
• reporting a fault state of the support means when the second binary number differs from the setpoint binary number or the first binary number;
• and
• performing the steps in an event-controlled manner, by at least one of manually and automatically, when an elevator system that includes the support means is out of service, in a maintenance or installation state, or in a waiting period.

A device for detecting damage in an elevator system support means including at least one tension member, the device comprising:

• a pulse generator for generating a digital input signal representing a first binary number and applying the digital input signal to a first connection of the at least one tension member;
• a detector for detecting a digital output signal at a second connection of the at least one tension member, wherein the output signal represents a second binary number;
• a processor for comparing the second binary number with at least one of a setpoint binary number and the first binary number;
• a fault indicator for generating a fault message when the second binary number differs from the setpoint binary number or the first binary number;
• and
• wherein the pulse generator is connected with a signal source that generates an electrical analog signal to the pulse generator.