Patent Publication Number: US-11639285-B2

Title: Elevator car

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The invention relates to an elevator car defining an interior space for accommodating passengers. 
     Elevators having a low headroom are more and more popular. The headroom in this context means the clearance between the roof of the elevator car and the ceiling of the elevator shaft in the situation when the elevator car is at its uppermost position. 
     Various tasks, such as inspections, adjustment works, maintenance or repairs, later referred in a shorter way only as “maintenance work”, are often performed at the upper part of the elevator shaft. The elevator car may have an openable car roof, and the free safety space needed for safety of maintenance personnel is formed at least partly, sometimes completely, inside the elevator car when the elevator car is in its uppermost position. The elevator car may comprise a working platform that is used in maintenance work for allowing access of the maintenance personnel above the elevator car. 
     However, known working platforms are heavy and thus difficult and painstaking to use. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     Viewed from a first aspect, there can be provided an elevator car defining an interior space for accommodating passengers, the elevator car comprising
         an openable roof,   horizontal roof guide rails arranged on a top side of the elevator car,   a support structure pivotably mounted to the guide rails by a first joint,   a working platform pivotably and movably mounted to the support structure by a second joint arranged at a distance from the first joint,   the working platform being pivotable between
           a retracted position, in which said working platform is oriented close to the guide rails in the top side of the elevator car, and   a deployed position, in which the working platform is in the interior space, at a distance from the guide rails,   
           the first joint being arranged movable along the guide rails in direction of the openable roof.       

     Thereby a light and easily handled structure that still provides access to all objects on or above the elevator car may be achieved. Furthermore, the very same structure is suitable for elevator cars varying in their dimensions. 
     The arrangement is characterised by what is stated in the independent claim. Some other embodiments are characterised by what is stated in the other claims. Inventive embodiments are also disclosed in the specification and drawings of this patent application. The inventive content of the patent application may also be defined in other ways than defined in the following claims. The inventive content may also be formed of several separate inventions, especially if the invention is examined in the light of expressed or implicit sub-tasks or in view of obtained benefits or benefit groups. Some of the definitions contained in the following claims may then be unnecessary in view of the separate inventive ideas. Features of the different embodiments of the invention may, within the scope of the basic inventive idea, be applied to other embodiments. 
     In one embodiment, the roof guide rails extend over the entire length of the openable roof. An advantage is that the position of the working platform may be changed and the compact size of the platform, as required by easy handling and minimal storage space, will not limit the reach of the service person to components outside the car and on shaft walls. 
     In one embodiment, the support structure comprises a framework that includes first suspension bars, each of the suspension bars arranged between one first joint and one third joint. An advantage is that a simple support for the working platform may be achieved. 
     In one embodiment, the first suspension bar has an invariable length. An advantage is that a simple and light structure may be achieved. 
     In one embodiment, the support structure comprises at least one transversally arranged element connected to the first suspension bars between the first joint and the third joint, creating a guard rail for the working platform in its deployed position. An advantage is that safety of use of the working platform may be improved. 
     In one embodiment, the framework comprises a first upper connecting element arranged between two first joints. An advantage is that it may protect the service person working from falling off the working platform, and that the first joints are moving with similar pace. 
     In one embodiment, the framework comprises a lower connecting element arranged between two third joints. An advantage is that support for one edge of the working platform may be provided. 
     In one embodiment, the support structure comprises a centre guide extending between the lower connecting element and the transversally arranged element. An advantage is that it may protect the service person working from falling off the working platform. 
     In one embodiment, the working platform is movably and pivotably connected to the centre guide by the second joint. An advantage is that the position of the working platform may be changed easily. 
     In one embodiment, the first joint is attached pivotably to a carriage that is movable along the guide rails. An advantage is that easy movements of the support structure and the working platform may be achieved. The roof guide rails extending over the entire length of the openable roof and the working platform movable on the guide rails will provide the service person a safe reach to components outside the car and on shaft walls despite the limited area of the working platform. 
     In one embodiment, the elevator car comprises a locking mechanism to prevent movement of the first joints along the horizontal roof guide rails when the suspension bars are in an upright position. An advantage is that safety of use of the working platform may be improved. 
     In one embodiment, the elevator car comprises a first diagonal support element arranged movably and pivotally to the guide rails, and pivotally to the support structure, the first diagonal support element connecting diagonally the support structure to the guide rails when the working platform is in the deployed position. An advantage is that sturdiness of the support structure may be improved and its movements between the retracted and the deployed position may be controlled. 
     In one embodiment, a second upper connecting element is arranged to connect two first diagonal support elements at the guide rails. An advantage is that it may protect the service person working from falling off the working platform. 
     In one embodiment, the elevator car comprises a second diagonal support element arranged movably and pivotally to the guide rails and pivotally to the support structure, the second diagonal support element connecting diagonally the support structure to the guide rails when the working platform is in the deployed position, the second diagonal support element actuating the locking mechanism to prevent movement of the first joints along the horizontal roof guide rails when the suspension bars are in an upright position. An advantage is that the locking mechanism is automatically on when the working platform is in the deployed position. 
     In one embodiment, the length of the working platform is not more than 50% of the length of the support structure. An advantage is that the weight of the working platform may be reduced. 
     In one embodiment, a ladder is arranged pivotably to the working platform, on opposite side thereof in relation to the support structure, the ladder extending from the working platform towards a floor of the elevator car when the working platform is in the deployed position. An advantage is that access to the working platform may be simplified. 
     In one embodiment, the ladder is arranged to extend against the floor and create a support for the working platform in the deployed position. An advantage is that sturdiness of the working platform may be improved in a simple way. 
     In one embodiment, a ladder diagonal support is arranged to control movement of the ladder during movement of the working platform between the retracted position and the deployed position. An advantage is that the movement of the ladder is always controlled and safe. 
     In one embodiment, the width of the ladder is essentially smaller than the width of the working platform, and the ladder is arranged asymmetrically in relation to the working platform. An advantage is that e.g. an equipment unit may be arranged next to the ladder. 
     In one embodiment, the elevator car comprises an equipment unit that is arranged to lie next to the ladder when the working platform is in the retracted position. An advantage is that a compact and thin structure of the roof of the elevator car may be provided, still providing protection for the equipment unit. 
     In one embodiment, the equipment unit is attached to the elevator car by a hinge system, and that the equipment unit is pivotally movable from next to the ladder to a position inside the interior space of the elevator car. An advantage is that the equipment unit is easy to use. 
     In one embodiment, the support structure and the working platform, when they are in the retracted position, are arranged to lie between the openable roof and a ceiling of the elevator car. An advantage is that the support structure and the working platform are out of sight and also protected against fouling. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 
       Some embodiments illustrating the present disclosure are described in more detail in the attached drawings, in which 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic perspective top view of an arrangement shown above, 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic side view of an elevator car comprising the arrangement shown in  FIG.  1    in partial cross-section, 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic side view of the arrangement shown in  FIG.  1   , 
         FIG.  4    is another schematic perspective top view of the arrangement shown in  FIG.  1   , 
         FIG.  5    is another schematic perspective view of the arrangement shown in  FIG.  1    and seen below, and 
         FIG.  6    is another schematic perspective view of the arrangement shown in  FIG.  1    and seen below. 
     
    
    
     In the figures, some embodiments are shown simplified for the sake of clarity. Similar parts are marked with the same reference numbers in the figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG.  1    is a schematic perspective top view of an arrangement,  FIG.  2    is a schematic side view of an elevator car comprising the arrangement shown in  FIG.  1    in partial cross-section,  FIG.  3    is a schematic side view of the arrangement shown in  FIG.  1   ,  FIG.  4    is another schematic perspective top view of the arrangement shown in  FIG.  1   ,  FIG.  5    is another schematic perspective view of the arrangement shown in  FIG.  1    and seen below, and  FIG.  6    is still another schematic perspective view of the arrangement shown in  FIG.  1    and seen below. 
     The elevator car  100  defines an interior space  1  for accommodating passengers. The elevator car  100  comprises an openable roof  2  as shown in  FIG.  2   . Furthermore, the elevator car  100  may comprise a ceiling  18 . 
     The openable roof  2  may be realized in many ways; in an embodiment it comprises two or more movable roof elements and a locking adjustment to prevent at least one of the roof elements from moving. 
     Horizontal roof guide rails  13   a ,  13   b  are arranged on a top side of the elevator car  100 , under the roof  2  but above the ceiling  18 . 
     A support structure  4  is pivotably mounted to the guide rails  13   a ,  13   b  by a first joint  5   a ,  5   b , and a working platform  6  is pivotably and movably mounted to the support structure  4  by a second joint  7   a ,  7   b  arranged at a distance from the first joint  5   a ,  5   b.    
     In an embodiment, the support structure  4  comprises a framework that includes first suspension bars  8   a ,  8   b . Each of the first suspension bars  8   a ,  8   b  is arranged between one first joint  5  and one third joint  24   a ,  24   b . In an embodiment, such as shown in Figures, the first suspension bar  8   a ,  8   b  has an invariable length. 
     In an embodiment, the support structure  4  comprises at least one centre guide  19  that is arranged to extend from the lower connecting element  10  upwards. In the embodiment shown in Figures, the centre guide  19  extends to the transversally arranged element  9 . In another embodiment, the centre guide  19  extends to a first upper connecting element  20  that is arranged between two first joints  5   a ,  5   b.    
     In an embodiment, the second joint  7   a ,  7   b  connects the working platform  6  to the centre guide  19 . The second joint  7   a ,  7   b  may comprise an axle that extends through the centre guide  19  and connects to the working platform  6  by its both ends. In another embodiment, there are two second joints  7   a ,  7   b  that are connected to the centre guide  19  on its opposite edges. 
     The working platform  6  is pivotable between a retracted position (shown in  FIG.  5   ) in which said working platform is oriented close to the guide rails  13   a ,  13   b  in the top side of the elevator car, and a deployed position (shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   ), in which the working platform  6  is in the interior space  1 , at a distance from the guide rails  13   a ,  13   b.    
     The working platform  6  is in the retracted position during normal use of the elevator car  100 . The working platform  6  is moved in the deployed position when needed, e.g. for a maintenance work. Then, the interior space  1  of the elevator car may create at least part, or even all, of a free safety space required for the maintenance work above the elevator car  100  when the elevator car is in its uppermost position. Thus, the elevator car  100  may be used e.g. in No-Head-Room (NHR) elevators. 
     The first joints  5   a ,  5   b  are arranged to move along the guide rails  13   a ,  13   b . Thus, the support structure  4  and placement of the working platform in the deployed position may be changed (shown by arrow H in  FIG.  3   ) once released by tilting the support structure  4 . 
     In an embodiment, the guide rail  13   a ,  13   b  is selected from a C-profile, a L-profile, a T-profile and a U-profile. 
     In an embodiment, the guide rails  13   a ,  13   b  extend over the entire length of the openable roof  2 . 
     In an embodiment, the first joint  5   a ,  5   b  is attached pivotably to a carriage  11   a ,  11   b  that is movable in/on the guide rail  13   a ,  13   b . The carriage may comprise roller(s) for easing movement in/on the guide rail. 
     In an embodiment, the carriage  11   a ,  11   b  may comprise a locking mechanism  22  (shown in  FIG.  4   ) arranged to prevent movement of the first joint  5   a ,  5   b  along the guide rail  13   a ,  13   b  when the suspension bars  8   a ,  8   b  are in their upright position. The second diagonal support element  14   a ,  14   b  is arranged movably and pivotally to the guide rail  13   a ,  13   b  and pivotally to the support structure  4 . The second diagonal support element  14   a ,  14   b  actuates the locking mechanism  22  at the carriage  11   a ,  11   b  when the suspension bars  8   a ,  8   b  move in their upright position. 
     In an embodiment, the support structure  4  comprises at least one transversally arranged element  9  connected to the first suspension bars  8   a ,  8   b  around the middle part thereof. The transversally arranged element  9  creates a guard rail for the working platform  6  in its deployed position. The transversally arranged element  9  may comprise e.g. a bar, plurality of bars, etc. 
     In an embodiment, the framework comprises a lower connecting element  10  that is arranged between two third joints  24   a ,  24   b . The lower connecting element  10  establishes a transversal support for the working platform  6  in its deployed position. 
     In an embodiment, the working platform  6  is attached to the support structure  4  not only pivotally but also movably in direction of the first suspension bars  8   a ,  8   b . In this embodiment, the working platform  6  that is turned towards the first suspension bars  8   a ,  8   b  may be moved towards first joints  5   a ,  5   b . In an embodiment, the centre guide  19  guides the trailing edge of the working platform (as shown by arrows M in  FIG.  4   ) towards the first joints  5   a ,  5   b , and vice versa. In another embodiment, the first suspension bars  8   a ,  8   b  comprises guides for said movement. 
     In an embodiment, a first diagonal support element  12   a ,  12   b  is arranged movably and pivotally to the guide rails  13   a ,  13   b , and pivotally to the support structure  4 . The first diagonal support element  12   a ,  12   b  connects diagonally the support structure  4  to the guide rail  13   a ,  13   b  when the working platform  6  is in the deployed position. The first diagonal support elements  12   a ,  12   b  also guide and steer the movement of the support structure  4  between the deployed position and the retracted position. 
     In an embodiment, the first diagonal support elements  12   a ,  12   b  are connected to each other by a second upper connecting element  23 . 
     In an embodiment, the length of the working platform  6  is not more than 50% of the length of the support structure  4 . However, in another embodiments, the length of the working platform  6  may be essentially more than 50% of said length, or essentially less than said 50%. 
     In an embodiment, the width of the working platform  6  corresponds at least substantially to the width of the openable roof  2 . 
     In an embodiment, a ladder  15  is arranged pivotably to the working platform  6 , on opposite side thereof in relation to the support structure  4 . The ladder  15  extends from the working platform  6  towards a floor  16  of the elevator car when the working platform  6  is in the deployed position. In an embodiment, the ladder  15  is arranged to extend against said floor  16  and create a support for the working platform  6  in the deployed position. 
     In an embodiment, a ladder diagonal support  17   a ,  17   b  is arranged to control movement of the ladder  15  during movement of the working platform  6  between the retracted position and the deployed position. In an embodiment, such as shown in Figures, the ladder diagonal support  17   a ,  17   b  is attached movably to the ladder  17 . In another embodiment, the ladder diagonal support  17   a ,  17   b  is attached movably to the support structure  4  or the working platform  6 . 
     In an embodiment, such as shown in Figures, the width of the ladder  15  is essentially smaller than the width of the working platform  6 , and the ladder  15  is arranged asymmetrically in relation to the working platform  6 . In the embodiment shown in Figures, the ladder  15  is about half of the width of the working platform  6 . 
     In the embodiment shown in Figures, the ladder  15  has a constant, invariable length. In another embodiment, the length of the ladder  15  is variable; it may have e.g. a telescopic structure. 
     In an embodiment, the support structure  4  and the working platform  6  lie in the retracted position between the openable roof  2  and a ceiling  18  of the elevator car. 
     In an embodiment, the elevator car comprises an equipment unit  21  that is arranged to lie next to the ladder  15  when the working platform  6  is in the retracted position. The equipment unit  21  may be e.g. a link box that may comprise electrical components of the elevator car, etc. 
     In an embodiment, the equipment unit  21  is attached to the elevator car  100  by a hinge system  3 . The equipment unit  21  is pivotally movable from next to the ladder  15  to a lowered position inside the interior space  1  of the elevator car. The equipment unit  21  may e.g. hang on the hinge system  3  in the lowered position. 
     The invention is not limited solely to the embodiments described above, but instead many variations are possible within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims below. Within the scope of the inventive concept the attributes of different embodiments and applications can be used in conjunction with or replace the attributes of another embodiment or application. 
     The drawings and the related description are only intended to illustrate the idea of the invention. The invention may vary in detail within the scope of the inventive idea defined in the following claims. 
     REFERENCE SYMBOLS 
     
         
           1  interior space 
           2  openable roof 
           3  hinge system 
           4  support structure 
           5   a, b  first joint 
           6  working platform 
           7   a, b  second joint 
           8   a, b  first suspension bar 
           9  transversally arranged element 
           10  lower connecting element 
           11   a, b  carriage 
           12   a, b  first diagonal support element 
           13   a, b  guide 
           14   a, b  second diagonal support element 
           15  ladder 
           16  floor 
           17   a, b  ladder diagonal support 
           18  ceiling 
           19  centre guide 
           20  first upper connecting element 
           21  equipment unit 
           22  locking mechanism 
           23  second upper connecting element 
           24   a, b  third joint 
           100  elevator car 
         H horizontal movement 
         M movement