HK1220961B - Rope storage unit and method for installing elevator ropes - Google Patents

Description

Rope storage unit and method for installing elevator ropes

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the storage and installation of one or more elevator ropes. The ropes are in particular ropes of an elevator for transporting passengers and/or freight. The ropes may be, for example, suspension ropes for suspending an elevator car.

Background Art

Rope storage may be necessary at various stages of a rope's life. This is typically achieved by forming a rope drum so that the rope can be stored and/or transported as a compact unit. In the elevator sector, storage is often required to transport the rope to a site and further to a specific installation location where it can be unwound and installed in the elevator.

Ropes are typically irreversibly flexible, meaning that after being bent into a curve, they cannot return to their original shape. These types of ropes typically include a load-bearing element made of twisted wire or equivalent material. Such ropes can be easily wound around a reel, where they can be stored until later unwound. Alternatively, there are ropes that are rod-shaped and have a straight shape when at rest. Patent publication WO2009090299 A1 describes such a rope. This rope is relatively rigid but elastically bendable, and in its resting state—that is, after all bending has ceased—the rope returns to a straight shape from its curved shape. One known method of storing such ropes is to form a rope reel from the rope by wrapping the rope around a drum and then tying the rope against the outer edge of the reel so that the reel cannot be unwound.

The known methods described above create difficulties during the subsequent unwinding process. In particular, after the rope end is released, it is difficult to control. This is particularly true for elastically bendable ropes that tend to return to a straight shape after bending. It has been found that the more rigid the elastically bendable rope is, the more likely the bending tension will cause difficulties in unwinding the rope. As a result of this bending tension, the rope tends to straighten and can easily escape the hands of the person preparing to unwind the rope. To avoid this, an auxiliary device or person is necessary to control the rope end after it has been released from the reel.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention aims to introduce an improved rope storage unit and an improved method for installing an elevator rope. More particularly, the object is to introduce a rope storage unit in which a rope can be stored and subsequently unwound without damaging the rope, all in a simple and efficient manner. Furthermore, the object is to introduce a method for installing an elevator rope that is simple to perform and does not compromise the rope's condition. In particular, the object is to introduce a rope storage unit and a method that are well-suited for use with elastically bendable and therefore difficult-to-handle ropes. The present invention can, in particular, alleviate one or more of the drawbacks of the previously described known solutions, as well as the problems discussed later in the description of the present invention. In particular, advantageous embodiments are presented that are well-suited for use with ropes having sensitive surface materials.

A new rope storage unit is proposed, comprising: a rope drum formed from a rope wound into a spiral shape and having a central axis, defining a central space within the rope drum, the rope having an end protruding from an inner edge of the rope drum; a support body within which the rope drum is positioned, the support body including side panels defining the interior space in the axial direction of the rope drum and including an opening extending through the interior space; and a guide collar mounted on the side panels and abutting the opening in the side panels for guiding the rope end out of the central space without contacting the side panels, the guide collar defining a guide opening for guiding the rope end out of the central space of the rope drum. This configuration allows the rope to be unwound by moving the rope through the central space and out of the rope drum through the opening in the guide collar, causing the rope to slide against the surface of the collar. This configuration allows for controlled and efficient rope storage and subsequent controlled and gentle unwinding without contacting the side panels. The resulting rope storage unit is well-suited for use with elastically bendable ropes that are difficult to handle during unwinding. Gentle guidance of the rope during its untwisting process can be ensured since the material and shape of the guiding collar can be optimized for rope guiding purposes independently of the material and shape of the side panels.

In a preferred embodiment, the side panels and the guide collar are made of different materials. Thus, the material properties of the surface of the guide rope are not limited to being the same as the material properties of the side panels.

In a preferred embodiment, the side panels are made of a wooden board material, most preferably fiberboard or plywood. Wood is a cheap and ecological material choice, but without the collar its edges may in time split or become sharp so that a rope sliding against it may be damaged.

In a preferred embodiment, the guide collar is made of a polymer material, such as rubber or plastic. The plastic is preferably polyethylene or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

In a preferred embodiment, the guide opening is circular. Thus, the inner edge of the guide collar is circular and serves as a circular guide edge for the rope, with any point of this circular inner edge (along its circumference) being able to guide the rope. Preferably, the circular guide opening is positioned coaxially with the rope drum.

In a preferred embodiment, the guide collar is flexible. More specifically, the guide collar is flexible so that it can flex under the pressure of the rope resting against it. This makes the contact between the rope and the guide collar very gentle, as the guide collar can adapt to changes in the force exerted on it by the rope. Consequently, peaks in the contact pressure between the rope and the guide collar can be smoothed, which reduces the possibility of excessive friction between the rope and the guide collar.

Preferably, the guide collar has a flexible lip forming an inner edge of the guide collar and delimiting the above-mentioned guide opening.

In a preferred embodiment, the guide collar, in particular its flexible lip, is flexible in the axial direction of the rope drum. Therefore, the lip can be bent so that its top moves outwards from the central space.

In a preferred embodiment, the guide collar is a flange, which is essentially flat in the axial direction of the rope drum.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope is in the form of a belt and is wound into the helical shape by bending the rope around an axis extending in the width direction of the rope. Therefore, the rope is easily arranged in the helical shape and twist formation can be avoided.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope is under substantial bending tension in the above-mentioned helical shape.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope is a rod having a straight shape in the rest state and being elastically bendable out of the straight shape, the rope being under substantial bending tension in the above-mentioned helical shape.

In a preferred embodiment, as an effect of the bending tension, the outer edge of the rope drum is radially compressed against a structure radially surrounding the rope drum. The structure surrounding the rope drum is arranged to limit the radial expansion of the rope drum and thereby prevent the rope of the drum from straightening.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope is wound into a spiral shape in a plurality of rope coils, the plurality of rope coils comprising at least an outermost rope coil having an outer edge radially compressed against the aforementioned structure radially surrounding the rope drum as an effect of the aforementioned bending tension, and a plurality of inner rope coils, each inner rope coil having an outer edge radially compressed against the inner edge of the rope coil adjacent thereto in the radial direction as an effect of the aforementioned bending tension.

In a preferred embodiment, the supporting body comprises one or more supporting elements delimiting said inner space and radially surrounding said rope drum.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope comprises one or more load-bearing elements embedded in a polymer coating forming the surface of the rope. A collar is advantageous in this case to protect the coating from being damaged. The coating may be made of an elastomer such as polyurethane.

In a preferred embodiment, the opening of the rope collar, measured in the radial direction of the drum, is smaller than the central space. A large opening allows the rope to be guided through the opening with minimal twisting. The large size of the opening also reduces wear and other friction-related issues when frictional contact is distributed over a large area. For ropes suitable for elevator use, the diameter of the opening is preferably at least 30 cm. Most preferably, the diameter of the opening is in the range of 30 to 100 cm.

In a preferred embodiment, the structure radially surrounding the rope drum is in bearing contact with the outer edge of the rope drum at least along a substantial portion of the outer edge of the rope drum.

In a preferred embodiment, the support body comprises a support shaft via which the rope storage unit can be rotatably mounted.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope is wound into a spiral shape in several rope windings, the several rope windings comprising at least a radially outermost rope winding and a radially innermost rope winding, the rope windings being able to be unwound winding by winding starting from the innermost rope winding.

In a preferred embodiment the rope is wound in a helical shape in a number of rope turns with intermediate rope turns between the innermost and outermost rope turns, the intermediate turns being radially compressed against the next outer turn as an effect of the above-mentioned bending tension.

A new method for installing elevator ropes is also proposed, comprising the steps of providing a rope storage unit as described anywhere above; and unwinding the rope from the rope storage unit; and connecting the rope to one or more movable elevator units, said units comprising at least an elevator car and preferably also a counterweight.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope is wound into a spiral shape with several rope windings, the several rope windings comprising at least a radially outermost rope winding and a radially innermost rope winding, and in the above-mentioned unwinding, the rope windings are unwound winding by winding starting from the innermost rope winding.

In a preferred embodiment, the above-mentioned untwisting comprises moving the rope off the rope drum via the central space and through the opening of the guide collar so that the rope slides against the surface of the collar.

In a preferred embodiment, the unrotating comprises rotating the support body.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope includes one or more load-bearing elements made of a composite material comprising reinforcing fibers embedded in a polymer matrix. This structure promotes excellent load-bearing properties, but also requires significant force to bend the rope into a spiral shape, resulting in significant bending tension. Therefore, the disclosed storage solution is particularly advantageous for such ropes. The reinforcing fibers are preferably carbon fibers. These fibers contribute to the rope's lightness and tensile strength, making it well-suited for elevator use. In this case, in particular, significant force is required to bend the rope into a spiral shape. Therefore, the disclosed solution, which alleviates storage and installation challenges, is particularly advantageous for such ropes.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope drum is formed of a rope wound into a two-dimensional helical shape.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope drum is formed of a rope wound into a three-dimensional helical shape.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the above-mentioned load carrying elements has a width, when measured in the width direction of the rope, which is greater than its thickness.

In a preferred embodiment, the rope includes one or more load-bearing elements extending parallel to the rope's longitudinal direction and running uninterrupted throughout its length. These load-bearing elements are made of a composite material comprising reinforcing fibers in a polymer matrix, preferably carbon fibers. Due to their excellent properties in elevator use, these reinforcing fibers are preferably carbon fibers, but other fibers, such as glass fibers, may alternatively be used. Carbon fibers have a particularly strong tendency to straighten, making measures to mitigate rope straightening issues during installation particularly advantageous in this context. Preferably, the reinforcing fibers are also parallel to the rope's longitudinal direction. While this straight structure further enhances the rope's longitudinal stiffness, it increases bending stiffness, requiring significant force to bend the rope into a spiral shape. Therefore, the disclosed solution, which alleviates storage and installation challenges, is particularly advantageous in the case of such ropes.

In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing fibers of each load-bearing element are distributed within the polymer matrix of the load-bearing element in question and are bonded together thereby. The reinforcing fibers of each load-bearing element are therefore preferably substantially uniformly distributed within the polymer matrix of the load-bearing element in question. Furthermore, preferably, more than 50% of the square cross-sectional area of the load-bearing element contains the aforementioned reinforcing fibers. This promotes high tensile stiffness. Preferably, the load-bearing elements collectively cover more than 50% of the rope's cross-sectional area.

In a preferred embodiment, the modulus of elasticity (E) of the polymer matrix exceeds 2 GPa, most preferably exceeds 2.5 GPa, more preferably lies in the range of 2.5-10 GPa, and most preferably lies in the range of 2.5-3.5 GPa. This achieves a structure in which the matrix primarily supports the reinforcing fibers, in particular preventing them from buckling. One advantage is a longer service life. Load-bearing elements made of this material have a particularly strong tendency to straighten, making measures to mitigate rope straightening during installation particularly advantageous in this context.

In a preferred embodiment, the load-bearing elements of the rope cover a large portion of the width of the rope's cross section, preferably 70%, or more preferably more than 75%, or most preferably more than 80%, or most preferably more than 85% of the width of the rope's cross section. In this way, at least a large portion of the rope's width can be effectively used, and the rope can be made very light and thin in the direction of bending to reduce bending tension.

The rope storage unit is preferably a movable storage unit such that, for example, the rope can be transported within the rope storage unit to the installation location of the elevator. Preferably, the rope storage unit has a size and weight that can be transported using a fork lift.

The elevator described anywhere above is preferably an elevator for transporting passengers and/or freight. For this purpose, it comprises a car arranged to serve two or more landings. The car is preferably arranged to respond to calls from the landings and/or destination commands from inside the car in order to serve people on the landings and/or inside the elevator car.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG1 illustrates a rope storage unit according to one embodiment;

FIG2 illustrates a preferred structure for a guide collar;

3a and 3b illustrate the guide collar under pressure from a rope in an embodiment in which the guide collar is flexible;

FIG4 illustrates an exploded view of the cord storage unit of FIG1 without the cord;

FIG5 illustrates the guidance of the rope by the guide collar and further preferred details of the rope storage unit, with the side panels not visible and the rope storage unit storing a single rope;

FIG6 illustrates the guidance of the rope by the guide collar and further preferred details of the rope storage unit, with the side panels not visible and the rope storage unit storing two ropes;

Figures 7a)-d) illustrate preferred alternative details of the rope;

FIG8 illustrates a preferred internal structure of the load-bearing elements of the rope; and

FIG9 illustrates the installation method.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a rope storage unit 1, 1'. The rope storage unit 1, 1' includes a rope drum 2, 9, which is formed from a rope 3, 3', 3", 3'" wound into a spiral shape and has a central axis x, and defines a central space C inside the rope drum 2, 9. The rope 3, 3', 3", 3'" has two ends, namely a first end and a second end. The rope 3, 3', 3", 3'" has been wound into a spiral shape so that one of its two ends E protrudes from the inner edge of the rope drum into the central space C. The rope storage unit 1, 1' also includes a support body 4 provided with an interior space 5 within which the rope drum 2, 9 is positioned, and the support body 4 supports the rope drum 2, 9. The support body 4 includes side panels 18, which define the interior space 5 in the axial direction of the rope drum 2, 9 and include an opening 19 extending through the interior space 5. Cord storage unit 1, 1' further includes a guide collar 20 mounted on side panel 18 adjacent to opening 19 thereof, thereby guiding cord end E out of central space C and, thus, out of interior space 5 without contacting side panel 18. Interior space C is free, allowing cord 3, 3', 3", 3'" to pass through it and through opening 21. The material and shape of guide collar 20 can be optimized for cord guidance independently of the material of side panel 18. Guide collar 20 can be made of a different material than that of side panel 18, thus not limiting its material properties to the same as those of side panel 18. Furthermore, the shape of collar 20 can be optimally selected for cord guidance. Most preferably, guide collar 20 is made of a polymer material, injected plastic, or rubber, which exhibits at least moderate softness and friction properties and can be easily manufactured with a suitable shape and specific material properties that can be easily fine-tuned to meet the aforementioned objectives. The guide collar 20 defines a guide opening 21 that leads the rope out of the central space C of the rope drum 2, 9 and, consequently, out of the interior of the space 5. The rope 3, 3', 3", 3'" can thus be unwound by moving it out of the rope drum 2, 9 via the central space C and through the opening 21 of the guide collar 20, causing the side edges of the rope to slide against the surface of the collar 20. The guide collar 20 provides an edge for the opening 19 against which the rope can rest when moving out of the rope storage unit 1, 1'. More specifically, the guide collar 20 has an inner edge that defines the guide opening 21, which serves as a guide edge for the rope. Any point on the inner edge can guide the rope 3, 3', 3", 3'"'. Because the guide collar 20 is made of a polymer material, it promotes gentle contact. Thus, the guide collar 20 acts as a gentle guide for the rope, while the material of the side panels 18 can be selected independently and, therefore, independently of the requirements associated with rope guidance. For example, the guide collar 20 enables the use of a wooden material as the material for the side panels 18, which is a cheap and ecological option, but without the collar 20 the cords 3, 3', 3", 3'" could be damaged by accidental cutting of the edges of the openings 19. It is therefore preferred that the side panels 18 are made of a wooden board material, such as plywood or fiberboard, as is made possible by the collar 20. In the case where the wooden board material is a fiberboard, it is preferably a particleboard, a medium-density fiberboard or a hardboard.

The guide opening 21 defined by the inner edge of the guide collar 20 is preferably circular, as can be seen in the preferred embodiment of FIG1 . Thus, the circular inner edge serves as a circular guide for the rope, allowing it to be guided at any point along the circumference. Consequently, the point of contact between the rope and the circular inner edge allows for a complete rotation. Consequently, the rope can rotate freely in a circle along the circular inner edge. Consequently, the rope 3, 3', 3", 3"' can be unwound by rotating the storage unit 1, 1'. This advantageously allows for efficient unwounding without causing twist in the rope 3, 3', 3", 3"'. This is particularly advantageous when the rope 3, 3', 3", 3"' is in the form of a ribbon, as the rope must be installed completely free of twist. Furthermore, the guide opening 21 is positioned coaxially with the rope drum 2, 9, so that the circular inner edge is symmetrical relative to the drum 2, 9, facilitating smooth passage of the rope 3, 3', 3", 3"' during unwounding.

Figure 2 discloses a preferred embodiment of the guide collar 20. In this preferred embodiment, the guide collar 20 is flexible, allowing it to flex under the pressure of the rope resting against it. This results in gentler contact between the rope and the guide collar 20, as the rope collar 20 can adapt to changes in the pressure exerted by the rope. Peaks in the contact pressure between the rope and the guide collar 20 are thus smoothed, reducing the possibility of excessive friction between the rope and the guide collar. Figures 3a and 3b illustrate how the collar 20 flexes under the pressure of the rope resting against it. Flexibility is achieved simply by selecting the material and shape of the guide collar to enable flexibility. For this purpose, polymer materials, plastics, or rubber are all suitable choices for the material of the collar 20. The guide collar 20 is preferably constructed, more specifically, to include a flexible, circular lip forming the inner edge of the collar 20, thereby defining the aforementioned circular guide opening 21. The lip can flex under the pressure of the rope resting against it. This flexibility is preferably achieved in the axial direction of the rope drum 2, 9, as this is easily achieved. Therefore, the flexible lip of the guide collar 20 is flexible in the axial direction of the rope drums 2, 9. The lip can thus flex so that its top portion (i.e., the portion of the lip closest to the center of the opening) moves outward from the central space C. The collar 20 thus adapts to the pressure of the rope. The flexion allows for a large contact surface area. This ensures smooth rope transmission and protects neither the rope nor the collar 20 from damage. As illustrated in FIG2 , the guide collar in this case is a flange that is essentially flat in the axial direction of the rope drums 2, 9. This makes it very simple to manufacture and provide the desired flexibility. The thickness of the flange is preferably 5 mm to 20 mm, most preferably 10 mm to 20 mm, as this has been found to interact well with the elevator ropes.

The material of the collar 20 preferably allows the ropes 3, 3', 3", 3'" to slide easily against the collar 20 without causing any wear on them. For this purpose, polymer materials such as plastic or rubber are preferably suitable choices for the material of the collar 20. However, in order to make the contact between the ropes 3, 3', 3", 3'" and the collar 20 even gentler, it is preferred that the friction between the collar 20 and the ropes 3, 3', 3", 3'" be designed to be very low. This can further reduce the risk of rope damage. Low friction also reduces the resistance caused by the collar 20, which is also advantageous because it makes untwisting smooth and non-volatile. Low friction is particularly advantageous for achieving smooth and non-volatile untwisting when the ropes 3, 3', 3", 3'" have a high-friction surface coating, such as a coating made of an elastomer. This is because the high-friction coating allows the ropes 3, 3', 3", 3'" to grip the collar 20, allowing them to temporarily stop, which could cause pulsations and interfere with untwisting. Low friction can be provided by selecting the material of the collar as a low-friction material. Therefore, plastic is a particularly suitable choice of material for the collar 20. Polyethylene can be used to provide low friction suitable for most situations. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (also known as Teflon ^™ ) can be used to minimize friction. Of course, there are a large number of other commercially available known plastics that can be used as alternatives to the substances mentioned.

The rope is preferably a ribbon-shaped rope. Therefore, in the transverse direction of the rope 3, 3', 3", 3", the width of the rope 3, 3', 3", 3" is substantially greater than its thickness. Therefore, the rope 3, 3', 3", 3" is wound into the above-mentioned spiral shape by bending it around an axis extending in the width direction of the rope 3, 3', 3", 3". As a result, the rope 3, 3', 3", 3" is easily arranged into the spiral shape. Due to its ribbon-shaped construction, the rope also resists bending in the axial direction of the rope drum 2, 9, so that it maintains its spiral drum configuration well and is not easy to be accidentally untwisted. When the belt is wound in a defined manner, the formation of twists within the rope drum or during untwisting can also be easily avoided, which is important for ribbon-shaped ropes.

FIG4 illustrates (as an exploded view) further preferred details of the rope storage unit 1, 1'. The rope storage unit 1, 1' comprises the aforementioned support body 4. This comprises one or more support elements 6 (here, two) that delimit the aforementioned interior space 5 and radially surround each rope reel 2, 9 positioned within the interior space 5. The support body 4 also includes a support shaft 14 via which the rope storage unit 1, 1' can be rotatably mounted. In the assembled state, the support shaft 14 is positioned within the central space C within the rope reel 2, 9 and is coaxial with the rope reel 2, 9. When installed, the support body 4 is constructed so that it also includes a tightening strap 15 that surrounds the support elements 6. In this way, the structure of the support body 4 is protected from twisting, for example, during transport and during rope installation. In this case, a support rod is also positioned between the strap 15 and the support element 6. The support body 4 also includes two axial side panels 17, 18 that delimit the interior space 15, one of which is provided with the aforementioned collar 20. The support body 4 preferably comprises a support cylinder formed by the one or more support elements 6 described above, which delimit an interior space 5, which in this case is cylindrical. In a preferred embodiment, the support elements 6 are wooden elements (e.g., plywood or fiberboard). The one or more support elements 6 are bent into a curved shape, such that the support elements (the one or more support elements described above) together form the cylinder. The curved shape is an arc, resulting in a curved inner diameter of the support elements 6 that corresponds to the outer diameter of the rope drum 2, which is radially compressed against the one or more support elements 6.

Generally, it is preferred that the rope is under bending tension when it is wound into the helical shape. In this case, the defined configuration is particularly preferred because the rope can be unwound starting from the innermost rope winding. The rope 3, 3', 3", 3'" can be unwound so that each winding of the rope 3, 3', 3", 3'" remains unwound and remains on the rope drum 2, 9 and remains tensioned against the next outer winding, the outermost winding remaining tensioned against the aforementioned support element 6, 6'. Therefore, the bending tension cannot cause the rope end E to break away so that the unwinding begins to develop in an uncontrolled manner. As will be explained later, it is preferred that the rope 3, 3', 3", 3'" more specifically has a straight shape when in the rest state and is elastically bendable away from the straight shape of the rod, the rope 3, 3', 3", 3'" being under essentially bending tension in the aforementioned helical shape. In the rest state, the ropes 3, 3', 3", 3'" are not subjected to external forces, so the ropes 3, 3', 3", 3'" return to their original shape after being bent as indicated due to the tension generated in the ropes 3, 3', 3", 3'" in the above-mentioned bending.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate how the rope is guided by the guide collar 20. As a result of the bending tension, the rope storage units 1, 1' also cause the outer edges of the rope drums 2, 9 to compress radially against the structures 6, 2 radially surrounding the rope drums 2, 9. These structures 6, 2 surrounding the rope drums 2, 9 are arranged to limit the expansion of the rope drums 2, 9 and thereby prevent the ropes within the drums 2, 9 from being straightened. Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment in which the rope storage unit 1 contains only one rope drum 2, while Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment in which the rope storage unit 1' contains two rope drums 2 and 9, namely, a rope drum 2 similar to that illustrated in Figure 5 and a rope drum 9 positioned within the central space of the rope drum 2. The inner edges of the rope drums 2 are illustrated in dashed lines in Figure 6. In each embodiment, for the rope drum 2, the surrounding structure is the support body 4. For the rope drum 9 of Figure 6, on the other hand, the surrounding structure is the rope drum 2, or alternatively, an intermediate support element (not shown), such as an intermediate filler, installed between the rope drums 2 and 9. In each case, the rope 3, 3', 3", 3'" is wound in a helical shape with a number of rope windings, the number of rope windings comprising at least an outermost rope winding having an outer edge which is radially compressed against the above-mentioned structure radially surrounding the rope drum as an effect of the above-mentioned bending tension, and a number of inner rope windings, each inner rope winding having an outer edge which is radially compressed against the inner edge of the rope winding adjacent to it in the radial direction as an effect of the above-mentioned bending tension.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rope drums 2, 9 are formed from ropes 3, 3', 3", 3'" that are wound in a two-dimensional helical shape, so that substantially all the rope windings are in the same plane. This is advantageous because, in this way, tensions in the rope drum that attempt to distort the rope in a very difficult to control manner can be minimized. Alternatively, the rope drums 2, 9 can be formed from ropes 3, 3', 3", 3'" that are wound in a three-dimensional helical shape, so that substantially all the rope windings are not in the same plane and the rope windings pass back and forth in the axial direction at a slight angle relative to the radial plane of the rope drum, as is known in the art of winding rope drums or corresponding drums.

7a)-d) presents a preferred alternative cross-section of the rope 3, 3', 3", 3'". As shown, the rope is in the form of a ribbon. Therefore, the rope is suitable for storage in a curved form, since even in the case of very stiff ropes the radius of the rope storage unit can be made reasonable. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 7a)-d), the rope 3, 3', 3", 3'" comprises one or more load-bearing elements 8, 8', 8", 8'", each of which is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the rope 3, 3', 3", 3'" and extends uninterrupted throughout the length of the rope 3, 3', 3", 3'".

As for the material, the rope 3, 3', 3", 3'" is also preferably such that its load-bearing element 8, 8', 8", 8'" is made of a composite material comprising strong fibers f in a polymer matrix m. This type of rope is typically under substantial bending tension when wound into a helical shape. Therefore, handling the rope end E is challenging. Therefore, the rope storage unit 1, 1' can effectively alleviate the challenges posed by this type of rope.

Preferably, the strength fibers f are carbon fibers. This results in a lightweight rope with high tensile stiffness, making it particularly suitable for elevator use. The load-bearing elements 8, 8', 8", 8'" are parallel to the length of the rope. The load-bearing elements 8, 8', 8", 8'" and the strength fibers f are preferably parallel to the length of the rope, thereby maximizing tensile stiffness. The resulting rope, which is rigid under longitudinal tension, is, as a side effect, also rigid under bending. Specifically, it is a straight rod in its resting state, but it can bend elastically out of this straight shape. Due to its bending elasticity, the rope returns to a straight shape after the external force is released. Due to the rigidity and elasticity of this bending behavior, handling the ends E of this type of rope is particularly challenging. Therefore, the improvements provided by the rope storage units 1, 1' are particularly important.

Preferably, the width w, w', w", w'' of each of the aforementioned load-bearing elements 8, 8', 8", 8'', as measured in the width direction of the rope 3, 3', 3", 3'', is greater than its thickness t, t', t", t'', as illustrated. In this way, a large cross-sectional area of the load-bearing elements/components 8, 8', 8", 8'' is achieved without weakening the bending capacity around an axis extending in the width direction of the rope 3, 3', 3", 3''. The small number of wide load-bearing elements included in the rope results in an efficient utilization of the rope's width, thereby making it possible to keep the rope width of the rope within favorable limits.

As shown in Figures 7a and 7b, each rope 3, 3' comprises only one load-bearing element 8, 8'. As shown in Figures 7c and 7d, each rope 3", 3'" comprises multiple load-bearing elements 8", 8'". The load-bearing elements 8", 8'" are adjacent in the width direction of the rope 3", 3'". They are parallel and coplanar in the length direction of the rope. Therefore, the resistance to bending in the thickness direction is very low. The preferred internal structure for each load-bearing element 8, 8', 8", 8'" is disclosed elsewhere in this application, in particular in conjunction with Figure 8.

The load-bearing element 8', 8", 8'" of each rope presented in Figures 7b to 7d is surrounded by a polymer coating p in which the load-bearing element 8', 8", 8'" is embedded. This provides, for example, a surface for contacting the drive wheel of the elevator. The coating p is preferably a polymer material, most preferably an elastomer, most preferably polyurethane, and forms the surface of the rope 3', 3", 3'". It effectively increases the frictional connection of the rope to the drive wheel 3 and protects the rope. In order to facilitate the formation of the load-bearing elements 8, 8', 8", 8' and to achieve constant properties in the longitudinal direction, it is preferred that the structure of the load-bearing elements 8, 8' continues essentially the same for the entire length of the rope 3, 3', 3", 3'". The load-bearing element 8 can be without a coating, as presented in Figure 7a. Therefore, the load-bearing element can be shaped like such a rope 3.

As mentioned, the ropes 3, 3', 3", 3'" are in the form of a strip, in particular with two broad sides facing each other. The width/thickness ratio of the rope is preferably at least 4, more preferably at least 5 or more, even more preferably at least 6. In this way, a large cross-sectional area of the rope is achieved, and in the case of a rigid material of the load-bearing element, the bending capacity about the width axis is very good. Therefore, the ropes 3, 3', 3", 3'" are very suitable for being positioned in the form of a strip in the rope support body 4 and for suspending the elevator car.

The rope 3, 3', 3", 3'" is also configured such that the aforementioned load-bearing element 8 or multiple load-bearing elements 8', 8", 8'" included in the rope 3, 3', 3", 3'" together cover a large portion of the width of the rope's cross section, preferably 70%, more preferably more than 75%, most preferably more than 80%, most preferably more than 85%, or substantially the entire length of the rope 3, 3', 3", 3'". As a result, the rope's bearing capacity relative to its total transverse dimension is very good, and the rope 3, 3', 3", 3'" does not need to be made very thick. This can be easily achieved with the composite material specified elsewhere in this application and is particularly advantageous from the perspective of service life and bending stiffness in elevator use. The width of the rope 3, 3', 3", 3'" is thus also minimized by the wide load-bearing elements, by the efficient use of its width, and by the use of composite materials. In this way, the individual belt-like ropes and the bundle formed thereof can be made compact.

The internal structure of the load-bearing elements 8, 8', 8", 8'" is more specifically illustrated in FIG8 and described below. The load-bearing elements 8, 8', 8", 8'" and their fibers f are oriented along the length direction of the rope, i.e., parallel to the length direction of the rope, so that the rope maintains its structure when bent. The individual fibers are thus oriented along the length direction of the rope. In this case, the fibers f are aligned with the forces when the rope is pulled along its length. The individual reinforcing fibers f are combined into a uniform load-bearing element having a polymer matrix m, in which the reinforcing fibers f are embedded. Each load-bearing element 8, 8', 8", 8'" is therefore a solid, elongated rod-shaped member. The reinforcing fibers f are preferably long, continuous fibers in the length direction of the rope 3, 3', 3", 3'" and the fibers f are preferably continuous over the entire length of the rope 3, 3', 3", 3'"'. Preferably, as many fibers f as possible, and most preferably, substantially all of the fibers f of the load-bearing elements 8, 8', 8", 8'" are oriented along the length of the rope. The reinforcing fibers f are essentially untwisted relative to one another in this case. This allows the structure of the load-bearing elements to remain as uniform as possible in their cross-section over the entire length of the rope. The reinforcing fibers f are preferably distributed as evenly as possible within the load-bearing elements 8, 8', 8", 8'" so that the load-bearing elements 8, 8', 8", 8'" are as uniform as possible in the transverse direction of the rope. The advantage of this structure is that the matrix m surrounding the reinforcing fibers f maintains the insertion of the reinforcing fibers f substantially unchanged. This balances their slight elasticity with the distribution of forces exerted on the fibers, reduces fiber-to-fiber contact and internal wear of the rope, thereby increasing the rope's service life. Carbon fibers are used as reinforcing fibers, which have excellent tensile strength and a lightweight structure, as well as excellent thermal properties. They possess excellent strength and stiffness properties despite a small cross-sectional area, thus contributing to the spatial efficiency of ropes with certain strength or stiffness requirements. They are also resistant to high temperatures, thus reducing the risk of burns. Good thermal conductivity also facilitates upward heat transfer due to friction and other factors, thereby reducing heat accumulation within the rope section. The composite matrix m, in which the individual fibers f are distributed as evenly as possible, is most preferably an epoxy resin, which has good adhesion to the reinforcement and is sufficiently strong to provide reliable support for the fibers f. Alternatively, polyester, vinyl ester, or even some other material may be used. Figure 8 shows a partial cross-section of the surface structure of the load-bearing elements 8, 8', 8", and 8'" as viewed along the length of the rope, within the circle shown in the figure. According to this cross-section, the reinforcing fibers f of the load-bearing elements 8, 8', 8", and 8'" are preferably organized within the polymer matrix m. Figure 8 shows how the individual reinforcing fibers f are substantially evenly distributed within the polymer matrix m, which surrounds and secures them to the fibers f. The polymer matrix m fills the areas between the individual reinforcing fibers f and essentially binds all the reinforcing fibers f within the matrix m to one another as a uniform, solid substrate. In this manner, abrasive movement between the reinforcing fibers f and between the reinforcing fibers f and the matrix m is substantially prevented. There is preferably a chemical bond between all the reinforcing fibers f and the matrix m, one advantage of which is the uniformity of the structure. In order to strengthen the chemical bond, a coating (not shown) of actual fibers may be present between the reinforcing fibers and the polymer matrix m, but not necessarily. The polymer matrix m is a type described anywhere in this application and therefore can include additives for fine-tuning the properties of the matrix as additions to the basic polymer. The polymer matrix m is preferably a hard, non-elastomer. The reinforcing fibers f in the polymer matrix represent herein that, in the present invention, the individual reinforcing fibers are, for example, combined to each other through the polymer matrix m during the manufacturing stage by being immersed together in the molten material of the polymer matrix. In this case, the gaps between the individual reinforcing fibers combined to each other by the polymer matrix include the polymer of the matrix. In this way, a large number of reinforcing fibers combined to each other in the length direction of the rope are distributed in the polymer matrix. The reinforcing fibers are preferably substantially evenly distributed in the polymer matrix so that the load-bearing element is as uniform as possible when viewed from the cross-sectional direction of the rope. In other words, the fiber density in the cross section of the load-bearing element does not vary significantly. The reinforcing fibers f, together with the matrix m, form a uniform load-bearing element within which frictionless relative motion occurs when the rope is bent. The individual reinforcing fibers of the load-bearing elements 8, 8', 8", and 8'" are primarily surrounded by the polymer matrix m, but fiber-to-fiber contact may occur here and there because it is difficult to control the relative position of the fibers during simultaneous impregnation with the polymer. On the other hand, from the perspective of the functionality of the present invention, the elimination of perfectly random fiber-to-fiber contact is not essential. However, if it is desired to reduce their random occurrence, the individual reinforcing fibers f can be pre-coated so that the polymer coating surrounds the individual reinforcing fibers before they are bonded to one another. In the present invention, the individual reinforcing fibers of the load-bearing element can include the material of the polymer matrix around them, so that the polymer matrix m is tightly against the reinforcing fibers, but alternatively, there can be a thin coating between them, such as a primer applied to the surface of the reinforcing fibers during the manufacturing stage to improve chemical adhesion to the matrix m material. The individual reinforcing fibers are evenly distributed within the load-bearing elements 8, 8', 8", and 8'" so that the gaps between the individual reinforcing fibers f are filled with the polymer of the matrix m. The matrix m of the load-bearing element 8, 8', 8", 8'" is most preferably hard in terms of its material properties. A hard matrix m helps support the reinforcing fibers f, especially when the rope is bent, to prevent buckling of the reinforcing fibers f of the bent rope, because the hard material supports the fibers f. In order to reduce buckling and promote a small bending radius of the rope, etc., it is therefore preferred that the polymer matrix m is hard and, therefore, preferably an object other than an elastomer (example of an elastomer: rubber) or an object that acts or yields very elastically. However, the polymer matrix does not necessarily have to be non-elastic, for example if the underside of such a material is considered acceptable or irrelevant for the intended use. The most preferred materials for the matrix m are epoxy resin, polyester, phenolic plastic or vinyl ester. The polymer matrix m is preferably so hard that its elastic modulus (E) exceeds 2 GPa, most preferably exceeds 2.5 GPa. In this case, the elastic modulus (E) is preferably in the range of 2.5-10 GPa, most preferably in the range of 2.5-3.5 GPa. Preferably, more than 50% of the surface area of the cross-section of the load-bearing element consists of the aforementioned reinforcing fibers, preferably 50%-80% of the surface area of the cross-section consists of the aforementioned reinforcing fibers, more preferably 55%-70% of the surface area of the cross-section consists of the aforementioned reinforcing fibers, and substantially the entire remaining surface area consists of the polymer matrix m. Most preferably, approximately 60% of the surface area consists of reinforcing fibers and approximately 40% of the matrix m material (preferably resin) is present. In this way, good longitudinal strength of the rope is achieved.

FIG9 illustrates a method for installing elevator ropes according to a preferred embodiment. In this method, one or more rope storage units 1, 1', as described elsewhere in this application, are provided. Ropes 3, 3', 3", 3'" are unwound from each rope storage unit 1, 1', as illustrated in FIG5 or 6 , and then connected to movable elevator units 11, 12, namely, the elevator car 11 and the counterweight 12, for suspension. In a preferred embodiment, the first ends of the ropes 3, 3', 3", 3'" are connected to the car 11, and the second ends are connected to the counterweight 12. In this method, multiple ropes 3, 3', 3", 3'" are installed simultaneously in this manner. The elevator comprises a hoistway S, an elevator car 1, and a counterweight 2, which are installed vertically movable in the hoistway S according to this method. The elevator also comprises a drive machine M, which is arranged to drive the elevator car 1 under the control of an elevator control system (not shown). During the unwinding process, the ropes 3, 3', 3", 3'" are guided over the drive pulley 13 of the drive machine M. In this embodiment, the drive machine M is installed inside the machine room MR, but the elevator can alternatively have a machine room-less configuration. The drive sheave 13 is arranged to engage the aforementioned ropes 3, 3', 3", 3'" that pass over the drive sheave 13 and suspend the elevator car 11 and counterweight 12. Thus, driving force can be transmitted from the motor to the car 11 and counterweight 12 via the drive sheave 13 and the ropes 3, 3', 3", 3'" to move the car 11 and counterweight 12. The aforementioned unwinding includes rotating the rope support body 4 that supports the rope drums 2, 9 of the rope storage units 1, 1'. Prior to the aforementioned unwinding, the method includes rotatably mounting the rope storage units 1, 1' (via the support shaft 14).

As explained elsewhere, the rope 3, 3', 3", 3'" is wound into a spiral shape by a number of rope coils, the number of rope coils including at least a radially outermost rope coil and a radially innermost rope coil, and in the above-mentioned unwinding, the rope coils are unwound coil by coil starting from the innermost rope coil. As explained elsewhere, the rope drum 2, 9 accommodated in the rope storage unit 1, 1' defines a central space C inside the rope drum 2, 9, and the rope 3, 3', 3", 3'" has an end E protruding from the inner edge of the rope drum 2, 9. As shown in Figure 1, for example, the rope storage unit 1, 1' includes a support body 4 provided with an interior space 5 in which the rope drum 2, 9 is positioned, the support body 4 including a side panel 18, which defines the interior space 5 in the axial direction of the rope drum 2, 9 and includes an opening 19 extending through the interior space 5. The rope storage unit 1, 1' further includes a guide collar 20 for guiding the rope end E out of the central space C without contacting the side panels 18. The guide collar 20 is mounted on the side panels 18 and abuts against the opening 19 of the side panels 18. The guide collar 20 defines a guide opening 21 that leads out of the central space C of the rope drum 2, 9. During the unwinding process, the rope is moved out of the rope drum 2, 9 via the central space C and through the opening 21 of the guide collar 20, causing the rope to slide against the surface of the collar 20. As mentioned, during the unwinding process, the support body 4 rotates.

If the opening 21 is smaller than the central space C, as measured in the radial direction of the drums 2, 9, the rope can be guided smoothly out of the central space, regardless of variations in the diameter of the drums 2, 9, as shown in Figures 1, 5, and 6. In embodiments where both the central space C and the opening 21 are circular, this means that the diameter of the opening 21 is smaller than the diameter of the central space C. However, the opening 21 should not be extremely small. When the opening 21 is large, the rope 3, 3', 3", 3" can be guided through it with only a small amount of twisting. The large size of the opening 21 also alleviates wear and other friction-related issues when frictional contact is distributed over a large area. For ropes suitable for elevator use, it is preferred that the diameter of the opening 21 be at least 30 cm. Most preferably, the diameter of the opening 21 is in the range of 30 cm to 100 cm.

The illustrated ribbon rope has a smooth surface. However, the rope could be formed to have a corrugated outer surface, such as a polyvee shape or a toothed shape. While the embodiments are mostly advantageous with ribbon ropes, many advantages can be achieved with ropes having a round cross-section.

In this application, the term "load-bearing element" refers to a portion of a rope that extends in the longitudinal direction and runs uninterrupted through the length of the rope. This portion is capable of carrying, without interruption, the majority of the elongate load applied to the rope in question in the longitudinal direction of the rope. The elongate load can be transmitted continuously from one end to the other within the load-bearing element.

As described above, the reinforcing fibers f are carbon fibers. However, other reinforcing fibers may alternatively be used. In particular, glass fibers have been found to be suitable for elevator use, as they are inexpensive and readily available, although they have moderate elongation, rigidity, and weight.

The rope storage unit and the method presented in this application are particularly advantageous in the case where the rope is a composite rope as presented. However, many advantages are also achieved in the case of other kinds of ropes.

The characteristic that the rope has a straight shape when in a resting state and is elastically bendable out of the straight shape means that a straight rope 3, 3', 3", 3'" of 1.0 meter length returns to the straight shape when released after being bent from the straight shape into a curved shape, in which the rope 3, 3', 3", 3'" is bent along its entire length into a curved shape with a radius in the range of 0.3-0.5 meters. Therefore, the characteristic can be tested by, for example, bending the rope in this way.

It should be understood that the above description and accompanying drawings are intended only to teach the best way known to the inventors of making and using the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the inventive concept may be implemented in a variety of ways. Therefore, the above-described embodiments of the present invention may be modified or varied without departing from the invention, as those skilled in the art will appreciate in light of the above teachings. It should be understood, therefore, that the present invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above, but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims (20)

1. An elevator rope storage unit (1, 1'), comprising: A rope reel (2, 9) is formed of a rope (3, 3', 3", 3"') wound in a helical shape and has a central axis (x), defining a central space (C) inside the rope reel (2, 9). The rope (3, 3', 3", 3"') has an end (E) protruding from the inner edge of the rope reel (2, 9); and A support body (4) having an internal space (5), wherein the rope reels (2, 9) are positioned inside the internal space (5), the support body (4) includes a side panel (18) defining the internal space (5) in the axial direction of the rope reels (2, 9) and including an opening (19) extending through the internal space (5); and A guide collar (20) for guiding the end (E) of the rope away from the central space (C) without contacting the side panel (18), the guide collar (20) being mounted on the side panel (18) and adjacent to the opening (19) of the side panel (18), the guide collar (20) defining a guide opening (21) for guiding away from the central space (C) of the rope drum (2, 9), wherein the guide collar (20) is flexible and adaptable to changes in pressure applied thereto by the rope. 2. The elevator rope storage unit according to claim 1, wherein the guide collar (20) is made of polymer material. 3. The elevator rope storage unit according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the guide opening (21) is circular. 4. The elevator rope storage unit according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the guide opening (21) is circular and is coaxially positioned with the rope drum (2, 9). 5. The elevator rope storage unit according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the side panel (18) and the guide collar (20) are made of different materials. 6. The elevator rope storage unit according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the side panel (18) is made of wood board material. 7. The elevator rope storage unit according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the side panel (18) is made of fiberboard or plywood. 8. The elevator rope storage unit according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the rope is strip-shaped and the rope (3, 3', 3", 3"') is wound into the spiral shape by bending the rope (3, 3', 3", 3"') about an axis extending in the width direction of the rope (3, 3', 3", 3"'). 9. The elevator rope storage unit according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the guide collar (20) has a flexible lip forming an inner edge of the guide collar (20) and defining the guide opening (21). 10. The elevator rope storage unit according to claim 2, wherein the polymer material of the collar (20) is rubber or plastic. 11. The elevator rope storage unit according to claim 10, wherein the polymer material of the collar (20) is polyethylene or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). 12. The elevator rope storage unit according to any one of claims 1, 2, 10 and 11, wherein the rope (3, 3', 3", 3"') is under substantial bending tension in the helical shape. 13. The elevator rope storage unit according to claim 12, wherein, as a result of the bending tension, the outer edge of the rope drum (2, 9) is radially compressed against a structure (6, 2) that radially surrounds the rope drum. 14. The elevator rope storage unit according to any one of claims 1, 2, 10, 11 and 13, wherein the rope comprises one or more load-bearing elements (8, 8', 8", 8"') embedded in a polymer coating (p) on the surface forming the rope (3, 3', 3", 3"'). 15. The elevator rope storage unit according to any one of claims 1, 2, 10, 11 and 13, wherein the rope comprises one or more load-bearing elements (8, 8', 8", 8"') made of a composite material comprising reinforcing fibers (f) embedded in a polymer matrix (m). 16. The elevator rope storage unit according to claim 15, wherein the reinforcing fiber (f) is carbon fiber. 17. A method for installing elevator ropes, comprising the following steps: Provide an elevator rope storage unit (1, 1') according to any one of the preceding claims; and Unwind the rope (3, 3', 3", 3"') from the elevator rope storage unit (1, 1'); and The ropes (3, 3', 3", 3"') are connected to one or more movable elevator units (11, 12), each unit (11, 12) comprising at least an elevator car (11). 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the units (11, 12) further include a counterweight (12). 19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the rope (3, 3', 3", 3"') is wound into a spiral shape with a plurality of rope loops, the plurality of rope loops comprising at least a radially outermost rope loop and a radially innermost rope loop, and in the unwinding, the rope (3, 3', 3", 3"') is unwound loop by loop, starting from the innermost rope loop. 20. The method according to any one of claims 17-18, wherein the unwinding comprises moving the rope away from the rope drum (2, 9) via the central space (C) and through the guide opening (21) of the guide collar (20), such that the rope slides against the surface of the collar (20).