Resistance-based inspection of elevator system support members

Abstract

A monitoring system for supporting a belt of an elevator car of an elevator system includes: a monitoring unit; and one or more connectors configured to connect the monitoring unit to the one or more tensioning members of the belt. One of the one or more connectors is configured to be connected to the one or more tensioning members at a longitudinal end of the one or more tensioning members. The monitoring system is configured to measure an electrical resistance of the one or more tensioning members.

Description

Resistance-based inspection of elevator system support components Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments generally relate to monitoring systems and methods, and more specifically, to systems and methods for monitoring the condition of support structures, such as belts in elevator systems. Background Technology

[0002] Tension bracing structures, such as coated steel strips containing metal ropes, are used to move elevator cars up and down within elevator shafts or channels. Because the condition of the tension bracing structure is critical to the safety of elevator operation, there is a need to determine the remaining strength level of the tension bracing and to detect whether this remaining strength level falls below a minimum threshold. One such method for determining the remaining strength level is through a resistance-based check, in which the resistance of one or more ropes of the strip is monitored, and changes in resistance indicate a decrease in the remaining strength of the ropes and the strip.

[0003] Resistance-based inspections require connecting a measuring device to one or more ropes, typically achieved through holes formed in the traction or back side of the belt. Because the total thickness of the belt increases when such a device is installed, the belt with the measuring device mounted cannot be installed through the end of the belt at the installation site. Therefore, the belt must be installed in the hoistway and system terminal before the measuring device can be installed.

[0004] Some electrical characteristics of cables, ropes, or tensioning members in a support structure, such as resistance or impedance, change as the cross-sectional area of ​​the tensioning member decreases. Therefore, the remaining support strength of the support structure can be determined based on the electrical characteristics of its tensioning members. Several monitoring systems exist that employ resistance-based inspection schemes to monitor the resistance of the support structure and thus its remaining strength. In such systems, the measured resistance is compared to a predetermined resistance threshold, such that if the threshold is exceeded, an assessment is conducted for potential repair or replacement. The resistance threshold is determined considering selected factors, including the desired elevator system traffic patterns. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one exemplary embodiment, a monitoring system for a belt supporting an elevator car in an elevator system includes a monitoring unit and one or more connectors configured to connect the monitoring unit to one or more tensioning members of the belt. One of the one or more connectors is configured to connect to one or more tensioning members at a longitudinal end of one or more tensioning members. The monitoring system is configured to measure the resistance of the one or more tensioning members.

[0006] Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or other embodiments, one or more connectors include one or more electrically conductive pins electrically connected to one or more tensioning members.

[0007] Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or other embodiments, one or more electrically conductive pins are inserted into one or more tensioning members.

[0008] Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or other embodiments, one or more connectors include electrically conductive material at the longitudinal ends of the strip.

[0009] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the electrically conductive material includes an electrically conductive fixation device (sometimes also called a clamp) or electrically conductive material positioned on the outer surface of the fixation device. The electrically conductive material is electrically connected to one or more tensioning elements.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or other embodiments, the protective sleeve is positioned on one of the one or more connectors.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or other embodiments, one or more connectors include a first connector positioned at a first longitudinal end of the belt and a second connector positioned at a second longitudinal end of the belt.

[0012] In another exemplary embodiment, an elevator system includes a belt and a monitoring system comprising a belt including one or more tensioning members extending longitudinally along the belt length and a sheath at least partially enclosing the one or more tensioning members. The monitoring system is operatively connected to the one or more tensioning members. The monitoring system includes a monitoring unit and one or more connectors configured to connect the monitoring unit to the one or more tensioning members. One of the one or more connectors is connected to the one or more tensioning members at a longitudinal end of one or more tensioning members.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or other embodiments, one or more connectors include one or more electrically conductive pins electrically connected to one or more tensioning members.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or other embodiments, one or more electrically conductive pins are inserted into one or more tensioning members.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, one or more connectors include electrically conductive fastening devices or electrically conductive materials positioned on the outer surface of the fastening device. The electrically conductive fastening devices or electrically conductive materials are electrically connected to one or more tensioning elements.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or other embodiments, the protective sleeve is positioned on one of the one or more connectors.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or other embodiments, one or more connectors include a first connector positioned at a first longitudinal end of the belt and a second connector positioned at a second longitudinal end of the belt.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or other embodiments, the monitoring system is configured to measure the resistance of one or more tensioning members.

[0019] In yet another exemplary embodiment, an elevator system includes an elevator car and a belt operatively connected to the elevator car and configured to move the elevator car along a shaft of the elevator system. The belt includes one or more tensioning members extending longitudinally along its length, and a sheath at least partially enclosing the one or more tensioning members. A monitoring system is operatively connected to the one or more tensioning members. The monitoring system includes a monitoring unit and one or more connectors configured to connect the monitoring unit to the one or more tensioning members. One of the one or more connectors is connected to the one or more tensioning members at a longitudinal end of one or more tensioning members.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or other embodiments, one or more connectors include one or more electrically conductive pins electrically connected to one or more tensioning members.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or other embodiments, one or more electrically conductive pins are inserted into one or more tensioning members.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, one or more connectors include electrically conductive fixing devices or electrically conductive material positioned on the outer surface of the fixing device. The electrically conductive material is electrically connected to one or more tensioning elements.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or other embodiments, one or more connectors include a first connector positioned at a first longitudinal end of the belt and a second connector positioned at a second longitudinal end of the belt.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or other embodiments, the monitoring system is configured to measure the resistance of one or more tensioning members. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The following description should not be considered as limiting in any way. Referring to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered the same: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an elevator system; Figure 2 is an end view of a belt for an elevator system; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a belt tensioning element; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a monitoring system operatively connected to the belt; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a monitoring system operatively connected to the belt; Figure 6 is an illustration of pins used to secure the monitoring system to the belt; and Figure 7 is a method of forming the belt and installing it into the elevator system. Detailed Implementation

[0026] This document presents a detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods by way of illustration and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Referring now to Figure 1, an elevator system 10 is shown schematically. It should be understood that the version of elevator system 10 shown in Figure 1 is for illustrative purposes only and to present the background of the various components of a general elevator system.

[0028] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary traction elevator system 10. Features of the elevator system 10 (such as guide rails, safety devices, etc.) not required for understanding the present invention are not discussed herein. The elevator system 10 includes an elevator car 14, which is operatively suspended and / or propelled in a shaft 12 by one or more tensioning members (e.g., belts 16). Although belts 16 are used as tensioning members utilized in the elevator system in the following description, those skilled in the art will readily understand that this disclosure can be used in conjunction with other tensioning members, such as ropes or braided belts. One or more belts 16 interact with pulleys 18 and 52 to be arranged around various components of the elevator system 10. Pulleys 18 are configured as deflectors, swerves, or idler pulleys, and pulleys 52 are configured as traction pulleys driven by a machine 50. The traction pulley 52 is driven (by traction) by the movement of the machine 50, moving, and / or propelling one or more belts 16 arranged around the traction pulley 52. The steering mechanism, deflector, or idler pulley 18 is not driven by the machine 50, but helps guide one or more belts 16 around the various components of the elevator system 10. One or more belts 16 may also be connected to a counterweight 22, which helps balance the elevator system 10 and reduces differences in belt tension on both sides of the traction pulley during operation. The pulleys 18 and 52 each have a diameter, which may be the same or different from each other. The belts 16 are mounted at their ends to terminals 54 to secure the belts 16 to, for example, the elevator car 14 and the counterweight 22.

[0029] In some embodiments, the elevator system 10 may use two or more belts 16 to suspend and / or drive the elevator car 14. Furthermore, the elevator system 10 may have various configurations such that pulleys 18, 52 are engaged on both sides of one or more belts 16, or pulleys 18, 52 are engaged on only one side of one or more belts 16. The embodiment of Figure 1 illustrates a 1:1 rope arrangement where one or more belts 16 terminate at the elevator car 14 and the counterweight 22, while other embodiments may utilize other rope arrangements.

[0030] The belt 16 is configured to meet belt life requirements and have smooth operation, while being strong enough to meet the strength requirements for suspending and / or driving the elevator car 14 and the counterweight 22.

[0031] Figure 2 provides a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary construction or design of belt 16. Belt 16 includes a plurality of tensioning elements 24 extending longitudinally along belt 16 and arranged across belt width 26. Tensioning elements 24 are at least partially enclosed in a sheath 28 to constrain and protect the tensioning elements 24 relative to each other within belt 16. Sheath 28 defines a traction side 30 configured to interact with a corresponding surface of traction pulley 52. ​​The primary function of sheath 28 is to provide a sufficient coefficient of friction between belt 16 and traction pulley 52 to generate a desired amount of traction between them. Sheath 28 should also transfer traction loads to tensioning elements 24. Furthermore, sheath 28 should be abrasion-resistant, fatigue-resistant, and protect tensioning elements 24 from environmental factors such as impact damage and exposure to chemicals.

[0032] Exemplary materials for the sheath 28 include elastomers of thermoplastic and thermosetting polyurethanes, thermoplastic polyester elastomers, ethylene propylene elastomers, chloroprene rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyamide, polypropylene, butyl rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, acrylic elastomers, fluorinated elastomers, silicone elastomers, polyolefin elastomers, styrene block and diene elastomers, natural rubber, or combinations thereof. If other materials are sufficient to satisfy the required function of band 16, these other materials may be used to form the sheath material 28.

[0033] The belt 16 has a belt width 26 and a belt thickness 32, wherein the aspect ratio of the belt width 26 to the belt thickness 32 is greater than one. The belt 16 also includes a back side 34 opposite to the traction side 30 and a belt edge 36 extending between the traction side 30 and the back side 34. Although six tensioning elements 24 are shown in the embodiment of FIG2, other embodiments may include other numbers of tensioning elements 24, such as 4, 10, or 12 tensioning elements 24. Furthermore, while the tensioning elements 24 in the embodiment of FIG2 are substantially the same, in other embodiments, the tensioning elements 24 may differ from each other. Although a belt 16 with a rectangular cross-section is shown in FIG2, it should be understood that belts 16 with other cross-sectional shapes are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 3, the tensioning element 24, also known as a rope, may be a plurality of wires 38, such as steel wires 38, which in some embodiments are formed as one or more strands 40. The strands 40 are groups of wires 38 arranged in some embodiments by twisting or similar means. An exemplary strand 40 may include a central wire 38a and a plurality of outer wires 38b arranged around the central wire 38a. In some embodiments, wires 38a and 38b have the same dimensions and are formed of the same material, while in other embodiments, wires 38a and 38b may vary in cross-sectional shape or size and / or in material composition. For example, the central wire 38a may be formed of a first material and have a first cross-sectional shape, and the outer wires 38b may be formed of a second material different from the first material, and / or the outer wires 38b may have a second cross-sectional shape different from the first cross-sectional shape.

[0035] The strands 40 are grouped or arranged to form a tensioning element 24. In some embodiments, the tensioning element 24 includes one or more center strands 40a, with a plurality of outer strands 40b arranged around the center strand 40a. In some embodiments, the outer strands 40b are wound around the center strand 40a. While in some embodiments the center strand 40a has the same configuration as each of the outer strands 40b, in other embodiments the outer strands 40b and the center strand 40a may vary in, for example, the number of wires 38, the cross-sectional size or shape of the wires 38, or the material composition of the wires 38.

[0036] While the embodiment in FIG3 shows a circular cross-sectional tensioning element geometry, other embodiments may include different cross-sectional geometries for the tensioning element, such as rectangular or elliptical. Although the cross-sectional geometry of the tensioning element 24 in FIG2 is shown to be the same, in other embodiments, the cross-sectional geometries of the tensioning elements may differ from each other.

[0037] Referring now to Figure 4, a resistance-based inspection (RBI) device 56 connected to the band 16 is used to monitor the band 16 for wear and / or structural integrity. The RBI device 56 is connected to the band 16 at each longitudinal end 58. Specifically, at the first end 58a, a conductive pin 60 from the RBI-side connector 62 is inserted into the tensioning element 24 at the first end 58a, particularly at the first longitudinal end 70 of the tensioning element 24, and two electrical leads 64 from the RBI-side connector 62 are mounted into the RBI device 56. A short-circuit-side connector 66 is connected to the second longitudinal end 72 of the tensioning element 24 at the second end 58b. The short-circuit-side connector 66 completes the loop with the RBI device 56 by guiding current through the tensioning element 24, allowing the resistance of the band 16 to be evaluated. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the RBI device 56 is connected to all of the tensioning elements 24, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the RBI device 56 is connected to only some of the tensioning elements 24.

[0038] RBI-side connector 62 and short-circuit-side connector 66 are low-profile (sometimes referred to as low-profile) compared to the tape thickness 32, allowing tape 16 to be installed into terminal 54 with RBI-side connector 62 and short-circuit-side connector 66 in place. In some embodiments, after RBI-side connector 62 and short-circuit-side connector 66 are installed, a protective sleeve, schematically shown at 68, is installed on each of RBI-side connector 62 and short-circuit-side connector 66 to protect the connection to tape 16 during handling, transport, and installation in hoistway 12. The protective sleeve 68 is formed of, for example, a plastic material that can shrink-fit to tape 16 and covers short-circuit-side connector 66 and RBI-side connector 62.

[0039] Figure 5 illustrates another embodiment of the RBI-side connector 62. In this embodiment, the RBI-side connector 62 includes a retaining device 72, which is configured as a plate in some embodiments. According to one aspect, the retaining device 72 is formed of an electrically conductive material. It is contemplated that the electrically conductive material can be adhered to, coated on, or otherwise deposited on the outer surface of the retaining device 72. The retaining device 72 is mounted to a first band end 58a and held there by a plurality of retaining pins 74, and in the example shown in Figure 6, the plurality of retaining pins are inserted from the retaining device 72 and longitudinally inserted into a sheath 28 at the first band end 58a. Although in the illustrated embodiment the retaining device 72 is formed of a conductive material to electrically connect adjacent tensioning elements 24, in other embodiments the retaining pins 74 may be formed of a conductive material or at least partially covered or coated with a conductive material, and have oversized pin heads 76 to span adjacent tensioning elements 24, thereby electrically connecting adjacent tensioning elements 24. Although the RBI-side connector 62 is shown in Figure 5, those skilled in the art will readily understand that this configuration can be similarly used as a short-circuit-side connector 66. Utilizing the relatively thin profile compared to the thickness 32, this embodiment can also be installed on the tape 16 before the tape 16 is installed on the terminal 54.

[0040] Referring now to Figure 7, a method for manufacturing and installing belt 16 is shown. In step 100, belt 16 is formed by enclosing a plurality of tensioning elements 24 within a sheath 28. In step 102, belt 16 is cut to the installation length based on the shaft 14 and elevator system 10 to which belt 16 will be installed. In step 104, RBI-side connector 62 and short-circuit-side connector 66 are installed to belt 16. In step 106, protective sleeve 68 is installed, and then in step 108, RBI device 56 is connected to RBI-side connector 62. After connecting RBI device 56, the system is tested for normal function in step 110. After system testing, belt 16 can be installed to elevator system 10 in step 112, and specifically, to terminal 54 with RBI-side connector 62 and short-circuit-side connector 66 installed to belt 16.

[0041] Using the connector configuration disclosed herein allows the RBI device 56 and components to be installed at the manufacturing plant of the belt 16 before it is installed into the elevator system 10. This improves installation efficiency and repeatability, and also improves the system for testing prior to installation in the hoistway 14.

[0042] The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with a measurement of a specific quantity based on the equipment available at the time of application submission.

[0043] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” indicate the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0044] While this disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure and its elements can be substituted with equivalents. Additionally, many modifications can be made without departing from its basic scope to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but rather to include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A monitoring system for an elevator car supporting an elevator system, comprising: Monitoring unit; and one or more connectors configured to connect the monitoring unit to one or more tensioning members of the belt, one of the one or more connectors being configured to connect to the one or more tensioning members at a longitudinal end of the one or more tensioning members, wherein the monitoring system is configured to measure the resistance of the one or more tensioning members.

2. The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more connectors include one or more electrically conductive pins electrically connected to the one or more tensioning members.

3. The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more electrically conductive pins are inserted into the one or more tensioning members.

4. The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more connectors include electrically conductive material at the longitudinal ends of the strip.

5. The monitoring system according to claim 4, wherein, The electrically conductive material includes an electrically conductive fixing device or an electrically conductive material disposed on the outer surface of the fixing device, and the electrically conductive material is electrically connected to the one or more tensioning elements.

6. The monitoring system according to claim 1 further includes a protective sleeve disposed on one of the one or more connectors.

7. The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more connectors include: a first connector disposed at a first longitudinal end of the belt; and a second connector disposed at a second longitudinal end of the belt.

8. A belt and monitoring system for an elevator system, comprising: A belt, comprising: one or more tensioning members extending longitudinally along the belt length; and a sheath at least partially enclosing the one or more tensioning members; a monitoring system operatively connected to the one or more tensioning members, the monitoring system comprising: a monitoring unit; and one or more connectors configured to connect the monitoring unit to the one or more tensioning members, one of the one or more connectors being connected to the one or more tensioning members at a longitudinal end of the one or more tensioning members.

9. The belt and monitoring system according to claim 8, wherein, The one or more connectors include one or more electrically conductive pins electrically connected to the one or more tensioning members.

10. The belt and monitoring system according to claim 8, wherein, The one or more electrically conductive pins are inserted into the one or more tensioning members.

11. The belt and monitoring system according to claim 8, wherein, The one or more connectors include an electrically conductive fixing device or an electrically conductive material disposed on the outer surface of the fixing device, the electrically conductive fixing device or the electrically conductive material being electrically connected to the one or more tensioning elements.

12. The belt and monitoring system of claim 8, further comprising a protective sleeve disposed on one of the one or more connectors.

13. The belt and monitoring system according to claim 8, wherein, The one or more connectors include: a first connector disposed at a first longitudinal end of the belt; and a second connector disposed at a second longitudinal end of the belt.

14. The belt and monitoring system according to claim 8, wherein, The monitoring system is configured to measure the resistance of the one or more tensioning members.

15. An elevator system, comprising: Elevator car; A belt operably connected to the elevator car and configured to move the elevator car along the hoistway of the elevator system, the belt comprising: one or more tensioning members extending longitudinally along the belt length; and a sheath at least partially enclosing the one or more tensioning members; a monitoring system operably connected to the one or more tensioning members, the monitoring system comprising: a monitoring unit; and one or more connectors configured to connect the monitoring unit to the one or more tensioning members, one of the one or more connectors being connected to the one or more tensioning members at a longitudinal end of the one or more tensioning members.

16. The elevator system according to claim 15, wherein, The one or more connectors include one or more electrically conductive pins electrically connected to the one or more tensioning members.

17. The elevator system according to claim 15, wherein, The one or more electrically conductive pins are inserted into the one or more tensioning members.

18. The elevator system according to claim 15, wherein, The one or more connectors include an electrically conductive fixing device or an electrically conductive material disposed on the outer surface of the fixing device, the electrically conductive material being electrically connected to the one or more tensioning elements.

19. The elevator system according to claim 15, wherein, The one or more connectors include: a first connector disposed at a first longitudinal end of the belt; and a second connector disposed at a second longitudinal end of the belt.

20. The elevator system according to claim 15, wherein, The monitoring system is configured to measure the resistance of the one or more tensioning members.

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