阅读说明：本技术 电梯张力部件检验 (Elevator tension member inspection ) 是由 K.B.马丁 R.S.杜布 于 2019-07-25 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及电梯张力部件检验。一种电梯系统的张力部件检验系统包括定位在张力部件处的一个或多个标识物元件。一个或多个标识物元件包括张力部件的一个或多个构造参数。检测器定位且配置成检验一个或多个标识物元件的存在,且配置成读取张力部件的一个或多个构造参数。电梯系统控制器可操作地连接至检测器,且配置成将检测到的一个或多个构造参数与存储在电梯系统控制器处的存储的构造参数比较,且基于比较的结果而在电梯系统的操作方面采取一个或多个行动。(The invention relates to elevator tension member inspection. A tension member verification system for an elevator system includes one or more identifier elements positioned at a tension member. The one or more identifier elements comprise one or more configuration parameters of the tension member. The detector is positioned and configured to verify the presence of the one or more identifier elements and to read one or more configuration parameters of the tension member. The elevator system controller is operably connected to the detector and configured to compare the detected one or more configuration parameters to stored configuration parameters stored at the elevator system controller and to take one or more actions in operation of the elevator system based on the result of the comparison.)

1. A tension member inspection system for an elevator system, comprising:

one or more marker elements disposed at the tension member, the one or more marker elements comprising one or more configuration parameters of the tension member;

a detector positioned and configured to verify the presence of the one or more identifier elements and configured to read the one or more configuration parameters of the tension member; and

an elevator system controller operably connected to the detector and configured to:

comparing the one or more detected configuration parameters to stored configuration parameters stored at the elevator system controller; and

taking one or more actions in operation of the elevator system based on a result of the comparison.

2. The tension member testing system of claim 1, wherein the one or more identifier elements are one or more of a bar code or an RFID tag.

3. The tension member inspection system of claim 1, wherein the one or more configuration parameters include one or more of a manufacturer, a date of manufacture, or a time of manufacture.

4. The tension member inspection system of claim 1, wherein the one or more actions include one or more of sounding an alarm or slowing operation of the elevator system below a normal operating speed.

5. The tension member verification system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to take the one or more actions when the result of the comparison indicates that a wrong tension member is installed in the elevator system.

6. The tension member inspection system of claim 1, wherein the detector is fixed in a hoistway of the elevator system.

7. An elevator system, comprising:

a hoistway;

an elevator car movable along the hoistway;

one or more tension members operably connected to the elevator car to move the elevator car along the hoistway; and

a tension member inspection system, comprising:

one or more marker elements disposed at the tension member, the one or more marker elements comprising one or more configuration parameters of the tension member;

a detector positioned and configured to verify the presence of the one or more identifier elements and configured to read the one or more configuration parameters of the tension member; and

an elevator system controller operably connected to the detector and configured to:

comparing the one or more detected configuration parameters to stored configuration parameters stored at the elevator system controller; and

taking one or more actions in operation of the elevator system based on a result of the comparison.

8. The elevator system of claim 7, wherein the one or more identifier elements are one or more of a bar code or an RFID tag.

9. The elevator system of claim 7, wherein the one or more configuration parameters include one or more of a manufacturer, a date of manufacture, or a time of manufacture.

10. The elevator system of claim 7, wherein the one or more actions include one or more of sounding an alarm or slowing operation of the elevator system below a normal operating speed.

11. The elevator system of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to take the one or more actions when a result of the comparison indicates that an erroneous tension member is installed in the elevator system.

12. The elevator system of claim 7, wherein the detector is fixed in the hoistway.

13. A method of inspecting a tension member of an elevator system, comprising:

storing one or more configuration parameters of a correct tension member of the elevator system at an elevator system controller;

detecting a marker element of an installed tension member of the elevator system via a detector;

transmitting, via the detector, the detected one or more configuration parameters of the installed tension member to the elevator system controller;

comparing the one or more configuration parameters of the installed tension member to the one or more configuration parameters of the correct tension member at the elevator system controller; and

taking one or more actions in operation of the elevator system via the elevator system controller based on a result of the comparison.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising one or more of sounding an alarm or slowing operation of the elevator system to a speed below a normal operating speed based on the result of the comparison.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the operation of the elevator system is slowed to a speed of approximately 0.5 m/s.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the result of the comparison indicates that a wrong tension member is installed in the elevator system.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the one or more identifier elements are one or more of a bar code or an RFID tag.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein the one or more configuration parameters include one or more of a manufacturer, a date of manufacture, or a time of manufacture.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein the detector is fixed in a hoistway.

Technical Field

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

Background

An elevator system utilizes one or more tension members operably connected to an elevator car and counterweight in conjunction with, 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 held in a jacket. The tension elements may be formed of, for example, steel wire or other material, such as carbon fiber composite. The tension element supports the load and the jacket holds the tension element and transfers the shear force to the traction sheave.

When operating an elevator system, it is necessary to install a suitable tension member so that the tension member will meet the performance standards and requirements for the elevator system.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment, a tension member verification system for an elevator system includes one or more identifier elements positioned at a tension member. The one or more identifier elements comprise one or more configuration parameters of the tension member. The detector is positioned and configured to verify the presence of the one or more identifier elements and to read one or more configuration parameters of the tension member. The elevator system controller is operably connected to the detector and configured to compare the detected one or more configuration parameters to stored configuration parameters stored at the elevator system controller and to take one or more actions in operation of the elevator system based on the result of the comparison.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the one or more identifier elements are one or more of a bar code or an RFID tag.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the one or more configuration parameters include one or more of a manufacturer, a date of manufacture, or a time of manufacture.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the one or more actions include one or more of sounding an alarm or slowing operation of the elevator system below a normal operating speed.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the controller is configured to take one or more actions when the result of the comparison indicates that the wrong tension member is installed in the elevator system.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the detector is fixed in a hoistway of the elevator system.

In another embodiment, an elevator system comprises: a hoistway; an elevator car movable along a hoistway; one or more tension members operably connected to the elevator car to move the elevator car along the hoistway; and a tension member inspection system. The tension member verification system includes one or more identifier elements positioned at the tension member. The one or more identifier elements comprise one or more configuration parameters of the tension member. The detector is positioned and configured to verify the presence of the one or more identifier elements and to read one or more configuration parameters of the tension member. The elevator system controller is operably connected to the detector and configured to compare the detected one or more configuration parameters to stored configuration parameters stored at the elevator system controller and to take one or more actions in operation of the elevator system based on the result of the comparison.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the one or more identifier elements are one or more of a bar code or an RFID tag.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the one or more configuration parameters include one or more of a manufacturer, a date of manufacture, or a time of manufacture.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the one or more actions include one or more of sounding an alarm or slowing operation of the elevator system below a normal operating speed.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the controller is configured to take one or more actions when the result of the comparison indicates that the wrong tension member is installed in the elevator system.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the detector is fixed in the hoistway.

In yet another embodiment, a method of inspecting a tension member of an elevator system includes: storing one or more configuration parameters of a correct tension member of the elevator system at an elevator system controller; detecting, via a detector, a marker element of an installed tension member of the elevator system; transmitting, via a detector, the detected one or more configuration parameters of the installed tension member to an elevator system controller; comparing one or more configuration parameters of the installed tension member to one or more configuration parameters of a correct tension member at an elevator system controller; and taking one or more actions in operation of the elevator system via the elevator system controller based on a result of the comparison.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the method includes one or more of sounding an alarm or slowing operation of the elevator system to a speed below a normal operating speed based on the result of the comparison.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, operation of the elevator system is slowed to a speed of about 0.5 m/s.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the results of the comparison indicate that the wrong tension member is installed in the elevator system.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the one or more identifier elements are one or more of a bar code or an RFID tag.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the one or more configuration parameters include one or more of a manufacturer, a date of manufacture, or a time of manufacture.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the detector is fixed in the hoistway.

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. 3A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a tension member for an elevator belt;

FIG. 3B is another cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a tension member for an elevator belt;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a tension member verification system for an elevator system; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a method of operating a tension member inspection system.

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 structure 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 transmit 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. 3A, the tension element 24 may be a plurality of wires 38 (e.g., steel wires 38), with the wires 38 forming one or more strands 40 in some embodiments. In other embodiments (such as the embodiment shown in fig. 3B), the tension element 24 may include a plurality of fibers 42, such as carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers, or a combination thereof, disposed in a matrix material 44. Materials such as polyurethane, vinyl ester or epoxy resins, as well as other thermoset materials (as well as, for example, thermoset polyurethane materials) may be used as the matrix material. While a circular tension element cross-sectional geometry is shown in the embodiment of fig. 3B, 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, an inspection system 60 for tension elements 24 of a belt 16 is shown, the belt 16 including a belt 16 having steel tension elements 24 and a belt 16 having non-metallic tension elements 24 (e.g., formed of a plurality of fibers 42 suspended in a matrix material 44).

The inspection system 60 includes one or more tension member identifiers 62 disposed at the belt 16. The identifier 62 can be detected and read by a detector 64, and in some embodiments, the detector 64 is fixed in the hoistway 12. In other embodiments, the detector 64 is not fixed in the hoistway 12, but is a handheld detector 64 used, for example, by a service technician or other personnel. Further, in some embodiments, two or more detectors 64 are positioned in the hoistway 12 to attempt to read the identifier 62 of the belt 16. Further, in an elevator system 10 having more than one belt 16, the detector 64 may be movable to periodically scan each belt 16 of the elevator system 10. The identifier 62 includes information that, when read by the detector 64, identifies the belt 16 as the correct belt 16 for the particular elevator system 10. In some embodiments, the identifier 62 is one of an RFID tag, a bar code, or other embedded element. In other embodiments, the identifier 62 may be a unique pattern or other feature formed on the outer surface of the belt 16. The identifier 62 may include information such as the manufacturer of the belt 16 and the date and time of manufacture, and may also include information on the configuration of the belt 16, such as details of the structure of the tension element 24. The detector 64 (which in some embodiments is an RFID sensor or bar code reader, etc.) is configured to detect the presence of the identifier 62, and is also configured to read information included in the identifier 62. Further, the algorithm or protocol of the detector 64 may be encrypted or otherwise protected to prevent unauthorized manipulation. The use of the detector 64 in conjunction with the identifier 62 monitors one or more strips 16 installed in the elevator system 10 and may identify when the correct strip 16 is being used and may also identify when the wrong strip 16 is being used. In some embodiments, the correct belt 16 is a belt that is recognized by an authorized entity as being available for utilization in the particular elevator system 10 into which the belt 16 is installed.

In some embodiments, the detector 64 is operably connected to an elevator system controller 66. The controller 66 may be connected to a memory 68, with information regarding the correct configuration of the belt 16 (e.g., manufacturer and time and date of manufacture as set forth above) stored in the memory 68. Other information, such as with a serial number or other configuration information, may also be stored at the memory 68. In some embodiments, the memory 68 may be located at the elevator system controller 66, while in other embodiments, the memory 68 is located remotely with respect to the elevator system 10, for example at a cloud server, and connected to the detector 64 via a wireless connection. Further, in other embodiments, the controller 66 and memory 68 may be located in a handheld detector 64 utilized by a service technician. When connected to the elevator system controller 66, the detector 64 transmits information sensed or detected from the identifier 62. If the detector 64 fails to detect the correct belt 16 via the identifier 62, or alternatively fails to detect the identifier 62 at the expected location of the identifier 62, the elevator system controller 66 may take action due to a potential safety risk of utilizing the wrong belt 16 in the elevator system 10, such as sounding an alarm and/or slowing operation of the elevator system 10 to a slower than normal speed, such as 0.5 m/s. In some embodiments, the alarm signal may be transmitted to, for example, a residential building management company or a remote service location responsible for maintenance and/or inspection of the elevator system 10.

Referring now to fig. 5, a method of operating the inspection system 60 of the elevator system 10 is shown. At block 102, a tension member or belt 16 is installed in the hoistway 12. As stated above, the strip 16 includes one or more identifiers 62. At block 104, the identifier 62 is read by the detector 64. The reading via the detector 64 may occur before or after the belt 16 is installed in the hoistway 12. At block 106, identification information (such as the manufacturer, date and time of manufacture, serial number, and/or other configuration information) is communicated to the elevator system controller 66 for storage in the memory 68 at the elevator system controller 66. Storage of the information from the identifier 62 at the elevator system controller 68 identifies the belt 16 as the correct belt 16 for use in the elevator system 10.

At block 108, the belt 16 is periodically rescanned, at which time the detector 64 attempts to read the identifier 62. If the detector 64 successfully reads the identifier 62, the information from the identifier 62 is compared to the information stored at the elevator system controller 68 at block 110. If the read information matches the stored information, the belt 16 is identified as the correct belt 16 at block 112 and operation of the elevator system 10 continues as normal. Alternatively, if the read information does not match the stored information, the tape 16 is identified as the wrong tape 16 at block 114. Then, at block 116, the elevator system controller 68 may take action, for example, to send an alarm signal and/or slow operation of the elevator system 10 to a speed significantly below normal speed. Additionally, at block 118, if the detector 64 cannot successfully identify or read the identifier 62 at the expected location of the belt 16, the belt 16 is identified as the wrong belt 16, and the elevator system controller 68 takes action at block 116.

The inspection system 60 disclosed herein reduces the likelihood of failure of the elevator system 16 by ensuring that the correct belt 16 or other tension member is installed in the 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.