CN107416640B

CN107416640B - Elevator installation and method

Info

Publication number: CN107416640B
Application number: CN201710366126.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J.海伦纽斯
Original assignee: Kone Corp
Current assignee: Kone Corp
Priority date: 2016-05-24
Filing date: 2017-05-22
Publication date: 2021-06-04
Anticipated expiration: 2037-05-22
Also published as: CN107416640A; EP3248926A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an elevator installation and a method, the elevator installation comprising an elevator car; a rope connected with the elevator car; a first termination device for grasping a cord section of a cord; a second termination device for grasping a rope section of a rope, wherein the rope is arranged with: a first section to be gripped by a first terminal device; an intermediate section under tension generated by a tension directed onto the rope in a longitudinal direction of the rope and extending between the first and second termination devices; a second section to be gripped by a second terminal device; and a tail section extending on a side opposite the intermediate section relative to the first rope termination, wherein the tail section is at least as long as the first section gripped by the first termination device.

Description

Elevator installation and method

Technical Field

The invention relates to an elevator installation and a method for maintaining an elevator installation. The elevator installation is preferably an elevator installation for vertically transporting passengers and/or goods.

Background

In elevators, ropes are usually used as means for suspending the elevator car. Most commonly, ropes interconnect the elevator car and the counterweight to each other. In elevators, the ropes can also be used as so-called compensating ropes, which are suspended from the car and the counterweight.

Each rope end needs to be fixed to a fixed base, which is usually the load to be lifted or a stationary structure, depending on the type of suspension chosen for the elevator. The rope ends can be fixed directly to a load, such as a car or counterweight, when they are moved in a ratio of 1: 1 ratio suspension. Alternatively, the rope ends may be fixed to a stationary structure of the building, for example when the car and counterweight are moved in a 2: 1 ratio suspension.

The cross-section of the ropes for elevators is usually belt-like or round. Each elevator rope usually comprises one or more load bearing members, which are elongated in the longitudinal direction of the rope, each forming a structure extending completely over the entire length of the rope. The load bearing members are members of the rope that together are able to support the load exerted on the rope in the longitudinal direction of the rope. The load, such as a weight suspended by the rope, causes a tension on the load-bearing member, which is 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 coatings, which are not able to transmit tension in the above-described manner. For example, the coating may be used to protect the load bearing members and/or to facilitate contact with the rope sheave and/or positioning of adjacent load bearing members relative to each other.

In the prior art, elevator ropes are fixed to a fixing base with rope termination devices. Such rope termination devices have been proposed in which the rope end is compressed in a gap defined by two compression members. Such a rope termination is disclosed for example in US2014/0182975a 1. The compression members are movable relative to each other such that the gap therebetween narrows to cause compression of the cord segments placed in the gap therebetween. Thus, the rope section is compressed in its transverse direction and tensioned in its longitudinal direction due to the load exerted on the rope. In the prior art, at least one of the compression members is movable, whereby a relative movement is achieved. The reliability of such devices depends primarily on the grip force generated by the compression between the surface of the cord and the compression member. The rope end should be firmly gripped so that it cannot slip out of the compression gap, since this means that the suspension of the particular rope is lost. Therefore, to promote safety, it is advantageous to ensure a good grip.

A disadvantage of a rope termination of the above kind is that a reliable grip is difficult to provide permanently, especially when the surface material of the rope (such as a polymer material, e.g. polyurethane or rubber) is sensitive to deformation under stress. The surface material is subjected to continuous compression and shear stresses which over time result in increased deformation (creep). In the long term, the sprawling phenomenon can lead to slipping, which in the worst case may lead to an undesired loss of suspension of a particular rope fixed by the rope termination scheme.

The need to maintain the ropes and/or the parts of the rope termination device eventually arises during the life of the elevator. Maintenance may involve removing one or more parts from the roping system for replacement, reconstruction, maintenance, repair or merely inspection. For example, the compression member may need to be repaired or replaced with a new compression member. If the sprawling occurring in the compression gap has been excessive, this must be reacted, for example, by replacing the rope.

A drawback of prior-art elevators is that after dismantling and re-assembly the remaining life of the rope system is not as long as desired, if the ropes are not replaced with new ropes.

Disclosure of Invention

The object is to introduce a solution that may solve one or more of the problems defined above in the prior art and/or the problems discussed or suggested elsewhere in the specification. The object of the invention is especially to introduce an elevator arrangement and a method by means of which the capacity to achieve a long life of the rope system can be increased without replacing the used ropes with new ropes. In addition to this, embodiments are presented in which one or more of the above objects are achieved with a simple technical overall structure and good reliability. In addition to this, embodiments are presented which are well suited for ropes comprising a fragile member which cannot be bent sharply.

A new elevator installation is proposed, comprising an elevator car; a rope connected to the elevator car and having two ends; a first termination device for grasping a cord section of a cord; a second terminal device for gripping a cord section of a cord, wherein the cord is arranged to have a first "gripping" section gripped by the first terminal device; and an intermediate section under tension generated by a tension directed onto the rope in the longitudinal direction of the rope and extending between the first and second terminal devices; and a second "grip" section gripped by the second terminal device; and a tail section extending opposite the intermediate section with respect to the first rope termination, wherein the tail section is at least as long as the first section gripped by the first termination device. With this solution one or more of the above mentioned objects are achieved. After removal and reassembly without replacing the used rope with a new rope, the ability to achieve a long remaining life of the rope system is facilitated by designing the rope system such that the original rope section is gripped after removal. It is therefore avoided that the process of merely dismantling and subsequently reassembling the rope system does not adversely affect the gripped rope portion. In addition, in this way, the technical problem related to any sprawling deformation already present in the rope section previously used for gripping is overcome, irrespective of whether it is detectable or not, since the original rope section is not sprawl. Preferred further details are introduced below, which are combined with the device individually or in any combination.

Another advantage is that the solution can be implemented without the need to significantly rearrange the position of the terminal device with respect to its stationary base. Another advantage is that the solution can be implemented without the buffer position (buffer position) of the elevator installation having to be changed significantly. Another advantage is that the solution can be implemented without the need to significantly change the relative positions of the elevator car and the counterweight.

In a preferred embodiment, the tail section is at least as long as the second section to be gripped by the second terminal device.

In a preferred embodiment the surface material of the rope comprises a polymer, such as polyurethane, rubber or silicon.

In a preferred embodiment, the tail section is not under tension caused by a pulling force directed onto the rope in the longitudinal direction of the rope.

In a preferred embodiment, the cord is a ribbon cord. It is preferably significantly larger in its width direction than in its thickness direction. Preferably, the width/thickness ratio of the rope is greater than 2, preferably greater than 4.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope comprises one or more elongated load-bearing members extending uninterruptedly parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rope over the entire length of the rope. Therefore, they are able to transmit tension with good tensile stiffness. The load-bearing member is preferably made of a composite material comprising reinforcing fibers, preferably carbon fibers, embedded in a polymer matrix. The load bearing member is preferably embedded in a coating forming the outer surface of the rope. The coating then comprises a polymer, such as polyurethane, rubber or silicon.

In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing fibers are at least substantially uniformly distributed in the polymer matrix and bonded to each other by the polymer matrix.

In a preferred embodiment, preferably more than 50% of the cross-sectional square area of the load-bearing member is constituted by reinforcing fibres. Thus, high tensile rigidity can be promoted. Preferably the load bearing members together cover at least a proportion of 25-75% of the cross-section of the rope, most preferably more than a proportion of 50% of the cross-section of the rope.

In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing fibers are not twisted together. Rather, preferably, the reinforcing fibers of each load bearing member are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the load bearing member. The fibres are thus also parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rope, since each load-bearing member is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rope. This further contributes to the longitudinal stiffness of the rope.

In a preferred embodiment the gripping length of the first terminal device and preferably the gripping length of the second terminal device is more than 10cm and less than 1 m. Most preferably the gripping length of the first terminal device is in the range of 15-50 cm. The first and second terminal devices are preferably identical at least in terms of their grip length. This long contact length provides that the rope can be firmly and gently gripped with the gripping surface, so that the rope compressed by the gripping surface is not bent into a curved form, the gripping surface being straight, parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rope.

In a preferred embodiment, the length of the first "grip" section gripped by the first terminal device and preferably the length of the second "grip" section gripped by the second terminal device is greater than 10cm and less than 1 m. Most preferably, the length of the first "grip" section gripped by the first terminal device and preferably the length of the second "grip" section gripped by the second terminal device is in the range of 15-50 cm. Preferably, however, the tail section does not have to be too long, other than the length required to provide the original length of rope to be gripped. To this end, the tail section is preferably less than 2m long, more preferably less than 1m long.

In a preferred embodiment, the tail section is at least 10cm longer than the first section gripped by the first terminal device.

In a preferred embodiment, the tail section is less than 2m long, more preferably less than 1m long.

In a preferred embodiment the ropes are suspension ropes of an elevator installation. Preferably the ropes are passed around one or more rope pulleys mounted in a fixed position in the building above the elevator car. The one or more rope pulleys may comprise a drive pulley mounted in the machine room. The machine room forms a permanent machine room of the elevator installation. The elevator installation comprises a motor for rotating a drive wheel. The drive wheel is placed on the floor of the machine room, which is a permanent floor structure of the building, preferably made of reinforced concrete, wherein the reinforcement is preferably a metal member, such as a steel member.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and/or second terminal device comprises first and second compression members, each compression member comprising a compression surface delimiting a compression gap between them, the compression gap being narrowed by movement of the first and second compression members relative to each other to cause compression of the rope with the compression surfaces and widened to release the compression caused on the rope.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and second compression members are movable relative to each other (by movement of one or both of the compression members) such that the gap narrows, the cord therebetween is compressed by the compression surface, and such that the gap widens, the cord therebetween being released from compression by the compression surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the compression surface of the first and/or second compression member comprises a non-uniform surface pattern comprising a plurality of protrusions arranged to penetrate into the surface of the rope when the compression surface in question is pressed against the rope, such that indentations are caused in the surface of the rope. The protrusion is arranged to force the surface shape of the rope to deform such that a groove is formed in the rope surface at the point of the protrusion when the compression surface in question is pressed against the rope. Preferably, the non-uniform surface pattern comprises a plurality of grooves between the protrusions. Preferably, the height of the protrusions is less than 2.0mm, most preferably in the range of 0.5mm-1.5 mm. Preferably, the groove is interposed between the protrusions in the longitudinal direction of the rope.

In a preferred embodiment, the non-uniform surface pattern is a knurl pattern.

In a preferred embodiment, the cord is ribbon-like.

In a preferred embodiment, the compression surfaces are straight and parallel in the longitudinal direction of the rope, so that the rope compressed by the compression surfaces is not bent into a curved form. Due to this configuration of the compression surface, a long contact area and thus a gentle grip between the rope and the compression member may be established. This construction is particularly advantageous when the rope is coated and cannot withstand extreme point loads, but also if the load-bearing member is fragile and thus also sensitive to point loads. In addition, this provides that the rope can be gently fixed without bending the rope, which is disadvantageous if the rope has rigid and/or fragile elements (such as load-bearing members made of composite material). In addition, the cord is preferably ribbon-like, with the compression surface being planar. The planar configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides a very wide contact area without bending the rope.

In a preferred embodiment, the compression members are arranged to move by wedging in relation to each other such that the compression gap between them narrows to cause compression on the rope with the compression surface. Preferably, the first and/or second termination devices each comprise a rope termination frame comprising a conical chamber housing a section of rope and a compression member.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope comprises a rope end block mounted on the tail section at a distance from the first termination device, measured along the tail section, which is at least as long as the first section gripped by the first termination device. Preferably, the rope end block comprises one or more electrical contacts electrically connected with one or more load-bearing members of the rope. Preferably, the elevator installation further comprises a rope condition monitoring system for monitoring an electrical property of one or more load bearing members of the rope, the rope condition monitoring system being electrically connected with the one or more electrical contacts.

In a preferred embodiment the rope comprises a rope end block mounted on the tail section in contact with the first termination device or at a distance from the first termination device, the distance being measured along the tail section and being as short as 5 cm. Preferably, the rope end block comprises one or more electrical contacts electrically connected with one or more load-bearing members of the rope. Preferably, the elevator installation further comprises a rope condition monitoring system for monitoring an electrical property of one or more load bearing members of the rope, the rope condition monitoring system being electrically connected with the one or more electrical contacts.

A new method of servicing an elevator installation is also proposed, wherein the elevator installation is as defined in any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising reducing the tension of the intermediate section; releasing the grip of the first terminal device; moving the cord with respect to the first terminal device to be positioned with the tail section gripped by the first terminal device; and gripping the tail section with the first terminal device. With this solution one or more of the above mentioned objects can be achieved. The ability to obtain a long remaining life of the rope system after dismantling and reassembly without replacing the used rope with a new rope is facilitated by designing the rope system such that the original rope section can be gripped after dismantling. Thus, it can be avoided that the process of merely dismantling and subsequently reassembling the rope system does not adversely affect the gripped rope portion. In addition, in this way, the technical problem related to any sprawling deformation already present in the rope section previously used for gripping is overcome, irrespective of whether it is detectable or not, since the original rope section is not sprawl. Preferred further details are introduced below, which are combined with the device individually or in any combination.

Another advantage is that the solution can be implemented without the need to significantly rearrange the position of the terminal device with respect to its stationary base. Another advantage is that the solution can be implemented without the need to significantly change the buffer position of the elevator installation. Another advantage is that the solution can be implemented without the need to significantly change the relative positions of the elevator car and the counterweight.

In a preferred embodiment, when the cord is moved with respect to the first terminal device to be positioned with the tail section gripped by the first terminal device, the cord is moved with the tail section in place of the first section.

In a preferred embodiment, when the cord is moved with respect to the first terminal device to be positioned with the tail section gripped by the first terminal device, the cord is moved with the tail section replacing the first section, and the first section becomes part of an intermediate section extending between the first and second terminal devices.

In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises releasing the grip of the second terminal device; moving the cord with respect to the second terminal device to be positioned with a section of the intermediate section gripped by the second terminal device; and gripping the section of the intermediate section with a second terminal device.

In a preferred embodiment, the cord is moved to a section of the intermediate section in place of the second section when the cord is moved with respect to the second terminal device to be positioned with a section of the intermediate section gripped by the second terminal device.

In a preferred embodiment, when the cord is moved with respect to the second terminal device to be positioned with a section of the intermediate section gripped by the second terminal device, the cord is moved to a section of the intermediate section in place of the second section, and the second section becomes extended on the opposite side of the intermediate section with respect to the second cord terminal.

In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises replacing one or more of the components of the first terminal device and/or the second terminal device with new components. The method then preferably comprises replacing one or more compression members of the first terminal device and/or the second terminal device with new compression members. The disadvantages of dismantling the construction for such a replacement can be eliminated by the above-described elevator arrangement/method.

In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises using an elevator installation to transport passengers and/or cargo within an elevator car prior to the foregoing steps; and removing the elevator installation from use in transporting passengers and/or cargo within the elevator car. The method also comprises the use of returning the elevator installation after the preceding step to transport passengers and/or goods in the elevator car.

The elevator installation is preferably such that its car is arranged to serve two or more floors. The elevator installation preferably controls movement of the car to serve people on the floor and/or in the elevator car in response to signals from a user interface located on the floor and/or inside the car. Preferably, the car has an interior space adapted to receive passengers, and the car may have doors forming an enclosed interior space.

Drawings

The invention is described in more detail below, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows an embodiment of an elevator installation.

Fig. 2 schematically shows the rope and the termination device of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 presents the elevator of fig. 1 after the method of releasing the termination device for maintenance of the elevator.

Fig. 4 schematically shows the rope and the termination device of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 shows a preferred detail of the compression face of the rope termination device.

Fig. 6 shows a preferred cross-section of the rope and the terminal device when the rope is gripped.

Fig. 7 shows a side view of the embodiment of fig. 6 when the cord is not being grasped.

Fig. 8 shows a side view of the embodiment of fig. 6 when the cord is gripped.

Fig. 9 shows a preferred cross-section of the rope.

Fig. 10 shows a preferred further detail of the rope and the terminal device.

Fig. 11 and 12 show preferred details of the load bearing member of the rope.

The foregoing aspects, features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the accompanying drawings and the detailed description related thereto.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an elevator installation comprising an elevator car 1 arranged to travel vertically in a hoistway H and a rope 2 connected to the elevator car 1 and having two ends. The ropes 2 are suspension ropes. In this embodiment the ropes 2 interconnect the elevator car 2 and the counterweight 5 and pass around one or more rope pulleys 6 (one in this case) mounted at a fixed position of the building above the elevator car 1. The elevator installation also comprises a further rope 2' which is connected to the elevator car 1 and has two ends. The rope 2' is a compensating rope. In this embodiment, ropes 2' interconnect the elevator car 2 and the counterweight 5 and are suspended from the car and the counterweight in the hoistway H. The ropes 2' are passed around one or more rope pulleys 7 (one in this case) mounted in the shaft H below the elevator car 1.

The elevator arrangement comprises a first termination device 10 arranged to grip a first rope segment S1 of the hoisting rope 2 and a second termination device 20 arranged to grip a second rope segment S2 of the hoisting rope 2. The suspension rope 2 is arranged to have a first "grip" section S1 gripped by the first terminal device 10; and an intermediate section ST, which is under tension generated by a tension directed onto the rope in the longitudinal direction of the rope (in particular generated by a load suspended by the rope), and which extends between the first and second

terminal devices

10, 20; and a second "grip" section S2 gripped by the second terminal device 20; and a tail section S3 extending on the opposite side of the intermediate section ST relative to the first rope termination 10, wherein the tail section S3 is at least as long as the first section S1 gripped by the first termination device 10. Thus, the tail section S3 may be moved with respect to the first terminal device 10 to be positioned such that the tail section S3 may be gripped with the first terminal device 10. The tail section provides the original length of rope gripped by the first terminal device 10 after the grip of the first terminal device is removed. The tail section S3 is also preferably at least as long as the second section S2 gripped by the second terminal device 20, whereby, when the tail section S3 is moved to be gripped by the first terminal device 10, the rest of the rope may be moved by an amount such that a section S4 of the intermediate section ST is moved in relation to the second terminal device 20 such that it can be gripped with the second terminal device 20. Thus, providing an original length of rope gripped by the second termination device 20 may avoid the need to change the positioning of the components (termination device, counterweight, car or its buffer) relative to each other as a result of this process. The first and second

terminal devices

10,20 are preferably identical, whereby their gripping lengths are equal. In the present case the load comprises the elevator car 1 and a counterweight 5. The tail section S3 is not under tension resulting from a tension directed onto the rope 2 in the longitudinal direction of the rope 2 by a load suspended with the rope 2.

For the compensating ropes 2', the elevator installation can also have a corresponding arrangement. In this case, in correspondence with the suspension ropes 2, the elevator installation comprises a first terminal device 10 'arranged to grip the first rope segment S1 of the compensation rope 2' and a second terminal device 20 'arranged to grip the second rope segment S2 of the compensation rope 2'. The compensating rope 2 'is arranged to have a first "gripping" section S1 gripped by the first terminal device 10'; and an intermediate section ST, which is under tension resulting from a tension directed onto the rope in the longitudinal direction thereof and extends between the first and second terminal devices 10 ', 20'; and a second "grip" section S2 gripped by the second terminal device 20'; and a tail section S3 extending on the opposite side of the intermediate section ST relative to the first rope termination 10 ', wherein the tail section S3 is at least as long as the first section S1 gripped by the first termination device 10'. This tension may be caused in particular by the weight of a very long section of the rope 2 'suspended in the hoistway H between the terminal devices 10', 20 'and/or by possible tensioning means (not shown) arranged to force the rope pulley 7 downwards to tension the compensating rope 2'. The tail section S3 may be movable in relation to the first terminal device 10 'to be positioned such that the tail section S3 may be gripped with the first terminal device 10'. Thus, after the grip of the first terminal device is removed, the tail section provides the original length of rope gripped by the first terminal device 10'. The tail section S3 is also preferably at least as long as the second section S2 gripped by the second terminal device 20 ', whereby, when the tail section S3 is moved to be gripped by the first terminal device 10', the rest of the rope 2 'may be moved by an amount such that a section S4 of the intermediate section ST is moved with respect to the second terminal device 20' such that it can be used with the second terminal device 20. Thus, providing an original length of rope to be gripped by the second termination device 20', the need to change the positioning of the components (termination device, counterweight, car or buffer thereof) relative to each other as a result of this process can be avoided. The first and second

terminal devices

10,20 are preferably identical, whereby their gripping lengths are equal. The tail section S3 of the compensating rope 2 ' is not under significant tension caused by the tension directed to the rope 2 ' in the longitudinal direction of the rope 2 '.

A first terminal device 10, 10'; 20. the grip length of 20' is greater than 10cm and less than 1 m. Most preferably, the first terminal device 10, 10'; 20. the grip length of 20' is in the range of 20-50 cm. This long contact length provides that the ropes 2,2 'can be gripped firmly and gently with the gripping surface F, which is straight and parallel in the longitudinal direction of the ropes 2, 2', so that the ropes compressed by them do not bend into a curved form. If starting from the design of the length of the first "grip" section S1 of the terminal device gripped by the first terminal device 10,10 ', the length of the second "grip" section S2 gripped by the second terminal device 20, 20' is greater than 10cm and less than 1 m. Most preferably, the length of the first "grip" section S1 gripped by the first terminal device 10,10 'and preferably the length of the second "grip" section S2 gripped by the second terminal device 20, 20' are in the range of 20-50 cm. Preferably, the tail section S3 does not have to be too long, other than the length required to provide the original length of rope to be gripped. Therefore, preferably the length of the tail section S3 is less than 2m, more preferably less than 1 m. Generally, it is preferred that the tail section S3 is at least 10cm longer than the first section S1 gripped by the first terminal device 10,10 ', and likewise at least 10cm longer than the first section S1 gripped by the second terminal device 20, 20'. The extra length preferably provides suitable tolerances to perform the work and to easily position the rope with the termination device.

Terminal devices

10, 20; 10 ', 20' are schematically shown in fig. 1-4. Fig. 6 and 10 show the

terminal devices

10, 20; other preferred details of 10 ', 20'. The first and second

terminal devices

10, 20; 10 ', 20' each comprise first and

second compression members

10a,10 b; 20a,20 b; 10a ', 10 b'; 20a ', 20 b', each compression member including a compression face F defining a compression gap G therebetween, the compression gap G being passable through the first and

second compression members

10a,10 b; 20a,20 b; 10a ', 10 b'; 20a ', 20 b' narrows in relation to movement of one another to cause compression of the rope with the compression face and widens to release said compression caused on the rope. First and

second compression members

10a,10 b; 20a,20 b; 10a ', 10 b'; 20a ', 20 b' are movable in relation to each other by movement of one or both of the compression members so that the gap G is narrowed and the ropes 2,2 'between them are compressed by the compression face F and so that the gap G is widened and the ropes 2, 2' between them are released from said compression caused by the compression face F. The gripping surfaces F are straight and parallel in the longitudinal direction of the ropes 2,2 'so that the ropes 2, 2' compressed by them do not bend into a curved form.

Compression members

10a,10 b; 20a,20 b; 10a ', 10 b'; 20a ', 20b ' are thus shaped to minimize bending of the ropes 2,2 '. The cords 2, 2' are preferably belt-like, whereby the gripping surface F is also preferably planar, but they may comprise a non-uniform surface pattern, such as a non-uniform surface pattern P for facilitating gripping.

Compression members

10a,10 b; 20a,20 b; 10a ', 10 b'; 20a ', 20 b' are preferably arranged to move by wedging in relation to each other so that the compression gap G between them narrows to cause compression of the rope with a compression face F.

Fig. 5 to 8 show details of the compression face F. Preferably, the rope in this example is belt-like. First and/or

second compression members

10,10 b; 20a,20b comprises a non-uniform surface pattern P for facilitating gripping, which non-uniform surface pattern P comprises a plurality of protrusions P arranged to penetrate into the surface of the rope when the compression face F in question is pressed against the rope 2, 2' so that indentations are caused in the surface of the rope. The protrusion p is arranged to force the surface shape of the cord 2, 2' to deform when the compression surface in question is pressed against the cord, so that a groove is formed in the cord surface at the point of the protrusion. Preferably, the non-uniform surface pattern comprises a plurality of protrusions penetrating into the surface of the rope and a plurality of grooves between the protrusions. Fig. 7 and 8 show from the side how the protrusion p penetrates into the surface of the rope 2,2 'when the rope 2, 2' is compressed by the compression face F. Preferably, the height of the protrusions is less than 2.0mm, most preferably in the range of 0.5mm-1.5 mm. In this case, the non-uniform surface pattern P is a knurled pattern. At this range of height, the protrusion can engage the rope 2, 2' without damaging its internal structure, such as its load bearing member 30. Preferably, the groove is between the protrusions in the longitudinal direction of the cord. In the example shown, the grooves g are preferably oriented to extend transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction l of the cord 2, 2', in order to maintain a grip. More specifically, the grooves g are straight and parallel to each other. The knurl pattern presented is in the form of a straight knurl pattern. Alternatively, the knurl pattern may of course have some other design. The non-uniform surface pattern P may be, for example, a diamond knurl pattern.

Fig. 9 shows a preferred construction of the rope 2, 2'. The ropes 2, 2' are belt-like. Which is significantly larger in the width direction w than in the thickness direction t. The cord 2,2 'has two opposite broad sides facing in the thickness direction t of the cord 2, 2'. These broad sides may be formed, in particular, by the

compression members

10a,10 b; 20a,20 b; 10a ', 10 b'; 20a ', 20 b' are engaged with the terminal device 10,10 ', 20'. The width/thickness ratio of the cord 2, 2' is preferably at least 2, more preferably at least 4, or more. Therefore, a wide contact area is easily obtained. In this way, a large cross-sectional area of the rope 2, 2' is also obtained, the ability to bend about the width-wise axis being also advantageous in the case of rigid materials of the load-bearing member, such as composite materials. Due to the wide shape, the ropes 2,2 'are well suited for use in hoisting appliances, especially in elevators, where the ropes 2, 2' need to be guided around rope pulleys. The surface material 31 of the rope 2, 2' comprises a polymer, such as polyurethane, rubber or silicon. In the case of the polymer-based surface material 31 of the ropes 2,2 ', the ropes 2,2 ' have a surface via which e.g. the ropes 2,2 ' can be effectively brought into frictional engagement with the driving wheel of the elevator. In addition, the friction properties and/or other surface properties of the rope are hereby adjustable independently of the load-bearing function, so that the rope performs well for the intended purpose, for example in terms of traction forces transmitting forces in the longitudinal direction of the rope for moving the rope with the drive wheel. Also, the load bearing member 30 embedded therein is thereby protected. For example, polyurethane simply provides the rope 2, 2' with the desired friction properties, good wear resistance and effective protection of the load-bearing member 2. Polyurethane is generally well suited for elevator applications, but materials such as rubber or silicon or equivalent elastic materials are also suitable for the surface material of the ropes 2, 2'. Despite its advantageous properties, the polymer material in the surface of the rope 2,2 'is susceptible to sprawling and breakage and to falling off of the load-bearing members of the rope 2, 2'. For this purpose, the presented solution enabling the use of original rope sections is particularly advantageous in the case of fixed ropes 2, 2'.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope 2,2 ' comprises one or more, in this case a plurality of, elongated load-bearing members 30 adjacent to each other in the width direction of the rope 2,2 ', which elongated load-bearing members 30 are embedded in a coating 31 forming the outer surface of the rope 2,2 ' and extend uninterruptedly over the entire length of the rope 2,2 ' parallel to the longitudinal direction/of the rope 2,2 '. The coating 31 forms the surface material of the rope, which comprises a polymer, such as polyurethane, rubber or silicon. The load-bearing members 2, 2' are preferably (but not necessarily) made of a composite material comprising reinforcing fibers f, preferably carbon fibers, embedded in a polymer matrix m. With this structure the rope 2, 2' has particularly advantageous properties in elevator applications, such as light weight and good tensile stiffness in the longitudinal direction. Such load bearing members are relatively fragile, for example when compared to steel, and require a gentle fixing. For this reason, the presented rope termination device 10,10 ', 20 ' is particularly advantageous in fixing the rope 2,2 '.

In the present case, in particular four load-bearing members 2 are embedded adjacent in said coating 31, but the rope 2, 2' may alternatively have any other number of load-bearing members 30, for example from 2 to 10. The rope 2, 2' can also be made with only one load-bearing member 30. Preferably, each load bearing member 30 is broadly shaped, as shown. Accordingly, each load bearing member 30 is preferably larger in its width direction w than the thickness direction t of the rope 2, 2'. In particular, the width/thickness ratio of each of the one or more load bearing members is preferably greater than 2. Thus, the resistance of the rope 2, 2' to bending is small, but the total cross-sectional area for load bearing is wide and the non-load bearing area is minimal.

Fig. 11 shows a preferred internal structure for said carrier member 30, showing in a circle an enlarged view of a cross section of the carrier member 30 close to its surface, as seen in the longitudinal direction 1 of the carrier member 30. The parts of the carrier member 30 not shown in fig. 11 have a similar structure. Fig. 12 shows the carrier member 30 in three dimensions. The load bearing member 30 is made of a composite material comprising reinforcing fibers f embedded in a polymer matrix m. More precisely, the reinforcing fibers f are at least substantially homogeneously distributed in the polymer matrix m and are bonded to each other by the polymer matrix. This is done, for example, in the manufacturing stage by immersing them together in the fluid material of the polymer matrix (followed by curing). The carrier member 30 is formed as a solid elongated rod-like unitary structure. The reinforcing fibres f are most preferably carbon fibres, but alternatively they may be glass fibres or may be other fibres. Preferably, the reinforcing fibers f of each load bearing member 30 are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the load bearing member 30. The fibres f are thus also parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ropes 2,2 'because each load-bearing member 30 is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ropes 2, 2'. This is advantageous for stiffness and bending behaviour. Due to the parallel structure, the fibres in the cords 2,2 'conform to the forces when the cords 2, 2' are pulled, which ensures that the structure provides a high tensile stiffness. The fibres f used in the preferred embodiment are accordingly substantially not entangled with respect to each other, which provides them with an orientation parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ropes 2, 2'. This is in contrast to conventional wound elevator ropes, in which the wires or fibres are significantly wound and typically have a winding angle from 15 to 40 degrees, the fibres/strands of these conventional wound elevator ropes thus have the potential to deform under tension towards a straighter configuration, which provides these ropes with high elongation under tension and results in a non-integral structure. The reinforcing fibers f are preferably long continuous fibers in the longitudinal direction of the load bearing member 30, preferably continuous for the entire length of the load bearing member 30.

All the reinforcing fibers f are preferably uniformly distributed in the above-described load-bearing member 30. The fibres f are then arranged such that the load-bearing member 30 is as uniform as possible in its transverse direction. The advantage of the presented structure is that the matrix surrounding the reinforcing fibers f keeps the inserted structure of the reinforcing fibers f substantially unchanged. This makes it slightly elastic in line with the distribution of the forces exerted on the fibres, reducing fibre-to-fibre contact and internal wear of the rope, thus increasing the life of the rope 2, 2'. Due to the uniform distribution, the fiber density in the transverse plane of the load bearing member 30 is substantially constant. The composite matrix m, in which the individual fibres f are distributed, is most preferably made of an epoxy resin, which has good adhesion to the reinforcing fibres and is known to perform advantageously with reinforcing fibres, in particular carbon fibres. Alternatively, polyester or vinyl, for example, may be used, but any other suitable alternative material may be used.

The matrix m has been applied on the fibres f such that there is a chemical bond between each individual reinforcing fibre f and the matrix m. Thereby, a uniform structure is obtained. In order to improve the chemical adhesion of the reinforcing fibers to the matrix m, in particular to strengthen the chemical bonds between the reinforcing fibers f and the matrix m, each fiber may have a thin coating, for example a primer (not shown) on the actual fiber structure between the reinforcing fiber structure and the polymer matrix m. However, such a thin coating is not necessary. The properties 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 so that the properties of the matrix are optimized. The polymer matrix m preferably has a hard non-elastomer, such as the epoxy resin, since in this case, for example, the risk of buckling can be reduced. However, the polymer matrix need not be non-elastomeric, for example if the underside of such material is deemed acceptable or irrelevant for the intended use. In this case, the polymer matrix m may be made of an elastomeric material, such as polyurethane or rubber.

As mentioned above, the material properties of the matrix m of the load bearing member 30 are most preferably hard. The hard matrix m helps to support the reinforcing fibers f, especially when the rope is bent, thereby preventing the reinforcing fibers f of the bent rope from buckling, because the hard material effectively supports the fibers f. In order to reduce wrinkles and facilitate a small bending radius of the load bearing member 30, wherein the polymer matrix m is preferably hard, in particular non-elastomeric. The most preferred materials for the matrix are epoxy, polyester, phenolics or vinyl esters. The polymer matrix m is preferably such that its modulus of elasticity (E) is greater than 2GPa, most preferably greater than 2.5 GPa. In this case, the modulus of elasticity E is preferably in the range of 2.5-10GPa, most preferably in the range of 2.5-4.5 GPa. There are various commercial alternatives for the substrate m that can provide these material properties. Preferably more than 50% of the cross-sectional surface area of the load-bearing member 30 has the above-mentioned reinforcing fibres, preferably such that 50-80% of the proportion has the above-mentioned reinforcing fibres, more preferably such that 55-70% of the proportion has the above-mentioned reinforcing fibres, and substantially all of the remaining surface area has the polymer matrix m. Most preferably, this is done so that about 60% of the surface area has reinforcing fibers and about 40% has a matrix material (preferably an epoxy material). In this way, a good longitudinal stiffness of the load bearing member 30 is obtained. As mentioned, carbon fibres are the most preferred fibres for use as said reinforcing fibres, due to the good properties in hoisting appliances, especially in elevators. However, this is not essential, as alternative fibres, such as glass fibres, may be used, which have been found to be suitable for the hoisting rope as well. The load bearing members 30 are preferably all completely non-metallic, i.e., made to include no metal.

In the illustrated embodiment, the load bearing member 30 is substantially rectangular and is larger in the width direction than in the thickness direction. However, this is not required as alternative shapes may be used. Likewise, the number of load bearing members need not be four for the purposes of this example. The number of load bearing members 30 may be greater or fewer. For example, the number may be one, two or three, in which case it may preferably be shaped wider than shown in the drawings.

The rope 2,2 'is also such that the above-mentioned load bearing member 30 comprised in the rope or a plurality of load bearing members 30 comprised in the rope 2, 2' together cover a large part, preferably 70% or more, more preferably 75% or more, most preferably 80% or more, most preferably 85% or more of the width of the cross-section of the rope 2,2 'for virtually the entire length of the rope 2, 2'. The supporting capacity of the rope 2,2 'with respect to its overall transverse dimension is thus good, and the rope 2, 2' does not have to be formed thick.

Fig. 10 shows a first and/or a second

terminal device

10, 20; preferred details of 10 ', 20'.

Compression members

10a,10 b; 20a,20 b; 10a ', 10 b'; 20a ', 20 b' are preferably arranged to be movable by wedging in relation to each other such that a compression gap G between them narrows to cause compression of the rope with a compression force F. Said first and/or second

terminal device

10, 20; 10 ', 20' each comprise a rope terminal frame F comprising sections S1, S1 accommodating the ropes R and

compression members

10a,10 b; 20a,20 b; 10a ', 10 b'; 20a ', 20 b'.

Compression members

10a,10 b; 20a,20 b; 10a ', 10 b'; 20a ', 20 b' are preferably wedge-shaped.

Fig. 10 presents further preferred details, in particular the rope 2,2 ' comprises a rope end block B2 mounted on the tail section at a distance from the first terminal device 10,10 ', measured along the tail section S3, which is at least as long as the first section S1 gripped by the first terminal device 10,10 '. Thus, after the tail section S3 has been moved to be gripped by the first terminal device 10, 10', the rope end block is also correctly positioned. The rope 2,2 ' further comprises a rope end block B2 mounted on the tail section in contact with the first terminal device 10,10 ' or at a distance from the first terminal device 10,10 ', measured along the tail section, which is shorter than 5 cm.

Each rope end block B1, B2 may be used to act as a means to make the system mechanically safer. To this end, if the rope 2, 2' moves in the rope gap G towards the narrow end of the tapered chamber N, the rope end block B2 is preferably arranged to push the compression member 10a,10B towards the narrow end of the tapered chamber N; 20a,20 b; 10a ', 10 b'; 20a ', 20 b'. Thus, it increases the wedging effect, preventing the system from slipping. The rope end block B1 adjacent to the first terminal device 10, 10' serves this function before removal and the rope end block B2 serves this function after removal and re-gripping.

Each rope end block B1, B2 may act as a means of making the system safer by acting as an information interface. Each rope end block B1, B2 may then include one or more electrical contacts C that electrically connect with one or more electrically conductive load bearing members 30 of the rope 2, 2'. The load bearing members may be made electrically conductive, for example by configuring them to include electrically conductive reinforcing fibers (e.g., carbon fibers). The elevator installation preferably includes a rope condition monitoring system 90 to monitor an electrical property of one or more load bearing members 30 of the rope, the rope condition monitoring system 90 being electrically connected with one or more electrical contacts C of the rope end block B1 or B2. It is difficult to install the rope end block afterwards under field conditions. Thus, the system defined above is advantageously constructed with the rope end blocks B1, B2 before the construction needs to be removed and rearranged.

In the method of servicing an elevator installation according to the preferred embodiment, the elevator installation is serviced. The steps of the method are shown in fig. 1-4. The elevator installation has been constructed according to the earlier description above. Fig. 1 and 2 show the construction before the method, and fig. 3-4 show the construction after the method. The arrows indicate the movement of the ropes 2, 2'. The elevator installation comprises an elevator car 1; ropes 2, 2' connected with the elevator car 1 and having two ends; a first termination device 10,10 'for gripping a rope section of the rope 2, 2'; a second terminal device 20,20 'for gripping a cord section of the cord 2, 2', wherein the cord 2,2 'is arranged with a first "gripping" section S1 gripped by the first terminal device 10, 10'; an intermediate section ST, which is under tension caused by a tensile force directed onto the rope in the longitudinal direction of the rope (in particular by a load suspended by the rope), and which is located between the first and

second termination devices

10, 20; 10 ', 20' extending therebetween; and a second "grip" section gripped by the second terminal device; a second "grip" section S2 gripped by the second terminal device 20, 20'; and a tail section S3 extending on the opposite side of the intermediate section ST relative to the first terminal device 10,10 ', wherein the tail section S3 is at least as long as the first section S1 gripped by the first terminal device 10, 10'. Preferably in the following order, the method comprises reducing the tension of the intermediate section ST; releasing the grip of the first terminal device 10, 10'; moving the cord 2,2 ' relative to the first terminal device 10,10 ' to be positioned such that the tail section S3 may be gripped by the first terminal device 10,10 '; and grasping the tail section S3 with the first terminal device 10, 10'. The tail section S3 may be gripped by the first terminal device 10,10 ', particularly when it is positioned within the compression gap G of the first terminal device 10, 10'. In the case where the rope in question is a hoisting rope 2, the tension can be reduced by bringing one of the car and the counterweight to rest and then lifting the other so that the rope 2 is substantially slack. The rope 2 is thereby substantially slack, in particular at each terminal device 10; near 20, the grip of the terminal device is released. For example, the lifting may be performed with an auxiliary lifting implement. There are other known alternatives for temporarily reducing the tension in the elevator suspension ropes. In case the rope in question is a compensating rope, the tension can be reduced by gripping the rope with a gripper of an auxiliary hoisting appliance and then hoisting the rope 2 'so that the rope 2' is substantially slack. The rope 2 'is thereby substantially slack, in particular at each terminal device 10'; 20', the grip of the terminal device is released. There are other known alternatives for temporarily reducing the tension of the compensating ropes of an elevator. In each case, the tension is preferably completely or at least substantially removed when the tension is reduced.

Preferably, when moving the cord 2,2 'with respect to the first terminal device 10, 10' to be positioned such that the tail section S3 may be gripped by the first terminal device 10,10 ', the cord 2, 2' is moved such that the tail section S3 replaces the first section S1. Upon moving the cord 2,2 'with respect to the first terminal device 10, 10' to be positioned such that the tail section S3 may be gripped by the first terminal device 10,10 ', the cord 2, 2' is moved such that the tail section S3 replaces the first section S1, the first section S1 becomes between the first and second

terminal devices

10, 20; 10 ', 20' extending between the two ends of the intermediate section ST.

Preferably in the following order, the method further comprises releasing the grip of the second terminal device 20, 20'; moving the cord 2,2 ' with respect to the second terminal device 20,20 ' to be positioned such that a section S4 of the intermediate section ST is graspable by the second terminal device 20,20 '; and gripping said section S4 of the intermediate section ST with the second terminal device 20, 20'. This section S4 of the intermediate section ST may be gripped by the second terminal device 20,20 ', in particular when it is positioned within the compression gap G of the second terminal device 20, 20'.

Preferably, the rope 2,2 'is moved into a section S4 of the intermediate section ST instead of the second section S2 when moving the rope 2, 2' in relation to the second terminal device 20,20 'to be positioned such that a section S4 of the intermediate section ST can be gripped by the second terminal device 20, 20'.

Preferably, when moving the rope 2,2 ' in relation to the second terminal device 20,20 ' to be positioned such that a section S4 of the intermediate section ST is graspable by the second terminal device 20,20 ', the rope 2,2 ' is moved to a section S4 of the intermediate section ST instead of the second section S2, the second section S2 becoming extended on the opposite side of the intermediate section ST with respect to the second rope terminal 20,20 '.

Before the preceding steps, the method comprises transporting passengers and/or goods in the elevator car 1 using an elevator installation; and to remove the elevator installation from use for transporting passengers and/or goods in the elevator car 1. Correspondingly, the method also comprises, after the preceding step, the return use of the elevator installation for transporting passengers and/or goods in the elevator car 1.

In a preferred embodiment, an advantageous structure for the rope 2, 2' is disclosed. However, the invention can also be used with other kinds of ropes, such as with other kinds of belt-like ropes of different materials. In addition, the outer shape of the rope 2, 2' may be profiled differently than disclosed, such as to have multiple V-shapes or tooth shapes.

In the example shown, the cords are smooth and shaped without a macroscopic surface pattern, such as a poly-V pattern or a tooth pattern. However, this is not necessary as the cords may instead have such a surface pattern, such as a poly-V pattern or a tooth pattern, as is common in belt designs. In this case, the compression member may also have a macroscopic surface pattern forming a counterpart of the macroscopic surface pattern of the cord, which may be in addition to the earlier mentioned knurl pattern, which due to its dimensions acts as a macroscopic pattern. Thus, these patterns can coexist.

In the preferred embodiment presented, compression is achieved by a wedging action. However, this is not necessary, as compression may alternatively be obtained by some other principle, such as by tensioning the compression members towards each other with a releasable tensioning means, such as a screw type tensioning means.

When referring to suspension ropes arranged to suspend an elevator car it is meant that the ropes suspend the elevator car alone or together with other suspension ropes.

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 will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the inventive concept can be implemented in many ways. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, in view of the above teachings, that the above-described embodiments of the present invention may be modified or varied in many ways without departing from the present invention. 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.

Claims

1. A method for servicing an elevator installation, wherein the elevator installation comprises:

an elevator car (1);

ropes (2, 2') connected to the elevator car (1);

a first termination device (10,10 ') for gripping a rope section of the rope (2, 2');

a second termination device (20,20 ') for gripping a rope section of the rope (2, 2'),

wherein the rope (2, 2') is arranged with:

a first section (S1) to be gripped by a first terminal device (10, 10');

an intermediate Section (ST) which is under tension caused by a tensile force directed onto the cable (2,2 ') in the longitudinal direction of the cable and which extends between the first and second terminal devices (10, 20; 10 ', 20 ');

a second section (S2) to be gripped by a second terminal device (20, 20'); and

a tail section (S3) extending on a side opposite the middle Section (ST) with respect to the first terminal device (10,10 '), wherein the tail section (S3) is at least as long as the first section (S1) gripped by the first terminal device (10, 10'),

wherein the method comprises the following steps:

reducing the tension of the intermediate Section (ST);

releasing the grip of the first terminal device (10, 10');

moving the rope (2,2 ') in relation to the first terminal device (10,10 ') to be positioned such that the tail section (S3) can be gripped by the first terminal device (10,10 '); and

grasping the tail section with the first terminal device (10, 10') (S3).

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising releasing the grip of the second terminal device (20, 20');

-moving the rope (2,2 ') with respect to the second terminal device (20,20 ') to be positioned such that a section (S4) of the intermediate Section (ST) can be gripped by the second terminal device (20,20 '); and

-gripping said section (S4) of the intermediate Section (ST) with a second terminal device (20, 20').

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the tail section (S3) is at least as long as a second section (S2) gripped by a second terminal device (20, 20').

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the surface material of the rope (2, 2') comprises a polymer.

5. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the tail section (S3) is not under tension resulting from a tension directed onto the rope (2,2 ') in the longitudinal direction of the rope (2, 2').

6. A method according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the rope (2,2 ') comprises one or more elongated load bearing members (30) embedded in a coating (31) forming the outer surface of the rope (2, 2'), said one or more load bearing members extending uninterruptedly parallel to the longitudinal direction (I) of the rope (2,2 ') over the entire length of the rope (2, 2').

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the load-bearing member is made of a composite material comprising reinforcing fibers (f) embedded in a polymer matrix (m).

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the reinforcing fibers (f) are carbon fibers.

9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a length of a first section (S1) gripped by the first terminal device (10,10 ') and a length of a second section (S2) gripped by a second terminal device (20, 20') is greater than 10cm and less than 1 meter.

10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tail section (S3) is at least 10cm longer than a first section (S1) gripped by a first terminal device (10, 10').

11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tail section (S3) is less than 2 meters long.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the tail section (S3) is less than 1 meter long.

13. The method of any of claims 1-4, wherein the rope (2, 2') is a suspension rope of an elevator installation.

14. The method of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first and/or second terminal devices (10, 20; 10 ', 20') each comprise first and second compression members (10a,10 b; 20a,20 b; 10a ', 10 b'; 20a ', 20 b'), each compression member comprising a compression surface (F) delimiting a compression gap (G) therebetween, the compression gap (G) being able to be narrowed and widened by movement of the first and second compression members (10a,10 b; 20a,20 b; 10a ', 10 b'; 20a ', 20 b') relative to each other.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the compression surface (F) of the first and/or second compression member (10a,10 b; 20a,20 b; 10a ', 10b '; 20a ', 20b ') comprises a non-uniform surface pattern (P) comprising a plurality of protrusions (P) arranged to penetrate into the surface of the rope (2,2 ') such that indentations are caused in the surface of the rope (2,2 ') when the compression surface (F) in question is pressed against the rope (2,2 ').

16. The method of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the rope (2, 2') is belt-shaped.

17. A method according to claim 15, wherein the compression surface (F) is straight and parallel in the longitudinal direction of the rope (2,2 '), so that the rope (2, 2') compressed by the compression surface is not bent into a curved form.

18. Method according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the rope (2,2 ') comprises a first rope end block (B2) mounted on the tail section at a distance from the first terminal device (10, 10') measured along the tail section (S3) which is at least as long as the first section (S1) gripped by the first terminal device (10,10 ') and/or the rope (2, 2') comprises a second rope end block (B1) mounted on the tail section in contact with the first terminal device (10,10 ') or at a distance from the first terminal device (10, 10') measured along the tail section (S3) and shorter than 5 cm.