EP2346768B1 - Supporting belt - Google Patents

Abstract

A supporting belt for a transport device, such as an elevator system, includes at least one stranded wire made of an electrically conducting material for absorbing the forces absorbed by the supporting belt and an electrically insulating jacket that encloses the wire. In order to determine the state of the wire, the wire can be contacted by a contact element securely and reliably and in an exact manner. To achieve this, the jacket is at least partially removed in the area of an opening of the supporting belt and the wire is at least partially exposed in the area of the opening. The wire thus does not include a jacket substantially perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis formed by a center point of a cross-section of the wire. The wire can be contacted by a contact element without the jacket being pierced.

Description

The present invention relates to a strap according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a connecting device for contacting a support belt according to the preamble of claim 7, and a method for producing a support belt according to the preamble of claim 13. Furthermore, the invention relates to an elevator system according to the preamble of claim 15.

In conveyors, z. As elevator systems, escalators, moving walks, hoists or cranes, straps are used. The support straps generally comprise a plurality of strands of steel wires which receive the tensile forces to be absorbed by the support belt. The strands are generally surrounded by a plastic jacket. The jacket protects the strands, for example, from mechanical wear, because the support straps are often guided over deflection points, in particular rollers.

The straps are within a conveyor a safety-critical component, since their failure or breakage can lead to a fall of the material to be conveyed. This can lead to considerable property damage and personal injury. For this reason, test units are used in conveyors, which in particular check the mechanical condition of the strands. Damage to the forces absorbing strands should thus be detected early, so that the strap can be replaced if damaged, to prevent failure of the conveyor.

The strands are surrounded by the electrically insulating jacket made of plastic. To carry out a test of the condition of the strands is in Generally a contacting of a contact element with the strand required. In general, a current is passed through the strands with the aid of the contact element, which serves as a test current to determine the state of the strands. In addition, other test methods that do not work with electricity, such. B. ultrasound, into consideration.

The DE 39 34 654 A1 shows a generic strap. The ends of the strands are connected in pairs conductive with a bridge part, so that the strands of the support belt are electrically connected in series. The strands of the support belt are connected via an ammeter to a voltage source, so that by means of the test current, which is passed through all the strands due to the electrical circuit in series, the state of the strands can be checked.

The DE 2 330 038 shows a system for contacting a flat cable. In the illustrated flat cable several strands are arranged side by side within a plane and surrounded by a jacket. For electrical contacting of the strands, the flat cable is clamped by an upper and a lower clamping piece. Recesses are arranged on the lower clamping piece, can be performed by trained on a contact carrier lancing teeth. The lancing teeth pierce through the sheath of the flat cable and thus come into contact with the strands. The contacting of the strands using the lancing teeth is thus perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the strands. Disadvantageously, it is necessary in this contacting that the lancing teeth pierce the jacket of the support belt. However, the puncture of the shell by the lancing teeth can have the consequence that the lancing teeth deviate from the intended lancing direction when piercing the shell and thus no contact with the strand can be produced. The lancing prongs may possibly also contact other, unforeseen strands or even no strand when the shell is pierced.

The WO 2005/094249 A2 and the WO 2006/127059 A2 show a system for contacting a support belt, in which the contact elements perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the strand first pierce the jacket of the support belt and then penetrate into the strands. Disadvantageously, the contact elements can miss the strands due to the required piercing process through the jacket.

The WO 2005/095251 A1 shows a system for contacting a support belt, in which the strands are contacted perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the strands of a contact element. The contact elements pierce the jacket of the support belt. The connecting device for contacting and fixing the support belt is also used as a load-securing element. Also WO 2005/095252 shows a system for contacting a support belt.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a carrying strap, a connecting device for contacting a carrying strap and a method for producing a carrying strap, as well as a conveying device or an elevator installation, in which the strands of the carrying strap can be safely and reliably and in more detail Way of a contact element can be contacted to determine the state of the strands. The strap and the connection device should be easy to use and reliable and have low production costs.

A corresponding strap includes at least one strand of a, preferably electrically conductive, material, for. As steel, for receiving the forces to be absorbed by the strap and a, preferably electrically insulating, jacket which surrounds the at least one strand. The carrying strap extends over a length which, for example, is dimensioned to connect, carry and drive a car of an elevator installation with a counterweight and, viewed in cross-section, has a width. The support belt has at least one of its ends a recess which extends over the entire width and over a limited, relatively small length portion of the support belt extends. The jacket of the support belt is now removed in the region of this recess at least on one side of the support belt, so that the strand or strands in the region of this recess are substantially exposed or exposed. The at least one strand thus has no jacket perpendicular to a longitudinal axis formed by a center of a cross section of the at least one strand.

The metal, in particular steel, or steel wires, existing strand is surrounded by a sheath made of plastic. In the region of the recess, over a partial area of the casing, the strand is freed from the casing, so that a contact element can contact the strand directly without piercing the casing. At a contact side or a first side of the support belt, the strand is freed from the jacket. Perpendicular to the longitudinal axis thus no coat is present on the strand and at another, the first side opposite the second side of the support belt of the jacket is still present. Advantageously, thus the contact element on the liberated from the shell part of the strand (contact side) are placed or brought into contact with the exposed strand and on the other side, the strand is still surrounded by the insulating and protective sheath.

In a further embodiment, the strap in the direction of the longitudinal axis between two sections with a completely formed coat, in particular only partially, no coat on or the jacket of the support belt is in the direction of the longitudinal axis between two sections with a fully formed coat, in particular only partially removed in the area of this recess. The recess is advantageously arranged in an end region, or in particular on each of the two ends of the support belt. Thus, essentially the entire strap length can be checked.

In a further embodiment, the recess, in which the jacket is partially removed, is arranged at one end of the support belt or at respectively the two ends of the support means.

In particular, the support strap in the region of the recess on a first side of a plane which essentially tangentially intersects the strand and extends along the longitudinal axis, does not have a jacket and has a jacket on a second side opposite the first side of the plane. In essence, this means that the distance between the plane and the center line, or the longitudinal axis, the strand is between 0 and half the diameter of the strand.

In a preferred embodiment, the carrying strap includes at least two strands, which are arranged side by side. These juxtaposed strands thus form a ribbon, or the strap. In particular, the at least two strands now have no mantle above or below the plane which at least intersects the at least two strands tangentially and extends along the longitudinal axes or parallel thereto, and has a mantle below or above the plane. The distance between the plane and the center lines, or the longitudinal axes, of the strands is between 0 and half the diameter of the strand.

The support belt embodied in this way has a recess in the casing, which extends over all the strands and which at least partially exposes the strands. The exposed strands are now easily contactable, as they are exposed to the touch and still remain embedded in the sheath, whereby they are further defined in their mutual position.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one strand is at least partially made of metal, e.g. As iron or steel, and / or the at least one jacket is at least partially made of an electric insulating material, such as textile fibers, plastic, such as polyurethane or rubber.

In a further embodiment, the sheath is multi-layered, at least two-layered, wherein a rear shell part is used substantially for positioning and holding the strand, or the strands and a front-side shell part fills interstices and at the same time forms a need-based structure, preferably longitudinal grooves. The recess may in this case be arranged both in the rear-side jacket part or in the front-side jacket part.

A connection device for contacting a support belt relates to a support belt as described above. The support belt includes at least one strand of a, preferably electrically conductive, material, for. As steel, for receiving the forces to be absorbed by the strap, and a, preferably electrically insulating, jacket which surrounds the at least one strand. The connecting device for contacting the support belt includes at least one contact element, which can be brought into contact with the at least one strand of the support belt, wherein the strand of the support belt of the contact element in the region of a recess, without piercing the shell, can be contacted. The connecting device is designed such that the at least one strand of the at least one contact element, at least partially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the at least one strand formed by the center of the cross section, can be contacted without piercing the shell. In a particularly advantageous manner, the contact element can be contacted with the stranded wire in this connection device, without it being necessary to pierce the shell with the contact element. As a result, a particularly accurate alignment, control and reliable contacting of the strand with the contact element is possible.

In a further variant, the at least one contact element is designed substantially rod-shaped, wherein one end of the at least one contact element, which is contactable with the at least one strand, is formed pointed or blunt. Alternatively, the contact element is designed as a spring contact part. The spring contact part is advantageously carried out with a pointed or blunt contact end, wherein the contact end may be integrally integrated in the spring contact part or may be attached as a contact head on the spring contact part.

In a contact element with a pointed end, the tip is generally used to penetrate the tip into the exposed strand. In a contact element having a blunt end, in general, the contact element merely contacts the surface of the strand removed from the shell without the contact element penetrating into the strand.

Conveniently, the at least one contact element with the at least one strand can be contacted such that the at least one contact element touches the surface of the at least one strand and / or the at least one contact element penetrates into the at least one strand.

In a further embodiment of a resilient member, in particular a spring, a compressive force on the at least one contact element can be applied for contacting the at least one contact element, under the pressure force, with the at least one strand. The application of a compressive force on the contact element by means of an elastic element has the advantage that manufacturing inaccuracies or deformations on the support strap or the connecting device can be compensated by the elastic element. This ensures that at any time a sufficient pressure force is available, with which the contact element is brought into contact with the strand or is kept in contact and thus a reliable and secure contact is given.

In particular, the at least one contact element is connected to a plug connection or a plug connector. This plug connection or connector strip is advantageously arranged on the connection device. By means of such a connector, or connector strip on which a mating connector can be inserted, it is particularly easy in practice to produce an electrical connection by means of a power line to a test unit. A complicated connection of cables is no longer necessary, only the mating connector must be inserted into the connector for making the electrical connection. The test unit can thereby be used both for a permanent monitoring (stationary) of the support belt or the test unit can be used for a punctual, time-limited time (temporarily) in the elevator system.

In a further embodiment, the contact element is designed in such a way that it electrically short-circuits the strands, which are exposed at one end of the support belt, and allows the support belt to be connected together to the test unit. Thus, a state of the support belt can be monitored, as for example in the European application EP1275605 is explained. In this case, a wear of the support belt is detected when a strand or part of the strand has worked through the shell, or the shell is abraded. This is determined by the fact that the electrically conductive wire touches a contact piece, such as a pulley, and thus the test unit can at least briefly determine a ground fault.

In another embodiment, the at least one contact element is at least partially movable perpendicular to the line.

In a supplementary embodiment of the strap of the connection device is positively and / or non-positively fixable. In particular, the strap of components of the connecting device, for. B. a bottom and top part or a bottom and top plate and at least one transverse part, are positively and non-positively fixed.

In an additional embodiment, the contact elements, in particular contact pins, manually or automatically, for. B. by means of a thread or a hydraulic or pneumatic drive, are moved in the connection device for contacting with the strands.

• Erstellen wenigstens einer, vorzugsweise elektrisch leitenden, Litze,
• Einschliessen der wenigstens einen Litze mit einem, vorzugsweise elektrisch isolierenden Mantel, und
• Entfernen des Mantels von der wenigstens einen Litze, insbesondere nur teilweise, senkrecht zu einer von einem Mittelpunkt eines Querschnitts der wenigstens einen Litze gebildeten Längsachse, so dass eine Ausnehmung im Tragriemen entsteht, welche sich über eine gesamte Breite des Tragriemen erstreckt und die Litze im Bereiche dieser Ausnehmung zumindest auf einer Seite des Tragriemens freiliegt.

A method for producing a support belt, in particular for an elevator installation, comprises the following steps:

• Creating at least one, preferably electrically conductive, strand,
• Including the at least one strand with a preferably electrically insulating jacket, and
• Removing the jacket of the at least one strand, in particular only partially, perpendicular to a longitudinal axis formed by a center of a cross section of the at least one strand, so that a recess in the support belt is formed, which extends over an entire width of the strap and the strand in the areas this recess is exposed at least on one side of the support belt.

The subsequent removal of the shell of the strands has the advantage that the strap can be inexpensively manufactured in a conventional manner and only then partially removed at the locally necessary portions of the support belt of the jacket for contacting the contact element with the strand.

Advantageously, the shell is partially above or below a plane which is substantially tangent to the strand or cuts the strand, removed from the at least one strand.

Advantageously, the jacket is removed mechanically, chemically or thermally. There are many possibilities for mechanical, chemical or thermal removal of the jacket. Mechanically, this can be done for example by scraping, planing, filing, drilling, sawing, grinding, cutting or milling. In a chemical removal of the shell is dissolved or etched, for example, by appropriate solvents or acids. When the jacket is removed thermally, it becomes local heated above its melting point, so that it passes into the liquid state and can flow through it. Furthermore, evaporation of the jacket, for example chemically or thermally, is also possible.

An alternative embodiment of a system for contacting a support belt comprises a strap with at least one strand of a, preferably electrically conductive, material, for. As steel, for receiving the forces to be absorbed by the strap and a, preferably electrically insulating, jacket which surrounds the at least one strand. The system further comprises a connection device for fixing the support belt with at least one movable contact element. This can be brought into contact with the at least one strand in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the at least one strand formed by a center of a cross section on an end face of the support belt. The at least one contact element advantageously has a greater extent in a first direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the at least one strand formed by the center of the cross section than in a second direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, which is perpendicular to the first direction. The extension of the contact element in the first direction is for example 1 to 12 times greater than the extension of the contact element in the second direction. The contact element is thus formed flat. It is a contact blade. This has the advantage that upon penetration of the contact blade in the front side of the support belt in the direction of the first direction of the flat contact blade, due to their large extension in the first direction, a large coverage for the strand is present and consequently a Fehlkontaktierung is practically impossible. For the exact alignment of the contact blade to the strand thus essentially the orientation of the contact blade in the direction of the support belt or end face of the second direction of the contact element is crucial.

In particular, this is at least one contact element as a contact blade, preferably with a point for contacting the at least one strand, educated. The contact blade has a tip or edge on a narrow side. At this point or edge of the contact blade is inserted at the front of the strap in the strap. In a belt designed as a flat strap and a contact blade is generally the plane of the contact blade perpendicular to the plane of the belt formed as a flat strap. For precise contacting of the contact blade formed as a contact element with the strap so that the orientation of the contact blade in the direction of a direction which is perpendicular to the plane of the contact blade is crucial. A direction that is aligned in the direction of the plane of the contact blade, so that the secure contacting of the strand by means of the contact element is not crucial.

An elevator system advantageously comprises a previously described carrying strap and a connecting device described in this application for contacting a support belt.

Fig. 1

eine Explosionsdarstellung eines Systems zur Kontaktierung eines Tragriemens in einer ersten Ausführungsform,

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Systems gemäss Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

einen Querschnitt des Systems gemäss Fig. 1,

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Systems gemäss Fig. 1 mit Steckerleiste,

Fig. 5a

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines ersten Kontaktstifts,

Fig. 5b

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines zweiten Kontaktstiften,

Fig. 5c

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Kontaktstifts von Fig. 5c in einer anderen Arbeitsposition,

Fig. 6

eine alternative Ausführung eines Tragriemens,

Fig. 6a

eine andere alternative Ausführung eines Tragriemens,

Fig. 6b

eine weitere alternative Ausführung eines Tragriemens,

Fig. 6c

ein alternatives Ausführungsbeispiel eines mehrschichtigen Tragriemens,

Fig. 7

eine Explosionsdarstellung eines Systems zur Kontaktierung eines Tragriemens in einer alternativen Ausführungsform,

Fig. 8

einen Querschnitt des Systems gemäss Fig. 7,

Fig. 9

eine Explosionsdarstellung eines Systems zur Kontaktierung eines Tragriemens in einer weiteren Ausführungsform,

Fig. 10

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Systems gemäss Fig. 9,

Fig. 11

einen Querschnitt des Systems gemäss Fig.9,

Fig. 12

eine schematisierte Darstellung des Systems zur Kontaktierung des Tragriemens mit einer Prüfeinheit, und

Fig. 13

eine schematisierte Darstellung einer Aufzugsanlage mit einem System zur Kontaktierung des Tragriemens an beiden Enden mit einer Prüfeinheit,

Fig. 14

eine schematisierte Darstellung einer Aufzugsanlage mit einem System zur Kontaktierung des Tragriemens an einem Ende mit einer Prüfeinheit,

Fig. 15

eine Explosionsdarstellung eines Systems zur Kontaktierung eines Tragriemens mit kurzgeschlossenen Litzen,

Fig. 16

einen Querschnitt des Systems gemäss Fig.15.

Hereinafter, several embodiments of the invention and an exemplary application in an elevator installation will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Equivalent parts are here provided with the same reference numerals. It shows:

Fig. 1

an exploded view of a system for contacting a support belt in a first embodiment,

Fig. 2

a perspective view of the system according to Fig. 1 .

Fig. 3

a cross section of the system according to Fig. 1 .

Fig. 4

a perspective view of the system according to Fig. 1 with power strip,

Fig. 5a

a perspective view of a first contact pin,

Fig. 5b

a perspective view of a second contact pins,

Fig. 5c

a perspective view of the contact pin of Fig. 5c in another job position,

Fig. 6

an alternative embodiment of a support belt,

Fig. 6a

another alternative embodiment of a support belt,

Fig. 6b

another alternative embodiment of a support belt,

Fig. 6c

an alternative embodiment of a multi-layered support belt,

Fig. 7

an exploded view of a system for contacting a support belt in an alternative embodiment,

Fig. 8

a cross section of the system according to Fig. 7 .

Fig. 9

an exploded view of a system for contacting a support belt in a further embodiment,

Fig. 10

a perspective view of the system according to Fig. 9 .

Fig. 11

a cross section of the system according to Figure 9 .

Fig. 12

a schematic representation of the system for contacting the support belt with a test unit, and

Fig. 13

a schematic representation of an elevator system with a system for contacting the support belt at both ends with a test unit,

Fig. 14

a schematic representation of an elevator system with a system for contacting the support belt at one end with a test unit,

Fig. 15

an exploded view of a system for contacting a support belt with shorted strands,

Fig. 16

a cross section of the system according to Figure 15 ,

In the Fig. 1 to 3 a first system 8 for contacting a support belt 1 is shown. In the example shown, the carrying strap 1 to be contacted comprises twelve strands 2 made of steel, which are surrounded by a jacket 3 ( Fig. 1 to 3 ). The jacket 3 is made of electrically insulating plastic and has at the top longitudinal grooves 30 in the direction of a longitudinal axis 31 of the strands 2. The carrying strap 1 extends over a length L. The length L is dimensioned to connect a car of an elevator installation with a counterweight and to carry and drive the same, as for example in the US Pat Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 is shown. The length L of the support belt depends on the travel distance of the elevator car and its suspension type. Typical lengths of carrying straps are in the range of 15 to 120 meters, whereby depending on a building height and corresponding travel distances also longer lengths are possible. The support belt, viewed in cross-section, has a width b. Usual widths b of carrying straps are in the range of 20 to 120 millimeters, although other dimensions are possible as well. The support belt further has at least one of its ends or in the end region near the end of the support belt on a recess 12 which extends over the entire width b and over a limited, relatively small length portion 1, the support belt 1. In one example, one dimension of the length I is about 5 to 20 millimeters. The recess 12 is only on a first side 7.1 of the support belt above a level 7 ( Fig. 3 ) formed in the lines formed by the centers of the cross sections of the strands 2 lines, or tangentially touches or intersects the strands 2. Thus, no coat 3 is present only in a section perpendicular to the line, which is formed by a center of the cross section of the strand 2. On the other side of the strands 2, ie below the level 7, on a second side 7.2 opposite the first side 7.1, the jacket 3 is still present, so that the strands 2 are partially embedded in this area by the jacket 3.

The support belt 1 is contacted by means of a connecting device 4 by means of advantageously movable contact elements 5 of these ( Fig. 3 ). The connection device 4 comprises a bottom part 13 and a cover part 14 (FIG. Fig. 1 to 3 ). The bottom part 13 is provided with a longitudinal groove 25 whose width corresponds to the width b of the support belt 1. The support strap 1 can thus be held in a form-fitting manner in the longitudinal groove 25 of the bottom part 13 in the transverse direction. The ceiling part 14 is advantageously made of electrically insulating material such as plastic, ceramic material, etc. Thus, the insertable in the ceiling part 14 contact elements 5 to each other. Of course, the contact pins themselves may be provided with an outer insulating jacket. In this case, the ceiling part 14 may be further made of electrically conductive material. On the ceiling part 14 Verschraubungsbohrungen 28 are arranged without thread. Furthermore, the ceiling part 14 has at the bottom longitudinal grooves 30 ', which are formed complementary to the longitudinal grooves 30 at the top of the support belt 1. The support belt 1 can thus be inserted at the bottom in the longitudinal groove 25 of the bottom part 13 and at the top of the support belt 1 engage the respective complementary aligned longitudinal grooves 30 ', 30 of the ceiling portion 14 and the support belt 1 into each other when the ceiling portion 14 on the Bottom part 13 is arranged, or joined together ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ).

The ceiling part 14 is fixed to the bottom part 13 by means of four screws 15. The screws 15 are inserted into the unthreaded screw holes 28 and the end of the screws 15 are inserted and screwed into threaded screw holes 32 on the bottom portion 13, respectively. The support belt 1 is thus positively and non-positively connected to the bottom part 13 and the ceiling part 14 and fixed by means of the longitudinal groove 25 and the longitudinal grooves 30 ', 30 in the ceiling part 14 and at the top of the support belt 1. The existing plastic jacket has elastic properties. The cross-sectional area of a cavity formed by the longitudinal groove 25 and the longitudinal grooves 30 'on the ceiling part 14 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the support belt 1. As a result, the shell 3 is elastically compressed, so that a frictional connection between the support belt 1 and the bottom part 13 and the ceiling part 14 consists.

By means of the longitudinal grooves 30 'of the cover part 14 and the longitudinal grooves 30 of the support belt 1, the connection device 4, or their contact elements 5 is exactly aligned with the support belt 1 or the strands 2 embedded in the support belt.

Due to the elastic compression of the shell 3, a sealing of the actual contact point also takes place, whereby, for example, penetration of moisture to the contact point is avoided.

The ceiling part 14 is provided with twelve threaded holes 16, corresponding to the number of steel strands 2 used for the contact elements 5. The contact elements 5 are formed as contact pins 10 with a tip 11 ( Figure 5 ). On the outside of the contact pins 10, for example, a thread, not shown, is formed. The contact pins 10 can thereby be screwed into the threaded bores 16 of the ceiling part 14 and brought into contact with the strands 2 of the support belt 1. The contacting of the twelve strands 2 with the twelve contact pins 10 can be made to the effect that the tips 11 of the contact pins 10 touch the strands 2 only on the surface or contact side and thereby contact and thus an electrical connection between the contact pins 10 and the strands 2 is produced. In addition, in a further screwing the contact pins 10 in the threaded holes 16, the tips 11 of the contact pins 10 are pressed into the strands 2. Instead of tips also otherwise shaped ends, such as a flat support, can be used.

The contact pins 10 themselves can be formed in various embodiments. In an in Fig. 5a illustrated embodiment, the contact pin 10 in one piece from a metal rod, whose end is formed to the flat top 11. In the in Fig. 5b and Fig. 5c illustrated embodiment, the contact pin 10 is in several parts. In a cylindrical tube 6, a rod 33 is slidably disposed. At the end of the rod 33, the tip 11 is formed. Between the tube 6 and the rod 33 is, as in Fig. 5b illustrated, a spring 9 is arranged. The spring 9 has the effect that there is a compressive force in the longitudinal direction between the tube 6 and the tip 11. As a result, in this embodiment of the contact pin 10, the tube 6, which is provided with a male thread, not shown, which is arranged in the threaded bore 16 of the cover member 14, are pressed by means of the spring 9 under a spring pressure on the strand 2, as in Fig. 5c schematically visible. This spring pressure force causes improved contact between the tip 11 and the strand 2 of the support belt. 1

Of course, other types of contact elements 5 can be used. Thus, a contact pin may be flat, such as a contact blade or contact blade, or oval or polygonal pins may be used. In some cases, the contact elements 5 as a common contact surface all or a portion of the strands 2 touch each other when an electrical connection between each or all strands is desired.

In Fig. 4 the connection device 4 for contacting the support belt 1 is further provided with a connector strip 38. The connector strip 38 is applied in the example shown on the ceiling part 14 and electrically conducting to the respective contact pins 5, 10 ( Fig. 2 ) connected. A connection to a test unit 23 (FIG. Fig. 12 and 13 ) can be easily made.

The recess 12 can, as in the Fig. 1 can be seen at right angles, mounted transversely to the longitudinal direction of the support belt 1. Alternatively, the recess 12 at an angle α, as in Fig. 6 represented, may be arranged. As a result, contact pins can be distributed over a longer distance, for example. The arrangement of the recess is variable, so the recess 12 can also on several sections, as in Fig. 6b shown, distributed or a recess 12 may at the end of the support belt 1, as in Fig. 6a represented, may be arranged. The in the Fig. 6 to 6c illustrated strap 1 has in the region of the recess 12 on the first side 7.1 of the level 7 ( Fig. 6c ), which intersects the strand 2 in the example shown, no coat 3 and he has on the opposite second side 7.2 of the level 7 continues to have a coat.

The recesses 12 are in this case near one end of the support means ( Fig. 6 and 6b ) or directly at the end of the suspension element ( Fig. 6a ) arranged

The support strap 1, or the strand 2 or the strands of the support belt, can be enclosed with a one-piece jacket 3. Alternatively, the sheath 3 of the support belt 1, as in Fig. 6c can be seen, also be multi-layered. The illustrated jacket 3 is constructed in two layers. A rear casing part 3.1 is used essentially for positioning and holding the stranded wire, or strands 2, and a front-side casing part 3.2 fills interstices and insulates the strands 2 from each other. At the same time, the front-side casing part 3.2 determines a needs-based structure. In the example shown, the longitudinal grooves 30.

In the Fig. 9 to 11 a further embodiment of the connecting device 4 for contacting the support belt 1 is shown. The connecting device 4 for contacting the wire 2 consists essentially of a bottom plate 26, a ceiling plate 27 and out two transverse parts 29. On the support belt 1, in a manner analogous to the first embodiment, a recess 12 of the shell 3 is formed. The recess 12 is seconded near the end of the support belt and it extends over the entire width of the support belt. In this example, the recess 12 is further divided into two sections, whereby two recesses 12 are formed. In the two transverse parts 29 two threaded screw holes 32 are formed at both ends. The Gewindeverschraubungsbohrungen 32 of the cross member 29 serve to be screwed into these four screws 15 for fixing the ceiling plate 27 to the cross member 29 and by means of four further screws 15, the bottom plate 26 is screwed to the two cross members 29. The bottom plate 26 and the ceiling plate 27 are provided for this purpose with four screw holes 28. The two transverse members 29 are arranged corresponding to a distance of the two recesses 12.

The ceiling plate 27 is formed in a longitudinal section substantially U-shaped, or with angled legs. At the end of the legs of the U-shaped cross-section, in a manner analogous to the cover part 14 of the first embodiment, longitudinal grooves 30 'are formed ( Fig. 9 ). The longitudinal grooves 30 'engage in the complementarily formed longitudinal grooves 30 at the top of the support belt ( 10 and 11 ). As a result, the carrying strap 1 is held in a form-fitting manner in the connecting device 4 according to this further embodiment. In addition, the support strap 1 is clamped non-positively in this embodiment, because in an analogous manner to the first embodiment, the cross-sectional free surface between the bottom plate 16 and the longitudinal grooves 30 'is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the support belt. 1

At the bottom of the two cross members 29 clamping grooves 34 are present. The contact elements 5 are formed as U-shaped spring contact parts 35. An upper leg of the spring contact parts 35 is clamped in a clamping groove 34 of the cross member 29 and thus connected to this and positioned. At the end of the lower leg of the spring contact parts 35 each have a contact bead 36 is present. The contact bead 36 is contacted with the strand 2 of the support belt 1 ( Fig. 11 ). The connecting device 4 has twelve spring contact parts 35, corresponding to the twelve strands 2 of the support belt 1, on. Each strand 2 of the support belt is thus associated with a spring contact part 35. Due to the spring force applied by the spring contact part 35 to the contact bead 36, the strand 2 is contacted by the contact bead 36 under a spring pressure force. In the cross member 29, not shown electrical lines and Kontakteile are present, which produce an electrical connection from the spring contact part 35 in the clamping grooves 34 to continuing lines.

Also in this example, the contact elements 5, and the spring contact part 35 may be performed on a common or multiple separate contact plates, whereby, for example, an electrical connection of all strands 2 or sub-groups of strands 2 can be easily performed.

In addition, it is also possible to the ceiling plate 27, a connector, or connector strip 38 as in Fig. 4 presented to provide. The plug connection is in each case electrically connected to each individual spring contact part 35. When connecting the connecting device 4 with a test unit 23, therefore, only a mating connector needs to be inserted into the connector to make the electrical contact (not shown).

The spring contact parts 35 are positioned over the cross members 29 on the ceiling plate 27. The ceiling plate 27 is in turn aligned over the longitudinal grooves 30 'exactly to the longitudinal grooves 30 of the support belt 1 and the strands to be contacted 2 are within the support belt 1, and, the associated shell just as accurately aligned with the longitudinal grooves 30 of the support belt 1. Thus, in the overall consideration, the spring contact parts 35 are necessarily aligned with the strands 2 and can be easily contacted.

The illustrated spring contact parts 35 are provided with a contact bead 36. This is a substantially flat embodiment of a contact end, which is integrated directly into the spring contact part 35. Alternatively, the contact end is made pointed or blunt, whereby such a contact end can be integrally integrated in the spring contact part 35 or can be attached as a contact head on the spring contact part 35. Such attachment can be done for example by riveting.

In the FIGS. 7 and 8 a third embodiment of the connecting device 4 is shown. The connecting device 4 for contacting the strands 2 comprises a base plate 20 and a clamping plate 21. The clamping plate 21 is provided with longitudinal grooves 30 ', which advantageously coincide with longitudinal grooves 30 of the support means 1. By means of clamping screws 18, the clamping plate 21 is connected to the base plate 20 and clamped in the end region of the support belt 1 with this. The strands 2 integrated in the suspension element 1 are advantageously arranged in a fixed geometric association with the longitudinal grooves 30 of the suspension element 1. The base plate has a contact guide 17. Since the clamping plate 21 is aligned over the longitudinal grooves 30 'exactly to the longitudinal grooves 30 of the support belt, and the base plate 20 in turn is aligned to the clamping plate 21 by means of the arrangement of the clamping screws 18, as a direct result, the integrated contact guide 17 in the base plate exactly on the arranged in the strap 1 strands 2.

The contact elements 5 are contact blades 49 in this example. The contact blades 49 are flat contact elements 5. The number of contact blades 49 depends on the number of wires 2 used. The contact blades 49 are aligned side by side with their facing flat sides. These contact blades 49 are inserted through the contact guide 17 and allow electrical contacting of the strands 2 by tips or cutting which is pressed into the end of the strand 2 and the adjacent region of the shell 3 become. A contact carrier 19 encloses and holds the contact blades 49 in their retracted position. The contact carrier 19 is fastened in the example shown by means of retaining screws 22 on the base plate 20. The contact carrier 19 and the contact guide 17 are preferably made of electrically insulating material, such as plastic or ceramic material. Alternatively, of course, the contact blades 49 with an insulating material (not shown) to be sheathed. For example, the contact blades 49 may be provided with an insulating ceramic coating and only end portions of the contact blade 49, which are provided for contacting the stranded wire 2 or for connecting power strips or cables, are designed without such a coating.

The contact carrier 19 may be designed directly as a plug connection 38, or it may also be connected to other units, for example a test unit 23, for example by means of soldered connections and electrical lines (not shown). This connection can also be carried out in a particularly simple manner by means of the plug connection 38 arranged or integrated on the contact carrier 19. A mating connector must then only be plugged into the connector 38.

The contact elements 5 can be arranged in one or more rows. In the examples according to Fig. 1 to 3 and 9 to 11 two-row arrangements of contact elements 5 are shown. The contact elements 5 are in this case strung together offset, so that in each case two adjacent strands 2 are contacted by contact elements 5 of different rows of contacts. This is advantageous because therefore a larger gap, or distance between the individual contact elements 5 is formed.

In the example according to Fig. 1 to 3 grab the double-row arranged contact elements 5 in a recess 12 and in the example according to Fig. 9 to 11 grab the two-row contact elements 5 in two recesses 12. This arrangement is interchangeable.

Of course, those skilled in the art can constructively modify and combine the illustrated embodiments. For example, he can integrate the contact guide 17 directly into the clamping plate 21 or he can perform the contact pins 5 in all examples as flat, blade-shaped contact blades 49, which are pressed into the strands or he can perform the contact pins 5 in all examples as round pins 10 , which are pressed into the strands. It is clear that in this case the contact guide 17 and possibly the shape of the contact carrier 19 of the shape of the contact pins 5, 10, 49 is adjusted. If flat contact blades 49 are used, analogously, as in the Fig. 5b and 5c Also, the flat blades are designed with spring-loaded elements.

Also, the clamping plate 21 may be provided with additional transverse grooves for better clamping of the support belt 1.

Of course, as in the remarks to the examples according to Fig. 1 to 3 and Fig. 9 to 11 explained in all embodiments, groups of contact elements 5 are formed, which electrically connect certain groups of strands 2 or all strands 2.

In an advantageous embodiment, a system 8 for contacting the support belt 1 with the corresponding connection device 4 and an enclosed strap portion is enclosed in a moisture-proofing capsule (not shown) or a protective compound such as silicone surrounds this system.

In Fig. 12 is a test unit 23 by means of power lines 24 with the system shown in simplified form 8, or the connection device 4, shown for contacting the support belt 1 at both ends of the support belt, thus at both ends of the support belt, a connection device is arranged. The test unit 23 is an electronic circuit which is at an interruption of the test current through the strands 2, because at both ends of the support belt. 1 in each case a system 8 is arranged, a warning signal, for example an optical or acoustic signal triggers. The individual strands 2 can, depending on Verschaltungsart, individually switched and evaluated or it is also possible to connect the individual strands 2 of the support belt 1 in series, so that several strands can be checked and monitored by means of the test current.

Within an electronic circuit of the test unit 23, for example, a test current can be evaluated. From this test unit many other switching stages can be controlled. For example, in the event of damage to one or more of the strands 2, an elevator installation can be automatically switched off or a warning signal for the users of the elevator installation can be triggered.

In a further embodiment of the test unit 23, other signals such as ultrasound or light may be used to test the condition of the strands 2, depending on the type of strand 2 used, instead of electrical current.

Advantageously, the test unit allows the strand 2 to determine the material thickness and thus the state of wear or defects or cracks and to locate. In addition, in an advantageous application, the number, size and distribution of cracks in the strands 2 can be determined.

In Fig. 13 is the system 8, or the connection device 4, for contacting the support belt 1 and the corresponding support strap 1 installed in an elevator system 40. The elevator system 40 includes at least one elevator car 41, a counterweight 42 and the support belt 1 and a traction sheave 43 with associated drive motor 44. The traction sheave 43 drives the suspension element 1 and thus moves the elevator car 41 and the counterweight 42 against each other. The drive motor 44 is controlled by an elevator control 45. The cabin 41 is designed to receive people and / or goods and to move between floors of a building transport. Cabin 41 and counterweight 42 are guided along guides. In the example, the cabin 41 and the counterweight 42 are connected to the drive pulley 43 suspended. This means that the carrying strap 1 runs with a higher speed via the drive 43, 44 in accordance with a transfer factor. In the example, the wrap factor is 2: 1. The length L of the support belt 1 corresponds in this embodiment, about a double maximum travel distance of the cabin plus design-related additional lengths.

The support means, or the support strap 1 is in this case fastened by means of a first support means attachment 47 in the building. It is further guided via a support roller 46 of the cab 41 to the traction sheave 43 and runs from there to the counterweight 42 where it is in turn deflected by means of a counterweight-side support roller 46 and guided to a second support means attachment 48. The Tragmittelbefestigungen 47, 48 conduct carrying forces of the support belt 1 into the building.

A loose end 1.1 of the support belt 1 is provided with the system 8, or the connection device 4, for contacting the support belt 1. In the example, such systems 8, or connecting devices 4 are attached to both ends of the support belt 1. These connection devices 4 are arranged in the areas of the support means ends 1.1. These areas are no longer burdened by the carrying capacity in the carrying strap 1, since this carrying capacity is already passed in advance in the building. In the example shown, the connection device 4 of the second support means attachment 48 is provided with a plug connection 38. In this connector 38 bridge elements 39 are connected, which connect strands of the support belt 1 together electrically. The connecting device 4 of the arranged at the other end of the support means 1 first support means 47 is connected in the example, by means of power lines 24 to the test unit 23, which test unit 23 performs the necessary monitoring and any measures directly in the elevator control 45 causes or generates corresponding service requirements. Also the Connecting device 4 of the first support means attachment 47 may be provided with a plug connection 38, which is advantageously integrated directly into the cover part 14 of the connection device 4, as in Fig. 4 exemplified. As a result, the test unit 23 can be connected directly to this connection device 4, using a corresponding plug. This makes it possible to use the test unit 23 as a temporary test unit or as a stationary test unit. The elevator installation 40 shown is exemplary. Other cap factors and arrangements are possible. The system 8, or the connecting device 4, for contacting the support belt 1 is then arranged according to the placement of the support means fastenings 47, 48. The test unit 23 can also, as in Fig. 12 shown schematically, both ends of the support belt 1 contact.

In Fig. 14 is another system 8, or connecting device 4, shown for contacting the support belt 1 and the corresponding support strap 1 in an elevator system 40. The elevator system 40 is basically as in Fig. 13 explained.

In contrast to Fig. 13 However, only a loose end 1.1 of the support belt 1 with the system 8, and the connecting device 4, for contacting the support belt 1 is provided. The connecting device 4 summarizes all the strands of the support belt 1 together. The test unit 23 checks whether the strap 1, or one of its electrically conductive strands has an electrically conductive contact to a deflection roller 46 or traction sheave 43. Some of the pulleys and traction sheave are grounded to E. Of course, further contact points such as contact brushes or the like along the support belt 1 may be arranged on a case-by-case basis. If the test unit establishes a contact between the strand 2 and one of the contact points or rollers 46, 43, it can be concluded from the duration of the contact in the manner of wear, as in our application EP1275605 explained.

In this embodiment, the opposite second end of the support belt can be left without contact elements. It's just like that to attach that the strands have no electrical contact with surrounding elevator, or continents.

In the FIGS. 15 and 16 a further embodiment of the connecting device 4 is shown, as in the elevator system according to Fig. 14 is used. The support belt 1 has at one end the recess 12, which extends on one side of the support belt 1 over the entire width thereof. The connection device 4 includes the ceiling part 14, the bottom part 13 and contact element 5. The bottom part 13 includes positioning 13.2, which allow accurate positioning of the contact element 5 in the bottom part. Base part and ceiling part are held together by means of fastening elements. These fasteners are either screwed, spring clips or self-locking, integrated directly into the housing parts compounds. Pressure points 13.3, which are arranged for example in the bottom part, press in the assembled state (see Fig. 16 ) Contact tongues 5.3, which are brought together in the contact element 5, to the strands 2 in the region of the recess 12 of the support belt 1. The ceiling element 14 has a suitable structure to in cooperation with the bottom part 13 and the contact element 5, as well as the strap 1 a contact make the reeds 5.3 to the strands 2. In the example shown, pressure points 13.3 each press a contact tongue 5.3 onto two strands 2. The contact tongues 5.3 are provided with an end-side bend. Thus, the contact tongue 5.3 is increasingly pressed into the strand 2 and a form of the contact tongue or the bottom part a spring effect is achieved, which holds the contact tongue in elastic contact with the strand 2. Of course, a pressure point per contact tongue and a single strand can of course also be provided. This depends inter alia on a dimension of the strand. In the example shown according to Fig. 16 a strand diameter is about 1.5 to 2.0 millimeters. If a single strand 2 'with a correspondingly larger diameter were used instead of two such strands 2, the same could be used

Execution of the connection device 4 can be used, as in Fig. 16 shown in dashed lines.

The connection device 4 closes all strands 2 together electrically and connecting tongues 5.4 allow a simple connection of the contact element 5 to the test unit 23, as in FIG Fig. 14 seen. Of course, in this example, the contact element 5 may be designed so that, for example, instead of a short-circuiting of all strands, only groups of strands are interconnected.

Overall, significant advantages are associated with the inventive strap 1 and the inventive system 8, and the connection device 4, for contacting a support belt 1. The contacting of the strands 2 by means of contact elements 5 is substantially improved. When contacting the strands 2 perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 31 of the strands, it is no longer necessary to pierce the jacket 3 of the support belt 1. As a result, the disadvantageous effects during the penetration of the jacket 3 by the contact elements 5 no longer occur during the contacting.

The illustrated examples can be combined in many details. Thus, of course, in the example according to the Fig. 9 to 11 shown spring contact parts 35 analogously in the solution variants of the examples of Fig. 1 to 3 . Fig. 7 to 8 and 15 to 16 , be used instead of the pins shown there 10, this is also possible vice versa. Also, the recesses of the Fig. 6, 6a and 6b can be combined. Of course, the person skilled in the art also recognizes that the top and bottom of the carrying strap can be exchanged.

Claims (15)

1. Supporting belt (1) of an elevator system, the supporting belt having a length (L) with two ends (1.1) and having, as viewed in cross section, a width (b), a first side (7.1) and a second side (7.2) situated opposite the first side (7.1), which sides (7.1, 7.2) extend over the width (b) of the supporting belt;
   the supporting belt comprising:

   - at least one strand (2) for accommodating a load component to be borne by the supporting belt, which strand (2) extends over the length (L) of the supporting belt,

   - a cover (3) composed of an electrically insulating material which encompasses the strand (2),

   characterized
   in that the supporting belt (1) has, at at least one of the two ends (1.1), a recess (12) which extends on the first side (7.1) over the entire width (b) and over a limited length segment (1) of the supporting belt (1),
   in that the cover (3) is removed in the region of the recess (12), and
   in that the strand (2) is exposed at least on the first side (7.1) of the supporting belt in the region of the recess (12).
2. Supporting belt according to Claim 1, characterized in that, in the region of the recess (12), the supporting belt (1) has no cover (3) on the first side (7.1) of a plane (7) lying substantially tangentially on the strand (2) or intersecting the strand (2), and has a cover (3) on the second side (7.2) of the plane (7).
3. Supporting belt according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the strand (2) is composed predominantly of an electrically conductive material, preferably of steel wires, and the electrically insulating cover (3) is composed of textile fibres, plastic and/or rubber.
4. Supporting belt according to Claim 3, characterized in that at least two strands (2) are arranged adjacent to one another and the cover (3) encloses the at least two strands (2) jointly and electrically insulates said strands from one another and exposes the at least two strands (2) in the region of the recess (12).
5. Supporting belt according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (3) is of at least two-layer construction, wherein a rear cover part (3.1) is used substantially for positioning the strand or the strands (2) during the manufacturing process, and a front cover part (3.2) fills out spaces between the strands and simultaneously forms a structure which meets requirements, preferably longitudinal grooves (30), wherein the first side (7.1) is arranged at the front cover part (3.2) or at the rear cover part (3.1).
6. Supporting belt according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recess (12) with the cover removed (3) is arranged, in the direction of a longitudinal axis (31), between two sub-segments with a fully formed cover (3), or in that the recess (12) with the cover (3) removed is arranged, in the direction of a longitudinal axis (31), at one end of the supporting belt (1).
7. Connection device (4) for the contacting of a supporting belt (1) designed according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 6, the connection device (4) comprising at least one contact element (5) which can be placed in contact with the at least one strand (2) of the supporting belt (1), wherein the strand (2) of the supporting belt (1) can be contacted by the contact element (5) in the region of the recess (12) without penetration of the cover (3), and wherein the contact element (5) which can be placed in contact with the at least one strand (2) is formed substantially in the manner of a bar or as a shaped spring contact part (35), wherein the contact end is integrated in a unipartite fashion in the spring contact part (35) or is attached as a contact head to the spring contact part (35).
8. Connection device (4) according to Claim 7, characterized in that the contact element (5) is formed with an acute-angled or obtuse-angled contact end, wherein the contact element (5) touches only one surface of the strand (2), or wherein the contact element (5) penetrates partially into the strand (2).
9. Connection device (4) according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that each strand (2) is assigned at least one contact element (5) and said contact elements (5) are arranged in one or more rows in the connection device, or in that one contact element (5) extends over all of the strands (2) jointly and electrically short-circuits said strands in the region of the recess (12).
10. Connection device (4) according to one or more of Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that a pressure force can be exerted on the contact element (5) by a spring (9), or in that the contact element (5) itself is of resilient design.
11. Connection device (4) according to one or more of Claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the connection device (4) is provided with a positioning structure, preferably longitudinal grooves (30'), which positioning structure interacts with a structure, which meets requirements, of the supporting belt, preferably longitudinal grooves (30), in order to align the connection device on the supporting belt.
12. Connection device (4) according to one or more of Claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the contact element (5) is connected to a connector strip (38) arranged on the connection device (4) or to a connector (38.1), wherein preferably the contact element (5) and the connector strip (38) or the connector (38.1) are integrated in a printed circuit board, and said printed circuit board has conductor paths and/or electronic components as required.
13. Method for manufacturing a supporting belt (1), according to one of Claims 1 to 6, for an elevator system, having the steps:

    - producing at least one strand (2) and

    - enclosing the strand (2) with a cover (3),

    - removing the cover (3) over an entire width (b) of the supporting belt in the region of a recess (12), such that the strand (2) is exposed at least on a first side (7.1) of the supporting belt in the region of the recess (12).
14. Method according to Claim 13, characterized in that the cover (3) is mechanically, chemically or thermally removed in the region of the recess (12).
15. Elevator system having an elevator cabin (41) and a counterweight (42) which are connected, borne and driven by means of a supporting belt (1), wherein the supporting belt (1) is designed according to one of Claims 1 to 6 and the elevator system furthermore comprises a connection device (4), for the contacting of the supporting belt (1), according to one of Claims 7 to 12.

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