A monitoring arrangement of elevator ropes and elevator

Abstract

The invention relates to a monitoring arrangement (1) of elevator ropes (2), comprising a row of ropes (2), comprising a plurality of ropes (2) positioned side by side; and one or more light emitters (30a, 30b) arranged to emit one or more light beams, the one or more light beams forming a plurality of spaced apart light beam portions (31a, 31b) oriented to pass in thickness direction of the row of ropes (2), wherein there is a separate pair (p1-p7) of said light beam portions (31a, 31b) per each individual rope (2), each rope being positioned in width direction of the row between one of said pairs (p1-p7) of light beam portions (31a, 31b); and a plurality of light sensors (32a, 32b) for sensing light of said one or more light emitters (30a, 30b); and a monitoring system (100) arranged to monitor sensor signals of said plurality of light sensors (32a, 32b). The invention also relates to an elevator (200) comprising an elevator car (60) and the monitoring arrangement (1) of elevator ropes (2).

Description

[0001] A MONITORING ARRANGEMENT OF ELEVATOR ROPES AND ELEVATOR

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to monitoring of elevator ropes, wherein the elevator is in particular an elevator for transporting passengers and / or goods.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Conventional elevators have plurality of ropes connected to the elevator car. The ropes typically pass around a traction wheel and guide wheels, which divert the route of the ropes. The traction wheel and the guide wheels are typically provided with a shape for keeping the ropes in a certain position in axial direction of the wheel in question. In an elevator having traditional steel ropes, the ropes pass inside grooves of the rotatable traction wheel. There are also elevators where the ropes are guided by a cambered shape of the rim of the wheel. This suits well for belt-shaped ropes. Cambered shape is a gentle way to guide the ropes and may be desired for instance when the ropes have sensitive surface structure and / or sensitive internal structure.

[0006] In solutions utilizing cambered shape (also later referred to as crowning shape) for guidance, the intended placement of the rope is in the middle of the cambered area, but normally the rope is allowed to move sideways a little bit. It may happen that the rope gets too far displaced from the peak of the crowning shape. Running of a rope far outside its intended course is potential to cause different dangerous problems such as damaging the rope itself or other components of the elevator. Thus, there is a need to prevent the rope from running outside its intended course, or in some other way prevent the situation from developing this far. Safety solutions have been suggested for stopping the elevator operation if a rope is displaced from its intended position over a limit position. Such a solution has been suggested in document EP2947034A1, for instance. In this document, a solution is disclosed with mechanical sensing members sensing displacement of ropes over limit positions. Also, a contactless monitoring solution is disclosed. This is implemented using sensors sensing electromagnetic radiation reflected from ropes displaced over limit positions. In response to displacement of ropes beyond a limit position, stopping of elevator drive machinery is triggered.

[0007] It has been concluded that there are various reasons that may cause displacement of a rope that moves guided by a cambered wheel. Some displacement is normal. For instance, changes of elevator drive direction cause typically minor displacement, which doesn't require reacting. Also, damage, wear or degradation of internal structures or surface structures of the rope can cause displacement, which may need to be reacted to before the issue develops worse. An internal damage, such as delamination of a composite structure of a composite rope, can for example cause a change in stress distribution within the rope which can change of the balance position where the rope gets positioned on a crowning shape. It has been concluded that as a precaution for this kind of issues, it would be advantageous to give early attention to the individual rope, which has started to run aside of its intended course even though the position has not reached a dangerous limit. The attention could involve checking, maintenance or even replacing the individual rope. This kind of attention could be scheduled so that the elevator need not be stopped during high traffic. Should it appear that the rope need to be changed, a rope can be brought at site in advance so that it is ready when needed, which shortens the downtime of the elevator.

[0008] One drawback of known solutions has been that their accuracy is not efficient to surface issues early with regard to minor structural changes inside the rope. One drawback of known solutions has been that, even though the displacement of ropes dangerously far from intended course would be safely and reliably monitored, they bring the elevator operation into an immediate and sudden stop without early warnings, and the elevator may be out of operation for some time due to fixing of the issue behind the excessive displacement of the rope(s).

[0009] One drawback of known solutions has been that they don't simply and early bring into attention if an individual rope has displacement issues. Also, they do not provide nor do they indicate which rope has such issues. Also, they are not provided for indicating location of the point of the rope where a structural reason for the displacement might be found.

[0010] One drawback of known solutions has been that accurate monitoring of displacement of ropes such that minor displacement issues can be noticed and reacted to early before development into a dangerous situation has required contact with the ropes and / or complex solutions.

[0011] Brief description of the invention

[0012] The object of the invention is to introduce an improved monitoring arrangement and elevator.

[0013] An object is to introduce a new solution by which one or more of the above-mentioned problems of prior art and / or drawbacks discussed or implied elsewhere in the description can be alleviated.

[0014] An object is, inter alia, to provide a solution where rope position can be monitored with high accuracy, reliability and simplicity.

[0015] An object is, inter alia, to provide a solution by which it is possible to obtain early warnings of development towards a situation that might lead to an unscheduled stop and lengthy downtime of the elevator system. An object is, inter alia, to provide a solution that can reduce avoidable downtime of a solution utilizing rope guidance with crowning shape of a wheel.

[0016] An object is, inter alia, to provide a solution that can be made to bring the elevator to a stop if this is required, while avoiding unnecessary stops.

[0017] An object is, inter alia, to provide a solution which is simple and gentle for the ropes.

[0018] It is brought forward a new monitoring arrangement of elevator ropes, comprising a row of ropes, which row comprises plurality of ropes positioned side by side; and one or more light emitters arranged to emit one or more light beams, the one or more light beams forming a plurality of spaced apart light beam portions oriented to pass in thickness direction of the row of ropes, wherein there is a separate pair of said light beam portions per each individual rope, each rope being positioned in width direction of the row between one of said pairs of light beam portions; and plurality of light sensors for sensing light of said one or more light emitters; and a monitoring system arranged to monitor sensor signals of said plurality of light sensors.

[0019] With this kind of solution one or more of the above-mentioned objects can be facilitated.

[0020] Preferable further details of the arrangement are introduced in the following, which further details can be combined with the arrangement individually or in any combination.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, said plurality of light sensors comprises per each said light beam portion a light sensor for sensing light of the light beam portion.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, said plurality of light sensors comprises per each said light beam portion a light sensor for sensing light of the light beam portion to which light sensor the light beam portion is directed to pass, wherein each said rope, when moved in width direction of the row away from its position between the pair of light beam portions such that it crosses the path of a light beam portion, is arranged to block passing of light of said light beam portion to a light sensor. Thereby, such a light barrier can be formed by each light beam portion, crossing of which can be sensed and reacted to. This kind of solution is reliable and accurate, because the edges of the light beam portions can be accurately positioned for thereby providing accurate and reliable limit positions for the ropes. A light sensor being provided per each said beam portion provides that presence of each light beam portion can be individually sensed, which facilitates identification of the source of issue in the case a light beam portion is blocked.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the light is laser light or infrared light.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, each said light beam portion forms a light barrier.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the light emitters and the light sensors are on the opposite sides of the row in thickness direction of the row.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring system is configured to detect a predetermined change in the sensor signal of any of the light sensors indicating that passing of light beam portion into the light sensor is blocked, said predetermined change preferably being a cease of said signal, or a cease of said signal for at least a predetermined period of time; and / or to perform one or more actions in response to detecting a predetermined change in the sensor signal of any of the light sensors, said one or more actions preferably comprising generating an alarm signal.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring system is configured to identify and / or indicate the light sensor in the sensor signal of which a predetermined change was detected; and / or identify and / or indicate the rope associated with the light sensor in the sensor signal of which a predetermined change was detected [each light sensor is associated with one of the ropes]; and / or identify and / or indicate the direction to which a rope has been displaced.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring system is configured to identify and / or indicate by deducing by the monitoring system based on sensor signals of the light sensors associated with a rope the direction to which a rope has been displaced.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring system is configured to register position of the car of the elevator at the moment of occurrence of the predetermined change in the sensor signal of any of the light sensors and / or to determine e.g. by calculation which part of a rope was located at the point of a light sensor when a predetermined change in the sensor signal thereof occurred.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, only one rope is between each said pair the light beam portions.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring system is configured to collect and store, e.g. in a memory, sensor signal data based on sensor signals of said plurality of light sensors.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring system is configured to analyze the sensor signal data.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, each light beam portion lights, preferably continuously, a light sensor provided for it. Thereby, such a light barrier can be efficiently formed by the light beam portion, which can be used to notice if rope has moved to cross the path of a light beam portion. In a preferred embodiment, the light beam portions of each said pair of light beam portions are at a distance from each other, which distance is greater than the width of the rope positioned between the pair.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, said first light beam portion and second light beam portion of each pair have side edges extending on opposite sides of the rope (on a first and second side of the rope) a distance apart from the rope, said side edges defining the distance between the light beam portions of the pair. This kind of solution is reliable and accurate, because the edges of the light beam portions can be accurately positioned for thereby providing accurate and reliable limit positions for the ropes.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, each said pair of light beam portions comprises a first light beam portion arranged to pass on a first side of a rope to a first light sensor a distance apart from the rope, and a second light beam portion arranged to pass on second side of the rope to a second light sensor a distance apart from the rope.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, in the monitoring system, a single rope is associated with each light sensor.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, between ropes adjacent in width direction of the row there are two light beam portions belonging to adjacent pairs of light beam portions.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring arrangement comprises a first means for sensing displacement of the ropes, said first means comprising said one or more light emitters and said plurality of light sensors, and second means for sensing displacement of the ropes based on sensing of which the monitoring system is configured to trigger one or more actions for stopping and / or preventing movement of the elevator car. In a preferred embodiment, the arrangement, in particular the aforementioned second means, comprises sensing members for sensing displacement of rope in width direction of the row, each rope being positioned in width direction of the row between a pair of sensing members.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, each rope is between a pair of light beam portions and between a pair of sensing members, the distance (in width direction of the row) between the pair of sensing members being larger than the distance (in width direction of the row) between the pair of light beam portions.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, each said pair of sensing members comprises a first sensing member on a first side of a rope a distance apart from the rope and a second sensing member on a second side of the rope a distance apart from the rope. The rope is on both (width directional) sides thereof closer to a light beam portion than a sensing member.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, each sensing member is displaceable by a rope, which is displaced in said width direction to contact the sensing member, and displacement of each sensing member is arranged to trigger one or more actions for stopping and / or preventing movement of the elevator car. Said actions preferably can include stopping and / or preventing rotation of the traction wheel of the elevator around which traction wheel the ropes pass.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, each of said sensing members is displaceable at least in the longitudinal direction of the rope, whereby the rope, when it moves in its longitudinal direction during elevator use and is displaced (in width direction of the row) to contact the sensing member, is arranged to engage (e.g. frictionally) the sensing member and push it so that it is displaced, preferably by pivoting for instance. In a preferred embodiment, each of said sensing members is mounted pivotally displaceably around an axis (that is preferably parallel with width direction of the row), pivoting displacement of each sensing member being arranged to trigger said one or more actions for stopping and / or preventing movement of the elevator car.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, said sensing members are mounted displaceably via a common displaceable carrier body.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring arrangement comprises at least one electrical sensor arranged to sense position of the displaceable carrier body, and displacement of the carrier body, in particular pivoting thereof, is arranged to trigger said one or more actions for stopping and / or preventing movement of the elevator car.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring system comprises one or more local units and / or one or more remote units for performing tasks of the monitoring system. Said one or more local units and / or one or more remote units preferably comprise one or more computers or computer systems, in particular for performing tasks of the monitoring system.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, which utilizes mirror(s), the arrangement comprises a partially transparent mirror element in the path of at least one of the light beam portions [belonging to said plurality of light beam portions], a portion of said one light beam portion being directed to pass to a light sensor through the mirror element, and another portion of said light beam portion being arranged to be reflected away from path to said light sensor, and arranged to form another light beam portion [belonging to said plurality of light beam portions] directed to pass to another light sensor. The monitoring arrangement may comprise a partially transparent mirror element also in the path of said another portion. Then, preferably a portion of said another one of the light beam portions is directed to pass to said another light sensor through the mirror element, and a further portion of said light beam portion is arranged to be reflected away from path to said light sensor, and arranged to form a further one of said light beam portions directed to pass to a further light sensor.

[0047] It is also brought forward a new elevator comprising an elevator car and a monitoring arrangement of elevator ropes as described anywhere above or in any the claims of the application.

[0048] With this kind of solution one or more of the above-mentioned objects can be facilitated.

[0049] Preferable further details of the elevator are introduced in the following, which further details can be combined with the elevator individually or in any combination.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment of the elevator or the monitoring arrangement, the ropes are belts.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the elevator or the monitoring arrangement, each said rope comprises one or more load bearing members made of composite material comprising reinforcing fibers, preferably carbon fibers, embedded in a matrix, which matrix comprises polymer material, such as epoxy for instance. Preferably, the load bearing member(s) are embedded in a coating. The load bearing members are then preferably adjacent each other in width direction of the rope and isolated from each other by the coating. The coating is preferably made of material comprising polymer, such as of rubber or polyurethane or silicone, for instance.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the elevator or the monitoring arrangement, the ropes pass around a traction wheel rotatable by a motor and / or around at least one rope wheel, in particular such that the wide side of each rope rests against a crowning shape of the traction wheel / rope wheel. In a preferred embodiment of the elevator or the monitoring arrangement, the elevator comprises a motor for rotating the traction wheel, and a mechanical brake for braking rotation of said traction wheel.

[0053] Generally, the car preferably comprises an interior wherein passenger and / or goods can be transported. The car preferably also comprises one or more doors by which the interior can be opened and closed. The door is preferably an automatic door, whereby comfortable and safe elevator use can be provided by the elevator solution.

[0054] Brief description of the drawings

[0055] 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

[0056] Figure 1 illustrates a monitoring arrangement of elevator ropes according to a first embodiment.

[0057] Figure 2 illustrates a situation where a rope has crossed the path of a light beam portion monitoring arrangement of Figure 1.

[0058] Figure 3 illustrates enlarged partial view of Figure 1.

[0059] Figure 4 illustrates preferred details of the monitoring arrangement.

[0060] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of preferred details of the embodiment of Figure 1.

[0061] Figure 6 illustrates a side view of Figure 5.

[0062] Figure 7 illustrates preferred details of the monitoring arrangement.

[0063] Figure 8 illustrates a preferred way to guide the ropes.

[0064] Figure 9 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the elevator comprising a monitoring arrangement. Figure 10 illustrates a preferred structure of the ropes.

[0065] Figure 11 illustrates a monitoring arrangement of elevator ropes according to a second embodiment.

[0066] Figure 12 illustrates a situation where a rope has crossed the path of a light beam portion monitoring arrangement of Figure 11.

[0067] Figure 13 illustrates a monitoring arrangement of elevator ropes according to a third embodiment.

[0068] Figure 14 illustrates a situation where a rope has crossed the path of a light beam portion monitoring arrangement of Figure 13.

[0069] Figure 15 illustrates a monitoring arrangement of elevator ropes according to a fourth embodiment.

[0070] Figure 16 illustrates a situation where a rope has crossed the path of a light beam portion monitoring arrangement of Figure 15.

[0071] Figure 17 illustrates a further monitoring arrangement.

[0072] Detailed description

[0073] Figure 1 illustrates a monitoring arrangement 1 of elevator ropes 2 according to a first embodiment. The monitoring arrangement 1 comprises a row of ropes 2, comprising plurality of ropes 2 of an elevator positioned side by side as viewed in thickness direction t of the row; and light emitters 30a, 30b arranged to emit light beams. The light beams form a plurality of spaced apart light beam portions 3 la, 3 lb oriented to pass in thickness direction t of the row of ropes 2. Each said light beam portion 3 la, 3 lb, in particular forms, a light barrier. There is a separate pair pl-p7 of said light beam portions 31a, 3 lb per each individual rope 2. Each rope 2 is positioned in width direction w of the row between one of said pairs pl-p7 of light beam portions. The light beam portions 31a, 31b bypass the ropes 2. The arrangement 1 further comprises a plurality of light sensors 32a, 32b for sensing light of the light emitters 30a, 30b. The arrangement 1 further comprises a monitoring system 100 arranged to monitor sensor signals of said plurality of light sensors 32a, 32b.

[0074] In the preferred embodiment of Figure 1, the plurality of light sensors 32a, 32b comprises per each said light beam portion 31a, 31b a light sensor 32a, 32b. Thus, light of each light beam portion 3 la, 3 lb can be individually sensed.

[0075] In the preferred embodiment of Figure 1, more specifically, the plurality of light sensors 32a, 32b comprises per each said light beam portion 3 la, 3 lb a light sensor 32a, 32b to which the light beam portion 3 la, 3 lb is directed to pass [when the light beam portion in question is not blocked by a rope 2]. Here, each light beam portion 31a, 3 lb lights a light sensor 32a, 32b provided for it when the light beam portion in question is not blocked by a rope 2. Each said rope 2, when moved in width direction w of the row away from its position between the pair pl-p7 of light beam portions 3 la, 3 lb such that it crosses the path of a light beam portion, i.e. of either one of the two light beam portions of the pair in question, is arranged to block passing of light of said light beam portion to a light sensor. Thereby such a light barrier can be formed by each light beam portion, crossing of which can be individually sensed. This kind of solution is reliable and accurate, because the edges of the light beam portions 3 la, 3 lb can be accurately positioned for thereby providing accurate and reliable limit positions for the ropes 2. A light sensor 32a, 32b being provided per each said light beam portion 3 la, 3 lb provides that presence of each light beam portion 3 la, 3 lb can be individually sensed, which facilitates identification of the source of issue in the case a light beam portion is blocked. Only one rope 2 is between each said pair pl-p7 of light beam portions. Thus, position of each rope 2 can be individually monitored such that displacement in either of two opposite directions in width direction w of the row can be noticed. Each said pair pl-p7 of light beam portions comprises a first light beam portion 31a arranged to pass on a first side of a rope 2 to a first light sensor a distance apart from the rope 2, and a second light beam portion 31b arranged to pass on second side of the rope 2 to a second light sensor 32b a distance apart from the rope 2.

[0076] Figure 2 illustrates a situation where a rope 2 [third from left] has moved in width direction w of the row away from its position between a pair p3 of light beam portions 3 la, 3 lb such that it has crossed the path of a light beam portion 31b. This has blocked passing of light of said light beam portion 31b to a light sensor 32b. In the monitoring system 100 a single rope 2 is associated [by computer program for instance] with each light sensor 32a, 32b. Thereby, the monitoring system 100 can identify simply the rope 2 that has caused a change in signals being monitored. Thus, it is possible to identify the rope 2 that may have issues and indicate for a user the rope 2 in question so that the user can give early attention to the rope in question, such as checking, maintenance or preparation of change of the individual rope in question. The monitoring system 100 can preferably also identify the direction to which a rope 2 has been displaced and indicate this direction to the user [e.g. by presenting a direction signal]. Thus, the user can be provided with additional information related to the displacement. The monitoring system 100 can in particular be configured deduce based on sensor signals which of the light portions 31a or 31b of a pair of light portions 31a or 31b has been blocked, and thereby also which direction [left or right in Figure] the rope 2 has been displaced from between the pair of light portions 31a or 31b.

[0077] The light beam portions of each said pair pl-p7 of light beam portions are at a distance dl from each other, which distance is greater than the width wl of the rope 2 positioned between the pair in question. Said first light beam portion 31a and second light beam portion 31b of each pair pl-p7 have side edges e extending on opposite sides of the rope 2 [on a first and second side of the rope 2 in width direction w of the row] a distance d2 apart from the rope 2, said side edges e defining the distance dl between the light beam portions 3 la, 3 lb of the pair.

[0078] In the embodiment of Figure 1, there is a separate pair pl-p7 of light beam portions per each individual rope 2. Thus, position of each rope 2 can be individually monitored such that displacement thereof in either of two opposite directions in width direction w of the row can be noticed and reacted to. Each rope 2 thus having its own pair pl-p7 of light beam portions facilitates identifying which of the ropes 2 has crossed the path of a light beam portion. This is advantageous particularly for reducing uncertainty which of two immediately adjacent ropes has crossed the path of a light beam portion passing between them. Thus, early attention can be focused on the individual rope 2 having issues causing the displacement. In the preferred embodiment of Figure 1, owing to there being a separate pair pl-p7 of light beam portions 31a, 31b per each individual rope 2, between ropes 2 adjacent in width direction w of the row there are two light beam portions belonging to adjacent pairs, in particular such that between said ropes 2 adjacent to each other there is a second light beam portion 31b of the pair pl of the leftmost of two adjacent ropes 2 and a first light beam portion 31a of the pair p2 of the rightmost of the two adjacent ropes 2.

[0079] As mentioned, the monitoring system 100 is arranged to monitor sensor signals of said plurality of light sensors 32a, 32b. Preferably, the monitoring system 100 is, in particular, configured to detect a predetermined change in the sensor signal of any of the light sensors 32a, 32b indicating that passing of light beam portion into the light sensor 32a, 32b is blocked. Said predetermined change is preferably a cease of said signal, or a cease of said signal for at least a predetermined period of time. Preferably, the monitoring system 100 is configured to perform one or more actions in response to detecting the predetermined change in the sensor signal of any of the light sensors 32a, 32b. Thus, displacement causing the predetermined change can be reacted to in an appropriate way chosen in advance. Said one or more actions preferably comprises generating an alarm signal. Said one or more actions may moreover comprise sending the alarm signal to a remote monitoring center or storing the alarm signal in a memory of the monitoring system 100 to be presented to a user when accessing, or connecting to, the monitoring system 100 via a user interface. The monitoring facilitates obtaining early warnings of development towards a situation that might lead to danger or an unscheduled stop and lengthy downtime of the elevator system.

[0080] The monitoring system 100 is preferably also, but not necessarily, configured to identify and / or indicate the light sensor 32a, 32b in the sensor signal of which a predetermined change was detected; and / or identify and / or indicate the rope 2 associated with the light sensor 32a, 32b in the sensor signal of which a predetermined change was detected [for this purpose, preferably, each light sensor 32a, 32b is associated with one of the ropes]. Each said identifying facilitates quick finding of the source of issue. Thus, early attention can be focused accurately to the issue, e.g. instead of all the ropes 2 to the single rope 2 that has started to drift away from its intended path.

[0081] The monitoring system 100 is preferably also, but not necessarily, configured to identify and / or indicate the direction to which a rope 2 has been displaced. This identifying is preferably implemented by deducing by the monitoring system 100 based on sensor signals of the light sensors 32a, 32b associated with a rope 2. For example, in the embodiment of Figures 1-2, detection of a predetermined change indicating that passing of the second light beam portion 31b into the second light sensor 32b is blocked, as it is the case in Figure 2 for instance, can be deduced to mean that the rope 2 has been displaced towards the second direction (towards right in Figure 2). Correspondingly, if the passing of the first light beam portion 31b into the first light sensor 32a would be blocked, this would be deduced to mean that the rope 2 has been displaced towards the first direction (towards left in Figure 2).

[0082] The monitoring system 100 is preferably also, but not necessarily, configured to register position of the car of the elevator 200 at the moment of occurrence of the predetermined change in the sensor signal of any of the light sensors and / or to determine e.g. by calculation which part of a rope 2 was located at the point of a light portion sensor when a predetermined change in the sensor signal thereof occurred. Thus, it becomes easier to locate the point of the rope which might have a structural reason for the displacement.

[0083] The early warnings provided by aid of the monitoring of said sensor signals of the light sensors is advantageous particularly when the monitoring arrangement 1 also comprises a second means [the light sensors and light sensors here being a first means] for sensing displacement of the ropes 2, based on sensing of which second means the monitoring system 100 can trigger one or more actions for stopping and / or preventing movement of the elevator car. Thus, the aforementioned one or more actions to be performed in response to detecting the predetermined change in the sensor signal of any of the light sensors 32a, 32b can be performed without performing actions for stopping and / or preventing movement of the elevator car. Thus, elevator operation can continue despite noticing that an individual rope has started to run aside of its intended course. Early attention, such as checking, maintenance or preparation of change of the individual rope can thus be directed to the individual rope 2 without unscheduled stops. Should the position of a rope 2 reach a dangerous limit, the further means ensure safety. The second means can basically be of any kind but due to having the sensors which are suitable for relatively efficient collection of information, the second means can be made prioritizing safety and reliability without need for collecting information. Thus, they can be one or more of: structurally simple, robust, mechanical, without ability to differentiate, which rope has reached a dangerous position.

[0084] For facilitating transmission of sensor signals, the monitoring system 100 is preferably connected to each of said plurality of light sensors 32a, 32b. A possible implementation is illustrated schematically in Figure 4.

[0085] In the embodiment of Figure 1, the monitoring arrangement 1 comprises a second means [the light sensors and light sensors here being a first means] for sensing displacement of the ropes 2, based on sensing of which second the monitoring system is able to trigger one or more actions for stopping and / or preventing movement of the elevator car. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the monitoring arrangement 1, in particular said second means for sensing displacement of the ropes 2, comprises sensing members 41 for sensing displacement of a rope 2 in width direction of the row, each rope 2 being positioned in width direction of the row between a pair pl'-p7' of sensing members 41. Only one rope 2 is between each said pair of sensing members 41.

[0086] In the embodiment of Figure 1, each rope 2 is between a pair pl-p7 of light beam portions 31a, 31b as well as between a pair pl'-p7' of sensing members 41, wherein the distance d3 [in width direction of the row] between the pair of sensing members pl'-p7' is larger than the distance dl [in width direction of the row] between the pair pl-p7 of light beam portions. This facilitates that the rope 2, when starting to displace in width direction w, it reaches one of the light beam portions of the pair of light beam portions 31a, 31b before reaching a sensing member 41 of the pair of sensing members 41.

[0087] Each said pair pl'-p7' of sensing members 41 comprises a first sensing member 41a on a first [width directional] side of a rope 2 a distance d4 apart from the rope 2 and a second sensing member 41b on second [width directional] side of the rope 2 a distance d4 apart from the rope 2. The rope 2 is on both [width directional] sides thereof closer to a light beam portion than a sensing member 41. In particular, the distance d4 between the rope 2 and a sensing member 41a, 41b is on both [width directional] sides of the rope 2 greater than the distance d2 between the rope and a light beam portion 3 la, 3 lb. This facilitates that the rope 2, when starting to displace in width direction w, it reaches one of the light beam portions of the pair of light beam portions 31a, 31b before reaching a sensing member 41 of the pair of sensing members 41.

[0088] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate preferred details of the embodiment of Figure 1. In this case, each sensing member 41 is displaceable by the rope 2 displaced in said width direction w into contact with the sensing member 41, and displacement of each sensing member 41 is arranged to trigger one or more actions for stopping and / or preventing movement of the elevator car 60. Figure 9 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the elevator showing the elevator car 60. Said actions include preferably stopping and / or preventing rotation of the traction wheel 51 of the elevator around which traction wheel 51 the ropes 2 pass. This is preferably implemented by actuation of a mechanical brake 53 of the drive machinery 50 for braking rotation of the traction wheel 51 of the elevator and / or initiation of braking by motor 52 and / or ceasing of feeding of electricity to the motor 52 for rotating the traction wheel 51. If desired, said stopping of the elevator car 60 can also be done in a controlled manner so that it comes to a stop at a landing, such as the nearmost possible landing in direction of car movement. In this case, the stopping comprises preferably said braking by motor 52.

[0089] In the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6, each of said sensing members 41 is displaceable at least in the longitudinal direction of the rope 2 [also lateral displacement may occur when pivotal with relatively small pivoting radius], whereby the rope 2, when it moves in its longitudinal direction during elevator use and is displaced in width direction of the row to contact the sensing member 41, is arranged to engage e.g. frictionally the sensing member 41 and push it so that it is displaced. This displacement is preferably by pivoting as it is the case in the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6. For this purpose, the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6 each of said sensing members 41 is mounted pivotally displaceably around an axis a. The axis a preferably extends parallel with width direction w of the row. Pivoting displacement of each sensing member 41 is arranged to trigger said one or more actions for stopping and / or preventing movement of the elevator car 60. Preferably, although not necessarily, said sensing members 41 are mounted displaceably via a common displaceable carrier body 35. The monitoring arrangement, in particular said second means for sensing displacement of the ropes 2, comprises at least one electrical sensor 36 arranged to sense position of the displaceable carrier body 35, and displacement of the carrier body 35, in particular pivoting thereof, is arranged to trigger said one or more actions for stopping and / or preventing movement of the elevator car 60.

[0090] In the preferred embodiment of Figure 5, said second means for sensing displacement of the ropes 2 the sensor 36 is preferably in the form of a switch having a sensing nose 36a for sensing the position of the carrier body 35. In the preferred embodiment, the sensing nose 36a extends into an opening 37a formed in one of two flanges 37 of the carrier body 35, via which flanges 37 the carrier body 35 is pivotally mounted on a stationary mounted frame 39, in particular on flanges 39a thereof. The second means for sensing displacement of the ropes 2 preferably also comprise means 34 for resisting said displacement of the carrier body 35. Said means 34 are in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5 in the form of one or more spring 34 arranged to resist pivoting of the carrier body 35. The springs is preferably also used for keeping the sensing members positioned such that the sensing members can pivot towards either direction around axis a. For facilitating transmission of sensor signals of said at least one electrical sensor 36 arranged to sense position of the displaceable carrier body 35, the monitoring system 100 is preferably connected to it. A possible implementation is illustrated schematically in Figure 7.

[0091] In the preferred embodiment of Figure 1, the ropes are preferably belts. The width of the rope 2 is then greater than its thickness. The ropes 2 preferably pass around a traction wheel 51 rotatable by a motor 52 and / or around at least one rope wheel 54 such that the wide side [i.e. the side facing in thickness direction t of the rope 2 and / or the row] of each rope 2 rests against a crowning shape 55 of the traction wheel 51

[0092] 1 rope wheel 54. This is illustrated in Figure 8 as well as in Figure 9. The traction wheel 51 / rope wheel 54 comprises crowning shapes 55 adjacent each other, one rope 2 being placed to rest against each of them. For facilitating guidance by crowning, the ropes 2 are preferably belts, the width / thickness ratio of the rope 2 is preferably greater than 2. For facilitating guidance by crowning, the wide side of each said rope

[0093] 2 for being placed to rest against a crowning shape 55 of the traction wheel 51 / rope wheel 54 is preferably flat or at least substantially flat.

[0094] Figure 9 illustrates an elevator according to a preferred embodiment. The elevator comprises an elevator car 60 and elevator ropes 2 connected to it. The elevator comprises a monitoring arrangement 1 of elevator ropes 2 as described anywhere above or later in the application. The ropes 2 illustrated in Figure 9 form the aforementioned row of ropes. The elevator comprises a traction wheel 51 and a motor 52 for rotating the traction wheel 51, as well as a mechanical brake 53 for braking rotation of said traction wheel 51. The ropes 2 pass around the traction member 51 and the rope wheel 54 as described referring to Figure 8.

[0095] The one or more light emitters 30a, 30b are positioned such that the light beam portions 3 la, 3 lb pass in thickness direction of the row of ropes 2 at a location where the ropes 2 are out of contact with rope wheels 51,54, and in the illustrated case more specifically at a location between the car 60 and a wheel 51,53 around which the ropes 2 pass. Likewise, the sensing members 41 are positioned at a location where the ropes are out of contact with rope wheels 51,54, and in the illustrated case more specifically at a location between the car 60 and a wheel 51 around which the ropes 2 pass. The aforementioned location could alternatively be a location between a counterweight of the elevator and a wheel 51,53 around which the ropes 2 pass. In the preferred embodiment, the one or more light emitters 30a, 30b are positioned such that the light beam portions 3 la, 3 lb pass in thickness direction of the row of ropes 2 in close proximity to the sensing members 41, most preferably such that the distance measured along the ropes 2 between the light beam portions 3 la, 3 lb and the sensing members 41 is less than 1 meter. This facilitates that the first and second means for sensing rope displacement can monitor the same rope section and complement each other such that the first sensing means can be tuned to provide early warnings without causing immediate and sudden stops of the elevator.

[0096] The monitoring system 100 can comprise local units and / or remote units for performing tasks of the monitoring system. Said local units and / or remote units can comprise one or more computers or computer systems, whereby sophisticated tasks can be performed by the monitoring system 100. Said local units and / or remote units can comprise one or more memory units for storing data and / or computer programs for performing tasks of the monitoring system. Said memory units can comprise a local memory, a cloud memory, or a remote memory, accessible in wired or wireless manner, for instance. The monitoring system 100 is in general considered broadly, possibly being a complex system that may comprise also a safety chain. Thereby, if desired, one or more actions to be triggered can be triggered by the safety chain, as it is common in elevator safety related actions, particularly concerning stopping of the elevator. Particularly, the second means for sensing displacement [by sensing members 41] can be connected to a safety chain, whereas the first means for sensing displacement are preferably connected to a computer or computer system comprised in the monitoring system 1. Preferably, the stopping and / or preventing rotation of the traction wheel 51 of the elevator around which traction wheel 51 the ropes 2 pass, can be arranged such that the actuation of a mechanical brake 53 of the drive machinery 50 for braking rotation of the traction wheel 51 of the elevator and / or initiation of braking by motor 52 and / or ceasing of feeding of electricity to the motor 52 for rotating the traction wheel 51 can be arranged to occur as a result of breaking of a safety chain. This can be moreover implemented such that the sensor 36, which is preferably in the form of a switch [safety switch], is arranged to break a safety chain [safety circuit] in response to sensing displacement by switching the safety chain into non-conductive state. Safety chains are commonly known parts of an elevator and thereby the structure thereof is not here further described. Utilization of safety chain may be preferred for facilitating safety, however this is not necessary, since the stopping could also be arranged to take place in a controlled manner without involvement of a safety circuit so that it comes to a stop at a landing, such as the nearmost possible landing in direction of car movement. In this case, the stopping comprises preferably said braking by the motor 52.

[0097] Figures 10 illustrates preferred structure of the rope 2. In this case, the rope 2 comprises plurality of load bearing members 2a adjacent each other in width direction of the rope 2. Alternatively, the rope 2 could comprise a single larger load bearing member 2a. Each load bearing member 2a is an elongated member extending parallel with the longitudinal direction of the rope 2 as a structure that continues unbroken throughout the length of the rope 2. The load bearing members 2a are embedded in a coating 2b. The load bearing members 2a are adjacent each other in width direction of the rope 2 and isolated from each other by the coating 2b. The coating 2b is preferably made of material comprising polymer, such as of rubber or polyurethane or silicone. In the preferred embodiment, the load bearing members 2a are made of composite material comprising reinforcing fibers, preferably carbon fibers, embedded in a matrix, which matrix comprises polymer material, such as epoxy for instance. This kind of composite material structure can get damage, wear or degradation or internal structures or surface structures of the rope can cause displacement, which may need to be reacted to before the issue develops worse.

[0098] Figure 11 illustrates a monitoring arrangement 1 of elevator ropes 2 according to a second embodiment. This embodiment is otherwise as described referring to Figure 1, but implemented with reduced number of light emitters 30a, 30b. This is achieved by guidance of light by mirror elements m,m2. Thus, the same light beam emitted by one light emitter 30a can be used to form more than one light portion 31a, 31b.

[0099] In this embodiment, the monitoring arrangement 1 comprises a partially transparent mirror element m in the path of a light beam portion 31a belonging to said plurality of light beam portions, more specifically in the path of first light beam portion 31a of each pair pl-p7. A portion of each said first light beam portion 31a is directed to pass through the mirror element m to a first light sensor [here to a first light sensor 32a of the pair in question], and another portion of said first light beam portion 31a is arranged to be reflected away from path to said first light sensor 32a and arranged [in the presented case by aid of a fully reflective nontransparent mirror element m2] to form another light beam portion 31b belonging to said plurality of light beam portions and directed to pass to another light sensor. Here, said another light beam portion 31b is the second light beam portion 31b of the pair pl-p7 in question directed to pass to a second light sensor 32b of the pair pl-p7 in question. Figure 12 illustrates a situation where a rope 2 [third from left] has moved in width direction w of the row away from its position between a pair p3 of light beam portions 3 la, 3 lb such that it has crossed the path of a light beam portion 31b. This has blocked passing of light of said light beam portion 31b to a light sensor 32b. In the monitoring system 100 a single rope 2 is associated [by computer program for instance] with each light sensor 32a, 32b. Thereby, the monitoring system 100 can identify simply the rope that has caused a change in signals being monitored. Thus, it is possible to identify the rope 2 that may have issues and indicate for a user the rope 2 in question so that the user can give early attention to the rope in question, such as checking, maintenance or preparation of change of the individual rope in question. Should the rope 2 move left in Figure 12 to block passing of light of light beam portion 31a to the first light sensor 32a, due to utilization of the mirror m, this would block also passing of light to passing light beam portion 31b to the second light sensor 32b. The monitoring system 100 can also in this case identify which rope 2 has caused a change in signals being monitored. If desired, the monitoring system 100 can be configured deduce which of the light portions 31a or 31b passing to the light sensors 32a or 32b associated with the rope 2 has been blocked by a rope 2, and thereby also which direction [left or right in Figure] the rope 2 has been displaced from between the pair of light portions 31a or 31b. Said deducing can be implemented such that change in signal of only one of the light sensors 32a, 32b lighted by the pair of light portions means displacement in direction of the second light portion, and change in signal of both said first and second light sensors 32a, 32b lighted by the pair of light portions means displacement in direction of the first light portion. Accordingly, direction to which the rope 2 has been displaced can be identified and / or indicated by the monitoring system 100 based on sensor signals of the light sensors 32a, 32b associated with the rope 2 [third from left]. Figure 13 illustrates a monitoring arrangement 1 of elevator ropes 2 according to a third embodiment. This embodiment is otherwise as described referring to Figures 1 and 11, but implemented with reduced number of light emitters 30a, 30b. This is achieved by guidance of light by mirror elements m,m2. This embodiment is otherwise as described referring to Figure 11, but the arrangement 1 comprises a partially transparent mirror element m also in the path of said another portion of said first light beam portion 31a reflected away from path to said first light sensor 32a. Thus, the same light beam emitted by one light emitter 30a can be used to form more than 2 light portions 31a, 31b.

[0100] In this embodiment, the monitoring arrangement 1 comprises a partially transparent mirror element m in the path of the first light beam portion 31a of a pair pl. A portion said first light beam portion 31a is directed to pass to a first light sensor 32a of the pair in question through the mirror element m, and another portion of said first light beam portion 31a is arranged to be reflected away from path to said light sensor 32a and arranged [in the presented case by aid of a fully reflective nontransparent mirror element m2] to form the second light beam portion 31b of the pair pl in question directed to pass to a second light sensor 32b of the pair pl in question. In this embodiment, the monitoring arrangement 1 comprises a partially transparent mirror element m also in the path of the second light beam portion 31b of the pair pl in question. A portion of the second light beam portion 31b is directed to pass to the second light sensor 32b of the pair pl in question through the mirror element m, and a portion of said second light beam portion 31b is arranged to be reflected away from path to said second light sensor 32b, and arranged to form a further one 31a of said plurality of light beam portions directed to pass to a further light sensor 32a, in particular to form a first light beam portion 31a of pair p2 directed to pass to a first light sensor 32a of pair p2. Figure 14 illustrates a situation where a rope 2 [third from left] has moved in width direction w of the row away from its position between a pair p3 of light beam portions 3 la, 3 lb such that it has crossed the path of a second light beam portion 31b of pair p3. This has blocked passing of light of said light beam portion 31b to a light sensor 32b. The monitoring system 100 can identify simply the rope 2 that has caused a change in signals being monitored. It can be deduced by the monitoring system 100 that the rope 2 that is associated with the sensor first in order which provides a changed signal is the rope 2 that has moved away from its position between a pair p3 of light beam portions 31a, 31b. Also, the direction to which the rope 2 has been displaced can be identified and / or indicated by the monitoring system 100 based on sensor signals of the light sensors 32a, 32b associated with the rope 2 [third from left].

[0101] Figure 15 illustrates a monitoring arrangement 1 of elevator ropes 2 according to a third embodiment. This embodiment is otherwise as described referring to Figures 1 and 11, but implemented with two of light emitters 30a, 30b arranged to emit a light beam each guided by aid of mirror elements m,m2 such that each forms more than two of said plurality of light beam portions and they together form all of said plurality of light beam portions.

[0102] In this embodiment, the monitoring arrangement 1 comprises a partially transparent mirror element m in the path of the first light beam portion 31a of a pair pl, the first light beam portion being emitted by a light emitter 30a, said pair pl being the first pair of the in order as viewed in width direction of the row. The monitoring arrangement 1 comprises a partially transparent mirror element m in the path of first light beam portion 31a of said pair pl. A portion of said first light beam portion 31a is directed to pass through the mirror element m to a first light sensor 32a of the pair in question, and another portion of said first light beam portion 31a is arranged to be reflected away from path to said first light sensor 32a and arranged [in the presented case by aid of a fully reflective non-transparent mirror element m2] to form another light beam portion 31a belonging to said plurality of light beam portions and directed to pass to another light sensor. Here, said another light beam portion 31a is the first light beam portion 31a of the pair p2 next in order as viewed in width direction of the row. This light beam portion 31a is directed to pass to a first light sensor 32a of the pair p2 in question. A portion of said first light beam portion 31a of pair p2 is directed to pass through a mirror element m as defined to a first light sensor 32a of the pair p2 in question, and another portion of said first light beam portion 31a is arranged to be reflected away from path to said first light sensor 32a and arranged [in the presented case by aid of a fully reflective non-transparent mirror element m2] to form a light beam portion 31a of the pair p3 next in order as viewed in width direction of the row. In this way, the light of the light emitter 30a is guided further such that it forms the first light beam portion 31a of all the remaining pairs p4, p5, p6 and p7.

[0103] In this embodiment, the monitoring arrangement 1 comprises a partially transparent mirror element m in the path of a second light beam portion 31a of a pair p7, the first light beam portion being emitted by a light emitter 30b, said pair p7 being the last pair of the in order as viewed in width direction of the row. The monitoring arrangement 1 comprises a partially transparent mirror element m in the path second first light beam portion 31b of said pair p7. A portion of said second light beam portion 31b is directed to pass through the mirror element m to a second light sensor 32b of the pair in question, and another portion of said first second beam portion 31b is arranged to be reflected away from path to said second light sensor 32b and arranged [in the presented case by aid of a fully reflective non-transparent mirror element m2] to form another light beam portion 31b belonging to said plurality of light beam portions and directed to pass to another light sensor. Here, said another light beam portion 31b is the second light beam portion 31b of the pair p6 next in order as viewed in width direction of the row. This light beam portion 31b is directed to pass to a second light sensor 32b of the pair p6 in question. A portion of said second light beam portion 31b of pair p6 is directed to pass through a mirror element m as defined to a second light sensor 32b of the pair p6 in question, and another portion of said second light beam portion 31b is arranged to be reflected away from path to said second light sensor 32b and arranged [in the presented case by aid of a fully reflective non-transparent mirror element m2] to form a second light beam portion 31b of the pair p5 next in order as viewed in width direction of the row. In this way, the light of the light emitter 30b is guided further such that it forms also the second light beam portion 31b of all the remaining pairs p4, p3, p2 and pl.

[0104] Figure 16 illustrates a situation where a rope 2 [third from left] has moved in width direction w of the row away from its position between a pair p3 of light beam portions 3 la, 3 lb such that it has crossed the path of a second light beam portion 31b of pair p3. This has blocked passing of light of said light beam portion 31b to a light sensor 32b. The monitoring system 100 can identify simply the rope 2 that has caused a change in signals being monitored. It can be deduced by the monitoring system 100 that the rope 2 that is associated with the sensor first in order [from right in Figure 16] which provides a changed signal is the rope 2 that has moved to away from its position between a pair p3 of light beam portions 31a, 31b. Also, the direction to which the rope 2 has been displaced can be identified and / or indicated by the monitoring system 100 based on sensor signals of the light sensors 32a, 32b associated with the rope 2 [third from left].

[0105] Figure 17 illustrates a monitoring arrangement 1' [not claimed solution] of elevator ropes 2 comprising a row of ropes 2, comprising plurality of ropes 2 positioned side by side; and light emitters 30c arranged to emit light beams forming a plurality of spaced apart light beam portions 31c oriented to pass in thickness direction of the row of ropes 2, each rope 2 being positioned in width direction of the row between one pair pl-p7 of light beam portions 31c, wherein adjacent pairs pl and p2; p2 and p3; p3 and p4; p4 and p5; p5 and p6; p6 and p7 of said light beam portions 31c share a light beam portion 31c between them. The monitoring arrangement 1' comprises plurality of light sensors 32c for sensing light of said one or more light emitters 30c, in particular per each said light beam portion 31c a light sensor 32c for sensing light of the light beam portion 31c to which light sensor 32c the light beam portion 31c is directed to pass, wherein each said rope 2, when moved in width direction w of the row away from its position between the pair pl-p7 of light beam portions 31c such that it crosses the path of a light beam portion, is arranged to block passing of light of said light beam portion to a light sensor. The monitoring arrangement 1' comprises a monitoring system 100 arranged to monitor sensor signals of said plurality of light sensors 32c.

[0106] Generally, the light of said light emitters 30a, 30b can be any light, but preferably it is laser light or infrared light.

[0107] In the preferred embodiments described and referred to in the drawings, there is a separate pair pl-p7 of said light beam portions 3 la, 3 lb per each individual rope 2. As described, this is preferably implemented such that crossing of a rope the path of a light beam portion is arranged to block passing of light of said light beam portion to a light sensor. Based on signal change of the light sensors, the monitoring system can be configured to trigger / perform actions as described. However, the signal change of the light sensors need not be caused by blockage of passing of light of said light beam portion to a light sensor. This is because a detectable change can be arranged to be caused, as an alternative to said blockage, by reflection of the light beam portion to a light sensor from a rope crossing the path of a light beam portion. Also in this alternative, there is a separate pair pl-p7 of said light beam portions 3 la, 3 lb per each individual rope 2 as it is the case described in any of the examples of Figures 1-16. However, reflections are being sensed, and for this reason the light sensors are differently positioned so that the light beam portions are not be directed to pass to light sensors, but instead, light of each light beam portion is arranged to pass to a light sensor only if the rope crosses the path of a light beam portion such that light is reflected from it to the light sensor in question.

[0108] In general, the tasks of said monitoring system 100 preferably, but not necessarily, comprise collecting and storing sensor signal data based on sensor signals of said plurality of light sensors. Thus, the system 100 can be sophisticated and analyze the data in an intelligent manner, for example so as to be able to deduce additional information such as the location of the point of the rope where a structural reason for the displacement might be found. For this purpose, the monitoring system 100 is preferably configured to collect and store sensor signal data based on sensor signals of said plurality of light sensors and to analyze the sensor signal data.

[0109] Generally preferably, the monitoring arrangement 1 is utilized with a solution utilizing rope guidance with crowning shape of a wheel. However, this is not necessary since at least some of the advantages can be achievable also in context of other kind of rope guidance.

[0110] Generally preferably, although not necessarily, the ropes are belts, and most preferably the ropes are belts comprising one or more load bearing members made of composite material. However, at least some of the advantages can be achievable also with other kind of rope structure, such as with belts comprising other kind of load bearing members (e.g. metal cords). Some of the advantages can be achievable also with ropes having round cross sectional shape.

[0111] Generally, the ropes 2 of the row extend preferably on the same plane [as illustrated] or at least substantially on the same plane, in particular beside the location where monitoring by the first and / or second means for sensing displacement of the ropes are positioned. However, perfect alignment to be on the same plane is not necessary, since some variation of position of rope in thickness direction t of the row would not disturb operation of the solution considerably. However, the ropes 2 should be side by side as viewed in thickness direction t of the row, and preferably moreover such that the ropes 2 are a distance apart from each other as viewed in width direction w of the row. Thus, their width directional position can be monitored effectively by the new solution.

[0112] 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.

Claims

Claims1. A monitoring arrangement (1) of elevator ropes (2), comprising a row of ropes (2), comprising plurality of ropes (2) positioned side by side; and one or more light emitters (30a, 30b) arranged to emit one or more light beams, the one or more light beams forming a plurality of spaced apart light beam portions (3 la, 3 lb) oriented to pass in thickness direction (t) of the row of ropes (2), wherein there is a separate pair (pl-p7) of said light beam portions (3 la, 3 lb) per each individual rope (2), each rope being positioned in width direction (w) of the row between one of said pairs (pip ) of light beam portions (31a, 31b); and plurality of light sensors (32a, 32b) for sensing light of said one or more light emitters (30a, 30b); and a monitoring system (100) arranged to monitor sensor signals of said plurality of light sensors (32a, 32b).

2. An arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of light sensors (32a, 32b) comprises per each said light beam portion (31a, 31b) a light sensor (32a, 32b) for sensing light of the light beam portion (31a, 31b).

3. An arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said plurality of light sensors (32a, 32b) comprises per each said light beam portion (3 la, 3 lb) a light sensor (32a, 32b) for sensing light of the light beam portion (31a, 31b) to which light sensor (32a, 32b) the light beam portion (3 la, 3 lb) is directed to pass, wherein each said rope (2), when moved in width direction (w) of the row away from its position between the pair (pl-p7) of light beam portions (3 la, 3 lb) such that it crosses the path of alight beam portion (3 la, 3 lb), is arranged to block passing of light of said light beam portion (31a, 31b) to a light sensor (32a, 32b).

4. An arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the light is laser light or infrared light.

5. An arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring system (100) is configured to detect a predetermined change in the sensor signal of any of the light sensors (32a, 32b) indicating that passing of light beam portion into the light sensor (32a, 32b) is blocked, said predetermined change preferably being a cease of said signal, or a cease of said signal for at least a predetermined period of time; and to perform one or more actions in response to detecting a predetermined change in the sensor signal of any of the light sensors (32a, 32b), said one or more actions preferably comprising generating an alarm signal.

6. An arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring system (100) is configured to identify and / or indicate the light sensor (32a, 32b) in the sensor signal of which a predetermined change was detected; and / or identify and / or indicate the rope (2) associated with the light sensor (32a, 32b) in the sensor signal of which a predetermined change was detected; and / or identify and / or indicate the direction to which a rope (2) has been displaced.

7. An arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring system (100) is configured to register position of the car (60) of the elevator (200) at the moment of occurrence of the predetermined change in the sensor signal of any of the light sensors (32a, 32b) and / or to determine e.g. by calculation which part of a rope (2) was located at the point of a light sensor (32a, 32b) when a predetermined change in the sensor signal thereof occurred.

8. An arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein only one rope (2) is between each said pair (pl-p7) the light beam portions (3 la, 3 lb).

9. An arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the light beam portions (31a, 3 lb) of each said pair (pl- p7) of light beam portions (31a, 31b) are at a distance (dl) from each other, which distance is greater than the width (wl) of the rope (2) positioned between the pair (pl-p7).

10. An arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first light beam portion (31a) and second light beam portion (31b) of each pair (pl-p7) have side edges (e) extending on opposite sides of the rope (2) a distance apart from the rope (2), said side edges (e) defining the distance (dl) between the light beam portions (31a, 31b) of the pair.

11. An arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each said pair (pl-p7) of light beam portions (31a, 31b) comprises a first light beam portion (31a) arranged to pass on a first side of a rope (2) to a first light sensor (32a) a distance apart from the rope, and a second light beam portion (31b) arranged topass on second side of the rope to a second light sensor (32b) a distance apart from the rope (2).

12. An arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in the monitoring system (100) a single rope (2) is associated with each light sensor (32a, 32b).

13. An arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring arrangement (1) comprises a first means for sensing displacement of the ropes (2) said first means comprising said one or more light emitters (30a, 30b) and said plurality of light sensors (32a, 32b), and a second means for sensing displacement of the ropes (2) based on sensing of which second the monitoring system (100) is configured to trigger one or more actions for stopping and / or preventing movement of the elevator car (60) of the elevator.

14. An arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the arrangement (1), preferably the aforementioned second means defined in the preceding claim, comprises sensing members (41) for sensing displacement of a rope (2) in width direction of the row, each rope (2) being positioned in width direction of the row between a pair of sensing members (41).

15. An arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each rope (2) is between a pair (pl-p7) of light beam portions (3 la, 3 lb) and between a pair (pl'-p7') of sensing members (41), the distance (d3) in width direction (w) of the row between the pair of sensing members (41) being larger than the distance (dl) in width direction (w) of the row between the pair (pl-p7) of light beam portions (31a, 31b).

16. An arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each sensing member (41) is displaceable by a rope (2), which is displaced in said width direction to contact the sensing member (41), and displacement of each sensing member (41) being arranged to trigger one or more actions for stopping and / or preventing movement of the elevator car (60), said actions preferably including stopping and / or preventing rotation of a traction wheel (51) of the elevator around which traction wheel (51) the ropes (2) pass.

17. An arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring system (100) comprises one or more local units and / or one or more remote units for performing tasks of the monitoring system, said one or more local units and / or one or more remote units preferably comprise one or more computers or computer systems, in particular for performing tasks of the monitoring system (100).

18. An elevator (200) comprising an elevator car (60) and a monitoring arrangement (1) of elevator ropes (2) as defined in any of the preceding claims.

19. An elevator (200) or a monitoring arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ropes (2) are belts.

20. An elevator (200) or a monitoring arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each said rope (2) comprises one or more load bearing members (2a) made of composite material comprising reinforcing fibers, preferably carbon fibers, embedded in a matrix, which matrix comprises polymer material, such as epoxy for instance.

21. An elevator (200) or a monitoring arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ropes (2) pass around a traction wheel (51) rotatable by a motor (52) and / or around at least one rope wheel (54), in particular such that the wide side of each rope (2) rests against a crowning shape (55) of the traction wheel (51) / rope wheel (54).

Images