An elevator pit ladder system

Abstract

An elevator pit ladder system (101, 201) for an elevator installation (107) is disclosed. The elevator pit ladder system (101, 201) includes a ladder (114) and a ladder holding assembly (100, 200) for removably holding the ladder (114) in a pit (109). The ladder holding assembly (100, 200) includes a mounting bracket (102) and a movable mechanism (104, 202) coupled to the mounting bracket (102). The movable mechanism (104, 202) includes arms (106, 204-1, 204-2, 206) movable between a removal position and a parking position. The arms (106, 204-1, 204-2, 206) are adapted to removably hold the ladder (114). The ladder holding assembly (100, 200) includes a locking element (116, 216) adapted to releasably engage with the arms (106, 204-1, 204-2, 206). The locking element (116, 216) is to be released to allow the movement of the arms (106, 204-1, 204-2, 206) such that the ladder (114) moves in a direction away from the mounting bracket (102) to allow lifting and removal of the ladder (114) from the arms (106, 204-1, 204-2, 206).

Description

[0001] AN ELEVATOR PIT LADDER SYSTEM

[0002] The present invention relates to elevators and more particularly, to an elevator pit ladder system for holding a ladder in a pit of an elevator installation.

[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 perform periodic maintenance, one or more operators are usually required to be present on a roof of the elevator car or in the elevator pit to perform various maintenance tasks. In order to access the elevator pit, the operator may be required to use a ladder for climbing down into the elevator pit from a door opening. Conventionally, such a ladder is placed on a bracket mounted on a wall of the hoistway. The operator is required to reach out to the bracket and thereafter lift the ladder therefrom. Then, the operator may place the ladder in the elevator pit such that the operator can climb down from the door opening into the elevator pit using the ladder.

[0005] However, owing to the weight and length of the ladder, it is difficult for the operator to manually carry the ladder from the bracket towards the door opening. Further, the operator is required to lean in the hoistway and towards the bracket for removing / carrying the ladder from the bracket to the door opening. However, it is unsafe for the operator to lean down from the door opening while holding and relocating the ladder from the bracket into the hoistway. Further, owing to a larger distance between the door opening and the bracket holding the ladder, it is difficult for the operator to reach out to the bracket while standing on the door opening, and to carry the ladder for such a distance.

[0006] WO2020258791A1 shows an elevator pit ladder mounting device, which comprises a mounting support, sliding rails fixed in an elevator shaft, and a connecting device for connecting a ladder to the mounting support. The connecting device is suitable for connecting the ladder to the mounting support in a rotatable manner, so that the distances between the ladder and the elevator shaft floor entrance can be adjusted by rotating the ladder. However, in order to rotate the ladder, the technician needs to lean in the hoistway and then rotate the ladder relative to the mounting support. This substantially increases the physical effort required by the technician to access the ladder from the elevator pit ladder mounting device. In particular, it is difficult and cumbersome for the technician to reach out to the wall on which the ladder is positioned and then subsequently, rotate the entire ladder while leaning in the hoistway. Therefore, there is an immense desire to develop a system that can eliminate one or more shortcomings associated with the abovementioned elevators.

[0007] It is the object of the present invention to provide an elevator pit ladder system having a ladder holding assembly for removably holding the ladder in a pit of an elevator installation. The ladder holding assembly is adapted to bring the ladder closer to the operator near a door opening, such that the operator can remove the ladder from the ladder holding assembly without extensive leaning and with minimal physical effort. According to the invention, this object is solved by the elevator pit ladder system having the features of claim 1, and an elevator installation having the features of claim 16.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, the elevator pit ladder system for an elevator installation is disclosed in the present invention. The elevator pit ladder system includes a ladder and a ladder holding assembly for removably holding the ladder in a pit of the elevator installation. The ladder holding assembly includes a mounting bracket attached or adapted to be attached to a wall of the pit. Further, the ladder holding assembly includes amovable mechanism coupled to the mounting bracket. The movable mechanism includes a ladder holding device movable between a removal position and a parking position. The ladder holding device is adapted to removably hold the ladder. The movable mechanism is designed such that the ladder holding device can be moved from the parking position to the removal position such that the ladder moves in a direction away from the mounting bracket and wherein, when the ladder holding device is in the removal position , the ladder can be removed from the ladder holding device

[0009] The movable mechanism may further include at least one locking element movably coupled to the mounting bracket and adapted to releasably engage with the ladder holding device to restrict the movement of the ladder holding device from the parking position to the removal position, wherein the at least one locking element is to be released to allow the movement of the ladder holding device from the parking position to the removal position such that the ladder moves in a direction away from the mounting bracket to allow lifting and removal of the ladder from the ladder holding device.

[0010] The parking position can be understood as a position which is allocated to the normal operation mode of the elevator. In the parking position the ladder can be positioned close to the wall of the pit and thus allowing an obstacle-free movement of the elevator car within the hoistway. For performing maintenance operations in the pit the ladder may be used so a technician can safely descend. The removal position can be understood as a position from which the ladder can be removed. In the removal position the ladder may being spaced apart from the wall of the pit and, thus, getting closer with respect to the technician so that the ladder can be easily removed by the technician standing at the door opening without leaning in the hoistway. In a preferred embodiment, the movable mechanism of the ladder holding assembly comprising a pivotable ladder holding device that is attached to the mounting bracket and can be pivoted, at least in portions, between the removal position and the parking position, the pivotable ladder holding device comprising at least one arm. So said ladder holding device is a pivotable ladder holding device.

[0011] Thus, the movable mechanism includes at least one arm movable between a removal position and a parking position. The arm is adapted to removably hold the ladder. The ladder holding assembly includes at least one locking element movably coupled to the mounting bracket and adapted to releasably engage with the arm to restrict the movement of the arm from the parking position to the removal position. The at least one locking element is to be released to allow the movement of the arm from the parking position to the removal position such that the ladder moves in a direction away from the mounting bracket to allow lifting and removal of the ladder from the arm.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the invention, an elevator installation is disclosed. The elevator installation includes a hoistway having a plurality of walls defining the pit. Further, the elevator installation includes at least one door opening formed on a wall to allow access within the pit. The elevator installation includes an elevator pit ladder system having a ladder holding assembly as described in the above paragraphs. The ladder holding assembly is positioned on a wall adjacent to the wall having the at least one door opening. The ladder holding assembly includes the movable mechanism adapted to removably hold the ladder. The movable mechanism is moved from a parking position to bring the ladder proximal to the at least one door opening such that the ladder is lifted and removed from the movable mechanism.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the invention, an elevator pit ladder system is disclosed. The elevator pit ladder includes the ladder and a ladder holding assembly for removably holding the ladder in the pit of the elevator installation. The ladder holding assembly includes a mounting bracket attached or adapted to be attached to a wall of the pit. Further, the ladder holding assembly includes a movable mechanism coupled to the mounting bracket. The movable mechanism includes at least a pair of crossed arms pivotably coupled to each other and movable between a removal position and a parking position. So aforementioned ladder holding device is composed of this pair of crossed arms. Each arm is movably coupled to the mounting bracket and removably holds the ladder thereon. The ladder holding assembly includes at least one actuating element supported on the mounting bracket and adapted to be actuated to move the pair of crossed arms between the parking position and the removal position. The actuating element is actuated to move the pair of crossed arms from the parking position to the removal position such that the ladder moves in a direction away from the mounting bracket to allow removal of the ladder from the movable mechanism. 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] In the first aspect, the ladder holding assembly is provided for removably holding the ladder in the pit of the elevator installation. The advantage of the ladder holding assembly is that the ladder can be moved closer to a technician standing at a door opening of the elevator installation. In particular, the movable mechanism of the ladder holding assembly includes the arm which removably holds the ladder. The arm moves between the parking position and the removal position such that the ladder moves closer to the technician standing at the door opening.

[0015] Firstly, this has the advantage that the distance between the ladder and the technician standing at the door opening is substantially reduced and thereby, allowing the technician to lift and remove the ladder with ease from the movable mechanism. In particular, owing to the movement of the arm to the removal position, the distance between the ladder and the technician is reduced which enables the technician to easily remove the ladder from the movable mechanism with minimal physical effort.

[0016] Secondly, this has the advantage that the technician is not required to lean in the hoistway to reach out to the ladder. In particular, the movable mechanism ensures that the ladder is moved closer to the technician standing at the door opening and therefore, the technician can remove the ladder from the movable mechanism without leaning in the hoistway. Further, this also eliminates the requirement for the technician to engage one hand for taking support while leaning in the hoistway to remove the ladder. Therefore, the technician can use both hands for removing the ladder from the movable mechanism and thereafter, relocating the ladder in the pit. This substantially reduces the physical effort required by the technician to retrieve the ladder, and enhances overall safety for the technician while retrieving the ladder from the movable mechanism. Upon removing the ladder, the technician can place the ladder in the pit such that a bottom portion of the ladder is supported on a floor of the pit and a top portion of the ladder is supported at a ledge of the door opening.

[0017] Further, in the first aspect, the ladder holding assembly includes the at least one locking element adapted to releasably engage with the arm to restrict the movement of the arm from the parking position to the removal position. The advantage of providing the at least one locking element is that the arm remains in the parking position, when the at least one locking element is releasably engaged with the arm. Therefore, the at least one locking element acts as a safety provision that ensures the movement of the arm only when the at least one locking element is disengaged from the arm. This eliminates the unintended movement of the arm due to the weight of the ladder positioned thereon. As explained earlier, the ladder holding assembly is positioned on the wall adjacent to the wall having the door opening. Owing to such positioning of the ladder holding assembly, the ladder can be brought closer to the door opening when the arm is moved to the removal position. In particular, the ladder holding assembly is positioned on the wall such that the distance between the ladder and the door opening is substantially reduced when the arm is moved to the removal position. This allows the technician standing at the door opening to remove the ladder from the arm with minimal physical effort.

[0018] Now, in the second aspect, the ladder holding assembly includes the movable mechanism having at least a pair of crossed arms. Further, the ladder holding assembly includes the at least one actuating element adapted to move the pair of crossed arms between the parking position and the removal position. This has the advantage that no locking element is required for restricting the movement of the pair of crossed arms between the parking position and the removal position. The technician can simply actuate the at least one actuating element to move the pair of crossed arms from the parking position to the removal position. Subsequently, the technician can again actuate the at least one actuating element to move the pair of crossed arms from the removal position to the parking position. Therefore, the technician is not required to physically lock or unlock the movement of the pair of crossed arms. This substantially reduces the overall physical effort required for operating the ladder holding assembly.

[0019] In an embodiment, the at least one actuating element may be embodied as a pneumatically operated actuator or an electronically operated actuator, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The at least one actuating element may be in communication with an actuating switch (not shown). The at least one actuating element may be adapted to be actuated by operating the actuating switch. The actuating switch may be positioned in proximity to the door opening and accessible only when maintenance operations need to be performed in the elevator installation. In one embodiment, the at least one actuating switch may be positioned inside the hoistway and located on the wall. In another embodiment, the actuating switch may be positioned outside the hoistway.

[0020] Therefore, the ladder holding assemblies of the elevator pit ladder systems of the present invention are safer, less complex, more convenient to operate, and easy to implement.

[0021] In the following, further embodiments of the present invention are described.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the arm includes an engaging end pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket. Further, the arm includes a supporting end distal to the engaging end. The supporting end is adapted to removably hold the ladder thereon. This has the advantage that the arm can be coupled to the mounting bracket such that the supporting end holding the ladder can be moved closer to the operator standing near the door opening. In particular, the engaging end pivots with respect to the mounting bracket such that the supporting end moves in a curved path to bring the ladder closer to the operator for substantially reducing the physical effort required by the technician to carry the ladder.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the ladder is attached to the ladder holding assembly in a way that it can be removed from the supporting end, when the arm is in the removal position. Further, the arm can be moved from the removal position to the parking position upon placing the ladder on the supporting end.

[0024] Advantageously, the supporting end is designed to removably hold the ladder such that the ladder can be removed when the supporting end is positioned closer to the technician. In particular, when the arm is moved from the parking position to the removal position, the supporting end moves closer to the technician such that the technician can lift the ladder and remove the ladder from the supporting end. Thereafter, the technician can place the ladder in the pit for performing maintenance operations. Further, upon completing the maintenance operations, the technician can place the ladder on the supporting end of the arm and subsequently, move the arm from the removal position to the parking position. This ensures that a path of an elevator car in the hoistway is not obstructed by the arm of the ladder holding assembly.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the at least one arm includes a single arm having a rigid structure pivotably movable with respect to the mounting bracket between the parking position and the removal position.

[0026] Advantageously, the arm is designed such that the ladder having bulky structure can be easily supported on the arm. In particular, the arm has the rigid structure which enables the arm to support the ladder having bulky structure without compromising its structural integrity. Further, this has the advantage that the arm does not require additional reinforcing elements in order to increase the structural strength to prevent any deformation that might happen due to a weight of the ladder supported on the arm. Therefore, the arm is structured such that no deformation or structural damage might occur when the arm is supporting the ladder or when the arm is moved between the parking position and the removal position while supporting the ladder thereon.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the arm includes a locking pin protruding from one side of the folding arm and adapted to be engaged with the locking element to restrict the movement of the arm. As mentioned earlier, the ladder holding assembly includes the at least one locking element movably coupled to the mounting bracket and adapted to releasably engage with the arm to restrict the movement of the arm from the parking position to the removal position. Advantageously, the locking pin is provided on the arm to enable engagement between the locking element and the arm. In particular, the locking pin engages with the locking element such that the movement of the arm is restricted from the parking position to the removal position. Such engagement between the locking pin and the locking element ensures that the arm remains in the parking position and may move to the removal position only when the locking element is disengaged from the locking pin. Thereby, this eliminates a risk of unintentional movement of the arm, holding the ladder, from the parking position to the removal position.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the locking element includes a pivotal end adapted to be pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket. Further, the locking end includes a locking end distal to the pivotal end. The locking end includes an engaging portion and a guiding portion formed adjacent to the engaging portion. The guiding portion guides the locking pin towards the engaging portion when the arm is moved to the parking position. The engaging portion receives the locking pin to restrict the movement of the arm from the parking position to the removal position.

[0029] The advantage of the aforesaid constructional aspect of the locking element is that the arm can be locked at the parking position without physically moving the locking element. The technician does not need to separately move the locking element in order to engage the locking element with the arm for restricting its movement from the parking position to the removal position. Rather, the technician can push the arm towards the mounting bracket such that the locking element may automatically engage with the arm to restrict its movement. This substantially eliminates the physical effort required by the technician to operate the ladder holding assembly, and specifically while locking the arm in the parking position. Advantageously, the locking end is designed such that the locking pin engages with the locking element by pushing the arm in a direction toward the mounting bracket. In particular, upon placing the ladder on the arm in the removal position, the technician moves the arm to the parking position such that the locking pin slides over the guiding portion and subsequently, the locking pin receives within the engaging portion to restrict the movement of the arm.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the supporting end includes at least one groove / slot adapted to removably support the ladder and allow the ladder to be lifted when the arm is in the removal position.

[0031] This has the advantage that the ladder is securely placed on the supporting end of the arm. In particular, the groove / slot is designed such that at least a portion of the ladder can be positioned in the groove / slot to secure the ladder on the arm. Advantageously, such groove / slot is designed to eliminate any relative movement between the ladder and the arm during the movement of the arm between the parking position and the removal position. The groove / slot ensures that the ladder remains attached to the arm until the ladder is physically removed from the arm by the technician. Further, the advantage of providing the groove / slot is that the ladder may not fall from the ladder holding assembly during the movement of the arm between the parking position and the removal position.

[0032] Contrary to the elevator pit ladder system as explained in the previous paragraphs, another elevator pit ladder system is explained hereinafter which includes a ladder holding assembly with multiple arms for supporting the ladder thereon.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the at least one arm includes a pair of first foldable arms pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket and positioned parallel to each other. The at least one arm includes a second foldable arm positioned below one of the first foldable arms and pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket. Each of the second foldable arm and the first foldable arm includes a first connecting member having the engaging end pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket, and a second connecting member pivotably coupled to the first connecting member and having the supporting end to removably hold the ladder.

[0034] This has the advantage that the ladder holding assembly can move the ladder to a farther distance from the mounting bracket and much closer to the door opening. In particular, longer connecting members, such as the first connecting member and the second connecting member, can be deployed to increase the distance to which the ladder holding assembly can move the ladder. Further, in the parking position, the first connecting member may move relative to the second connecting member such that the foldable arm may retract towards the mounting bracket. Therefore, such ladder holding assembly with the foldable arms can be deployed in the pit with space constraints.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the supporting end is coupled to a supporting bracket adapted to removably hold the ladder thereon. The supporting bracket includes at least one groove / slot to removably hold the ladder.

[0036] This has the advantage that the ladder is securely placed on the supporting bracket coupled to the supporting end of each foldable arm. In particular, the groove / slot is designed such that at least a portion of the ladder can be positioned in the groove / slot to secure the ladder on the supporting bracket. Advantageously, such groove / slot is designed to eliminate any relative movement between the ladder and the foldable arms / the supporting bracket during the movement of the foldable arms between the parking position and the removal position. The groove / slot ensures that the ladder remains attached to the supporting bracket until the ladder is physically removed from the supporting bracket by the technician. Further, the advantage of providing the groove / slot is that the ladder may not fall from the ladder holding assembly during the movement of the foldable arms between the parking position and the removal position.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the locking element includes a first locking element movably coupled to the mounting bracket. The first locking element is adapted to restrict or allow the movement of the first foldable arms and the second foldable arm between the parking position and the removal position.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the first locking element is adapted to engage with the ladder resting on the supporting bracket to restrict the movement of the movable mechanism.

[0039] The constructional details of the first locking element are similar to the locking element as explained in the previous paragraphs. In one embodiment, the first locking element may be adapted to releasably engage with the ladder resting on the supporting bracket to restrict the movement of the movable mechanism. In such an embodiment, lateral protrusions of the ladder, resting on the supporting bracket, may engage with the first locking element to restrict the movement of the foldable arms between the parking position and the removal position. In another embodiment, the first locking element may be adapted to releasably engage with a locking pin, similar to the locking pin as explained in the previous paragraphs, formed on the supporting bracket being coupled to the supporting end of each foldable arm.

[0040] The advantage of the aforesaid constructional aspect of the first locking element is that the foldable arms can be locked at the parking position without physically moving the locking element. The technician does not need to separately move the locking element to engage the locking element with the ladder positioned on the supporting bracket for restricting the movement of the foldable arms from the parking position to the removal position. Rather, the technician can push the foldable arms towards the mounting bracket such that the locking element may automatically engage with the ladder to restrict the movement of the foldable arms. This substantially eliminates the physical effort required by the technician to operate the ladder holding assembly, and specifically while locking the foldable arms in the parking position.

[0041] Similar to the locking element, the first locking element also includes the locking end having the engaging portion and the guiding portion. Advantageously, the locking end is designed such that the locking end engages with the lateral protrusions of the ladder resting on the supporting bracket. In particular, upon placing the ladder on the supporting bracket when the foldable arms are in the removal position, the technician moves the foldable arms to the parking position such that the lateral protrusion of the ladder slides over the guiding portion and subsequently, the lateral protrusion receives within the engaging portion of the first locking element to restrict the movement of the arm. In one or more embodiments, the ladder holding assembly includes a second locking element movably coupled to the second foldable arm. The second locking element is adapted to restrict or allow the relative movement between the first connecting member and the second connecting member of the second foldable arm. The second locking element is positioned between the first connecting member and the second connecting member of the second foldable arm. The second locking element is adapted to be pivotably movable such that the second locking element engages with a slot formed in the first connecting member to restrict the relative movement between the first connecting member and the second connecting member. The second locking element is pivotably moved to engage with the slot when the first foldable arms and the second foldable arm are at the removal position.

[0042] Advantageously, when the second locking element is engaged, the movement of the second foldable arm is restricted and thereby, also restricting the movement of the first foldable arms from the removal position to the parking position. In particular, the advantage of providing the second locking element is to ensure that the second foldable arm does not move on its own when the foldable arms are in the removal position. When the second locking element is engaged in the slot of the first connecting member, such engagement restricts the relative movement between the first connecting member and the second connecting member of the second foldable arm. Therefore, once the second locking element is engaged, the movement of the second foldable arm is restricted. This also restricts the movement of the first foldable arms from the removal position to the parking position. Thereby, the engagement of the second locking element ensures that the foldable arms do not move unintentionally to the parking position while removing the ladder from the supporting bracket attached to the foldable arms.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the supporting bracket is horizontally displaced in a straight line with respect to the mounting bracket when the first foldable arms and the second foldable arm are moved from the parking position to the removal position.

[0044] This has the advantage that the ladder holding assembly can be deployed in the pit having space constraints. In particular, owing to such displacement of the supporting bracket, the ladder holding assembly can be mounted on the wall of the hoistway such that a bottom portion of the ladder, resting on the supporting bracket, can be in close proximity to a floor of the pit. Therefore, the constraint of maintaining a substantial distance between the floor of the pit and the bottom portion of the ladder is eliminated.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, a safety switch is attached to the mounting bracket, and is triggered between a first state and a second state by movement of either at least one of the supporting ends or the ladder. The first state indicates the parking position of the arm, and the second state indicates the removal position of the arm. The safety switch is triggered to the second state when the arm is moved from the parking position to the removal position. The safety switch is triggered to the first state when the arm is at the parking position.

[0046] In an embodiment, the safety switch may be in communication with an elevator safety circuit of the elevator installation. In such an embodiment, the safety switch may be configured to transmit an input, to the elevator safety circuit, indicative of triggering of the safety switch between the first state and the second state. Based on the received input from the safety switch, the elevator safety circuit may allow the operation of an elevator car within the hoistway. For instance, if the received input indicates the first state, then the elevator safety circuit may allow a movement of the elevator car within the hoistway. Further, if the received input indicates the second state, then the elevator safety circuit may not allow the movement or allow movement at lower speed of the elevator car within the hoistway.

[0047] The advantage of providing the safety switch is that the position of the movable mechanism is conveyed to the elevator safety circuit and thereby, ensuring that the elevator car is not operated until the input received from the safety switch indicates the first state. This prevents the operation of the elevator car when the arm(s) of the movable mechanism is in the removal position.

[0048] Contrary to the elevator pit ladder systems as explained in the previous paragraphs, another elevator pit ladder system is explained hereinafter which includes a ladder holding assembly, as disclosed in the third aspect of the invention.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, each arm includes an engaging end movably coupled to the mounting bracket. Each arm includes a supporting end distal to the engaging end, and adapted to removably hold the ladder thereon.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, the pair of crossed arms includes a first pair of crossed arms and a second pair of crossed arms. Each pair of crossed arms includes a first arm. The engaging end of the first arm is pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket, and the supporting end of the first arm is slidably engaged to a supporting bracket. Each pair of crossed arms includes a second arm. The engaging end of the second arm is slidably engaged to the mounting bracket, and the supporting end of the second arm is pivotably coupled to the supporting bracket adapted to hold the ladder.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, the mounting bracket includes at least one vertical slot adapted to engage with the engaging end of the second arm such that the engaging end slides along the vertical slot when the pair of crossed arms move between the parking position and the removal position. The supporting bracket includes at least one vertical slot adapted to engage with the supporting end of the first arm such that the supporting end slides along the vertical slot when the pair of crossed arms move between the parking position and the removal position.

[0052] The term “hoistway” may be referred to as an enclosed space formed by a plurality of walls to accommodate one or more components of the elevator installation.

[0053] The term “pit” may be referred to as an enclosed space formed below a lowermost floor. The pit may be formed as an integral part of the hoistway.

[0054] The term “door opening” may be referred to as an opening formed in one of the walls of the hoistway to allow a passage within the hoistway.

[0055] The term “parking position” may be referred to as a position of the arm(s) of the movable mechanism in which the arm(s) is positioned farthest from the door opening. The ladder is not to be removed from the movable mechanism in the parking position. In the parking position, the ladder supported on the arm(s) may not interfere with an elevator car and a counterweight of the elevator installation.

[0056] The term “removal position” may be referred to as a position of the arm(s) of the movable mechanism in which the arm(s) is positioned closest to the door opening. In the removal position, the ladder supported by the arm can be removed by the technician standing at the door opening without leaning in the hoistway.

[0057] 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.

[0058] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an elevator pit ladder system for the elevator installation, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of an enlarged portion of the elevator pit ladder system as shown in Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a ladder holding assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 4a-4c illustrate perspective views depicting an operation of the ladder holding assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figures 5a-5b illustrate perspective views of the ladder holding assembly depicting a safety switch, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of an elevator pit ladder system for the elevator installation, according to another embodiment of the present invention.;

[0063] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the elevator pit ladder system having the ladder holding assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate different perspective views of an enlarged portion of the elevator pit ladder system as shown in Figure 6, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] Figures 10a- 10c illustrate perspective views depicting an operation of the ladder holding assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] Figures 1 la-11c illustrate perspective views of an enlarged portion, of the ladder holding assembly, depicting an operation of a second locking element, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 12 illustrates a planar view of the ladder holding assembly in a removal position, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of the elevator pit ladder system for the elevator installation, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 14 illustrates a perspective view of the ladder holding assembly in the removal position, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0070] Figures 15a- 15b illustrate perspective views depicting an operation of the ladder holding assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an elevator pit ladder system 101 for an elevator installation 107, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 1, the elevator installation 107 may include a hoistway 103 having a plurality of walls 105 defining a pit 109. Further, the elevator installation 107 may include at least one door opening 113 formed on a wall 105-1 to allow access within the pit 109. The at least one door opening 113 may interchangeably be referred to as the door opening 113, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0072] The elevator installation 107 may include the elevator pit ladder system 101. The elevator pit ladder system 101 may be deployed for removably holding a ladder 114 in the pit 109 of the elevator installation

[0073] 107. In the illustrated embodiment, the elevator pit ladder system 101 may include a ladder holding assembly 100 positioned on a wall 105-2 adjacent to the wall 105-1 having the door opening 113. Constructional and operational details of the ladder holding assembly 100 are explained in the subsequent paragraphs.

[0074] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of an enlarged portion of the elevator pit ladder system 101 as shown in Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the ladder holding assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 1-3, in the illustrated embodiment, the ladder holding assembly 100 may include a mounting bracket 102 attached or adapted to be attached to the wall 105-1 of the pit 109. The mounting bracket may be removably attached to the wall 105-1 via a plurality of fasteners 115 (as shown in Figures 4a-4c), such as bolts and screws, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, referring to Figures 2 and 3, the ladder holding assembly 100 may include a movable mechanism 104 coupled to the mounting bracket 102. The movable mechanism 104 may be adapted to removably hold the ladder 114. The movable mechanism 104 may be moved from a parked position to bring the ladder 114 proximal to the door opening 113 such that the ladder 114 is lifted and removed from the movable mechanism 104.

[0076] The movable mechanism 104 may include, but is not limited to, an arm 106 movable between a removal position and the parking position. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm 106 may be a single arm having a rigid structure pivotably movable with respect to the mounting bracket 102 between the parking position and the removal position. The arm 106 which defines a ladder holding device may be adapted to removably hold the ladder 114.

[0077] The arm 106 may include an engaging end 108 and a supporting end 110 distal to the engaging end

[0078] 108. The engaging end 108 may be pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket 102. The engaging end 108 may be coupled to the mounting bracket 102 via fasteners such that the arm 106 is pivotably movable relative to the mounting bracket 102. Further, the supporting end 110 may be adapted to removably hold the ladder 114 thereon. The ladder 114 may be attached to the ladder holding assembly 100 in a way that it can be removed from the supporting end 110, when the arm 106 is in the removal position. The arm 106 may be moved from the removal position to the parking position upon placing the ladder 114 on the supporting end 110.

[0079] Referring to Figure 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the supporting end 110 may include a pair of grooves / slots 110-1 adapted to removably support the ladder 114 and allow the ladder 114 to be lifted when the arm 114 is in the removal position. At least a portion, such as lateral protrusions 114-1 (as shown in Figure 4a), of the ladder 114 may be positioned in the pair of grooves / slots 110-1 such that the ladder 114 is removably supported on the supporting end 110. In one embodiment, the ladder 114 may be embodied as a foldable ladder, without departing from the scope of the present invention. In another embodiment, the ladder 114 may be embodied as a rigid / non-collapsable / non-foldable ladder, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0080] Further, referring to Figures 2 and 3, the ladder holding assembly 100 may include a locking element 116 movably coupled to the mounting bracket 102 and adapted to releasably engage with the arm 106 to restrict the movement of the arm 106 from the parking position to the removal position. The locking element 116 may be adapted to be released to allow the movement of the arm 106 from the parking position to the removal position such that the ladder 114 moves in a direction away from the mounting bracket 102 to allow lifting and removal of the ladder 114 from the arm 106.

[0081] The arm 106 may include a locking pin 118 protruding from one side of the folding arm 106. The locking pin 118 may be adapted to be engaged with the locking element 116 to restrict the movement of the arm 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 116 may include a pivotal end 116-1 and a locking end 116-2 distal to the pivotal end 116-1. The pivotal end 116-1 may be adapted to be pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket 102. Further, the locking end 116-2 may include, but is not limited to, an engaging portion 120 and a guiding portion 122 formed adjacent to the engaging portion 120. The guiding portion 122 may guide the locking pin 118 towards the engaging portion 120 when the arm 106 is moved to the parking position. The engaging portion 120 may receive the locking pin 118 to restrict the movement of the arm 106 from the parking position to the removal position.

[0082] Figures 4a-4c illustrate perspective views depicting an operation of the ladder holding assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 4a, the arm 106 of the movable mechanism 104 may be located at the parking position. In the parking position, the locking element 116 may be engaged with the locking pin 118 of the arm to restrict the pivotal movement of the arm 106 from the parking position to the removal position. Further, in the parking position, the supporting end 110 of the arm 106 may removably hold the ladder 114.

[0083] Now, referring to Figure 4b, the locking element 116 may be pivotally moved by the technician to disengage the locking element 116 from the locking pin 118. This allows the pivotal movement of the arm 106 relative to the mounting bracket 102. Referring to Figure 4c, the arm 106 may be pivotally moved from the parking position to the removal position such that the supporting end 110 holding the ladder 114 may move closer to the door opening 113. Subsequently, once the arm 106 reaches the removal position, the technician may remove the ladder 114 from the supporting end 110 of the arm 106. Thereafter, the ladder 114 may be placed in the pit 109 such that the technician may climb down from the door opening 113 in the pit 109 using the ladder 114.

[0084] Figures 5a-5b illustrate perspective views of the ladder holding assembly 100 depicting a safety switch 111, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 5a and 5b, the ladder holding assembly 100 may include the safety switch 111 attached to the mounting bracket 102. The safety switch 111 may be adapted to be triggered between a first state and a second state by movement of at least one of the supporting end 110 and the ladder 114. The first state may indicate the parking position of the arm 106 and, the second state may indicate the removal position of the arm 106. The safety switch 111 may be triggered to the second state when the arm 106 may be moved from the parking position to the removal position. The safety switch 111 may be triggered to the first state when the arm 106 is at the parking position.

[0085] Referring to Figure 5 a, in the illustrated embodiment, the safety switch 111 may have an actuating button 111-1 adapted to be actuated by the portion, such as the lateral protrusion 114-1, of the ladder 114 supported on the arm 106. In the parking position, the safety switch 111 may be triggered to the first state by the lateral protrusion 114-1 of the ladder 114. The first state may indicate that the arm 106 is at the parking position and the ladder is positioned on the supporting end 110 of the arm 106.

[0086] Referring to Figure 5b, in the illustrated embodiment, the arm 106 may be moved from the parking position to the removal position such that the ladder positioned on the supporting end may also move farther from the safety switch 111. Owing to such movement of the arm 106, the safety switch may be triggered to the second state. The second state may indicate that the arm 106 is at the removal position.

[0087] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of an elevator pit ladder system 201 for the elevator installation, according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the elevator pit ladder system 201 having a ladder holding assembly 200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the ladder holding assembly 100, the ladder holding assembly 200 may also include the mounting bracket 102 attached or adapted to be attached to the wall 105- 1 of the pit 109. The mounting bracket 102 may be removably attached to the wall 105-1 via a plurality of fasteners 203 (as shown in Figure 8), such as bolts and screws, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0088] Further, the elevator pit ladder system 201 may include a bracket 205 mounted on either the wall 105-1 or a floor 109-1 of the pit 109 to support a bottom portion of the ladder 114 when the ladder 114 is rested on the ladder holding assembly 200. In one embodiment, referring to Figure 6, the bottom portion of the ladder 114 may be rested on the bracket 205 mounted on the floor 109-1 of the pit 109. In another embodiment, referring to Figure 7, the bottom portion of the ladder 114 may be rested on the bracket 205 mounted on the wall 105-1.

[0089] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate different perspective views of an enlarged portion of the elevator pit ladder system 201 as shown in Figure 6, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 10a- 10c illustrate perspective views depicting an operation of the ladder holding assembly 200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 8- 10c, the ladder holding assembly 200 may include a movable mechanism 202 coupled to the mounting bracket 102. The movable mechanism 202 may include at least one arm 204-1, 204-2, 206 movable between the removal position and the parking position. The arm 204-1, 204-2, 206 may be adapted to removably hold the ladder 114.

[0090] In the illustrated embodiment, referring to Figures 10a- 10c, the at least one arm 204-1, 204-2, 206 may include, but is not limited to, a pair of first foldable arms 204-1, 204-2 and a second foldable arm 206. The pair of first foldable arms 204-1, 204-2 may interchangeably be referred to as the first foldable arms 204-1, 204-2, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Further, the first foldable arms 204- 1, 204-2 and the second foldable arm 206 may collectively be referred to as the arms 204-1, 204-2, 206.

[0091] The first foldable arms 204-1, 204-2 may be pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket 102 and positioned parallel to each other. The second foldable arm 206) may be positioned below the foldable arm 204-2 and pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket 102. Each of the first foldable arms 204-1, 204-2 may have similar operational and constructional details, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0092] Referring to Figures 10a- 10c, each arm 204-1, 204-2, 206 may include an engaging end 208 pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket 102. Further, each arm 204-1, 204-2, 206 may include a supporting end 212 distal to the engaging end 208. The supporting end 212 may be adapted to removably hold the ladder 114 thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, referring to Figure 10b, the supporting end 212 may be coupled to a supporting bracket 214 adapted to removably hold the ladder 114 thereon. The supporting bracket 214 may include a pair of grooves / slots 215 to removably hold the ladder 114. The supporting bracket 214 may be horizontally displaced in a straight line with respect to the mounting bracket 102 when the arms 204-1, 204-2, 206 moved from the parking position to the removal position.

[0093] In the illustrated embodiment, each arm 204-1, 204-2, 206 may include, but is not limited to, a first connecting member 220 and a second connecting member 222. The first connecting member 220 may include the engaging end 208 pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket 102. Further, the second connecting member 222 pivotably coupled to the first connecting member 220. The second connecting member 222 may include the supporting end 212 to removably hold the ladder 114.

[0094] Further, the ladder holding assembly 200 may include a first locking element 216 movably coupled to the mounting bracket 102. The first locking element 216 may be adapted to restrict or allow the movement of the arms 204-1, 204-2 between the parking position and the removal position. Similar to the locking element 116, the first locking element 216 may be adapted to be released to allow the movement of the arms 204-1, 204-2 from the parking position to the removal position such that the ladder 114 moves in a direction away from the mounting bracket 102 to allow lifting and removal of the ladder 114 from the arm 204-1, 204- 2, 206.

[0095] In the illustrated embodiment, referring to Figures 10a- 10c, the first locking element 216 may be adapted to releasably engage with the ladder 114 resting on the supporting bracket 214 to restrict the movement of the movable mechanism 202. In such an embodiment, the first locking element 216 may be adapted to releasably engage with the lateral protrusions 114-1 of the ladder 114 resting on the supporting bracket 214. In another embodiment, the first locking element 216 may be adapted to releasably engage with a locking pin (not shown), similar to the locking pin 118, formed on the supporting bracket 214 being coupled to the supporting end 212 of each arm 204-1, 204-2, 206.

[0096] Constructional and operational details of the first locking element 216 are similar to the constructional and operational details of the locking element 116 of the ladder holding assembly 100.

[0097] Figures 1 la-11c illustrate perspective views of an enlarged portion, of the ladder holding assembly 200, depicting an operation of a second locking element 218, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 illustrates a planar view of the ladder holding assembly 200 in the removal position, according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. Referring to Figures 1 la-11c and 12, the ladder holding assembly 200 may include, but is not limited to, the second locking element 218 movably coupled to the second foldable arm 206. Referring to Figures 11 a- l ie, the second locking element 218 may be adapted to restrict or allow the relative movement between the first connecting member 220 and the second connecting member 222 of the second foldable arm 206. The second locking element 218 may be positioned between the first connecting member 220 and the second connecting member 222 of the second foldable arm 206. The second locking element 218 may be adapted to be pivotably movable such that the second locking element 218 engages with a slot 217 formed in the first connecting member 220 to restrict the relative movement between the first connecting member 220 and the second connecting member 222. The second locking element 218 may be pivotably moved to engage with the slot 217 when the arms 204-1, 204-2, 206 are at the removal position.

[0098] Similar to the ladder holding assembly 100, referring to Figures 10a- 12, the ladder holding assembly 200 may also include a safety switch 224 attached to the mounting bracket 102. The safety switch 224 may be triggered between the first state and the second state by movement of the supporting end 212 of each arm 204-1, 204-2, 206 and the ladder 114. The safety switch 224 may be triggered to the second state when the arms 204-1, 204-2, 206 are moved from the parking position to the removal position. The safety switch 224 may be triggered to the first state when the arms 204-1, 204-2, 206 are at the parking position.

[0099] In the illustrated embodiment, referring to Figure 10c, the safety switch 224 may include a slot 224- 1 adapted to receive a key 225 therein. The key 225 may be attached to the supporting bracket 214 via a bracket 227. When the arms 204-1, 204-2, 206 may be moved to the parking position, the key 225 may engage with the slot 224-1 and subsequently, trigger the safety switch 224 to the first state. Further, when the arms 204-1, 204-2, 206 may be moved from the parking position to the removal position, the key 225 may disengage from the slot 224-1 and subsequently, trigger the safety switch 224 to the second state.

[0100] Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of a ladder holding assembly 300 for the elevator installation, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 illustrates a perspective view of the ladder holding assembly 300 in the removal position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 15a-15b illustrate perspective views depicting an operation of the ladder holding assembly 300, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Referring to Figures 13- 15b, an elevator pit ladder system 301 may include the ladder 114 and the ladder holding assembly 300 for removably holding the ladder 114 in the pit 109 of the elevator installation 107. Similar to the ladder mounting assemblies 100, 200, the ladder holding assembly 300 may also include the mounting bracket 302 attached or adapted to be attached to the wall 105-1 of the pit 109. Further, the ladder holding assembly 300 may include the movable mechanism 304 coupled to the mounting bracket 302. The movable mechanism 304 may include two pairs of crossed arms 306-1, 306-2, 307-1, 307-2 pivotably coupled to each other and movable between the removal position and the parking position. The arms 306-1, 306-2 may interchangeably be referred to as the arms 306. Similarly, the arms 307-1, 307-2 may interchangeably be referred to as the arms 307.

[0102] Each arm 306-1, 306-2, 307-1, 307-2 may be movably coupled to the mounting bracket 302 and removably holds the ladder 114 thereon. Each arm 306-1, 306-2, 307-1, 307-2 may include, but is not limited to, an engaging end 308 and a supporting end 310 distal to the engaging end 308. The engaging end 308 may be movably coupled to the mounting bracket 302. Further, the supporting end 310 may be adapted to removably hold the ladder 114 thereon.

[0103] The two pairs of crossed arms 306, 307 may include a first pair of crossed arms 306-1, 306-2 and a second pair of crossed arms 307-1, 307-2. The first pair of crossed arms 306-1, 306-2 may include a first arm 306-1 and a second arm 306-2. Similarly, the second pair of crossed arms 307-1, 307-2 may include a first arm 307-1 and a second arm 307-2. The engaging end 308 of each first arm 306-1, 307-1 may be pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket 302. The supporting end 310 of each first arm 306-1, 307-1 may be slidably engaged to a supporting bracket 316. The engaging end 308 of each second arm 306-2, 307-2 may be slidably engaged to the mounting bracket 302. The supporting end 310 of each second arm 306-2,

[0104] 307-2 may be pivotably coupled to the supporting bracket 316 adapted to hold the ladder 114.

[0105] Further, the ladder holding assembly 300 may include an actuating element 312 supported on the mounting bracket 302. The actuating element 312 may be adapted to be actuated to move the arms 306-1, 306-2, 307-1, 307-2 between the parking position and the removal position. The actuating element 312 may be actuated to move the arms 306-1, 306-2, 307-1, 307-2 from the parking position to the removal position such that the ladder 114 moves in a direction away from the mounting bracket 302 to allow removal of the ladder 114 from the movable mechanism 304.

[0106] In an embodiment, the actuating element 312 may be embodied as a pneumatically operated actuator or an electronically operated actuator, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The actuating element 312 may be in communication with an actuating switch (not shown). The actuating element 312 may be adapted to be actuated by operating the actuating switch. The actuating switch may be positioned in proximity of the door opening 113 and accessible only when maintenance operations need to be performed in the elevator installation 107. In one embodiment, the actuating switch may be positioned inside the hoistway 103 and located on the wall 105-1. In another embodiment, the actuating switch may be positioned outside the hoistway 103.

[0107] The mounting bracket 302 may include a pair of vertical slots 302-1 adapted to engage with the engaging end 308 of the second arms 306-2, 307-2 such that the engaging end 308 slides along the pair of vertical slots 302-1 when the arms 306-1, 306-2, 307-1, 307-2 move between the parking position and the removal position. The supporting bracket 316 may include a pair of vertical slots 316-1 adapted to engage with the supporting end 310 of the first arms 306-1, 307-1 such that the supporting end 310 slides along the pair of vertical slots 316-1 when the arms 306-1, 306-2, 307-1, 307-2 move between the parking position and the removal position.

[0108] Further, similar to the ladder holding assemblies 100, 200, the ladder holding assembly 300 may include a safety switch 318 attached to the mounting bracket 302. The safety switch 318 may be triggered between the first state and the second state by movement of the supporting end 310 of the arms 306-1, 306- 2, 307-1, 307-2 and the ladder 114. The safety switch 318 may be triggered to the second state when the arms 306-1, 306-2, 307-1, 307-2 is moved from the parking position to the removal position. Further, the safety switch 318 may be triggered to the first state when the arms 306-1, 306-2, 307-1, 307-2 is at the parking position. Constructional and operational details of the safety switch 318 are similar to the constructional and operational details of the safety switch 224.

[0109] Upon removing the ladder 114 from ladder holding assemblies 100, 200, 300, the technician may place the ladder 114 in the pit 109 such that the bottom portion of the ladder 114 is supported on the floor 109-1 of the pit 109 and a top portion of the ladder 114 is supported at a ledge of the door opening 113.

[0110] 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. An elevator pit ladder system (101, 201) comprising a ladder (114) and a ladder holding assembly (100, 200) for removably holding the ladder (114) in a pit (109) of an elevator installation (107), the ladder holding assembly (100, 200) comprising: a mounting bracket (102) attached or adapted to be attached to a wall (105-2) of the pit (109); characterized in that the ladder holding assembly (100, 200) comprising a movable mechanism (104, 202) coupled to the mounting bracket (102), the movable mechanism (104, 202) comprising a ladder holding device adapted to removably hold the ladder (114) being movable between a removal position and a parking position, wherein the ladder holding device can be moved from the parking position to the removal position such that the ladder (114) moves in a direction away from the mounting bracket (102) and wherein, when the ladder holding device is in the removal position, the ladder (114) can be removed from the ladder holding device.

2. The elevator pit ladder system (101, 201) according to claim 1, wherein the movable mechanism (104, 202) further comprising at least one locking element (116, 216) movably coupled to the mounting bracket (102) and adapted to releasably engage with the ladder holding device to restrict the movement of the ladder holding device from the parking position to the removal position, wherein the at least one locking element (116, 216) is to be released to allow the movement of the ladder holding device from the parking position to the removal position such that the ladder (114) moves in a direction away from the mounting bracket (102) to allow lifting and removal of the ladder (114) from the ladder holding device.

3. The elevator pit ladder system (101, 201) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the movable mechanism (104, 202) of the ladder holding assembly comprises a pivotable holding device comprising at least one arm (106, 204-1, 204-2, 206).

4. The elevator pit ladder system (101, 201) according to claim 3, wherein the arm (106, 204-1, 204-2, 206) comprises: an engaging end (108, 208) pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket (102); and a supporting end (110, 212) distal to the engaging end (108, 208), and adapted to removably hold the ladder (114) thereon.

5. The elevator pit ladder system (101, 201) according to any of claims 1-4, wherein: the ladder (114) is attached to the ladder holding assembly (100) in a way that it can be removed from the supporting end (110), when ladder holding device or the arm (106) is in the removal position, and / orthe ladder holding device or the arm (106) can be moved from the removal position to the parking position upon placing the ladder (114) on the supporting end (110).

6. The elevator pit ladder system (101, 201) according to any of claims 3-5, wherein the at least one arm (106) includes a single arm having a rigid structure pivotably movable with respect to the mounting bracket (102) between the parking position and the removal position.

7. The elevator pit ladder system (101, 201) according to any of claims 3-6, wherein the arm (106) comprises a locking pin (118) protruding from one side of the folding arm (106) and adapted to be engaged with the locking element (116) to restrict the movement of the arm (106).

8. The elevator pit ladder system (101, 201) according to any of the claims 3-7, wherein the locking element (116) comprises: a pivotal end (116-1) adapted to be pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket (102); and a locking end (116-2) distal to the pivotal end (116-1) and comprises: an engaging portion (120); and a guiding portion (122) formed adjacent to the engaging portion (120), wherein: the guiding portion (122) guides the locking pin (118) towards the engaging portion (120) when the arm (106) is moved to the parking position, and the engaging portion (120) receives the locking pin (118) to restrict the movement of the arm (106) from the parking position to the removal position.

9. The elevator pit ladder system (101, 201) according to any of the claims 3-8, wherein the supporting end (110) comprises at least one groove / slot (110-1) adapted to removably support the ladder (114) and allow the ladder (114) to be lifted when the arm (114) is in the removal position.

10. The elevator pit ladder system (101, 201) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one arm (204-1, 204-2, 206) comprises: a pair of first foldable arms (204-1, 204-2) pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket (102) and positioned parallel to each other; and a second foldable arm (206) positioned below one of the first foldable arms (204-2) and pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket (102), wherein each of the second foldable arm (206) and the first foldable arm (204-1, 204-2, 206) comprises:a first connecting member (220) having an engaging end (208) pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket (102); and a second connecting member (222) pivotably coupled to the first connecting member (220) and having the supporting end (212) to removably hold the ladder (114).

11. The elevator pit ladder system (101, 201) according to any of the claims 4-10 further comprises: a safety switch (111, 224) attached to the mounting bracket (102), and is triggered between a first state and a second state by movement of at least one of the supporting end (110, 212) and the ladder (114), wherein the first state indicates the parking position of the arm (106, 204-1, 204-2, 206) and the second state indicates the removal position of the arm (106, 204-1, 204-2, 206), wherein: the safety switch (111, 224) is triggered to the second state when the arm (106, 204-1, 204-2, 206) is moved from the parking position to the removal position, and the safety switch (111, 224) is triggered to the first state when the arm (106, 204-1, 204- 2, 206) is at the parking position.

12. The elevator pit ladder system (301) according to claim 1, wherein, the movable mechanism (304) comprising: at least a pair of crossed arms (306-1, 306-2, 307-1, 307-2) pivotably coupled to each other and movable between a removal position and a parking position, each arm (306-1, 306-2, 307-1, 307-2) is movably coupled to the mounting bracket (302) and removably holds the ladder (114) thereon, and at least one actuating element (312) supported on the mounting bracket (302) and adapted to be actuated to move the pair of crossed arms (306-1, 306-2, 307-1, 307-2) between the parking position and the removal position, wherein the actuating element (312) is actuated to move the pair of crossed arms (306-1, 306- 2, 307-1, 307-2) from the parking position to the removal position such that the ladder (114) moves in a direction away from the mounting bracket (302) to allow removal of the ladder (114) from the movable mechanism (304).

13. The elevator pit ladder system (301) according to claim 12, wherein the pair of crossed arms (306, 307) comprising a first pair of crossed arms (306-1, 306-2) and a second pair of crossed arms (307-1, 307-2), each pair of crossed arms (306, 307) comprises:a first arm (306-1, 307-1), wherein the engaging end (308) of the first arm (306-1, 307-1) is pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket (302), and the supporting end (310) of the first arm (306- 1, 307-1) is slidably engaged to a supporting bracket (316), and a second arm (306-2, 307-2), wherein the engaging end (308) of the second arm (306-2, 307-2) is slidably engaged to the mounting bracket (302), and the supporting end (310) of the second arm(306-2, 307-2) is pivotably coupled to the supporting bracket (316) adapted to hold the ladder (114).

14. An elevator installation (107) comprising : a hoistway (103) having a plurality of walls (105) defining a pit (109); at least one door opening (113) formed on a wall (105-1) to allow access within the pit (109); and an elevator pit ladder system having a ladder holding assembly (100, 200), according to any of claims 1-13, positioned on a wall (105-2) adjacent to the wall (105-1) having the at least one door opening (113), the ladder holding assembly (100, 200) comprising: a movable mechanism (104, 202) adapted to removably hold a ladder (114), wherein the movable mechanism (104, 202) is moved from a parking position to bring the ladder (114) proximal to the at least one door opening (113) such that the ladder (114) is lifted and removed from the movable mechanism (104, 202).

Images