Removable panel for an elevator panel assembly

Abstract

An elevator panel assembly comprises a detachable panel (4) for covering a front surface of an elevator car panel (2b), and a separate component (7). The separate component (7) comprises a head portion (7a) received against a rear surface of the detachable panel (4). The detachable panel (4) is magnetically attachable to the elevator car panel (2b) and comprises a through hole (9) smaller than the head portion (7a) of the separate component (7) and arranged to rest directly on the head portion (7a). The separate component (7) is configured such that a tool inserted through the through hole (9) engages with the head portion to exert a mechanical force causing the head portion (7a) to push against the rear surface of the detachable panel (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an elevator panel assembly including a removable outer panel for covering the front surface of an elevator car panel. Background Technology

[0002] It is known in the art to attach decorative panels to the interior elevator car panels to improve the appearance of the elevator car interior. Specifically, it is known to permanently attach these decorative panels to the elevator car panels using screws or clip mechanisms.

[0003] It is also known in the art that portions of the elevator car panel (also referred to as the car wall) can be removed to allow for maintenance access. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an elevator panel assembly is provided, comprising:

[0005] A removable panel for covering the front surface of an elevator car panel, wherein the removable panel can be magnetically attached to the elevator car panel;

[0006] The detachable component includes a head portion that is received against the rear surface of the removable panel;

[0007] The removable panel includes a through-hole, which is smaller than the head portion of the detachable component and is arranged to rest directly on the head portion; and

[0008] The separating component is configured to engage the head portion with a tool inserted through the through hole to apply mechanical force, causing the head portion to push against the rear surface of the removable panel.

[0009] By providing a separation component positioned behind a smaller through-hole, this disclosure allows the removable panel to be easily fitted onto the elevator car panel and easily removed by authorized maintenance personnel, but not by ordinary passengers, while still maintaining a neat appearance. In use, the force provided by the head portion pushing against the rear surface of the removable panel is sufficient to create separation between the removable panel and the elevator car panel. Maintenance personnel can then insert tools or their fingertips into this separation to provide a force sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction between the removable panel and the elevator car panel, and remove the removable panel from the elevator car panel.

[0010] Technicians will understand that the term "smaller" refers to the size of the head portion in the plane of the removable panel. For example, in the case where the head portion is approximately circular (as is the case with the through-hole), the diameter of the through-hole is smaller than the diameter of the head portion of the separating component. Therefore, although the head portion is aligned so that the through-hole rests above the head portion, the head portion of the separating component cannot pass through the through-hole due to its size. This results in the area of ​​the removable panel surrounding the through-hole, where the separating component applies force when engaged with a tool. In this case, the term "smaller" does not refer to the relative depth of the head portion compared to the through-hole.

[0011] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided for removing a removable panel from the front surface of an elevator car panel, wherein the rear surface of the removable panel is magnetically attached to the elevator car panel.

[0012] This includes the separation component of the head portion being received against the rear surface of the removable panel, and the removable panel including a through-hole smaller than the head portion of the separation component, and arranged to rest directly on the head portion.

[0013] The method includes:

[0014] Insert the tool through the through-hole in the removable panel; and

[0015] Engage the tool with the head portion of the separating component to apply mechanical force, causing the head portion to push against the rear surface of the removable panel, thereby creating separation from the front surface of the elevator car panel.

[0016] In some instances, the method also includes using separation to apply a force sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction between the elevator car panel and the removable panel, and to remove the removable panel.

[0017] In some instances, the rear surface of the removable panel also includes a recess that surrounds the through-hole and is sized to accommodate the head portion of the detachable component. This advantageously accommodates the head portion of the detachable component so that, when the removable panel is fitted onto the elevator car panel, it can be neatly positioned flush against the elevator car panel.

[0018] In some instances, additionally or alternatively, the removable panel is a decorative panel. This advantageously allows elevator buyers to select a panel with an appearance they find attractive. While decorative panels that can be permanently attached to existing elevator car panels are known, this disclosure provides decorative panels that can be installed in locations where frequent removal of the decorative panel is desirable or necessary, such as where the decorative panel will be installed above a hinged panel, and where the decorative panel interferes with the opening of the hinged panel.

[0019] In some instances, additionally or alternatively, the removable panel includes at least one magnetic element permanently attached to the rear surface of the removable panel. This advantageously allows for a simple means of magnetically attaching the removable panel to an elevator car panel that is generally constructed of or contains ferromagnetic material.

[0020] In some instances, additionally or alternatively, the removable panel includes four magnetic elements arranged toward the four corners of the rear surface of the removable panel. This advantageously provides a secure hold to the removable panel so that it will not be accidentally removed, while also utilizing a sufficiently small force (so that separation can be achieved using a separation component) to attach it.

[0021] In some instances, additionally or alternatively, the through-holes are arranged close to the magnetic elements(s). This results in a separation force generated by the separation mechanism being applied close to a magnetic force that holds the removable panel against the elevator car panel. This allows the force provided by the separation mechanism to more effectively separate the removable panel from the elevator car panel. In cases where the panel includes more than one magnetic element and more than one through-hole, one, some, or all of the through-holes may be arranged close to the magnetic element. Individual through-holes may be arranged close to different magnetic elements, or more than one through-hole may be arranged close to the same magnetic element. This advantageously allows additional forces to be applied close to one or more specific magnetic elements.

[0022] In some instances, additionally or alternatively, the through-holes are arranged near the edge of the removable panel. This advantageously allows the separation components to lift the removable panel at that edge. This is particularly advantageous because proximity to the edge causes the removable panel to separate at the edge of the panel, allowing maintenance personnel to insert tools or their fingertips into the separation to apply force and thereby separate the removable panel from the underlying panel. In cases where the panel contains more than one through-hole, one or some or all of the through-holes may be arranged near the edge.

[0023] In cases where the removable panel includes more than one through-hole, one, some, or all of the through-holes may be arranged near the same edge of the removable panel. Alternatively, a first through-hole may be arranged near a first edge of the panel, and a second through-hole may be arranged near a second edge of the panel.

[0024] In some instances, additionally or alternatively, the separating component is an expandable component, such that when engaged with a tool and subjected to mechanical force, the separating component expands and thus pushes against the rear surface of the removable panel. The separating component may, for example, be a spring mechanism.

[0025] In other instances, the separating component is a screw. This advantageously allows for a simple separation mechanism that can be engaged by a tool passing through only a small through-hole and provides sufficient force. In this case, a screwdriver inserted through the through-hole can be used to rotate the screw, loosening it from the elevator car panel and thus applying force to the rear surface of the removable panel sufficient to create separation between the removable panel and the elevator car panel.

[0026] In some instances, additionally or alternatively, the head portion of the separating component is generally flat. This advantageously allows the head portion of the separating component to maintain good contact with the rear surface of the removable panel in order to effectively apply force to the removable panel.

[0027] In some instances, additionally or alternatively, the elevator panel assembly includes two separate components, and the removable panel includes two corresponding through-holes for the two separate components. This allows the removable panel to separate from the elevator car panel at two separate locations, creating a greater separation along the outer edge of the panel, and thereby making it easier for maintenance personnel to separate the two panels.

[0028] In some instances, the removable panel includes a cutout. This advantageously allows the removable panel to fit over a panel within the elevator car, while still requiring passenger access to the panel. For example, the cutout may be sized to allow the removable panel to fit over a car control panel, or alternatively, the cutout may be sized to match the car control panel.

[0029] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an elevator car panel assembly is provided, which includes the elevator panel assembly as described above, and further includes an elevator car panel covered by a removable panel, wherein the elevator car panel includes a ferromagnetic material.

[0030] In some instances, additionally or alternatively, the separating component also includes a body portion, and the elevator car panel includes an elevator car panel opening arranged to receive the body portion of the separating component.

[0031] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an elevator system is provided, which includes an elevator panel assembly or an elevator car panel assembly as described above, and also includes an elevator car. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Certain preferred embodiments of this disclosure will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0033] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an elevator car, including the car control panel, is shown.

[0034] Figure 2 A removable panel according to this disclosure is shown.

[0035] Figure 3A schematic diagram is shown, illustrating a top view of the interior of an elevator car including decorative panels and removable panels according to this disclosure.

[0036] Figure 4 Show Figure 3 A more detailed view of the middle panel section.

[0037] Figure 5 The diagram shows cross-sections of an elevator panel and a removable panel, positioned flush against each other, with the detachable component positioned between the panels.

[0038] Figure 6 The elevator panel and the removable panel are shown in cross-section after they have been separated by the separation components. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an elevator car 1 is shown, which includes a car operation panel (COP) 2a positioned in or on an elevator car panel 2b, as can be seen in the figure. In many elevator cars, it is desirable for maintenance personnel to have access as needed to various electronic devices behind the car operation panel 2a. Specifically, the car operation panel 2a is located on or in the elevator car panel 2b, which may be hinged on one side to allow access. Often desirable is the attachment of decorative panels (such as decorative panels 3) to the interior wall of the elevator car 1 to improve the appearance of the car interior for passengers. Therefore, it is desirable to attach decorative panels to the elevator car panel 2b, on which the car operation panel 2a exists, and these decorative panels match other decorative panels 3 attached to the interior of the elevator car 1. Furthermore, as will be explained in more detail below, it is desirable for the decorative panels to be attached to the elevator car panel 2b and to be detachable from the elevator car panel 2b. Although such panels are referred to herein as “decorative” panels, it will be understood that this terminology is not intended to be limiting, but merely to describe one instance of the functionality that such panels can perform. The features described herein also apply to any removable panel, whether or not it is also a decorative panel. Removable panels according to this disclosure may not be decorative, or may perform specific functions in addition to being decorative.

[0040] Figure 2 A removable panel 4, in the form of a decorative panel, is shown, which is adapted to be attached above the car operation panel 2a to the elevator car panel 2b, such as... Figure 1 As shown in the image. Although other decorative panels (such as...) Figure 1 The decorative panel 3) can be formed as a single piece, but the removable panel 4 includes a cutout 5, which is sized to allow the control buttons of COP 2a to protrude through the cutout 5 and thus be accessible to the user for use.

[0041] Figure 3 This view shows a top view of the interior of an elevator car 1, including a car operation panel (not shown) positioned on or in the elevator car panel 2b, which has a removable panel 4 attached thereto. The car wall additionally has a decorative panel 3 attached thereto. This view illustrates a problem arising from this arrangement of the decorative panels, as indicated within circle 30. Opening of the elevator car panel 2b is constrained by the contact between the removable panel 4 and the adjacent decorative panel 3 at the hinge of the opened elevator car panel 2b. Therefore, it is advantageous that the removable panel 4 is removed before opening the elevator car panel 2b.

[0042] Although the problem is illustrated in the context of a car control panel, it is of course equally relevant in the case of any elevator panel that is hinged for opening and to which a decorative panel will be attached. This disclosure proposes a solution that allows the decorative panel to be removed from the elevator panel and neatly secured in place without any gaps that are unsightly and would allow anyone to remove the panel and thus pose a risk of intentional damage.

[0043] To address this issue, the removable panel 4 includes one or more magnetic elements 6, such as... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, the elevator car panel 2b (on which the car operation panel 2a is located) comprises a ferromagnetic material such that the force of the magnetic element 6 provides a magnetic attraction strong enough to hold the removable panel 4 against the elevator car panel 2b. The removable panel 4 is sized to fit perfectly over the elevator car panel 2b and makes the car operation panel 2a or a section thereof visible as needed, for example, through cutouts 5 (as previously described). In its proper position, the removable panel 4 therefore has no gaps around its edges and is neatly positioned flush with the car operation panel 2a and the adjacent decorative panel 3. Maintenance personnel are therefore unable to easily insert their hands or tools behind the removable panel 4 to remove it so that the elevator car panel 2b can be opened. This creates a better view for passengers and reduces the risk of passengers being able to tamper with the removable panel 4.

[0044] To allow the removable panel 4 to be separated from the elevator car panel 2b, a separation component, such as a screw, is provided. The operation of this separation component is referenced... Figure 5 and Figure 6 To describe in more detail.

[0045] Figure 4 Show in more detail Figure 2The removable panel 4 is shown in part. Two of the four magnetic elements 6 are shown, as are the cutouts 5. The removable panel 4 also includes a recess 8 in which some material of the removable panel is removed to form a notch sized to receive the separated parts. The depth of the recess 8 is less than the total thickness of the removable panel 4 so that the recess 8 is not visible on the outer surface of the removable panel 4. However, a through-hole 9 is formed within the recess 8. The through-hole 9 has a smaller surface area than the recess and extends through the entire thickness of the removable panel 4.

[0046] The magnetic element 6 is arranged at the corner of the removable panel 4. The recessed portion 8 and the through-hole 9 within the recessed portion 8 are positioned close to one of the magnets. This provides the advantage that the separation force generated by the separating component is applied close to the magnetic force, which holds the removable panel 4 against the lower elevator car panel 2b. This allows the force provided by the separating component to more effectively separate the removable panel 4 from the elevator car panel 2b of the elevator car.

[0047] Furthermore, the recessed portion 8 and the through hole 9 are positioned close to one edge of the removable panel 4. This allows a separating component pushed on the recessed portion 8 to lift that edge of the removable panel 4. This is particularly advantageous because proximity to the edge causes the removable panel 4 to lift, creating a separation at the edge of the removable panel 4, into which maintenance personnel can insert tools or their fingertips to apply force and thereby separate the removable panel 4 from the elevator car panel 2b.

[0048] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the removable panel 4 is shown, which is held in place by a magnet (not shown) against the elevator car panel 2b. The separating component includes a head portion 7a that fits neatly into a recessed portion 8, allowing the removable panel 4 to rest tightly against the elevator car panel 2b flush with the elevator car.

[0049] The separating component 7 additionally includes a body portion 7b. If the separating component 7 is a screw, the body portion 7b includes screw threads. The body portion 7b of the separating component 7 is inserted into a second hole, which is referred to as the elevator car panel hole 10 formed in the elevator car panel 2b of the elevator car.

[0050] Figure 6The diagram shows the removable panel 4 after it has been separated from the front surface 12b of the elevator car panel 2b of the elevator car by the action of the separating member 7, on the rear surface 12a of the removable panel 4. To separate the panel, a screwdriver or similar suitable tool is inserted through a through-hole 9 in the removable panel 4. Through this through-hole 9, the tool can access the head portion 7a of the separating member 7. In some instances, the separating member 7 is a screw. In this case, a screwdriver can be used to engage the screw. The screwdriver is inserted into the threads on the head of the screw, and the screwdriver is turned in a suitable direction, causing the separating member 7 to move away from the elevator car panel 2b, so that the body portion 7b is partially or completely removed from the elevator car panel hole 10 present in the elevator car panel 2b. In other instances, the separating member 7 is an expandable member 7, which is engaged by a suitable tool to apply force against the rear surface of the removable panel 4. In this case, tools other than a screwdriver can be used. For example, the separating component 7 may be a latch spring, and a small tool (e.g., a pin) may be inserted through the through hole 9 and used to disengage the latch, causing the spring to expand and push against the removable panel 4.

[0051] When the tool engages with the separating component 7, this causes the head portion 7a of the separating component 7 to push against the removable panel 4, particularly on the recessed portion 8 therein, pushing the panel apart and creating separation between them. It is then possible that a maintenance personnel insert a suitable tool between the removable panel 4 and the adjacent decorative panel 3, and apply sufficient force to overcome the magnetic attraction of the magnet to the elevator car panel 2b, thus separating the removable panel 4 from the elevator car panel 2b. The tool can be any suitable tool capable of separating the removable panel 4 from the elevator car panel 2b. It can be, for example, a screwdriver or a pry bar, or alternatively, the maintenance personnel can insert their fingertips into the separation and manually apply the separating force. The maintenance personnel are thus able to remove the removable panel 4 from the elevator car panel 2b and then freely open the elevator car panel 2b as needed, without causing any constraint on the removable panel 4.

[0052] Those skilled in the art will recognize that this disclosure is illustrated by describing one or more particular aspects, but is not limited to those aspects; many variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An elevator panel assembly, comprising: A removable panel (4), which is in the form of a decorative panel, is adapted to be attached above the car operation panel to the elevator car panel for covering the front surface (12b) of the elevator car panel (2b), wherein the removable panel (4) is magnetically attached to the elevator car panel (2b), the removable panel has no gaps around the edges, and is neatly placed flush with the car operation panel and the adjacent decorative panel; Separating component (7), which includes a head portion (7a) that is received against the rear surface (12a) of the removable panel (4); The removable panel (4) includes a through hole (9) smaller than the head portion (7a) of the separating member (7) and arranged to rest directly on the head portion (7a); and The separating component (7) is configured to engage the head portion (7a) with a tool inserted through the through hole (9) to apply mechanical force to push the head portion (7a) against the rear surface of the removable panel (4).

2. The elevator panel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rear surface of the removable panel (4) also includes a recess (8) that surrounds the through hole (9) and is sized to accommodate the head portion (7a) of the detachable component (7).

3. The elevator panel assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The removable panel (4) includes at least one magnetic element permanently attached to the rear surface (12a) of the removable panel (4).

4. The elevator panel assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The removable panel (4) includes four magnetic elements arranged at the four corners of the rear surface of the removable panel (4).

5. The elevator panel assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The through hole (9) is arranged close to the magnetic element.

6. The elevator panel assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The through-hole (9) is arranged close to the edge of the removable panel (4).

7. The elevator panel assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The separating component (7) is a screw.

8. The elevator panel assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The head portion (7a) of the separating component (7) is flat.

9. The elevator panel assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The elevator panel assembly includes two separate components (7), wherein the removable panel (4) includes two corresponding through holes (9) for the two separate components (7).

10. The elevator panel assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The removable panel (4) includes a cutout (5).

11. An elevator car panel assembly comprising an elevator panel assembly as described in any of the preceding claims, and further comprising an elevator car panel (2b) covered by the removable panel (4), wherein the elevator car panel (2b) comprises a ferromagnetic material.

12. The elevator car panel assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The separating component (7) also includes a body portion (7b), wherein the elevator car panel (2b) includes an elevator car panel opening (10) arranged to receive the body portion (7b) of the separating component (7).

13. An elevator system comprising an elevator panel assembly or an elevator car panel assembly as described in any of the preceding claims, and an elevator car.

14. A method for removing a removable panel (4) from the front surface (12b) of an elevator car panel (2b), the rear surface (12a) of the removable panel (4) being magnetically attached to the elevator car panel (2b), the removable panel (4) being in the form of a decorative panel adapted to be attached to the elevator car panel above the car operation panel for covering the front surface (12b) of the elevator car panel (2b), the removable panel having no gaps around its edges and being neatly arranged flush with the car operation panel and adjacent decorative panels; This includes a separating member (7) of the head portion (7a) receiving against the rear surface (12a) of the removable panel (4), and the removable panel (4) including a through hole (9) smaller than the head portion (7a) of the separating member (7) and arranged to rest directly on the head portion (7a). The method includes: Insert the tool through the through hole (9) in the removable panel (4); as well as Engage the tool with the head portion (7a) of the separating component (7) to apply mechanical force, causing the head portion (7a) to push against the rear surface (12a) of the removable panel (4), thereby creating separation from the front surface (12b) of the elevator car panel (2b).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Using separation to apply a force sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction between the elevator car panel (2b) and the removable panel (4); and Remove the removable panel (4).

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