Elevator car ceiling access system

Abstract

The invention relates to an elevator car ceiling access system, in particular, an elevator car comprising: a movable platform defining an elevator car floor; a ceiling proximity panel in a ceiling of the elevator car; and a ceiling panel access system. The ceiling panel access system includes at least one movable support disposed within the vertical frame member, and the at least one movable support is connected to the movable platform and arranged to move the movable platform vertically within the elevator car.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to elevator systems, and more particularly, to elevator access systems, and particularly to elevator car ceiling access systems. BACKGROUND

[0002] Elevator systems require maintenance of various components thereof, and some such components are located outside of the interior cabin of the elevator car. Such components can be disposed on the exterior structure of the elevator car and / or located within the elevator hoistway. To perform maintenance on such components, a technician can need to access the exterior of the elevator car. In some elevator systems, the elevator car can be provided with a ceiling access panel or similar opening to allow the technician to access the top of the elevator car from within the elevator car. The ceiling access panel is manually operable and can be difficult to access depending on the size or dimensions of the elevator car. Accordingly, improved access and operation of the ceiling access panel of the elevator car can be advantageous. SUMMARY

[0003] According to some embodiments, an elevator car is provided. The elevator car includes a movable platform defining an elevator car floor, a ceiling access panel located in a ceiling of the elevator car, and a ceiling panel access system. The ceiling access panel includes at least one movable support disposed within a vertical frame member, and the at least one movable support is connected to the movable platform and arranged to vertically move the movable platform within the elevator car.

[0004] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the elevator car can include that the at least one movable support is four movable supports.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the elevator car can include that the at least one movable support includes a support body, a set of wheels attached to the support body, and a support bracket configured to connect the movable platform to the support body.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the elevator car can include that the vertical frame member includes one or more locking holes, and the at least one movable support includes a locking wedge configured to selectively engage with the one or more locking holes.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the elevator car can include that the one or more locking holes are arranged to define at least a maximum vertical position of the movable platform within the elevator car and at least one intermediate position at a lower vertical position than the maximum vertical position.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the elevator car can include a drive mechanism configured to drive the movable platform between a normal operating position, in which the movable platform defines a floor of the elevator car, and a maximum vertical position, in which a person standing on the movable platform in the maximum vertical position can access a top of the elevator car.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the elevator car can include the drive mechanism operably connected to the at least one movable support via a cable.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the elevator car can include the drive mechanism mounted to an exterior of the elevator car.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the elevator car can include the drive mechanism mounted to a side of the elevator car.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the elevator car can include the drive mechanism mounted to a bottom of the elevator car.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the elevator car can include the drive mechanism configured to be manually operated.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the elevator car can include the drive mechanism including a motor.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the elevator car can include the drive mechanism configured to be operated via a car operating panel of the elevator car.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the elevator car can include the ceiling panel access system including four movable supports arranged in four respective vertical frame components, and wherein the drive mechanism is configured to simultaneously move the four movable supports within the respective vertical frame components.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the elevator car can include a removable frame cover configured to cover the vertical frame components.

[0018] In addition to one or more features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the elevator car may include: a removable frame cover defining a lower frame cover covering the lower part of the vertical frame member, and an upper frame cover arranged to cover the upper part of the vertical frame member.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the elevator car may include: an upper frame cover defining a stop to prevent vertical movement of the movable platform beyond a maximum vertical position defined by the lower end of the upper frame cover.

[0020] In addition to one or more features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the elevator car may include: a movable platform supported in a cantilever manner by at least one movable support member.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the elevator car may include: a movable platform movable from a normal operating position, an intermediate position, and a maximum vertical position; in the normal operating position, the movable platform defines the floor of the elevator car; in the intermediate position, a user can reach and open the ceiling access panel; and in the maximum vertical position, a person standing on the movable platform in the maximum vertical position can access the top of the elevator car.

[0022] In addition to one or more features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the elevator car may include: a vertical frame member defining a passageway along which at least one movable support travels.

[0023] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the foregoing features and elements can be combined in various ways without exclusivity. These features and elements, and their operation, will become clearer from the following description and accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the following description and accompanying drawings are intended to be illustrative and interpretative in nature, rather than restrictive. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The subject matter is specifically pointed out and explicitly claimed at the end of this specification. The foregoing and other features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 These are schematic diagrams of elevator systems that may employ various embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the landing doors of an elevator system that can adopt various embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 3A This is a schematic diagram of an elevator car having an elevator ceiling panel access system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3Byes Figure 3A The view of the elevator car shows the initial state of operation, exposing the ceiling panel near part of the system; Figure 3C yes Figure 3A The ceiling panel provides a view of the system's movable platform, showing it in the center position and in operation. Figure 3D A movable platform in the middle position is shown, with the elevator ceiling panel open; Figure 3E A movable platform that can be moved to its maximum vertical position is shown; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of an elevator car according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of a movable platform component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an elevator car equipped with a ceiling panel proximity system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an elevator car equipped with a ceiling panel proximity system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of elevator system 101, which includes elevator car 103, counterweight 105, ropes 107, guide rails 109, a machine 111, a position encoder 113, and an elevator controller 115. Elevator car 103 and counterweight 105 are interconnected via ropes 107. Ropes 107 may include or be configured as, for example, ropes, cables, and / or coated steel strips. Counterweight 105 is configured to balance the load on elevator car 103 and to facilitate simultaneous and opposite movement of elevator car 103 relative to counterweight 105 within elevator shaft 117 and along guide rails 109.

[0026] Rope 107 engages machine 111, which in this exemplary embodiment is part of the elevated structure of elevator system 101, but other arrangements are possible without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Machine 111 is configured to control movement between elevator car 103 and counterweight 105. Position encoder 113 may be mounted on the upper pulley of governor system 119 and may be configured to provide a position signal related to the position of elevator car 103 within elevator shaft 117. In other embodiments, position encoder 113 may be directly mounted to the moving part of machine 111, or may be located in other locations and / or configurations as known in the art.

[0027] As shown in the exemplary arrangement, elevator controller 115 is located in control room 121 of elevator shaft 117 and configured to control the operation of elevator system 101, and particularly elevator car 103. In other embodiments, controller 115 may be located in other locations, including but not limited to being fixed to a landing or landing door, or located in a cabinet at a landing. Elevator controller 115 may provide drive signals to machine 111 to control the acceleration, deceleration, leveling, stopping, etc., of elevator car 103. Elevator controller 115 may also be configured to receive position signals from position encoder 113. While moving up and down along guide rails 109 within elevator shaft 117, elevator car 103 may stop at one or more landings 125 as controlled by elevator controller 115. Although shown in control room 121, those skilled in the art will understand that elevator controller 115 may be located and / or configured in other locations or positions within elevator system 101.

[0028] Machine 111 may include a motor or similar drive mechanism. According to embodiments of this disclosure, machine 111 is configured to include an electrically driven motor. The power source for the motor can be any power source, including the power grid, which, in combination with other components, powers the motor. Although shown and described as a rope system, elevator systems employing other methods and mechanisms to move the elevator car within the elevator shaft may also utilize embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 1 These are non-limiting examples presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes only.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an elevator system 201 that can be incorporated into the embodiments disclosed herein. For example... Figure 2 As shown, elevator car 203 is located at floor 225. Elevator car 203 can be called to floor 225 by a user 227 (e.g., a passenger or mechanic) who wishes to travel to another floor within the building or to perform maintenance on a portion of elevator system 201. The car door lintel 229 of elevator system 201 may include a door opening system or door operator to enable the opening and closing of car door 231 and floor door 233 when elevator car 203 is located at floor 225. Sometimes, such as during maintenance operations, mechanic 227 may need to access the top 235 of the elevator car via ceiling access panel 237.

[0030] In conventional systems, mechanic 227 may need to bring a ladder and / or other equipment into the elevator car 203 to reach the ceiling and thus open the ceiling access panel 237. This requires the mechanic to carry additional equipment. The embodiments provided herein are for improved systems for accessing, opening, and operating the ceiling access panel and providing access to the top of the elevator car. In some elevator configurations, the elevator car / cabin may be limited to a height of no more than 2.3 meters. For elevator cars / cabins higher than 2.3 meters, it may be difficult for the mechanic to reach the ceiling access panel, and there are other disadvantages, such as safety issues. To reduce the risk to the mechanic and allow relatively easy access to the ceiling access panel within the elevator car, embodiments of this disclosure relate to a liftable platform, thereby providing access to the ceiling or top of the elevator car.

[0031] Now go to Figures 3A-3E This diagram shows an elevator car 300 with a ceiling access system 302. The elevator car 300 can be configured similarly to those shown and described above for operation within an elevator shaft. The ceiling access system 302 is configured within the elevator car 300, thus eliminating the need for users (e.g., mechanics, etc.) to carry ladders or similar equipment when access to the top of the elevator car 300 is required. The ceiling access system 302 includes a movable platform 304. The movable platform 304 is one or more floor panels that are typically retained to define the floor of the elevator car 300. However, during maintenance operations, etc., the movable platform 304 can be operated to move upward toward the ceiling panel assembly 306.

[0032] The elevator car 300 includes an elevator frame comprising a base 308, a top 310, and a plurality of vertical frame members 312 extending between the base 308 and the top 310, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. A set of wall panels 314 are mounted or otherwise attached to the elevator frame, defining a passenger compartment 316 of the elevator car 300. The wall panels 314 may be non-structural panels attached to the frame members 312 and / or the top 310 and the base 308. The passenger compartment 316 is defined between the top / inner surface (e.g., floor) of the movable platform 304 and the bottom / inner surface (including the inner surface of the ceiling panel assembly 306) of the top 310 of the elevator car 300. Figures 3A-3E The elevator car door or any additional third wall panel is not shown.

[0033] When a user needs to access the ceiling panel assembly 306, such as when approaching a component located inside the elevator shaft outside the passenger compartment 316 and / or on the top 310 of the elevator car 300, the movable platform 304 can be moved upward toward the top 310 of the elevator, and thus toward the ceiling panel assembly 306. The movable platform 304 is configured to travel along the vertical frame member 312. In normal operating mode, such as... Figure 3A As shown, the interior portion of the vertical frame component 312 facing the passenger compartment 316 is concealed behind the lower frame cover 318 and the upper frame cover 320. The frame covers 318 and 320 are aesthetically pleasing covers or the like that conceal the vertical frame component 312 to prevent passengers inside the passenger compartment 316 from seeing or interacting with it. To allow the movable platform 304 to move vertically along the vertical frame component 312, the lower frame cover 318 (e.g., ...) can be removed. Figure 3B (As shown in the image), thus exposing the vertical frame component 312. The user will be located inside the passenger compartment 316, and the elevator car door can be closed. The user can change the operating mode of the elevator car 300 to a maintenance operating mode, etc. In this operating mode, the user can control the operation and movement of the movable platform 304. When the user stands on the movable platform 304 inside the passenger compartment 316 of the elevator car, the operation of the movable platform 304 is performed.

[0034] With the lower frame cover 318 removed, the channels 322 defined within each vertical frame member 312 are exposed. The movable platform 304 is configured to travel along the channels 322 using movable supports 324 arranged within them. The channels 322 may have a C-shaped cross-section, and the movable supports 324 may be configured as trucks, skids, etc., which can be fitted into and moved along the channels 322 of the vertical frame members 312. A user can control the operation of the movable platform 304 to travel vertically along the channels 322.

[0035] like Figure 3C As shown, the movable platform 304 can move vertically upward relative to the base 308 and top 310 of the elevator car 300. Figure 3C The movable platform 304 is shown in a central position within the elevator car 300. In this central position, when a user stands on the movable platform 304, the user is now closer to the top 310 of the elevator car 300. The movable platform 304 can be configured to lock or be secured in the central position, supporting the user on the movable platform 304. The user can then likely reach and open the ceiling panel assembly 306.

[0036] For example, such as Figure 3DAs shown, the movable platform 304 is in the intermediate position, and the ceiling panel assembly 306 is open. At this point, the user can access the opening defined by the ceiling panel assembly 306 and potentially reach the systems and components on the top 310 of the elevator car 300. However, if further vertical movement is required, the movable platform can be raised further beyond the intermediate position. Figures 3C-3D ).

[0037] like Figure 3E As shown, the movable platform 304 moves to its maximum vertical position, raising it to its maximum vertical height within the elevator car 300. According to some embodiments, the upper frame cover 320 may be configured as a stop to prevent further vertical movement of the movable support 324. In other configurations, additional stopping devices and / or mechanisms may be provided (e.g., plates or end stops arranged within one or more channels 322). At the maximum vertical position, a user on the movable platform 304 has full access to the top 310 of the elevator car 300 and can perform operations such as maintenance on systems and / or components arranged on and / or above the elevator car 300 and / or within the elevator shaft.

[0038] Once the user completes their task, the reverse operation can then be performed. For example, the movable platform 304 can move from its maximum vertical position ( Figure 3E Move down to the middle position. Figure 3D Then, the user can close the ceiling panel assembly 306. Figure 3C Next, the movable platform 304 moves back to its initial or normal operating position, where it defines the floor of the elevator car 300. Then, the user can replace the lower frame cover 318 and switch the elevator car 300 out of maintenance mode to restore it to normal operating status.

[0039] Now for reference Figure 4 The diagram shows a portion of an elevator car 400 configured onto a movable platform 402 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 An enlarged detail view of a movable support 404 arranged within a channel 406 of a vertical frame member 408 is shown. In this exemplary configuration, the movable support 404 includes a support body 405 operably connected to a movable platform 402 via a support bracket 410 and configured to move along the channel 406 via a set of wheels 412. The movable support 404 can move or travel along and within the channel 406 via a drive cable 414 attached to the movable support 404 at a connector 416.

[0040] For reference Figure 5This illustration shows a schematic diagram of a portion of a movable platform assembly 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The movable platform assembly 500 may include a movable platform supported on one or more movable supports 502, similar to those shown and described above. Figure 5 As shown, the movable support 502 is configured to travel along a channel 504 defined within the vertical support member 506. The vertical support member 506 may be part of the support frame of the elevator car, or it may be a dedicated element configured as part of the elevator car.

[0041] The movable support 502 includes a support bracket 508, which is pivotally attached to the movable base 510 via a pivot pin 512. The movable support 502 includes a set of wheels 514 arranged to fit within and travel along a channel 504 defined by a vertical support member 506. The channel 504 may be defined by a C-shaped cross-section of the vertical support member 506. The wheels 514 are mounted on a shaft 516 that allows the wheels 514 to rotate freely along the inner surface of the vertical support member 506 defining the channel 504.

[0042] The vertical support member 506 is provided with a set of locking holes 518 distributed along the vertical length of the channel 504. The movable support member 502 includes a locking wedge 520, which includes a locking extension 522 for releasably engaging the locking holes 518. As the movable support member 502 moves upward along the channel 504, the locking extension 522 can selectively engage with each locking hole 518. When the locking extension 522 engages with a locking hole 518, the movable support member 502 can be secured and held in place. The locking extension 522 may have an angled surface at its end such that upward movement causes the locking extension 522 to disengage from a given locking hole 518 and move upward along the solid surface of the vertical support member 506. When the locking extension 522 aligns with the next locking hole 518, the locking extension 522 will engage with that locking hole 518.

[0043] The movable support 502 is configured to allow downward movement without interacting with the locking hole 518. For example, as Figure 5As shown, the movable support 502 may include a release plate 524, which is selectively and removably secured to the locking wedge 520 by a locking pin 526. The release plate 524 can be rotated to a position that moves the locking wedge 520 and disengages the locking extension 522 from the locking hole 518. In this state, the movable support 502 can travel downward within the channel 504 without the locking extension 522 interfering with its vertical movement. Therefore, in this configuration, the movable support 502 is equipped with a ratchet mechanism having toothed features that can move to engage or disengage with the locking hole 518.

[0044] Now for reference Figure 6 This diagram shows an elevator car 600 with a ceiling access system 602. The elevator car 600 can be configured similarly to those shown and described above for operation within an elevator shaft. The ceiling access system 602, similar to those shown and described above, has a movable platform disposed within the elevator car 600. Figure 6 An example mechanism for controlling the movement and operation of a movable platform is shown. As shown, a drive mechanism 604 is arranged on the exterior of the elevator car 600. The drive mechanism 604 may be fixed to the elevator structural frame, an exterior panel, or otherwise attached to the elevator car 600. In this configuration, the drive mechanism 604 is fixed to the side of the elevator car 600.

[0045] As shown, the drive mechanism 604 is a wheel or spool operably connected to a set of drive cables 606. Each drive cable 606 connects the drive mechanism 604 to a corresponding movable support (e.g., such as...). Figure 4 (As shown in the diagram). The movable support is configured to be within and travel along a corresponding vertical frame member 608. Drive cables 606 extend from the drive mechanism 604 and are steered and oriented by one or more sets of guide pulleys 610, 612. A first set of guide pulleys 610 causes the drive cables 606 to transition from extending along the side of the elevator car 600 to traveling along the top 614 of the elevator car 600. A second set of guide pulleys 612 is arranged to vertically guide each drive cable 606 into the corresponding vertical frame member 608, where the drive cable 606 is connected to the corresponding movable support. The movable support is arranged to connect to and support the movable platform, as shown and described above. When the drive mechanism 604 rotates, the drive cables 606 can be wound around the drive mechanism 604 to shorten the length of the drive cables 606, thereby pulling the movable support along the vertical frame member 608.

[0046] The operation of the drive mechanism 604 can be manual or electric. For example, in some embodiments, the drive mechanism 604 may include an electric motor, etc. A user located inside the elevator car 600 can operate a control panel 616, which sends signals to the drive mechanism 604 to operate it. As those skilled in the art will understand, the control panel 616 may be part of a car operation panel, etc. In some other configurations, a wired or wireless controller may be connected to the car operation panel or similar electronic equipment in the elevator car to control the operation of the drive mechanism. As mentioned, in some configurations, the operation of the drive mechanism 604 can be manual. In such a configuration, the drive mechanism may include a hand crank that can be selectively connected from inside the elevator car and can then be manually rotated to rotate the drive mechanism. In some configurations, a hand tool (such as a drill bit, etc.) may be configured to engage with a part of the drive mechanism to drive its rotation.

[0047] Now for reference Figure 7 This diagram shows an elevator car 700 with a ceiling access system 702. The elevator car 700 can be configured similarly to those shown and described above for operation within an elevator shaft. The ceiling access system 702, similar to those shown and described above, has a movable platform 704 disposed within the elevator car 700. Figure 7 An example mechanism for controlling the movement and operation of the movable platform 704 is shown. As shown, a drive mechanism 706 is arranged outside the elevator car 700. In this configuration, the drive mechanism 706 is fixed to the elevator structural frame 708 at the bottom of the elevator car 700.

[0048] As shown and described above, the movable platform 704 is mounted and movable using four movable supports arranged within four respective vertical frame members 710. While four vertical frame members 710 with respective movable supports are shown, the number of members is not intended to be limiting. That is, according to some embodiments, more or fewer than four movable supports may be arranged within the same number of vertical frame members, and / or multiple movable supports may be arranged within a single channel of a single vertical frame member, depending on the specific implementation. For example, in some embodiments, only one or two movable supports may be required, and the movable platform may form a cantilever on one side. It will be understood that four (or more) movable supports may allow the movable platform to have a higher load-bearing capacity and be configured in a cantilever configuration.

[0049] As shown, the vertical frame component 710 may include multiple sets of locking holes 712, 714. These sets of locking holes 712, 714 provide a stopping position for the movable platform 704 as it travels vertically within the elevator car 700. A user can stop and secure the movable platform 704 at one or more intermediate positions (heights) using the lower set of locking holes 712. In the intermediate position, at one of the locking holes in the lower set, the user can reach and open a ceiling panel or similar structure of the elevator car 700. Once the ceiling panel is open, the user can further move the movable platform 704 vertically upwards, engaging with and locking it in place with a locking hole in the upper set of locking holes 714. The upper set of locking holes 714 defines a maintenance position where a user on the movable platform 704 can reach components above and / or on top of the elevator car 700. The highest locking hole in the upper set of locking holes 714 defines the maximum vertical position of the movable platform 704.

[0050] like Figure 7 As shown, the vertical frame component 710 may include frame covers 716, 718. Frame covers 716, 718 may be aesthetically pleasing covers or the like that conceal the vertical frame component 710 from view and interaction by passengers inside the elevator car 700. To allow the movable platform 704 to move vertically along the vertical frame component 710, the lower frame cover 716 may be removed. The upper frame cover 718 may be removable or fixed. In some configurations, the upper frame cover 718 may be provided to ensure that the movable platform 704 does not exceed the intended maximum vertical position.

[0051] In this exemplary configuration, the drive mechanism 706 is a wheel or spool operably connected to a set of drive cables 720. Each drive cable 720 connects the drive mechanism 706 to a corresponding movable support (e.g., such as...). Figure 4 (As shown in the diagram). The movable support is configured to travel within and along the corresponding vertical frame member 710. A drive cable 720 extends from the drive mechanism 706 and is steered and oriented by one or more sets of steering pulleys, similar to those shown and described above. The movable support is arranged to connect to and support the movable platform 704. When the drive mechanism 706 rotates or otherwise operates, the drive cable 720 may be wound around the drive mechanism 706 to shorten its length, thereby pulling the movable support along the vertical frame member 710. The movable support may include locking wedges, etc., for engaging with locking holes 712, 714.

[0052] The operation of the drive mechanism 706 can be manual or electric. For example, in some embodiments, the drive mechanism 706 may include an electric motor or the like. A user located inside the elevator car 700 can operate a control panel or control device (e.g., a plug-in or wireless controller) that sends signals to the drive mechanism 706 to operate it. In some embodiments, the control panel or control device may be part of a car operation panel or the like. In other configurations, a wired or wireless controller may be connected to the car operation panel or similar electronic equipment in the elevator car 700 to control the operation of the drive mechanism 706.

[0053] As shown and described herein, the movable platform is supported by movable supports arranged within a vertical frame component of the elevator car. The movable supports are driven by a cable system along a channel in the vertical frame component. It will be understood that other types of drive and movement mechanisms may be employed without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, in some configurations, the movable platform may be mounted and secured to a piston system, which replaces the cable system. Such a piston system may be arranged substantially similarly to that shown and described above, with the piston shaft arranged on the side and within a similar vertical frame component. In some configurations of the piston arrangement, the drive piston may be centrally located below the movable platform, and simple supports may be provided at the edges to ensure balance and stability (e.g., similar to the movable supports in the cable system version). Therefore, it will be understood that the specific configurations shown are not intended to be limiting, but are provided for illustrative and explanatory purposes.

[0054] According to embodiments of this disclosure, systems and mechanisms are provided for accessing an elevator ceiling access panel and the top of an elevator car. The ceiling panel access system described herein provides a movable platform within the elevator car that can be raised and lowered to bring a user closer to the elevator ceiling panel. This movable platform is an improved floor of the elevator car, mounted on one or more movable supports that move vertically along corresponding vertical frame members. The movable platform is movably driven by a manually or remotely operated (e.g., electrically) drive mechanism. During normal operation, the components of the ceiling panel access system are not visible to passengers. The movable platform is the elevator car floor and therefore not easily seen as a maintenance component of the elevator car. Furthermore, the vertical frame members can be part of the elevator car and can be covered by a frame cover or the like. The operating components can be integrated into the car operating panel or can be concealed behind a cover or the like. Therefore, the maintenance features described herein do not affect the aesthetics of the elevator car interior.

[0055] Advantageously, according to some embodiments, the movable platform can be operated from a position inside the elevator car and at a location comfortable for the user (e.g., on the car control panel or on a side wall panel). The user can remotely or directly rotate the drive mechanism, causing cables to wrap around the drive mechanism and pull the movable platform upwards. The pulling force will cause the locking wedge to disengage from its secure engagement with the vertical frame member, and the movable support can travel onto the vertical frame member. The vertical frame member may be provided with locking holes to ensure that the movable platform does not accidentally fall downwards. The locking holes may also provide a stopping point during the vertical movement of the movable platform, allowing the user to stop the movable platform (e.g., in a mid-position) and approach to open the ceiling panel, etc. Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure provide improved access to the ceiling panel and / or the control platform, thereby allowing access to the top of the elevator car from inside the elevator car.

[0056] Advantageously, embodiments of this disclosure allow users to access the ceiling of the elevator car more safely and easily. For example, users (e.g., mechanics) will not need ladders or other equipment to access the ceiling. Furthermore, the tools required to control the operation of the movable platform can be located inside the elevator car, such as on the car control panel. Therefore, the number of tools and equipment that users need to carry into the elevator car for maintenance can be reduced.

[0057] As used herein, in the context of the description (especially in the context of the appended claims), the terms “a,” “an,” “the,” and similar expressions should be understood to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise stated herein or explicitly contradicted by the context. The modifier “about” used in conjunction with quantity includes the stated value and has the meaning determined by the context (e.g., it includes the degree of error associated with the measurement of a particular quantity).

[0058] While this disclosure has been described in detail with respect to only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that this disclosure is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Rather, modifications can be made to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, sub-combinations, or equivalent arrangements not previously described but consistent with the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, although various embodiments of this disclosure have been described, it should be understood that aspects of this disclosure may include only some embodiments of the described examples. Therefore, this disclosure should not be considered as limited to the foregoing description but only to the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An elevator car, comprising: A movable platform that limits the elevator car floor; The ceiling near the panel is located in the ceiling of the elevator car; as well as The ceiling panel proximity system includes: At least one movable support member is arranged within a vertical frame component, wherein the at least one movable support member is connected to the movable platform and arranged to allow the movable platform to move vertically within the elevator car.

2. The elevator car according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one movable support member is four movable support members.

3. The elevator car according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one movable support includes: Supporting entity; A set of wheels attached to the support body; and A support bracket configured to connect the movable platform to the support body.

4. The elevator car according to claim 1, wherein: The vertical frame component includes one or more locking holes; and The at least one movable support includes a locking wedge configured to selectively engage with the one or more locking holes.

5. The elevator car according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more locking holes are arranged to at least define a maximum vertical position of the movable platform within the elevator car and at least one intermediate position at a lower vertical position than the maximum vertical position.

6. The elevator car of claim 1, further comprising a drive mechanism configured to drive the movable platform to move between a normal operating position and a maximum vertical position, wherein in the normal operating position the movable platform defines the floor of the elevator car, and in the maximum vertical position a person standing on the movable platform in the maximum vertical position can access the top of the elevator car.

7. The elevator car according to claim 6, wherein, The drive mechanism is operably connected to the at least one movable support via a cable.

8. The elevator car according to claim 6, wherein, The drive mechanism is installed on the outside of the elevator car.

9. The elevator car according to claim 8, wherein, The drive mechanism is installed on the side of the elevator car.

10. The elevator car according to claim 8, wherein, The drive mechanism is installed at the bottom of the elevator car.

11. The elevator car according to claim 6, wherein, The drive mechanism is configured for manual operation.

12. The elevator car according to claim 6, wherein, The drive mechanism includes a motor.

13. The elevator car according to claim 6, wherein, The drive mechanism is configured to be operated via the elevator car's control panel.

14. The elevator car according to claim 6, wherein, The ceiling panel access system includes four movable supports arranged in four corresponding vertical frame members, wherein the drive mechanism is configured to move the four movable supports simultaneously within the respective vertical frame members.

15. The elevator car of claim 1, further comprising a removable frame cover configured to cover the vertical frame component.

16. The elevator car according to claim 15, wherein, The removable frame cover defines a lower frame cover that covers the lower part of the vertical frame member, and an upper frame cover is arranged to cover the upper part of the vertical frame member.

17. The elevator car according to claim 16, wherein, The upper frame cover defines a stop to prevent the vertical movement of the movable platform from exceeding the maximum vertical position defined by the lower end of the upper frame cover.

18. The elevator car according to claim 1, wherein, The movable platform is supported in a cantilever manner by the at least one movable support member.

19. The elevator car according to claim 1, wherein, The movable platform is movable from a normal operating position, an intermediate position, and a maximum vertical position. In the normal operating position, the movable platform defines the floor of the elevator car. In the intermediate position, a user can reach and open the ceiling access panel. In the maximum vertical position, a person standing on the movable platform in the maximum vertical position can approach the top of the elevator car.

20. The elevator car according to claim 1, wherein, The vertical frame component defines a channel along which the at least one movable support travels.

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