A device for operating a safety mechanism of an elevator unit

Abstract

A device (106) for operating a safety mechanism (108) of an elevator unit (100) is disclosed in the present invention. The device (106) includes a frame (202) and a lever (204) disposed on the frame (202). The lever (204) is adapted to rotate for moving at least one engaging member (108-1) of the safety mechanism (108), controlling a movement of an elevator car (102) of the elevator unit (100). The device (106) includes an actuation element (206) accessible from one end of the lever (204) and adapted to be telescopically moved with respect to the lever (204), to allow the rotational movement of the lever (204). The device (106) includes an engaging mechanism (208) formed on the frame (202) and coupled to the actuation element (206). The engaging mechanism (208) unlocks or locks the lever (204) in predefined positions during the rotational movement, based on the telescopic movement of the actuation element (206).

Description

[0001] A DEVICE FOR OPERATING A SAFETY MECHANISM OF AN ELEVATOR UNIT

[0002] The present invention relates to elevators and more particularly, to a device for operating a safety mechanism of an elevator unit.

[0003] Elevators are an essential part of multi-storey buildings, such as commercial or residential buildings, for transporting persons / goods between different floors. An elevator includes an elevator shaft disposed along the multiple floors of a building. Further, the elevator includes an elevator car adapted to be displaced along the elevator shaft between the multiple floors by using a drive unit. The elevator shaft includes an elevator pit disposed below the lowermost floor of the building.

[0004] To ensure the proper working of such elevators, one or more maintenance operations are required to be periodically performed. In order to perform the maintenance operations, the elevator car is usually moved to a specific location within the elevator shaft. For instance, the elevator car is moved toward a top portion of the elevator shaft if the maintenance operation is to be performed in the vicinity of such top portion. Similarly, the elevator car is moved towards a bottom portion, such as the elevator pit, of the elevator shaft if the maintenance operation is to be performed in the elevator pit or in the vicinity of the elevator pit.

[0005] Further, one or more operators are usually required to be present on a roof of the elevator car, in the elevator shaft above the elevator car, or in the elevator pit to perform various maintenance tasks. It is desirable to maintain a sufficient headspace for the operator performing the maintenance tasks. In the existing elevators, a safety device is usually installed to restrict the movement of the elevator car to maintain sufficient headspace for the operator during the maintenance operations. In particular, the safety device holds the elevator car at a specific location in the elevator shaft such that the operator may have the required headspace.

[0006] US 9878877 B2 shows an elevator having a safety arrangement arranged to form a working space, in an elevator hoistway below the elevator car or above the elevator car. JP6090202B2 shows a switch provided on an assembled car upper safety handrail steps on a counter for balancing weight approach detection provided at a predetermined position of a counterweight guide rail, and a safety device at the time of working on a car elevator which sounds an alarm sound. However, the operational and constructional aspects of the switch and the safety device are complex and lead to a cumbersome task for an operator.

[0007] Further, the elevator car is installed in the elevator shaft in such a manner that a substantially small space is provided between the walls of the elevator shaft and the elevator car. The existing safety device is usually positioned on the elevator car, such that the operator may have to reach out to the pin of such safety device through this small space. Therefore, owing to the space constraint, it becomes difficult for the operator to pull the pin and then rotate the lever, while holding the pin in the pulled condition, for operating the safety device. Further, it becomes difficult for the operator to visually locate the pin to pull due to the space constraints within the elevator shaft. Therefore, the pulling of the pin to actuate the safety device becomes a cumbersome task.

[0008] Therefore, there is an immense desire to develop a device that can eliminate one or more shortcomings associated with the abovementioned elevators.

[0009] It is the object of the present invention to provide a device for operating a safety mechanism of an elevator unit. The device is adapted to be operated by an operator using a single hand to control a movement of an elevator car of the elevator unit. According to the invention, this object is solved by the device having the features of claim 1, a safety unit having the features of claim 11, and an elevator unit having the features of claim 14.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, the device for operating a safety mechanism of an elevator unit is disclosed in the present invention. The device includes a frame and a lever disposed on the frame. The lever is adapted to rotate for moving at least one engaging member of the safety mechanism, controlling a movement of an elevator car of the elevator unit. Further, the device includes an actuation element accessible from one end of the lever, and adapted to be telescopically moved with respect to the lever, to allow the rotational movement of the lever. The device also includes an engaging mechanism formed on the frame and coupled to the actuation element. The engaging mechanism unlocks or locks the lever in predefined positions during the rotational movement, based on the telescopic movement of the actuation element.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the invention, a safety unit for the elevator unit is disclosed. The elevator unit includes an elevator car and an elevator shaft. The safety unit includes the device as described in the above paragraphs. Further, the safety unit includes a safety mechanism having at least one engaging member connected with the device adapted to actuate the at least one engaging member. The at least one engaging member is adapted to be engaged with at least one block of the elevator shaft for restricting a movement of the elevator car.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the invention, an elevator unit is disclosed. The elevator unit includes an elevator shaft having at least one block. The elevator unit also includes the safety unit as described in the above paragraphs and at least one elevator car adapted to displace within the elevator shaft.

[0013] Possible features and advantages of embodiments / aspects of the invention can be considered, among other things, and without limiting the invention, to be dependent upon the concepts and findings described below.

[0014] As explained earlier, in the conventional safety device, the lever and the pin are required to be moved using separate hands by an operator. In particular, the operator is required to pull the pin using a hand to unlock the rotational movement of the lever and at the same time hold the lever using the other hand to rotate the lever upon pulling the pin. Therefore, both hands of the operator are separately engaged in performing actions, such as pulling the pin and rotating the lever for operating the conventional safety device. As a result, it becomes difficult for the operator to balance himself on the roof of the elevator car while operating the conventional safety device.

[0015] The advantage of the proposed device is that the lever of the device can be rotated by using a single hand and with minimal effort by the operator. In particular, for operating the device, the operator is required to hold the lever using a single hand in such a manner that the same hand can be used for unlocking the rotational movement of the lever and thereafter for the rotational movement of the lever. As explained above, the actuation element is accessible from one end of the lever which enables the operator to move the actuation element while holding the lever using a single hand for unlocking the rotational movement. For example, the actuation element can be moved using a thumb or one or more fingers while holding the lever. Upon moving the actuation element, the operator can rotate the lever using the same hand and without engaging the other hand.

[0016] As explained above, the actuation element is adapted to be telescopically moved with respect to the lever. Such telescopic movement of the actuation element enables the unlocking of the rotational movement of the lever. As a result, the actuation element can be moved with ease while holding the lever. In particular, the operator simply needs to hold the lever in proximity to one end from which the actuation element is accessible, and then such actuation element can be telescopically moved while holding the lever. Therefore, the operator is also not required to relocate the hand to separately move the actuation element before rotating the lever, rather the operator can simply move the actuation element and rotate the lever by holding the lever from a same position.

[0017] Further, the engaging mechanism is coupled to the actuation element in a manner that the engaging mechanism unlocks or locks the lever based on the movement of the actuation element. As a result, the operator is not required to separately operate the engaging mechanism while holding the lever for unlocking the rotational movement of such lever. Therefore, such coupling between the actuation element and the engaging mechanism also allows the operator to engage only one hand for performing more than one action, such as moving the actuating element to operate the engaging mechanism and rotating the lever thereafter.

[0018] As explained above, the device of the elevator unit may be easy to operate for restricting the movement of the elevator car, as the operator may operate the device by using the single hand. Thus, the operator may use another hand to hold any support to balance himself or herself while using the device. This improves the safety of the operator and reduces the fatigue of the operator. Further, considering that the actuation element is accessible from one end of the lever, the operator can access the actuation element with better visibility compared to the conventional safety device where the pin is located away from the lever. As would be gathered, the present invention offers the device adapted to be installed within the elevator unit to actuate the safety mechanism. The device may be operated by the single hand of the operator, to actuate the safety mechanism for restricting the movement of the elevator car. Thus, the sufficient headspace may be maintained for the operator to safely perform the maintenance tasks in the elevator unit. The operator may operate the device by using a single hand, and another hand of the operator can be used to do another task, such as holding any support to balance himself or herself. Therefore, the implementation of the device provides a safer working environment for the operator.

[0019] Further, the device may be compact which enables its ease in installation and operation within the elevator shaft having less space. Thus, the device may be convenient to operate without any space constraints, as the actuation element and the lever can be moved and rotated, respectively, using a single hand by the operator. Moreover, the implementation of the device may reduce the overall fatigue associated with the operation of the device. Therefore, the device, the safety unit, and the elevator unit of the present invention are safer, more convenient to operate, and easy to implement.

[0020] In the following, further embodiments of the present invention are described.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the actuation element is accessible from a top end of the lever, such that the top end is adapted to be held by the operator to telescopically move the actuation element for rotating the lever. For rotating the lever in this context may more precisely mean that by telescopically moving the actuation element the engaging mechanism is unlocked so that lever can be rotated by an operator using a single hand.

[0022] The lever may be embodied as a hollow structure with at least one open end, such as the top end. Thus, the lever may be designed as a sleeve-like lever. Owing to such a hollow structure of the lever, the actuation element can be disposed within the sleeve-like lever and can also be telescopically moved with respect to the lever. The actuation element may be designed such that an outer diameter of the actuation element is smaller than an inner diameter of the lever. Further, as mentioned, the top end may be an open end to allow access to the actuation element disposed within the lever. Therefore, advantageously, the lever is designed such that the actuation element can be accessed through one end of the lever and can be telescopically moved within the lever by accessing the actuation element through one end of the lever.

[0023] The advantage of providing access to the actuation element from the top end is that the operator can telescopically move the actuation element and also rotate the lever while holding the lever using a single hand from the top end. In particular, the lever can be held from the top end using a single hand for performing at least two actions, such as moving the actuating element and thereafter rotating the lever. As a result, the operator is not required to relocate the hand to separately move the actuation element before rotating the lever, rather the operator can simply move the actuation element and rotate the lever by holding the lever from a same position, i.e., the top end. This substantially reduces the fatigue of the operator while operating the device.

[0024] Further, providing access to the actuation element from the top end of the lever substantially increases overall visibility for the operator in order to move the actuation element prior to rotating the lever. In particular, the top end of the lever is visibly accessible from the roof of the elevator car, and therefore the operator can easily locate the top end of the lever to move the actuating element for unlocking the rotational movement of the lever. Also, owing to such accessibility to the actuation element, the operator is not required to reach out into the small spaces, compared to the conventional safety device, within the elevator shaft to unlock the rotational movement of the lever. This again reduces the fatigue of the operator and also provides a safer environment for operating the device.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the actuation element is adapted to be pushed or pulled with respect to the lever, for rotating the lever.

[0026] This has the advantage that the operator can seamlessly operate the actuation element with minimal effort, as the operator need not use both hands to pull or push the actuation element. The operator can hold the lever with a single hand and push or pull the actuation element using either fingers or a thumb.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the actuation element includes a first end proximal to the top end of the lever. Further, the actuation element includes a second end distal to the first end and having a protrusion adapted to be engaged with a resilient member positioned at a bottom end of the lever. The first end of the actuation element is adapted to be pushed or pulled to telescopically move the actuation element within the lever against the resilient member.

[0028] As mentioned earlier, the actuation element may be disposed within the lever having a hollow structure. Advantageously, the actuation element is disposed in a manner that the first end is proximal to the top end of the lever, and therefore, the actuation element can be moved while holding the lever from the top end. This enables movement of the actuation element and the rotation of the lever using a single hand, and without relocating the hand for separately performing the aforesaid actions.

[0029] Additionally, the protrusion formed on the second end of the actuation element enables engagement between the second end and the resilient member. The resilient member may be embodied as one of a spring and any other component formed of flexible material, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The resilient member is provided to maintain an original position of the actuation element once the operator releases the first end of the actuation element. In one aspect, the first end is pushed against the resilient member for moving the actuation element. Thereafter, when the first end is released, a resilient force from the resilient member may push the actuation element to its original position. In another aspect, the first end is pulled against the resilient member for moving the actuation element. Thereafter, when the first end is released, the resilient force from the resilient member may pull the actuation element to its original position. Therefore, the resilient member is provided to ensure that the actuation element does not remain in an actuated condition when the operator releases the first end of the actuation element.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the engaging mechanism includes at least one locking pin engaged with the frame and coupled to the actuation element. The at least one locking pin is adapted to lock or unlock the lever in predefined positions during the rotational movement, based on the telescopic movement of the actuation element.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the engaging mechanism includes at least one locking pin formed on the actuation element and positioned proximal to the second end of the actuation element. Further, the engaging mechanism includes at least one first elongated slot formed in the frame and adapted to receive the at least one locking pin. The at least one locking pin is adapted to move along the at least one first elongated slot and rest at the predefined positions in the at least one first elongated slot, based on the telescopic movement of the actuation element, locking or unlocking the lever in the predefined positions during the rotational movement.

[0032] As explained, the engaging mechanism is coupled to the actuation element and therefore, the engaging mechanism can be operated via the actuation element. The advantage of coupling between the engaging mechanism and the actuation element is that the operator is not required to reach out to the engaging mechanism and can directly move the actuation element accessible through one end of the lever for operating the engaging mechanism. This results in less fatigue for the operator and reduces the overall complexity of operating the device.

[0033] The engaging mechanism is provided to lock or unlock the lever in the predefined positions. Such locking or unlocking of the lever is achieved by the locking pin and its movement along the first elongated slot. The locking pin of the engaging mechanism may be firmly and inseparably formed on the actuation element in a manner that the locking pin moves along with the telescopic movement of the actuation element with respect to the lever. Although, the locking pin can also be an individual component that can be joined to the actuation element via fasteners, such as screws.

[0034] Further, the first elongated slot may be embodied as a slot having a length larger than a width. Owing to such a design of the first elongated slot, the locking pin can be guided along the length of the first elongated slot when the lever is rotated between the predefined positions. In particular, when the lever is rotated, the actuation element disposed in the lever may also rotate and thereby, the locking pin formed on the actuation element may be guided along the length of the first elongated slot. Therefore, at least one of the advantages of the first elongated slot is that the locking pin can be guided along the length of the first elongated slot which provides a smooth rotational movement of the lever.

[0035] Another advantage resulting from the design of the first elongated slot is that the locking pin may rest at the predefined positions in the first elongated slot to lock or unlock the lever in the predefined positions during the rotational movement. The aforesaid advantage is further elaborated in the subsequent paragraphs. In one or more embodiments, the lever includes at least one second elongated slot adapted to receive the at least one locking pin formed on the actuation element. The locking pin protrudes through the at least one second elongated slot and engages with the at least one first elongated slot formed in the frame.

[0036] The second elongated slot may be embodied as a slot having a length larger than a width. The advantage of the second elongated slot is that the movement of the locking pin can be guided along the length of such a slot to ensure a smooth movement of the actuation element. In particular, when the actuation element is telescopically moved within the lever, the locking pin may slide along the length of the second elongated slot. Such movement of the locking pin is guided and supported by the second elongated slot resulting in a smooth movement of the actuation element.

[0037] Further, the second elongated slot can also delimit the telescopic movement of the actuation element within the lever. In particular, ends of the second elongated slot may restrict the movement of the locking pin within the second elongated slot thereby restricting the telescopic movement of the actuation element beyond a certain limit. Also, engagement between the locking pin and the second elongated slot ensures that the actuation element may not be dislodged from within the lever while telescopically moving the actuation element.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the at least one first elongated slot includes a first resting portion adapted to receive the at least one locking pin, restricting the rotational movement of the lever therein. Further, the at least one first elongated slot includes a second resting portion formed distal to the first resting portion and adapted to receive the at least one locking pin, restricting the rotational movement of the lever therein. Furthermore, the at least one first elongated slot includes a guiding portion formed between the first resting portion and the second resting portion. The at least one locking pin moves along the guiding portion to travel between the first resting portion and the second resting portion during the rotational movement of the lever.

[0039] As explained earlier, the first elongated slot may be embodied as the slot having the length greater than the width. Advantageously, the first elongated slot is designed with the guiding portion defined along the length of the first elongated slot. Further, the first resting portion and the second resting portion may be defined at opposite ends of the guiding portion.

[0040] Firstly, the advantage of the guiding portion is that the locking pin may move along such guiding portion which provides a smooth rotational movement of the lever. Secondly, the first resting portion and the second resting portion are designed in such a manner that the locking pin may rest therein to restrict the rotational movement of the lever. Therefore, the predefined positions for the lever are defined by the first resting portion and the second resting portion. In particular, when the locking pin rests in the first resting portion, then the lever is locked at a first position from among the predefined positions. Similarly, when the locking pin rests in the second resting portion, the lever is locked at a second position from among the predefined portions.

[0041] Advantageously, a contour of each of the first resting portion and the second resting portion may be designed based on a shape of the locking pin. For example, if the locking pin has a cylindrical shape, then each of the first resting portion and the second resting portion may have an arcuate contour to ensure that the locking pin firmly rests in the first resting portion and the second resting portion. Further, each of the first resting portion and the second resting portion may be formed non-colinear with respect to the guiding portion. This has the advantage that the locking pin may lodge itself in the first resting portion or the second resting portion when the actuation element is released by the operator near the first position or the second position of the lever. Therefore, this ensures that the lever is properly locked, also eliminating the possibility of an unintentional rotation of the lever.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the actuation element is adapted to be pushed or pulled to unlock the rotational movement of the lever by dislocating the at least one locking pin from one of the first resting portion and the second resting portion.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the first engaging slot includes a resting portion adapted to receive the at least one locking pin, restricting the rotational movement of the lever therein. Further, the at least one first elongated slot includes a guiding portion extending from the resting portion. The at least one locking pin moves along the guiding portion to travel between the resting portion and an end of the guiding portion during the rotational movement of the lever. The at least one locking pin rests at the end of the guiding portion to restrict the rotational movement of the lever therein.

[0044] Contrary to having two resting portions, such as the first resting portion and the second resting portion, the first engaging slot of the present embodiment can be provided with only one resting portion adapted to receive the locking pin to restrict the rotational movement of the lever. The resting portion may be formed in a non-colinear manner with respect to the guiding portion. Further, the end of the guiding portion can also receive the locking pin to restrict the rotational movement of the lever. This has the advantage that the end of the guiding portion can act as another resting portion for the locking, thereby eliminating the requirement of forming two resting portions at each end of the guiding portion.

[0045] In one or more embodiments of the safety unit, the safety unit includes a cable adapted to connect the device to the at least one engaging member. The device is adapted to be actuated in one of a first operating condition and a second operating condition to engage or disengage the at least one engaging member with the at least one block via the cable.

[0046] In one or more embodiments of the safety unit, in the first operating condition, the cable is pulled by the device to disengage the at least one engaging member from the at least one block for allowing the movement of the elevator car. Further, in the second operating condition, the cable is released by the device to engage the at least one engaging member with the at least one block for restricting the movement of the elevator car.

[0047] The term “elevator shaft” may be referred to as an enclosed space formed by a plurality of walls defining a hoistway to accommodate one or more components of the elevator unit.

[0048] The term “elevator pit” may be referred to as an enclosed space formed below a lowermost floor. The elevator pit may be formed as an integral part of the elevator shaft. The term “inspection mode” may be referred to as a mode in which the operator requires access to the elevator shaft in order to inspect an integrity of components of the elevator unit installed within the elevator shaft.

[0049] The term “safety mechanism” may be referred to as a mechanism having at least one engaging member adapted to be engaged with the at least one block of the elevator shaft for restricting the movement of the at least one elevator car.

[0050] The term “first operating condition” may be referred to as a condition in which the cable of the safety unit may be pulled by the device to disengage the at least one engaging member from the at least one block for allowing the movement of the elevator car.

[0051] The term “second operating condition” may be referred to as a condition in which the cable of the safety unit may be released by the device to engage the at least one engaging member with the at least one block for restricting the movement of the elevator car.

[0052] The term “telescopically moved” may be referred to a linear movement of a first component, i.e., the actuation element, with respect to a second component, i.e., the lever, wherein the first component may be disposed within the second component.

[0053] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments and from the drawings, in which identical or functionally identical elements are denoted with identical reference signs. The drawings are merely schematic and not to scale.

[0054] Figure la illustrates a schematic view of an elevator unit depicting at least one elevator car in a normal mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figures lb and 1c illustrate schematic views of the elevator unit depicting the at least one elevator car in an inspection mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of a device for operating a safety mechanism of the elevator unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 illustrates a partially exploded view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 4a illustrates an isometric view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 4b illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the device depicted in Figure 4a, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 5a illustrates an isometric view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 5b illustrates a partial sectional view of a portion of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 6a illustrates a side view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 6b illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the device depicted in Figure 6a, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 7a illustrates an isometric view of the device depicting a first elongated slot, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 7b illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the device as depicted in Figure 7a, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0065] Figures 8a-8d illustrate an operation of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure la illustrates a schematic view of an elevator unit 100 depicting at least one elevator car 102 in a normal mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures lb and 1c illustrate schematic views of the elevator unit 100 depicting the elevator car 102 in an inspection mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The elevator unit 100 may be adapted to be installed in a building having a plurality of floors fortransporting persons / goods between different floors. The elevator unit 100 may include an elevator shaft 104, the at least one elevator car 102, at least one counterweight (not shown), a suspension traction member (not shown), a drive machine (not shown), and a safety unit (not shown). In the subsequent paragraphs, at least for the sake of readability, the at least one elevator car 102 may be interchangeably referred to as the elevator car 102, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0067] The elevator shaft 104 may include at least one block 104-1 and an elevator pit 104-2. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one block 104-1 may include, but is not limited to, four blocks mounted on walls of the elevator shaft 104. The elevator pit 104-2 may be formed below the lowermost floor of the building. The elevator pit 104-2 may be embodied as an enclosed space defined by the plurality of walls for accommodating various sub-components including, but not limited to, buffer springs, hydraulic or electrical jacks, ladders, and electrical wirings, of the elevator unit 100.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the elevator unit 100 may include the elevator car 102 adapted to be displaced within the elevator shaft 104 between the plurality of floors. The elevator car 102 may be held and displaced along the elevator shaft 104 by the suspension traction member. In an embodiment, the suspension traction member may be embodied as one of a rope and a belt, without departing from the scope of the present invention. An operation of the suspension traction member may be controlled by the drive machine. Further, the counterweight may be adapted to counterbalance a sum of a load of the elevator car 102 and a predetermined load associated with a payload capacity of the elevator car 102.

[0069] The safety unit may be adapted to restrict the movement of the elevator car 102 to provide a sufficient headspace for an operator 103, during the inspection mode. The safety unit may include a device 106 and a safety mechanism 108 connected to the device 106 through a cable 110. Herein, the safety mechanism 108 may include at least one engaging member 108-1 connected with the device 106. The at least one engaging member 108-1 may be adapted to be engaged with the at least one block 104-1 of the elevator shaft 104 for restricting the movement of the elevator car 102. The at least one engaging member 108-1 may be disposed on the elevator car 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one engaging member 108-1 may include, but is not limited to, two engaging members connected with each other via the cable 110. Hereinafter, at least for the sake of readability, the at least one engaging member 108-1 may interchangeably be referred to as the engaging members 108-1. Each of the engaging members 108-1 may be embodied as at least one rod, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0070] In an embodiment, the device 106 may be disposed on the elevator car 102. Referring to Figures la-lc, the device 106 is mounted on the elevator car 102. For instance, the device 106 may be mounted on a portion proximal to a periphery of a roof of the elevator car 102. In other embodiments, the device 106 can be mounted at different portions of the elevator car 102 in a manner that the device 106 is accessible by the operator 103 standing on the roof of the elevator car 102, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0071] The device 106 may be adapted to operate the safety mechanism 108 for controlling the movement of the elevator car 102 such that sufficient headspace is maintained for the operator 103 while standing on the elevator car 102 or being present in the elevator shaft 104 above the elevator car 102. The device 106 may control the movement of the elevator car 102 for maintaining the sufficient headspace for the operator 103 while standing in the elevator pit 104-2, in the inspection mode. The term “controlling the movement” refers to stopping the movement of the elevator car 102 at desired positions within the elevator shaft 104 in a manner that a sufficient headspace for the operator 103, is achieved.

[0072] Further, the device 106 may be operated in one of a first operating condition and a second operating condition to engage or disengage the engaging members 108-1 with the blocks 104-1 via the cable 110. The cable 110 may be adapted to connect the device 106 to the engaging members 108-1. In the inspection mode, one or more maintenance tasks may be required to be performed in the elevator unit 100 to ensure the proper working of the elevator unit 100. In the first operating condition, the cable 110 may be pulled by the device 106 to disengage the engaging members 108-1 from the blocks 104-1 to allow the movement of the elevator car 102. Referring to Figure la, the device 106 may be operated in the first operating condition, while the elevator unit 100 may be in the normal mode. Herein, the engaging members 108-1 may be disengaged from the blocks 104-1 of the elevator shaft 104. Thus, the elevator car 102 may be displaced within the elevator shaft 104 without any restriction.

[0073] In the second operating condition, the cable 110 may be released by the device 106 to engage the engaging members 108-1 with the blocks 104-1 for restricting the movement of the elevator car 102. Referring to Figures lb and 1c, the device 106 may be operated in the second operating condition, while the elevator unit 100 may be in the inspection mode. Herein, the engaging members 108-1 may be engaged with the blocks 104-1 of the elevator shaft 104 to restrict the movement of the elevator car 102. Thus, the device 106 may restrict the movement of the elevator car 102 to maintain the sufficient headspace for the operator 103 while standing on the elevator car 102, as shown in Figure lb. Further, the device 106 may restrict the movement of the elevator car 102 to maintain the sufficient headspace for the operator 103 while standing in the elevator pit 104-2, as shown in Figure 1c. If the sufficient headspace can be maintained, then the operator 103 may safely perform the maintenance task without any space constraints.

[0074] Constructional and operational details of the device 106 are explained in detail in the subsequent paragraphs with reference to Figures 2-8d.

[0075] Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of the device 106 for operating the safety mechanism 108 of the elevator unit 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 illustrates a partially exploded view of the device 106, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the device 106 includes, but is not limited to, a frame 202 and a lever 204, an actuation element 206, and an engaging mechanism 208. In the illustrated embodiment, the device 106 may be mounted on the elevator car 102 via the frame 202.

[0076] The lever 204 is adapted to be rotated for operating the safety mechanism 108 of the safety unit. The actuation element 206 is adapted to be moved to allow the rotational movement of the lever 204. The engaging mechanism 208 is coupled to the actuation element 206 and is adapted to lock or unlock the lever 204 in predefined positions during the rotational movement.

[0077] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the frame 202 includes a supporting plate 202-1, a first mounting plate 202-2, and a second mounting plate 202-3. The supporting plate 202- 1 is adapted to be fastened to the elevator car 102 to mount the device 106 thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the supporting plate 202-1 is adapted to be fastened to the elevator car 102 via fasteners 201, such as screws and bolts. However, it should not be construed as limiting, and the supporting plate 202-1 can be fastened to the elevator car 102 using any other fastening means, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0078] Further, the first mounting plate 202-2 and the second mounting plate 202-3 are coupled to the supporting plate 202-1, and are positioned distant apart from each other. The first mounting plate 202-2 and the second mounting plate 202-3 are orthogonally aligned with respect to the supporting plate 202-1. In one example, each of the first mounting plate 202-2 and the second mounting plate 202-3 is coupled to the supporting plate 202-1 via a welding process. In another example, each of the first mounting plate 202-2 and the second mounting plate 202-3 is coupled to the supporting plate 202-1 via fasteners. In the subsequent paragraphs, the first mounting plate 202-2 and the second mounting plate 202- 3 are collectively referred to as the mounting plates 202-2, 202-3.

[0079] Referring to Figures 2-3, the lever 204 is disposed on the frame 202. The lever 204 is movably positioned between the mounting plates 202-2, 202-3 of the frame 202. The lever 204 is adapted to rotate for moving the engaging members 108-1 of the safety mechanism 108, controlling a movement of the elevator car 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever 204 is embodied as a hollow structure, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The lever 204 is adapted to accommodate the actuation element 206 which can be moved for allowing the rotational movement of the lever 204.

[0080] The lever 204 includes a top end 204-1 and a bottom end 204-2 distal to the top end 204-1. The top end 204-1 is embodied as an open end to allow access to the actuation element 206. The open end is defined as an end of the lever 204 having an opening therein. Constructional and operational details of the actuation element 206 are explained in the description with respect to Figures 4a-4b. The lever 204 is disposed on the frame 202 in a manner that the bottom end 204-2 is proximal to the mounting plates 202-2, 202-3 and the top end 204-1 is distal from the mounting plates 202-2, 202-3. Therefore, the top end 204-1 is used as a holding end for the operator 103 to operate the device 106. For instance, the top end 204-1 of the lever 204 can be held by the operator 103 to move the actuation element 206 and simultaneously, rotate the lever 204 to operate the safety mechanism 108.

[0081] Further, the bottom end 204-2 of the lever 204 is engaged to a pivotable plate 210 of the device 106. The pivotable plate 210 is positioned between the mounting plates 202- 2, 202-3 and is movably fastened to each of the mounting plates 202-2, 202-3. One end of the pivotable plate 210 is connected to the cable 110 of the safety unit and other end of the pivotable plate 210 is pivotably fastened to the mounting plates 202-2, 202-3. In an example, the pivotable plate 210 may be pivotably fastened to the mounting plates 202-2, 202-3 via fasteners. The pivotable plate 210 is adapted to be pivotably moved with respect to the mounting plates 202-2, 202-3 when the lever 204 is rotated to pull or release the cable 110 for operating the safety mechanism 108. A rotational axis of the lever 204 is defined by a pivotal axis of the pivotable plate 210. The pivotal axis is defined as an axis orthogonal to the end, of the pivotable plate 210, fastened to the mounting plates 202-2, 202-3.

[0082] Figures 4a-4b illustrate an isometric view of the device 106 and an enlarged view of a portion of the device 106, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 4a-4b, the device 106 includes the actuation element 206 for locking or unlocking the rotational movement of the lever 204. The actuation element 206 is movably disposed within the lever 204, i.e., the hollow structure. The actuation element 206 is adapted to be telescopically moved with respect to the lever 204, to allow the rotational movement of the lever 204. The actuation element 206 is accessible from one end of the lever 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation element 206 is accessible from the top end 204-1 of the lever 204, such that the top end 204-1 is adapted to be held by the operator 103 to telescopically move the actuation element 206 and subsequently for rotating the lever 204. Figures 5a-5b illustrate an isometric view of the device 106 and a partial sectional view of a portion of the device 106, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 5a-5b, the actuation element 206 is disposed within the lever 204 and extends along a length of the lever 204. In particular, the actuation element 206 is coaxially disposed within the lever 204. Obviously, the aforementioned telescopic movement of the actuation element 206 is a movement in axial direction. The length of the sleeve-like lever 204 remains unchanged.

[0083] Referring to Figure 5b, the actuation element 206 includes a first end 206-1 and a second end 206-2 distal to the first end 206-1. The first end 206-1 is adapted to be moved to telescopically move the actuation element 206 within the lever 204. The actuation element 206 is disposed within the lever 204 in a manner that the first end 206-1 is proximal to the top end 204-1 of the lever 204. The first end 206-1 protrudes through an opening of the top end 204-1 of the lever 204 such that the operator 103 can hold the top end 204-1 of the lever 204 to move the first end 206-1 of the actuation element 206.

[0084] The second end 206-2 of the actuation element 206 includes a protrusion 206-3 adapted to be engaged with a resilient member 502 positioned at the bottom end 204-1 of the lever 204. In an example, the resilient member 502 is a spring, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The resilient member 502 is adapted to provide a resilient force to the actuation element 206, such that the actuation element 206 moves to its original position when the operator 103 releases the actuation element 206. In order to allow the rotational movement of the lever 204, the actuation element 206 is required to be moved and held thereafter against the resilient force of the resilient member 502. Upon rotation of the lever 204 to a predefined position, the actuation element 206 is released such that the resilient member 502 moves the actuation element 206 to its original position.

[0085] In one embodiment, the actuation element 206 is adapted to be pushed with respect to the lever 204. In such an embodiment, the first end 206-1 of the actuation element 206 is adapted to be pushed to telescopically move the actuation element 206 within the lever 204 against the resilient member 502. The resilient member 502 is compressed when the first end 206-1 is pushed. In another embodiment, the actuation element 206 is adapted to be pulled with respect to the lever 204, for rotating the lever 204. In such an embodiment, the first end 206-1 of the actuation element 206 is adapted to be pulled to telescopically move the actuation element 206 within the lever 204 against the resilient member 502. The resilient member 502 is stretched when the first end 206-1 is pulled.

[0086] Figures 6a-6b illustrate a side view of the device 106 and an enlarged view of a portion of the device 106, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention. As mentioned earlier, the device 106 includes the engaging mechanism 208 formed on the frame 202 and coupled to the actuation element 206. The engaging mechanism 208 is adapted to be operated by the actuation element 206 to unlock or lock the lever 204 in predefined positions during the rotational movement, based on the telescopic movement of the actuation element 206.

[0087] Referring to Figures 3, 4a, 5b, and 6a-6b, the engaging mechanism 208 includes a pair of locking pins 212-1, 212-2 and a pair of first elongated slots 214-1, 214-2. The pair of locking pins 212-1, 212-2 and the pair of first elongated slots 214-1, 214-2 are interchangeably referred to as the locking pins 212-1, 212-2 and the first elongated slots 214-1, 214-2, respectively. The locking pins 212-1, 212-2 are formed on the actuation element 206 and disposed laterally opposite to each other. The locking pins 212-1, 212-2 are disposed proximal to the second end 206-2 of the actuation element 206.

[0088] As mentioned earlier, the actuation element 206 is disposed within the lever 204 in a manner that the actuation element 206 is telescopically movable with respect to the lever 204. Referring to Figure 5a, the lever 204 includes a pair of second elongated slots 203 adapted to receive the locking pins 212-1, 212-2 formed on the actuation element 206. The pair of second elongated slots 203 are formed proximal to the bottom end 204-2 of the lever 204 and disposed laterally opposite to each other. Each of the pair of second elongated slots 203 is adapted to receive one of the locking pins 212-1, 212-2 therein in a manner that the actuation element 206 can be telescopically moved with respect to the lever 204. The locking pins 212-1, 212-2 slide along the pair of second elongated slots 203, when the actuation element 206 is telescopically moved with respect to the lever 204.

[0089] The first elongated slots 214-1, 214-2 are formed on the frame 202. In particular, the first elongated slot 214-1 is formed on the first mounting plate 202-2 and the first elongated slot 214-2 is formed on the second mounting plate 202-3. The first elongated slots 214-1, 214-2 are adapted to receive the pair of locking pins 212-1, 212-2, respectively. In particular, the locking pins 212-1, 212-2 protruding through the second elongated slots 203 engage with the respective first elongated slots 214-1, 214-2. The locking pins 212-1, 212-2 are adapted to move along the of the first elongated slots 214-1, 214-2. In particular, the locking pins 212-1, 212-2 move along the first elongated slots 214-1, 214-2 when the lever 204 is rotated.

[0090] As mentioned earlier, the engaging mechanism 208 unlocks or locks the lever 204 in predefined positions during the rotational movement, based on the telescopic movement of the actuation element 206. To achieve such locking or unlocking of the lever 204 in the predefined positions, the pair of locking pins 212-1, 212-2 is adapted to rest at the predefined positions in the respective first elongated slots 214-1, 214-2 based on the telescopic movement of the actuation element 206. When the locking pins 212-1, 212-2 rest at the predefined positions, the rotational movement of the lever 204 is locked. Further, when the locking pins 212-1, 212-2 dislocate from the predefined positions, the rotational movement of the lever 204 is unlocked.

[0091] Constructional details of the first elongated slots 214-1, 214-2 are similar to each other, and therefore for the sake of brevity, the constructional details of only one elongated slot 214-1 are explained in the subsequent paragraphs with respect to Figures 3 and 6a-6b.

[0092] Referring to Figures 6a-6b, the first elongated slot 214-1 includes a first resting portion 602, a second resting portion 604, and a guiding portion 606. The first resting portion 602 is adapted to receive the locking pin 212-1, restricting the rotational movement of the lever 204 therein. The second resting portion 604 is formed distal to the first resting portion 602. The second resting portion 604 is adapted to receive the locking pin 212-1, restricting the rotational movement of the lever 204 therein. The guiding portion 606 is formed between the first resting portion 602 and the second resting portion 604. The locking pin 212-1 moves along the guiding portion 606 to travel between the first resting portion 602 and the second resting portion 604 during the rotational movement of the lever 204.

[0093] Each of the first resting portion 602 and the second resting portion 604 is formed non-colinear with respect to the guiding portion 606. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first resting portion 602 and the second resting portion 604 extends away from the guiding portion 606 in a direction towards an upper periphery of the first mounting plate 202-2 of the frame 202. The predefined positions of the lever 204 are defined by the first resting portion 602 and the second resting portion 604 of the first elongated slot 214-1. A position of the lever 204 corresponding to the first resting portion 602 is referred to as a first predefined position. Further, a position of the lever 204 corresponding to the second resting portion 604 is referred to as a second predefined position.

[0094] As explained earlier, the locking pin 212-1 is adapted to rest in the predefined positions of the first elongated slot 214-1 to lock or unlock the lever 204 in such positions during the rotational movement. In particular, the locking pin 212-1 is adapted to rest in the first resting portion 602 to lock the lever 204 in the first predefined position. Further, when the actuation element 206 is pushed, the locking pin 212-1 is dislocated from the first resting portion 602 to unlock the lever 204 from the first predefined position. Similarly, the locking pin 212-1 is adapted to rest in the second resting portion 604 to lock the lever 204 in the second predefined position. Again, when the actuation element 206 is pushed, the locking pin 212-1 is dislocated from the second resting portion 604 to unlock the lever 204 from the second predefined position. Upon dislocation of the locking pin 212-1 from one of the first resting portion 602 and the second resting portion 604, the locking pin 212-1 moves along the guiding portion 606 to travel between the first resting portion 602 and the second resting portion 604 when the lever 204 is rotated.

[0095] In another embodiment, the first elongated slot 214-1 includes a first resting portion, a second resting portion, and a guiding portion, such as the guiding portion 606. The constructional details of the first resting portion and the second resting portion of the present embodiment are different from the constructional details of resting portions 602, 604 of the illustrated embodiment. In the present embodiment, each of the first resting portion and the second resting portion extends from the guiding portion 606 in a direction away from the upper periphery of the first mounting plate 202-2 of the frame 202. In particular, the resting portions of the present embodiment may be formed inverted compared to the resting portions 602, 604 depicted in the illustrated embodiment. This enables the locking pin 212-1 to rest in one of the resting portions and dislocates from such resting portions when the actuation element 206 is pulled. In particular, the actuation element 206 can be pulled to dislocate the locking pin 212-1 from the first resting portion or the second resting portion of the first elongated slot 214-1. Figure 7a illustrates an isometric view of the device 106 depicting a first elongated slot 214-1’, according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7b illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the device 106 as depicted in Figure 7a, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] Compared to the first elongated slot 214-1 explained in the above paragraphs, the first elongated slot 214-1 ’of the illustrated embodiment in Figures 7a-7b includes only one resting portion 602’ adapted to receive the locking pin 212-1, restricting the rotational movement of the lever 204 therein. Further, similar to the first elongated slot 214-1’, the first elongated slot 214-1’ also includes a guiding portion 606’ extending from the resting portion 602’. The locking pin 212-1 moves along the guiding portion 606’ to travel between the resting portion 602’ and an end of the guiding portion 606’ during the rotational movement of the lever 204.

[0097] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking pin 212-1 is adapted to rest at the end of the guiding portion 606’ to restrict the rotational movement of the lever 204 therein. In particular, the resting portion 602’ and the end of the locking pin 212-1 correspond to the first predefined position and the second predefined position, respectively, in which the lever 204 is to be locked. When the locking pin 212-1 rests in the resting portion 602’, the lever 204 is locked at the first predefined position. When the actuation element 206 is pushed, the locking pin 212-1 is dislocated from the resting portion 602’ to unlock the lever 204 from the first predefined position. Further, when the locking pin 212-1 rests at the end of the guiding portion 606’, the lever 204 is locked at the second predefined position. The actuation element 206 remains in pushed condition when the locking pin 212-1 rests at the end of the guiding portion 606’.

[0098] As explained earlier, the engaging members 108-1 of the safety mechanism 108 are connected with the device 106 which is adapted to actuate the engaging members 108- 1. The engaging members 108-1 are adapted to be engaged with the blocks 104-1 of the elevator shaft 104 for restricting the movement of the elevator car 102. The cable 110 connects the device 106 to the engaging members 108-1. The cable 110 is connected to the pivotable plate 210 of the frame 202. The bottom end 204-2 of the lever 204 is coupled to the pivotable plate 210 to pull or release the cable 110 attached to the pivotable plate 210 based on the rotational movement of the lever 204. The device 106 is adapted to be actuated in one of the first operating condition and the second operating condition to engage or disengage the engaging members 108-1 with the blocks 104-1 via the cable 110.

[0099] Figure 8a-8d illustrates an operation of the device 106, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 8a, the device 106 is in the first operating condition in which the lever 204 is at the first predefined position. In the first operating condition, the cable 110 is pulled by the device 106 to disengage the engaging members 108-1 from the blocks 104-1 for allowing the movement of the elevator car 102. In the first operating condition, the actuation element 206 remains in the original position,

[0100] 1.e., not pushed, and each locking pin 212-1, 212-2 rests in the first resting portion 602 of the respective first elongated slots 214-1, 214-2. Thereby, the rotational movement of the lever 204 is restricted by the engagement between each locking pin 212-1, 212-2 and the first resting portion 602 of the respective first elongated slots 214-1, 214-2.

[0101] Now, in order to engage the engaging members 108-1, the lever 204 is required to be rotated from the first predefined position. To unlock the rotational movement of the lever 204, referring to Figure 8b, the actuation element 206 is pushed to dislocate the locking pins 212-1, 212-2 from the first resting portion 602 of the respective first elongated slots 214-1, 214-2. The operator 103 may hold the lever 204 from the top end 204-1 and subsequently push the first end 206-1 of the actuation element 206 to telescopically move the actuation element 206. Owing to such movement of the actuation element 206, the locking pins 212-1, 212-2 are dislocated from the first resting portion 602 and align with the guiding portion 606 of the respective first elongated slots 214-1, 214-2. Such dislocation of the locking pins 212-1, 212-2 allows the rotational movement of the lever 204 from the first predefined position toward the second predefined position.

[0102] Referring to Figure 8c, the lever 204 is rotated such that the locking pins 212-1, 212-2 move along the guiding portion 606 of the respective first elongated slots 214-1, 214-

[0103] 2. During such rotational movement of the lever 204, the actuation element 206 remains pushed to ensure a smooth rotational movement. The lever 204 is rotated from the first predefined position towards the second predefined position to operate the device 106 from the first operating condition to the second operation condition. Referring to Figure 8d, the device 106 is in the second operating condition in which the lever 204 is at the second predefined position. In the second operating condition, the cable 110 is released by the device 106 to engage the engaging members 108-1 with the block 104-1 for restricting the movement of the elevator car 102. When the lever 204 reaches the second predefined position, the locking pins 212-1, 212-2 rest in the second resting portion 604 of the respective first elongated slots 214-1, 214-2. Thereby, the rotational movement of the lever 204 is restricted by the engagement between each locking pin 212-1, 212-2 and the second resting portion 604 of the respective first elongated slots 214-1, 214-2. The actuation element 206 moves to its original position when the locking pins 212-1, 212-2 rest in the second resting portion 604 of the respective first elongated slots 214-1, 214-2.

[0104] Thereafter, to operate the device in the first operating condition, again the actuation element 206 is pushed to dislocate the locking pins 212-1, 212-2 from the second resting portion 604 of the respective first elongated slots 214-1, 214-2. Subsequently, the lever 204 is rotated from the second predefined position to the first predefined position to operate the device 106 in the first operating condition. When the lever 204 reaches the first predefined position, the locking pins 212-1, 212-2 rest in the first resting portion 602 of the respective first elongated slots 214-2, 214-2 to restrict the rotational movement of the lever 204.

[0105] While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.

Claims

Claims:

1. A device (106) for operating a safety mechanism (108) of an elevator unit (100), the device (106) comprising: a frame (202); a lever (204) disposed on the frame (202) and adapted to rotate for moving at least one engaging member (108-1) of the safety mechanism (108), controlling a movement of an elevator car (102) of the elevator unit (100); characterized in that: an actuation element (206) accessible from one end of the lever (204), and adapted to be telescopically moved with respect to the lever (204), to allow the rotational movement of the lever (204); and an engaging mechanism (208) formed on the frame (202) and coupled to the actuation element (206), wherein the engaging mechanism (208) unlocks or locks the lever (204) in predefined positions during the rotational movement, based on the telescopic movement of the actuation element (206).

2. The device (106) according to claim 1, wherein the actuation element (206) is accessible from a top end (204-1) of the lever (204), such that the top end (204-1) is adapted to be held by an operator (103) to telescopically move the actuation element (206) for rotating the lever (204).

3. The device (106) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation element (206) is adapted to be pushed or pulled with respect to the lever (204), for rotating the lever (204).

4. The device (106) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation element (206) comprises: a first end (206-1) proximal to the top end (204-1) of the lever (204); and a second end (206-2) distal to the first end (206-1) and having a protrusion (206-3) adapted to be engaged with a resilient member (502) positioned at a bottom end (204-2) of the lever (204),wherein the first end (206-1) of the actuation element (206) is adapted to be pushed or pulled to telescopically move the actuation element (206) within the lever (204) against the resilient member (502).

5. The device (106) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: the engaging mechanism (208) comprising at least one locking pin (212-1, 212-2) engaged with the frame (202) and coupled to the actuation element (206), wherein the at least one locking pin (212-1, 212-2) is adapted to lock or unlock the lever (204) in predefined positions during the rotational movement, based on the telescopic movement of the actuation element (206).

6. The device (106) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the engaging mechanism (208) comprises: at least one locking pin (212-1, 212-2) formed on the actuation element (206) and positioned proximal to the second end (206-2) of the actuation element (206); and at least one first elongated slot (214-1, 214-2, 214-1’) formed in the frame (202) and adapted to receive the at least one locking pin (212-1, 212-2), wherein the at least one locking pin (212-1, 212-2) is adapted to move along the at least one first elongated slot (214-1, 214-2, 214-1’) and rest at the predefined positions in the at least one first elongated slot (214-1, 214-2, 214-1’), based on the telescopic movement of the actuation element (206), locking or unlocking the lever (204) in the predefined positions during the rotational movement.

7. The device (106) according to claim 6, wherein the lever (204) comprises at least one second elongated slot (203) adapted to receive the at least one locking pin (212- 1, 212-2) formed on the actuation element (206), wherein the locking pin (212-1, 212-2) protrudes through the at least one second elongated slot (203) and engages with the at least one first elongated slot (214-1, 214-2, 214-1’) formed in the frame (202).

8. The device (106) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the at least one first elongated slot (214-1, 214-2) comprises:a first resting portion (602) adapted to receive the at least one locking pin (212- 1, 212-2), restricting the rotational movement of the lever (204) therein; a second resting portion (604) formed distal to the first resting portion (602) and adapted to receive the at least one locking pin (212-1, 212-2), restricting the rotational movement of the lever (204) therein; and a guiding portion (606) formed between the first resting portion (602) and the second resting portion (604), wherein the at least one locking pin (212-1, 212-2) moves along the guiding portion (606) to travel between the first resting portion (602) and the second resting portion (604) during the rotational movement of the lever (204).

9. The device (106) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: the actuation element (206) is adapted to be pushed or pulled to unlock the rotational movement of the lever (204) by dislocating the at least one locking pin (212-1, 212-2) from one of the first resting portion (602) and the second resting portion (604).

10. The device (106) according to any of the claims 6-9, wherein the first engaging slot (214-1’) comprises: a resting portion (602’) adapted to receive the at least one locking pin (212-1, 212-2), restricting the rotational movement of the lever (204) therein; and a guiding portion (606’) extending from the resting portion (602’), wherein the at least one locking pin (212-1, 212-2) moves along the guiding portion (606’) to travel between the resting portion (602’) and an end of the guiding portion (606’) during the rotational movement of the lever (204), wherein the at least one locking pin (212-1, 212-2) rests at the end of the guiding portion (606’) to restrict the rotational movement of the lever (204) therein.

11. A safety unit for an elevator unit (100) having an elevator car (102) and an elevator shaft (104), the safety unit comprising: a device (106), according to any of claims 1-10, disposed on the elevator car (102); and a safety mechanism (108) comprising at least one engaging member (108- 1) connected with the device (106) adapted to actuate the at least one engagingmember (108-1), wherein the at least one engaging member (108-1) is adapted to be engaged with at least one block (104-1) of the elevator shaft (104) for restricting a movement of the elevator car (102).

12. The safety unit according to claim 11, comprising: a cable (110) adapted to connect the device (106) to the at least one engaging member (108-1), wherein the device (106) is adapted to be actuated in one of a first operating condition and a second operating condition to engage or disengage the at least one engaging member (108-1) with the at least one block (104-1) via the cable (110).

13. The safety unit according to any of claims 11 or 12, wherein: in the first operating condition, the cable (110) is pulled by the device (106) to disengage the at least one engaging member (108-1) from the at least one block (104-1) for allowing the movement of the elevator car (102); and in the second operating condition, the cable (110) is released by the device (106) to engage the at least one engaging member (108-1) with the at least one block (104-1) for restricting the movement of the elevator car (102).

14. An elevator unit (100) comprising: an elevator shaft (104) having at least one block (104-1); at least one elevator car (102) adapted to displace within the elevator shaft (104); and a safety unit, according to any of claims 11-13, connected to the at least one elevator car (102).

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