Elevator car with portable electrical box

Abstract

The present invention relates to an elevator car with a movable electrical box. An elevator car includes: one or more side walls defining an interior space for accommodating passengers; and an electrical box (25) mounted to the side wall by a mounting member (30). The mounting member (30) is arranged to allow the electrical box (25) to translate vertically relative to the side wall between a first position and a second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an elevator car having an electrical box mounted thereon. Background Technology

[0002] An elevator car may have a variety of components mounted on it, including one or more electrical boxes that may need to be inspected from time to time.

[0003] It is known to provide a work platform located in or above the ceiling of an elevator car, which is movable between a retracted position and a deployed position. In the deployed position, the work platform is positioned at a height within the elevator car such that maintenance personnel can stand on the work platform and access elevator components through an opening in the elevator car ceiling. Typically, such a work platform is suspended from at least one pair of cantilever arms. EP3587333 A1 discloses a work platform movably mounted to a support frame via at least one scissor mechanism. EP3943432 A1 discloses a work platform movably mounted to a support frame via an extendable suspension mechanism.

[0004] By utilizing a foldable work platform, the overhead distance between the top of the hoistway and the top of the elevator car can be reduced, as maintenance personnel can primarily stand inside the elevator car and have access to components above the elevator car ceiling. However, any components on the top of the elevator car (such as electrical boxes and control units) can limit the extent to which the overhead distance can be minimized. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an elevator car is provided, comprising:

[0006] One or more side walls defining the interior space for accommodating passengers; and

[0007] The electrical box is mounted to one or more sidewalls via mounting hardware.

[0008] The mounting components are arranged to allow the electrical box to move vertically between a first position and a second position relative to the sidewall.

[0009] By mounting the electrical box on the side wall of the elevator car, rather than on top of it, the overhead distance can be further minimized. Therefore, during elevator car operation, the electrical box can be in a "low-height" (i.e., first) position. In this position, the height the electrical box extends above the elevator car is minimized, thus allowing for a reduced overhead distance between the elevator car and the system. However, in this position, the electrical box may be difficult for maintenance personnel to reach or inspect. Therefore, when the electrical box needs to be inspected by maintenance personnel, it can be moved to an "extended" (i.e., second) position above the elevator car to allow for easier access.

[0010] In some examples, the elevator car includes a roof, and the mounting is arranged to allow the electrical box to be vertically translated from a first position to a second position above the first position. In such examples, the electrical box extends at least partially above the roof, at least in the second position. By extending at least partially above the roof in the second position, maintenance personnel can access the components contained within the electrical box from the roof position or from a platform (i.e., a platform or foldable work platform) that allows access to the roof components.

[0011] In some examples, the top includes a support frame, with the work platform suspendably connected to the support frame and movable between a retracted position above the interior space and an operating position suspended within the interior space. In such an example, when the work platform is in the operating position, maintenance personnel can stand on the work platform such that at least part of their body is within the interior space of the elevator car, but they can still access the elevator components on top through an opening in the elevator car ceiling (the opening is filled by the work platform when it is in the retracted position). This allows for a reduction in the overhead distance between the top and bottom of the shaft.

[0012] In some examples, when the electrical box is in the second position, 50% or more of the box extends above the top. In some examples, when the electrical box is in the second position, 50% or more of the total volume of the electrical box extends above the top. In some examples, when the electrical box is in the second position, 50% or more of the total height of the electrical box extends above the top (i.e., where the height is defined as the distance from the uppermost surface to the lowermost surface of the electrical box along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hoistway (i.e., the travel axis of the elevator car). For example, when the electrical box is in the second position, the distance from the top of the box to the top is greater than the distance from the bottom of the box to the top.

[0013] It will be recognized that the highest point of the electrical box can be defined as the portion of the box that, if the box moves in an upward direction (e.g., together with the elevator car), for example, if the box does not return to its first position after being approached by maintenance personnel and the elevator car is operating normally, this portion will theoretically provide the first point of contact between the shaft ceiling and the electrical box. Similarly, the lowest point of the electrical box can be defined as the portion of the box that, if the box (theoretically) moves in a downward direction until contact with the shaft floor is established, this portion will theoretically provide the first point of contact between the shaft floor and the electrical box. Accordingly, the highest and lowest points can be defined by the position of lines or components protruding from the electrical box.

[0014] In contrast, it will be recognized that the box can be considered to have six surfaces that form a generally cuboid shape. Accordingly, the uppermost surface of the electrical box is defined as the upper or top surface of this cuboid (e.g., ignoring any components, such as lines, that may protrude above this surface), that is, the surface of the cuboid electrical box parallel to and facing the hoistway ceiling. Similarly, the lowermost surface of the electrical box is defined as the bottom surface of the cuboid (e.g., ignoring any components, such as lines, that may protrude below this surface), that is, the surface of the cuboid electrical box parallel to and away from the hoistway ceiling and facing the hoistway floor. In some examples, the vertex may be located on the uppermost surface, and / or the bottom point may be located on the bottommost surface. In some examples, the vertex is located above the uppermost surface, and / or the bottom point is located below the bottommost surface.

[0015] In some examples, when the electrical box is in the second position, it extends above the top to allow lateral access to one or more electrical components contained within it. This allows maintenance personnel to access the electrical components inside the box when maintenance operations are required.

[0016] In some examples, when the electrical box is in the second position, the bottom surface of the box is substantially parallel to the top. For example, when the electrical box is in the first position, the top surface of the box is either above the top, substantially parallel to the top, or below the top. For example, when the electrical box is in the first position, the distance from the top apex of the box to the plane above the top is less than or equal to the distance from the bottom apex of the box to the top.

[0017] In some examples, when the electrical box is in the first position, the distance from the top of the electrical box to the top is less than 135 mm above the top.

[0018] In some situations, it is conceivable that maintenance personnel might forget to return the electrical box to the "low height" position after inspection, which could cause the box to engage with the top of the shaft when the elevator car is operating normally, and thus be damaged. This can be avoided by arranging the electrical box so that it falls back under gravity in the event of a collision with the shaft ceiling. Therefore, in some examples, the mounting includes (e.g., resilient) locking members arranged to secure the electrical box in a second position, wherein the locking members are arranged to be overcome when a downward force greater than the weight of the electrical box is applied thereon, allowing the electrical box to move from the second position to a first position. Safety margins may be included, for example, such that a person could accidentally step on the electrical box without overcoming the locking members. For example, the locking members may be arranged to be overcome when a downward force significantly greater than the weight of the electrical box is applied thereon. Thus, in some examples, the locking members are arranged to be overcome when a downward force of at least 1.5 times the weight of the electrical box (e.g., at least 2 times the weight of the electrical box, or at least 3 times the weight of the electrical box) is applied thereon.

[0019] In some examples, the locking member is an elastic element arranged such that when a downward force (e.g., significantly) greater than the weight of the electrical box is applied to it, the elastic bias of the elastic element is overcome, and the electrical box can move from a second position to a first position. Accordingly, the electrical box can move from the second position to the first position, wherein the locking member can return to its neutral position.

[0020] In some examples, the mounting includes at least one guide member arranged to guide the vertical translation of the electrical box and / or to set a distance the electrical box can translate. For example, the electrical box includes a first protrusion arranged to engage with the guide member and guide the vertical translation. In some examples, the guide member includes a guide groove arranged to receive the first protrusion on the electrical box, optionally wherein the first protrusion moves along the guide groove as the electrical box moves between a first position and a second position.

[0021] In some examples, the mounting includes two guide members arranged on either side of the electrical box (e.g., on opposite sides of the electrical box). In examples including guide slots, the electrical box includes two first protrusions on opposite sides of the electrical box, each first protrusion configured to receive within one of the two guide slots. In some examples, the first protrusions are nuts or screws. This means that the first protrusions can be tightened against the guide slots to selectively prevent movement of the electrical box, for example, when the electrical box is to be fixed in a first position, in order to prevent vibration during elevator car movement.

[0022] In some examples, the guide member is further arranged to define the distance by which the electrical box can be vertically translated. For example, the guide member includes a groove arranged to guide a first protrusion between a first point at the bottom of the groove and a second point at the top of the groove, wherein the electrical box is in a first position when the first protrusion is at the first point, and in a second position when the first protrusion is at the second point. For example, the electrical box is secured by interaction between a locking member and the first protrusion at the top of the guide member.

[0023] In some examples, the guide slot includes (e.g., resilient) locking members arranged to secure the electrical box in a second position. For example, a first (e.g., resilient) locking member is positioned near the top of the slot to hold a first protrusion at the second point.

[0024] In some examples, the (e.g., resilient) locking member is a substantially linear protrusion extending from the edge of the guide groove in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide groove. In some examples, the substantially linear protrusion is spherical at its end, which is configured to engage with a first protrusion received within the guide groove. For example, when the first protrusion is located at the second point, the first (e.g., resilient) locking member is arranged to engage with the underside of the first protrusion (e.g., the spherical end of the first protrusion), thereby preventing the first protrusion and thus the electrical box from moving downwards vertically within the guide groove, and the electrical box is substantially fixed in the second position.

[0025] In some examples, when a downward force (e.g., significantly) greater than the weight of the electrical box is applied to it, the elastic bias of the (e.g., elastic) locking member is overcome, and the electrical box is able to move from the second position to the first position.

[0026] In some examples, the locking member is arranged to elastically deform in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guide slot when a downward force (e.g., significantly) greater than the weight of the electrical box is applied to it. For example, when a downward force is applied to the electrical box, a first protrusion applies a force to the first locking member (e.g., the spherical end of the first locking member), causing the first (e.g., elastic) locking member to elastically deform, and the protrusion(s) can move vertically downward within the slot, and the electrical box can move from a second position to a first position.

[0027] In some examples, (e.g., elastic) locking members are made of metal (e.g., deflectable metal strips). Locking members may be made of spring steel.

[0028] In some examples, the mounting includes at least one (e.g., one, two, or more) fasteners arranged to secure the electrical box in a first position. The fasteners allow the electrical box to remain in the first position against vibrations that may occur during normal operation of the elevator car, i.e., to prevent the electrical box from moving out of the first position due to forces generated during normal operation of the elevator car.

[0029] In some examples, the mounting element includes (e.g., a first) fastener comprising a recess arranged to receive a second protrusion positioned near the top of the electrical box, such that when the electrical box is in a first position, the second protrusion holds the electrical box in the first position under the influence of gravity. For example, the recess is U-shaped and arranged to receive a second protrusion having a complementary shape. For example, the second protrusion(s) are nuts, such as wing nuts(s), such as screws.

[0030] In some examples, the mounting includes (e.g., a second) fastener arranged to secure the electrical box in a first position, wherein (e.g., the second) fastener includes a resilient member arranged to apply a resilient bias to a first protrusion when the electrical box is in the first position.

[0031] In some examples, the guide groove includes a resilient member. In some examples, the resilient member is a substantially linear protrusion extending from the edge of the groove in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the groove toward the bottom of the groove (i.e., toward the first point of the groove). The resilient member can conveniently have substantially the same form as the resilient locking member described above.

[0032] In some examples, the mounting component includes both the first and second fasteners described above; that is, the mounting component includes a resilient member and a recess. In some examples that include both the first and second fasteners, the guide member includes a resilient member. For example, when the protrusion is secured by the resilient member, the force applied by the resilient member holds the electrical box in a first position, and the effect of any vibration of the elevator car on the electrical box can be minimized.

[0033] In some examples, the top of the electrical box includes a handle.

[0034] In some examples, the electrical box includes at least one electrical connection, such as one or more connections between two wire harnesses. In some examples, the electrical box includes electrical components, such as a printed circuit board (PCB), a car control panel, a buzzer, a power supply, a circuit breaker, an Ethernet hub, a USB hub, a grounding connection, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the electrical box communicates with a car control panel installed within the elevator car (its interior space).

[0035] In some examples, the electrical box includes a cover that can be removed when the electrical box is in a second position.

[0036] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a mounting bracket is provided for fixing an electrical box to a side wall of an elevator car, the mounting bracket comprising:

[0037] A guiding member for guiding the vertical translation of the electrical box relative to the side wall of the elevator car between a first position and a second position.

[0038] It will be appreciated that the mounting component of the second aspect of this disclosure is included in the mounting component of the first aspect of this disclosure.

[0039] In some examples, the mounting includes a locking member arranged to secure the electrical box in a second position, wherein the locking member is arranged to be overcome when a downward force (e.g., significantly) greater than the weight of the electrical box is applied thereon, allowing the electrical box to move from the second position to the first position.

[0040] In some examples, the locking member is an elastic element arranged such that when a downward force (e.g., significantly) greater than the weight of the electrical box is applied to it, the elastic bias of the elastic element is overcome, and the electrical box can move from a second position to a first position. Accordingly, the electrical box can move from the second position to the first position, wherein the locking member can return to its neutral position.

[0041] In some examples, the mounting includes at least one guide member arranged to guide the vertical translation of the electrical box and / or to set a distance the electrical box can translate. For example, the electrical box includes a first protrusion arranged to engage with the guide member and guide the vertical translation. In some examples, the guide member includes a guide groove arranged to receive the first protrusion on the electrical box, optionally wherein the first protrusion moves within the guide groove as the electrical box moves between a first position and a second position.

[0042] In some examples, the mounting includes two guide members arranged on either side of the electrical box (e.g., on opposite sides of the electrical box), and the electrical box includes two first protrusions on opposite sides of the electrical box, each first protrusion configured to be received within one of the two guide members. In some examples, the first protrusion is a nut or screw.

[0043] In some examples, the guide groove is further arranged to define the distance by which the electrical box can be vertically translated. For example, the guide member includes a guide groove arranged to guide a first protrusion between a first point at the bottom of the groove and a second point at the top of the groove, wherein the electrical box is in a first position when the first protrusion is at the first point, and in a second position when the first protrusion is at the second point. For example, the electrical box is secured by interaction between a locking member and the first protrusion at the top of the guide member.

[0044] In some examples, the guide slot includes (e.g., resilient) locking members arranged to secure the electrical box in a second position. For example, a first (e.g., resilient) locking member is positioned near the top of the slot to hold a first protrusion at the second point.

[0045] In some examples, the (e.g., resilient) locking member is a substantially linear protrusion extending from the edge of the guide groove in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide groove. In some examples, the substantially linear protrusion is spherical at its end, which is configured to engage with a first protrusion received within the guide groove. For example, when the first protrusion is located at the second point, the first (e.g., resilient) locking member is arranged to engage with the underside of the first protrusion (e.g., the spherical end of the first protrusion), thereby preventing the first protrusion and thus the electrical box from moving downwards vertically within the guide groove, and the electrical box is substantially fixed in the second position.

[0046] In some examples, when a downward force (e.g., significantly) greater than the weight of the electrical box is applied to it, the elastic bias of the (e.g., elastic) locking member is overcome, and the electrical box is able to move from the second position to the first position.

[0047] In some examples, the locking member is arranged to elastically deform in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guide groove when a downward force (e.g., significantly) greater than the weight of the electrical box is applied thereon. For example, when a downward force is applied to the electrical box, a first protrusion applies a force to the first locking member (e.g., the spherical end of the first locking member), causing the first (e.g., elastic) locking member to elastically deform, and the protrusion(s) can move vertically downward within the guide groove, and the electrical box can move from a second position to a first position.

[0048] In some examples, (e.g., elastic) locking members are made of metal (e.g., deflectable metal strips). Locking members may be made of spring steel.

[0049] In some examples, the mounting includes at least one (e.g., one, two, or more) fasteners arranged to secure the electrical box in a first position. The fasteners allow the electrical box to remain in the first position against vibrations that may occur during normal operation of the elevator car; that is, the fasteners prevent the electrical box from moving out of the first position due to forces generated during normal operation of the elevator car.

[0050] In some examples, the mounting element includes (e.g., a first) fastener comprising a recess arranged to receive a second protrusion positioned near the top of the electrical box, such that when the electrical box is in a first position, the second protrusion holds the electrical box in the first position under the influence of gravity. For example, the recess is U-shaped and arranged to receive a second protrusion having a complementary shape. For example, the second protrusion(s) are nuts, such as wing nuts(s), or screws.

[0051] In some examples, the mounting includes (e.g., a second) fastener arranged to secure the electrical box in a first position, wherein (e.g., the second) fastener includes a resilient member arranged to apply a resilient bias to a first protrusion when the electrical box is in the first position.

[0052] In some examples, the guide groove includes an elastic member. In some examples, the elastic member is a substantially linear protrusion that extends from the edge of the guide groove in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide groove toward the bottom of the groove (i.e., toward the first point of the groove).

[0053] In some examples, the mounting component includes both the first and second fasteners described above; that is, the mounting component includes a resilient member and a recess. In some examples that include both the first and second fasteners, the guide member includes a resilient member. For example, when the protrusion is secured by the resilient member, the force applied by the resilient member holds the electrical box in a first position, and the effect of any vibration of the elevator car on the electrical box can be minimized.

[0054] In some examples, the top of the electrical box includes a handle.

[0055] In some examples, the electrical box includes at least one electrical connection, such as one or more connections between two wire harnesses. In some examples, the electrical box includes electrical components, such as a printed circuit board (PCB), a car control panel, a buzzer, a power supply, or a circuit breaker. In some examples, the electrical box communicates with a car control panel installed within the elevator car (its interior space). Attached Figure Description

[0056] Some examples of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims are further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples and drawings, in which:

[0057] Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c This is a cross-sectional view of an elevator car, which includes features that can be retracted to a closed position (e.g., Figure 1a and Figure 1b (as shown in the image) and the operating position (e.g.) Figure 1c The work platform that moves between (as shown in the image);

[0058] Figure 2a and Figure 2b This is a cross-sectional view of an elevator car, which includes a work platform and an electrical box mounted on the side wall of the elevator car. The electrical box can be positioned in a first position (e.g., Figure 2a (as shown in the image) and the second position (as shown in the image) Figure 2b Move between (as shown in the image);

[0059] Figure 3 A side view of the electrical box is shown;

[0060] Figure 4a and Figure 4b A view showing an electrical box mounted on the side wall of an elevator car via a mounting bracket, wherein the electrical box is fixed in a second position;

[0061] Figure 5a and Figure 5b The electrical box is shown in the second position ( Figure 5a (as shown in the image) towards the first position ( Figure 5b (See diagram) A schematic diagram of the mounting components during movement; and

[0062] Figure 6a and Figure 6b A view shows an electrical box mounted on the side wall of an elevator car via a mounting bracket, wherein the electrical box is fixed in a first position. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Figure 1a A view of an elevator car 1 is shown, comprising a roof 3 and side walls 4a and 4b defining an interior space 2. The elevator car 1 has two opposing side walls 4a to which handrails 6 are attached. The elevator car 1 also has two opposing side walls 4b (only one of which is visible in the figure), on which handrails are not present. A support frame 8, included in the roof 3, is positioned above the interior space 2, and a decorative ceiling panel 10 is pivotally attached below the support frame 8. In this arrangement, as... Figure 1a As shown, passengers in the interior space 2 of the elevator car 1 would perceive the decorative ceiling panel 10 as covering most or even the entirety of the elevator car ceiling, making the supporting frame 8 generally invisible.

[0064] Figure 1b Show Figure 1a The elevator car 1, in which the decorative ceiling panel 10 has been pivoted downwards to the open position. Figure 1b The components (which already exist) Figure 1a (marked and easily identifiable by a technician as a similar element) Figure 1b and Figure 1c The image is not marked again to improve the clarity of the accompanying drawings. Figure 1b The decorative ceiling cover panel 10 is shown as hinged open from a pivot point in the elevator car ceiling; however, it is equally possible that the decorative ceiling cover panel 10 can be secured in place by any other suitable mechanism (such as, for example, screws or clips) and can then be completely removed from the ceiling of the elevator car 1 to expose the support frame 8.

[0065] Once the cover panel 10 has been pivoted downwards or removed, the work platform 12 is then visible within the support frame 8 located above the interior space 2 of the elevator car 1. Figure 1b In the elevator car 1 shown, the work platform 12 is still in the retracted position, but it is now accessible, allowing maintenance personnel to access the work platform 12 from... Figure 1b The collapsible position shown in the image is moved to, as... Figure 1c The operation location is shown in the image. For example... Figure 1cMost clearly seen, the extendable suspension mechanism 11 is arranged to suspend the work platform 12 to the support frame 8. In this example, the extendable suspension mechanism 11 is a scissor mechanism. The scissor mechanism 11 extends to allow the work platform 12 to descend to a predetermined height in the elevator car 1, which is substantially the same height as the handrail 6. The extendable suspension mechanism 11 can be any suitable mechanism that allows the work platform 12 to move between a retracted position and an operating position, and fully supports the work platform 12 (along with any load carried in use) in its operating position.

[0066] like Figure 1c As shown, the work platform 12 can be lowered from the retracted position into the interior space 2 of the elevator car 1. This lowered position of the work platform 12 is referred to herein as the operating position. In this operating position, maintenance personnel can use the work platform 12 to stand and thereby access the elevator system components through the open ceiling for maintenance purposes. Specifically, the height of the work platform 12 in the operating position is ideally at least 1.1 m below the support frame 8, such that a maintenance personnel standing fully upright on the work platform 12 will protrude outward from the opening in the ceiling of the elevator car 1 provided by the support frame 8. Furthermore, this means that there is sufficient space below the support frame 8 for maintenance personnel to install safety railings on the work platform 12, which, according to European standard EN81-1, have a height of at least 1.1 m.

[0067] like Figure 1c As best seen in the image, the work platform 12 includes at least one stabilizing component 14, and in this example, there are four stabilizing components 14: a first stabilizing component 14a and a second stabilizing component 14b positioned on the opposite side of the work platform 12 on the left-hand side of the elevator car 1, and a first stabilizing component 14a and a second stabilizing component 14b positioned on the opposite side of the work platform 12 on the right-hand side of the elevator car 1. Each of the stabilizing components 14a, 14b can engage with a handrail 6 on the side wall 4a of the elevator car 1 to provide lateral stability to the work platform 12.

[0068] Figure 2a and Figure 2b The diagram shows a view of an elevator car 1, which includes an electrical box 25 mounted to one or more side walls 4a, 4b via mounting members (not shown). The mounting members are arranged to allow the electrical box to be in a first position relative to the side wall 4a (e.g., ...). Figure 2a (as shown in the image) and the second position (as shown in the image) Figure 2b The elevator car 1 moves vertically between the two (as shown in the diagram). The elevator car 1 further includes a blocking member 20, which is configured to prevent the work platform 12 from moving into the retracted position unless it has been released.

[0069] Figure 3 A side view of a cuboid-shaped electrical box 25 is shown. The cuboid-shaped electrical box 25 includes an uppermost surface 26a and a lowermost surface 26b corresponding to the top and bottom sides of the cuboid. The height of the electrical box can therefore be defined as the distance D1 from the uppermost surface to the lowermost surface of the electrical box.

[0070] In some examples of this disclosure, the electrical box 25 may be cuboid in shape (thus including an uppermost surface 26a and a lowermost surface 26b), from which some components (such as wires 27) protrude. Accordingly, the apex 28 of the electrical box 25 may be located above the uppermost surface 26a. The apex 28 can therefore be considered as a portion of the electrical box 25 that, if the electrical box 25 were to move vertically upwards in an infinitely long manner, this portion would first engage with the ceiling of the elevator shaft. Similarly, the bottom point 29 may be located below the lowermost surface 26b of the electrical box 25, where the bottom point 29 can be considered as a portion of the electrical box 25 that, if the electrical box 25 were to move vertically downwards in an infinitely long manner, this portion would first engage with the floor of the elevator shaft. The distance D2 from the apex 28 to the bottom point 29 of the electrical box defines the total height of the electrical box (i.e., the maximum dimension of the electrical box).

[0071] In some examples, the top vertex 28 of the electrical box may correspond to the top surface 26a, and the bottom point 29 of the electrical box may correspond to the bottom surface 26b.

[0072] Figure 4a and Figure 4b Two different views are shown of an electrical box 25 mounted on the side walls 4a, 4b of an elevator car via a mounting member 30, wherein the electrical box 25 is fixed in a second position. The mounting member 30 shown includes two guide members 35a, 35b, positioned on either side of the electrical box 25 and arranged to mount the electrical box 25 to the side wall 4a of the elevator car. Each guide member 35a, 35b includes a guide groove 40, and the electrical box 25 includes two protrusions 55 (in the form of nuts or screws) on either side of the electrical box 25, such that each guide groove 40 receives one of the protrusions 55. The length of the guide groove 40 thus limits the distance the electrical box 25 can be vertically translated, as the guide groove 40 only allows the protrusion 55 to move between a first point 42a at the top of the guide groove 40 and a second point 42b at the bottom of the guide groove 40.

[0073] When the protrusion is 55 Figure 4a and Figure 4b When the electrical box 25 is located at the first point 42a in the guide groove 40 (i.e., at the top of the guide groove 40) as shown, the electrical box 25 is arranged in the second position. In order to hold the electrical box 25 in the second position, the guide groove 40 includes a locking member 45. Figure 4a and Figure 4bThe locking member 45 shown is a substantially linear protrusion that extends from the edge of the guide groove 40 along a longitudinal axis 41 parallel to the guide groove 40 (see...). Figure 4b The first locking member 45 extends in the direction of the projection 55. The first locking member 45 includes a spherical end 47 arranged to engage with the projection 55.

[0074] For example, when the electrical box 25 is moved to the second position (e.g., by a maintenance personnel), the protrusion 55 moves upward along the guide groove 40 until it engages the underside of the spherical end 47 of the first locking member 45. At this point, further upward movement of the protrusion 55 causes deformation of the locking member 45 because the curved shape of the spherical end 47 allows the protrusion 55 to apply force to the locking member 45 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 41, which in turn causes the locking member 45 to deform or bend in that vertical direction. As a result, the protrusion 55 is able to move past the locking member 45 to a second point 42a at the top of the guide groove 40.

[0075] like Figure 5a As shown, when the protrusion 55 is located at the first point 42a, the lower portion of the protrusion 55 engages with the spherical end 47 of the locking member 45, which causes the electrical box 25 to be held in the second position under the action of gravity. Once the protrusion 55 is located at the first point 42a, the locking member 45 prevents the protrusion 55 from moving downward within the guide groove 40 without the application of additional force. This allows maintenance personnel to access the components inside the electrical box 25 without having to hold the electrical box 25 in the second position. The locking member 45 thus secures the electrical box 25 in the second position using an elastic bias.

[0076] Once the maintenance personnel have reached the components contained within the electrical box 25, they can return the electrical box 25 to the first position by applying force to the top of it. Alternatively, if the maintenance personnel forget to return the electrical box 25 to the first position and the elevator car moves upward, the electrical box 25 in the second position can engage with the hoistway ceiling. In this case, the hoistway ceiling will apply a downward force to the electrical box 25 at the point of contact.

[0077] When the downward force applied to the electrical box 25 (i.e., applied by maintenance personnel or due to impact with the hoistway ceiling) is significantly greater than the weight of the electrical box 25, the force overcomes the elastic bias of the locking member 45, and (due to the spherical end 47) the protrusion 55 is able to apply a force perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 41 of the guide groove 40, causing the locking member 45 to deform in that direction, and the protrusion 55 can move downward over the locking member 45 (e.g., Figure 5b (As shown in the diagram). Accordingly, the electrical box 25 can be moved from the second position to the first position, wherein the locking member 45 can be returned to its neutral position.

[0078] Figure 6a and Figure 6bShow Figure 4a and Figure 4b The two views shown are identical to those of the electrical box 25, but with the electrical box 25 fixed in a first position. When the electrical box 25 is in the first position, the protrusion 55 is located at the second point 42b in the guide groove 40 (i.e., at the bottom of the guide groove), as... Figure 6a and Figure 6b As shown in the image.

[0079] To hold the electrical box 25 in the first position, the guide members 35a and 35b each further include a first fastener 50 (which can be...). Figure 4a , Figure 4b , Figure 5a and Figure 5b (See more clearly in the middle). For example Figure 4a , Figure 4b , Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown, the first fastener member 50 is a U-shaped recess shaped to receive a second protrusion 60 located near the top of the electrical box 25 on each side of the electrical box 25. When the electrical box 25 is in a first position, the second protrusion 60 engages with the U-shaped fastener 50 to secure the electrical box 25 in the first position under gravity. In the example shown, the second protrusion 60 is a wing nut and can be tightened against the U-shaped fastener 50.

[0080] Each guide member 35a, 35b of the mounting member 30 further includes a second fastener in the form of an elastic member 52, which is arranged to apply an elastic bias to the protrusion 55 when the electrical box is in the first position. When the protrusion 55 is located at a second point 42b at the bottom of the guide groove 40, the force applied by the elastic member 52 is used to secure the electrical box 25 in the first position, and the effect of vibration of the elevator car 1 on the electrical box 25 is minimized.

[0081] In the above description, it is understood that maintenance personnel can conveniently stand on the work platform 12 to access the electrical box 25 at least when it is raised to the second position. However, vertical translation of the electrical box 25 between the two positions, as described herein, can be useful during maintenance procedures that do not involve the use of such a work platform 12. For example, the elevator car 1 may alternatively have a static roof, and maintenance personnel standing on the roof can use mounting hardware to vertically translate the electrical box from a first position (e.g., a less accessible position) to a second position (e.g., a more accessible position), or vice versa.

Claims

1. An elevator car (1), comprising: One or more side walls (4a, 4b) define an interior space (2) for accommodating passengers; as well as An electrical box (25) is mounted to one of the sidewalls (4a, 4b) via a mounting bracket (30). The mounting element (30) is arranged to allow the electrical box (25) to translate vertically relative to the sidewall (4a) between a first position and a second position; The mounting member (30) includes a locking member (45) arranged to secure the electrical box (25) in the second position, wherein the locking member (45) is arranged to be overcome when a downward force greater than the weight of the electrical box (25) is applied thereon, such that the electrical box (25) can be moved from the second position to the first position.

2. The elevator car (1) according to claim 1, the elevator car (1) further includes a top (3), and wherein the mounting member (30) is arranged to allow the electrical box (25) to be vertically translated from the first position to a second position above the first position, wherein the electrical box (25) extends at least partially above the top (3) at least in the second position.

3. The elevator car (1) according to claim 2, wherein The top (3) includes a support frame (8), and the work platform (12) is suspendably connected to the support frame (8) and is movable between a retracted position above the interior space (2) and an operating position suspended within the interior space (2).

4. The elevator car (1) according to any one of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein When the electrical box (25) is in the second position, 50% or more of the electrical box (25) extends above the top (3).

5. The elevator car (1) according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein In the second position, the electrical box (25) extends above the top (3) to such an extent that it allows lateral access to one or more electrical components contained within the electrical box (25).

6. The elevator car (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, When the electrical box (25) is in the second position, the bottom surface (26b) of the electrical box is substantially parallel to the top (3).

7. The elevator car (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein, When the electrical box (25) is in the first position, the distance from the topmost point (28) of the box to the top (3) is less than 135 mm above the top.

8. The elevator car (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The locking member (45) is an elastic member arranged such that when a downward force greater than the weight of the electrical box (25) is applied thereon, the elastic bias of the elastic member is overcome, and the electrical box (25) can be moved from the second position to the first position.

9. The elevator car (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The mounting component (30) includes at least one guide member (35a, 35b) arranged to guide the vertical translation and optionally arranged to set the distance by which the electrical box (25) can be translated.

10. The elevator car (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The guide members (35a, 35b) include a guide groove (40) arranged to receive a first protrusion (55) located on the side of the electrical box (25).

11. The elevator car (1) according to claim 10, wherein, The locking member (45) is arranged to elastically deform in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guide groove (40) when a force greater than the weight of the electrical box (25) is applied thereon.

12. The elevator car (1) according to any one of claim 9, claim 10 or claim 11, wherein, The guide members (35a, 35b) include the locking member (45) arranged to secure the electrical box (25) in the second position, optionally wherein the electrical box (25) is secured by interaction between the locking member (45) and a first protrusion (55) / first protrusion (55) located on the side of the electrical box (25).

13. The elevator car (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The mounting component (30) further includes at least one fastener (50, 52) arranged to secure the electrical box (25) in the first position.

14. The elevator car (1) according to claim 13, wherein, The at least one fastener (52) includes an elastic member arranged to apply an elastic bias to a first protrusion (55) / first protrusion (55) located on the side of the electrical box (25) when the electrical box (25) is in the first position.

15. A mounting bracket (30) for securing an electrical box to a side wall (4a, 4b) of an elevator car (1), the mounting bracket comprising: A guide member (40) is used to guide the vertical translation of the electrical box (25) relative to the side walls (4a, 4b) of the elevator car (1) between a first position and a second position. The mounting member (30) includes a locking member (45) arranged to secure the electrical box (25) in the second position, wherein the locking member (45) is arranged to be overcome when a downward force greater than the weight of the electrical box (25) is applied thereon, such that the electrical box (25) can be moved from the second position to the first position.

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