Elevator car with blocking member for foldable work platform

Abstract

An elevator car has one or more side walls (4a, 4b) defining an interior space (2) for accommodating passengers, a roof (3) comprising a support frame (8), and a work platform (12) suspendedly connected to the support frame (8). The work platform moves between a stowed position above the interior space and an operating position within the interior space. The elevator car further comprises a blocking member (20, 21) located at the support frame (8) and arranged to move between an unblocking position and a blocking position. When the blocking member (20, 21) is in the blocking position, the blocking member is configured to prevent the work platform (12) from moving into the stowed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure relates to an elevator car with a foldable work platform for performing maintenance from the inside of the elevator car when in the operating position. Background Technology

[0002] A work platform located in or above the top panel of an elevator car is known, movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position, the work platform is located inside the elevator car at a height that allows maintenance personnel to stand on the platform and access elevator components through openings in the elevator car top panel. Typically, such work platforms are suspended from at least one pair of cantilever arms. EP3587333 A1 discloses a work platform movably mounted to a support frame by at least one scissor mechanism. EP3943432 A1 discloses a work platform movably mounted to a support frame by an extendable suspension mechanism. Importantly for the safety of maintenance personnel, the foldable work platform does not return to the retracted position until the maintenance personnel have completed their work.

[0003] By using a foldable work platform, the top distance between the top of the shaft and the top of the elevator car can be reduced, as maintenance personnel can stand primarily inside the elevator car while still having close proximity to components above the elevator car's top panel. Maintenance personnel can interact with various components during maintenance procedures. It is important for these components to return to their normal operating position before the maintenance personnel fold up the work platform and leave the elevator car. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, an elevator car is provided, comprising:

[0005] One or more side walls are arranged to define the interior space for accommodating passengers;

[0006] The system includes a top cover for a support frame and a work platform, wherein the work platform is 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; and

[0007] A blocking member located at the support frame, wherein the blocking member is arranged to move between an unblocking position and a blocking position.

[0008] When the blocking component is in the blocking position, it is configured to prevent the work platform from moving to the retracted position.

[0009] The blocking component advantageously ensures that the work platform cannot return to its retracted position before maintenance personnel have completed performing any maintenance tasks. In some examples, the physical action of releasing the blocking component (e.g., by moving it to the unblocked position) triggers maintenance personnel to check that all components accessible from the work platform (which may have been moved or otherwise adjusted during inspections via the elevator roof) have been restored for normal operation of the elevator car. In some examples, the blocking component may release the blocking only after certain components have been secured or returned to their normal operating state (or automatically release the blocking). Thus, the blocking component provides maintenance personnel with fault protection and / or inspection to ensure that components accessed while using the work platform have returned to their normal state, for example, preventing them from being damaged during normal operation of the elevator car.

[0010] This working platform allows for a reduction in the top distance between the top of the hoistway and the top cover of the elevator car. To further minimize this top distance, components located on or above the top plate of the elevator car (i.e., movable components discussed below) are preferably mounted such that they are in a "low height" position during elevator car operation, but can be moved to an "extended position" above the elevator car to allow access and inspection by maintenance personnel. In such a case, it is conceivable that maintenance personnel might forget to return the components to the "low height" position after inspection, which could cause the components to engage with the top cover of the hoistway during normal elevator car operation and damage the components. A blocking component prevents this from happening.

[0011] The fact that the blocking component is located at the support frame means that the blocking component can be directly or indirectly mounted to the support frame, or otherwise mounted near the support frame, so that it is configured to prevent the work platform from moving into the retracted position.

[0012] In various examples, the work platform is located at the support frame when in the retracted position. For example, when in the retracted position, the work platform is at least partially received within the support frame, i.e., the work platform is substantially in the plane of the support frame.

[0013] In some examples, the blocking component translates and / or rotates between a blocking position and a deblocking position. For example, the blocking component may include a pivot point arranged to allow the blocking component to pivot between the blocking position and the deblocking position.

[0014] In some examples, the blocking member may include a resilient member arranged to bias the blocking member into a blocking position. In such examples, the resilient member may be used to translate the blocking member from a deblocking position (e.g., in two dimensions, such as horizontally, such as vertically) to the blocking position.

[0015] In some examples, the blocking component is arranged to mechanically prevent the work platform from moving into the retracted position. It will be understood that the blocking component can mechanically prevent the work platform from moving into the retracted position in any suitable and / or desired manner, i.e., by engaging the work platform or any suitable and / or desired part of the mechanism by which it suspends itself from the support frame.

[0016] In some examples, the blocking component may be arranged to mechanically prevent the work platform from assuming a retracted position. For example, the blocking component may be arranged such that when it is in the blocking position, it does not engage with any part of the work platform (or the mechanism by which it suspends itself from a self-supporting frame, such as an extendable suspension arrangement). However, when the work platform moves upward (i.e., in the direction required to move it to the retracted position), while the blocking component is still in the blocking position, a portion of the work platform (or suspension mechanism) may engage with the blocking component, thereby preventing further upward movement (e.g., to the retracted position).

[0017] In some examples, the blocking component is arranged to mechanically prevent the work platform from moving out of the operating position. For example, the blocking component may be arranged such that when it is in the blocking position, it engages with a portion of the work platform or mechanism (or the mechanism by which it suspends itself from a self-supporting frame, such as an extendable suspension arrangement), thereby substantially locking the work platform in the operating position.

[0018] In some examples, the elevator car also includes an extendable suspension arrangement arranged to suspend the work platform from a self-supporting frame, wherein a blocking member, when in the blocking position, is arranged to physically engage at least a portion of the extendable suspension arrangement, such that the extendable suspension arrangement is prevented from retracting (e.g., fully) to move the work platform to a retracted position. In some examples, the blocking member physically engages at least a portion of the extendable suspension arrangement when the work platform is in the operating position (i.e., when the extendable suspension arrangement is fully extended). In such examples, the blocking member substantially prevents the work platform from moving out of the operating position.

[0019] In some examples, when the extendable suspension arrangement is partially retracted (i.e., the work platform is in a position between the operating position and the retracted position), the blocking member may physically engage at least a portion of the extendable suspension arrangement. In such examples, when the work platform is in the operating position, the blocking member does not physically engage with the extendable suspension arrangement, but engages at least a portion of the extendable work platform during upward movement of the work platform to prevent the extendable suspension arrangement from retracting (e.g., fully) and returning the work platform to the retracted position.

[0020] In some examples, the (e.g., extendable) suspension arrangement includes at least two arm members, each arm member being connected to a support frame at a first end and to a work platform at a second end, wherein when the work platform moves from a retracted position to an operating position, the arm members slide parallel to each other in a sliding direction in a first direction to extend the extendable suspension arrangement, and wherein when the work platform moves from the operating position to a retracted position, the arm members slide parallel to each other in a sliding direction in a second direction to retract the extendable suspension arrangement.

[0021] In some examples, when the work platform is in the operating position (i.e., when the suspension arrangement is fully extended), the blocking member physically engages at least a portion of at least one (e.g., one, two, or more) of at least two arms of the (e.g., extendable) suspension arrangement. In such examples, the blocking member substantially prevents the work platform from moving out of the operating position by preventing movement of the arms (e.g., at least one of them). In some examples, when the work platform is in the operating position, the blocking member does not physically engage with at least one of the arms, but rather engages at least a portion of at least one of the arms during upward movement of the work platform to prevent the extendable suspension arrangement from retracting (e.g., fully) and returning the work platform to the retracted position.

[0022] In some examples, when the work platform moves from the retracted position to the operating position, the blocking component is configured to move (e.g., manually or automatically) from the disengaged position to the blocked position. This provides the advantage that maintenance personnel do not need to remember to move the blocking component to the blocked position; instead, it moves automatically in response to the movement of the work platform.

[0023] In some examples, the elevator car further includes a movable member mounted to the elevator car by a mounting member; wherein the mounting member is arranged to allow the movable member to move relative to the top cover between a first position and a second position. For example, the movable member is arranged to be accessible by a person standing on a work platform when in the second position. In some examples, the mounting member may be arranged on the top cover, on a support frame, and / or on a side wall (e.g., at a location near the top cover of the elevator car).

[0024] In some examples, the blocking member is arranged in an unblocked position when the movable member is in a first position and the work platform is in a retracted position, and in a blocked position when the movable member is in a second position and the work platform is in an operating position. In such examples, the blocking member is used to prevent the work platform from moving into the retracted position when the movable member is in the second position (in which it would be at risk of damage by engaging with the shaft top plate during normal operation of the elevator car).

[0025] In some examples, as the movable component moves from a first position to a second position, the blocking component is configured (e.g., manually or automatically) to move from an unblocked position to a blocked position. This provides the advantage that maintenance personnel do not need to remember to move the blocking component into the blocked position; instead, it moves automatically in response to the movement of the movable component, thus preventing the work platform from moving into the retracted position before the movable component returns to the first position.

[0026] In some examples, when the work platform moves from the retracted position to the operating position and the movable component moves from the first position to the second position, the blocking component is configured to move from the unblocking position to the blocking position (e.g., manually or automatically).

[0027] In some examples, the blocking member (e.g., electrically or mechanically) is coupled to the movable member such that the blocking member is arranged to move from a disengaged position to a blocked position in response to movement of the movable member from a first position to a second position. For example, when the movable member moves from the first position to the second position, the blocking member moves from the disengaged position to the blocked position, and when the movable member moves from the second position to the first position, the blocking member moves from the blocked position to the disengaged position.

[0028] This means that when the movable component is in the second (e.g., accessible) position, the blocking component is configured in the blocking position. As a result, when the movable component is in the second (e.g., accessible) position, maintenance personnel cannot move the work platform back to the retracted position. This is especially true if the movable component protrudes from the top cover in its second (e.g., accessible) position, preventing maintenance personnel from forgetting to return the movable component to its first position.

[0029] In some examples, the blocking member is mechanically coupled to the movable member such that movement of the movable member from a first position to a second position causes the blocking member to pivot to a blocking position, and / or movement of the movable member from a second position to a first position causes the blocking member to pivot to a de-blocking position. In some examples, the blocking member includes a pivot point arranged to allow the blocking member to pivot between the blocking position and the de-blocking position.

[0030] In some examples, the blocking member includes an elastic member (e.g., a spring) arranged to bias the blocking member into a blocking position, and the movable member includes a latch, wherein when the movable member is in a first position, the latch is arranged to resist the bias of the elastic member (e.g., the spring) to hold the blocking member in a released blocking position, and when the movable member is in a second position, the latch disengages from the blocking member to allow the bias of the elastic member (e.g., the spring) to move the blocking member to the blocking position.

[0031] In some examples, the movable component is one of an electrical box (e.g., a car control panel, such as a junction box), a handrail, an inspection box, or an emergency stop button.

[0032] In some examples, the mounting is configured to allow the movable member to pivot and / or translate vertically and / or horizontally between a first position and a second position.

[0033] In at least some examples, the movable component is mounted to the side wall of the elevator car. In at least some examples, the movable component is mounted to the top cover of the elevator car. In at least some examples, the movable component is mounted to a support frame. The mounting element can be arranged on any suitable surface to mount the movable component to the elevator car such that, in a second position, the movable component can be accessed by a person standing on a work platform.

[0034] In some examples, a movable component (e.g., an electrical box) is mounted on the side wall of the elevator car and can be vertically translated between a first position and a second position. By mounting the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) on the side wall of the elevator car, rather than on the top cover of the elevator car, the top distance can be further minimized. Therefore, during elevator car operation, the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) can be in a "low height" (i.e., first) position. In such a position, the height to which the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) extends above the top cover of the elevator car is minimized, thus allowing for a reduced top distance between the elevator car and the system. However, in such a position, the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) may be difficult for maintenance personnel to reach or inspect. Therefore, when the movable component (e.g., 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 access.

[0035] In some examples, the elevator car includes a top cover, and the mounting is arranged to allow a movable component (e.g., an electrical box) to be vertically translated from a first position to a second position above the first position. In such examples, the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) extends at least partially above the top cover in at least the second position. By extending at least partially above the top cover in the second position, maintenance personnel can access the component housed within the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) from a position on the top cover or from a platform that allows access to the component on the top cover (i.e., a landing or a foldable work platform).

[0036] In some examples, when the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) is in the second position, 50% or more of the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) extends above the top cover. In some examples, when the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) is in the second position, 50% or more of the total volume of the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) extends above the top cover. In some examples, when the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) is in the second position, 50% or more of the total height of the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) extends above the top cover (i.e., where the height is defined as the distance from the uppermost surface of the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) to the lowermost surface of the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hoistway (i.e., the axis of travel of the elevator car). For example, when the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) is in the second position, the distance from the top apex of the box to the top cover is greater than the distance from the bottom of the box to the top cover.

[0037] It will be understood that the highest point of a movable component (e.g., an electrical box) can be defined as the portion of the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) that, if the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) moves in an upward direction (e.g., with the elevator car), for example, if the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) does not return to its first position after being approached by maintenance personnel and the elevator car is operating normally, will theoretically provide a first point of contact between the hoistway top plate and the movable component (e.g., the electrical box). Similarly, the lowest point of a movable component (e.g., the electrical box) can be defined as the portion of the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) that, if the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) (theoretically) moves in a downward direction until contact with the hoistway bottom plate is established, will theoretically provide a first point of contact between the hoistway bottom plate and the movable component (e.g., the electrical box). Thus, the highest and lowest points can be defined by the position of a line or component protruding from the movable component (e.g., the electrical box).

[0038] In some examples, the highest vertex of the movable member can be a surface (e.g., the uppermost surface), and the lowest point of the movable member can be a surface (e.g., the lowermost surface). For example, if the movable member is a railing, the top surface of the railing track can constitute the uppermost surface.

[0039] In some examples, when the movable component is an electrical box, the box can be considered as a cuboid shape comprising six surfaces. In such examples, the uppermost surface of the electrical box is defined as the upper or top surface of the cuboid (e.g., ignoring any components, such as lines, that may protrude above this surface), i.e., the surface of the cuboid electrical box parallel to and facing the top plate of the shaft. 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), i.e., the surface of the cuboid electrical box parallel to and away from the top plate of the shaft and facing the bottom plate of the shaft. In some examples, the vertex may be on the uppermost surface, and / or the bottom point may be on the bottommost surface. In some examples, the vertex is above the uppermost surface and / or the bottom point is below the bottommost surface.

[0040] In some examples, when the movable component (e.g., an electrical box) is in the second position, the electrical box extends above the top cover to a extent that allows lateral access to one or more (e.g., electrical) components housed within the movable component (e.g., the electrical box). This allows maintenance personnel to access the (e.g., electrical) components within the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) when maintenance operations are required.

[0041] In some examples, when the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) is in the second position, the bottom surface of the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) is substantially parallel to the top cover. For example, when the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) is in the first position, the top surface of the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) is above, substantially parallel to, or below the top cover. For example, when the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) is in the first position, the distance from the top apex of the box to the plane of the top cover is less than or equal to the distance from the bottom of the box to the top cover.

[0042] In some examples, when the electrical box is in the first position, the distance from the highest point of the movable component (e.g., the electrical box) to the top cover is less than 135 mm above the top cover.

[0043] In some examples, the movable component is an electrical box mounted to a support frame and capable of vertical translation between a first position and a second position, wherein the electrical box is mechanically coupled to a blocking member such that vertical translation of the electrical box causes the blocking member to move between a disengaged position when the electrical box is in the first position and a blocking position when the electrical box is in the second position.

[0044] In some examples, the movable component (e.g., an electrical box) includes a guide member, such as a guide groove, arranged to receive a portion of the blocking component (e.g., a pin or protrusion) of the blocking component, wherein the guide groove guides the portion of the blocking component received therein when the electrical box is vertically translated from a first position to a second position, thereby causing the blocking component to move (e.g., pivot) between a de-blocking position and a blocking position. Attached Figure Description

[0045] The following non-limiting examples and accompanying drawings further illustrate some examples of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims, in which:

[0046] Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c This is a sectional view of the elevator car including the work platform, which can be in the retracted position (e.g., Figure 1a and Figure 1b (as shown in the image) and the operating position (e.g.) Figure 1c Move between (as shown in the image);

[0047] Figure 2a and Figure 2bThis is a cross-sectional view of an elevator car, including a work platform and an electrical box mounted on the side wall of the elevator car. The electrical box can be located in the 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);

[0048] Figure 3 A side view of the electrical box is shown;

[0049] Figure 4 A view showing an electrical box mounted on the side wall of an elevator car by a mounting bracket, wherein the electrical box is held in a second position;

[0050] Figure 5a and Figure 5b A schematic diagram illustrating an example of this disclosure depicts the movement of an electrical box between a first position and a second position, with the blocking component moving from the unblocked position (in...). Figure 5a (shown in) and blocking position (in) Figure 5b The operational interactions between the movements shown in the diagram; and

[0051] Figure 6a and Figure 6b A schematic diagram illustrating an example of this disclosure depicts the movement of an electrical box between a first position and a second position, with the blocking component moving from the unblocked position (in...). Figure 6a (shown in) and blocking position (in) Figure 6b The operational interactions between the movements (shown in the diagram) are as follows. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Figure 1a A view of an elevator car 1 is shown, comprising a top cover 3 and side walls 4a, 4b defining an interior space 2. The elevator car 1 has two opposite side walls 4a to which handrails 6 are attached. The elevator car 1 also has two opposite side walls 4b on which handrails are not attached (only one of which is visible in the figure). A support frame 8, included in the top cover 3, is positioned above the interior space 2, and a decorative top cover 10 is pivotally attached below the top cover. In this arrangement, as... Figure 1a As shown, passengers inside the interior space 2 of the elevator car 1 perceive the decorative ceiling cover 10 as covering most, or even all, of the elevator car ceiling, making the support frame 8 generally invisible.

[0053] Figure 1b Show Figure 1a The elevator car 1, in which the decorative ceiling cover 10 has been pivoted downwards to the open position. It is already... Figure 1a The marked and easily identifiable by a technician as similar components. Figure 1b The components in Figure 1b and Figure 1cThere are no additional labels to improve the clarity of the diagram. Figure 1b The decorative top cover 10 is shown as hinged open from the pivot point in the elevator car top panel, but it is equally possible that the decorative top cover 10 can be secured in place by any other suitable mechanism (such as screws or clips) and can then be completely removed from the top panel of the elevator car 1 to expose the support frame 8.

[0054] Once the cover plate 10 is pivoted downwards or removed, the work platform 12 becomes 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 1c Most 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 opens 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.

[0055] like Figure 1c As shown, the work platform 12 can be lowered from its 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, for maintenance purposes, maintenance personnel can use the work platform 12 to stand on it and thus access parts of the elevator system through the open top panel. In particular, the height of the work platform 12 in the operating position is ideally at least 1.1m below the support frame 8, such that a maintenance personnel standing fully upright on the work platform 12 will protrude beyond the opening in the top panel of the elevator car 1 provided by the support frame 8. Furthermore, this means that maintenance personnel have sufficient space below the support frame 8 to install safety railings on the work platform 12, which, according to European standard EN81-1, are at least 1.1m high.

[0056] like Figure 1cAs 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 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 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.

[0057] Figure 2a and Figure 2b A view of an elevator car 1 is shown, which includes a movable member 25 in the form of an electrical box to which a mounting member (not shown) is attached. For ease of understanding, the term "electrical box 25" will be used hereinafter. However, those skilled in the art will understand that any other movable member may be attached to the elevator car 1 to allow movement relative to the top cover 3 between a first position and a second position. In this example, the mounting member is arranged to allow the electrical box 25 relative to the top cover 3 in the first position (e.g., ...). Figure 2a (as shown in the image) and the second position (as shown in the image) Figure 2b Vertical translation between (as shown in the diagram). The electrical box 25 can be mounted to the side wall 4a and / or the support frame 8 and / or the top cover 3. (As shown in...) Figure 2b As seen in the example, the electrical box 25 can be moved vertically upwards so that it extends at least partially above the top cover 3 in the second position.

[0058] The elevator car 1 also includes (directly or indirectly) a blocking member 20 mounted on the support frame 8, wherein the blocking member 20 is arranged in a released blocking position (e.g. Figure 2a (as shown in the image) and the blocking position (e.g.) Figure 2b The work platform 12 moves between the positions shown in the diagram, wherein when the blocking member 20 is in the blocking position, the blocking member 20 is configured to prevent the work platform 12 from moving to the retracted position.

[0059] It should be noted that the positions of the electrical box 25 and the blocking component 20 are not necessarily related, and their movement can be independent of each other. Therefore, in addition to Figure 2a and Figure 2b In addition to the arrangement shown, it is conceivable that when the blocking member 20 is in the blocking position, the electrical box 25 can be moved to a first position, for example, by manual operation required to move the blocking member 20 to the unblocking position before the platform can be retracted. It is also conceivable that when the blocking member 20 is in the unblocking position, the electrical box 25 can be moved to a second position, for example, by manual operation required to move the blocking member 20 to the blocking position while the electrical box 25 is held in the second position.

[0060] Similarly, it should be noted that the positions of the electrical box 25 and the work platform 12 are not necessarily related. In practice, it is conceivable that the work platform 12 may be in the operating position and the electrical box 25 in the first position (e.g., if maintenance personnel are not concerned with inspecting the electrical box 25). When the work platform 12 is in the operating position, according to different examples of this disclosure, the blocking member 20 may be in either the blocking position or the unblocking position. In contrast, the work platform 12 may occupy the retracted position only when the blocking member 20 is in the unblocking position (e.g., ...). Figure 2a (As shown in the image).

[0061] Figure 3 A side view of a cuboid electrical box 25 is shown, which includes an uppermost surface 26a and a lowermost surface 26b corresponding to the top and bottom sides of the cuboid. Therefore, the height of the electrical box 25 can be defined as the distance D1 from the uppermost surface 26a to the lowermost surface 26b of the electrical box 25.

[0062] 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 components such as wires 27 protrude. Thus, the apex 28 of the electrical box 25 may be above the uppermost surface 26a. Therefore, the apex 28 can be considered as the portion of the electrical box 25 that, theoretically, would first engage the top plate of the elevator shaft if it were to move vertically upwards indefinitely. Similarly, the bottom point 29 may be below the bottom surface 26b of the electrical box 25, wherein the bottom point 29 can be considered as the portion of the electrical box 25 that, theoretically, would first engage the bottom plate of the elevator shaft if it were to move vertically downwards indefinitely. The distance D2 from the apex 28 to the bottom point 29 of the electrical box 25 defines the total height of the electrical box 25 (i.e., the maximum dimension of the electrical box 25).

[0063] In some examples, the highest point 28 of the electrical box 25 may correspond to the uppermost surface 26a, and the lowest point 29 of the electrical box 25 may correspond to the bottommost surface 26b.

[0064] Figure 4 An example of an electrical box 25 mounted on a support frame 8 by a mounting member 30 is shown, wherein the electrical box 25 is held in a second position. The mounting member 30 shown includes two guide members 35a, 35b, which are positioned on either side of the electrical box 25 and arranged to mount the electrical box 25 to the support frame 8 of the elevator car. The guide members 35a, 35b guide vertical movement of the electrical box 25 between the first position and the second position.

[0065] Figure 5a and Figure 5b As an example, the movement of this movable component (in this case, electrical box 25) causes the blocking member 20 to move from the disengaged position (in Figure 5a(as shown in the image) Move to the blocking position (in) Figure 5b (As shown in the image). As for... Figure 5a and Figure 5b In general, dashed lines represent occluded objects, that is, objects that are behind another component and are therefore usually not visible but are shown for the sake of completeness.

[0066] In this example, the electrical box 25 includes a guide slot 80 arranged to receive a pin 75. The pin 75 engages the blocking member 20 to the electrical box 25. The pin 75 passes through the blocking member 20 into the slot 80, and thus provides the ability to engage the position of the blocking member 20 to the position of the electrical box 25. Figure 5a As shown, when the electrical box 25 is in the first position, the pin 75 is received at the top of the guide slot 80. When the electrical box 25 is vertically translated upwards in the direction indicated by arrow 85, the pin 75 is thus guided along the slot 80, causing the blocking member 20 to pivot about the pivot pin 70. The pivot pin 70 is received within the second slot 90 and secures the blocking member 20 to the support frame 8. The degrees of freedom provided by the second slot 90 and the guide slot 80 allow the blocking member 20 to rotate from the disengaged position to the position shown in the diagram. Figure 5b The obstruction location is shown in the image. For example... Figure 5b As shown, when the blocking member 20 is in the blocking position, the pin 75 is at the bottom of the guide groove 80, and the blocking member 20 extends into the interior space of the elevator car.

[0067] exist Figure 5b In the example shown, the blocking member 20 does not necessarily engage the extendable suspension mechanism 11, but is positioned such that when the work platform moves upward in the direction indicated by arrow 95, the arm of the extendable suspension mechanism 11 will engage the blocking member 20, and prevent it from retracting completely to return the work platform to the retracted position.

[0068] Figure 6a and Figure 6b To illustrate another example, the movement of this movable component (in this case, electrical box 25) causes the blocking member 21 to move from the disengaged position (in... Figure 6a (as shown in the image) Move to the blocking position (in) Figure 6b (As shown in the image). In this example, the electrical box 25 is mounted to the support frame 8 (optionally via a mounting element – ​​not shown). In this example, the electrical box 25 includes a latch 100 positioned such that when the electrical box 25 is in a first position, the blocking member 21 can engage (i.e., hook) on the latch 100 to hold it in the disengaged position (in the image). Figure 6a (shown in the image). The blocking member 21 includes a spring-shaped elastic member 110, which is held in the extended state by means of the blocking member 21 held back by the latch 100 when in the released blocking position.

[0069] When the electrical box 25 moves vertically upward (i.e., in the direction indicated by arrow 85), the latch 100 also moves, and the blocking member 21 disengages from the latch 100, causing the elastic member 110 to return to its natural length and move the blocking member 21 into the blocking position. Therefore, the blocking member 21 automatically moves into the blocking position under the natural bias of the spring. Figure 6b As schematically shown, when in the blocking position, the blocking member 21 can engage with one or more of the arms of the extendable suspension mechanism 11. Alternatively, when the work platform 12 moves upward in an attempt to return it to the retracted position, the blocking member 21 in the blocking position can interfere with the extendable suspension mechanism 11.

Claims

1. An elevator car (1), comprising: One or more side walls (4a, 4b) are arranged to define an interior space (2) for accommodating passengers; A top cover (3), the top cover (3) comprising a support frame (8) and a work platform (12), wherein the work platform (12) is suspendably connected to the support frame (8) and movable between a retracted position above the interior space (2) and an operating position suspended within the interior space (2); and A blocking component (20, 21) is located at the support frame (8), wherein the blocking component (20, 21) is arranged to move between a released blocking position and a blocking position. When the blocking components (20, 21) are in the blocking position, the blocking components are configured to prevent the work platform (12) from moving to the retracted position. The elevator car (1) further includes: A movable component (25) is mounted to the elevator car (1) by a mounting component (30); The mounting member (30) is arranged to allow the movable member (25) to move relative to the top cover (3) between a first position and a second position. The mounting element (30) is configured to allow the movable member (25) to translate vertically between the first position and the second position, wherein the movable member (25) extends at least partially above the top cover (3) in the second position.

2. The elevator car (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The blocking components (20, 21) are arranged to mechanically prevent the work platform (12) from moving into the retracted position.

3. The elevator car (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising an extendable suspension arrangement (11) arranged such that the work platform (12) is suspended from the support frame (8), wherein, When in the blocking position, the blocking components (20, 21) are arranged to physically engage at least part of the extendable suspension arrangement (11) to prevent the extendable suspension arrangement (11) from retracting and moving the work platform (12) to the retracted position.

4. The elevator car (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, The blocking components (20, 21) are configured to move from the released blocking position to the blocking position when the latter is present: The work platform (12) moves from the retracted position to the operating position.

5. The elevator car (1) according to claim 1, wherein, When the movable member (25) is in the first position and the working platform (12) is in the retracted position, the blocking members (20, 21) are arranged in the unblocked position, and when the movable member (25) is in the second position and the working platform (12) is in the operating position, the blocking members (20, 21) are arranged in the blocking position.

6. The elevator car (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 5, wherein, The blocking components (20, 21) are configured to move from the released blocking position to the blocking position when the latter is present: The movable component (25) moves from the first position to the second position.

7. The elevator car (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 5, wherein, The blocking components (20, 21) are coupled to the movable member (25) such that the blocking components (20, 21) are arranged to move from the unblocking position to the blocking position in response to the movement of the movable member (25) from the first position to the second position.

8. The elevator car (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 5, wherein, The blocking components (20, 21) are coupled to the movable member (25) such that the blocking components (20, 21) are arranged to move from the blocking position to the unblocking position in response to the movement of the movable member (25) from the second position to the first position.

9. The elevator car (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 5, wherein, The blocking member (20) is mechanically coupled to the movable member (25) such that movement of the movable member (25) from the first position to the second position causes the blocking member (20) to pivot to the blocking position; and / or The blocking member (20) is mechanically connected to the movable member (25) such that movement of the movable member (25) from the second position to the first position causes the blocking member (20) to pivot to the unblocking position.

10. The elevator car (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 5, wherein, The movable component (25) is one of the following: an electrical box, a railing, an inspection box, or an emergency stop button.

11. The elevator car (1) according to claim 10, wherein, The electrical box is the car control panel.

12. The elevator car (1) according to claim 10, wherein, The electrical box is a junction box.

13. The elevator car (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 5, wherein, The movable component (25) is an electrical box mounted to the support frame (8) and vertically translatable between a first position and a second position, wherein the electrical box is mechanically connected to the blocking components (20, 21) such that vertical translation of the electrical box causes the blocking components (20, 21) to move between a released blocking position when the electrical box is in the first position and a blocking position when the electrical box is in the second position.

14. The elevator car (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, The blocking member (21) includes an elastic member (110) arranged to bias the blocking member (21) into the blocking position.

15. The elevator car (1) according to claim 14, wherein, The movable member (25) includes a latch (100), wherein, when the movable member (25) is in the first position, the latch (100) is arranged to resist bias of the resilient member (110) to hold the blocking member (21) so that the blocking member (21) is placed in the unblocked position, and when the movable member (25) is in the second position, the latch (100) disengages from the blocking member (21) to allow bias of the resilient member (110) to move the blocking member (21) to the blocking position.

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