Mobile operating unit, elevator and method

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to mobile operating units, elevators and methods. The present invention relates to a mobile operating unit (1) for an elevator, comprising: an operating interface (2) that can be manually operated by a user to control the movement of an elevator car (5); and an orientation sensor (3) for sensing the orientation of the operating unit (1). The present invention also relates to an elevator comprising the mobile operating unit (1) and a method for monitoring an elevator, wherein the mobile operating unit (1) is used.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to manually controlling the movement of an elevator car, wherein preferably the elevator is an elevator for vertical transport of passengers and / or freight. Background Art

[0002] Modern elevators usually have a normal operating mode and a service operating mode. In the normal operating mode, the movement of the car between vertically displaced landings in response to calls received from the passenger elevator can be automatically controlled by the control system. In the service operating mode, the movement of the car can be manually controlled by the user using an operating unit located inside the shaft. The operating unit is not available to the passengers of the elevator. Usually, the operating unit is located on the top of the car roof or in the pit of the shaft.

[0003] The operating unit has buttons, also called manual drive buttons, which can be manually operated by the user to control the movement of the elevator car. With these drive buttons, manual service drive can be performed at a low speed (e.g. 0.3 m / s). When the drive button is pushed, the car starts to move, and when the button is released, the car stops. In order to achieve manual drive, the selector switch in the inspection station must first be turned to the service mode position. The selector switch must be returned to the original position before normal elevator operation can be performed.

[0004] Traditionally, the operating unit has been fixed to its position in a non-movable manner. This may lead to practical problems and is not ergonomic for service personnel. Therefore, movable operating units have been introduced. The mobility can be facilitated by mounting the operating unit non-fixedly. The power and signal connection between the operating unit and the elevator control system can be provided by means of a flexible cable. It has been noted that mobility leads to new safety risks, since misplacing the unit after use can lead to various dangers. For example, these dangers may be: leaving the unit under the overspeed governor tensioning counterweight, which can make the overspeed governor inoperable due to rope stretching; or leaving the unit in a position where it can be damaged by moving the elevator car or the counterweight; or leaving the unit on the pit, so that the unit can cause a trip. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a mobile operating unit, an elevator and a method which are improved in terms of the safety associated with the placement of the mobile operating unit after its use. The object is in particular to alleviate one or more of the above defined disadvantages of the prior art and / or the problems discussed or suggested elsewhere in this specification. The object is to achieve this with a simple structure, a small number of components and with high reliability.

[0006] Among other things, embodiments are proposed which provide a high level of mobility in use and good adaptability to different elevator layouts. Among other things, embodiments are proposed which can be placed structurally simply and economically after use in a predetermined safe position. Among other things, embodiments are proposed which can also be safely serviced if a separate station for moving the operating unit is not used or is unavailable.

[0007] A new mobile operating unit for an elevator is proposed, which comprises: an operating interface that can be manually operated by a user to control the movement of the elevator car; and an orientation sensor for sensing the orientation of the operating unit. With this solution, one or more of the advantages and / or purposes mentioned above are achieved.

[0008] One advantage is that the mobile operating unit can provide information indicating the orientation of the mobile operating unit, such as to the elevator control system. The orientation of the mobile operating unit can be used as an indication of whether the mobile operating unit is just lying around after using the mobile operating unit or whether it is placed in a predetermined orientation. This improves safety, because the elevator control system can be configured to allow or block elevator functions based on the orientation of the operating unit. For example, such functions to be blocked or allowed may include normal elevator operation.

[0009] Preferred further features are described below, which can be combined with the mobile operating unit individually or in any combination.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the mobile operating unit is arranged to be connected to an elevator control system. Preferably, the mobile operating unit comprises an output for outputting signals from the mobile operating unit to the elevator control system (in particular, via a wired connection or a wireless connection). Such signals may comprise manual operating signals, such as signals for an elevator control to move the elevator car up or down and / or signals from a directional sensor.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the mobile operating unit comprises a power input.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the operating unit is elongated in shape.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the operating unit comprises a non-planar side, which comprises a tip for destabilizing the operating unit when the operating unit is standing on its non-planar side.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, a flexible cable for transmitting power to the mobile operating unit and / or transmitting (multiple) signals from the mobile operating unit is connected to the mobile operating unit. The flexible cable can extend from the operating unit, for example, preferably from one end of the operating unit when the shape of the operating unit is elongated.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the operating unit is tiltable about one or more horizontal axes pointing in different directions.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the state of the orientation sensor can be changed between a first state and a second state by tilting the operating unit about one or more horizontal axes, most preferably, about any one of at least two horizontal axes pointing in different directions (such as in orthogonal directions).

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the orientation sensor has a first state when the operating unit is in a first posture, and has a second state when the operating unit is in a second posture.

[0018] Preferably, when the operating unit is in the first posture, an axis of the operating unit (preferably the axis is its longitudinal axis) points in a first direction, and when the operating unit is in the second posture, said axis of the operating unit points in a second direction.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the operating unit is elongated in shape, and the first posture is an upright posture, and the second posture is an inclined posture. More specifically, when the operating unit is in the upright posture, the longitudinal axis of the operating unit points to a first direction, which is a vertical or at least substantially vertical direction, and when the operating unit is in the inclined posture, the longitudinal axis of the operating unit points to a second direction, which is a direction displaced at an angle to the first direction, such as a horizontal or at least substantially horizontal direction.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the first state is a conductive state and the second state is a non-conductive state, or vice versa.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the orientation sensor comprises a movable conductive contact, such as, for example, a solid contact member or a fluid contact substance, which is arranged to be pulled by gravity to move to electrically connect the two conductors to close the circuit when the operating unit is in the first posture, and to be pulled by gravity to move to electrically disconnect the two conductors to open the circuit when the operating unit is in the second posture, and vice versa. Preferably, the contact is in a closed space, in which the contact can be moved in or out so as to contact the two conductors simultaneously and not simultaneously. Preferably, the solid contact member is a ball, such as, for example, a metal ball, which is advantageous because such a member can roll by gravity to open and close the circuit. Alternatively, the contact is a fluid contact substance, which is advantageous because such a substance can flow by gravity to open and close the circuit.

[0022] In an embodiment, the orientation sensor may be an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope and / or a corresponding MEMS orientation sensor. A signal indicating the state of the orientation sensor may be sent from the operating unit to the elevator control via one or more buses. Optionally, the operating unit may include a relay and a processor, a comparator or a corresponding evaluation circuit. The evaluation circuit may be configured to compare the state of the orientation sensor with a predetermined orientation criterion and control the relay based on the comparison. A relay output may be wired from the operating unit to the elevator control to transmit the attitude of the operating unit to the elevator control.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the orientation sensor is or at least comprises a mercury switch.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the movement operating unit comprises a first button for being pressed by the user to signal the elevator control to move the elevator car upwards and a second button for being pressed by the user to signal the elevator control to move the elevator car downwards.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the mobile operating unit is equipped with a holder for holding the mobile operating unit in the aforementioned first posture. Preferably, when the mobile operating unit is not in use, the mobile operating unit can be temporarily placed on the holder, and when the mobile operating unit is in use, the mobile operating unit can be removed from the holder. Preferably, the holder includes a recess for accommodating the mobile operating unit, and the recess is preferably provided with a plurality of stop surfaces, such as walls and a bottom, that block the lateral and downwardly directed vertical movement of the operating unit inserted into the recess.

[0026] A new elevator is also proposed, comprising an elevator car and a mobile operating unit as described anywhere above or in any of the claims. The elevator is configured to prevent normal elevator operation if the orientation of the operating unit sensed by means of the orientation sensor does not meet one or more predetermined criteria. With this solution, one or more of the above mentioned advantages and / or objects are achieved.

[0027] One advantage is that elevator safety is increased, since a normal elevator cannot be started after use of the mobile operating unit, in the case where the mobile operating unit is oriented in such a way that it can be located all around.

[0028] Preferred further features have been described above and below, which can be combined with the elevator alone or in any combination.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment the elevator comprises a control system for controlling the movement of the elevator car.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, during normal elevator operation, the elevator serves passengers.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, in normal elevator operation, movement of the car between vertically displaced landings (preferably in response to calls received from passengers) can be automatically controlled by the control system.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator can be operated by normal elevator operation and service operation.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, in service operation, the movement of the car can be manually controlled by a user using an operating unit.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the mobile operating unit is connected to a control system (preferably via one or more buses) in order to transmit signal(s) from the operating interface and / or from the orientation sensor.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator comprises a holder for holding the operating unit so that it is oriented in such a way that one or more predetermined criteria are met (in particular, oriented in a posture in which one or more predetermined criteria are met).

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator is configured to move the car upwards in response to a user pressing a first button and to move the car downwards in response to a user pressing a second button, and to stop each of said movements when pressing of the button in question stops.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, for example, the elevator control system is configured to control movement of the car in response to signal(s) received from the operating unit, such as by rotating the motor to rotate a drive pulley around which a rope connected to the car is passed.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the operating unit is elongated in shape and the one or more predetermined criteria include at least that the operating unit is in an upright position, ie a position with its longitudinal axis pointing in a vertical or at least substantially vertical direction.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the operating unit is arranged inside the elevator shaft, separate from the car. Then, preferably, the operating unit is arranged in the pit of the shaft.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the operating unit is carried by the car, such as on top of the elevator car.

[0041] A novel method for monitoring an elevator is also proposed, the elevator comprising an operating unit manually operable by a user to control the movement of an elevator car, the operating unit being as described anywhere above or in any of the claims. The method comprises: sensing the orientation of the operating unit; and preventing normal elevator operation if the orientation does not meet one or more predetermined criteria.

[0042] With this solution, one or more of the above-mentioned advantages and / or purposes are achieved.

[0043] One advantage is that elevator safety is increased, since a normal elevator cannot be started after use of the mobile operating unit if the mobile operating unit is oriented in such a way that it could be located all around.

[0044] Preferred further features have been described above and below, which can be combined with the method alone or in any combination.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment the elevator is as described anywhere above or in any of the claims.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the sensing of the orientation of the operating unit is performed by means of an orientation sensor.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises determining whether the orientation satisfies one or more predetermined criteria.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, if the orientation satisfies at least the one or more predetermined criteria, and possibly if one or more other predetermined criteria are satisfied, the method comprises allowing normal elevator operation.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator mentioned anywhere above has a normal operation mode, in particular, wherein the elevator is operable by normal elevator operation, and a service operation mode, in particular, wherein the elevator is operable by service operation.

[0050] Preferably, the elevator is such that it comprises an elevator car that can be moved vertically between two or more vertically displaced landings during said normal operation. During said service operation, preferably, the car can be driven by manual control to any position between the uppermost landing and the lowermost landing and stop there, i.e. also driven to a position where the door sill of the car is not flush with the door sill of the landing. Preferably, the car has an interior space suitable for accommodating one or more passengers, and the car can be provided with a door, such as an automatic door, for forming a closed interior space.

[0051] Typically, the shape of the operating unit can be selected so that when it is put down, the operating unit tends to be oriented to a specific posture or oriented towards a specific posture. Then, preferably one or more predetermined criteria are selected so that when the operating unit is in the specific posture, the one or more predetermined criteria are not met. An elongated shape is such a shape because when the operating unit is placed so that it is erected, the operating unit tends to easily tilt into a horizontal posture. At least one side of the operating unit can be circular, such as semicircular, which makes the operating unit tend to easily tilt when the operating unit is placed so that it is erected with a circular side. In an alternative, for example, the operating unit can be a hemisphere. In an alternative, the operating unit can have a flat side. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] In the following, the present invention will be described in more detail by way of examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0053] Figure 1 The mobile operating unit for an elevator according to the embodiment is illustrated in an upright posture.

[0054] Figure 2 Pictured in a tilted position Figure 1 The mobile operating unit is shown.

[0055] Figure 3 Pictured Figure 1 A preferred cross section of the mobile operating unit is shown at the orientation sensor.

[0056] Figure 4 The mobile operating unit for an elevator according to the embodiment is illustrated in a holder which holds the mobile operating unit in an upright posture.

[0057] Figure 5 Pictured Figure 4A preferred cross section of the mobile operating unit and the holder is shown.

[0058] Figure 6 A preferred connection between the mobile operating unit and the elevator control system is illustrated.

[0059] Figure 7 A preferred embodiment of an elevator is shown in the figure.

[0060] Figure 8 Preferred further details of the orientation sensor are illustrated with the orientation sensor in an upright position.

[0061] Fig. 9 Preferred further details of the orientation sensor are illustrated in the case where the orientation sensor is in a tilted attitude.

[0062] Fig.10 and Fig.11 An alternative way for positioning the mobile operating unit so that it is in an upright position is illustrated.

[0063] The foregoing aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and detailed description associated therewith. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Figure 1 The mobile operating unit 1 for an elevator according to an embodiment is illustrated. The mobile operating unit 1 (hereinafter also referred to as the operating unit 1 ) includes an operating interface 2 that can be manually operated by a user to control the movement of an elevator car;

[0065] The presence of the orientation sensor 3 is advantageous in that the elevator control system 10 can obtain information indicating the orientation of the mobile operating unit 1. The orientation of the mobile operating unit 1 can be used as an indication of whether the mobile operating unit 1 is just around the corner or it is placed in a predetermined orientation. This improves safety because the elevator control system 10 can be configured to allow or block elevator functions based on the orientation of the operating unit. For example, such functions to be blocked or allowed may include normal elevator operation.

[0066] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of the invention, the operating unit 1 is elongated in shape, which is preferred because, in the case of this shape, the orientation is most significant for safety. Since it is unlikely that such a mobile operating unit 1 is accidentally placed in an upright position, its orientation can be used as a safety indicator for its positioning. Positioning the elongated operating unit 1 in an upright position requires a certain amount of concentration, telling the service personnel around the elevator system 10 not to forget it.

[0067] The operating unit 1 may have a non-planar side r including a tip t for destabilizing the operating unit 1 when the operating unit 1 is erected with its non-planar side r. Thus, when the operating unit 1 is placed with its non-planar face r erected relative to a planar horizontal surface (such as a floor surface), the operating unit 1 is arranged to be inclined. The shape of the non-planar surface is optional and may be used in combination with the non-planar side r. Figure 1 The non-planar shape is illustrated with dashed lines in FIG. Preferably, the non-planar side r is rounded. The increased instability of the operating unit 1 increases the need for the service personnel to concentrate so that he may position the operating unit 1 in a holder or other safe position in the correct posture.

[0068] Preferably, the orientation sensor 3 changes state depending on its orientation and, therefore, on the orientation of the operating unit 1 comprising it. Preferably, in particular, the orientation sensor 3 has a first state when the operating unit 1 is in a first posture, and has a second state when the operating unit 1 is in a second posture. In a preferred embodiment, the first posture is an upright posture, and the second posture is an inclined posture. Preferably, the state of the orientation sensor can be changed between the first state and the second state by tilting the operating unit 1 from the upright posture to the inclined posture around the horizontal axes x1, x2. More specifically, it is preferred that the state of the orientation sensor can be changed between the first state and the second state by tilting the operating unit 1 around any one of at least two horizontal axes x1, x2. Since there may be horizontal axes oriented differently, it is preferred that tilting around any of these horizontal axes causes a change in the state of the orientation sensor 3. Therefore, no matter where the axis in question points in the horizontal plane, the tilting does not lead to an unsafe state. In a preferred embodiment shown in the figure, at least about two horizontal axes x1, x2 point in different directions in the horizontal plane, in this case, in orthogonal directions.

[0069] Figure 1 The operating unit 1 is shown in a first posture, in this case an upright posture, wherein its longitudinal axis x3 points in the vertical direction. Figure 2 The operating unit 1 is shown in a second posture, which in this case is an inclined posture, in which its longitudinal axis x3 points in a direction which is displaced at an angle to the vertical. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the operating unit 1 has been tilted about the horizontal axis x2 so that its longitudinal axis x3 points in the horizontal direction.

[0070] Furthermore, the operating unit 1 is moved such that it comprises a first button 2a for being pressed by the user to signal the elevator control to move the elevator car upwards and a second button 2b for being pressed by the user to signal the elevator control to move the elevator car downwards.

[0071] Furthermore, the operating unit 1 is moved so that it includes a selection switch 2c for selecting between the normal operating mode and the service operating mode. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the selection switch 2c is a rotatable switch.

[0072] As in Figure 4 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the mobile operating unit 1 may be equipped with a holder 4 for holding the mobile operating unit 1 in a first posture, ie, in an embodiment according to a preferred example, in the aforementioned upright posture.

[0073] The holder 4 allows the mobile operating unit 1 to be temporarily placed on the holder 4 when the mobile operating unit 1 is not in use, and allows the mobile operating unit 1 to be removed from the holder 4 when the mobile operating unit 1 is in use. In a preferred embodiment shown in the figure, the holder 4 includes a recess 4a for accommodating the mobile operating unit 1. Figure 4 The mobile operating unit 1 has been inserted into said recess 4a. The holder 4 may be fixedly mounted in the hoistway, such as on top of the elevator car 5 or on a fixed structure in the pit of the hoistway 7.

[0074] The mobile operating unit 1 is provided for being connected to an elevator control system 10 . Figure 6 Such a connection is illustrated. In general, the connection can be wired or wireless. Via this connection, preferably, signals can be transmitted from the operating unit 1 to the elevator control system 10. Such signals may include manual operating signals, such as signals for the elevator control to move the elevator car up or down and / or signals from the orientation sensor 3. In order to facilitate the connection, the mobile operating unit 1 includes an output for outputting signals from the mobile operating unit 1 to the elevator control system 10. In addition, the mobile operating unit 1 includes an input for inputting power (specifically, electricity) to the mobile operating unit 1. In Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, a flexible cable 6 for transmitting power to the mobile operating unit 1 and transmitting signals from the mobile operating unit 1 is connected to the mobile operating unit 1. The cable 6 may include separate wiring for power supply and for signal transmission, the power wiring being connected to the above-mentioned input, and the wiring for signal transmission being connected to the above-mentioned output. Alternatively, signal transmission may be implemented via the power wiring by means of a carrier wave.

[0075] Figure 7 The figure shows an elevator, which comprises: an elevator car 5 which can move vertically in an elevator shaft 7, and Figures 1 to 6 The described mobile operating unit 1. The elevator is configured to prevent normal elevator operation if the orientation of the operating unit 1 sensed by means of the orientation sensor 3 does not meet one or more predetermined criteria.

[0076] The elevator comprises a control system 10 for controlling the movement of an elevator car 5. The elevator can be operated by normal elevator operation and service operation. In normal elevator operation of the car 5, the movement of the car 5 between the vertically displaced landings L1, L2 in response to calls received from the passenger elevator can be automatically controlled by the control system 10. In service operation, the movement of the car 5 can be manually controlled by a user using the operating unit 1.

[0077] The mobile operating unit 1 is connected to a control system 10 via one or more buses in order to transmit signal(s) from the operating interface 2 and / or from the orientation sensor 3 .

[0078] exist Figure 7 , two alternative preferred positions for the mobile operating unit 1 are illustrated. The elevator may have the mobile operating unit 1 in one or both of these positions or possibly elsewhere inside or near the hoistway 7.

[0079] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment of the present invention, the elevator has an operating unit 1, which is arranged inside the elevator shaft 7, separate from the car 5. Therefore, the operating unit 1 does not travel with the car 5, and the operating unit 1 can be operated by a person who is not on the car 5. The operating unit 1 in question is specifically arranged in the pit of the shaft 7.

[0080] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment of the present invention, the elevator has an operating unit 1 carried by the car 5. Therefore, the operating unit 1 travels together with the car 5, and the operating unit 1 can be operated by a person standing on the car 5.

[0081] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment, the elevator comprises a holder 4 for holding each of the mobile operating units 1 so that it is oriented so that one or more predetermined criteria are satisfied (i.e., oriented so as to be in a posture in which one or more predetermined criteria are satisfied). Figure 7 In the figure, the posture is referenced Figures 1 to 5 The elevator comprises a holder 4 mounted in the hoistway, on top of an elevator car 5, which retains an operating unit 1 carried by the car 5 so that it is oriented so that one or more predetermined criteria are met (i.e., oriented in a posture in which one or more predetermined criteria are met). The elevator comprises a holder 4 fixedly mounted in the hoistway, on a fixed structure in the pit of the hoistway 7, which retains an operating unit 1 carried by the car 5 so that it is oriented so that one or more predetermined criteria are met (i.e., oriented in a posture in which one or more predetermined criteria are met).

[0082] The elevator is configured to move the car 5 upward in response to a user pressing a first button 2a of the mobile operating unit 1 and to move the car 5 downward in response to a user pressing a second button 2b of the mobile operating unit 1, and to stop each of the movements when the pressing of the buttons 2a, 2b in question stops.

[0083] The elevator control system 10 is configured to control movement of the car 5 in response to signal(s) received from the operating unit 1 by controlling rotation of a motor 11 so as to rotate a drive pulley 12 around which a rope 13 connected to the car 5 passes.

[0084] Preferably, the mobile operating unit 1 is elongated in shape and the one or more predetermined criteria include at least that the operating unit 1 is in an upright position, i.e. a position in which its longitudinal axis x3 points in a vertical or at least substantially vertical direction. In the case of the at least substantially vertical direction, this is a direction that is angularly displaced by less than 10 degrees from the vertical direction.

[0085] In the method for monitoring an elevator, according to an embodiment, the elevator comprises a mobile operating unit 1 which can be manually operated by a user to control the movement of an elevator car 5, the operating unit being as described with reference to Figures 1 to 6 As described, the elevator is as referenced Figure 7 Same as described.

[0086] The method comprises: sensing the orientation of the mobile operating unit 1; and preventing normal elevator operation if the orientation does not meet one or more predetermined criteria.

[0087] The sensing is performed by means of an orientation sensor 3 included in the mobile operating unit 1 .

[0088] Furthermore, the method comprises determining whether the orientation satisfies one or more predetermined criteria.

[0089] If the orientation satisfies at least the one or more predetermined criteria, and possibly also if one or more other predetermined criteria are satisfied, the method comprises allowing normal elevator operation.

[0090] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The diagram shows preferred further details of the orientation sensor 3. In this embodiment, Figure 8 The first state of the orientation sensor 3 is illustrated in FIG, wherein the first state is a conductive state and Figure 8 The second state is illustrated in FIG, wherein the second state is a non-conductive state.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment, the orientation sensor 3 has a first state when the operating unit 1 is in a first posture (ie, preferably, an upright posture), and has a second state when the operating unit 1 is in a second posture (ie, preferably, a tilted posture).

[0092] The orientation sensor 3 comprises a movable conductive contact 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact 30 is a solid member, more specifically a ball comprising metal, but alternatively, it may be a fluid contact material. The contact 30 is arranged to be pulled by gravity to close the circuit when the operating unit 1 is in a first posture, specifically, to move to electrically connect the two conductors 31, 32, and to be pulled by gravity to open the circuit when the operating unit 1 is in a second posture, such as to move to electrically disconnect the two conductors 31, 32, and vice versa. The contact 30 is disposed in a closed space 33, in which the contact can be moved in or out so as to contact the two conductors 31, 32 at the same time and not to contact the two conductors 31, 32 at the same time.

[0093] exist Figure 8 In the conductive state, the contact 30 is pulled relative to the two conductors 31, 32 by gravity, so that the two conductors 31, 32 are electrically connected and the circuit partially formed by the two conductors 31, 32 is closed. Fig. 9 In the non-conductive state, the orientation sensor 3 has tilted together with the operating unit, so that the contact 30 has been pulled by gravity and no longer contacts the two conductors 31, 32 at the same time. A gap has been formed between the conductor 31 and the contact 30. Therefore, the contact 30 does not electrically connect the two conductors 31, 32, and the circuit partially formed by the two conductors 31, 32 is disconnected.

[0094] As an alternative to the solution where the contact 30 is a solid member, the contact 30 is a fluid contact substance. In this type of alternative, it is preferred that the orientation sensor 3 is a mercury switch, since mercury switches are widely available and known to be reliable.

[0095] Typically, the contacts 30 may comprise metal, but this is not required as non-metallic materials and substances may also conduct electricity.

[0096] exist Figure 7 The elevator shown in the figure is a counterweight elevator. However, this is not necessary, since the invention can also be implemented in an elevator without a counterweight. Figure 7 However, this is not essential, since the invention can also be implemented in elevators with a different lifting method, such as in a hydraulic elevator or in an elevator with a magnetically suspended elevator car.

[0097] One advantage of the mobile operating unit 1 provided with the orientation sensor 3 is that it does not require a holder, or at least does not require a complicated holder. This makes the mobile operating unit 1, the method and the elevator described in this application simple to use with different elevator layouts and configurations. For example, the mobile operating unit 1 can be used in one elevator with a holder and in another elevator without a holder. Fig.10 and Fig.11 The diagram shows a possible way to position the mobile operating unit 1 so that it is in an upright or at least substantially upright position, in which case the upright or at least substantially upright position is the above-mentioned predetermined position in which one or more predetermined criteria are met. Even without the holder 4, placing the elongated mobile operating unit 1 in this way requires concentration, telling the service personnel of the elevator system 10 in the vicinity not to forget the mobile operating unit 1. More specifically, Fig.10 The elongated mobile operating unit 1 is shown having been placed in a substantially upright position against a wall of a hoistway 7 . Fig.11 The illustration shows that the elongated mobile operating unit 1 has been placed suspended on its cable 6 in an upright position.

[0098] Typically, an elevator may have a normal operation mode, in particular, wherein the elevator may be operated by said normal elevator operation, and a service operation mode, in particular, wherein the elevator may be operated by said service operation. The elevator control system may control switching between these modes, for example based on criteria including one or more of the above criteria, but also possibly other criteria.

[0099] In general, even if it is preferred, the operating unit 1 does not have to be longitudinal, since some advantages of the invention can also be achieved with different shapes.

[0100] It should be understood that the above description and accompanying drawings are intended only to teach the best mode known to the inventor for making and using the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be implemented in various ways. Therefore, as those skilled in the art will appreciate from the above teachings, the above embodiments of the present invention may be modified or altered without departing from the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above, but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A mobile operating unit (1) for an elevator, comprising: An operating interface (2) capable of being manually operated by a user to control the movement of the elevator car (5); as well as an orientation sensor (3) for sensing the orientation of the mobile operating unit (1), The mobile operation unit (1) comprises at least a first button (2a) and a second button (2b), wherein the first button (2a) is used to be pressed by a user to notify an elevator control system (10) with a signal to move the elevator car (5) upward, and the second button (2b) is used to be pressed by a user to notify the elevator control system (10) with a signal to move the elevator car (5) downward. The movement of the elevator car is controlled based on the orientation of the mobile operating unit (1).

2. The mobile operating unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein the mobile operating unit (1) is configured to be connected to an elevator control system (10).

3. The mobile operating unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile operating unit (1) is elongated in shape.

4. The mobile operating unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mobile operating unit (1) is tiltable about one or more horizontal axes (x1, x2).

5. Mobile operating unit (1) according to claim 4, wherein the state of the orientation sensor (3) can be changed between a first state and a second state by tilting the mobile operating unit (1) about one or more horizontal axes (x1, x2).

6. A mobile operating unit (1) according to claim 5, wherein the state of the orientation sensor (3) can be changed between the first state and the second state by tilting the mobile operating unit (1) around any one of at least two horizontal axes (x1, x2) pointing in different directions.

7. The mobile operating unit (1) according to claim 5, wherein the orientation sensor (3) has the first state when the mobile operating unit (1) is in a first posture, and has the second state when the operating unit (1) is in a second posture.

8. The mobile operating unit (1) according to claim 7, wherein the mobile operating unit (1) is elongated in shape, and the first posture is an upright posture, and the second posture is a tilted posture.

9. The mobile operating unit (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the first state is a conductive state and the second state is a non-conductive state, or the first state is a non-conductive state and the second state is a conductive state.

10. The mobile operating unit (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the orientation sensor (3) comprises a movable conductive contact (30), wherein the movable conductive contact (30) is arranged to be pulled by gravity so as to move so as to electrically connect two conductors (31, 32) to close a circuit when the mobile operating unit (1) is in the first posture, and to be pulled by gravity so as to move so as to electrically disconnect the two conductors (31, 32) to open the circuit when the mobile operating unit (1) is in the second posture, or the movable conductive contact (30) is arranged to be pulled by gravity so as to move so as to electrically disconnect the two conductors (31, 32) to open the circuit when the mobile operating unit (1) is in the first posture, and to be pulled by gravity so as to move so as to electrically connect the two conductors (31, 32) to close the circuit when the mobile operating unit (1) is in the second posture.

11. The mobile operating unit according to any one of claims 1 to 2 and 5 to 8, wherein the mobile operating unit (1) comprises a selection switch (2c) for selecting between a normal operating mode and a service operating mode.

12. An elevator, comprising: An elevator car (5) and a mobile operating unit (1) as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elevator is configured to prevent normal elevator operation if the orientation of the mobile operating unit (1) sensed by means of the orientation sensor (3) does not meet at least one predetermined criterion.

13. Elevator according to claim 12, wherein the elevator comprises a control system (10) for controlling the movement of the elevator car (5).

14. Elevator according to any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein in the normal elevator operation the movement of the elevator car (5) between vertically displaced landings can be automatically controlled by the control system (10).

15. Elevator according to any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein the elevator comprises a holder (4) for holding the mobile operating unit (1) such that the operating unit (1) is oriented such that the at least one predetermined criterion is met.

16. An elevator according to any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein the elevator is configured to move the elevator car (5) upwards in response to a user pressing the first button (2a), and to move the car (5) downwards in response to the user pressing the second button (2b), and to stop the movement when the pressing of the button in question stops.

17. An elevator according to any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein the mobile operating unit (1) is elongated in shape, and the at least one predetermined criterion comprises: The mobile operating unit (1) is in an upright position, that is, a position in which the longitudinal axis of the operating unit (1) points in a vertical direction or at least in a substantially vertical direction.

18. A method for monitoring an elevator, the elevator comprising an operating unit (1) which can be manually operated by a user to control the movement of an elevator car (5), the operating unit (1) being a mobile operating unit (1) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11, the method comprising: sensing the orientation of the operating unit (1); And if the orientation does not satisfy at least one predetermined criterion, preventing normal elevator operation.

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