Ladder assembly for an elevator

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a ladder assembly including: a mounting support installed on the side wall of an elevator shaft; a ladder removably installed on the mounting support; a safety switch installed on the sidewall, configured to be electrically connected to the elevator safety circuit; and a trigger device installed on either the side wall or the ladder, positioned above the safety switch, and configured to respond to the ladder being installed on the mounting support to restrict the switch state of the safety switch, thereby closing the elevator safety circuit.

Description

[0001] LADDER ASSEMBLY FOR AN ELEVATOR

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure relates to the technical field of elevators, in particular to a ladder assembly.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] An elevator pit ladder is a part of elevator safety facilities, and it provides a safe means to access the elevator pit for maintenance personnel.

[0006] Existing elevator pit ladders generally have two types: a folding ladder and a movable ladder, and use a safety switch with a separate actuator connecting to an elevator safety circuit. A switch connector of the safety switch with the separate actuator is installed on the elevator, and a switch body of the safety switch with the separate actuator is installed on a side wall of an elevator shaft. Therefore, when the ladder is reset, careful observation is required to align the switch connector with a mounting position on the switch body, which is inconvenient to use and may easily cause the safety switch with the separate actuator to fail or damage.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] To solve at least one of the technical problems in the prior art, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a ladder assembly, which may cooperate with a trigger device to restrict the switch state of a safety switch, with simple operation and convenient use.

[0009] One aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a ladder assembly including a mounting support, a ladder, a safety switch, and a trigger device. The mounting support is installed on a side wall of the elevator shaft, the ladder is removably installed on the mounting support, the safety switch is installed on the side wall, and is configured to be electrically connected to an elevator safety circuit, and the trigger device is installed on one of the side wall and the ladder, positioned above the safety switch, and configured to restrict the switch state of the safety switch in respond to the ladder being installed on the mounting support, thereby closing the elevator safety circuit.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the trigger device includes a mounting bracket, a counterweight block, and a coupling element. The counterweight block is movably installed on the mounting bracket, and the coupling element is installed on the counterweight block to cooperate with the ladder, so as to restrict positions of the counterweight block and the safety switch, thereby restricting the switch state of the safety switch.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ladder assembly further includes a trigger element. The trigger element is installed on the other one of the side wall and the ladder. The trigger element is configured to trigger the movement of the coupling element to disengage the counterweight block from the safety switch in respond to the ladder being installed on the mounting support.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the coupling element includes a lower coupling portion, an upper coupling portion, and a connector. The lower coupling portion is used to install the counterweight block, the upper coupling portion is generally horizontally arranged above the lower coupling portion, and the connector connects the lower coupling portion with the upper coupling portion, so as to form a containment space between the upper coupling portion and lower coupling portions. The containment space allows the trigger element to be inserted, such that the trigger element supports the upper coupling portion, thereby disengaging the counterweight block from the safety switch.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the coupling element further includes an extension member, which extends upward and obliquely from one end of the upper coupling portion away from the connector.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a cavity is formed in the mounting bracket in the vertical direction. The counterweight block is movably arranged within the cavity. When the trigger device is removed, the counterweight block moves downward under the guidance of the cavity, making contact with the safety switch, and triggering a change in the switch state of the safety switch.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting bracket includes a first mounting portion and a support portion. The first mounting portion is installed on one of the side wall and the ladder, and the support portion extends outward from the first mounting portion to a plane perpendicular to the first mounting portion. The coupling element is constructed as a rod shape and is pivotally installed on the support portion. The counterweight block is installed at one end of the coupling element, so that when the ladder is installed on the mounting support, the end of the coupling element away from the counterweight block moves downward, causing the counterweight block to move upward, disengaging from the safety switch.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the elevator assembly further includes a second mounting portion. The second mounting portion is installed on the side wall for installing the safety switch.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the trigger element includes a fixed portion and a trigger portion. The fixed portion is installed on the other one of the side wall or the ladder, and the trigger portion extends downward and obliquely from an end of the fixed portion away from the ladder or the side wall.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the safety switch is a micro switch or a travel switch.

[0019] According to the ladder assembly of the present disclosure, by installing the safety switch on the side wall of the elevator shaft and installing the trigger device on either the side wall or the ladder, it is possible to restrict the switch state of the safety switch by cooperating the ladder with the trigger device when the ladder is installed on the mounting support. This results in simple operation and convenient use.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Through the following description of the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, the above content and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more clear, in the accompanying drawings:

[0022] Fig. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of the ladder assembly in the first state according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Fig.2 schematically shows a partial enlarged view of the ladder assembly shown in Fig. 1; Fig.3 schematically shows a perspective view of the ladder assembly in the second state according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Fig.4 schematically shows a partial enlarged view of the ladder assembly shown in Fig.3;

[0025] Fig.5 schematically shows a perspective view of the ladder assembly in the first state according to other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Fig.6 schematically shows a partial enlarged view of the ladder assembly shown in Fig.5;

[0027] Fig.7 schematically shows a perspective view of the ladder assembly in the second state according to other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Fig.8 schematically shows a partial enlarged view of the ladder assembly shown in Fig.7;

[0029] Fig.9 schematically shows a perspective view of the ladder assembly in the first state according to further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] Fig. 10 schematically shows a partial enlarged view of the ladder assembly shown in Fig.9;

[0031] Fig. 11 schematically shows a perspective view of the ladder assembly in the second state according to further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] Fig. 12 schematically shows a partial enlarged view of the ladder assembly shown in Fig. 11;

[0033] Fig. 13 schematically shows a perspective view of the ladder assembly in the first state according to yet other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] Fig. 14 schematically shows a partial enlarged view of the ladder assembly shown in Fig. 13;

[0035] Fig. 15 schematically shows a perspective view of the ladder assembly in the second state according to yet other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0036] Fig. 16 schematically shows a partial enlarged view of the ladder assembly shown in Fig. 15. Explanation of reference symbols:

[0037] 1 -mounting support; 11-main body portion; 12-positioning portion; 2-elevator shaft; 21 -side wall; 22-bottom; 23-limit unit; 24-access opening; 3-ladder; 31 -positioning element; 32-tread; 33-rod; 4-safety switch; 5-trigger device; 51-mounting bracket; 511-first mounting portion; 512- support portion; 513-pivot 514-limiting groove; 515-protruding portion; 52-counterweight block; 521-boss; 53-coupling element; 531-lower coupling portion; 532-upper coupling portion; 533-connector; 534-extension member; 6-trigger element; 61-fixed portion; 62-trigger portion; 7-second mounting portion.

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0039] The present disclosure will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples. It can be understood that the specific embodiments described here are only used to explain the present disclosure, but not to limit the present disclosure. Each feature recorded in the embodiments can be combined to form multiple optional solutions. It should also be noted that, for convenience of description, only some but not all structures related to the present disclosure are shown in the drawings.

[0040] Fig. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of the ladder assembly in the first state according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig.2 schematically shows a partial enlarged view of the ladder assembly shown in Fig. 1; Fig.3 schematically shows a perspective view of the ladder assembly in the second state according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig.4 schematically shows a partial enlarged view of the ladder assembly shown in Fig.3.

[0041] As one aspect of the present disclosure, a ladder assembly is provided, as shown in Fig.l to Fig.4. The ladder assembly includes a mounting support 1, a ladder 3, a safety switch 4, and a trigger device 5. The mounting support 1 is installed on a side wall 21 of an elevator shaft 2, and the ladder 3 is removably installed on the mounting support 1. The safety switch 4 is installed on the side wall 21 and is configured to be electrically connected to the elevator safety circuit. The trigger device 5 is installed on one of the side wall 21 and the ladder 3 and is positioned above the safety switch 4. The trigger device 5 is configured to restrict a switch state of the safety switch 4 in respond to the ladder 3 being installed on the mounting support 1, thereby closing the elevator safety circuit. According to the ladder assembly of the present disclosure, by installing the safety switch on the side wall of the elevator shaft and installing the trigger device on one of the side wall of the shaft and the ladder, it is possible to restrict the switch state of the safety switch by cooperating the ladder with the trigger device when the ladder is installed on the mounting support, which can be done without precise alignment, thereby making the operation simple and convenient to use.

[0042] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, as shown in Fig.l, in the elevator system, an elevator pit structure is formed at a bottom 22 of the elevator shaft 2 and side walls 21 of the elevator shaft 2, and the mounting support 1 and the safety switch 4 are installed on one of the side walls 21 of the elevator shaft 2. The mounting support 1 is used to install the ladder 3. The elevator safety circuit is closed or opened by the safety switch 4 with restriction of the trigger device 5. An access opening 24 for maintenance personnel to enter and exit the pit is provided on one of the other three side walls.

[0043] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, as shown in Fig. l, a limit unit 23 is installed on the bottom 22 of the elevator shaft 2 to prevent displacement of the bottom of the ladder 3 when the ladder 3 is set up at the access opening 24, thereby enhancing the stability of the ladder 3.

[0044] In some illustrative embodiments, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig.3, the limit unit 23 includes a base plate installed on the bottom 22 of the elevator shaft 2 and a protrusion extending upward from the base plate. When the ladder 3 is set up at the access opening 24, a bottom end of the ladder 3 rests against the protrusion, thereby restricting the position of the ladder 3 at the bottom 22 of the elevator shaft 2 and preventing displacement of the ladder 3. It is understood that the limit unit 23 may be installed on the bottom 22 of the elevator shaft 2 by any means of screwing, riveting, welding, etc.

[0045] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, the safety switch 4 is a micro switch or a travel switch.

[0046] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, the micro switch is a contact mechanism with small contact intervals and a quick action mechanism, which operates by a specified stroke and force. In one illustrative embodiment, when the ladder 3 is installed on the mounting support 1, the safety switch 4 is in an off state; when the ladder 3 is disengaged from the mounting support 1, the safety switch 4 is in an on state. It is understood that the safety switch 4 may also be in the on state when the ladder 3 is installed on the mounting support 1, and in the off state when the ladder 3 is disengaged from the mounting support 1.

[0047] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, the ladder may include a folding ladder or a movable ladder.

[0048] Fig.5 schematically shows a perspective view of the ladder assembly in the first state according to other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig.6 schematically shows a partial enlarged view of the ladder assembly shown in Fig.5; Fig.7 schematically shows a perspective view of the ladder assembly in the second state according to other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig.8 schematically shows a partial enlarged view of the ladder assembly shown in Fig.7.

[0049] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, as shown in Fig.l to Fig.8, the trigger device 5 includes a mounting bracket 51, a counterweight block 52, and a coupling element 53. The counterweight block 52 is movably installed on the mounting bracket 51, and the coupling element 53 is installed on the counterweight block 52 to cooperate with the ladder 3, restricting the position of the counterweight block 52 and the safety switch 4, thereby restricting the switch state of the safety switch 4.

[0050] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, as shown in Fig.2 and Fig.5, the ladder 3 includes two rods 33 and multiple horizontally-arranged treads 32 arranged between the two rods 33. When the two rods 33 of the ladder 3 are obliquely set up at the access opening 24 of the elevator shaft 2, maintenance personnel may enter and exit the pit through the treads 32.

[0051] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, the ladder 3 may also include positioning elements 31 for securing the ladder to the mounting support.

[0052] In one illustrative embodiment, as shown in Fig.2 and Fig.5, the positioning elements 31 are installed at an upper end of at least one rod 33 of the folding ladder and are positioned at opposite ends of the rod 33.

[0053] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, as shown in Fig.4, the mounting support 1 includes a main body portion 11 and a positioning portion 12. The main body portion 11 is provided with mounting holes through which bolts may be passed to install the main body portion 11 onto the side wall 21 of the elevator shaft 2. The positioning portion 12 extends upward from the main body portion 11 in a direction perpendicular to the side wall 21, forming an installation groove for accommodating the positioning elements 31 of the ladder 3. By installing the positioning elements 31 on the positioning portion 12, the ladder 3 is installed on the mounting support 1.

[0054] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, the ladder assembly further includes a trigger element 6. The trigger element 6 is installed on the other one of the shaft wall 21 of the elevator shaft 2 and the ladder 3, and is configured to trigger the movement of the coupling element 53 to disengage the counterweight block 52 from the safety switch 41 in respond to the ladder 3 being installed on the mounting support 1.

[0055] In one illustrative embodiment, as shown in Fig.2 and Fig.6, the trigger device 5 is installed on the side wall 21 of the elevator shaft 2, and the trigger element 6is installed on the ladder 3. The trigger element 6 may trigger the movement of the coupling element 53 to disengage the counterweight block 52 from the safety switch 4 in respond to the ladder 3 being installed on the mounting support 1.

[0056] In another illustrative embodiment, the trigger device 5 is installed on the ladder 3, and the trigger element 6 is installed on the side wall of the elevator shaft 2. The trigger element 6 may trigger the movement of the coupling element 53 to disengage the counterweight block 52 from the safety switch 4 in respond to the ladder 3 being installed on the mounting support 1.

[0057] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, the trigger element 6 may have a rod shape such as cylinder, cuboid, or cone.

[0058] In one illustrative embodiment, the trigger element 6 is installed at an upper portion of the rod 33 of the ladder 3. It is understood that the trigger element may also be installed at any position along the rod 33 as needed, for example, it may also be installed at the middle or lower portion of the rod 33.

[0059] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, as shown in Fig.5 and Fig.6, the trigger element 6 includes a fixed portion 61 and a trigger portion 62. The fixed portion 61 is installed on the other one of the ladder 3 and the side wall 21 of the elevator shaft 2, and the trigger portion 62 extends obliquely downward from an end of the fixed portion 61 away from the ladder 3 or the side wall 21.

[0060] In one illustrative embodiment, as shown in Fig.5 and Fig.6, the ladder is a folding ladder, and the trigger element 6 may be positioned at the bottom portion of the two rods 33 of the ladder 3. On one hand, when the ladder 3 is installed in a folded state on the mounting support 1, the trigger element 6 positioned below triggers the movement of the coupling element, causing the counterweight block 52 to disengage from the safety switch 4. On the other hand, when the ladder 3 is set up at the access opening 24 and the folding ladder is in an expanded state, the position of the ladder 3 is restricted by cooperating the trigger element 6 positioned at the bottom portion of the two rods 33 with the limit unit 23, securing the position of the ladder 3 at the bottom 22 of the elevator shaft 2 and enhancing the stability of the ladder 3. It is understood that when the ladder 3 is removed from the mounting support 1, the coupling element 53 moves downward under the influence of the counterweight block 52, causing the counterweight block 52 to trigger the safety switch 4 positioned below, thereby changing the switch state of the safety switch 4. It is understood that in such embodiments, the ladder may also be of other styles, and the bottom portion of the two rods 33 of the ladder 3 may be used as the trigger element 6, which cooperates with the triggering device 5 to restrict the switch state of the safety switch 4.

[0061] In another illustrative embodiment, the trigger element 6 may be installed on the side wall 21 of the elevator shaft 2, and the trigger device 5 is installed on the ladder 3. The fixed portion 61 may be secured to the side wall 21 by bolts, and the trigger portion 62 extends towards an end away from the side wall 21. When the ladder 3 drives the trigger device 5 to be installed on the mounting support 1, the trigger element 6 triggers the movement of the coupling element 53, causing the counterweight block 52 to disengage from the safety switch 4.

[0062] Fig.9 schematically shows a perspective view of the ladder assembly in the first state according to further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 10 schematically shows a partial enlarged view of the ladder assembly shown in Fig.9; Fig.11 schematically shows a perspective view of the ladder assembly in the second state according to further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 12 schematically shows a partial enlarged view of the ladder assembly shown in Fig.11.

[0063] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, as shown in Fig. l to Fig.4 and Fig.9 to Fig.12, the coupling element 53 includes a lower coupling portion 531, an upper coupling portion 532, and a connector 533. The lower coupling portion 531 is used to install the counterweight block 52, and the upper coupling portion 532 is generally horizontally arranged above the lower coupling portion 531. The connector 533 connects between the lower coupling portion 531 and the upper coupling portion 532, forming a containment space between the upper coupling portion and lower coupling portion. The containment space allows the trigger element 6 to be inserted, such that the trigger element 6 supports the upper coupling portion 531, thereby disengaging the counterweight block 52 from the safety switch 4. When the ladder 3 is removed from the mounting support 1, the coupling element 53 loses support and moves downward under the influence of the counterweight block 52 and its own gravity, causing the counterweight block 52 to trigger the safety switch 4.

[0064] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, as shown in Fig. l to Fig.4 and Fig.9 to Fig.12, the coupling element 53 further includes an extension member 534. The extension member 534 extends upward obliquely from one end of the upper coupling portion 532 away from the connector 533, facilitating the insertion or removal of the trigger element 6 from the containment space between the lower coupling portion 531 and the upper coupling portion 532, and easy to install.

[0065] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, as shown in Fig. l to Fig.4 and Fig.9 to Fig.12, the mounting support 51 forms a cavity in the vertical direction, and the counterweight block 52 is movably arranged within the cavity. When the trigger element 6 is removed, the counterweight block 52 moves downward under the guidance of the movement cavity, making contact with the safety switch 4 and triggering a change of a switch state.

[0066] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, as shown in Fig.2, Fig.4, Fig.10, and Fig.12, a strip-shaped limiting groove 514 is arranged at one side wall of the cavity in the vertical direction. The counterweight block 52 extends outward in the horizontal direction to form a boss 521 which moves up or down under the guidance of the limiting groove 514. By arranging the limiting groove 514 and the boss 521, the travel distance and direction of the counterweight block 52 are restricted, preventing it from moving out of the cavity, which at the same time ensures that the counterweight block 52, when falling to the lowest position, remains positioned at the top of the safety switch 4, preventing the impact of the counterweight block 52 on the safety switch 4 and extending its lifespan. Furthermore, a positioning pin can be inserted into the boss 521.

[0067] In some illustrative embodiments, the trigger element 6 may be installed on one side wall of the two rods of the ladder 3 and may be installed at any position in vertical direction on the rods as needed. As shown in Fig.2, the trigger element 6 may be installed on the upper side wall of the rod 33. As shown in Fig. 10, the trigger element 6 may be installed on the side wall of the rod 33 positioned at the middle part and facing another rod.

[0068] Fig. 13 schematically shows a perspective view of the ladder assembly in the first state according to yet other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig.14 schematically shows a partial enlarged view of the ladder assembly shown in Fig.13; Fig.15 schematically shows a perspective view of the ladder assembly in the second state according to yet other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and Fig. 16 schematically shows a partial enlarged view of the ladder assembly shown in Fig.15.

[0069] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Fig.5 to Fig.8 and Fig.13 to Fig.16, the mounting bracket 51 includes a first mounting portion 511 and a support portion 512. The first mounting portion 511 is installed on one of the side wall 21 and the ladder 3, and the support portion 512 extends outward from the first mounting portion 511 to a plane perpendicular to the first mounting portion 511. The coupling element 53 is configured as a rod shape and may be pivotally installed on the support portion 512. The counterweight block 52 is installed at one end of the coupling element 53, such that when the ladder 3 is installed on the mounting support 1, the end of the coupling element 53 away from the counterweight block 52 moves downward, causing the counterweight block 52 to move upward and disengage from the safety switch 4.

[0070] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, as shown in Fig.6, Fig.8, Fig. 14, and Fig.16, the mounting bracket 51 is also provided with a second mounting portion 7, which is installed on the side wall 21 of the elevator shaft 2 and is used to install the safety switch 4.

[0071] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, when the trigger device 5 is installed on the side wall 21 of the elevator shaft 2, the trigger device 5 is installed on the ladder 3. The second mounting portion 7 may be integrally formed with the support portion 512, or it may be installed on the lower part of the support portion 512 through welding, screwing, riveting, or other methods to restrict the maximum and minimum distances between the safety switch 4 and the counterweight block 52, which ensures that when the ladder 3 is removed from the mounting support 1, the counterweight block 52 may trigger the safety switch 4, and when the ladder 3 is installed on the mounting support 1, the counterweight block 52 may disengage from the safety switch 4. It is understood that when the trigger device 5 is installed on the side wall 21 of the elevator shaft 2, it may be arranged as needed. For example, the trigger device 5 may also be installed at a distance from at least one of the mounting support 1 and the second mounting portion 7.

[0072] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Fig.2, Fig.4, Fig.10, and Fig.12, the first mounting portion 511 is installed on the side wall 21, and it extends away from the side wall 21 to form a cavity that allows the counterweight block 52 to move in vertical direction. The second mounting portion 7 is installed on the lower part of the first mounting portion 511 to install the safety switch 4. In this way, by cooperating the first mounting portion 511 with the second mounting portion 7, the distance between the counterweight block 52 and the safety switch 4 is defined, ensuring that when the ladder 3 is removed from the mounting support 1, the counterweight block 52 may trigger the safety switch 4, and when the ladder 3 is installed on the mounting support 1, the counterweight block 52 may disengage from the safety switch 4.

[0073] Furthermore, the second mounting portion 7 may be integrally formed with the mounting bracket 51, or it may be installed on the lower part of the mounting bracket 51 through welding, screwing, riveting, or other methods. It is understood that the second mounting portion 7 used to install the safety switch 4 may also be installed on the main body portion 11 of the mounting support 1. The second mounting portion 7 may be integrally formed with the main body portion 11, or it may be installed on the upper part of the main body portion 11 through welding, screwing, riveting, or other methods. It is understood that the second mounting portion 7, the mounting bracket 51, and the mounting support 1 may be arranged according to practical requirements. For example, the second mounting portion 7, the mounting bracket 51, and the mounting support 1 may be integrally arranged or installed, or at least one of the second mounting portion

[0074] 7, the mounting bracket 51, and the mounting support 1 may be spaced apart from others.

[0075] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, when the trigger element 6 is installed on the side wall 21 of the elevator shaft 2, the trigger device 5 is installed on the ladder 3. The fixed portion 61 of the trigger element 6 may be spaced apart from the mounting support 1 and the second mounting portion 7, or it may be integrally arranged with at least one of the mounting support 1 and the second mounting portion 7. In such embodiments, integrated arrangements include integral molding, welding, riveting, screwing, and other installation methods.

[0076] In one illustrative embodiment, as shown in Fig.6 and Fig. 16, the cross-section of the coupling element 53 is configured as a U-shaped element, including two support plates and a connecting plate positioned between the two support plates. The counterweight block 52 is installed between the two support plates of the U-shaped element, and the trigger element 6 rests on the upper surface of the connecting plate, causing the counterweight block 52 to lift under the action of the coupling element 53, thereby disengaging from the safety switch 4. It is understood that the cross-section of the coupling element 53 may also include any shape such as circular, rectangular, polygonal, and conical, etc.

[0077] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, as shown in Fig.6, Fig.8, Fig. 14, and Fig.16, the mounting bracket 51 also includes two protruding portions 515 and a pivot 513. The two protruding portions 515 respectively extend upward along the ends of the support portion 512 perpendicular to the side wall 21. The two protruding portions 515 respectively have a through- hole, and the pivot 513 passes respectively through the through-hole on one protruding portions, the coupling element 53, and another through-hole on the other protruding portions, thereby installing the coupling element 53 on the first mounting portion 511 and allowing it to rotate around the pivot 513. It is understood that the two protruding portions 515 may also extend downward along the ends of the support portion 512 perpendicular to the side wall.

[0078] In one illustrative embodiment, the protruding portions 515 closer to the side wall 21 may serve as the first mounting portion 511.

[0079] In an alternative embodiment, the cross-section of the coupling element 53 is configured as a U- shaped component, including two support plates and a connecting plate positioned between the two support plates. The mounting bracket 51 also includes a protruding portion 515 and a pivot 513. The protruding portion 515 extends upward along the direction of the support portion perpendicular to the side wall 21, with a through-hole on the protruding portion 515. The pivot 513 passes sequentially through one support plate of the coupling element 53, the through-hole on the protruding portion, and the other support plate of the coupling element 53, thereby installing the coupling element 53 on the first mounting portion 511. The shape of the protruding portion 515 may be roughly triangular to allow the coupling element 53 to rotate around the pivot 513.

[0080] In one illustrative embodiment, as shown in Fig. 14 and Fig.16, the ladder 3 is a movable ladder, and the treads 32 of the ladder 3 serve as positioning components. By installing the steps 32 on the positioning portion 12, the ladder 3 is installed on the mounting support 1.

[0081] In one illustrative embodiment, as shown in Fig. 14 and Fig.16, the trigger element 6 is installed on the inner side of at least one of the two rods 33 of the ladder 3. Furthermore, the trigger element 6 and the safety switch 4 are positioned above the mounting support 1, for observation of the switch state of safety switch 4 when installing or removing the ladder 3. It is understood that the installation position of the trigger element 6 and trigger device 5 may also be selected as needed.

[0082] In another illustrative embodiment, as shown in Fig.9 and Fig. 13, the bottom of the ladder is installed with a limit plate, which extends downward obliquely. As shown in Figs.9, 11, 13, and 15, the limit unit 23 includes a fixed bracket and an extension portion protruding from the bottom 22 of the elevator shaft 2. The fixed bracket is arranged on the bottom 22 of the elevator shaft 2, and the interior of the fixed bracket forms a containment space to accommodate the limit plate, restricting its position on the bottom 22 of the shaft 2 to prevent displacement of the ladder 3. The extension portion extends upward from one end of the fixed bracket near the access opening 24, arranged on the side wall 21 of the elevator shaft 2. In such embodiments, the limit unit 23 can be installed in the shaft 2 by either the fixed bracket or the extension portion. For instance, the fixed bracket may be installed on the bottom 22 of the elevator shaft 2, and the extension portion is installed on the side wall 21, so as to enhance the installation reliability of the limit unit 23. Furthermore, the extension portion may be installed on the side wall 21 with the access opening 24, or on the opposite side wall to the side wall 21 with the access opening 24. Alternatively, by installing the extension portion on the side wall 21 with the access opening 24, the limit unit 23 may be secured to the bottom 22 of the elevator shaft 2. It is understood that the limit unit 23 may be installed on at least one of the bottom 22 and the side wall of the elevator shaft 2 using methods such as screwing, riveting, welding, or any equivalent means.

[0083] The foregoing descriptions are merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof. Any modifications, equivalents, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

Claims1. A ladder assembly, characterized by comprising: a mounting support (1), installed on a side wall (21) of an elevator shaft (2); a ladder (3), removably installed on the mounting support (1); a safety switch (4), installed on the side wall (21), and configured to be electrically connected to an elevator safety circuit; and a trigger device (5), installed on one of the side wall (21) and the ladder (3), positioned above the safety switch (4), and configured to restrict a switch state of the safety switch (4) in respond to the ladder (3) being installed on the mounting support (1), thereby closing the elevator safety circuit.

2. The ladder assembly according to claim 1, wherein the trigger device (5) comprises: a mounting bracket (51); a counterweight block (52), movably installed on the mounting bracket (51); and a coupling element (53), which is installed on the counterweight block (52) to cooperate with the ladder (3), so as to restrict positions of the counterweight block (52) and the safety switch (4), thereby restricting the switch state of the safety switch (4).

3. The ladder assembly according to claim 2, wherein the elevator assembly further comprises: a trigger element (6), which is installed on the other one of the side wall (21) and the ladder (3), and is configured to trigger the movement of the coupling element (53) to disengage the counterweight block (52) from the safety switch (4) in respond to the ladder (3) being installed on the mounting support (1).

4. The ladder assembly according to claim 3, wherein the coupling element (53) comprises: a lower coupling portion (531), used to install the counterweight block (52); an upper coupling portion (532), generally horizontally arranged above the lower coupling portion (531); and a connector (533), which is configured to connect the lower coupling portion (531) with the upper coupling portion (532), so as to form a containment space between the upper coupling portion and lower coupling portion; wherein the containment space allows the trigger element (6) to be inserted, such that the trigger element (6) supports the upper coupling portion (531), disengaging the counterweight block (52)from the safety switch (4).

5. The ladder assembly according to claim 4, wherein the coupling element (53) further comprises: an extension member (534), extending upward and obliquely from one end of the upper coupling portion (532) away from the connector (533).

6. The ladder assembly according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein a cavity is formed in the mounting bracket (51) in the vertical direction, and the counterweight block (52) is movably arranged within the cavity, such that when the trigger device (6) is removed, the counterweight block (52) moves downward under the guidance of the cavity, making contact with the safety switch (4), and triggering a change in the switch state of the safety switch (4).

7. The ladder assembly according to claim 3, wherein the mounting bracket (51) comprises: a first mounting portion (511), installed on one of the side wall (21) and the ladder (3); and a support portion (512), extending outward from the first mounting portion (511) to a plane perpendicular to the first mounting portion (511); wherein the coupling element (53) is configured as a rod shape and is pivotally installed on the support portion (512), and the counterweight block (52) is installed at one end of the coupling element (53), so that when the ladder (3) is installed on the mounting support (1), the end of the coupling element (53) away from the counterweight block (52) moves downward, causing the counterweight block (52) to move upward and disengage from the safety switch (4).

8. The ladder assembly according to claim 7, wherein the elevator assembly further comprises: a second mounting portion (7), installed on the side wall (21) for installing the safety switch (4).

9. The ladder assembly according to claim 7, wherein the trigger element (6) comprises: a fixed portion (61), installed on the other one of the side wall (21) and the ladder (3); and a trigger portion (62), extending downward and obliquely from an end of the fixed portion (61) away from the ladder (3) or the side wall (21).

10. The ladder assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the safety switch (4) is a micro switch or a travel switch.

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