CN113968531A - Elevator car with foldable working platform - Google Patents

Abstract

An elevator car defining an interior space for accommodating passengers and/or cargo, comprising: a support frame positioned above the interior space; a work platform movable between a stowed position above the interior space and an operating position within the interior space; and at least one extendable suspension assembly arranged to suspend the work platform from the support frame. The extendable suspension assembly comprises: a connecting plate; a first arm member connected at a first end to the support frame and slidably connected to a first connection point of the connection plate; and a second arm member connected at another first end to the work platform and slidably connected to the second connection point of the connection plate. The first arm member and the second arm member are configured to slide parallel to each other along a sliding direction to extend the extendable suspension assembly as the work platform moves between the stowed position and the operating position. The first and second connection points are offset from each other at least in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction.

Description

Elevator car with foldable working platform

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an elevator car having a collapsible working platform for performing maintenance from inside the elevator car. The collapsible nature of the work platform is aided by one or more extendable suspension assemblies.

Background

It is known to provide a work platform located in or above the ceiling of an elevator car that is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the deployed position, the working platform is located at the following height within the elevator car: so that maintenance personnel can stand on the work platform and access the elevator components through the opening in the ceiling of the elevator car. Typically, such a work platform is suspended from at least one pair of suspension arms. EP-3587333-a1 discloses a work platform which is movably mounted to a support frame by at least one scissor mechanism.

The range of movement of the scissor mechanism is limited by the size of the work platform to which the mechanism is attached. Even with the use of telescoping arms in the scissor mechanism, the size of the work platform may impose constraints on its range of motion. This can be problematic for smaller elevator cars, where the footprint of the working platform is reduced. However, the height of the working platform when it is deployed is important to ensure that maintenance personnel can access the components above the ceiling of the car and also refuge in the elevator car in emergency situations.

Disclosure of Invention

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

a support frame positioned above the interior space;

a work platform movable between a stowed position above the interior space and an operating position within the interior space; and

at least one extendable suspension assembly arranged to suspend the work platform from the support frame, the extendable suspension assembly comprising:

a connecting plate;

a first arm member connected at a first end to the support frame and slidably connected to a first connection point of the connection plate;

a second arm member connected at a first end to the work platform and slidably connected to a second connection point of the connection plate;

wherein the first arm part and the second arm part are configured to slide parallel to each other along a sliding direction when the work platform is moved between the stowed position and the operating position, so as to extend the extendable suspension assembly, and wherein the first connection point and the second connection point have an offset to each other at least along a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction.

By having the first and second arm members slidably connected to the connecting plate at offset first and second connection points, an extendable suspension assembly is provided that has both a long extended height and a compact footprint (i.e. in the plane of the work platform). The second end of the first arm member is adjacent the second end of the second arm member when the work platform is in the operative position, providing a long extended height of the suspension assembly, thereby allowing the work platform to be lowered to a desired height. The first arm part and the second arm part slide parallel to each other relative to the connecting plate when the work platform is moved from the operating position to the stowed position. In the stowed position, the first end of the first arm member is adjacent the second end of the second arm member, and the first end of the second arm member is adjacent the second end of the second arm member. Due to the offset perpendicular to the sliding direction, the first and second arm parts are able to slide in this "stacked" configuration, thereby providing a compact arrangement.

In some examples, the first connection point and the second connection point additionally have another offset from each other along the sliding direction. This helps to further increase the length of the extendable suspension assembly when in the "extended" position (the position of the extendable suspension assembly when the work platform is in the operating position).

The extendable suspension assembly will expand or collapse (or contract, i.e. collapse) as the first and second arm members slide relative to the web. Depending on various factors (such as the size and/or shape of the connecting plate, and the manner in which the arm members are connected to the connection points on the connecting plate), the extendable suspension assembly may be able to collapse downwardly into a relatively compact configuration. For example, the first arm member may be pivotally connected to the first connection point of the connecting plate and/or the second arm member may be pivotally connected to the second connection point of the connecting plate. This means that the first and second arm members can slide parallel to each other and pivot so as to bring the sliding direction into alignment with the work platform, the extendable suspension assembly collapsing downwards to lie adjacent the work platform in the stowed position. In other words, the sliding direction may be movable relative to the connection plate.

The inventors have realised that by arranging for the connecting plate to pivot, it is easier to collapse the extendable suspension assembly. In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the link plate comprises a pivot point arranged such that the link plate rotates about the pivot point as the work platform moves between the stowed position and the operative position. This means that the first arm part and the second arm part can slide parallel to each other while the attachment plate rotates, in order to align the sliding direction with the work platform. The extendable suspension assembly may collapse downward in the stowed position to lie adjacent the work platform. In at least some examples, the connecting plate rotates about the pivot point when the work platform is moved to the stowed position such that the first arm member and the second arm member are aligned with the work platform and/or the support frame.

In at least some examples, the pivot point is centered between the first connection point and the second connection point. Thus, when the work platform moves and the first and second arm members slide parallel to each other, the connecting plate rotates about the central pivot point. Thus, the extendable suspension assembly may extend and collapse in a symmetrical manner.

In at least some examples, the sliding direction is constant relative to the web. The first and second connection points are part of a connection plate, i.e. the first and second connection points are fixed relative to the connection plate. In some examples, the first and second connection points are arranged to define a sliding direction, thus imparting a constant sliding direction relative to the connection plate. Thus, in those examples where the connecting plate rotates about a pivot point, the sliding direction will also rotate with the connecting plate. This arrangement facilitates rotation of the "stacked" first and second arm members to a substantially horizontal position when the work platform is in the stowed position, thereby providing an extendable suspension assembly with a particularly small vertical extension.

In at least some examples, the support frame and the work platform in the stowed position are both located above the interior space. In some examples, the work platform in the stowed position at least partially overlaps the support frame. In the stowed position, the work platform may be disposed within the support frame.

In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the first connection point comprises a first tab and the first arm member comprises a slot, and the first tab is configured to slide in the slot. This provides a simple mechanism that requires few extra parts and few moving parts and gives a sliding connection. In some examples, the slot extends along substantially the entire length of the first arm member. This helps to maximise the height of the extendable suspension assembly in the fully extended position. In some examples, the connecting plate further comprises a second tab also configured to slide in the slot of the first arm member. This helps to improve the stability of the suspension assembly and helps to keep the first and second arm parts sliding parallel to each other. This arrangement of two projections also defines a sliding direction for each respective arm.

Similarly, the second connection point may comprise a first tab and the second arm member may comprise a slot, and the first tab is configured to slide in the slot. In some examples, the slot extends along substantially the entire length of the second arm member. In some examples, the connecting plate further comprises a second tab also configured to slide in the slot of the second arm member.

A first arm member is connected at a first end to the support frame and a second arm member is connected at a first end to the work platform. Optionally, the first end of the first arm member is connected to the support frame at a corner of the support frame. Optionally, the first end of the second arm member is connected to a corner of the work platform. In some examples, the corner of the support frame is the corner opposite the corner of the work platform. For example, if the extendable suspension assembly is connected to one side of the elevator car (where the "side" is defined with respect to the elevator door on the "front" side of the elevator car), the first arm member may be connected to a front corner of the support frame, e.g., adjacent the door, while the second arm member is connected to a rear corner of the work platform, e.g., adjacent the rear wall of the elevator car.

In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the elevator car comprises a first extendable suspension assembly and a second extendable suspension assembly, wherein the first extendable suspension assembly suspends the work platform from a first side of the support frame, and wherein the second extendable suspension assembly suspends the work platform from an opposite second side of the support frame. In such an example, the work platform is stably suspended by a pair of extendable suspension assemblies extending from opposite sides of the support frame.

In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the first expandable suspension assembly further comprises:

a secondary connecting plate;

a secondary first arm member connected at a first end to the support frame and slidably connected to a first connection point of the secondary connecting plate;

a secondary second arm member connected at a first end to the work platform and slidably connected to a second connection point of the secondary connecting plate;

wherein the first arm member and the second arm member are configured to slide parallel to each other along a sliding direction, and wherein the first connecting point and the second connecting point are offset perpendicularly to the sliding direction.

Statements made above in this context with respect to the first and second arm parts and the connecting plate may equally apply to the secondary connecting plate and the secondary first and second arm parts. In some examples, the first and secondary connection plates are attached together at their respective pivot points so as to be movable relative to each other. This provides additional stability to the extendable suspension assembly and allows each web to rotate in the opposite direction so that each set of arm members can be placed substantially horizontally and stacked one above the other when the work platform is in the stowed position.

In at least some examples, additionally or alternatively, the elevator car further comprises a cover panel configured to cover the work platform when the work platform is in the stowed position. This advantageously allows the work platform to be neatly covered when in the stowed position and thus hidden from view of any passengers who may be using the elevator car, improving the passenger experience. The cover panel may for example comprise a decorative roof cover panel. In one or more examples, the cover panel may be pivotably attached to the support frame. In such an example, the cover panel may be pivotable relative to the support frame to cover the work platform when the work platform is in the stowed position.

In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the elevator car further comprises: a reaction force generator configured to provide a reaction force; and a tension member connected to the work platform and to the reaction force generator for transferring the reaction force and thereby lifting the work platform from the operating position to the stowed position. Such an arrangement can provide mechanical assistance to the user in moving the work platform between its operative and stowed positions.

This is considered novel and inventive in its own right and thus, according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an elevator car defining an interior space for accommodating passengers and/or goods, the elevator car comprising: a support frame positioned above the interior space; a work platform suspendably connected to the support frame and movable between a stowed position above the interior space and an operational position suspended within the interior space; a reaction force generator configured to provide a reaction force in an upward vertical direction; and a tension member connected to the work platform and to the reaction force generator so as to transmit the reaction force and thereby hoist the work platform in an upward vertical direction.

It will be appreciated that according to this second aspect of the present disclosure and according to corresponding examples of the first aspect, the reaction force generator and the tension member act together to assist in moving the work platform from the operative position to the stowed position, thereby providing improved handling of the work platform. This means that the maintenance person does not need to push the full weight of the work platform when returning the work platform to the stowed position, i.e. the maintenance person does not need to exert an upward force large enough to overcome the overall weight of the work platform. For example, if the work platform weighs 30 kg, but the reaction force generator provides an equivalent of 25 kg of reaction force, the maintenance personnel need only lift the equivalent of 5 kg to move the work platform from the operating position to the stowed position.

Furthermore, the reaction force generator in combination with the tension member not only provides advantages in assisting the movement of the work platform up from the operative position to the stowed position, but also provides advantages in improving handling when moving the work platform from the stowed position to the operative position. The reaction force in the upward vertical direction acts against the weight of the work platform and any force applied by the maintenance personnel such that the reaction force dampens the movement of the work platform as it moves downwardly from the stowed position to the operating position, preventing the work platform from suddenly falling from the stowed position. This is advantageous because a sudden fall of the work platform may cause damage to the mechanism suspending the work platform and may cause injury to maintenance personnel operating the work platform.

The following description applies equally to the examples according to the first and second aspects of the disclosure.

In at least some examples, the reaction force is slightly greater than the weight of the work platform. This means that the reaction force generator and the tension member can act to automatically hoist the work platform to its stowed position in the absence of any weight applied by maintenance personnel.

In at least some examples, the reaction force is approximately equal to the weight of the work platform. This means that the weight of the work platform is approximately balanced by the reaction force, so that the maintenance personnel only need to apply a small force to move the work platform from the stowed position to the operating position or vice versa.

In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the reaction force generator is a hoist and the tension member is arranged such that a suspended portion of the tension member suspends the work platform, wherein the hoist is configured to vary a length of the suspended portion when actuated to facilitate hoisting the work platform between the stowed position and the operating position. This means that the maintenance person does not need to push the work platform up to the stowed position unassisted, i.e. the maintenance person does not need to exert a large upward force to overcome the overall weight of the work platform. More precisely, the service person can adjust the length of the suspended part of the tension member and thereby move the work platform from the operating position to the stowed position without actually having to lift the work platform, allowing controlled adjustment of the work platform.

In various examples of the disclosure, the tension member is a flexible member, such as a flexible cord, cable, or belt.

In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the reaction force generator is positioned at the work platform. It is advantageous to have the lifting means located at the working platform, because the lifting means can be easily accessed by maintenance personnel from inside the elevator car even when the working platform is in the retracted position, and thus it is both easy and convenient for the maintenance personnel to deploy the working platform. In some examples, the hoist is attached to a work platform. Preferably, the lifting device is attached to the underside of the work platform. This allows careful storage of the hoisting means and prevents the hoisting means from taking up valuable space on the working platform or in the elevator car, while at the same time it is very easy for maintenance personnel to access the hoisting means from within the elevator car. Optionally, the tension member may be arranged to pass through or around the working platform to connect to the reaction force generator.

The skilled person will understand that the statement that the tension member is "connected" to the work platform not only describes the case where one or both ends of the tension member are fixed (e.g. hooked) to the work platform, but also describes any other suitable arrangement as follows: the tension member passes through, under or around the work platform in a manner that allows the suspended portion of the tension member to suspend the work platform. For example, the tension member can lower the work platform. In examples where the hoist is attached to the work platform, the tension member may be indirectly connected to the work platform by means of a connection to the hoist (which is itself attached to the work platform).

In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the tension member connects the reaction force generator to a connection point that moves relative to the work platform as the work platform moves between the stowed position and the operating position.

The connection point may be a fixing point in the elevator car, e.g. a connection point on the supporting frame or a connection point on a wall or ceiling of the elevator car. In other examples, the tension member is connected to a connection point that moves relative to the work platform as the work platform moves between the stowed position and the operating position. For example, the tension member may be connected to an extendable suspension assembly, such as a web connected to the suspension assembly. In this case, due to the action of the suspension assembly, for each unit of movement of the reaction force generator, the length of the suspension portion will be shortened by a factor of two compared to the case where the tension member is connected to the support frame, and this therefore provides an improved roping arrangement (roping arrangement). This arrangement is particularly well suited for small elevator cars and, furthermore, the cost of the spring elements required for this arrangement is reduced since a shortened stroke is required.

In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the reaction force generator maintains the suspended portion of the tension member at a given length unless actuated by application of force, i.e., the hoist is self-locking. This helps to improve the safety of the work platform, since it means that whenever a maintenance person has used the hoist to move the work platform and then discontinues actuating the hoist, the work platform will remain stationary at the height to which it has been moved and will not start to rise or fall independently (i.e. on its own). If the maintenance personnel stop actuating, the lifting device will be locked in its current position, so that the risk of the work platform falling freely is significantly reduced. This helps the work platform to move smoothly and with minimal risk to maintenance personnel to both the operating and stowed positions, as the self-locking helps prevent possible safety hazards caused by this unexpected movement. Furthermore, this helps to reduce the need to provide locking means in order to secure the work platform in certain positions, for example, a locking mechanism may not be required to secure the work platform in the stowed position or the operating position or any position in between, because the work platform will be maintained in a given position by the hoist unless the hoist is actuated. However, in one or more examples, it may still be desirable for the elevator car to include a locking means for the working platform that is present at least in the stowed position, e.g. for increased safety and safety back-up.

In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the reaction force generator comprises at least one deflector, such as a deflection pulley, and the tension member is arranged to pass over the at least one deflector. In some examples, the tension member can be arranged at a 1:1 roping ratio (or traction ratio, roping ratio) with the reaction force generator such that the length of the rope hoisted (e.g., wound or furled) by the reaction force generator is equal to the change in length of the suspended portion of the tension member. Preferably, however, the tension member is arranged at a higher roping ratio than the reaction force generator, such as a 2:1 roping configuration, a 3:1 roping configuration, or a 4:1 roping configuration. In at least some examples, the reaction force generator includes at least one deflector, and the tension member is arranged to pass over the at least one deflector in a 3:1 roping configuration. To explain, in a 3:1 roping configuration, the deflector(s) are arranged such that for one unit of movement of the reaction force generator, the suspended portion of the tension member varies in length by up to three times.

In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the length of the tension member provides a sufficient amount of excess such that the suspended portion of the tension member can be extended to a length greater than required to reach the operating position, i.e., to allow the tension member to become slack when the work platform is in the operating position. This helps to provide the following arrangement: wherein the tension members are not required to carry the full weight of the work platform and any additional loads, such as maintenance personnel, when the work platform is in use in the operative position. This means that smaller tension members carrying lower loads can potentially be used and also help to reduce wear and strain on the tension members.

In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the elevator car includes a first tension member and a second tension member, each of the first and second tension members independently connected to the reaction force generator and to the work platform. This provides redundancy in the event of failure of one of the tension members. In at least some examples, additionally or alternatively, the elevator car includes a first tension member disposed at a first side of the work platform and a second tension member disposed at a second side of the work platform, wherein the second side is a side of the work platform opposite the first side. This provides a greater degree of balanced suspension forces acting on the opposite sides of the work platform, such that each of the opposite sides is lifted substantially equally by the reaction force generator, allowing the work platform to remain substantially horizontal as it moves between the operating and stowed positions, and thereby providing smooth movement of the work platform.

In a first set of examples, the reaction force generator comprises at least one counterweight and the tension member is fixed at one end to the at least one counterweight and connected to the work platform such that the work platform is hoisted from the operating position to the stowed position, i.e. in an upward vertical direction, as the at least one counterweight moves vertically downward relative to the elevator car. This therefore provides an auxiliary upward force as the counterweight is lowered when the maintenance personnel lift the work platform to the stowed position. In the reverse direction, when the maintenance personnel applies a downward force that moves the work platform from the stowed position to the operating position, the upward movement of the at least one counterweight requires the application of an additional force that acts against the weight of the work platform and thus inhibits and smoothes the downward movement of the work platform toward the operating position.

There are many different arrangements of the work platform and at least one counterweight that allow the work platform to be hoisted upwards as the counterweight moves downwards. For example, the tension member may be fixed at one end to the counterweight and arranged to pass below the work platform, i.e. arranged to hoist the work platform down, with its other end fixed to a suitable connection point in the car, so that as the counterweight travels vertically downwards, the work platform is hoisted vertically upwards. In some examples, the tension member is fixed at one end to the at least one counterweight and at the other end to the work platform, i.e., in a 1:1 roping configuration. This advantageously provides a simple arrangement of the tension members as follows: the work platform can be hoisted when the at least one counterweight is moved downwards.

In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the elevator car includes one or more deflection sheaves, and the tension member is arranged to pass over the one or more deflection sheaves between the at least one counterweight and the work platform. This advantageously reduces the risk of the tension member coming into contact with or interfering with any of the other components present in the elevator car. This also helps to design a suitable layout for the reaction force generator in the elevator car, e.g. the counterweight(s) are positioned at the periphery of the interior space.

In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the at least one counterweight is configured to move within a surrounding structure. This advantageously provides separation between the at least one counterweight and any other components present in the elevator car and thereby reduces the risk of the counterweight contacting or interfering with any of the other components. The surrounding structure may be arranged inside or outside the interior space, e.g. in or behind any wall of the elevator car.

In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the elevator car comprises: a first counterweight disposed on a first side of the work platform and connected to the work platform by a first tension member; and a second counterweight disposed on a second side of the work platform, wherein the second side is a side of the work platform opposite the first side and is connected to the work platform by a second tension member. This advantageously provides a greater degree of counterbalancing force acting on the opposite sides of the work platform, such that each of the opposite sides is lifted substantially equally by the counterweight, allowing the work platform to remain substantially horizontal as it moves between the operating and stowed positions, and thereby providing smooth movement of the work platform.

In a second set of examples, the reaction force generator comprises at least one spring element, and the spring element is arranged to be compressed when the work platform is moved from the stowed position to the operative position, and thereby provide a reaction force that acts to move the work platform from the operative position to the stowed position, i.e. in an upward vertical direction. In these examples, the expansion of the spring element provides a reaction force (which is transmitted by the tension member) that lifts the work platform from the operating position to the stowed position, thereby assisting the maintenance personnel in moving the work platform to the stowed position. Furthermore, the spring element is compressed when the work platform is moved from the stowed position to the operating position, and this therefore requires that maintenance personnel operating the work platform apply an additional force sufficient to compress the spring element. This upward force (which is transferred by the tension member when the spring element is compressed) acts against the weight of the work platform and thus inhibits downward movement of the work platform. This is advantageous because a sudden fall of the work platform may cause damage to the mechanism suspending the work platform and may cause injury to maintenance personnel operating the work platform.

In examples where the reaction force generator is a hoist, the skilled person will appreciate that the hoist may be any suitable device capable of altering the length of the suspended portion as described, i.e. the hoist is a device configured to bring in (or out) or bring in (or out) the length of the tension member in order to alter the length of the suspended portion.

The lifting device may for example comprise an electric motor arranged to wind the tension member around a collector, such as a drum. In some examples, the lifting device may comprise a gas spring arranged to alter the length of the suspended portion. In some examples, the lifting device may include a reduction gear assembly or any other suitable mechanical device operable to alter the length of the suspended portion. In any of these examples, the hoist may be operated automatically or manually.

In some examples, the lifting device is additionally or alternatively rotationally driven to alter the length of the suspended portion, e.g. thereby acting to lift the work platform between the stowed position and the operative position. This allows the rotational movement (either automatically applied or applied by maintenance personnel) to be converted into a relative shortening (or lengthening) of the suspended portion of the tension member, which thereby causes the work platform to be lifted towards the stowed position or lowered towards the operating position.

In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the hoist includes a worm and a sliding member configured to slide along the worm as the worm is rotationally driven. The tension member is connected to the slide member such that the length of the suspended portion changes as the slide member moves. For example, when the worm rotates, the sliding member moves the tension member and changes the length of the suspended portion. In at least some examples, the tension member is connected to the sliding member via one or more deflectors. Optionally, the deflector may be a deflection pulley to facilitate operation of the tension member. In at least some examples, the one or more deflectors are arranged to cause the tension member to at least partially roll up when the sliding member moves in the first direction, thereby shortening the length of the suspended portion. In at least some examples, the sliding member may be a worm gear. The ends of the tension member may terminate at the slide member.

The slide member may include a bore sized to receive the worm. The aperture may comprise a plastic ring. The plastic ring may be self-lubricating. The hoist may further comprise an elongate rod parallel to the worm and arranged through the slide member, wherein the slide member is configured to slide along the elongate rod. This helps to provide stability to the lifting device.

In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the pitch angle of the worm is 8 mm or less. This helps to make the worm self-locking at small increments of movement so that the worm (and thus the sliding member, and hence the work platform) will not move unless additional force is applied to the worm to alter the length of the suspended portion again.

In one or more examples, where the hoist is rotationally driven, the hoist may be directly driven (e.g., using a motor as a rotational drive). The motor may be operated automatically or manually. For example, the motor may be provided by a drill (or drill, i.e., drill) that is manually operated to drive the hoist (e.g., in some examples, a drill is used to turn a worm). The use of a drilling rig reduces the effort required by maintenance personnel.

In one or more other examples, the hoist may be driven indirectly (e.g., using a crank (crank) connected to a rotating drive shaft). In at least some examples where the hoist comprises a worm, as discussed above, the hoist may further comprise a crank arranged to drive rotation of the worm. The crank may not be a permanent part of the hoisting device but may be a separate tool stored at a location within the elevator system, e.g. below a working platform or in a cabinet on a landing floor of the elevator system. The crank provides a simple mechanism as follows: especially when standing in the elevator car below the working platform, maintenance personnel can activate the hoisting means by this simple mechanism. Furthermore, the use of a crank is advantageous, because the crank is usually provided as a standard elevator maintenance tool and is usually stored in the elevator car and thus may be easily accessible to maintenance personnel.

Generally, the crank is connected to the rotating drive shaft at 90 °. However, it has been recognised that when a person stands under the work platform to operate the crank, it may be desirable for the crank to extend at an angle of more than 90 °. This means that the crank does not hang down, but potentially hits the user, and makes the crank easier to operate. In at least some examples, the crank is arranged to extend at an angle of between 120 ° and 150 ° from the axis defined by the worm, and optionally at an angle of about 135 °. This helps protect the technician from injury and provides a good angle of approach for operating the crank. In order to prevent the crank from hanging down at an angle of 90 ° from the axis of the worm, the lifting device may comprise a bracket arranged to limit the angle at which the crank extends.

More generally, manual actuation is desirable when maintenance personnel are working in the car, and thus, in various examples, the hoist may be manually actuatable. This means that the maintenance personnel can autonomously control the raising and/or lowering of the working platform.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an elevator system comprising an elevator car according to any of the examples disclosed herein, further comprising a primary counterweight and one or more ropes or belts connected between the elevator car and the primary counterweight.

Drawings

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

fig. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an elevator car including an extendable suspension assembly for a work platform according to a first aspect of the present disclosure;

fig. 2 shows a side view of the work platform, the extendable suspension assembly, and the support frame of the elevator car of fig. 1 with the work platform in an operating position;

fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the elevator car component shown in fig. 2 with the work platform moved between a stowed position and an operating position;

fig. 4 shows a side view of the elevator car component shown in fig. 2 with the work platform in the stowed position;

fig. 5 shows a detailed side view of an extendable suspension assembly comprising a connecting plate and first and second arm members according to a first aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6a shows a broken-out view of the components shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 6b shows the connecting plate as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6 a;

fig. 7 shows a perspective view of some components of an elevator car and a reaction force generator according to a first example of a second aspect of the disclosure, with a work platform in a stowed position;

FIG. 8 shows the same components as FIG. 7 with the work platform moved between a stowed position and an operating position;

figure 9 shows the same components as figures 7 and 8 with the work platform in the operative position;

FIG. 10 is a close-up view showing how the reaction force generator is connected to the work platform by a tension member in this first example;

fig. 11 is another close-up view of the reaction force generator in this first example;

fig. 12 shows an underside perspective view of some components of an elevator car and a reaction force generator according to a second example of a second aspect of the present disclosure, with a work platform in a stowed position;

FIG. 13 shows the same components as FIG. 12 with the work platform moved between the stowed position and the operating position;

figure 14 shows the same components as figures 12 and 13 with the work platform in the operative position;

FIG. 15 is a close-up view showing how the reaction force generator is connected to the work platform by a tension member in this second example;

figure 16 is a perspective view of a work platform according to a third example of the second aspect of the present disclosure in an operative position in which a top surface of the work platform is visible;

figure 17 is a perspective view of the work platform according to this third example in an operating position in which the lifting device is visible on the underside of the work platform;

figure 18 is a plan view of the lifting device according to this third example of the disclosure when the work platform is in the operating position;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a work platform according to this third example of the present disclosure in a stowed position in which a top surface of the work platform is visible;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the work platform according to this third example of the present disclosure in a stowed position in which the underside of the work platform is visible;

figure 21 is a plan view of the lifting device according to this third example of the disclosure when the work platform is in the stowed position;

figure 22 is a partial perspective view of the underside of the work platform as it is moved between the operating and stowed positions by actuation of the hoist according to this third example;

figure 23 is a partial side view of the work platform including the hoist and actuator as shown in figure 22; and

fig. 24 is a schematic illustration of an elevator system according to various examples of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an elevator car 1, which elevator car 1 defines an interior space 2 suitable for accommodating passengers and/or goods. The elevator car 1 comprises a support frame 4, which support frame 4 is positioned above the inner space 2. The elevator car 1 further comprises a working platform 6, which working platform 6 is movable between a stowed position above the interior space 2 (as shown in fig. 4) and an operating position within the interior space 2, as seen in fig. 1. The work platform 6 is suspended by first and second extendable suspension assemblies 8a, 8b, the first and second extendable suspension assemblies 8a, 8b being located on opposite sides of the elevator car 1 and of the work platform 6 as shown.

As seen in fig. 1-6, each extendable suspension assembly 8a, 8b includes two connecting plates 10a, 10b, 10c, 10 d. One of the connection plates 10b, 10c is located on the inner side of the suspension assemblies 8a, 8b, i.e. closer to the work platform 6, and the other connection plate 10a, 10d is located on the outer side of the extendable suspension assembly, i.e. further from the work platform 6. Each connecting plate 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d is slidably connected to the respective first arm part 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d at a respective first connecting point 16a, 16b, 16c, 16 d. Each first arm part 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d is connected to the support frame 4 at a first end 3a, 3b, 3c, 3 d. Similarly, each connecting plate 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d is slidably connected to the respective second arm member 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d at a respective second connection point 18a, 18b, 18c, 18 d. Each second arm part 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d is connected to the work platform 6 at a further first end (i.e. the first end of the second arm part) 5a, 5b, 5c, 5 d.

In fig. 2a side view of some of the elevator car components is shown, which side view shows the extendable suspension assembly 8a, but omits the outer structure of the elevator car 1. The features described herein with reference to the extendable suspension assembly 8a apply equally to the extendable suspension assembly 8b, however, corresponding reference numerals have been omitted. It will be appreciated from figure 1 that a pair of suspension assemblies 8a, 8b (on the left and right) are arranged to suspend the work platform 6 from the support frame 4 in the operative position seen in figure 2.

As can be seen in fig. 2, each of the first arm parts 12a, 12b comprises a slot 20a, 20b and each of the second arm parts 14a, 14b comprises a slot 22a, 22 b. Each slot 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b extends along substantially the entire length of the first and second arm members 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b, respectively. Each connection plate 10a, 10b comprises a first protrusion 16a, 16b (providing a first connection point) and a second protrusion 24a, 24b, both the first protrusion 16a, 16b and the second protrusion 24a, 24b being configured to slide in the slot 20a, 20b of the first arm member 12a, 12 b. Similarly, each connection plate 10a, 10b comprises a further first projection 18a, 18b (providing the second connection point) and a further second projection 26a, 26b, and both the further first projection 18a, 18b and the further second projection 26a, 26b are configured to slide in the slot 22a, 22b of the second arm member 14a, 14 b. Thus, the respective first 16a, 18a and second 24a, 26a protrusions of the first 12a and second 14a arm members define a sliding direction along which the first 12a and second 14a arm members are arranged to slide. This sliding direction can be seen in fig. 6b and is described in more detail below. In a similar manner, the respective first 16b, 18b and second 24b, 26b protrusions of the first 12b and second 14b arm members define a sliding direction along which the first 12b and second 14b arm members are arranged to slide.

Each connecting plate 10a, 10b includes a pivot point 28a, 28 b. The first and second connecting plates 10a, 10b of the extendable suspension assembly 8a (and similarly the extendable suspension assembly 8b) are attached together at their respective pivot points 28a, 28b so as to rotate relative to each other about the common pivot points 28a, 28 b. As can be seen, the pivot points 28a, 28b are centered between the first and second connection points 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b, both along and perpendicular to the sliding direction. As the first web 10a rotates relative to the second web 10b, the sliding direction of each respective set of first arm members 12a, 12b and second arm members 14a, 14b likewise rotates about the common pivot points 28a, 28 b. This can be appreciated by comparing fig. 2 and 3.

The elevator car 1 optionally further comprises a covering panel 30, the covering panel 30 being configured to cover the working platform 6 when the working platform 6 is in the stowed position, as shown in fig. 4.

As the work platform 6 moves between the operating position (seen in fig. 2) and the stowed position (seen in fig. 4), the first and second connection plates 10a, 10d, 10b, 10c rotate relative to each other, i.e. in opposite directions (and thus also the sliding directions of the pairs of arms). At the same time, the first arm part 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d and the second arm part 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d slide parallel to each other along the sliding direction, as can be seen with reference to fig. 2, 3 and 4, which fig. 2, 3 and 4 show the stages when the work platform 6 is moved from the operating position to the stowed position. As described with reference to the following figures, the sliding direction is fixed with respect to the connection plate, but the same is true when the connection plate is rotated. As can be seen in the side view of fig. 2, the first connection points 16a, 16b and the second connection points 18a, 18b have an offset to each other in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction. In the example shown, the first connection points 16a, 16b and the second connection points 18a, 18b also have an offset to each other along the sliding direction. These offsets are described in more detail below with reference to fig. 6 b.

By slidably connecting the first and second arm members 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b to the connecting plates 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d (with an offset between the first and second connection points 16a, 16b, 18a, 18 b), an expandable suspension assembly 8a is provided, which not only has a long expansion range between the stowed and operative positions, but also a compact footprint when unexpanded.

When the work platform 6 is in the operating position, as shown in fig. 2, the second end 7a of the first arm member 12a is pulled away from the second end 9a of the second arm member 14a, providing a long reach for the extendable suspension assembly 8a, thereby allowing the work platform 6 to be lowered to a desired height within the interior space 2 of the elevator car 1.

As the work platform 6 moves from the operative position (seen in fig. 2) to the stowed position (seen in fig. 4), the first arm members 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d and the second arm members 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d slide relative to the connecting plates 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, as seen in fig. 3, and the connecting plates 10a, 10b rotate about the common pivot points 28a, 28b in opposite directions.

When the work platform 6 is in the stowed position, as shown in fig. 4, the first end 3a of the first arm member 12a, 12b is adjacent the second end 9a of the second arm member 14a, 14b, and the first end 5a of the second arm member 12a, 12b is adjacent the second end 7a of the second arm member 14a, 14 b. As seen in fig. 4, the first arm member 12a and the second arm member 14a slide into a "stacked" position in which the first arm member 12a and the second arm member 14a overlap along the sliding direction 13a due to the offset of the first connection points 16a, 18a and the second connection points 24a, 26a along the sliding direction. Further, as a result of the pivoting of the connecting plates 10a, 10b, the first arm member 12a and the second arm member 14a rotate (while sliding) to rest in a substantially horizontal position (as defined with respect to the elevator car 2) above the work platform 6 in the stowed position, as seen in fig. 4.

The arrangement of the connecting plates 10a, 10b and the first and second arm parts 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b is shown in more detail in the view of fig. 5 and in the exploded view of fig. 6 a. Fig. 6b shows a single exemplary connection plate 10 a. Throughout this description, each reference numeral is followed by either "a" or "b". These reference numbers refer to the same member, with the additional "a" and "b" indicating that the member is part of the first expandable suspension assembly 8a, being the outer and inner portions of the first expandable suspension assembly 8a, respectively. Likewise, the statements made herein, while not included in fig. 2-6, apply equally to the members of second expandable suspension assembly 8b seen in fig. 1, which are the inner and outer portions, respectively, of second expandable suspension assembly 8b, which portions are labeled "c" and "d" elsewhere. The terms "a" and "b" are used in the following description for clarity, but the skilled person will understand that these statements may apply equally to the second expandable suspension assembly 8b having members followed by "c" and "d".

As shown, the exemplary extendable suspension assembly 8a includes: a first arm member 12a, 12b having a slot 20a, 20 b; and a second arm member 14a, 14b having a second slot 22a, 22 b. Each connection plate 10a, 10b comprises four projections 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26 b. The projections 16b, 18b, 24b and 26b are visible only from the rear side thereof in the view shown in fig. 5, and project from the side of the connecting plate 10b not visible in fig. 5, i.e. into the page). There are first 16a, 16b and second 24a, 24b protrusions, 16a, 16b and 24a, 24b, which are arranged to move in the slots 20a, 20b of the first arm part 12a, 12b to form a sliding connection. There are similarly first 18a, 18b and second 26a, 26b projections, the first 18a, 18b and second 26a, 26b projections being arranged to move in the slots 22a, 22b of the second arm part 14a, 14b to form a sliding connection. For a given expandable suspension assembly 8a, there is a first set comprising an attachment plate 10a, a first arm member 12a, a second arm member 14a, and, thus, there is a second set comprising an attachment plate 10b, a first arm member 12b, and a second arm member 14b (and, for "c" and "d", the same is true). These "sets" of link plates 10a, 10b each have a central pivot point 28a, 28b about which the link plates 10a, 10b rotate as the extendable suspension assembly 8a extends as the work platform 6 moves between the stowed and operative positions. The connection plates 10a, 10b of the extendable suspension assembly 8a are arranged to rotate in opposite directions to each other. The connecting plates 10a, 10b are joined at the pivot points 28a, 28b to form a scissor mechanism.

These two "sets" are more clearly shown in the broken-up view in fig. 6 a. Reference numerals followed by "a" and "b" have been used as examples, but the same applies to the components "c" and "d". In this example, it can be seen that each of the projections 16a, 18a, 24a, 26a is formed by an arrangement of nuts and bolts, placed on opposite sides of the slots 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b, and fastened together. Each projection 16a, 18a, 24a, 26a additionally comprises two washers to improve the smoothness of the sliding. In addition, it can be seen that the pivot points 28a, 28b are attached together by nuts and bolts passing through respective holes on each plate 10a, 10 b. And a washer to assist smooth rotation. Of course, other examples could omit the fastening of such nuts and bolts, and instead rely on protrusions formed on the surface of the connection plates 10a, 10b to slide in the slots 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b, or could use a combination of these two approaches.

The first projection 16a forms a first connection point, which is fixed with respect to the connection plate 10 a. The first projection 16a defines together with the second projection 24a the sliding direction 13a for the first arm part 12 a. Similarly, the first protrusion 18a forms a second connection point, which is also fixed with respect to the connection plate 10a, and the first protrusion 18a and the second protrusion 26a together define a sliding direction 13a for the second arm member 14a, which sliding direction 13a for the second arm member 14a is parallel to the sliding direction 13a of the first arm member 12 a. This ensures that the first arm member 12a and the second arm member 14a do not intersect when they slide.

The sliding direction 13 is seen more clearly in fig. 6b, which shows a single connection plate 10a (however, this could equally well be one of the other connection plates 10b, 10c or 10 d). The first arm member and the second arm member (not shown) slide along parallel sliding directions 13 a. As seen in fig. 6b, the first projection 16a forming the first connection point and the second projection 18a forming the second connection point are offset from each other by a total offset 15 a.

The total offset 15a consists of two different components. There is a first offset component 17a, the first offset component 17a being an offset in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction 13a of the first and second arm parts. The offset 17a along this direction allows the first and second arm members to slide along their length without contacting each other. There is also a second offset component 19a, the second offset component 19a being an offset along the sliding direction 13 a. The offset 19a along the sliding direction 13a increases the overall length of the extendable suspension assembly when both the first and second arm members are fully "extended" (i.e., slid as far away from each other as possible).

The first connection point 16a and the second connection point 18a are fixed with respect to the connection plate 10a, and therefore the sliding direction 13a is constant with respect to the connection plate 10 a. However, as described above, the link plate 10a is arranged to pivot about the pivot point 28a as the extendable suspension assembly is extended or retracted, such that the link plate 10a rotates as the work platform moves between the stowed and operative positions. During this movement, the sliding direction 13a itself thus rotates relative to the reference frame of the elevator car 1.

As described above, in some examples, the elevator car further comprises: a reaction force generator configured to provide a reaction force acting against the weight of the work platform; and a tension member.

In a first set of examples, as shown in fig. 7-11, the reaction force generator includes a set of weights 120. Fig. 7 shows an elevator car 1 according to the present disclosure in which the decorative roof covering panel 30 has been pivoted downwards but the working platform 6 is still in the stowed position. The weights 120 are shown each arranged in a vertical stack and retained within a surrounding structure (or surrounding structure)122, such as a pipe. The surrounding structure 122 holds the counterweight 120 in place to move along a fixed vertical path and ensures that the counterweight 120 does not fall into the hoistway, which may pose a hazard to the counterweight 120. However, there may be no surrounding structure or a structure of a different shape than the surrounding structure shown. In addition, there may be any number of weights, such as a single weight. In some examples, there is at least one counterweight or set of counterweights on each of the opposing sides of the work platform 6. This advantageously provides the work platform 6 with increased stability and a more symmetrically balanced reaction force.

When the work platform 6 is in the stowed position, as shown in fig. 7, the counterweight 120 is at its lowest position, at the bottom of the surrounding structure 122, near the floor 121 of the elevator car. The side walls of the car have been omitted for clarity. When the work platform 6 is moved out of the stowed position and away from the support frame 4, moving downwards towards the operating position, as shown in fig. 8, the counterweight 120 begins to move vertically upwards, i.e. away from the car floor 121. The work platform 6 shown in fig. 8 is suspendably connected to the support frame 4 by means of suspension assemblies 8a, 8b, here schematically shown (details seen in fig. 1-6 are omitted).

Once the work platform 6 is in the operative position, as shown in figure 9, the counterweight 120 is located at its uppermost position within the surrounding structure 122. The suspension assemblies 8a, 8b are also schematically shown in fig. 9.

The work platform 6 is connected to each of the counterweights 120 by a tension member 124 (in this example, a rope), as best seen in fig. 10. One end of the tension member 124 is fixed to the work platform 6 at a first connection point 126 and the other end of the tension member 124 is connected to one of the counterweights 120 at a second connection point 128. Between the first connection point 126 and the second connection point 128, the tension member 124 passes over a first deflection pulley 130 and over a second deflection pulley 132. Any number of such deflection pulleys can be used as desired. The first deflection pulley 130 converts vertical motion of the work platform 6 into horizontal motion of the section of the tension member 124, and the second deflection pulley 132 converts the horizontal motion of the section of the tension member into vertical motion of the section of the tension member 124 connected to the counterweight 120.

Thus, the weight of the counterweight 120 generates a reaction force that is transmitted by the tension member 124 and acts to apply an upward vertical force to hoist the work platform 6 towards the stowed position. In some examples, the weight of the counterweight 120 provides a reaction force that is approximately equal to the force acting downward on the work platform due to the weight of the work platform. In some examples, the weight of the counterweight 120 provides a reaction force that is slightly greater than the downward force acting on the work platform 6 due to the weight of the work platform 6. Thus, the work platform 6 is automatically hoisted to the stowed position without any additional force. When the maintenance person moves the work platform 6 from the stowed position to the operating position, the male or female maintenance person must then place additional weight (e.g., a tool box) or apply their own weight to hold the work platform 6 in the operating position. Alternatively or additionally, there may be a mechanism for maintaining the work platform 6 in the operative position. Additionally, the extendable suspension assembly 8a shown in the previous figures is shown in fig. 10.

The arrangement of the counterweight 120 in the surrounding structure 122 is shown in more detail in fig. 11. Each surrounding structure 122 (in this example, a tube) is adjacent to the car column 136 and is optionally fixed or attached to the car column 136. The car column 136 is an existing component known in the art, and various numbers and arrangements of car columns are possible in accordance with the present disclosure. The number and placement of counterweights 120 and surrounding structures 122 can vary depending on the number and arrangement of car uprights 136. Each surrounding structure 122 additionally includes a stop 138 at the bottom of the surrounding structure 122, the stop 138 preventing the counterweight 120 from falling out of the bottom of the surrounding structure 122 (possibly into the hoistway) where the counterweight 120 may pose a hazard (e.g., in the event of a failure with respect to the tension member 124 or the counterweight 120 becoming dislodged).

In the example seen in fig. 10, the tension member 124 is fixed at one end to the counterweight 120 and at its other end to the work platform 6, i.e. a 1:1 roping. However, it will be appreciated that other roping ratios could be used instead, for example, the tension member 124 could be arranged to suspend the work platform 6 with the other end of the tension member 124 secured to a suitable connection point in the car (e.g. on the opposite upright 136 or on the support frame 4).

A second example is shown in fig. 12-15. In this example, the reaction force generator comprises a spring element 140, in particular a gas spring. This is advantageous because gas springs are more reliable than coil springs. In the particular example shown, the spring element 140 is attached to the work platform 6, in particular to the underside of the work platform 6. The spring elements 140 can alternatively be attached to the top or side surface of the work platform 12, but the spring elements 140, when attached below, are less likely to interfere with maintenance personnel using the work platform 6. Alternatively, the spring element 140 may be attached to another suitable component of the elevator car 1, such as the support frame 4, or other stationary part of the elevator car ceiling. In fig. 12, the work platform 6 is shown in the stowed position with the decorative ceiling covering panel 30 in the open position. It can be seen that the spring element 140 has a piston 152, the piston 152 being in a fully extended position and thus there is zero reaction force.

As the work platform 6 moves downwardly between the stowed position and the operative position, the spring element 140 is partially compressed as shown in figure 13. Fig. 14 shows the work platform 6 in the operating position. In this position, the spring element 140 is fully compressed as shown.

As shown in fig. 12, 13 and 14, the piston 152 of the spring element 140 is connected to the tension member 124, and the tension member 124 may be, for example, a string. In the particular example shown, the tension member 124 also passes through a deflector plate 150 secured to the work platform 6, previously passing through an aperture 154 in the work platform 6. The number of times the tension member 124 passes back and forth between the deflection plate 150 and the piston 152 can be adjusted to cause a lever effect (or gearing effect) when the horizontal movement of the piston 152 translates into vertical movement of the tension member 124. Any other suitable roping arrangement that causes the spring element 140 to compress as the work platform 6 moves from the stowed position to the operating position is possible in accordance with the present disclosure.

Fig. 15 shows how the tension member 124 passes through an aperture 154 in the work platform and extends vertically to connect at its second end to a connection point 156 in the elevator car 1, the connection point 156 moving relative to the work platform 6 as the work platform 6 moves from the stowed position to the operating position. In this example, point 156 is the pivot point of the extendable suspension assembly 8b which controls the movement of the work platform 6 relative to the support frame 4. The suspension assemblies 8a, 8b are as described with reference to the previous figures. The pivot point connecting the tension member 124 to the extendable suspension assembly 8b advantageously allows the travel of the spring element 140 to be shortened and the result is particularly well suited for small elevator cars. The second end of the tension member 124 can alternatively be connected to a fixed point in the elevator car 1, such as the car floor or ceiling. In another set of examples, the second end of the tension member 124 is connected to a pivot point of the extendable suspension assembly 8b, and the first end of the tension member 124 is connected to a spring element 140, the spring element 140 being attached to the support frame 4, or other portion of the car roof, rather than to the work platform 6.

Although in this example the first end of the tension member 124 is connected to the spring element 140 attached to the working platform 6 and the second end is attached to the point 156, the point 156 moving relative to the working platform 6 when the working platform 6 moves downwards in the elevator car 1, alternatively the spring element 140 can be attached to a fixed structure within the elevator car 1 and the second end of the tension member 124 can be connected to the working platform 6. For example, the spring elements 140 can be attached to the supporting frame 4 or elsewhere above the ceiling of the elevator car 1. This will still provide compression of the spring element 140 and thus a reaction force when the work platform 6 is moved from the stowed position to the operative position, and the tension member 124 can still be arranged to hoist the work platform 6 in an upward vertical direction.

Due to the arrangement described above, the spring element 140 provides a reaction force when the work platform 6 is moved downwards into the operating position due to the compression of the spring element 140. This inhibiting effect enables safer handling of the work platform 6 for maintenance personnel. This reaction force is then transmitted by the tension member 124 to lift the work platform 6 back towards the stowed position once the work platform 6 is in the operating position. In some examples, the reaction force provided by the spring element 140 may be less than or about equal to the downward force acting on the work platform 6 due to the weight of the work platform 6, such that the work platform 6 tends to remain there once the work platform 6 is moved to the operative position. In other examples, the reaction force provided by the spring element 140 may be greater than the downward force acting on the work platform 6 due to the weight of the work platform 6, such that once the work platform 6 is moved to the operating position, the work platform 6 will tend to move upward back to the stowed position unless additional weight (such as a toolbox or maintenance personnel) is placed on the work platform 6.

In still other examples, as shown in fig. 16-23, the reaction force generator is a hoist that, when actuated by a maintenance person, changes the length of the suspended portion of the tension member, thereby hoisting or lowering the work platform as required, and thus assists the maintenance person in moving the work platform 6 between the operating and stowed positions in a controlled manner and without having to support the weight of the work platform 6.

Fig. 16 and 17 illustrate a work platform 6 according to an example of the present disclosure. The working platform 6 is in the operating position. In fig. 16, the top surface 213 of the work platform 6 is visible, and in fig. 17, the underside 214 of the work platform 6 is visible. In addition to the suspension assemblies 8a, 8b (which are schematically shown, omitting some of the details shown in the previous figures), the work platform 6 is also connected to the support frame 4 by means of a first tension member 216a and a second tension member 216b, which tension members, however, can alternatively be connected to the intersection of the suspension assemblies 8a, 8b, as described above. The first tension member 216a is adjacent a first side of the work platform 6 and the second tension member 216b is adjacent an opposite second side of the work platform 6. In this example, the first tension member 216a passes through an intersection 215a or vertex of the extendable suspension assembly 8 a. The second tension member 16b passes through the intersection point 15b or apex of the extendable suspension assembly 8 b. The work platform 6 includes a ladder 230, and maintenance personnel can fold the ladder 230 down to climb up onto the work platform 6.

Each tension member 216a, 216b is connected to the support frame 4 at a first end of the respective tension member 216a, 216 b. According to the present disclosure, a second end of each tension member 216a, 216b is connected to a hoist 218, as shown in fig. 17. Each tension member 216a, 216b comprises a suspension portion 217a, 217b between the support frame 4 and the work platform 6, the suspension portion 217a, 217b being, or if not being, suspending the work platform 6 for suspending the assembly 8a, 8 b. In the example as shown, each of the hanging portions 217a, 217b is substantially vertical. The hoist 218 is shown in more detail in fig. 18.

Fig. 18 shows the arrangement of the hoist 218 when the work platform 6 is in the operating position, as shown in fig. 16 and 17. In this example, the hoist 218 includes a worm 220 and a sliding member 222. The mechanism of the worm is such that the sliding member 222 slides along the worm 220 as the worm 220 is rotated by means of the end connection 232. The direction in which the slide member 222 moves (up or down, as viewed in fig. 18) is determined by the direction of rotation of the worm 220. The rotational movement of the worm 220 is converted into a longitudinal movement of the slide member 222 by the meshing of the threads of the worm 220 and a corresponding worm gear in the slide member 222. The thread angle (pitch angle) and the thread depth of the worm are chosen such that the worm is self-locking, i.e. such that if the service person stops turning the worm 220, the worm 220 will remain stationary and the sliding part 222 will do the same. Thus, the work platform 6 will remain stationary as long as the worm is not turned (i.e. actuated) (unless, of course, the work platform is moved by different means (e.g. manually lifted). This allows the work platform 6 to be raised or lowered to an intermediate position and then maintained there without requiring effort from maintenance personnel. Typically, a locking mechanism is included at the support frame 4 to allow the work platform 6 to be locked in the stowed position. However, the work platform 6 can be locked in the stowed position using the hoist 218 of the present invention without such an additional locking mechanism, using only self-locking of the hoist.

The sliding member 222 includes a bore configured to receive the worm and act as a worm gear, i.e., to translate rotational movement of the worm into longitudinal movement of the sliding member 222 along the worm 220. The hole that receives the sliding member 222 is a plastic self-lubricating ring that includes a groove, which provides a worm gear mechanism. This allows easy movement of the sliding member 222 along the worm 220.

The hoist 218 also includes a first elongated rod 226 and a second elongated rod 228. The sliding member 222 is arranged to slide along these rods 226, 228 as the sliding member 222 moves along the worm 220. The rods 226, 228 are smooth so that the sliding member 222 can slide smoothly along the rods 226, 228 as the sliding member 222 moves, but help provide stability to the sliding member 222 and prevent twisting of the sliding member 222.

The hoist 218 also includes a first deflection pulley 224a and a second deflection pulley 224 b. As shown, when the work platform 6 is in the operating position, the slide member 222 is proximate the first end 234 of the worm, which is closer to the first and second deflector pulleys 224a, 224 b. The first end 234 is also closer to the end connector 232. When the sliding member 222 is located at this first end, very few tension members 216a, 216b pass back and forth between the respective deflection pulleys 224a, 224b and the sliding member 222, and therefore the remaining length of the tension members 216a, 216b, i.e. the length of the suspension portions 217a, 217b suspending the work platform (not shown in fig. 18), is longer.

Further, the hoist 218 includes a third deflection pulley 236a and a fourth deflection pulley 236 b. These deflection pulleys 236a, 236b direct the tension members 216a, 216b to the intersection points 238a, 238b towards the outer edge of the work platform 6. At these intersections the respective tension members 216a, 216b pass through the work platform 6. The portion of the other side of each tension member 216a, 216b as the intersection point 238a, 238b (not shown) is the hanging portion 217a, 217 b.

Fig. 19 and 20 show the work platform 6 according to the present disclosure in the stowed position. In fig. 19, the top surface 213 of the work platform 6 is visible, and in fig. 20, the underside 214 of the work platform 6 is visible.

Figure 21 shows the arrangement of the hoist 218 when the work platform 6 is in the stowed position as shown in figures 19 and 20. Like components are labeled as in fig. 18. As shown, when the work platform 6 is in the stowed position, the slide member 222 is proximate the second end 236 of the worm 220, and the second end 236 of the worm 220 is farther from the first deflector pulley 224a and the second deflector pulley 224 b. Thus, the tension members 216a, 216b pass around their respective deflection pulleys 224a, 224b and pass back and forth between these deflection pulleys 224a, 224b and the sliding member 222. In the example as shown, the roping configuration is 3:1 such that each tension member 216a, 216b passes back and forth three times between the deflection pulleys 224a, 224b and the sliding member 222. This means that the length of the suspended part of the tension members 217a, 217b (not shown in fig. 21) will have been shortened by three times the length of the distance between the respective deflection pulley 224a, 224b and the sliding member 222. Thus, in the stowed position as shown in fig. 21, each tension member 216a, 216b of large length is 'tucked' between the sliding member 222 and the deflection pulleys 224a, 224b, meaning that the suspended portions 217a, 217b of the tension members 216a, 216b are very short.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the underside 214 of the work platform 6 as the work platform 6 is moved between the operating and stowed positions. The work platform 6 is moved by actuation of the hoist 218. The hoist 218 (specifically, the end connector 232) is rotationally driven using a crank 240. The crank is usually provided as a standard tool in the elevator car. However, the crank 240 can alternatively be replaced by a power drill, which requires minimal effort from maintenance personnel in order to actuate the hoist 218.

Fig. 23 is a side view of the work platform 6, as shown in fig. 22, the work platform 6 including the hoist 218 and the crank 240. The lifting device 218 comprises a bracket 242, the bracket 242 being arranged to limit the angle a by which the crank 240 extends. As shown, crank 240 extends from end connector 232 at an angle α, where α is between about 120 ° and 150 °. This helps protect the technician from injury.

Although the examples described above with respect to fig. 16-23 include a hoist in the form of a worm, it will be appreciated that the mechanism could be replaced by another type of linear drive or any other device that can be operated to change the length of the tension member. For example, a gas spring or a reduction gear assembly may be alternatively employed.

As shown in fig. 1, 9 and 14-15, in all the examples described above the working platforms 6, 12 can be lowered from the retracted position into the interior space 2 of the elevator car to the operating position. The height of the operating position is determined by the range of movement of the extendable suspension assembly. For maintenance purposes, in this operating position, maintenance personnel can use the working platforms 6, 12 to stand on and thereby access parts of the elevator system through the open ceiling. In particular, the height of the working platforms 6, 12 in the operating position is ideally 1.0 m or 1.1 m below the supporting frames 4, 8. This means that maintenance personnel standing completely upright on the working platforms 8, 12 will protrude outwards from the opening in the ceiling of the elevator car 1 as provided by the supporting frames 4, 8. Furthermore, providing a minimum distance of 1.0 or 1.1 m between the working platform 6, 12 and the supporting frame in the operating position means that maintenance personnel can be refuge in an emergency situation in a safety space defined in the interior of the car. Examples of extendable suspension assemblies as disclosed herein provide sufficient range of movement even when the car is small in size and requires a compact arrangement in the stowed position.

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of an elevator system 101 including a hoistway 117. The primary counterweight 105 and elevator car 1 according to the present disclosure move in a vertical direction along the hoistway 117. There is seen an elevator car 1, a main counterweight 105, a set of one or more ropes and/or belts 107, guide rails 109, a hoisting machine 111, a position reference system 113, and a controller 115. The elevator car 1 and the main counterweight 105 are connected to each other by a set of ropes/belts 107 s. The primary counterweight 105 is configured to balance the load of the elevator car 1 and to facilitate movement of the elevator car 1 within the elevator hoistway 117 and along the guide rails 109 simultaneously and in an opposite direction relative to the primary counterweight 105.

The ropes and/or belts 107 engage a traction machine 111, the traction machine 111 being part of a roof structure of the elevator system 101. The hoisting machine 111 is configured to control movement between the elevator car 1 and the main counterweight 105. The position reference system 113 may be mounted on a fixed part, such as a support or guide rail, located at the top of the elevator hoistway 117 and may be configured to provide a position signal related to the position of the elevator car 1 within the elevator hoistway 117.

The controller 115 is located in a controller room 123 of the elevator hoistway 117 as shown and is configured to control operation of the elevator system 101, and in particular, operation of the elevator car 1. For example, the controller 115 can provide drive signals to the machine 111 to control acceleration, deceleration, leveling, stopping, etc. of the elevator car. The controller 115 may also be configured to receive position signals from the position reference system 113 or any other desired position reference device. When the elevator car 1 moves upwards or downwards along the guide rails 109 in the elevator hoistway 117, the elevator car 1 can stop at one or more sets of landing doors 125 as controlled by the controller 115. Furthermore, the controller 115 can be used to drive the elevator car 1 to any of the following positions in the hoistway 117: where maintenance personnel seek to see or access components in the hoistway 117. Once the elevator car is safely maintained in such a position, a service person riding in the car can deploy the working platform as already described above. Although the controller 115 is shown as being located in the controller room 123, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the controller 115 can be located and/or configured in other locations or positions within the elevator system 101.

In one or more examples of the disclosure, the elevator car 1 has relatively small dimensions, e.g., a car depth of 800 mm and a car width of 800 mm.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure has been illustrated by describing one or more particular aspects of the disclosure, but is not limited to these aspects; many variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (15)

1. An elevator car (1) defining an interior space (2) for accommodating passengers and/or goods, the elevator car (1) comprising:

a support frame (4) positioned above the inner space (2);

a work platform (6) movable between a stowed position above the interior space (2) and an operative position within the interior space (2); and

at least one extendable suspension assembly (8a, 8b) arranged to suspend the work platform (6) from the support frame (4), the extendable suspension assembly (8a, 8b) comprising:

connection plates (10a, 10b, 10c, 10 d);

a first arm part (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) connected at a first end (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) to the support frame (4) and slidably connected to a first connection point (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) of the connection plate (10a, 10b, 10c, 10 d);

a second arm part (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) connected at another first end (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) to the work platform (6) and slidably connected to a second connection point (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) of the connection plate (10a, 10b, 10c, 10 d);

wherein the first arm part (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) and the second arm part (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) are configured to slide parallel to each other along a sliding direction (13a) for extending the extendable suspension assembly (8a, 8b) when the work platform (6) is moved between the stowed position and the operational position, and wherein the first connection point (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) and the second connection point (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) have an offset (17a) to each other at least in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction (13 a).

2. The elevator car (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first connection point (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) and the second connection point (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) additionally have a further offset (19a) from each other along the sliding direction (13 a).

3. The elevator car (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection plate (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) comprises a pivot point (28a, 28b, 28c, 28d), the pivot point (28a, 28b, 28c, 28d) being arranged such that the connection plate (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) rotates about the pivot point (28a, 28b, 28c, 28d) when the working platform (6) is moved between the stowed position and the operating position.

4. The elevator car (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first connection point (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) comprises a first protrusion, and wherein the first arm member (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) comprises a slot (20a, 20b), and the first protrusion is configured to slide in the slot.

5. The elevator car (1) according to claim 4, wherein the slot (20a, 20b) extends along substantially the full length of the first arm member (12a, 12b, 12c, 12 d).

6. The elevator car (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the connecting plate (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) comprises a second protrusion (24a, 24b), wherein the second protrusion (24a, 24b) is also configured to slide in the slot (20a, 20b) of the first arm component (12a, 12b, 12c, 12 d).

7. The elevator car (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising a first and a second extendable suspension assembly (8a, 8b), wherein the first extendable suspension assembly (8a) suspends the work platform (6) from a first side of the support frame (4), and wherein the second extendable suspension assembly (8b) suspends the work platform (6) from an opposite second side of the support frame (4).

8. The elevator car (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first expandable suspension assembly (8a, 8b) further comprises:

sub-connection plates (10b, 10 c);

a secondary first arm part (12b, 12c) connected at a first end (3b, 3c) to the support frame (4) and slidably connected to a first connection point (16b, 16c) of the secondary connecting plate (10b, 10 c);

a secondary second arm part (14b, 14c) connected at a first end (5b, 5c) to the work platform and slidably connected to a second connection point (18b, 18c) of the secondary connecting plate (10b, 10 c);

wherein the first and second arm parts are configured to slide parallel to each other along a sliding direction, and wherein the first and second connection points (16b, 16c, 18b, 18c) are offset from each other at least along a direction perpendicular to the sliding;

wherein the first connecting plate (10a, 10d) and the secondary connecting plate (10b, 10c) are attached together at their respective pivot points (28a, 28b, 28c, 28d) so as to be movable relative to each other.

9. The elevator car (1) according to any preceding claim, further comprising:

a reaction force generator (120, 140, 218) configured to provide a reaction force; and

a tension member (124, 216a, 216b) connected to the work platform (6) and to the reaction force generator (120, 140, 218) for transferring the reaction force and thereby lifting the work platform (6) from the operating position to the stowed position.

10. The elevator car (1) according to claim 9, wherein the reaction force generator (120, 140, 218) is a hoist; and

wherein the tension member (124, 216a, 216b) is arranged such that a suspension portion (217a, 217b) of the tension member suspends the work platform (6), wherein the lifting device is configured to change the length of the suspension portion (217a, 217b) when actuated so as to facilitate lifting of the work platform between the stowed position and the operative position.

11. The elevator car (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the reaction force generator comprises at least one spring element (140) and the spring element is arranged to be compressed when the working platform (6) is moved from the stowed position to the operating position and thereby provide the reaction force which acts to move the working platform (6) from the operating position to the stowed position.

12. The elevator car (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the reaction force generator comprises at least one counterweight (120) and the tension member (124) is fixed at one end to the at least one counterweight (120) and connected to the working platform (6) such that the working platform (6) is hoisted from the operating position to the stowed position when the at least one counterweight (120) is moved vertically downwards relative to the elevator car (1).

13. The elevator car (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the reaction force generator (218) is a worm.

14. The elevator car (1) according to any of claims 8 to 13, wherein the reaction force generator comprises at least one deflector (130, 132, 154, 224a, 224b, 236a, 236b), such as a deflecting pulley, and the tension member is arranged to pass over the at least one deflector, and wherein the tension member is arranged to be in a roping ratio of at least 2:1 to the hoist.

15. An elevator system (101) comprising an elevator car (1) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a main counterweight (105) and one or more ropes or belts (107) connected between the elevator car (1) and the main counterweight.

Images