HK1210454B - Elevator and method for modernizing an elevator - Google Patents

Description

Elevator and method for modernizing an elevator

Technical Field

The object of the invention is an elevator as defined in the preamble of claim 1 and a method for modernizing an elevator as defined in the preamble of claim 10, said elevator preferably being an elevator suitable for passenger and/or freight transport.

Background Art

The elevator car, which moves in the elevator shaft, is supported and moved during operation by suspended roping, which is moved directly or indirectly by the hoist. The hoist is usually supported on the floor of a separate room area at the top of the elevator shaft, in a so-called machine room. Typically, the hoist in the machine room includes a rope traction sheave, on which the roping ropes are guided, and a motor that rotates the rope traction sheave to move the elevator car and counterweight with the aid of the roping. This type of elevator is a very common type of elevator.

Known in the prior art are methods for modernizing an elevator with a machine room to a toothed belt-driven elevator, wherein a new hoisting machine is arranged in the top section of the elevator shaft. In this method, the old hoisting machine is removed from the machine room, and the ropes are detached and removed from the elevator car and counterweight. In this known method, the new hoisting machine is arranged in the top section of the elevator shaft. The hoisting machine comprises a toothed belt traction sheave over which a toothed belt is guided and secured at one end to the old elevator car and at the other end to the old counterweight.

When modernizing an old rope elevator to a belt drive, the elevator requires numerous belts, as used in conventional belt applications, and these belts are wider than the thickness of the old, circular-cross-section ropes. This presents the following problems: the downward projection of the old ropes before modernization is not as wide as the downward projection of the belts after modernization. Consequently, the size of the floor access opening between the machine room and the elevator shaft must be increased, which is often laborious, expensive, and difficult to achieve without compromising the structural strength of the load-bearing floor. Furthermore, there is limited space for securing the ropes above the elevator car and counterweight. Compatibility issues arise, particularly when the counterweight is located to the side of the elevator car. In this case, the belts must be rotated, requiring more horizontal space than the space reserved for the counterweight. According to the prior art, the 1:1 suspension ratio is changed to a 1:2 ratio, the size of the floor access opening from the machine room to the elevator shaft is increased, and/or the layout for a large elevator is designed without a counterweight located on the elevator car side.

Increasing the size of the lead-in opening between the machine room and the elevator shaft and changing the suspension ratio from 1:1 to 1:2 are both costly and require considerable installation time. Due to the load-bearing steel structure, it is not always possible to increase the size of the lead-in opening relative to the elevator shaft. For modernization, it is not always possible to choose a wide drop line that adapts the belt to the elevator layout. In many cases, it is not possible to build large elevators without a counterweight mounted to the side.

Summary of the Invention

The object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the aforementioned prior art solutions and the problems disclosed in the following description of the invention. The object is therefore to provide a method for modernizing an elevator without damaging the elevator shaft and the floor structure above the elevator, in which case the movement of the elevator car can take place efficiently and without problems when the elevator is arranged to run in an elevator shaft, wherein above the elevator shaft is a space defined by the floor.

The solution according to the invention provides an elevator whose motor is smaller and more economical than previous elevators. This reduces the overall size of the elevator and makes modernization and installation more affordable. The solution according to the invention also provides an elevator that is safer.

The solution according to the present invention makes installation by the installer particularly more convenient. In particular, embodiments are disclosed that allow the same method to be implemented in installation locations that vary widely from one another. In particular, embodiments are disclosed that allow old rope elevators to be quickly and efficiently modernized to belt drives. In particular, embodiments are disclosed that allow modernization without increasing the size of the roping lead-in openings in the floor above the elevator shaft, such as an old machine room, and without damaging the floor structure. In particular, embodiments are disclosed that allow elevator modernization without changing the 1:1 suspension ratio. In particular, embodiments are disclosed that allow elevator modernization without changing the elevator layout and enabling the downward projection of the new roping to be configured on a case-by-case basis to suit the position of the lead-in openings in the floor above the elevator shaft. In particular, embodiments are disclosed that allow efficient installation of elevator roping during modernization.

The present invention is based on the concept of arranging the elevator roping so that the downward projection of the suspension roping belt is compacted by means of first and second suspension ropings, which preferably connect the elevator car and counterweight to each other with a 1:1 suspension ratio and run in parallel vertical planes. Preferably, the first and second suspension ropings are fixed to the elevator car at their first ends and to the counterweight at their second ends. Arranged in the space above the elevator shaft are one or more diverting pulleys for the first suspension ropings and one or more diverting pulleys for the second suspension ropings. The first suspension ropings form a loop around the diverting pulleys of the first suspension ropings, while the second suspension ropings form a loop around the diverting pulleys of the second suspension ropings. The aforementioned loops are nested, with the diverting pulleys of the outer loop positioned outside the inner loop. Both suspension ropings pass through the aforementioned lead-in openings in the floor.

In this way, the structure of the suspension roping of the elevator and the number of belt ropes or belts can be optimized from the viewpoint of the supporting capacity of the elevator car and counterweight and the longitudinal load of the suspension roping between them, and the downward projection can be configured on a case-by-case basis to be suitable for the position of the lead-in opening in the floor of the space above the elevator shaft.

In addition, the elevator includes a device for exerting a vertical force on the elevator car or on the counterweight. The device for exerting a vertical force on the elevator car or on the counterweight preferably includes a hoisting machine with a first suspension roping and a second suspension roping. The hoisting machine is preferably arranged in the aforementioned space above the elevator shaft and includes a device for moving the first suspension roping and the second suspension roping. The device for moving the first suspension roping and the second suspension roping includes one or more rotating devices, such as motors, and at least two rotatable traction devices, such as traction sheaves, with at least one traction device for each suspension roping. In this case, the power transmission and the gearbox can be simply manufactured, for example using the most common power transmission solutions for elevators, such as belt drives.

Preferably, the suspension roping is connected to the elevator car and the counterweight in such a way that the counterweight moves downward when the elevator car moves upward, and vice versa, the suspension roping running via diverting pulleys arranged in the space above the elevator shaft. Preferably, one of the diverting pulleys of each suspension roping is a driven diverting pulley, for example a traction sheave, which acts directly on the suspension roping.

In a preferred embodiment, the hoist comprises two separate motors, which are coaxially connected to two separate traction sheaves directly or via shaft transmissions for moving the first and second suspension ropings. In this way, the individual motors can be made smaller in size and more economical in cost than before.

In a preferred embodiment, the device for moving the first suspension roping and the second suspension roping comprises a hoisting machine arranged to move both suspension ropings and comprising a motor shared by both suspension ropings.

In a preferred embodiment, the hoist comprises a motor shared by the first and second traction sheaves, the traction sheave being connected to the motor via a belt drive shared by both traction sheaves for moving the first and second suspension ropes. As a result, the hoist can be made smaller and modernization and installation of the hoist is more cost-effective.

In a preferred embodiment, the hoist comprises one motor shared by the first and second traction sheaves, said traction sheaves being connected to the motor via a belt drive separate for each traction sheave for moving the first and second suspension ropes. In this way, an elevator that is better in terms of safety is achieved.

In a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned device for applying a vertical force to the elevator car or counterweight comprises: traction roping connected to both the elevator car and the counterweight; and a hoist located near the bottom end of the elevator car's path of motion. In this case, the hoist includes a device for moving the traction roping, preferably comprising a rotating device, such as a motor, and a rotatable traction device, such as a traction sheave. In this case, no hoist is located in the aforementioned space bounded by the floor and above the elevator shaft. In this case, the elevator can be suspended by ropes, for example using belt ropes, and the traction roping can be optimized for its tensile properties.

Preferably, the traction roping rotates below the traction device of the hoist.Preferably, the traction roping is suspended to hang at its first end from the elevator car and at its second end from the counterweight.

Preferably, the first and second suspension ropings and/or the traction roping comprise one or more toothed belts. In toothed belt-driven elevators, the teeth of the toothed belts engage the teeth of the traction sheave in positively driven traction, creating a non-slip traction mechanism that is primarily based on form locking. With such positive-drive elevators, which are balanced for zero load, the weight of the elevator car can be minimized because sufficient friction does not have to be ensured, and the amount of counterweight can be minimized. This allows for the optimal optimization of moving masses and average imbalance, resulting in low energy consumption.

Preferably, the toothed belt is chosen to be a toothed belt having the teeth oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the toothed belt, even more preferably a tractor tyre pattern toothed belt.

Preferably, a toothed belt formed of rubber or polyurethane is chosen as such a toothed belt: inside the toothed belt are a plurality of longitudinal load-bearing suspension devices for receiving tensile loads applied to the toothed belt.

In a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned suspension device is a cable or rope, such as a steel cable or a fiber cable, or a combination of these. The belt rope can in this case be any commercially available rope or toothed belt. The suspension can thus be arranged to be economical and durable.

In a preferred embodiment, the suspension roping comprises one or more belt-like ropes, said ropes comprising a load-bearing composite material portion comprising reinforcing fibers in a polymer matrix, such as carbon fiber reinforcement, glass fiber reinforcement, or aramid fiber reinforcement, preferably parallel fiber reinforcement. In this way, a compact, strong, and lightweight suspension roping for an elevator is achieved.

In a preferred embodiment, the suspension roping comprises one or more belt-like ropes, each comprising one or more transmission parts, which are braided. The suspension roping rope can thus be formed economically and bendably to a small radius using conventional techniques. The braid may comprise metal fibers or, for example, aramid fibers. The rope may thus be a belt containing one or more steel braids or, for example, aramid fiber braids.

In a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned first suspension roping and second suspension roping each comprise one or more belt-like ropes or belts nested and running in the same plane.

In a preferred embodiment, the suspension roping comprises at least two ropes whose cross-section is essentially ribbon-shaped. Preferably, the rope width/thickness is at least 2 or more, preferably at least 4, even more preferably at least 5 or more, even more preferably at least 6, even more preferably at least 7 or more, even more preferably at least 8 or more, and possibly more than 10. In this way, good power transmission capacity is achieved with a small bending radius.

In a preferred embodiment, upward racing of the elevator car and/or counterweight is prevented in the event of a fault. This racing is prevented by measuring the forces exerted on the belt by the elevator car and/or counterweight using LWD sensors or by separate switches mounted on the belt. If the aforementioned sensors or switches detect a change in the forces exerted on the belt by the elevator car and/or the counterweight due to runaway acceleration, the traction sheave stops and racing is prevented.

In the method for modernizing an elevator according to the present invention, the old suspension roping and hoisting machine are removed from the elevator, and a new hoisting machine is installed in the space above the elevator shaft, for example, in the old machine room. A first suspension roping and a second suspension roping are arranged to run in parallel vertical planes. The first suspension roping forms a loop around one or more diverting pulleys of the first suspension roping, and the second suspension roping forms a loop around one or more diverting pulleys of the second suspension roping, such that the loops are nested, with the diverting pulleys of the outer loop positioned outside the inner loop. Furthermore, both suspension ropings are arranged to pass through insertion openings of the suspension ropings in the space above the elevator shaft and in the floor between the hoisting machine and the elevator car. Thus, the elevator car and counterweight are moved by the hoisting machine by applying a vertical traction force to the elevator car or counterweight via the first and second suspension ropings, thereby operating under a force imbalance between them and controlling their movement.

Preferably, the aforementioned first and second suspension roping arrangements each comprise one or more belts or belt-like ropes.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the old suspension roping and hoisting machine are removed, and a new hoisting machine is arranged near the bottom end of the movement path of the elevator car. The first suspension roping and the second suspension roping are arranged to run in parallel vertical planes. The first suspension roping forms a loop around one or more diverting pulleys of the first suspension roping, and the second suspension roping forms a loop around one or more diverting pulleys of the second suspension roping, such that the loops are nested, with the diverting pulleys of the outer loop being arranged outside the inner loop. Furthermore, both suspension ropings are arranged to pass through a roping lead-in opening in the floor between the elevator shaft and the space above the elevator shaft. Furthermore, the arrangement includes traction roping connected to the elevator car and counterweight for applying a vertical force on the elevator car or counterweight. Furthermore, the hoisting machine includes a device for moving the traction roping, preferably comprising a rotating device, such as a motor, and a rotatable traction device, such as a traction sheave. The elevator car and the counterweight are thereby moved by the hoisting machine by exerting a vertical traction force on the elevator car or on the counterweight via the traction roping, thereby acting under a force imbalance between them, thereby controlling their movement.

Preferably, the aforementioned traction roping arrangement comprises one or more belt or belt-like ropes.

Preferably, when modernizing an old elevator, the dimensions of the space above the elevator shaft, for example the old suspension roping lead-in apertures of the floor between the old machine room and the elevator shaft, are not changed.

Preferably, the elevator implemented by the method according to the invention comprises at least two traction sheaves, preferably near the top end of the movement path of the elevator car, by means of which traction sheaves first and second suspension roping belts support the elevator car and the counterweight, preferably with a suspension ratio of 1:1.

Preferably, the mass of the counterweight of an elevator modernized with a toothed belt drive and zero balance is increased in such a way that a new balance is achieved for the average load of the elevator car. The average load refers to the elevator car load, which is equivalent to approximately 1-3 people. Preferably, a zero-balanced elevator can be driven at higher speeds than an elevator equipped with a counterweight sized according to the prior art. A further advantage is that, due to the reduced weight, fewer components are required, resulting in lower manufacturing, installation, and maintenance costs.

The solution according to the invention is particularly suitable for modernizations in which older rope-driven elevators need to be converted to belt-driven elevators. Since converting a rope-driven elevator to a belt-driven elevator would require increasing the size of the floor lead-in opening between the old machine room and the elevator shaft, this increase in the size of the floor lead-in opening can be prevented by simultaneously modifying the elevator's suspension so that the downward projection of the belts of the first and second suspension ropings fits through the floor lead-in opening of the old suspension ropings, at least when using two separate traction sheaves. However, the solution according to the invention need not be used only in modernizations; instead, the elevator according to the invention is also well-suited for new installations.

The elevator is most preferably an elevator suitable for passenger and/or freight transport, which is installed in a building to operate in a vertical direction, or at least in a substantially vertical direction, preferably based on landing calls and/or car calls. Preferably, the elevator car has an interior space, which is most preferably suitable for receiving one or more passengers. The elevator preferably includes at least two, and preferably more, floor levels to be served.

Some embodiments of the present invention are also provided in the description and drawings of this application. The inventive content of this application can also be defined differently than in the following claims. The inventive content can also consist of several separate inventions, especially if the invention is considered in terms of wording or implicit subtasks or from the perspective of the advantages and types of advantages achieved. In this case, some characteristics contained in the following claims would be superfluous from the perspective of the separate inventive concepts. The features of the individual embodiments of the present invention can be combined with other embodiments within the scope of the basic inventive concept.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described in more detail in conjunction with preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG1 shows a preferred embodiment of an elevator according to the present invention;

FIG2 shows a second preferred embodiment of an elevator according to the present invention;

FIG3 shows a) a side view, b) a top view and c) a downward projection showing a preferred embodiment of the suspension configuration of the elevator according to the invention;

FIG4 shows a) a side view, b) a top view and c) a downward projection of a second preferred embodiment of the suspension arrangement of an elevator according to the invention;

Fig. 5 shows a top view in downward projection of a third preferred embodiment of the suspension arrangement of the elevator according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of an elevator according to the present invention, in which the elevator is suspended by a belt-driven hoisting machine M. The elevator roping is arranged so that the downward projection of the belts of the suspension ropes R1 and R2 is compact by means of first and second suspension ropes R1, R2. These suspension ropes R1 and R2 connect the elevator car 1 and counterweight 2 to each other with a 1:1 suspension ratio and run in parallel vertical planes. The first and second suspension ropes R1, R2 are fixed at their first ends to the elevator car 1 and at their second ends to the counterweight 2. A diverting pulley P1 for the first suspension rope R1 and a diverting pulley P2 for the second suspension rope R2 are arranged in a space 10 above the elevator shaft. The first suspension rope R1 forms a loop A around the diverting pulley P1 of the first suspension rope, while the second suspension rope R2 forms a loop B around the diverting pulley P2 of the second suspension rope R2. The aforementioned rings A, B are nested and the diverting pulley P1 of the outer ring A is arranged outside the inner ring B, and both suspension ropes R1 , R2 are passed through the aforementioned lead-in openings 7a , 7b in the floor 9 .

The structure of the suspension roping R1, R2 of the elevator and the number of belt ropes or belts are thereby optimized from the viewpoint of the supporting capacity of the elevator car 1 and the counterweight 2 and the longitudinal load of the suspension roping R1, R2 between them, and the downward projection is arranged to be suitable for the position of the lead-in openings 7a, 7b of the floor 9 of the space 10 above the elevator shaft S.

The elevator also includes a device for applying a vertical force to the elevator car 1 or counterweight 2. The device for applying a vertical force to the elevator car 1 or counterweight 2 includes, in addition to the first and second suspension ropes R1, R2, a hoisting machine M disposed in the aforementioned space 10 above the elevator shaft S and including a device for moving the first and second suspension ropes R1, R2. The device for moving the first and second suspension ropes R1, R2 includes one or more rotating devices, such as a motor 12, and at least two rotatable traction devices, such as traction sheaves 11a, 11b, one for each suspension rope R1, R2. Power transmission and gearing can thus be simplified, for example, by using belt drives 11a, 11b, 12, 13 common to both traction sheaves 11a, 11b.

The suspension ropes R1 and R2 are connected to the elevator car 1 and the counterweight 2 in such a way that when the elevator car 1 moves upwards, the counterweight 2 moves downwards, and vice versa, the suspension ropes R1 and R2 running via diverting pulleys P1 and P2 arranged in the space above the elevator shaft S and via traction sheaves 11a and 11b, which act directly on the suspension ropes R1 and R2.

The hoist M includes a motor 12 shared by the traction sheave 11a of the first suspension roping R1 and the traction sheave 11b of the second suspension roping R2. The traction sheaves 11a and 11b are connected to the motor 12 via a belt drive 11a, 11b, 12, 13 shared by both traction sheaves 11a and 11b for moving the first suspension roping R1 and the second suspension roping R2. As a result, the hoist M can be made smaller, making installation and modernization of the hoist more cost-effective.

In a preferred embodiment, the hoisting machine M comprises two separate motors which are coaxially connected, directly or via shaft gears, to two separate traction sheaves 11a, 11b for moving the first suspension rope R1 and for moving the second suspension rope R2. This way, the single motor can be made smaller and less expensive than before.

In a third preferred embodiment, the hoisting machine M includes a motor 12 shared by the first traction sheave 11a for moving the first suspension roping R1 and the second traction sheave 11b for moving the second suspension roping R2. The aforementioned traction sheaves 11a and 11b are connected to the motor 12 via their own belt drive for each traction sheave 11a and 11b. As a result, an elevator with improved safety is achieved.

FIG2 shows a second embodiment of an elevator according to the present invention, in which a hoisting machine M is arranged near the bottom end of the movement path of the elevator car 1. The elevator's hoisting machine M is arranged in the bottom portion of the elevator shaft S. The first suspension roping R1 and the second suspension roping R2 are arranged to run in parallel vertical planes. The first suspension roping R1 forms a loop A around one or more, preferably at least two, diverting pulleys P1 of the first suspension roping R1, and the second suspension roping R2 forms a loop B around one or more, preferably at least two, diverting pulleys P2 of the second suspension roping R2, such that the loops A and B are nested, with the diverting pulley P1 of the outer loop A being arranged outside the inner loop B. Furthermore, the suspension ropings R1 and R2 are arranged to pass through roping lead-in openings 7a and 7b in the floor 9 between the elevator shaft S and the space 10 above it. Furthermore, the elevator is arranged to include a traction roping 3 connected to the elevator car 1 and the counterweight 2 for exerting a vertical force on the elevator car 1 or the counterweight 2. Furthermore, a diverting pulley P and a hoisting machine M are arranged near the bottom end of the movement path of the elevator car 1 to include a device for moving the traction roping 3, which includes a rotating device, such as a motor 12, and a rotatable traction device, such as a traction sheave 11. The elevator car 1 and the counterweight 2 are thereby moved by the hoisting machine M by applying a vertical traction force to the elevator car 1 or to the counterweight 2 via the traction roping 3, thereby operating under a force imbalance between them and thereby controlling their movement. The aforementioned traction roping 3 preferably includes one or more belt-like ropes or belts, such as a toothed belt.

FIG3 a) shows a side view of a preferred embodiment of a suspension arrangement for an elevator according to the present invention, FIG3 b) shows a top view of the suspension arrangement of FIG3 a), and FIG3 c) shows a downward projection of the suspension roping R1 and R2 of FIG3 a). In the elevator, an elevator suspension is implemented by a hoisting machine M equipped with belt conveyors 11a, 11b, 12, and 13. The elevator roping is arranged so that the suspension roping R1 comprises two parallel, belt-like ropes or belts R1' and R1", and the suspension roping R2 comprises two parallel, belt-like ropes or belts R2' and R2". The downward projection of the belts R1', R1", R2', and R2" is made compact by means of two nested suspension ropings, namely, the suspension roping R1 and the suspension roping R2. The suspension ropings R1 and R2 connect the elevator car 1 and counterweight 2 to each other with a 1:1 suspension ratio and run in parallel vertical planes. The first and second suspension ropes R1, R2 are fixed at their first ends to the elevator car 1 and at their second ends to the counterweight 2. Arranged in the space 10 above the elevator shaft are diverting pulleys P1 for the first suspension rope R1 and P2 for the second suspension rope R2. The first suspension rope R1 forms a loop A around one or more diverting pulleys P1 of the first suspension rope, while the second suspension rope R2 forms a loop B around one or more diverting pulleys P2 of the second suspension rope R2. These loops A and B are nested, with the diverting pulleys P1 of the outer loop A positioned outside the inner loop B. Both suspension ropes R1 and R2 pass through the aforementioned lead-in openings 7a and 7b in the floor 9. Thus, the structure of the suspension roping R1, R2 of the elevator and the number of belt-like ropes or belts R1', R1", R2' and R2" are optimized from the perspective of the supporting capacity of the elevator car 1 and the counterweight 2 and from the perspective of the longitudinal load of the suspension roping R1, R2 between them, and the downward projection shown in Figure 3c) is adapted to the position of the lead-in openings 7a, 7b of the floor 9 of the space 10 above the elevator shaft S without destroying the floor structure. The machine brakes 6a, 6b are arranged in connection with the traction sheaves 11a, 11b to brake the traction sheaves 11a, 11b without any transmission.

FIG4(a) shows a side view of a second preferred embodiment of a suspension arrangement for an elevator according to the present invention, FIG4(b) shows a top view of the suspension arrangement of FIG4(a), and FIG4(c) shows a downward projection of the suspension roping R1, R2 of FIG4(a). In the elevators according to FIG4(a) - 4(c), an elevator suspension is implemented by a hoisting machine M equipped with belt drives 11a, 11b, 12, 13. The elevator roping is arranged such that the suspension roping R1 comprises two parallel, belt-like ropes or belts R1' and R1", and the suspension roping R2 comprises two parallel, belt-like ropes or belts R2' and R2". The downward projection of the belts R1', R1", R2', and R2" is made compact by means of two nested suspension ropings R1, R2. The suspension ropings R1, R2 connect the elevator car 1 and counterweight 2 to each other with a 1:1 suspension ratio and run in parallel vertical planes. The first and second suspension ropes R1, R2 are fixed at their first ends to the elevator car 1 and at their second ends to the counterweight 2. Arranged in the space 10 above the elevator shaft are at least two diverting pulleys P1, P1' for the first suspension rope R1 and at least two diverting pulleys P2, P2' for the second suspension rope R2. The first suspension rope R1 forms a loop A around the at least two diverting pulleys P1, P1' of the first suspension rope, while the second suspension rope R2 forms a loop B around the at least two diverting pulleys P2, P2' of the second suspension rope R2. The aforementioned loops A, B are nested, with the diverting pulleys P1, P1' of the outer loop A positioned outside the inner loop B. Both suspension ropes R1, R2 pass through the aforementioned lead-in openings 7a, 7b in the floor 9. The diverting pulleys P1', P2' have substantially the same dimensions as the traction sheave 11a of the suspension rope R1 and the traction sheave 11b of the suspension rope R2. In the suspension configurations according to FIG. 4 a) to FIG. 4 c), the suspension ropes R1 and R2 pass through the traction sheaves 11a and 11b once, in which case the contact angle of the ropes on the traction sheave is approximately 180 degrees. In this case, diverting pulleys P1′ and P2′ are used as auxiliary devices for “contacting” the belt-like ropes or belts R1′, R1″, R2′, and R2″, and the diverting pulleys P1′ and P2′ function as rope guides and as damping pulleys for damping vibrations. By increasing the contact angle of the traction sheaves 11a and 11b by means of the rope pulleys P1′ and P2′ functioning as diverting pulleys, the gripping force can be increased between the traction sheaves 11a and 11b and the suspension ropes R1 and R2. In this way, the car can be made lighter and smaller in size, in which case the space saving potential of the elevator increases. Thereby, from the viewpoint of operation and safety of the elevator, sufficient gripping force between the belts R1', R1", R2', R2" and the traction sheaves 11a, 11b can be ensured. The machinery brakes 6a, 6b are arranged in connection with the traction sheaves 11a, 11b to brake the traction sheaves 11a, 11b in the absence of transmission.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a support beam system for the diverting pulleys P1, P2, P1', P2', which is arranged in the space above the elevator shaft S, includes a plurality of consecutive fastening holes for adjusting the horizontal distance between the traction sheaves 11a, 11b and the diverting pulleys P1, P2, P1', P2'. Thus, the contact angle of the traction sheaves 11a, 11b can be adjusted to a suitable value by adjusting the horizontal distance between the traction sheaves 11a, 11b and the diverting pulleys P1, P2, P1', P2'. In this case, an optimal gripping force between the traction sheaves 11a, 11b and the suspension ropes R1, R2 is achieved.

FIG5 shows a preferred downward-projected top view of the suspension roping of an elevator according to the present invention, when counterweight 2 is positioned on the side of elevator car 1. The simplified FIG5 shows no other parts of the car hanger, except for a portion of the substantially horizontal top beam 8 and its guide rails. Counterweight 2 and its guide rails are arranged on the side of elevator car 1. Furthermore, the lead-in openings 7a, 7b in the floor 9 between the space 10 above the elevator shaft and the elevator shaft S are shown in dashed lines, which are used for the suspension ropings R1 and R2. As shown in FIG5 , the elevator requires four belt-like ropes or belts R1′, R1″, R2′, and R2″. The width of the belts R1′, R1″, R2′, and R2″ is greater than the thickness of conventional ropes with a circular cross-section. In the case of FIG5 , there is limited space for securing the belt-like ropes or belts above elevator car 1 and counterweight 2. Compatibility issues arise, particularly in the case of FIG5 , when counterweight 2 is positioned on the side of elevator car 1. In this case, the belt ropes or belts R1′, R1″, R2′ and R2″ need to be rotated and they require more space in the horizontal direction than the available space reserved for the counterweight 2.

In the modernization of an old, geared elevator with a 1:1 suspension ratio, the elevator suspension configuration is implemented using the method according to the present invention, for example, by removing the old, geared hoisting machine, its traction sheave, and possibly the diverting pulley that determines the maximum horizontal distance between the suspension roping in the lateral direction, the so-called L-dimension, from the old machine room above the elevator shaft. In the hoisting machine, the rotational speed ratio between the hoisting machine and the traction sheave is shifted by means of a gear. Thereafter, the new, geared hoisting machine, including the driven traction sheaves 11a, 11b, is positioned in the machine room at a suitable height and also in a suitable lateral position. Furthermore, at least two diverting pulleys P1, P2 are positioned in the machine room such that the suspension roping R1 forms a loop A around the diverting pulley P1 of at least the first suspension roping R1, and the second suspension roping R2 forms a loop B around the diverting pulley P2 of at least the second suspension roping R2.

It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the examples described above, but that it can be varied within the scope of the claims presented below. Thus, for example, the number and position of the diverting pulleys in the space S above the elevator shaft can differ from that shown above. In addition, each suspension roping can have more than two, preferably three, and even more preferably four parallel belt-like ropes or belts.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an old elevator is replaced by a new elevator comprising a traction sheave rotated by a motor and a mechanical brake arranged to act on the traction sheave without a transmission. In this case, the brake is preferably arranged to act directly on the traction sheave or on a part fixedly connected to the traction sheave and to rotate as the traction sheave rotates. In this case, the brake is preferably a friction-based brake that, in the braking position, presses against the traction sheave or against a part fixedly connected to the traction sheave, such as a cylindrical part that rotates coaxially with the traction sheave. This avoids the problems of elevators equipped with a transmission in which the brake acts on the motor. If the shaft between the elevator and the transmission breaks or if the teeth of the transmission break, the brake does not affect the traction sheave, which can rotate freely. In this case, in the event of an insufficient load with a counterweight, the car will move upward with an accelerated acceleration.

The advantages of the solution according to the invention are, in particular, better energy efficiency, which benefits residents and housing companies. This better energy efficiency is a result of the fact that, with the solution according to the invention, new motor, drive, and control technologies can be better utilized during modernizations, in which case, for example, wasted energy can be fed back into the power grid. A further advantage of this solution is that old cars and car slings can be used during modernizations, so that old elevator components can also be used in new configurations. Another advantage is improved elevator safety in an embodiment in which a machinery brake is arranged in connection with the traction sheave to brake the traction sheave without a transmission. More specifically, upward overspeeding of the car can be more reliably prevented.

Claims (18)

1. An elevator for passenger and/or freight transport, the elevator comprising: - An elevator car (1) is arranged to operate in an elevator shaft (S), above which is a space (10) defined by a floor (9). - counterweight (2), - A first suspension rope (R1) and a second suspension rope (R2) connect the aforementioned elevator car (1) and counterweight (2) to each other. The first suspension rope (R1) and the second suspension rope (R2) are fixed to the elevator car (1) at their first ends and to the counterweight (2) at their second ends. -A device for moving the first suspension rope (R1) and the second suspension rope (R2), -One or more steering pulleys (P1) are provided on the first suspension rope (R1) in the space (10), -One or more steering pulleys (P2) of the second suspension rope (R2) disposed in the space (10), Its features are, - The first suspension rope (R1) and the second suspension rope (R2) run in a vertical plane parallel to each other. - The first suspension rope (R1) forms an outer loop (A) around one or more steering pulleys (P1). - The second suspension rope (R2) forms an inner loop (B) around one or more steering pulleys (P2) of the second suspension rope (R2). - The outer ring (A) and the inner ring (B) are nested, and the steering pulley (P1) of the outer ring (A) is located outside the inner ring (B), and - The first suspension rope (R1) and the second suspension rope (R2) pass through the openings (7a, 7b) in the aforementioned floor (9), The aforementioned device for moving the first suspension rope (R1) and the second suspension rope (R2) includes a hoist (M) comprising a motor (12) shared by a first traction pulley (11a) of the first suspension rope (R1) and a second traction pulley (11b) of the second suspension rope (R2), the first traction pulley (11a) and the second traction pulley (11b) being connected to the motor (12) via a shared belt drive. 2. The elevator according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned device for moving the first suspension rope (R1) and the second suspension rope (R2) includes a hoist (M) arranged to move both the first suspension rope (R1) and the second suspension rope (R2), and includes a motor (12) shared by the first suspension rope (R1) and the second suspension rope (R2). 3. The elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned device for moving the first suspension rope (R1) and the second suspension rope (R2) includes a hoist (M) disposed in the space (10) above the aforementioned elevator shaft (S), the hoist (M) including one or more rotating devices (12) and at least two rotatable traction pulleys (11a, 11b). 4. The elevator according to claim 3, wherein the rotating device is a motor. 5. The elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned device for moving the first suspension rope (R1) and the second suspension rope (R2) includes a hoist (M) comprising two separate motors coaxially connected, either directly or via a shaft drive, to two separate traction pulleys (11a, 11b). 6. The elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned device for moving the first suspension rope (R1) and the second suspension rope (R2) includes a hoist (M), the hoist including a motor (12) shared by the first traction pulley (11a) and the second traction pulley (11b), the traction pulleys (11a, 11b) being connected to the motor (12) via belt drives for each traction pulley (11a, 11b). 7. The elevator according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that no hoist (M) is provided in the space (10) defined by the floor (9) and above the elevator shaft (S). 8. The elevator according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that each of the aforementioned first suspension rope (R1) and the aforementioned second suspension rope (R2) comprises one or more strip ropes (R1’, R1”, R2’, R2”). 9. The elevator according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that each of the aforementioned first suspension rope (R1) and the aforementioned second suspension rope (R2) comprises one or more strip ropes (R1’, R1”, R2’, R2”), which are nested and run on the same plane. 10. The elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned device for moving the first suspension rope (R1) and the second suspension rope (R2) comprises: a traction rope (3) separate from the first suspension rope (R1) and the second suspension rope (R2), the traction rope being connected to the elevator car (1) and the counterweight (2); and a hoist (M) disposed near the bottom end of the movement path of the elevator car (1), the hoist (M) comprising a device for moving the traction rope (3), the device for moving the traction rope (3) comprising a rotating device and a rotatable traction pulley (11). 11. The elevator according to claim 8, wherein the traction rope (3) comprises one or more strip ropes. 12. A method for modernizing an elevator for passenger and/or freight transport, the elevator comprising at least: an elevator car (1) configured to move in an elevator shaft (S); a counterweight (2); a pre-modification suspension rope connected to the elevator car (1) and the counterweight (2), the pre-modification suspension rope being fixed at a first end to the elevator car (1) and at a second end to the counterweight (2); a pre-modification hoist disposed in a space (10) above the elevator shaft (S); and a steering pulley, characterized in that the pre-modification suspension rope and the pre-modification hoist are removed, and a post-modification hoist (M) is disposed in the space above the elevator shaft (S), and arranged as follows: - The first suspension rope (R1) and the second suspension rope (R2) are arranged to run in a vertical plane parallel to each other. - The first suspension rope (R1) is arranged to form an outer loop (A) around one or more steering pulleys (P1) of the first suspension rope (R1). - The second suspension rope (R2) is arranged to form an inner loop (B) around one or more steering pulleys (P2) of the second suspension rope (R2), such that the outer loop (A) and the inner loop (B) are nested, with the steering pulley (P1) of the outer loop (A) positioned outside the inner loop (B), and - The first suspension rope (R1) and the second suspension rope (R2) are arranged to pass through the openings (7a, 7b) in the floor (9), The aforementioned modified hoist (M) includes a motor (12) shared by a first traction pulley (11a) of a first suspension rope (R1) and a second traction pulley (11b) of a second suspension rope (R2). The first traction pulley (11a) and the second traction pulley (11b) are connected to the motor (12) via a belt drive device shared by the two, for moving the first suspension rope (R1) and the second suspension rope (R2). 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the aforementioned modified hoist (M) comprises two separate motors, which are coaxially connected directly or via a shaft drive to two separate traction pulleys (11a, 11b) for moving the first suspension rope (R1) and the second suspension rope (R2). 14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the aforementioned modified hoist (M) includes a motor (12) shared by a first traction pulley (11a) and a second traction pulley (11b), the traction pulleys (11a, 11b) being connected to the motor (12) via belt drives for each traction pulley (11a, 11b) to move the first suspension rope (R1) and the second suspension rope (R2). 15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the pre-modification suspension rope and the pre-modification hoist are removed, and the post-modification hoist (M) is placed near the bottom end of the movement path of the elevator car (1), and arranged as follows: - The first suspension rope (R1) and the second suspension rope (R2) are arranged to run in a vertical plane parallel to each other. - The first suspension rope (R1) is arranged to form an outer loop (A) around one or more steering pulleys (P1) of the first suspension rope (R1). - The second suspension rope (R2) is arranged to form an inner loop (B) around one or more steering pulleys (P2) of the second suspension rope (R2), such that the outer loop (A) and the inner loop (B) are nested, with the steering pulley (P1) of the outer loop (A) positioned outside the inner loop (B), and - The first suspension rope (R1) and the second suspension rope (R2) are arranged to pass through the openings (7a, 7b) in the aforementioned floor (9), - The device for applying vertical force to the elevator car (1) or the counterweight (2) is arranged to include a traction rope (3) which is connected to the elevator car (1) and the counterweight (2); - The modified hoist (M) is arranged to include a device for moving the traction rope (3), which includes a rotating device and a rotatable traction pulley. 16. The method according to claim 12, wherein the traction rope (3) is arranged to include one or more ribbon ropes. 17. The method according to any one of claims 12-14, characterized in that, when the elevator is modernized, the dimensions of the pre-modification suspension rope inlet holes (7a, 7b) of the floor (9) between the elevator shaft (S) and the space (10) above the elevator shaft (S) remain unchanged. 18. The method according to any one of claims 12-14, wherein each of the aforementioned first suspension rope (R1) and the aforementioned second suspension rope (R2) is arranged to include one or more ribbon ropes.