Method and apparatus for providing hoistway access security in a lift system

A device for providing hoistway access safety in an elevator system, wherein the elevator system comprises a plurality of landing door switches, and the plurality of landing door switches are grouped to construct a plurality of safety chains, the device comprising:

• at least one processor;
• at least one memory;
• and
• computer programs/instructions stored on the memory, when executed on the processor, causing the following operations:
• A. enabling the elevator system to enter a first operation mode that prohibits car movement, in response to an event of at least two safety chains of the plurality of safety chains entering a disconnected state;
• and
• B. enabling the elevator system to enter a second operation mode that causes the car to stop at a safety position, in response to an event of the plurality of safety chains entering a closed state, wherein the safety position is determined based on a position where the car stops when the event of the plurality of safety chains entering a closed state occurs.

An elevator system, comprising:

• a car disposed in a hoistway and capable of moving between a plurality of landings when in operation;
• a control unit;
• a driver coupled to the control unit, the driver being configured to cause the car to move or stop in response to commands of the control unit;
• and
• a plurality of landing door switches, the plurality of landing door switches being grouped to construct a plurality of safety chains,
• wherein the control unit is configured to:
• A. enable the elevator system to enter a first operation mode that prohibits car movement, in response to an event of at least two safety chains of the plurality of safety chains entering a disconnected state;
• and
• B. enable the elevator system to enter a second operation mode that causes the car to stop at a safety position, in response to an event of the plurality of safety chains entering a closed state, wherein the safety position is determined based on a position where the car stops when the event of the plurality of safety chains entering a closed state occurs.