In the operation of an elevator, the governor–safety gear linkage system ensures the car runs safely by preventing overspeed conditions.
Within this system, the governor tension device acts as the key intermediary, maintaining proper coordination between the governor and the safety gear.
It plays an essential role in ensuring stable system performance and is an indispensable protection component in the elevator’s safety mechanism.
How It Works
In the overspeed governor system, the rotation of the governor sheave is driven by friction between the wire rope and the rope groove.
To keep this rotation stable and consistent, the governor rope must maintain sufficient tension—usually achieved through a counterweight mechanism.
Adequate tension prevents rope slippage on the sheave, ensuring that the governor can accurately trigger the safety gear when overspeed occurs.
If the governor rope becomes slack, elongated, or broken, the system may fail to activate the safety gear correctly, posing a significant safety hazard.
To prevent this, the tension device is equipped with an electrical safety switch (tension pulley switch) that continuously monitors the rope’s tension state.
When abnormal tension is detected, the switch automatically cuts power, ensuring elevator operation is stopped safely—providing reliable protection for passengers and equipment.
Structure and Classification
The tension device typically includes a tension pulley, bracket, tension pulley switch, and counterweight or spring mechanism.
According to the source of tension, it can be divided into:
Counterweight Type – further classified as vertical or side-mounted, suitable for most standard elevators.
Spring Type – compact and maintenance-free, mainly used for low-rise, low-speed villa elevators.
Installed at the bottom of the elevator shaft on one side of the car guide rail, it ensures smooth, synchronized movement of the governor rope throughout elevator operation.
Safety and Reliability by Design
By maintaining precise rope tension and providing automatic safety detection, the governor tension device guarantees the reliability of the entire overspeed protection system.
It ensures that both the governor and safety gear perform their functions effectively, forming a crucial safeguard against overspeed or uncontrolled car movement.
E-mail: yqwebsite@eastelevator.cn
Post time: Oct-27-2025