Elevator car with foldable work platform

Abstract

This invention relates to an elevator car with a foldable work platform. An elevator car (1) defines an interior space (2) for accommodating passengers and / or goods. The elevator car (1) includes: a support frame (8) positioned above the interior space (2); a work platform (12) movable between a retracted position above the interior space (2) and an operating position suspended within the interior space (2); and at least one suspension arrangement (14) arranged to suspend the work platform (12) from the support frame (8). The work platform (12) includes a platform opening (15) and a platform emergency escape door (13). The platform emergency escape door (13) is movable between a closed position and an open position, in which the platform door (13) covers the platform opening (15), and in the open position, the platform emergency escape door (13) at least partially does not cover the platform opening (15).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an elevator car having a work platform for performing maintenance from inside the elevator car. Background Technology

[0002] A work platform is known to be located in or above the ceiling of an elevator car, and this work platform is movable between a retracted position and a deployed position. In the deployed position, the work platform is located inside the elevator car at a height that allows maintenance personnel to stand on the work platform and access elevator components through openings in the elevator car ceiling. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an elevator car is provided that defines an interior space for accommodating passengers and / or goods, the elevator car comprising:

[0004] The supporting frame is positioned above the internal space;

[0005] The work platform is movable between a retracted position above the internal space and an operating position suspended within the internal space; and

[0006] At least one suspension arrangement structure is configured to suspend the work platform from the support frame;

[0007] The work platform includes a platform opening and a platform emergency escape door. The platform emergency escape door is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the platform emergency escape door covers the platform opening. In the open position, the platform emergency escape door at least partially exposes the platform opening.

[0008] By providing an enclosed opening in the work platform, when the work platform is in the retracted position, a person standing on the upper surface of the elevator car (i.e., the work platform) can access the interior space of the elevator car from their position on the work platform. This allows a person standing on the top of the elevator car to create an opening into the interior space, which can be used for safety purposes, such as evacuating passengers from the elevator car, thereby improving safety. Therefore, such an elevator car offers the advantage of ease of maintenance by having a work platform that can be moved to an operating position without compromising the safety of the elevator car, in which the work platform is suspended within the interior space.

[0009] In some examples, the elevator system further includes a concealed panel configured to hide the work platform when it is in a retracted position. Therefore, it will be understood that when viewed from within the interior space of the elevator car, the concealed panel hides (i.e., obscures) the work platform; that is, from the perspective of the interior space, the concealed panel is below the work platform. The concealed panel may include a panel opening and a panel emergency escape door, wherein the panel emergency escape door is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the panel emergency escape door covers the panel opening, and in the open position, the panel emergency escape door at least partially exposes the panel opening. In some examples, when the work platform is in the retracted position, the platform opening and the panel opening are substantially aligned.

[0010] The advantages mentioned above, such as easy access to the elevator car's interior space, are achieved by providing aligned, coverable openings in the working platform and concealed panel, while maintaining a pleasing appearance from the elevator car's interior. The concealed panel also provides a safety benefit by preventing passengers from touching working parts under the working platform, as the platform is hidden whenever passengers move through the elevator car's interior space, and the concealed panel is designed to be moved / removed only by authorized maintenance or emergency responders.

[0011] When the work platform is in the retracted position, the platform opening and the panel opening are substantially aligned. It will be understood that there exists a common axis passing through both the platform opening and the panel opening (e.g., a vertical axis along the direction of travel of the elevator car). For example, the platform opening and the panel opening may be aligned such that they share a common opening area (e.g., at least 0.25 m²). 2 0.5m (optional) 2 Further, choose any location 1 m 2 The degree of alignment (of the common opening area). The openings do not need to be the same size, shape, or dimension, and therefore the edges of each of the platform openings and panel openings do not need to be aligned. However, in some examples, the platform openings and panel openings have the same shape and / or size and / or dimension. In some examples, the platform openings and panel openings may be perfectly aligned.

[0012] Platform emergency exits and panel emergency exits do not need to be the same size, shape, or dimensions, and therefore their edges do not need to be aligned (even if the openings they cover can be perfectly aligned). However, in some examples, platform emergency exits and panel emergency exits have substantially the same shape and / or size and / or dimensions. In some examples, platform emergency exits and panel emergency exits can be aligned.

[0013] In some examples, the platform emergency escape door and / or panel emergency escape door are fully openable, meaning that in their open position, the emergency escape door does not cover the corresponding opening at all (and thus fully exposes the opening). When both emergency escape doors are moved to their open positions, the size of the resulting opening can be limited by the size of the smaller of the two openings, and it is therefore particularly advantageous that the two openings have the same size and shape or dimensions, such that neither opening limits the overall size of the opening provided by both the work platform and the concealed panel.

[0014] Platform emergency escape doors and panel emergency escape doors are moved to their open positions to allow emergency escape via platform openings (and panel openings, if present). Therefore, the platform openings (and panel openings, if present) are sized to allow a person to pass through them; that is, they are large enough for a person to pass through. They are also aligned sufficiently to allow a person to pass through the aligned portion of each opening. In other words, the panel openings and platform openings together define a through-opening that extends through both the work platform and the concealed panel, and is defined by the overlapping area of ​​the panel openings and platform openings. In some examples, the platform openings and / or panel openings and / or through-openings have a minimum diameter of 0.25 m. 2 The area. In some examples, the minimum size of the platform opening may be at least 30 cm, optionally at least 40 cm, and further optionally at least 50 cm. In some examples, the minimum size of the panel opening may be at least 30 cm, optionally at least 40 cm, and further optionally at least 50 cm. In some examples, the minimum size of the through opening may be at least 30 cm, optionally at least 40 cm, and further optionally at least 50 cm.

[0015] In some examples, the platform emergency escape door is hinged, meaning it can move between a closed and open position by rotating about at least one hinge axis. The platform emergency escape door can be hinged to open outwards in a direction away from the interior space of the elevator car. In other examples, the platform emergency escape door is a sliding panel, meaning it is arranged to open by sliding from a closed position to an open position. The panel emergency escape door can slide parallel to the work platform.

[0016] In some examples, the platform emergency escape door may consist of a single panel. In other examples, the platform emergency escape door includes at least two door panels, optionally exactly two door panels. The door panels may be hinged to open outwards in a direction away from the interior space of the elevator car. Optionally, the door panels may be hinged to open away from each other. In some examples, the door panels may have the same size.

[0017] In some examples, the panel emergency escape door is a sliding panel, i.e., it is arranged to open by sliding from a closed position to an open position. The panel emergency escape door can slide parallel to the plane of the concealed panel. The panel emergency escape door can slide along its length. The panel emergency escape door can slide parallel to the plane of the work platform (e.g., in the closed position of the concealed panel, in which it conceals the work platform). This is particularly space-saving compared to, for example, a hinged door, because no part of the opening is obstructed by a mechanism (e.g., a hinge). This is particularly advantageous in combination with a hinged platform emergency escape door, because if the panel emergency escape door were also hinged to open outwards, they would likely have to be precisely positioned relative to each other, and once open, the space occupied by the two hinge mechanisms could result in a much smaller overall opening.

[0018] The concealed panel can be an aesthetically pleasing concealed panel, designed to provide a pleasant appearance from the perspective of passengers within the elevator car's interior space. This advantageously allows the work platform to be neatly hidden when in the retracted position, and thus concealed from the view of any passenger using the elevator car, thereby improving the passenger experience. The concealed panel also provides safety benefits by preventing passengers from touching the working parts beneath the work platform.

[0019] In one or more examples, the concealed panel may be pivotally attached to the support frame. In such an example, the concealed panel may pivot relative to the support frame to conceal the work platform when it is in the retracted position, and may be moved in a manner that does not obstruct the work platform, allowing the work platform to be moved to the operating position.

[0020] The concealed panel may include a concealed panel latch. The concealed panel latch may be accessible from within the elevator car's interior space (e.g., only from within the elevator car's interior space, not from the work platform) to allow for movement of the concealed panel. Therefore, moving the entire concealed panel from a position on the work platform may be impossible, and furthermore, such movement may be undesirable, for example, as it could pose a risk to passengers inside the elevator car. Therefore, the presence of an emergency escape door on the panel is advantageous because it allows an opening to be created between the elevator car's ceiling and interior space without having to move the entire concealed panel, which is impractical and could pose a safety risk.

[0021] In some examples, maintenance personnel must manually move the work platform between a retracted position and an operating position. However, this requires the maintenance personnel to apply significant force to the work platform to push it back to the retracted position, and to be careful when lowering the work platform to prevent sudden descent or free fall. The work platform can weigh up to 60 kg. Therefore, it is advantageous to provide a reaction force generator to provide mechanical assistance to maintenance personnel when operating the work platform in the elevator car. In some examples, the work platform further includes a reaction force generator configured to provide a reaction force in the upward vertical direction, and thus lift the work platform in the upward vertical direction. In some examples, the reaction force generator is located at a first position on the work platform, and the platform's emergency escape door is located at a second position on the work platform, different from the first position.

[0022] In some examples, the reaction force generator is attached to the underside of the work platform. This allows the reaction force generator to be stored discreetly and prevents it from taking up valuable space on the work platform, while also allowing maintenance personnel easy access to the reaction force generator from inside the elevator car.

[0023] The elevator car optionally further includes a tension member connected to the working platform and the reaction force generator to transmit the reaction force. Those skilled in the art will understand that the statement that the tension member is “connected” to the working platform describes not only the case where one or both ends of the tension member are fixed (e.g., bolted) to the working platform, but also any other suitable arrangement in which the tension member passes through, under, or around the working platform in a manner that allows the tension member to transmit the reaction force. For example, the tension member may be undersling the working platform. Optionally, the tension member may be arranged to pass through or around the working platform to connect to the reaction force generator. In examples where a lifting device is attached to the working platform, the tension member may be indirectly connected to the working platform by means of a lifting device attached to itself. In many examples of this disclosure, the tension member is a flexible member, such as a flexible rope, cable, or belt.

[0024] The reaction force generator may be of any suitable type, including examples described in EP3828119A1 (incorporated herein by reference) and briefly discussed below.

[0025] In some examples, the reaction force generator is a lifting device, and the tension member is arranged such that its suspended portion suspends the work platform. The lifting device is configured to change the length of the suspended portion when actuated, thereby raising the work platform between a retracted position and an operating position. This means that maintenance personnel do not need to unhelpfully push the work platform upwards to the retracted position; that is, they do not need to apply a large upward force to overcome the full weight of the work platform. Instead, maintenance personnel can adjust the length of the suspended portion of the tension member and thus move the work platform from the operating position to the retracted position without actually lifting it, thus allowing for controlled adjustment of the work platform.

[0026] In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the lifting device is rotary-driven to change the length of the suspended portion, thus functioning to raise the work platform between a retracted position and an operating position. This allows the rotary motion (automatically or by maintenance personnel) to be converted into a relative shortening (or lengthening) of the suspended portion of the tension member, which thus causes the work platform to be raised toward the retracted position or lowered toward the operating position.

[0027] In some examples, the lifting device includes a worm and a sliding member configured to slide along the worm when it is rotated. A tension member is connected to the sliding member such that the length of the suspended portion changes as the sliding member moves. For example, when the worm rotates, the sliding member moves the tension member and changes the length of the suspended portion. In at least some examples, the tension member is connected to the sliding member via one or more deflectors. Optionally, the deflector may be a deflecting pulley to facilitate the movement of the tension member. In at least some examples, one or more deflectors are arranged to at least partially wind up the tension member when the sliding member moves in a first direction, thus shortening the length of the suspended portion. In at least some examples, the sliding member may be a worm gear. The end of the tension member may terminate at the sliding member.

[0028] In some examples, the reaction force generator includes at least one counterweight, and a tensioning member is fixed at one end to the at least one counterweight and connected to the working platform, such that when the at least one counterweight moves vertically downward relative to the elevator car, the working platform is lifted from the operating position to the retracted position (i.e., in the upward vertical direction). Therefore, the reduction of the counterweight provides an auxiliary upward force when the maintenance personnel lift the working platform to the retracted position. Conversely, when the maintenance personnel apply a downward force to move the working platform from the retracted position to the operating position, the upward movement of the at least one counterweight requires an additional force that acts against the weight of the working platform, and thus dampens and smooths the downward movement of the working platform toward the operating position.

[0029] In some examples, the reaction force generator includes at least one spring element, and the spring element is arranged to be compressed when the work platform moves from the retracted position to the operating position, thus providing a reaction force that acts to move the work platform from the operating position to the retracted position (i.e., in the upward vertical direction). In these examples, the reaction force is provided by the expansion of the spring element, which is transmitted by a tension member, lifting the work platform from the operating position to the retracted position, thus assisting the maintenance personnel during the movement of the work platform to the retracted position. Furthermore, when the work platform moves from the retracted position to the operating position, the spring element is compressed, and therefore this requires the maintenance personnel operating the work platform to apply an additional force sufficient to compress the spring element. When the spring element is compressed, this upward force transmitted by the tension member acts against the weight of the work platform, and thus dampens the downward movement of the work platform. This is advantageous because a sudden drop of the work platform can damage the mechanism suspending the work platform and can cause injury to the maintenance personnel operating the work platform.

[0030] In some examples, the elevator car further includes ladders. The support frame may include mounting locations configured to store the ladders. In some examples, the elevator car includes two ladders (i.e., a second ladder in addition to the ladders already mentioned). The support frame may include two mounting locations, each adapted to store a corresponding one of the ladders. The mounting locations may be arranged on opposite sides of the support frame, i.e., on opposite sides of the elevator car. The ladders (multiple) facilitate the escape of passengers within the interior space of the elevator car by climbing the ladders and opening the two emergency escape doors. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Some preferred embodiments of this disclosure will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an elevator car from a slightly lower position, according to an example of this disclosure. The elevator car includes features that can be retracted to a retracted position (e.g., Figure 1a and Figure 1b (as shown) and operating position (e.g.) Figure 1c The work platform that moves between (as shown);

[0033] Figure 2 To show in more detail Figures 1a to 1c A cross-sectional perspective view of the support frame and working platform;

[0034] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A cross-sectional perspective view of the lower side of the component shown;

[0035] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 A top view of the components, with the platform's emergency escape panel in the open position;

[0036] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of the layout structure;

[0037] Figure 6 It is shown Figures 1a to 1c A perspective cross-sectional view of the hidden panel, in which the emergency escape door of the panel is in the closed position;

[0038] Figure 7 Show Figure 6 The hidden panel has an emergency escape door in the open position;

[0039] Figure 8 It is shown Figures 1a to 1c A perspective view from below of the supporting frame, work platform, and hidden panel, with the hidden panel in the open position;

[0040] Figure 9 A perspective view of some components of an elevator car and a reaction force generator according to a second example of this disclosure is shown, wherein the work platform is between a retracted position and an operating position;

[0041] Figure 10 It is shown in Figure 9 A close-up view of how the reaction force generator is connected to the work platform via a tension component in the example;

[0042] Figure 11 A lower perspective view of some components of an elevator car and a reaction force generator according to a third example of this disclosure is shown, wherein the work platform is in the retracted position;

[0043] Figure 12 Showing with Figure 11 The same components, with the work platform in the operating position; and

[0044] Figures 13 to 16 It is a perspective view showing the stage of operation of the platform and panel emergency escape doors by maintenance personnel standing on top of the work platform. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Figure 1a The diagram shows a view of an elevator car 1, which defines an interior space 2. The elevator car 1 has side walls 4 surrounding the interior space 2. A support frame 8 is located above the interior space 2, and a concealed panel 10 is pivotally attached below the support frame 8. In this arrangement, as... Figure 1aAs shown, passengers inside the interior space 2 of the elevator car 1 see that the decorative concealed panel 10 hides most, or even all, of the elevator car ceiling, making the supporting frame 8 generally invisible. The decorative concealed panel 10 includes a panel emergency escape door 11, schematically shown.

[0046] Figure 1b Show Figure 1a The elevator car 1, in which the decorative concealed panel 10 has been pivoted downwards to the open position. It is already... Figure 1a The markings are such that they can be easily identified by a technician. Figure 1b and Figure 1c The components in Figure 1b and Figure 1c The labels were not redefining the figures to improve clarity. Although... Figure 1b The decorative concealed panel 10 is shown as having been hinged downwards from a pivot point in the elevator car ceiling, but it is equally possible that the decorative concealed panel 10 can be secured in place by any other suitable mechanism (such as screws or clips, for example) and can then be completely removed from the ceiling of the elevator car 1 to expose the support frame 8.

[0047] Once the decorative concealed panel 10 has been pivoted downwards or removed, the work platform 12 becomes visible, positioned above the interior space 2 of the elevator car 1 within the support frame 8. (As...) Figure 1b In the elevator car 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 figure is moved to the position shown in the figure. Figure 1c The operating position is shown. The work platform 12 includes a platform emergency escape door 13, which is shown schematically again.

[0048] As in Figure 1c As most clearly seen, the suspension arrangement 14 is configured to suspend the work platform 12 to the support frame 8. In this example, the suspension arrangement 14 is a scissor mechanism. The suspension arrangement 14 unfolds to allow the work platform 12 to be suspended within the internal space 2. The suspension arrangement 14 can be any suitable mechanism that allows the work platform 12 to move between a retracted position and an operating position, and is capable of fully supporting the work platform 12 (along with any load carried in use) in its operating position.

[0049] like Figure 1cAs shown, the work platform 12 can be lowered from the retracted position into the interior space 2 of the elevator car. This lowered position of the work platform 12 is referred to herein as the operating position. In this position, maintenance personnel can use the work platform 12 to stand on and thus access the elevator system components through the open ceiling for maintenance purposes. Ideally, the height of the work platform 12 in the operating position is 1.0 m or 1.1 m below the support frame 8, such that maintenance personnel standing fully upright on the work platform 12 will extend outward from the opening in the ceiling of the elevator car 1, as provided by the support frame 8.

[0050] The suspension arrangement 14 supports the work platform 12 in the operating position and is capable of supporting both the weight of the work platform 12 and the weight of maintenance personnel and any tools (up to a recommended maximum weight).

[0051] The working platform 12 has a top surface 201 (in Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 (as seen in the middle) and the lower 202 (in) Figure 3 (As seen in the image). Platform emergency escape door 13 can be in the closed position (in...). Figure 2 and Figure 3 (as seen in) and open location (in) Figure 4 and Figure 5 The platform emergency escape door 13 moves between the two openings (as seen in the image). In the closed position, the platform emergency escape door 13 covers the platform opening 15; in the open position, the platform emergency escape door 13 does not cover (i.e., exposes) the platform opening 15. The platform emergency escape door 13 consists of two door panels 13a and 13b of equal size. Each door panel 13a and 13b is hinged. The hinges are arranged on opposite sides of the door panels 13a and 13b, and the door panels 13a and 13b are arranged to be hinged away from each other. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As can be seen, door panels 13a and 13b are hinged open, fully exposing the platform opening 15.

[0052] When the platform emergency escape door 13 is in the closed position, it can bear the weight of a person (e.g., maintenance personnel) on its top surface, just as the rest of the work platform 12 is capable of.

[0053] Ladders 16a and 16b are arranged on either side of the elevator car, and... Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 The middle part is visible. Each ladder 16a, 16b is mounted on one side of the support frame 8, and in particular, they are mounted on the opposite side of the support frame 8.

[0054] In this particular example, the elevator car 1 includes a hidden panel 10, as shown in Figures 1a to 1c This is what we see here, but in other examples, the hidden panel 10 can be omitted. Panel emergency escape door 11 is in... Figure 6 neutralization Figure 7 In more detail, Figure 6 The panel emergency escape door 11 is shown with the cover panel opening 17 in the closed position. Figure 7 The panel emergency escape door 11 is shown in the open position with the panel opening 17 uncovered (i.e., exposed). The panel opening 17 is aligned with the platform opening 15 such that when the platform emergency escape door 13 is opened (as shown in...), the emergency escape door 11 is in the open position. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the middle), the emergency escape door 11 on the panel is visible (if it is closed), or alternatively, when both are open, forming a through opening through both the work platform 12 and the concealed panel 10.

[0055] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7 The emergency escape door 11 on the panel also includes a latch 19. The latch 19 engages with the outer portion 23 of the concealed panel 10 to hold the emergency escape door 11 in the closed position. Furthermore, the latch 19 can be actuated by a maintenance person, for example, by turning and then pulling, to both disengage the latch from its connection with the outer portion 23 of the concealed panel 10 and further move the emergency escape door 11 to the open position, as shown in… Figure 7 As seen in the image, the emergency escape door 11 on the panel is a sliding door that slides between the open and closed positions.

[0056] As referenced above Figures 1a to 1c As described, the concealed panel 10 itself is also movable or removable (i.e., separately from the emergency escape door 11 with the panel open). The concealed panel 10 includes hinges or pivots 25. The concealed panel 10 is attached to the support frame via these hinges 25, as in... Figure 8 As seen in the image, and with the help of these hinges 25, it can be removed to the following positions (such as in...). Figure 8 (as seen in) and hidden locations (such as in) Figure 1a (As seen in the image) pivots between them.

[0057] As in Figure 8 As seen in the image, the concealed panel 10 further includes a concealed panel latch 27. The concealed panel latch 27 engages with the support frame 8 to hold the concealed panel 10 in a closed position. Furthermore, the concealed panel latch 27 can be actuated by a maintenance person, for example, by pushing and then turning, to disengage the latch from its connection to the support frame 8 of the concealed panel 10. The concealed panel latch 27 can also optionally be further actuated to actuate movement of the concealed panel 10 to a removed position, as shown in the image. Figure 8 As seen in the image, although gravity alone may be sufficient to move the hidden panel 10.

[0058] The concealed panel latch 27 (or at least part thereof) is accessible from inside the interior space 2 of the elevator car 1. Therefore, from inside the elevator car 1, a person can realize and actuate the movement of the concealed panel 10. However, even when the platform emergency escape door 13 is open, the concealed panel latch 27 cannot be accessed from a position standing on top of the work platform 12. This is clear because the concealed panel latch 27 is... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The entire concealed panel 10 is not visible from the outside. Therefore, maintenance or rescue personnel standing on the work platform 12 cannot open it. Furthermore, doing so from outside the elevator car 1 would be extremely dangerous, as maintenance or rescue personnel would not be aware of who or what is inside the car or where they are located. Instead, to access the interior space 2 of the elevator car 1, maintenance or rescue personnel should only open the panel emergency escape door 11 (already opening the platform emergency escape door 13), and then they can safely access the interior space 2 of the elevator car.

[0059] As in Figure 8 (and also) Figure 3 As seen in [the image], the working platform 12 further includes a reaction force generator 18a attached to its lower side. (As in [the image]...) Figure 8 As seen in the image, the reaction force generator 18a and the platform emergency escape door 13 (and therefore the platform opening 15) are located at different positions on the work platform 12.

[0060] exist Figure 8 In the example, the reaction force generator 18a is a lifting device. This lifting device is briefly described herein, but is also referenced in EP3828119A1, which is incorporated herein by reference. Figures 16 to 2 Section 3 provides a more detailed description. In this example, the lifting device 18a includes a worm gear 34 and a sliding component 26.

[0061] In addition to the suspension arrangement structure 14 (in Figure 8 Apart from the work platform 12 (not visible in the image), the work platform 12 is also connected to the support frame 8 via a first tension member 24a and a second tension member 24b. The first tension member 24a is located near a first side of the work platform 12, and the second tension member 24b is located near a second opposite side of the work platform 12. Each tension member 24a, 24b includes a suspension portion (not shown) between the support frame 8 and the work platform 12, which suspends the work platform 12, or, if there is no suspension arrangement structure 14, suspends the work platform 12.

[0062] The worm 34 rotates, for example, by means of an end connector that can be attached to a crank or drill, and this rotational motion causes the sliding member 26 to slide along the worm 34. The direction of movement of the sliding member 26 is determined by the direction of rotation of the worm 34. The sliding member 26 is attached to tension members 24a, 24b, and thus the movement of the sliding member changes the length of the suspension portion (not shown) of the tension member, thereby raising or lowering the work platform 12 as needed, and thus helping maintenance personnel to move the work platform 12 in a controlled manner between the operating position and the retracted position without having to support its weight.

[0063] Figure 9 and Figure 10 The diagram shows an elevator car including an alternative reaction force generator 18b, which can replace the existing one. Figure 3 and Figure 8 The reaction force generator 18a shown is used in this example. In this example, the reaction force generator 18b includes a group of counterweights 20. This reaction force generator using counterweights is briefly described herein, but is also referenced in EP3828119A1, which is incorporated herein by reference. Figures 7 to 11 A more detailed description was provided.

[0064] The counterweights 20 are shown arranged in a vertical stack and held within a surrounding structure 22 (such as a pipe). The surrounding structure 22 holds the counterweights 20 in place for movement along a fixed vertical path and ensures that they do not fall into the shaft, which could pose a hazard. An emergency escape door 13 of the platform is schematically shown.

[0065] When the work platform 6 is in the retracted position, the counterweights 20 are at their lowest position, at the bottom of the surrounding structure 22, near the elevator car floor 21. For clarity, the side walls of the car have been omitted. Figure 9 As shown, when the work platform 12 moves out of the retracted position and away from the support frame 8 toward the operating position downward, the counterweight 20 begins to move vertically upward (i.e. away from the car floor 21).

[0066] The work platform 12 is connected to each of the counterweights 20 via tension components 24 (ropes in this example), as... Figure 10The tension member 24 is most clearly visible at the first connection point 26, where one end is fixed to the work platform 8, and the other end is connected to one of the counterweights 20 at the second connection point 28. Between the first connection point 26 and the second connection point 28, the tension member 24 passes over a first deflecting pulley 30 and a second deflecting pulley 32. Any number of such deflecting pulleys can be used if desired. The first deflecting pulley 30 converts the vertical movement of the work platform 8 into horizontal movement of the section of the tension member 24, and the second deflecting pulley 32 converts this horizontal movement of the section of the tension member into vertical movement of the section of the tension member 24 connected to the counterweight 20. Therefore, the weight of the counterweight 20 generates a reaction force, which is transmitted by the tension member 24 and acts to apply an upward vertical force, thereby lifting the work platform 8 toward the retracted position.

[0067] Figure 11 and Figure 12 An elevator car is shown that includes an alternative reaction force generator 18c, which can be used in place of any of the reaction force generators 18a and 18b already described. In this example, the reaction force generator 18c includes a spring element 40, particularly a gas spring. This type of reaction force generator using a spring element is briefly described herein, but is also referenced in EP3828119A1, which is incorporated herein by reference. Figures 12 to 15 A more detailed description was provided.

[0068] In the specific example shown, spring element 40 is attached to the work platform 12, specifically to the underside of the work platform 12. An emergency escape door 13 is schematically shown on the platform. Spring element 40 may alternatively be attached to the top or side surface of the work platform 12, but when attached to the underside, spring element 40 is unlikely to obstruct maintenance personnel using the work platform 14. Alternatively, spring element 40 may be attached to another suitable component of the elevator car 1, such as the support frame 8 or other fixed parts of the elevator car ceiling. Figure 11 In the diagram, the work platform 8 is shown in the retracted position, while the decorative ceiling concealed panel 10 is in the open position. It can be seen that the spring element 40 has a piston 52, which is in the fully extended position and therefore has zero reaction force.

[0069] When the work platform 12 moves downward between the retracted position and the operating position, the spring element 40 is partially compressed. Figure 12 The work platform 8 is shown in the operating position. In this position, as shown, the spring element 40 is fully compressed.

[0070] The piston 52 of the spring element 40 is connected to a tension member 24, which may be, for example, a rope. In the specific example shown, the tension member 24 also passes through a deflector plate 50 fixed to the work platform 12, having previously passed through an orifice 54 in the work platform 12. The number of times the tension member 24 traverses back and forth between the deflector plate 50 and the piston 52 can be adjusted to produce a transmission effect as the horizontal movement of the piston 52 is converted into the vertical movement of the tension member 24.

[0071] As a result of the arrangement described above, the spring element 40 provides a reaction force when the work platform 12 moves downward into the operating position due to the compression of the spring element 40. This damping effect allows maintenance personnel to operate the work platform 12 more safely. Then, once the work platform 12 is in the operating position, this reaction force is transmitted through the tension member 24 to lift the work platform 12 back towards the retracted position.

[0072] Now for reference Figures 13 to 16 This invention explains the process of performing an emergency escape operation in the elevator car 1 of this disclosure.

[0073] First, when the work platform 12 is in the retracted position, the rescuer 130 moves to position himself on top of the work platform 12.

[0074] Next, as Figure 14 As shown, rescuer 130 can reach down to the platform emergency escape door 13. Rescuer 130 grasps the door panels 13a, 13b of the platform emergency escape door 13 and opens them outwards away from each other in a direction permitted by the respective hinges of each door panel 13a, 13b. Rescuer then opens the panel emergency escape door 11 by grasping the door latch 19 and sliding the panel emergency escape door 11 to the open position. This leaves a through opening 132 through both the work platform 12 and the concealed panel 10.

[0075] As in Figure 15 As seen in the image, rescuer 130 then removes one of the ladders 16a from its mounting position on the support frame 8, lifts ladder 16a, and places it into the interior space 2 of the elevator car through the through opening 132. The through opening 132, formed by the two doors, is designed to allow a person to pass through it. Rescuer 130 then climbs down ladder 16a through the through opening 132 to enter the interior space 2 of the elevator car 1, as... Figure 16 As shown in the diagram. From there, they can guide passengers to escape from elevator car 1 by climbing ladder 16a.

[0076] Those skilled in the art will recognize that this disclosure has been described by way of one or more specific aspects, but the disclosure is not limited to these aspects; many variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An elevator car (1) defining an interior space (2) for accommodating passengers and / or goods, said elevator car (1) comprising: Support frame (8), which is positioned above the interior space (2); The work platform (12) is movable between a retracted position above the internal space (2) and an operating position suspended within the internal space (2); and At least one suspension arrangement structure (14) is arranged to suspend the work platform (12) from the support frame (8); The work platform (12) includes a platform opening (15) and platform emergency escape doors (13, 13a, 13b). The platform emergency escape doors (13, 13a, 13b) are movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the platform emergency escape doors (13, 13a, 13b) cover the platform opening (15). In the open position, the platform emergency escape doors (13, 13a, 13b) at least partially expose the platform opening (15). The elevator car (1) further includes a hidden panel (10) configured to hide the work platform (12) when the work platform (12) is in the retracted position. The concealed panel (10) includes a panel opening (17) and a panel emergency escape door (11). The panel emergency escape door (11) is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the panel emergency escape door (11) covers the panel opening (17). In the open position, the panel emergency escape door (11) at least partially exposes the panel opening (17). When the work platform (12) is in the retracted position, the platform opening (15) and the panel opening (17) are substantially aligned.

2. The elevator car (1) according to claim 1, wherein The emergency escape door (13) of the platform is hinged.

3. The elevator car (1) according to claim 2, wherein The platform emergency escape door (13) is hinged to open outward in the direction away from the interior space (2) of the elevator car (1).

4. The elevator car (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein The platform emergency escape door (13, 13a, 13b) includes at least two door panels (13a, 13b) that are hinged together to open away from each other.

5. The elevator car (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein The emergency escape door (11) on the panel is a sliding panel.

6. The elevator car (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein The working platform further includes reaction force generators (18a, 18b, 18c) configured to provide a reaction force in the upward vertical direction, and thus lift the working platform (12) in the upward vertical direction.

7. The elevator car (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The reaction force generator (18a, 18c) is located at a first position on the working platform (12), and the platform emergency escape door (13, 13a, 13b) is located at a second position on the working platform (12) different from the first position.

8. The elevator car (1) according to claim 6, further comprising tension members (24, 24a, 24b) connected to the working platform (12) and the reaction force generator (18a, 18b, 18c) to transmit the reaction force; in, The reaction force generators (18a, 18b, 18c) are lifting devices, and the tension members (24, 24a, 24b) are arranged such that the suspension portion of the tension members suspends the work platform (12); and The lifting device is configured to change the length of the suspended portion when actuated, so as to lift the work platform (12) between the retracted position and the operating position.

9. The elevator car (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The reaction force generator (18a) is a lifting device that is driven by rotation to change the length of the suspended portion.

10. The elevator car (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The reaction force generator (18b) includes at least one counterweight (20), and the tension member (24) is fixed at one end to the at least one counterweight (20) and connected to the work platform (12) such that when the at least one counterweight (20) moves vertically downward relative to the elevator car (1), the work platform (12) is lifted from the operating position to the retracted position.

11. The elevator car (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The reaction force generator (18c) includes at least one spring element (40), and the spring element (40) is arranged to be compressed when the work platform (12) moves from the retracted position to the operating position, and thus provides a reaction force that acts to move the work platform (12) from the operating position to the retracted position.

12. The elevator car (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising ladders (16a, 16b), and wherein, The support frame (8) includes mounting locations configured to store the ladders (16a, 16b).

13. The elevator car (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The platform opening (15) and the panel opening (17) each have an area of at least 0.25 m 2 .

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