ELEVATOR
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The object of the invention is an elevator, preferably
an elevator applicable to moving people.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In prior-art elevators, lock-down of the elevator car
and of the counterweight is arranged with a metallic
compensating rope or chain connecting the elevator car
and counterweight, which rope or chain passes around a
diverting pulley mounted on the bottom of the elevator
hoistway. Arranged this way the rope prevents
continuation of the movement of the counterweight in a
braking situation of the elevator car. The rope
delivers this loc -down function and also
simultaneously a compensating function of the masses
of the hoisting ropes of the .elevator, i.e.
compensates an imbalance state of the hoisting ropes
caused by a change in the positions of the elevator
car and counterweight. A problem in this solution has
been that acceleration of a rope dimensioned for
compensation purposes along with the acceleration of
the elevator car consumes a large amount of energy
owing to the large mass of the rope. Correspondingly,
a problem has been the laborious braking of the
elevator car, because deceleration must be achieved,
in addition to the elevator car, in the heavy
compensating roping at the same time. All in all, the
moving masses have been large, which has been
reflected in the dimensioning of numerous other parts
of the elevator, e.g. in the dimensioning of guide
rails and safety gears. Additionally, elevators of a
low travel height that do not have compensating roping
also exist. In these, a lock-down function can have
been completely omitted. On the other hand, it has
also been proposed that the function be arranged byincluding
in the counterweight a brake that is
activated in a gripping situation.
AIM OF THE INVENTION
The aim of the invention is to produce an elevator
that has a better lock-down arrangement than before .
The aim of the invention is to eliminate the
aforementioned drawbacks, among others, of prior- art
solutions. The aim of the invention is further to
produce one or more of the following advantages, among
others :
A safe lock-down function is achieved without
producing a large mass to be moved.
An energy-efficient elevator is achieved.
A space-efficient elevator is achieved, the rope
of which is light and small in terms of its
bending radius .
An elevator is achieved, the mass of the parts of
which that move along with the car is lower than
before .
An elevator is achieved, the creeping of the rope
of which is minor and the repair work caused by
creeping decreases .
An elevator is achieved, the lock-down rope of
which is rigid in the longitudinal direction, but
is light and inexpensive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is based on the concept that if the rope
of an elevator, said rope connecting the elevator car
and the counterweight, being separate from the
supporting function and passing around a diverting
pulley mounted on the bottom end of the elevator
hoistway, is formed to be such that its longitudinal
power transmission capability is based on non-metallic
material, preferably non-metallic fibers, the rope can
be lightened and as a result of the lightness the
energy efficiency of the elevator improves. More
particularly the lock-down function of an elevator can
be implemented exerting only a minor increase in the
mass moving along with the elevator car. Thus, by
forming the rope in a specified way considerable
service-life savings can be achieved although the
manufacturing costs of the elevator rise when
inexpensive metal is surprisingly replaced with more
expensive material .
In a basic embodiment of the concept according to the
invention the elevator comprises at least an elevator
car and means for moving the elevator car, preferably
along guide rails, and a counterweight, and one or
more ropes, which rope connects the elevator car and
the counterweight and is separate from the supporting
function and passes around a diverting pulley mounted
on the bottom end of the elevator hoistway. The rope
comprises a power transmission part or a plurality of
power transmission parts, for transmitting power in
the longitudinal direction of the rope, which power
transmission part is essentially fully of non-metallic
material. In this way the aforementioned advantages
are achieved.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the elevator comprises a cable in the
elevator hoistway, which cable hangs supported by the
elevator car and the building, the first end of which
cable is fixed to the elevator car and the second end
of which cable is fixed to a fixed structure of the
building. Compensating the imbalance of the hoisting
ropes that changes as a function of car position can
thus be arranged by means of a cable and the
compensating effect of the lock-down arrangement can
be kept small. Reducing the amount of the mass hanging
from the counterweight reduces the overall need for
compensation.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the rope is arranged to transmit the
longitudinal force of the rope between the elevator
car and the counterweight with the aforementioned
power transmission part, more particularly for slowing
down the upward movement of the counterweight in
emergency braking of the downward movement of the
elevator car. In this way a safe lock-down function
that stops the movement of the counterweight can be
achieved.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the aforementioned cable is a data
transmission cable and/or an electricity transmission
cable .
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the rope passes around the
aforementioned diverting pulley, bending at the point
of the diverting pulley around an axis that is in the
width direction of the rope, and the width of the rope
is greater than the thickness. One advantage, among
others, is that the bending radius of the rope can be
reduced without losing supporting surface area. As a
consequence, the rope can be manufactured from rigid
material, the elongation properties of which would
otherwise prevent an advantageous bending radius.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the means for moving the elevator car
comprise hoisting roping that moves the elevator car
and the counterweight, which roping comprises a
plurality of ropes (H,H' ,H''), each of which comprises
a power transmission part (5) or a plurality of power
transmission parts (5) , for transmitting force in the
longitudinal direction of the rope, which power
transmission part (5) is essentially fully of nonmetallic
material.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention essentially all the power
transmission parts (2) of the rope (R,R',R''), and
preferably also essentially all the power transmission
parts (5) of the rope (H ,H ',H '') for transmitting
force in the longitudinal direction of the rope are
essentially fully of non-metallic material. In this
way the whole longitudinal power transmission of the
rope can be arranged with light material alone.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention each power transmission part (2) of
the rope (R ,R ',R '') and preferably also each power
transmission part (5) of the rope (H,H' ,H''), is of a
material which comprises non-metallic fibers
essentially in the longitudinal direction of the rope.
In this way the whole longitudinal power transmission
of the rope can be arranged to be based on nonmetallic
fibers. The power transmission can thus be
arranged to be light, using light fibers.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the material of the aforementioned
power transmission part (2) and preferably also of the
power transmission part (5) is a composite material,
which comprises non-metallic fibers as reinforcing
fibers in a polymer matrix.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the aforementioned non-metallic
fibers of the part 2 are carbon fibers. Thus the
elevator is fireproof and energy-efficient.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the aforementioned non-metallic
fibers of the part 2 are glass fibers . Thus the
elevator is fireproof, energy-efficient and
inexpensive, but nevertheless the rope is rigid.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the aforementioned non-metallic
fibers of the part 2 are aramid fibers . Thus the
elevator is inexpensive, safe and energy- efficient ,
but nevertheless the rope is rigid.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the aforementioned non-metallic
fibers are of a first material, preferably carbon
fibers, in the rope of the hoisting roping and of a
second material, preferably glass fibers, in the rope
passing around the diverting pulley mounted on the
bottom end of the elevator hoistway. In this way the
masses of the ropings can be simply fitted to be
suitable. The aforementioned first material is
preferably lighter than the aforementioned second
material. The safety factor of the supporting function
must generally be considerably larger than that of the
lock-down rope, so that the total strength of the
supporting roping must be greater than that of the
lock-down roping. In this way sufficient strength is
obtained in the lock-down roping with a smaller amount
of rope than in the supporting roping. In this case
the material of the power transmission part of the
lock-down roping can be heavier and less of it is
needed than for the supporting roping. As a
consequence of this the total cross -sectional area of
preferably all the power transmission parts 2 of the
hoisting roping is greater than the total crosssectional
area of all the power transmission parts 5
of the roping passing around the diverting pulley 11.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the aforementioned power transmission
part (2) or a plurality of power transmission parts
(2) covers most, preferably 60% or over, more
preferably 65% or over, more 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 most 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 more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the aforementioned plurality of power
transmission parts (2, 5 ) is formed from a plurality
of parallel power transmission parts (2, 5 ) . In this
way the bending radius of the rope can be reduced.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the width/ thickness of the rope
(R, R ',R '',H ,H ',H '') is at least 2 or more, preferably
at least 4 , even more preferably at least 5 or more,
yet even more preferably at least 6 , yet even more
preferably at least 7 or more, yet even more
preferably at least 8 or more, most preferably of all
more than 10. In this way good power transmission
capability is achieved with a small bending radius.
This can be implemented preferably with a composite
material presented in this patent application, which
material has a very advantageously large
width/thickness ratio owing to its rigidity.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the aforementioned power transmission
part (2) or a plurality of power transmission parts
(2) covers over 40% of the surface area of the crosssection
of the rope (R,R',R''), preferably 50% or
over, even more preferably 60% or over, even more
preferably 65% or over. In this way a large part of
the cross -sectional area of the rope can be formed to
be supporting. This can be implemented particularly
well with the composite presented in this patent
application.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the width of the aforementioned power
transmission part (2) is greater than the thickness,
preferably such that the width/thickness of the
aforementioned power transmission part (2) is at least
2 or more, preferably at least 3 or more, even more
preferably at least 4 or more, yet even more
preferably at least 5 , most preferably of all more
than 5 . In this way a wide rope can be formed simply
and to be thin.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the rope R,R',R'' is not arranged to
transfer the power needed for moving during normal
operation to the elevator car or to the counterweight .
The rope can thus be formed to be of light structure,
primarily for the lock-down function.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the means for moving the elevator car
comprise hoisting roping that moves the elevator car
and the counterweight, which hoisting roping comprises
a plurality of ropes, each of which comprises a power
transmission part (5) or a plurality of power
transmission parts (5) , for transmitting force in the
longitudinal direction of the rope, which power
transmission part (5) is of metallic material.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the aforementioned diverting pulley
11 is supported in its position such that it is able
to move in the vertical direction at most by the
amount of a certain margin of movement, which
aforementioned movement is preferably prevented when
the speed of the aforementioned movement exceeds a
certain limit. In this way it can reliably produce
vertical support force for the rope loop passing
around the diverting pulley, e.g. for preventing its
free rise when a lock-down function is needed.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the cable compensates, at least to
the extent of 80 per cent, preferably essentially
completely, the imbalance of the hoisting ropes that
changes as a function of car position. In this way the
compensation can be implemented independently of the
lock-down. The solution is safe and allows formation
of the lock-down rope to be light without requiring a
certain mass from the hoisting ropes.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the individual reinforcing fibers are
evenly distributed into the aforementioned matrix.
Thus the composite part of the power transmission
part, which composite part is even in its material
properties and has a long life, is effectively
reinforced with fibers.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the aforementioned reinforcing fibers
are continuous fibers in the longitudinal direction of
the rope, which fibers preferably continue for
essentially the distance of the whole length of the
rope . The structure thus formed is rigid and easy to
form.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the individual reinforcing fibers are
bound together into a uniform power transmission part
with the aforementioned polymer matrix, preferably in
the manufacturing phase by embedding the reinforcing
fibers into the material of the polymer matrix. Thus
the structure of the power transmission part is
uniform.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the fibers, preferably essentially
all the fibers of the power transmission part, are
essentially uninterlaced in relation to each other. In
this way an advantage, among others, of the straight
fibers longitudinal to the rope is the rigid behavior
and small relative movement /internal wear of the power
transmission part formed by them. In this way creep is
minor and a rope that can be formed to be light is
also able to quickly stop a counterweight endeavoring
to continue its movement.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the polymer matrix is of a nonelastomer.
Thus the matrix essentially supports the
reinforcing fibers .
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the module of elasticity of the
polymer matrix is over 2 GPa, most preferably over 2.5
GPa, and yet more preferably in the range 2.5-lOGPa,
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. One
advantage, among others, is a longer service life and
the enablement of smaller bending radiuses.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the polymer matrix comprises epoxy,
polyester, phenolic plastic or vinyl ester. In this
way a structure is achieved wherein the matrix
essentially supports the reinforcing fibers. One
advantage, among others, is a longer service life and
the enablement of smaller bending radiuses.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention over 50% of the surface area of the
cross-section of the power transmission part 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. 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. With this advantageous strength properties
are achieved while at the same time the amount of
matrix material is however sufficient to surround the
fibers it binds into one.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention each aforementioned power
transmission part is surrounded with a polymer layer,
which is preferably of elastomer, most preferably of
high- friction elastomer such as for instance
polyurethane , which layer forms the surface of the
rope. In this way the power transmission part(s)
is/are protected from wear.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the power transmission part is
composed of the aforementioned polymer matrix,
reinforcing fibers bound to each other by the polymer
matrix, and also possibly a coating around the fibers,
and also possibly additives mixed into the polymer
matrix.
In a more refined embodiment of the concept according
to the invention the rope does not comprise such a
quantity of metal wires that together they would form
an essential part of the longitudinal power
transmission capability of the rope. In this way
essentially the whole longitudinal power transmission
of the rope can be arranged with a non-metallic
material alone.
Preferably the density of the aforementioned nonmetallic
fibers is less than 4000kg/m3, and the
strength is over 1500 N/mm2, more preferably so that
the density of the aforementioned fibers is less than
4000kg/m3, and the strength is over 2500 N/mm2, most
preferably so that the density of the aforementioned
fibers is less than 3000kg/m3, and the strength is
over 3000 N/mm2 . If the ropes comprise different
materials, both the first and the second material can
be selected with these criteria.
Some inventive embodiments are also presented in the
descriptive section and in the drawings of the present
application. The inventive content of the application
can also be defined differently than in the claims
presented below. The inventive content may also
consist of several separate inventions, especially if
the invention is considered in the light of
expressions or implicit sub-tasks or from the point of
view of advantages or categories of advantages
achieved. In this case, some of the attributes
contained in the claims below may be superfluous from
the point of view of separate inventive concepts. The
features of the various embodiments of the invention
can be applied within the framework of the basic
inventive concept in conjunction with other
embodiments. Each embodiment can also singly and
separately from the other embodiments form a separate
invention.
LIST OF FIGURES
In the following, the invention will be described in
detail by the aid of some examples of its embodiments
with reference to the attached drawings, wherein
Fig. 1 presents by way of reference an elevator
according to the invention.
Figs. 2a-2c present some preferred cross-sections of
the rope of an elevator according to the invention.
Fig. 3 diagrammatically presents a magnified detail of
a cross -section of a rope of an elevator according to
the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Fig. 1 presents an elevator according to the
invention, which elevator comprises an elevator car C
and means for moving the elevator car, e.g. along
guide rails, which means comprise hoisting roping that
supports and moves the elevator car C and
counterweight C , which hoisting roping comprises a
plurality of ropes H supporting the elevator car. The
ropes H can be moved, for instance, with a motordriven
traction sheave. A diverting pulley 21, for
example, can function as a traction sheave.
Furthermore the elevator comprises one or more ropes
R,R',R'' which rope connects the elevator car and the
counterweight and is separate from the supporting
function (i.e. does not support the car or the
counterweight) and passes around a diverting pulley 11
mounted on the bottom end of the elevator hoistway.
The rope R,R' ,R' ' hangs supported by the counterweight
and the elevator car. The diverting pulley 11 is
supported in its position and keeps the rope taut. The
rope R,R',R'' comprises a power transmission part 2 or
a plurality of power transmission parts 2 , for
transmitting force in the longitudinal direction of
the rope, which power transmission part 2 is
essentially fully of non-metallic material. Thus the
rope can be kept light because its power transmission
capability in the longitudinal direction can be formed
to be based on non-metallic light fibers. The rope
(R,R',R'') is arranged to transmit the longitudinal
force of the rope between the elevator car C and the
counterweight C with the aforementioned power
transmission part 2 , more particularly for slowing
down the upward movement of the counterweight CW in
emergency braking of the downward movement of the
elevator car C . In this way continuation of the
movement of the counterweight can be prevented e.g. in
a situation in which the speed of the elevator car is
decelerated quickly, with an acceleration of even 1 G
or faster. When the rope R,R',R'' is very light,
compensation of the mass of the hoisting ropes is
preferably arranged as presented in Fig. 1 by means of
a cable 6 in the elevator hoistway 8 , which cable
hangs supported by the elevator car C and the
building, the first end of which cable 6 is fixed to
the elevator car C and the second end of which cable
is fixed to a fixed structure 9 of the building. This
cable can thus be arranged to at least essentially
compensate the imbalance between parts of the hoisting
roping on different sides of the traction sheave 21,
which imbalance changes as a function of car position.
Since the cable is suspended in a specified manner,
the length of the section of it that is supported by
the elevator car, and thus the downward-pulling force
exerted on the elevator car, changes as a function of
car position. The aforementioned cable 6 is preferably
a data transmission cable and/or an electricity
transmission cable, in which case a separate method is
not needed for the transmission.
In the solution according to the invention the
aforementioned power transmission part(s) 2 o f a nonmetallic
material is/are preferably o f a material,
which comprises non-metallic fibers at least
essentially longitudinal to the rope. More
particularly, the aforementioned non-metallic fibers
are carbon fibers, glass fibers or aramid fibers,
which are all light fibers. The material o f the power
transmission part is in this case most preferably
formed to b e a composite material, which comprises the
aforementioned non-metallic fibers as reinforcing
fibers in a polymer matrix. Thus the power
transmission part 2 is light, rigid in the
longitudinal direction and when it is belt-shaped it
can, however, b e bent with a small bending radius.
Especially preferably the fibers are carbon fibers o r
glass fibers, the advantageous properties o f which
fibers can b e seen in the table below. They possess
good strength properties and rigidity properties and
at the same time they still tolerate very high
temperatures, which is important in elevators because
poor heat tolerance o f the hoisting ropes might cause
damage or even ignition o f the hoisting ropes, which
is a safety risk. Good thermal conductivity also
assists the onward transfer o f heat due to friction,
among other things, and thus reduces the accumulation
o f heat in the parts o f the rope. More particularly
the properties o f carbon fiber are advantageous in
elevator use.
Glass
fiber Carbon fiber Aramid fiber
Density kg/m3 2540 1820 1450
Strenqth N/mm2 3600 4500 3620
Rigidity N/mm2 75000 200000-600000 75000 ...120000
Softening 450. ..500,
temperature deg/C 850 >2000 carbonizes
Thermal
conductivity W/mK 0 .8 105 0 .05
The rope R,R',R'' of Fig. 1 is preferably according to
one presented in Figs. 2a-2c. As presented in the
figures, the rope R,R',R'' of the elevator according
to the invention is most preferably belt-shaped. Its
width/ thickness ratio is preferably at least 2 or
more, preferably at least 4 , even more preferably at
least 5 or more, yet even more preferably at least 6 ,
yet even more preferably at least 7 or more, yet even
more preferably at least 8 or more, most preferably of
all more than 10. In this way a large cross-sectional
area for the rope is achieved, the bending capacity of
the thickness direction of which is good around the
axis of the width direction also with rigid materials
of the power transmission part. Additionally,
preferably the aforementioned power transmission part
2 or a plurality of power transmission parts 2
together cover most of the width of the cross-section
of the rope for essentially the whole length of the
rope. Preferably the power transmission part(s) 2 thus
cover (s) 60% or over, more preferably 65% or over,
more preferably 70% or over, more preferably 75% or
over, most preferably 80% or over, most preferably 85%
or over, of the width of the cross-section of the
rope. Thus the supporting capacity of the rope with
respect to its total lateral dimensions is good, and
the rope does not need to be formed to be thick. This
can be simply implemented with any of the
aforementioned materials, with which the thinness of
the rope is particularly advantageous from the
standpoint of, among other things, service life and
bending rigidity. When the rope comprises a plurality
of power transmission parts 2 , the aforementioned
plurality of power transmission parts 2 is formed from
a plurality of power transmission parts 2 that are
parallel in the width direction of the rope and are on
essentially the same plane. Thus the resistance to
bending in their thickness direction is small.
The power transmission part 2 or the aforementioned
plurality of power transmission parts 2 of the rope
R,R',R , of the elevator according to the invention
is/are preferably fully of non-metallic material. Thus
the rope is light. (The power transmission parts
could, however, if necessary be formed to comprise
individual metal wires for another purpose than force
transmission in the longitudinal direction, for
instance in a condition monitoring purpose, but such
that their aggregated power transmission capability
does not form an essential part of the power
transmission capability of the rope.) The rope can
comprise one power transmission part of the
aforementioned type, or a plurality of them, in which
case this plurality of power transmission parts 2 is
formed from a plurality of parallel power transmission
parts 2 . This is illustrated in Figs. 2b-2c. The
aforementioned power transmission part 2 singly or a
plurality of power transmission parts 2 together
covers over 40% of the surface area of the crosssection
of the rope R,R',R'', preferably 50% or over,
even more preferably 60% or over, even more preferably
65% or over. In this way a large cross-sectional area
is achieved for the power transmission part/parts of
the rope, and an advantageous capability for
transferring forces. The rigidity of the rope makes it
possible that the tightening of the rope R,R',R'' does
not require special arrangements, e.g. the tightening
_
18
margin does not need to be large and it does not need
to be re-adjusted e.g. by transferring the support
point of the tensioning weight.
The width of the aforementioned power transmission
part 2 is greater than the thickness. In this case
preferably such that the width/thickness of the power
transmission part 2 is at least 2 or more, preferably
at least 3 or more, even more preferably at least 4 or
more, yet even more preferably at least 5 , most
preferably of all more than 5 . In this way a large
cross -sectional area for the power transmission
part/parts is achieved, the bending capacity of the
thickness direction of which is good around the axis
of the width direction also with rigid materials of
the power transmission part. The aforementioned power
transmission part 2 or a plurality of power
transmission parts 2 is surrounded with a coating p in
the manner presented in Figs. 2a-2c, which is
preferably of polymer, most preferably of
polyurethane . Alternatively one power transmission
part 2 could form a rope also on its own, with or
without a polymer layer p .
For facilitating the formation of the power
transmission part and for achieving the constant
properties in the longitudinal direction it is
preferred that the structure of the power transmission
part 2 continues essentially the same for the whole
length of the rope. For the same reasons, the
structure of the rope continues preferably essentially
the same for the whole length of the rope.
The elevator preferably comprises a type of hoisting
roping, each rope H of which comprises a power
transmission part or a plurality of power transmission
parts 2 , for transmitting force in the longitudinal
direction of the rope, which power transmission part 2
is essentially fully of non-metallic material. For
keeping the hoisting roping light, essentially all the
power transmission parts 2 of each rope H for
transmitting force in the longitudinal direction of
the rope are essentially fully of non-metallic
material. In terms of its reinforcing fibers, the
hoisting roping is preferably of carbon fiber. In
respect of its other structures, each rope H of the
hoisting roping is preferably according to one
presented in Figs. 2a-2c.
The aforementioned power transmission part 2 is more
precisely, in terms of its material, preferably one of
the following types. It is a non-metallic composite,
which comprises non-metallic reinforcing fibers,
preferably carbon fibers, glass fibers or aramid
fibers, more preferably carbon fibers or glass fibers
in a polymer matrix . The part 2 with its fibers is
longitudinal to the rope, for which reason the rope
retains its structure when bending. Individual fibers
are thus oriented in essentially the longitudinal
direction of the rope. In this case the fibers are
aligned with the force when the rope is pulled. The
aforementioned reinforcing fibers are bound into a
uniform power transmission part with the
aforementioned polymer matrix. Thus the aforementioned
power transmission part 2 is one solid elongated rod
like piece. The aforementioned reinforcing fibers are
preferably long continuous fibers in the longitudinal
direction of the rope, which fibers preferably
continue for the distance of the whole length of the
rope. Preferably as many fibers as possible, most
preferably essentially all the fibers of the
aforementioned power transmission part are
longitudinal to the rope. The reinforcing fibers are
in this case preferably essentially uninterlaced in
relation to each other. Thus the structure of the
power transmission part 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 aforementioned
reinforcing fibers are distributed in the
aforementioned power transmission part as evenly as
possible, so that the power transmission part would be
as homogeneous as possible in the transverse direction
of the rope. The bending direction of the rope is
preferably around an axis that is in the width
direction of the rope (up or down in the figure) . As
presented in Figs. 2a-c, each aforementioned power
transmission part 2 is surrounded with a polymer layer
1 , which is preferably of elastomer, most preferably
of high- friction elastomer such as preferably of
polyurethane, which layer forms the surface of the
rope. An advantage of the structure presented is that
the matrix surrounding the reinforcing fibers keeps
the interpositioning of the reinforcing fibers
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 can be glass fibers, in
which case good electrical insulation and an
inexpensive price, among other things, are achieved.
Alternatively the reinforcing fibers can be carbon
fibers, in which case good tensile rigidity and a
light structure and good thermal properties, among
other things, are achieved. In this case also the
tensile rigidity of the rope is slightly lower, so
that traction sheaves of small diameter can be used.
The composite matrix, into which the individual fibers
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 at least with glass fiber and carbon
fiber. Alternatively, e.g. polyester or vinyl ester
can be used.
Fig. 3 presents a preferred internal structure for a
power transmission part 2 . A partial cross-section of
the surface structure of the power transmission part
(as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the rope)
is presented inside the circle in the figure,
according to which cross-section the reinforcing
fibers of the power transmission parts presented
elsewhere in this application are preferably in a
polymer matrix. The figure presents how the
reinforcing fibers F are essentially evenly
distributed in the polymer matrix M , which surrounds
the fibers and which is fixed to the fibers. 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 are essentially prevented. A chemical
bond exists between, preferably all, the individual
reinforcing fibers F and the matrix , 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 . 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 nonelastomer.
The reinforcing fibers being in the polymer
matrix means here that in the invention the individual
reinforcing fibers are bound to each other with a
polymer matrix 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.
Thus in the invention preferably a large amount of
reinforcing fibers bound to each other in the
longitudinal direction of the rope are distributed in
the polymer matrix. The reinforcing fibers are
preferably distributed essentially evenly in the
polymer matrix such that the power transmission part
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
power transmission part does not therefore vary
greatly. The reinforcing fibers together with the
matrix form a uniform power transmission part, inside
which abrasive relative movement does not occur when
the rope is bent. The individual reinforcing fibers of
the power transmission part are mainly surrounded with
polymer matrix, 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, totally perfect elimination of random
fiber- fiber contacts is not wholly necessary from the
viewpoint of the functioning of the invention. If,
however, it is desired to reduce their random
occurrence, the individual reinforcing fibers 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 power transmission part 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 power transmission part such
that the gaps of individual reinforcing fibers
comprise the polymer of the matrix. Most preferably
the majority, preferably essentially all of the gaps
of the individual reinforcing fibers in the power
transmission part are filled with the polymer of the
matrix. The matrix of the power transmission part is
most preferably hard in its material properties. A
hard matrix helps to support the reinforcing fibers,
especially when the rope bends, preventing buckling of
the reinforcing fibers of the bent rope, because the
hard material supports the fibers. To reduce the
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 power
transmission part 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. When the power
transmission part is of a composite comprising nonmetallic
reinforcing fibers the aforementioned power
transmission part is a uniform, elongated, rigid
piece. One advantage, among others, is that it returns
to its shape from a bent position to be straight.
In this application, the term power transmission part
refers to the part that is elongated in the
longitudinal direction of the rope, which part is able
to bear a significant part of the load in the
longitudinal direction of the rope exerted on the rope
in question without breaking, which load comprises
e.g. the own mass of the rope and the force required
of the rope in question for stopping the counterweight
or the elevator car. The aforementioned load causes
tension on the power transmission part in the
longitudinal direction of the rope, which tension is
transmitted onwards for an essentially long distance
in the longitudinal direction of the rope inside the
power transmission part in question. The power
transmission part of the rope R,R'R'' does not support
the elevator car or its load during normal operation
of the elevator. The rope R,R',R'' is also preferably
not arranged to transfer the power needed for moving
during normal operation to the elevator car or to the
counterweight .
The aforementioned fibers F are at least essentially
longitudinal to the rope, preferably as longitudinal
as possible and essentially uninterlaced with each
other. The invention could also, however, be applied
with braided fibers. Although the rope of the
invention is preferably belt -shaped, its internal
structure could also be utilized with other crosssectional
shapes of ropes.
_
25
It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that
the invention is not limited to the embodiments
described above, in which the invention is described
using examples, but that many adaptations and
different embodiments of the invention are possible
within the frameworks of the inventive concept defined
by the claims presented below. For example, it is
obvious that the diverting pulley 11 can be a
stationary rotating diverting pulley.
CLAIMS
1 . Elevator, which comprises at least an elevator car
(C) and means for moving the elevator car, preferably
along guide rails, and a counterweight (C ) , and one
or more ropes (R,R',R'') which rope connects the
elevator car and the counterweight (CW) and is
separate from the supporting function and passes
around a diverting pulley (11) mounted on the bottom
end of the elevator hoistway, characterized in that
the rope (R,R',R' ' ) comprises a power transmission
part (2) or a plurality of power transmission parts
(2) , for transmitting power in the longitudinal
direction of the rope, which power transmission part
(2) is essentially fully of non-metallic material.
2 . Elevator according to any of the preceding claims,
characterized in that it comprises a cable (6) in the
elevator hoistway (8) , which cable hangs supported by
the elevator car (C) and the building, the first end
of which cable (6) is fixed to the elevator car (C)
and the second end of which cable is fixed to a fixed
structure (9) of the building.
3 . Elevator according to any of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the rope (R,R',R'') is arranged
to transmit force in the longitudinal direction of the
rope between the elevator car (C) and the
counterweight (CW) with the aforementioned power
transmission part (2) or a plurality of power
transmission parts (2) , more particularly for slowing
down the upward movement of the counterweight (CW) in
emergency braking of the downward movement of the
elevator car (C) .
4 . Elevator according to any of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the aforementioned cable (6) is
a data transmission cable and/or an electricitytransmission
cable.
5 . Elevator according to any of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the means for moving the
elevator car comprise hoisting roping that moves the
elevator car and the counterweight, which hoisting
roping comprises a plurality of ropes (H,H' ,H''), each
of which comprises a power transmission part (5) or a
plurality of power transmission parts (5) , for
transmitting force in the longitudinal direction of
the rope, which power transmission part (5) is
essentially fully of non-metallic material.
6 . Elevator according to any of the preceding claims,
characterized in that essentially all the power
transmission parts (2) of the rope (R,R',R''), and
preferably also essentially all the power transmission
parts (5) of the rope (H,H' ,H''), for transmitting
power in the longitudinal direction of the rope are
essentially fully of non-metallic material.
7 . Elevator according to any of the preceding claims,
characterized in that each power transmission part (2)
of the rope (R ,R ',R '') and preferably also each power
transmission part (5) of the rope (H,H' ,H'*) / are of a
material which comprises non-metallic fibers (F) which
are essentially in the longitudinal direction of the
rope (R,R' ,R' ',H,H',H'').
8 . Elevator according to any of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the rope (R,R',R'') passes
around the aforementioned diverting pulley (11)
bending at the point of the diverting pulley around an
axis that is in the width direction of the rope, and
in that the width of the rope (R,R',R'') is greater
than the thickness .
9 . Elevator according to any of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the material of the
aforementioned power transmission part (2) and
preferably also of the power transmission part (5) is
a composite material, which comprises non-metallic
fibers (F) as reinforcing fibers in a polymer matrix
(M) .
10. Elevator according to any of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the aforementioned non-metallic
fibers (F) are carbon fibers or glass fibers or aramid
fibers .
11. Elevator according to any of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the density of the
aforementioned non-metallic fibers (F) is less than
4000kg/m3, and the strength is over 1500 N/mm2 , more
preferably so that the density of the aforementioned
fibers (F) is less than 4000kg/m3, and the strength is
over 2500 N/mm2 , most preferably so that the density
of the aforementioned fibers (F) is less than
3000kg/m3, and the strength is over 3000 N/ mm2 .
12. Elevator according to any of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the aforementioned non-metallic
fibers (F) are of a first material, preferably carbon
fibers, in the rope (H) of the hoisting roping and of
a second material, preferably glass fibers, in the
rope passing around the diverting pulley (11) mounted
on the bottom end of the elevator hoistway (8) .
13. Elevator according to any of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the aforementioned first
material is lighter than the aforementioned second
material .