Self-balancing tension member terminal for elevator system

Abstract

A terminal assembly for an elevator system having multiple tensioning members includes a terminal housing and multiple tensioning member retainers. Each tensioning member retainer is configured to connect to a corresponding tensioning member among the multiple tensioning members. A flowable housing filler is located within the terminal housing. The flowable housing filler is configured to balance the tension forces acting on the multiple tensioning members by flowing out from a first tensioning member retainer of a first tensioning member subjected to a first tensioning force and flowing to a second tensioning member retainer of a second tensioning member subjected to a second tensioning force less than the first tensioning force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The exemplary embodiments generally relate to elevator systems. More specifically, the exemplary embodiments relate to the terminals of tensioning members in an elevator system having multiple tensioning members. Background Technology

[0002] Tensioning components, such as steel cables or coated steel strips containing thin metal cords, are used to move the elevator car up and down within the elevator shaft or hoistway. Tensioning components can be secured to, for example, the elevator car, counterweight, or hoistway fixtures via terminals that also provide tension to the tensioning components. Some elevator systems include multiple tensioning components, each with its own terminal structure.

[0003] One challenge in elevators with tensioning components is properly balancing these components to distribute the load evenly across the belts. Equipment with unbalanced tensioning components can experience ride quality issues and may lead to uneven wear or damage to the tensioning components, shortening their service life. There is also a risk of one of the traction and / or belts detaching from the pulley, resulting in belt damage or even, in extreme cases, belt breakage. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one exemplary embodiment, a terminal assembly for an elevator system having multiple tensioning members includes a terminal housing and multiple tensioning member retainers. Each tensioning member retainer is configured to connect to a corresponding tensioning member among the multiple tensioning members. A flowable housing filler is positioned within the terminal housing. The flowable housing filler is configured to balance the tension forces acting on the multiple tensioning members by flowing out from a first tensioning member retainer of a first tensioning member subjected to a first tensioning force and flowing to a second tensioning member retainer of a second tensioning member subjected to a second tensioning force less than the first tensioning force.

[0005] Alternatively or in this embodiment or other embodiments, the flowable shell filler is a plurality of spherical spheres.

[0006] Alternatively or in this embodiment or other embodiments, the sphere is formed of steel.

[0007] Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or other embodiments, a spring element is operatively connected to each of the plurality of tension member retainers to inhibit movement of the plurality of tension member retainers in the tension direction.

[0008] Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or other embodiments, the first end of each tension member retainer is located in the terminal housing, and the second end of each tension member retainer extends outside the terminal housing.

[0009] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the plurality of tensioning member retainers are a plurality of covers that are slidably movable on a corresponding housing protrusion among a plurality of housing protrusions of the terminal housing.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or other embodiments, each tensioning member extends into the terminal housing to connect to a corresponding tensioning member retainer among a plurality of tensioning member retainers.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or other embodiments, each of the plurality of tensioning members is a type of rope or belt.

[0012] In another exemplary embodiment, the elevator system includes an elevator car, a plurality of tensioning members operably connected to the elevator car and configured to move the elevator car along the elevator system shaft, and one or more terminal assemblies, the ends of the plurality of tensioning members being fixed to the one or more terminal assemblies. One of the one or more terminal assemblies includes a terminal housing and a plurality of tensioning member retainers. Each tensioning member retainer is configured to connect to a corresponding tensioning member among the plurality of tensioning members. A flowable housing filler is positioned within the terminal housing. The flowable housing filler is configured to balance the tension forces acting on the plurality of tensioning members by flowing out from the first tensioning member retainer of the first tensioning member subjected to a first tensioning force and flowing to the second tensioning member retainer of the second tensioning member subjected to a second tensioning force less than the first tensioning force.

[0013] Alternatively or in this embodiment or other embodiments, the flowable shell filler is a plurality of spherical spheres.

[0014] Alternatively or in this embodiment or other embodiments, the sphere is formed of steel.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or other embodiments, a spring element is operatively connected to each of the plurality of tension member retainers to inhibit movement of the plurality of tension member retainers in the tension direction.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or other embodiments, the first end of each tension member retainer is located in the terminal housing, and the second end of each tension member retainer extends outside the terminal housing.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the plurality of tensioning member retainers are a plurality of covers that are slidably movable on a corresponding housing protrusion among a plurality of housing protrusions of the terminal housing.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or other embodiments, each tensioning member extends into the terminal housing to connect to a corresponding tensioning member retainer among a plurality of tensioning member retainers.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or other embodiments, each of the plurality of tensioning members is a type of rope or belt.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or other embodiments, the belt includes a plurality of tensioning elements that are at least partially enclosed in an elastic sheath.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, in this embodiment or other embodiments, the belt has an aspect ratio of belt width to belt thickness greater than 1.

[0022] Alternatively or in this embodiment or other embodiments, the rope is formed of multiple steel wires.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, in this embodiment or other embodiments, the terminal is fixed to the elevator car. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The following description should not be construed as limiting in any way. Referring to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered the same:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an elevator system;

[0026] Figure 2 This is an end view of the elevator belt system;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the belt tensioning element;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the elevator system's ropes;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a terminal component of an elevator system in a first position;

[0030] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the terminal component in the second position; and

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another exemplary embodiment of a terminal component of an elevator system. Detailed Implementation

[0032] This document presents a detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Now for reference Figure 1 The elevator system 10 is shown schematically. It should be understood that... Figure 1 The version of elevator system 10 shown is for illustrative purposes only and serves as a background to illustrate the various components of a typical elevator system.

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary traction elevator system 10 is shown. Features of the elevator system 10 that are not necessary for understanding the invention (e.g., guide rails, safety devices, etc.) 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 two or more tensioning members 16 (e.g., ropes, belts, or braided straps). The tensioning members 16 interact with pulleys 18 and 52 to guide around the various components of the elevator system 10. Pulley 18 is configured as a deflector, swerve, or support pulley, while pulley 52 is configured as a traction pulley and is driven by a machine 50. The traction pulley 52 is driven, moved, and / or propelled (by traction) around the tensioning members 16 guided by the traction pulley 52 by movement of the machine 50. The deflector, swerve, or support pulley 18 is not driven by the machine 50 but helps guide the tensioning members 16 around the various components of the elevator system 10. The tensioning member 16 can 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 52 during operation. Pulleys 18 and 52 each have a diameter, which may be the same or different from each other. The tensioning member 16 is mounted at its end to a terminal 54 to secure it to, for example, the elevator car 14 and the counterweight 22.

[0035] Furthermore, the elevator system 10 can have various configurations such that pulleys 18, 52 are engaged on both sides of the tensioning member 16, or pulleys 18, 52 are engaged on only one side of the tensioning member 16. Figure 1 The embodiment shows a 1:1 cable arrangement, in which the tensioning member 16 terminates at the elevator car 14 and the counterweight 22, while other embodiments may utilize other cable arrangements.

[0036] The tensioning member 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.

[0037] Now for reference Figure 2In some embodiments, the tensioning member 16 is configured as a belt 16a. The belt 16a includes a plurality of tensioning elements 24 extending longitudinally along the belt 16a and arranged over the belt width 26. The tensioning elements 24 are at least partially enclosed in a sheath 28 to restrict movement of the tensioning elements 24 relative to each other within the belt 16a and to protect the tensioning elements 24. The sheath 28 defines a traction side 30 configured to interact with a corresponding surface of the traction pulley 52. ​​The primary function of the sheath 28 is to provide a sufficient coefficient of friction between the belt 16a and the traction pulley 52 to generate the required traction between them. The sheath 28 should also transfer the traction load to the tensioning elements 24. Furthermore, the sheath 28 should be abrasion-resistant, fatigue-resistant, and protect the tensioning elements 24 from, for example, impact damage and exposure to environmental factors (e.g., chemicals).

[0038] Exemplary materials for the sheath 28 include elastomers of thermoplastic and thermosetting polyurethanes, thermoplastic polyester elastomers, ethylene propylene diene elastomers, chloroprene, chlorosulfonyl polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyamide, polypropylene, butyl rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, acrylic elastomers, fluoroelastomers, silicone elastomers, polyolefin elastomers, styrene block and diene elastomers, natural rubber, or combinations thereof. Other materials may be used to form the sheath material 28 if they are sufficient to meet the required functionality of the belt 16a.

[0039] Belt 16a 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. Belt 16a 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 Figure 2 The embodiment shown depicts six tensioning elements 24, but other embodiments may include other numbers of tensioning elements 24, such as 4, 10, or 12 tensioning elements 24. Furthermore, although Figure 2 The tensioning element 24 is substantially the same in the embodiments, but in other embodiments, the tensioning element 24 may differ from one another. Although Figure 2 A belt 16a with a rectangular cross-section is shown in the figure, but it should be understood that belts 16a with other cross-sectional shapes are considered within the scope of this disclosure.

[0040] Now for reference Figure 3The tensioning element 24, also known as a cord, can be multiple wires 38, such as steel wires 38, which in some embodiments are formed into one or more strands 40. The strands 40 are groups of wires 38, which in some embodiments are arranged by twisting or other means. An exemplary strand 40 may include a central wire 38a and multiple 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, the cross-sectional shape or size of wires 38a and 38b may be different and / or their material composition may be different. For example, the central wire 38a may be formed of a first material and have a first cross-sectional shape, while 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.

[0041] 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 strands 40a. In some embodiments, the outer strands 40b are wound around the center strands 40a. While in some embodiments the center strands 40a have the same construction as each outer strand 40b, in other embodiments the outer strands 40b and the center strands 40a may differ in, for example, the number of wires 38, the cross-sectional dimensions or shape of the wires 38, or the material composition of the wires 38.

[0042] Although Figure 3 The embodiments shown depict a circular cross-sectional tensioning element geometry, but other embodiments may include different tensioning element cross-sectional geometries, such as rectangular or elliptical. Although Figure 2 The cross-sectional geometry of the tensioning element 24 is shown to be the same in the embodiments, but in other embodiments, the cross-sectional geometry of the tensioning elements may be different from each other.

[0043] In other embodiments, the tensioning member is configured as a rope 16b, wherein one or more cords 24 are arranged in a generally circular arrangement in some embodiments. The one or more cords 24 may include a central cord 24a and outer cords 24b surrounding the central cord 24a. As with the belt 16a, the cords 24 may be formed from a plurality of steel wires 38 arranged as multiple strands 40, which are in turn arranged to form the cords 24.

[0044] Figure 5An exemplary embodiment of a terminal assembly 54 for a plurality of tensioning members 16 is shown. The terminal assembly 54 includes a tensioning member retainer 58 for each of the tensioning members 16, and a terminal housing 60 in which the tensioning member retainers 58 are mounted. A base portion 62 of each tensioning member retainer 58 is located inside the terminal housing 60, and a tip portion 64 of each tensioning member retainer 58 extends out of the terminal housing 60. Each of the tensioning member retainers 58 is independently movable within the terminal housing 60 along a tensioning direction 66 of the tensioning member 16. A flowable housing filler, such as a plurality of spherical steel balls 70, is disposed in the terminal housing 60 between the base portion 62 of the tensioning member retainer 58 and the housing base 72 of the terminal housing 60, such that each tensioning member retainer 58 rests on and is supported by a portion of the plurality of spherical steel balls 70. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the use of spherical steel balls 70 is merely exemplary, and other materials (e.g., other metallic materials) and other shaped balls can be used as flowable housing fillers. Multiple spherical steel balls 70 are configured to shift or move when the load borne by one or more tensioning members 16 is greater than the load borne by another one or more tensioning members 16, in order to redistribute the load on the tensioning members 16 and thus balance the load.

[0045] For example, in Figure 5 In this example, three tensioning members 16d, 16e, and 16f are fixed to the terminal assembly 54 via corresponding tensioning member retainers 58d, 58e, and 58f. In this example, the tensioning load on tensioning member 16e is greater than the tensioning load on tensioning members 16d and 16f; therefore, a portion of the plurality of spherical steel balls 70 flows from the portion of the terminal housing 60 below the tensioning member retainer 58e to the portion of the terminal housing 60 below the tensioning member retainers 58d and 58f. This displacement of the plurality of spherical steel balls 70 balances the tensioning load on tensioning members 16d, 16e, and 16f. In another example, Figure 6 As shown, the tension load on tension members 16d and 16f is greater than the tension load on tension member 16e. Therefore, a plurality of spherical steel balls 70 flow from below tension member holding portions 58d and 58f and flow toward the portion below tension member holding portion 58e.

[0046] Figure 7Another embodiment of the terminal assembly 54 is shown. In this embodiment, the terminal housing 60 includes a plurality of housing protrusions 74 corresponding to each tensioning member 16 fixed to the terminal assembly 54. In some embodiments, each cylindrical housing protrusion 74 is closed at its tip 76 by a separate cap 78, which is slidable along the housing protrusion 74 in a tensioning direction 66. Each tensioning member 16 is fixed to the corresponding cap 78. Thus, the cap 78 moves in the tensioning direction 66 according to the tensioning force on the corresponding tensioning member 16. Similarly, in this embodiment, a plurality of spherical steel balls 70 displace or move within the terminal housing 60 in response to unequal tensioning forces on the tensioning members 16, thereby balancing the tensioning forces. In some embodiments, for example Figure 7 As shown, a spring element 80 is operatively connected to each of a plurality of covers 78 to inhibit movement of the plurality of covers 78 in the tension direction 66.

[0047] The equalization of the tension force acting on the tensioning member 16 by the terminal component 54 reduces the need for technicians to mechanically equalize the tension of the tensioning member 16, further improving ride quality and reducing vibration. This further extends the service life of the tensioning member 16 and pulleys 18, 52 of the elevator system 10.

[0048] The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with a measurement of a particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time of application submission.

[0049] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “described” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including” as used in this specification specify 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.

[0050] While this disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and elements may be substituted with equivalents without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from its essential scope. 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 terminal assembly for an elevator system having multiple tensioning members, the terminal assembly comprising: Terminal casing; Multiple tension member retainers, each tension member retainer being configured for connection to a corresponding tension member among the multiple tension members; as well as A flowable housing filler disposed in the terminal housing is configured to balance the tension forces acting on the plurality of tension members by flowing out from a first tension member holder of a first tension member subjected to a first tension force and flowing to a second tension member holder of a second tension member subjected to a second tension force less than the first tension force.

2. The terminal assembly of claim 1, wherein, The flowable shell filler consists of multiple spherical spheres.

3. The terminal assembly of claim 2, wherein, The spherical ball is made of steel.

4. The terminal assembly of claim 1, further comprising a spring element operably connected to each of the plurality of tension member retainers to suppress movement of the plurality of tension member retainers in the tensioning direction.

5. The terminal component according to claim 1, wherein, The first end of each tension member retainer is disposed in the terminal housing, and the second end of each tension member retainer extends outside the terminal housing.

6. The terminal component according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of tensioning member retainers are a plurality of covers that are slidably movable among a plurality of housing protrusions of the terminal housing.

7. The terminal component according to claim 1, wherein, Each tensioning member extends into the terminal housing to connect to a corresponding tensioning member retainer among the plurality of tensioning member retainers.

8. The terminal component according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of tensioning members is a type of rope or belt.

9. An elevator system, comprising: Elevator car; Multiple tensioning members are operatively connected to the elevator car and configured to move the elevator car along the hoistway of the elevator system; One or more terminal components, wherein the ends of the plurality of tensioning members are fixed to the terminal component, and the terminal component of the one or more terminal components includes: Terminal casing; Multiple tension member retainers, each tension member retainer configured for connection to a corresponding tension member among the multiple tension members; and A flowable housing filler disposed in the terminal housing is configured to balance the tension forces acting on the plurality of tension members by flowing out from a first tension member holder of a first tension member subjected to a first tension force and flowing to a second tension member holder of a second tension member subjected to a second tension force less than the first tension force.

10. The elevator system according to claim 9, wherein, The flowable shell filler consists of multiple spherical spheres.

11. The elevator system according to claim 10, wherein, The spherical ball is made of steel.

12. The elevator system of claim 9, further comprising a spring element operably connected to each of the plurality of tension member retainers to inhibit movement of the plurality of tension member retainers in the tensioning direction.

13. The elevator system according to claim 9, wherein, The first end of each tension member retainer is disposed in the terminal housing, and the second end of each tension member retainer extends outside the terminal housing.

14. The elevator system according to claim 9, wherein, The plurality of tensioning member retainers are a plurality of covers that are slidably movable among a plurality of housing protrusions of the terminal housing.

15. The elevator system according to claim 9, wherein, Each tensioning member extends into the terminal housing to connect to a corresponding tensioning member retainer among the plurality of tensioning member retainers.

16. The elevator system according to claim 9, wherein, Each of the multiple tensioning components is one of the ropes or belts.

17. The elevator system according to claim 16, wherein, The belt includes multiple tensioning elements that are at least partially enclosed in an elastic sheath.

18. The elevator system according to claim 17, wherein, The belt has an aspect ratio of width to thickness greater than 1.

19. The elevator system according to claim 16, wherein, The rope is formed from multiple steel wires.

20. The elevator system according to claim 9, wherein, The terminal is fixed to the elevator car.

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