ELEVATOR
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an elevator for transporting passengers and/or goods.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
An elevator typically comprises an elevator car and a counterweight, which are
vertically movable in a hoistway. These elevator units are interconnected to
each other by a suspension roping that suspends them on opposite sides of a
drive wheel. For providing force for moving the suspension roping, and thereby
also for the elevator units, the elevatorcomprises a motor for rotating the drive
wheelengaging the suspension roping. The motor is typically automatically
controlled by an elevator control system.
The ropes on opposite sides of the drive wheel pass in the hoistway at a
certain distance from each other (later referred to as rope-to-rope distance). In
elevator design, the rope-to-rope distance cannot be freely chosen.
Typically.the rope-to-rope distance is largely defined by the size and position of
the movable elevator units, in particular car size and counterweight position in
shaft layout. In prior art, one divertingwheelhas been added in the system so
as to attain more flexibility for the rope-to-rope distance. This kind of
arrangement is illustrated in Figure 1. In this case, on one side of the drive
wheel, the rope has passed directly to one of the elevator units and on the
other side around said diverting wheel. Thereby, the rope-to-rope distance has
been possible to adjust suitable by adjusting lateral position of the diverting
wheel.
In elevators, the roping comprises at least one but typically several ropes
passing alongside each other. There are elevators where the ropes are belt-
shaped, i.e. they have a cross section with width substantially greater than the
thickness thereof. Position of the belt-shaped ropes relative to each wheel
around which it passes (in the axial direction of the wheel) as well as relative to
each pther needs to be controlled so that adjacent ropes do not drift too close

to each other, and so that none of the ropes drifts in said axial direction away
from the circumferential surface area of the wheel against which the rope in
question is intended to rest. One way to control this axial position of the belt-
shaped ropes is to shape the circumferential surface areas of the wheel
cambered. Each cambered circumferential surface area has a convex shape
against the peak of which the rope rests. The cambered shape tends to keep
the rope passing around it positioned resting against the peak thereof, thereby
resisting displacement of the rope away from the point of the peak.
In prior art, a drawback has been that some configurations have been difficult
to make utilizing cambered wheels. Particularly, when the rope-to-rope
distance needs to be close to but a little wider than drive wheel diameter, the
rope control in said axial direction has not worked reliably when utilizing
cambered shape for rope position control. In these circumstances, the rope
has been noted to be prone to wander in axialdirection along the cambered
shape. At worst, this behavior could cause the rope to move completely away
from the cambered wheel. Therefore, it has been problematic to build a system
utilizing cambered shape for rope position control where rope-to-rope distance
is wider than but close to the diameter of the drive wheel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The object of the invention is, inter alia, to alleviate previously described
drawbacks of known solutions and problems discussed later in the description
of the invention. The object of the invention is to introduce an elevator where
cambered wheels can be used to provide the suspension ropes witheffective
position control in axial direction of the wheels yet allowing free selection of the
rope-to-rope distance. Embodiments are presented, inter alia, where contact
length between ropes and the diverting wheel can be kept adequately long
with any roper-to-rope distance, such as when rope-to-rope distance is wider
than but close to the diameter of the drive wheel.

It is brought forward a new elevator comprising a first elevator unit vertically
movable in a hoistway; a second elevator unit vertically movable in a hoistway;
a suspension roping comprising one or more belt-shaped suspension ropes
interconnecting the first elevator unit and the second elevator unit; a drive
wheel for moving said one or more belt-shaped suspension ropes; a plurality of
cambered diverting wheels; said one or more belt-shaped suspension ropes
each passing around the drive wheel and comprising consecutively a first rope
section extending between the drive wheel and the first elevator unit; anda
second rope section extending between the drive wheel and the second
elevator unit. Both said rope sections diverge from the drive wheel towards the
same lateral side thereof, the first rope section passing over a first cambered
diverting wheel, in particular resting against a cambered circumferential
surface area thereof, and therefrom down to the first elevator unit, and the
second rope section passing over a second cambered diverting wheel, in
particular resting against cambered circumferential surface area thereof, and
therefrom down to the second elevator unit.One or more of the objects of the
invention are facilitated with this configuration. It has been found by
experimental work and analyzing that certain minimum contact length between
rope and a cambered diverting wheel is required to ensure proper control of
rope position in axial direction of the cambered diverting wheel. When the drive
wheel has been positioned such relative to diverting wheels that the rope
sections of a rope diverge in the defined way from the drive wheel towards the
same lateral side thereof, the contact length between rope and the diverter
wheel can be without problems be set, with any rope-to-rope distance, to be
adequately long to enable the cambered shape to act effectively on the rope.
This is realized also when rope-to-rope distance is wider than but close to the
diameter of the drive wheel. Thus, with the defined elevator construction also
this kind of configuration can be implemented. Another benefit is that effective
axial position control can be ensured with both directions of movement of the
rope(s). This is because axial rope position has been found to be most
meaningfully controlled by the cambered diverting wheel which rope enters
first Each rope section is guided .properly, thanks to the adequately long

contact length, so with any of the two running directions the rope arriving to the
drive wheel is effectively controlled in terms of its position in axial direction.
In a first type of preferred embodiment, the first rope section diverges from the
drive wheel obliquely downwards to the first diverting wheel, and the second
rope section diverges from the drive wheel obliquely downwards to the second
diverting wheel.Thus, a contact length between the ropes and the drive wheel
can be kept adequate for most elevators. A long contact length ensures good
traction as well as effect of the possible cambered shape between the ropes
and the drive wheel. This facilitates also the overall slimness of the wheel
configuration.
In a second type of preferred embodiment, one or both of the first and second
rope sections diverges from the drive wheel obliquely upwards to a diverting
wheel over which the section in question passes, the diverting wheel in
questiondiverting the angle of the ropes substantially more than 90 degrees.
Thus, the contact length between the ropes and the diverting wheel in question
is strongly increased thereby increasing the effect of the cambered shape of
the diverting wheel on the rope. In one embodiment, the first rope section
diverges from the drive wheel obliquely upwards to the first cambered diverting
wheel, and the second rope section diverges from the drive wheel obliquely
downwards to the second cambered diverting wheel.Thus, the contact length
between the ropes and the firstdiverting wheel is strongly increased thereby
increasing the effect of the cambered shape of the first diverting wheel on the
rope.Thus, also a contact length between the ropes and the drive wheelis
maximized. A long contact length ensures good traction as well as effect of the
possible cambered shape between the ropes and the drive wheel. This also
facilitates making the overall structure for the configuration of wheels low. In
another embodiment.the first rope section diverges from the drive wheel
obliquely upwards to the first diverting wheel, and the second rope section
diverges from the drive wheel obliquely upwards to the second diverting wheel.

Preferably, the first or the second, but preferably both the first cambered
diverting wheeland the second cambered diverting wheel are completely at
lateral side of the drive wheel. This facilitates making the overall structure for
the configuration of wheels low. This also makes easier to arrange one or both
of the rope sections to diverge from the drive wheel obliquely upwards to a
diverting wheel.
Preferably, said first diverting wheel is at said lateral side closer to the drive
wheel than the seconddiverting wheel. Thus, unobstructed passage of each
rope section straight down to an elevator unit from the diverting wheel is
facilitated.
Preferably, the distance between the first rope section passing down from the
first cambered diverting wheel to the first elevator unit and the second rope
section passing down from the second cambered diverting wheel to the second
elevator unit is at most, but preferably less than 1.5 times the diameter of the
drive wheel. In this context, the defined way of diverging of the rope sections
from the drive wheel is particularly beneficial, as in this case long contact
length between the diverting wheels and the rope is critical. Thus, an elevator
with short rope-to-rope distance can be feasibly provided.
Preferably, one or both of said first and second diverting wheel diverts the
angle of the ropes substantially more than 90 degrees. Thus, the contact
length between the ropes and the diverting wheel in question is strongly
increased, whereby the guiding effect of the cambered shape of the diverting
wheel on the rope is ensured.
Preferably, said one or more belt-shaped suspension ropes comprises a
plurality of belt-shaped suspension ropes as defined.
Preferably, each of said first and said second diverting wheel comprises a
cambered circumferential surface area for each of said one or more ropes
against which circumferential surface area the rope in question is arranged to
rest.

Preferably, the drive wheel is also cambered, particularly comprising a
cambered circumferential surface area for each of said one or more ropes
against which circumferential surface area the rope in question is arranged to
rest.
Preferably, each of said cambered circumferential surface area has a convex
shape having a peak against which one of said one or more ropes rests.
Preferably, said first cambered diverting wheel, said drive wheel, and said
second cambered diverting wheel are mounted to rotate at a stationary
location, preferably at a stationary location above the elevator units.
Preferably, said first cambered diverting wheel, said drive wheel, and said
second cambered diverting wheel are mounted on stationary structure(s) of the
building, such as on structures of the hoistway or structures of a machine room
provided close to, such as above or next to, the hoistway.
Preferably, one of the elevator units is, or at least comprises an elevator car
and the second is, or at least comprises a counterweight or a second elevator
car.
Preferably, the elevator comprises a motor for rotating the drive wheel and an
automatic elevator control for controlling the motor.
Preferably, each cambered circumferential surface area as well as the surface
of the rope resting against it is smooth, in particular such that neither of said
circumferential surface area nor the rope has protrusions extending into
recesses of the other. Thereby, the control of axial position of each rope is
provided by the shape of the cambered circumferential surface area against
which the rope rests. Also, traction of each rope is based on frictional contact
between the drive wheel and the rope.
Preferably, each rope passes around the diverting wheels and the drive wheel
the wide side of the rope against the wheels. When there are several ropes,
as illustrated, the ropes pass around the diverting wheels and the drive wheel

adjacent each other in axial direction X of the drive wheel as well as adjacent
each other in the width-direction w of the ropes, the wide side of each rope
against the wheel in question.
Preferably, the rope comprises one or more continuous load bearing members
extending in longitudinal direction of the rope throughout the length of the rope.
Thus, the rope is provided with good load bearing ability for the rope.
Preferably, said load bearing member(s) is/are made of composite material
comprising reinforcing fibers embedded in polymer matrix. The reinforcing
fibers are preferably carbon fibers, but also other fibers can be used, such as
glass fibers.. Preferably, the rope is such that reinforcing fibers are distributed
in the matrix substantially evenly. Also preferably, all the individual reinforcing
fibers of the load bearing member are bound to each other by the matrix.
Preferably, said load bearing member(s) is/are parallel with the longitudinal
direction of the rope. Thereby, it/they provide excellent longitudinal stiffness for
the rope. The reinforcing fibers are also preferably parallel with the longitudinal
direction of the rope, which facilitates further the longitudinal stiffness of the
rope.
Preferably, said load bearing member(s) is/are embedded in elastic coating
forming the surface of the rope. Thus, the rope is provided with a surface via
which the rope can effectively engage frictionally with the cambered wheels
and the drive wheel in terms of axial position control as well as traction. Thus,
it is also possible to isolate load bearing members of each rope from each
other in case there are several of them. The coating is particularly preferable in
case where the load bearing member(s) is/are made of composite as defined,
because thus the fragile and slippery load bearing member(s) are provided
with protection as well as friction properties adjustable to perform well in terms
of traction as well as axial position control.
The car is preferably arranged to serve two or more landings. The car
preierably respands to calls from landing and/or destination commands from

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 following, the present invention will be described in more detail by way of
example and with reference to the attached drawings, in which
Figure 1 illustrates schematically an elevator according to prior art as viewed
from the side.
Figure 2 illustrates schematically an elevator according to a first embodiment
of the invention as viewed from the side.
Figure 3 illustrates schematically an elevator according to a second
embodiment of the invention as viewed from the side.
Figure illustrates schematically an elevator according to a third embodiment
of the invention as viewed from the side.
Figure 5 illustrates schematically a cross section of the wheels of Figure 2, 3 or
4.
Figure 6 illustrates the cross section of a preferred structure for an individual
rope.
Figure 7 illustrates inside the circle a partial and enlarged cross-section of the
load bearing member of Figure 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure 1 illustrates schematically an elevator according to prior art and has
been described above in the application. In Figure 1, reference numbers 1', 2',
5',6' R', L refer the first elevator unit, the second elevator unit, drive wheel,
diverting wheel, roping and rope-to-rope distance, respectfully.
Figures 2, 3 and 4 each illustrate an elevator according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention. The elevator comprises a hoistway H and a first
elevator unit 1 vertically movable in the hoistway H and a second elevator unit

2 vertically movable in the hoistway H. The elevator further comprises a
suspension roping R comprising one or more belt-shaped suspension ropes
3a,3b,3c each interconnecting the first elevator unit 1 and the second elevator
unit 2 and passing around wheels 4,5,6 comprising a drive wheel 5 for moving
said one or more belt-shaped suspension ropes 3a,3b,3c. The two elevator
units 1,2 form a balancing weight for each other by affecting each other via
said one or more ropes whereby they are economical to move. At least one of
these elevator units is an elevator car, wherein the elevator can transport
passengers and/or goods. The other of these elevator units is preferably a
counterweight, as in conventional elevators, but could alternatively be a
second elevator car whereby two cars would form a balancing weight for each
other. For providing force for moving the one or more suspension ropes
3a,3b,3c, and thereby also for the elevator units 1,2, the elevatorcomprises a
power source, in particular a motor M, arranged to rotate the drive wheel5
engaging the one or more suspension ropes 3a,3b,3c.The elevator further
comprises an automatic elevator control 10arranged to control the motor M,
whereby movement of the elevator units is automatically controllable.
In addition to said drive wheel 5, said wheels 4,5,6 further comprise a plurality
of cambered diverting wheels 4, 6. Passage of the ropes around said wheels
4,5,6 is illustrated in Figure 5 showing a cross sectional view of the ropes as
they are positioned againsteach wheel. The drive wheel 5 is in this
embodiment also cambered in the same way as the diverting wheels 4,6. The
cambered diverting wheels 4,6 comprise a cambered circumferential surface
area A,B,C for each of said one or more ropes 3a,3b,3c against which
circumferential surface area A,B,Cthe rope in question is arranged to rest.In
this way the axial position, i.e. the position of the belt-shaped ropes in axial
direction X of the wheel 4,5,6 around which is passes, is controlled.In these
embodiments, each cambered circumferential surface area A,B,Chas a convex
shape against the peak of which the rope rests. The cambered shape tends to
keep the rope passing around it. positioned resting against the peak thereof,

thereby resisting displacement of the rope 3a,3b,3caway from this position in
said axial direction X.
Said one or more belt-shaped suspension ropes 3a,3b,3c each comprise
consecutive rope sections, namely a first rope section a extending between the
drive wheel 5and the first elevator unit 1, and a second rope section b
extending between the drive wheel 5 and the second elevator unit 2. Both
rope sections a, b diverge from the drive wheel 5 towards the same lateral side
thereof (towards right in Figures 2to4), the first rope section a passing over a
first cambered diverting wheel 4, in particular resting against a cambered
circumferential surface area A,B,C thereof, and therefrom straight down to the
first elevator unit 1, and the second rope section b passing over a second
cambered diverting wheel 6, in particular resting against cambered
circumferential surface area A,B,C thereof, and therefrom straightdown to the
second elevator unit 2.
The rope extending between the first elevator unit 1 and the second elevator
unit passes around the first cambered diverting wheel 4, a drive wheel 5, and a
second cambered diverting wheel 6, in this order, whereby with any of the two
running directions each of said ropes is before arriving to the drive wheel 5
controlled in terms of its position in axial direction. The drive wheel 5 andthe
diverting wheels 4,6 being positioned such relative to each other that the rope
sections a,b of a rope diverge from the drive wheel 5 towards the same lateral
side thereof, the contact length between rope and the diverter wheel is with
any rope-to-rope distance L adequately long to enable the cambered shape of
the one of the diverting wheels 4,6, wherefrom the rope arrives to the drive
wheel 5, to act effectively on the rope 3a,3b,3c.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the first rope section a diverges from
the drive wheel 5 obliquely downwards to the first diverting wheel 4, and the
second rope section b diverges from the drive wheel 5 obliquely downwards to
the second diverting wheel 6. Thus, a contact length between the ropes and

the drive wheel 5 can be kept adequate for most elevators. This facilitates also
the overall slimness of the configuration of wheels 4,5,6.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, both the first diverting wheel 4 and
the second diverting wheel 6 are completely at lateral side of the drive wheel 5.
In this embodiment, the first rope section a diverges from the drive wheel 5
obliquely upwards to the first diverting wheel 4, and the second rope section b
diverges from the drive wheel 5 obliquely downwards to the second diverting
wheel 6. Thus, the contact length between the ropes and the diverting wheel 4
is strongly increased thereby increasing the effect of the cambered shape of
the diverting wheel 4 on the rope.ln particular, the diverting wheel 4 diverts the
angle of the ropes, i.e. the angle of the first rope section 1, substantially more
than 90 degrees. Thus, the contact length between the ropes and the diverting
wheel in question is strongly increased thereby increasing the effect of the
cambered shape of the diverting wheel on the rope. With this configuration,
also a contact length between the ropes and the drive wheel 5 is increased. In
particular, the drive wheel 5 diverts the angle of the ropes substantially more
than 180 degrees. A this long contact length ensures good traction between
the ropes and the drive wheel 5. This kind of configuration also facilitates
making the overall structure for the configuration of wheels 4,5,6 low. Figure 3
shows an elevator with small distance L. Particularly, the distance L (rope-to-
rope distance) between the first rope section a passing down from the first
cambered diverting wheel 4 to the first elevator unit 1 and the second rope
section b passing down from the second cambered diverting wheel 6 to the
second elevator unit 2 is small, in particular 1.5 times the diameter of the drive
wheel 5 or even less. Distances this short have caused problems when using
cambered wheels for position control of ropes. A distance this short can also
be achieved with the solution of Figure 2 although not illustrated.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, both the first diverting wheel 4 and
the second cambered diverting wheel 6 are completely at lateral side of the
drive wheel 5. In this embodiment, the first rope section a diverges from the
drive wheel 5 obliquely upwards to the first diverting wheel 4, and the second

rope section b diverges from the drive wheel 5 obliquely upwards to the
second diverting wheel 6. Thus, the contact length between the ropes and the
diverting wheels 4,6 is strongly increased thereby increasing the effect of the
cambered shape of the diverting wheels 4,6 on the ropes 3a,3b,3c. In this
case, each cambered diverting wheel 4,6 diverts the angle of the ropes, i.e. the
angle of the first and second rope section respectively, substantially more than
90 degrees. Thus, the contact length between the ropes and the diverting
wheel in question is strongly increased thereby increasing the effect of the
cambered shape of the diverting wheel on the rope, which is adequate to
ensure proper controlof rope position in axial direction of the cambered
diverting wheel. With this configuration, it is ensured the ropes arrive in proper
axial position to the drive wheel 5 with any running direction.This kind of
configuration also facilitates making the overall structure for the configuration
of wheels 4,5,6 low. Figure 4 shows an elevator with small distance L.
Particularly, the distance L (rope-to-rope distance) between the first rope
section a passing down from the first cambered diverting wheel 4 to the first
elevator unit 1 and the second rope section b passing down from the second
cambered diverting wheel 6 to the second elevator unit 2 is small, in particular
1.5 times the diameter of the drive wheel 5 or even less.
In general, it is possible that said one or more belt-shaped suspension
ropes3a,3b,3ccomprises only one of these ropes arranged as defined, but
preferably said one or more belt-shaped suspension ropes comprises plurality
of belt-shaped suspension ropes arranged as defined. In the embodiment
illustrated in Figures 2 to4 there are three of belt-shaped suspension ropes
arranged as defined.
The ropes being belt-shaped they have two oppositely facing wide sides
(which face in Figures 2 to 4 upwards and downwards), as well as lateral
flanks (which face in Figures 2 to 4 left and right). Each rope 3a,3b,3c passes
around the diverting wheels 4 ,6 and the drive wheel 5 the wide side of the
rope against the wheel in question. When there are several ropes, as
illustrated, the ropes 3a, 3b, 3c pass around the diverting wheels 4 ,6 and the

drive wheel 5 adjacent each other in axial direction X of the drive wheel 5 as
well as adjacent each other in the width-direction w of the ropes, the wide
sides of each rope 3a,3b,3c against the wheel in question.
Preferably, the circumferential surface area A,B,C as well as the surface of the
rope via which the rope rest against the circumferential surface area A,B,Cin
question are both smooth such that neither of said circumferential surface area
A,B,C nor the rope has protrusions extending into recesses of the other.
Thereby, the control of axial position of each rope is provided by the shape of
the cambered circumferential surface area A,B,C against which the rope rests.
Also, traction of each rope is based on frictional contact between the drive
wheel 5 and the rope. Therefore.said circumferential surface area nor the rope
surface need not be configured for engaging to each other via a polyvee- or
toothed engagement.
It is preferable that said first cambered diverting wheel 4, said drive wheel 5,
and said second cambered diverting wheel 6 are mounted to rotate at a
stationary locationabove the elevator units 1, 2, as illustrated in Figures 2, 3
and 4.
It is preferable, that the elevator is installed in a building. The, preferably said
first cambered diverting wheel 4, said drive wheel 5, and said second
cambered diverting 6 wheel are mounted on stationary structure(s) of the
building, such as on structures of the hoistwayH or structures of a machine
room MR provided close to, such as above or next to the hoistwayH. In Figures
2 to 4, the machine room MR is above the common hoistway H, where the
elevator units 1 and 2 travel. Dashed line I represents the floor line of the
machine room MR. It is of course obvious, that the elevator could alternatively
be implemented without a machine room and/or such that the elevator units
travel in different hoistways.
It is preferable, that each of said one or more ropes 3a,3b,3c comprises one or
more continuous load bearing members 20, which load bearing members 20
extending in longitudinal direction of the rope 3a,3b,3c throughout the length of

the rope 3a,3b,3c, which load bearing member(s) 20 is/are made of composite
material comprising reinforcing fibers f embedded in polymer matrix m. Said
fibers f are preferably carbon fibers. Preferably, the one or more continuous
load bearing members 20 is/are embedded in elastic coating forming the
surface of the rope. Thus, the rope is provided with a surface via which the
rope can effectively engage frictionally with the cambered wheels and the drive
wheel in terms of axial position control as well as traction.Further preferred
details of the rope 3a,3b,3c will be later described in context of description of
Figure 6.
Figure 6 illustrates the cross section of a preferred structure for an individual
rope 3a,3b,3c. The rope 3a,3b,3c is in the form of a belt.and thereby has a
width w substantially larger than the thickness t thereof. This makes it well
suitable for elevator use as bending of the rope is necessary in most elevators.
The rope 3a,3b,3c comprises continuous load bearing members 20 extending
in longitudinal direction of the rope 3a,3b,3c throughout the length of the rope
3a,3b,3c. The number of load bearing members 20 comprised in the rope
3a,3b,3c can alternatively be also greater or smaller than the two shown in
Figure 6. Each of the load bearing member(s) 20 is parallel with the
longitudinal direction of the rope 3a,3b,3c, whereby excellent longitudinal
stiffness for the rope 3a,3b,3c is provided. The fibers f preferably are
continuous fibers, in particular fibers continuous throughout the length of the
rope 3a,3b,3c. So as to provide the rope 3a,3b,3c with a turning radius well
suitable for elevator use, it is preferable that the width/thickness ratio of the
rope is substantial, in particular more than 2, preferably more than 4 as
illustrated. Thus, reasonable bending radius can be achieved for the rope
3a,3b,3c-when it contains substantially material of high bending rigidity, such
as fiber reinforced composite material.
The load bearing members 20 are preferably embedded in an elastic coating
21 forming the surface of the rope 3a,3b,3c, as illustrated. The coating 21 is
preferably.made of elastomer in.general, the elastic coating 21 provides the

rope 3a,3b,3c good wear resistance, protection, and isolates the load bearing
members 20 from each other. The elastic coating 20 also provides the rope
high friction, for instance for frictional traction contact with a rotatable drive
wheel 5 as illustrated in Figures 2, 3 or 4. The elastomer is preferably
polyurethane, which provides best results in terms of traction and durability in
elevator use.
Preferably, each of said load bearing members 20 is made of composite
material comprising reinforcing fibers f embedded in polymer matrix m. Figure
7 illustrates inside the circle a partial and enlarged cross-section of the load
bearing member 20 of the rope 3a,3b,3c. The material provides the rope
3a,3b,3c excellent longitudinal stiffness and low weight, which are among
preferred properties for an elevator. The reinforcing fibers f are most preferably
carbon fibers, which are most advantageous in terms of longitudinal stiffness
as well as weight.
To reduce buckling of fibers and to facilitate a small bending radius of the rope,
among other things, it is therefore preferred that the polymer matrix is hard,
and in particular non-elastomeric. The most preferred materials are epoxy
resin, polyester, phenolic plastic or vinyl ester. The matrix of the load bearing
member 20 is preferably such that 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. The
structure is advantageous as hereby the service life of the rope can be
extended.
The composite material is preferably such that the individual reinforcing fibers
are parallel with the length direction of the rope. Thus, they provide excellent
longitudinal stiffness for the rope. The individual reinforcing fibers are
preferably distributed in the matrix substantially evenly, such that substantially
all the individual reinforcing fibers of the load bearing member are bound to
each other by the matrix. The rope 3a,3b,3c is preferably in accordance with

any one of the composite ropes disclosed in international patent application
WO2009090299A1.
It is preferable, that the rope sections a,b diverge radially from the drive wheel
as illustrated, preferably eachrope section a,b extending all the way to its
elevator unit 1,2 such that they are on the same plane. Particularly, it is
preferable that the whole length of each of said ropes passes along one and
same vertical plane. Each rope may be connected to the elevator units by its
ends (as shown in Figures 2to4 ; i.e. with 1:1 suspension ratio) or via diverting
wheels mounted on the elevator unit (not shown ; e.g. with 2:1 suspension
ratio).
In the above, different directions in which the rope sections diverge from the
drive wheel have been discussed. As an alternative, it is apparent that one or
both of first and second rope sections could diverge horizontally instead of
what is shown. It is also apparent that the ropes may diverge in any
combination of the directions illustrated or mentioned herein.
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. For example, the belt-shaped rope can have an internal
structure or surface different from what has been presented as preferred. The
invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described
above but may vary within the scope of the claims.

CLAIMS
1. An elevator comprising
a first elevator unit (1) vertically movable in a hoistway (H);
a second elevator unit (2) vertically movable in a hoistway (H);
a suspension roping (R) comprising one or more belt-shaped
suspension ropes (3a,3b,3c) interconnecting the first elevator unit (1) and
the second elevator unit (2);
a drive wheel (5) for moving said one or more belt-shaped
suspension ropes (3a,3b,3c);
a plurality of cambered diverting wheels (4, 6);
said one or more belt-shaped suspension ropes (3a,3b,3c) each
passing around the drive wheel (5) and comprising consecutively
- a first rope section (a) extending between the drive wheel (5)
and the first elevator unit (1); and
- a second rope section (b) extending between the drive wheel (5)
and the second elevator unit (2)
wherein both rope sections (a, b) diverge from the drive wheel (5)
towards the same lateral side thereof, the first rope section (a) passing
over a first cambered diverting wheel (4), in particular resting against a
cambered circumferential surface area (A,B,C) thereof, and therefrom
down to the first elevator unit (1), and the second rope section (b) passing
over a second cambered diverting wheel (6), in particular resting against a
cambered circumferential surface area (A,B,C) thereof, and therefrom
down to the second elevator unit (2).
2. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first
rope section (a) diverges from the drive wheel (5) obliquely downwards
to the first cambered diverting wheel (4), and the second rope section
(b) diverges from the drive wheel (5) obliquely downwards to the second
cambered diverting wheel (6).

3. An elevator accordingto any of the preceding claims, wherein both the
first diverting wheel (4) and the second diverting wheel (6) are
completely at lateral side of the drive wheel (5).
4. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, whereinone or
both of said first and second diverting wheel (4,6) diverts the angle of
the ropes (3a,3b,3c) substantially more than 90 degrees.
5. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one or
both of the first and second rope section (a, b) diverges from the drive
wheel (5) obliquely upwards to the cambered diverting wheel (4,6) over
which the section in question passes.
6. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first
rope section (a) diverges from the drive wheel (5) obliquely upwards to
the first cambered diverting wheel (4), and the second rope section (b)
diverges from the drive wheel (5) obliquely downwards to the second
cambered diverting wheel (6).
7. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the
distance (L) between the first rope section (a) passing down from the
first cambered diverting wheel (4)to the first elevator unit (1)and the
second rope section (b) passing down from the second cambered
diverting wheel (6) to the second elevator unit (2) is at most 1.5 times
the diameter of the drive wheel (5).
8. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of
said first and said second diverting wheel (4,6) comprises a cambered
circumferential surface area (A,B,C) for each of said one or more ropes
(3a,3b,3c) against which circumferential surface area (A,B,C) the rope
in question is arranged to rest.

9. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the drive
wheel(5) is cambered, particularly comprising a cambered
circumferential surface area (A,B,C) for each of said one or more ropes
(3a,3b,3c) against which circumferential surface area (A,B,C) the rope
(3a,3b,3c) in question is arranged to rest.
10. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each said
cambered circumferential surface area (A,B,C) has a convex shape
having a peakagainst which one of said one or more ropes(3a,3b,3c)
rests.
11. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one of
the elevator units (1) comprises an elevator car and the second (2)
comprises a counterweight or a second elevator car.
12. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of
said one or more ropes (3a,3b,3c) comprises one or more continuous
load bearing members (20) extending in longitudinal direction of the
rope (3a,3b,3c) throughout the length of the rope (3a,3b,3c), which load
bearing member(s) (20) is/are made of composite material comprising
reinforcing fibers (f) embedded in polymer matrix (m).
13. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of
said one or more ropes (3a,3b,3c) comprises one or more continuous
load bearing members (20) extending in longitudinal direction of the
rope (3a,3b,3c) throughout the. length of the rope (3a,3b,3c), which load
bearing member(s) (20) is/are embedded in elastic coating (21) forming
the surface of the rope.
14.An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein
eachcambered circumferential surface area (A,B,C) as well as the
surface of the rope (3a,3b,3c) resting against it are both smooth.

15. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each
rope (3a,3b,3c) passes around the diverting wheels (4,6) and the drive
wheel (5) the wide side of the rope (3a,3b,3c) against the wheels
(4,5,6).