Interface for operating an elevator car, elevator car and method for producing an elevator car

Abstract

An interface (100, 500) for operating an elevator car (560), comprising: an interface controller (110); a support member (120), the support member being used to be attached to a wall surface (152) of a wall (150) of the elevator car (560), the wall surface (152) facing the interior of the elevator car (560); and at least one pressure-sensitive sensor (130), the at least one pressure-sensitive sensor being configured to receive a user request in the form of applying pressure to the at least one sensor (130); wherein the at least one sensor (130) is connected to the interface controller (110), the interface controller (100) being configured to send the user request received by the at least one sensor to a car controller (558) of the elevator car (560); and wherein the at least one sensor (130) is embedded in the support member (120).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an interface for operating an elevator car, an elevator car and a method for producing an elevator car. Background Art

[0002] An elevator is commonly used to transport people or materials from one floor to another, such as in a building. The elevator includes an elevator car that can be moved between floors using a drive unit. The drive unit can be controlled by an elevator controller.

[0003] In order to be able to activate the elevator controller to drive the car to a specific floor, an operating panel is usually provided in the car or at the floor. For example, a car operating panel (COP) can be provided in the car as an interface between the elevator controller and the elevator user. The elevator user can use the car operating panel to issue a request to the elevator controller to move the elevator car to a specific floor. A conventional car operating panel includes a panel and a plurality of buttons passing through the panel. Some car operating panels include a display device passing through the panel, such as a segmented display showing a floor number. Typically, the panel is mounted to a side wall of the elevator car or can constitute a part of the side wall.

[0004] However, conventional car operating panels may have various disadvantages, particularly in terms of the space required to mount the panel and its electrical components to the side wall of the car. Conventional car operating panels may have disadvantages in terms of compatibility with the curved side walls of an elevator car, or in terms of panel maintenance (e.g., cleaning the panel).

[0005] Therefore, there may be a need for an interface for operating an elevator car that is improved compared to a conventional car operating panel, particularly with respect to required space, compatibility with curved sidewalls, or maintenance. Furthermore, there may be a need for an elevator car comprising an interface according to embodiments described herein, or a method of producing an elevator car comprising an interface. Summary of the invention

[0006] PA223181B-OA1 Reply

[0007] One aspect relates to an interface for operating an elevator car, comprising: an interface controller; a backing member for attaching to a wall surface of a wall of the elevator car, the wall surface facing the interior of the elevator car; and at least one pressure-sensitive sensor, the at least one pressure-sensitive sensor being configured to receive a user request in the form of applying pressure to the at least one sensor; wherein the at least one sensor is connected to the interface controller, the interface controller being configured to send the user request received by the at least one sensor to a car controller of the elevator car; and wherein the at least one sensor is embedded in the backing member.

[0008] Another aspect relates to an elevator car comprising an interface according to embodiments described herein, and a wall having a wall surface facing the interior of the elevator car, wherein a skirt of the interface is attached to the wall surface.

[0009] Another aspect relates to a method for producing an elevator car, which includes an interface, in particular an interface according to the embodiments described herein, the method comprising: attaching a backing piece of the interface to a wall surface of a wall of the elevator car, wherein at least one pressure-sensitive sensor of the interface is embedded in the backing piece, and wherein the at least one sensor is configured to receive a user request made by applying pressure to the at least one sensor.

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an interface for operating an elevator car. In particular, the interface is configured to receive a user request from an elevator user, for example, a request from a person using the elevator to go from one floor to another. The interface, in particular the at least one sensor of the interface, is configured to receive a user request in the form of a user applying pressure to the at least one sensor. Pressure can be applied to a first sensor of the at least one sensor by touching a first area of ​​a backing member or applying force to a first area of ​​the backing member, wherein the first sensor is arranged in the first area of ​​the backing member. The user request can, for example, include a user input for selecting a destination floor, a request to close a car door, a request to open a car door, a request for an emergency call, or a request to press an emergency bell. In the present disclosure, the term "or" should be specifically understood as "and / or".

[0011] According to an embodiment, the lining piece is configured for attachment to a wall surface of a wall of an elevator car. In some embodiments, the wall surface can be an area of ​​the wall reaching at least one side of the wall, a top part of the elevator car, or a bottom part of the elevator car. For example, the wall surface can be the entire surface of the wall, an area of ​​the wall reaching the top part of the elevator car, a vertical or horizontal strip, such as a vertical strip reaching from the bottom of the floor of the elevator car to the top part of the elevator car. In particular, the connection between the lining piece and the interface controller, such as the circuit, can advantageously be arranged outside the interior space of the elevator car. PA223181B-OA1 Reply

[0012] In an embodiment, the at least one sensor is embedded in the backing member. Here, the term "embedded" may be specifically understood such that the at least one sensor is not in contact with the interior of the elevator car. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor may be completely enclosed by the backing member. In a further embodiment, the at least one sensor is at least substantially surrounded by the backing member. For example, a free side of the at least one sensor, such as the side facing the wall surface, may not be in contact with the backing member.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the at least one sensor is pressure-sensitive. Specifically, the at least one sensor can be configured to detect a touch or force applied to the backing member (e.g., by a finger or hand of a user). The touch or force applied to the backing member can be transmitted through the backing member as a pressure applied to the at least one sensor. In some embodiments, the pressure or a change in pressure can provide a change in the capacitance of the at least one sensor. The change in capacitance can be detected by the interface controller, for example, to determine a user request associated with the pressure applied to the at least one sensor. Compared to certain capacitive sensors (e.g., capacitive sensors used in certain touch screens of smartphones), an interface with at least one pressure-sensitive sensor can provide the advantage that it can operate independently of the capacitive properties of the object contacting the interface. For example, an interface with at least one pressure-sensitive sensor can also be operated using "non-capacitive" gloves.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the backing element comprises a protective layer between the at least one sensor and the interior of the elevator car. In particular, the protective layer of the backing element may be in contact with the interior of the elevator car. The protective layer may be specifically configured for protecting the at least one sensor, for example from wear or from liquids. For example, the thickness of the protective layer may be at least 0.5 mm, in particular at least 1 mm or at least 2 mm, or at most 5 mm, in particular at most 4 mm or at most 3 mm. The protective layer may provide the advantage that the backing element of the interface may be easily and thoroughly cleaned, in particular without the risk of damaging electrical components of the at least one sensor.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the thickness of the backing piece, in particular the backing piece including the embedding layer and the protective layer, is at most 5 mm, in particular at most 3 mm or at most 2 mm, or at least 0.5 mm, in particular at least 1 mm. The thickness of the backing piece is to be understood as the dimension of the backing piece in a direction perpendicular to the wall surface. The backing piece can be configured for attachment to the wall surface in a recess of the wall. An interface comprising a backing piece of smaller thickness can advantageously allow the interface to be seamlessly integrated with the wall of the elevator car. In particular, the interface can be attached to the wall so that the backing piece is at least substantially flush with the wall, in particular without the need for opening a hole in the wall for mounting a conventional car operating panel.

[0016] PA223181B-OA1 Reply

[0017] In some embodiments, the protective layer includes at least one symbol indicating a user request. The at least one symbol may include at least one of a graphical symbol and a tactile symbol. For example, the graphical symbol may be printed into or onto the protective layer. The at least one symbol may include a tactile symbol. The tactile symbol may be formed as at least one elevation or at least one depression in the protective layer. In an embodiment, each of the at least one symbol is co-located with the at least one sensor. For example, a first symbol of the at least one symbol (the first symbol indicating a first user request) may be co-located with a first sensor of the at least one sensor in the first area of ​​the backing, wherein the first sensor is associated with the first user request.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one sensor is embedded in an embedding layer of the liner, wherein the embedding layer is arranged between the protective layer and the wall surface. Specifically, the at least one sensor may be at least substantially surrounded or completely enclosed by the embedding layer of the liner.

[0019] In some embodiments, at least one of the backing, the embedding layer and the protective layer comprises a polymer or a polymer material. Specifically, the polymer may comprise a synthetic or semi-synthetic organic compound. The polymer may be a plastic material. In some embodiments, at least one of the protective layer and the embedding layer may be made of a plastic polymer or a liquid polymer (e.g., an adhesive polymer). For example, the embedding layer may be molded around the at least one sensor to embed the at least one sensor. In some embodiments, molding may be performed directly on the protective layer, which specifically supports the at least one sensor. Molding may include a hardening process of the plastic polymer or the liquid polymer, such as based on temperature changes or chemical reactions. In some embodiments, the embedding layer may be formed by injection molding around the at least one sensor, wherein the at least one sensor is arranged between the protective layer and the back layer. In a further embodiment, the protective layer and the embedding layer may be molded together. In yet another embodiment, the protective layer and the embedding layer may be produced separately. For example, the protective layer and the embedding layer may be bonded together by a lamination process, such as bonding the protective layer and the embedding layer together by an adhesive or by applying heat and pressure.

[0020] According to an embodiment, at least one of the backing member, the embedding layer and the protective layer is flexible. The backing member may be flexible so that the backing member can be bent without breaking the backing member, in particular without damaging the at least one sensor. Specifically, the backing member can be bent to a curvature of at least 2 / m, in particular to a curvature of at least 5 / m or at least 10 / m. The curvature can be understood as the reciprocal of the radius of the osculating circle. In some embodiments, the backing member can be configured to be flexible so as to be attached to a curved wall surface. For example, the curvature of the curved wall surface is a minimum of 0.1 / m, in particular a minimum of 0.2 / m or a minimum of 0.4 / m, or a maximum of 10 / m, in particular a maximum of 5 / m or a maximum of 2 / m. In an embodiment, the backing member can be attached to a flat wall surface.

[0021] According to some embodiments, at least one of the backing, the embedding layer and the protective layer is at least substantially transparent. In particular, "transparent" or "at least substantially transparent" may be understood as allowing at least 50% of the visible light intensity to be transmitted, in particular at least 70% or at least 80% of the visible light intensity to be transmitted. A transparent backing may advantageously allow the use of an interface with a wall made of glass without obstructing the view through the wall, or the use of an interface with a decorated wall without obstructing the view of a decoration.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the interface comprises a circuit that connects the at least one sensor and the interface controller. In some embodiments, the circuit is at least partially embedded in an embedding layer of the backing member. The circuit may leave the backing member at an edge of the backing member, in particular at the top side of the backing member. The circuit may include a wire that may be embedded in the backing member. The wire may include a metal or a transparent conductor, such as a transparent conductive oxide, such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), or a transparent conductive polymer. For example, each of the at least one sensor may be connected to at least one wire. The at least one wire may be connected to the interface controller or a plug / socket interface. The plug / socket interface may, for example, be arranged at an edge of the backing member, in particular at an edge of the backing member that is not visible from the inside of the elevator car. In particular, the plug / socket interface may be arranged in the top portion of the elevator car.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the interface comprises at least one sensor for each user request, in particular one sensor for each user request. In particular, the interface may comprise at least two sensors, more particularly at least three sensors or at least four sensors, or at most 70 sensors, in particular at most 50 sensors or at most 30 sensors. Each of the at least one sensor may be connected to at least one wire. In embodiments with more than one sensor, a group of the at least one sensor may be arranged linearly as an array or matrix.

[0024] In some embodiments, the at least one sensor includes a high density sensor array configured as a touch zone. The touch zone may include a plurality of touch regions. The plurality of touch regions may include at least two request regions, wherein each of the at least two request regions is associated with a user request. The interface controller may be configured to determine which region of the plurality of touch regions is subjected to pressure in the manner of touching the backing member. If the region is located between the at least two request regions, the user may request the touch zone.

[0025] , the interface controller will receive the associated user request.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the at least one sensor has a thickness of at most 1 mm, in particular at most 0.7 mm or at most 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor comprises a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS). In particular, the at least one sensor may comprise components having dimensions between 1 μm and 100 μm.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the at least one sensor comprises a cavity and a membrane, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to sense the pressure applied to the at least one sensor based on the bending of the membrane into the cavity. Specifically, the sensor in the at least one sensor may comprise a substrate layer, wherein the cavity is arranged on the substrate layer surface. The membrane may at least partially span the substrate layer surface so that the membrane is suspended above the cavity. By applying pressure to the sensor, the membrane may bend into the cavity. In an embodiment, the membrane is arranged between the protective layer of the backing member and the substrate layer. In a further embodiment, the membrane may be arranged between the substrate layer and the wall surface.

[0028] In some embodiments, the sensor may be configured to provide a change in capacitance of the sensor when the membrane is bent into the cavity. Specifically, the membrane and the substrate layer may be configured to form a capacitor. For example, the substrate layer may include a substrate electrode layer. The membrane may include a membrane electrode layer. The substrate electrode layer and the membrane electrode layer may be connected to an interface controller. Specifically, the interface controller may be configured to detect a change in capacitance between the substrate electrode layer and the membrane electrode layer. If the membrane is bent into the cavity, the change in capacitance may be due to, for example, a reduction in the distance between the substrate electrode layer and the membrane electrode layer. According to an embodiment, the substrate layer includes a substrate insulating layer between the substrate electrode layer and the membrane. In particular, the cavity may be formed in the substrate insulating layer. The membrane electrode layer may be disposed on a supporting membrane layer. The supporting membrane layer may include a polymer, in particular a transparent polymer. The membrane electrode layer may be disposed on the bottom side of the membrane, the bottom side facing the substrate layer of the sensor.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the membrane electrode layer may include graphene, in particular spherical graphene, such as graphene in the form of microspheres or "microbubbles". The use of spherical graphene in the membrane electrode layer can advantageously provide a high conductivity of the membrane electrode layer, or if the membrane is bent into the cavity, detection of a change in capacitance can be provided based on the deformation of the spherical graphene. According to an embodiment, the substrate electrode layer may include a transparent conductive film, a film of a transparent conductive oxide (such as ITO or IZO), a film of a transparent conductive polymer, or a film of graphene. The substrate insulating layer may include an insulating material, in particular a transparent insulating material, such as a transparent polymer or glass. In an embodiment, at least one of the at least one sensor, the membrane, and the substrate layer may be transparent.

[0030] PA223181B-OA1 Reply

[0031] In some embodiments, each of the at least one sensor comprises at least two cavities, in particular at least four cavities or a plurality of cavities, wherein the membrane spans the cavities. Sensors with more than one cavity may have higher stability or provide stronger signals, in particular without increasing the thickness of the sensor.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the interface controller is configured to provide tactile feedback by injecting a charge into the at least one sensor upon receiving a user request. Specifically, the at least one sensor may be configured to be expandable. For example, a sensor according to an embodiment described herein may have a membrane suspended on a cavity of a substrate layer, wherein the membrane and the cavity form a capacitor. Injecting a charge into the capacitor may cause at least the suspended portion of the membrane to repel the substrate layer. The membrane may expand the sensor so that the backing member expands toward the interior of the elevator car to provide tactile feedback. The interface controller may be configured to provide tactile feedback within a time period of up to 2 seconds (particularly up to 1 second or up to 0.5 seconds) upon receiving a user request. The tactile feedback may be provided specifically by the same at least one sensor as that receiving the user request.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the interface comprises a projector, which is configured to be installed in the top part of the elevator car, and the projector is configured to project information onto a projection surface of the elevator car. The projector can project information for users of the elevator car, such as information about the operation of the car, such as the current floor number, the destination floor number or maintenance information. The projector can be configured to project information on a projection surface of the upper 50% of the height of the car cabin, in particular on a projection surface of the upper 30% or the upper 20% of the cabin, wherein the cabin is specifically the interior space of the elevator car. In some embodiments, the projection surface can be located on the same wall as the wall surface to which the lining member is attached. Specifically, the projection surface can be arranged vertically above the at least one sensor, or the projection surface can overlap the wall surface at least partially. In a further embodiment, the projection surface can be located on another wall different from the wall to which the lining member is attached. The projector can provide a white light or a colored projection beam.

[0034] In an embodiment, the projector is arranged in a top portion of an elevator car. Specifically, the top portion may include at least one of a decorative top, a car top, and a space between the decorative top and the car top. The decorative top may constitute the top of a cabin in the elevator car. Specifically, the bottom side of the decorative top may be seen from the inside of the cabin. The car top may form the top of the elevator car. In some embodiments, the car top and the decorative top may be formed as a single top. Arranging a projector according to the embodiments described herein may provide the following advantages: information may be displayed, in particular without the need to mount a display into the wall of the elevator car. For example, the elevator car may be provided with a wall that does not have a hole or a deep recess for mounting a car operating panel and a display.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the interface controller is configured to be connected to a car controller of an elevator car. The car controller may be arranged in a top portion of the elevator car. The car controller may be connected to an elevator controller of an elevator system, wherein the elevator system comprises an elevator car. The interface controller may be configured to be arranged outside the interior space of the elevator car, in particular outside the cabin of the elevator car. More specifically, the interface controller may be configured to be arranged in the top portion of the elevator car. In some embodiments, the interface controller is formed as a single controller. In a further embodiment, the interface controller and the car controller may be arranged together in a controller structure.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the interface may include at least one of a speaker and a microphone. The speaker or the microphone may be configured to be mounted in the top portion of the car. The speaker and the microphone specifically allow emergency calls to be made. Mounting at least one of the speaker and the microphone in the top portion may advantageously obviate the need to mount the speaker or the microphone in the wall of the elevator car.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an elevator car includes an interface as described herein. The interface is attached to a wall surface of a wall of the elevator car, wherein the wall surface faces the interior of the elevator car. In some embodiments, the wall of the car may include, for example, glass, stainless steel, or zinc sheet. In an embodiment, the inner side of the wall may be decorated, wherein the inner side faces the interior of the elevator car.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the backing piece is attached to the wall surface by an adhesive layer. For example, the adhesive layer may include a synthetic resin, such as an epoxy glue or a silicone adhesive. In an embodiment, the adhesive layer may be at least substantially transparent.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the wall has a recess, wherein the recess comprises the wall surface, and wherein the backing element is at least partially arranged in the recess. In particular, the depth of the recess may at least substantially correspond to the thickness of the backing element. For example, the depth of the recess may deviate from the thickness of the backing element by a maximum of 30% of the thickness of the backing element, in particular by a maximum of 20% of the thickness of the backing element or by a maximum of 10% of the thickness of the backing element. In an embodiment, the depth of the recess may be a maximum of 7 mm, in particular a maximum of 6 mm or a maximum of 5 mm.

[0040] In some embodiments, the backing piece is at least substantially flush with another wall surface of the wall, which is outside the recess. In particular, the inner surface of the backing piece, i.e. the inner surface facing the interior of the elevator car, may be flush with the other wall surface. The other wall surface may be the surface of the wall directly adjacent to the recess in the wall. "At least substantially flush" may be understood, for example, that the deviation between the edge of the backing piece and the other wall surface does not exceed 3 mm, in particular does not exceed 2 mm or does not exceed 1 mm. Providing a backing piece that is at least substantially flush with the other wall surface may provide the following advantages: the backing piece may be seamlessly integrated with the wall.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of producing an elevator car is provided, the elevator car comprising an interface, in particular an interface according to the embodiments described herein. In an embodiment, the method comprises attaching a backing piece of the interface to a wall surface of a wall of the elevator car. The backing piece can be attached to the wall surface by applying an adhesive (e.g., an adhesive layer) on the backing piece or the wall surface. In some embodiments, attaching the backing piece comprises applying at least one of temperature and heat.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the method includes installing at least one of a projector, a speaker, and a microphone in a top portion of the elevator car. In some embodiments, the method may include installing an interface controller in the top portion of the elevator car. In an embodiment, the method may include connecting at least one of a liner, a projector, a speaker, and a microphone to the interface controller.

[0043] Compared to known car operating panels, the interface according to the embodiments described herein can provide various advantages. For example, the interface can be seamlessly integrated with the wall of the elevator car. The interface can reduce the thickness of the wall or the space reserved for electrical components behind the wall. The absence of holes or deep recesses in the wall of the elevator car can improve the structural integrity of the wall. Further, the assembly of the elevator car can be simplified. In addition, the maintenance of the interface can also be simplified. For example, the interface can be easily and thoroughly cleaned, in particular without the risk of damaging the electrical components of the interface, for example due to exposure to liquids. In addition, the interface can be compatible with curved wall surfaces. The interface can allow for advantageous integration with decorated walls or transparent walls. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing an interface having a backing piece attached to a wall;

[0046] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an interface according to one embodiment;

[0047] Figure 3shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an interface according to another embodiment;

[0048] Figure 4A a schematic cross-sectional view of a sensor showing an interface;

[0049] Figure 4B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the sensor during application of pressure to the sensor;

[0050] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an elevator car according to one embodiment; and

[0051] PA223181B-OA1 Reply

[0052] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a method according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0053] The figures are schematically only and are not drawn to scale. Like reference numerals refer to like or similar features. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an interface 100 is shown. The interface 100 comprises a lining 120. The lining 120 is attached to a wall surface 152 of a wall 150 of an elevator car. The wall surface 152 reaches the top side of the wall 150, in particular the top part of the elevator car. The interface 100 comprises at least one sensor, Figure 1 1 is exemplarily shown as a sensor 130. The sensor 130 is connected to the interface controller 110 of the interface 100 via the circuit 140 of the interface 100. The interface controller 110 is configured to be installed in the top part of the elevator car. The circuit 140 is partially embedded in the lining member 120 and leaves the lining member at the top edge of the lining member 120. Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, each sensor 130 is associated with a user request. Each sensor 130 is configured to receive a user request in the form of applying pressure to the sensor 130. The sensor 130 is connected to an interface controller 110, which is configured to detect the application of pressure to the sensor 130 and determine the corresponding user request. The interface controller 110 is configured to transmit the user request to the car controller of the elevator car.

[0055] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a backing member 120 of an interface is shown, for example Figure 1 As shown. The liner 120 is attached to the wall surface 152 using an adhesive (e.g., using epoxy resin). The sensors 130 are embedded in the liner 120. Each sensor 130 is connected to at least one wire of the circuit 140, which is embedded in the liner 120. Figure 2In the embodiment, the conductive line comprises a transparent conductor.

[0056] exist Figure 3 In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the backing member 120 of the interface 100 includes a protective layer 324 and an embedding layer 322. The protective layer 322 is arranged on the inner side of the backing member 120, wherein the inner side faces the inner side of the elevator car. The embedding layer 322 is arranged between the protective layer 324 and the wall surface 152 of the wall 150. The sensor 130 and the circuit 140 are embedded in the backing member 120, in particular, in the embedding layer 322 of the backing member 120. Figure 3 , the sensor is arranged in contact with the protective layer 324. In an exemplary embodiment, the embedding layer 322 is formed by molding a polymer around the sensor 130 and the circuit 140 before attaching the liner 120 to the wall surface 152, and the sensor 130 and the circuit 140 are pre-arranged on the protective layer 324.

[0057] exist Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the protective layer 324 includes a symbol 326 indicating a user request. In particular, the symbol 326 indicating a first user request is co-located with the sensor 130 associated with the first user request. Figure 3 In FIG. 3 , symbol 326 is printed on protective layer 324 .

[0058] Figure 4A and 4B A schematic cross-sectional view of an interface 100 with an exemplary pressure sensitive sensor 130 is shown. The sensor 130 is embedded in a backing member 120, which is attached to a wall surface 152. The sensor 130 includes a cavity 436 and a membrane 432. The membrane 432 is suspended above the cavity 436. The sensor 130 is configured to sense a pressure 439 applied to the at least one sensor 130 based on the bending of the membrane 432 into the cavity 436, such as Figure 4B Pressure 439 may specifically be a force 429 or a touch applied to backing member 120 from the interior of the elevator car. When providing a user request to interface 100, the user may apply force 429 using a hand or finger.

[0059] exist Figure 4A and 4BIn an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cavity 436 is arranged in the base layer 435 of the sensor 130, in particular in the base insulating layer 437 of the base layer 435. The base layer 435 includes a base insulating layer 447 and a base electrode layer 438, wherein the base insulating layer 437 is arranged between the membrane 432 of the sensor 130 and the base electrode layer 438. The base layer 435 includes a rigid material, in particular a transparent rigid material. For example, the base electrode layer 438 includes a transparent conductive oxide, and the base insulating layer 437 includes a transparent insulating material, such as a transparent oxide, such as glass. The dimensions of the sensor 130 can be manufactured so that the rigidity of the base layer 435 does not hinder the overall flexibility of the backing member 120. In further embodiments, the base layer can be made of a flexible material, in particular a material that is less flexible than the membrane.

[0060] The membrane 432 includes a supporting membrane layer 433 and a membrane electrode layer 434. The membrane electrode layer 434 is arranged between the supporting membrane layer 433 and the substrate layer 435. Figure 3 In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the support membrane layer 433 includes a polymer. The membrane electrode layer 434 includes spherical graphene. The membrane electrode layer 434 and the substrate electrode layer 438 form a capacitor. When the pressure 439 is applied to the sensor 130, the membrane 432 bends into the cavity 436 and the capacitance of the capacitor changes. The change in capacitance can provide a change in current or a change in voltage on at least one of the substrate connector 442 and the membrane connector 444, wherein the substrate connector 442 is connected to the substrate electrode layer 438 and wherein the membrane connector 444 is connected to the membrane electrode layer 434. Based on the change in current or voltage, the interface controller 110 can detect the application of the pressure 439. Based on the detection of the pressure 439, the interface 100 can receive a user request.

[0061] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an elevator car 560 is shown. The elevator car 56 comprises a wall 150 and a further wall 568. The wall 150 and the further wall 568 are arranged between an elevator bottom portion of the elevator car 560 and a top portion of the elevator car 560, the elevator bottom portion comprising a bottom 566 of the elevator car 560. The top portion specifically comprises a decorative top 564, a car top 562 and a space between the decorative top 564 and the car top 562.

[0062] Figure 5 The elevator car 560 in FIG. 5 includes an interface 500. The lining member 120 of the interface 500 is attached to a wall surface 152, wherein the wall surface 152 is arranged in a recess 554 of the wall 150. In particular, the lining member 120 is flush with another wall surface 556 of the wall 150, which is directly adjacent to the recess 554. Figure 51 , the skirt 120 extends or reaches to a top portion of an elevator car 560. The circuit 140 exits the skirt 120 at the top portion and connects the sensor 130 to the interface controller 110. The interface controller 110 is connected to a car controller 558 of the elevator car 560. For example, the car controller 558 is connected to an elevator controller (not shown) of an elevator system in which the elevator car 560 is disposed.

[0063] exist Figure 5 In FIG. 5 , the interface 500 includes a projector 570. The projector 570 is arranged in a top portion of an elevator car 560. The projector 570 is configured to project information (e.g., a current floor number) onto a projection surface 574 of the elevator car 560 via a projector beam 572. Figure 5 , the projection surface 574 is arranged on the wall 150 , in particular above the sensor 130 , and overlaps with the wall surface 152 . Figure 5 The embodiment shown exemplarily in FIG. 5 may particularly provide the following advantages: The interface 500 with the sensor 130 for user input and the projector 570 for displaying information may be seamlessly integrated into the elevator car 560 .

[0064] Figure 6 An exemplary method 600 for producing an elevator car is schematically shown, particularly an elevator car including an interface according to embodiments described herein. At 610, method 600 includes attaching a backing piece of the interface to a wall surface of a wall of the elevator car. Attaching the backing piece to the wall surface includes applying an adhesive layer to at least one of the wall surfaces or the backing piece. At 620, method 600 includes installing a projector in a top portion of the elevator car so that the projector can project information onto a projection surface. At 630, an interface controller is installed in the top portion. At 640, the backing piece and the projector are connected to the interface controller. The interface controller is connected to a car controller of the elevator car.

[0065] Although the invention of the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be noted that the embodiments may be combined and modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An interface (100, 500) for operating an elevator car (560), comprising: - Interface controller (110); - a backing (120) for attachment to a wall surface (152) of a wall (150) of the elevator car (560); as well as - at least one pressure-sensitive sensor (130), the at least one pressure-sensitive sensor being configured to receive a user request in the form of applying pressure to the at least one pressure-sensitive sensor (130); wherein the at least one pressure-sensitive sensor (130) is connected to the interface controller (110), the interface controller (110) being configured to connect to a car controller (558) of the elevator car (560) and to send a user request received by the at least one pressure-sensitive sensor (130) to the car controller (558) of the elevator car (560); and Wherein, the at least one pressure-sensitive sensor (130) is embedded in the supporting member (120), wherein the backing member (120) comprises a flexible protective layer (324) between the at least one pressure-sensitive sensor (130) and the interior of the elevator car (560), wherein the at least one pressure-sensitive sensor (130) is embedded in a side of a flexible embedding layer (322) of the backing member (120) that is away from the wall surface (152), and wherein the embedding layer (322) is arranged between the protective layer (324) and the wall surface (152), Wherein, the backing member is flexible so that the backing member can be bent to conform to a curved wall surface without breaking the backing member and without damaging the at least one pressure sensitive sensor.

2. The interface according to claim 1, wherein: The protection layer (324) includes at least one symbol (326) indicating a user request.

3. The interface according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: At least one of the backing member (120), the embedding layer (322), and the protective layer (324) is at least substantially transparent.

4. The interface according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The at least one pressure sensitive sensor (130) comprises a cavity (436) and a membrane (432); and wherein the at least one pressure sensitive sensor (130) is configured to sense pressure applied to the at least one pressure sensitive sensor (130) based on bending of the membrane (432) into the cavity (436).

5. The interface according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: At least one of the embedding layer (322) and the protective layer (324) comprises a polymer.

6. The interface according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The thickness of the supporting member (120) is at most 5 mm.

7. The interface according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The thickness of the supporting member (120) is at most 3 mm.

8. The interface according to any one of claims 1 and 2, further comprising a circuit (140) connecting the at least one pressure sensitive sensor (130) and the interface controller (110), wherein: The circuit (140) is at least partially embedded in the embedding layer (322) of the support member (120).

9. The interface according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The interface controller (110) is configured to provide tactile feedback by injecting charge into the at least one pressure sensitive sensor (130) upon receiving a user request.

10. The interface according to any one of claims 1 and 2, further comprising a projector (570) configured for installation in a top portion of the elevator car (560), the projector (570) being configured for projecting information onto a projection surface (574) of the elevator car (560).

11. An elevator car (560), comprising: - an interface (100, 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 10; - a wall (150) having a wall surface (152) facing the interior of the elevator car (560); Wherein, the backing piece (120) of the interface (100, 500) is attached to the wall surface (152).

12. The elevator car according to claim 11, wherein: The wall (150) has a recess (554) comprising the wall surface (152); and wherein the backing member (120) is at least partially arranged within the recess (554).

13. The elevator car of claim 12, wherein: The backing member (120) is at least substantially flush with another wall surface (556) of the wall (150), and the other wall surface (556) is outside the recess (554).

14. A method of producing an elevator car, the elevator car comprising an interface according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising: - attaching a lining of the interface to a wall surface of a wall of the elevator car, wherein at least one pressure-sensitive sensor of the interface is embedded in the backing member, and wherein the at least one pressure-sensitive sensor is configured to receive a user request in the form of applying pressure to the at least one pressure-sensitive sensor.

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