Method For Manufacturing A Rope Terminal Equipment, Method For Manufacturing A Rope Terminal Arrangement And Elevator

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a rope terminal equipment of a hoisting device, comprising extruding a profile bar; and cutting a wedge shaped piece from the extruded profile bar; and providing a rope terminal frame comprising a tapering nest suitable for accommodating an end of a rope and said wedge shaped piece. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a rope terminal arrangement of a hoisting device and to an elevator, which implement said method for manufacturing a rope terminal equipment.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a rope terminal equipment of a hoisting device, comprising extruding a profile bar; and cutting a wedge shaped piece from the extruded profile bar; and providing a rope terminal frame comprising a tapering nest suitable for accommodating an end of a rope and said wedge shaped piece.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises mounting the wedge shaped piece in the tapering nest of the rope terminal frame.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein in said extruding the profile bar is extruded of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the wedge shaped piece comprises on opposite sides a first wedge face and a second wedge face which are planar and at an acute angle (alfa) relative to each other.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein at least one wedge face of the wedge shaped piece has an uneven surface pattern, said uneven surface pattern preferably comprising elongated ridges and valleys between the ridges.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein said profile bar comprises one or more planar lateral faces.

7. A method according to claim 1, wherein the wedge shaped piece is cut from the extruded profile bar such that at least one wedge face of the wedge shaped piece is a section of a planar lateral face of the profile bar.

8. A method according to claim 1, wherein at least one planar lateral face of the profile bar has an uneven surface pattern, said uneven surface pattern preferably comprising elongated ridges and valleys between the ridges, which ridges and valleys extend in the longitudinal direction of the extruded profile bar.

9. A method according to claim 1, wherein said profile bar has a wedge-shaped cross-section, and in said cutting the wedge shaped piece is cut from an end of the extruded profile bar.

10. A method according to claim 1, wherein said profile bar has a wedge-shaped cross-section, and in said cutting the wedge shaped piece is cut from the extruded profile bar along a plane that is at least substantially orthogonal relative to the longitudinal direction of the profile bar.

11. A method according to claim 1, wherein said profile bar has a wedge-shaped cross-section and the method further comprises extruding a second profile bar which second profile bar has a second wedge-shaped cross-section, wherein said wedge-shaped cross-sections are joinable together such that they together form a larger wedge-shaped cross-section; and said cutting comprises cutting a wedge shaped piece from each extruded profile bar; and the method comprises joining a wedge shaped piece from the first profile bar with a wedge shaped piece from the second profile bar such that they together form a larger wedge shaped piece.

12. A method according to claim 1, wherein in said cutting the extruded profile bar is cut in cross-direction of the profile along a plane that extends diagonally relative to the longitudinal direction of the profile bar, thereby splitting the extruded profile bar in two wedge shaped pieces.

13. A method for manufacturing a rope terminal arrangement of a hoisting device comprising manufacturing a rope terminal equipment of a hoisting device as defined in claim 1, mounting said wedge shaped piece and an end of a rope into the tapering nest of the rope terminal frame; wedging the wedge shaped piece in the tapering nest to compress the end of the rope for locking the end of the rope into the tapering nest immovably relative to the rope terminal frame.

14. A method according to claim 1, wherein in said mounting, the end of a rope and said wedge shaped piece are mounted into the tapering nest of the rope terminal frame such that a planar wedge face of the wedge shaped piece is placed against the end of the rope.

15. A method according to claim 1, wherein the wedge face of the wedge shaped piece placed against a rope is a section of a lateral face of the profile bar.

16. A method according to claim 1, wherein, the rope comprises one or more elongated load bearing members embedded in a coating forming the outer surface of the rope and extending parallel with the longitudinal direction of the rope unbroken throughout the length of the rope, which load bearing members are made of composite material comprising reinforcing fibers embedded in polymer matrix, said reinforcing fibers preferably being carbon fibers.

17. An elevator, which comprises a rope terminal arrangement obtained with a method defined in claim 1, the rope terminal arrangement fixing an end of a rope of the elevator to a fixing base.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] In the following, the present invention will be described in more detail by way of example and with reference to the attached drawings, in which

[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates steps of the method for manufacturing a rope terminal equipment of a hoisting device.

[0047] FIG. 2 illustrates preferred details for steps of the method, in accordance with a first embodiment.

[0048] FIGS. 3-4 illustrate preferred details of the method for manufacturing a rope terminal equipment of a hoisting device, a rope terminal equipment of a hoisting device and a rope terminal arrangement of a hoisting device.

[0049] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate preferred details for steps of the method, in accordance with a second embodiment.

[0050] FIG. 8 illustrates preferred details for steps of the method, in accordance with a third embodiment.

[0051] FIG. 9 illustrates a first embodiment of an elevator implementing a rope terminal equipment of a hoisting device and a rope terminal arrangement of a hoisting device manufactured with the method according to the invention.

[0052] FIG. 10 illustrates a second embodiment of an elevator implementing a rope terminal equipment of a hoisting device and a rope terminal arrangement of a hoisting device manufactured with the method according to the invention.

[0053] FIG. 11 illustrates a preferred cross-section of the rope.

[0054] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate preferred details of the load bearing member of the rope. The foregoing aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the drawings and the detailed description related thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] FIG. 1 illustrates steps of a method for manufacturing a rope terminal equipment of a hoisting device in accordance to a preferred embodiment. The hoisting device is preferably an elevator but might alternatively be a crane or the like. The method comprises a step 100 wherein a profile bar is extruded, and a step 200 wherein a wedge shaped piece is cut from the extruded profile bar, which wedge shaped piece forms a wedge shaped compression member to be wedged to compress an end of a rope. The method further comprises a step 300 wherein a rope terminal frame comprising a tapering nest suitable for accommodating an end of a rope and said wedge shaped piece is provided. After this, the method preferably further comprises a step 400, as illustrated, wherein the wedge shaped piece is mounted in the tapering nest of the rope terminal frame, in particular such that it is movable in the tapering nest to wedge between a wall of the tapering nest and an end of a rope placed into the tapering nest to compress the end of the rope so as to lock the end of the rope immovably into the nest relative to the rope terminal frame.

[0056] FIG. 2 illustrates preferred details for the steps 100 and 200 of the above described method, in accordance with a first embodiment. In this case, a profile bar 1, illustrated in FIG. 2 is extruded, and thereafter a wedge shaped piece 2 is cut from the extruded profile bar 1 for forming a wedge shaped compression member of the rope terminal equipment to be wedged to compress an end E of a rope R. The cutting line is presented in the Figure. The extruded profile bar 1 has a cross-section constant along the longitudinal direction of the extruded profile bar, wherein the length direction l is the extrusion direction. The profile bar 1 can have any length, but preferably it is long enough that several wedge shaped pieces 2 can be cut therefrom. Thereby several wedge shaped pieces 2 can be mass-produced from one profile bar 1.

[0057] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, said profile bar 1 has wedge-shaped cross-section, and in said cutting the wedge shaped piece 2 is cut from an end of the extruded profile bar 1. In said extruding 100, said profile bar 1 is extruded to comprise on opposite sides a first lateral face 3 and a second lateral face 4, i.e. faces that face in transverse direction of the profile bar 1. The first lateral face 3 and the second lateral face 4 are planar and at an acute angle (alfa) relative to each other. In said cutting 200, the wedge shaped piece 2 is cut from the extruded profile bar 1 such that the wedge faces 3,4 of the wedge shaped piece 2 are sections of planar lateral faces 3,4 of the profile bar 1. In the present case, the wedge shaped piece 2 is cut from the extruded profile bar 1 along a plane that is orthogonal relative to the longitudinal direction l of the profile 1. Said angle (alfa) is preferably less than 45 degrees, more preferably between 2 and 30 degrees, more preferably between 2 and 20 degrees, most preferably between 3 and 15 degrees. It results, that the wedge shaped piece 2 cut from an end of the extruded profile piece comprises on opposite sides a first wedge face 3 and a second wedge face 4 which are planar and at said acute angle (alfa) relative to each other. With this angle, the wedge shaped piece 2 is well suitable for serving as a compression member of a hoisting device. In the preferred embodiment, one of said planar lateral faces 3,4 of the profile bar 1 has an uneven surface pattern P. Said uneven surface pattern P comprises elongated ridges and valleys between the ridges, which ridges and valleys extend in the longitudinal direction of the extruded profile bar 1, wherein the length direction is the extrusion direction. The uneven surface pattern P in this case is a knurling-pattern. The surface pattern P could alternatively be a toothing-pattern or a polyvee-pattern matching with the outer shape of the rope R.

[0058] Using extrusion, it is provided that one of the planar lateral faces 3,4 of the profile bar 1 can be given an uneven surface pattern P simply and without extensive machining. It results, that one 3 of the wedge faces 3,4 of the wedge shaped piece 2 cut from an end of the extruded profile piece 1 also has an uneven surface pattern P. Thus, also the wedge shaped piece 2 can be made to have an uneven surface pattern P simply and without extensive machining. The first wedge face 3 of the wedge shaped piece 2 is a face for being placed against a rope R and the second wedge face 4 is a face for being placed against an inner wall of a tapered nest N to slide against it for enabling wedging. The first wedge face 3 of the wedge shaped piece 2 cut the extruded profile piece 1 has preferably an uneven surface pattern as disclosed. The second wedge face 4 is preferably smooth as disclosed, because thus it can slide without obstructions against another surface. Said wedge face 3 being in the preferred embodiment planar, albeit is can comprise an uneven surface pattern P, provides that it can simply exert compression force on a rope R without bending it into a curved form. Owing to the planar construction, a wide contact area and thereby a gentle gripping can be established between the rope R and the wedge shaped piece. The rope R is thus also maintained straight. Planar construction is particularly advantageous if the rope is coated and thereby unable to withstand great point loads, but also if the load bearing members are brittle and thereby sensitive to bending and high point loads as well.

[0059] In the foregoing, the wedge shaped piece is to have an uneven surface pattern. However, the described manufacturing can of course be utilized also if uneven surface patterns are not to be used, in which case the planar lateral faces 3,4 of the profile bar can be shaped smooth so as to achieve smooth wedge faces 3,4 for the wedge shaped piece 2.

[0060] As mentioned, the method comprises a step 300 of providing a rope terminal frame. A preferred construction for the rope terminal frame F is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, wherein the rope terminal frame F comprises a tapering nest N suitable for accommodating an end E of a rope R and said wedge shaped piece 2. After this, the method comprises a step 400 of mounting the wedge shaped piece 2 in the tapering nest N of the rope terminal frame F, in particular such that it is movable in the tapering nest N to wedge between a wall W of the tapering nest N and an end E of a rope R placed into the tapering nest to compress the end of the rope so as to lock the end of the rope immovably into the nest relative to the rope terminal frame. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the details of the solution in a state where the rope end E has been mounted in the tapered nest N, and wedged immovably using the wedge shaped piece 2. The tapering nest N tapers towards an opening O through which the rope R can pass. In the mounting 400 the end E of the rope R is arranged to pass through said opening O.

[0061] FIGS. 5 to 7 illustrate preferred details for the steps 100 and 200 of the above described method, in accordance with a second embodiment. In this case, a profile bar 11a illustrated in FIG. 5 is extruded, and thereafter a wedge shaped piece 12a is cut from the extruded profile bar 11a which wedge shaped piece 12a forms a wedge shaped compression member of the rope terminal equipment to be wedged to compress an end of a rope R. The cutting line is presented in the Figure. The profile bar 11a can have any length, but preferably it is long enough that several wedge shaped pieces 12a can be cut therefrom. The extruded profile bar 11a has a cross-section constant along the longitudinal direction of the extruded profile bar, wherein the length direction l is the extrusion direction. Additionally, a second profile bar 11b illustrated in FIG. 6 is extruded which second profile bar 11b has a second wedge-shaped cross-section, wherein said wedge-shaped cross-sections are joinable together such that they together form a larger wedge-shaped cross-section. Thereafter, the second wedge shaped piece 12b is cut from the extruded profile bar 11b which wedge shaped piece 12b forms a second wedge shaped compression member of the rope terminal equipment to be wedged to compress an end of a rope R. The cutting line is presented in the Figure. The profile bar 11b can have any length, but preferably it is long enough that several wedge shaped pieces 12b can be cut therefrom. After the wedge shaped pieces 12a,12b are cut, a wedge shaped piece 12a from the first profile bar 11a is joined with a wedge shaped piece 12b from the second profile bar 11b such that they together form a larger wedge shaped piece. Thereby these wedge shaped compression members together form a larger two-part compression member. In the preferred embodiment, said wedge-shaped cross-sections form a pair of male and female-shapes that are joinable together by shape locking.

[0062] Each said wedge shaped pieces 12a,12b can be manufactured correspondingly as described above in context of FIG. 2. Accordingly, in said extruding 100, each said profile bar 11a,11b is extruded to have a wedge-shaped cross-section, and in said cutting the wedge shaped piece 12a,12b is cut from an end of the extruded profile bar 11a,11b. Accordingly, in said extruding 100, each said profile bar 11a,11b is extruded to comprise on opposite sides a first lateral face 13a,13b and a second lateral face 14a,14b, i.e. faces that face in transverse direction of the profile bar 1. The first lateral face 13a,13b and the second lateral face 14a,14b are planar and at an acute angle (alfa) relative to each other.

[0063] In said cutting 200, each wedge shaped piece 12a,12b is cut from the extruded profile bar 11a,11b such that the wedge faces 13a, 14a; 13b, 14b of the wedge shaped piece 12a,12b are sections of planar lateral faces 13a, 14a; 13b, 14b of the profile bar 11a,11b. In the present case, the wedge shaped piece 12a,12b is cut from the extruded profile bar 11a,11b along a plane that is orthogonal relative to the longitudinal direction l of the profile bar 11a,11b. Said angle (alfa) is preferably less than 45 degrees, more preferably between 2 and 30 degrees, more preferably between 2 and 20 degrees, most preferably between 3 and 15 degrees. It results, that the wedge shaped piece 12a,12b cut from an end of the extruded profile piece comprises on opposite sides a first wedge face 13a,13b and a second wedge face 14a,14b which are planar and at said acute angle (alfa) relative to each other. With this angle, the wedge shaped piece 12a,12b is well suitable for serving as a compression member of a hoisting device. In the preferred embodiment, one of said planar lateral faces 13a, 14a; 13b, 14b of the profile bar 11a,11b has an uneven surface pattern P. Said uneven surface pattern P comprises elongated ridges and valleys between the ridges, which ridges and valleys extend in the longitudinal direction of the extruded profile bar 11a,11b, wherein the length direction is the extrusion direction. The uneven surface pattern P in this case is a knurling-pattern. The surface pattern P could alternatively be a toothing-pattern or a polyvee-pattern matching with the outer shape of the rope R.

[0064] Using extrusion, it is provided that one of the planar lateral faces 13a, 14a; 13b, 14b of each profile bar 11a,11b can be given an uneven surface pattern P simply and without extensive machining. It results, that one 13a,13b of the wedge faces 13a, 14a; 13b, 14b of the wedge shaped piece 12a,12b cut from an end of the extruded profile bar 11a,11b also has an uneven surface pattern P. Thus, also the wedge shaped piece 2 can be made to have an uneven surface pattern P simply and without extensive machining. The first wedge face 13a,13b of the wedge shaped piece 12a,12b is a face for being placed against a rope R and the second wedge face 14a,14b is a face for being placed against an inner wall of a tapered nest N to slide against it for enabling wedging. The first wedge face 13a,13b of the wedge shaped piece 12a,12b cut the extruded profile bar 11a,11b has preferably an uneven surface pattern P as disclosed. The second wedge face 14a,14b is preferably smooth as disclosed, because thus it can slide without obstructions against another surface. The first wedge face 13a,13b being in the preferred embodiment planar, albeit is can comprise an uneven surface pattern P, provides that it can simply exert compression force on a rope R without bending it into a curved form. Owing to the planar construction, a wide contact area and thereby a gentle gripping can be established between the rope R and each wedge shaped piece. The rope R is thus also maintained straight. Planar construction is particularly advantageous if the rope is coated and thereby unable to withstand great point loads, but also if the load bearing members are brittle and thereby sensitive to bending and high point loads as well.

[0065] In the foregoing, each wedge shaped piece is to have an uneven surface pattern. However, the described manufacturing can of course be utilized also if uneven surface patterns are not to be used, in which case the planar lateral faces 13a,13;14a,14b of the profile can be shaped smooth so as to achieve smooth wedge faces 13a,13;14a,14b for the wedge shaped pieces.

[0066] As mentioned, the method comprises a step 300 of providing a rope terminal frame. A preferred construction for the rope terminal frame F is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, wherein the rope terminal frame F comprises a tapering nest N suitable for accommodating an end E of a rope R and said wedge shaped pieces 12a,12b. After this, the method comprises a step 400 of mounting each said wedge shaped piece 12a,12b in the tapering nest N of the rope terminal frame F, in particular such that it is movable in the tapering nest N to wedge between a wall W of the tapering nest N and an end of a rope R placed into the tapering nest to compress the end of the rope so as to lock the end of the rope immovably into the nest relative to the rope terminal frame. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the details of the solution with the wedge shaped piece 2 of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the construction is otherwise similar but the wedge shaped piece 2 is replaced with the wedged shaped pieces 12a,12b joined as illustrated in FIG. 7. In the second embodiment, in said mounting 400, the wedge shaped pieces 12a,12b are mounted in the tapering nest N of the rope terminal frame F such that they are movable as one unit in the tapering nest N to wedge between a wall W of the tapering nest N and an end of a rope R placed into the tapering nest to compress the end of the rope so as to lock the end of the rope immovably into the nest relative to the rope terminal frame F.

[0067] FIG. 8 illustrates preferred details for the steps 100 and 200 of the above described method, in accordance with a third embodiment. In this embodiment, a profile bar 21 is extruded, and thereafter a wedge shaped piece 22 is cut from the extruded profile bar 21 for forming a wedge shaped compression member of the rope terminal equipment to be wedged to compress an end E of a rope R. The extruded profile bar 21 has a cross-section constant along the longitudinal direction of the extruded profile bar, wherein the length direction l is the extrusion direction. The profile bar 21 can have any length. In this case, in said extruding 100 a profile bar 21 is extruded, which profile bar 21 comprises on opposite sides a lateral face 23a, 23b suitable for forming a face of the wedge shaped piece 22a,22b to be placed against a rope R. Each said lateral face 23a, 23b is in the preferred embodiment planar, whereby it can simply exert compression force on a rope R without bending it into a curved form. After the extruding 100 the cutting 200 is performed wherein two wedge shaped pieces 22a,22b for forming a wedge shaped compression member to be wedged to compress an end of a rope are cut from the extruded profile bar 21. The cutting line is presented in the FIG. 8. The extruded profile bar 21 has a cross-section constant along the longitudinal direction of the extruded profile bar, wherein the length direction is the extrusion direction. In the cutting 200 the extruded profile bar 21 is cut in cross-direction of the profile 21 along a plane that extends diagonally relative to the longitudinal direction l of the profile bar 21, thereby splitting the extruded profile bar 21 in two wedge shaped pieces 22a,22b. In said cutting 200, the wedge shaped pieces 22a,22b are cut from the extruded profile bar 21 such that a wedge face 23a, 23b of each wedge shaped piece 22a,22b is a section of a planar lateral face 23a, 23b of the profile bar 21. The lateral planar faces 23a, 23b are parallel, whereby two at least substantially similar wedge shaped pieces 22a,22b can be simply cut with one diagonal cut.

[0068] It is preferable, although not necessary, that one or both of said lateral faces 23a, 23b of the profile bar 21 has an uneven surface pattern P comprising elongated ridges and valleys between the ridges. In the illustrated embodiment, the uneven surface pattern P is a knurling-pattern. The ridges and valleys preferably extend in the longitudinal direction of the extruded profile bar 21, wherein the length direction is the extrusion direction. Hereby, it is provided that the profile bar 21 can be given by extrusion an uneven surface pattern simply and without extensive machining. The surface pattern P could alternatively be a polyvee-pattern matching with the outer shape of the rope R.

[0069] Each wedge shaped piece 22a,22b comprises on opposite sides a first planar wedge face 23a, 23b and a second planar wedge face 24a,24b, which are an acute angle (alfa) relative to each other. The angle is preferably less than 45 degrees, more preferably between 2 and 30 degrees, more preferably between 2 and 20 degrees, most preferably between 3 and 15 degrees. Thus, the wedge shaped piece 12a,12b is well suitable for serving as a compression member of a hoisting device.

[0070] The first wedge face 23a, 23b of the wedge shaped piece 22a,22b is preferably a face for being placed against a rope R and the second lateral face 24a,24b is a face for being placed against an inner wall of a tapered nest N to slide against it for enabling wedging. The first lateral face 23a, 23b of the wedge shaped piece 22a,22b cut the extruded profile piece, being in this case intended to be set against the rope R, is provided with an uneven surface pattern P as disclosed. The second lateral face 24a,24b is preferably smooth as disclosed, because thus it can slide without obstructions against another surface.

[0071] In the foregoing, the wedge shaped pieces 22a,22b are meant to have an uneven surface pattern. However, the described manufacturing can of course be utilized also if uneven surface patterns are not to be used, in which case the planar lateral faces 23a, 23b of the profile bar 21 can be shaped smooth so as to achieve smooth wedge faces 23a, 23b for the wedge shaped pieces 22a,22b.

[0072] As mentioned, the method further comprises a step 300 of providing a rope terminal frame. A preferred construction for the rope terminal frame F is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, wherein the rope terminal frame F comprises a tapering nest N suitable for accommodating an end E of a rope R and said wedge shaped piece 22. After this, the method comprises a step 400 of mounting each said wedge shaped piece 22 in the tapering nest N of the rope terminal frame F, in particular such that it is movable in the tapering nest N to wedge between a wall W of the tapering nest N and an end of a rope R placed into the tapering nest to compress the end of the rope so as to lock the end of the rope immovably into the nest relative to the rope terminal frame F. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the details of the solution with the wedge shaped piece 2 of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the construction is otherwise similar but each wedge shaped piece 2 is replaced with a wedged shaped piece 22a,22b illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0073] An embodiment of the method for manufacturing a rope terminal arrangement A of a hoisting device comprises manufacturing a rope terminal equipment of a hoisting device as described above, preferably in accordance with the first, second or third embodiment. The method comprises extruding 100 a profile bar 1;11a,11b;21, and thereafter cutting 200 a wedge shaped piece 2;12a,12b;22a,22b from the extruded profile bar 1;11a,11b;21 for forming a wedge shaped compression member to be wedged to compress an end of a rope. The method further comprises providing 300 a rope terminal frame F comprising a tapering nest N suitable for accommodating an end E of a rope R and said wedge shaped piece 2;12a,12b; 22a,22b. The method further comprises mounting 400 the wedge shaped piece 2;12a,12b; 22a,22b and an end E of a rope R into the tapering nest N of the rope terminal frame F, and thereafter wedging the wedge shaped piece 2;12a,12b; 22a,22b in the tapering nest N between a wall W of the tapering nest N and the end E of the rope R to compress the end E of the rope R such that the end E of the rope R is locked into the tapering nest N immovably relative to the rope terminal frame F. The tapering nest N tapers towards an opening O through which the rope R can pass. In the mounting 400 the end E of the rope R is arranged to pass through said opening O. In said wedging, the wedge shaped piece 2;12a,12b; 22a,22b and the rope end E are wedged in the nest N such that they are immovable relative to the wedge frame F towards said opening O. Figure illustrates a rope terminal arrangement A of a hoisting device manufactured by this method.

[0074] In the preferred embodiment, in said mounting, the end E of a rope R and said wedge shaped piece 2;12a,12b;22a,22b are mounted into the tapering nest N of the rope terminal frame F such that a face 3;13a,13b;23a, 23b of the wedge shaped piece 2;12a,12b; 22a,22b is placed against the end E of the rope R. Thus, it can be the component by which the rope R is directly engaged. The face 3;13a,13b;23a, 23b of the wedge shaped piece 2;12a,12b;22a,22b placed against the rope R is planar whereby it can simply exert compression force on a rope R without bending it into a curved form.

[0075] In the preferred embodiment, the face 3;13a,13b;23a, 23b placed against a rope R is provided with an uneven surface pattern P. The uneven surface pattern P is a toothing or a polyvee or a knurling-pattern or some other pattern comprising elongated ridges and valleys between the ridges. In the preferred embodiment, the face 3;13a,13b;23a, 23b of the wedge shaped piece 2;12a,12b;22a,22b placed against a rope R is a section of the aforementioned lateral face 3;13a,13b;23a, 23b of the profile bar 1;11a,11b;21.

[0076] To make the arrangement A suitable for carrying a load, the method comprises mounting the rope terminal frame F on a fixing base 50,60,70. The hoisting device being an elevator, said fixing base 50,60,70 is an elevator car, a counterweight or a stationary structure 70 of the building wherein the elevator is installed.

[0077] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate preferred embodiments of the elevator utilizing the rope terminal equipement and the rope terminal arrangement A described above. The elevator comprises a hoistway H and elevator units 50,60 vertically movable in the hoistway H. The elevator units 50,60 include in this case an elevator car 50 and a counterweight 60. In both embodiments, the elevator further comprises one or more ropes R, each being connected with said elevator units 50, 60 and having two ends, each end being fixed to a fixing base 50,60,70. Each said rope R suspends the elevator units 50,60 whereto it is connected. Accordingly, the rope R is in this case a suspension rope R of the elevator. Each of said rope ends are fixed with a rope terminal arrangement A to its fixing base 50,60,70. The rope terminal arrangement A is as described elsewhere in the application. The illustrated elevators differ from each other in terms of their suspension ratios, i.e. how the ropes R have been connected with the elevator units 50,60. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the fixing base is for one end of the rope R the elevator unit 50, and for the other end the elevator unit 60. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, on the other hand, the fixing base is for both ends of the rope R a stationary structure 70 of the building wherein the elevator is installed.

[0078] The elevators illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 are more specifically such that each of them comprises one or more upper rope wheels 80,81 mounted higher than the car 50 and the counterweight 60, in this case particularly in proximity of the upper end of the hoistway H. In this case there are two of said rope wheels 80,81 but the elevator could be implemented also with some other number of rope wheels. Each of said one or more ropes R pass around said one or more rope wheels 80,81 mounted in proximity of the upper end of the hoistway H. In this case the one or more rope wheels 80,81 are mounted inside the upper end of the hoistway H, but alternatively they could be mounted inside a space beside or above the upper end of the hoistway H. Said one or more rope wheels 80,81 comprise a drive wheel 80 engaging said one or more hoisting ropes R, and the elevator comprises a motor M for rotating the drive wheel 80. The elevator car 50 can be moved by rotating the drive wheel 80 engaging each of said ropes R. The elevator further comprises an elevator control unit 90 for automatically controlling rotation of the motor M, whereby the movement of the car 50 is also made automatically controllable. Each of said one or more ropes R is preferably belt-shaped and passes around the one or more rope wheels 80,81 turning around an axis extending in width direction w of the rope R, the wide side thereof, i.e. the side facing in thickness direction t of the rope R, resting against the one or more rope wheels 80,81.

[0079] FIG. 11 illustrates a preferred structure of the rope R. The rope R is belt-shaped. It is substantially larger in its width direction w than in its thickness direction t. The rope has two opposite planar sides 51,52 facing in thickness direction t of the rope R. This provides that the rope R can be fixed firmly also without bending it, which would be disadvantageous if the rope has rigid and/or brittle elements. It is not necessary, but it is preferable, that the width/thickness ratio of the rope R is high, preferably at least 2 more preferably at least 4, or even more. In this way a large gripping area as well as a large cross-sectional area for the rope R is achieved. The bending capacity around the width-directional axis being favorable also with rigid materials of the load bearing member, such as composite material. Owing to the wide shape, the rope R suits very well to be used in hoisting appliances, in particular in elevators, wherein the rope R needs to be guided around rope wheels. As above mentioned, the rope R comprises one or more elongated load bearing members 5, which are embedded in a coating 6 forming the outer surface of the rope R and extend parallel to the longitudinal direction l of the rope R unbroken throughout the length of the rope R. It is preferable that each load bearing member 5 is shaped wide, as illustrated. Accordingly, each of said one or more load bearing members 5 is preferably larger in its width direction w than in its thickness direction t of the rope R. Particularly, the width/thickness ratio of each of said one or more load bearing members 5 is then preferably more than 2. Thereby, the bending resistance of the rope R is small but the load bearing total cross sectional area is vast with minimal non-bearing areas.

[0080] The coating 6 is preferably made of polymer material. With the coating 6, the rope R is provided with a surface via which the rope R can effectively engage frictionally with a drive wheel of an elevator, for instance. Also, hereby the friction properties and/or other surface properties of the rope are adjustable, independently of the load bearing function, such that the rope perform wells in the intended use, for instance in terms of traction for transmitting force in longitudinal direction of the rope so as to move the rope with a drive wheel. Furthermore, the load bearing members 5 embedded therein are thus provided with protection. The coating 6 is preferably elastic. Elastic polymer material, for example polyurethane provides the rope R the desired frictional properties simply, good wear resistance as well as efficient protection for the load bearing members 5. Polyurethane is in general well suitable for elevator use, but also materials such as rubber or silicon or equivalent elastic materials are suitable for the material of the coating 6. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, there are plurality of the load bearing members 5, which are adjacent each other in width direction w of the rope R. In the present case, there are particularly four of said load bearing members 2 embedded adjacently in said coating 6, but the rope R could alternatively any other number of load bearing members 5. The rope R could also be made to have only one load bearing member 5 or plurality of load bearing members 5 stacked in thickness direction t, for instance.

[0081] Said one or more load bearing members 5 is/are preferably, but not necessarily, made of composite material comprising reinforcing fibers f embedded in polymer matrix m, said reinforcing fibers preferably being carbon fibers. With this kind of structure, the rope R has especially advantageous properties in elevator use, such as light weight and good tensile stiffness in longitudinal direction. The load bearing members of this kind are being relatively brittle, e.g. when compared to steel, and prefer gentle fixing. For this reason, the rope terminal equipment/arrangement, as presented, are particularly advantageous in fixing of the rope R. Also, the coating 6 can be safely made of polymer material.

[0082] FIG. 12 illustrates a preferred inner structure for said load bearing member 5, showing inside the circle an enlarged view of the cross section of the load bearing member 5 close to the surface thereof, as viewed in the longitudinal direction l of the load bearing member 5. The parts of the load bearing member 5 not showed in FIG. 12 have a similar structure. FIG. 13 illustrates the load bearing member 5 three dimensionally. The load bearing member 2 is made of composite material comprising reinforcing fibers f embedded in polymer matrix m. The reinforcing fibers f are more specifically distributed evenly in polymer matrix m and bound to each other by the polymer matrix m. This has been done e.g. in the manufacturing phase by immersing them together in the fluid material of the polymer matrix which is thereafter solidified. The load bearing member 5 formed is a solid elongated rod-like one-piece structure. Said reinforcing fibers f are most preferably carbon fibers, but alternatively they can be glass fibers, or possibly some other fibers. Preferably, the reinforcing fibers f of each load bearing member 5 are parallel with the longitudinal direction of the load bearing member 5. Thereby, the fibers f are also parallel with the longitudinal direction of the rope R as each load bearing member 5 is oriented parallel with the longitudinal direction of the rope R. This is advantageous for the rigidity as well as behavior in bending. Owing to the parallel structure, the fibers in the rope R will be aligned with the force when the rope R is pulled, which ensures that the structure provides high tensile stiffness. The fibers f used in the preferred embodiments are accordingly substantially untwisted in relation to each other, which provides them said orientation parallel with the longitudinal direction of the rope R. This is in contrast to the conventionally twisted elevator ropes, where the wires or fibers are strongly twisted and have normally a twisting angle from 15 up to 40 degrees, the fiber/wire bundles of these conventionally twisted elevator ropes thereby having the potential for transforming towards a straighter configuration under tension, which provides these ropes a high elongation under tension as well as leads to an unintegral structure. The reinforcing fibers f are preferably long continuous fibers in the longitudinal direction of the load bearing member 5, preferably continuing for the whole length of the load bearing member 5.

[0083] The composite matrix m, into which the individual fibers f are distributed, is most preferably made of epoxy, which has good adhesiveness to the reinforcement fibers f and which is known to behave advantageously with reinforcing fibers such as carbon fiber particularly. Alternatively, e.g. polyester or vinyl ester can be used, but any other suitable alternative materials can be used.

[0084] The matrix m of the load bearing member 5 is most preferably hard in its material properties. A hard matrix m helps to support the reinforcing fibers f, especially when the rope bends, preventing buckling of the reinforcing fibers f of the bent rope, because the hard material supports the fibers f efficiently. The most preferred materials for the matrix are epoxy resin, polyester, phenolic plastic or vinyl ester. The polymer matrix m is preferably so hard that its module of elasticity (E) is over 2 GPa, most preferably over 2.5 GPa. In this case the module of elasticity E is preferably in the range 2.5-10 GPa, most preferably in the range 2.5-4.5 GPa. There are commercially available various material alternatives for the matrix m which can provide these material properties. However, the polymer matrix need not be this hard necessarily, e.g. if the downsides of a softer material are deemed acceptable or irrelevant for the intended use. In that case, the polymer matrix m can be made of elastomer material such as polyurethane or rubber for instance Preferably over 50% proportion of the surface area of the cross-section of the load bearing member 2 is of the aforementioned reinforcing fiber, preferably such that 50%-80% proportion is of the aforementioned reinforcing fiber, more preferably such that 55%-70% proportion is of the aforementioned reinforcing fiber, and substantially all the remaining surface area is of polymer matrix m. Most preferably, this is carried out such that approx. 60% of the surface area is of reinforcing fiber and approx. 40% is of matrix material (preferably epoxy material). In this way a good longitudinal stiffness for the load bearing member 2 is achieved. As mentioned carbon fiber is the most preferred fiber to be used as said reinforcing fiber due to its excellent properties in hoisting appliances, particularly in elevators. However, this is not necessary as alternative fibers could be used, such as glass fiber, which has been found to be suitable for the hoisting ropes as well. The load bearing members 5 are preferably each completely non-metallic, i.e. made not to comprise metal.

[0085] In the illustrated embodiments, the load bearing members 5 are substantially rectangular and larger in width direction than thickness direction. However, this is not necessary as alternative shapes could be used. Likewise, it is not necessary that the number of the load bearing members is four which is used for the purpose of the example. The number of the load bearing members 5 can be greater or smaller. The number can be one, two or three for instance, in which cases it may be preferably to shape it/them wider than what is shown in Figures.

[0086] In the preferred embodiments, an advantageous structure for the rope R has been disclosed. However, the invention can be utilized with also other kind of ropes such as with other kinds of belt-shaped ropes having different materials. Also, the outer shape of the rope R could be contoured otherwise than disclosed, such as to have a polyvee shape or toothed shape. In the illustrated examples, the rope is smooth and shaped without uneven surface pattern such as a polyvee pattern or a tooth pattern. However, this is not necessary as the rope could alternatively be provided with an uneven surface pattern such as a polyvee pattern or a tooth pattern. In this case, the compression members can also be provided with an uneven surface pattern forming a counterpart for the uneven surface pattern of the rope.

[0087] It is preferable, although not necessary, that in said extruding the profile bar 1;11a,11b;21 is extruded of metal material. Preferably, the material is more specifically aluminum or aluminum alloy, which does not corrode easily and can provide low friction with frame parts without complicated measures. Alternatively, in said extruding the profile bar could be extruded of polymer material.

[0088] In the illustrated solutions two of said wedge shaped pieces are configured to receive the rope end E between them. In the above, manufacturing and mounting of wedge shaped pieces on one side of the rope has been described. The method may comprise providing a wedge shaped piece also on the opposite side, preferably in the corresponding manner as above described, and mounting it in the tapering nest N of the rope terminal frame F on an opposite side of the rope than the aforementioned wedge shaped piece, in particular such that it is movable in the tapering nest N to wedge between a wall W of the tapering nest N and an end of a rope R placed into the tapering nest, to compress the end of the rope so as to lock the end of the rope immovably into the nest relative to the rope terminal frame. Using two wedge shaped pieces configured to receive the rope end E between them is, however, not necessary as the solution could alternatively have a wedge shaped piece on only one side of the rope R like in US2014/0182975A1. In this case, a wall of the frame F could be adapted to give reaction force for achieving proper compression, for instance.

[0089] It is to be understood that the above description and the accompanying Figures are only intended to teach the best way known to the inventors to make and use the invention. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The above-described embodiments of the invention may thus be modified or varied, without departing from the invention, as appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.