HK1207051B - A rope terminal assembly and an elevator - Google Patents

Description

Rope end assemblies and elevators

Technical Field

The subject matter of the invention is a rope end assembly for an elevator and an elevator suitable for transporting passengers and/or freight.

Background Art

In elevator systems, elevator ropes are used to suspend and/or move the elevator car, counterweight, or both. Modern elevators use lightweight suspension ropes, which consist of multiple ribbon-like ropes with a greater width in the transverse direction than the rope's thickness. The ropes include a load-bearing portion made of a composite material containing non-metallic reinforcing fibers in a polymer matrix. This structure and material selection enable lightweight elevator ropes with a thin construction in the bending direction and good tensile stiffness and strength in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the rope structure remains essentially unchanged when bent, which contributes to a long service life.

Several devices have been proposed for providing a tool for attaching an elevator rope to an elevator unit. One challenge is to mechanically attach a non-metallic elevator rope, in particular an elevator rope made of fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials, to an elevator unit without causing damage to the elevator rope.

Rope end assemblies are traditionally constructed from metal materials such as steel and comprise two wedge-shaped elements. A disadvantage of these elevator rope end assemblies is that the contact surfaces of the wedge elements vary due to the different coefficients of friction on the different faces of the wedge elements. From a mechanical behavior perspective, the contact surfaces of the different wedge elements with different coefficients of friction are not optimal.

Furthermore, elevator ropes often consist of multiple ropes, which results in a high number of required rope ends and, consequently, a high weight. The production of a large number of complex rope ends is also very costly, particularly on the assembly line. It would be advantageous if the elevator rope end assembly could be designed as simply as possible, with only one wedge-shaped element. Consequently, there is a growing demand for cost-effective and reliable elevator rope end assemblies that also include a connection to an elevator rope condition monitoring device.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention aims to introduce an improved rope end assembly and an elevator. In particular, the present invention aims to solve the known solutions and problems discussed later in the present description. It is also aimed to achieve a lightweight, cost-effective, and reliable rope end assembly with a relatively fast manufacturing and installation process. The present invention aims to provide a rope end assembly with improved quality in terms of manufacturing and installation for elevator ropes comprising polymer composite materials.

Embodiments are presented that contribute, inter alia, to a simple, safe, and efficient rope end manufacturing process and rope end assembly in conjunction with damage detection of non-metallic load-bearing parts in elevator ropes. Furthermore, embodiments are presented in which the rope end assembly enables the production of large quantities of rope end products, particularly in a cost-effective manner, on a rope end assembly line.

A novel rope end assembly for securing an elevator rope to a fixed base, such as an elevator unit, of an elevator suitable for transporting passengers and/or freight is proposed. The assembly includes an elevator rope having a width greater than its thickness in a transverse direction of the rope, a wedge-shaped element, and a wedge-shaped housing. The elevator rope has at least one end, the elevator rope including a first member having a first end surface and a second member having a second end surface. The rope end assembly includes a rope gap extending through the elevator rope, and the wedge-shaped element is arranged to wedge between the first member having the first end surface and the second member having the second end surface of the elevator rope, thereby locking the elevator rope in the gap.

In a preferred embodiment, the elevator rope of the elevator rope assembly comprises a second member having a second end face, the second member comprising a separate segment of predetermined length of said elevator rope.

In a preferred embodiment, an elevator rope of an elevator rope assembly comprises a first member having a first end surface and a second member having a second end surface, the first member and the second member being formed by separating rope ends of the elevator rope.

In a preferred embodiment, an elevator rope of an elevator rope assembly includes a first member having a first end surface and a second member having a second end surface, the first and second members each including one or more non-metallic, such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite, load bearing portions.

In a preferred embodiment, the elevator rope assembly comprises an elevator rope comprising a non-metallic, such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite load bearing portions placed on opposite sides of a wedge-shaped element.

In a preferred embodiment, the elevator rope assembly comprises an elevator rope comprising a non-metallic, such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite, load bearing part, wherein the outermost load bearing part is placed on an opposite side of the wedge-shaped element to the innermost load bearing part.

In a preferred embodiment, the elevator rope assembly comprises an elevator rope comprising non-metallic, such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite, load-bearing parts separated from each other by dividing a covering into branches accommodating wedge-shaped elements.

In a preferred embodiment the elevator rope comprises a second member of elevator rope having a second end face, the second member comprising a separate segment of predetermined length of said elevator rope being clamped to the elevator rope by a clamp.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope end assembly includes a wedge-shaped element, which is an elongated element having a first contact surface portion disposed against the elevator rope having a first end surface, and a second contact surface portion disposed against the elevator rope having a second end surface. Depending on the surface of the elevator rope, the wedge-shaped element may include a smooth contact surface portion and a roughened or patterned contact surface portion. In one embodiment, both wedge-shaped contact surface portions have identical contact surfaces with identical frictional properties. The wedge-shaped element may also include space at the first end of the wedge-shaped element for a rope end block. The wedge-shaped element is advantageously made of metal or some other mechanically suitable material.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope end assembly comprises a wedge-shaped housing which is symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of said wedge-shaped housing, the longitudinal axis of the wedge-shaped housing being essentially the longitudinal direction of the rope.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope end assembly includes a rope end block attached to the rope end, and the rope end block is attached to the first end face of the elevator rope relative to the wedge-shaped element. The elevator rope is electrically connected to the rope condition monitoring device via the rope end block, which includes one or more electrically conductive short-circuit elements and a fastening device. This also improves the safety of the rope end assembly.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope end assembly comprises a rope end block having a first portion on a first side of the elevator rope and a second portion on a second side of the elevator rope.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope end assembly comprises a rope end block extending above said end face of said elevator rope.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope end assembly comprises a rope end block of monolithic construction, wherein the first and second portions of the rope end block are connected to a middle portion of the rope end block.

In a preferred embodiment, the cord end assembly includes a cord end block made of plastic or some other non-conductive material.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope end assembly comprises an elevator rope electrically connected to the rope condition monitoring device via said rope end block comprising one or more electrically conductive short-circuiting elements and a fastening device.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope end assembly comprises an elevator rope comprising a non-metallic material, such as a carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope end assembly comprises an elevator rope comprising one or more fiber-reinforced polymer composite load-bearing members coated with an elastomeric material, such as polyurethane or a substantially polyurethane-based material or silicon or a substantially silicon-based material. The coating provides a medium for transmitting external forces to the load-bearing members and provides protection for the load-bearing members.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope end assembly comprises an elevator rope comprising a non-metallic, such as carbon fiber reinforced, polymer composite load-bearing part, to which the rope condition monitoring device is connected by means of an electrically conductive fastening device.

In a preferred embodiment, a continuous, unidirectional, unwound carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composite load-bearing portion is secured to the elevator unit via the rope end assembly, and a rope condition monitoring device is connected to the rope via the rope end block of the rope end assembly. For unidirectional carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites, the longitudinal electrical resistance of the unidirectional fibers is much lower than the transverse electrical resistance, and damage in the composite can be detected by measuring one or the other. Electrical resistance is a good damage sensor for carbon/epoxy delamination, particularly for detecting fiber failure.

In a preferred embodiment, an elevator rope includes at least one rope having at least one load-bearing member made of a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composite material. In a preferred embodiment, each of the at least one load-bearing member has a relatively large width compared to its thickness in the width direction of the rope. Specifically, each of the at least one rope is preferably in the form of a belt. This large width makes it well-suited for elevator use, as rope bending is essential in most elevators. The rope, and in particular its load-bearing member, can therefore be given a large cross-sectional area, which contributes to a practical dimensioning of the rope's rigidity.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope end assembly is used in an elevator equipped with a counterweight, but is also well-suited for elevators without a counterweight. Furthermore, it can be used in conjunction with other hoists, such as suspension cranes and/or drive ropes. The low weight of the rope offers advantages, particularly in acceleration situations, since the energy required to change the rope's speed depends on its mass. The low weight also offers advantages in rope systems requiring a separate equalizing rope, since the need for such a rope is reduced or eliminated entirely. The low weight also enables simple articulation of the rope.

In a preferred embodiment of an elevator, a rope end assembly according to the present invention is used to secure an elevator rope to a fixed base, such as an elevator unit or a shaft. The elevator is arranged to include a shaft and an elevator unit movable within the shaft, the elevator unit being an elevator car for transporting passengers and/or freight. The elevator arrangement may also include other movable elevator units, such as the counterweight described above. The elevator includes a transmission arrangement comprising a hoisting device and one or more suspension and/or transmission ropes, each of which includes one or more load-bearing portions that attach the rope end assembly to at least one elevator unit.

In a preferred embodiment, each rope is guided over a traction sheave rotated by the elevator's hoist and one or more deflecting pulleys. As the hoist rotates, friction causes the traction sheave to simultaneously move the elevator car and counterweight in both the upward and downward directions. Furthermore, in high-rise and high-speed elevators, one or more compensating ropes are present, each attached at its first end to the bottom end of the counterweight and at its second end to the bottom portion of the elevator car, either to the car sling or to the car itself. The compensating ropes are maintained taut, for example, by means of a compensating pulley, under which the ropes pass and which is supported by a support structure at the base of the elevator shaft. Transmission cables intended for the elevator car's power supply and/or data transmission are attached at their first ends to the elevator car, for example to the bottom portion of the car, and at their second ends to a connection point on the wall of the elevator shaft, typically at or above the midpoint of the elevator shaft's height.

In a preferred embodiment, the elevator includes a rope condition monitoring device, which includes an elevator rope electrically connected to the rope condition monitoring device via a rope end block. The rope end block includes one or more electrically conductive short-circuit elements and a tightening device. The rope condition monitoring device monitors an electrical signal from the elevator rope and transmits the electrical signal to an elevator controller at predetermined time intervals, preferably at least once per second. If an error signal is transmitted from the rope condition monitoring device to the elevator controller, elevator operation is modified or the elevator is removed from service. In a preferred embodiment, the rope condition monitoring device includes a current source, a voltage measuring device, a microcontroller, and a display for monitoring the condition of the rope.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope end block is made of plastic or some other non-conductive material. Preferably, the rope end block is a monolithic structure made of plastic, such as a thermoplastic polymer such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene or polyvinyl chloride, or a thermosetting polymer such as polyester, polyurethane or epoxy resin. The rope end block can be reinforced with glass, carbon or polyaramid fibers. And the reinforcing fibers can be cut short or they can be continuous fibers. Therefore, the mechanical properties of the rope end block, in particular the specific length and stiffness, are improved. The rope end block is preferably manufactured by, for example, extrusion molding, pultrusion molding, injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, rotational molding, casting, foaming, compression molding or transfer molding. Therefore, the rope end block can be manufactured quickly and at low cost. The rope end block can also be manufactured from recycled plastic or other recycled materials.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope end block includes a first frame portion that is attached to the elevator rope end. The rope end block is attached to the elevator rope end via a fastening device. Thus, the fastening device can be passed through an opening in the first frame portion of the rope end block. The fastening device can advantageously be made of metal or some other suitable conductive material. The fastening device is advantageously a screw or a bolt with a nut. The rope can be fastened by drilling a hole in the rope and fastening it with the screw or bolt.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope end block includes one or more short-circuiting elements attached to the rope end block via a fastening device. The fastening device can therefore pass through an opening in the short-circuiting element. The short-circuiting element and the fastening device are advantageously made of metal or some other suitable conductive material. The fastening device is advantageously a screw or bolt. The rope is fastened by drilling a hole in the rope and fastening it with the screw or bolt. The fastening device used to attach the short-circuiting element is advantageously the same screw or bolt used to attach the rope end block to the rope. In a preferred embodiment, the short-circuiting element is a metal shorting plate. In the case of four load-bearing sections, the rope is electrically molded into four resistors. The preferred solution is to measure a single rope as a single resistance value. In this way, the number of wires and connections is minimized, the measurement device is kept simple, and the method is also more reliable. This simple and reliable solution for short-circuiting carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite load-bearing sections and connecting the measurement wire to the rope is preferably achieved using self-tapping screws screwed between the load-bearing sections in such a way that the screws serve as a conductive path between adjacent load-bearing sections. At the counterweight end of the rope, three screws are preferably used to short-circuit all the strands. At the car end of the rope, the two outermost load-bearing sections are preferably connected together, and the measurement line is inserted under these two screws via a split-loop connector. With this arrangement, all carbon fiber reinforced polymer load-bearing sections are monitored, and the entire rope is treated as a single resistor.

In a preferred embodiment, the wedge-shaped housing includes two elongated side sections and two elongated wedge-shaped support sections. The side sections of the wedge-shaped housing may be separate sections attached by welding together, or the side sections may be a single piece of structure of predetermined dimensions. The rope end assembly is secured to the fixed base by a fixing rod, which is secured to the side elements of the wedge-shaped housing by fixing means. The fixing means of the fixing rod can pass through openings in the side elements of the wedge-shaped housing.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one rope, but preferably multiple suspension and/or transmission ropes, are constructed such that the rope's width in the transverse direction is greater than its thickness and are installed to support or move an elevator car. The rope comprises a load-bearing portion made of a composite material in a polymer matrix, the composite material including non-metallic reinforcing fibers, such as unidirectional carbon fibers. The suspension rope is most preferably fastened to the elevator car at one end and to the counterweight at the other end, but is also suitable for use in elevators without a counterweight. Although the figures only illustrate an elevator with a 1:1 suspension ratio, the described rope is also suitable for use as a suspension rope in elevators with a 1:2 suspension ratio. The rope is particularly suitable for use as a suspension rope in elevators with large hoisting heights, preferably elevators with hoisting heights exceeding 100 meters, most preferably elevators with hoisting heights between 150 and 800 meters. The defined rope can also be used to implement new elevators without compensating ropes or to convert old elevators to elevators without compensating ropes.

It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not exclusively limited to the embodiments described above, which are described by way of example, and that many variations and different embodiments of the present invention are possible within the scope of the inventive concept defined in the claims presented below. It is therefore clear that the rope described can be provided with a cog-shaped surface or some other type of patterned surface to create a positive electrical connection with the traction sheave. It is also clear that the rectangular composite load-bearing portion can include edges that are more radically rounded than those shown, or edges that are not rounded at all. Similarly, the polymer layer of the rope can include edges/corners that are more radically rounded than those shown, or edges/corners that are not rounded at all. It is also clear that the load-bearing portion in the embodiments can be arranged to cover a large portion of the rope's cross-section. In this case, the sheath-like polymer layer surrounding the load-bearing portion is made thinner in the rope's thickness direction than the thickness of the load-bearing portion. It is also clear that other types of tapes besides those presented can be used in conjunction with the presented solutions. It is also clear that both carbon fiber and glass fiber can be used in the same composite portion, as desired. It is also clear that the thickness of the polymer layer can vary from that described. It is also clear that the shear-resistant portion can be used as an additional component with any of the other structures shown in this application. It is also clear that the matrix polymer in which the reinforcing fibers are distributed can include—admixed with—an auxiliary material such as, for example, reinforcements, fillers, pigments, flame retardants, stabilizers, or corresponding agents, in the base matrix polymer, such as, for example, epoxy resin. It is also clear that, while the polymer matrix preferably does not include an elastomer, the present invention can also be utilized using an elastomeric matrix. It is also clear that the fibers have been sized or otherwise surface-attached to improve adhesion to thermosetting agents and some thermoplastic resins, as well as to protect the fibers. It is also clear that the cross-section of the fibers is not necessarily circular, but can have other cross-sectional shapes. It is also clear that auxiliary materials such as, for example, reinforcements, fillers, pigments, flame retardants, stabilizers, or corresponding agents can be mixed with the base polymer of the layer, such as polyurethane. It is also clear that the present invention can also be applied to elevators designed for lifting heights other than those considered above.

An elevator as described above is preferably, but not necessarily, installed in a building. The car preferably travels vertically. The car is preferably of a type arranged to serve two or more landings. The car preferably responds to calls from a landing and/or destination commands from within the car to serve people on the landing and/or within the elevator car. The car preferably has an interior space suitable for accommodating one or more passengers, and the car may be provided with a door to form an enclosed interior space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail by way of examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG1 schematically illustrates an elevator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG2 schematically illustrates a preferred embodiment of a rope end assembly having a wedge-shaped element;

FIG3 a ) schematically illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of a rope end assembly having one wedge-shaped element;

Figure 3b) illustrates a cross section of an alternative preferred embodiment of a rope end assembly having one wedge-shaped element; and

Fig. 4a) to 4c) illustrate preferred alternative cross sections of an elevator rope.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of an elevator according to the present invention, in which elevator ropes R, C are connected to elevator units 2, CW using a rope end assembly 1. The elevator comprises at least a hoistway S and an elevator unit 2 movable within the hoistway S, which is an elevator car 2 for transporting passengers and/or freight. As depicted, the elevator arrangement may also include other movable elevator units, such as a counterweight CW. Furthermore, the elevator comprises a hoisting device comprising a hoisting machine M, and ropes comprising one or more suspension and transport ropes R. Each rope R comprises one or more load-bearing units 11a to 11d, 12a to 12b, 13, and is attached to at least one elevator unit 2, CW via a rope end assembly 1. Each rope R is guided over a traction sheave 4, rotated by the elevator's hoist M, and over one or more diverting pulleys 3. As the hoist M rotates, friction causes the traction sheave 4 to simultaneously move the elevator car 2 and counterweight CW upward and downward, respectively. In addition, in high-rise buildings and high-speed elevators, a secondary rope system is present. This secondary rope system comprises one or more compensating ropes C, each of which is suspended at its first end to the bottom end of the counterweight CW and at its second end to the bottom portion of the elevator car 2, or to the car sling or the car itself. The compensating ropes C are kept taut, for example, by means of a compensating pulley 5, under which they pass and which is connected to a support structure at the base of the elevator shaft S, although this support structure is not shown in the drawings. A traveling cable T, intended for power supply to the elevator car and/or for data transmission, such as rope condition monitoring data, is suspended at its first end to the elevator car 2, for example to the bottom portion of the elevator car 2, and at its second end to a connection point on the wall of the elevator shaft S, typically at or above the midpoint of the height of the elevator shaft S.

FIG2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a rope end assembly 1 having a wedge-shaped element 8. The rope end assembly 1 includes an elevator rope R, a wedge-shaped element 8, and a wedge-shaped housing 7. The elevator rope R is wider than its thickness in the transverse rope direction, and the rope end of the elevator rope R includes a first member having a first end face R' and a second member having a second end face R". The rope end assembly includes a rope gap through which the elevator rope passes, and the wedge-shaped element 8 is arranged to wedge between the first member having the first end face R' and the second member having the second end face R", thereby locking the elevator rope R in the gap. The elevator rope R includes a second member having the second end face R", which includes a separate segment of the elevator rope R of a predetermined length. The second member having the second end face R", including the separate segment of the elevator rope R of the predetermined length, is clamped to the elevator rope R by a clamp 9. The first member with the first end face R' and the second member with the second end face R" of the elevator rope each comprise one or more non-metallic fiber reinforced, such as carbon fiber reinforced, polymer composite load-bearing parts 11a to 11d, 12a to 12b, 13. The rope end assembly 1 comprises a wedge element 8, which is an elongated unit comprising a first contact surface portion arranged against the first member with the first end face R' of the elevator rope R and a second contact surface portion arranged against the second member with the second end face R" of the elevator rope R. The wedge element 8 may comprise a smooth contact surface portion and a rough or patterned contact surface portion. Advantageously, both wedge-shaped contact surface portions have the same contact surface with the same friction properties. The wedge element 8 may also comprise a space for a rope end block 6 at a first end of the wedge element 8. The wedge element 8 is advantageously made of metal or some other mechanically suitable material.

3a) and 3b) illustrate an alternative preferred embodiment of a rope end assembly 1 having a wedge-shaped element 8. The rope end assembly 1 comprises an elevator rope R, a wedge-shaped element 8, and a wedge-shaped housing 7, wherein the width of the elevator rope R in the transverse rope direction is greater than its thickness, and the rope end of the elevator rope R comprises a first member having a first end face R' and a second member having a second end face R". The rope end assembly comprises a rope gap through which the elevator rope passes, and the wedge-shaped element 8 is arranged to wedge between the first member having the first end face R' and the second member having the second end face R", of the elevator rope R, thereby locking the elevator rope R in the gap. A first member having a first end face R' and a second member having a second end face R" of an elevator rope R are main components of the elevator rope R. As shown in FIG3b), the first and second members include load-bearing portions 11a to 11d separated from each other by dividing a covering p into branches adapted to accommodate a wedge-shaped element 8. The covering p of the elevator rope R is placed on opposite sides of the wedge-shaped element 8. The outermost load-bearing portions 11a, 11d are placed on opposite sides of the wedge-shaped element 8 from the innermost load-bearing portions 11b, 11c. The rope end assembly 1 includes a wedge-shaped element 8, which is an elongated unit including a first contact surface portion arranged against the first member having the first end face R' of the elevator rope R and a second contact surface portion arranged against the second member having the second end face R" of the elevator rope R. The wedge-shaped element 8 may include a smooth contact surface portion and a rough or patterned contact surface portion. Advantageously, both wedge-shaped contact surface portions have the same contact surface with the same friction properties. The wedge-shaped element 8 may also include a space for a rope end block at the first end of the wedge-shaped element 8. The wedge-shaped element 8 is advantageously made of metal or some other mechanically suitable material.

The rope end assembly 1 is fixed to the fixing base by a fixing rod which is fixed by fixing means through a side opening 10 of the wedge-shaped housing 7. The fixing means of the fixing rod can pass through the opening 10 in the wedge-shaped housing 7.

The elevator includes an elevator condition monitoring device, which includes an elevator rope R electrically connected to the rope condition monitoring device via a rope end block 6. The rope end block 6 includes one or more electrically conductive short-circuit elements and a fastening device. The rope condition monitoring device monitors an electrical signal from the elevator rope and transmits the electrical signal to an elevator controller at predetermined intervals, such as at least once per second. If an error signal is transmitted from the rope condition monitoring device to the elevator controller, elevator operation is modified or the elevator is removed from service. In a preferred embodiment, the rope condition monitoring device includes a current source, a voltage measuring device, a microcontroller, and a display for monitoring the condition of the rope R.

The rope end block 6 is attached to the end of the elevator rope R by a fastening device. Therefore, the fastening device can pass through the opening in the frame part of the rope end block 6. The fastening device can advantageously be made of metal or some other suitable conductive material. The fastening device is advantageously a screw or a bolt with a nut. The rope can be fastened by drilling a hole in the rope and fastening it with a screw or bolt. The rope end block 6 includes one or more short-circuit elements attached to the rope end block 6 by a fastening device. Therefore, the fastening device can pass through the opening in the short-circuit element. The short-circuit element, such as a short-circuit plate, and the fastening device are advantageously made of metal or some other suitable conductive material. The rope end block 6 is made of plastic or some other non-conductive material. Preferably, the rope end block 6 is a single-piece structure made of plastic, preferably a thermoplastic polymer or a thermosetting polymer.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope condition monitoring device is adapted to measure the resistance value between a first point and a second point of the elevator rope R, C for the first time during installation of the elevator and again when the elevator is used to transport passengers and/or freight. Preferably, the first point and the second point are points of non-metallic load-bearing parts 11a to 11d, 12a to 12b, 13 of the elevator rope R, C or points of several electrically connected non-metallic load-bearing parts 11a to 11d, 12a to 12b, 13 of the elevator rope R, C.

Figures 4a), 4b), and 4c, respectively, illustrate preferred embodiments of a cross-section of a rope R having four load-bearing parts 11a to 11d, two load-bearing parts 12a to 12b, and one load-bearing part 13, as described in conjunction with one of Figures 1 to 3. The rope R is used as a suspension and/or transport rope R for an elevator, particularly a passenger elevator. In use according to the invention, at least one rope R, but preferably a plurality of ropes, is constructed such that its width in the transverse direction of the rope R is greater than its thickness and is installed to support or move an elevator car. The rope R includes load-bearing parts 11a to 11d, 12a to 12b, 13 made of a composite material containing reinforcing fibers f consisting of unwound unidirectional carbon fibers in a polymer matrix m oriented in the longitudinal direction of the rope. The suspension rope R is most preferably fastened to the elevator car 1 at one end and to the counterweight CW at the other end, but is also suitable for use in elevators without a counterweight. Although the figures only show elevators with a 1:1 suspension ratio, the rope R described is also suitable for use as a suspension rope R in elevators with a 1:2 suspension ratio. The rope R is particularly suitable for use as a transmission rope R in elevators with large hoisting heights, preferably elevators with a hoisting height of more than 100 meters, most preferably elevators with a hoisting height of 150 to 800 meters. The defined rope R can also be used to realize new elevators without compensating ropes C or to convert old elevators into elevators without compensating ropes C.

As shown in Figures 4a) to 4c), the rope R is in the form of a belt and thus has a substantially larger width than its thickness. This makes it well-suited for use in elevators, as rope bending is essential in most elevators. To optimize the radius for elevator use, the rope preferably has a width/thickness ratio of at least 2 or greater, preferably 4, and even more preferably at least 5 or greater. To optimize the radius for elevator use, the force-transmitting portion preferably has a width/thickness ratio of at least 2, preferably at least 3 or greater. When the rope R is constructed to include only one load-bearing member 13, a ratio of 5 or greater is preferred. It is preferred that all load-bearing members 11a to 11d, 12a to 12b, 13 of the rope R together cover a substantial portion of the rope's width, preferably 70% or more, more preferably 75% or more, and most preferably 80% or more (regardless of whether the rope contains only one or more load-bearing members). Thus, the rope's width is effectively utilized for load-bearing functions.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 4a) and 4b), the rope R includes multiple load-bearing members 11a-11d, 12a-12b. These multiple load-bearing members 11a-11d, 12a-12b are positioned adjacent to each other in the same plane across the width of the belt. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4c), the rope R includes only one load-bearing member 13. In all of these embodiments, the load-bearing members 11a-11d, 12a-12b, 13 are surrounded by a covering p, which forms the surface of the rope and protects the load-bearing members 11a-11d, 12a-12b, 13. The covering p is preferably a polymer, most preferably an elastomeric polymer such as polyurethane, as it provides good wear resistance, protection, and good friction properties, for example, for frictional traction contact with the rope pulley 4. In all of these embodiments, the load-bearing members 11a-11d, 12a-12b, 13 have a width, as measured across the width of the rope R, that is greater than their thickness.

In the present application, the term "load-bearing member of a rope" refers to a component that is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the rope and is capable of supporting, without breaking, a substantial portion of the load applied to the rope in the longitudinal direction. The load applied to the rope generates a tension in the load-bearing member in the longitudinal direction, which tension can be transmitted within the load-bearing member along its length, for example, from one end to the other.

It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not exclusively limited to the above-described embodiments, which illustrate the invention by way of example, and that many variations and different embodiments of the invention are possible within the scope of the inventive concept defined in the claims presented below. It will be clear, therefore, that the rope R described can be provided with a cog-shaped surface or some other type of patterned surface to create a positive electrical connection with the traction sheave 4. It will also be clear that the rectangular composite load-bearing portions 11a to 11d, 12a to 12b, 13 may include edges that are more thoroughly rounded than those shown, or may not have any rounded edges at all. Similarly, the polymer layer p of the rope R may include edges/corners that are more thoroughly rounded than those shown, or may not have any rounded edges/corners at all. It will also be clear that the load-bearing portions 11a to 11d, 12a to 12b, 13 of the embodiments can be arranged to cover a substantial portion of the cross-section of the rope R. In this case, the sheath-like polymer layer p surrounding the load-bearing portions 11a to 11d, 12a to 12b, 13 is made thinner in the thickness direction of the rope R than the thickness of the load-bearing portions 11a to 11d, 12a to 12b, 13. It will also be apparent that, in conjunction with the solutions presented in the figures, other types of tapes besides those presented can be used. It will also be apparent that both carbon fiber and glass fiber can be used in the same composite portion, as desired. It will also be apparent that the thickness of the polymer p layer can vary from that described. It will also be apparent that the shear-resistant portion can be used as an additional component having any of the other structures shown in this application. It will also be apparent that the matrix polymer in which the reinforcing fibers f are distributed can include—admixed with—a base matrix polymer, auxiliary materials such as, for example, epoxy resin, reinforcements, fillers, pigments, flame retardants, stabilizers, or corresponding agents. It will also be apparent that, while the polymer matrix preferably does not include an elastomer, the present invention can also be utilized using an elastomeric matrix. It will also be apparent that the cross-section of the fibers f is not necessarily circular, but rather can have some other cross-sectional shape. It is also clear that auxiliary materials such as, for example, reinforcements, fillers, pigments, flame retardants, stabilizers or corresponding agents can be mixed into the base polymer of layer p, for example polyurethane. It is also clear that the invention can also be applied to elevators designed for lifting heights other than those considered above.

It should be understood that the above description and the accompanying drawings are intended only to illustrate the present invention. It is clear to those skilled in the art that the inventive concept can be implemented in many ways. The present invention and its embodiments are not limited to the above examples, but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims (20)

1. A rope end assembly (1) for an elevator for securing an elevator rope (R) to a fixed base, the elevator being suitable for transporting passengers and/or freight, the rope end assembly (1) comprising: an elevator rope (R) having a width in the rope transverse direction greater than its thickness, said elevator rope (R) having at least one end comprising a first member having a first end face (R') and a second member having a second end face (R"); a wedge-shaped element (8); and wedge-shaped housing (7), characterised in that the rope end assembly (1) comprises a rope gap through which the elevator rope (R) passes, and the wedge element (8) is arranged to wedge between the first member having the first end face (R') and the second member having the second end face (R") of the elevator rope (R), thereby locking the elevator rope (R) in the gap; and wherein the second member of the elevator rope (R) having the second end face (R") comprises a separate segment of predetermined length of the elevator rope (R). 2. The rope end assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first member of the elevator rope (R) having the first end surface (R') and the second member having the second end surface (R") are formed by separating the ends of the elevator rope (R). 3. The rope end assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first member of the elevator rope (R) having the first end face (R') and the second member having the second end face (R") each include one or more composite load-bearing parts (11a-11d, 12a-12b, 13) made of non-metallic material. 4. The rope end assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the non-metallic material is a carbon fiber reinforced polymer. 5. Rope end assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the elevator rope (R) comprises composite load-bearing parts (11a-11d, 12a-12b, 13) made of non-metallic material placed on opposite sides of the wedge-shaped element (8). 6. The rope end assembly (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the non-metallic material is a carbon fiber reinforced polymer. 7. Rope end assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the elevator rope (R) comprises a composite load-bearing part (11a-11d) made of non-metallic material, and the outermost load-bearing part (11a, 11d) is placed on the opposite side of the wedge-shaped element (8) to the innermost load-bearing part (11b, 11c). 8. The rope end assembly (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the non-metallic material is a carbon fiber reinforced polymer. 9. Rope end assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the elevator rope (R) comprises composite load-bearing parts (11a-11d) made of non-metallic material separated from each other by dividing the covering (p) into branches adapted to the wedge-shaped element (8). 10. The rope end assembly (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the non-metallic material is a carbon fiber reinforced polymer. 11. Rope end assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second member of the elevator rope (R) having the second end face (R") comprises a separate segment of predetermined length of the elevator rope (R) clamped to the elevator rope (R) by a clamp (9). 12. The rope end assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the wedge-shaped element (8) is an elongated element comprising a first contact surface portion which abuts against the first member arrangement of the elevator rope (R) having the first end surface (R') and a second contact surface portion which abuts against the second member arrangement of the elevator rope (R) having the second end surface (R"). 13. Rope end assembly (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the first contact surface portion and the second contact surface portion of the wedge-shaped element (8) arranged against the elevator rope (R) have identical friction properties. 14. The rope end assembly (1) according to claim 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 13, characterized in that the wedge-shaped housing (7) is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the wedge-shaped housing (7). 15. A rope end assembly (1) according to claim 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 13, characterized in that the rope end assembly (1) comprises a rope end block attached to the end, and the rope end block is attached on the first end face (R') side of the elevator rope (R) with respect to the wedge-shaped element (8). 16. The cord end assembly (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the cord end block is made of plastic or some other non-conductive material. 17. The rope end assembly (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the elevator rope (R) is electrically connected via the rope end block to a rope condition monitoring device, the rope condition monitoring device comprising one or more electrically conductive short-circuiting elements and a fastening device. 18. Rope end assembly (1) according to claim 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 13, 16 or 17, characterized in that the fixed base is an elevator unit (2, CW). 19. An elevator suitable for transporting passengers and/or freight, the elevator comprising: - shaft (S), - at least one elevator unit (2, CW) movable in said shaft (S), comprising at least an elevator car (2), - a lifting arrangement comprising a lifting device (M) and one or more elevator ropes (R, C) connected to at least one elevator unit (2, CW), Characterized in that the elevator rope (R, C) is fixed to a fixed base by a rope end assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18. 20. Elevator according to claim 19, the fixed base being an elevator unit (2, CW).