DRIVE MOUNTING FOR MOUNTING AND SUPPORTING A DRIVE UNIT OF AN ELEVATOR OR MOVING PLATFORM, ASSEMBLY KIT AS WELL AS METHOD AND USE

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive mounting for receiving and supporting a drive unit of an escalator or moving walkway, particularly in an arrangement on a drive train of the escalator or moving walkway, comprising two plates with fastening means for supporting and securing the drive unit. The invention also relates to an escalator or moving walkway with such a drive mounting and to a mounting kit for such a drive mounting. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for providing and at least partially installing a drive mounting for receiving and supporting such a drive unit. Finally, the present invention also relates to the use of two plates for providing and at least partially installing such a drive mounting. Background of the invention

[0002] In many escalators, the support structures, particularly those for the drive unit and potentially other drive components, are relatively strictly predefined, especially regarding their relative position, arrangement, orientation, and purpose. However, if, for example, a new type of drive or a drive unit with a new / different type of base (or support area) is to be installed, or if drive components to be replaced are to be modified, engineers face a considerable amount of work in terms of the (structural) redesign of the respective escalator and its support structures, bracing, and beams, or, for example, modifications to a gearbox housing.Especially with drive units that have a different type of base, support, or footprint than usual, the type of support on the escalator's supporting structure, or even another component of the drive train, such as a gearbox housing (size, relative arrangement, etc.), must be redesigned. This can involve comparatively high effort and costs. In some cases, it seems almost impossible, or at least not practical, to renew a drive concept, particularly if, for example, welding work on the escalator structure is not permitted. Put another way: Changing or renewing the type of drive unit is thwarted for many escalators simply because...It was deemed unfeasible that the associated structural modifications to the escalator support structure and / or the necessary modifications to other affected components would be too complex or impermissible. Therefore, the current practice is usually to replace only identical drive units (specifically, identical configurations, 1:1 match); other options are not currently available, at least not without reasonable effort.

[0003] Standardized drive foundations or base support structures are known to date, which do allow the use or assembly of standardized drive components, but are comparatively inflexible and, for example, make the installation of novel components that may deviate from the previous standard very difficult or even impossible.

[0004] Publications DE 10 2017 218 291 A1 and JP 2010-6 542 A describe arrangements for mounting a drive unit of an escalator, which allow translational variation of the support position by means of guide rails or elongated holes. CN 203 021 155 U discloses the features of claim 1, except that the drive mount has a position-variable fastening means by means of which the fastening position of the drive unit relative to the plates and / or its fastening points on the plates can be variably predefined, and that at least one of the plates can be mounted in different height positions on the supporting structure of the escalator. Description of the invention

[0005] Based on this situation, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device and a method that simplifies the implementation of a different or novel drive unit in an existing escalator or moving walkway, particularly for the purpose of replacing an already installed drive unit. The object is also, in particular, to enable the installation of a drive unit and, optionally, related drive components in / on the drive train of an escalator (or moving walkway) in such a way that the drive unit can be easily exchanged or replaced by a different type of drive unit.

[0006] The object of the invention is achieved by the features of the independent main claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. Where technically feasible, the teaching of the respective dependent claims can be combined arbitrarily with the teaching of the further main and dependent claims.

[0007] In particular, the problem is solved by a drive mounting for receiving and supporting a drive unit of an escalator or moving walkway, especially in an arrangement on a drive train of the escalator (or moving walkway), with two plates with fastening means for supporting and fastening the drive unit; wherein the drive mounting has at least one crossbeam that can be supported on at least one support beam of a supporting structure of the escalator (or moving walkway), which is designed and arranged / arrangeable for connecting to the plates, especially to the plates and the crossbeam in a predetermined relative position to each other, wherein the plates have at least one positionally variable fastening means, especially at least one elongated hole, by means of which the fastening position of the drive unit relative to the plates and / or its fastening points on the plates can be variably predefined.This provides new options for the installation, replacement, maintenance, and / or expansion of drive components, particularly the drive unit of escalators. Several measures can be implemented in parallel or alternatively, including reinforcing or supplementing individual supports (especially in conjunction with the use of connecting adapters), and / or providing a partially pre-assembled unit, including the drive unit, and installing this unit in the escalator.In particular, the following advantages can also be mentioned: high flexibility and variability in the selection and replacement of drive units; minimized in-house developments or design changes on the part of escalator manufacturers / operators; flexibility in maintenance matters, especially thanks to a comparatively large number of replacement options; cost-saving potential, especially thanks to the avoidance of a single predefined type of drive mounting.

[0008] Advantageous aspects of the claimed invention are explained below, followed by a description of preferred modified embodiments of the invention. Explanations, particularly regarding advantages and definitions of features, are essentially descriptive and preferred, but not limiting, examples. The term "escalator" is used analogously to refer to applications for moving walkways unless explicitly stated otherwise (to avoid redundancy, only the term "escalator" is used in the following); thus, the present invention applies analogously to both applications. If an explanation is intended to be limiting, this will be expressly stated.

[0009] In other words, it is specifically intended that the drive mount can provide a kind of adapter function for attaching different drive units, whereby the drive mount can be connected to the supporting structure in such a way that the drive unit can be advantageously integrated / installed in the escalator.

[0010] The respective plate can also serve as a support for the drive unit. In particular, all forces acting on the drive unit can be transferred to the supporting structure of the escalator solely via the two plates, specifically in such a way that a force flow from the drive train is transmitted into the supporting structure via these plates.

[0011] The drive unit comprises two plates which can be connected to each other in a positionally / size-variable manner by means of at least one size adjustment device, in particular by means of at least one angle profile, especially in the longitudinal direction (x). This provides even greater variability and also advantageous accessibility.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the drive mount has two plates which can be connected to each other in a positionally / size-variable manner by means of at least one angle profile, in particular size-variable in the longitudinal direction (x).

[0013] According to one embodiment, the plates can be indirectly connected to the at least one crossbeam, in particular by interposing at least one (longitudinal) reinforcing element, specifically by mounting the plates on the at least one (longitudinal) reinforcing element and by connecting the at least one (longitudinal) reinforcing element to the crossbeam. This allows, among other things, the provision of a support without having to make major / complex modifications to the supporting structure, with the connections of the individual components advantageously being reversible / removable. The approach also involves reinforcing or extending the existing supporting structure by relatively simple measures, particularly in combination with appropriate (positive / force-fit) connecting adapters, and then installing the drive unit in the reinforced area.This approach also offers advantages in terms of the comparatively low material requirements, ease of handling and manageable logistical effort.

[0014] According to one embodiment, one of the plates can be directly connected to the at least one crossbeam, in particular by arranging the plate in a plan view in an overlapping arrangement with the crossbeam or at least in an arrangement directly adjacent to the crossbeam (i.e., without longitudinal offset), especially with the plates structurally supported by at least one (longitudinal) support element. This also allows for the provision of a pre-assembled or pre-welded sub-assembly, which can optionally also include a pre-assembled drive unit. The approach also involves first pre-assembling the pre-assembled or welded sub-assembly together with the drive unit, and then attaching the entire sub-assembly to the supporting structure.This approach may prove preferable, for example, if handling advantages can be achieved by externally mounting the drive unit, and if the assembly can be designed in such a way that mounting on the supporting structure can be realized at a few comparatively fixed / stable attachment points / interfaces.

[0015] At least one of the plates can be mounted at different height positions on the supporting structure, in particular by being able to mount / attach the corresponding plate to a (third) vertically extending support beam of the escalator's supporting structure. This also facilitates the optimization of the drive unit's height position without requiring complex design modifications.

[0016] According to one embodiment, at least one of the plates can be mounted on the supporting structure in different height positions, namely by mounting / fastening the at least one plate to a (third) support extending in the height direction of the supporting structure of the escalator.

[0017] The plates define an access area through which the drive unit remains accessible, at least from below, when mounted on the plates. In particular, an access area defined between the two plates is preferred, with the longitudinal extent of this access area being larger than the area covered by at least one of the plates. This further increases variability and practicality.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the plates define an access area through which the drive unit remains accessible at least from below when mounted on the plates, wherein the drive receptacle has an access area defined between the two plates, the access area being larger in its longitudinal extent than the area covered by at least one of the plates.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the assembly kit for a drive unit according to the present disclosure comprises plates that can be connected to one another in a positionally / size-variable manner by means of at least one size adjustment device, wherein the assembly kit further comprises at least: the components crossbeam and at least one (longitudinal) reinforcement element that can be connected to the plates. This particularly facilitates reversible assembly, especially according to a first embodiment, particularly with the assembly of the drive unit as the last assembly step.

[0020] The assembly kit comprises plates that can be connected to one another in a positionally / size-variable manner by means of at least one size adjustment device, and further comprising at least: the components that can be connected to the plates, at least one (transverse) reinforcement plate and at least one (longitudinal) support element, and optionally also fastening means between the respective plate and the respective cross member, in particular fastening wedges made of plastic. This particularly facilitates the provision of a pre-assembled sub-assembly, especially according to a second embodiment.

[0021] The task defined above is also solved by an escalator or moving walkway with a drive unit described above, wherein a drive unit of the escalator is supported on a supporting structure of the escalator by means of the drive unit. This offers the advantages described above, particularly in connection with the maintenance and / or replacement of drive components.

[0022] According to one embodiment, an access area or cavity is formed between the two plates of the drive mounting below the drive unit when installed. This offers further advantages with regard to access and the installation situation, as well as independence from the individual design or size / shape of the drive unit.

[0023] The problem defined above is also solved by a method for providing and at least partially installing a drive unit according to the present disclosure for receiving and supporting a drive unit of an escalator or moving walkway, in particular a drive unit described above, wherein at least two plates with fastening means for supporting and fastening the drive unit are provided, wherein at least one of the plates is connected to at least one crossbeam that can be supported on at least one support beam of a supporting structure of the escalator, wherein the drive unit is fastened to the plates and to the supporting structure by means of at least one positionally variable fastening means relative to the plates at one or more fastening points.This provides the advantages described above, particularly in connection with the replacement or redesign of drive units.

[0024] The drive unit comprises two plates which are connected to each other in a positionally / size-variable manner by means of at least one size-adjustment device, in particular by means of at least one angle profile, especially in the longitudinal direction x. This increases the variability and can also provide an advantageous cavity between the plates. The correspondingly arranged drive components are therefore even more easily accessible and easier to maintain and / or (dis)assemble.

[0025] At least one of the plates can be mounted at different height positions on the supporting structure of the escalator, with the plates being installed in such a way that they define an access area through which the drive unit remains accessible at least from below when mounted on the plates.

[0026] According to one embodiment, at least one of the plates is indirectly connected to the at least one crossbeam by connecting the at least one plate to, or in particular supporting, at least one (longitudinal) reinforcing element, which is connected to the crossbeam, particularly on both sides to two opposing crossbeams or to a crossbeam and a transverse frame section of the supporting structure. This facilitates a procedure in which only individual reinforcing elements need to be provided on the supporting structure in order to advantageously connect the drive unit flexibly / variably to the supporting structure.

[0027] According to one embodiment, one of the plates is directly connected to the at least one crossbeam by arranging the plate in a plan view in an overlapping arrangement of the crossbeam or at least in an arrangement directly adjacent to the crossbeam and connecting it to the crossbeam by means of a bearing on the crossbeam, in particular with structural support provided by at least one (longitudinal) support element. This also makes it possible to provide a pre-assembled and / or partially welded sub-assembly. This sub-assembly can then optionally be installed first with the drive unit before the entire arrangement is connected to the supporting structure.

[0028] The plates define an access area through which the drive unit, when mounted on the plates, remains accessible at least from below. This access area is preferably defined by the space between the two plates, and its longitudinal dimension x is preferably larger than the area covered by the plates. This not only provides an adapter function for different types of drive units but also ensures further advantages regarding the accessibility of each individual drive unit, thus offering practical benefits throughout the system's entire service life.

[0029] The previously defined task is also solved by using two plates to provide and at least partially install a drive mount for receiving and supporting a drive unit of an escalator or moving walkway, wherein the plates provide an adapter function for the reversible, demountable attachment of different types of drive units by providing position-variable fastening means in at least one spatial direction for supporting and attaching the drive unit to the plates, wherein at least one of the plates is connected to at least one crossbeam that can be supported on at least one support beam of a supporting structure of the escalator, wherein the drive unit is attached to the plates and to the supporting structure at one or more attachment points relative to the plates by means of at least one position-variable fastening means.wherein the two plates are connected to each other in a positionally / size-variable manner by means of at least one size-adjustment device, with at least one of the plates being height-variable and mountable in different height positions on the supporting structure of the escalator, wherein the plates are installed in such a way that the plates define an access area through which the drive unit remains accessible at least from below when mounted on the plates. This provides the advantages described above. Brief description of the drawings

[0030] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. The term "figure" is abbreviated as "Fig." in the drawings. The figures show... Fig. 1 in a partially schematic, perspective view from above, a drive unit according to one embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 in a partially schematic, perspective view from above, a drive unit according to another embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 in a partially schematic, perspective view from the side, components of an escalator and optional mounting points for a drive unit according to embodiments of the invention; Detailed description of the implementation examples

[0031] The described embodiments are merely examples that can be modified and / or supplemented in various ways within the scope of the claims. Each feature described for a specific embodiment can be used independently or in combination with other features in any other embodiment. Each feature described for an embodiment of a particular claim category can also be used analogously in an embodiment of a different claim category. The reference numerals are initially described generally; individual references are made in connection with the respective figure descriptions.

[0032] An escalator 1 has at least one drive unit 3 which is supported on a load-bearing / support structure 5 of the escalator (in particular on a supporting structure with load-bearing / support elements). The load-bearing structure 5 forms, for example, a frame structure 5a, in particular arranged in an xy-plane extending at least approximately horizontally. The load-bearing structure 5 comprises, for example, at least one first beam 5.1 (in particular a parallel beam below the drive unit), at least one second beam 5.2 (in particular a cross beam below the drive unit), and at least one third beam 5.3 (in particular extending in the vertical direction).

[0033] A drive receptacle 10, 10a comprises two plates, namely a first and a second plate 12a, 12b, on which positionally variable fastening means 12.1 (for example, in the form of elongated holes, for which corresponding connecting adapters may be provided) are provided. The corresponding plate 12a, 12b is fastened to at least one crossbeam 16 (in particular, crossbeam made of sheet metal) by means of adjustment means 16.1 (for example, in the form of elongated holes, through holes, slots, notches, or the like, for which corresponding connecting adapters may be provided), wherein the at least one crossbeam 16 rests on or is attached to the at least one first support 5.1. The two plate parts 12a, 12b can be connected by means of size adjustment means 14 (in particular, at least one angle profile) with fastening means 14.1 (for example, in the form of elongated holes with corresponding screws or other connecting adapters) are mounted in the desired relative position to each other and also to the drive unit. Depending on the installation situation and drive type, it may be advantageous to provide a (transverse) reinforcing plate 15 at one of the free ends of the plate(s), particularly in a transverse orientation y perpendicular to the longitudinal extent x. It may also be advantageous to provide at least one (longitudinal) support element 19 or an equivalent (longitudinal) support unit for better support of the plates to each other, particularly in an orientation at least approximately orthogonal to the cross member. The components 15, 19 can optionally be mounted reversibly or welded together.Alternatively, components 15, 19 can be omitted, especially if the plate(s) can be supported on at least one (longitudinal) reinforcing element 17 (especially angle profile) with adjusting means 17.1 (for example in the form of an elongated hole).

[0034] If two plate parts 12a, 12b are used, they are preferably arranged at a longitudinal distance from each other, so that a cavity V12 (in particular recess, access area, open section) is formed between them.

[0035] The coordinate axes x, y, z indicate the longitudinal, transverse and vertical directions.

[0036] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a drive mounting 10 according to a first embodiment, in which two plates 12a, 12b are connected to each other at an angle 14, and the plates are supported on two (longitudinal) reinforcing elements 17, which are designed as U-profiles (alternatively, for example, L- or Z-profiles) and are connected to crossbeams 5.2, 16, for example, by welding. With this design, a variation in size in the longitudinal direction x is easily possible, because the reinforcing elements 17 are longer than the maximum longitudinal area covered by the plates 12a, 12b. At the connection points intended for screw connections in particular (especially at points 14.1, 17.1), bolts with a T-shaped head can optionally be installed. At the individual connection points, positive-locking adapters or positive-locking connecting partners (so-called Poka-Yoke connecting / fastening devices) can be provided.Optionally, additional (support) plates can be provided, in particular to compensate for a tilt or misalignment of a base plate / base (e.g. 80x40x6mm).

[0037] Figure 2Figure 1 shows a drive mounting 10a, at least partially welded, according to a second embodiment, which also has two plates 12a, 12b connected to each other by an angle 14, wherein a (transverse) reinforcing plate 15 is provided at one of the free ends of the plate(s), and at least one (longitudinal) support element 19 is provided under the plates for better support of the plates against each other. At the interface between at least one of the plates 12a, 12b and the corresponding crossbeam 16, positive-locking / force-locking connection adapters such as wedges, expansion dowels, or the like can be provided. Optionally, the reinforcing plate 15 is screwed directly to the supporting structure 5 of the escalator 1. Thanks to the comparatively high stiffness of the in Fig. 2The described assembly can also be pre-assembled together with a drive unit and only installed afterwards, and installation can also take place in a height position that may be decoupled from the plane in which the Fig. 1 described reinforcement elements 17 or longitudinal beams are provided (which in the present embodiment according to Fig. 2 are not required).

[0038] Figure 3 Figure 1 shows the escalator, with the supporting structure 5 and the resulting frame structure 5a schematically indicated. The relative position of the drive unit and the individual supports of the supporting structure 5 can, of course, be predefined specifically for each system type. Reference symbol list

[0039] 1 Escalator (or alternatively moving walkway) 3 Drive unit 5 Supporting / supporting structure, in particular supporting structure with supporting / supporting element(s) 5a Frame structure, in particular in the xy-plane 5.1 First beam, in particular parallel beam below the drive unit 5.2 Second beam, in particular crossbeam below the drive unit 5.3 Third beam, in particular extending in the vertical direction 10 Drive mounting 10a Welded drive mounting 12 Plate 12a, 12 First and second plate 12.1 Positionally variable fastening means for drive unit 14 Size adjustment means, in particular angle profile with fastening means 14.1 Fastening means 15 (Transverse) reinforcement plate, in particular in transverse orientation 16 Crossbeam / strut with adjustment means, in particular crossbeam made of sheet metal 16.1 Adjustment means 17 (Longitudinal) reinforcement element, in particular angle profile with adjustment means 17.1Adjusting means 19(longitudinal) beam element or (longitudinal) beam unit, in particular orthogonal to crossbeam V12cavity, in particular recess, access area, open section x, y, zlongitudinal, transverse and vertical direction.

Claims

1. A drive mount (10, 10a) for receiving and supporting a drive unit (3) of an escalator (1) or a moving walkway, comprising two plates (12a, 12b) with fastening means (12.1) for supporting and fastening the drive unit (3); characterised in that the drive mount (10, 10a) has at least one cross member (16) which can be supported on at least one support (5.1) of a support structure (5) of the escalator (1), the cross member of which is designed and arranged / arrangable for connection to the plates (12a, 12b), wherein the plates (12a, 12b) have at least one position-variable fastening means (12.1) by means of which the fastening position of the drive unit relative to the plates and / or their fastening points on the plates (12a, 12b) can be variably predefined, wherein the two plates (12a, 12b) can be connected to one another in a position / size-variable manner by means of at least one size-adjusting means (14), wherein at least one of the plates (12a, 12b) can be mounted in a height-variable manner in different height positions on the support structure (5) of the escalator (1), wherein the plates (12a, 12b) define an access area (V12) through which the drive unit (3) remains accessible at least from below when mounted on the plates (12a, 12b).

2. The drive mount (10, 10a) according to claim 1, wherein the two plates (12a, 12b) of the drive mount (10, 10a) are connected to one another in a position / size-variable manner by means of at least one size-adjusting means (14), namely by means of at least one angle profile, in particular in a size-variable manner in the longitudinal direction (x).

3. The drive mount (10, 10a) according to at least one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the plates ( 12a, 12b) are indirectly connected to the at least one cross member (16), in particular by interposing at least one (longitudinal) reinforcing member (17), in particular the plates (12a, 12b) are mounted on the at least one (longitudinal) reinforcing member (17) and the at least one (longitudinal) reinforcing member (17) is connected to the cross member (16).

4. The drive mount (10, 10a) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the plates (12a, 12b) is directly connected to the at least one cross member (16), in particular the corresponding plate (12b) is arranged in a plan view in an arrangement overlapping the cross member (16) or at least in an arrangement directly adjacent to the cross member (16), in particular with the plates (12a, 12b) structurally supported by means of at least one (longitudinal) support element (19).

5. The drive mount (10, 10a) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the plates (12a, 12b) can be mounted in a height-variable manner in different height positions on the support structure (5) of the escalator (1), namely the at least one plate (12) can be mounted / fastened to a support (5.3) of the support structure (5) extending in the height direction6. The drive mount (10, 10a) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the plates (12a, 12b) define an access area (V12) through which the drive unit (3) remains accessible at least from below when mounted on the plates (12a, 12b), wherein the drive mount has an access area (V12) defined between the two plates (12a, 12b), wherein the access area (V12) is larger in the longitudinal extent (x) than the area covered by at least one of the plates (12a, 12b).

7. A mounting kit for a drive mount (10, 10a) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting kit comprises plates (12a, 12b) which can be connected to one other in a position / size variable manner by means of at least one size adjustment means (14), wherein the mounting kit further comprises at least: either the cross member components (16) and at least one (longitudinal) reinforcement element (17) which can be connected to the plates, or the components which can be connected to the plates, at least one (transverse) reinforcement plate and at least one (longitudinal) support element (19) and, optionally, also fastening means between the plate and the cross member, in particular fastening wedges made of plastic.

8. An escalator (1) or a moving walkway having a drive mount (10, 10a) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a drive unit (3) of the escalator (1) is supported by means of the drive mount on a support structure (5) of the escalator or moving walkway.

9. The escalator or the moving walkway according to the preceding claim, wherein in the installed state, an access area or a cavity (V12) is formed between the two plates (12a, 12b) of the drive mount (10, 10a) below the drive unit (3).

10. A method for providing and installing at least partially a drive mount (10, 10a) according to one of claims 1 to 6 for receiving and supporting a drive unit (3) of an escalator (1) or a moving walkway, characterised in that two plates (12a, 12b) are provided with fastening means (12.1) for supporting and fastening the drive unit (3), wherein at least one of the plates (12a, 12b) is connected to at least one cross member (16) which can be supported on at least one support (5.1) of a support structure (5) of the escalator (1) or the moving walkway, wherein the drive unit (3) is connected by means of the plates (12a, 12b) and by means of at least one position-variable fastening means (12.1) relative to the plates at one or more fastening points on the plates (12a, 12b) and thereby also on the support structure (5), wherein the two plates (12a, 12b) are connected to one other by means of at least one size adjustment means (14) in a position / size-variable manner, with at least one of the plates (12a, 12b) being mountable in a height-variable manner in different height positions on the support structure (5) of the escalator (1), wherein the plates (12a, 12b) are installed in such a way that the plates define an access area (V12) through which the drive unit (3) remains accessible at least from below when mounted on the plates (12a, 12b).

11. The method according to the preceding method claim, wherein the two plates (12a, 12b) are connected to one another in a position / size variable manner, namely in a size variable manner in the longitudinal direction (x), by means of at least one size adjustment means (14), namely by means of at least one angle profile.

12. The method according to at least one of the preceding method claims, wherein at least one of the plates (12a, 12b) is indirectly connected to the at least one cross member (16) by connecting the at least one plate to at least one (longitudinal) reinforcing element (17), in particular by supporting it thereon, which is / will be connected to the cross member (16), in particular on both sides to two opposite cross members or to a cross member and a transversely extending frame part of the support structure.

13. The method according to at least one of the preceding method claims, wherein one of the plates (12a, 12b) is directly connected to the at least one cross member (16) by arranging the corresponding plate (12b) in the plan view in an arrangement overlapping the cross member (16) or at least in an arrangement directly adjacent to the cross member (16) and is connected to the cross member (16) in a manner supported on the cross member (16), in particular with the plates (12a, 12b) structurally supported by at least one (longitudinal) support element (19).

14. The method according to at least one of the preceding method claims, wherein an access area (V12) is defined by means of the plates (12a, 12b) through which the drive unit (3) remains accessible at least from below when mounted on the plates (12a, 12b), wherein the access area (V12) is defined by the two plates (12a, 12b) by a / the free space spanned between the plates, wherein the access area (V12) is larger in longitudinal extent (x) than the area covered by the plates (12, 12a, 12b).

15. Use of two plates (12a, 12b) to providing and installing at least partially a drive mount (10, 10a) for receiving and supporting a drive unit (3) of an escalator (1) or a moving walkway, wherein an adapter function for the reversible and removable fastening of different types of drive units is provided by means of the plates (12a, 12b) by providing fastening means (12.1) which are positionally variable in at least one spatial direction for supporting and fastening the drive unit (3) to the plates, wherein at least one of the plates (12a, 12b) is connected to at least one cross member (16) which can be supported on at least one support (5.1) of a support structure (5) of the escalator (1) or the moving walkway, wherein the drive unit (3) is fastened by means of the plates (12a, 12b) and by means of at least one position-variable fastening means (12.1) relative to the plates at one or more fastening points on the plates (12a, 12b) and thereby also fastened to the support structure (5), wherein the two plates (12a, 12b) are connected to one another in a position / size-variable manner by means of at least one size-adjusting means (14), with at least one of the plates (12a, 12b) being mountable in a height-variable manner in different height positions on the support structure (5) of the escalator (1), wherein the plates (12a, 12b) are installed in such a way that the plates define an access area (V12) through which the drive unit (3) remains accessible at least from below when mounted on the plates (12a, 12b).