Elevator car, elevator and method

Abstract

The invention relates to an elevator car (1) comprising a roof (4; 40; 400), a plurality of wall sections (2), a floor (3), one or more doors (5) for allowing access to a transportation space (10) defined by the roof (4; 40; 400), the plurality of wall sections (2), the floor (3) and the at least openable and closable doors (5). The roof (4; 40; 400) is vertically movable upwards from a first normal use position (I) to a second cargo use position (II) for increasing the height of the transportation space (10) and vertically downwards from the second position (II) back to the first position (I) for decreasing the height of the transportation space (10). The invention also relates to an elevator and to a method of implementing an elevator car (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an elevator car, an elevator, and a method for transporting passengers and goods. Background Technology

[0002] During the construction of a building, people and goods need to move vertically to enable construction work to be carried out on the upper part of the building under construction. For example, construction workers need to move to and from the floor where their construction site is located. Similarly, goods (such as tools, equipment, and building materials) need to be moved to the floors where the corresponding tools, equipment, and building materials are located. In addition, people not involved in the construction work may need to move between floors.

[0003] In the prior art, the transport of large building materials has been carried out using construction traction machines and / or temporary elevators and / or temporary elevators installed outside the building under construction. People have been transported by cars operated within the building's shaft.

[0004] The drawback of the known solutions for transporting goods and people is that these solutions have not been optimized in terms of the efficiency of the flow of people and goods. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to introduce a new elevator car, a new elevator, and a new method that facilitates the safe, convenient, and efficient movement of both people and goods to be transported within a building.

[0006] The purpose is to introduce a solution by which one or more of the problems defined above in the prior art and / or discussed or implied elsewhere in the specification can be solved.

[0007] The aim is to further introduce a solution that, for example, provides safe, convenient, and efficient movement of people and large goods, such as building materials during construction. This aim is achieved when the building is under construction, while facilitating a simple and rapid transformation to serve the final building's transportation needs, which may differ from those during the building's construction phase.

[0008] A novel elevator car is proposed, comprising: a top panel; a plurality of walls; a floor; one or more doors; and a transport space defined by the top panel, the plurality of walls, the floor, and the one or more doors. The top panel is vertically movable upward from a first "normal use" position I to a second "cargo use" position II to increase the height of the transport space, and is vertically movable downward from the second position II back to the first position I, specifically to decrease the height of the transport space. Through this solution, one or more of the objectives mentioned above can be achieved.

[0009] In particular, this allows the elevator car to be quickly and efficiently temporarily repositioned to accommodate items larger than normal. Therefore, the elevator car can be used to efficiently, conveniently, and safely transport passengers when the top panel is in its normal operating position, and to transport large items when the top panel is in its cargo operating position. The movable structure of the top panel allows for relatively rapid movement between positions.

[0010] Other preferred details are described below, which may be combined with the elevator car individually or in any combination.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator car includes a removably mounted panel beneath the top panel, specifically covering the lower surface of the top panel. The covering panel can be, for example, a decorative panel or a panel that supports a light source. The covering panel provides that the top panel can be robust, and it does not need to be visible, aesthetically pleasing, or optimized in terms of the possible positioning of light sources. Therefore, the surface of the car can also be protected during the transport of very large items.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the top plate forms a working platform, specifically, when the top plate is in the first position, a person can stand on the top of the working platform outside the elevator car.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator car preferably includes railings installed on the top of the car, specifically between the railings outside the car, allowing a person to stand.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the top plate can move vertically within the space between the railings.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the railing surrounds the vertical projection of the top plate.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the railing wall laterally surrounds the workspace.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the railing includes one or more sections that pivot between a vertical orientation and an inclined orientation. For example, the inclined orientation may be horizontal.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, when the roof panel is in the first position, the vertical distance D1 between the upper surface of the floor and the lower surface of the roof panel exceeds 1.8 meters, and when the roof panel is in the second position, the vertical distance D2 between the upper surface of the floor and the lower surface of the roof panel is longer than Dd when the roof panel is in the first position, wherein the distance Dd is preferably at least 30 cm. A distance D1 exceeding 1.8 meters provides that passengers can stand below the roof panel when it is in its normal use position. The distance Dd is preferably at least 30 cm, however more preferably at least 50 cm, and even more preferably at least 1 meter. The distance Dd is generally preferably less than 2 meters.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the first position is the lowest limit position and the second position is the highest limit position, and the top plate can only move between the limit positions, specifically being prevented from moving below the first position and prevented from moving above the second position.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, when the top plate is in the second position, the distance D2 between the upper surface of the floor and the lower surface of the top plate exceeds 2.5 meters.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, when the top plate is in the second position, the distance D2 between the upper surface of the floor and the lower surface of the top plate is less than 5 meters.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the top plate is horizontal in the second position II. Preferably, when the top plate is horizontal, its flat upper surface is horizontal. The flat upper surface f of the horizontal top plate preferably forms the upper surface of a work platform, specifically, when the top plate is in the first position I, a person can stand on the top of this work platform outside the elevator car. The area of ​​the horizontal upper surface f of the top plate is preferably at least 0.5 m², preferably larger, such as at least 1 m².

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator car includes a locking device operable to immovably lock the top panel in the second position II and / or the first position I.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the locking device includes a locking lever movably mounted on a top plate and movable to or from one or more recesses that are at least immovable in the vertical direction.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator car includes one or more vertically extendable support mechanisms, through which the top plate is mounted on a fixed structure of the car. Specifically, the top plate is movable relative to these fixed structures, which are preferably, for example, a car frame or a car wall. Preferably, the elevator car includes a plurality of said extendable support mechanisms. The plurality of said extendable support mechanisms are arranged at horizontally displaced locations to promote stability of the top plate, specifically at its second position II.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, each of the vertically extendable support mechanisms includes one or more pivot arms.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, at each of the locations I and II, the top plate is in the same horizontal orientation.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the top plate includes a portion that can be displaced to form an opening in the top plate.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator car includes at least one actuation arrangement for moving the top plate vertically upward from the first position I to the second position II and / or vertically downward from the second position II to the first position I. Therefore, the top plate can be easily moved between positions. The actuation arrangement preferably includes at least one actuator. The actuator is preferably an electric motor.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the actuation arrangement is a helical jack.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the top plate is so large that its vertical projection covers most of the vertical projection of the transport space, i.e., more than 50%, but most preferably more than 75% of the vertical projection of the transport space.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the door is both openable and closable, for example, preferably a sliding door or a swing door.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the door is an automatic door. The door is preferably automatically opened and closed by a door operator included in the elevator car. Automatic doors provide high convenience for passengers while also promoting operational efficiency and safety. Therefore, this high level of convenience and efficiency, while allowing the elevator car to transport large items such as building materials, is particularly advantageous during the construction of buildings.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator car includes a sheave arrangement for guiding suspension ropes, the sheave arrangement being separate from the top plate, and preferably including sheaves for suspending the elevator car from below.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned steering wheel is mounted below the transport space and positioned to guide the suspension rope across its vertical projection below the floor.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the car includes a detector, such as an electronic switch, arranged to detect the position of the ceiling. This enhances elevator safety. Through this solution, one or more of the objectives mentioned above can be achieved.

[0037] A novel elevator is also proposed, comprising a car as described above. Further preferred details are described below and above, and these details can be incorporated into the elevator individually or in any combination.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator car is arranged to travel along at least one guide rail installed in the shaft.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the shaft is located inside the building.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the car includes one or more detectors, such as electronic switches, arranged to detect the position of the ceiling.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator includes an elevator control system configured to receive signals from one or more user interfaces and automatically move the car in response to the signals. The user interfaces preferably include one or more user interfaces at one or more floors, a user interface inside the elevator car, or a mobile device including user interface software that communicates with the elevator control system.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator control system is configured to control the movement of the elevator car based on the position of the top plate detected by the one or more detectors.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the control system is configured to disable at least a portion of the elevator's function when one or more detectors indicate that the top plate is moving away from its first position.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the blocked function includes automatically moving the car in response to signals from one or more user interfaces located at one or more floors. Therefore, passengers are typically not served when the overhead panel is in the cargo position, which enhances elevator safety.

[0045] A new method for transporting passengers and goods was also proposed, including... When the top plate is in the first position I, passengers are transported using an elevator car as described above; and thereafter Moving the top plate from the first position I to the second position II increases the height of the elevator car's transport space; and subsequently When the top plate is in the second position II, the elevator car 1 transports the items.

[0046] This solution allows one or more of the objectives mentioned above to be achieved.

[0047] Other preferred details are described below and above, and these other details may be combined with the method alone or in any combination.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, when transporting passengers, these passengers are located in the transport space of the car, specifically below the ceiling.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, when transporting the items, the items are located in the transport space of the car, specifically below the top panel.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the method includes moving the top plate from the second position II back to the first position I after the items are transported by the elevator car, while the top plate is in the second position II.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the method includes, specifically, locking the top plate immovably in the second position II by operating a locking device between the movement from the first position I to the second position II and the subsequent transport.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, each passenger transport using the elevator car includes: receiving signals from one or more user interfaces via the elevator control system and automatically moving the car in response to the signals. The user interfaces preferably include one or more user interfaces at one or more floors, a user interface inside the elevator car, or a mobile device including user interface software that communicates with the elevator control system.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the method includes using one or more detectors to detect the position of the top plate.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the method includes controlling the movement of an elevator car based on the position of the top plate detected by one or more detectors.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the method includes, specifically, preventing at least some of the elevator's functions via a control system when one or more detectors indicate that the top plate is moving away from its first position.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the blocked function includes automatically moving the car in response to a signal from one or more user interfaces located at one or more floors. Therefore, passengers are typically not served when the overhead panel is in cargo position II.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the building is under construction. This may result in the building not yet reaching its final height, with its upper portion still missing. Therefore, preferably, during the method, the building under construction is built taller, and most preferably, during the method, new floors are built on top of existing floors of the building under construction.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator shaft is defined by one or more interior walls of the building, which are preferably concrete walls. Attached Figure Description

[0059] In the following description, the invention will be described in more detail by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which... Figure 1 The illustration shows an elevator car in its first position when viewed from the side, according to an embodiment. Figure 2 The diagram shows Figure 1 The elevator car is in its second position when viewed from the side. Figure 3 The diagram shows Figure 1 And the cross-section of the top plate in its second position when viewed in the front-back direction. Figure 4 Partial map shows Figures 1 to 3 A front view of the elevator car. Figure 5 The diagram shows Figure 1 Other optional details of the elevator car when viewed from the side. Figure 6 The diagram shows Figure 1 Other optional details of the elevator car when viewed from the side. Figure 7 The diagram shows Figure 6 The elevator car when viewed from the side while carrying a large object. Figure 8 The diagram shows Figure 1 Other optional details of the elevator car when viewed from the side. Figure 9 The diagram shows Figure 8 The elevator car when viewed from the side when loaded with large items. Figure 10 The illustration shows the view from above. Figure 8 The roof of the car. Figure 11 The illustration shows the view from above. Figure 9 The roof of the car. Figure 12 The illustration shows an elevator, in which a car is used to transport passengers. Figure 13The illustration shows an elevator, with the car used to transport large items. Figure 14 The illustration shows other details of the preferred elevator design. Figure 15 The illustration shows other details of the preferred elevator design. Figure 16 The illustration shows other details of the preferred car and elevator. Figure 17 The illustration shows other details of the preferred car and elevator. Figure 18 The illustration shows the preferred details of the car and elevator. The foregoing aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the drawings and the associated detailed description. Detailed Implementation

[0060] Figure 1 An embodiment of an elevator car 1 is illustrated, which includes a top panel 4, multiple wall sections 2, a floor 3, and at least one door 5.

[0061] The elevator car includes a transport space 10, which is defined by the top plate 4, a plurality of walls 2, a floor 3 and at least one door 5.

[0062] The top plate 4 can be moved vertically upward from a first "normal use" position I to a second "cargo use" position II to increase the height of the transport space 10, and can be moved vertically downward from the second position II back to the first position I, specifically to decrease the height of the transport space 10. The elevator car can be designed such that the first position I is safe and convenient, while the cargo position does not need to meet all the same requirements. For example, when the top plate 4 is in the first position I, the noise level and aesthetic appearance can be better during normal use. These are generally not important during cargo transport use, which can be utilized, for example, only exceptionally and / or temporarily. Therefore, the possibility of returning the top plate 4 to its first position I after large cargo transport is no longer needed is advantageous.

[0063] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the elevator car 1 when the top plate 4 is in its first position I, and Figure 2The illustration shows the elevator car 1 when the top plate 4 is in its second position II. When the top plate 4 is in the first position, the vertical distance D1 between the upper surface of the floor and the lower surface of the top plate 4 exceeds 1.8 meters, and when the top plate 4 is in the second position, the vertical distance D2 between the upper surface of the floor and the lower surface of the top plate 4 is longer than Dd when the top plate 4 is in the first position, and this distance Dd is preferably at least 30 cm. Providing only a very short distance would not provide any substantial benefit. For this purpose, the distance Dd is preferably at least 30 cm, but preferably larger. The distance Dd is more preferably at least 50 cm, more preferably at least 1 meter. However, the distance Dd is preferably less than 2 meters. It may be rare to need to transport extremely tall objects, and due to the difficulty in simply and economically arranging a very long vertical extension of the transport space 10, it may not be necessary to expand the transport space by more than 2 meters, but this is certainly possible.

[0064] The elevator car 1 may include a repositionable cover panel 7, which may be a decorative panel and / or a light-carrying panel located below the top plate 4 (specifically covering the lower surface of the top plate 4). The cover panel 7 is not mandatory. However, it is advantageous because the top plate 4 can then be robust and it does not need to be visible, aesthetically pleasing, or optimized in terms of the positioning of the light source. Therefore, these aesthetic surfaces and / or the car's lights can also be repositioned when transporting very large items, so that they are not damaged during said transport. The cover panel 7 in… Figure 1 The diagram is shown in dashed lines. The cover panel 7 can be installed using releasable fastening components (such as screws or a quick-release mechanism). When the top plate is in the second position II, the cover panel 7 can, for example, be removed from the car 1. Figure 2 In the middle, the cover panel 7 has been moved from its position.

[0065] Preferably, the top plate 4 forms a working platform. When the top plate 4 is in the first position I, specifically when a person is outside the car 1, the person can stand on the top of the working platform, for example, to perform maintenance work in the hoistway H.

[0066] Preferably, the top plate 4 has a limited range of movement within which it is movable, and is permanently prevented from moving outside the range, specifically above the uppermost limit and below the lowermost limit position. The first position I is the lowermost limit position of the top plate 4, and the second position is the uppermost limit position of the top plate 4, and the top plate 4 is movable only between these limit positions, specifically prevented from moving below the first position and prevented from moving above the second position.

[0067] To achieve a considerable volume expansion while minimizing the vertical dimensions of the elevator car 1, for example, to improve safety and the ability to access the ceiling of the hoistway, the top plate 4 is horizontal in the second position II. Correspondingly, to maximize the volume of the elevator car 1 when the top plate 4 is horizontal in the second position II, the top plate 4 is horizontal in the first position I. When horizontal, the flat upper surface f of the top plate 4 is horizontal and / or the flat lower surface of the top plate 4 is horizontal. The flat upper surface f of the horizontal top plate 4 preferably forms the upper surface of the aforementioned working platform, specifically, when the top plate 4 is in the first position I, a person can stand on the top of this working platform outside the elevator car 1. The area of ​​the horizontal upper surface f of the top plate 4 is preferably at least 0.5 m2, preferably larger, such as at least 1 m2.

[0068] When the top plate 4 is in the second position, the distance D2 between the upper surface of the floor and the lower surface of the top plate 4 preferably exceeds 2.5 meters. Preferably, when the top plate 4 is in the second position, the distance D2 between the upper surface of the floor and the lower surface of the top plate 4 is less than 5 meters. It may be rare to need to transport extremely tall objects, and due to the difficulty in simply and economically arranging a very long vertical extension of the transport space 10, it may not be necessary to expand the transport space beyond 5 meters, but this is possible.

[0069] Preferably, although not essential, the elevator car 1 includes a locking device 8 operable to immovably lock the top plate 4 in the position II. Thus, the top plate 4 remains stationary when in the position II, which is advantageous for safety, and the top plate 4 does not need to be supported by other means, such as by a long object to be transported. Figure 1 and 2 The locking device 8 is shown in dashed lines because its presence is not required. Figure 17 The illustration shows preferred details of the locking device 8. In this case, the locking device 8 includes a locking lever 8a, which is movably mounted on the top plate 4 and movable to or from a recess 8b that is at least immovable in the vertical direction. The locking device may alternatively have different configurations. The recess 8b may be formed in a corresponding component 8c, which is immovably mounted on components 2, 11 of the car 1, such as, for example, the wall 2 or the railing 11 or the car frame. The car 1 preferably includes: a corresponding component 8c, in a first vertical horizontal direction, such as... Figure 17 As illustrated, specifically, when the top plate 4 is in the first position I, its recess 8b is flush with the locking lever 8a; and another corresponding element 8c, such as... Figure 17 As illustrated in the diagram, on the second vertical level, specifically such that when the top plate 4 is in the second position II, its recess 8b is aligned with the locking lever 8a.

[0070] like Figures 1 to 3 As illustrated, the elevator car 1 includes one or more vertically extending support mechanisms 6. A top plate 4 is mounted on a fixed structure 2 of the car 1 via these support mechanisms. The top plate 4 is movable relative to these fixed structures, which are preferably, for example, car frames or car walls 2. Figures 1 to 3 In the embodiment illustrated, the elevator car 1 includes a plurality of the aforementioned extendable support mechanisms 6. This allows for the provision of multiple support points and enables the stability of the top plate 4. The plurality of the extendable support mechanisms 6 are arranged at locations of horizontal displacement to facilitate the stability of the top plate 4 specifically in its second position II. Figures 1 to 3 In the embodiments illustrated, each of the vertically extendable support mechanisms 6 includes one or more pivot arms 6a, 6b (specifically two), but each extendable support mechanism 6 may alternatively be implemented with only one pivot arm, for example, when one end is connected to the top plate 4 and the other end is connected to the fixed structure 2 of the car 1. Each of the extendable support mechanisms 6 may also be implemented differently, such as without pivoting, such as a linear extendable support mechanism. In this case, the extendable support mechanism may include, for example, a telescopically extendable support arm, or a vertically oriented support arm movable along a power supply rail mounted on the fixed structure 2 of the car 1.

[0071] The aforementioned door 5 is adapted to allow access to the transport space 10 from the side of the car 1. The aforementioned door 5 is preferably an automatic door, which can be opened and closed by a door operator included in the car 1.

[0072] The elevator car 1 preferably also includes railings mounted on the top of the car 1, specifically railings 11 in which a person can stand. In a preferred embodiment, this is implemented such that the railings 11 surround the vertical projection of the top plate 4, allowing the top plate 4 to move vertically within the space W between the railings 11. The railings 11 form walls that laterally surround the space W, which is preferably a workspace W, specifically for accommodating at least the lower body of a person. Figure 1 and 2 In the diagram, the railing 11 of the top plate 4 is not shown in the obstruction view. The railing 11 may include one or more sections that pivot between a vertical orientation and an inclined orientation, such as... Figure 5 As illustrated in the diagram. This can promote the vertical compactness of the car 1 and / or the availability of the workspace W during normal operation.

[0073] Figures 6 to 7An embodiment is illustrated, wherein the top plate 40 includes a portion 40b that is displaceable to form an opening O1 in the top plate 40. In other respects, the top plate 40 is identical to the top plate 4 described elsewhere. The portion 40b is hinged to the main portion 40a of the top plate 40. The opening O1 allows very tall objects to be transported by the car 1. Figure 7 In this configuration, guide rail sections have been positioned to extend partially within the transport space 10, with the upper ends of these guide rail sections extending through opening O1 to the shaft side.

[0074] Figures 8 to 11 An embodiment is illustrated, wherein the roof panel 400 includes a roof panel portion 400b1 that is movable to form an opening O2 in the roof panel 400. In other respects, the roof panel 400 is identical to the roof panel 4 described elsewhere. The portion 400b1 is hinged to the main portion 400a of the roof panel 400. The opening O2 allows very tall objects to be transported by the car body 1. In this embodiment, the roof panel 400 further includes a roof panel portion 400b2 that is hinged to the roof panel portion 400b1 of the roof panel 400. Therefore, if only a small opening is required, a smaller opening can be formed in the roof panel 400 by opening only the roof panel portion 400b2.

[0075] Figure 10 and 11 The diagram shows the signal from above. Figure 8 and 9 The top plate is 400. Figure 9 and 11 In the middle, the ventilation duct section has been placed to extend partially in the transport space 10, with the upper end of the duct extending through the opening O2 to the shaft side.

[0076] Figure 12 and 13 The illustration includes, as shown in the reference. Figures 1 to 11 The elevator with car 1 is described. For clarity, the handrail 11 is not shown. Car 1 can move vertically within the shaft 12. Figure 12 In this configuration, the top plates 4, 40, and 400 of the car 1 are in the first position I, and the car 1 is used to transport passengers. Figure 13 In the middle, the top plate 4; 40; 400 of the car 1 is in the second position II, and the car 1 is used to transport passengers.

[0077] The shaft 12 is preferably located inside the building, so that this part of the elevator can be a permanent part of the building.

[0078] The elevator includes a traction machine M for vertically moving a car 1 within a hoistway 12 and an elevator control system 100 configured to control the traction machine M. Generally, the traction machine can be of any known type. Figure 14As an example, the traction machine is schematically drawn as including an electric motor m and a traction sheave 14 arranged to move a rope 15, in which case the rope is preferably a suspension rope connected to the car 1.

[0079] The elevator control system 100 is specifically configured to operate the traction machine M to automatically move the elevator car 1 between vertically displaced floors in response to signals received from one or more user interfaces 13.

[0080] Preferably, the aforementioned suspension ropes are connected to the car 1 at preferred selected suspension points(s) such that these suspension points separate them from the top plates 4, 40, 400. For this purpose, many known alternatives exist, such as frame beams or bogies, which can advantageously guide the ropes, for example, to pass beneath the car. Generally, the traction arrangement may include a counterweight or no counterweight. The elevator may have a machine room for the traction machine, or it may be machine-room-less. The traction machine may alternatively be mounted on the car 1 such that the car is self-propelled, in which case no rope is required.

[0081] The car 1 preferably, but not necessarily, includes one or more detectors 17, such as electronic switches, arranged to detect the position of the top plate 4; 40; 400. This enhances elevator safety. Preferred details regarding the positioning and operation of the one or more detectors 17 are detailed below. Figure 14 and 16 The elevator control system 100 is configured to control the movement of the elevator car 1 based on the positions of the top plate 4; 40; 400 detected by the one or more detectors.

[0082] The control system 100 is preferably configured to prevent at least a portion of the elevator's functionality when one or more detectors indicate that the top panel 4; 40; 400 is away from its first position I. The prevented functionality preferably includes automatically moving the car 1 in response to a signal from one or more user interfaces located at one or more floors. Therefore, when the top panel 4; 40; 400 is in cargo position II, passengers are generally not served. The one or more detectors 17 may be detectors as part of a safety chain, but this is not required.

[0083] Figure 15A preferred embodiment of suspending an elevator car 1 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the elevator car 1 includes a sheave arrangement for guiding the suspension rope 15, the sheave arrangement being separate from the top plate 4; 40; 400. In this embodiment, the sheave arrangement includes sheaves 16 for suspending the elevator car 1 from below. In this embodiment, the sheaves 16 are mounted below the transport space 10 and positioned to guide the suspension rope 15 across its vertical projection below the floor 3. Thus, the suspension rope 15 can suspend the car 1 while allowing the top plate 4; 40; 400 to move unimpeded and operate on its top.

[0084] In an embodiment of the method for transporting passengers and goods, the method includes, when the top plate 4; 40; 400 is in the first position I, as referenced Figures 1 to 11 As described elsewhere, passengers are transported using elevator cars 1. Figure 12 The diagram is shown in the image. The method then includes: moving the top plate 4; 40; 400 from the first position I to the second position II, thereby increasing the height of the transport space 10 of the elevator car 1. The method then includes: transporting items using the elevator car 1 when the top plate 4; 40; 400 is in the second position II. This situation is... Figure 13 The image is shown in the middle.

[0085] Preferably, the method includes: when the top plate 4; 40; 400 is in the second position II, after the items are transported by the elevator car 1, moving the top plate 4; 40; 400 from the second position II back to the first position I, specifically thereby reducing the height of the transport space 10.

[0086] Preferably, the method includes, specifically, locking the top plate 4; 40; 400 immovably in the second position II by operating the locking device 8 between the movement of the top plate 4; 40; 400 from the first position I to the second position II and the subsequent transport.

[0087] Preferably, each passenger transport using the elevator car 1 includes: receiving signals from one or more user interfaces 13a, 13b via the elevator control system 100 and automatically moving the car 1 in response to the signals. The user interfaces 13a, 13b preferably include one or more user interfaces 13a at one or more floors f0, fn, a user interface 13b inside the elevator car 1, or a mobile device including user interface software communicating with the elevator control system 100.

[0088] During the transport of passengers, (multiple) passengers are located in the transport space 10 of the car 1, specifically below the overhead panels 4; 40; 400.

[0089] As mentioned, the elevator car 1 preferably, but not necessarily, includes one or more detectors 17, such as electronic switches, arranged to detect the position of the top panels 4; 40; 400. Then, preferably, the method includes controlling controlled movement of the elevator car 1 based on the detection of the position of the top panels 4; 40; 400 detected by the one or more detectors. Then, preferably, the method includes, preferably, blocking at least some functions of the elevator via the control system 100 when the one or more detectors indicate that the top panel is moving away from its first position I. Preferably, the blocked function includes automatically moving the car 1 in response to a signal from one or more user interfaces located at one or more floors. Therefore, passengers are generally not served when the top panels 4; 40; 400 are in cargo position II or not fully brought into their normal use position I.

[0090] The transport space 10 is generally a space suitable for accommodating passengers. This transport space is the uppermost transport space 10 of the car 1, and is not specifically related to the number of transport spaces the car 1 has. Preferably, the car 1 is only included in the transport space 10, but the invention can also be utilized when the car has more than one or more transport spaces below the transport space 10 defined by the top plates 4; 40; 400. Generally, the top plates 4; 40; 400 preferably completely or at least partially form the roof of the car 1.

[0091] Generally, and most preferably, the top plate 4; 40; 400 is so large that its vertical projection covers most of the vertical projection of the transport space 10, i.e., more than 50%, and most preferably more than 75%. Thus, the area of ​​the top plate 4; 40; 400 is large enough that its elevation results in a considerable expansion of the area, allowing large and tall items to be transported within the transport space 10 when expanded. Therefore, the expansion of the transport space 10 can be maximized, as measured in volume. Furthermore, the large area of ​​the top plate 4; 40; 400 allows it to be used as a relatively large working platform.

[0092] Generally, preferably, the car 1 includes one or more detectors, such as electronic switches, arranged to detect the position of the top plate 4; 40; 400.

[0093] As illustrated in the figure, preferably, the elevator car 1 is arranged to travel along at least one guide rail G installed in the hoistway 12. For this purpose, the car 1 preferably includes at least one guide (not shown), such as a roller guide or a sliding guide, for guiding the movement of the car along the at least one rail G.

[0094] Figure 18 The diagram shows Figure 1 Other preferred details of the elevator car 1. In this case, the elevator car 1 includes at least one actuation arrangement A for moving the top plate 4; 40; 400 vertically upward from the first position I to the second position II and / or vertically downward from the second position II to the first position I. Actuation arrangement A includes at least one actuator 18a. As... Figure 18 As in the embodiments described above, actuator 18a is preferably an electric motor. Alternatively, the actuator can be different, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator. Figure 18 In this embodiment, the actuation arrangement A is a helical jack. Specifically, in Figure 18 In some embodiments, for example, actuator 18a is fixedly mounted on the car 1, such as on the frame or its wall 2. Figure 18 In one embodiment, the actuation arrangement A includes a bolt 18b rotatable by an actuator 18a and a counterpart 8c for the bolt 8b, specifically a nut engaging with the bolt 8b, the counterpart 8c being mounted on the top plate 4. Figure 18 In the elevator car 1, in addition to the vertically extendable support mechanism 6, an actuation arrangement is also included. However, alternatively, in Figure 18 In this embodiment, (multiple) actuation arrangements A can form (multiple) vertically extendable support mechanisms for the car 1. The illustrated pivot arm can then be omitted. The elevator car then includes one or more vertically extendable support mechanisms, each formed by an actuation arrangement A, with the top plate mounted on a fixed structure of the car via these one or more vertically extendable support mechanisms. Specifically, the top plate is movable relative to these one or more vertically extendable support mechanisms, and the fixed structure is preferably, for example, a car frame or car wall. Furthermore, in this case, preferably, the elevator car includes multiple of the said vertically extendable support mechanisms. Moreover, in this case, the multiple vertically extendable support mechanisms are arranged at horizontally displaced locations. Generally, "vertically extendable" means that the mechanism comprises two components whose vertical distance can be extended to different lengths.

[0095] It should be understood that the foregoing description and accompanying drawings are intended only to teach the inventors the best known methods of making and using the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. Therefore, as those skilled in the art will understand from the foregoing teachings, the embodiments of the invention described above can be modified or varied without departing from the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above, but can be varied within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An elevator car (1), comprising Top plate (4; 40; 400); Multiple wall sections (2); floor (3); one or more doors (5); and The transport space (10) is defined by the top plate (4; 40; 400), the plurality of wall sections (2), the floor (3) and the one or more doors (5); The top plate (4; 40; 400) can be moved vertically upward from the passenger transport position (I) to the cargo transport position (II) to increase the height of the transport space (10), and can be moved vertically downward from the cargo transport position (II) back to the passenger transport position (I). The top plate includes a second top plate portion that is hinged to the first top plate portion, such that an opening can be formed in the top plate by opening only the second top plate portion.

2. The elevator car (1) according to claim 1, wherein the elevator car (1) includes a panel (7) that is removably mounted below the top plate (4; 40; 400).

3. The elevator car (1) according to claim 2, wherein the repositionably mounted panel is configured to cover the lower surface of the top plate (4; 40; 400).

4. The elevator car (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the top plate (4; 40; 400) forms a working platform, and at least when the top plate (4; 40; 400) is in the passenger transport position (I), a person can stand on the top of the working platform outside the elevator car (1).

5. The elevator car (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the elevator car (1) includes a railing (11) installed on the top of the car (1).

6. The elevator car (1) according to claim 5, wherein the railings are arranged such that a person can stand between the railings (11) outside the car (1).

7. The elevator car (1) according to claim 5, wherein the top plate (4; 40; 400) is vertically movable within the space (W) between the railings (11).

8. The elevator car (1) according to claim 5, wherein the railing (11) surrounds the vertical projection of the top plate (4; 40; 400).

9. The elevator car (1) according to any one of claims 1-3 and 6-8, wherein when the top plate (4; 40; 400) is in the passenger transport position, the vertical distance (D1) between the upper surface of the floor and the lower surface of the top plate (4; 40; 400) exceeds 1.8 meters, and when the top plate (4; 40; 400) is in the cargo transport position, the vertical distance (D2) between the upper surface of the floor and the lower surface of the top plate (4; 40; 400) is longer than the distance Dd when the top plate (4; 40; 400) is in the passenger transport position.

10. The elevator car (1) according to claim 9, wherein the distance Dd is at least 30 cm.

11. The elevator car (1) according to claim 9, wherein when the top plate (4; 40; 400) is in the cargo transport position, the vertical distance (D2) between the upper surface of the floor and the lower surface of the top plate (4; 40; 400) exceeds 2.5 meters.

12. The elevator car (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, 6-8 and 10-11, wherein the top plate (4; 40; 400) is horizontal in the cargo transport position (II).

13. The elevator car (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, 6-8 and 10-11, wherein the elevator car (1) includes a locking device (8) operable to immovably lock the top plate (4; 40; 400) in the cargo transport position (II).

14. The elevator car (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, 6-8 and 10-11, wherein the elevator car (1) includes one or more vertically extendable support mechanisms (6; A), and the top plate (4; 40; 400) is mounted to the fixed structure (2) of the car (1) by means of the one or more vertically extendable support mechanisms.

15. The elevator car (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, 6-8 and 10-11, wherein the elevator car (1) includes a steering wheel arrangement for guiding the suspension rope (15), the steering wheel arrangement being separate from the top plate (4).

16. The elevator car (1) according to claim 15, wherein the steering wheel arrangement includes steering wheels for suspending the elevator car (1) from below.

17. The elevator car (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, 6-8 and 10-11, wherein the elevator car (1) includes one or more detectors (17) arranged to detect the position of the top plate (4; 40; 400).

18. An elevator comprising an elevator car (1) according to any one of claims 1-17.

19. A method for transporting passengers and goods, comprising: When the top plate (4; 40; 400) is in the passenger transport position (I), passengers are transported using the elevator car (1) according to any one of claims 1-13; and thereafter The top plate (4; 40; 400) is moved from the passenger transport position (I) to the cargo transport position (II), thereby increasing the height of the transport space (10) of the elevator car (1); and thereafter When the top plate (4; 40; 400) is in the cargo transport position (II), the goods are transported by the elevator car (1).

20. The method of claim 19, wherein each transport of passengers using the elevator car (1) comprises: The elevator control system (100) receives signals from one or more user interfaces (13a, 13b) and automatically moves the car (1) in response to the signals.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the user interface comprises: One or more user interfaces (13a) at one or more floors, a user interface (13b) inside the elevator car (1), or a mobile device including user interface software that communicates with the elevator control system (100).

22. The method according to any one of claims 19-21, wherein the method comprises: Based on the top plate (4) detected by one or more detectors (17); 40； The position of 400) is used to control the movement of the elevator car (1).

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