Moving cable for elevator

Abstract

To provide a moving cable for an elevator capable of reducing its weight.SOLUTION: A moving cable 5b is a flat cable with one longitudinal end fixed to an elevator car. The moving cable 5b comprises a plurality of strip conductors 10, a plurality of strip insulators 11, and an exterior sheath 9. Each strip conductor 10 is a strip of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The exterior sheath 9 covers the entirety of the plurality of strip conductors 10 and the plurality of strip insulators 11 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the moving cable 5b, with the strip conductors 10 and the strip insulators 11 alternately stacked in the thickness direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a moving cable for an elevator.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a flat moving cable for an elevator. The moving cable includes a plurality of wire cores each formed by bundling a plurality of conductive wires, and an outer covering covering the plurality of wire cores.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] One end in the longitudinal direction of the moving cable of Patent Document 1 is fixed to the car and suspended in the hoistway. When the running distance of the car increases due to the increase in the height of the building or the like, the moving cable becomes longer. Along with this, the weight of the moving cable increases.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to the solution of such problems. The present disclosure provides a moving cable for an elevator that can further reduce weight.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The moving cable according to the present disclosure is a flat moving cable having one end in the longitudinal direction fixed to the car of the elevator, and includes a plurality of strip conductors that are strips of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, one or a plurality of strip insulators, and an outer covering that covers the entire plurality of strip conductors and the one or a plurality of strip insulators in a state where the strip conductors and the strip insulators are alternately laminated in a thickness direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] For the elevator moving cable according to the present disclosure, the weight is further reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] The modes for carrying out the subject matter of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are appropriately simplified or omitted. Note that the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and within the scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure, deformation of any component of the embodiment or omission of any component of the embodiment is possible.

[0010] Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an elevator 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0011] Elevator 1 is applied to a building having a plurality of floors. In the building, a hoistway 2 for Elevator 1 is provided. The hoistway 2 is a vertically long space extending over a plurality of floors. Elevator 1 includes a car 3 and a control panel 4. The car 3 is a device that transports users of Elevator 1, etc. between a plurality of floors of the building by traveling up and down in the hoistway 2. The car 3 travels in the hoistway 2 through a main rope (not shown), etc. by a driving force generated by a hoisting machine (not shown), for example. The control panel 4 is a device that controls the operation of Elevator 1. The control panel 4 is arranged, for example, at the upper part or the lower part of the hoistway 2. When a machine room for Elevator 1 is provided, for example, above the hoistway 2, the control panel 4 may be arranged in the machine room. The operation of Elevator 1 controlled by the control panel 4 includes the traveling of the car 3, etc.

[0012] Elevator 1 includes a traveling cable 5. The traveling cable 5 is a cable that supplies power to the car 3 and inputs / outputs signals of the car 3, etc. One end in the longitudinal direction of the traveling cable 5 is connected to the car 3. The other end in the longitudinal direction of the traveling cable 5 is connected to a junction box 6 provided on the wall surface of the hoistway 2, etc. The junction box 6 is connected to the control panel 4 so that power supply and signal communication, etc. are possible. The end of the traveling cable 5 on the car 3 side is fixed to the car 3 by a hanging hand (not shown), etc. The end of the traveling cable 5 on the junction box 6 side is fixed to the junction box 6 by a hanging hand (not shown), etc. The traveling cable 5 is suspended between the car 3 and the junction box 6 in the hoistway 2. The traveling cable 5 moves while deforming in the hoistway 2 as the car 3 travels up and down.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the traveling cable 5 according to Embodiment 1.

[0014] In this example, Elevator 1 includes a traveling cable 5a and a traveling cable 5b. Here, when the traveling cable 5a, the traveling cable 5b, etc. are not particularly distinguished, they may simply be referred to as the traveling cable 5. In this example, the traveling cable 5 is a flat cable.

[0015] The moving cable 5a includes a plurality of multi-core cables 7, a plurality of steel cores 8, and an outer covering 9. In this example, the moving cable 5a includes six multi-core cables 7 and four steel cores 8.

[0016] For each multi-core cable 7, for example, a copper stranded wire is used in terms of resistance to bending associated with the movement of the moving cable 5 and strength to support its own weight. In this example, each multi-core cable 7 is a signal cable responsible for input and output of signals of the cage 3. Each multi-core cable 7 is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the moving cable 5.

[0017] Each steel core 8 is a member for reinforcing and supporting the moving cable 5. Each steel core 8 is, for example, a wire rope or the like. Each steel core 8 is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the moving cable 5.

[0018] In the moving cable 5a, the plurality of multi-core cables 7 and the plurality of steel cores 8 are arranged in a line in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The plurality of steel cores 8 are arranged every other one with respect to the multi-core cables 7. Two of the plurality of steel cores 8 are arranged on both outer sides in the width direction.

[0019] The outer covering 9 is a part that forms the outer covering of the moving cable 5. The outer covering 9 is, for example, an insulating resin or the like. The outer covering 9 covers the multi-core cables 7, the steel cores 8, etc. of the moving cable 5. In the moving cable 5a, each multi-core cable 7 is embedded in the outer covering 9. In the moving cable 5a, each steel core 8 is embedded in the outer covering 9. In the moving cable 5a, the outer covering 9 covers the entire plurality of multi-core cables 7 and the plurality of steel cores 8 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0020] The moving cable 5b includes a plurality of strip conductors 10, a plurality of strip insulators 11, a plurality of steel cores 8, and an outer covering 9. In this example, the moving cable 5b includes six strip conductors 10, eight strip insulators 11, and three steel cores 8.

[0021] Each strip conductor 10 is, for example, a strip of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The aluminum alloy is, for example, an Al-Cu alloy or the like. In this example, each strip conductor 10 is used as a power conductor responsible for supplying power to the cage 3. In this example, the widths of the respective strip conductors 10 are similar to each other. Also, the thicknesses of the respective strip conductors 10 are similar to each other. Each strip conductor 10 is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the moving cable 5. The thickness direction of each strip conductor 10 is arranged to coincide with the thickness direction of the moving cable 5. The thickness direction of the moving cable 5 is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the width direction.

[0022] Each strip insulator 11 is, for example, insulating paper or the like. In this example, the widths of the respective strip insulators 11 are similar to each other. The width of each strip insulator 11 is wider than the width of the strip conductor 10. Also, the thicknesses of the respective strip insulators 11 are similar to each other. Each strip insulator 11 is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the moving cable 5. The thickness direction of each strip insulator 11 is arranged to coincide with the thickness direction of the moving cable 5.

[0023] In the movable cable 5b, the plurality of strip conductors 10 and the plurality of strip insulators 11 are arranged so as to be alternately laminated in the thickness direction. In this example, the plurality of strip conductors 10 and the plurality of strip insulators 11 are arranged in two parts on the left and right in the width direction. On the left side in the width direction, four strip insulators 11 and three strip conductors 10 are alternately laminated one by one. That is, between two opposing strip conductors 10, one strip insulator 11 is sandwiched. Also, strip insulators 11 are arranged on both outer sides in the thickness direction. The plurality of strip conductors 10 and the plurality of strip insulators 11 to be laminated are arranged so as to align with the center line in the width direction. At this time, the left end of each strip insulator 11 is on the left side of the left end of the plurality of strip conductors 10 to be laminated together. Also, the right end of each strip insulator 11 is on the right side of the right end of the plurality of strip conductors 10 to be laminated together. That is, in the width direction of the movable cable 5, both the left and right ends of each strip insulator 11 are on the outer sides of both the left and right ends of the plurality of strip conductors 10 to be laminated together. Similarly, on the right side in the width direction, four strip insulators 11 and three strip conductors 10 are alternately laminated one by one. Also, strip insulators 11 are arranged on both outer sides in the thickness direction. The steel cores 8 are arranged on both the left and right outer sides of the strip conductors 10 in the width direction. In this example, one steel core 8 is arranged at each of the left and right ends in the width direction of the movable cable 5b. Also, one steel core 8 is arranged between the strip conductors 10 laminated separately on the left and right at the center in the width direction of the movable cable 5b.

[0024] In the movable cable 5b, the plurality of strip conductors 10 and the plurality of strip insulators 11 are embedded in the outer covering 9 in an alternately laminated state. In the movable cable 5b, each steel core 8 is embedded in the outer covering 9. In the movable cable 5b, the outer covering 9 covers the entirety of the plurality of strip conductors 10, the plurality of strip insulators 11, and the plurality of steel cores 8 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of the longitudinal end portion of the movable cable 5b according to Embodiment 1.

[0026] The moving cable 5b includes a plurality of busbars 12. Each busbar 12 is a conductor plate made of, for example, copper or other metal. Each busbar 12 corresponds to one of the plurality of strip conductors 10. Each busbar 12 is connected to the corresponding strip conductor 10 at the longitudinal end of the moving cable 5b, for example, by welding or brazing. Each busbar 12 protrudes from the corresponding strip conductor 10 toward the same side in the thickness direction. The plurality of busbars 12 are arranged at different positions in the width direction. In this example, the plurality of busbars 12 are arranged shifted from each other left and right. In each busbar 12, a connection terminal 13 is provided at the end protruding in the thickness direction of the moving cable 5b. In the moving cable 5b, power input and output are performed through the connection terminal 13.

[0027] Subsequently, an example of the effect when the moving cable 5b according to Embodiment 1 is used will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the moving cable 5c according to the comparative example.

[0028] In the comparative example, the elevator 1 includes two moving cables 5c. The moving cable 5c includes a plurality of multi-core cables 7, a plurality of steel cores 8, and an outer covering 9. In this example, each moving cable 5c includes six multi-core cables 7 and four steel cores 8.

[0029] For each multi-core cable 7, for example, a copper stranded wire is used in terms of resistance to bending accompanying the movement of the moving cable 5c and strength to support its own weight. In the moving cable 5c of this example, three of the multi-core cables 7 are signal multi-core cables 7s responsible for input and output of signals of the car 3. Also, in the same moving cable 5c, the other three of the multi-core cables 7 are power multi-core cables 7p responsible for supplying power to the car 3. Here, when the multi-core cable 7s and the multi-core cable 7p are not particularly distinguished, they may simply be referred to as the multi-core cable 7. Each multi-core cable 7 is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the moving cable 5c.

[0030] In the moving cable 5c, the plurality of multi-core cables 7 and the plurality of steel cores 8 are arranged in a line in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The plurality of steel cores 8 are arranged every other one with respect to the multi-core cables 7. Two of the plurality of steel cores 8 are arranged on both outer sides in the width direction.

[0031] In the moving cable 5c, each multi-core cable 7 is embedded in the outer covering 9. In the moving cable 5c, each steel core 8 is embedded in the outer covering 9. In the moving cable 5c, the outer covering 9 covers the entirety of the plurality of multi-core cables 7 and the plurality of steel cores 8 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0032] In the comparative example, each moving cable 5c is configured with both the power cable and the communication cable being multi-core cables 7. Here, the electrical conductivity of copper is higher than that of aluminum. On the other hand, the specific gravity of aluminum is lighter than that of copper. The difference in specific gravity between copper and aluminum is larger, when compared by that ratio, than the difference in electrical conductivity between copper and aluminum. For this reason, when setting the conductor cross-sectional area so that the electrical resistance value per unit length is the same, the weight per unit length is lighter when using aluminum than when using copper as the conductor. From this, by changing the conductor of the moving cable 5c from copper to aluminum, the weight of the conductor can be reduced. On the other hand, in order to keep the electrical resistance value per unit length at the same level in that case, it is necessary to increase the conductor cross-sectional area. Especially in the power cable, a supply of a certain amount of electric power or more is required. For this reason, as the electrical resistance value per unit length increases, the influence of voltage drop increases as the length of the moving cable 5c increases. From this point, when using aluminum instead of copper as the conductor of the multi-core cable 7, an increase in the conductor cross-sectional area is required. At this time, the cross-sectional area of the outer covering 9 that covers the entirety of the plurality of multi-core cables 7 to form a flat cable also increases. As a result, when applying aluminum to the conductor of the multi-core cable 7, the weight per unit length of the entire moving cable 5c may not become lighter, and in some cases, may become heavier.

[0033] On the other hand, in the elevator 1 according to the first embodiment, a mobile cable 5a for communication and a mobile cable 5b for power are used, and the mobile cables 5 for communication and power are separated. In the mobile cable 5b for power, instead of the multi-core cable 7, a strip conductor 10 such as a strip of aluminum or an aluminum alloy is used as a conductor responsible for power supply. Since the strip conductor 10 is thin, it can be laminated in the thickness direction. Also, since a strip insulator 11 is sandwiched between the strip conductors 10, insulation between the strip conductors 10 is maintained. Thus, by applying the alternately laminated strip conductors 10 and strip insulators 11 to the mobile cable 5b for power, while expanding the conductor cross-sectional area, the gap between the conductors becomes smaller. As a result, an increase in the cross-sectional area of the exterior coating 9 between the conductors is suppressed, and the entire mobile cable 5b becomes lighter and more compact. Also, since the entire mobile cable 5b becomes thin and light, the number of steel cores 8 for reinforcement support is reduced. As a result, the weight of the mobile cable 5b is further reduced.

[0034] As described above, the mobile cable 5b according to the first embodiment is a flat cable whose one end in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the car 3 of the elevator 1. The mobile cable 5b includes a plurality of strip conductors 10, a plurality of strip insulators 11, and an exterior coating 9. Each strip conductor 10 is a strip of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The exterior coating 9 covers the entire plurality of strip conductors 10 and the plurality of strip insulators 11 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mobile cable 5b in a state where the strip conductors 10 and the strip insulators 11 are alternately laminated in the thickness direction.

[0035] With such a configuration, while ensuring the necessary conductor cross-sectional area, the weight of the moving cable 5b is further reduced. By reducing the weight of the moving cable 5b fixed to the car 3, the energy required to run the car 3 is reduced. Also, the strength required for the suspension that fixes the longitudinal ends of the moving cable 5b to the car 3 and the junction box 6 is suppressed. In the moving cable 5b, the strip insulator 11 may be provided only as being sandwiched between the strip conductors 10. For example, when there are two strip conductors 10, the strip insulator 11 may be only one sandwiched between the two strip conductors 10.

[0036] Also, the moving cable 5b includes a steel core 8. The steel core 8 is arranged on both the left and right outsides of the plurality of strip conductors 10 in the width direction. The exterior coating 9 covers the entire steel core 8 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. With such a configuration, even when the moving cable 5b is long in the high-lift elevator 1 or the like, sufficient strength for supporting the self-weight of the moving cable 5b is realized.

[0037] Also, the plurality of strip conductors 10 and the plurality of strip insulators 11 are laminated such that the strip insulators 11 are arranged on both outer sides in the thickness direction. With such a configuration, the strip conductor 10 is doubly insulated by the strip insulator 11 and the exterior coating 9. Thereby, sufficient insulation performance is realized for using the moving cable 5b in the hoistway 2.

[0038] Also, each strip conductor 10 is a power conductor for supplying power to the car 3. In a power cable that requires supply of a certain amount of electric power or more, a conductor cross-sectional area that suppresses the influence of voltage drop is ensured. Thereby, while reducing the weight of the moving cable 5b, power transmission of a plurality of power supply systems becomes possible in the same manner as when copper is used for the conductor.

[0039] In the width direction, both ends of each strip-shaped insulator 11 are located on the left and right outer sides of both ends of the plurality of strip-shaped conductors 10 that are laminated together. With such a configuration, since the strip-shaped conductor 10 is also surrounded by the strip-shaped insulator 11 in the width direction, the insulation by the strip-shaped insulator 11 becomes more reliable. Note that the widths of the respective strip-shaped conductors 10 may be different from each other. At this time, the width of each strip-shaped insulator 11 is wider than that of the widest one among the strip-shaped conductors 10 laminated together. Thereby, both ends in the width direction of each strip-shaped insulator 11 are arranged on the left and right outer sides of both ends of the widest strip-shaped conductor 10 among the plurality of strip-shaped conductors 10 laminated together.

[0040] Further, the moving cable 5b includes a plurality of bus bars 12. Each bus bar 12 corresponds to one of the strip-shaped conductors 10. Each bus bar 12 is connected to the corresponding strip-shaped conductor 10 at the longitudinal end of the moving cable 5b. Each bus bar 12 protrudes from the corresponding strip-shaped conductor 10 in the thickness direction. The plurality of bus bars 12 are arranged at different positions in the width direction. With such a configuration, power input / output to each strip-shaped conductor 10 can be easily performed at the end of the moving cable 5b. Further, since the plurality of bus bars 12 are arranged offset from each other, contact between the bus bars 12 is less likely to occur.

[0041] Summarizing the above description, the possible configurations of the technology according to the present disclosure include the following configurations shown as appendices. (Appendix 1) A flat moving cable having one end in the longitudinal direction fixed to the elevator car, a plurality of strip-shaped conductors that are strips of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, one or a plurality of strip-shaped insulators, an outer covering that covers the entire plurality of strip-shaped conductors and the one or plurality of strip-shaped insulators in a state where the strip-shaped conductors and the strip-shaped insulators are alternately laminated in the thickness direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction within a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a moving cable comprising the same. (Appendix 2) A steel core disposed outside both of the plurality of strip conductors in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction comprising The outer covering covers the entire steel core in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction The moving cable according to Supplementary Note 1 (Supplementary Note 3) The plurality of strip conductors and the one or more strip insulators are laminated such that strip insulators are disposed outside both of the thickness directions The moving cable according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2 (Supplementary Note 4) Each of the plurality of strip conductors is a power conductor that supplies power to the cage The moving cable according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3 (Supplementary Note 5) In a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction, both ends of each of the one or more strip insulators are outside both ends of the plurality of strip conductors The moving cable according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4 (Supplementary Note 6) A plurality of bus bars each corresponding to one of the plurality of strip conductors and connected to the corresponding strip conductor among the plurality of strip conductors at an end in the longitudinal direction The moving cable according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, comprising (Supplementary Note 7) The plurality of bus bars each project from the corresponding strip conductor among the plurality of strip conductors toward the thickness direction and are disposed at different positions from each other in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction The moving cable according to Supplementary Note 6

Description of Reference Numerals

[0042] 1 Elevator, 2 Hoistway, 3 Car, 4 Control Panel, 5, 5a, 5b, 5c Moving Cable, 6 Junction Box, 7, 7s, 7p Multicore Cable, 8 Steel Core, 9 Exterior Coating, 10 Strip Conductor, 11 Strip Insulator, 12 Busbar, 13 Connection Terminal

Claims

1. A flat moving cable having one end in the longitudinal direction fixed to the car of an elevator, a plurality of strip conductors which are strips of aluminum or aluminum alloy, one or more strip insulators, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, an outer covering that covers the entirety of the plurality of strip conductors and the one or more strip insulators in a state where the strip conductors and the strip insulators are alternately laminated in the thickness direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, A moving cable comprising:

2. Steel cores disposed on both outer sides of the plurality of strip conductors in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction, comprising: The outer covering covers the entirety of the steel cores in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The moving cable according to claim 1.

3. The plurality of strip conductors and the one or more strip insulators are laminated such that strip insulators are disposed on both outer sides in the thickness direction. The moving cable according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. Each of the plurality of strip conductors is a power conductor that supplies power to the car. The moving cable according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. In the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction, both end portions of each of the one or more strip insulators are outside both end portions of the plurality of strip conductors. The moving cable according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. A plurality of bus bars each corresponding to one of the plurality of strip conductors and connected to the corresponding strip conductor among the plurality of strip conductors at an end portion in the longitudinal direction. The moving cable according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising:

7. The plurality of bus bars each project from the corresponding strip conductor among the plurality of strip conductors in the thickness direction and are disposed at different positions from each other in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction. The moving cable according to claim 6.

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