阅读说明：本技术 复合型电梯系统张力部件 (Composite tension component of elevator system ) 是由 K.B.马丁 于 2019-07-24 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及复合型电梯系统张力部件。一种电梯系统张力部件的张力元件包括：由第一材料构成的多根第一聚合物纤维,其沿着张力元件的长度延伸；以及多根第二聚合物纤维,其由与第一材料不同的第二材料构成。多根第二聚合物纤维具有比多根第一聚合物纤维的熔点更低的熔点。多根第二聚合物纤维熔合至多根第一聚合物纤维,以用作用于多根第一聚合物纤维的基体。(The invention relates to a composite elevator system tension member. A tension element of an elevator system tension member comprising: a plurality of first polymeric fibers comprised of a first material extending along a length of the tension element; and a plurality of second polymer fibers composed of a second material different from the first material. The plurality of second polymer fibers has a melting point that is lower than the melting point of the plurality of first polymer fibers. The plurality of second polymer fibers is fused to the plurality of first polymer fibers to serve as a matrix for the plurality of first polymer fibers.)

1. A tension element of an elevator system tension member, comprising:

a plurality of first polymeric fibers comprised of a first material extending along a length of the tension element; and

a plurality of second polymeric fibers comprised of a second material different from the first material, the plurality of second polymeric fibers having a melting point lower than the melting point of the plurality of first polymeric fibers;

wherein the plurality of second polymer fibers are fused to the plurality of first polymer fibers to serve as a matrix for the plurality of first polymer fibers.

2. A tension element as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and second pluralities of polymer fibers are liquid crystal polymer fibers.

3. The tension element of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first polymer fibers and the plurality of second polymer fibers are different grades of the same base material.

4. The tension element of claim 3, wherein the plurality of first polymer fibers are formed of Vectran HS and the plurality of second polymer fibers are formed of Vectran M.

5. The tension element of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of polymeric fibers are interwoven with the second plurality of polymeric fibers.

6. The tension element of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first polymer fibers are continuous along the length of the tension element.

7. A tension member for an elevator system, comprising:

one or more tension elements, each tension element comprising:

a plurality of first polymeric fibers comprised of a first material extending along a length of the tension member; and

a plurality of second polymeric fibers comprised of a second material different from the first material, the plurality of second polymeric fibers having a melting point lower than the melting point of the plurality of first polymeric fibers;

wherein the plurality of second polymer fibers are fused to the plurality of first polymer fibers to serve as a matrix for the plurality of first polymer fibers; and

a sheath at least partially enclosing the one or more tension elements.

8. The tension member of claim 7, wherein the first and second plurality of polymer fibers are liquid crystal polymer fibers.

9. The tension member of claim 7, wherein the plurality of first polymer fibers and the plurality of second polymer fibers are different grades of the same base material.

10. The tension member of claim 9, wherein the plurality of first polymer fibers are formed of Vectran HS and the plurality of second polymer fibers are formed of Vectran M.

11. The tension member of claim 7, wherein the first plurality of polymeric fibers are interwoven with the second plurality of polymeric fibers.

12. The tension member of claim 7, wherein the plurality of first polymer fibers are continuous along the length of the tension element.

13. The tension member of claim 7, wherein the tension member comprises a plurality of tension elements aligned across a width of the tension member.

14. A method of forming a tension member for an elevator system, comprising:

arranging a plurality of first polymeric fibers comprised of a first material and a plurality of second polymeric fibers comprised of a second material different from the first material;

applying heat and pressure to the first and second plurality of polymer fibers to at least partially melt the second plurality of polymer fibers; and

fusing the plurality of second polymeric fibers to the plurality of first polymeric fibers via the application of heat and pressure such that the plurality of second polymeric fibers serve as a matrix for the plurality of first polymeric fibers.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising at least partially encapsulating the plurality of first polymer fibers and the plurality of second polymer fibers in a sheath via a sheathing process.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the plurality of second polymer fibers are fused to the plurality of first polymer fibers via the sheathing process.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the first plurality of polymer fibers and the second plurality of polymer fibers are liquid crystal polymer fibers.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the plurality of first polymer fibers and the plurality of second polymer fibers are different grades of the same base material.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first plurality of polymer fibers are formed of Vectran HS and the second plurality of polymer fibers are formed of Vectran M.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the first plurality of polymer fibers are interwoven with the second plurality of polymer fibers.

Technical Field

Exemplary embodiments relate to the field of elevator systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to tension members of elevator systems.

Background

An elevator system utilizes one or more tension members operatively connected to an elevator car and counterweight and, for example, a machine and a traction sheave, to suspend and drive the elevator car along a hoistway. In some systems, the tension member is a belt having one or more tension elements retained in a jacket. In a typical elevator system, the tension elements are one or more steel cords. However, in some elevator systems, particularly in high rise elevator systems, the weight of the tension member becomes a significant design consideration. Accordingly, a lighter weight, rigid, and strong tension element configuration is desired to reduce the weight of the tension member while maintaining the performance characteristics of a typical tension member having a steel cord tension element.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment, a tension element of an elevator system tension member comprises: a plurality of first polymeric fibers comprised of a first material extending along a length of the tension element; and a plurality of second polymer fibers composed of a second material different from the first material. The plurality of second polymer fibers has a melting point that is lower than the melting point of the plurality of first polymer fibers. The plurality of second polymer fibers is fused to the plurality of first polymer fibers to serve as a matrix for the plurality of first polymer fibers.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the plurality of first polymer fibers and the plurality of second polymer fibers are liquid crystal polymer fibers.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the plurality of first polymer fibers and the plurality of second polymer fibers are different grades of the same base material.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the plurality of first polymer fibers are formed of Vectran HS and the plurality of second polymer fibers are formed of Vectran M.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the plurality of first polymeric fibers are interwoven with the plurality of second polymeric fibers.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the plurality of first polymer fibers are continuous along the length of the tension element.

In another embodiment, a tension member for an elevator system includes one or more tension elements. Each tension element includes: a plurality of first polymeric fibers comprised of a first material extending along a length of the tension member; and a plurality of second polymer fibers composed of a second material different from the first material. The plurality of second polymer fibers has a melting point that is lower than the melting point of the plurality of first polymer fibers. The plurality of second polymer fibers is fused to the plurality of first polymer fibers to serve as a matrix for the plurality of first polymer fibers. The jacket at least partially encloses the one or more tension elements.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the plurality of first polymer fibers and the plurality of second polymer fibers are liquid crystal polymer fibers.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the plurality of first polymer fibers and the plurality of second polymer fibers are different grades of the same base material.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the plurality of first polymer fibers are formed of Vectran HS and the plurality of second polymer fibers are formed of Vectran M.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the plurality of first polymeric fibers are interwoven with the plurality of second polymeric fibers.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the plurality of first polymer fibers are continuous along the length of the tension element.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the tension member includes a plurality of tension elements arranged across a width of the tension member.

In yet another embodiment, a method of forming a tension member for an elevator system includes: arranging a plurality of first polymeric fibers comprised of a first material and a plurality of second polymeric fibers comprised of a second material different from the first material; applying heat and pressure to the first and second pluralities of polymer fibers to at least partially melt the second plurality of polymer fibers; and fusing the plurality of second polymer fibers to the plurality of first polymer fibers via application of heat and pressure such that the plurality of second polymer fibers serve as a matrix for the plurality of first polymer fibers.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the plurality of first polymeric fibers and the plurality of second polymeric fibers are at least partially encapsulated in the sheath via a sheathing process.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the plurality of second polymeric fibers are fused to the plurality of first polymeric fibers via a sheathing process.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the plurality of first polymer fibers and the plurality of second polymer fibers are liquid crystal polymer fibers.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the plurality of first polymer fibers and the plurality of second polymer fibers are different grades of the same base material.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the plurality of first polymer fibers are formed of Vectran HS and the plurality of second polymer fibers are formed of Vectran M.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the plurality of first polymeric fibers are interwoven with the plurality of second polymeric fibers.

Drawings

The following description should not be considered limiting in any way. Referring to the drawings, like elements are numbered alike:

fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of an elevator system;

fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an elevator system belt;

fig. 2A is another cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an elevator system belt;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a tension element for an elevator belt; and

fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a method of forming an elevator belt.

Detailed Description

Detailed descriptions of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods are presented herein by way of illustration, and not limitation, with reference to the figures.

A schematic diagram of an exemplary traction elevator system 10 is shown in fig. 1. Features of the elevator system 10 (such as guide rails, safeties, etc.) not necessary for an understanding of the present invention are not discussed herein. Elevator system 10 includes an elevator car 14, with one or more tension members (e.g., belts 16) operatively suspending or supporting elevator car 14 in hoistway 12. Although in the following description, the belt 16 is a tension member utilized in the elevator system 10, one skilled in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure may be utilized with other tension members, such as ropes. One or more belts 16 interact with the wheels 18 and 52 to be guided around the various components of the elevator system 10. The sheave 18 is configured as a steering, guide or idler sheave, and the sheave 52 is configured as a traction sheave driven by the machine 50. The movement of the traction sheave 52 (by traction) caused by the machine 50 drives, moves, and/or pushes the one or more belts 16 that are guided around the traction sheave 52. A diverter, guide, or idler 18 is not driven by the machine 50, but rather helps to guide one or more belts 16 around various components of the elevator system 10. One or more belts 16 may also be connected to a counterweight 22, the counterweight 22 being used to help balance the elevator system 10 and reduce belt tension differences on both sides of the traction sheave during operation. Wheels 18 and 52 each have a diameter that may be the same or different from each other.

In some embodiments, elevator system 10 may use two or more belts 16 for suspending and/or driving elevator car 14. Additionally, the elevator system 10 may have a variety of configurations such that both sides of one or more belts 16 engage the wheels 18, 52, or only one side of one or more belts 16 engages the wheels 18, 52. The embodiment of fig. 1 shows a 1:1 roping arrangement with one or more belts 16 terminating at the car 14 and counterweight 22, while other embodiments may utilize other roping arrangements.

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

FIG. 2 provides a cross-sectional schematic view of the construction or design of an exemplary belt 16. The belt 16 includes a plurality of tension elements 24, the tension elements 24 extending longitudinally along the belt 16 and being arranged across a belt width 26. The tension elements 24 are at least partially enclosed in a jacket 28 to resist movement of the tension elements 24 relative to each other in the belt 16 and to protect the tension elements 24. The jacket 28 defines a traction side 30 configured to interact with a corresponding surface of the traction sheave 52. The primary function of the jacket 28 is to provide a sufficient coefficient of friction between the belt 16 and the traction sheave 52 to generate a desired amount of traction therebetween. The jacket 28 should also transfer the traction load to the tension element 24. Additionally, the jacket 28 should be wear resistant and protect the tension element 24 from, for example, impact damage, exposure to environmental factors (such as chemicals).

The ribbon 16 has a ribbon width 26 and a ribbon thickness 32, wherein the aspect ratio of the ribbon width 26 to the ribbon thickness 32 is greater than one. The belt 16 further includes a back side 34 opposite the traction side 30 and a belt edge 36 extending between the traction side 30 and the back side 34. Although five tension members 24 are shown in the embodiment of fig. 2, other embodiments may include other numbers of tension members 24 (e.g., 6, 10, or 12 tension elements 24). Further, while the tension elements 24 of the embodiment of fig. 2 are substantially identical, in other embodiments, the tension elements 24 may be different from one another. While a belt 16 having a rectangular cross-section is shown in fig. 2, it is to be appreciated that belts 16 having other cross-sectional shapes are also contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring now to fig. 3, the tension element 24 is formed from a plurality of first polymer fibers 38 interwoven with a plurality of second polymer fibers 40. In some embodiments, the first plurality of polymer fibers 38 are a first liquid crystal polymer material (such as Vectran ®) and the second plurality of polymer fibers 40 are formed of a second liquid crystal polymer material different from the first liquid crystal polymer material. When the tension element 24 is subjected to heat and pressure, the plurality of first polymer fibers 38 fuse with the plurality of second polymer fibers 40, wherein the plurality of second polymer fibers 40 act as a matrix for the tension element 24 to hold and support the load bearing plurality of first polymer fibers 38. In some embodiments, the plurality of first polymer fibers 38 and/or the plurality of second polymer fibers 40 are continuous along the length of the tension element 24.

This composite structure of the first plurality of polymer fibers 38 and the second plurality of polymer fibers 40 eliminates the need for an epoxy matrix material in the tension element. The plurality of second polymer fibers 40 are fused to the plurality of first polymer fibers 38 under heat and pressure because the plurality of second polymer fibers 40 have a lower melting point temperature than the plurality of first polymer fibers 38. To fuse the plurality of first polymer fibers 38 and the plurality of second polymer fibers 40, the heat applied is sufficient to melt the plurality of second polymer fibers 40, but not the plurality of first polymer fibers 38. In some embodiments, the plurality of first polymer fibers 38 and the plurality of second polymer fibers 40 are formed from two different grades of the same base material. For example, the first plurality of polymer fibers 38 are formed of Vectran HS and the second plurality of polymer fibers 40 are formed of Vectran M. While Vectran is utilized in this embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that other liquid crystal polymer materials may be utilized. Further, it is to be appreciated that other polymers may be utilized, such as nylon or dyneema.

While a circular cross-sectional tension element geometry is shown in the embodiment of fig. 3, other embodiments may include different (such as rectangular (shown in fig. 2A) or oval) tension element cross-sectional geometries. Although the cross-sectional geometries of the tension elements 24 in fig. 2 are shown to be the same, in other embodiments, the cross-sectional geometries of the tension elements may be different from one another.

Referring now to fig. 4, a method 100 of forming a tension member (e.g., belt 16) for use in the elevator system 10 is illustrated. At step 102, a plurality of first polymer fibers 38 are interwoven with a plurality of second polymer fibers 40 into a tension element 24. One skilled in the art will readily recognize that other processes, such as twisting, braiding, etc., may be utilized to mix the plurality of first polymer fibers 38 and the plurality of second polymer fibers 40. At step 104, heat and pressure are applied sufficient to at least partially melt the plurality of second polymer fibers 40 and fuse the plurality of second polymer fibers 40 to the plurality of first polymer fibers 38. At step 106, the plurality of tension elements 24 are arranged into selected positions for the belt 16, and at step 108, the plurality of tension elements 24 undergo a sheathing process in which a sheath 28 is formed over the plurality of tension elements 24. Although in one embodiment, the plurality of second polymeric fibers 40 are fused to the plurality of first polymeric fibers 38 at step 104, it is to be appreciated that in other embodiments, the fibers 40 and 38 may be fused during the jacketing process of step 108.

The tension elements 24 comprised of the first and second pluralities of polymer fibers 38, 40 disclosed herein result in tension elements 24 that are relatively low in weight and high in strength for use in, for example, a high rise elevator system 10.

The term "about" is intended to include a degree of error associated with measuring a particular quantity based on equipment available at the time of filing the present application.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the 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 the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof.

While the 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 equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.