What? Elevators are actually driven by “belts”!?

Elevators are one of the great inventions of modern society, bringing tremendous convenience to vertical transportation. The principle behind elevator operation is that the drive machine connects to the cabin via a suspension system, transporting passengers to specified floors.

As shown in the image above, the elevator uses a traction system to connect the cabin with the drive machine. Let’s take a closer look at one type of traction device used in elevators.

In the past, traction steel ropes were the most commonly used. However, with technological advancements, traction belts have been adopted by manufacturers in new elevator installations in recent years. Today, let’s explore how traction belts are utilized in elevators.

Traction Belts

Composite steel belts have a longer lifespan, lighter weight, and last 2 to 3 times longer than traditional steel ropes. They are also around 20% lighter than traditional steel ropes.

Durability: Each composite steel belt contains multiple high-tension steel wires.

Space-Saving: The drive machine can be smaller, saving shaft space.

Smooth and Quiet Operation: These belts provide stable and comfortable operation with minimal noise.

However, compared to steel ropes, traction belts have higher installation requirements.

Maintenance: Traction belts need regular cleaning and maintenance, as any debris or foreign objects on the belt’s surface can lead to increased noise and vibration during elevator operation if not promptly removed.

Inspection: Internal wire breaks in the belt cannot be observed visually and must be detected using specific devices.

Limitations: They are not suitable for high-rise, high-speed elevators.

A traction belt is considered to have reached its end-of-life technical conditions if any of the following situations occur:

Cracks, indentations, bends, punctures, dents, or bulges appear on the belt.

Any strand within the belt breaks.

The inner steel wires are exposed due to wear or external damage to the belt surface.

Severe rusting is present on the belt.

The traction force of the belt does not meet the requirements outlined in GB 7588—2003, section 9.3 a) or b).