Method and device for installing an escalator or a moving walkway on a receiving structure integrated in a building

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for installing a passenger transport system (1) in the form of an escalator or moving walkway on a provided receiving structure (3), and a device (23) configured for this. The method comprises: - determining geometry data and / or structure data of the provided receiving structure (3) by automatically measuring the provided receiving structure (3), for example by means of a measuring device (25) fitted with a 3D scanner; - automatically selecting carrier components, which are provided to hold, support and / or guide a transport belt relative to the provided receiving structure at a plurality of different fixing positions (13) along the transport path, and automatically determining a plurality of different fixing positions along the provided receiving structure taking into consideration the determined geometry data and / or structure data and based on properties of the selected carrier components; and - fixing the selected carrier components at an allocated fixing position, for example by means of a fixing device (29) fitted with a robot (19).

Description

[0001] Method and device for installing an escalator or moving walkway on a receiving structure integrated in a building

[0002] The present invention relates to a method and a device for installing a passenger transport system in the form of an escalator or a moving walkway in a building.

[0003] Moving walkways and escalators are used to transport people along a route. With a moving walkway, the transport path is usually horizontal or only slightly inclined, whereas with an escalator the transport path is more steeply inclined. The transport path can, for example, run within a building or structure in order to transport people over longer distances and, in the case of escalators, over considerable differences in height. An escalator has a conveyor belt in the form of a step belt with several interconnected tread units in the form of steps. With a moving walkway, the conveyor belt is in the form of a pallet belt and the tread units are designed as pallets. At opposite ends of the transport path, the people transport system has access areas through which people can reach the conveyor belt. In addition to or as an alternative to transporting people, the moving walkway or escalator canthe escalator can also transport objects, animals or similar.

[0004] Conventional escalators and moving walkways usually have a supporting structure in the form of a truss made up of interconnected steel components such as upper chords, lower chords, struts, uprights, etc. In this case, the truss is dimensioned and configured in such a way that it can absorb all the forces acting on the passenger transport system, including its own weight, and transfer them to the surrounding building. The truss, including any load-bearing components attached to it, is designed in particular to hold, support and / or guide the conveyor belt. The truss is manufactured as a standalone component separate from the building, naturally taking into account the prevailing conditions within the building, and is then installed on the building, i.e. generally mounted on support points on the building. However, manufacturing and / orProviding such a supporting structure in the form of a truss is very complex, and since it is usually a custom-configured, one-off piece, its manufacturing costs are very high. Furthermore, the truss is usually manufactured in advance and must then be transported as a very large component and installed into the building that will house the passenger transport system.

[0005] WO 2021 / 052743 A1 describes an alternative approach in which a standard steel truss is replaced, for example, by a concrete structure, which can also be manufactured directly on site using prefabricated truss formwork or 3D printing robots.

[0006] EP 2 900 585 B1 describes another approach for a track system for an escalator or moving walkway. Structures integrated into a building are used as support structures to accommodate a passenger transport system.

[0007] WO 2015 / 037070 A1, GB 2 121 748 A, WO 2021 / 11549 A1 and EP 3 792 427 A1 disclose further installation methods for an escalator or moving walkway in a building.

[0008] However, even with the alternative approaches mentioned, installing the passenger transport system in the building is usually labor-intensive and / or cost-intensive.

[0009] There may be a need for a method for installing a moving walkway or escalator that, among other things, at least partially avoids the aforementioned problems of conventional approaches. In particular, there may be a need for methods by which a moving walkway or escalator can be installed at least partially automatically in a low-effort, cost-effective, safe, and / or reliable manner. Furthermore, there may be a need for a device configured to install moving walkways or escalators in the aforementioned manner.

[0010] Such a need can be met by the subject matter according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims and the following description or illustrated in the accompanying figures. According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for installing a passenger transport system in the form of an escalator or a moving walkway on a provided support structure, which is integrated into a building for holding the passenger transport system, is described. The passenger transport system has at least one conveyor belt for transporting people along a transport path and several support components for holding, supporting, and / or guiding the conveyor belt along the transport path relative to the provided support structure. The method comprises at least the following method steps, preferably in the specified order:

[0011] • Determination of geometric data and / or structural data of the provided structure image by automated measurement of the provided structure image using a measuring device,

[0012] • Automated selection of support components from a plurality of available support components, which are provided for holding, supporting and / or guiding the conveyor belt relative to the provided receiving structure at a plurality of different fixing positions along the transport path, and automated determination of a plurality of different fixing positions along the provided receiving structure taking into account the determined geometric data and / or structural data and based on properties of the selected support components, and

[0013] • Fixing the selected support components at a respective assigned fixing position of the plurality of determined fixing positions on the provided support structure.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the invention, a device is described for installing a passenger transport system in the form of an escalator or a moving walkway on a provided support structure, which is integrated into a building for holding the passenger transport system. The passenger transport system has a conveyor belt for transporting people along a transport path and several support components for holding, supporting and / or guiding the conveyor belt relative to the provided support structure. The device comprises at least the following components: • a measuring device for determining geometric data and / or structural data of the provided support structure by automated measurement of the provided support structure;

[0015] • a data processing device for the automated selection of support components from a plurality of available support components, which are provided for holding, supporting and / or guiding the conveyor belt relative to the provided receiving structure at a plurality of different fixing positions along the transport path, and for the automated determination of a plurality of different fixing positions along the provided receiving structure, taking into account the determined geometric data and / or structural data and based on properties of the selected support components; and

[0016] • a fixing device for fixing the selected support components at a respective assigned fixing position of the plurality of determined fixing positions on the provided receiving structure.

[0017] By way of introduction, a basic idea for embodiments of the invention described herein will be briefly explained, whereby this explanation is to be interpreted as merely a rough summary and not as limiting the invention:

[0018] Embodiments of the installation method described herein are intended to utilize a provided support structure, for example in the form of a concrete support structure, which is already integrated into a building on site, to mount a passenger transport system thereon. Modern measurement technologies, modern digitalization options, and / or installation robots are intended to be used to automate the installation process as much as possible. With the aid of the measurement technologies, properties of the provided support structure can be determined. Based on the determined properties, suitable support components can then be selected, with the aid of which the conveyor belt of the passenger transport system can be suitably attached to the provided support structure in the building.In addition, the determined properties can be taken into account to determine the fixing positions at which these support components should be attached to the provided support structure. When selecting the support components and fixing positions, for example, the actual external geometry of the provided support structure and / or information about structures within the provided support structure can be taken into account. The appropriately selected support components can then be provided and fixed to the provided support structure at the specified fixing positions. Both the measurement of the provided support structure and the selection of the support components and fixing positions as well as the subsequent fixing of the support components can be carried out largely or even completely automatically.This significantly reduces installation effort and simultaneously improves installation reliability. By constructing the provided support structure on site, thereby at least partially replacing a conventional supporting structure, a very high proportion of local production is achieved, which is an important award criterion, especially in public procurement.

[0019] In the following, possible configurations and advantages of embodiments of the installation method and a device that can be used for this purpose are described in more detail.

[0020] The passenger transport system can be an escalator or a moving walkway. It is designed to transport people and / or objects along a transport path using a conveyor belt. The transport path is located between access areas located at opposite ends of the transport path, via which people access the conveyor belt. In the case of an escalator, the conveyor belt is designed as a step belt and comprises several tread units in the form of steps. In the case of a moving walkway, the conveyor belt is designed as a pallet belt and comprises several tread units in the form of pallets. The tread units are arranged one behind the other along the transport path and are linked to one another, for example via a chain, so that they can be moved synchronously along the transport path.At opposite ends of the transport path, the conveyor belt is typically deflected so that it can be moved as an endless belt. The conveyor belt moves from one access area to the opposite access area and is usually deflected below the access areas. The access areas can be designed with floor plates over which passengers can walk to the conveyor belt. A comb plate can be provided at a transition between the conveyor belt and an adjacent access area. A balustrade can run along either side of the conveyor belt. The balustrade can extend from one access area to the opposite access area. A handrail can be provided on the balustrade.

[0021] The provided support structure, which is to be used to hold the passenger transport system within the building, is an integral part of the building. For example, the provided support structure can be planned during the design phase of the building and built during construction. The provided support structure can be formed as a single piece with other building components such as floors, walls or ceilings. The provided support structure itself can also be a single piece. In this case, the provided support structure can run separately within the building, i.e. spatially separated, from the other building components. For example, the provided support structure can be provided as an integrated concrete load-bearing structure, for example in the form of a concrete trough in the building.The provided support structure can extend within the building over a distance that essentially corresponds to the transport route to be implemented by the passenger transport system. In the case of an escalator, the provided support structure can extend, for example, between two floors in the building. The provided support structure can be configured such that, in addition to its own weight, it can also absorb a maximum load generated by the passenger transport system, in particular the weight of the passenger transport system and the weight of passengers using the passenger transport system, and can transfer this load to surrounding parts of the building. In other words, the statics of the provided support structure can be sufficiently dimensioned to be able to appropriately transfer forces acting on the passenger transport system during operation into the statics of the building.

[0022] During the installation process, several suitable support components can be attached to the support structure already provided in the building at suitable fixing positions. These components ultimately serve to hold or support the conveyor belt of the passenger transport system on the provided support structure and, if necessary, guide it along the transport route. The support components can be at least partially standardized components. The support components can be provided as an assortment with a plurality of available components. Such an assortment can include, for example, support profiles, retaining plates, anchor components, rails, angle brackets, console structures, etc. Some of the support components, particularly the larger support components such as rails, console structures, etc.can be provided as preferably similar standard components, such as those used in many different passenger transport systems. Other support components such as support profiles, support plates, anchor components, angles, fastening flanges, shims, etc. can be provided as a type of adapter, with the help of which the aforementioned standard components can be attached to the provided support structure, whereby the individual conditions of a support structure for a specific passenger transport system can be taken into account. For example, the support components acting as adapters can be used to bridge gaps between the support components acting as standard components and a fixing position at which they are to be attached to the provided support structure.

[0023] As part of the installation process, geometric data and / or structural data of the provided recording structure are first determined by automatically measuring the provided recording structure.

[0024] The geometric data particularly represents external geometric properties of the provided support structure. For example, the geometric data can represent positions of walls or surfaces of the provided support structure. Alternatively or additionally, the geometric data can represent relative positions between different parts of the provided support structure, i.e., for example, distances, orientations, etc. of walls or surfaces on different parts of the provided support structure relative to one another. Furthermore, the geometric data can represent information about any external structures such as projections or depressions, textures, or the like on the provided support structure, in particular their height or depth, width, orientation, spacing from neighboring structures, etc.

[0025] The structural data particularly reflect structural properties, such as internal properties, of the provided support structure. For example, the structural data can reflect a material type, a material distribution, etc. within the provided support structure. In particular, the structural data can reflect information, for example, about the position, type, orientation, spacing, dimensions, etc. of reinforcements within the support structure, which is preferably designed as a concrete load-bearing element.

[0026] To determine the geometric data and / or structural data, the device has a measuring device that is configured to measure the provided receiving structure in an automated, i.e. semi-automated or preferably fully automated, manner. Different technologies can be used for such measuring. Preferably, the provided receiving structure is measured without contact. For example, optical, acoustic, inductive, capacitive, radiological and / or other measuring methods can be used. In particular, the provided receiving structure can be measured using modern 3D scanning technologies, for example using a laser scanner, a LIDAR (light detection and ranging), a TOF (time of flight) camera or similar. The determination of structural data also includes, for example, the localization and measurement of optically hidden structures such as concrete-embedded tensioning cables or reinforcing bars.

[0027] By measuring, the actual quality of the provided mounting structure can be determined. In particular, the actual prevailing geometry and / or structure of the provided mounting structure, i.e., its actual properties, can be determined. These properties may deviate from a pre-planned or designed target geometry or structure of the provided mounting structure, for example, due to manufacturing tolerances.

[0028] After the geometry data and / or structural data of the provided

[0029] Once the support structure has been determined automatically, the information obtained is used to specifically select suitable support components and determine fixation positions.

[0030] The support components are selected from a variety of available support components. These available support components can, for example, be designed in advance as standard components and, if necessary, manufactured and stored. Various support components are preferably kept in stock, particularly in the form of standard components and adapter components, which enable the conveyor belt to be held, supported, and / or guided on the provided support structure in a wide variety of configurations. The available support components can differ, for example, in terms of their geometric design, their mechanical load-bearing capacity, the materials used, etc.

[0031] When selecting support components for a specific application, it can be taken into account, for example, which fixing positions can be used to fix the support components in view of the previously determined geometric data and / or structural data on the provided receiving structure. In particular, it can be taken into account how a respective support component should be structurally and functionally designed in order to be able to connect a given conveyor belt to suitable fixing positions on the provided receiving structure. For example, a fixing position or a fixing bearing can be provided on the conveyor belt, to which a support component or a plurality of cooperating support components can be connected in order to then be able to fix the conveyor belt to the associated fixing positions or anchors provided there on the provided receiving structure.In addition, the loads that the respective load-bearing component must withstand can be taken into account.

[0032] The fixing positions can be selected, for example, taking into account the geometric and / or structural data, so that the supporting component to be attached there can be attached efficiently and load-bearing-wise to the provided support structure. In particular, the fixing positions can be determined such that the supporting components are not connected in the area of ​​reinforcement integrated, for example, into the provided support structure. Furthermore, the fixing positions can be determined such that the support structure is sufficiently stable and resilient at the respective fixing position to absorb and dissipate the forces or loads transmitted by the passenger transport system.

[0033] The selection of the support components and the determination of the fixing positions should be largely automated. For this purpose, for example, information about the available support components can be stored in a database. Based on this information and taking into account the previously determined geometric data and / or structural data of the provided support structure, a decision can then be made using appropriately selected decision criteria and / or algorithms as to which support components should be used and at which fixing positions they should be connected to the provided support structure. The connection of the conveyor belt to the support structure, which is to be realized using the support components, as well as the necessary properties of the support components to be used for this purpose, can be determined automatically, for example through calculation, simulation, modeling, etc.

[0034] Finally, the selected support components are positioned and secured to the provided support structure at a designated fixing position. This process can also be partially or fully automated, as explained in more detail below.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the determined geometry data and / or structure data of the provided receiving structure can be transmitted to a

[0036] The data can be transmitted to an assembly device in which a digital twin data set is stored, containing data on the properties of the passenger transport system to be installed. The various fixing positions along the transport route at which the supporting components are to be fixed are determined, taking into account data from the digital twin data set. One embodiment of the device has a data communication device for this purpose. This is configured to transmit data, in particular the determined geometric data and / or structural data of the provided receiving structure, to the assembly device in which the digital twin data set is stored, and / or to receive data from the assembly device.

[0037] In other words, when determining the various fixation positions on the provided support structure, a data communication option to a database can be used. A digital twin data set (sometimes referred to as a "digital twin") for the passenger transport system to be created is stored in the database. The database can be part of a configuration device, with the help of which the desired properties and / or actual properties of the passenger transport system to be created can be specified or determined. The configuration device or its database can be located, for example, in a remotely located computer, which can be part of a data cloud, for example.

[0038] The digital twin dataset stored in the assembly facility contains data and information regarding structural and / or functional properties of the passenger transport system to be created. For example, information on various components of the conveyor belt and various supporting components of the passenger transport system can be stored in the digital twin dataset. This information can provide details about the geometric configurations of the respective conveyor belt components or supporting components, the materials used therein, the resulting properties, types and details of cooperation between different components, etc. This information can, for example, have been determined during the assembly of the passenger transport system.The data contained in the digital twin dataset can thus represent target specifications for the passenger transport system and the components installed therein. This data can then be advantageously used as an additional decision criterion when determining the various fixation positions on the provided support structure. According to a more specific embodiment, the support components can also be selected taking into account data from the digital twin dataset.

[0039] In other words, in addition to determining the fixation positions, the selection of the support components to be used for a specific application from a multitude of available support components can also be carried out in such a way that the information available in the digital twin dataset is also taken into account. For example, standard components can be selected as support components for connecting the conveyor belt based on the digital twin dataset, and additional adapter components can be selected as additional support components in order to be able to suitably connect these standard components to the previously measured, provided support structure. Information about the passenger transport system, in particular with regard to the conveyor belt components, as stored in the digital twin dataset, can be taken into account.

[0040] According to a further specific embodiment, information about the selected support components and / or the determined fixation positions can also be stored in the digital twin data set.

[0041] In other words, a previously available digital twin dataset, which only contained target specifications for the components to be used in the passenger transport system, can be supplemented with actual information during an update, reflecting the properties of the actually selected load-bearing components and / or the actually determined fixing positions. The digital twin dataset updated in this way can, for example, realistically reflect the properties of the fully installed passenger transport system at a later date.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the geometric data and / or structural data can be determined by successively measuring the provided receiving structure at each of the plurality of different fixing positions along the transport path. In other words, to determine the geometric data and / or structural data, the provided receiving structure can be suitably measured successively at the various potentially possible and / or actually recognized as suitable fixing positions along the transport path.

[0043] In particular, according to a specific embodiment, a measuring device for measuring can be successively displaced on the provided support structure along the transport path. For this purpose, one embodiment of the device to be used here can have a drive in its measuring device for displacing the measuring device on the provided support structure along the transport path.

[0044] In other words, to carry out the described installation method, a measuring device can be moved along the transport path to be spanned by the passenger transport system, successively measuring the provided support structure at various positions along this transport path. The provided support structure can be measured continuously along the entire transport path. Alternatively, the provided support structure can be measured at spaced-apart positions along the transport path, whereby these positions can be sufficiently close to each other, for example, less than 1 m, preferably less than 0.5 m or less than 0.2 m.

[0045] In order to be able to move the measuring device used for this purpose along the transport route, it can have its own drive or a drive assigned to it. On the one hand, the drive can be configured to be able to move the measuring device or even the entire device along the provided support structure. For example, the drive can drive wheels, chains or similar provided on the measuring device or device. Alternatively, the drive can drive a winch onto which, for example, a rope attached to a fixed point on the passenger transport system or the surrounding building can be wound in order to move the measuring device or device coupled to the rope along the provided support structure. On the other hand, the drive can be configured to provide information about a current position of the measuring device or device moved with it.Device to be provided so that all geometric data and / or structural data automatically determined by the measuring device can be assigned to a current position on the provided receiving structure along the transport path.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the selected support components are automatically fixed to the provided receiving structure at the respectively assigned fixing position of the plurality of different fixing positions using a robot. For this purpose, one embodiment of the device can have a robot on its fixing device, which is configured for the automated fixing of the selected support components at the respectively assigned fixing position of the plurality of different fixing positions on the provided receiving structure.

[0047] In other words, the installation of the passenger transport system described herein can utilize a robot with which the previously selected support components can be automatically fixed at the previously determined fixing positions. The robot can have suitable tools for this purpose. For example, the robot can have a drilling tool to drill suitable holes in the provided receiving structure at the fixing positions. Alternatively or additionally, the robot can have an anchoring tool with which an anchor component can be anchored at the respective fixing position on the provided receiving structure, for example by attaching, in particular screwing, the anchor component to the previously drilled hole.Furthermore, the robot can have an assembly tool, with the help of which further support components can be mounted on a previously drilled hole and / or a previously fixed anchor component. The robot can have a movable arm, with the help of which the respective tool can be moved relative to a base of the robot. In particular, the robot can have an arm that can be moved and / or pivoted in one, two, or three axes. The robot or its arm can have one or more of its own actuators or drives. According to a further specific embodiment, the robot can be successively moved on the provided receiving structure along the transport path and can create an anchoring structure at the respective fixing position and, optionally, fix an associated one of the support components to the anchoring structure.In one embodiment of the device, the fixing device can have a drive for displacing the fixing device on the provided receiving structure along the transport path, wherein the robot is configured to create an anchoring structure at the respective fixing position. Optionally, the robot can be configured to fix a support component associated with the created anchoring structure to the anchoring structure.

[0048] In other words, the robot of the device, similar to its measuring device, can be moved continuously or in suitable steps along the provided support structure during the installation process, creating anchoring structures at the various fixation positions and, if necessary, attaching support components to them. The robot and the measuring device can, if necessary, be part of one and the same device.Such a device can then be moved once along the provided receiving structure in order to first determine the geometric data and / or structural data, and then, in a subsequent step, be moved again along the provided receiving structure in order to then install the support components, which have been suitably selected in the meantime, at the fixing positions, which have also been determined in the meantime, by creating anchoring structures and fixing the support components to these anchoring structures. Alternatively, the device can be moved along the provided receiving structure in a single pass, first determining the geometric data and / or structural data and, directly afterwards, i.e. while the device is still in the same position, installing a suitable removal component, which has been selected in the meantime, at this fixing position.

[0049] Embodiments of the installation method described herein or the device that can be used for this purpose can enable, among other things, the following advantages:

[0050] • The automated determination of geometric and / or structural data of the provided support structure enables fast and precise installation of the passenger transport system. In particular, high accuracy of anchoring holes is achieved through a possible combination of, for example, an actual 3D scan of the provided support structure, consideration of information from a digital twin of the passenger transport system, and the use of modern robot technology to create connecting holes.

[0051] • A low susceptibility to errors is made possible during the installation of a passenger transport system, in particular due to a high degree of automation in the process steps to be carried out.

[0052] • A lower material expenditure is made possible, in particular through a possible massive reduction in load-bearing components or a possible elimination of the framework by the manufacturer of the passenger transport system.

[0053] • It enables low transport costs and simple transport of the passenger transport system to the place of use in a building, and also enables easy installation of the passenger transport system into the building, ie escalators or walkways do not have to be installed at the start of construction of the building, as is often the case in the past.

[0054] • The approach described here is particularly advantageous for use in earthquake zones, i.e., it offers advantages in regions of the world with high seismic activity. In particular, no special seismic supports as an interface between the building and the passenger transport system, or other seismic measures, are necessary to achieve the protective goal of preserving the integrity of the escalator and the safety of people, for example, on, next to, or under the escalator. Here, for example, a concrete structure can be designed according to the same criteria as the rest of the building. No high local force introduction at support points is required, since such support points are generally no longer present with the approach described here.

[0055] • Furthermore, the approach described here also offers the possibility of reducing CO2 emissions during the production of a passenger transport system. This is due to the fact that the majority of steel in the escalator, which is traditionally required to manufacture trusses, is eliminated. On the other hand, recent studies have shown that concrete absorbs significant amounts of CO2 through the process of natural aging and erosion. A further reduction in CO2 emissions can be achieved during transport due to the potential weight reduction, as fewer containers may be required, for example. This has a positive impact on the CO2 footprint of both the escalator and the building.

[0056] • A concrete structure acting as a receiving structure can be advantageously protected against the penetration of oils and greases by simple suitable plastic films or solvent-resistant paints.

[0057] • Higher balustrade stiffnesses can be achieved because balustrade components and parts that are normally connected to the truss can be connected to the provided supporting structure, which is considered to be rigid, for example in the form of a concrete structure.

[0058] • In addition, the on-site construction of the provided support structure offers the planning architectural office considerable design freedom, so that the corresponding building area is not dominated by the essentially box-shaped design of conventional passenger transport systems.

[0059] It should be noted that some of the possible features and advantages of the invention are described herein with reference to different embodiments of the installation method described herein, on the one hand, and with reference to a correspondingly configured device, on the other. A person skilled in the art will recognize that the features can be combined, transferred, adapted, or exchanged as appropriate to achieve further embodiments of the invention that fall within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0060] Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein neither the drawings nor the description are to be construed as limiting the invention.

[0061] Figure 1 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a passenger transport system during a surveying stage of an installation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the passenger transport system from Figure 1. Figure 3 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a passenger transport system during an assembly stage of an installation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the passenger transport system from Figure 3.

[0064] Figure 5 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a passenger transport system installed with an installation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the passenger transport system from Figure 5.

[0066] The figures are merely schematic and not to scale. Like reference numerals denote like or equivalent features.

[0067] Figures 1 and 2 show a passenger transport system 1 in the form of an escalator during an initial stage of an installation process. Figures 3 and 4 show the passenger transport system 1 during a later stage of the installation process. Details of the installation process are explained below.

[0068] The fully installed passenger transport system 1 is shown highly schematically in Figures 5 and 6. It comprises a circulating conveyor belt 7 with several interconnected step units 37, by means of which people (not shown) can be transported between floors in a building 5 along a transport path 9. At opposite ends of the transport path 9 there are access areas 39, via which people can enter or exit the conveyor belt 7. At opposite ends of the transport path 9, the conveyor belt 7 is deflected. On both sides of the conveyor belt 7 and parallel to it, balustrades are usually arranged, each of which has a handrail arranged for circumferential movement (not shown in the figures for reasons of clarity).

[0069] In contrast to most conventional passenger transport systems, the passenger transport system 1 described herein does not have a supporting structure in the form of a conventional truss structure, via which the weight of the passenger transport system, including the load acting on it, is transferred to end supports in the building 5. Instead, the building 5 has a support structure 3 integrally incorporated therein, on which the passenger transport system 1 is installed and held.

[0070] In the example shown, this provided support structure 3 is designed as an elongated, U-shaped trough made of concrete reinforced with reinforcing iron. The provided support structure 3 is designed, on the one hand, to support the weight and the load acting on it of the passenger transport system 1 and, on the other hand, serves to allow support components 11 to be suitably attached thereto, by means of which the conveyor belt 7 can be adequately held, supported, and / or guided along the transport path. The support components 11 together form a support structure 51 for the passenger transport system 1.

[0071] In the example shown in Figures 5 and 6 in a highly simplified manner, the supporting components 11 include, among others:

[0072] (i) guide rails 41, for example in the form of elongated metal profiles, along which the tread units 37 of the conveyor belt 7 are guided along the transport path 9;

[0073] (ii) vertical beams 43, for example in the form of mechanically highly resilient profiles, which hold the guide rails 41 and position them at a predetermined distance from one another;

[0074] (iii) adapter components 45, for example in the form of shims, which serve as intermediate pieces between the spars 43 and the provided support structure 3 and which are adapted to the geometric and / or structural conditions of the provided support structure 3; and

[0075] (iv) Anchors 47, for example in the form of bolts or screws, by means of which the adapter components 45 are anchored in bores 49 (see also Figure 4) as anchoring structure 21, in the provided receptacle structure 3.

[0076] The various support components 11 can be interconnected to form a support structure 51 in order to transfer loads from the conveyor belt 7 to the provided support structure 3. However, the support structure 51 can be designed to be significantly simpler and, in particular, lighter than conventional support structures in the form of self-supporting and load-bearing truss structures. Some of the support components 11, such as the guide rails 41 and the beams 43, can be provided as standard components, such as those used in many different passenger transport systems 1.Other support components 11, such as the adapter components 45 and possibly also the anchors 47, can, however, be kept in various configurations in a kind of assortment, so that individually suitable support components 11 of this type can be selected from the assortment for the installation of a specific passenger transport system, in order to be able to take into account, in particular, individual conditions in the receiving structure 3 provided in the building 5.

[0077] It should be noted that both the provided receiving structure 3 and the support structure 51 formed from various support components 11 for holding, supporting, and / or guiding the conveyor belt 7 are shown only in a highly schematic manner in the figures. In real applications, a variety of different support components 11 can be used to form the support structure 51. In particular, different adapter components 45, for example in the form of mounting brackets, consoles, shims, differently dimensioned concrete anchors, etc., can be kept in stock and used for the individual installation of the passenger transport system 1. Adapter components that can be used in a similar manner are described, among other things, in the applicant's earlier patent application WO 2020 / 038915 A1.

[0078] To manufacture or install the passenger transport system 1, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the support structure 3 already present in the building 5 is first measured to determine its geometric and / or structural data. For this purpose, a device 23 has a special measuring device 25.

[0079] The measuring device 25 is configured to automatically measure surfaces of the provided receiving structure 3 in order to determine the desired geometric data in this way. For this purpose, the measuring device 25 can, for example, have a 3D scanner 53 which can, for example, determine distances to the surfaces of the provided receiving structure 3 using laser beams 56 or a TOF camera. In this way, for example, a distance d between opposite legs of the U-shaped receiving structure 3 can be determined, wherein this distance can vary locally along the longitudinal extent of the provided receiving structure 3, for example due to manufacturing tolerances. By measuring, for example, unevenness 55 on surfaces of the provided receiving structure 3 can be detected and determined with regard to their dimensions.

[0080] The measuring device 25 can further be configured to detect internal or hidden structures within the provided receiving structure 3, such as iron reinforcements 57 (shown in Figures 1 and 2 only as an example in dashed lines) and preferably to measure them with regard to their position, orientation and / or dimensions in order to then determine the desired structural data.

[0081] To measure the entire provided support structure 3, the measuring device 25 can be designed as a movable carriage or slide and have a drive 33, by means of which the measuring device 25 can be successively moved along the longitudinal extent of the provided support structure 3, i.e. along the transport path 9 to be spanned by the passenger transport system 1. As schematically illustrated in Figure 1, the drive 33 can, for example, be in the form of a winch rotated by a motor, onto which a cable 59, which is fixed in an upper region to the provided support structure 3 or adjacent parts of the building 5, can be successively wound.

[0082] The determined geometric data and / or structural data can then be used to select suitable support components 11 (see Figures 5 and 6) from a plurality of available support components 11 in order to use them to hold, support, and / or guide the conveyor belt 7 in the desired manner on the provided receiving structure 3. Furthermore, the geometric data and / or structural data can be analyzed or taken into account in order to determine, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, suitable fixing positions 13 on the provided receiving structure 3 to which support components 11 can be attached.The fixing positions 13 can be selected such that, on the one hand, the supporting components 11 and the components of the conveyor belt 7 connected thereto are held in the desired manner relative to the provided receiving structure 3 and, on the other hand, for example, no anchorages of supporting components 11 are arranged such that they collide with iron reinforcements 57 in the provided receiving structure 3.

[0083] In order to be able to select the support components 11 appropriately and to determine the fixing positions 13 appropriately, the device 23 has a data processing device 27. The data processing device 27 can in principle be accommodated directly in the measuring device 25 or be coupled to it.

[0084] Alternatively, the data processing device 27 can be part of a processing device 15 located remotely from the passenger transport system 1. If necessary, the device 23 can have a data communication device 31 to enable data exchange with the remote processing device 15.

[0085] A digital Z-willing data set 17 can be stored in the assembly device 15, in which data on the properties of the passenger transport system 1 to be installed are stored. For example, information on the dimensions of the various available support components 11, in particular, for example, on the positions of the stop points, bores, etc. provided thereon, can be stored in the digital Z-willing data set 17.

[0086] Based on the one hand on the geometric data and / or structural data of the provided receiving structure 3 and on the other hand on the information stored in the digital Z willing data set 17, both suitable fixing positions 13 along the provided receiving structure 3 and suitable supporting components 11 in order to be able to connect the conveyor belt 7 to these fixing positions 13 can then be determined.

[0087] Subsequently, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the selected support components 11 can be provided and fixed to the provided receiving structure 3 at the respectively assigned fixing positions 13. For this purpose, the device 23 has a fixing device 29. In the example shown, the fixing device 29 comprises a robot 19. The robot 19 has several arms that can be moved relative to one another, at the end of which an anchoring tool 61 is held, for example in the form of a drilling device 63. The fixing device 29 also has a drive 35 similar to the drive 33 of the measuring device 25, by means of which the fixing device 29 can be successively displaced longitudinally along the provided receiving structure 3.

[0088] Using the drilling device 63, the robot 19 can create a suitable bore 49 as an anchoring structure 21 at each of the previously determined fixing positions 13, for example, in the side walls of the provided receiving structure 3. Support components 11 in the form of dowels, concrete anchors, bolts, screws, and the like serving as anchors 47 can then be inserted, for example, screwed, into such bores 49. Further support components 11, for example, in the form of adapter components 45 such as shims, which have been suitably selected for the individual, provided receiving structure 3, can then be attached to these anchors 47. Finally, support components 11 in the form of standard components such as the beams 43 and guide rails 41 can be attached to these.

[0089] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "having," "comprising," etc., do not exclude other elements or steps, and terms such as "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for installing a passenger transport system (1) in the form of an escalator or a moving walkway on a provided support structure (3) which is integrated in a building (5) for holding the passenger transport system (1), the passenger transport system (1) comprising: - a conveyor belt (7) for transporting persons along a transport path (9), - a plurality of support components (11) for holding, supporting and / or guiding the conveyor belt (7) along the transport path (9) relative to the provided receiving structure (3), the method comprising: Determining geometric data and / or structural data of the provided receiving structure (3) by automated measurement of the provided receiving structure (3) by means of a measuring device (25), Automated selection of support components (11) from a plurality of available support components (11) which are provided for holding, supporting and / or guiding the conveyor belt (7) relative to the provided receiving structure (3) at a plurality of different fixing positions (13) along the transport path (9), and automated determination of a plurality of different fixing positions (13) along the provided receiving structure (3) taking into account the determined geometric data and / or structural data and based on properties of the selected support components (11), and Fixing the selected support components (11) at a respectively assigned fixing position (13) of the plurality of determined fixing positions (13) on the provided receiving structure (3).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the determined geometric data and / or structural data of the provided receiving structure (3) are transmitted to a packaging device (15) in which a digital Z willing data set (17) is stored, in which data on properties of the passenger transport system (1) to be installed are stored, wherein furthermore the plurality of different fixing positions (13) along the transport path (9) at which the supporting components (11) are to be fixed are determined taking into account data from the digital Z willing data set (17).

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising selecting the support components (11) taking into account data from the digital Z willing data set (17).

4. Method according to one of claims 2 and 3, wherein information on the selected support components (11) and / or the determined fixing positions (13) is further stored in the digital Z willing data set (17).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the geometric data and / or structural data are determined by successively measuring the provided receiving structure (3) at each of the plurality of different fixing positions (139) along the transport path (9).

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the measuring device (25) for measuring is successively displaced on the provided receiving structure (3) along the transport path (9).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the selected support components (11) are automatically fixed at the respectively assigned fixing position (13) of the plurality of different fixing positions (13) on the provided receiving structure (3) by means of a robot (19).

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the robot (19) is successively displaced on the provided receiving structure (3) along the transport path (9) and an anchoring structure (21) is created at the respective fixing position (13).

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein the robot (19) fixes the associated support component (11) to the anchoring structure (21) immediately after the creation of the anchoring structure (21).

10. Device (23) for installing a passenger transport system (1) in the form of an escalator or a moving walkway on a provided support structure (3) which is integrated in a building (5) for holding the passenger transport system (1), wherein the passenger transport system (1) comprises: - a conveyor belt (7) for transporting persons along a transport path (9), - a plurality of support components (11) for holding, supporting and / or guiding the conveyor belt (7) relative to the provided receiving structure (3), characterized in that the device (23) comprises: a measuring device (25) for determining geometric data and / or structural data of the provided receiving structure (3) by automated measurement of the provided receiving structure (3), a data processing device (27) for automatically selecting support components (11) from a plurality of available support components (11), which are provided for holding, supporting and / or guiding the conveyor belt (7) relative to the provided receiving structure (3) at a plurality of different fixing positions (13) along the transport path (9),and for the automated determination of a plurality of different fixing positions (13) along the provided receiving structure (3) taking into account the determined geometric data and / or structural data and based on properties of the selected support components (11), and a fixing device (29) for fixing the selected support components (11) at a respectively assigned fixing position (13) of the plurality of determined fixing positions (13) on the provided receiving structure (3).

11. Device according to claim 10, further comprising: a data communication device (31) for transmitting data, in particular the determined geometry data and / or structure data of the provided Recording structure (3), to a packaging device (15) in which a digital Z willing data set (17) is stored, in which data on properties of the passenger transport system (1) to be installed are stored, and / or for receiving data from the packaging device (15).

12. Device according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the measuring device (25) has a drive (33) for displacing the measuring device (25) on the provided receiving structure (3) along the transport path (9).

13. Device according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the fixing device (29) comprises a robot (19) for the automated fixing of the selected support components (11) at the respectively assigned fixing position (13) of the plurality of different fixing positions (13) on the provided receiving structure (3).

14. Device according to claim 13, wherein the fixing device (29) has a drive (35) for displacing the fixing device (29) on the provided receiving structure (3) along the transport path (9) and wherein the robot (19) is further configured to produce an anchoring structure (21) at the respective fixing position (13).

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the robot (19) is further configured to fix a support component (11) associated with the produced anchoring structure (21) to the anchoring structure (21).

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