Encoders for the elevators of the future:
KCI 419 Dplus and LINA 200

By virtue of its direct proximity to the motor and brake, the KCI 419 Dplus rotary encoder for elevators also provides meaningful temperature monitoring data without the need for additional sensors. These temperature data can then be used to infer the presence of malfunctions.

Because all of these parameters are transmitted on a single cable via the purely digital EnDat 2.2 interface, overall system cabling is greatly simplified. Further benefits include improved remote monitoring and predictive maintenance capabilities.

In addition to these completely new innovations, the KCI 419 Dplus also includes all of the familiar strengths of classic rotary encoders from HEIDENHAIN. Its inductive scanning method is highly immune to contamination and vibration, and is renowned for its operational reliability.

Read the KCI 419Dplus technology report

Envision an elevator car not pulled by cables while capable of both vertical and horizontal travel—HEIDENHAIN is offering the encoder technology to make this possible: the LINA 200 absolute inductive linear encoder. It consists of two tracks with different signals periods, from which the absolute position value is then calculated.

U-shaped design for mechanical sturdiness and robustness of encoder signals

A special feature of this scale is that the two tracks are not located in one plane; instead, they face each other. The resulting U-shaped scale allows the measuring standard to be scanned from two sides. At the same time, a double-wall design protects both the graduation and the scanning process from mechanical and electromagnetic interference. This structural configuration also combines maximum stiffness with low weight.

Graduation carrier of LINA 200

• Attached to the elevator cabin
• Overall length: 2400 mm
• Four segments, each with a measuring length of approximately 600 mm

LINA 200 scanning heads

• Arranged in a cascading pattern in the elevator shaft
• Continuous position feedback over the entire travel distance
• Generous guideway tolerances of ±5 mm and ±4 mm
• Measuring step: approx. 2 µm

Performance data

• Traversing speed tested in an elevator shaft: 6 m/s
• Traversing speed tested in a laboratory: 18 m/s

The LINA 200 thus delivers reliable, highly accurate position feedback for the cableless elevator’s motor control. Yet it also provides sufficiently wide tolerances for real-world mounting inside the elevator shaft and for the compensation of building displacement. At low speed, as well as during the deceleration and acceleration phases before and after a stop, the high-resolution position feedback (18 bits) at a measuring length of approximately 600 mm ensures very comfortable and gentle motion.

Read the LINA 200 technology report

HEIDENHAIN rotary encoders for elevator motor control offer the following characteristics:

• Excellent signal quality
• High accuracy
• Rigid shaft connections
• Easy installation
• High mechanical natural frequency (with expanding ring coupling)
• Wider operating tolerances (with plane-surface coupling)

The products:

With tapered shaft (1:10 ratio and 9.25 mm in diameter):

AEF 1300
ECN 1300
ECN 400
ERN 1300
ERN 400

All rotary encoders of this series are available with an expanding ring coupling or a plane-surface coupling.

For hollow through shafts (up to 50 mm in diameter):

ECN 100
ERN 100

For properly timed, jerk-free braking and exact positioning of the elevator car, the car's position must be accurately measured and forwarded to the control. Absolute rotary encoders are the logical choice for this task, bringing distinct benefits to digital shaft copying:

• Constant availability of the car’s absolute position, even after a power outage
• Rapid destination approach thanks to constant availability of the actual position

The products:

With a mounted stator coupling:

EQN 400

For particularly high shaft loads reaching up to 150 N axially and 350 N radially, the EQN 400 is also available with a bearing assembly. This feature decouples the encoder’s bearing from applied forces and prevents overloading.

Rotary encoders for digital shaft copying

The fast and perfectly timed operation of elevator doors enables shorter stopping times, thereby increasing traffic performance. Accurate and dynamic position measurement is key to attaining this. HEIDENHAIN rotary encoders for door motors provide the necessary speed and position feedback in a compact design, featuring an outer diameter of less than 40 mm for all encoders.

The products:

With a hollow through shaft (up to 8 mm in diameter):

ERO 1420

With a blind hollow shaft (6 mm in diameter):

ERN 1000
ECI 1000
EBI 1000

Rotary encoders for door motors

EnDat is the ideal interface for digital drive systems and position control loops using position encoder feedback. In particular, the interface’s purely serial design offers numerous benefits of great value to applications in the elevator industry. Purely serial data transmission via EnDat is:

Universal

• Wide selection of encoders from various suppliers
• Simple cabling and integration of additional sensors

High-performance

• Short cycle times
• High bandwidth

Communicative

• Transmission of position values and sensor data
• Extensive system monitoring for Industry 4.0

Diagnostic

• Electronic ID label for automatic system installation
• Online encoder diagnostics • Storage of operating status data

Safe

• For safety-related applications with up to SIL 3

Implementation is made easier with the EnDat Master, or in the elevator industry, the EnDat Master Mini. Designed specifically for fast and cost effective implementation, it handles communication between the purely serial EnDat encoder and the higher-level application. For more information, see the Implementation Guide.

Find out more about the EnDat interface and its implementation