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 balancing weight, which
are vertically movable in a hoistway. These elevator units are interconnected
by a roping that suspends them on opposite sides of rope wheels mounted
above the elevator units. For providing force for moving this suspension roping,
and thereby also for the elevator units, one of the wheels is typically a drive
wheel engaging the suspension roping, which drive wheel is rotated by motor.
Also such more uncommon elevatorsare known to exist where the elevator car
and balancing weight are interconnected by a second roping in addition to said
suspension roping, and where the force for moving the elevator units is
provided by a drive wheel engaging the second roping instead of the
suspension roping. This type of elevators are typically low-rise elevators,
wherein the lifting height is usually less than 20 meters.
In hoisting function design, a challenge is that numerous of properties need to
be taken into account simultaneously which properties are linked to each other.
A problem with the elevators of the latter type has been that they have not
been able to simultaneously provide adequately well the numerous important
properties of the elevator. In particular, it has been difficult to obtain an
elevator of a high lifting height while maintaining simplicity of the
configuration,and energy efficiency, as well as force transmission ability (and
thereby the lifting capacity) on excellent level.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The object of the invention is, inter alia, to alleviate previously described
drawbacks of known elevators and problems discussed later in the description

of the invention: The object of the invention is to introduce an elevator suitable
formid-rise or even high-rise solutions where simplicity of the configuration,
and energy efficiency, as well as force transmission ability (and thereby the
lifting capacity) are maintained on excellent level.Advantageous embodiments
are presented, inter alia, which facilitate simplicity and energy-efficiency of the
elevator as the moving components of the elevator can be made lightweighted,
said components including at least the car and the ropings connected thereto.
Advantageous embodiments are presented, inter alia, where the elevator is
provided with first ropes optimized for the purpose of suspension, in particular
in terms of ability to bear the car and balancing weight on opposite sides of
said one or more first rope wheels, and where the elevator is provided with
second ropes optimized for the purpose of transmitting motion control force, in
particular in terms of ability to receive traction force from a drive wheel and
transmitting it to the car and balancing weight.
It is brought forward a new elevator, which comprises a hoistway; an elevator
car vertically movable in the hoistway; a balancing weight vertically movable in
the hoistway; a first roping comprising one or more belt-shaped first ropes
interconnecting the elevator car and balancing weight, each of said one or
more ropes passing around one or more first rope wheels mounted in proximity
of the upper end of the hoistway, each of said one or more first ropes
comprising one or more load-bearing members (c), each of which load-bearing
members being made of composite material comprising reinforcing fibers
embedded in a polymer matrix. The elevator further comprises a second roping
comprising one or more toothed belt-shaped second ropes interconnecting the
elevator car and balancing weight, each passing around one or more second
rope wheels mounted in proximity of the lower end of the hoistway, each of
said one or more second ropes comprising one or more load-bearing
members, each of which load-bearing members being made of composite
material comprising reinforcing fibers embedded in a polymer matrix. Said one
or more second, rope wheels comprise a toothed drive wheel engaging said .
one or more toothed belt-shaped second ropes; and the elevator further

comprises a motor for rotating the drive wheel. Hereby in the elevator the
drive wheel is arranged to affect the second roping that does not primarily serve the
function of suspending the car and balancing weight, and it positioned in proximity
of the lower end of the hoistway instead of upper end, which is normally a
must. This has an advantage that the elevator can be manufactured simple
and easily maintainable. However, it provides also the advantage that the
properties of the components of the hoisting function, particularly the
properties of the first roping serving the suspension function and the properties
of the second roping serving the function of force transmission for motion
control, can be optimized separately to specifically suit best for the function
they primarily serve. The ropes being of fiber reinforced composite material
they are excellent in longitudinal stiffness and tensile strength with light-
weighted structure. The elevator can thus be formed to have a high lifting
height as problems concerning rope weight are eliminated in substantially all
the ropings of the elevator.Thepositive engagement between the drive wheel
and the second ropes is essential as in this way absolute traction is obtained
without high rope tension, which is the case in context where said ropes which
enable high lifting heights are used and the rope tension resulting from the
particular arrangement of the drive wheel.
The elevator is particularly preferably such that on the first side of the drive
wheel said one or more toothed belt-shaped second ropes are connected to
the balancing weight hanging therefrom, and rotation of the drive wheel to first
rotation direction is arranged to move said one or more toothed belt-shaped
second ropes from said first side to second side for shortening the length of
said one or more toothed belt-shaped second ropes on said first side, whereby
the drive wheel is arranged to pull the balancing weight downwards via said
one or more toothed belt-shaped second ropes when the drive wheel is rotated
to said first rotation direction, and on the second side of the drive wheel said
one or more toothed belt-shaped second ropes are connected to the car
hanging therefrom, and rotation of the drive wheel to second rotation direction
is arranged to move said one or more toothed belt-shaped second ropes from

said second side to first side for shortening the length of said one or more
toothed belt-shaped second ropes on said second side, whereby the drive
wheel is arranged to pull the elevator car downwards via said second toothed
belt-shaped ropes when the drive wheel is rotated to said second rotation
direction.
The elevator is furthermore particularly preferably such that the first and
second end of each first rope, as well as the first and second end of each
second rope are fixed to the elevator car and the balancing weight,
respectively.
Preferably, each of said one or more first ropes is engaged by the first wheels
without positive engagement for force transmission between the first wheels
and the first rope in longitudinal direction of the rope. Thereby, the rope
structure, as well as the rope wheel structurearesimple and easy to
manufacture. Particularly, the rope structure can be formed extremely
lightweighted as no large amount of coating is needed for forming the complex
outer shape necessary for a positive engagement. Compared to fiber-
reinforced composite material, coatings typically are relatively heavy and prone
to form a great portion of the total weight of the rope. For this purpose, it is
particularly preferably that each of said one or more belt-shaped first ropes is
untoothed.
Preferably, each of said one or more belt-shaped first ropes has a uniform
cross section throughout its length. Thereby, the rope structure is simple and
easy to manufacture e.g. with a continuous process where coating is molded
around load bearing members of the first ropes, for example by extrusion
process.
Preferably, each of said one or more first rope wheels is non-driven, the first
ropes passing around non-driven rope wheels only.
In one preferred implementation, each of said first rope(s) has at least one
contoured side provided with guide rjb(s) and guide groove(s) oriented in the

longitudinal direction of the rope, said contoured side being fitted to pass
against a contoured circumference of the one or more first rope wheels said
circumference being provided with guide rib(s) and guide groove(s) so that
said contoured circumference forms a counterpart for said contoured side(s) of
the rope(s).Thus, the rope wheels provide the first ropes lateral guidance with
simple rope structure and without positive engagement in longitudinal direction
of the rope. In this way the elevator system presented, the structure and lateral
guidance of the first ropes are optimized for the purpose of suspension. For
facilitating easy manufacturing of the grooves, the first ropes have its load-
bearing member(s) embedded in a coating made of elastomer and forming the
outer surface of the rope and thereby also the contoured side. In an alternative
preferred implementation, each of said first rope(s) has at least one smooth
side fitted to pass against a cambered circumference of the one or more of the
first rope wheels.Thus, the rope wheels provide the first ropes lateral guidance,
but with even more simple construction of ropes.
Preferably, the load-bearing member(s) of each second rope is/are embedded
in a coating made of elastomer and forming the outer surface of the rope and
having a toothed shape thereby forming teeth of the toothed belt-shaped
second rope. Likewise, it is preferable that the load-bearing member(s) of each
first rope is/are embedded in a coating made of elastomer and forming the
outer surface of the first rope.
Preferably, at least the toothed drive wheel, and preferably also all of said one
or more first rope wheels, is mounted inside the lower end of the hoistway or
inside a space beside or below the lower end of the hoistway.
Preferably, said one or more first rope wheels are mounted inside the upper
end of the hoistway or inside a space beside or above the upper end of the
hoistway.
Preferably, said reinforcing fibers of the first ropes are carbon fibers.Preferably,
said reinforcing fibers of the second ropes are carbon fibers, but alternatively
they can be some other fibers, such as nanocellulose fibers. In one preferred

implementation said reinforcing fibers of the second ropes are same fibers
than the reinforcing fibers of the first ropes. Then it is preferable, that said
reinforcing fibers of the first ropes are carbon fibers, and said reinforcing fibers
of the second ropes are also carbon fibers.In an alternative preferred
implementation, said reinforcing fibers of the second ropes are different fibers
than the reinforcing fibers of the first ropes. Then it is preferable, that said
reinforcing fibers of the first ropes are carbon fibers, and said reinforcing fibers
of the second ropes are nanocellulose fibers.
In one preferred implementation, the elevator comprises only the
aforementioned ropings. In an alternative preferred implementation, there are
two of each of the defined first roping, the defined first rope wheel, the defined
balancing weight, the defined drive wheel rotatable with a motor, and the
defined second roping.This provides several advantages and options for
elevator design. An advantage is that the balancing weights can thus be
smaller in size. With a small balancing weight it is the solution can be made
more space-efficient, especially in both the width direction and the depth
direction of the elevator hoistway. Yet another advantage is that by means of
the arrangement according to the invention the rope arrangements and layouts
of elevators can be diversified, which enables easier layout design. Another
advantage is that owing to the smaller stresses the hoistway structures can be
lighter and cheaper than in prior-art solutions. As typical, in the elevator, it is
preferable that the balancing weight(s) and the car travel along guide rails.
One advantage of several balancing weight is that the guide rail forces are
divided between four guide rails, instead of two, in which case smaller and
cheaper guide rails can be used. Yet another advantage is that the whole
solution is, owing to its symmetry, easily convertible to suit different hoistway
sizes, in which case finding solutions viable for production is easier.
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 in question. The reinforcing fibers are also preferably parallel with the

longitudinal direction of the rope, which facilitates further the longitudinal
stiffness of the rope.
The composite material is preferably such that the individual reinforcing fibers
are parallel with the length direction of the rope. The fibers are thus
substantially untwisted relative to each other.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 boundto
each other by the matrix m common to them all.
To reduce buckling of fibers and to facilitate a small bending radius of the rope,
among other things, it is 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 40 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.
Preferably, the fibers F of the composite load bearing members of the first and
the second ropes are non-metallic fibers, particularly with density less than
4000 kg/m3 and tensile strength over 1500 N/mm2.
Preferably, the lifting height of the elevator is more than 50 meters, but it can
be even more than 100 meters. This kind of lifting heigths are enabled with the
elevator as defined above, said preferred features each facilitating this goal
even further.
The car is preferably arranged to serve two or more landings. The car
preferably responds 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

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 an embodiment of
the invention as viewed from the side.
Figure 2 illustrates schematically an elevator according to another embodiment
of the invention as viewed from the side.
Figure 3a illustrates schematically a cross sectional view of the second rope
positioned against a drive wheel of Figures 1 or 2.
Figure 3b illustrates a cross-section A-A of Figure 3a.
Figure 3c illustrates a preferred surface pattern of the teeth of the toothed belt-
shaped rope of Figures 3a to 3c.
Figure 4 illustrates schematically a cross sectional view of the second rope
positioned against a rope wheel of Figure 1 or 2 according to an embodiment
where the first rope is grooved.
Figure 5 illustrates schematically a cross sectional view of the second rope
positioned against a rope wheel of Figure 1 or 2 according to an embodiment
where the first rope surface via which it rests agains a rope wheel is smooth.
Figure 6 illustrates inside the circle a partial and enlarged cross-section of
theload bearing member of Figures 3 to 5.
Figure 7illustrates alternative cross-sections for the first and second ropes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figurel illustrates an elevator, which comprises a hoistway H, an elevator car 1
vertically movable in the hoistway H, a balancing weight 2 vertically movable in
the hoistway H, and a first roping 3 comprising one or more belt-shaped first
ropes r interconnecting the elevator car 1 and balancing weight2, each of said
one or .more ropes r passing around one or more first rope wheels 4 mounted

ropes r comprising one or more load-bearing members c, each of the load
bearing members c extending in longitudinal direction of the rope r throughout
the length of the rope r, andeach of the load-bearing members c being made of
composite material comprising reinforcing fibers F embedded in a polymer
matrix m. The elevator further comprises a second roping 5 comprising one or
more toothed belt-shaped second ropes R interconnecting the elevator car 1
and balancing weight2, each second rope R passing around one or more
second rope wheels 6,7 mounted in proximity of the lower end of the hoistway
H. Each of said one or more second ropes R comprising one or more load-
bearing members C, each of the load bearing members C extending in
longitudinal direction of the rope R throughout the length of the rope R, and
each of the load-bearing members C being made of composite material
comprising reinforcing fibers F embedded in a polymer matrix m. Said one or
more second rope wheels (6,7) comprises a toothed drive wheel 6 engaging
said one or more toothed belt-shaped second ropes R; and the elevator further
comprises a motor M for rotating the drive wheel 6.The elevator further
comprises an automatic elevator control 100 arranged to control the motor M,
whereby rotation of the drive wheel 6 and thereby also the movement of the
car 1 and balancing weight 2 is automatically controllable.
These first and second ropings3,5are separate from each other and pass
around different rope wheels. The first ropes r serve as means for connecting
the car and balancing weight to each other and for suspending these in the
hoistway on opposite sides of said first rope wheels 4, which providethe ropes
r upwards directed reaction force needed for the suspending effect. The
second ropes R serve as means for transmitting downwards pulling force from
the motor M to either one of the car and balancing weight, depending on to
which direction the elevator car is meant tobe moved. More particularly, on the
first side of the drive wheel 6 said one or more toothed belt-shaped second
ropes R are connected to the balancing weight2 hanging therefrom, and
rotation of the drive wheel 6 to first rotation direction is arranged to move said
one or more toothed belt-shaped second ropes R from said first side to second

side for shortening the length of said one or more toothed belt-shaped second
ropes R on said first side, whereby the drive wheel 6 is arranged to pull the
balancing weight2 downwards via said one or more toothed belt-shaped
second ropes R when the rope wheel 6 is rotated to first rotation, and on the
second side of the drive wheel said one or more toothed belt-shaped second
ropes R are connected to the car 1 and hanging therefrom, and rotation of the
drive wheel to second rotation direction is arranged to move said one or more
toothed belt-shaped second ropes R from said second side to first side for
shortening the length of said one or more toothed belt-shaped second ropes R
on said second side, whereby the drive wheel 6 is arranged to pull the car 1
downwards via said ropes R when the rope wheel 6 is rotated to second
rotation.
Figure 2 illustrates an elevator, which is otherwise similar to what was
described in context of Figure 1 but in this embodiment, there are two of each
of the defined first roping, the defined first rope wheel, the defined balancing
weight, the defined drive wheel rotatable with a motor, and the defined second
roping. The drive wheels 6,6', however,preferably have a common motor M for
rotating both of these drive wheels 6, 6. In accordance with what is described
in context of Figure 1, also this elevator comprises an automatic elevator
control 100 arranged to control the motor M, whereby rotation of the drive
wheels 6,6' and thereby also the movement of the car 1 and balancing weights
2,2' is automatically controllable.
Figures 3a to 3c illustrate further preferred details of the second ropes R,R' as
well as the engagement between the second ropes R,R' and the drive wheel
6. As mentioned, the second ropes R.R'are toothed. The teeth t of the drive
wheel 6,6' and the teeth of the belt-shaped second ropes R,R' intermesh. This
is advantageous as in this way absolute traction is obtained without high rope tension.
Therefore, the drive wheel 6,6' can be arranged to affect the second roping that does
not primarily serve the function of suspending the car and balancing weight.The rope
R.R'being toothed means that the rope R,R' has numerous teeth t distributed

in longitudinal direction of the rope R,R' along the length thereof. The toothed
drive wheel 6,6', on the other hand, has correspondingly numerous teeth t2
distributed along the circumference thereof. The teeth t,t2 form ridges leaving
valleys therebetween, the ridges and valleys extending at least substantially in
transverse direction of the rope R,R', and at least substantially in axial direction
of the drive wheel 6,6', respectively. The ridges and valleys may be at a
straight angle relative to the longitundinal direction of the rope, but preferably
they are such that they form a chevron pattern. Thus, the belt-shaped rope
R.R'is centralized on the rim of the drive wheel6,6'. In particular, the teeth
t,t2may have the shape of a letter V or U.
The structure of the second ropes R,R' is preferably furthermore such that the
load-bearing member(s) C of each second rope R,R' is/are embedded in a
coating p made of elastomer and forming the outer surface of the rope R,R'
and having a toothed shape thereby forming teeth of the toothed belt-shaped
second ropeR.
It is preferable that the first and second end of each first roper as well as the
first and second end of each second rope R,R' are fixed to the elevator carl
and the balancing weight 2, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. In this kind of
system, the first and second roping 3,5 form each part of a same closed loop,
whereby their overall longitudinal stiffness is summed up, which is
advantageous in terms of reversible rope elongation during elevator use.
Each of said one or more first rope wheels 4,4'is non-driven, the first ropes r,r'
passing around non-driven rope wheels 4,4'only. Thereby, force for moving the
elevator car 1 and balancing weight2,2'is applied only on the second ropes
R,RIn the elevator system presented, the structure and lateral guidance of the first
ropes r,r' can be optimized for the purpose of suspension, more specifically in
terms of ability to bear the car 1 and balancing weight(s)2,2'on opposite sides

of said one or more first rope wheels 4,4'. Further, the structure and lateral
guidance of the second ropes R,R' can be optimized for the purpose of
transmitting force for motion control, more specifically in terms of ability to
receive traction force from a drive wheel 6,6'and transmitting it to the car 1 and
balancing weight(s) 2,2'. It is preferable that each of said one or more first
ropes r is engaged by the first wheels 4 without positive engagement for force
transmission between the first wheels 4 and rope r in longitudinal direction of
the rope r. In this direction, the engagement is frictional. Each of said one or
more belt-shaped first ropes r,r' is particularly preferably untoothed, i.e. without
teeth distributed in longitudinal direction of the rope r along the length thereof.
Figures 4 and 5 illustrate preferable alternative structures for the first ropes r,r'.
In both cases, the first rope r,r' is untoothed. Thereby, the rope structure is
simple and easy to manufacture, as it can be formed to have a uniform cross
section throughout its length. No teeth are needed because no traction is
needed to be transmitted via the engagement between these ropes and the
rope wheels around which they pass. In the alternative illustrated in Figure 4,
each of said firs rope(s) r has at least one contoured side provided with guide
rib(s) and guide groove(s) oriented in the longitudinal direction of the rope r,r',
said contoured side being fitted to pass against a contoured circumference of
the first rope wheels 4,4' said circumference being provided with guide rib(s)
and guide groove(s) so that said contoured circumference forms a counterpart
for said contoured side(s) of the rope(s) 4,4'. Thus, the rope wheels 4,4'
provide the rope r lateral guidance, however without positive engagement in
longitudinal direction of the rope r,r'. In the alternative illustrated in Figure 5,
each of said first rope(s) r.r'has aside which is smooth in longitudinal direction
thereof fitted to pass against a smoothand cambered circumference of a rope
wheel4,4' in particular such that neither of said circumference of a rope
wheel4,4' nor the rope r,r' has protrusions extending into recesses of the other.
In this case, the rope r,r' is so called flat rope. The cambered rope wheels 4,4'
provide the rope r,r' lateral guidance, i.e. guidance in axial direction of the rope
wheel 4.4'.

The structure of the first ropes r is preferably furthermore such that the load-
bearing member(s) c of each first rope r is/are embedded in a coating p made
of elastomer and forming the outer surface of the rope r,r' and having an
untoothed shape.
As mentioned, the first ropes r,r' and second ropes R,R' are belt-shaped,and
thereby have a width w substantially larger than the thickness thereof. This
makes it well suitable for elevator use as small radius bending of the rope is
necessary in most elevators. Each rope r,r',R,R' comprises continuous load
bearing members c,C extending in longitudinal direction of the rope
r,r',R,R'throughout the length of the rope r,r',R,R'. The number of load bearing
members c,C comprised in the rope r,r',R,R'can alternatively be also greater or
smaller than the two shown in Figures 3a, 4 and 5. Each of the load bearing
member(s) c, C is parallel with the longitudinal direction of the rope r,r',R,R',
wherebythey are in position to provide excellent longitudinal stiffness for the
rope r,r',R,R'. The fibers F preferably are continuous fibers, in particular fibers
continuous throughout the length of the load bearing member c, C and thereby
also that of the rope r,r',R,R'. So as to provide the rope r,r',R,R'with a turning
radius well suitable for elevator use, it is preferable that the width/thickness
ratio of the rope is substantially great, in particular more than 2, preferably
more than 4 as illustrated. Thus, reasonable bending radius can be achieved
for the rope r,r',R,R'even as it contains material of substantially high bending
rigidity, such as the fiber reinforced composite material as described. The
ropes being belt-shaped they have two oppositely facing wide sides extending
in width direction of the rope (which face in Figures 3a, 4, 5 and 7 upwards and
downwards), as well as lateral flanks (which face in said Figures left and right).
Each rope r,r',R,R'passes around the rope wheel 4,4',6,7,6' the wide side of
the rope r,r',R,R' against the rope wheel in question. There are preferably
several ropes r,r',R,R' in each of said ropings 3,3',5,5', in which case the ropes
r,r',R,R' of the same roping pass around each of said rope wheels adjacent
each other in axial direction of the wheel as well as adjacent each other in the

width-direction w of the ropes, the wide sides of each rope r,r',R,R' against the
wheel in question.
As mentioned, the load bearing members c,C are preferably embedded in an
elastic coating p forming the surface of the rope r,r',R,R' as illustrated. The
coating p is preferably made of elastomer. In general, the elastic coating p
provides the rope r,r',R,R' good wear resistance, protection, and isolates the
load bearing members c,C from each other. The elastic coating p also provides
the rope surface which can be molded in desired form without affecting the
shape of the load bearing members c,C. The elastomer is preferably
polyurethane, which provides best results in terms of traction and durability in
elevator use.
As mentioned, each of said load bearing members c,C is made of composite
material comprising reinforcing fibers F embedded in polymer matrix m. Figure
6 illustrates inside the circle a partial and enlarged cross-section of the load
bearing member c,C of the rope r,r',R,R' . The material provides the rope
r,r',R,R' excellent longitudinal stiffness and low weight, which are among
preferred properties for an elevator, particularly when the fibers are of the type
that will be later described.
To reduce buckling of fibers and to facilitate a small bending radius of the rope,
among other things, it is 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 c,C 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. However, should one not be concerned with possible challenges
with regard to buckling,the matrix can be alternatively made of any other
polymer material, such as rubber.

The composite material is preferably such that the individual reinforcing fibers
Fare parallel with the length direction of the roper,r',R,R' . The fibers F are thus
substantially untwisted relative to each other. Thus, they provide excellent
longitudinal stiffness for the rope. In particular, the fibers are in position where
they cannot substantially straighten under tension whereby they provide a
substantially stiffer structure than one produced by substantially twisting fibers
or wires.
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 boundto each other by the matrix m common
to them all. The matrix m has been fixed to substantially all the individual
fibersby chemical bonding. The composite load bearing member of the rope
r,r',R,R' can be in accordance with any one of the load bearing composite
members disclosed in international patent application WO2009090299A1.
Several alternative cross-sections for the ropes r,r',R,R'have been illustrated in
Figure 7.
Said reinforcing fibers F of the first ropesr.r' are preferably carbon fibers. Thus,
the ropes are excellent in longitudinal stiffness and tensile strength with
lightweighted structure. The elevator can thus be formed to have a high lifting
height as problems concerning rope weight are eliminated. Particularly, the
problem of ropes of metal materials that the rope has too low a tensile strength
for it to support its own weight, is eliminated. It is important, that the material of
the first ropes r is optimized in terms of their longitudinal stiffness and tensile
strength without compromising in weight, because the first ropes r are the
ropes which undergo greatest forces during elevator use.
Said reinforcing fibers F of the second ropes R,R' are preferably also carbon
fibers. Thus, also the second ropes R,R' are excellent in longitudinal stiffness
and tensile strength with lightweighted structure. Thereby, the elevator can be
formed to have a high, lifting height as problems concerning rope weight are

balancing weight(s) 2,2' is effective. However, it is not necessary that the
fibers F of the load bearing members C of the second ropes R,R' are carbon
fibers. In another preferred alternative, the fibers F of the load bearing
members C of the second ropes R,R' are nanocellulosefibers, which provide
the rope relatively good longitudinal stiffness and tensile strength, however
being easier to bend. Thus, radius of the drive wheel 6,6' can be more freely
chosen.
When said reinforcing fibers F of the second ropesR.R' are different 7 than the
reinforcing fibers F of the first ropesr, the properties of the first and second
roping can be optimized according to their function. Then it is preferable that
said reinforcing fibers F of the first ropes r,r' are carbon fibers, and said
reinforcing fibers F of the second ropes R,R' are nanocellulose fibers.
The rope wheels are preferably mounted such that at least the toothed drive
wheel 6,6', and preferably also all of said one or more first rope wheels 6,7, is
mounted inside the lower end of the hoistway H, as illustrated. However, it is
possibleto mount the wheel(s) 6,7,6' alternatively inside a space formed beside
or below the lower end of the hoistway H. The rope wheels are preferably
furthermore mounted such that said one or more first rope wheels 4,4' are
mounted inside the upper end of the hoistway H.However, it is possibleto
mount the wheel(s) 4,4' alternatively inside a space formed beside or above
the upper end of the hoistway H.
As described, the elevator may include one or two balancing weights 2,2'. In
case the elevator has only one balancing weight 2, it preferably alone balances
all or part of the mass of the elevator car. In case the elevator has two
balancing weights 2, they preferably together balance all or part of the mass of
the elevator car.
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. An elevator, which comprises
a hoistway (H);
an elevator car (1 ) vertically movable in the hoistway (H);
a balancing weight (2) vertically movable in the hoistway (H);
a first roping (3) comprising one or more belt-shaped first ropes (r)
interconnecting the elevator car (1) and the balancing weight (2), each
of said one or more ropes (r) passing around one or more first rope
wheels (4) mounted in proximity of the upper end of the hoistway (H),
each of said one or more first ropes (r) comprising one or more load-
bearing members (c), each of which load-bearing members (c) are
made of composite material comprising reinforcing fibers (F) embedded
in a polymer matrix (m);
a second roping (5) comprising one or more toothed belt-shaped
second ropes (R) interconnecting the elevator car (1) and the balancing
weight (2), each passing around one or more second rope wheels (6,7)
mounted in proximity of the lower end of the hoistway (H), each of said
one or more second ropes (R) comprising one or more load-bearing
members (C), each of which load-bearing members (C) are made of
composite material comprising reinforcing fibers (F) embedded in a
polymer matrix (m);
said one or more second rope wheels (6,7) comprising a toothed
drive wheel (6) engaging said one or more toothed belt-shaped second
ropes (R); and
a motor (M) for rotating the drive wheel (6).
2. An elevator according to claim 1, wherein on the first side of the drive
wheel said one or more toothed belt-shaped second ropes (R) are
connected to the balancing weight(2) hanging therefrom, and rotation of
the drive wheel (6) to first rotation direction is arranged to move said
one or more toothed belt-shaped second ropes (R) from said first side to

second side for shortening the length of said one or more toothed belt-
shaped second ropes (R) on said first side, whereby the drive wheel (6)
is arranged to pull the balancing weight(2) downwards via said one or
more toothed belt-shaped second ropes (R) when the drivewheel (6) is
rotated to said first rotation direction, and on the second side of the
drive wheel (6) said one or more toothed belt-shaped second ropes (R)
are connected to the car (1) hanging therefrom, and rotation of the drive
wheel (6) to second rotation direction is arranged to move said one or
more toothed belt-shaped second ropes (R) from said second side to
first side for shortening the length of said one or more toothed belt-
shaped second ropes (R) on said second side, whereby the drive wheel
(6) is arranged to pull the elevator car (1) downwards via said second
toothed belt-shaped ropes (R) when the drive wheel (6) is rotated to
said second rotation direction.
3. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first
and second end of each first rope (r) as well as the first and second end
of each second rope (R) are fixed to theelevator car (1) and the
balancing weight (2), respectively.
4. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of
said one or more first ropes (r) is engaged by the first wheels (4) without
positive engagement for force transmission between the first wheels (4)
and the first rope (r) in longitudinal direction of the rope (r).

5. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of
said one or more belt-shaped first ropes (r) isuntoothed.
6. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of
said one or more belt-shaped first ropes (r) has a uniform cross section
throughout its length.

7. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of
said one or more first rope wheels (4) is non-driven, the first ropes (r)
passing around non-driven rope wheels (4) only.
8. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of
said first rope(s) (r) has at least one contoured side provided with guide
rib(s) and guide groove(s) oriented in the longitudinal direction of the
rope (r), said contoured side being fitted to pass against a contoured
circumference of the one or more first rope wheels (4) said
circumference being provided with guide rib(s) and guide groove(s) so
that said contoured circumference forms a counterpart for said
contoured side(s) of the rope(s) (4).
9. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein
each of said first rope(s) (r) has at least one smooth side fitted to pass
against a cambered circumference of the one or more of the first rope
wheels (4).

10. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the load-
bearing member(s) (C) of each second rope (R) is/are embedded in a
coating (p) made of elastomer and forming the outer surface of the rope
(R) and having a toothed shape.
11. An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the load-
bearing member(s) (c) of each first rope (r) is/are embedded in a
coating (p) made of elastomer and forming the outer surface of the rope
(r).
12.An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said
reinforcing fibers (F) of the first ropes (r) are carbon fibers.

13.An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said
reinforcing fibers (F) of the second ropes (R) are carbon fibers.
14.An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said
reinforcing fibers (F) of the second ropes (R) are different fibers than the
reinforcing fibers (F) of the first ropes (r), preferably so that said
reinforcing fibers (F) of the first ropes (r) are carbon fibers, and said
reinforcing fibers (F) of the second ropes (R) are nanocellulose fibers.
15.An elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the
individual reinforcing fibers (F) are parallel with the length direction of
the rope.