WO2007032763A1 - Method of making a load bearing member for an elevator system - Google Patents

Method of making a load bearing member for an elevator system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007032763A1
WO2007032763A1 PCT/US2005/032413 US2005032413W WO2007032763A1 WO 2007032763 A1 WO2007032763 A1 WO 2007032763A1 US 2005032413 W US2005032413 W US 2005032413W WO 2007032763 A1 WO2007032763 A1 WO 2007032763A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
layer
jacket
load bearing
tension member
jacket layer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2005/032413
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Hugh O'donnell
Hubert E. Goeser
Original Assignee
Otis Elevator Company
Contitech Antriebssysteme Gmbh
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=37865240&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=WO2007032763(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Priority to ES05796614.5T priority Critical patent/ES2402930T5/en
Priority to PCT/US2005/032413 priority patent/WO2007032763A1/en
Priority to BRPI0520538-7A priority patent/BRPI0520538A2/en
Priority to KR1020087008023A priority patent/KR100972796B1/en
Priority to CN2005800515524A priority patent/CN101370658B/en
Application filed by Otis Elevator Company, Contitech Antriebssysteme Gmbh filed Critical Otis Elevator Company
Priority to JP2008531064A priority patent/JP4903799B2/en
Priority to EP05796614.5A priority patent/EP1960196B2/en
Priority to US12/066,389 priority patent/US8052820B2/en
Publication of WO2007032763A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007032763A1/en
Priority to HK09107268.1A priority patent/HK1129871A1/en
Priority to US13/241,759 priority patent/US20120015187A1/en

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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B37/00Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B37/00Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
    • B32B37/14Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers
    • B32B37/15Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with at least one layer being manufactured and immediately laminated before reaching its stable state, e.g. in which a layer is extruded and laminated while in semi-molten state
    • B32B37/153Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with at least one layer being manufactured and immediately laminated before reaching its stable state, e.g. in which a layer is extruded and laminated while in semi-molten state at least one layer is extruded and immediately laminated while in semi-molten state
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B15/00Layered products comprising a layer of metal
    • B32B15/18Layered products comprising a layer of metal comprising iron or steel
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/06Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B27/08Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/40Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyurethanes
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B3/00Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form
    • B32B3/02Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions
    • B32B3/08Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions characterised by added members at particular parts
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B3/00Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form
    • B32B3/26Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layer; characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids ; characterised by an apertured layer
    • B32B3/30Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layer; characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids ; characterised by an apertured layer characterised by a layer formed with recesses or projections, e.g. hollows, grooves, protuberances, ribs
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/02Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by structural features of a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B32B5/12Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by structural features of a fibrous or filamentary layer characterised by the relative arrangement of fibres or filaments of different layers, e.g. the fibres or filaments being parallel or perpendicular to each other
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B7/00Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/02Physical, chemical or physicochemical properties
    • B32B7/022Mechanical properties
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66BELEVATORS; ESCALATORS OR MOVING WALKWAYS
    • B66B11/00Main component parts of lifts in, or associated with, buildings or other structures
    • B66B11/04Driving gear ; Details thereof, e.g. seals
    • B66B11/08Driving gear ; Details thereof, e.g. seals with hoisting rope or cable operated by frictional engagement with a winding drum or sheave
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66BELEVATORS; ESCALATORS OR MOVING WALKWAYS
    • B66B7/00Other common features of elevators
    • B66B7/06Arrangements of ropes or cables
    • B66B7/062Belts
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2305/00Condition, form or state of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2305/08Reinforcements
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/50Properties of the layers or laminate having particular mechanical properties
    • B32B2307/538Roughness
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/50Properties of the layers or laminate having particular mechanical properties
    • B32B2307/54Yield strength; Tensile strength
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70Other properties
    • B32B2307/744Non-slip, anti-slip
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2419/00Buildings or parts thereof
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D07ROPES; CABLES OTHER THAN ELECTRIC
    • D07BROPES OR CABLES IN GENERAL
    • D07B2201/00Ropes or cables
    • D07B2201/10Rope or cable structures
    • D07B2201/1004General structure or appearance
    • D07B2201/1008Several parallel ropes
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D07ROPES; CABLES OTHER THAN ELECTRIC
    • D07BROPES OR CABLES IN GENERAL
    • D07B2201/00Ropes or cables
    • D07B2201/20Rope or cable components
    • D07B2201/2083Jackets or coverings
    • D07B2201/2087Jackets or coverings being of the coated type
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D07ROPES; CABLES OTHER THAN ELECTRIC
    • D07BROPES OR CABLES IN GENERAL
    • D07B2201/00Ropes or cables
    • D07B2201/20Rope or cable components
    • D07B2201/2083Jackets or coverings
    • D07B2201/2088Jackets or coverings having multiple layers
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D07ROPES; CABLES OTHER THAN ELECTRIC
    • D07BROPES OR CABLES IN GENERAL
    • D07B2501/00Application field
    • D07B2501/20Application field related to ropes or cables
    • D07B2501/2007Elevators
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/29Coated or structually defined flake, particle, cell, strand, strand portion, rod, filament, macroscopic fiber or mass thereof
    • Y10T428/2913Rod, strand, filament or fiber
    • Y10T428/2933Coated or with bond, impregnation or core
    • Y10T428/2938Coating on discrete and individual rods, strands or filaments
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/29Coated or structually defined flake, particle, cell, strand, strand portion, rod, filament, macroscopic fiber or mass thereof
    • Y10T428/2913Rod, strand, filament or fiber
    • Y10T428/2933Coated or with bond, impregnation or core
    • Y10T428/294Coated or with bond, impregnation or core including metal or compound thereof [excluding glass, ceramic and asbestos]
    • Y10T428/2942Plural coatings
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/29Coated or structually defined flake, particle, cell, strand, strand portion, rod, filament, macroscopic fiber or mass thereof
    • Y10T428/2913Rod, strand, filament or fiber
    • Y10T428/2933Coated or with bond, impregnation or core
    • Y10T428/294Coated or with bond, impregnation or core including metal or compound thereof [excluding glass, ceramic and asbestos]
    • Y10T428/2942Plural coatings
    • Y10T428/2947Synthetic resin or polymer in plural coatings, each of different type

Definitions

  • This invention generally relates to elevator systems. More particularly, this invention relates to a load bearing member for elevator systems.
  • Traction-based systems typically include an elevator car, a counterweight and load bearing members that support the car and counterweight.
  • the car moves between different levels because of traction between the load bearing members and a traction sheave, for example.
  • Elevator system load bearing members come in various forms. For many years steel ropes were used. More recently, other load bearing members have been introduced. Some examples include flat belts having a plurality of tension members encased in a urethane jacket. Some examples include steel cords as the tension members while others include aramid materials as the tension members.
  • known manufacturing methods typically result in a plurality of grooves in at least one exterior surface of the jacket. These grooves result from known manufacturing processes.
  • An example load bearing member for use in an elevator system includes at least one tension member and a jacket generally surrounding the tension member.
  • the jacket does not have any exterior grooves.
  • the jacket in one example is made by a process including placing at least one tension member adjacent one side of a first jacket layer comprising a polymer and adding a second jacket layer comprising a urethane to at least the one side of the first jacket layer such that the tension member is between the first and second layers.
  • the tension member comprises a plurality of steel cords.
  • the first and second layers are made from the same material comprising urethane.
  • different materials are selected for each of the layers.
  • the different materials have different friction characteristics.
  • An example method of making a load bearing member for use in an elevator system includes placing at least one tension member adjacent one side of a first jacket layer comprising a polymer. Adding a second layer comprising urethane to at least the one side of the first layer completes the load bearing member with the tension member between the first and second layers.
  • the method includes heating the tension member sufficiently to cause at least partial melting of the first layer in the vicinity of the tension member. This ensures a good bond between the tension member and the first layer, for example.
  • the second layer is extruded onto the first layer. The temperature of the extruded material is sufficient to provide bonding between the first and second layers.
  • Figure 1 schematically shows selected portions of an elevator system.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic, perspective end view of an example embodiment of a load bearing member.
  • Figure 3 schematically illustrates an arrangement for making one example embodiment of a load bearing member.
  • FIGS 4A-4C schematically illustrate selected features of an example manufacturing process.
  • FIG. 1 schematically shows selected portions of an elevator system 20.
  • An elevator car 22 and a counterweight 24 are suspended by a load bearing member 30. Traction between the load bearing member 30 and a traction sheave 26 allows desired movement of the elevator car 22 as known.
  • Figure 2 shows an end view of one example load bearing member 30 designed according to an embodiment of this invention.
  • a plurality of tension members 32 are encased in a jacket 34 that comprises urethane.
  • a first layer 36 comprises a polymer, which includes a urethane in some examples.
  • Other example polymers include polypropylene and polyethylene.
  • a second layer 38 comprises urethane in some examples.
  • the first and second layers are different from each other in some respect. In another example, the same material is used for both layers.
  • the illustrated example is a flat belt. This invention is not limited to a particular geometry or configuration of the load bearing member 30.
  • an exterior surface 40 of the second layer 38 does not include any grooves.
  • the exterior surface 40 is grooveless. This is different than known arrangements where grooves that are generally perpendicular to the length of the load bearing member 30 are spaced along at least one exterior surface of the jacket.
  • an exterior surface 42 of the first layer 36 does not have any grooves.
  • FIG. 3 schematically shows an arrangement 50 for making the example embodiment of Figure 2.
  • a molding device 52 includes a mold wheel 54.
  • the mold wheel 54 in this example differs from conventional mold wheels used for making coated steel belts, for example. While such traditional mold wheels had a plurality of bridges for supporting the tension members 32 during the molding process, the surface 55 ( Figure 4A) of the mold wheel 54 does not have any such bridges.
  • the outer surface 55 of the mold wheel 54 supports the first layer 36.
  • the first layer 36 is premade and provided from a first layer supply 56 such as a reel.
  • the first layer 36 in this example is preformed to have a desired width and thickness corresponding to a finish width of the load bearing member 30.
  • the first layer 36 is received within a well 58 on the mold wheel 54. In this position, one side 60 of the first layer 36 is facing outward relative to a center of the mold wheel 54.
  • the tension member 32 is provided from a supply 64 such as a reel, for example.
  • a supply 64 such as a reel
  • a plurality of reels of steel cords are fed into the mold 52 along with the first layer 36.
  • the first layer 36 is supported on the exterior surface 55 of the mold wheel 54 and the tension members 32 are supported on the first layer 36.
  • This is schematically shown, for example, in Figure 4B.
  • the tension members 32 are received against the one side 60 of the first layer 36 in this example.
  • a heater 66 heats the tension members 32 before they enter the mold 52.
  • the heated tension members cause localized melting of at least a portion of the first layer 36 in the vicinity of the tension members 32. Such partial melting provides for bonding the tension members 32 to the first layer 36 and provides a desired pull out strength.
  • Various heater devices may be used to increase the temperature of the tension members 32 to meet the needs of a particular situation.
  • a supply 70 of a urethane material feeds the material into an extruder 72.
  • the urethane material from the supply 70 is then extruded into the mold 52 to form the second layer 38 within the mold 52.
  • Figure 4C schematically shows the first layer 36, the tension members 32 and the second layer 38 as formed within the mold 52.
  • the load bearing member 30 exits the mold 52 and is finished in a known manner in a finishing station 76.
  • One example includes a cooling bath for cooling the polymer materials of the jacket 34. Any surface texturing or dimensional controls can be accomplished in a known manner within the finishing station 76.
  • Utilizing a first layer 36 of a jacket to support at least one tension member 32 within a mold eliminates the need for using bridges associated with conventional molding techniques for supporting the tension member 32 within the mold. Eliminating such bridges eliminates the resulting grooves that are associated with conventional arrangements. Accordingly, the disclosed example provides the advantage of being able to have an exterior jacket 34 of a load bearing member 30 with grooveless exterior surfaces (facing opposite from each other in the case of a flat belt, for example). Having a grooveless exterior surface eliminates a significant source of potential noise and vibration in an elevator system.
  • the materials selected for the first layer 36 and the second layer 38 are selected based upon friction characteristics of those materials. In one example, different materials are selected to have different friction characteristics for the exterior surfaces 40 and 42, respectively. In another example, at least one of the materials for at least one of the layers has a different color than the other. In still another example, at least one of the materials selected for at least one of the layers has a characteristic that facilitates visual inspection techniques that can be used for determining a condition of the load bearing member 30 within an elevator system.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Lift-Guide Devices, And Elevator Ropes And Cables (AREA)
  • Cage And Drive Apparatuses For Elevators (AREA)
  • Ropes Or Cables (AREA)

Abstract

A method of making a load bearing member (30) for an elevator system (20) includes placing at least one tension member (32) adjacent one side (60) of a first layer (36) of a polymer material. A second layer (38), comprising a urethane in a disclosed example, is added adjacent to at least the one side (60) of the first layer (36) such that the tension member (32) is between the first layer (36) and the second layer (38). Such a technique allows for eliminating the bridges typically used to support the tension members in molding devices. Eliminating such bridges eliminates the resulting grooves associated with previous arrangements. Providing a grooveless exterior on the jacket (34) of the load bearing member (30) eliminates a significant source of potential vibration and noise in an elevator system.

Description

METHOD OF MAKING A LOAD BEARING MEMBER FOR AN ELEVATOR SYSTEM
1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to elevator systems. More particularly, this invention relates to a load bearing member for elevator systems.
2. Description of the Related Art There are several known types of elevator systems. Traction-based systems typically include an elevator car, a counterweight and load bearing members that support the car and counterweight. The car moves between different levels because of traction between the load bearing members and a traction sheave, for example.
Elevator system load bearing members come in various forms. For many years steel ropes were used. More recently, other load bearing members have been introduced. Some examples include flat belts having a plurality of tension members encased in a urethane jacket. Some examples include steel cords as the tension members while others include aramid materials as the tension members.
Regardless of the selected materials, known manufacturing methods typically result in a plurality of grooves in at least one exterior surface of the jacket. These grooves result from known manufacturing processes.
One difficulty associated with such grooves is that they tend to introduce noise and vibration during elevator system operation as the grooves contact the traction sheave, for example. Various arrangements have been proposed for minimizing the vibration and noise-generating effects of such grooves.
It would be beneficial to be able to eliminate the grooves entirely. This invention addresses that need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An example load bearing member for use in an elevator system includes at least one tension member and a jacket generally surrounding the tension member. The jacket does not have any exterior grooves. The jacket in one example is made by a process including placing at least one tension member adjacent one side of a first jacket layer comprising a polymer and adding a second jacket layer comprising a urethane to at least the one side of the first jacket layer such that the tension member is between the first and second layers. In one example, the tension member comprises a plurality of steel cords. In one example, there are a plurality of tension members.
In one example, the first and second layers are made from the same material comprising urethane. In another example, different materials are selected for each of the layers. In one example, the different materials have different friction characteristics.
An example method of making a load bearing member for use in an elevator system includes placing at least one tension member adjacent one side of a first jacket layer comprising a polymer. Adding a second layer comprising urethane to at least the one side of the first layer completes the load bearing member with the tension member between the first and second layers.
In one example, the method includes heating the tension member sufficiently to cause at least partial melting of the first layer in the vicinity of the tension member. This ensures a good bond between the tension member and the first layer, for example. In one example, the second layer is extruded onto the first layer. The temperature of the extruded material is sufficient to provide bonding between the first and second layers.
The various features and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of a currently preferred embodiment. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 schematically shows selected portions of an elevator system. Figure 2 is a schematic, perspective end view of an example embodiment of a load bearing member. Figure 3 schematically illustrates an arrangement for making one example embodiment of a load bearing member.
Figures 4A-4C schematically illustrate selected features of an example manufacturing process.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Figure 1 schematically shows selected portions of an elevator system 20. An elevator car 22 and a counterweight 24 are suspended by a load bearing member 30. Traction between the load bearing member 30 and a traction sheave 26 allows desired movement of the elevator car 22 as known.
Figure 2 shows an end view of one example load bearing member 30 designed according to an embodiment of this invention. In the example of Figure 2, a plurality of tension members 32 are encased in a jacket 34 that comprises urethane. In the illustrated example, a first layer 36 comprises a polymer, which includes a urethane in some examples. Other example polymers include polypropylene and polyethylene. A second layer 38 comprises urethane in some examples. In one example, the first and second layers are different from each other in some respect. In another example, the same material is used for both layers.
The illustrated example is a flat belt. This invention is not limited to a particular geometry or configuration of the load bearing member 30.
One feature of the illustrated example is that an exterior surface 40 of the second layer 38 does not include any grooves. In other words, the exterior surface 40 is grooveless. This is different than known arrangements where grooves that are generally perpendicular to the length of the load bearing member 30 are spaced along at least one exterior surface of the jacket.
Similarly, an exterior surface 42 of the first layer 36 does not have any grooves.
In one example, one or both of the exterior surfaces 40 and 42 may be textured to provide a desired friction characteristic, for example. In general, a smooth, grooveless exterior surface provides sufficient traction characteristics and avoids noise generation that has been associated with load bearing members that include exterior grooves on a jacket. Figure 3 schematically shows an arrangement 50 for making the example embodiment of Figure 2. A molding device 52 includes a mold wheel 54. The mold wheel 54 in this example differs from conventional mold wheels used for making coated steel belts, for example. While such traditional mold wheels had a plurality of bridges for supporting the tension members 32 during the molding process, the surface 55 (Figure 4A) of the mold wheel 54 does not have any such bridges. In this example, the outer surface 55 of the mold wheel 54 supports the first layer 36. In one example, the first layer 36 is premade and provided from a first layer supply 56 such as a reel. The first layer 36 in this example is preformed to have a desired width and thickness corresponding to a finish width of the load bearing member 30.
As schematically shown in Figure 4A, the first layer 36 is received within a well 58 on the mold wheel 54. In this position, one side 60 of the first layer 36 is facing outward relative to a center of the mold wheel 54.
The tension member 32 is provided from a supply 64 such as a reel, for example. In one example, a plurality of reels of steel cords are fed into the mold 52 along with the first layer 36. The first layer 36 is supported on the exterior surface 55 of the mold wheel 54 and the tension members 32 are supported on the first layer 36. This is schematically shown, for example, in Figure 4B. The tension members 32 are received against the one side 60 of the first layer 36 in this example. In the example of Figure 3, a heater 66 heats the tension members 32 before they enter the mold 52. The heated tension members cause localized melting of at least a portion of the first layer 36 in the vicinity of the tension members 32. Such partial melting provides for bonding the tension members 32 to the first layer 36 and provides a desired pull out strength. Various heater devices may be used to increase the temperature of the tension members 32 to meet the needs of a particular situation.
In the example of Figure 3, a supply 70 of a urethane material feeds the material into an extruder 72. The urethane material from the supply 70 is then extruded into the mold 52 to form the second layer 38 within the mold 52. This is one example way of adding a second layer 38 to the first layer 36. Figure 4C schematically shows the first layer 36, the tension members 32 and the second layer 38 as formed within the mold 52. The load bearing member 30 exits the mold 52 and is finished in a known manner in a finishing station 76. One example includes a cooling bath for cooling the polymer materials of the jacket 34. Any surface texturing or dimensional controls can be accomplished in a known manner within the finishing station 76. Utilizing a first layer 36 of a jacket to support at least one tension member 32 within a mold eliminates the need for using bridges associated with conventional molding techniques for supporting the tension member 32 within the mold. Eliminating such bridges eliminates the resulting grooves that are associated with conventional arrangements. Accordingly, the disclosed example provides the advantage of being able to have an exterior jacket 34 of a load bearing member 30 with grooveless exterior surfaces (facing opposite from each other in the case of a flat belt, for example). Having a grooveless exterior surface eliminates a significant source of potential noise and vibration in an elevator system.
In one example, the materials selected for the first layer 36 and the second layer 38 are selected based upon friction characteristics of those materials. In one example, different materials are selected to have different friction characteristics for the exterior surfaces 40 and 42, respectively. In another example, at least one of the materials for at least one of the layers has a different color than the other. In still another example, at least one of the materials selected for at least one of the layers has a characteristic that facilitates visual inspection techniques that can be used for determining a condition of the load bearing member 30 within an elevator system.
The preceding description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not necessarily depart from the essence of this invention. The scope of legal protection given to this invention can only be determined by studying the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:
1. A method of making a load bearing member for use in an elevator system, comprising the steps of:
(A) placing at least one tension member adjacent one side of a first jacket layer; and
(B) adding a second jacket layer adjacent to at least the one side of the first jacket layer such that the tension member is between the first and second jacket layers.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein step (A) includes at least partially melting the first jacket layer in the vicinity of the tension member.
3. The method of claim 2, including heating the tension member to a temperature sufficient to cause the melting.
4. The method of claim 1, including heating the tension member prior to performing step (A).
5. The method of claim 1, wherein step (B) includes extruding the second jacket layer onto the one side of the first jacket layer.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein step (B) includes using a temperature of at least one of the first or second jacket layers sufficient to cause at least partial melting of at least one of the layers to thereby bond the first and second layers together.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein step (A) includes using a preformed first jacket layer and supporting the tension member on the one side of the first jacket layer.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein step (A) includes supporting the preformed first jacket layer on a mold wheel with the one side facing away from an axis of rotation of the mold wheel.
9. The method of claim 1, including using a plurality of tension members.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the tension member comprises a steel cord.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the first jacket layer comprises a polymer and the second jacket layer comprises urethane.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the polymer comprises urethane.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first jacket layer urethane is different than the second j acket layer urethane.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the first jacket layer has a first friction characteristic and the second jacket layer has a second, different friction characteristic.
15. A load bearing member for use in an elevator system comprising at least one tension member generally surrounded by a jacket made by a process according to any one of claims 1 through 14.
16. A load bearing member for use in an elevator system comprising at least one tension member generally surrounded by a jacket made by a process comprising:
(A) placing the at least one tension member adjacent one side of a first jacket layer; and
(B) adding a second jacket layer adjacent to at least the one side of the first jacket layer such that the tension member is between the first and second jacket layers.
17. The load bearing member of claim 16, wherein step (A) includes at least partially melting the first layer in the vicinity of the tension member.
18. The load bearing member of claim 17, including heating the tension member to a temperature sufficient to cause the melting of the first layer.
19. The load bearing member of claim 16, wherein step (B) includes extruding the second layer onto the one side of the first layer.
20. The load bearing member of claim 16, wherein the jacket has a grooveless exterior.
PCT/US2005/032413 2005-09-13 2005-09-13 Method of making a load bearing member for an elevator system WO2007032763A1 (en)

Priority Applications (10)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/066,389 US8052820B2 (en) 2005-09-13 2005-09-13 Method of making a load bearing member for an elevator system
PCT/US2005/032413 WO2007032763A1 (en) 2005-09-13 2005-09-13 Method of making a load bearing member for an elevator system
BRPI0520538-7A BRPI0520538A2 (en) 2005-09-13 2005-09-13 method for producing a load carrier member for use in an elevator system, and a load carrier member for use in an elevator system
KR1020087008023A KR100972796B1 (en) 2005-09-13 2005-09-13 Method of making a load bearing member for an elevator system
CN2005800515524A CN101370658B (en) 2005-09-13 2005-09-13 Method for fabricating bearing component used in elevator system
ES05796614.5T ES2402930T5 (en) 2005-09-13 2005-09-13 Method of manufacturing a load bearing element for an elevator system
JP2008531064A JP4903799B2 (en) 2005-09-13 2005-09-13 Method for manufacturing load support member for elevator system
EP05796614.5A EP1960196B2 (en) 2005-09-13 2005-09-13 Method of making a load bearing member for an elevator system
HK09107268.1A HK1129871A1 (en) 2005-09-13 2009-08-07 Method of making a load bearing member for an elevator system
US13/241,759 US20120015187A1 (en) 2005-09-13 2011-09-23 Method of making a load bearing member for an elevator system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2005/032413 WO2007032763A1 (en) 2005-09-13 2005-09-13 Method of making a load bearing member for an elevator system

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US (2) US8052820B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1960196B2 (en)
JP (1) JP4903799B2 (en)
KR (1) KR100972796B1 (en)
CN (1) CN101370658B (en)
BR (1) BRPI0520538A2 (en)
ES (1) ES2402930T5 (en)
HK (1) HK1129871A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2007032763A1 (en)

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JP2009507742A (en) 2009-02-26
KR20080050462A (en) 2008-06-05
US20080226910A1 (en) 2008-09-18
EP1960196B1 (en) 2013-01-16
CN101370658A (en) 2009-02-18
EP1960196A4 (en) 2010-09-22
BRPI0520538A2 (en) 2009-06-13
CN101370658B (en) 2012-05-09
EP1960196A1 (en) 2008-08-27
US8052820B2 (en) 2011-11-08
ES2402930T5 (en) 2016-12-05
US20120015187A1 (en) 2012-01-19
KR100972796B1 (en) 2010-07-29
ES2402930T3 (en) 2013-05-10
HK1129871A1 (en) 2009-12-11
EP1960196B2 (en) 2016-06-22
JP4903799B2 (en) 2012-03-28

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