Elevator system hoistway access control

A method for accessing a hoistway of an elevator system comprising:

• activating an access switch located at a landing floor of the elevator system;
• driving an elevator car disposed in the hoistway to a selected upper location of the hoistway in response to activation of the access switch to define a selected safety volume in the hoistway defined by a hoistway pit and the elevator car;
• engaging a safety actuation system disposed at the elevator car to stop and hold the elevator car at the selected upper location in the hoistway;
• and
• opening a landing door providing access to the pit at the landing floor when an elevator car safety is engaged via the safety actuation system, thereby allowing access to the hoistway via the landing door.

An elevator system comprising:

• a hoistway;
• an elevator car disposed in and drivable along the hoistway;
• and
• a hoistway access system including:
• an access switch disposed at a selected landing floor of the hoistway and operably connected to a controller;
• a remote controlled lock disposed at landing doors of the selected landing floor and operably connected to the controller;
• and
• a safety system located at the elevator car and operably connected to the controller;
• wherein the controller is configured to:
• command a drive system to drive the elevator car to a selected upper location of the hoistway in response to activation of the access switch;
• command engagement of the safety system to stop and hold the elevator car in the hoistway via a guide rail at the selected upper location;
• and
• command the remote controlled lock to unlock when the safety system is engaged, thereby allowing access to the hoistway via the landing doors.