ES2966104T3 - Elevator cabin with folding work platform - Google Patents

Abstract

An elevator car (1) defining an interior space (2) for accommodating passengers and/or cargo, comprising a support frame (4) placed above the interior space (2), a work platform (6) movable between a retracted position, above the interior space (2), and an operational position, within the interior space (2) and at least one extendable suspension device (8a, 8b) arranged to suspend the work platform (6) from the frame of support (4). The extendable suspension device (8a, 8b) includes a connection plate (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d), a first arm member (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, 10d) and a second arm member (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d).) connected at another first end (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) to the work platform and slidably connected to a second connection point (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) of the connection plate (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d). The first arm member (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) and the second arm member (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) are configured to slide parallel to each other, along a sliding direction (13a), with in order to extend the extensible. suspension arrangement (8a, 8b) when the work platform (6) moves between the retracted position and the operational position. The first connection point (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) and the second connection point (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) are offset from each other at least in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction (13a). (Automatic translation with Google Translate, without legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Elevator cabin with folding work platform

Technical field

This description relates to an elevator car with a folding work platform used to perform maintenance from inside an elevator car. The folding nature of the work platform is assisted by one or more extendable suspension arrangements.

Background

It is known to provide work platforms located on or above the roof of elevator cars, which can be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the deployed position, the work platform is located inside the elevator car, at a height such that a maintenance person can stand on the work platform and access the elevator components through an opening in the roof of the elevator. the elevator car. Typically, such a work platform is suspended from at least one pair of suspension arms. EP-3587333-A1 describes a work platform that is movably mounted on a support frame by at least one scissor mechanism.

The range of motion of a scissor mechanism is limited by the dimensions of the work platform to which the mechanism is attached. Even when using telescoping arms in the scissor mechanism, the dimensions of the work platform may impose limitations on its range of motion. This can be a problem for smaller elevator cars where the size of the working platform is reduced. However, the height of the working platform when deployed is important to ensure that a maintenance person can access components above the car roof and also take shelter in the elevator car in the event of an emergency.

Compendium

According to a first aspect of this invention, an elevator car is provided that defines an interior space for accommodating passengers and/or cargo, the elevator car comprising:

a support frame placed above the interior space;

a mobile work platform between a stowed position, above the interior space, and an operational position, within the interior space; and

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

a connection 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 member and the second arm member are configured to slide parallel to each other, along a sliding direction, to extend the extendable suspension arrangement as the work platform moves between the stowed position and the operating position, and wherein the first connection point and the second connection point are displaced relative to each other at least in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction.

By slidably connecting the first and second arm members to the connection plate at offset first and second connection points, an extendable suspension arrangement is provided having a long extension height and a compact size (i.e., in the plane of the work platform). When the work platform is in the operating position, a second end of the first arm member is adjacent to a second end of the second arm member, providing a long extension height of the suspension arrangement, thus allowing the work platform lower to the desired height. As the work platform moves from the operating position to the stowed position, the first arm member and the second arm member slide parallel to each other with respect to the connecting plate. In the stowed position, the first end of the first arm member is adjacent to the second end of the second arm member, and the first end of the second arm member is adjacent to the second end of the second arm member. Due to the displacement perpendicular to the sliding direction, the first arm member and the second arm member are capable of sliding in this "stacked" configuration, thus providing a compact arrangement.

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

As the first and second arm members slide relative to the connecting plate, the extendable suspension arrangement will expand or collapse. Depending on various factors, such as the size and/or shape of the connection plate, and the way in which the arm members are connected to the connection points on the connection plate, the extendable suspension arrangement may be capable folding down into a relatively compact configuration. For example, the first arm member may be pivotally connected to the first connection point of the connection plate and/or the second arm member may be pivotally connected to the second connection point of the connection plate. This means that the first and second arm members can slide parallel to each other and pivot to align the sliding direction with the work platform, downwardly deploying the extendable suspension arrangement to be close to the work platform in the stowed position. In other words, the sliding direction can move with respect to the connecting plate.

The inventors have realized that deployment of the extendable suspension arrangement can be facilitated by arranging for the connection plate to pivot. In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the connection plate comprises a pivot point, arranged so that the connection plate rotates about the pivot point as the work platform moves between the stowed position and the operational position. This means that the first and second arm members can slide parallel to each other at the same time as the connecting plate rotates to align the sliding direction with the work platform. The extendable suspension arrangement can be folded down to lie close to the work platform in the stowed position. In at least some examples, the connecting plate rotates about the pivot point to align the first arm member and the second arm member with the work platform and/or the support frame as the work platform moves. to the retracted position.

In at least some examples, the pivot point is centrally located between the first connection point and the second connection point. Therefore, as the work platform moves and the first and second arm members slide parallel to each other, the connecting plate rotates about this central pivot point. Therefore, the extendable suspension arrangement can be extended and folded in a symmetrical manner.

In at least some examples, the sliding direction is constant with respect to the connecting plate. The first connection point and the second connection point are part of the connection plate, that is, they are fixed with respect to the connection plate. In some examples, the first connection point and the second connection point are arranged to define the sliding direction, thus giving a sliding direction that is constant with respect to the connecting plate. Therefore, in those examples where the connecting plate rotates about a pivot point, the sliding direction will also rotate with the connecting plate. This arrangement assists the "stacked" first and second arm members to rotate to a substantially horizontal position, thus providing an extendable suspension arrangement with a particularly small vertical extension, when the work platform is in the stowed position.

In at least some examples, the work platform in the stowed position and the support frame 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 can sit inside the support frame.

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

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

The first arm member is connected at a first end to the support frame and the 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 a corner opposite the corner of the work platform. For example, if the extendable suspension arrangement is connected on one side of an elevator car (where a "side" is defined with respect to elevator doors that are on a "front" side of the elevator car), then The first arm member may be connected to the front corner of the support frame, for example, adjacent to the doors, while the second arm member is connected to the rear corner of the work platform, for example, adjacent to the rear wall of the elevator car.

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

In some examples, in addition or alternatively, the first extendable suspension arrangement further comprises:

a secondary connection plate;

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

a second secondary arm member connected at a first end to the work platform and slidably connected to a second connection point of the secondary connection 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 connection point and the second connection point are displaced perpendicular to the direction Sliding. The statements made hereinabove with reference to the first and second arm members and the connecting plate may equally apply to the secondary connecting plate and the secondary first and second arm members. In some examples, the first connection plate and the secondary connection plate are attached to each other at their respective pivot points, so that they can move relative to each other. This provides additional stability to the extendable suspension arrangement and allows each connecting plate to rotate in opposite directions, so that each set of arm members can be positioned substantially horizontally and respectively stacked on top of each other when the work platform is in the retracted position.

In at least some examples, in addition or alternatively, the elevator car further comprises a cover panel, which is configured to cover the working platform when the working platform is in the stowed position. Advantageously, this allows the working platform, when in the stowed position, to be neatly covered and therefore hidden from view of any passengers who may use the elevator car, improving the passenger experience. The cover panel may comprise, for example, a decorative roof cover panel. In one or more examples, the cover panel may be pivotally attached to the support frame. In such examples, the cover panel may pivot relative to the support frame to cover the work platform when the work platform is in the stowed position.

In some examples, in addition or alternatively, the elevator car further comprises a counterforce generator configured to provide a counterforce, and a tension member, connected to the work platform and the counterforce generator, to transmit the counterforce and thereby raise the counterforce. work platform from the operating position to the stowed position. Such arrangements may provide a user with mechanical assistance as the work platform is moved between its operational and stowed positions.

According to a second aspect of this invention, there is provided an elevator car defining an interior space for accommodating passengers and/or cargo, the elevator car comprising: a support frame positioned above the interior space; a work platform suspendedly connected to the support frame and mobile between a stowed position, above the interior space, and an operational position, suspended within the interior space; a counterforce generator configured to provide a counterforce in a vertically upward direction; and a tension member connected to the working platform and the counterforce generator for transmitting the counterforce and thereby elevating the working platform in a vertical upward direction.

It will be appreciated that according to this second aspect of the present description, and corresponding examples according to the first aspect, a counterforce generator and a tension member act together to assist in moving the work platform from the operating position to the stowed position, providing thus better management of the work platform. This means that a maintenance person does not need to push against the full weight of the work platform when returning the work platform to the stowed position, that is, the maintenance person does not need to apply an upward force large enough to overcome the entire weight of the work platform. weight of the work platform. For example, if the work platform weighs 30 kg but the counterforce generator provides a counterforce equivalent to 25 kg, then a maintenance person only needs to lift the equivalent of 5 kg to move the work platform from the operating position to the position retracted

Additionally, the counterforce generator combined with the tension member provides an advantage not only in assisting the upward movement of the work platform from the operating position to the stowed position, but also in better handling as the platform moves. from the stowed position to the operational position. The counterforce in the vertical upward direction acts against the weight of the work platform and any force applied by a maintenance person, to cushion the movement of the work platform as it moves downward from the stowed to the raised position. operational position, preventing the work platform from suddenly falling from the retracted position. This is advantageous as a sudden fall of the work platform could cause damage to a mechanism that suspends the work platform and could cause injury to a maintenance person operating the work platform.

The following description also applies to the examples according to the first and second aspects of the present description.

At least in some examples, the counterforce is slightly greater than the weight of the work platform. This means that the counterforce generator and tension member can act to automatically raise the work platform to its stowed position without a maintenance person applying any weight.

At least in some examples, the counterforce is approximately equal to the weight of the work platform. This means that the weight of the work platform is approximately balanced by the counterforce, so that the maintenance person only needs to apply a small force to move the work platform from the stowed position to the operating position, or from the operating position to the retracted position.

In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the counterforce generator is a lifting device and the tension member is arranged such that a suspended portion of the tension member suspends the work platform, wherein the lifting device is configured, when It is actuated, to alter the length of the suspended part, to raise the work platform between the retracted position and the operational position. This means that a maintenance person does not need to push the work platform to the unassisted stowed position, i.e. the maintenance person does not need to apply a large upward force to overcome the full weight of the work platform. Rather, the maintenance person can adjust the length of the suspension portion of the tension member and thus move the work platform from the operating position to the stowed position without actually having to raise the work platform, allowing controlled adjustment of the work platform.

In various examples of the present disclosure, the tension member is a flexible member, for example a flexible rope, cable or belt.

In some examples, in addition or alternatively, the counterforce generator is positioned on the work platform. The location of the lifting device on the work platform is advantageous since a maintenance person can easily access the lifting device from inside the elevator car, even when the work platform is in the stowed position, and therefore both the deployment of the work platform is both easy and convenient for the maintenance person. In some examples, the lifting device is attached to the work platform. Preferably, the lifting device is attached to a lower part of the work platform. This allows the lifting device to be stored discreetly and prevents the lifting device from taking up useful space on the work platform or inside the elevator car, while being very easily accessible to a maintenance person from inside the elevator. the elevator car. Optionally, the tension member may be arranged to pass through or surround the work platform to connect to the counterforce generator.

One skilled in the art will understand that the statement that the tension member is "connected" to the work platform describes not only the case in which one or both ends of the tension member are fixed, for example, hooked to the platform of work, but also any other suitable arrangement in which the tension member passes through, under or around the work platform, in a manner that allows the suspended part of the tension member to suspend the work platform. For example, the tension member could be under the work platform. In examples where the lifting device is attached to the work platform, the tension member may be indirectly connected to the work platform by virtue of being connected to the lifting device which in turn is attached to the work platform. .

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

The connection point may be a fixed point in the elevator car, for example a connection point on the support 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 the extendable suspension arrangement, for example to the connection plate of the suspension arrangement. In this case, for each unit of movement of the counterforce generator, the length of the suspension part will be reduced by double, compared to the case where the tension member is connected to the supporting frame, due to the action of suspension arrangement, and this therefore provides an improved rope arrangement. This arrangement is particularly suitable for small elevator cars and furthermore the cost of the spring member required for this arrangement is reduced as a reduced stroke is required.

In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the counterforce generator maintains the suspension portion of the tension member at a given length, unless actuated by the application of a force, i.e., the lifting device is self-locking. This helps to improve the safety of the work platform, as this means that as long as a maintenance person has been moving the work platform using the lifting device and then stops operating the lifting device, the work platform will remain fixed at the height to which it has been moved and will not begin to rise or fall independently, that is, on its own. If maintenance personnel stop the drive, then the lifting device will be locked in its current position, thus significantly reducing the risk of the work platform falling freely. This helps the work platform move to both the operating position and the stowed position smoothly and with minimal risk to a maintenance person, as this self-locking helps prevent a potential safety risk caused by this movement. unexpected. Additionally, this helps to reduce the need to provide locking devices to secure the work platform in certain positions, for example, no locking mechanism may be required to secure the work platform in the stowed position or in the operational position. , or in any intermediate position, as it will be held in a given position by the lifting device, unless the lifting device is operated. However, in one or more examples it may still be desirable for the elevator car to include locking means for the working platform at least in the stowed position, for example, for added peace of mind and a safety backup.

In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the counterforce generator comprises at least one deflector such as a deflection pulley, and the tension member is arranged to pass over at least one deflector. In some examples, the tension member could be arranged in a 1:1 rope ratio with the counterforce generator, such that the length of the rope that is raised, for example, coiled or collected, by the counterforce generator is equal to the change in the length of the suspension portion of the tension member. However, preferably the tension member is arranged in a larger chord relationship with the counterforce generator, for example a 2:1 chord arrangement, a 3:1 chord arrangement or a 4:1 chord arrangement. In at least some examples, the counterforce generator comprises at least one deflector, and the tension member is arranged to pass over at least one deflector in a 3:1 rope arrangement. By way of explanation, in a 3:1 rope arrangement the deflector(s) are arranged so that for one unit of motion of the counterforce generator, the suspension portion of the tension member is altered in length three times. further.

In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the length of the tension member provides sufficient excess so that the suspension portion of the tension member can be elongated beyond the length required to reach the operating position, i.e., allowing the member tension is released when the work platform is in operational position. This helps to provide an arrangement where the tension member is not required to support the full weight of the work platform and any additional load, for example from a maintenance person, when the work platform is in use in the position operational. This means that a smaller, less load-bearing tension member could potentially be used, and also helps reduce wear and stress on the tension member.

In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the elevator car comprises a first tension member and a second tension member, each of the first and second tension members being independently connected to the counterforce generator and the work platform. This provides redundancy in the event of failure of one of the tension members. In at least some examples, in addition or alternatively, the elevator car comprises a first tension member disposed on a first side of the work platform and a second tension member disposed on a second side of the work platform, wherein the second side is an opposite side of the work platform towards the first side. This provides a more balanced suspension force acting on opposite sides of the work platform, so that each of the opposite sides is lifted by the counterforce generator approximately equally, allowing the work platform to remain approximately level at as it moves between the operating position and the stowed position and thus providing smooth movement of the work platform.

In a first set of examples, the counterforce 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 so that, as the at least one counterweight moves downward vertically with respect to the elevator car, the working platform is raised from the operating position to the stowed position, i.e. in a vertical upward direction. Therefore, this provides an upward assist force as a maintenance person raises the work platform to the stowed position, due to the lowering of the counterweights. In the reverse direction, as a maintenance person applies a downward force moving the work platform from the stowed position to the operational position, the upward movement of the at least one counterweight requires that an additional force be applied, acting against the weight of the work platform and therefore cushion and smooth the downward movement of the work platform towards the operating position.

There are many different arrangements of the at least one counterweight and the work platform that allow the work platform to be raised upward as the counterweight moves downward. For example, the tension member may be fixed at one end to a counterweight and arranged to pass under the working platform, that is, under the working platform, with its other end fixed to a suitable connection point on the cabin, so that as the counterweights move vertically downwards the work platform rises vertically upwards. In some examples, the tension member is attached at one end to at least one counterweight and attached at the other end to the work platform, i.e., in a 1:1 rope arrangement. Advantageously, this provides a simple tension member arrangement capable of raising the work platform as the at least one counterweight moves downwards.

In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the elevator car comprises one or more deflection pulleys and the tension member is arranged to pass over the one or more deflection pulleys 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 within the elevator car. This also helps to design a suitable arrangement for the counterforce generator in the elevator car, for example with the counterweight(s) placed at a 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 a separation between the at least one counterweight and any other components present in the elevator car and thus reduces the risk of the counterweights coming into contact with or interfering with any of the other components. The surrounding structure may be arranged within the interior space or outside the interior space, for example within 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 working platform, wherein the second side is an opposite side of the working platform to the first side, and is connected to the working platform by a second tension member. This provides a more balanced suspension force acting on opposite sides of the work platform, so that each of the opposite sides is lifted by the counterweight approximately equally, allowing the work platform to remain approximately level as it is raised. It moves between the operating position and the stowed position, thus providing smooth movement of the work platform.

In a second set of examples, the counterforce generator comprises at least one spring element and the spring element is arranged to compress as the work platform moves from the stowed position to the operating position, thereby providing the counterforce. which acts to move the work platform from the operating position to the stowed position, that is, in a vertical upward direction. In these examples, it is the expansion of the spring element that provides the counterforce, transmitted by the tension member, raising the work platform from the operating position to the stowed position, thereby assisting a maintenance person in moving the work platform. work to the retracted position. Furthermore, as the work platform moves from the stowed position to the operating position, the spring element is compressed and this therefore requires a maintenance person operating the work platform to apply additional force, sufficient to compress the spring element. This upward force, transmitted by the tension member as the spring element is compressed, acts against the weight of the work platform and therefore dampens the downward movement of the work platform. This is advantageous as a sudden fall of the work platform could cause damage to the mechanism that suspends the work platform and could cause injury to a maintenance person operating the work platform.

In the examples where the counterforce generator is a lifting device, the skilled person will understand that the lifting device may be any suitable device that is capable of altering the length of the suspension part as described, that is, the device lifting is a device that is configured to collect (or extract) or roll (or unroll) the length of the tension member, to alter the length of the suspension part.

The lifting device may comprise, for example, 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 suspension portion. In some examples, the lifting device may comprise a reduction gear assembly or any other suitable mechanical device that can operate to alter the length of the suspension portion. In any of these examples, the lifting device may be operated automatically or manually.

In some examples, in addition or alternatively, the lifting device is rotationally actuated to alter the length of the suspension portion, for example thereby acting to raise the work platform between the stowed position and the operational position. This allows the rotational motion (applied automatically or by a maintenance person) to be converted into a relative shortening (or lengthening) of the suspended portion of the tension member, thereby resulting in the working platform being lifted upward. the stowed position, or is lowered into the operating position.

In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the lifting device comprises a worm and a sliding member configured to slide along the worm when the worm is rotationally driven. The tension member is connected to the sliding member, so that when the sliding member moves, the length of the suspension portion is altered. For example, as the worm is rotated, the sliding member moves the tension member and alters the length of the suspension portion. In at least some examples, the tension member is connected to the sliding member through one or more deflectors. Optionally, the deflectors may be deflection pulleys, to facilitate movement of the tension member. In at least some examples, one or more deflectors are arranged to at least partially wind the tension member as the sliding member moves in a first direction, thereby shortening the length of the suspension portion. The sliding member may be a helical gear in at least some examples. One end of the tension member may terminate in the sliding member.

The sliding member may comprise a hole sized to receive the worm. The hole may comprise a plastic ring. The plastic ring can be self-lubricating. The lifting device may further comprise an elongated rod, parallel to the worm and arranged to pass through the sliding member, wherein the sliding member is configured to slide along the elongated rod. This helps 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 the worm to self-lock in small increments of movement, so that the worm (hence the sliding member and therefore the work platform) will not move unless additional force is applied to the screw. endless to again alter the length of the suspension part.

In one or more examples where the lifting device is rotationally driven, the lifting device may be driven directly, for example using a motor as a rotational drive. The motor can work automatically or manually. For example, the motor may be provided by a drill that is manually operated to drive the lifting device (e.g., using a drill to turn the worm screw in some examples). The use of a drill reduces the effort required by the maintenance person.

In one or more different examples, the lifting device may be actuated indirectly, for example using a crank connected to a rotating drive shaft. In at least some examples where the lifting device comprises a worm, as discussed above, the lifting device may further comprise a crank arranged to drive rotation of the worm. The crank may not be a permanent part of the lifting device, but may be a separate tool stored in a location within the elevator system, for example under the work platform or in a cabinet on a landing floor of the elevator system. elevator. A crank provides a simple mechanism by which a maintenance person can operate the lifting device, particularly when located in the elevator car below the working platform. Additionally, the use of a crank is advantageous as cranks are often provided as a standard elevator maintenance tool and are often stored within the elevator car and are therefore likely to be easily accessible to a person. of maintenance.

Typically, a crank is connected to a 90° rotating drive shaft. However, it has been recognized that where a person is positioned below 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 dangle and potentially hit the user, as well as making it 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 harm and provides a good approach angle for operating the crank. To prevent the crank from hanging at an angle of 90° with respect to the axis of the worm, the lifting device may comprise a support arranged to limit the angle at which the crank extends.

More generally, manual operation is desirable when a maintenance person is working in the cabin and therefore, in various examples, the lifting device may be manually operable. This means that a maintenance person can autonomously control the raising and/or lowering of the work platform.

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

Detailed description

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

Figure 1 shows a sectional view of an elevator car including an extendable suspension arrangement for a work platform, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 shows a side view of the work platform, extendable suspension arrangement and support frame of the elevator car of Figure 1, with the work platform in an operational position;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the elevator car components shown in Figure 2, with the working platform moving between a stowed position and the operating position;

Figure 4 shows a side view of the elevator car components shown in Figure 2, with the working platform in the stowed position;

Figure 5 shows a detailed side view of the extendable suspension arrangement, including a connecting plate and a first and second arm member, according to the first aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 6a shows an enlarged view of the components shown in Figure 5;

Figure 6b shows a connection plate as seen in Figures 5 and 6a;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of some components of an elevator car and a counterforce generator according to a first example of a second aspect of the present description, with the work platform in a retracted position;

Figure 8 shows the same components as Figure 7, with the work platform moving between the stowed position and an operational position;

Figure 9 shows the same components as Figures 7 and 8, with the work platform in the operational position;

Figure 10 is a close-up view showing how the counterforce generator is connected to the work platform by a tension member in this first example;

Figure 11 is another close-up view of the counterforce generator in this first example;

Figure 12 shows a perspective view of some components of an elevator car and a counterforce generator according to a second example of a second aspect of the present description, with the work platform in a stowed position;

Figure 13 shows the same components as Figure 12, with the work platform moving between the stowed position and an operational position;

Figure 14 shows the same components as Figures 12 and 13, with the work platform in the operational position;

Figure 15 is a close-up view showing how the counterforce 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 description, in an operational position, in which the upper surface of the work platform is visible;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the work platform according to this third example, in the operational position, in which a lifting device is visible at the bottom of the work platform; Figure 18 is a plan view of the lifting device according to this third example of the present description, when the work platform is in the operational position;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of the work platform according to this third of the present description, in an operational position, in which the upper surface of the work platform is visible; Figure 20 is a perspective view of the work platform according to a third of the present description, in a retracted position, in which the lower part of the work platform is visible;

Figure 21 is a plan view of the lifting device according to this third example of the present description, when the work platform is in the retracted position;

Figure 22 is a partial perspective view of the bottom of the work platform, as the work platform moves between the operating position and the stowed position, actuating the lifting device according to this third example;

Figure 23 is a partial side view of the work platform, including the lifting device and an actuator, as shown in Figure 22; and

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

Figure 1 shows an elevator cabin 1 defining an interior space 2, which is suitable for accommodating passengers and/or cargo. The elevator car 1 includes a support frame 4 that is located above the interior space 2. The elevator car 1 also includes a work platform 6, which is movable between a stowed position (as shown in Figure 4), above the interior space 2, and an operational position, within the interior space 2, as shown. see in Figure 1. The working platform 6 is suspended by a first extendable suspension arrangement 8a and a second extendable suspension arrangement 8b, which, as shown, are located on opposite sides of the elevator car 1 and on sides opposites of the work platform 6.

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

A side view of some of the components of the elevator car is shown in Figure 2, showing the extendable suspension arrangement 8a, but omitting the exterior structure of the elevator car 1. The features described herein with reference to the extendable suspension arrangement 8a also apply to the extendable suspension arrangement 8b, although the corresponding reference numbers have been omitted. It will be understood from Figure 1 that the pair of suspension arrangements 8a, 8b (left and right) are arranged to suspend the work platform 6 from the support frame 4 in the operating position seen in Figure 2.

As can be seen in Figure 2, each of the first arm members 12a, 12b comprises a slot 20a, 20b and each of the second arm members 14a, 14b comprises a slot 22a, 22b. Each slot 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b extends substantially along the entire length of the first arm member 12a, 12b and the second arm member 14a, 14b respectively. Each connection plate 10a, 10b includes a first projection 16a, 16b (providing a first connection point) and a second projection 24a, 24b, both configured to slide in the slots 20a, 20b of the first arm members 12a, 12b . Similarly, each connection plate 10a, 10b includes another first projection 18a, 18b (providing a second connection point) and another second projection 26a, 26b and both configured to slide in the grooves 22a, 22b of the second members 14a , 14b arm. Therefore, the respective first projections 16a, 18a and second projections 24a, 26a of the first and second arm members 12a, 14a define a sliding direction along which the first arm member 12a and the second arm member 14a arm are arranged to slide. This sliding direction can be seen in Figure 6b and is described in more detail below. Similarly, the respective first projections 16a, 18b and second projections 24a, 26b of the first and second arm members 12b, 14b define a sliding direction along which the first arm member 12b and the second arm member 14b arm are arranged to slide.

Each connection plate 10a, 10b comprises a pivot point 28a, 28b. The first connection plate 10a and the second connection plate 10b of the extendable suspension arrangement 8a (and similarly the extendable suspension arrangement 8b) are joined together at their respective pivot points 28a, 28b to rotate relative to each other around of this shared pivot point 28a, 28b. As can be seen, the pivot point 28a, 28b is located centrally between the first connection point 16a, 16b and the second connection point 18a, 18b, both along the sliding direction and perpendicular to the sliding direction. As the first connection plate 10a rotates relative to the second connection plate 10b, the sliding directions of each corresponding set of first and second arm members 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b also rotate about the point 28a, 28b shared pivot. This can be seen by comparing Figures 2 and 3.

The elevator car 1 optionally further includes a cover panel 30, which is configured to cover the work platform 6 when the work platform 6 is in the stowed position, as shown in Figure 4.

As the work platform 6 moves between the operating position (seen in Figure 2) and the stowed position (seen in Figure 4), the first connection plate 10a, 10d and the second connection plate 10b, 10c they rotate relative to each other, that is, in opposite directions (and therefore the sliding directions of the pairs of arms also rotate relative to each other). At the same time, the first arm member 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d and the second arm member 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d slide parallel to each other, along a sliding direction, as can be seen with reference to Figures 2, 3 and 4, which show the steps as the work platform 6 moves from the operational position to the stowed position. The sliding direction is fixed with respect to the connecting plate, as described with reference to the subsequent Figures, but as the connecting plate rotates, so does the sliding direction. As can be seen in the side view of Figure 2, the first connection point 16a, 16b and the second connection point 18a, 18b are offset from each other in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction. In the example shown, the first connection point 16a, 16b and the second connection point 18a, 18b are also offset from each other along the sliding direction. These displacements are described in more detail below, with reference to Figure 6b.

By connecting the first and second arm members 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b in a sliding manner to the connection plates 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d with an offset between the first and second connection points 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b, provides an extendable suspension arrangement 8a that has a wide extension range between the stowed and operational positions, and also a compact size when not extended.

When the work platform 6 is in the operating position, as shown in Figure 2, a second end 7a of the first arm member 12a is separated from a second end 9a of the second arm member 14a, providing a long extension range for the extendable suspension arrangement 8a, thus allowing the work platform 6 to lower to a desired height within the interior space 2 of the elevator cabin 1.

As the work platform 6 moves from the operating position (seen in Figure 2) to the stowed position (seen in Figure 4), the first arm member 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d and the second member 14a , arm 14b, 14c, 14d slide with respect to the connection plate 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, as seen in Figure 3, and the connection plates 10a, 10b rotate in opposite directions around the point 28a, 28b shared pivot.

When the work platform 6 is in the stowed position, as shown in Figure 4, the first end 3a of the first arm member 12a, 12b is adjacent to 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 to the second end 7a of the second arm member 14a, 14b. As seen in Figure 4, due to the displacement along the sliding direction of the first and second connection points 16a, 18a, 24a, 26a, the first arm member and the second arm member 12a, 14a slide in a "stacked" position, in which they overlap along the sliding direction 13a. Furthermore, due to the rotation of the connecting plates 10a, 10b, the first and second arm members 12a, 14a rotate (while sliding) to sit in a substantially horizontal position (as defined with respect to the elevator car 2). on the work platform 6 in the retracted position, as seen in Figure 4.

The arrangement of the connection plates 10a, 10b and the first and second arm members 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b are shown in more detail in the view of Figure 5 and in the exploded view of Figure 6a. Figure 6b shows a single exemplary connection plate 10a. Throughout this description, each reference number is followed by "a" or "b". These reference numbers refer to similar components, with the additional "a" and "b" indicating that this component is part of the first extendable suspension arrangement 8a, respectively the outer and inner parts of the first extendable suspension arrangement 8a . Likewise, although not included in Figures 2-6, the statements made herein equally apply to the components of the second extendable suspension arrangement 8b seen in Figure 1, respectively the inner and outer parts of the second extendable suspension arrangement 8b, labeled elsewhere "c" and "d". The terms "a" and "b" are used in the following description for clarity, but the skilled person will understand that these statements may equally apply to the second extendable suspension arrangement 8b which has components followed by "c" and "d".

As shown, the exemplary extendable suspension arrangement 8a includes a first arm member 12a, 12b, having a slot 20a, 20b, and a second arm member 14a, 14b, having a second slot 22a, 22b. Each connection plate 10a, 10b comprises four projections, 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b. The projections 16b, 18b, 24b and 26b are visible only from their rear side in the view shown in Figure 5, and protrude from the side of the connection plate 10b not seen in Figure 5, i.e. inside the page. There are a first projection 16a, 16b and a second projection 24a, 24b arranged to move in the groove 20a, 20b of the first arm member 12a, 12b, to form a sliding connection. Similarly, there is a first projection 18a, 18b and a second projection 26a, 26b, arranged to move in the groove 22a, 22b of the second arm member 14a, 14b, to form a sliding connection. For a given extendable suspension arrangement 8a, there is a first assembly that includes a connection plate 10a, a first arm member 12a, a second arm member 14a, and then there is a second assembly that includes a connection plate 10b, a first arm member 12b and a second arm member 14b (and likewise for "c" and "d"). The connection plates 10a, 10b of these "assemblies" each have a central pivot point 28a, 28b around which the connection plates 10a, 10b rotate as the extendable suspension arrangement 8a extends when the platform 6 of work moves between the stowed position and the operating position. The connecting plates 10a, 10b of the extendable suspension arrangement 8a are arranged to rotate in directions opposite to each other. The connection plates 10a, 10b are joined at these pivot points 28a, 28b to form a type of scissor mechanism.

These two “sets” are shown more clearly in an enlarged view in Figure 6a. The reference numbers followed by "a" and "b" have been used as an example, but this applies equally to components "c" and "d". It can be seen that each of the projections 16a, 18a, 24a, 26a is formed by an arrangement of a nut and a bolt, placed on opposite sides of the slots 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b and fastened together, in this example. Each projection 16a, 18a, 24a, 26a additionally includes two washers, to improve the smoothness of sliding. Furthermore, it can be seen that the pivot points 28a, 28b are joined together by a nut and a bolt, which pass through a respective hole in each plate 10a, 10b. Again washers are included to aid smooth rotation. Of course, other examples could omit such fastening of nuts and bolts and instead rely on projections formed on the surfaces of the connecting plates 10a, 10b to slide into the slots 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b, or a combination of these two approaches.

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

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

The overall 15a offset is made up of two different components. There is a first displacement component 17a, which is a displacement along a direction that is perpendicular to the sliding direction 13a of the first and second arm members. Movement 17a along this direction allows the first and second arm members to slide along their lengths without contacting each other. There is also a second displacement component 19a, which is displaced along the sliding directions 13a. The displacement 19a along the sliding directions 13a increases the total length of the extendable suspension arrangement when both the first arm member and the second arm member are fully "extended", that is, they slide as far as possible each other.

The first and second connection points 16a, 18a are fixed with respect to the connection plate 10a, so that the sliding direction 13a is constant with respect to the connection plate 10a. However, as described above, the connection plate 10a is arranged to pivot about the pivot point 28a as the extendable suspension arrangement extends or contracts, so that when the work platform moves between the stowed and operational, the connection plate 10a rotates. Therefore, during this movement, the sliding direction 13a itself rotates with respect to the reference frame of the elevator car 1.

As described above, in some examples, the elevator car further comprises a counterforce generator, configured to provide a counterforce acting against the weight of the working platform, and a tension member.

In a first set of examples, as shown in Figures 7-11, the counterforce generator comprises a set of counterweights 120. Figure 7 shows the elevator car 1 according to the present description, in which the decorative panel 30 of Roof deck has been pivoted down, but work platform 6 is still in the stowed position. The counterweights 120 are shown each arranged in a vertical stack and retained within a surrounding structure 122 (such as a tube). The surrounding structure 122 retains the counterweights 120 in position to move along a fixed vertical path and ensures that they do not fall into the elevator shaft, which could present a hazard. However, there could be no surrounding structure, or a different form of structure than that shown. Furthermore, there could be any number of counterweights, for example a single counterweight. In some examples there is at least one counterweight, or a set of counterweights, on each of the two opposite sides of the work platform 6. This advantageously provides greater stability and a more symmetrically balanced counterforce to the work platform 6.

When the work platform 6 is in the stowed position, as shown in Figure 7, the counterweights 120 are in their lowest position, at the bottom of the surrounding structure 122, near the floor 121 of the elevator car. . Cabin side walls have been omitted for clarity. As the work platform 6 moves out of the stowed position and away from the support frame 4, towards the operating position, as shown in Figure 8, the counterweights 120 begin to move vertically upward, i.e. moving away from cabin floor 121. The work platform 6 shown in Figure 8 is suspended connected to the support frame 4 by suspension arrangements 8a, 8b shown here schematically (omitting the detail seen in Figures 1-6).

Once the work platform 6 is in the operational position, as shown in Figure 9, the counterweights 120 are in their highest position within the surrounding structure 122. The suspension arrangements 8a, 8b are also shown schematically in Figure 9.

The work platform 6 is connected to each of the counterweights 120 by a tension member 124, in this example a rope, as seen more clearly in Figure 10. One end of the tension member 124 is attached to the platform 6. of work 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 may be used as required. The first deflection pulley 130 converts the vertical movement of the work platform 6 into horizontal movement of a section of the tension member 124, and the second deflection pulley 132 converts this horizontal movement of the section of the tension member into vertical movement of the section of the tension member 124, connected to the counterweight 120.

Therefore, the weight of the counterweights 120 generates a counterforce that is transmitted by the tension member 124 and acts to apply a vertical upward force to raise the work platform 6 towards the stowed position. In some examples, the weight of the counterweights 120 provides a counterforce approximately equal to the force acting downward on the work platform due to its weight. In some examples, the weight of the counterweights 120 provides a counterforce that is slightly greater than the downward force acting on the work platform 6 due to its weight. As a result of this, in the absence of additional forces, the working platform 6 is automatically raised to the stowed position. When a maintenance person moves the work platform 6 from the stowed position to the operational position, he must then place an additional weight, for example a tool box, or apply his own weight, to keep the work platform 6 in the position. operational. Alternatively, or in addition, there may be a mechanism to maintain the work platform 6 in the operational position. Furthermore, Figure 10 shows the extendable suspension arrangement 8a shown in the previous Figures.

The arrangement of the counterweights 120 on the surrounding structures 122 is shown in more detail in Figure 11. Each surrounding structure 122, in this example a tube, is adjacent to, and optionally fixed or attached to, a cabin strut 136. The cab uprights 136 are existing components known in the art, and various numbers and arrangements of cab uprights are possible in accordance with the present disclosure. The number and location of the counterweights 120 and surrounding structures 122 can be altered depending on the number and arrangement of the cabin uprights 136. Each surrounding structure 122 additionally includes a stop 138 at the bottom of the surrounding structure 122, which prevents the counterweights 120 from falling from the bottom of the surrounding structure 122, possibly into the elevator shaft, which could create a hazard (e.g. , in the event of a failure in the tension member 124, or a counterweight 120 is detached).

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

A second example is shown in Figures 12-15. In this example, the counterforce 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, specifically to the bottom of the work platform 6. The spring member 140 could alternatively be attached to a top or side surface of the work platform 12, but when attached to the bottom the spring member 140 is less likely to be in the way of a maintenance person using the platform 6. of work. Alternatively, the spring element 140 may be attached to another suitable component of the elevator car 1, such as the support frame 4 or another fixed part of the roof of the elevator car. In Figure 12, the work platform 6 is shown in the stowed position, with the decorative roof covering panel 30 in the open position. It can be seen that the spring element 140 has a piston 152 that is in a fully extended position and therefore there is no counterforce.

As the work platform 6 moves downward between the stowed position and the operating position, as shown in Figure 13, the spring member 140 is partially compressed. Figure 14 shows the work platform 6 in the operational position. In this position, as shown, the spring element 140 is fully compressed.

As shown in Figures 12, 13 and 14, the piston 152 of the spring element 140 is connected to a tension member 124, which could be, for example, a rope. In the particular example shown, the tension member 124 also passes through a deflection plate 150 that is attached to the work platform 6, before passing through an opening 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 provide a gear effect as the horizontal movement of the piston 152 is translated into vertical movement of the member. 124 tension. Any other suitable rope arrangement, which results in the spring element 140 being compressed as the work platform 6 moves from the stowed position to the operational position, is possible according to the present disclosure.

Figure 15 shows how the tension member 124 passes through the opening 154 in the work platform and extends vertically to connect at its second end to a connection point 156 in the elevator car 1 that moves with respect to the work platform 6, as the work platform 6 moves from the stowed position to the operational position. In this example, point 156 is a pivot point of the extendable suspension arrangement 8b that controls the movement of the work platform 6 with respect to the support frame 4. The suspension arrangements 8a, 8b are as described with reference to the previous Figures. The connection of the tension member 124 with the pivot point of the extendable suspension arrangement 8b advantageously allows the stroke of the spring element 140 to be reduced and is consequently particularly suitable for small elevator cars. The second end of the tension member 124 could alternatively be connected to a fixed point in the elevator car 1, such as the floor or ceiling of the car. In another set of examples, the second end of the tension member 124 is connected to the pivot point of the extendable suspension arrangement 8b and the first end of the tension member 124 is connected to a spring element 140 that is attached to the frame 4 support or other part of the cabin roof, instead of being attached to the work platform 6.

Although, in this example, the first end of the tension member 124 is connected to a spring element 140 that is attached to the work platform 6, with the second end attached to a point 156 that moves with respect to the platform 6 as the work platform 6 moves downward in the elevator car 1, alternatively, the spring member 140 could be attached to a fixed structure within the elevator car 1, and the second end of the member 124 of voltage could be connected to the work platform 6. For example, the spring element 140 could be attached to the support frame 4 or at another location above the roof of the elevator car 1. This would continue to provide compression of the spring member 140, and therefore a counterforce, as the work platform 6 moves from the stowed position to the operational position, and the tension member 124 could continue to be arranged to raise the platform. 6 work in the vertical upward direction.

As a result of the arrangement described above, the spring element 140 provides a counterforce as the work platform 6 moves downward to the operating position, due to the compression of the spring element 140. This cushioning effect can make it safer for a maintenance person to manipulate the work platform 6. Then, once the work platform 6 is in the operating position, this counterforce is transmitted by the tension member 124, to raise the work platform 6 back to the stowed position. In some examples, the counterforce provided by the spring element 140 could be less than or approximately equal to the downward force acting on the work platform 6 due to its weight, so that once moved to the operational position it tends to remain there. . In other examples, the counterforce provided by the spring element 140 may be greater than the downward force acting on the work platform 6 due to its weight, so that once moved to the operational position, the work platform 6 stores. to move upward to the stowed position unless additional weight, such as a tool box, or a maintenance person, is placed on the work platform 6.

In still other examples, as shown in Figures 16-23, the counterforce generator is a lifting device that, when operated by a maintenance person, changes the length of a suspended portion of a tension member, raising or thus lowering the work platform as required, and thus helping the maintenance person to move the work platform 6 between the operational and retracted positions, in a controlled manner and without having to support its weight.

Figures 16 and 17 show a work platform 6 according to an example of the present description. The working platform 6 is in the operational position. In Figure 16 the upper surface 213 of the work platform 6 is visible, in Figure 17 the lower part 214 of the work platform 6 is visible. In addition to the suspension arrangements 8a, 8b (shown schematically, omitting some of the details shown in the previous Figures), the work platform 6 is also connected to the support frame 4 by a first tension member 216a and a second tension member 216b, although as described above, these tension members could instead be connected to an intersection point of the suspension arrangements 8a, 8b. The first tension member 216a is near a first side of the working platform 6, and the second tension member 216b is near a second opposite side of the working platform 6. In this example, the first tension member 216a passes through the intersection point, or vertex, 215a of the extendable suspension arrangement 8a. The second tension member 16b passes through the intersection point, or vertex, 15b of the extendable suspension arrangement 8b. The work platform 6 includes a ladder 230, which can be folded by a maintenance person to climb 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, 216b. The second end of each tension member 216a, 216b is connected to a lifting device 218 according to the present description, as shown in Figure 17. Each tension member 216a, 216b includes a suspension part 217a, 217b between the frame 4 and the work platform 6, which suspends the work platform 6, or would be if it were not for suspension provisions 8a, 8b. In the example shown, each suspension portion 217a, 217b is substantially vertical. The lifting device 218 is shown in more detail in Figure 18.

Figure 18 shows the arrangement of the lifting device 218 when the work platform 6 is in the operating position, as shown in Figures 16 and 17. In this example, the lifting device 218 includes a worm screw 220 and a slip member 222. The mechanism of a worm is such that as the worm 220 is rotated, by means of connecting end 232, the sliding member 222 slides along the worm 220. The direction (up or down, as seen in Figure 18) in which the sliding member 222 moves is determined by the direction of rotation of the worm screw 220. By engaging the thread of the worm 220 and the corresponding helical gear within the sliding member 222, the rotational motion of the worm 220 is converted into a longitudinal motion of the sliding member 222. The thread angle (pitch angle) and thread depth of the worm are chosen so that the worm is self-locking, that is, so that if a maintenance person stops rotating the worm 220, then The worm gear 220 will remain fixed and so will the sliding member 222. Therefore, the working platform 6 will remain stationary as long as the worm is not rotated, i.e. driven (unless, of course, the working platform is moved by a different means, for example, raised manually ). This allows the work platform 6 to be raised or lowered to intermediate positions and then held there without requiring effort from maintenance personnel. A locking mechanism is often included in the support frame 4 to allow the work platform 6 to be locked in the stowed position. However, using the lifting device 218 of the present invention, the work platform 6 can be locked in the stowed position without the use of such additional locking mechanism, simply by using the self-locking of the lifting device.

The sliding member 222 includes a hole that is configured to receive the worm and act as a helical gear, that is, convert the rotational movement of the worm into longitudinal movement of the sliding member 222 along the worm 220. end. The bore that receives the sliding member 222 is a self-lubricating plastic ring comprising grooves that provide the helical gear mechanism. This allows easy movement of the sliding member 222 along the worm screw 220.

The lifting device 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 it moves along the worm screw 220. These rods 226, 228 are smooth so that the sliding member 222 can slide smoothly along them as it moves, but they help provide stability to the sliding member 222 and prevent it from twisting.

The lifting device 218 also includes a first deflection pulley 224a and a second deflection pulley 224b. As shown, when the work platform 6 is in the operating position, the sliding member 222 is close to a first end 234 of the worm, the end that is closest to the first and second deflection pulleys 224a, 224b . The first end 234 is also closer to the end connection 232. When the sliding member 222 is at this first end, very little of the tension members 216a, 216b passes back and forth between the respective deflection pulleys 224a, 224b and the sliding member 222, and therefore the length remaining of the tension members 216a, 216b, that is, the length of the suspension part 217a, 217b (not shown in Figure 18) that suspends the work platform, is long.

The lifting device 218 further includes a third deflection pulley 236a and a fourth deflection pulley 236b. These deflection pulleys 236a, 236b direct the tension members 216a, 216b towards the outer edges of the work platform 6, up to the intersection points 238a, 238b. At these intersection points, the respective tension members 216a, 216b pass through the working platform 6. The portion of each tension member 216a, 216b that is the other side of the intersection point 238a, 238b (not shown) is the suspension portion 217a, 217b.

Figures 19 and 20 show the work platform 6 according to the present description, in the retracted position. In Figure 19 the upper surface 213 of the work platform 6 is visible, in Figure 20 the lower part 214 of the work platform 6 is visible.

Figure 21 shows the arrangement of the lifting device 218 when the work platform 6 is in the stowed position, as shown in Figures 19 and 20. The same components are labeled as in Figure 18. As shown, when the work platform 6 is in the stowed position, the sliding member 222 is close to a second end 236 of the endless screw 220, the end that is furthest from the first and second deflection pulleys 224a, 224b. Therefore, 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 shown, the rope arrangement is 3:1, so that each tension member 216a, 216b passes back and forth three times between the deflection pulley 224a, 224b and the sliding member 222. This means that the length of the suspension portion of the tension member 217a, 217b (not shown in Figure 21) will have been reduced by three times the length of the distance between the respective deflection pulley 224a, 224b and the member 222. Sliding. Therefore, in the stowed position as shown in Figure 21, a large length of each tension member 216a, 216b is "packed" between the sliding member 222 and the deflection pulleys 224a, 224b, which means that the suspension part 217a, 217b of the member 216a, 216b is very short.

Figure 22 is a perspective view of the lower portion 214 of the work platform 6 as the work platform 6 moves between the operating position and the stowed position. The work platform 6 is moved by driving the lifting device 218. The lifting device 218, specifically the end connection 232, is rotatably actuated using a crank 240. A crank is often provided as a standard tool within an elevator car. However, the crank 240 could be replaced by an electric drill, which requires minimal effort from a maintenance person to operate the lifting device 218.

Figure 23 is a side view of the work platform 6, as shown in Figure 22, including the lifting device 218 and the crank 240. The lifting device 218 includes a support 242 arranged to limit the angle a at the which extends the crank 240. As shown, the crank 240 extends from the end connection 232 at an angle of a, where a is between approximately 120° and 150°. This helps protect the technician from harm.

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

As shown in Figures 1, 9 and 14-15, in all the examples described above, the working platform 6, 12 can be lowered from the stowed position into the interior space 2 of the elevator car to an operational position. The height of the operating position is determined by the range of motion of the extendable suspension arrangement. It is in this operating position that a maintenance person can use the work platform 6, 12 to stand on it and thus access parts of the elevator system through the open roof for maintenance purposes. In particular, the height of the working platform 6, 12 in the operating position is ideally 1.0 m or 1.1 m below the supporting frame 4, 8. This means that a maintenance person who is fully upright on the work platform 8, 12 will protrude from an opening in the roof of the elevator car 1 provided by the support frame 4, 8. Furthermore, providing a minimum distance of 1.0 or 1.1 m between the working platform 6, 12 and the support frame, in the operational position, means that a maintenance person can take refuge in a safety space defined in the inside the cabin in case of emergency. Examples of an extendable suspension arrangement as described herein provide sufficient range of motion even when cabin dimensions are small and a compact arrangement is needed in the stowed position.

Figure 24 is a perspective view of an elevator system 101 that includes an elevator shaft 117. An elevator car 1, according to the present description, and a main counterweight 105 move in a vertical direction along the elevator shaft 117. Seen is an elevator car 1, a main counterweight 105, a set of one or more ropes and/or belts 107, a guide rail 109, a machine 111, a position reference system 113 and a controller 115. The car 1 The elevator shaft and the counterweight 105 are connected to each other by the rope/belt assembly 107. The counterweight 105 is configured to balance a load of the elevator car 1 and is configured to facilitate the movement of the elevator car 1 simultaneously and in an opposite direction with respect to the counterweight 105 within an elevator shaft 117 and along the guide rail 109.

The ropes and/or belts 107 are coupled to the machine 111, which is part of an upper structure of the elevator system 101. The machine 111 is configured to control the movement between the elevator car 1 and the main counterweight 105. The position reference system 113 may be mounted on a fixed portion at the top of the elevator shaft 117, such as on a bracket or guide rail, and may be configured to provide position signals with respect to a position of the car. 1 elevator inside elevator shaft 117.

The controller 115 is located, as shown, in a controller room 123 of the elevator shaft 117 and is configured to control the operation of the elevator system 101, and particularly the elevator car 1. For example, controller 115 may provide drive signals to machine 111 to control acceleration, deceleration, leveling, stopping, etc. of the elevator car. Controller 115 may also be configured to receive position signals from position reference system 113 or any other desired position reference device. When moving up or down within the elevator shaft 117 along the guide rail 109, the elevator car 1 may stop at one or more landing doors 125 controlled by the controller 115. Additionally, the controller 115 may be used to drive the elevator car 1 to any position in the elevator shaft 117 where a maintenance person seeks to view or access the components in the elevator shaft 117. Once the elevator car is safely held in such a position, a maintenance person moving in the car can deploy the working platform as already described above. Although shown in a controller room 123, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the controller 115 may be located and/or configured in other locations or positions within the elevator system 101.

In one or more examples of the present description, the elevator car 1 has relatively small dimensions, for example a car depth of 800 mm and a car width of 800 mm.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the description has been illustrated by describing one or more specific aspects thereof, 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 cabin (1) that defines an interior space (2) to accommodate passengers and/or cargo, the elevator cabin (1) comprising: a support frame (4) placed above the interior space (2); a mobile work platform (6) between a retracted position, above the interior space (2), and an operational position, within the interior space (2); and at least one extendable suspension arrangement (8a, 8b) arranged to suspend the work platform (6) from the support frame (4), characterized in that the extendable suspension arrangement (8a, 8b) comprises: a connection plate (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d); a first arm member (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) connected at a first end (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) to the support frame (4) and slidably connected to a first point (16a, 16b, 16c , 16d) connection plate (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d); a second arm member (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) connected at another first end (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) to the work platform (6) and slidably connected to a second point (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) connecting plate (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d); wherein the first arm member (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) and the second arm member (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) are configured to slide parallel to each other, along a sliding direction (13a). , to extend the extendable suspension arrangement (8a, 8b) when the work platform (6) moves between the retracted position and the operational position, and where the first connection point (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) and The second connection point (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) has a displacement (17a) relative to each other at least in a direction perpendicular to the direction (13a) of sliding. 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 another displacement ( 19a) with each other along the sliding direction (13a). 3. The elevator car (1) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection plate (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) comprises a pivot point (28a, 28b, 28c, 28d) arranged so that the connection plate (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) rotates around the pivot point (28a, 28b, 28c, 28d) when the work platform (6) moves between the stowed position and the operating position. 4. The elevator car (1) of any preceding claim, wherein the first connection point (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) comprises a first projection and wherein the first member (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) of arm comprises a slot (20a, 20b), and the first projection is configured to slide in the slot. 5. The elevator car (1) of claim 4, wherein the slot (20a, 20b) extends substantially along the entire length of the first arm member (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d). 6. The elevator car (1) of claim 4 or 5, wherein the connection plate (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) comprises a second projection (24a, 24b), wherein the second projection (24a, 24b ) is also configured to slide in the slot (20a, 20b) of the first arm member (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d). 7. The elevator car (1) of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one extendable suspension arrangement (8a, 8b) further comprises: a secondary connection plate (10b, 10c); a first secondary arm member (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 plate (10b, 10c) secondary connection; a second secondary arm member (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 plate (10b, 10c) secondary connection; 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 connection point (16b, 16c) and the second point (18b, 18c) are offset from each other at least one in the direction perpendicular to the slide. wherein the first connection plate (10a, 10d) and the secondary connection plate (10b, 10c) are joined together at their respective pivot points (28a, 28b, 28c, 28d), so that they can move relative to each other. 8. The elevator car (1) of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one extendable suspension arrangement (8a, 8b) comprises a first extendable suspension arrangement (8a) and a second extendable suspension arrangement (8b), wherein the first removable suspension arrangement (8a) suspends the work platform (6) from a first side of the support frame (4), and where the second extendable suspension arrangement (8b) suspends the platform (6) from work of a second opposite side of the support frame (4). 9. The elevator car (1) of any preceding claim, further comprising a counterforce generator (120, 140, 218) configured to provide a counterforce; and a tension member (124, 216a, 216b), connected to the work platform (6) and the counterforce generator (120, 140, 218), to transmit the counterforce and thus raise the work platform (6) from the operating position to the stowed position. 10. The elevator car (1) of claim 9, wherein the counterforce generator (120, 140, 218) is a lifting device; and wherein the tension member (124, 216a, 216b) is arranged so that a suspension part (217a, 217b) of the tension member suspends the working platform (6), where the lifting device is configured, when It is actuated, to alter the length of the suspension portion (217a, 217b), to raise the work platform between the retracted position and the operational position. 11. The elevator car (1) of claim 9 or 10, wherein the counterforce generator comprises at least one spring element (140) and the spring element is arranged to compress as the platform (6) of work moves from the retracted position to the operational position, and thus provide the counterforce that acts to move the work platform (6) from the operational position to the retracted position. 12. The elevator car (1) of claim 9 or 10, wherein the counterforce generator comprises at least one counterweight (120) and the tension member (124) is fixed at one end to at least one counterweight (120). ) and connected to the platform (6) so that, as the at least one counterweight (120) moves downward vertically with respect to the elevator car (1), the work platform (6) rises from the operating position to the stowed position. 13. The elevator car (1) of claim 9 or 10, wherein the counterforce generator (218) is a worm. 14. The elevator car (1) of any of claims 9 to 13, wherein the counterforce generator comprises at least one deflector (130, 132, 154, 224a, 224b, 236a, 236b) such as a deflection pulley , and the tension member is arranged to pass over the at least one deflector, and wherein the tension member is arranged in a chord relationship of at least 2:1 with the lifting device. 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 car (1). elevator and main counterweight.