JP2002504473A - Double sheave rope type elevator system using flat flexible rope - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Summary A self-propelled elevator includes traction sheaves or drive sheaves 32,34 attached to the elevator car 10 and engaging fixed traction ropes 100,102.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

【Technical field】

 The present invention relates to a rope lifting type elevator apparatus.

[0002]

[Background Art]

Currently used rope or hydraulic elevators are equipped with an elevator car that moves vertically in the hoistway, and this elevator car is a traction machine for rope elevators and a hydraulic piston for hydraulic elevators.・ Move using an external mechanism such as a pump. The arrangement of the machine associated with such an external lifting machine can be problematic depending on the type and arrangement of the elevator apparatus or the building.

[0003] Designers have attempted to address these issues by proposing a self-propelled elevator in which the elevator mechanism is integrated with the elevator car, thereby necessitating the need for a machine room and elevator elevator machinery. Eliminates the need for additional space defined to accommodate Various prior art designs include rack and pinion devices in which geared pinions on an elevator car engage linear racks arranged vertically in the hoistway; the primary and secondary armatures are used in the elevator car. And a linear induction motor respectively disposed on the hoistway, and other means which will be easily made by those skilled in the art. Each prior art elevator has various drawbacks in terms of speed, power consumption, ride quality, etc., all of which have not yet been widely accepted and used.

[0004]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

 An object of the present invention is to provide a self-propelled rope type elevator apparatus.

In accordance with the present invention, an elevator car includes at least one pair of counter-rotating traction sheaves driven by one or more prime movers mounted on the elevator car. Each sheave receives a corresponding fixed rope attached to the top of the elevator shaft and suspended vertically downward. Each rope is partially wrapped around the lower part of the corresponding sheave and further partially wrapped around the upper part of another mating sheave and vertically downward from there. Hanged. The lower or free end of each rope is then tensioned by hanging weights, springs or the like.

[0006] During traveling, the drive traction sheave rotates and the elevator car moves relative to the rope, so that the elevator car moves vertically in the hoistway.

[0007] In a second embodiment of the present invention, a second elevator car is capable of traveling on at least a portion of a hoistway in which the first elevator car travels. Each rope and sheave pair is positioned so as not to obstruct between the moving elevator cars, so that the two elevator cars can run simultaneously in the same hoistway.

In a third embodiment of the present invention, particularly when applied to a high-rise building in which the length and weight of the rope are increased, a plurality of the plurality of engaging portions of the fixed rope support the weight of the fixed rope. A rope clamp is provided in the hoistway. The rope clamp is opened when the elevator car approaches and is re-engaged after the elevator car has passed. By providing an intermediate support for the rope, the rope clamp allows
Very long ropes, which would otherwise not fit in this application, can be used.

In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a high friction, flat, flexible traction rope is used to efficiently provide large traction between the rope and the sheave, thereby reducing mechanical Reduce weight and equipment costs. The large traction is due to the increased surface contact area obtained with flat ropes, as opposed to conventional round ropes. By using flat ropes instead of round ropes, the number and diameter of drive sheaves or traction sheaves can be reduced. This can reduce the cost of the machine in general and in certain cases, for example, so that one sheave can be driven instead of two sheaves. The diameter of the drive sheave can be reduced, resulting in less torque required to drive the sheave. Thus, smaller and more efficient drive mechanical elements can be used. By reducing the number and size of drive sheaves and drive machine elements, a more cost-effective, smaller and lighter drive machine can be realized. This is particularly advantageous in elevator installations, such as those of the present invention, in which the drive machine or the drive sheave is supported by and travels with the elevator car.

In a fifth embodiment of the present invention, the traction rope or belt engages the drive sheave approximately 360 degrees around the traction rope or traction belt to optimize traction. Is shown.
Such an arrangement provides maximum traction with minimal elements, weight, volume and associated costs.

In a sixth embodiment of the present invention, by providing a pair of deflector sheaves at predetermined locations to optimize the contact area of the wrap between the rope and the drive sheave, the minimum elements, A novel arrangement of sheaves and ropes or belts is shown, with optimal traction depending on weight, volume and cost.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, a first embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail. FIG. 1 shows an elevator car 10 arranged in a hoistway (not shown). A plurality of vertical fixed ropes 12 to 26 are vertically fixed from the top fixed points 28 and 30, and one group of four fixed ropes is formed in a downward direction.
Hanged as a group. These fixed ropes engage a pair of counter-rotating drive sheaves 32, 34 located below the elevator car in this embodiment, as described below. Fixed ropes 12-18, 20-26
Of each of the above, by their respective weights 36, 38 or by other means, including springs, hydraulic actuators, electromagnetic actuators and all other means well known in the art for tensioning ropes. Termination at the lower vertical rope end by means of tensioning.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 2 and 3, the operation of the rope elevator according to the present invention will be described. The drive sheaves 32 and 34 are driven by motors 40 and 42 in directions opposite to each other. As shown in FIG. 3, the fixed rope 20 is
(Not shown) suspended vertically downwardly outside the space in which the elevator car 10 can be raised and lowered, passing under the drive sheave 34 and turning laterally and vertically, 32, again turning down vertically, ending at a weight 38 for applying tension at the bottom of the hoistway. In the description of this fixed rope path, the fixed rope 20 engages a substantially circular arc 44 in the lower portion of the drive sheave 34 and a similarly sized circular arc 46 in the upper portion of the drive sheave 32. Combine. The drive sheave 32, 34, which is combined with the tension applied to the fixed rope 20 by the portion suspended vertically downward from the drive sheave 32 and the tension applied by the weight 38 as a means for applying tension. The fully engaged arc provides sufficient traction to the drive sheave and rope devices shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, and the reverse rotation of the drive sheaves 32 and 34 allows the elevator to Driven vertically upward or downward as desired. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the fixed ropes 12-18, 22-26 of FIGS. 1 and 2 are respectively associated with the upper portions of the corresponding drive sheaves 32,34 as described above for the fixed rope 20. Engage the lower part.

The prime movers 40, 42 are shown schematically and drive control sheaves 32, 34 with sufficient power to lift and lower the elevator car 10 and its load, as described above, in a controllable reverse direction. Any of the many well-known means of providing rotation are representative. As such, one or more prime movers may be motorized and may be mechanically driven by gears, chains, belts, etc., depending on the power required and other factors of application, or , Hydraulically or directly to the drive sheave. Considering load balance, torque balance, smoothness, and other factors, it may be preferable to drive both drive sheaves 32, 34 to rotate in opposite directions to each other, however, the elevator apparatus according to the present invention includes: It is also possible to use only one drive sheave and the other sheave to function as an idler and travel.

[0015] Well-known in the prior art, such as a bar-shaped electric bus arranged vertically on the side wall of the hoistway and a moving contact arranged on the elevator car, and a moving cable extending between the elevator car and the power contact on the side wall of the elevator. Power can be supplied to the traveling elevator car 10 and to the prime movers 40, 42 by any of a number of existing and currently used devices.

According to the embodiment described above and shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the elevator car 10
Can run vertically without having a separate machine room in the expanded overhead space (not shown) or the bottom pit area (not shown). Further, the elevator apparatus shown and described does not require a moving counterweight or other similar device for tensioning the ropes through the drive sheave, thereby accommodating the vertically moving counterweight. The need for additional space in the hoistway is eliminated. As such, the elevator installation according to the invention is particularly well suited for old and modern buildings where it is necessary to provide the elevator installation but where the space available for housing the elevator installation is limited. Alternatively, the power required by the prime mover can be reduced by using a counterweight device (not shown) independently tied to the rope.

As will be further appreciated by those skilled in the art, the elevator apparatus according to the present invention provides:
Integrating the motors 40, 42 for the elevator, that is, the elevator machine, that is, the drive motor (not shown) and the control device (not shown), can reduce transportation and installation time and cost. .

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 show a second embodiment of the elevator installation according to the invention. As in the first embodiment, FIG. 4 shows a plurality of fixed ropes arranged in groups of two ropes 50, 52, which are attached at their respective upper ends 54, 56. , Suspended vertically downward and terminated at the vertically lower rope end by tensioning means 58, 60, respectively. However, in addition to the first elevator car 10, this second embodiment comprises a second elevator car 62, wherein the second elevator car 62 comprises
As described below, the first elevator car 10 can travel in at least a part of the vertically moving elevator hoistway.

As can be clearly seen from FIGS. 5 and 6, the elevator cars 62, 10 are provided with drive sheaves 64, 66, 68, 70, respectively, which rotate in opposite directions. The counter-rotating drive sheaves 64, 66 of the upper elevator car 62 first engage the respective rope groups 50, 52, respectively, as shown for the first embodiment.

With respect to the elevator car 10, the pair of drive sheaves 68, 70 similarly engage the opposite groups of ropes 51, 53, and the opposite groups of ropes 51, 53 The elevator cars 10, 62 are arranged laterally outside of the ascending and descending space of the elevator cars 10, 62, adjacent to the groups of ropes 50, 52 with which the elevator car 62 engages.

The driving of the second embodiment according to the invention will be immediately understood. Each of the elevator cars 10, 62 can simultaneously occupy a position in the common space 72, which can be raised and lowered at the same time, and can each enter and leave the same floor through the same door of the same hoistway. In this embodiment, each elevator car is equipped with an independent prime mover, and the vertically-raising shared space 72 is not occupied by any of the central ropes or other obstacles. Elevator cars only have the restriction that they cannot pass each other in the vertical direction. Means 58 for applying tension in the vertical direction shown in FIG.
, 60 comprise a plurality of individual weights or individual spring or hydraulic tensioning members attached to each rope or group of ropes, as described herein.

The adaptability of the second embodiment of the present invention improves the adaptability, load capacity and other characteristics of a single vertical hoistway. When applied to extreme high-rise buildings, transfer of elevators between banks in the sky lobby and other transfer methods, such as getting off the elevator car that passed through the lower floor, and again from the same door of the sky lobby, the upper floor This can be realized by boarding an elevator car that can use the system. Other possibilities include, for example, an express elevator car that goes straight to the upper floor departs from the entrance lobby level when crowded, while an elevator car at each floor stops at the entrance lobby so that the lower floor on the way to the upper floor can be used. The provision from the same entrance on the floor is also included. These and other schemes and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art who understand the applicability and functionality of an elevator system according to the present invention.

FIGS. 7, 8, 9a, 9b and 10 show a third embodiment according to the invention which is particularly applicable to high-rise buildings. The use of operating rope elevators in high-rise buildings encounters limitations due to the physical properties of the steel ropes typically used in elevators. Conventional steel ropes, irrespective of their design, are not suitable for use in elevators with a travel range of more than 300 m. At such a length, an open and suspended steel rope cannot support its own weight and the weight of the elevator car. In a third embodiment of the invention, the fact that the elevator installation according to the invention uses only fixed ropes is used to address this problem.

FIG. 7 shows an elevator car 10 with drive sheaves 32, 34 and motors 40, 42 that engage the fixed ropes 12, 20, as shown in FIG. . For purposes of illustration, the fixed ropes 12, 20 will be described, but it will be understood that the plurality of ropes shown in the previous embodiment can be used as desired. At their upper ends, the fixed ropes 12, 20 are fixed points 28, 30
At their lower ends, which are tensioned at their lower ends as required by weights 36, 38 or other tensioning means. The third embodiment provides a means for supporting the vertical fixed ropes 12,20, where there is a danger that the unsupported ropes may break under their own weight. This is achieved in the embodiment of FIG. 7 by means of a plurality of clamping means, shown fixed vertically to the structure of the building, such as the shaft 74 of the hoistway. This clamping means is in the extended engagement state shown in FIG. 9b, where the releasable clamp 76 is engaged with the fixed rope 12, and the clamp 76 is open and contracts towards the hoistway side wall 74. It is extendable between the retracted open positions shown in FIG. 9a. Expansion and contraction can be achieved by a number of well-known means, including the hydraulic or electric actuator 78 shown. The clamping means 72 as the supporting means is provided on the side wall 7 of the hoistway.
4 is shown at one or more locations along the vertical, which position allows the intermediate of the fixed ropes 12, 20 between the fixed points 28, 30 on the top and the lower end to be tensioned as required. The support in the part is obtained.

As can be seen in FIG. 7, while the elevator car 10 passes vertically through the hoistway side wall 74, the support means or clamping means 72 are opened when the elevator car 10 approaches, As a result, the fixed ropes 12, 20 are
, 34 are released to engage, and the clamping means 72 is re-engaged as the elevator car 10 passes, providing support in the vertical middle. FIG.
There is a first group (i.e., a row) of clamping means 72 'not engaged due to the approach of the elevator car 10, and a second group which will re-engage after the elevator car 10 has passed vertically upward. Is shown in FIG.
A schematic representation of support means that can be used in an elevator installation according to this embodiment of the invention is shown. As mentioned above, this support means comprises a fixed rope 1
2, a releasable clamp 76, an actuator 78 which is a telescopic means attached to the side wall 74 of the hoistway, and a variable support actuator 80. The variable support actuator 80 allows the necessary intermediate force without excessive tension. The fixed rope 12 is provided with a force that equalizes the required vertical support so that support in the section is obtained. The equalizing force is preferably equal to the weight of the rope segment between adjacent clamps 76. The embodiment in FIG. 10 shows a spring or other tensioning means provided here as a biasing means for optimizing the vertical support force applied to the fixed rope 12 through the clamp 76. It will be appreciated that under certain conditions, the actual tension in the fixed rope 12 may be monitored, and the variable support actuator 80 may be actuated to provide a corresponding supporting force.

When reviewing the second and third embodiments, the elevator apparatus according to the third embodiment can similarly easily drive one or more additional elevator cars in the same travel area. Will be further understood.

Similarly, the placement of a drive sheave or prime mover on the upper portion of an elevator car, the use of a double deck elevator car, etc., are not exhaustive, but the books disclosed here by way of example. It will be understood that it is within the scope of the invention.

The fourth embodiment of the elevator system of the invention shown in FIG. 11 uses a novel rope arrangement with a flat traction rope or traction belt for use with a drive sheave or traction sheave. Is shown. As used herein, the terms "flat rope" and "flat belt" refer to a rope or belt having an aspect ratio greater than 1, which is the ratio of the width to the thickness of the rope or belt. Is defined as The elevator car 10 includes drive sheaves 32, 34, which are traction sheaves operatively associated with respective prime movers (not shown), substantially as described with respect to FIG. The drive sheaves 32, 34 engage fixed flat ropes 100, 102. Flat ropes 100, 102 are attached at their fixed points at their upper ends 104, 106 and at their lower ends 108, 110 are weights (not shown) or other conventional tensioning means (shown). ), Tension is applied as necessary. Suspended ropes 112, 114 are used to suspend the counterweights 116, 118 with the elevator car 10. Hanging rope 112,
114 may be of any suitable type, such as a round steel rope. FIG.
As shown in the figure, the hanging ropes 112 and 114 have one end of the elevator car 10.
, And the other ends are attached to counterweights 116, 118, respectively. A respective play pulley 120 for the hanging ropes 112, 114,
122 is mounted on a fixed object such as a guide rail (not shown) or an overhead beam. Torque output is provided by one or both drive sheaves 32,34.

By implementing the device of the fourth embodiment, the smaller device weight and installation cost of the self-propelled elevator, the smaller required torque and associated costs, or the shorter installation time, the maximum in the factory Other benefits include minimal installation, elimination of machine rooms, and minimal installation of buildings.

Referring to FIG. 12, a novel drive sheave and drive belt or rope arrangement 200 that can be implemented with the elevator apparatus described in the previous embodiment is disclosed. The drive sheave 210 is formed such that a drive rope 212 or drive belt wraps around the drive sheave 210 and contacts the drive sheave 210 over an area around approximately 360 degrees. This is the end of the drive rope 214, 216
Is shifted along a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the drive sheave 210. The drive sheave 210 may include a rope guide, such as a groove 218, that guides the drive rope 212, or drive belt, while in contact. Groove 21
8 may be arranged in a spiral around the periphery of the drive sheave 210. The drive rope 212 may be a flat rope or belt or a round rope.

Referring to FIG. 13, a novel drive sheave and drive belt or rope arrangement 300 that can be implemented with the elevator apparatus described in the previous embodiment is disclosed. The drive sheave 310 receives a rope or belt 302. Rope or belt 302 by two or more deflecting wheels 304, 306
Is maintained in place so that the ropes or belts
Contact around a preferred area around drive sheave 310, such as an area greater than 180 degrees around zero. The deflecting sheaves 304, 306 may be selectively positioned to vary the angle of wrap around the drive sheave 310.

The elements shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 and described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 are, for example, devices in which a deflecting wheel is arranged at both ends of the drive rotor so that traction can be maximized with minimum motor weight It can be assembled in various ways.

One important feature of the present invention is the flatness of the ropes used in the elevator system described above. A higher aspect ratio results in a rope that is optimized to distribute the rope pressure and has an engagement surface defined by a width dimension "w".
Therefore, the maximum pressure of the rope can be reduced in the rope. Further, since the aspect ratio is larger than that of a round rope having an aspect ratio equal to 1, the thickness "t1" of the flat rope is maintained while maintaining the cross-sectional area of the rope portion supporting the tension load in the rope constant. 15 (see FIG. 15).

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a flat rope 722 includes a plurality of cords 726 individually supporting loads, wrapped within a common cover layer 728. The coating 728 separates the individual cords 726 and defines an engagement surface 730 for engaging the traction sheave 724. The load supporting cord 726 may be formed from a high strength, lightweight, non-metallic material such as aramid fiber, or may be formed from a metallic material such as fine high carbon steel fiber. Preferably, the thickness "d" of the cord 726 is kept as small as possible to minimize stress in the cord 726 and maximize flexibility. In addition, for cords formed from steel fibers, the fiber diameter should be less than 0.25 mm in diameter, from about 0.10 mm to 0.2 mm in diameter.
A range of 0 mm is preferred. Steel fibers of such a diameter improve the flexibility of the cord and the rope. By incorporating cords with the properties of weight, strength, durability and, in particular, flexibility that are characteristic of such materials into flat ropes, the traction sheave diameter can be maintained while maintaining the maximum rope pressure within acceptable limits. “D” can be reduced.

The engagement surface 730 contacts a corresponding surface 750 of the traction sheave 724. The cover layer 728 is formed from a polyurethane material, preferably a thermoplastic urethane.
The urethane material is extruded over and between a plurality of cords 726 such that each individual cord 726 is constrained without moving longitudinally relative to the other cords 726. Other materials may also be used for the coating layer if they fully satisfy the required functions of the coating layer: traction, wear, transmission of traction load to the cord, and resistance to the surrounding environment. Can be. Other materials may be used for the coating layer, but if those materials do not meet or exceed the mechanical properties of the thermoplastic urethane, the benefits of using flat ropes will be reduced. It should be understood that it will be. Due to the mechanical properties of the thermoplastic urethane, the diameter of the traction sheave 724 can be reduced to 100 mm or less.

The configuration of the flat rope 722 allows the rope pressure to be more evenly distributed throughout the flat rope 722. Since a plurality of small cords 726 are incorporated into the elastomeric layer 728 in the form of a flat rope, the pressure on each cord 726 is substantially reduced over prior art ropes. The pressure of the cord decreases at least according to n- ^{1 / 2} , where n is the number of parallel cords in the flat rope for a given load and cross-sectional area of the wire. Thus, the maximum rope pressure in a flat rope is significantly reduced as compared to elevators capable of supporting similar loads with conventional ropes. Also, the effective rope diameter "d" (measured in the bending direction) becomes smaller when the load carrying capacity is equal, and the sheave diameter "d"
As for "D", a smaller value can be obtained without reducing the D / d ratio. In addition, the reduced sheave diameter allows the use of less expensive, smaller and faster motors as the driving machine.

A traction sheave 724 with a traction surface 750 configured to receive the flat rope 722 is also shown in FIG. The engaging surface 750 is complementarily formed so that traction is provided by the engaging surface 750 and the engagement between the flat rope 722 and the traction sheave 724 is guided. The traction sheave 724 includes a pair of rims 7 arranged on both sides of the traction sheave 724.
44 and one or more partitions 745 disposed between adjacent flat ropes
And The traction sheave 724 further includes a liner 742 housed in the space between the rim 744 and the partition 745. The liner 742 defines an engaging surface 750 such that there is a lateral gap 754 between the side of the flat rope 722 and the liner 742. The pair of rims 744 and the partition 745, together with the liner 742, serve to guide the flat rope 722 so as to prevent the problem of poor alignment in the event that the rope is loose. Although shown here with a liner, it should be noted that a traction sheave without a liner could be used.

While the preferred embodiment has been described herein, it will be appreciated that certain features may be modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention with the surrounding hoistway omitted.

FIG. 2 is a more detailed plan view of the sheave arrangement shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the sheave arrangement according to the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

5 shows a plan view of the arrangement of the sheave of the first elevator car of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows a plan view of the arrangement of the sheaves of the second elevator car of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment of the invention comprising a plurality of rope clamping means as shown in FIGS. 8, 9a, 9b and 10.

FIG. 8 shows a plurality of rope clamping means according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9A shows a rope clamping means according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9B shows a rope clamping means according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a rope clamping means according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention using a flat rope with a traction sheave.

FIG. 12 is a schematic partial perspective view of elements of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic partial perspective view of elements of a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of a traction sheave and a plurality of flat ropes, each flat rope having a plurality of cords.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of one flat rope.

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (31) Priority claim number 09 / 218,990 (32) Priority date December 22, 1998 (December 22, 1998) (33) Priority claim country United States (US) ( 81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), BR, CN, IN , JP, KR, RU (72) Inventors Bonator, Gulomb Gerges France, Montargis, Ryu Paul Daumel 74 F term (reference) 3F301 BA00 BB01 3F306 AA07 BA00 CB00 CB06

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. An elevator apparatus comprising a self-propelled elevator car that travels along a rope. 2. A drive sheave attached to the elevator car, wherein the drive sheave is engaged with the rope such that the rope wraps around the drive sheave 360 degrees. The elevator apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 3. A drive sheave attached to the elevator car, wherein the drive sheave is engaged with the rope such that the rope helically wraps around the drive sheave. The elevator apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The elevator apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said rope is round. 5. The elevator apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said rope is flat. 6. A drive sheave mounted on the elevator car and engaging the rope, and a pair of deflecting means, each deflecting means cooperating to move the rope to the drive sheave. Disposing the respective deflecting means to position the rope so that the rope wraps at least 180 degrees around the drive sheave;
The elevator apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a pair of deflecting means. 7. An elevator apparatus, comprising: a vertical hoistway; and an elevator car disposed on the hoistway, wherein the first and second spaced apart elevator cars have parallel axes or rotations. An elevator car, a first and a second flat rope, each of which has a sheave of the type, wherein each of the flat ropes extends vertically into the hoistway over the travel range of the elevator car; The respective flat ropes are attached at their vertical upper ends, and the first flat rope passes laterally below the first sheave and the first and second sheaves. Between the second sheave and the second flat rope passes laterally below the second sheave, and the second flat rope passes laterally below the second sheave. And the first
The first sheaves pass vertically between the sheaves, and further laterally over the first sheaves.
And a second flat rope; and means for driving one of the first and second sheaves. 8. The elevator apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the flat rope is disposed around the hoistway and outside a space through which the elevator car passes. 9. The vertical lower rope end of each of the first and second flat ropes is attached to tensioning means for tensioning the corresponding flat rope. The elevator apparatus according to claim 7, wherein 10. An elevator apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said means for applying tension is a suspended weight. 11. The elevator apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said means for applying tension is a spring. 12. The elevator apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said tension applying means applies a variable tension to said flat rope. 13. A pair of suspended ropes, each suspended rope having one end attached to the elevator car and the other end attached to a counterweight, and a pair of suspended ropes. Play pulleys, each play pulley being one of the hanging ropes.
The elevator apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: a pair of idler pulleys corresponding to one of the elevator cars and suspending the elevator car and the respective counterweights. 14. The elevator apparatus according to claim 9, wherein each of the hanging ropes has a round shape.