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(11) | EP 4 389 671 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | SUSPENSION MEANS FOR TRACTION SHEAVE ELEVATOR |
| (57) Suspension means having a width and a thickness for a traction sheave elevator in
the form of a flat belt with a plurality of traction means strands which are embedded
in a friction-increasing belt base material via which they contact the traction sheave
and optionally at least one further deflection pulley during regular operation, wherein
the suspension means on a flat side has, in each of its two lateral areas, at least
one guide element protruding beyond the respective flat side in the direction parallel
to the belt thickness, preferably in each case in the form of a rib and, in its central
area extending from the respective guide element towards the central axis, is designed
as a flat belt which does not carry any further guide elements.
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a suspension means for a traction sheave elevator, to a traction sheave elevator comprising a suspension means, and to the use of the suspension means.
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
[0002] The use of belts instead of traditional ropes in elevators is an increasingly common technology. Thanks to ropes with a much smaller diameter that are arranged horizontally in the belt instead of the traditional large diameter ropes, a much smaller diameter of the traction sheave is possible. In this way it is possible to achieve high torque with much smaller motors.
[0003] One of the most common models of belts used in the industry is the flat belt. The cross-sectional shape of this belt model is a simple rectangular polyurethane plastic with rope cores or traction means strands inside.
[0004] Figure 1 shows a portion of a belt with a portion of a prior art traction sheave or deflection pulley. Figure 2 shows the belt with a traction sheave or deflection pulley of Figure 1 in cross-section from the front.
[0005] As can be seen in particular from Figure 2, conventional traction sheaves or deflection pulleys have a convex shape (crowned) for alignment. The convex surface creates a force that keeps the belt centered as it rolls over the pulley or sheave. This is the most common method for aligning flat belts. The closer you get to the edge of the belt, the less contact there is between the belt and the pulley or sheave, with the center of the belt making full contact with the pulley or sheave.
[0007] The convex shape of the pulley or sheave solves the problem of aligning the belt on the deflection pulley or traction sheave, but causes another technical problem. Herein the deflection pulley or traction sheave are also referred to as pulley or sheave. In general, the deflection pulley mounted on the motor shaft is referred to as the traction sheave. To simplify matters, herein both the deflection pulley and the traction sheave are often referred to as pulley or deflection pulley.
[0008] Due to the convex shape of the pulley, while the center of the belt is in full contact with the pulley, the contact decreases toward the edge and a gap is created, which can also be seen in Figure 2.
[0009] Therefore, when the belt rolls on the pulley, the central rope cores are subjected to a high load, while the load on the rope cores at the sides oft he belt is very low in this design. That means, when the belt is flat and not on the pulley, the rope cores share the load equally, but the central area is subjected to a much greater load while on the pulley.
[0010] The main supporting elements of the belt are the rope cores, and the moment these ropes rest on the pulley, they are deformed by bending and are subjected to the greatest loads, which actually shortens the life cycle of the belt. In Figure 1, the load intensity is shown by means of arrows.
[0012] Due to the flat geometry of the belt and the convex geometry of the pulley, the effective contact area is limited to the center of the belt and pulley. This means that the friction factor between the pulley and the belt, i.e. the tractive force of the motor, is relatively low.
[0013] In the elevator industry, there are several profiled belt types in different shapes. The most common form is multiple V-profiles on one side (i.e. on the flat side or in the direction of width) of the belt, spread across the entire width of the belt.
[0014] So-called polyrope models, obtainable by ContiTech Hannover, have a flat profile on one side and round profiles concentric with the rope cores on the other side. So-called polyrope DP models, obtainable by ContiTech Hannover, have round profiles concentric to the rope cores on one side and V-shaped profiles on the other side.
[0015] Both the multi-profile belts themselves and the pulley surfaces suitable for them are relatively difficult to manufacture because of the complex profile shape. In order for them to function properly, they must be manufactured precisely and to tight tolerances. In models with profiles on one side, the belt twists so that the profiled surfaces of the belt come into contact with all the pulleys. As the belt rotates in this design, it takes up more space in the horizontal arrangement.
[0016] On belt models with a profile on just one side, the flat side of the belt contacts the pulleys when the belt is not running twisted. In this case, as with flat belts, the pulley surface must have a convex radius to align the belt on the pulley. This causes the first technical problem of the flat belt mentioned above, which occurs with pulleys.
[0017] The model of the double-sided profiled belt, on the other hand, is the one with the most difficult geometry and manufacturability. Complex pulley surfaces specific to this belt profile must be manufactured, for both the motor and deflection side. The cost of this belt is high due to its complex geometry and large volume of polyurethane plastic. Using too much polyurethane will result in a higher unit weight of the belt.
[0018] Round channels with a slightly larger diameter than the belt profile should be made at the pulley, which are suitable for a belt with round profiles. Due to the different diameters of the round profile of the belt and the round channels of the pulley, the effective contact area between the pulley and the belt becomes relatively small. As a result, the local tension in the polyurethane plastic is high and the friction ratio between the pulley and the belt is relatively low.
TASK OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Accordingly, it is the task of the invention to provide a suspension means for a traction sheave elevator which can be easily manufactured and in which the traction force can also be increased.
SOLUTION ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION
[0021] The suspension means according to the invention for a traction sheave elevator in the form of a flat belt with a plurality of traction means strands which are embedded in a friction-increasing belt base material, via which they contact the traction sheave and optionally at least one further deflection pulley during regular operation, has a width and a thickness and is characterized in that the suspension means on a flat side has, in each of its two lateral areas, at least one guide element protruding beyond the respective flat side in the direction parallel to the belt thickness, preferably in each case in the form of a rib (often also called "ridge") and, in its central area extending from the respective guide element towards the central axis, is designed as a flat belt which does not carry any further guide elements. Said "guide element" preferably is a form-fitting guide element.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0023] In particular, the suspension means preferably has at least one guide element in each of its two lateral areas on both flat sides, protruding beyond the respective flat side in the direction parallel to the belt thickness, preferably in the form of a rib in each case. In addition, in its central area extending from the respective guide element towards the central axis (ideally over at least two, preferably at least three, directly adjacent traction means strands), the suspension means is designed as a flat belt which does not carry any further guide elements. This design allows, for example, the belt to be aligned quickly and easily.
[0024] The respective rib is preferably convexly curved and preferably protrudes substantially or completely in a part-circular manner in a direction parallel to the thickness of the belt.
[0025] According to the invention, the respective rib preferably protrudes in a V-shape in the direction parallel to the thickness of the belt.
[0026] According to the invention, two corresponding guide elements raised on different flat sides preferably form a common center through which at least one, preferably exactly one, traction means strand runs.
[0028] According to the invention, the use of a suspension means is such that it is preferably deflected in another direction, preferably by at least 170°, via at least one deflection pulley having a convexly curved suspension means contact area.
[0029] A further preferred embodiment is a suspension means elevator with a suspension means, with a deflection pulley designed as a traction sheave and preferably at least one further deflection pulley, wherein at least one deflection pulley contacts the suspension means with its cylindrical jacket, which has at least two counter guide elements, preferably each in the form of a groove, which each receives a guide element of the belt in such a way that the belt is provided with the necessary lateral guidance which it requires in order to run over the deflection pulley in the intended positioning. Said counter guide element preferably is a mating or corresponding element to the aforementioned guide element. Preferably, the guide element is at least partially in form-fitting or positive-locking contact with the counter guide element.
[0030] Further according to the invention, the respective guide element of the suspension means is preferably a convex rib and the respective counter guide element is a concave groove which is so much larger than the rib that the rib, when symmetrically centred in the groove, contacts the groove base in the area of its deepest point and no contact takes place between the rib and the groove in the two laterally adjoining flank areas.
[0031] Further according to the invention, the respective guide element of the suspension means is preferably a V-shaped rib, and the respective counter guide element is a V-shaped groove dimensioned such that the V-shaped rib only bears against the V-shaped side walls of the groove.
[0032] Further according to the invention, the at least one deflection pulley preferably has on its jacket a belt running surface which is wider than the suspension means width, and in such a way that even if the deflection pulley has a laterally limiting board, there is no lateral support of the suspension means on its flanks.
[0033] Further possible embodiments, modes of operation and advantages will be apparent from the following description of the embodiment and/or from the figures.
FIGURE LIST
[0034]
Figure 1 shows a part of a belt with a part of a sheave or pulley according to the prior art.
Figure 2 shows the belt with the sheave or pulley of Figure 1 in cross-section from the front.
Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of the suspension means according to the invention in cross-section.
Figure 4 shows the suspension means of the first embodiment with the pulley or sheave in cross-section from the front.
Figure 5 shows a part of the suspension means of the first embodiment with a part of a pulley or sheave.
Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the suspension means according to the invention in cross-section.
Figure 7 shows the suspension means of the second embodiment with the pulley or sheave in cross-section from the front.
Figure 8 shows the structure of a traction means strand.
PREFERRED DESIGN OPTIONS
[0036] Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the suspension means 1 according to the invention. The suspension means 1 is designed for a traction sheave elevator. Preferably, the traction sheave elevator is a vertical elevator in which a car moves (in particular vertically) along an actual elevator shaft or an elevator shaft defined by at least a frame-like enclosure.
[0037] The traction sheave elevator or vertical elevator is suspended from one or more of the suspension means 1 according to the invention. The suspension means 1 has a width B and a thickness D and is preferably a flat belt 4. The suspension means 1 or the flat belt 4 may comprise one traction means strand 3 or several traction means strands 3. The one traction means strand 3 or the plurality of traction means strands 3 comprise ropes or metal cables.
[0038] The flat belt 4 consists of a friction-enhancing belt base material and advantageously consists at least predominantly of non-metallic material, and/or of a uniform material or of a material which differs in layers or areas. Advantageously, the belt base material of the suspension means 1 or of the belt 4 consists of rubber, plastic or a plastic mixture or a composite material, but preferably of polyurethane plastic. Of course, a mixed form of metallic and all or part of the aforementioned materials can also be used for the basic belt material of the suspension means 1 or of the belt 4, although a mixed form of all or part of the aforementioned materials is preferred for the basic belt material without a metallic component.
[0039] Further preferably, the belt base material transmits substantially no tensile forces past the traction means strands 3 in the direction along their longitudinal axis, in which belt base material they are embedded and via which they contact the pulley 6 or sheave 6 and possibly a further pulley 6 in regular operation.
[0040] In each of its lateral areas 11, the suspension means 1 has at least one guide element 5 protruding on a flat side beyond the respective flat side in the direction parallel to the belt thickness D. Preferably, exactly two guide elements 5 are arranged on a flat side, each of which preferably merges into the flank 9 of the belt. Further preferably, exactly two guide elements 5 are arranged on each flat side.
[0041] The respective guide element 5 is preferably in the form of a rib 2. Further preferably, two ribs 2 are arranged or formed on a respective flat side of the suspension means 1 or of the belt 4, as shown in Figures 3 to 5.
[0042] In Figures 3 and 4, it can be readily seen that the central area 10 of the suspension means 1 is located quasi between the respective guide elements 5 in the direction of the width. The central area is thus formed by the areas arising from the respective guide element 5 towards the central axis M. The lateral area 11 is preferably formed in each case by the guide element 5 and ends with the respective flank 9. As already mentioned, the suspension means 1 has a width B in the direction of the width and a thickness D in the direction of the thickness, the direction of the width running perpendicular to the direction of the thickness.
[0043] The longitudinal direction of the belt 4 is perpendicular to the direction of the width and perpendicular to the direction of the thickness, wherein the length of the belt 4 is longer than the width of the belt 4, and the width of the belt 4 is longer than the thickness of the belt 4. The length of the belt 4 corresponds to the distance along the longitudinal direction. The width of the belt 4 corresponds to the distance along the direction of the width or width direction. The thickness of the belt 4 corresponds to the distance along the direction of the thickness or thickness direction.
[0044] The flat side of the suspension means 1 or belt 4, as seen in cross-section, lies in the width direction. The flat side has a central area 10 arranged at the center line M or central axis M, and further has a lateral area 11 on each outer side or flank 9 of the suspension means 1. The flat side is bisected by the central axis M, the central axis M being parallel to the thickness direction and thus perpendicular to the width direction. The two flat sides or the upper side and the lower side of the belt 4 are preferably parallel to each other, the flank 9 or the outer side of the belt 4, which is the lateral boundary of the belt 4, preferably being perpendicular to the upper and lower sides. The flat belt 4 thus preferably has a substantially quadrangular cross-section, apart from the guide elements 5, as shown in Figure 3.
[0045] Preferably, the guide elements 5 are arranged externally in the width direction. Further preferably, the suspension means 1 or the belt 4 has a central area 10 which preferably extends in each case over at least two, preferably at least three, directly adjacent traction means strands 3. Preferably, the flat central area 10 of the flat belt 4 has substantially no further guide elements 5.
[0046] Advantageously, the thickness to width ratio is substantially in the range 1:5 to 1:25, preferably 1:10 to 1:20, more preferably 1:12 to 1:18, although the ratio is determined by the particular requirements, such as those relating to maximum load or space.
[0047] It can further be seen in Figures 3 to 5 that the suspension means 1 has in its lateral areas 11 on both flat sides in each case at least one guide element 5 protruding beyond the respective flat side in the direction parallel to the belt thickness D, preferably in each case in the form of a rib 2, and in its central area 10 extending towards the central axis M, preferably over at least two, preferably at least three directly adjacent traction means strands, is designed as a flat belt 4 which has or carries no further guide elements 5. Further preferably, the respective rib 2 or the respective guide element 5 protrudes in a V-shape in the direction parallel to the belt thickness D.
[0048] The guide elements 5 rising on different flat sides (i.e. upper and lower sides) preferably each form a common center through which at least one traction means strand 3, preferably exactly one traction means strand 3, passes. The traction means strands 3 are at least partially, preferably predominantly and ideally completely ropes, preferably metal ropes.
[0049] Since the lateral load on the suspension means 1 or flat belt 4 is very low, not many profiles or guide elements 5 are needed to keep the suspension means 1 or belt 4 in line. The best friction factor between the pulley 6 and the suspension means 1 or flat belt 4 is achieved when both the suspension means 1 or flat belt 4 and the pulley 6 are flat.
[0050] Thus, the suspension means 1 or the flat belt 4 of the embodiment according to the invention combines the advantages of flat belts and multi-profile belts and eliminates their disadvantages.
[0051] In each lateral area 11 of the belt 4, or on the outside of the belt 4, there is a single guide element 5 or rib 2 which is symmetrically arranged on both the upper and lower sides and keeps the belt 4 in line with the pulley 6 or sheave 6. These guide elements 5 or these ribs 2 on both sides ensure that the shape of the pulley or sheave 6 is the same on both the motor side and the deflection pulley side, and is aligned in the same way on both sides.
[0052] Due to this design, the effective contact area between belt 4 and pulley 6 is much larger. In this way, the tensile force of the engine belt is increased.
[0053] In Figure 4 it can be seen that all surfaces of the pulley 6, with the exception of the belt grooves or the counter guide elements 7, are flat or plane (i.e. have no convex shape). As a result, the belt cores or traction means strands 3 are always subjected to the same load and stress. The rope cores or traction means strands 3 distribute the load evenly in each position, as can be seen in Figure 5, where the load intensity is shown by means of arrows.
[0055] Figure 6 shows a cross-section of the suspension means 1 according to the invention. As can be easily seen, the first embodiment differs from the second embodiment only in the shape of the form-fitting guide elements 5. In the first embodiment, the respective form-fitting guide element 5 is preferably V-shaped. As it can be easily seen in Figures 6 and 7, in the second embodiment of the suspension means according to the invention, the respective form-fitting guide element 5 has a round or circular or oval shape. All other features and advantages correspond to the first embodiment and also apply to the second embodiment, and are hereby incorporated by reference thereto.
[0056] In the second embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, the respective rib 2 is preferably substantially continuously convexly curved, and preferably protrudes substantially or completely in a part-circular manner in the direction parallel to the belt thickness D. In addition, it is preferred if here the two ribs 2 of a respective lateral area 11 opposite each other on the flat sides merge into each other on one side, resulting in a closed circle in cross-section on one side - towards the flank 9. The flat belt 4 then preferably does not have a flat and/or plane flank 9 as in the first embodiment.
[0057] Also by this construction in the manner of the second embodiment, the effective contact area between the belt 4 and the pulley 6 is much larger. In this way, the tensile force of the engine belt is also increased.
[0058] In Figure 7 it can be seen that all surfaces of the pulley 6, with the exception of the belt grooves or the counter guide elements 7, are flat or plane (i.e. do not have a convex shape). As a result, the belt cores or traction means strands 3 are always equally loaded and equally stressed. Again, the belt cores or traction means strands 3 distribute the load evenly in each position.
[0059] Preferably, a suspension means 1 according to one of the above embodiments is used in such a way that it is deflected in another direction, preferably by at least 170°, via at least one deflection pulley 6 having a convexly curved suspension means contact area. In this case, however, the "convexly curved contact area" means only the curvature due to the preferably round shape of the deflection pulley 6 and therefore the curvature of the deflection pulley 6 along the longitudinal axis L of the belt . This "convexly curved contact area" does not mean the convex (or crowned) shape of the deflection pulley 6 in the plane defined by the belt thickness D and the belt width B, which is shown as state of art in Fig. 1. The convex (or crowned) shape shown in Fig. 1 is no longer present in a deflection pulley 6 according to the invention.
[0060] According to the invention, a suspension lift comprises a suspension means 1 according to one of the above embodiments. The car of the suspension means lift is suspended from the suspension means 1 and is accordingly raised or lowered, namely by means of a deflection pulley 6 designed as a traction sheave and preferably at least one further deflection pulley 6. The at least one deflection pulley 6 contacts the suspension means 1 with its cylindrical jacket, which has at least two counter guide elements 7, preferably each in the form of a groove 8, which each receive a guide element 5 of the suspension means 1 or belt 4 in such a way that the belt 4 is provided with the necessary lateral guidance which it requires in order to run over the deflection pulley 6 in the intended positioning.
[0061] Particularly preferably, the cylindrical jacket or shell of the deflection pulley 6 contacting the suspension means 1 is planar or straight or flat, and in particular in the width direction.
[0062] Preferably, the respective guide element 5 of the suspension means 1 is a convex rib 2 and the respective counter guide element 7 is a concave groove 8 which is larger than the rib 2 by so much that the rib 2, when symmetrically centered in the groove 8, contacts the groove base in the area of its deepest point and no contact takes place between the rib 2 and the groove 8 in the two laterally adjoining flank areas.
[0063] Further preferably, the respective guide element 5 of the suspension means 1 is a V-shaped rib 2 and the respective counter guide element 7 is a V-shaped groove 8, which is or are dimensioned such that the V-shaped rib 2 rests only against the V-shaped side walls of the groove 8.
[0064] In the suspension means elevator according to the invention, the at least one pulley 6 has on its jacket a belt running surface which is wider than the suspension means width, in such a way that no lateral support of the suspension means 1 takes place on its flanks 9 even if the deflection pulley 6 has laterally limiting boards 6a.
[0065] In this application, a board 6a is understood to be a lateral boundary of the deflection pulley 6 or traction sheave 6, as shown for example in Figures 4 and 7. The flank 9 of the belt 4 faces the respective board 6a.
[0066] The suspension means elevator has a suspension means line on which the car of the suspension means elevator is suspended and on which it can be raised or lowered accordingly. The suspension means line comprises one or more suspension means 1. Preferably, the flanks 9 of the individual suspension means 1 in the suspension means line are parallel to each other. Further preferably, the suspension means line comprises four suspension means 1 or belts 4 which run parallel. Further preferably, the flank 9 of a suspension means 1 runs at or near the flank 9 of another suspension means 1.
[0067] In the figures, the rope cores or traction means strands 3 are shown simply round. However, any other shape such as, for example, oval, rectangular or a polygonal shape may be possible since the traction means strands 3 are made by braiding together wires (metallic and/or non-metallic wires) of much smaller diameter. Thus, the shape and/or the materials may vary.
[0068] The structure of an individual traction means strand 2 can be understood from Fig. 8. This shows that the individual traction means strands 3 are not made of solid material but are formed by a large number of thin steel wires which are interwoven with one another.
REFERENCE LIST
[0069]
- 1
- Suspension means
- 2
- Rib
- 3
- Traction means strand or belt core
- 4
- Flat belt or belt
- 5
- Guide element
- 6
- Traction sheave or deflection pulley or pulley
- 6a
- Board
- 7
- Counter guide element
- 8
- Groove
- 9
- Flank
- 10
- Central area
- 11
- Lateral area
- B
- Belt width or width
- D
- Belt thickness or thickness
- M
- Center line or central axis or midline
1. Suspension means (1) having a width (B) and a thickness (D) for a traction sheave
elevator in the form of a flat belt (4) with a plurality of traction means strands
(3) which are embedded in a friction-increasing belt base material via which they
contact the traction sheave (6) and optionally at least one further deflection pulley
(6) during regular operation, characterized in that the suspension means (1) on a flat side has, in each of its two lateral areas (11),
at least one guide element (5) protruding beyond the respective flat side in the direction
parallel to the belt thickness (D), preferably in each case in the form of a rib (2)
and, in its central area (10) extending from the respective guide element (5) towards
the central axis (M), is designed as a flat belt (4) which does not carry any further
guide elements (5).
2. Suspension means (1) for a traction sheave elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that the suspension means (1) has in each of its lateral areas (11) on both flat sides
in each case at least one guide element (5) protruding beyond the respective flat
side in the direction parallel to the belt thickness (D), preferably in the form of
a rib (2), and, in its central area (10) extending from the respective guide element
(5) towards the central axis (M), is designed as a flat belt (4) which does not carry
any further guide elements (5).
3. Suspension means (1) for a traction sheave elevator according to one of the preceding
claims, characterized in that the rib (2) is convexly curved and preferably protrudes in a part-circular manner
in a direction parallel to the belt thickness (D).
4. Suspension means (1) for a traction sheave elevator according to one of the preceding
claims with the exception of the immediately preceding claim, characterized in that the rib (2) protrudes in a V-shape in the direction parallel to the belt thickness
(D).
5. Suspension means (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two guide elements (5) raised on different flat sides form a common center through
which at least one traction means strand (3) runs.
6. Suspension means (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the traction means strands (3) are ropes, preferably metal ropes.
7. Use of a suspension means (1) according to one of the preceding claims in such a way
that it is deflected in another direction, preferably by at least 170°, via at least
one deflection pulley (6) having a convexly curved suspension means contact area.
8. Suspension means elevator with a suspension means (1) according to one of the preceding
claims with a deflection pulley (6) designed as a traction sheave and preferably at
least one further deflection pulley (6), characterized in that at least one deflection pulley (6) contacts the suspension means (1) with its cylindrical
jacket, which has at least two counter guide elements (7), preferably each in the
form of a groove (8), which receive a respective guide element (5) of the belt (4)
in such a way that the belt (4) is provided with the necessary lateral guidance which
it requires in order to be run over the deflection pulley (6) in the intended positioning.
9. Suspension means elevator according to the immediately preceding claim, characterized in that the respective guide element (5) of the suspension means (1) is a convex rib (2),
and the respective counter guide element (7) is a concave groove (8), which is larger
than the rib (2) by so much that the rib (2), when it lies symmetrically centred in
the groove (8), contacts the groove base in the area of its deepest point and in the
two laterally adjoining flank areas no contact takes place between the rib (2) and
the groove (8).
10. Suspension means elevator according to claim 8, characterized in that the respective guide element (5) of the suspension means (1) is a V-shaped rib (2),
and the respective counter guide element (7) is a V-shaped groove (8) which is dimensioned
such that the V-shaped rib (2) bears only against the V-shaped side walls of the groove
(8) .
11. Suspension means elevator according to one of the three immediately preceding claims,
characterized in that the at least one deflection pulley (6) has on its jacket a belt running surface which
is wider than the suspension means width (B), in such a way that no lateral support
of the suspension means (1) takes place on its flanks (9) even if the deflection pulley
(6) has laterally bounding boards (6a) .