Exemplary embodiments pertain to the field of load-bearing traction members such as for elevator systems.
Load-bearing members can be used in a wide variety of mechanical equipment and processes. One example of a use for load-bearing members is in transportation such as for elevator or escalator systems. Elevator systems typically include a cab and a counterweight that move within a hoistway to transport passengers or cargo to different landings within a building. A load-bearing member such as a cable or belt connects the cab and counterweight, and during operation the load-bearing moves over one or more sheaves mounted to the building structure as the cab and counterweight move to different positions.
A common configuration for load-bearing members includes a tension member core such as one or more steel cords and a polymer jacket disposed around the core. The cords act as the load supporting tension member, while the jacket holds the cords in a stable position relative to each other, and provides a frictional load path to provide traction for driving the belt. However, such steel cords can render the lifting member too heavy for high rise elevator use. Carbon fiber belts, utilizing composite tension elements in the load bearing member will provide improved strength to weight advantages compared to steel cord belt. Such belts, however, require a relatively rigid thermoset matrix to protect fragile carbon fiber, and such a matrix material can reduce flexibility of the lifting member.
A lifting member for an elevator system is disclosed, comprising a rope formed from a plurality of strands comprising liquid crystal polymer fibers, with the strands extending along a length of the lifting member. A first polymer coating is disposed on outer surfaces of the fibers or on outer surfaces of the strands. A second polymer coating disposed over the first polymer coating.
In some embodiments, the first polymer includes active groups selected from glycidyl, carboxyl, amino, silane, isocyanate, amide or hydroxyl.
In any one or combination of the foregoing embodiments, the first polymer coating comprises an acrylic polymer, an epoxy polymer, a urethane polymer, silane grafted polymer, melamine resins, or acrylamide polymer.
In any one or combination of the foregoing embodiments, the liquid crystal polymer comprises an aromatic polyester.
In any one or combination of the foregoing embodiments, the strands comprise at least 50 wt. % liquid crystal polymer fibers, based on total weight of the strands.
In any one or combination of the foregoing embodiments, the strands further comprise fibers selected from carbon fibers, glass fibers, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fibers, polybenzoxazole fibers, or polyamide fibers.
In any one or combination of the foregoing embodiments, the second polymer coating comprises an elastomeric polymer selected from thermoplastic polyurethane, polyamides, olefins, elastomers, EPDM, fluoropolymers, chloropolymers, chlorosulfurno elastomers.
In any one or combination of the foregoing embodiments, the lifting member can further comprise a third coating over the second coating, comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane or ethylene propylene diene polymer.
In any one or combination of the foregoing embodiments, the third polymer coating further includes a flame retardant, or a UV stabilizer, or both a flame retardant and a UV stabilizer.
A method of making the lifting element of any one or combination of the foregoing embodiments is also disclosed. According to the method, a plurality of strands is provided comprising liquid crystal polymer fiber filaments, with the fiber filaments or said strands coated with the first polymer or a precursor to the first polymer. The plurality of strands are formed into a rope, and the second polymer is disposed over the plurality of strands.
In some embodiments, the aforementioned method further comprises forming the strands from said liquid crystal polymer fiber filaments, with the filaments coated with the first polymer or precursor to the first polymer.
Another method of making the lifting element of any one or combination of the foregoing embodiments is also disclosed. According to the method, a plurality of strands comprising liquid crystal polymer fiber filaments are formed into a rope, and the rope is impregnated with a fluid composition comprising the first polymer or a precursor to the first polymer. The second polymer is then disposed over the impregnated strands.
An elevator system is also disclosed, comprising a hoistway, an elevator car disposed in the hoistway and movable therein, and a lifting member according to any one or combination of the foregoing embodiments. The lifting member is operably connected to the elevator car to suspend and/or drive the elevator car along the hoistway.
The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:
A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.
Shown in
The sheaves 18 each have a diameter 20, which may be the same or different than the diameters of the other sheaves 18 in the elevator system 10. At least one of the sheaves could be a drive sheave 26. The drive sheave 26 is driven by a machine 24. Movement of the drive sheave 26 by the machine 24 drives, moves and/or propels (through traction) the one or more lifting members 16 that are routed around the drive sheave 26. At least one of the sheaves 18 could be a diverter, deflector or idler sheave 18. Diverter, deflector or idler sheaves 18 are not driven by the machine 24, but help guide the one or more lifting members 16 around the various components of the elevator system 10.
In some embodiments, the elevator system 10 could use two or more lifting members 16 for suspending and/or driving the elevator car 12. In addition, the elevator system 10 could have various configurations such that either both sides of the one or more lifting members 16 engage the one or more sheaves 18 (such as shown in the exemplary elevator systems in
With reference now to
The disclosure is further described and explained below with reference to cross-sectional views shown in
With continued reference to
In some embodiments, the first polymer coating 40 (or precursors thereof, e.g., monomers, pre-polymers, curing agents, or other reactants that form the final polymer) can be disposed onto the fibers as part of manufacture of the fibers, yarns, or strands. In some embodiments, fiber filaments can be coated with the first polymer as part of the fiber filament manufacturing process. In alternate embodiments, the first polymer coating can be applied as part of rope manufacturing, e.g., spraying or dipping the strands in a fluid composition comprising the first polymer or precursors thereof prior to application of the second polymer 42. Strands of the rope or the entire rope can be formed through operations such as twisting, winding, or braiding prior to, during, or after spraying or dipping with the fluid composition for forming the first polymer coating 40. In some embodiments, the first polymer coating can undergo a curing reaction (including a partial or post-cure reaction) in response to application of the second polymer 42 and/or in response to the conditions under which the second polymer 42 is applied.
The second polymer 42 can be applied by various mechanisms, including but not limited to extrusion, pultrusion, dip coating, spray coating, brush coating, or other coating methods. As with the first polymer coating 40, strands of the rope or the entire rope can be formed through operations such as twisting, winding, or braiding prior to application of the second polymer 42. For example, with respect to application of the second polymer by extrusion or pultrusion in the case of a rope as shown in
In some embodiments, the In some embodiments, including as shown in
In some embodiments, the outer surface of the rope can have characteristics that promote target performance for factors such as wear, abrasion, surface energy (e.g., for sliding performance). In some embodiments, the outer surface of the rope can be characterized by a hardness of at least 75 Shore A, or at least 80 Shore A, or at least 85 Shore A, or at least 90 Shore A, in each case according to according to DIN ISO 7619-1 (3s). Shore A hardness can range up as high as 62 D (greater than 100 A). In some embodiments, desired outer surface properties can be provided by the second polymer 42. In some embodiments, a third layer such as the third polymer layer 46 shown in
The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application. For example, “about” can include a range of ±8% or 5%, or 2% of a given value.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Unless otherwise stated, the term “or” means “and/or”. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof.
While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.
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20200048043 A1 | Feb 2020 | US |