An elevator arrangement

Abstract

According to an aspect, there is provided an elevator arrangement comprising: an elevator car (100) comprising a service access (102), the elevator car (100) being configured to move in an elevator shaft (104), and at least one safety pin (106A, 106B) operably connected to the service access (102), wherein the at least one safety pin (106A, 106B) is configured to enable opening and / or closing of the service access (102) when the elevator car (100) is at a predetermined vertical position in the elevator shaft (104).

Description

[0001] AN ELEVATOR ARRANGEMENT

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] Elevators used in buildings require a certain amount of space in building structures , and there is always a need to minimi ze the space allocated for the elevators in the buildings .

[0004] Another aspect that has an ef fect on the elevators is various regulatory requirements relating, for example , to safety .

[0005] In general , there is a need for decreasing elevator shaft pit depths for making a building structure simpler and for saving building costs of the building . Further, in some elevator systems , an entry to the pit may be arranged via an elevator car . In other words , an elevator car may have a service access , which can be opened in order to enable access to the pit . The access to the pit , however, should be restricted only to situations in which the opening of the service access is safe .

[0006] There is a need for a solution that would enhance safety when using the service access in the elevator car to enter the pit .

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] According to a first aspect , there is provided an elevator arrangement comprising an elevator car comprising a service access , the elevator car being configured to move in an elevator shaft , and at least one safety pin operably connected to the service access , wherein the at least one safety pin is configured to enable opening and / or closing of the service access when the elevator car is at a predetermined vertical position in the elevator shaft . In an implementation form of the first aspect , the at least one safety pin is configured to hori zontally move between a retracted position and an extended position when the service access is operated . The elevator arrangement further comprises at least one vertical continuous stationary structure in the elevator shaft , the at least one vertical continuous stationary structure comprising an opening configured to receive a respective safety pin of the at least one safety pin when it is moving to the extended position, wherein the opening is provided in a predetermined vertical position in the vertical continuous stationary structure to limit the possibility of opening and / or closing the service access . Opening and / or closing of the service access is enabled only when the at least one safety pin is able to move into the opening in the extended position of the at least one safety pin .

[0009] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the vertical continuous stationary structure comprises a guide rail .

[0010] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the guide rail comprises a sti f fener plate fixedly attached to the guide rail , the sti f fener plate comprising an opening matching with the opening in the guide rail .

[0011] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the elevator arrangement further comprises a safety contact configured to monitor the position of the safety pin in relation to the opening .

[0012] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the vertical continuous stationary structure comprises a shaft wall . In an implementation form of the first aspect , the at least one is mechanically connected to the service access .

[0013] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the safety pin is configured to stay in the extended position when the service access is open, and the vertical dimension of the opening sets limits to movement of the elevator car, when the service access is open .

[0014] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the at least one vertical continuous stationary structure comprises a first vertical continuous stationary structure comprising a first opening configured to receive a first safety pin of the at least one safety pin, and wherein the first safety pin is configured to stay in the extended position when the service access is open, and the vertical dimension of the first opening sets limits to movement of the elevator car, when the service access is open .

[0015] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the first opening is provided at a height at which the elevator car is at a safe height from a pit floor .

[0016] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the at least one vertical continuous stationary structure comprises a second vertical continuous stationary structure comprising a second opening configured to receive a second safety pin of the at least one safety pin, and wherein the second safety pin is operably connected to the service access such that , when the service access is opened from a closed position to a partially open position, the second safety pin is configured to move to its extended position within the second opening, and when the service access is further opened to a fully opened position, the second safety pin is configured to move back from the second opening to its retracted position .

[0017] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the second safety pin is operably connected to the service access such that , when closing a fully open service access first to a partially closed position, the second safety pin is configured to move to its extended position within the second opening, when the service access is further closed to a ful ly closed position, the second safety pin is configured to move back from the second opening to its retracted position .

[0018] In an implementation form of the first aspect , the at least one safety pin comprises a stationary detent in the elevator shaft , configured to operate a locking mechanism provided at the elevator car, unlocking the locking mechanism to enable opening of the service access when the elevator car arrives to a safe shaft acces s zone and locking the locking mechanism when the car exits a safe shaft access zone .

[0019] According to a second aspect , there is provided an elevator arrangement comprising an elevator car comprising a service access , the elevator car being configured to move in an elevator shaft . The elevator car further comprises a first safety pin operably connected to the service access and a second safety pin operably connected to the service access . The first safety pin is configured to enable opening of the service access when the elevator car is at a predetermined vertical position in the elevator shaft and to l imit the movement of the elevator car when the service access is open, and the second safety pin is configured to enable opening and closing of the service access only when the elevator car is at the predetermined vertical position in the elevator shaft .

[0020] In an implementation form of the second aspect , the first safety pin and the second safety pin are configured to hori zontally move between a retracted position and an extended position when the service access is operated . The elevator arrangement further comprises a first vertical continuous stationary structure in the elevator shaft , the first vertical continuous stationary structure comprising a first opening configured to receive the first safety pin when it is moving to the extended position, wherein the first opening is provided at a first predetermined vertical position in the first vertical continuous stationary structure to limit the possibility of opening the service access and movement of the elevator car . The elevator arrangement further comprises a second vertical continuous stationary structure in the elevator shaft , the second vertical continuous stationary structure comprising a second opening configured to receive the second safety pin when it is moving to the extended position, wherein the second opening is provided at a second predetermined vertical position in the second vertical continuous stationary structure to limit the possibility of opening and closing the service access . Opening the service access is enabled only when the first safety pin is able to move into the first opening in the extended position of the first safety pin, and wherein the first safety pin is configured to stay in the extended position when the service access is open, and the vertical dimension of the first opening sets limits to the movement of the elevator car, when the service acces s is open, and opening the service access is enabled only when the second safety pin is able to move into the second opening in the extended position of the second safety pin such that , when the service access is opened to a partially open position, the second safety pin is first configured to move to its extended position within the second opening, and when the service access is further opened to a ful ly opened position, the second safety pin is configured to move back from the second opening to its retracted position .

[0021] In an implementation form of the second aspect , closing the service access is enabled only when operating a fully open service access first to a partially closed position, the second safety pin is configured to move to its extended position within the second opening, and when the service access is further closed to a fully closed position, the second safety pin is configured to move back from the second opening to its retracted position .

[0022] In an implementation form of the second aspect , the first opening is provided at a height at which the elevator car is at an allowable height from a pit floor .

[0023] In an implementation form of the second aspect , the first and the second vertical continuous stationary structures comprise guide rails .

[0024] In an implementation form of the second aspect , at least one of the guide rails comprises a sti f fener plate fixedly attached to the guide rail , the sti ffener plate comprising an opening matching with the first or second opening in the guide rail .

[0025] In an implementation form of the second aspect , the elevator arrangement further comprises a safety contact configured to monitor a position of the first or second safety pin . In an implementation form of the second aspect , the first and the second vertical continuous stationary structures comprises shaft walls .

[0026] In an implementation form of the second aspect , the first and second safety pins are mechanically connected to the service access .

[0027] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings , which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and constitute a part of this speci fication, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description help to explain the principles of the invention . In the drawings :

[0029] FIG . 1A illustrates an elevator arrangement according to an example embodiment .

[0030] FIG . IB illustrates an elevator arrangement according to an example embodiment .

[0031] FIG . 1C illustrates an elevator arrangement according to an example embodiment .

[0032] FIG . ID illustrates an elevator arrangement according to an example embodiment .

[0033] FIG . IE illustrates an elevator arrangement according to an example embodiment .

[0034] FIG . IF illustrates an elevator arrangement according to an example embodiment .

[0035] FIG . 1G illustrates an elevator arrangement according to an example embodiment . FIG . 1H illustrates an elevator arrangement according to an example embodiment .

[0036] FIG . II illustrates an elevator arrangement according to an example embodiment .

[0037] FIG . 1J illustrates an elevator arrangement according to an example embodiment .

[0038] FIG . IK illustrates an elevator arrangement according to an example embodiment .

[0039] FIG . 2A illustrates an example implementation of the safety pin discussed in relation to FIGS . 1 F- 1H .

[0040] FIG . 2B illustrates an example implementation of the safety pin discussed in relation to FIGS . 1A- 1E .

[0041] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The following description illustrates an elevator arrangement comprising an elevator car comprising a service access , the elevator car being configured to move in an elevator shaft . The elevator arrangement further comprises at least one safety pin operably connected to the service access , wherein the at least one safety pin is configured to enable opening of the service access when the car i s in such pos ition in the elevator shaft that opening of the service access is safe . The safety pin may be a stationary detent in the elevator shaft , configured to operate a locking mechanism provided at the car, unlocking the locking mechanism to enable opening o f the service acces s when the car arrives to a safe shaft access zone and locking the locking mechanism when the car exits a safe shaft access zone . Alternatively, the at least one safety pin may be a component of the elevator car and movably coupled with the service access opening mechanism to enable opening and / or closing of the service access when the elevator car is at a predetermined vertical position in the elevator shaft .

[0043] In an example embodiment , the at least one safety pin is configured to hori zontally move between a retracted position and an extended position when the service access is operated . The elevator arrangement may further comprise at least one vertical continuous stationary structure in the elevator shaft , the at least one vertical continuous stationary structure comprising an opening configured to receive a respective safety pin of the at least one safety pin when it is moving to the extended position, wherein the opening is provided in a predetermined vertical position in the vertical continuous stationary structure to limit the possibility of opening and / or closing the service access . Opening and / or closing of the service access may be enabled only when the at least one safety pin is able to move into the opening in the extended position of the at least one safety pin .

[0044] The disclosed solution may enable , for example , a solution in which opening of the service access is possible only when the elevator car is at a safe height or at a height enabling safe entry from the car to the pit .

[0045] FIGS . 1A- 1E illustrate an elevator arrangement according to an example embodiment . An elevator car 100 is configured to vertically move in an elevator shaft 104 with respect to guide rail s 108A, 108B in the elevator shaft 104 . In order to enable access to the pit 116 , the elevator car may comprise a service access 102 . The service access 102 may be used, for example , by a maintenance person when pit access i s required . As the elevator shaft 104 is high, it has to be ensured that it is possible to open the service access 102 only in a controlled manner and safely .

[0046] The elevator car 100 may comprise a safety pin 106A operably connected to the service access 102 . "Operably connected" may mean that there is a relation between the movement ( i . e . , opening) o f the service access 102 and the safety pin 106A. The connection may be implemented, for example , mechanically or electrically . The safety pin 106A may be configured to hori zontally move between a retracted position and an extended position when the service access 102 is operated . The term "service access" may refer to a floor inside the elevator car or part of the floor which can be opened inside the elevator car ( for example , li fted up or folded up ) and providing access to inspect and service components under the elevator car in the elevator shaft pit and / or bottom of the elevator car .

[0047] The elevator arrangement further comprises a vertical continuous stationary structure 108A, 108B in the elevator shaft 104 . In the example embodiment illustrated in FIG . 1A, the vertical continuous stationary structure 108A, 108B comprises the guide rail . In another example embodiment , an elevator shaft wall may act as the vertical continuous stationary structure . The vertical continuous stationary structure 108A, 108B may comprise an opening 110A configured to receive the safety pin 106A. The opening 110A is provided in a predetermined vertical position in the vertical continuous stationary structure 108A, 108B to limit the possibility of opening the service access 102 .

[0048] Opening the service access 102 may be enabled only when the safety pin 106A is able to move into the opening 110A in the extended position (position "a" in FIG . 1A) of the safety pin 106A. When the safety pin 106A i s in the extended position, the service access 102 is at least partially open. As the safety pin 106A is able to move into the opening 110A only at a specific location, this location determines the vertical position of the elevator car 100 in which opening the service access 102 is possible. Vice versa, at other locations (e.g., position "b") in the elevator shaft 104, the safety pin 106A does not have a "matching" opening in the guide rail 108A, and thus it is not possible to open the service access 102.

[0049] FIG. IB illustrates a situation in which the service access 102, i.e., the elevator car floor, has not yet been opened.

[0050] The example illustrated in FIG. IB is similar to the one illustrated in FIG. 1A with the exception that the guide rail 108A comprises a stiffener plate 112 fixedly attached to the guide rail 108A. The stiffener plate 112 may comprise an opening 114 matching with the opening 110A in the guide rail 108A. The stiffener plate 112 may be used, for example, to strengthen the guide rail 108A so that its strength is at least as good as without the opening 110A. When the stiffener plate 112 has a similar opening 114 in the same position as the opening 110A in the guide rail 108A, the safety pin 106A extends through both the guide rail 108A and the stiffener plate 112, when it is in the extended position. As the service access 102 has not yet been opened, the safety pin 106A remains in the retracted position.

[0051] FIG. 1C illustrates a situation in which the service access 102 has been slightly opened. Due to the functional linking between the opening of the service access 102 and the safety pin 106A, the safety pin 106A is now in the extended position and has horizontally moved through the opening 110A in the guide rail 108A and the opening 114 in the sti f fener plate 112 .

[0052] FIG . ID illustrates a situation in which the service access 102 has been ful ly opened . The safety pin 106A remains in the extended position going through the opening 110A in the guide rail 108A and the opening 114 in the sti f fener plate 112 .

[0053] FIG . IE illustrates the limited moving capability of the elevator car 100 in the elevator shaft 104 while the safety pin 106A is its extended position . The safety pin 106A will remain in opening 110A as long as the service access 102 is open . At the same time , the vertical length of the opening 110A ( and the opening 114 i f the sti f fener plate 112 is used) limits the elevator car 100 movement . In FIG . IE the elevator car 100 has reached its maximum amount of movement as the safety pin 106A has reached the end of the opening 110A.

[0054] In an example embodiment of any of FIGS . 1B- 1E , the elevator arrangement may comprise a safety contact integrated in the sti f fener plate 112 , and the safety contact may be configured to monitor the position of the safety pin 106A in relation to the opening 110A. In another example embodiment , the elevator arrangement may comprise a safety contact configured to monitor the position of the at least one safety pin 106A in relation to the opening 110A. In both example embodiments , the safety contact may be configured to monitor the safety pin 106A position and stop the elevator car electrically 100 so that it is imposs ible to drive the elevator car 100 and safety pin 106A against the top edge of the opening 110A in the guide rail 108A. The safety pin 106A monitoring contact can be arranged at the elevator car 100 side and connected to a safety circuit in a car connection unit . FIGS. 1F-1H illustrate an elevator arrangement according to another example embodiment. The basic principle (i.e., that the safety pin is operably connected to the service access) is the same as was illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1E. However, whereas FIGS. 1A-1E illustrated a combined service access opening and elevator car movement limiter and blocking device implementation, FIGS. 1F-1H illustrate a service access opening and closing limiter implementation. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1F-1H illustrates a solution in which both opening and closing of the service access 102 is limited to be enabled only in a safe position, but elevator car 100 movement is neither limited nor blocked by a safety pin 106B, when service access 102 is open.

[0055] In FIG. IF the service access 102 has not been opened yet, and the safety pin 106B remains in the retracted position, i.e., it does not horizontally extend through the opening HOB in the guide rail 108B. In FIG. 1G the service access 102 has been partially opened, and the safety pin 106B has fully extended horizontally though the opening HOB in the guide rail 108B.

[0056] In FIG. 1H the service access 102 has been fully opened, and the safety pin 106B has returned back to its retracted position. This enables the elevator car 100 to move, when service access 102 is fully open. When the service access 102 is closed after being fully opened, the safety pin 106B again first extends out and then retracts back in when the service access 102 is closed. The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1F-1H enables a solution in which the service access can be closed only at a safe position, i.e., only when the elevator car 100 and the safety pin 106B are in the same vertical level with the opening HOB in the guide rail 108B. At the same time, the solution disables the service access 102 closing in other locations. This also means that in practice there is a refuge space available inside the elevator car 100 through an open service access 102 even if the elevator car 100 moves towards the bottom of the pit 116.

[0057] FIGS. 1I-1K illustrate an elevator arrangement according to another example embodiment. FIGS. 1I-1K illustrate a solution in which the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1E and FIGS. 1F-1H are combined. This means that in the same elevator car there are both a pit service access opening and closing limiter as illustrated in FIGS. 1F- 1H (for example, arranged on one side of the elevator car 100, and an opening arranged in a first guide rail 108A) and an elevator car movement limiter and blocking device illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1E (for example, arranged on another side of the elevator car 100, and an opening arranged in a second guide rail 108B) . In this example embodiment, the elevator car 100 moving limiter and blocking device is enabling movement of the elevator car 100 within a safe distance, when the service access 102 is opened, for example, for achieving an ergonomically good position for performing inspection and service activities for components in bottom of the elevator car 100 or in the pit - which may be at such height from the pit floor that jumping from the elevator car to the pit floor would not be safe.

[0058] FIG. II illustrates a situation in which both a first safety pin 106A and a second safety pin 106B are in a retracted position. This means that the service access 102 has not been opened yet.

[0059] FIG. 1J illustrates a situation in which the service access 102 has been partially opened. The first safety pin 106A enabling the elevator car 100 movement limiting and blocking is now extended out (see the section "a." in FIG. 1J) through the opening in the guide rail 108A and the stiffener plate 112. The second safety pin 106B providing the service access 102 opening and closing limiter function is similarly extended out (see the section "b." in FIG. 1J) through the opening in the guide rail 108B.

[0060] FIG. IK illustrates a situation in which the service access 102 has been fully opened. The first safety pin 106A enabling the elevator car movement limiting and blocking is now extended out (see the section "a." in FIG. IK) through the opening in the guide rail 108A and the stiffener plate 112. The second safety pin 106B providing the service access 102 opening and closing limiter function is in the retracted position (see the section "b." in FIG. IK) .

[0061] In FIGS. 1I-1K a separate stiffener plate 112 is used with the guide rail 108A. In another example embodiment, if the opening in the guide rail 108A is short and does not compromise the rigidity of the guide rail, the stiffener plate 112 may be omitted, as is the case in the guide rail 108B in FIGS. 1I-1K. Further, FIGS. II- 1K illustrate that the guide rails 108A, 108B are used as "vertical continuous stationary structures". In another example embodiment, elevator shaft walls may be used as the "vertical continuous stationary structures".

[0062] FIG. 2A illustrates an example implementation of the safety pin 106B discussed in relation to FIGS. 1F-1H. The safety pin 106B first extends fully out through the opening in the guide rail 108B when the service access 102 is opening a little bit and then retracts back when the service access 102 is fully open. FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary mechanical implementation principle in which a lever or ramp 200 may be linked between the safety pin 106B and the service access opening mechanism ( for example , a j ointed x-type li fting mechanism in the elevator car for li fting the service access up ) . The safety pin 106B may be toggled between extended and retracted positions by a rocker arm as a toggling cam . The rocker arm may be movably coupled with a part of the service access that moves when opening and closing the service access . Suitable gearing or leverage ratio may be applied to adapt the range of motion of the rocker arm to that of the service access parts it is coupled with . All the discussed elements except for the guide rail 108B may be configured in the elevator car .

[0063] FIG . 2B illustrates an example implementation of the safety pin 106A discussed in relation to FIGS . 1A- 1E . The safety pin 106A may be mechanically linked with a lever 202 to a service access 102 opening mechanism so that the safety pin 106A is configured to move hori zontally out from the elevator car when the service access 102 is opening at 204 ( for example , li fted up or folded up ) . Due to the hori zontal movement , the safety pin 106A extends through the opening in the sti f fener plate 112 and / or guide rail 108A as long as the service access 102 is open . In the example of FIG . 2B, vertical movement of opening and closing the service acces s 102 is translated into hori zontal movement of the safety pin 106A by the lever or ramp 202 . FIG . 2B illustrates an exemplary mechanical implementation principle in which the safety pin 106A is linked to the service access opening mechanism ( for example , a j ointed scissor or x- type li fting mechani sm in the elevator car for li fting the service access up ) . All the discussed elements except for the guide rail 108B may be configured in the elevator car .

[0064] At least one of the example embodiments discussed above may enable a solution in which it is possible to have a low pit still meeting elevator directive requirements for the refuge space , when car is in extreme pos ition . By any of the embodiments discussed above , an elevator with a low pit can be provided such that an adequate refuge space , partly inside the elevator car, is secured and safe and convenient access to components in the pit and under the elevator car arranged for a technician doing maintenance work in the elevator shaft . The illustrated solution may provide inherent safety by introducing a simple solution for disabling opening ( and alternatively also closing) the service access in a dangerous situation ( for example , a falling risk) and enabling opening ( and alternatively also closing) only in a safe position . Further, at least one of the example embodiments discussed above may enable a solution in which the implementation is working fully mechanically and is not requiring any electricity for disabling or enabling service access opening ( or closing) . It is thus inherently safe .

[0065] While there have been shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features as applied to preferred embodiments thereof , it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices and methods described may be made by those s ki lled in the art without departing from the spirit of the disclosure . Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and / or elements shown and / or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiments may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice .

[0066] The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features , to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present speci fication as a whole , in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art , irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims . The applicant indicates that the disclosed aspects / embodiments may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features . In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modi fications may be made within the scope of the disclosure .

Claims

CLAIMS1. An elevator arrangement comprising: an elevator car (100) comprising a service access (102) , the elevator car (100) being configured to move in an elevator shaft (104) ; and at least one safety pin (106A, 106B) operably connected to the service access (102) , wherein the at least one safety pin (106A, 106B) is configured to enable opening and / or closing of the service access (102) when the elevator car (100) is at a predetermined vertical position in the elevator shaft (104) .

2. The elevator arrangement of claim 1, wherein the at least one safety pin (106A, 106B) is configured to horizontally move between a retracted position and an extended position when the service access (102) is operated; wherein the elevator arrangement further comprises at least one vertical continuous stationary structure (108A, 108B) in the elevator shaft (104) , the at least one vertical continuous stationary structure (108A, 108B) comprising an opening (110A, HOB) configured to receive a respective safety pin of the at least one safety pin (106A, 106B) when it is moving to the extended position, wherein the opening (110A, HOB) is provided in a predetermined vertical position in the vertical continuous stationary structure (108A, 108B) to limit the possibility of opening and / or closing the service access (102) ; and wherein opening and / or closing of the service access (102) is enabled only when the at least one safety pin (106A, 106B) is able to move into the opening (110A, HOB) in the extended position of the at least one safety pin ( 106A, 106B) .

3. The elevator arrangement of claim 2, wherein the vertical continuous stationary structure (108A, 108B) comprises a guide rail.

4. The elevator arrangement of claim 3, wherein the guide rail comprises a stiffener plate (112) fixedly attached to the guide rail, the stiffener plate (112) comprising an opening (114) matching with the opening (110A, HOB) in the guide rail.

5. The elevator arrangement of claim 4, further comprising a safety contact configured to monitor the position of the at least one safety pin (106A, 106B) in relation to the opening (110A, HOB) .

6. The elevator arrangement of claim 2, wherein the vertical continuous stationary structure (108A, 108B) comprises a shaft wall.

7. The elevator arrangement of any of claims 1- 6, wherein the at least one safety pin (106A, 106B) is mechanically connected to the service access (102) .

8. The elevator arrangement of any of claims 2 - 7, wherein the at least one vertical continuous stationary structure (108A, 108B) comprises a first vertical continuous stationary structure (108A) comprising a first opening (110A) configured to receive a first safety pin (106A) of the at least one safety pin (106A, 106B) , and wherein the first safety pin (106A) is configured to stay in the extended position when the service access (102) is open, and the vertical dimension of the first opening (110A) sets limits to movement of the elevator car (100) , when the service access (102) is open.

9. The elevator arrangement of claim 8, wherein the first opening (110A) is provided at a height atwhich the elevator car (100) is at a safe height from a pit floor (116) .

10. The elevator arrangement of any of claims 2 - 9, wherein the at least one vertical continuous stationary structure (108A, 108B) comprises a second vertical continuous stationary structure (108B) comprising a second opening (HOB) configured to receive a second safety pin (106B) of the at least one safety pin (106A, 106B) , and wherein the second safety pin (106B) is operably connected to the service access (102) such that, when the service access (102) is opened from a closed position to a partially open position, the second safety pin (106B) is configured to move to its extended position within the second opening (HOB) ; and when the service access (102) is further opened to a fully opened position, the second safety pin (106B) is configured to move back from the second opening (HOB) to its retracted position.

11. The elevator arrangement of claim 10, wherein the second safety pin (106B) is operably connected to the service access (102) such that, when closing a fully open service access (102) first to a partially closed position, the second safety pin (106B) is configured to move to its extended position within the second opening (HOB) ; and when the service access (102) is further closed to a fully closed position, the second safety pin (106B) is configured to move back from the second opening (HOB) to its retracted position.

12. The elevator arrangement of claim 1, wherein the at least one safety pin (106A, 106B) comprises a stationary detent in the elevator shaft (104) , configured to operate a locking mechanismprovided at the elevator car, unlocking the locking mechanism to enable opening of the service access when the elevator car arrives to a safe shaft access zone and locking the locking mechanism when the car exits a safe shaft access zone.

13. An elevator arrangement comprising: an elevator car (100) comprising a service access (102) , the elevator car (100) being configured to move in an elevator shaft (104) , a first safety pin (106A) operably connected to the service access (102) , a second safety pin (106B) operably connected to the service access (102) , wherein the first safety pin (106A) is configured to enable opening of the service access (102) when the elevator car (100) is at a predetermined vertical position in the elevator shaft (104) and to limit the movement of the elevator car when the service access (102) is open, and wherein the second safety pin (106B) is configured to enable opening and closing of the service access (102) only when the elevator car (100) is at the predetermined vertical position in the elevator shaft (104) .

14. The elevator arrangement of claim 13, wherein the first safety pin (106A) and the second safety pin (106B) are configured to horizontally move between a retracted position and an extended position when the service access (102) is operated; wherein the elevator arrangement further comprises : a first vertical continuous stationary structure (108A) in the elevator shaft (104) , the first vertical continuous stationary structure (108A)comprising a first opening (110A) configured to receive the first safety pin (106A) when it is moving to the extended position, wherein the first opening (110A) is provided at a first predetermined vertical position in the first vertical continuous stationary structure (108A, 108B) to limit the possibility of opening the service access (102) and movement of the elevator car; and a second vertical continuous stationary structure (108B) in the elevator shaft (104) , the second vertical continuous stationary structure (108B) comprising a second opening (HOB) configured to receive the second safety pin (106B) when it is moving to the extended position, wherein the second opening (HOB) is provided at a second predetermined vertical position in the second vertical continuous stationary structure (108A, 108B) to limit the possibility of opening and closing the service access (102) ; wherein opening the service access (102) is enabled only when the first safety pin (106A) is able to move into the first opening (110A) in the extended position of the first safety pin (106A) , and wherein the first safety pin (106A) is configured to stay in the extended position when the service access (102) is open, and the vertical dimension of the first opening (110A) sets limits to the movement of the elevator car (100) , when the service access (102) is open; and wherein opening the service access (102) is enabled only when the second safety pin (106B) is able to move into the second opening (HOB) in the extended position of the second safety pin (106B) such that, when the service access (102) is opened to a partially open position, the second safety pin (106B) is first configured to move to its extended position within the second opening (HOB) , and when the service access (102) is further opened to a fully opened position, the secondsafety pin (106B) is configured to move back from the second opening (HOB) to its retracted position.

15. The elevator arrangement of claim 14, wherein closing the service access (102) is enabled only when operating a fully open service access (102) first to a partially closed position, the second safety pin (106B) is configured to move to its extended position within the second opening (HOB) , and when the service access (102) is further closed to a fully closed position, the second safety pin (106B) is configured to move back from the second opening (HOB) to its retracted position.

16. The elevator arrangement of any of claims13 - 15, wherein the first opening (110A) is provided at a height at which the elevator car (100) is at a safe height from a pit floor (116) .

17. The elevator arrangement of any of claims14 - 16, wherein the first and the second vertical continuous stationary structures (108A, 108B) comprise guide rails.

18. The elevator arrangement of claim 17, wherein at least one of the guide rails comprises a stiffener plate (112) fixedly attached to the guide rail, the stiffener plate (112) comprising an opening (114) matching with the first or second opening (110A, HOB) in the guide rail.

19. The elevator arrangement of claim 18, further comprising a safety contact integrated in the stiffener plate (112) , wherein the safety contact is configured to monitor a position of the first or second safety pin (106A, 106B) .

20. The elevator arrangement of any of claims 14 - 19, wherein the first and the second vertical continuous stationary structures (108A, 108B) comprise shaft walls.

21. The elevator arrangement of any of claims 13 - 20, wherein the first and second safety pins (106A, 106B) are mechanically connected to the service access (102) .

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