Elevator cabin skirting assembly

Abstract

An elevator cabin skirting assembly (1), comprising: a cabin wall (2) having an inner surface (2a) and an outer surface (2b), said cabin wall (2) having at least a first cutout (3) and a second cutout (4) both having development through it between the inner surface (2a) and the outer surface (2b); a bracket plate (5) arranged at the outer surface (2b) side, said bracket plate (5) having an end portion (51) comprising a shaped protrusion (52) which develops through said first cutout (3) to protrude from it at the inner surface (2a) side; a skirting member (6) mounted on the cabin wall (2) at the inner surface (2a) side so that at least an end of the shaped protrusion (52) protrudes below the skirting member (6); a first bushing (7) fixed to the skirting member (6) and inserted in the second cutout (4) of the cabin wall (2); said bracket plate (5) being pivotally attached to the outer surface (2b) of the cabin wall (2) so that at least the end portion (51) is movable towards / away with respect to the cabin wall (2) between a first position, in which the end portion (51) is close to the cabin wall (2) and prevents the first bushing (7) from disengaging the second cutout (4), and a second position, in which the end portion (51) is spaced from the cabin wall (2) and allows the first bushing (7) to move.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an elevator cabin skirting assembly. The reference field for the invention is the elevator cabin.

[0002] Cabin skirting is a component that is used inside the elevator cabin on the bottom side of the cabin wall, at a certain height from the cabin floor. The usage of a skirting has several reasons: esthetical view inside the cabin, hiding unexpected view of the wall's bottom side, preventing any damage to the wall's bottom side during the usage of the elevator which may be caused by any wheeled transport vehicle hit or passenger's vandal foot strike. Without skirting these damages will be directly on the wall panels which is difficult to maintain. It indeed requires disassembly of whole wall panels which means more or less the whole cabin and the related components, so it will require much effort and time. To avoid these issues a skirting is placed at the bottom side of the wall and, in case of any damage, it should be easily replaceable.

[0003] In this context, there are several different installation methodologies for skirting. The easiest solution is to fix the skirting with screws behind the walls, which means during the installation and in case of maintenance of the skirting the operator must be inside the elevator shaft outside the cabin. This requires two operators for assembly and maintenance of the skirting and it also means that a greater gap between the external side of the wall and the shaft wall is needed.

[0004] Another similar methodology is screwing the skirting from inside the cabin. This requires a hole on the skirting to provide any tool passage to fix the screw which causes an unexpected appearance from the customer's point of view.

[0005] More advanced solutions are some kind of plug, clip solutions which are easy to install from inside the car and easy to maintain. The skirting is positioned by applying force on it to fix the clip / plug. The issue with this methodology is also if you apply a force in the opposite direction you can easily remove the skirting. Normal passengers also could force in the opposite direction to remove it, stealing it. Another issue is that generally this type of clip / plug structure requires more advanced production methodology.

[0006] In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to propose an elevator cabin skirting assembly, which overcomes the drawbacks in the prior art as described above.

[0007] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide an elevator cabin skirting assembly, which is easily installable from inside the cabin by one person, without being visible and easily accessible for a passenger.

[0008] Another objective of the present invention is to make available an elevator cabin skirting assembly, which does not need to use any tool for installation.

[0009] The stated technical task and specified objects are substantially achieved by an elevator cabin skirting assembly, comprising: a cabin wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, said cabin wall having at least a first cutout and a second cutout both having development through it between the inner surface and the outer surface; a bracket plate arranged at the outer surface side, said bracket plate having an end portion comprising a shaped protrusion which develops through said first cutout to protrude from it at the inner surface side; a skirting member mounted on the cabin wall at the inner surface side so that at least an end of the shaped protrusion protrudes below the skirting member; a first bushing fixed to the skirting member and inserted in the second cutout of the cabin wall; said bracket plate being pivotally attached to the outer surface of the cabin wall so that at least the end portion is movable towards / away with respect to the cabin wall between a first position, in which the end portion is close to the cabin wall and prevents the first bushing from disengaging the second cutout, and a second position, in which the end portion is spaced from the cabin wall and allows the first bushing to move.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the second cutout is designed as a keyhole comprising a round-like aperture and a tab-like aperture originating from the round-like aperture, said first bushing having an enlargement of section which is able to pass through the round-like aperture and not through the tab-like aperture, said first bushing resting on the tab-like aperture and being prevented from moving towards the round-liked aperture when the end portion is in the first position.

[0011] Preferably, the end portion in the first position covers at least partly the second cutout.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the skirting assembly comprises a second bushing fixed to the cabin wall at the internal surface side and protruding from it, said skirting member having a folded edge supported on the second bushing.

[0013] Preferably, the bracket plate is pivotally attached to the cabin wall by riveting at one point opposite the end portion.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the shaped protrusion comprises an inclined plate which develops through the first cutout and an engaging plate originating from an end of the inclined plate transversely to it, at least a part of the engaging plate protruding below the skirting member. According to one embodiment, the skirting member comprises: a main plate having elongated development according to a first direction; an upper edge and a lower edge of said main plate, both edges being folded towards the cabin wall so that a confined space is defined between the skirting member and the cabin wall, said first and second cutouts facing the confined space.

[0015] Preferably, the lower edge has a first passage, the shaped protrusion developing through said passage so as to protrude below the skirting member.

[0016] Preferably, the upper edge comprises: a first portion originating from the main plate and developing away from it; a second portion originating from one end of the first portion and developing away from it along the cabin wall; said second portion having a second passage and said skirting assembly comprising a second bushing fixed to the cabin wall at the internal surface side and protruding from it, the second portion of the upper edge being supported on the second bushing at the second passage.

[0017] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the non-limiting, description of a preferred, but non-exclusive embodiment of an elevator cabin skirting assembly, as illustrated in the appended drawings, in which: figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a part of an elevator cabin with a skirting assembly, according to the present invention, in a partly exploded view; figure 2 illustrates a zoom on the skirting assembly of figure 1; figure 3 illustrates a zoomed perspective view from outside of the skirting assembly of figure 1; figure 4 illustrates a front view from inside the cabin of the skirting assembly installed; figure 5 illustrates the same view of figure 4, with the skirting member omitted; figure 6 illustrates a sectional view from the side of the skirting assembly of figure 4; figure 7 illustrates a sectional view from the side of the skirting assembly, during installation of the skirting member; figure 8 illustrates a perspective view from outside the cabin of the skirting assembly during installation of the skirting member; figures 9a-9c illustrate three sequential steps of dismounting the skirting member, for example for maintenance purposes.

[0018] With reference to figures, number 1 indicates an elevator cabin skirting assembly.

[0019] The skirting assembly 1 comprises a cabin wall 2. The cabin wall 2 has an inner surface 2a and an outer surface 2b.

[0020] A first cutout 3 and a second cutout 4 are obtained on the cabin wall 2, both having development through it between the inner surface 2a and the outer surface 2b.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the first cutout 3 and the second cutout 4 are arranged side by side.

[0022] The skirting assembly 1 comprises a bracket plate 5 arranged at the outer surface 2b side. The bracket plate 5 has an end portion 51 comprising a shaped protrusion 52. The shaped protrusion 52 passes through the first cutout 3 to protrude from it at the inner surface 2a side.

[0023] The skirting assembly 1 comprises a skirting member 6 mounted on the cabin wall 2 at the inner surface 2a side. The skirting member 6 is positioned so that at least an end of the shaped protrusion 52 protrudes below the skirting member 6. Therefore, a grip and push for the fingers of the operator is allowed, without being visible at the normal eye level of passengers.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the shaped protrusion 52 comprises an inclined plate 521 which develops through the first cutout 3 and an engaging plate 522 which develops from an end of the inclined plate 521 transversely to it. At least a part of the engaging plate 522 protrudes below the skirting member 6 so as to be engaged by the operator to move the end portion 52.

[0025] The skirting assembly 1 comprises a first bushing 7 fixed to the skirting member 6 and inserted in the second cutout 4 of the cabin wall 2. The first bushing 7 serves to limit horizontal movement of the skirting member 6 with respect to the cabin wall 2. For "horizontal" is intended movement of the skirting member 6 along a direction which is parallel to the bottom side of the cabin wall 2.

[0026] The bracket plate 5 is pivotally attached to the outer surface 2b of the cabin wall 2 so that at least the end portion 51 is movable towards / away with respect to the cabin wall 2. The end portion 51 is configurable at least in a first position, in which the end portion 51 is close to the cabin wall 2 and prevents the first bushing 7 to disengage the second cutout 4, and a second position, in which the end portion 51 is spaced from the cabin wall 2 and allows the first bushing 7 to move.

[0027] In other words, the bracket plate 5, when the end portion 51 is in its first position, acts as a movement limiting device for the first bushing 7.

[0028] Preferably, the bracket plate 5 is riveted to the cabin wall 2 at one point opposite to the end portion 51.

[0029] In particular, the bracket plate 5 is shaped and arranged so that the end portion 51 in the first position covers at least partly the second cutout 4, in particular the portion above the first bushing 7.

[0030] According to the preferred embodiment, the first bushing 7 comprises an enlargement of section and the second cutout 4 is designed as a keyhole comprising a round-like aperture 4a and a tab-like aperture 4b originating from the round-like aperture 4a. With respect to the cabin wall 2, the tab-like aperture 4b is below the round-like aperture 4a.

[0031] The first bushing 7 can pass through the round-like aperture 4a but not through the tab-like aperture 4b due to the enlargement of section. Preferably, the first bushing 7 is of the mushroom type.

[0032] The first bushing 7 when inserted rests on the tab-like aperture 4b. The end portion 51 of the bracket plate 5 covers at least partly the round-like aperture 4a. In other words, in the first position the end portion 51 prevents the first bushing 7 to move from the tab-like aperture 4a, thus preventing disengage.

[0033] Preferably, the skirting assembly 1 comprises a second bushing 8 fixed to the cabin wall 2 at the internal surface 2a side and protruding from it. The skirting member 6 has a folded edge supported on the second bushing 8. In this way, when installed, also the upper part of the skirting member 6 is limited for any movement on the horizontal side.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the skirting member 6 comprises a main plate 61 having elongated development according to a first direction. In particular, the first direction is substantially parallel to a bottom side of the cabin wall 2.

[0035] The main plate 61 has an upper edge 61a and a lower edge 61b folded towards the cabin wall 2 so that, when the skirting member 6 is mounted on the cabin wall 2, a confined space is defined between the skirting member 6 and the cabin wall 2. The first and second cutouts 3, 4 are obtained on a part of the cabin wall 2 which defines the confined space.

[0036] In particular, the upper and lower edges 61a, 61b have elongated development according to directions substantially parallel to the first direction.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the lower edge 61b has a first passage 62. The second cutout 4 is covered at the inner surface 2a side by the skirting member 6 and the shaped protrusion 52, in particular the engaging plate 522, develops through the first passage 62 so as to protrude below the skirting member 6.

[0038] In other words, the shaped protrusion 52 passes through the first cutout 3, develops through the confined space between the skirting member 6 and the cabin wall 2 and passes through the passage 62 for protruding below the skirting member 6.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the upper edge 61a and the lower edge 61b comprise: a first portion 63 originating from the main plate 61 and developing away from it; a second portion 64 originating from one end of the first portion 63 and developing away from it along the cabin wall 2.

[0040] For "along the cabin wall" is here intended that the second portion 64 develops parallel to the main plate 61 and to the length of the bottom side of the cabin wall 2.

[0041] In other words, the first portion 63 defines a 90° bending with respect to the main plate 61 and the second portion 64 defines a further 90° bending with respect to the first portion 63.

[0042] The second portion 64 faces the cabin wall 2.

[0043] Preferably, the second portion 64 of the upper edge 61a has a second passage 65 for accommodating the second bushing 8. In particular, the second portion 64 of the upper edge 61a is supported on the second bushing 8 at second passage 65.

[0044] Preferably, the first passage 62 of the lower edge 61b is obtained in both the first portion 63 and second portion 64 of the lower edge 61b.

[0045] Preferably, the first bushing 7 is fixed to the second portion 64 of the lower edge 61b.

[0046] Here follows a description of the installation of the skirting member 6 on the cabin wall 2, illustrated in figures 1-3 and 7-8.

[0047] To install the skirting member 6, it is only needed to put it against the cabin wall 2 and then pushing it down towards the cabin floor. The first bushing 7 is inserted in the second cutout 4, causing the end portion 51 of the bracket plate 5 to move away from the cabin wall 2 and free the area for the passage of the bushing 7. Then, the first bushing 7 is moved down in the second cutout 4 until reaching of the bottom part. When the first bushing 7 reaches the bottom part, the skirting member 6 is mechanically fixed for any horizontal movement.

[0048] When the skirting member 6 moves down, the bracket plate 5 returns back to its natural position (first position). Once installed, the bracket plate 5 serves also to limit upward movement of the skirting member 6.

[0049] In the embodiment with a second bushing 8 pre-fixed on the cabin wall 2 and on which the upper part of the skirting member 6 rests, the upper part of the skirting member 6 is limited for any movement on the horizontal side.

[0050] Here follows a description of the dismounting of the skirting member 6 from the cabin wall 2 for maintenance purposes, illustrated in figures 9a-9c.

[0051] When the installation of the skirting member 6 is finalized, the last portion of the shaped protrusion 52 protrudes below the skirting member 6. It is therefore located between the bottom side of the skirting member 6 and the cabin floor. By manually pushing the shaped protrusion 52, the end portion 51 moves back to the second position, thus allowing movement for the first bushing 7 upwards through the second cutout 4. After lifting the skirting member 6 upwards, the first bushing 7 reach the top of the second cutout 4 and the skirting member 6 can be pulled back and removed from the wall 2.

[0052] An elevator cabin 100 is also object of the present invention.

[0053] The elevator cabin 100 comprises a skirting assembly 1 as described above.

[0054] The characteristics of elevator cabin skirting assembly, according to the present invention, emerge clearly from the above description, as do the advantages.

[0055] In particular, the installation of the skirting assembly proposed can be easily performed by one person from inside the cabin. Moreover, there is no need to use any tool.

[0056] Moreover, on the visible surfaces of the skirting member, there isn't any cutout which can cause any appearance issue. Moreover, the shaped protrusion protrudes below the skirting member but for a tiny part so that it allows grip and push for the fingers of the operator, without being visible at the normal eye level of passengers. Without knowing the approximate position of the shaped protrusion, it is not possible to remove the skirting member. Any maintenance operator can easily remove the skirting member by referring to the installation / maintenance manual, but normal passengers cannot remove it.

Claims

1. An elevator cabin skirting assembly (1), comprising: a cabin wall (2) having an inner surface (2a) and an outer surface (2b), said cabin wall (2) having at least a first cutout (3) and a second cutout (4) both having development through it between the inner surface (2a) and the outer surface (2b); a bracket plate (5) arranged at the outer surface (2b) side, said bracket plate (5) having an end portion (51) comprising a shaped protrusion (52) which develops through said first cutout (3) to protrude from it at the inner surface (2a) side; a skirting member (6) mounted on the cabin wall (2) at the inner surface (2a) side so that at least an end of the shaped protrusion (52) protrudes below the skirting member (6); a first bushing (7) fixed to the skirting member (6) and inserted in the second cutout (4) of the cabin wall (2); said bracket plate (5) being pivotally attached to the outer surface (2b) of the cabin wall (2) so that at least the end portion (51) is movable towards / away with respect to the cabin wall (2) between a first position, in which the end portion (51) is close to the cabin wall (2) and prevents the first bushing (7) from disengaging the second cutout (4), and a second position, in which the end portion (51) is spaced from the cabin wall (2) and allows the first bushing (7) to move.

2. The skirting assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second cutout (4) is designed as a keyhole comprising a round-like aperture (4a) and a tab-like aperture (4b) originating from the round-like aperture (4a), said first bushing (7) having an enlargement of section which is able to pass through the round-like aperture (4a) and not through the tab-like aperture (4b), said first bushing (7) resting on the tab-like aperture (4b) and being prevented from moving towards the round-liked aperture (4a) when the end portion (51) is in the first position.

3. The skirting assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the end portion (51) in the first position covers at least partly the second cutout (4).

4. The skirting assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second bushing (8) fixed to the cabin wall (2) at the internal surface (2a) side and protruding from it, said skirting member (6) having a folded edge (61a) supported on the second bushing (8).

5. The skirting assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket plate (5) is pivotally attached to the cabin wall (2) by riveting at one point opposite the end portion (51).

6. The skirting assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaped protrusion (52) comprises an inclined plate (521) which develops through the first cutout (3) and an engaging plate (522) originating from an end of the inclined plate (521) transversely to it, at least a part of the engaging plate (522) protruding below the skirting member (6).

7. The skirting assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the skirting member (6) comprises: - a main plate (61) having elongated development according to a first direction; - an upper edge (61a) and a lower edge (61b) of said main plate (61), both edges (61a, 61b) being folded towards the cabin wall (3) so that a confined space is defined between the skirting member (6) and the cabin wall (2), said first and second cutouts (3, 4) facing the confined space.

8. The skirting assembly (1) according to claim 7, wherein the lower edge (61b) has a first passage (62), the shaped protrusion (52) developing through said passage (62) so as to protrude below the skirting member (6).

9. The skirting assembly (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the upper edge (61a) comprises: - a first portion (63) originating from the main plate (61) and developing away from it; - a second portion (64) originating from one end of the first portion (63) and developing away from it along the cabin wall (2); said second portion (64) having a second passage (65) and said skirting assembly (1) comprising a second bushing (8) fixed to the cabin wall (2) at the internal surface (2a) side and protruding from it, the second portion (64) of the upper edge (61a) being supported on the second bushing (8) at the second passage (65).

10. An elevator cabin (100) comprising a skirting assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images