HK1237385A1 - Hoisting rope and elevator - Google Patents

Description

Hoisting rope and elevator

Technical Field

The invention relates to a hoisting rope and a hoisting device. The hoisting device is preferably an elevator for transporting passengers and/or goods.

Background

The hoisting ropes usually comprise one or more load bearing members elongated in the longitudinal direction of the rope, and each load bearing member forms a continuous, uninterrupted structure over the entire length of the rope. The load bearing members are members of the rope which are capable of together bearing the load to be exerted on the rope in the longitudinal direction of the rope. A load, such as a weight suspended by the rope, causes a tension on the load-bearing member in the longitudinal direction of the rope, which tension can be transmitted by the load-bearing member in question from one end of the rope all the way to the other end of the rope. The rope may also comprise non-supporting parts, such as an elastic coating, which are not able to transmit tension in the above-described manner. The coating may serve one or more purposes. For example, the coating may provide a surface for the rope through which the rope may effectively frictionally engage the drive wheel. The coating may also be used to provide protection for the load bearing members of the rope.

Such hoisting ropes have been proposed in which the load-bearing member is in the form of an elongated fibre-reinforced composite member wrapped in a polymer coating. Such composite materials are generally rigid in all directions and thus also difficult to bend. In hoisting devices, the ropes usually need to be guided by rope wheels, whereby each rope is subjected to bending during its use. The bending is repeated constantly during use of the hoist, whereby the internal performance of the rope during bending is an important factor in the service life of the rope. It is generally desirable that the ropes have the longest service life, so that it is not recommended to guide rigid ropes around rope wheels with such small radii, causing tight bends in the ropes of interest. Tight bends may result in local internal stresses on the load bearing member that may damage the load bearing member, or at least shorten the service life of the load bearing member in long-term use. In designing the layout of the elevator and selecting the dimensions of the rope sheave, one or more of the above-mentioned aspects of rope behavior in bending need to be considered in several other respects. One disadvantage is that this limits the freedom of design of the elevator. Generally, the thicker the cross-section of the load bearing member, the larger the bending radius should be. Thus, when selecting a rope pulley for a given load-bearing cross-section, designers have been limited to a certain size range of rope pulleys.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is to introduce a hoisting rope and a hoisting device which are improved in terms of bending properties. The object of the present invention is, inter alia, to solve the drawbacks of the known solutions described in the foregoing and the problems discussed later in the summary of the invention. One object is in particular to introduce a solution whereby the load-bearing cross-section in the thickness direction of the rope can be large in case the rope is curved along an axis extending in the width direction of the rope. Improvements are proposed, in particular they may be used for one or more of the following: for making the load-bearing cross-sectional area of the rope larger in the thickness direction, for making the rope bendable around a wheel of smaller diameter, and for adapting the inner structure of the rope to the stresses. Further particularly advantageous embodiments are proposed, wherein the inner structure of the rope can be adapted in bending situations by a "laminar" movement between the load bearing members adjacent to each other.

A new hoisting rope for e.g. an elevator is presented, the hoisting rope having a longitudinal direction, a thickness direction and a width direction and comprising a set of load-bearing members made of a composite material comprising reinforcing fibers embedded in a polymer matrix; and a coating surrounding the set of load bearing members; wherein the load-bearing members extend inside the coating in an untwisted manner, parallel to each other and to the longitudinal direction of the rope over the entire length, are substantially larger in the width direction than in the thickness direction of the rope, and are stacked against each other in the thickness direction of the rope. With this structure, one or more of the advantages/objects of the present invention are achieved. In particular, with the load bearing members stacked against each other in the thickness direction of the rope, the load bearing cross sectional area of the rope can be large in the thickness direction of the rope without being challenged by internal stresses. This is because due to the stacked structure the load-bearing cross-section is divided into load-bearing layers, which are on top of each other in the thickness direction. The thickness of each load bearing member is less than the total thickness of the stacked load bearing members. Thus, the internal stresses are divided into a plurality of individual load bearing members, rather than, for example, one larger load bearing member, which provides an interface between each pair of load bearing members adjacent to each other in the thickness direction of the rope, wherein at least some amount of the internal stresses are relieved.

In a preferred embodiment, the number of load bearing members in the set is at least 2. Preferably, the number thereof is less than 10. With a small number of load-bearing members in group G, a large addition of the load-bearing cross-sectional thickness is obtained with a simple structure. When the number of load-bearing members in the group is in the range of at least 2 and less than 10, it is most preferred, but not necessary, that the thickness of each individual load-bearing member is in the range of 0.5-4mm and that their combined thickness is between 1 and 20 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the number of load bearing members in the set is 2. Thus, a great effect is obtained with a minimum number of stacked load bearing members, and thus with a simple structure. In another preferred embodiment the number of load bearing members in said group is 3, whereby a great influence is obtained with a simple structure.

In a preferred embodiment, the cord is substantially larger in its width direction than in its thickness direction. The width/thickness ratio of the cord is preferably at least 2. Therefore, the posture of the rope and the bending direction thereof can be reliably controlled.

In a preferred embodiment, the width/thickness ratio of the load bearing member is at least 2. Thereby they maintain their position within the rope and are firmly supported to each other.

In a preferred embodiment, the load bearing members adjacent to each other have opposite sides in the thickness direction, i.e. facing towards each other in the thickness direction of the rope, and are placed against each other, the sides of which are shaped to form corresponding parts to each other. Thus, they can be simply stacked and they can effectively support each other in use.

In a preferred embodiment, the opposing faces are planar. Thus, the side faces can be arranged to abut against each other with a simple structure and a large area, while facilitating movability between the side faces in the longitudinal direction of the rope.

In a preferred embodiment, the coating forms the outer surface of the rope. Thus, the rope is provided with a surface by which the rope can effectively be frictionally engaged with the drive wheel, if desired. Thus, protection and adjustable friction properties may also be provided for the load bearing member to function well in the intended use, for example, in traction.

In a preferred embodiment, the coating may have a profiled shape, such as a ribbed belt pattern with longitudinal grooves and flanges on one or both sides facing the thickness direction of the cord, or a toothed belt pattern with teeth extending at least substantially in the transverse direction of the cord on one or both sides facing the thickness direction of the cord.

In a preferred embodiment, load-bearing members are provided in the hoisting ropes for movement relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the ropes by sliding over each other in the longitudinal direction of the hoisting ropes. This may be facilitated in one or more ways, such as by smooth shaping of the opposing sides, by lubrication, or by material selection of the faces. The opposite sides placed against each other are preferably unconnected to each other, allowing movement without first breaking the connection between them.

In a preferred embodiment, the opposing sides are unconnected to each other.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope comprises a lubricant for lubricating an interface between the load bearing members adjacent to each other in a thickness direction of the rope.

In a preferred embodiment, the opposing faces are placed against each other directly and/or indirectly only with a layer of lubricant between them.

In a preferred embodiment, the coating material does not extend between the load bearing members stacked against each other.

In a preferred embodiment one or both of the load bearing members adjacent to each other in the thickness direction have an outer layer of a low friction material, such as teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene; PTFE), for example, forming the side facing the load bearing member adjacent thereto in the thickness direction of the rope.

In a preferred embodiment, the coating is elastic, thereby allowing relative movement between the load bearing members in the longitudinal direction of the rope.

In a preferred embodiment, the coating is molded around the set of load bearing members such that it is affixed to the outer perimeter of the set of load bearing members.

In a preferred embodiment, the opposite sides lying opposite one another against one another in the longitudinal direction of the rope are at least smooth.

In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing fibers are carbon fibers, but other fibers, such as glass fibers, may also be used. It is further preferred that all individual reinforcing fibers of the load-bearing member are bonded to each other with a matrix.

In a preferred embodiment, the matrix comprises an epoxy resin.

In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing fibers of each load-bearing member are substantially uniformly distributed in the polymer matrix of the load-bearing member of interest. Furthermore, preferably more than 50% of the cross-sectional square area of the load bearing member comprises said reinforcing fibres. Therefore, high tensile strength can be promoted. Preferably, the load bearing members together cover more than a 50% proportion of the cross-section of the rope.

In a preferred embodiment the elastic modulus E of the polymer matrix exceeds 2GPa, most preferably exceeds 2.5GPa, more preferably in the range of 2.5-10GPa, most preferably in the range of 2.5-3.5 GPa. In this way, a structure is achieved in which the matrix supports the reinforcing fibres substantially, in particular from buckling. One of the advantages is a longer service life. In the context of such materials, a stacked structure is particularly advantageous, since the disadvantages of stiffness in bending can be mitigated.

In a preferred embodiment, substantially all of the reinforcing fibers of the load bearing member are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the load bearing member. Thus, since the individual load bearing members are oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rope, the fibers are also parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rope. This further contributes to the longitudinal stiffness of the rope. In the context of such materials, a stacked structure is particularly advantageous, since the disadvantage of rigidity in bending caused by said rigidity can thus be mitigated.

In a preferred embodiment the coating comprises an inner space which is closed by the groups in the transverse direction of the rope, wherein the groups of load bearing members are comprised in the inner space and wherein no other load bearing members than said load bearing members of said groups and preferably any other solid parts are comprised in the inner space.

In a preferred embodiment the group comprises only, i.e. no other load bearing members than said load bearing members stacked against each other in the thickness direction of the rope. In this case, in the group, there are no load bearing members adjacent to each other in the width direction of the rope.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope comprises a plurality of sets of load bearing members defined adjacently, e.g. in the width direction of the rope. For example, the number of groups may be 2 to 10.

In a preferred embodiment, the same coating surrounds each set of load bearing members.

In a preferred embodiment, the groups are spaced apart in the width direction of the rope, the coating extending between the groups adjacent to each other, separating the groups from each other. The coating thus forms a common coating for all the groups of load-bearing components, which encloses all these groups. The coating preferably surrounds (in the transverse direction) each of the groups and fills the spaces existing in the width direction between adjacent groups. The set and the load bearing members therein are untwisted and parallel to each other and to the cords.

In a preferred embodiment, the number of load bearing members in the group is greater than described above, in particular from 10 to 100. Most preferably, but not necessarily, the individual load bearing members have a thickness in the range of 0, 1-2mm, and their combined thickness is between 1 and 20 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, a stacked structure is used to make the individual ropes slim. The use of a composite material and a rigid matrix with a polymer matrix elastic modulus E exceeding 2GPa, most preferably exceeding 2.5GPa, more preferably in the range of 2.5-10GPa, most preferably in the range of 2.5-3.5GPa, enables to stack a larger number of load bearing members, preferably at least 5 load bearing members, against each other, even to the extent of the total thickness, such that the thickness of the rope is larger than the width of the rope, which width/thickness ratio is at most 1. This is not feasible with an elastic base, since the tension of the outermost load-bearing part of the ropes suspending the car will over-compress the innermost rope onto the rope sheave. The resulting advantage is that the higher overall thickness helps to thin the overall width of the rope bundle, since the individual ropes will no longer be wide.

A new hoisting device is also presented, comprising one or more hoisting ropes as defined above or elsewhere in the application, such as in the claims. The hoisting ropes may comprise one or more of the preferred features in any combination. The proposed hoisting device is most preferably an elevator. The elevator preferably comprises a hoistway, a car vertically movable in the hoistway, a counterweight vertically movable in the hoistway; the ropes comprise one or more of said hoisting ropes, each interconnected with the elevator car and the counterweight.

In a preferred embodiment, the one or more ropes are passed around one or more rope wheels mounted near the upper end of the hoistway, such as inside the upper end of the hoistway or in a space beside or above the upper end of the hoistway.

In a preferred embodiment, the one or more rope wheels comprise a drive wheel engaged with the one or more ropes; and the elevator comprises a motor for rotating the drive sheave and an elevator control unit for automatically controlling the rotation of the motor.

In a preferred embodiment, the individual hoisting ropes are passed around one or more rope pulleys, which rotate around axes extending in the width direction of the ropes.

In a preferred embodiment, each of said one or more ropes is passed around one or more rope pulleys, wherein the side facing in the thickness direction and extending in the width direction of the rope abuts against the rope pulley.

The hoisting device is preferably an elevator. The elevator is preferably such that its car is arranged to serve two or more landings. The elevator preferably controls the movement of the car in response to calls from landings and/or from destination commands inside the car in order to provide service to persons inside the landings and/or elevator cars. Preferably, the car has an interior space adapted to receive one or more passengers, and the car may be provided with doors for forming the enclosed interior space.

Drawings

The invention will be described in more detail hereinafter, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the rope as seen from the longitudinal direction of the rope according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the rope as seen from the longitudinal direction of the rope according to a second embodiment.

Fig. 3 shows a cross-section a-a of fig. 1 and a cross-section B-B of fig. 2.

Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the rope as seen from the longitudinal direction of the rope according to a third embodiment.

Fig. 5a shows a preferred detail of the cross-section of the load bearing member as seen in the longitudinal direction of the load bearing member and the rope.

Figure 5b shows the load bearing member in three dimensions.

Fig. 6 schematically presents an elevator according to an embodiment of the invention seen from the side.

The above aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the detailed description related thereto.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 and 2 each show an embodiment of a hoisting rope 2, 2'. The hoisting ropes 2, 2' have in each case a longitudinal direction l, a thickness direction t and a width direction w and comprise a group G of load-bearing members 3 and a coating 4 wrapping the group G of load-bearing members 3. The load-bearing members 3 extend in parallel, more precisely in parallel with each other and the longitudinal direction i of the ropes 2,2 ', respectively, in the coating 4 and extend in an uninterrupted untwisted manner over the entire length of the ropes 2, 2'. The load-bearing member 3 is belt-shaped and thus substantially larger in the width direction w than in the thickness direction of the rope 2, 2' and is made of a composite material comprising reinforcing fibres F in a polymer matrix m. The load bearing members 3 are stacked against each other in the thickness direction of the ropes 2, 2'. Due to the stacked structure, the load-bearing cross-section is divided into load-bearing layers, which are on top of each other in the thickness direction. The thickness of each load bearing member is less than the total thickness of the stacked load bearing members 3. Thus, the internal stress is divided into a plurality of individual load bearing members, rather than, for example, one larger load bearing member. Thus, an interface, or in other words a discontinuity of load-bearing material, is provided between each pair of load-bearing members 3 adjacent to each other in the thickness direction of the rope 2, 2'. This increases the adaptability of the rope construction to stress.

The load-bearing members 3 are larger in the width direction w than in the thickness direction t of the hoisting ropes 2,2 ', they are easily stacked against each other in the thickness direction of the hoisting ropes 2, 2', and the structure of the hoisting ropes 2,2 'is maintained unchanged during use of the hoisting ropes 2, 2'. Furthermore, the load bearing members 3 are substantially larger in the width direction w than in the thickness direction t of the hoisting ropes 2,2 ', their resistance against bending around an axis extending in the width direction of the hoisting ropes 2, 2' being reduced. This is advantageous when the cross-sectional area of the load-bearing member 3 needs to be large to achieve a good load-bearing capacity and the hoisting ropes 2, 2' need to be bendable around the rope sheave. This is advantageous in particular in the case of a load-bearing member of a material which is difficult to bend, which is the case of a composite material, and in particular a material as will be specified later in the description. The width/thickness ratio of the carrier member 3 is preferably at least 2, whereby the advantages relating to stackability and relative position of the carrier member 3 are clearly demonstrated. However, in order to facilitate the stability of the structure of the ropes 2, 2', the width/thickness ratio of the load-bearing members is preferably at least 4 (preferably even more), whereby they in each case maintain their relative position and firmly support each other.

The hoisting ropes 2,2 ' are also preferably belt-shaped and thus substantially larger in the width direction w than in the thickness direction t of the hoisting ropes 2,2 ', whereby their total resistance against bending around an axis extending in the width direction of the hoisting ropes 2,2 ' is reduced. The width/thickness ratio of the hoisting ropes 2, 2' is preferably at least 2, whereby the advantages related to the resistance to bending become clearly substantial.

The group G is preferably more specifically such that the load bearing members 3 of the group G which are adjacent to each other in the thickness direction of the ropes 2, 2' have opposite sides placed against each other. These sides are shaped to form counter parts for each other, whereby they can support each other. In this example, they are both planar. Said sides facing each other (thus facing in the thickness direction of the rope 2, 2'; upwards and downwards in fig. 1 and 2). In a preferred embodiment, as also shown in fig. 1, said opposite sides are plane surfaces, whereby these sides can be arranged to abut against each other with a simple structure and a large area, while facilitating movability between the sides in the longitudinal direction of the cord 2, 2'.

At the interface between each set of load bearing members 3, the internal stresses are relieved by at least some amount. At the interface, when the ropes 2, 2' are sharply bent, a relative movement can take place between the load bearing members 3 adjacent to each other in the thickness direction of the rope, without impairing the internal structure of the load bearing members 3 of the rope, which movement is not possible with ropes provided with a single load bearing member. Preferably the load bearing members 3 are arranged to move within the hoisting ropes 2,2 'by sliding against each other in the longitudinal direction of the hoisting ropes 2, 2'. This may be facilitated in one or more ways, such as by smooth shaping of the opposing sides and/or by lubrication and/or by material selection of the faces. The opposite sides placed against each other are preferably unconnected to each other, allowing movement without breaking the connection between them. The load bearing members 3 adjacent to each other in the thickness direction of the ropes 2,2 'are slidably movable along each other in the longitudinal direction of the ropes 2, 2', which is also allowed due to the feature that the load bearing members 3 are not twisted together. This sliding takes place only in the longitudinal direction of the ropes 2, 2', also due to the feature that the load-bearing members 3 are not twisted together.

In order to promote sliding between the load bearing members 3 adjacent to each other in the thickness direction t of the hoisting ropes 2,2 ', the ropes 2, 2' may comprise a lubricant for lubricating the interfaces between the load bearing members adjacent to each other. Thus, lubricant is present between the load bearing members 3 adjacent to each other in the thickness direction of the cords 2, 2', in particular between said opposite sides placed against each other. The opposite sides are placed against each other, preferably directly against each other, with nothing but possibly a layer of lubricant in between. A lubricant or any other additional method for promoting slidability between the load bearing members 3 is not necessary. As an alternative or in addition to facilitating the slidability between the load bearing members 3, one or both of the load bearing members 3 adjacent to each other in the thickness direction may have an outer layer of a low friction material, such as teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene; PTFE), formed to face the side of the load bearing member 3 adjacent thereto in the thickness direction t.

More specifically, the structure is such that the coating 4 comprises, for each group G, an internal space closed in the transverse direction, in which the group G of load-bearing members 3 is comprised. In the proposed preferred embodiment it is preferred that no other load bearing members and any other solid parts than the load bearing members of the group G are included in the inner space, as no other parts are needed for an effective and intended function of the solution. In the embodiment shown, the group G comprises only (i.e. no other load members, except) said load members 3, which are stacked against each other in the thickness direction of the ropes 2, 2'. Thus, in the group, there are no load bearing members adjacent to each other in the width direction w of the ropes 2, 2'. Thus, the occurrence of unnecessary friction in the ropes 2, 2' is minimized.

In the embodiment of fig. 1 there is only one said group comprised in the cord 2, and in the embodiment of fig. 2 there are a plurality of said groups comprised in the cord 2 ', in which case the groups G are adjacent to each other in the width direction w of the cord 2'. In the case of a plurality of groups G, which are spaced apart in the width direction of the ropes 2, 2', the coating 3 extends between groups G adjacent to each other, separating groups G from each other. The coating 4 thus forms a common coating for all groups G of the load-bearing members 3, the common coating 3 enveloping all groups G. Preferably, as shown, this is done such that the coating 3 surrounds (in the lateral direction) each of the groups G and fills the spaces that exist between adjacent groups G in the width direction w. In case there are several groups G, the groups G and the load bearing members 3 therein are untwisted and parallel to each other and to the hoisting ropes 2'.

The coating 4 is preferably elastic, whereby it allows the load-bearing member 3 to move in the longitudinal direction of the hoisting ropes 2,2 'within the rope, in particular by sliding against each other in the longitudinal direction of the hoisting ropes 2, 2'. In each preferred case the coating 4 forms the outer surface of the hoisting ropes 2, 2'. The coating 4 may be formed so that its profile and material are optimally suited for the intended use. The coating 4 may have a profiled shape, such as a poly-v-belt (polyvee) pattern with longitudinal grooves and flanges on one or both sides facing the sides in the thickness direction of the rope, or a toothed pattern with teeth extending over the hoisting rope 2,2 'substantially in the transverse direction of the hoisting rope on one or both sides facing the sides in the thickness direction of the hoisting rope 2, 2'. Alternatively, the coating 4 may have another coating, which should be advantageous for the outer surface of the hoisting ropes 2, 2' of other materials than the material of said coating 4.

The coating 3 is preferably attached to the group G of load-bearing members 3. In particular, the coating is preferably moulded around the group G of load-bearing members 3 so that it is affixed to the periphery of the group G of load-bearing members 3.

The number of load bearing members 3 in group G is preferably at least 2 and less than 10. In the preferred embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 2, the number of load bearing members 3 in said group G is at least 2. Figure 4 shows the configuration when the number is greater than 2, in this case 3. The number of load-bearing members 3 is most advantageously 2, since in this way a large addition of the load-bearing cross-sectional thickness is obtained with a simple structure. The advantage is that the structure is similar for both load-bearing members 3. In particular, all load bearing members, i.e. two of the two load bearing members 3 in a group G, may in this way have similar coating 3 interfaces, which is not the case when there are more than two load bearing members 3 in one group G stacked against each other. Thus, with two load bearing members 3, a coating can be attached to the wide sides of all load bearing members, the sides of which face away from each other in the thickness direction of the hoisting ropes 2, 2'.

Fig. 5a shows a preferred internal structure of the carrier 3, in particular a cross section of the carrier 3 viewed in the longitudinal direction i of the carrier 3. As mentioned above, the load-bearing member 3 is made of a composite material comprising reinforcing fibers F embedded in a polymer matrix m. The reinforcing fibers F are more particularly distributed in the polymer matrix and are joined together by the polymer matrix, in particular as elongated rod-shaped pieces. Each load bearing member 3 is thus a solid elongated rod-like piece. The reinforcing fibers F are substantially, preferably uniformly, distributed in the polymer matrix m. Thereby, a load-bearing member with homogenous characteristics and structure is achieved over its entire cross-section. In this way it is also ensured that each fibre can be brought into contact with the matrix m and bonded. The reinforcing fibers F are most preferably carbon fibers, but may alternatively be glass fibers, or possibly other fibers. The matrix m preferably comprises an epoxy resin, but according to preferred features alternative materials may be used. Preferably, substantially all the reinforcement fibres F of each load-bearing member 3 are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the load-bearing member 3. Thus, since each load bearing member is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the hoisting ropes 2,2 ', the fibres are also parallel to the longitudinal direction of the hoisting ropes 2, 2'. This is advantageous for the properties of rigidity and bending.

A preferred internal structure of the load member 3 is described below, with preferred details of the structure being further explained by reference to fig. 5a and 5 b. Each load bearing member 3 is an elongated rod-like piece, wherein the fibers F are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the load bearing member 3 and thereby to the longitudinal direction of the ropes 2,2 ', since each load bearing member 3 is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ropes 2, 2'. Thus, the fibres in the last rope 2,2 'will be aligned with the forces when the rope 2, 2' is pulled, which ensures that the structure provides a high tensile stiffness. The fibres F used in the preferred embodiment are substantially untwisted with respect to each other, which gives them the said orientation parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ropes 2, 2'. This is in contrast to conventional twisted elevator ropes, where the wires or fibers are strongly twisted, and typically have a twist angle from 15 to 30 degrees, the fibers/strands of these conventional twisted elevator ropes thus have the potential to deform under tension towards straighter constructions, which makes these ropes provide high elongation under tension and results in a non-integral (unetegral) structure.

The reinforcing fibres F are preferably long continuous fibres in the longitudinal direction of the load-bearing member, the fibres F preferably being continuous over the entire length of the load-bearing member 3 and the ropes 2, 2'. Thus, the load-bearing capacity and the manufacture of the load-bearing member 3 are facilitated. The fibres F are oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rope 2,2 'and as far as possible the cross-section of the load-bearing member 3 can be made to remain substantially the same for the entire length of the rope 2, 2'. Therefore, when the carrier member 3 is bent, no substantial relative movement occurs inside the carrier member 3.

As mentioned above, the reinforcing fibers F are preferably substantially evenly distributed in the above-mentioned load-bearing member 3, in particular as evenly as possible, so that the load-bearing member 3 is as even as possible in its transverse direction. The advantage of the proposed structure is to keep the insertion of the reinforcing fibers F substantially unchanged around the matrix m of the reinforcing fibers F. Which, by its slight elasticity, equalizes the distribution of the forces exerted on the fibres, reducing the fibre-fibre contact and the internal wear of the rope, thus increasing the service life of the rope 2, 2'. The composite body m, in which the individual fibres F are distributed as uniformly as possible, is most preferably made of an epoxy resin, which has good adhesion to the reinforcing fibres F and which is known to work advantageously with carbon fibres. Alternatively, for example, polyester or vinyl ester may be used, but any other suitable alternative material may alternatively be used. Fig. 5a shows a partial cross section of the load-bearing member near the surface of the load-bearing member 3, seen in the longitudinal direction of the rope 2, 2' and represented in a circle in the figure, according to which cross section the reinforcing fibers F of the load-bearing member 3 are preferably organized in a polymer matrix m. The rest of the load bearing member 3 (not shown) has a similar structure. Fig. 5a also shows how the individual reinforcing fibers F are substantially uniformly distributed in a polymer matrix m, which surrounds the reinforcing fibers F and is fixed to the reinforcing fibers F. The polymer matrix m fills the regions between the individual reinforcing fibers F and substantially combines all the reinforcing fibers F within the matrix m into a uniform solid substance with each other. There is a chemical bond between the individual (preferably all) reinforcing fibres F and the matrix m, one advantage of which is the uniformity of the structure. In order to enhance the chemical bonding of the reinforcing fibers to the matrix m, in particular the chemical bonding between the reinforcing fibers F and the matrix m, the individual fibers may have a thin coating, for example a primer (not shown) on top of the actual fiber structure between the reinforcing fiber structure and the polymer matrix m. However, such a thin coating is not necessary. The characteristics of the polymer matrix m can also be optimized as is common in polymer technology. For example, the matrix m may include a base polymer material (e.g., an epoxy) and additives that fine-tune the properties of the base polymer such that the properties of the matrix are optimized. The polymer matrix m is preferably a hard non-elastomer, since in this case the risk of e.g. buckling can be reduced. However, the polymer matrix need not be non-elastomeric, for example, if the disadvantages of such materials are deemed acceptable or irrelevant to the intended use. In this case, the polymer matrix m may be made of an elastomeric material such as polyurethane or rubber. By reinforcing fibres F in a polymer matrix is here meant that the individual reinforcing fibres F are bonded to each other with a polymer matrix m, for example, in the manufacturing stage, immersed together in the liquid material of the polymer matrix and then cured. In this case, the interstices between the individual reinforcing fibers and the polymer matrix, which are bonded to each other, contain the polymer of the matrix. In this way, a large number of reinforcing fibers, which are bonded to each other in the longitudinal direction of the rope, are distributed in the polymer matrix. As mentioned above, the reinforcing fibers are preferably substantially evenly distributed in the polymer matrix m, so that the load-bearing member is as homogeneous as possible when viewed in the cross-sectional direction of the rope. In other words, the fiber density of the cross section of the load-bearing member 3 therefore does not substantially vary.

The reinforcing fibres F form together with the matrix m a uniform load-bearing member, inside which no relative abrasive movements occur when the rope is bent. The individual reinforcing fibers of the load-bearing member 3 are mainly surrounded by the polymer matrix m, but random fiber-fiber contact may occur, because it is difficult to control the position of the fibers relative to each other while the fibers are immersed in the polymer, on the other hand, from the functional point of view of the present solution, it is not necessary to completely eliminate the random fiber-fiber contact. However, if it is desired to reduce their random occurrence, the individual reinforcing fibers F may be pre-coated so that the polymeric material coating of the matrix already surrounds each of the individual reinforcing fibers before they are brought into and combined with the matrix material, for example, before they are immersed in the fluid matrix material.

As mentioned above, the material characteristics of the substrate m of the load bearing member 3 are most preferably hard. The hard matrix m helps to support the reinforcing fibers F, especially when the rope is bent, since the hard material effectively supports the fibers F, thus preventing buckling of the reinforcing fibers F of the bent rope. In order to reduce buckling and promote a small bending radius of the load bearing member 3, it is therefore preferred that the polymer matrix m is hard, in particular inelastic. The most preferred materials for the matrix are epoxy, polyester, phenolics or vinyl esters. The polymer matrix m is preferably very hard with an elastic modulus (E) in excess of 2GPa, most preferably in excess of 2.5 GPa. In this case, the elastic modulus (E) is preferably in the range of 2.5 to 10GPa, most preferably in the range of 2.5 to 3.5 GPa. For the substrate m that can provide these material characteristics, there are various material alternatives available on the market. Preferably, more than 50% of the surface area of the cross-section of the load-bearing member 3 is the above-mentioned reinforcing fibers, preferably such that 50-80% are the above-mentioned reinforcing fibers, more preferably such that 55-70% are the above-mentioned reinforcing fibers, and substantially all of the remaining surface area is the polymer matrix. Most preferably, this is performed such that about 60% of the surface area is reinforcing fibers and about 40% is a matrix material (preferably an epoxy material). In this way, a good longitudinal stiffness of the load bearing member 3 is achieved. As described above, carbon fibers are the most preferable fibers for the reinforcing fibers due to their excellent characteristics. However, this is not necessary, as alternative fibres, such as glass fibres, may be used, which have been found to be suitable for the hoisting rope as well.

In the embodiment shown, the carrier member 3 is substantially rectangular. However, this is not required as alternative shapes may be used. Similarly, the cross-sections of all load-bearing members 3 in a group G need not be similar, as is the case in the embodiment shown. In addition, the load bearing members different in cross section may be stacked against each other in the thickness direction of the rope, but in this case, the load bearing members adjacent to each other in the thickness direction preferably have opposite side faces (facing in the thickness direction of the rope) placed opposite to each other, which are shaped to form corresponding portions to each other. Then, for example, one of the sides may be concave and the other convex.

Fig. 6 shows a preferred embodiment of an elevator, which comprises a hoistway H; an elevator car 1 vertically movable in a hoistway H and a counterweight 5 vertically movable in the hoistway H the elevator comprises ropes R comprising one or more hoisting ropes 2, 2' interconnecting the elevator car 1 and the counterweight 5. The elevator comprises one or more upper rope pulleys 11, 12 mounted higher than the car 1 and the counterweight 5, in this case especially near the upper end of the hoistway H. In this case there are two rope pulleys 11, 12, but the elevator can also be implemented with other numbers of rope pulleys 11, 12. Each of the one or more hoisting ropes 2, 2' is passed over the one or more rope pulleys 11, 12 mounted near the upper end of the shaft H. In this case one or more rope pulleys 11, 12 are mounted inside the upper end of the shaft, but alternatively they may be mounted in a space beside or above the upper end of the shaft H. The one or more rope pulleys 11, 12 comprise a drive pulley 11 engaging the one or more hoisting ropes 2, 2', and the elevator comprises a motor M for rotating the drive pulley 11. The elevator car 1 can thus be moved. The elevator also comprises an elevator control unit 10 for automatically controlling the rotation of the motor M. So that the movement of the car 1 can also be controlled automatically. The individual hoisting ropes 2,2 'extend as described in fig. 1 to 5, whereby each hoisting rope 2, 2' has a longitudinal direction l, a thickness direction t and a width direction w. Each hoisting rope 2,2 'comprises a group G of load bearing members 3 and a coating 4 enveloping said group G of load bearing members 3, wherein the load bearing members 3 extend in parallel in the coating 4 and are unbroken and in an untwisted manner over the entire length of the rope 2, 2'. The load-bearing member 3 is belt-shaped, in particular substantially larger in the width direction w than in the thickness direction of the rope 2, 2', and is made of a composite material comprising reinforcing fibers F in a polymer matrix (m). And are stacked against each other in the thickness direction of the ropes 2, 2'. The load-bearing members 3 are substantially larger in the width direction w than in the thickness direction t of the hoisting ropes 2,2 ', they are easily stacked against each other in the thickness direction of the hoisting ropes 2,2 ', and the structure of the hoisting ropes 2,2 ' is maintained unchanged during use of the ropes. Furthermore, the load bearing members 3 are substantially larger in the width direction w than in the thickness direction t of the hoisting ropes 2, 2', their resistance against bending around an axis extending in the width direction of the ropes is reduced. This is advantageous when the cross-sectional area of the load-bearing member 3 needs to be large to achieve good load-bearing capacity, and the ropes need to be bendable around the rope wheels. This is advantageous in particular in the case of a load-bearing member of a material which is difficult to bend, which is a composite material. As mentioned above, the hoisting ropes 2,2 ' are also preferably larger in the width direction w than in the thickness direction t of the hoisting ropes 2,2 ', whereby their total resistance against bending around an axis extending in the width direction of the hoisting ropes 2,2 ' is reduced.

In order to utilize the rope characteristics that promote rope bending, the hoisting ropes 2,2 ' are arranged such that each of the one or more hoisting ropes 2,2 ' passes around one or more rope pulleys 11, 12, wherein the side facing in the thickness direction t and extending in the width direction w of the hoisting rope 2,2 ' abuts against the rope pulley 11, 12. The respective hoisting ropes pass around one or more rope pulleys 11, 12, which rope pulleys 12, 13 rotate around an axis extending in the width direction w of the hoisting ropes 2, 2'. The reinforcing fibers F of the composite structural member are preferably carbon fibers, which are lightweight and have excellent load-bearing capacity in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the elevator has excellent performance in terms of lifting capacity and energy efficiency.

The elevator shown in fig. 6 comprises, in addition to said ropes R, second ropes C interconnecting the elevator car 1 and the counterweight 5. In addition, the rope C may have ropes 2, 2' as described elsewhere in the application. For the ropes C, the elevator comprises one or more lower rope pulleys 21, 22 mounted lower than the car 1 and the counterweight 5, in this case especially near the lower end of the hoistway H. In this case there are two rope pulleys 21, 22, but the elevator can also be implemented with other numbers of rope pulleys 21, 22. Each of said one or more hoisting ropes 2, 2' is passed around said one or more rope pulleys 11, 12 mounted near the upper end of the shaft H. In this case one or more rope pulleys 11, 12 are mounted inside the lower end of the shaft H.

In application, only elevators have been presented as hoisting devices utilizing hoisting ropes 22, 2'. However, the hoisting ropes 2, 2' may be used for some other type of hoisting device, such as a crane.

As mentioned above, the number of load bearing members 3 in group G is preferably at least 2 and less than 10. With a small number of load-bearing members 3 in group G, a large addition of the load-bearing cross-sectional thickness is obtained with a simple structure. When the number of load bearing members is in the range given above of at least 2 and less than 10, i.e. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, the thickness of the individual load bearing members is preferably in the range of 0.5-4mm, their combined thickness being preferably between 1-20mm, whereby a rope most suitable for an elevator is obtained, especially because of its curved properties. However, when more complex structures are acceptable, the above given range of at least 2 and less than 10 need not necessarily be implemented, as the number may alternatively be even larger, for example up to one hundred. In case the number is larger than said at least 2 and smaller than 10, the individual load bearing members are preferably smaller than described above, most preferably in the range of 0, 1-2mm, their combined thickness again preferably being between said 1 and 20 mm.

It should be understood that the above description and accompanying drawings are only intended to teach the best way known to the inventors to make and use the invention. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above-described embodiments of the present invention may be modified or varied without departing from the invention in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above, but may vary within the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

Claims (18)

1. A hoisting rope (2,2 ') for a hoisting device, which hoisting rope (2, 2') has a longitudinal direction (l), a thickness direction (t) and a width direction (w), and comprises

A group (G) of load-bearing members (3) made of composite material comprising reinforcing fibres embedded in a polymer matrix (m); and

a coating (4) surrounding the group (G) of load-bearing members (3);

wherein the load-bearing members (3) extend in an untwisted manner inside the coating (4), the load-bearing members being parallel to each other and to the longitudinal direction (l) of the rope (2,2 ') over their entire length, the load-bearing members (3) being substantially larger in the width direction (w) of the rope (2,2 ') than in the thickness direction (t) and being stacked against each other in the thickness direction (t) of the rope (2,2 ').

2. A hoisting rope according to claim 1, wherein the number of load bearing members (3) in said group is at least 2, preferably less than 10, most preferably 2 or 3.

3. A hoisting rope according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the number of load bearing members (3) in said group is 2.

4. A hoisting rope according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rope (2, 2') is substantially larger in its width direction (w) than in its thickness direction (t), the width/thickness ratio of the rope preferably being at least 2.

5. A hoisting rope according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the width/thickness ratio of the load bearing member (3) is at least 2.

6. A hoisting rope according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the load bearing members (3) adjacent to each other in the thickness direction have opposite sides placed against each other, wherein the sides are shaped to form corresponding parts to each other.

7. A hoisting rope according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the load-bearing members (3) are arranged to move relative to each other in the hoisting rope (2,2 ') by sliding against each other in the longitudinal direction of the hoisting rope (2, 2').

8. A hoisting rope according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said opposite sides are not connected to each other.

9. A hoisting rope (2,2 ') according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rope comprises a lubricant for lubricating the interface between load bearing members (3) adjacent to each other in the thickness direction of the rope (2, 2').

10. A hoisting rope according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one or both of the load bearing members (3) adjacent to each other in the thickness direction has an outer layer of low friction material forming the side facing the load bearing member (3) adjacent to it in the thickness direction of the rope (2, 2').

11. A hoisting rope (2,2 ') as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opposite sides placed against each other are smooth at least in the longitudinal direction of the rope (2, 2').

12. Rope (2, 2') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said reinforcing fibers (F) are carbon fibers.

13. A hoisting rope according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coating (4) comprises an inner space closed in the transverse direction of the rope for the group (G), wherein said group (G) of load bearing members (3) is comprised in the inner space and in the inner space no other load bearing members than said load bearing members of said group (G) are comprised.

14. A hoisting rope according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rope (2,2 ') comprises a plurality of groups (G) of load bearing members as defined adjacent in the width direction (w) of the rope (2, 2').

15. A hoisting rope according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the modulus of elasticity E of the polymer matrix is greater than 2GPa, most preferably exceeding 2.5GPa, more preferably in the range of 2.5-10GPa, most preferably in the range of 2.5-3.5 GPa.

16. A hoisting rope according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the number of load bearing members (3) in said group is at least 5.

17. A hoisting rope according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rope (2, 2') is substantially thicker in its width direction (w) than in its thickness direction (t), the width/thickness ratio of the rope preferably being at most 1.

18. An elevator, which comprises

A hoistway (H);

an elevator car (1) vertically movable in a hoistway (H);

a counterweight (5) vertically movable in the hoistway (H);

ropes (R and/or C) comprising one or more ropes (2, 2') as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, each interconnected with a car (1) and a counterweight (5).