Elevator car with retractable work platform

Abstract

The invention relates to an elevator car with a stowable work platform, in particular to an elevator car (1) defining an interior space (2) for accommodating passengers and / or goods, the elevator car (1) comprising: a work platform (4); a tension member (8a, 8b) wherein, using said tension member (8a, 8b), the work platform (4) is movable between a stowed position above said interior space (2) and an operative position within said interior space (2); and a support member (6a, 6b) arranged to support the work platform (4) from below when the work platform (4) is in the operating position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an elevator car having a working platform for performing maintenance from inside the elevator car. Background Art

[0002] It is known to provide a working platform located in or above the ceiling of an elevator car, which can be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the deployed position, the working platform is located within the elevator car at a height that enables maintenance personnel to stand on the working platform and access elevator components through an opening in the elevator car ceiling. Typically, such a working platform is suspended from at least one pair of suspension arms, which support the working platform when the working platform is lowered and when the working platform is in the deployed position and used by maintenance personnel.

[0003] The present invention seeks to provide an improved work platform. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an elevator car defining an interior space for accommodating passengers and / or cargo, the elevator car comprising:

[0005] Work platform;

[0006] a tension member, wherein the work platform is movable between a stowed position above the interior space and an operative position within the interior space using the tension member; and

[0007] A support member, when in the support position, is arranged to support the work platform from below when the work platform is in the operating position.

[0008] By providing a tension member for moving the working platform and a support member for supporting the working platform from below in an operating position, a working platform that is convenient and easy to deploy and use is provided. The provision of the tension member enables the working platform to be easily and safely raised and lowered, while the provision of the support member ensures that the tension member is not required to suspend the working platform in the operating position during use. As a result, the tension member does not need to be able to withstand the additional weight of a maintenance person and their tools, which will be on the working platform when used in the operating position. This allows the use of smaller, lower cost tension members, and similarly allows other components of the lifting system (such as pulleys) to remain small and low cost. It will therefore be appreciated that the tension member performs the lifting and lowering functions of the working platform, but does not require the suspension function of the working platform in the operating position to be provided during use because the support member is provided.

[0009] The working platform is capable of moving between a stowed position and an operating position using tension members. Thus, the working platform is capable of being raised and lowered using tension members. In some examples, the tension members are actuatable (i.e., actively actuatable) so as to raise the working platform from the operating position to the stowed position. The tension members may also be actuatable (i.e., actively actuatable) to lower the working platform from the operating position to the stowed position. For example, the tension members may be capable of being reeled in or unwound by actuation of a winch or winding mechanism. Alternatively, downward movement of the working platform may not require active actuation of the tension members, but may occur with movement of the tension members effected. For example, the working platform may be arranged to move downward under gravity, such that all that is required is a complete or controlled release of the tension members to lower the working platform. Thus, in some examples, by effecting movement of the tension members, the working platform is capable of being moved (capable of being lowered) from the stowed position to the operating position.

[0010] In some examples, the tension member includes a suspension portion extending between the working platform and the upper portion of the elevator car, wherein the length of the suspension portion can be adjusted using the tension member (e.g., by moving or actuating the tension member). The tension member may include more than one (e.g., two or more) suspension portions.

[0011] Adjusting the length of the suspension portion(s) may enable the working platform to be moved between the operating position and the stowed position. The working platform may be lowered to the operating position by (controlled or uncontrolled) extension of the suspension portion(s) of the tension member. The working platform may be lifted (i.e., raised) to the stowed position by shortening the suspension portion(s). It will be appreciated that, despite being referred to as a "suspension" portion of a tension member, this portion need not always be used to suspend the working platform. In particular, the suspension portion(s) may not suspend the working platform, wherein the working platform is in the operating position and the support member(s) supports the working platform from below (i.e., in the supporting position). Nonetheless, these portions may be understood as suspension portions because they suspend the working platform when the working platform is moved between the stowed position and the operating position, and optionally when the working platform is in the stowed position.

[0012] In some examples, the elevator car further comprises a stop mechanism having an open configuration in which the stop mechanism allows movement of the tension member (i.e., through or past movement of the stop mechanism) so as to allow movement of the working platform between the stowed position and the operating position, and a closed configuration in which the stop mechanism prevents movement of the tension member (i.e., through or past movement of the stop mechanism) so as to prevent movement of the working platform between the stowed position and the operating position. Thus, in the open configuration, the stop mechanism allows adjustment (i.e., change) of the length of the (one or more) suspension portions, while in the closed configuration, the stop mechanism prevents adjustment of the length of the (one or more) suspension portions (i.e., it causes the suspension portions to have a fixed length). The stop mechanism may be in contact with (i.e., in direct contact with) the tension member. The tension member may pass through the stop mechanism.

[0013] In some examples, the stop mechanism is biased to a closed configuration. Thus, by default, movement of the tension member (and therefore movement of the work platform between the stowed position and the operating position) will be prevented. The stop mechanism needs to be actuated to an open configuration to allow movement of the tension member, and therefore movement of the work platform.

[0014] In some examples, the stop mechanism is biased into the closed configuration by the weight of the work platform applying a reaction force to the stop mechanism. This can improve safety by helping to prevent unwanted movement of the tension member(s) and therefore the work platform. In some examples, the stop mechanism can be moved to the open configuration with the tension member(s) (i.e., by moving the tension member in a manner that is not blocked by the stop mechanism in the closed configuration). This allows the stop mechanism to be easily released without the need for a separate actuator for the stop mechanism.

[0015] In some examples, the stop mechanism is located at an upper portion of the elevator car.For example, the elevator car may include a support frame positioned above the interior space, and the stop mechanism may be located at (eg, mounted to) the support frame.

[0016] In some examples, the stop mechanism includes an activation portion. The stop mechanism may include an engagement portion, which may include at least one protrusion. The stop mechanism (e.g., the engagement portion) may include two protrusions that are arranged to engage with the first tension member and the second tension member, respectively (discussed below). Having one stop mechanism for two (e.g., both) tension members is advantageous because it reduces the number of parts required and helps the tension members move together because both move freely or neither moves freely, which helps the movement of the work platform be uniform (i.e., does not result in a tilted work platform). The engagement portion may be pivotally mounted to the activation portion.

[0017] In some examples, the elevator car further comprises one or more deflection pulleys, wherein the tension member is arranged to pass through the one or more deflection pulleys between the working platform and the upper portion of the elevator car. The tension member may be arranged to pass through the one or more deflection pulleys between the working platform and the stop mechanism. In the case where there are two tension members, each tension member may pass through a separate subset of the deflection pulleys, as discussed below.

[0018] The stop mechanism may be connected to at least one of the one or more deflection pulleys (optionally to two of the one or more deflection pulleys). The stop mechanism may be connected to a first deflection pulley, wherein a first tension member is associated with (e.g. passes through) the first deflection pulley and a second deflection pulley, wherein a second tension member is associated with (e.g. passes through) the second deflection pulley. The activation portion may be (pivotably) mounted to the one or more deflection pulleys. When the stop mechanism is in a closed position, the at least one protrusion may be arranged to extend into a recess of the deflection pulley (i.e., a recess arranged to accommodate the tension member).

[0019] In some examples, a deflection pulley of the one or more deflection pulleys is mounted to an edge of the work platform (i.e., an edge of the work platform extending between a top surface of the work platform and a lower surface of the work platform). This has the advantage that the deflection pulley does not take up space on the top surface of the work platform, giving maintenance personnel more room to work, while also allowing for relatively simple rope arrangements for the tension member(s).

[0020] In some examples, a deflection pulley of the one or more deflection pulleys may be pivotably mounted to the work platform, ie, such that the orientation of the rotation axis of the deflection pulley is variable. This helps the deflection pulley, and therefore the tension member, to remain aligned with the rest of the tension member rope.

[0021] In some examples, the tension member is a flexible rope, cable, or belt.

[0022] The tension member may be fixed at one end to a working platform or to a component in the upper part of the elevator car (e.g. a support frame). The other end of the tension member (i.e. the other end) may be free, i.e. not fixed to any component, so that it can be moved or actuated by a user.

[0023] In some examples, the tension member mentioned above is a first tension member, and the elevator car further comprises a second tension member.The working platform may be movable between a stowed position and an operating position using both the first tension member and the second tension member.

[0024] The second tension member may comprise a second suspension portion extending between the working platform and the upper portion of the elevator car. The second tension member may comprise more than one (e.g. two) suspension portions. It will be appreciated that the number of suspension portions in each tension member may be any suitable number and will depend on the rope arrangement used for each of the tension members. Thus, each tension member may comprise a respective one or more suspension portions extending between the working platform and the upper portion of the elevator car, wherein the lengths of the respective suspension portions are (together) adjustable to move the working platform between the operating position and the stowed position.

[0025] The first tension member and the second tension member may be connected to opposite sides of the work platform. Each tension member may be connected to the work platform at at least two locations. The first tension member may be connected to the work platform at a first location and a second location, wherein both the first location and the second location are located along a first side of the work platform. The second tension member may be connected to the work platform at a third location and a fourth location, wherein both the third location and the fourth location are located along a second side of the work platform. The first side may be opposite to the second side (e.g., they may be sides extending in parallel directions).

[0026] As described above, both the first tension member and the second tension member may be connected to (e.g., pass through) a stop mechanism. Thus, in some examples, in the open configuration, the stop mechanism allows movement of the second tension member (in addition to allowing movement of the (first) tension member), and in the closed configuration, the stop mechanism prevents movement of the second tension member (in addition to preventing movement of the (first) tension member). This increases convenience because the two tension members can be easily actuated together, and the movement of the two tension members is enabled or prevented together by the same stop mechanism.

[0027] In some examples, one or more tension members may be all that connects the working platform to the upper portion of the elevator car (ie, because there is no separate suspension mechanism).

[0028] The (at least one) support member may be attached to (eg be hingedly connected to) the working platform.Thus, the working platform may comprise at least one support member.

[0029] The (at least one) support member (i.e. when in the supporting position) is arranged to support the working platform from below (i.e. support the weight of the working platform) when the working platform is in the operating position. It will be appreciated from this that the support member is capable of supporting the weight of the working platform when the working platform is in the operating position, i.e. at least at certain times, but that the support member does not always have to support the weight of the working platform when the working platform is in the operating position (i.e. at the operating height). The support member may extend away from the working platform when in the supporting position so as to support the working platform from below. The support member may be fixed in an appropriate position, i.e. fixed in the supporting position. Alternatively, in some examples, the support member is movable between a stowed position and a supporting position. In the stowed position, the support member may extend substantially parallel to the plane of the working platform (i.e. so that it does not extend significantly below the working platform).

[0030] The support member may be hinged to move between the stowed position and the support position, ie the support member may be foldable outwardly from the stowed position to the support position.

[0031] The support member may be arranged to rest (e.g., in a supporting position) on the floor of the elevator car, i.e., provided that the working platform is in an operating position. Alternatively, or in addition, the support member may be arranged to engage (e.g., in a supporting position) with one or more walls of the elevator car in order to support the working platform from below.

[0032] In some examples, the support member includes at least one leg. In some examples, the support member includes two legs arranged adjacent to each other along the same side of the working platform. It will be understood that the legs need not be located exactly at the outer periphery of the working platform, but rather they are both arranged close to the side. The two legs may be connected together, for example, by one or more crossbars extending between them. The crossbar may provide a step on the support member, as described below.

[0033] In some examples, the support member discussed above is a first support member, and the elevator car further comprises a second support member. The second support member may have any of the features described above with reference to the first support member. The first support member and the second support member may be arranged at opposite ends of the working platform. It will be understood that the support members are arranged towards opposite ends (i.e., sides) of the same surface (lower surface) of the working platform.

[0034] In some examples, the elevator car includes a mounting frame arranged on the lower surface of the working platform. The (or each) support member may be mounted to the mounting frame (e.g., hingedly mounted). The mounting frame may be arranged so that when the support member is in the stowed position, the support member is accommodated within the mounting frame (i.e., does not extend further downward).

[0035] In some examples, the support member includes one or more steps (e.g., rungs). When the support member is in the support position (and the working platform is in the operating position), this can allow maintenance personnel to climb onto the working platform by ascending the steps of the support member. The elevator car can include an elevator door through which the interior space is accessed (e.g., by a passenger). The support member including one or more steps can be positioned adjacent to the elevator door. Thus, the support member including one or more steps can be positioned adjacent to the edge of the working platform closest to the elevator door.

[0036] The size of the working platform relative to the interior dimensions of the elevator car (i.e., between the interior walls of the elevator car) can be important for safety purposes. If the gap between the edge of the working platform and the adjacent wall of the elevator car is small enough, maintenance personnel may be able to stand on the working platform and work safely without additional safety equipment (such as safety guardrails or railings).

[0037] Thus, in some examples, the interior space has an interior space depth and the work platform has a work platform depth. The work platform depth may be less than 300 mm less than the interior space depth. The work platform depth may be at least 200 mm less than the interior space depth, optionally at least 300 mm less.

[0038] Similarly, in some examples, the interior space has an interior space width and the work platform has a work platform width. The work platform width may be less than 300 mm smaller than the interior space width. The work platform width may be at least 200 mm smaller than the interior space width, optionally at least 300 mm smaller.

[0039] Thus, the gap between an edge (or each edge) of the working platform and an inner wall (or each inner wall) of the elevator car may be less than 150 mm and / or greater than 100 mm (e.g. for a centrally arranged working platform). Between each edge of the working platform and a respective adjacent inner wall of the elevator car there may be a gap of (approximately) 150 mm.

[0040] The interior space may be defined by interior walls of the elevator car, wherein the interior walls define an interior space depth and / or an interior space width.

[0041] In some examples, the elevator car further comprises a decorative ceiling cover arranged to cover the working platform when the working platform is in the stowed position. The decorative ceiling cover may be hingedly connected to an upper portion of the elevator car (e.g., to the support frame), and it may be arranged to move (e.g., hinged) between a closed position, in which the working platform is covered, and an open position, in which the working platform is accessible (and visible).

[0042] In some examples, the elevator car further comprises a locking portion (e.g., one or more latches) arranged to hold the working platform in the stowed position (i.e., in addition to or alternatively to the above-mentioned stop mechanism). Thus, when stowed in the stowed position, the working platform may still be suspended by the tension member (i.e., by the suspension portion), or alternatively, may be supported (partially or completely) by the locking portion.

[0043] In some examples, the elevator car further comprises a stopper portion (e.g. a knot in one or more tension members) arranged to prevent the working platform from moving to a position below the operating position (i.e., from moving beyond the operating position). This may be provided in addition to or alternatively to the stop mechanism described above.

[0044] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of moving a working platform of an elevator car between a stowed position above an interior space defined by the elevator car for accommodating passengers and / or cargo and a position within the interior space in which the working platform is accessible by maintenance personnel, the method comprising:

[0045] using the tension member to move the work platform between a stowed position and an operating position within the interior space; and

[0046] The support member is moved between a stowed position and a support position, wherein the support member is arranged to support the work platform from below when the support member is in the support position and the work platform is in the operating position.

[0047] Using the tension member to move the working platform between the stowed position and the operating position may include using the tension member (eg, actuating or moving the tension member) to change a length of a suspended portion of the tension member extending between the working platform and an upper portion of the elevator car.

[0048] The method may also include opening and / or closing a decorative ceiling above the elevator car.

[0049] The method may also include releasing and / or engaging a detent mechanism of the elevator car.

[0050] It will be appreciated that the method may be used as a method of deploying a working platform of an elevator car from a stowed position above an interior space defined by the elevator car for accommodating passengers and / or cargo to a position within the interior space where the working platform is accessible by maintenance personnel, the method comprising:

[0051] lowering the working platform from the stowed position to an operating position within the interior space using the tension member (e.g., by actuating the tension member to increase the length of the suspension portion extending between the working platform and an upper portion of the elevator car); and

[0052] The support member is moved from the stowed position to the support position such that in the support position the support member supports the work platform from below.

[0053] It will also be appreciated that the method may be used as a method of stowing a working platform of an elevator car from a position within an interior space defined by the elevator car for accommodating passengers and / or cargo, wherein the working platform is accessible by maintenance personnel, to a stowed position above the interior space, the method comprising:

[0054] moving the support member from a support position, in which the support member supports the work platform from below, to a stowed position; and

[0055] The working platform is moved from an operating position within the interior space to a stowed position using a tension member (eg, by actuating (eg, pulling) the tension member to reduce a length of a suspension portion extending between the working platform and an upper portion of the elevator car).

[0056] It will be understood that features described above with respect to the elevator car and the elevator system may also be present in the described method, and likewise, features described with respect to the method may be present in the described elevator car and the elevator system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] Certain preferred examples of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0058] Figure 1 shows a perspective view from slightly above of certain components of an elevator car including a working platform according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0059] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 a first tension member of an elevator car;

[0060] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 a second tension member of an elevator car;

[0061] Figure 4 is a perspective view from slightly above showing the Figure 1 working platform;

[0062] Figure 5 is a perspective view from slightly above showing the position between the stowed position and the operating position Figure 1 working platform;

[0063] Figure 6 is a perspective view from slightly above showing the Figure 1 working platform;

[0064] Figure 7is a perspective view from slightly below showing the Figure 1 working platform;

[0065] Figure 8 is a perspective view from slightly above showing the Figure 1 A working platform, wherein the supporting member is in a supporting position;

[0066] Fig. 9 is in open configuration Figure 1 A perspective view of a stop mechanism;

[0067] Fig.10 is between the open and closed configurations Figure 1 A perspective view of a stop mechanism;

[0068] Fig.11 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a deflection pulley;

[0069] Fig.12 It is shown from above Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the relative sizes of the elevator car and the working platform;

[0070] Fig.13 It shows the deployment Figure 1 A flowchart of the stages of the method of working the platform; and

[0071] Fig.14 It shows that Figure 1 Flow diagram of the stages of moving a working platform from a position in which the working platform can be used by maintenance personnel to a stowed position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view showing some components of the elevator car 1. The elevator car 1 defines an interior space 2 for accommodating passengers and / or cargo. The elevator car 1 comprises a working platform 4 which can be moved in a stowed position (in a Figure 4 ) and the operating position in the interior space 2 (in Figure 1 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 ).

[0073] The work platform 4 has a top surface 5 and a lower surface 11 (see Figure 7 ). The top surface 5 is the surface on which the maintenance personnel 3 stand to perform maintenance operations when the working platform 4 is used, i.e., the surface of the working platform 4 facing the ceiling of the elevator car 1. The lower surface 11 is the surface of the working platform 4 facing downwards (i.e., towards the floor of the elevator car 1).

[0074] Attached to the working platform 4 (in an articulated arrangement) are a first supporting member 6a and a second supporting member 6b, both of which are arranged on the underside of the working platform 4 (with reference to its configuration once arranged in the elevator car 1) and respectively at opposite ends of the working platform 4. The supporting members 6a, 6b are arranged to support the working platform 4 from below when the working platform is in the operating position and the supporting members 6a, 6b are in the supporting position, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 , and discussed further below.

[0075] Each support member 6a, 6b comprises two support member legs 7, which are connected together by at least one crossbar 18. The first support member 6a comprises a plurality of such crossbars 18, which provide steps or rungs that maintenance personnel can climb or walk down when approaching or leaving the working platform 4. Figure 1 It is not visible in the drawing, but the first support member 8a is arranged adjacent to the door, ie on the side closest to the door, so that maintenance personnel can easily access the steps.

[0076] The elevator car 1 further comprises at least one tension member - in this case, a first tension member 8a and a second tension member 8b. The elevator car 1 comprises a support frame 14 arranged above the interior space 2 of the elevator car 1. The tension members 8a, 8b are attached to the support frame 14, extend downwardly to the working platform 4 through various deflection pulleys 9 provided on the working platform, and then extend upwardly back to the support frame 14 and a stop mechanism 12 attached to the support frame 14, as discussed in more detail below.

[0077] For the sake of clarity, the first tension member 8a is Figure 2 The first end 20 of the tension member 8a is fixed to the support frame 14 (not shown in FIG. Figure 2 14). A first portion 22 of the tension member 8a (which may be referred to as a "suspended" portion) extends downwardly from the support frame 14 to a first deflection pulley 9a, which is attached to the work platform 4. The tension member 8a (i.e., a second portion 24 of the tension member 8a) extends along the length of the work platform 14 to a second deflection pulley 9b. A third portion 26 of the tension member 8a (providing a second suspended portion) extends upwardly from there to a third deflection pulley 9c fixed to the support frame 14. The third deflection pulley 9c may form part of a stop mechanism 12 described in more detail below. A second end 28 of the first tension member 8a is positioned to pass over the third deflection pulley 9c.

[0078] The second tension member 8b is Figure 3 The first end 30 of the tension member 8b is fixed to the support frame 14 (not shown in FIG. Figure 3 1 ). A first portion 32 of the second tension member 8b (which may be referred to as a "suspended" portion) extends downwardly from the support frame 14 to a first deflection pulley 9d, which is attached to the working platform 4. The tension member 8b (i.e., the second portion 34 of the tension member 8b) extends along the length of the working platform 4 to a second deflection pulley 9e. A third portion 36 of the tension member 8b (providing a second suspended portion) extends upwardly from there to a third deflection pulley 9f, which is fixed to the support frame 14. A fourth portion 38 of the tension member extends from there across the width of the elevator car 1 (i.e., across the width of the support frame 14) to a fourth deflection pulley 9g. As shown in FIG. Figure 4 As seen in FIG. 1 , the fourth portion 38 of the tension member extends across above the first tension member 8a (further toward the exterior of the elevator car 1 than the first tension member 8a). The axis of rotation of the fourth deflection pulley extends substantially vertically, which is different from the axes of rotation of the other deflection pulleys, which extend substantially horizontally (although not parallel to each other). The fifth portion 40 of the tension member 8b further extends to a fifth deflection pulley 9h, which also has a substantially horizontal axis of rotation. The second end 42 of the second tension member 8b is positioned to pass through the fifth deflection pulley 9h. The fifth deflection pulley 9h may be adjacent to the third deflection pulley 9c of the first tension member 8a (at Figure 2 ) are positioned and may form part of a stop mechanism 12 described in more detail below.

[0079] By moving (or enabling movement) the second end 28 of the first tension member 8a and the second end 42 of the second tension member 8b, the maintenance personnel can control the length of the suspension portions 22, 26, 32, 36 and thereby raise or lower the work platform 4. When the maintenance personnel pulls on the second ends 28, 42 (e.g., pulls downward), the suspension portions 22, 26, 32, 36 will shorten and the work platform will therefore be lifted upward. When the maintenance personnel "let go" of the second ends 28, 42 (i.e., enable them to move upward), the work platform 4 is lowered toward the operational position. Although in some examples there may be active actuation (e.g., by winding in and out the tension members), in the illustrated example, the work platform 4 is biased toward the operational (i.e., lower) position by gravity. Therefore, all the maintenance personnel need to do in order to lower the work platform is to release the second ends 28, 42 to move (and optionally let go of them in a controlled manner to control the lowering of the work platform). Movement of the work platform 4 may be achieved by releasing the stop mechanism 12, which is biased to prevent movement of the tension members 8a, 8b. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The operation of the detent mechanism 12 is discussed in greater detail.

[0080] Figure 4 The working platform 4 is shown in a stowed position above the interior space 2. In this position, the working platform 4 is housed within a central cavity formed or defined by the support frame 14. As a result, when not in use, i.e. when the elevator system is in normal use and passengers may be present in the elevator car 1, the working platform 4 may be housed in this position without the working platform 4 becoming an obstruction and without taking up much more (or perhaps a little more) vertical space than would otherwise be required by the support frame 14.

[0081] Part of the decorative ceiling cover 16 is Figure 4 is visible in the view (and also in Figure 1 2 and 3). Both figures show the decorative ceiling cover 16 in an open position (i.e. making the working platform 4 visible and accessible from within the interior space 2). It will be appreciated that the decorative ceiling cover 16 can be hinged to a closed position in which the working platform 4 is covered and neither visible nor accessible. This improves the interior appearance of the elevator car 2 for passengers using the elevator car 1 and also improves safety, as the passengers cannot easily access the components associated with the working platform 4. It can be seen that in this stowed position the suspension parts 22, 26, 32, 36 are very short and therefore the plurality of deflection pulleys are close together.

[0082] Figure 5 The work platform 4 is shown between a stowed position and an operating position.

[0083] Figure 6 Shown is the work platform 4 in the operating position (i.e., in the operating height), but wherein the support member is still in the stowed position. Therefore, although the work platform 4 is in the operating position, it is not yet ready for use by the maintenance personnel, because the weight to be used must be supported by the support member. Figure 7 Show Figure 6 , but in a perspective view from slightly below. From this view, the support members 6a, 6b can be seen in the retracted position. Figure 7 As seen in FIG, the elevator car 1 comprises a mounting frame 21 arranged on the lower surface 11 of the working platform 4. The respective support members 6a, 6b are hingedly mounted to the mounting frame 21. The mounting frame 21 is arranged so that the support members 6a, 6b are accommodated in the mounting frame 21 when they are in the stowed position (i.e. folded against the working platform 4).

[0084] Figure 8The working platform is shown ready for use by maintenance personnel. In particular, the working platform 4 is in an operating position (i.e., at an operating height) and the support members 8a, 8b have been deployed to a supporting position in which the support members 8a, 8b extend away from the working platform 4 and rest on the floor of the elevator car 1 (not shown) so as to support the weight of the working platform 4 (and any person or object on the working platform) from below.

[0085] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The operation of the detent mechanism 12 is illustrated in greater detail.

[0086] The detent mechanism 12 includes an activation portion 100 and an engagement portion 102. The engagement portion 102 includes two protrusions 104a, 104b.

[0087] The activation part 100 is pivotably connected to a third deflection pulley 9c associated with the first tension member 8a (on which the first tension member 8a passes) and a fifth deflection pulley 9h associated with the second tension member 8b (on which the second tension member 8b passes). The activation part 100 is pivotably connected to the outer housing (i.e., the non-rotating part) of the deflection pulleys so that it can rotate relative to the pivot axis 106.

[0088] The engagement portion 102 may be pivotally attached (eg, via a pin connection) to the activation portion 100 so as to rotate about a pivot axis 108 .

[0089] The protrusions 104a, 104b on the engagement portion 102 are shaped and positioned so that when the engagement portion 102 is rotated to its position closest to the deflection pulleys 9c, 9h, the protrusions 104a, 104b extend respectively into the grooves of each of the deflection pulleys 9c, 9h, and the grooves accommodate the corresponding tension members 8a, 8b, so that the tension members 8a, 8b are pressed against the surface of the grooves, increasing friction and ultimately engaging with the tension members 8a, 8b, thereby preventing the tension members 8a, 8b from moving through the deflection pulleys 9c, 9h.

[0090] Although one stop mechanism 12 is provided which acts on both tension members 8a, 8b, it will be appreciated that separate stop mechanisms may be provided associated with each deflection pulley 9c, 9h. However, it is advantageous to provide a stop mechanism 12 which stops the movement of both tension members 8a, 8b together, as this is easier for a user to operate, and because this helps prevent uneven movement of the working platform 4, i.e. causing one side to be lowered more than the other and the working platform 4 to cease to be horizontal during lowering.

[0091] Fig. 9The detent mechanism 12 is shown in an open configuration—wherein the activation portion 100 is rotated away from the deflection pulleys 9c, 9h to a downward position, and wherein the engagement portion 102 is therefore not in contact with the tension members 8a, 8b.

[0092] Due to the weight of the working platform suspended by the tension members 8a, 8b (when it is not supported on the support members), a reaction force 110 acts on the deflection pulleys 9c, 9h.

[0093] exist Fig. 9 In the open configuration, a user (e.g., a maintenance person) applies a downward force 112 to the second ends 28, 42 of the tension members 8a, 8b. The tension members 8a, 8b pass through corresponding holes 114, 116 in the activation portion 100. As a result, when the downward force 112 acts on the tension members 8a, 8b, pulling them into a substantially vertical arrangement, the activation portion 100 rotates counterclockwise to the downward position, causing the engagement portion 102 to move to the open (i.e., non-engaged) position, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 . In this position, the tension members 8a, 8b are free to move in either direction. For example, in addition to applying a downward force 112 to the tension members 8a, 8b to move the activation portion 100 to the downward position (so that the stop mechanism 12 is in the open configuration), the user can also apply further pulling force to the second ends 28, 42 of the tension members 8a, 8b by shortening the hanging portion to raise the work platform 4. Alternatively, after applying the downward force 112 to move the stop mechanism 12 to the open configuration, the user can let go of the tension members to allow the work platform 4 to move downward under the force of gravity, with the tension members 8a, 8b controlling the movement while applying a force to keep the tension members 8a, 8b aligned in a substantially vertical position (in the open configuration). Fig. 9 ) to keep the detent mechanism 12 open.

[0094] When the user stops applying force to the second ends 28, 42 of the tension members 8a, 8b, the stop mechanism 12 Fig.10 As the reaction force 110 acting on the tension members 8a, 8b causes the tension members 8a, 8b to move across the deflection pulleys 9c, 9h, the deflection pulleys 9c, 9h will rotate clockwise (relative to Fig. 9 ). When the tension members 8a, 8b pass through the holes 114, 116 in the activation part 100 (i.e., due to the friction between the tension members 8a, 8b and the inner edges of the respective holes 114, 116), the tension members 8a, 8b will lift the activation part 100 and thereby rotate it towards the deflection pulleys 9c, 9h (clockwise). As a result of this movement, the engagement part 102 moves towards the deflection pulleys 9c, 9h to the position where the engagement part 102 is rotated. Fig.10Eventually, the engagement portion 102 will move sufficiently that the projections 104a, 104b will contact the tension members 8a, 8b, respectively, and prevent any further movement thereof.

[0095] In the depicted example, the stop mechanism 12 moves to the closed configuration solely due to the reaction force 110 generated by the weight of the work platform 4, thereby causing friction between the tension members 8a, 8b and the edges of the holes 114, 116. However, in other examples, the stop mechanism 12 may additionally (or alternatively) be biased toward the closed position (e.g., by a spring), and may be actuatable by a user by any suitable means to an open configuration in which the tension member(s) are enabled to move.

[0096] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a second deflection pulley 9e associated with a second tension member 8b. This serves to illustrate possible configurations of any deflection pulley that may be used for attachment to the work platform 4, and further serves to illustrate arrangements where other deflection pulleys may be attached to components other than the work platform 4.

[0097] It can be seen that the deflection pulley 9e is mounted to the bracket 120 by means of a pin connection 121. Thus, the deflection pulley 9e can be rotated a full 360° relative to the bracket 120. The bracket 120 comprises a first U-shaped portion 123 extending around the deflection pulley 9e, through which the pin connection 121 passes. The bracket 120 also comprises a second U-shaped portion 125 extending in the opposite direction to the first U-shaped portion and rotated at 90° relative to the first U-shaped portion 123.

[0098] The bracket 120, in particular the second U-shaped portion 125, is connected to the second bracket 124 by a pin connection 128. The second bracket 124 is fixedly mounted to the edge 130 of the work platform 4. The pin connection 128 allows the bracket 120 to rotate relative to the second bracket 124 (and therefore relative to the work platform 4). This allows the angle of the rotation axis of the deflection pulley 9e (which is the axis of the pin connection 121) to be changed by the rotation of the bracket 120 relative to the work platform 4, so that the tension member 8b can be maintained in proper alignment throughout its movement. In addition, mounting the deflection pulley 9e using the second bracket 124 mounted along the edge 130 of the work platform 4 rather than on its top or bottom surface maximizes the available space on the working top surface 5 of the work platform 4 and avoids placing a trip hazard on the surface on which the maintenance personnel 3 will work.

[0099] Fig.121 is a view from above showing a working platform 4 positioned in an elevator car 1. The elevator car has a width 140 and a depth 142 defined between the interior walls 141 of the elevator car. The working platform has a width 144 and a depth 146. In this example, the difference in width between the elevator car 1 (i.e., the interior walls 141 of the elevator car) and the working platform 4 (resulting in a width gap 148) is less than 300 mm. Similarly, the difference in depth between the depth 142 of the elevator car 1 (i.e., the interior walls of the elevator car) and the depth 146 of the working platform 4 (resulting in a depth gap 150) is less than 300 mm. This has the advantage that maintenance personnel can stand on the working platform and work safely (e.g., in accordance with safety regulations) even if no guardrails or railings are provided. These depth gaps 148 and width gaps 150 give a maximum gap of 150 mm on either side of the working platform 4 (assuming that it is centrally arranged in the elevator car 1).

[0100] The depth gap 148 and the width gap 150 may be at least 200 mm in total (i.e. at least 100 mm on either side of the centrally located working platform 4). This provides sufficient clearance for the working platform 4 to move freely up and down even if there are parts protruding from the interior wall 141 of the elevator car, such as handrails.

[0101] Fig.13 is a flow chart illustrating stages of a method of deploying a work platform of the present disclosure from a stowed position to a position where it can be used by maintenance personnel.

[0102] In a first stage 200, the decorative ceiling cover 16 is opened.

[0103] Next, at stage 202, as described above with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As described, the stop mechanism 12 is released. Although in this example, the stop mechanism is engaged to hold the work platform 4 in the stowed position (such as in Figure 4 ), but it will be appreciated that in other examples, a separate locking device (e.g., one or more latches) may be provided that engages the work platform 4 when the work platform 4 is in the stowed position and holds the work platform 4 in the stowed position until the work platform 4 is released. In such an example, stage 202 may further (or alternatively) include releasing the locking device to allow the work platform 4 to move from the stowed position.

[0104] Next, the user lowers the work platform 4 to the operating position (at Figure 6 and 7 This is stage 204.

[0105] Once the working platform 4 reaches the operating position, the stop mechanism 12 may be engaged to prevent the working platform 4 from moving further downwards. This is shown as stage 206. Alternatively, a separate stop device may be provided which prevents the working platform 4 from moving further downwards below the operating height. For example, there may be a stop or knot provided on one or both of the tension members 8a, 8b which prevents the working platform 4 from moving below the operating position. However, it will be appreciated that the stop mechanism is not strictly necessary since the tension members 8a, 8b are not required to support the working platform 4 during its use. Instead, the user may proceed directly to step 208 described below, in which the support members 6a, 6b are moved to support the working platform 4. Once the working platform 4 is supported by the support members 6a, 6b, there will be (substantially) no downward force acting on the tension members 6a, 6b, as the weight of the working platform 4 will no longer act on the tension members 6a, 6b, and therefore no mechanism to prevent further movement thereof will be required.

[0106] As already mentioned, at stage 208, the user moves the support members 6a, 6b from the stowed position (in which the support members 6a, 6b extend substantially parallel to the work platform) to the working platform. Figure 7 ) unfolded to the supporting position (in Figure 8 ), in which supporting position the supporting members 6a, 6b extend away from the working platform 4 and rest on the floor of the elevator car 1 so as to support the weight of the working platform 4 from below.

[0107] Fig.14 is a flow chart illustrating stages of a method of moving a work platform of the present disclosure from a position in which it is usable by maintenance personnel to a stowed position.

[0108] First, at stage 300, the user moves the support members 6a, 6b from the support position (at Figure 8 folded to a stowed position (shown in Figure 7 ). In order to safely perform this stage, another mechanism must be in place to support the weight of the work platform 4 when the support members 6a, 6b are removed from their supporting positions. In this example, the stop mechanism 12 will be engaged to prevent movement of the tension members 8a, 8b so that when the support members 6a, 6b move to no longer support the weight of the work platform 4, the tension members 8a, 8b will be placed under tension and will support that weight. Alternatively, the user may simply hold the second ends 28, 42 of the tension members 8a, 8b so that once the support members 6a, 6b move, they cannot move under the weight acting on them. Alternatively, as discussed above, some other means of preventing the work platform 4 from moving beyond the operating height may be provided, such as a knot in the tension members.

[0109] Next, at stage 302, the stop mechanism 12 (if present) is released. As discussed above, there may be examples where the stop mechanism is not required to keep the work platform 4 at the operating height. In such examples, the stop mechanism 12 may not need to be released at stage 302.

[0110] At stage 304, the user pulls on the tension members 8a, 8b (ie, on the second ends 28, 42 of the tension members 8a, 8b) to shorten the length of the suspension portions 22, 26, 32, 36 and thereby lift the work platform 4 upwards to the stowed position.

[0111] At stage 306, the stop mechanism 12 is engaged to prevent movement of the tension members 8a, 8b and thereby retain the work platform 4 in the stowed position. As described above, this stage may alternatively (or additionally) include engaging other locking means (e.g., a latch mechanism) designed to secure the work platform 4 in the stowed position. The use of a stop mechanism to retain the work platform in both the stowed position and the operating position (before the support members are moved to the supporting position) is advantageous because, in addition to the safety provided by the stop mechanism to prevent the work platform from free falling uncontrollably between the stowed position and the operating position, only a single mechanism is required to perform both functions.

[0112] Finally, at stage 308, the user closes the decorative ceiling cover 16 to cover the work platform 4 (and the support frame 14). This can be achieved by hinged the decorative ceiling cover in place. A latch can be provided to secure the decorative ceiling cover 16 in the closed position.

[0113] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure has been illustrated by describing one or more specific aspects thereof but 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 cargo, the elevator car (1) comprising: Working platform (4); a tension member (8a, 8b), wherein, using the tension member (8a, 8b), the work platform (4) is movable between a stowed position above the interior space (2) and an operating position within the interior space (2); as well as Support members (6a, 6b) which, when in the supporting position, are arranged to support the work platform (4) from below when the work platform (4) is in the operating position.

2. The elevator car (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a stopping mechanism (12), the stopping mechanism (12) having an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein in the open configuration, the stopping mechanism (12) allows the movement of the tension member (8a, 8b) so as to allow the working platform to move between the stowed position and the operating position, and in the closed configuration, the stopping mechanism (12) prevents the movement of the tension member (8a, 8b) so as to prevent the working platform from moving between the stowed position and the operating position.

3. The elevator car (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The detent mechanism (12) is biased into the closed configuration.

4. The elevator car (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The stop mechanism (12) is biased into the closed configuration by the weight of the work platform (4) applying a reaction force to the stop mechanism (12).

5. An elevator car (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The stop mechanism (12) is located at an upper portion of the elevator car.

6. An elevator car (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The elevator car comprises a second tension member, and wherein, in the open configuration, the stop mechanism (12) allows movement of both the first tension member (8a) and the second tension member (8b) so as to allow movement of the working platform (4) between the stowed position and the operating position, and in the closed configuration, the stop mechanism (12) prevents movement of both the first tension member (8a) and the second tension member (8b) so as to prevent movement of the working platform (4) between the stowed position and the operating position.

7. The elevator car (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more deflection pulleys (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f, 9g, 9h), wherein The tension member (8a, 8b) is arranged to pass through the one or more deflection pulleys (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f, 9g, 9h) between the working platform (4) and the upper part of the elevator car (1).

8. The elevator car (1) according to claim 7, wherein: A deflection pulley of the one or more deflection pulleys (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f, 9g, 9h) is mounted to an edge of the working platform (4).

9. Elevator car (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: A deflection pulley of the one or more deflection pulleys (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f, 9g, 9h) may be pivotably mounted to the working platform (4).

10. Elevator car (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The support members (6a, 6b) are attached to the working platform (4).

11. Elevator car (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The support members (6a, 6b) are movable between the stowed position and the support position, wherein in the support position the support members (6a, 6b) extend away from the work platform (4) so ​​as to support the work platform (4) from below.

12. Elevator car (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The support member (6a, 6b) comprises one or more steps (18).

13. Elevator car (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The interior space (2) has an interior space depth, and wherein the working platform (4) has a working platform depth, wherein the working platform depth is less than 300 mm less than the interior space depth.

14. Elevator car (1) according to claim 13, wherein: The depth of the working platform is at least 200 mm smaller than the depth of the internal space.

15. A method of moving a working platform (4) of an elevator car (1) between a stowed position above an interior space (2) defined by the elevator car for accommodating passengers and / or cargo and a position within the interior space (2) in which the working platform (4) can be used by maintenance personnel, the method comprising: Using tension members (8a, 8b), the work platform (4) is moved between the stowed position and an operating position within the interior space; and The support members (6a, 6b) are moved between the stowed position and the support position, wherein the support members (6a, 6b) are arranged to support the work platform (4) from below when the support members (6a, 6b) are in the support position and the work platform (4) is in the operating position.

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