AN ELEVATOR
Field of the invention
The invention relates toan elevator.The elevator is particularly meant for
transporting passengers and/or goods.
Background of the invention
Elevators usually have a drive machine which drives the elevator car under
control of an elevator control system. The drive machine typically comprises a
motor and a rotatable drive member, such as a drive wheel, engaging an
elevator roping which is connected to the car. Thus, the driving force is
transmitted from the motor to the car via the drive member and the roping.
Conventionally, elevators have a counterweight suspended by a rope section
that is on one side of the rotatable drive member and the car by the rope
section that is on the other side of the rotatable drive member. The
counterweight provides tension for the rope section which does not suspend
the car. There are also elevators which do not have a counterweight. These
counterweightlesselevators have the carsuspended bythe rope section that is
on one side of the rotatable drive member, whereas on the opposite side the
elevator comprises some sort of tightening arrangement for tightening the rope
section on that side of the rotatable drive member.ln these tightening
arrangements, formation of loose rope in large scale is typically eliminated by
connecting the rope on both sides of the rotatable drive member to the car with
same ratio. Thereby, during upwards directed movement of the car also the
rope section not suspending the car travels along with the car thereby not
piling up anywhere in the hoistway. Furthermore, the tightness may be further
increased with a tightening device. This may be needed for one or several of
the following reasons. Firstly, by increasing the rope tension of the rope
section not suspending the car it is possible to ensure that the rope rests
against the rotatable drive member firmly for the whole length of contact
between these components, in particular so that a normal force adequate for
providing firm engagement between these components is provided.

Secondly,in this way the rope tensionof the rope section not suspending the
car can be increased so as to ensure that the ropes do not jump away from
their guide pulleyspositioned along the route of the ropes. Furthermore, the
rope length in many elevator arrangements changes slightly as a function of
car position. The problems caused by this phenomenon can be eliminated by
tightening the rope section not suspending the car. There are numerous
different existing counterweightless elevators, for example elevators as
disclosed in WO2004041699A1.
With existing counterweightless elevators, there have been difficulties to make
the system such thatthelayoutof the rope arrangement as well as the overall
structure of the tightening arrangement aresimple and compact. A drawback
has been that the roping has needed a great number of ropes arranged in a
complex layout. Also, in existing solutions, it hasbeen difficult to design and
dimension the tightening arrangement in a compact fashion yet such that it
enables an adequate capacity of tightening. In particular, the range of
movement of the movable tightening members has been designed and
dimensioned long.A drawback has been that the space consumption of the
tightening arrangement as well as the roping has made theirspace-efficient
positioning difficult.
Brief description of the invention
The object of the invention is, inter alia, to solve previously described
drawbacks of known solutions and problems discussed later in the description
of the invention.The object of the invention is to introduce acounterweightless
elevatorwhich is improved in simplicity and space-efficiency. In particular, the
space-efficiency and simplicity of the hoisting function, including the roping and
a tightening device effecting the roping, can be improved. Embodiments are
presented, inter alia, where the layout of the bundle of ropes, forming the
roping, is simple and compact. Embodiments are presented, inter alia, where
the tightening capacity of the tightening arrangement need not be dimensioned
as great as previously, yet maintaining good functionality in terms of transport

capacity. Embodiments are presented, in particular, where these benefits are
obtained with only small or minimal compromises in several other properties of
the elevator.
It is brought forward a new counterweightless elevator comprising a hoistway,
a car vertically movable in the hoistway, one or more suspension ropes, a
rotatable drive member engaging said suspension rope(s) each of the
suspension rope(s) having a first rope section on the first side of the drive
member and a second rope section on the second side of the drive member,
each rope section being connected to the car, said first rope section
suspending the car; and a tightening device arranged to tighten the second
rope section. Each of said rope(s) is belt-like and comprises a load bearing
member or a plurality of load bearing members, which load bearing member(s)
is/are made of composite material comprising reinforcing fibers embedded in a
polymer matrix, which reinforcing fibers are carbon fibers. Due to this kind of
overall cross sectional shape, structure and material selection of the hoisting
rope, the simplicity of the roping containing said hoisting ropes can be
facilitated, in particular because the number of ropes as well as the cross
sectional space consumption of the rope bundle can be reduced. Importantly,
due to this kind of overall cross sectional shape, internal structure and material
selection of each rope, the tightening capacity of the tightening device can be
reduced, most importantly due to an excellent capability to provide high
longitudinal stiffness with compact structure. Thereby, a counterweightless
elevator with good functionality in terms of transport capacity, space efficiency
and simplicity, is obtained.
In a further refined embodiment said load bearing member(s) is/are parallel
with the longitudinal direction of the rope.Thereby, the load bearing members
areoriented in the direction of the force when the rope is pulled, which
increases the tensile stiffness and strength of the rope. Furthermore, it is
preferred that said reinforcing fibers are parallel with the longitudinal direction
of the load bearing member.In particular, the reinforcing fibers of the same
load bearing member are preferably essentially untwisted inrelation to each

other. Thereby, the reinforcing fibers are oriented in thedirection of the force
when the load bearing member in question is pulled. This gives the load
bearing members an excellent tensile stiffness and strength.
In a further refinedembodiment said second rope section is connected to a
movabiy mounted tightening member of the tightening device of the second
rope section, which tightening member is movable to tighten the second rope
section. The rope structure as defined, providing excellent longitudinal tensile
stiffness reduces the need for the length of movement of the movable
tightening member thereby enabling a tightening device of this kind which is
simple and small in size. Thereby, simplicity and space-efficiency of the
elevator can be improved.
In a further refinedembodiment the tightening device is mounted on the car at
the side thereof, or on the stationary hoistway structures beside the vertical
projection of the car, in particular beside the path of the elevator car. This
position is enabled by the particular rope structure and shape as defined, in a
compact manner.
In a further refinedembodiment the tightening device is mounted on the car at
the side thereof, or on the stationary hoistway structures beside the vertical
projection of the car, in particular beside the path of the elevator car, and the
tightening member is movable along a vertical plane, which is parallel with the
side wall plane of the car and/or hoistway inner wall plane to tighten the
second rope section. The rope structure being as defined, and thereby
compact in size, the elevator can be configured to be like this without
excessively reducing space-efficiency of the elevator. Thus, the tightening
device can be positioned to be in the same space with the car. The tightening
member is preferably movable in particular by turning movement and/or by
linear movement occurring along a plane, which is parallel with the side wall
plane of the car and/or hoistway inner wall plane.
In a further refinedembodiment the tightening member is between the vertical
side wall plane of the carand the vertical hoistway inner wall plane.

In a further refinedembodiment said first rope section, via which the car is
suspended, is tensioned by the weight of the car, and guided to pass further to
said tightening device of the second rope section and connected in a force
transmitting manner to said movably mounted tightening member to pull the
tightening member by effect of the rope tension of the first rope section such
that the tightening member moves to tighten the second rope section. Thereby
first rope section can is used to provide force for a tightening member of the
tensioning device, without need for additional actuators.
In a further refinedembodiment the end of the first rope section is connected in
a force transmitting manner, e.g. fixed, to the movably mounted tightening
member to pull the tightening member by effect of the rope tension of the first
rope section such that the tightening member moves to tighten the second
rope section. In this way, said connection is simply implemented and the end
of the first rope section is at the same time provided.
In a further refinedembodiment the tightening member is in the form of a
tightening pulley around which the second rope section passes, the tightening
member being movable in radial direction of the tightening pulley or around its
axis, to tighten the second rope section.The ropes of the defined structure
facilitate formation of a compact and simple rope bundle, with excellent tensile
stiffness. Thereby, the tightening device of the pulley type can be provided
good functionality in terms of space consumption of the rope bundle, load
bearing capability and space consumption of the movable tightening
pulley.Preferably, the plane of rotation of the tightening pulley is parallel with
the side wall plane of the car and/or hoistway inner wall plane. Thereby, the
radial size thereof is not strictly limited by the space consumption.In a first
preferred type.the tightening member is in the form of a tightening pulley
around which the second rope section passesis movable in radial direction of
the tightening pulley to tighten the second rope section, the second rope
section further passing to a rope fixing where the end of the second rope
section is fixed, the end of the first rope section being connected in a force
transmitting manner (e.g. fixed) to the movably mounted tightening pulley to

pull the tightening pulley by effect of the rope tension of the first rope section
such that the tightening pulley moves radially to tighten the second rope
section. Hereby, a long range of movement is obtainable simply. In a second
preferred type.the tightening member is in the form of a tightening pulley
around which the second rope section passesagainst the rim of which the
second rope section is fixed, the tightening pulley being movable around its
axis to tighten the second rope section, the end of the first rope section being
connected in a force transmitting manner to the movably mounted tightening
pulley to pull the tightening pulley by effect of the rope tension of the first rope
section such that the tightening pulley turns to tighten the second rope section.
Hereby, a long range of movement is obtainable with minimal space
consumption in radial direction. In this case, preferably the end of the first rope
section is connected in a force transmitting manner to the movably mounted
tightening pulley via a transmission pulley comprised in the tightening device,
which transmission pulley is movable around its axis fixedly and coaxially with
the tightening pulley, around which transmission pulley the second rope
section passes and against the rim of which the first rope section is fixed.
Then the first and second rope sections are arranged on their pulleys such that
they pull the tightening pulley by effect of the rope tension to turn it in opposite
turning directions, thereby working against each other, the tightening pulley
preferably being larger in diameter than transmission pulley a leverage thereby
existing between them. Leverage has the benefit of providing a desired level of
tightening force, but also the effect of ensuring that tightening range of
movement is adequate.
In a further refinedembodiment each of said rope(s) has at least one contoured
side provided with elongated guide rib(s) and elongated guide groove(s)
oriented in the longitudinal direction of the rope, said contoured side being
fitted to pass against a contoured circumference of one or more rope wheels of
the elevator, said circumference being provided with elongated guide rib(s) and
elongated guide groove(s) so that said contoured circumference forms a
counterpart for said contoured side(s) of the rope(s).

In a further refinedembodiment the elevator comprises a plurality, preferably
exactly two, of said ropes, which pass parallelly, at least substantially coplanar,
and adjacent in width direction of the rope.
In a further refined embodiment each of said rope(s) has at least one
contoured side provided with elongated guide rib(s) and elongated guide
groove(s) oriented in the longitudinal direction of the rope, the contoured side
of at least the first or the second rope section being fitted to pass against a
contoured circumference of a rope wheel of the elevator, which circumference
is provided with elongated guide rib(s) and elongated guide groove(s) so that
said contoured circumference forms a counterpart for said contoured side(s) of
the rope(s), and in that from said rope wheel said first or the second rope
section passes downwards or upwards to the tightening device, in particular to
a pulley thereof, turning around its longitudinal axis. Thereby, the rope section
arriving to the tightening device can be turnedto arrive thereto in an optimal
attitude without problems or risks of rope wandering. In particular, the rope can
in this way be guided to a rim of a pulley positioned in a compact manner, i.e.
with its rotational plane parallel with the wall plane(s) of the car or the
hoistway. This can be provided such that the rope section in question turns in
the same particular space between said planes, whereby the rest of the ropes
can be guided freely without compromising the optimality of the suspension
arrangement in general. In this case, the compactness of the rope bundle is
beneficial as it decreases the space requirements of the turning ropes, but also
reduces problems with wandering as well. The turning angle may be 90
degrees, for instance.Preferably, the all the ropes turn in the defined manner
maintaining their mutual positioning (parallel, at least substantially coplanar
and adjacent in width direction), i.e. the whole rope bundle formed by said
ropes turns around the longitudinal axis of the rope bundle.
In a further refined embodiment the elevator comprises one or more rope
wheels having its plane of rotation parallel with the vertical side wall plane of
the car and/or the vertical hoistway inner wall plane, which rope wheel is
mounted on the car at the side thereof or separate from the car and positioned

beside the vertical projection of the car, and around which rope wheel the rope
turns such that the rope turns around an axis extending in width-direction of
the rope.
In a further refined embodiment the first and/or second rope section passes to
the tightening device turning around its longitudinal axisin the space between
the vertical projection of the car and the vertical hoistway inner wall plane.
Thereby, the ropes in the space limited by wall planes of the car and hoistway
have portions which do not have their width direction parallel with said planes.
In one preferred embodiment, alternative to the embodiment with a tightening
pulley.the tightening member is in the form of a tightening lever mounted
turnably via a pivot, the first and the second rope section each being fixed on
the tightening lever, to pull the tightening lever by effect of the rope tension of
the respective rope section to turn it in opposite turning directions, the first rope
section being preferably fixed at a smaller distance from the pivot than the
second rope section, thereby a leverage existing between them.
In a further refined embodiment the tightening device is mounted on the car or
on the stationary hoistway structures.
In a preferred embodiment said first rope section is arranged to pass from the
drive member to turn under rope wheel(s) mounted on the car, and to suspend
the car via said rope wheel(s), and in that said second rope section is arranged
to pass from the drive member to turn over rope wheel(s) mounted on the car,
and further to the tightening device.
In a preferred embodiment the roping comprises exactly two of said ropes.
Thus, the ropes are wide (as they are belt-like) and the number of ropes is
small, which minimizes non-bearing clearances between adjacent ropes.
Accordingly, the width of the individual ropes and the overall space required by
the rope bundle is utilized very effectively for load bearing function. As a result,
the wheels the ropes meet can be made compact in axial direction, but also
the rope bundle arriving them consumes little space. Thus, they will fit well in a

space between the car wall plane and the hoistway wall plane, even when this
space is very slim. Having two ropes facilitates safety of the elevator as in this
way it is not relied on only one rope.
In a preferred embodiment said load bearing member(s) is/are embedded in a
common elastomeric coating. The ropes being belt-like, they provide an large
surface area enabling efficient force transmission, e.g. by frictional
engagement. This can be facilitated by elastomeric coating. In a preferred
embodiment, the coating forms the contoured shape for the rope.
In a preferred embodiment said rope(s) each comprise a plurality of parallel
load bearing membersadjacent and spaced apart in the width direction of the
belt-shaped rope.
In a preferred embodiment said the width/thickness ratio(s) of the rope is at
least 4, preferably at least 8. Thereby, the bending resistance of the rope is
small but the load bearing total cross sectional area can be made vast.
k» a preferred embodiment said the width/thickness ratio(s) of said load
bearing member(s) is/are at least 8, preferably more.Thereby, the.bending
resistance of the rope is small but the load bearing total cross sectional area is
vast with minimal non-bearing areas.
In a further refined embodiment said load bearing member(s) has/have width
larger than thickness as measured in width direction of the belt-like rope. In a
yet further refined embodiment each of said rope(s) comprises a small number
of load bearing parts, which is enabled by the great width. In one preferred
embodiment, each of said rope(s) comprise(s) exactly one of said load bearing
members.Thus, non-bearing cross sectional areas are minimized. Accordingly,
the width of the rope is effectively utilized and size of the rope bundle
minimized.In a preferred alternative embodiment, each of said rope(s)
comprise exactly two of said load bearing members adjacent in width-direction
of the rope. Thus, non-bearing areas between adjacent load bearing members
are minimized, yet not having to rely on only one load bearing member. Said

two load bearing members are parallel in length direction of the rope and
placed on the same plane in width-direction of the rope.
In a preferred embodiment the of the elevator the thickness of each of said
load bearing member(s) is from 0.8 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably from 1 mm to
1.2 mm as measured in thickness direction of the rope. In this way, the ropes
as specified above, will have an optimal combination of properties with regard
to compactness, traction abilities and tensile properties, which is especially
important in case of an elevator where the ropes pass around a wheel is
positioned in a slim space, in particular between the car wall plane and the
hoistway inner wall plane as specified above. Preferably, the width of the of the
single load bearing member or the total width of the two load bearing members
of the same rope is from 20 mm to 30 mm. Preferably, the total width of the
load bearing member sof the two ropes is from 40 to 60 mm. This is the
optimal combination of dimensions for obtaining an elevator with high
maximum load and space efficiency.
fo a Esther refined embodiment the load bearing member(s) of the rope
cover(s) majority, preferably 70% or over, more preferably 75% or over, most
preferably 80% or over, most preferably 85% or over, of the width of the rope.
In this way at least majority of the width of the rope will be effectively utilized
and the rope can be formed to be light and thin in the bending direction for
reducing the bending resistance.
In a further refined embodiment the module of elasticity (E) of the polymer
matrix is over 2 GPa, most preferably over 2.5 GPa, yet more preferably in the
range 2.5-10 GPa, most preferably of all in the range 2.5-3.5 GPa. In this way
a structure is achieved wherein the matrix essentially supports the reinforcing
fibers, in particular from buckling. One advantage, among others, is a longer
service life.
In a further refined embodiment, individual reinforcing fibers are
homogeneously distributed in said polymer matrix. Preferably, over 50% of the
cross-sectional square area of the load-bearing part consists of said reinforcing

fiber. Preferably, the load-bearing part(s) cover(s) over proportion 50% of the
cross-section of the rope. Thereby, a high tensile stiffness can be facilitated.
Preferably, said first rope section and a second rope section are connected to
the car with same suspension ratio. Preferably, the elevator comprises a drive
machine comprising said rotatable drive member and a power source, such as
an electric motor, for rotating the drive member. Preferably, the rotatable drive
member is positioned in the hoistway. The elevatoras describe anywhere
above is preferably, but not necessarily, installed inside a building. The car is
preferably arranged to serve two or more landings. The car preferably
responds to calls from landing and/or destination commandsfrom inside the car
so as to serve persons on the landing(s) and/or inside the elevator car.
Preferably, the car has an interior space suitable for receiving a passenger or
passengers, and the car can be provided with a door for forming a closed
interior space.
Brief description of the drawings
In the fulowing, the present invention will be described in more detail by way of
example and with reference to the attached drawings, in which
Figure 1 illustratesschematically an elevator according to a first embodiment of
the invention.
Figures 2a-2cillustrateview A-A of Figure 1, each illustratinga preferred
alternative structure for the elevator of Figure 1.
Figure 3 illustrates schematically an elevator according to a second
embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 illustrates view B-B of Figure 3.
Figures 5a-5cillustrateview C-Cof Figure 3, each illustratinga preferred
alternative structure for the elevator of Figure 1.
Figures 6a and 6b illustrate preferred alternative structures of the ropes.
Figure 7 illustrates a preferred internal structure for the load bearing part.

Detailed description
Figures 1 and 3 illustrate a counterweightless elevator according to a preferred
embodiment. The elevator comprises a hoistway H, an elevator car 1 vertically
movable in the hoistway H, and a drive machine M,M'which drives the elevator
car 1 under control of an elevator control system (not shown).The drive
machine M.M'is in these cases located in the top part of the hoistway H. It
comprises a motor 9,9' and a rotatable drive member 3,3'engaging one or
more suspension ropes 2,2' passing around the rotatable drive member 3,3'
andwhich are connected to the car 1. Thus, driving force can be transmitted
from the motor 9,9' to the car 1 via the rotatable drive member 3,3' and the
suspension ropes 2,2'. The rotatable drive member 3,3'is in these
embodimentsin the form of a drive wheel. Said one or more suspension ropes
2,2'may comprise only one suspension rope, but preferably comprises a
plurality of parallelly oriented suspension ropes as illustrated in the Figures.
Each of the suspension rope(s) 2,2'have a first rope section 2a,2a' on the first
side of the drive member 3,3' and a second rope section 2b,2b' on the second
silde of the drive member 3,3', each rope section 2a,2b being connected to the
car 1, said first rope section 2a,2a' suspending the car 1. The elevator further
comprises a tightening device 4 arranged to tighten the second rope section
2b,2b'. Thus, the second rope section 2b,2b' can be maintained tight. Each of
said rope(s) 2,2'is belt-like and comprises a load bearing member7,7' or a
plurality of load bearing members 7,7', which load bearing member(s) 7,7'
is/are made of composite material comprising reinforcing fibers f in a polymer
matrix m, which reinforcing fibers f are carbon fibers. Due to this kind of overall
cross sectional shape, structure and material selection of the hoisting rope
2,2', the simplicity of the roping containing said hoisting ropes 2,2' can be
facilitated, in particular because the number of ropes as well as the cross
sectional space consumption of the rope bundle can be reduced. Importantly,
due to this kind of overall cross sectional shape, internal structure and material
selection of each rope, the tightening capacity of the tightening device
4a,4b,4c;4a',4b',4c' can be reduced, most importantly due to excellent

capability to provide high longitudinal stiffness with compact structure. The
tightening device 4a,4b,4c;4a',4b',4c' can therefore be designed to be simple
and compact. Carbon fiber as a material provides the load bearing members
7,7'good stiffness, but for maximizing the longitudinal stiffness of the rope, said
load bearing member(s) 7,7' is/are preferably parallel with the longitudinal
direction of the rope and said reinforcing fibers f are parallel with the
longitudinal direction of the load bearing member7,7' as far as possible. Thus
an untwisted, and thereby in longitudinal direction a structure with high tensile
stiffness is obtained.
In the elevator shown in Figure 1, the first rope section 2a of each rope 2 is
arranged to pass from the drive member 3 mounted to rotate in a stationary
position to the elevator car 1, in particular to turn under rope wheels 10
mounted on the car 1, and to thereby suspend the car via said rope wheels 10.
The rope(s) 2 are guided further to pass over a rope wheel 11 mounted to
rotate in a stationary position. The second rope section 2b is arranged to pass
from the drive member 3 to turn over rope wheels 12 mounted on the car 1.
Thesmzy, the second rope section 2b is arranged to travel along with the car 1
thereby not piling up anywhere in the hoistway H during car movement. The
second rope section 2b is further guided to the tightening device 4a,4b,4c,
which is arranged to further tighten the second rope section 2b. In this way, the
rope tension of the rope section 2b not suspending the car is increased,
whereby it is ensured that the rope rests against the rotatable drive member 3
firmly for the whole length of contact between these components, in particular
so that a normal force adequate for providing firm engagement between these
components is effected. In this way, also the reduction of rope tension caused
by changes of rope length occurring e.g. as a function of car position or load
changes, canin this way be eliminated. Thereby, also likelihood of ropes 2
jumping away from their guide wheels 12,13 can be reduced.
In the illustrated embodiment the first rope section 2a and the second rope
section 2b are connected to the car 1 with same (suspension) ratio, in this
case with ratio 2:1 as these sections 2a and 2b of rope 2 are connected each

to car 1 via only one set of rope wheels 10,12. The first rope section 2a on the
first side of the drive member 3 passes from the drive member 3 to the car 1
forming a first rope loop, which suspends the car 1 via rope wheels 10
mounted on the car 1. The second rope section 2b on the second side of the
drive member 3 passes to the car 1 forming a second rope loop, which is
suspended by the car 1 via rope wheels 12 mounted on the car 1. The first
rope loop suspending the car is formed between upper rope wheels
3,11 mounted at the upper end of the path of the car 1 and the second rope
loop is formed between lower rope wheels 13,14 mounted at the lower end of
the path of the car 1. In this embodiment, the rotational planes of all the rope
wheels 2,10,12,13,14 and 11 are substantially coplanar, whereby each rope 2
passes along a plane without substantial twisting. The rope passes around all
the rope wheels 2,10,12,13,14 and 11 turning around an axis extending in
width-direction of the rope 2. For clarity in Figure 1 the ropes 2 are illustrated
as mere lines. Figures 2a to 2c illustrate preferred configuration of ropes 2
between rope wheels 11 and 14.
In the elevator shown in Figure 3, the first rope section 2a' of each rope 2' is
arranged to pass from the drive member 3' mounted to rotate in a stationary
position to the elevator car 1, in particular to turn under rope wheels 10'
mounted on the car 1, and to thereby suspend the car 1 via said rope wheels
10'. The rope(s) 2' are guided further upwards to pass over a rope wheel 11'
mounted to rotate in a stationary position. The second rope section 2b' is
arranged to pass from the drive member 3' to turn over rope wheels 12'
mounted on the car 1. Thereby, the second rope section 2b' is arranged to
travel along with the car 1 thereby not piling up anywhere in the hoistway H
during car movement. The second rope section 2b' is further guided to the
tightening device 4a',4b',4c', which is arranged to further tighten the second
rope section 2b'. In this way, the rope tension of the rope section 2b' not
suspending the car is increased, whereby it is ensured that the rope 2' rests
against the rotatable drive member 3' firmly for the whole length of contact
between these components, in particular so that a normal force adequate for

providing firm engagement between these components is effected. In this way,
also the reduction of rope tension caused by changes of rope length occurring
e.g. as a function of car position or load changes, can in this way be
eliminated. Thereby, also likelihood of ropes 2' jumping away from their guide
wheels 12',13' can be reduced.
In the illustrated embodiment the first rope section 2a' and the second rope
section 2b' are connected to the car 1 with same (suspension) ratio, in this
case with ratio 2:1, as rope sections 2a' and 2b' of rope 2' are connected each
to car 1 via only one set of rope wheels 10', 12'. The first rope section 2a' on
the first side of the drive member 3' passes from the drive member 3' to the car
1 forming a first rope loop, which suspends the car 1 via rope wheels 10'
mounted on the car 1. The second rope section 2b' on the second side of the
drive member 3' passes to the car 1 forming a second rope loop, which is
suspended by the car 1 via rope wheels 12' mounted on the car 1. The first
rope loop suspending the car is formed between upper rope wheels 3',11'
mounted at the upper end of the path of the car 1 and the second rope loop
between ttsa tower rope wheels 13', 14' mounted at the lower end of the path of
the car 1.
In this embodiment, the rotatable drive member 3', as well as the power source
9', is positioned beside the vertical projection of the car 1, so as to enable
extending the path of the car 1 as far as possible towards shaft end in a space
efficient manner. Particularly preferably, the rotatable drive member 3' is
positioned in the hoistway space which is between a hoistway wall and the
vertical projection of the car. For this purpose, the rotatable drive member 3',
as well as the power source 9' (e.g. electric motor), have rotational plane which
is parallel with the side wall plane of the car 1(i.e. the plane coplanar with the
planar side wall of the car 1) and/or hoistway inner wall plane. The rope wheels
10', 13' where the rope 2 is guided from the rotatable drive member 3' have
each an axis of the rotation which is orthogonal with respect to the axis of
rotation of the rotatable drive member 3'. Therefore, the ropes 2 pass

downwards to these rope wheels each rope 2 turning around its longitudinal
axis an angle of 90 degrees.
Figures 2a to 2c represent alternative tightening devices in context of elevator
as illustrated in Figure 1. Figures 5a to 5c represent alternative tightening
devices, with corresponding tightening principles as in Figures 2a to 2c but in
context of elevator as illustrated in Figure 3. In each case, the second rope
section 2b,2b' is connected to a movably mounted tightening member
5a,5b,5c;5a',5b',5c' of the tightening device 4a,4b,4c;4a',4b',4c' of the second
rope section 2b,2b', which tightening member is movable to tighten the second
rope section 2b,2b'. This movement is needed for tightening the second rope
section 2b,2b'. The range of this movement may be dimensioned short/small
when the rope 2,2' is of the structure as above described, and thereby stiff in
its longitudinal direction. The range of movement is relevant for the size of the
tightening device, as well as simplicity of the system. Thus, the tightening
device can be made more simple and small thanks to the ropes 2,2' stiff in
their longitudinal direction. Thereby, it can also be ensured that the range of
movement is adequate, which could be difficult especially in elevators where
lifting height is great, those elevators thereby have strong rope elongation
caused by changes in load and/or car position.
In each case, the elevator works fine if the tightening device
4a,4b,4c;4a',4b',4c' is mounted either on the car 1 at the side thereof, or
separate from the car (e.g.on the stationary hoistway structures) to be
positioned beside the vertical projection of the car 1 (in the illustrated case
particularly beside the path of the elevator car 1).ln each of the presented
cases, the tightening member 5a,5b,5c;5a',5b',5c' is movable along a plane,
which is parallel with the side wall plane of the car and/or hoistway inner wall
plane to tighten the second rope section 2b,2b', whereby the tightening
movement does not necessitate large hoistway space beside the path of the
elevator car 1.

In the preferred embodiments, the movable tightening member
5a,5b,5c;5a',5b',5c' connects the first rope section 2a,2a' and the second rope
section 2b,2b' in a force transmitting manner to each other. In particular, said
first rope section 2a,2a' suspending the car is tensioned by the weight of the
car 1, and guided to pass further to said tightening device 4a,4b,4c;4a',4b',4c'
of the second rope section 2b,2b' and connected in a force transmitting
manner to said a movably mounted tightening member to pull the tightening
member 5a,5b,5c;5a',5b',5c' by effect of the rope tension of the first rope
section 2a,2a' such that the tightening member 5a,5b,5c;5a',5b',5c' moves to
tighten the second rope section 2b. Thereby, tension caused by the car 1 can
be utilized to tightenthe second rope section 2b,2b', i.e. to provide more
tension for it. This is implemented in the preferred embodiments such that the
end of the first rope section 2a,2a' is connected in a force transmitting manner,
e.g. fixed, to the movably mounted tightening member 5a,5b,5c;5a',5b',5c' to
pull the tightening member 5a,5b,5c;5a',5b',5c' by effect of the rope tension of
the first rope section 2a,2a' such that the tightening member
5a,5b,5c;5a',5b',5G' moves to lighten the second rope section 2b,2b'.
In the embodiments as illustrated, the tightening member 5a,5b,5c;5a',5b',5c'
is movable to tighten the second rope section 2b,2b' along a vertical plane,
which is parallel with the vertical side wall plane of the car and/or the vertical
hoistway inner wall planeW, in particularbetween the vertical side wall plane of
the car and/or the vertical hoistway inner wall plane W. For this reason it is
important that the rope bundle is compact in the direction of the horizontal
distance between these two planes. The aforementioned movement occurring
along said plane, which is parallel with the side wall plane of the car and/or
hoistway inner wall plane, is in particular turning movement and/or linear
movement.
Figures 2a, 2b, 5a, 5b each discloses a preferred embodiment where the
tightening member 5a,5b;5a',5b' is in the form of a tightening pulley around
which the second rope section 2b,2b' passes. The plane of rotation of the
tightening pulley 5a,5b;5a',5b' is preferably parallel with the side wall plane of

the car 1 and/or hoistway inner wall plane W, as illustrated. This is because the
tightening pulley can be made more compact in its axial direction than radial
direction. This is particularly importantwhen tightening pulley 5a,5b;5a',5b'is
positioned between the vertical side wall plane of the car and/or the vertical
hoistway inner wall plane W, as in this way the structure thereof nor the ropes
arriving to or leaving it form an obstacle for the elevator car.
The embodiments as illustrated in Figures 2a and 5a share the principle of
tightening. The tightening member 5a;5a' is in these embodiments a tightening
pulley around whichthe second rope section 2b,2b' passes, which tightening
pulley is movable in radial direction of the tightening pulley, as illustrated with
an arrow, to tighten the second rope section 2b. The pulley is in particular an
idle pulley, so it can furthermore turn around its axis in addition to said radial
movement, and thereby adapt to movement of the rope along its
circumference. The second rope section 2b,2b'passes further to a rope fixing
where the end of the second rope section 2b,2b' is fixed. Said first rope section
2a,2a' suspending the car 1 is connected in a force transmitting manner to the
movably mounted tigmening pufey to pull the tightening pulley by effect of the
rope tension of the first rope section such that the tightening pulley moves
radially to tighten the second rope section (i.e. such that the second rope
section is tightened). This is implemented by fixing the end of the first rope
section 2a,2a' to the movably mounted tightening pulley 5a;5a'.
Likewise, the embodiments as illustrated in Figures 2b and 5bshare the
principle of tightening. The tightening member 5b; 5b' is in these embodiments
movable by turning around its axis, as illustrated with an arrow, to tighten the
second rope section 2b,2b'.The tightening member 5b,5b' is in the form of a
tightening pulley around which the second rope section 2b,2b' passes and
against the rim of which the second rope section is fixed (the fixing point
marked with black dot), the tightening member 5b,5b' being movable around its
axis to tighten the second rope section 2b,2b'. The end of the first rope section
2a,2a' is connected in a force transmitting manner to the movably mounted
tightening pulley 5b,5b' to pull the tightening pulley by effect of the rope

tension of the first rope section such that the tightening pulley turns to tighten
the second rope section such that the second rope section is tightened. In
particular, the end of the first rope section 2a,2a' is connected in a force
transmitting manner to the movably mounted tightening pulley via a
transmission pulley 6,6' comprised in the tightening device 4c, which
transmission pulley 6,6' is movable around its axis fixedly and coaxially with
the tightening pulley 5b,5b', around which transmission pulley 6,6' the second
rope section 2b,2b' passes and against the rim of which the first rope section
2a,2a' is fixed (the fixing point marked with black dot). The first and second
rope sections 2a,2a',2b,2b' are arranged to pass around their pulleys such that
they pull the tightening pulley 5b,5b' by effect of the rope tension to turn it in
opposite turning directions. The tightening pulley 5b,5b' is preferably larger in
diameter than the transmission pulley 6,6', whereby a leverage (of ratio other
than 1) exists between them. Thereby the ratio of the tension T1 (of the first
rope sections 2a,2a') / tension T2 (of the second rope section 2b,2b')can be
set to be more or less than 1, most preferably from 1.5 to 2.5.
Likewise, the embodiments as ifiustre^esin Figures 2c and 5c share a principle
of tightening.In these embodiments, the tightening member 5c,5c' is in the form
of a tightening lever mounted turnably via a pivot f, the first and the second
rope section 2a,2b;2a',2b' each being fixed on the tightening lever 5c', to pull
the tightening lever 5c' by effect of the rope tension of the respective rope
section to turn it in opposite turning directions. The first rope section 2a,2a'is
fixed at a smaller distance from the pivot f than the second rope section 2b,2b',
thereby a leverage (of ratio other than 1) existing between them. Thereby, the
ratio tension T1 (of the first rope sections 2a,2a') / tension T2 (of the second
rope section 2b,2b') can be set to be loweror higher than 1, most preferably
from 1.5 to 2.5.
The elevator comprises preferably a plurality, most preferably exactly two (not
more nor less) of said ropes 2,2'. These ropes 2,2' pass around a number of
wheels S.Sa.Sb.lO.ll.^.ia.H^Sa^b'.IO'.ir.lZ.ia'.W of the elevator
adjacent each other in width-direction of the rope 2,2', parallelly and at least

substantially coplanar, the wide sides of the belt-like ropes 2,2' against the
wheels in question, said wheels
S.Sa.Sb.lO.H.^.IS.I^S'.Sa'.Sb'.IOMIMZ.ISM^ preferably including at the
rotatable drive member in the form of a wheel 3,3'.
Figures 6a and 6b disclose preferred cross-sectional structures for the ropes
2,2' as well as their preferred configuration relative to each other in the roping.
The figures illustrate further a preferred surface shape for the ropes as well as
the wheels Z,5a,5b,10,MM,'\ZM,y,5a',5b',10\1Vt12\'\yM' of the elevator,
around which wheels the ropes 2,2' pass. In Figures 6a and 6b, the elevator
comprises only these two ropes 2,2'. Each rope 2 as illustrated in Fig 3a
comprises one load bearing member 15 for transmitting force in the
longitudinal direction of the rope 2 and the rope 2' as illustrated in Fig 3b
comprises a plurality, in particular two, load bearing members 7,7' for
transmitting force in the longitudinal direction of the rope 2'. The preferred
internal structure for the load bearing member(s) 7,7' is disclosed elsewhere in
this application, in particular in connection with Fig 2.
The load bearing members 7,7' of each rope is/are embedded in a common
elastomeric coating p, which is preferably of polymer, most preferably of
polyurethane, which coating p forms the surface of the rope 2,2'. In this way, it
provides the surface for contacting the wheels around which the rope 2,2'
passes, for example the drive wheel 3,3'. The coating p provides the rope
protection and good frictional properties for force transmittance via the drive
wheel 3,3'. The coating p can be also used for providing a contoured shape for
the rope. For facilitating the formation of the load bearing member 7,7' and for
achieving constant properties in the longitudinal direction it is preferred that the
structure of the load bearing member 7,7' continues essentially the same for
the whole length of the rope 2,2'. For the same reasons, the structure of the
rope 2,2' continues preferably essentially the same for the whole length of the
rope 2,2'.

As mentioned, the ropes 2,2' are belt-shaped. The width/thickness ratio of
each rope 2,2' is preferably at least 4, but preferably at least 8 or more. In this
way a large cross-sectional area for the rope 2,2' is achieved, such that the
bending capacity is good around an axis extending in width direction of the
rope, also with rigid materials of the load bearing member 7,7'. The load
bearing member 7' or a plurality of load bearing members 7 together cover
most, preferably 80% or more, of the total width of the cross-section of the
rope 2,2' for essentially the whole length of the rope. Thus the supporting
capacity of the rope 2,2' with respect to its total lateral dimensions is good, and
the rope does not need to be formed to be thick. This is preferably
implemented with the composite as specified elsewhere in the application and
this is particularly advantageous from the standpoint of, among other things,
compactness of the rope bundle, total load bearing ability, service life and
bending rigidity.
The two adjacent ropes 2 of Fig 6a comprise each two load bearing members
7 of the aforementioned type adjacent in width-direction of the rope 2,2'. They
are parallel in longitudinal directory spaced spsci in the width direction of the
belt-shaped rope 2 and on essentially the same plane relative to each other.
Thus the resistance to bending around an axis extending in the width direction
of the rope 2 is small. The load bearing members 7 are in one suitable
example of this configuration each 1.1 mm thick as measured in thickness
direction of the rope 2, and 12 mm wide as measured in width direction of the
rope 2.
The ropes 2' of Fig 6b comprise each only one load bearing member 7' of the
aforementioned type. The load bearing members 7' are in one suitable
example of this configuration each 1.1 mm thick as measured in thickness
direction of the rope 2, and 25 mm wide as measured in width direction of the
rope 2.
As mentioned earlier, it is preferable the load bearing member(s) 7,7' have/has
width (w,w') larger than thickness (t,f) thereof as measured in width-direction

of the rope 2,2'. In particular, the width/thickness ratio(s) of each of said load
bearing member(s) 7,7' is/are at least 8, preferably more. In this way a large
cross-sectional area for the load bearing member/members is achieved,
without weakening the bending capacity around an axis extending in the width
direction. So as to achieve an extremely compact and yet working solution for
an elevator the thickness t,f of each of said load bearing member(s) 7,7' is
from 0.8 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably from 1 mm to 1.2 mm as measured in
thickness direction of the rope 2,2'. The width w' of the of the single load
bearing member 7' or the total width w+w of the two load bearing members 7
of the same rope 2,2' is not more than 30 mm, preferably from 20 mm to 30
mm. In this way the rope 2,2' is made very small in all directions and it will fit to
very small space to bend in reasonable radius. The total width (w+w, w') of the
of the load bearing members 7,7' of all the ropes 2,2' of the rope bundle is 40-
60 mm. In this way the total width of the rope bundle can be even smaller than
what is achieved with metal ropes, yet the tensile strength and rigidity
properties of the roping is at same level and the bending radius is not too great
for producing torque in compact manna? These assrSseo ropes, thus making the
roping safer not relying on merely one larger rope. In this way, a redundant
roping is obtained.
Each rope 2, 2' presented in Figures 6a and 6b comprises one load bearing
member T or a plurality of load bearing members 7 adjacent each other in
width-direction of the rope 2,2'. In this way the space consumption the total
bundle of the ropes 2,2' is reduced. The ropes being belt-like they have a
width greater than the thickness. In the preferred embodiments, the ropes 2, 2'
are placed to pass in the space between vertical side wail plane of the car 1
and the vertical hoistway inner wall plane W. Also, there are wheels
3',5a,5b,5a',5b',6,6',11' are placed to pass in the space between vertical side
wall plane of the car 1 and the vertical hoistway inner wall plane W such that
the rotation plane of the wheel is at least substantially parallel to vertical side
wall plane of the car 1 and the vertical hoistway inner wall plane W. Thereby,
the belts 2,2' pass such that their large dimensions are in the direction in which

the space consumption needs to be minimized, i.e. in the direction of distance
between the vertical side wall plane of the car 1 and the vertical hoistway inner
wall plane W. This is compensated for by designing the roping such that the
bearing cross section of the rope bundle and inner structure of its each rope
2,2' is maximized. Said one load bearing member 7' or each of said plurality of
load bearing members 7 has width w, w' substantially larger than thickness t, t'
thereof as measured in width-direction of the rope 2,2'. This means that each
load bearing member 15 is constructed wide. Due to this, small number of load
bearing members can be used, thus minimizing non-bearing areas between
adjacent load bearing members 7,7'. Accordingly, the width of each rope 2, 2'
is utilized very effectively for load bearing function. Furthermore, ropes 2,2' are
made wide and the number of ropes small, which minimizes the number of
non-bearing clearances between adjacent ropes 2, 2' of the roping.
Accordingly, the total amount of non-bearing areas inside the roping is
minimized. The load bearing members 7,7' are preferably made of composite
material comprising reinforcing fibers f in a polymer matrix m, the reinforcing
fibers being carbon fibers. In this way the load bearing members 7,7'can be
made to have a very high tensile stiffness and tensile strength per unit area of
cross section. To achieve a certain tensile strength and rigidity a bearing
cross-sectional area is sufficient in case of carbon fiber composite, which is
half of the cross-sectional area typically needed with metallic ropes. Thus, the
space consumption of the wheel (in its axial direction) and the ropes passing
around it (in their width direction) can be reduced even to less than 50 mm, yet
maintaining the hoisting capacity high. The preferred inner structure of the rope
is preferably constructed as will be later described.
In the embodiment of Figures 6a and 6b two ropes 2,2' pass around a wheel
adjacent each other in width-direction of the rope 2 the wide sides of the ropes
2 against the wheel. In this case, the wide side is contoured and provided with
guide ribs 15 and guide grooves 16 which are oriented in the longitudinal
direction of the rope 2,2', and said contoured side is fitted to pass against a
contoured circumference of the wheel, said contoured circumference being

provided with guide ribs 17 and guide grooves 18 so that said contoured
circumference forms a counterpart for said contoured sides of the ropes 2,2'.
This provides the effect that the ropes 2,2' are guided very accurately in axial
direction of the wheel(s). Thus, the wandering of the ropes 2,2' is small which
facilitates that small distances between adjacent ropes 2,2' can be had very
small as well as running clearances between the ropes 2,2'. In particular, the
wandering, caused by rope twist, is efficiently eliminated in the embodiments of
Figures 2a, 2b, 5a and 5b where the first or the second rope section
2a,2b;2a',2b' passes (downwards or upwards) from rope wheel 11,14;11',14' to
the tightening device 4a,4b;4a',4b', in particular to a pulley thereof, turning
around its longitudinal axisan angle. The angle is in these cases substantially
90 degrees.
The bending direction of the rope 2,2' is around an axis that is in the width
direction of the rope 2,2' as well as in width direction of the load bearing
members 7,7' thereof (up or down in the figures 6a and 6b). The inner
structure of the load bearing member 7,7' is more specifically as follows. The
inner structure of the load bearing member T,7 is illustrated in Figure 7. The
load bearing member 7,7' as well as its fibers f are parallel with the longitudinal
direction of the rope, as far as possible. Individual fibers are thus oriented in
the longitudinal direction of the rope. In this case the fibers are aligned with the
force when the rope is pulled. Thereby, the tensile stiffness of the load bearing
members is maximized. Individual reinforcing fibers f are bound into a uniform
load bearing member with the polymer matrix m. Thus, each load bearing
member 7,7' is one solid elongated rodlike piece. The reinforcing fibers f are
preferably long continuous fibers in the longitudinal direction of the rope 2,2',
and preferably they continue for the distance of the whole length of the rope
2,2'. Preferably as many fibers f as possible, most preferably essentially all the
fibers f of the load bearing member 7,7' are oriented in longitudinal direction of
the rope. The reinforcing fibers f are in this case essentially untwisted in
relation to each other, in particular in contrast to ropes of twisted structure.
Thus the structure of the load bearing member can be made to continue the

same as far as possible in terms of its cross-section for the whole length of the
rope. The reinforcing fibers f are preferably distributed in the aforementioned
load bearing member 7,7' as evenly as possible, so that the load bearing
member 7,7' would be as homogeneous as possible in the transverse direction
of the rope 2,2'. An advantage of the structure presented is that the matrix m
surrounding the reinforcing fibers f keeps the interpositioning of the reinforcing
fibers f essentially unchanged. It equalizes with its slight elasticity the
distribution of a force exerted on the fibers, reduces fiber-fiber contacts and
internal wear of the rope, thus improving the service life of the rope. The
reinforcing fibers being carbon fibers, a good tensile rigidity and a light
structure and good thermal properties, among other things, are achieved.
They possess good strength properties and rigidity properties with small cross
sectional area, thus facilitating space efficiency of a roping with certain
strength or rigidity requirements. They also tolerate high temperatures, thus
reducing risk of ignition. Good thermal conductivity also assists the onward
transfer of heat due to friction, among other things, and thus reduces the
accumulation of heat in the parts of the rope. Tfee composts matrix m, into
which the individual fibers f are distributed as evenly as possible, is most
preferably of epoxy resin, which has good adhesiveness to the reinforcements
and which is strong to behave advantageously with carbon fiber. Alternatively,
e.g. polyester or vinyl ester can be used. Alternatively some other materials
could be used. Figure 7 presents a partial cross-section of the surface
structure of the load bearing member 7,7' as viewed in the longitudinal
direction of the rope 2,2', presented inside the circle in the figure, according to
which cross-section the reinforcing fibers f of the load bearing members 7,7'
are preferably organized in the polymer matrix m throughout the load bearing
member 7,7' in question. As peresented by Figure 7, the individual reinforcing
fibers f are essentially evenly distributed in the polymer matrix m, which
surrounds the fibers and which is fixed to the fibers f. The polymer matrix m
fills the areas between individual reinforcing fibers f and binds essentially all
the reinforcing fibers f that are inside the matrix m to each other as a uniform
solid substance. In this case abrasive movement between the reinforcing fibers

f and abrasive movement between the reinforcing fibers f and the matrix m are
essentially prevented. A chemical bond exists between, preferably all, the
individual reinforcing fibers f and the matrix m, one advantage of which is
uniformity of the structure, among other things. To strengthen the chemical
bond, there can be, but not necessarily, a coating (not presented) of the actual
fibers between the reinforcing fibers and the polymer matrix m. The polymer
matrix m is of the kind described elsewhere in this application and can thus
comprise additives for fine-tuning the properties of the matrix as an addition to
the base polymer. The polymer matrix m is preferably of a hard non-elastomer.
The reinforcing fibers f being in the polymer matrix means here that in the
invention the individual reinforcing fibers are bound to each other with a
polymer matrix m e.g. in the manufacturing phase by embedding them together
in the molten material of the polymer matrix. In this case the gaps of individual
reinforcing fibers bound to each other with the polymer matrix comprise the
polymer of the matrix. In this way a great number of reinforcing fibers bound to
each other in the longitudinal direction of the rope are distributed in the
polymer matrix. The reinforcing fibers are preferais§* -dJs&fefc^ed. essentially
evenly in the polymer matrix such that the load bearing member is as
homogeneous as possible when viewed in the direction of the cross-section of
the rope. In other words, the fiber density in the cross-section of the load
bearing member does not therefore vary greatly. The reinforcing fibers f
together with the matrix m form a uniform load bearing member, inside which
abrasive relative movement does not occur when the rope is bent. The
individual reinforcing fibers of the load bearing member 7,7' are mainly
surrounded with polymer matrix m, but fiber-fiber contacts can occur in places
because controlling the position of the fibers in relation to each other in their
simultaneous impregnation with polymer is difficult, and on the other hand,
perfect elimination of random fiber-fiber contacts is not necessary from the
viewpoint of the functioning of the invention. If, however, it is desired to reduce
their random occurrence, the individual reinforcing fibers f can be pre-coated
such that a polymer coating is around them already before the binding of
individual reinforcing fibers to each other. In the invention the individual

reinforcing fibers of the load bearing member can comprise material of the
polymer matrix around them such that the polymer matrix is immediately
against the reinforcing fiber but alternatively a thin coating, e.g. a primer
arranged on the surface of the reinforcing fiber in the manufacturing phase to
improve chemical adhesion to the matrix material, can be in between.
Individual reinforcing fibers are distributed evenly in the load bearing member
7,7' such that the gaps of individual reinforcing fibers f are filled with the
polymer of the matrix m. Most preferably the majority, preferably essentially all
of the gaps of the individual reinforcing fibers f in the load bearing member are
filled with the polymer of the matrix. The matrix m of the load bearing member
15 is most preferably hard in its material properties. A hard matrix m helps to
support the reinforcing fibers f, especially when the rope bends, preventing
buckling of the reinforcing fibers f of the bent rope, because the hard material
supports the fibers f. To reduce the buckling and to facilitate a small bending
radius of the rope, among other things, it is therefore preferred that the
polymer matrix is hard, and therefore preferably something other than an
elastomer (an example of an elastomer: rubber) or something else that
behaves very elastically or gives way. The most preferred materials are epoxy
resin, polyester, phenolic plastic or vinyl ester. The polymer matrix is preferably
so hard that its module of elasticity (E) is over 2 GPa, most preferably over 2.5
GPa. In this case the module of elasticity (E) is preferably in the range 2.5-10
GPa, most preferably in the range 2.5-3.5 GPa. Preferably over 50% of the
surface area of the cross-section of the load bearing member is of the
aforementioned reinforcing fiber, preferably such that 50%-80% is of the
aforementioned reinforcing fiber, more preferably such that 55%-70% is of the
aforementioned reinforcing fiber, and essentially all the remaining surface area
is of polymer matrix. Most preferably such that approx. 60% of the surface area
is of reinforcing fiber and approx. 40% is of matrix material (preferably epoxy).
In this way a good longitudinal strength of the rope is achieved.
In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 2a,2b,3,4,5a to 5c the elevator
comprises one or more rope wheel3', 5a, 5b, 5a', 5b', 6, 6', 11' having its plane

of rotation parallel with the vertical side wall plane of the car 1 and/or the
vertical hoistway inner wall planeW around which rope wheel 3', 5a, 5b, 5a',
5b', 6, 6', 11'the rope 2,2' turns its wide side against the circumference of the
wheel in question such that the rope 2,2' turns around an axis extending in
width-direction of the rope 2,2'. Said rope wheel 3', 5a, 5b, 5a', 5b', 6, 6',11'is
mounted on the car 1 at the side thereof or separate from the car 1 and
positioned beside the vertical projection of the car 1, whereby the width of the
rope bundle and the axial size of the wheel in question are important factors
defining the minimal distance between car wall and the hoistway inner wall
planeW. Minimizing the width of the rope bundle reduces need for rope wheels
large in axial direction, as well as reduces space consumption of the rope
bundle. The rope(s)2,2' furthermore arrive(s) to and/or depart(s) from the rope
wheel 3', 5a, 5b, 5a', 5b', 6, 6', 11' in question such that it/they pass(es) beside
the car 1, which further increases the meaning of the described effect of the
width of the rope bundle.
For the tightening devicealso different structures could be utilized than what is
disclosed in the examples, where tension of the first rope section for tigntemg
the second rope section is utilized. Such alternative solutions may include for
instance a weight tightener, or a spring tightener. In case of a spring tightener,
a spring is arranged to direct a tightening force to the second rope section,
either acting via a rope wheel on the side of the second rope section or being
the medium via which an end of the second rope section is fixed to a stationary
structure or to the car, depending on which hoisting ratio is preferred for the
elevator. In those cases, the first rope section need not be connected to the
tightening device but may be fixed for example to a stationary structure or to
the car, depending on which hoisting ratio is preferred for the elevator.
In this application, the term load bearing member refers to the part of the rope
that is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the rope 2,2', extending all the
length thereof, and which part is able to bear without breaking a significant part
of the load exerted on the rope in question in the longitudinal direction of the
rope. Such load causes tension on the load bearing member in the longitudinal

direction of the rope, which tension can be transmitted inside the load bearing
member in question all the way from one end of the rope to the other end of
the rope.
As described the ropes are preferably contoured, but this is not necessary. In
particular, it is possible to alternatively form said rope(s) without grooves and
ribs.
It is to be understood that the above description and the accompanying
Figures are only intended to illustrate the present invention. It will be apparent
to a person skilled in the art that the inventive concept can be implemented in
various ways.The invention and its embodiments are not limited to the
examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.

CLAIMS
1. A counterweightlesselevatorcomprising
a hoistway (H);
a car (1) vertically movable in the hoistway (H);
one or more suspension ropes (2,2');
a rotatable drive member (3,3') engaging said suspension rope(s)
each of the suspension rope(s) (2,2') having a first rope section (2a,2a')
on the first side of the drive member (3,3') and a second rope section
(2b,2b') on the second side of the drive member (3,3'), each rope
section (2a,2b;2a',2b') being connected to the car, said first rope section
(2a,2a') suspending the car; and
a tightening device (4a,4b,4c;4a',4b',4c') arranged to tighten the
second rope section (2b,2b');
characterized in that each of said rope(s) (2,2') is belt-like and
comprises a load bearing member(7,7') or a plurality of load bearing
members (7,7'), which load bearing member(s) (7,7') is/are made of
composite material comprising reinforcing fibers (f) embedded in a
polymer matrix (m), which reinforcing fibers (f) are carbon fibers.
2. An elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that said load
bearing member(s) (7,7') is/are parallel with the longitudinal direction of
the rope (2,2').
3. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in
that said reinforcing fibers (f) are parallel with the longitudinal direction
of the load bearing member(7,7').
4. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in
that said second rope section (2b,2b') is connected to a movably
mounted tightening member (5a,5b,5c;5a',5b',5c') of the tightening
device (4a,4b,4c;4a',4b',4c') of the second rope section (2b,2b'), which

tightening member is movable to tighten the second rope section
(2b,2b').
5. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in
that the tightening device (4a,4b,4c;4a,,4b',4c' ) is mounted on the car
(1) at the side thereof, or on the stationary hoistway structures beside
the vertical projection of the car(1), in particular beside the path of the
elevator car (1).
6. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in
that the tightening device (4a,4b,4c;4a',4b',4c') is mounted on the car
(1) at the side thereof, or on the stationary hoistway structures beside
the vertical projection of the car (1),and the tightening member
(5a,5b,5c;5a',5b',5c') is movable along a vertical plane, which is parallel
with the side wall plane of the car (1) and/or hoistway inner wall plane
(W)to tighten the second rope section (2b,2b').
7. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in
that the tightening member (5a,5b,5c;5a',5b',5c') is between the vertical
side wall plane of the car (1) and the vertical hoistway inner wall plane
(W).
8. An elevator according toany of the preceding claims, characterized in
that said first rope section (2a,2a'), suspending the car is tensioned by
the weight of the car (1), and guided to pass further to said tightening
device (4a,4b,4c;4a',4b',4c') of the second rope section (2b,2b') and
connected in a force transmitting manner to said movably mounted
tightening member to pull the tightening member (5a,5b,5c;5a',5b',5c')
by effect of the rope tension of the first rope section (2a) such that the
tightening member (5a,5b,5c;5a',5b',5c') moves to tighten the second
rope section (2b).

9. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in
that the tightening member (5a,5b;5a',5b') is in the form of a tightening
pulley around which the second rope section (2b,2b') passes, the
tightening member (5a,5b;5a',5b') being movable in radial direction of
the tightening pulley and/or around its axis, to tighten the second rope
section (2b,2b').
10. An elevator according to claim 9, characterized in that the plane of
rotation of the tightening pulley (5a,5b;5a',5b') is parallel with the side
wall plane of the car (1) and/or hoistway inner wall plane (W).
11. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in
that the tightening member (5a;5a') is in the form of a tightening pulley
around which the second rope section (2b,2b') passes, the tightening
member (5a;5a') being movable in radial direction of the tightening
pulley to tighten the second rope section (2b,2b'), the end of the first
rope section (2a,2a') being connected in a force transmitting manners to
the movably mounted tightening pulley to pull the tightening pulley by
effect of the rope tension of the first rope section such that the
tightening pulley moves radially to tighten the second rope section
(2b,2b').
12. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in
that the tightening member (5b,5b') is in the form of a tightening pulley
around which the second rope section (2b,2b') passes and against the
rim of which the second rope section (2b,2b')is fixed, the tightening
member (5b,5b') being movable around its axis to tighten the second
rope section (2b,2b'), the end of the first rope section (2a,2a') being
connected in a force transmitting manner to the movably mounted
tightening pulley (5b,5b') to pull the tightening pulley (5b,5b') by effect of
the rope tension of the first rope section (2a,2a') such that the tightening
pulley (5b,5b') turns to tighten the second rope section (2b,2b').

13.An elevator according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that each of said rope(s) (2,2') has at least one
contoured side provided with elongated guide rib(s) (15) and elongated
guide groove(s) (16) oriented in the longitudinal direction of the rope
(2,2'), said contoured side being fitted to pass against a contoured
circumference of one or more rope wheels
(3,53,55,10,11,12,13,14,3,'5a',5b',10'11,'12,,'13,'14') of the elevator,
said circumference being provided with elongated guide rib(s) (17) and
elongated guide groove(s) (18) so that said contoured circumference
forms a counterpart for said contoured side(s) of the rope(s) (2,2').
14.An elevator according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that that each of said rope(s) (2,2') has at least one
contoured side provided with elongated guide rib(s) (15) and elongated
guide groove(s) (16) oriented in the longitudinal direction of the rope
(2,2'), the contoured side of at least the first or the second rope section
(2a,2b;2a',2b') being fitted to pass against a contoured circumference of
a rope wheel (11,14;11',14') of the elevator, which circumference is
provided with elongated guide rib(s) (17) and elongated guide groove(s)
(18) so that said contoured circumference forms a counterpart for said
contoured side(s) of the rope(s) (2,2'), and in that from said rope wheel
(1.1,14; 11',14') the first or the second rope section (2a,2b;2a',2b') in
question passes downwards or upwards to the tightening device
(4a,4b,4c), in particular to a pulley (5a,5b;5a',5b') thereof, turning
around its longitudinal axis.
15. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in
that the first and/or second rope section passes to the tightening device
(4a,4b,4c;4a',4b',4c') turning around its longitudinal axis in the space
between the vertical projection of the car (1) and the vertical hoistway
inner wall plane (W).