Elevator connector with tilt interface
By designing a suspension member with an angled cut end and a connector assembly supporting a contact member in the connector main body, the suspension member inspection problem and the problem of insolid conductive connection in traditional elevator systems are solved, and more efficient connection and inspection.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202410876224.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-08-01
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-02
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-14
AI Technical Summary
In traditional elevator systems, inspection of suspension components is difficult to complete through manual and visual observation, especially coating tapes and other coating ropes, and existing connectors cannot effectively establish a firm conductive connection.
A connector assembly is designed, including a connector body, a suspension member and a contact member. The suspension member extends along the central axis, and a plurality of tensioning members wrapped in the sheath, whose end surfaces extend at an angle relative to the central axis, the contact member is supported in the connector body, and contacts the exposed end surface of the tensioning member to Establish a conductive connection.
By cutting the ends of the suspension member at an angle, the contact area is increased, the loose fit is tolerated, the problems related to belt-connector tolerance are reduced, and the environmental impact on the connection is reduced through sealing, a stable conductive connection is achieved.
Smart Images
Figure CN119429900A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The invention relates to an elevator connector with an inclined interface. Background Art
[0002] Elevator systems are widely used to transport passengers between floors in a building, for example. Some elevator systems are traction-based, where a suspension assembly (sometimes referred to as a rope) suspends the elevator car and counterweight. The suspension assembly also facilitates movement of the elevator car when needed. Traditional suspension assemblies include round steel ropes. More recently, elevator systems have included other types of suspension members, such as flat belts or other types of ropes having multiple steel cables wrapped in a compressible polymer sheath.
[0003] Conventional round steel ropes are typically inspected using a manual process involving manual and visual observation of the condition of the outer surface of the rope. Coated belts and other coated ropes cannot be inspected that way. Electrical inspection techniques have been developed that involve applying an electrical current to at least some of the strands and measuring electrical properties, such as resistance, to obtain information indicative of the condition of the belt or coated rope. Connectors are used to connect the coated belt to a monitoring device. The connection should be secure and have a good connection interface. Summary of the invention
[0004] An illustrative example connector assembly includes: a connector body; a suspension member extending along a central axis and including a plurality of tensioning members encased in a sheath, the suspension member having an end received within the connector body, and wherein the one end has an end face extending at an angle relative to the central axis, wherein ends of the plurality of tensioning members are exposed; and a plurality of contact members supported within the connector body, wherein each contact member contacts the exposed end face of at least one tensioning member to establish a conductive connection with the plurality of tensioning members.
[0005] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, the connector assembly includes at least one retaining member extending through the connector body to prevent removal of the hanging member from the connector body.
[0006] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, at least one retaining member includes a plurality of retaining pins extending at an angle relative to the central axis and having distal ends that abut against an outer surface of the sheath.
[0007] In addition to or alternatively to one or more features described above, the central axis extends along the length of the suspension member and the plurality of tensioning members include a plurality of cables spaced apart from one another across the width of the suspension member and wherein an exposed end face of each cable has an elliptical shape.
[0008] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, the end face of the suspension member extends at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the central axis.
[0009] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, the connector body includes an opening to receive one end of the suspension member, and the connector assembly further includes a gasket surrounding the suspension member at the opening.
[0010] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the features described above, the plurality of contact members include a bridging pin connecting exposed end faces of adjacent pairs of tensioning members and an output pin engaging a connection tab.
[0011] In addition to or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, the connecting tab includes at least a first connecting tab and a second connecting tab, and wherein the plurality of tensioning members includes a first end cable and a second end cable, wherein the first end cable and the second end cable have a plurality of additional cables between them, and wherein the first connecting tab contacts at least one output pin associated with the first end cable and the second connecting tab contacts at least one output pin associated with the second end cable.
[0012] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, the plurality of contact members are resiliently biased into engagement with exposed end faces of the plurality of tension members.
[0013] In addition to or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, the connector assembly includes at least one connection tab received within the connector body, and wherein at least one of the plurality of contact members extends at an angle relative to the center axis to electrically connect an exposed end face of at least one tensioning member and the at least one connection tab.
[0014] An illustrative example elevator system includes: an elevator car; at least one suspension member that supports the elevator car and facilitates movement of the elevator car, wherein the at least one suspension member extends along a central axis and includes a plurality of tension members wrapped in a sheath; a connector that receives one end of the at least one suspension member, wherein the one end has a cut end surface that extends at an angle relative to the central axis, wherein ends of the plurality of tension members are exposed at the cut end surface; and a plurality of contact members supported within the connector, wherein each contact member contacts the exposed end surface of the at least one tension member to establish a conductive connection with the plurality of tension members.
[0015] In addition to or alternatively to one or more features described above, the elevator system includes a plurality of retaining pins extending through the connector to prevent removal of at least one suspension member from the connector, wherein the plurality of retaining pins extend at an angle relative to the central axis and have distal ends that abut an outer surface of the sheath.
[0016] In addition to or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, the central axis extends along the length of at least one suspension member, and the plurality of tensioning members comprises a plurality of cables spaced apart from one another across the width of the at least one suspension member, and wherein an exposed end face of each cable has an elliptical shape.
[0017] In addition to or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, the connector includes an opening to receive one end of the at least one suspension member, and the connector assembly further includes a gasket surrounding the at least one suspension member at the opening.
[0018] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the features described above, the plurality of contact members include a bridging pin connecting exposed end faces of adjacent pairs of tensioning members and an output pin engaging a connection tab.
[0019] In addition to or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, the connecting tab includes at least a first connecting tab and a second connecting tab, and wherein the plurality of tensioning members includes a first end cable and a second end cable, wherein the first end cable and the second end cable have a plurality of additional cables between them, and wherein the first connecting tab contacts at least one output pin associated with the first end cable and the second connecting tab contacts at least one output pin associated with the second end cable.
[0020] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, the plurality of contact members are resiliently biased into engagement with exposed end faces of the plurality of tension members.
[0021] An illustrative example method includes: wrapping a plurality of tensioning members in a sheath to form a suspension member extending along a central axis; cutting one end of the suspension member at an angle relative to the central axis to expose ends of the plurality of tensioning members; inserting one end of the suspension member into a connector body; and supporting a plurality of contact members within the connector body, each contact member contacting an exposed end face of at least one tensioning member to establish a conductive connection with the plurality of tensioning members.
[0022] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, the method further includes inserting a plurality of retaining pins into the connector body to engage an outer surface of the boot to prevent removal of the suspension member from the connector body.
[0023] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, the method further includes forming an opening in the connector body, inserting one end of the suspension member into the opening, and installing a gasket to surround the suspension member at the opening.
[0024] The various features and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description.The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Figure 1 Selected portions of an elevator system are shown schematically.
[0026] Figure 2 A portion of an example suspension member is schematically shown.
[0027] Figure 3 is an exploded view of a connector assembly for connecting to a hanging member.
[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly when assembled.
[0029] Figure 5A yes Figure 4 A perspective view of a connector assembly of FIG. 1 and which is partially cut away to show the connection interface for connecting tabs, contact pins and cable / tensioning members.
[0030] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Magnified details indicated in .
[0031] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the connector assembly without showing the connector body.
[0032] Figure 7 is a flow chart of an example implementation of a method of using a connector assembly to establish an electrically conductive connection with a plurality of tension members. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a connector assembly that relies on an enlarged angled surface of a tension member exposed at the end of a contact pin contacting a suspension member. The connection interface has an increased contact area, tolerates loose fit conditions, reduces problems associated with ribbon-connector tolerances, and is sealed to reduce environmental impacts on the connection.
[0034] Figure 1 Schematically illustrated are selected portions of an elevator system 20. An elevator car 22 is supported by a rope arrangement or suspension assembly 24 that includes a plurality of suspension members 26. The elevator car 22 is coupled to a counterweight 28 via the suspension members 26. The suspension members 26 move about pulleys 38 as the elevator car 22 moves between landings or floors.
[0035] The suspension member monitoring device includes at least one processor 30 configured to determine the condition of each suspension member 26. The processor 30 in the example shown includes a computing device and associated memory. The processor 30 is programmed or otherwise configured to use a combination of different types of information and criteria indicative of the respective conditions of the suspension members 26 to determine when it is desirable or necessary to remove any of the suspension members 26 from service.
[0036] The electrical-based monitor 32 uses electrical inspection techniques and generates or provides corresponding indications regarding the condition of each suspension component 26. The processor 30 receives the indications from the electrical-based monitor 32.
[0037] In some example embodiments, the electrical-based monitor 32 is configured to apply electricity to at least one tension member (e.g., a wire rope) of each suspension member 26 and detect or measure the resistance of the tension member. Changes in resistance indicate changes in the state of the suspension member 26. Such resistance-based inspection techniques are known and need not be further described herein.
[0038] Figure 2 A portion of an example suspension member 26 is schematically shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the suspension member 26 is a flat belt that includes a plurality of cables or tension members 34 wrapped in a sheath 36 of a compressible material (e.g., polyurethane). In many embodiments, the tension members 34 include steel cables. Other embodiments include tension members made of different materials. The electrical inspection technique takes advantage of the conductive properties of the tension members 34.
[0039] The connector assembly 40 is used to connect the electrical based monitor 32 to the associated hanging member 26 ( Figure 1 In one example, the electrical-based monitor 32 wirelessly transmits the resistance information to the processor 30 .
[0040] Figure 3-4 An example of a connector assembly 40 is shown. The connector assembly 40 includes a connector body having a first surface 42, a second surface 44 facing opposite the first surface 42, and a first side surface 46 and a second side surface 48 connecting the first surface 42 to the second surface 44. The connector assembly 40 further includes a front wall 50 and a rear wall 52 facing opposite the front wall 50. In one example, the front wall 50 includes one or more ports 54, each of which receives a connection tab 56. The connection tab 56 includes a pin 58 for connecting to an associated connection interface for an electrical-based monitor 32. In one example, the rear wall 52 includes an opening 60 ( Figure 4 ), one end 62 of the suspension member 26 passes through the opening 60.
[0041] In one example, the suspension member 26 extends along a central axis A, wherein a plurality of cable / tension members 34 are arranged in a row and spaced apart from one another in a direction extending transversely to the axis A ( Figure 3 ). The central axis A extends along the length of the suspension member 26, wherein the tension members 34 are spaced apart from each other across the width of the suspension member 26, and the length is greater than the width. Figure 4 As best shown, the suspension member 26 has one end 62 received within the opening 60 in the rear end wall 52, wherein one end 62 has an end face 64 extending at an angle relative to the central axis A, wherein ends of a plurality of tension members 34 are exposed. In one example, the exposed end face 66 of each tension member 34 extends at the same angle as the end face 64 of the suspension member 26.
[0042] In one example, the end face 64 includes a cut end face cut at a predetermined angle to provide an increased contact area for the exposed end face 66. A person skilled in the art having the benefit of this description will be able to determine how to cut the end of the suspension member to achieve the desired angle. In one example, the predetermined angle is approximately 45 degrees relative to the central axis A. In one example, cutting the end of the tensioning member 34 at an angle provides the exposed end face 66 with an elliptical or oval shape; however, other shapes may be utilized to provide the desired contact area size / shape.
[0043] In one example, the connector assembly 40 includes a plurality of contact members 68 supported within a body 70 of the connector assembly 40. In one example, each contact member 68 contacts an exposed end face 66 of at least one tensioning member 34 to establish a conductive connection with the plurality of tensioning members 34. In one example, the plurality of contact members 68 are resiliently biased to engage the exposed end faces 66 of the plurality of tensioning members 34. In one example, a spring 72 is associated with the contact member 68, such as Figure 4 shown.
[0044] In one example, there are at least two different types of contact members 68. In one example, some of the contact members 68 include an output pin 74 that engages the connecting tab 56, such as Figure 5A-5B As shown, the other contact member 68 includes a bridging pin 76 that connects the exposed end faces 66 of adjacent pairs of tension members 34, such as Figure 6 In one example, the connecting tab 56 includes at least a first connecting tab 56a and a second connecting tab 56b, and the plurality of tension members 34 include a first end cable 34a and a second end cable 34b, wherein a plurality of additional cables 34c are provided between the first end cable 34a and the second end cable 34b. Figure 3In one example, the first connection tab 56a contacts the output pin 74 associated with the first end cable 34a, and the second connection tab 56b contacts the output pin 74 associated with the second end cable 34b, as shown in FIG. Figure 5B and 6 This allows a conductive connection to be established with the plurality of tension members 34 .
[0045] In one example, one or more retention members 80 are used to prevent the suspension member 26 from being removed from the connector body 70 and to provide a mechanical load on the electrical contact pins 68. In one example, the connector body 70 includes a slot or opening 82 that receives the retention member 80 such that the retention member 80 extends through the connector body 70.
[0046] In one example, the retaining member includes a plurality of retaining pins extending at an angle relative to the central axis A and having a distal end 84 that abuts directly against the outer surface of the sheath 36, such as Figure 6 shown.
[0047] As discussed above, the connector body 70 includes an opening 60 that receives one end 62 of the suspension member 26. In one example, a gasket 86 is mounted within the connector body 70. In one example, the gasket 86 completely surrounds the suspension member 26 at the opening 62. This provides a sealed interface at this location and minimizes environmental degradation at the contact area between the exposed end face 66 and the contact member 68.
[0048] In one example, the connection tab 56 is received within the port 54 of the connector body 70 and is oriented generally parallel to the suspension member 26 and the central axis A. In one example, the output pin 74 of the contact member 68 extends at an angle relative to the central axis A to electrically connect the exposed end face 66 of the tensioning member 34 and the connection tab 56. In one example, the angle is an acute angle or an obtuse angle with the central axis. In one example, the bridging pin 76 of the contact member 68 also extends at an acute angle or an obtuse angle relative to the central axis A. In one example, the retaining member 80 extends at an acute angle or an obtuse angle relative to the central axis A.
[0049] Figure 7is a flow chart of an example embodiment of a method of establishing a conductive connection with a plurality of tension members 34 using a connector assembly 40. At step 100, the method includes encasing a plurality of tension members 34 in a sheath 36 to form a suspension member 26 extending along a central axis A. Next, at step 200, the method includes cutting one end 62 of the suspension member 26 at an angle relative to the central axis A to expose the ends of the plurality of tension members 34. At step 300, the method includes inserting the one end 62 of the suspension member 26 into a connector body 70. Finally, at step 400, the method includes supporting a plurality of contact members 68 within the connector body 70, each contact member 68 contacting the exposed end face 66 of one tension member 34 to establish a conductive connection with the plurality of tension members 34.
[0050] Additional steps may include inserting a plurality of retaining pins 80 into the connector body 70 to engage an outer surface of the boot 36 to prevent the suspension member 26 from being removed from the connector body 70, and / or forming an opening 60 in the connector body 70, inserting one end 62 of the suspension member 26 into the opening 60, and installing a gasket 86 to surround the suspension member 26 at the opening 60.
[0051] The present subject disclosure provides a connector assembly that is compatible with existing resistance band inspection (RBI) systems. The interface of the RBI module remains unchanged; however, the interface of the suspension member relies on an enlarged angled surface at the end where the contact pin contacts the suspension member. In one example, the suspension member is prepared to have an angled cut, such as an approximately 45° cut. By cutting the suspension member at an angle, a larger conical area of the cable / tensioning member is exposed, thereby reducing the precision required for the connector. The angled spring-loaded contact pin contacts the exposed band cable of the suspension member. The present subject disclosure utilizes two types of contact pins, including a bridging pin for connecting adjacent cable pairs and an output pin for connecting to a connecting tab. The connection interface of the present subject disclosure has an increased contact area, tolerates loose fit conditions, reduces problems associated with band-connector tolerances, and is sealed to reduce environmental impacts on the connection.
[0052] The foregoing description is illustrative rather than restrictive in nature. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made to the disclosed examples without necessarily departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of legal protection afforded to this invention can only be determined by studying the appended claims.
Claims
1. A connector assembly, comprising: Connector body; a suspension member extending along a central axis and comprising a plurality of tension members encased in a sheath, the suspension member having one end received within the connector body, and wherein the one end has an end face extending at an angle relative to the central axis, wherein ends of the plurality of tension members are exposed; and A plurality of contact members are supported within the connector body, wherein each contact member contacts an exposed end face of at least one tension member to establish an electrically conductive connection with the plurality of tension members. 2 . The connector assembly of claim 1 , comprising at least one retaining member extending through the connector body to prevent the hanging member from being removed from the connector body.
3. The connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The at least one retaining member includes a plurality of retaining pins extending at an angle relative to the central axis and having distal ends that abut against an outer surface of the sheath.
4. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The central axis extends along a length of the suspension member, and the plurality of tensioning members include a plurality of cables spaced apart from one another across a width of the suspension member, and wherein an exposed end face of each cable has an elliptical shape.
5. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The end face of the suspension member extends at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the central axis.
6. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The connector body includes an opening to receive the one end of the suspension member, and includes a gasket surrounding the suspension member at the opening.
7. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of contact members include a bridging pin connecting exposed end faces of adjacent pairs of tensioning members and an output pin engaging a connection tab.
8. The connector assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The connecting tabs include at least a first connecting tab and a second connecting tab, and wherein the plurality of tensioning members include a first end cable and a second end cable, wherein the first end cable has a plurality of additional cables therebetween, and wherein the first connecting tab contacts at least one output pin associated with the first end cable and the second connecting tab contacts at least one output pin associated with the second end cable.
9. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of contact members are resiliently biased into engagement with exposed end surfaces of the plurality of tensioning members.
10. The connector assembly of claim 1, comprising at least one connection tab received within the connector body, and wherein at least one of the plurality of contact members extends at an angle relative to the center axis to electrically connect an exposed end face of the at least one tensioning member and the at least one connection tab.
11. An elevator system, comprising: Elevator car; at least one suspension member that supports the elevator car and facilitates movement of the elevator car, wherein the at least one suspension member extends along a central axis and includes a plurality of tension members encased in a sheath; a connector for receiving one end of the at least one suspension member, wherein the one end has a cut end face extending at an angle relative to the central axis, wherein ends of the plurality of tensioning members are exposed at the cut end face; and A plurality of contact members are supported within the connector, wherein each contact member contacts an exposed end face of the at least one tension member to establish an electrically conductive connection with the plurality of tension members.
12. The elevator system of claim 11, comprising a plurality of retaining pins extending through the connector to prevent the at least one suspension member from being removed from the connector, wherein the plurality of retaining pins extend at an angle relative to a central axis and have distal ends that abut against an outer surface of the sheath.
13. The elevator system according to claim 11, wherein: The central axis extends along a length of the at least one suspension member, and the plurality of tensioning members include a plurality of cables spaced apart from one another across a width of the at least one suspension member, and wherein an exposed end face of each cable has an elliptical shape.
14. The elevator system according to claim 11, wherein: The connector includes an opening to receive the one end of the at least one suspension member and includes a gasket surrounding the at least one suspension member at the opening.
15. The elevator system according to claim 11, wherein: The plurality of contact members include a bridging pin connecting exposed end faces of adjacent pairs of tensioning members and an output pin engaging a connection tab.
16. The elevator system according to claim 15, wherein: The connecting tabs include at least a first connecting tab and a second connecting tab, and wherein the plurality of tensioning members include a first end cable and a second end cable, wherein the first end cable and the second end cable have a plurality of additional cables therebetween, and wherein the first connecting tab contacts at least one output pin associated with the first end cable and the second connecting tab contacts at least one output pin associated with the second end cable.
17. The elevator system according to claim 11, wherein: The plurality of contact members are resiliently biased to engage exposed end surfaces of the plurality of tensioning members.
18. A method comprising: encasing a plurality of tension members in a sheath to form a suspension member extending along a central axis; cutting one end of the suspension member at an angle relative to the central axis to expose ends of the plurality of tension members; inserting the one end portion of the suspension member into a connector body; and A plurality of contact members are supported within the connector body, each contact member contacting an exposed end face of the at least one tension member to establish an electrically conductive connection with the plurality of tension members.
19. The method of claim 18, comprising inserting a plurality of retaining pins into the connector body to engage an outer surface of the boot to prevent removal of the suspension member from the connector body.
20. The method of claim 18, comprising forming an opening in the connector body, inserting the one end of the suspension member into the opening, and installing a gasket to surround the suspension member at the opening.