Rail lighting in ceiling

Abstract

According to an embodiment, a passenger elevator cabin is described. The passenger elevator cabin includes, at least two ceiling panels, at least one rail element, the at least one rail element being arranged between first and second rows of the at least two ceiling panels and comprising at least one bracket interconnecting the first and second rows of the at least two ceiling panels with each other, and at least one lighting fixture, wherein the at least one lighting fixture is mounted onto the at least one rail element.

Description

RAIL LIGHTING IN CEILINGTECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Embodiments of the invention relate to rail lighting in a ceiling, and in particular to a rail lighting assembly in a ceiling of a passenger elevator cabin. Specifically, embodiments relate to a passenger elevator cabin, a method of installing a lighting fixture in a passenger elevator cabin, and a method of exchanging a lighting fixture in a passenger elevator cabin.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Elevators, for example service elevators and passenger elevators, utilize lighting so that passengers or other users can see in the elevator cabin. A passenger’s experience in an elevator can significantly vary depending on many characteristics, and is among others also influenced by the lighting.

[0003] The light source can range from a halogen light to a xenon light to an LED (light emitting diode) and more. The field of lighting has developed extensively, however, introduction of lighting has not been a main focus. In some elevator cabins, lighting is installed in or around the edges of the ceiling, but it remains a challenge to install the lightning so that they are accessible for installation and maintenance and at the same time provide an effective lightning and a positive experience.

[0004] The ceiling is another part of the elevator that is often overlooked but that influences the passenger’s experience. In some elevator cabins, the ceiling comprises a number of ceiling panels, which are interconnected to form a ceiling of an elevator cabin. The interconnection of the multiple ceiling panels can be accomplished through rails. This arrangement of ceiling panels interconnected by rails is cost-effective and robust, but not always appealing.

[0005] Thus, there is a need for efficiently using the elements of an elevator cabin.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In light of the above, a passenger elevator cabin, a method of installing a light fixture in a passenger elevator cabin, and a method of exchanging a lighting fixture in a passenger elevator cabin,as claimed, are provided. Further advantages, features, aspects and details are evident from the claims, the description and the drawings.

[0007] According to an embodiment, a passenger elevator cabin is described. The passenger elevator cabin includes, at least two ceiling panels, at least one rail element, and at least one lighting fixture. The at least one rail element being arranged between first and second rows of the at least two ceiling panels and comprising at least one bracket interconnecting the first and second rows of the at least two ceiling panels with each other. The at least one lighting fixture is mounted onto the at least one rail element. The at least rail element has an elongated shape laterally delimited by and extending between a straight linear first edge and a straight linear second edge, the first and second edges extending in parallel to each other along a lengthwise direction, the first edge extending along an adjacent side edge of the first row of the at least two ceiling panels of the at least two ceiling panels, and the linear second edge extending along an adjacent side edge of the second row of the at least two ceiling panels of the at least two ceiling panels.

[0008] The at least two ceiling panels may comprise a top side and a bottom side, wherein the bottom side is facing a passenger cabin volume. The at least two ceiling panels may have or form, at their side edges or ends, a U-shape. This “U” is provided or defined by the top side, the bottom side and an intermediate side. Said intermediate side is connecting the top side and the bottom side together. The ceiling panels may be designed as sheet metal parts. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one rail element may be designed as a sheet metal part.

[0009] The at least one rail element may comprise at least one opening for the at least one lighting fixture to be mounted. The at least one rail element may comprise a profile member extending in the lengthwise direction and having a downwardly open U-shaped cross-section. So in other words, the rail element is open towards a passenger cabin volume and especially towards a car floor. The profile member may have a preferably horizontal base leg wherein the at least one opening for the at least one lighting fixture is formed by a cut-out in said base leg of the profile member. The horizontal base leg extends between the first and second edges. The cut-out preferably having a quadrangular shape. The at least one lighting fixture can be easily inserted into the respective opening.

[0010] According to an embodiment, a method of installing a lighting fixture in a passenger elevator cabin is provided. The method includes mounting at least one lighting fixture to the at least one rail element, wherein mounting the at least one lighting fixture to the at least one rail element comprises positioning the at least one lighting fixture into a locked position. The method further includes connecting at least two panels to each other through the at least one rail element, wherein the connectingthe two or more panels through the at least one rail element comprises connecting the two or more panels to the at least one rail element through at least one fastening.

[0011] According to an embodiment, a method of exchanging a lighting fixture in a passenger elevator cabin is provided. The method includes removing at least one fastening connecting at least two panels to at least one rail element, removing the at least one rail element from between the at least two panels by compressing the at least one rail element, removing the at least one lighting fixture from the at least one rail element, wherein the at least one removed lighting fixture is a first lighting, and installing a second lighting according to the method of installing a lighting fixture in a passenger elevator cabin as described herein.

[0012] Embodiments are also directed at apparatuses, for example, passenger elevator cabins, which beneficially utilize the at least one rail element in the passenger elevator cabins. Embodiments are also directed at apparatuses for carrying out the disclosed methods and include apparatus parts for performing each described method step. These method steps may be performed by way of hardware components. Furthermore, embodiments according to the invention are also directed at methods by which the described apparatus can perform. It includes method steps for carrying out installation or exchange of a light fixture of the apparatus.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments. The accompanying drawings relate to embodiments of the invention and are described in the following:FIG 1 illustrates, schematically, a cross-sectional view of a ceiling of a passenger elevator cabin according to embodiments described herein;FIGS. 2A to 2C illustrate, schematically, isometric and cross-sectional views, of a ceiling of a passenger elevator cabin according to embodiments described herein;FIG. 3 illustrates, schematically, a cross-sectional view of a ceiling of a passenger elevator cabin according to embodiments described herein;FIGS. 4A to 4B illustrate, schematically, lamp mounting topologies of a passenger elevator cabin according to embodiments described herein;FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of a method of installing a lighting fixture in a passenger elevator cabin according to embodiments described herein; andFIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of a method of exchanging a lighting fixture in a passenger elevator cabin according to embodiments described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Utilizing at least one rail element in an elevator cabin as described herein has a number of benefits. One benefit is that lighting can be optimized and be more easily interchangeable due to the relative stability of the rail elements. Further, by utilizing the at least one rail element to provide lighting, cabin panels can be more easily replaced when attempting to do so. This is because lighting fixtures would not form part of the cabin panels, but rather the rail, which is robust and thus needs less interchanging. Lighting being mounted to the at least one rail element allows the cabin panels to have reduced weight, a clean-looking surface such as a flat uniform surface, and / or an easy-to-clean surface. Furthermore, lighting being mounted onto the at least one rail element can provide for a more secure mounting, and easier and more secure installation, deinstallation or exchange of the lighting fixture, since the rail element is rigid while still lightweight due to its small footprint. Additionally, lighting being mounted onto the at least one rail element can provide a scalable and modular solution for various elevator cabin sizes with a small number of elements, since a larger ceiling can simply be achieved with a larger number of ceiling panels and longer rails. The number of lighting fixtures may scale with the length of the rails, so that the number of lighting fixtures may increase with cabin size. Finally, the invention allows for an aesthetically appealing elevator cabin, in particular a passenger elevator cabin. The cabin panels and the at least one rail element can be seamlessly connected with a functional and appealing rail element, providing for a connection of the ceiling panels without impeding the aesthetics of the cabin ceiling.

[0015] Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the figures. Within the following description of the drawings, the same reference numbers refer to same components. Generally, only the differences with respect to individual embodiments are described. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the inventionand is not meant as a limitation of the invention. Further, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on or in conjunction with other embodiments to yield yet a further embodiment. It is intended that such exemplary modifications and variations are included.

[0016] Without limiting the scope of protection of the present application, in the following, the passenger elevator cabin will be described exemplarily. The described passenger elevator cabin can be understood as an elevator which can carry a passenger or multiple passengers, but is not required to carry a passenger or more passengers.

[0017] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a ceiling 100 of a passenger elevator cabin according to embodiments described herein. The passenger elevator cabin includes at least two ceiling panels 110, at least one rail element 120, and at least one lighting fixture 130. The at least one rail element 120 being arranged between first and second rows of the at least two ceiling panels 110. For example, the first row of ceiling panels 110 can include two ceiling panels 110 while the second row of the at least two ceiling panels 110 can include one ceiling panel 110. The number of ceiling panels 110 in each of the first and second rows of the at least two ceiling panels 110 can be varied to meet the structural and / or aesthetic requirements. The number of ceiling panels 110 in each of the first and second rows of the at least two ceiling panels 110 can be the same or different. The at least one rail element 120 includes at least one bracket 140 (see for example FIG. 2A) interconnecting the first and second rows of the at least two ceiling panels 110 with each other. The at least one lighting fixture 130 is mounted onto the at least one rail element 120. The at least one rail element 120 has an elongated shape laterally delimited by and extending between a straight linear first edge 122 and a straight linear second edge 124, the first and second edges 122, 124 extending in parallel to each other along a lengthwise direction. The first edge 122 extending along an adjacent side of the first row of at the least two ceiling panels 110. The second edge 124 extending along an adjacent side of the first row of the at least two ceiling panels 110.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the at least two ceiling panels 110 include a top side and a bottom side. The bottom side can be facing an elevator cabin volume, and in particular a passenger cabin volume. The top side can be facing a structure of the elevator, and in particular the structure of the passenger elevator. The bottom side can include a flat surface or a substantially flat surface. The bottom side can include a concave surface or a convex surface. The bottom side can include a sinusoidal surface. The bottom side can include a symmetric surface or an asymmetric surface. The top side can include a flat surface or a substantially flat surface. The top side can include a concave surface or a convex surface. The top side can include a sinusoidal surface. The top side can include a symmetric surface or an asymmetric surface.

[0019] Where the at least one lighting fixture 130 is mounted onto the at least one rail element 120, the at least one lighting fixture 130 can have an orientation which is the same as an orientation of the bottom side of the at least two ceiling panels 110, with respect to the what is in front. The orientation of the at least lighting fixture 130 can be at an angle with respect to the at least two ceiling panels 110, and in particular with respect to the bottom side of the at least two ceiling panels 110.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the at least one rail element 120 includes at least one protruding portion protruding beyond the at least two ceiling panels 110. The at least one protruding portion can extend beyond the at least two ceiling panels 110 into the passenger cabin volume. The at least one protruding portion can include at least one laterally extending portion, wherein the laterally extending portion can overlap with at least one ceiling panel 110 of the at least two ceiling panels 110. For example, the at least one protruding portion can be beneficial with respect to removal of the at least one rail element 120, because it can be compressed such that the at least one rail element 120 can be removed. The at least one protruding portion can beneficially provide an easier grasp for the removal of the at least one rail element 120. The at least one laterally extending portion of the at least one protruding portion can be beneficial, for example, in locking the at least one rail element between the first and second rows of the at least two ceiling panels 110. The at least one protruding portion of the at least one rail element 120, and in particular the at least one laterally extending portion, can be of any suitable shape, for example, rectangular, circular, triangular, and more. The at least one protruding portion can seamlessly cover any gap between the at least one rail element 120 and the first or second row of the at least two ceiling panels 110. Seamlessly covering agap can be beneficial in preventing any contaminants from being wedged between. The seamless covering of the gap can be beneficial in providing a more aesthetically appealing elevator cabin. The at least one rail element 120 can fill a split between the at least two ceiling panels 110.

[0021] The at least two ceiling panels 110 can have a U-shape and more precise U-shaped first and second edges. The shape of the at least two ceiling panels 110 can be the same for all of the at least two ceiling panels 110 or can be different for each of the at least two ceiling panels 110. The U-shape can provide for the top side, which can be facing the structure of the elevator. The U-shape can provide for the bottom side, which can be facing the elevator cabin volume, and in particular the passenger cabin volume. As can be seen in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 the top side and the bottom side are, when the cabin is installed, are horizontal sides. Furthermore, there is an intermediate side which is connecting the top side and the bottom side together. So the “U” is provided or defined by the horizontal top side, the horizontal bottom side and the vertical intermediate side. The ceiling panels 110 may be designed as sheet metal parts. The U-shape can provide a region, such as an empty space, between the top side and the bottom side of the at least two ceiling panels 110. The U-shape can provide, for example, a reduction in weight, at least one connection point, etc.

[0022] FIG. 2A schematically illustrates an isometric view of the ceiling of the passenger elevator cabin according to embodiments described herein. The passenger elevator cabin includes the at least two ceiling panels 110, the at least one rail element 120, and the at least one lighting fixture 130. The at least one rail element 120 being arranged between first and second rows of the at least two ceiling panels 110. The at least one rail element 120 includes a profile member with a downwardly open U-shaped cross-section. This rail element 120 may be designed as a sheet metal part. The at least one rail element 120 further includes at least one bracket 140 interconnecting the first and second rows of the at least two ceiling panels 110 with each other. The at least one lighting fixture 130 is mounted onto the at least one rail element 120. The ceiling 100 of the passenger elevator cabin can further include at least one fastening 142, at least one structure element 150, wherein the at least one structure element 150 is of the elevator, in particular of the cabin elevator, and at least one raised bracket 170. FIG. 2B illustrates the section view A-A of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C illustrates the section view B-B of FIG. 2A.

[0023] FIG. 2B schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view (section A-A in FIG. 2A) of the ceiling of the passenger elevator cabin according to embodiments described herein. The passenger elevator cabin includes the at least two ceiling panels 110, the at least one rail element 120, the at least one bracket 140 interconnecting the first and second rows of the at least two ceiling panels 110 with each other, and at least one fastening 142.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the top side of the at least two ceiling panels 110 is configured to be connected to the at least one rail element 120. The top side of the at least two ceiling panels 110 can be configured to be connected to the at least one rail element 120 through the at least one fastening 142. In particular, the at least one fastening 142 can be at least one screw. Other examples of at least one fastening 142 can include at least one weld, at least one nut and bolt, at least one pin, at least interconnecting mechanism, etc. The at least one fastening 142 can be of a single type. The at least one fastening 142 can be of different types.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the at least one bracket 140 extends laterally beyond the at least one rail element 120, preferably wherein the at least one bracket 140 overlaps with the at least two ceiling panels 110. The at least one bracket 140 can be joined to the at least one rail element 120, preferably wherein the at least one bracket 140 is welded to the at least one rail element.

[0026] The at least one bracket 140 extending laterally beyond the at least one rail element 120 and overlapping with the at least two ceiling panels 110 can be beneficial in providing a better interconnection between the first and second rows of the at least two ceiling panels 110. The at least one bracket 140 can be welded to the at least two ceiling plates 110. The at least one weld which is welded can be such that it is sufficiently strong to not fail when not desired, for example, during an unusualmovement of the passenger elevator cabin, but sufficiently weak such that the at least one weld can be broken when desiring to remove or exchange the at least one rail element 120. For example, the at least one weld can be positioned on the lateral extremities of the connection between the at least one bracket 140 and the at least two ceiling panels 110. The at least one weld can vary in shape, size, and at least one material being welded.

[0027] The at least one bracket 140 can include at least one hole. The at least one hole can be of a different shape and a different size. The at least one hole can be configured to be for the positioning of the at least one fastening 142. For example, where the at least one fastening 142 is a screw, the at least one hole can be a circular hole or a circular hole with a thread, wherein the thread corresponds to a thread of the screw.

[0028] The at least one bracket 140 can be joined to the at least one rail element 120 through at least one weld, at least one adhesive, at least one fastening mechanism such as a nut and bolt, etc. Joining the at least one bracket 140 to the at least one rail element 120 can provide for the at least one rail element 120 to be stronger and maintain its desired geometry. For example, when the at least one bracket 140 overlaps the at least two ceiling panels 110 and is connected to the at least two ceiling panels 110 through the at least one fastening 142, and is joined to the at least one rail element 120, the load of the joined and connected features is distributed better, thus reducing the concentrations of stress and / or strain. The at least one bracket 140 overlapping the at least two ceiling panels 110 being joined to the at least one rail element 120 can further provide the benefit of a better alignment of the respective features. The at least one bracket 140 can be beneficial in for example providing a limitation of a positioning of the at least one rail element 120 with respect to the at least two ceiling panels 110, by for example ensuring that they are correctly aligned, for example, parallel to one another.

[0029] FIG. 2C schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view (section B-B in FIG. 2A) of the ceiling of the passenger elevator cabin according to embodiments described herein. The passenger elevator cabin includes the at least two ceiling panels 110, the at least one rail element 120, the at least one lighting fixture 130, the at least one fastening 142, at least one structural element 150, and at least one raised bracket 170.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the at least one rail element 120 comprises at least one opening for the at least one lighting fixture 130 to be mounted. The at least one opening may be formed by a cut-out in a horizontal base leg of the profile member of the at least one rail element 120. The at least one opening can correspond to the exact geometry of the at least one lighting fixture 130. For example, the cut-out may have a quadrangular shape. The at least one opening can have a size and shape which corresponds sufficiently, for example includes a tolerance, to the at least one lighting fixture 130.The at least one opening can be configured for the at least one lighting fixture 130 to be correctly positioned. The at least one rail element 120 can hold the at least one lighting fixture 130 on one side. The at least one rail element 120 can hold the at least one lighting fixture 130 on more than one side. For example, the at least one rail element 120 can hold the at least one lighting fixture 130 from two parallel sides and at least one perpendicular side. For example, the at least one lighting fixture 130 can be held such that the at least one lighting fixture 130 can be correctly held and emitting at least one light into the passenger cabin volume.

[0031] For example, the at least one lighting fixture 130 can include any light emitting source. The light emitting source can be for example, a halogen, a xenon, an LCD, and LED (light emitting diode), a laser, etc. For example, the at least one lighting fixture 130 includes at least one LED. The at least one LED can include at least one cooling fin, which can provide the benefit of more efficiently cooling the LED, which subsequently provides the benefit of lower operating temperatures leading to a longer lifespan.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the at least one raised bracket 170 is connecting the at least two ceiling panels 110 with the at least one structure element 150 of the passenger elevator cabin. For example, the at least one raised bracket 170 is oriented orthogonally to the at least one rail element 120. The at least one raised bracket 170 can be connected to the at least one structure element 150 of the passenger elevator cabin through the at least one fastening 142. The at least one raised bracket 170 can be connected to the at least two cabin panels 110 through the at least one fastening 142. The at least one fastening 142 can be of any type, particularly of that described herein.

[0033] The at least one raised bracket 170 can be positioned such that it is over the at least one lighting fixture 130. The at least one raised bracket 170 can be positioned such that it is directly over the at least one lighting fixture. The at least one raised bracket 170 can be positioned such that it is at least partially over the at least one lighting fixture 130. The at least one raised bracket 170 can be positioned such that it is at least completely over the at least one lighting fixture 130. With the at least one raised bracket 170 being oriented about the at least one lighting fixture 130 and above the at least one lighting fixture 130, the at least one lighting fixture 130 can be provided with more space or sufficient space. For example, with more space for the at least one lighting fixture 130, the at least one lighting fixture 130 can be provided with better cooling, by for example the at least one cooling fin, resulting in the longer lifespan. The cooling of the at least one lighting fixture 130 can be performed by any means, such as for example a fan, air conditioning, thermal capacitors, etc.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates, schematically, a cross-sectional view of a ceiling 100 of a passenger elevator cabin according to embodiments described herein. The passenger elevator cabin includes the at least onerail element 120, the at least one lighting fixture 130, at least one spring, the at least one fastening 142, at least one structural element 150, and at least two downwardly protruding plates 122.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the at least one lighting fixture 130 includes at least one spring 132. The at least one spring 132 can be for mounting the at least one light fixture 130 onto the at least one rail element 120. For example, the at least one light fixture 130 is correctly positioned onto the portion of the at least one rail element 120 which is configured for holding the at least one light fixture 130. The at least one spring 132 is attached to the at least one light fixture 130 and interacts with the at least one rail element 120 to hold the at least one light fixture in position. For example, the at least one spring 132 can be fixed to the at least one light fixture 130, such that the at least one spring 132 cannot be separated from the at least one light fixture 130. The at least one spring 132 can exert a force sufficient in nature to firmly hold the at least one light fixture in its position, and in particular in its mounted / locked position. The at least one spring 132 can be adapted to hold the at least one light fixture firmly or sufficiently. The at least one spring 132 can enable for the at least one lighting fixture to be in a locked position. The at least one spring 132 can provide the benefit of preventing undesired movement of the at least one light fixture 130 with respect to the at least one rail element 120. The at least one spring 132 can be operated to remove the at least one light fixture 130 from the at least one rail element 120.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the at least one rail element 120 includes at least two downwardly protruding plates 122. The at least two downwardly protruding plates 122 can be transverse to the at least one rail element 120. For example, the at least two downwardly protruding plates 122 can be oriented transversely to a longitudinal direction of the at least one rail element 120. The at least two downwardly protruding plates 122 can be connected through the at least one rail element 120 through at least one fastening 142. For example, the at least one fastening 142 can be at least one weld. The at least two downwardly protruding plates can provide the benefit of correctly aligning the positioning of the at least one lighting fixture 130. A combination of the at least one spring 132, the at least two downwardly protruding plates 122, and the at least one rail element 120 can form a fixed unit which can provide the required physical properties. Furthermore, the combination of the at least one spring 132, the at least two downwardly protruding plates 122, and the at least one rail element 120 can ensure that the at least one light fixture 130 is correctly mounted and that the at least one light fixture 130 is in a desired orientation.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the at least one lighting fixture 130 can include any number of light sources, which is illustrated in FIG. 3 as having four light sources. The at least one lighting fixture 130 can be of any length, for example, at least 30 cm. If the at least one lighting fixture 130 includes two or more lighting fixtures, each of the two or more lighting fixtures can be the same or different from each other, in particular with respect to the geometry and light source amongst othercharacteristics. The at least one light fixture 130 can be configured to be within limits of the at least one rail element 120, for example, not extend beyond the geometrical limits of the at least one rail element 120.

[0038] FIG. 4A illustrates, schematically, a lamp mounting topology of a passenger elevator cabin according to embodiments described herein. The ceiling 100 can include at least one lighting element LE. For example, the ceiling 100 includes one lighting element LE. The at least one rail element 120 can include, for example, two rail elements 120. The at least one lighting fixture 130 can include, for example, four lighting fixtures 130. The at least one rail element 120 can be oriented to extend along an entire length of the passenger elevator cabin, and in particular, to extend the entire length the ceiling 100. The at least one lighting fixture 130 is mounted onto the at least one rail element 120, thus, the at least one lighting fixture 130 can have the same orientation as the at least one rail element 120. The at least one lighting fixture 130 can be positioned such that it is not at any end of the ceiling 100. The lighting element LE can include the region enclosed by the at least one rail element 120 and the at least one lighting fixture 130. For example, the lighting element LE illustrated in FIG. 4A is formed by the two rail elements 120 and the four lighting fixtures 130.

[0039] FIG. 4B illustrates, schematically, a lamp mounting topology of a passenger elevator cabin according to embodiments described herein. The ceiling 100 can include at least one lighting element LE. For example, the ceiling 100 includes two lighting elements LE. The at least one rail element 120 can include, for example, two rail elements 120. The at least one lighting fixture 130 can include, for example, six lighting fixtures 130. The at least one rail element 120 can be oriented to extend along an entire length of the passenger elevator cabin, and in particular, to extend the entire length of the ceiling 100. The at least one lighting fixture 130 is mounted onto the at least one rail element 120, thus, the at least one lighting fixture 130 can have the same orientation as the at least one rail element 120. The at least one lighting fixture 130 can be positioned such that it is not at any end of the ceiling 100. The lighting element LE can include the region enclosed by the at least one rail element 120 and the at least one lighting fixture 130. For example, the lighting element LE illustrated in FIG. 4A is formed by the two rail elements 120 and the four lighting fixtures 130. The size, orientation, number of features, etc. can be determined based on the size of the passenger elevator cabin.

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of a method 200 of installing a lighting fixture in a passenger elevator cabin according to embodiments described herein. The method 200 of installing the at least one lighting fixture in a passenger elevator cabin includes operation 202 and operation 204. Operation 202 includes mounting the at least one lighting fixture to at least one rail element. Mounting the at least one lighting fixture to the at least one rail element includes positioning the at least one lighting fixture into a locked position. Operation 204 includes connecting at least two panels, which can be for exampleceiling panels, to each other through the at least one rail element. Connecting the at least two panels through the at least one rail element can include connecting the at least two panels to the at least one rail element through at least one fastening.

[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of a method 300 of exchanging a lighting fixture in a passenger elevator cabin according to embodiments described herein. The method 300 of exchanging the at least one lighting fixture in the passenger elevator cabin includes operation 302, operation 304, operation 306, and operation 200. Operation 302 includes removing at least one fastening connecting at least two panels to at least one rail element. Operation 304 includes removing the at least one rail element from between the at least two panels, for example ceiling panels, by compressing the at least one rail element, in particular, by compressing at least one protruding portion of the at least one rail element. Operation 306 includes removing the at least one lighting fixture from the at least one rail element, wherein the at least one removed lighting fixture is a first lighting. Operation 308 includes installing a second lighting, wherein the second lighting includes at least one lighting fixture, according to the method 200 of installing a lighting fixture in a passenger elevator. The method 200 of installing the at least one lighting fixture in a passenger elevator cabin includes operation 202 and operation 204. Operation 202 includes mounting the at least one lighting fixture to at least one rail element. Mounting the at least one lighting fixture to the at least one rail element includes positioning the at least one lighting fixture into a locked position. Operation 204 includes connecting at least two panels, which can be for example ceiling panels, to each other through the at least one rail element. Connecting the at least two panels through the at least one rail element can include connecting the at least two panels to the at least one rail element through at least one fastening. For example, removing the at least one rail element includes removing the at least one rail element by transversely compressing the at least one rail element to be removed outwardly from between the at least two panels.

[0042] In principle, the passenger elevator cabin, and in particular the ceiling, the method of installing a lighting fixture in a passenger elevator cabin, and the method of exchanging a lighting fixture in a passenger elevator cabin are beneficial in that they provide for a better usage of the at least one rail element currently present in elevators. The better usage can include a stronger connection, a reduction in weight, more easily replaceable light fixtures, etc.

[0043] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A passenger elevator cabin, comprising: at least two ceiling panels (110); at least one rail element (120), the at least one rail element (120) being arranged between first and second rows of the at least two ceiling panels (110) and comprising at least one bracket (140) interconnecting the first and second rows of the at least two ceiling panels (110) with each other; at least one lighting fixture (130), wherein the at least one lighting fixture (130) is mounted onto the at least one rail element (120); and wherein the at least one rail element (120) has an elongated shape laterally delimited by and extending between a straight linear first edge (122) and a straight linear second edge (124), the first and second edges (122, 124) extending in parallel to each other along a lengthwise direction, the first edge (122) extending along an adjacent side edge of the first row of the at least two ceiling panels (110) of the at least two ceiling panels (110), and the linear second edge (124) extending along an adjacent side edge of the second row of the at least two ceiling panels (110) of the at least two ceiling panels (110).

2. The passenger elevator cabin of claim 1, wherein the at least two ceiling panels (110) comprise a top side and a bottom side, wherein the bottom side is facing a passenger cabin volume.

3. The passenger elevator cabin of claim 2, wherein the top side of the at least two ceiling panels is configured to be connected to the at least one rail element (120).

4. The passenger elevator cabin of claim 3, wherein the top side of the at least two ceiling panels (110) is configured to be connected to at least one rail element (120) of the at least one rail element (120) through at least one fastening (142), preferably wherein the at least one fastening (142) is at least one screw.

5. The passenger elevator cabin of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the at least two ceiling panels (110) having a U-shape at the first edge (122) and the second edge (124).

6. The passenger elevator cabin of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one rail element (120) comprises at least one opening for the at least one lighting fixture (130) to be mounted.

7. The passenger elevator cabin of claim 6, wherein the at least one rail element (120) comprising a profile member with a downwardly open U-shaped cross-section wherein the at least one opening for the at least one lighting fixture (130) is formed by a cut-out in a base leg of the U-shaped profile member.

8. The passenger elevator cabin of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one lighting fixture (130) comprises at least one LED.

9. The passenger elevator cabin of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one lighting fixture (130) comprises at least one spring (132) for mounting the at least one lighting fixture (130) onto the at least one rail element (120).

10. The passenger elevator cabin of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one bracket (140) extends laterally beyond the at least one rail element (120), preferably wherein the at least one bracket (140) overlaps with the at least two ceiling panels (110).

11. The passenger elevator cabin of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one bracket (140) is joined to the at least one rail element (120), preferably wherein the at least one bracket (140) is welded to the at least one rail element (120).

12. The passenger elevator cabin of any of claims 1 to 11, further comprising at least one raised bracket (170) connecting the at least two ceiling panels (110) with at least one structure element (1 0) of the passenger elevator cabin, wherein the at least one raised bracket (170) is oriented orthogonally to the at least one rail element (120), preferably wherein the at least one raised bracket (170) is connected to the at least one structure element (150) of the passenger elevator through the at least one fastening (142).

13. The passenger elevator cabin of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one rail element (120) further comprises at least two downwardly protruding plates (122) transverse to the at least one rail element (120), preferably wherein the at least two downwardly protruding plates (122) are connected to the at least one rail element (120) through the at least one fastening (142), and more preferably wherein the at least one fastening (142) is at least one weld.

14. The passenger elevator cabin of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the at least one rail element (120) comprises at least one protruding portion, wherein the at least one protruding portion of the at least one rail element (120) is protruding beyond the at least two ceiling panels (110).

15. A method (200) of installing a lighting fixture in a passenger elevator cabin, comprising:- 15 - mounting at least one lighting fixture to the at least one rail element, wherein mounting the at least one lighting fixture to the at least one rail element comprises positioning the at least one lighting fixture into a locked position (202); and connecting at least two panels to each other through the at least one rail element, wherein the connecting the two or more panels through the at least one rail element comprises connecting the two or more panels to the at least one rail element through at least one fastening (204).

16. A method (300) of exchanging a lighting fixture in a passenger elevator cabin, comprising: removing at least one fastening connecting at least two panels to at least one rail element; removing the at least one rail element from between the at least two panels by compressing the at least one rail element; removing the at least one lighting fixture from the at least one rail element, wherein the at least one removed lighting fixture is a first lighting; and installing a second lighting according to the method of claim 15.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein removing the at least one rail element comprises removing the at least one rail element by transversely compressing the at least one rail element to be removed outwardly from between the at least two panels.

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