Rope terminal, elevator and method for installing elevator suspension rope

Abstract

A rope terminal (20; 20 ') for supporting an elevator suspension rope (4) is provided. 50) comprises a body (21; 51) of electrically conductive material comprising a wedge housing (22; 52); the connecting rod (23; 53) made of an electrically conductive material, fixed to the main body, for connecting the rope terminal (20; 50) to a rope terminal fixed in the machine room or well; the wedge (24; 54) configured to be inserted into the wedge housing (22; 54) when the rope (4) is wound around the wedge; 52). The rope terminal (20; 50) comprises at least one grounding member (26; 56, 55), which is configured to engage in the main body (21; 51) and an electrically conductive core (41) of a rope (4) having an electrically insulating coating (42). An elevator and a method for installing an elevator suspension rope (4) having an electrically insulating coating (42).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to coated elevator suspension ropes.The elevator is preferably an elevator for transporting passengers and / or freight. Background Art

[0002] An elevator may include a car, a shaft, hoisting machinery, suspension ropes, and a counterweight. A separate or integrated car frame may surround the car.

[0003] A hoisting machine may be located in the shaft. The hoisting machine may include a drive, an electric motor, a traction sheave, and a mechanical brake. The hoisting machine can move the car up and down the shaft and bring it to a horizontal stop. The mechanical brake can maintain the car's horizontal position and thus the movement of the elevator car by keeping the traction sheave rotating. The mechanical brake can also stop the car in special circumstances, such as unexpected machine movement or an emergency stop, such as a power outage.

[0004] The car frame can be connected to the counterweight via a traction sheave by suspension ropes. The car frame can also be supported by guide members on guide rails extending vertically in the shaft. The guide rails can be attached to the sidewall structure in the shaft using fastening brackets. As the car moves upward and downward in the shaft, the guide members ensure vertical movement of the car. The counterweight can be supported in a corresponding manner on the guide rails attached to the shaft wall structure.

[0005] The car may transport people and / or freight between landings of a building.The wall structure of the shaft may be formed of a solid wall or an open beam structure or any combination thereof.

[0006] For example, in hoisting and suspension technology based on coated ropes, a core made of steel rope is typically coated with a polyurethane coating. The coating in the rope offers several advantages. Since there is no direct steel-to-steel contact with the traction sheave, it enables the use of higher-tension ropes with longer lay lengths. This allows for the use of fewer, thinner ropes, reduces moving masses, and enables smaller traction sheaves. Furthermore, the coating provides a higher level of friction, which reduces moving masses such as the car and counterweight.

[0007] One issue with coated ropes is rope binding in the well. This problem becomes more severe with longer travel times. The ropes then fail to follow the sheave grooves and experience angular deviation. Furthermore, there is a risk of damage to the rope and coating, as rope binding reduces clearance with guide rails, brackets, etc. Due to the insulating polyurethane coating, the suspension ropes float without any electrical grounding to the earth. The coating insulates the ropes from the traction sheaves and pulleys, as well as the rope wedge housing fixtures in the rope terminations. This prevents the ropes from becoming charged due to static electricity.

[0008] There is a need for reliable and simple coated rope grounding. Summary of the Invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to introduce an improved rope terminal for an elevator suspension rope having an electrically insulating coating, a method for installing a coated elevator suspension rope, and an elevator. The present invention provides a solution to the problems associated with the electrostatic problems of coated ropes described above and below.

[0010] The cord termination according to the invention is defined in the independent claim 1 .

[0011] The elevator according to the invention is as defined in claim 11 .

[0012] The method according to the invention for installing an elevator suspension rope is defined in independent claim 12 .

[0013] It has been found that the solution to the rope binding effect is to ground the correct suspension rope to electrical ground. Test rides have shown that after grounding the rope, the binding effect has been eliminated.

[0014] The present invention provides a solution for grounding a rope without the need for additional components and installation time. The present invention provides a solution for attaching a rope to a rope terminal without a separate grounding arrangement. The present invention provides a solution for clamping a stripped rope to a ground wire without stripping the rope coating and using a ground wire clamp and a wire clamp.

[0015] Proper grounding eliminates static electricity and reduces rope contamination, as small particles, such as dust, carbon, and especially steel dust, do not adhere to the rope surface. Furthermore, the service life of the rope coating is extended, and the invention has a positive effect on the frictional contact of the rope on the traction sheave. A clean rope surface is also visually pleasing.

[0016] Some embodiments provide a solution where the grounding rope is coated with an elastomeric coating such as polyurethane or rubber.

[0017] Some embodiments provide a solution of a grounding rope coated with a non-conductive coating or a coating that collects static electricity.

[0018] Some embodiments provide solutions for enhancing elevators in potentially explosive environments where sparks are not permitted. Avoiding static electricity can prevent sparks from forming in potentially explosive environments and thereby reduce the risk of ignition of the explosive environment.

[0019] The invention will enable the wider use of coated ropes and will provide an opportunity to reduce the CO2 footprint by reducing material usage, thereby improving eco-efficiency through reduced energy consumption and sustainability. In addition, coated ropes improve the efficiency of the hoist space and reduce the cost of the hoist due to smaller machines and reduced materials. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The present invention will be described in more detail below with the aid of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 shows a side view of the lift,

[0022] Figure 2 Shows the coated rope bundling effect,

[0023] Figure 3 A first embodiment of a rope terminal having a first grounding member is shown,

[0024] Figure 4 A first example of a first embodiment with assembled suspension ropes is shown,

[0025] Figure 5 A second embodiment of a rope terminal having a second grounding member is shown,

[0026] Figure 6 a cross-sectional side view showing the assembled second grounding member penetrating the rope coating, and

[0027] Figure 7 A top view of the perforated clevis of the second grounding member is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In the present drawings, the rope terminals and the hoist are not shown to scale, but these drawings are schematic, illustrating the basic structure and operation of the preferred embodiment. In this case, the components represented by reference numerals in the drawings correspond to the components indicated by reference numerals in the present specification.

[0029] Figure 1 An elevator is shown having a car 2, a shaft 1, a hoisting machine 3, suspension ropes 4, and a counterweight 5. A separate or integrated car frame 6, also known as a sling, may surround the car. The hoisting machine 3 may be located in the shaft 1. The hoisting machine may include a drive 31, an electric motor 32, a traction sheave 33, and a machine brake 34. The hoisting machine can move the car up and down in the shaft. The machine brake 34 can stop the rotation of the traction sheave 33 and thereby stop the movement of the elevator car 2.

[0030] The car 2 is connected by ropes 4 via a traction sheave 33 and one or more diverting pulleys (not shown in the figures) to a counterweight 5.

[0031] The car and the counterweight are suspended by one or more ropes 4 which are guided over a traction sheave 33 for moving the car 2 vertically in the shaft 1 .

[0032] The car 2 frame is further supported by guide members 7 at guide rails 8 extending vertically in the shaft. The guide rails can be attached to the side wall structure 10 in the shaft with fastening brackets 9. The guide members 7 ensure the vertical movement of the car 2 when the car moves up and down in the shaft 1. The counterweight 5 can be supported in a corresponding manner on the guide rails attached to the wall structure of the shaft.

[0033] Figure 2 The effects of coated rope bundling are illustrated. First, four coated ropes 4 are shown side by side, as they enter or exit a rope pulley, such as traction sheave 33. Rope 4 comprises a core 41 and a coating 42. Second, four coated ropes 4, not grounded to earth, are bundled together in the well, and the ropes may enter the pulley grooves in the wrong order. This problem becomes more severe with longer travel times. Rope bundling increases the deviation angle, meaning the ropes do not enter the pulley grooves directly. When the ropes do not enter the pulley grooves directly, the rope life is reduced, and the deviation angle also increases rope twist. Furthermore, there is a risk of damage to the ropes and coating because rope bundling reduces clearance from guide rails, brackets, etc. Due to the insulating polyurethane coating, the suspension ropes float without any electrical grounding. The coating insulates the ropes from the traction sheave and sheaves, as well as the rope wedge housing fixtures in the rope terminations. This affects the ropes' static charging.

[0034] Figures 3 to 7 An embodiment is shown for grounding a coated rope 4 to an earth ground using a rope terminal equipped with at least one grounding member 26; 56. This grounding member is configured to create an electrically conductive connection between the body 21; 51 of the rope terminal 20; 50 and the conductive core 41 of the rope 4, without requiring stripping of the electrically insulating coated rope or installing an additional grounding terminal. Preferably, the at least one grounding member is integrated into the body of the rope terminal. According to an embodiment, an electrical connection is provided between the rope terminal 20; 50 and a rope terminal fixture (not shown).

[0035] Figure 3 A first rope terminal 20 is shown. Rope terminal 20 comprises a first body 21 of conductive material having a wedge housing 22 and a wedge 24. Rope terminal 20 includes a connecting rod 23 of conductive material, which is provided with, for example, threads 23' and is fixed to body 21 for mechanically connecting the rope terminal to a rope terminal fixture (not shown) in a machine room or shaft. As described below, first rope terminal 20 creates an electrical grounding connection for coated rope 4.

[0036] According to an embodiment, an electrical connection between the rope terminal 20; 50 and the rope terminal fixture is provided. For example, the connecting rod 23, 53 does not have to be insulated from the rope terminal fixture, for example by a plastic or rubber sleeve, and is then connected to an electrical ground, for example to a guide rail.

[0037] The rope terminal 20 includes a device for making an electrical ground connection to the electrically insulating coated rope 4 without stripping the rope. The rope terminal 20 includes at least one first grounding member 26 configured to make an electrical connection between the body 21 and the core 41 of the rope 4. The at least one first grounding member 26 includes a conductive tip or a piercing / penetration control 27 configured to make an electrical connection between the body 21 and the core 41 of the rope 4.

[0038] According to a first example of the first embodiment, the body 21 includes at least one opening 25 for receiving at least one first grounding member 26 having a conductive tip or a perforation control 27. Preferably, the at least one opening 25 is a threaded hole, and the at least one first grounding member 26 having a conductive tip or a perforation control 27 is a conductive screw component having a tip or a perforation control. The threaded first grounding member 26 enables controlled depth adjustment of the perforation control and also enables easy release of the cord 4 from the wedge housing 22. The first grounding member 26 may be a retaining screw-type component.

[0039] According to a second example of the first embodiment, another means for producing an electrical ground connection with the rope 4 without stripping the rope comprises at least one second conductive grounding member, such as a conductive pointed shape or tip (not shown in the figures) formed inside the body 21, the at least one pointed shape or tip preferably being in the inner wall of the wedge housing, configured to perforate / penetrate the coating 42 of the rope 4 when the rope is wound around the wedge 24 and the wedge is inserted into the wedge housing 22.

[0040] The at least one first conductive grounding member 26 and the at least one second conductive grounding member are capable of penetrating the coating 42 of the rope 4 and establishing electrical contact between the ropes of the rope core 41 and the body 21 of the rope terminal 20 .

[0041] Preferably, the grounding according to the first and second examples of the first embodiment is implemented on the free end side 4' of the rope 4 and on the wedge 24 and the wedge housing 22. Thus not on the suspension side to eliminate any serious damage to the suspension rope.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the solutions according to the first example and the second example of the first embodiment can be implemented in the same cord terminal.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the solutions according to the first example and the second example of the first embodiment can be implemented in the same cord terminal as the solution according to the second embodiment.

[0044] Figure 4 A rope terminal 20 according to a first example of a first embodiment is shown with the suspension rope 4 assembled between a wedge housing 22 and a wedge 24. A threaded first grounding member 26 is tightened against the rope, forming a conductive connection between the body 21 and the core 41 of the rope 4 without the need to strip the coated rope or install an additional grounding end.

[0045] Figure 5 A second rope terminal 50 is shown. Rope terminal 50 comprises a second body 51 of electrically conductive material with a wedge housing 52 and a wedge 54. Rope terminal 50 comprises a connecting rod 53 of electrically conductive material, which is provided with, for example, a thread 23' and is fixed to body 51 for mechanically connecting the rope terminal to a rope terminal fixture (not shown) in a machine room or a shaft by means of a spring 53". As will be described below, second rope terminal 50 creates an electrical ground connection for coated rope 4.

[0046] The second cord termination 50 includes a device for creating an electrical ground connection with the coated cord 4 without stripping the cord. The cord termination 50 includes at least one third grounding member 56, 55. The at least one third grounding member 56 includes a conductive tip or perforation / penetration control 57 configured to create an electrically conductive connection between the body 51 and the core 41 of the cord 4.

[0047] The second cord terminal 50 includes at least one third grounding member 56 having a conductive tip or perforated control 57 , and the second body 51 includes at least one opening for receiving the at least one third grounding member 56 .

[0048] According to a first example of the second embodiment, the second body 51 includes at least one integrated cord clamp counterpart 55 having a hole 55' for receiving at least one third grounding member 56 having a conductive tip or a piercing / penetration control 57. The second body 51 with the second wedge housing 51 can be a cast or welded or machined construction.

[0049] Preferably, at least one integrated clamp portion 55 is equivalent to the counterpart of a rope clevis, and at least one third grounding member 56 having a conductive prong or piercing control 57 comprises a conductive clevis U-shaped portion equipped with threads for at least one fastening nut and having a prong or piercing control 57. The third grounding member 26 enables controlled depth adjustment of the piercing control and also enables easy release of the rope 4 from the wedge housing 52.

[0050] According to a second example of the second embodiment, the second body 51 includes at least one integrated rope clamp counterpart 55 for receiving the rope clamp U-shaped portion and serving as at least one third grounding member having a conductive tip or a piercing / penetration control (not shown). The at least one third conductive grounding member is capable of penetrating the coating 42 of the rope 4 and establishing electrical contact between the strands of the rope core 41 and the body 51 of the rope terminal 50.

[0051] Thus, according to the second embodiment, in the rope clamp U-shaped part 56 or counterpart 55 there is at least one pointed control element or edge capable of perforating / penetrating the rope covering 42 .

[0052] Typically, hoist ropes require at least one rope clamp beneath the wedge housing 52. In a second embodiment, a rope clamp counterpart 55 may be integrated into the wedge housing and used to ground the rope to the body 51, eliminating the need for a separate rope clamp.

[0053] Preferably, the grounding according to the second embodiment is implemented on the free end side 4' of the rope 4 as well as on the wedge 54 and the wedge housing 52. Thus not on the suspension side to eliminate any serious damage to the rope suspension rope.

[0054] Preferably, the second body 51 with the second wedge housing 52 is extended so that the rope clamp 56 below the wedge 54 is tightened against the extension 51 ′ of the body 51. In this case, grounding can occur directly by means of the conductive contact between the bodies 51 and via the rod 53, the spring 53 ″ and the rope end fixture. However, if there is insulation between the connecting rod 53 and the rope end fixture (e.g. a damping bushing), then grounding can optionally be performed by using a cable shoe 60 below the rope clamp fixing nut 58.

[0055] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Shown in more detail is the second grounding member 56 which penetrates the rope coating 42 and establishes an electrically conductive contact between the ropes of the rope core 41 and the body 51 of the rope terminal 50 . Figure 7 A top view of an example perforated cord clevis portion is shown.

[0056] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed in the accompanying drawings. It can be used with any type of elevator, for example, elevators with or without a machine room, and elevators with or without a counterweight. The counterweight can be located on either or both side walls or the rear wall of the elevator shaft. The drive, motor, traction sheave, and machine brake can be located in the machine room or elsewhere in the elevator shaft. The elevator car guide rails can be located on opposite side walls or on the rear wall of the shaft.

[0057] It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that as technology advances, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways.The invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A rope terminal (20; 50) for supporting a suspension rope (4) of an elevator, comprising a body (21; 51) of conductive material comprising a wedge housing (22; 52); a connecting rod (23; 53) of conductive material, fixed to the body, for mechanically connecting the rope terminal (20; 50) to a rope terminal fixed in a machine room or a shaft; a wedge (24; 54) configured to be inserted into the wedge housing (22; 52) when the rope (4) is wrapped around the wedge; It is characterized in that The rope terminal (20; 50) comprises at least one grounding member (26; 56, 55) configured to create an electrically conductive connection between a body (21; 51) of the rope terminal and a conductive core (41) of the rope (4) having an electrically insulating coating (42).

2. A rope terminal according to claim 1, wherein the at least one grounding member (26; 56) includes a conductive tip or a perforation / penetration control member (27; 57), and the conductive tip or perforation / penetration control member is configured to create a conductive connection between the body (21; 51) of the rope terminal and the conductive core (41) of the rope (4).

3. The rope terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one grounding member is integrated in the body (21; 51) of the rope terminal (20; 50).

4. A rope terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least one first or third grounding member (26; 56) having a conductive tip or perforated control (27; 57), and the body (21; 51) comprises at least one opening (25; 55') for receiving at least one first grounding member (26; 56).

5. The cord termination according to claim 4, wherein the at least one opening (25) is a threaded hole and the at least one first grounding member (26) is a conductive screw component.

6. The cord terminal according to claim 4, wherein the body (51) of the cord terminal (50) comprises at least one integrated conductive cord clamp counterpart (55) having a hole (55') for receiving the at least one third grounding member (56).

7. The cord terminal of claim 4, wherein the at least one third grounding member (56) comprises a U-shaped portion of a conductive cord clamp, the U-shaped portion including a prong or perforated control (57).

8. A cord terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the body (51) of the cord terminal (50) comprises at least one integrated conductive cord clamp counterpart (55) having a conductive tip or a perforation / penetration control.

9. The rope terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one grounding member comprises a rope clamp (55, 56) which is integrated in the body (21; 51) of the rope terminal (20; 50).

10. A rope terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising at least one second grounding member, the at least one second grounding member having a conductive pointed shape or tip formed inside the body (21; 51), the at least one pointed shape or tip being configured to perforate / penetrate the rope (4) coating (42) when the rope is wrapped around the wedge (24; 54) and the wedge is inserted into the wedge housing (22; 52).

11. An elevator comprising a car (2); a hoisting machine (3), the hoisting machine having a motor (32) and a traction sheave (33); one or more suspension ropes (4); and a counterweight (5); The car and the counterweight are suspended by the one or more ropes (4), which are guided over the traction sheave (33) for vertically moving the car (2) in the elevator shaft (1); wherein At least one suspension rope (4) is supported by at least one rope terminal (20; 50) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A method for installing an elevator suspension rope (4) having an electrically insulating coating (42), comprising placing the rope in a rope terminal (20; 50) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and moving the at least one grounding member (26; 56, 55) against the rope (4) to penetrate the rope coating (42) to produce an electrically conductive connection between the body (21; 51) of the rope terminal and the conductive core (41) of the rope (4).

13. The method according to claim 12, comprising moving a conductive tip or a perforation / penetration control (27; 57) comprised by the at least one grounding member (26; 56; 55) to penetrate the electrically insulating coating (42) of the rope (4).

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, comprising: wrapping the rope (4) around a wedge (24; 54) comprised by the at least one ground engaging member, and The rope having the wedge in a wedge housing (22; 52) comprised by the rope terminal (20; 50) is moved against at least one grounding member in an inner wall of the rope terminal body to penetrate the electrically insulating coating (42) of the rope (4).

15. A method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, comprising a tensioning rope clamp (55, 56) which is integrated with the rope terminal body (21; 51) and comprises an electrically conductive tip or perforation / penetration control (57) through the electrically insulating coating (42) of the rope (4).

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