Method and apparatus for measuring handrail drive forces

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for measuring a handrail drive force and to an associated measuring method. The apparatus (1) has a first clamping attachment (11) which comprises an optically detectable scale (15) and a force measuring device (17) having an optically detectable force indicator (19). Furthermore, the apparatus (1) has a second clamping attachment (21) with a holder (25), wherein the holder (25) is designed to align an optical sensor (27) of a recording device (29) and / or an optical marking device (79) with the scale (15) and the force indicator (19) when, with the apparatus (1) arranged as intended, the first clamping attachment (11) is arranged on a first movable handrail (93) and the second clamping attachment (21) is arranged on a second movable handrail (93) of an escalator (91) or of a moving walkway (81) opposite one another.

Description

[0001] Method and device for measuring handrail driving forces

[0002] The invention relates to a device for measuring the handrail drive force of an escalator or a moving walkway, a method for assembling such a device and a method for measuring a handrail drive force.

[0003] Escalators and moving walkways are used to transport people and their belongings in buildings such as train stations, subway stations, airports, shopping centers, department stores, and other similar structures. Escalators and moving walkways utilize a continuously movable and walkable conveyor belt. To protect people from falls during the journey, escalators and moving walkways feature balustrades on both sides of the conveyor belt, each with a handrail arranged around it. Handrails typically have a C-shaped cross-section. Their leading strand is guided by a T-shaped guide profile rigidly attached to the balustrade, with the guide profile positioned in the inner cross-section of the handrail. The returning strand is guided back, concealed from the passengers, within a balustrade base.The two handrails must be driven at a synchronous speed to the conveyor belt in accordance with the relevant standards such as ENI 15-2 and ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers).

[0004] As disclosed, for example, in EP 2 931 645 B1, a handrail is driven by a handrail drive wheel arranged inside the escalator or moving walkway. This wheel transmits its drive torque and drive movement to the inside of the C-shaped handrail by means of a frictional connection. To ensure sufficient frictional connection between the handrail drive wheel and the handrail, the handrail, or rather the handrail belt, is pretensioned by a handrail tensioning device and / or at least one pressure roller is provided that presses the handrail against the handrail drive wheel. Linear drive systems for handrails also exist. One such linear drive system is disclosed, for example, in WO2016 / 083049A1.

[0005] Most regulations, such as the ENI 15-2 standard, prohibit handrail speeds that are slower than the conveyor belt speed. The US standard ASME A17.1-2019 / CSA B44-16 also requires that the rated speed of the handrail must not be changed by a braking force of 450 N applied to the handrail. To verify this force limit of 450 N, a device is used to periodically measure the force required to overcome the frictional engagement between the handrail and the handrail drive wheel on each handrail. This force is also referred to as the handrail drive force.

[0006] JP2628545B2 discloses a device for measuring handrail drive force. A loose clamping device with a force measuring device is attached to the handrail to be measured. As soon as the handrail reaches its rated speed, the clamping device is activated and clamps itself onto the handrail. The maintenance worker standing on the stationary floor covering then pulls on the device against the direction of handrail movement, with the force value of the force indicator increasing until the handrail slips past the handrail drive wheel. The force at which the handrail slips can now be read from the force indicator. This measurement method leads to various problems. The maintenance worker standing on the stationary access area experiences a hefty blow to the arm when the clamping device engages and is pulled along by the handrail.Furthermore, the measurement is inaccurate because the displayed force value can increase when the handrail slips if the friction conditions change due to various physical influences, such as the frictional heat generated during slipping. Furthermore, this measurement method cannot determine exactly at which force value slipping begins.

[0007] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a measuring device and a measuring method that can be carried out therewith, which enables a more precise measurement of the handrail driving force and does not endanger the health of the maintenance person.

[0008] This object is achieved by a device for measuring a handrail drive force. The device has a first clamping attachment and a second clamping attachment. The first clamping attachment is provided with a handrail clamping device, an optically detectable scale, and a force measuring device. The force measuring device comprises an optically detectable force indicator. The force measuring device is arranged between the handrail clamping device and a tension element, with the scale and the force indicator being arranged on the same side of the first clamping attachment and facing to the side. The second clamping attachment is provided with a handrail clamping device and a holder.The holder is designed to align an optical sensor of a recording device and / or an optical marking device laterally in such a way that the scale and the force display can be detected by the optical sensor, or the optical marking device is aligned with the scale when, in the intended arrangement of the device, the first clamping attachment and the second clamping attachment are arranged opposite one another. Specifically, the intended arrangement of the device consists in the first clamping attachment being arranged opposite one another on a first movable handrail and the second clamping attachment being arranged opposite one another on a second movable handrail of an escalator or moving walkway. A smartphone, a digital camera with serial image capture, a video camera, a film camera, or the like can be used as the recording device, for example.Of course, a recording device specially developed for the device can also be used.

[0009] Mounting the aforementioned device on the two movable handrails of an escalator or moving walkway is very simple. The first clamp attachment is clamped to the first of the two handrails using its handrail clamping device, with the scale and force indicator facing sideways, toward the second of the two handrails. Furthermore, a tension element is attached to the force measuring device. The second clamp attachment is clamped to the second of the two handrails, opposite the first clamp attachment, using its handrail clamping device. Furthermore, a recording device is attached to the holder such that its optical sensor is aligned sideways toward the scale and force indicator. Alternatively, or in combination with the recording device, an optical marking device can be attached to the holder such that it is aligned with the scale.The optical marking device can be a simple rod made of a lightweight material, approximately the same length as the conveyor belt's width, so that its tip can glide over the scale surface without contact, just a few inches from it. However, a much more practical option is to use a laser pointer as the marking device, directing its visible light beam onto the scale.

[0010] Once the above-mentioned assembly steps have been completed, measurement of the handrail drive force of the handrail to which the first clamp attachment is attached can begin. First, the recording device starts recording via an input device. The maintenance person stands on the conveyor belt of the escalator or moving walkway and grasps the tension element. The escalator or moving walkway is then started, setting the conveyor belt and handrails in motion. Once a nominal speed has been reached, the maintenance person pulls on the tension element against the direction of movement of the handrails until the force display shows a force value that corresponds to a predefined force limit. The maintenance person can also increase the tensile force on the tension element above the predefined force limit, for example until the handrail slips.The escalator or moving walkway and the recording device are then stopped. The recordings can then be evaluated.

[0011] If only one optical marking device is present, the starting position marked by the optical marking device on the scale is first determined. A maintenance person then grasps the pull element while standing on a conveyor belt of the escalator or moving walkway. The escalator or moving walkway is then started, setting the conveyor belt and handrails in motion. After reaching a nominal speed, the maintenance person pulls on the pull element in the opposite direction of movement of the handrails until the force indicator shows a force value that corresponds to a predefined force limit. The escalator or moving walkway is then stopped, and a check is made to see whether the marking device on the scale is still pointing to the starting position.

[0012] Since the second handrail moves synchronously and without load with the second clamping attachment and the recording device and / or the marking device, the start of a relative displacement of the first clamping attachment to the second clamping attachment can be determined using the scale. In this case, the scale recorded on the recording shifts, for example, to the edge of the image. Reading is even easier if, for example, a marking is copied into the recording or is rigidly arranged in relation to the second clamping attachment or, if an optical marking device is also used, the positions marked on the scale. The start of this relative displacement marks the point in time at which the frictional connection between the handrail drive wheel and the handrail is overcome and the handrail begins to slip.If the second handrail is not completely synchronized with the first handrail before the force is applied, this can also be read off the scale. In this case, the asynchronous movement component is preferably determined using the nominal speed, the recording time, and the displacement on the scale, and one of the two handrails is then resynchronized. Then, as described above, another measurement can be performed while applying a force to the tension element. Alternatively, the asynchronous movement component can also be "subtracted" by examining the recordings for a sudden increase in displacement; this sudden increase indicates the onset of slipping. If no sudden increase in displacement is detectable, no slipping has occurred.

[0013] The force value, also recorded on the recording, can be read and compared with the standard limit values, for example, the force limit of 45 ON mentioned above. If the force value is too low, the maintenance person must inspect the handrail drive and take appropriate measures. Possible measures include cleaning the handrail drive wheel and the handrail, replacing the component that ensures frictional engagement (the elastomer bandage) of the handrail drive wheel, increasing the handrail preload using the handrail tensioning device, increasing the contact force of the handrail drive's contact rollers, or similar measures. In principle, it is not important if the force value is significantly higher than the force limit of 45 ON. If it is consistently very high, the design of the handrail drive can be revised and made more cost-effective, for example, by eliminating one of the contact rollers.After the measurements and, if necessary, cleaning and / or adjustment work on the handrail drive of the first handrail have been completed, the first clamping attachment on the escalator or moving walkway is swapped with the second clamping attachment so that the handrail drive force can be measured on the second handrail.

[0014] As previously described, the maintenance person rides along when the escalator is started. This prevents sudden loads on the maintenance person's body. In addition, the force is applied to the tension element in accordance with the standard at the rated speed. This prevents the clamp from engaging during the acceleration phase, as is possible, for example, with the measurement method known from JP2628545B2, which could lead to incorrect measurement results. Since the onset of slipping is clearly visible on the recorded scale and the applied force up to the point of slipping is recorded on each image or frame of the recording (film, video film, series of quickly captured images, etc.), the force value can be read off the first image or frame, which, based on the scale, shows a relative movement to the previously recorded images or frames.If only an optical marking device is available instead of the recording device, the maintenance person traveling with the vehicle can easily determine when the light point moves on the scale and read the corresponding force value on the force display.

[0015] The handrail clamping device comprises a guide block and two clamping jaws. The clamping jaws are arranged parallel to each other on the guide block with respect to the handrail to be accommodated. A passage for the handrail to be accommodated is provided between the two clamping jaws, with at least one of the clamping jaws being movably arranged on the guide block. Furthermore, the handrail clamping device has at least one clamping element arranged between the guide block and the movable clamping jaw. The handrail clamping device is placed onto the handrail of an escalator or moving walkway with the clamping element released, so that the handrail is arranged in the passage. By tightening the clamping element, the two clamping jaws clamp a handrail arranged in the passage.

[0016] In one version of the handrail clamping device, both clamping jaws are movably guided on the guide block. In addition, they are guided with respect to a main orientation by guides arranged at an angle to each other. Two main orientations of the guides are possible, which differ functionally. The main orientation of the guide is the direction in which the guide mainly extends; however, the guide direction of the guide does not have to be parallel to the main orientation. If the main orientation of the guides is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the passage, the two lateral beads of the handrail are primarily clamped. Although the assembly and disassembly of such clamping attachments is more complex, higher clamping forces can be applied to the two beads of the handrail without squeezing them together and jamming them to the internal handrail guide.

[0017] If the main alignment of the guides is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the passage, the handrail is compressed by the clamps from both sides. Installation and removal of such clamp attachments is very simple and can be completed very quickly. However, excessive clamping forces can cause the handrail to compress and jam on the guide rails. The design of the handrail and the clamping force to be applied therefore determine which main alignment of the guides is suitable.

[0018] In another embodiment of the device, the clamping element has a screw thread and / or a spring element. A clamping element with a screw thread can easily generate a clamping force. A spring element is suitable when a low clamping force is sufficient to hold the clamping attachment and the clamping jaw is to be operated manually to clamp the clamping attachment to or release it from the handrail.

[0019] In another embodiment of the device, an insert or coating made of elastomer material is arranged in the passage. This insert increases the static friction between the clamping attachment and the handrail clamped in the passage. The insert can also have a profile structure such as ribs and grooves to further increase adhesion. Styrene-butadiene rubber, polyurethane, foam rubber, nitrile rubber, or similar materials can be used as the elastomer material.

[0020] In another embodiment of the device, the tension element is part of the device. This has the advantage that the tension element is adapted to a connection, such as an eyelet of the force measuring device. The tension element can be a simple rope, a rope loop, a sling, a harness, or the like. The tension element can have a grip, a handle, a hook, or the like.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the device, the holder has a receiving recess and fastening means that are adapted to at least one optical recording device and / or at least one optical marking device. Clamping fingers, support bases, rubber bands, fastening holes, eyelets, or the like can be used as fastening means. The receiving recess serves to maintain a partial positive connection between the holder and the optical recording device or the optical marking device. Damping elements, for example made of styrene-butadiene rubber, polyurethane, foam rubber, nitrile rubber, or the like, can also be arranged in the receiving recess and / or on the fastening means.

[0022] If the device comprises a recording device with an optical sensor, the recording device can also include application software that provides a start / stop control panel on a screen of the recording device as an input device for operating the optical sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the application software can provide a time-trigger function for operating the optical sensor or enable wireless communication with a manual trigger device arranged on the tension element or force measuring device for operating the optical sensor.

[0023] In a further development of the device, the recording device can provide wireless communication with a control system of the escalator or moving walkway. This allows the control system of the escalator or moving walkway to be controlled via the start / stop control panel, the timer function, or the manual release device.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the device, the application software provides a function by which a position mark can be copied into the recordings of the optical sensor. The copied position mark facilitates the detection of displacements of the recording device relative to the scale recorded in the recording.

[0025] The methods for measuring handrail drive force described above can be supplemented by further process steps. For example, by the further process step of automated processing of the images. Here, a position of the scale is registered on consecutively recorded frames of the image using known image processing algorithms. In addition, the force values ​​shown on the force display and recorded on the frames are assigned to the frames and read out using an optical character recognition algorithm. From the registered positions and read out force values, digitally processable measurement data is generated by pairwise assignment. This data shows the position of the scale and the read out force value for each frame or for selected frames of a image.

[0026] In a further process step, the measurement data can be stored in a memory element of a control system of the associated escalator or moving walkway, or in the recording device. This makes the measurement data available for subsequent measurements. The measurement data from the most recent tests can then be compared with the older measurement data retrieved from the memory element, and any changes can be determined.

[0027] Devices for measuring the handrail drive force of an escalator or moving walkway, a method for assembling such a device, and a method for measuring a handrail drive force are explained in more detail below using examples and with reference to the drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used for identical components throughout the figures. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure A schematic, three-dimensional view of an escalator with a device for measuring the handrail drive force with a first clamping attachment and a second clamping attachment;

[0029] Figure 2: schematic side view of the first clamping attachment shown in Figure 1;

[0030] Figure 3: schematic front view of the first clamping attachment shown in Figure 2;

[0031] Figure 4: a schematic, three-dimensional view of the second clamping attachment shown in Figure 1 with a recording device;

[0032] Figure 5: a schematic, three-dimensional view of the second clamp attachment shown in Figure 4 without a recording device;

[0033] Figure 6: in a schematic, three-dimensional view of two handrails of a moving walkway with a device for measuring the handrail drive force with a first clamping attachment and a second clamping attachment.

[0034] Figure 1 shows a schematic, three-dimensional view of an escalator 91. This escalator connects a lower floor E1 of a building 99 with an upper floor E2 of the building 99. The escalator 91 has a starting area 97 on each of the floors E1, E2. A circumferentially arranged conveyor belt 92 extends between the starting areas 97. Both the starting areas 97 and the conveyor belt 92 are accessible and are bordered on both long sides by balustrades 94. These balustrades 94 each have a circumferential handrail 93, the rotational speed of which is coordinated or synchronized with the rotational speed of the conveyor belt 92. A device 1 for measuring the handrail drive force is arranged on the two handrails 93. This device has a first clamping attachment 11 and a second clamping attachment 21.

[0035] Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of the first clamping attachment 11 shown in Figure 1 and Figure 4 shows a schematic, three-dimensional view of the second clamping attachment 21 shown in Figure 1 with a recording device 29. Figures 1, 2 and 4 are described together below.

[0036] The first clamping attachment 11 has a handrail clamping device 13 with an optically detectable scale 15 and a force measuring device 17. The first clamping attachment 11 is clamped to the first of the two handrails 93 by means of the handrail clamping device 13. The force measuring device 17 comprises an optically detectable force indicator 19. The force measuring device 17 is arranged between the handrail clamping device 13 and a tension element 3. Preferably, the tension element 3 is detachably connected to the force measuring device 17. The force measuring device 17 can be integrated into the handrail clamping device 13 or can also be detachably connected to it. The optically detectable scale 15 and the force indicator 19 are arranged on the same side S of the first clamping attachment 11 and directed towards the side, or towards the second of the two handrails 93. The tension element 3 can be part of the device 1.The pulling element 3 can also have a handle 5 or a loop 9 (see Figure 2).

[0037] The second clamping attachment 21 (see also Figure 5) is provided with a handrail clamping device 23 and a holder 25. The second clamping attachment 21 is clamped to the second of the two handrails 93 by means of the handrail clamping device 23. The holder 25 is designed to align an optical sensor 27 of a recording device 29 to the side or towards the first of the two handrails 93 in such a way that the scale 15 and the force indicator 19 of the first clamping attachment 11 can be detected by the optical sensor 27. In other words, the intended arrangement of the device 1 is that the first clamping attachment 11 is arranged opposite one another on a first movable handrail 93 and the second clamping attachment 21 is arranged opposite one another on a second movable handrail 93 of an escalator 91 or a moving walkway 81 (see Figure 6).

[0038] The device 1 or the holder 25 of the second clamp attachment 21 can be designed to accommodate a commercially available recording device 29, such as a smartphone or a film camera. However, the recording device 29 can also be developed and built specifically for the device 1. In addition to the optical sensor 27, the recording device 29 comprises application software 31 stored in a memory element 45 of the recording device 29. The application software 31 has various program components so that different functions can be called up. One of these functions is the provision of an input device 33 (see Figure 4) on a screen 35 of the recording device 29. For this purpose, the application software 31 generates a start / stop control panel 37 for operating the optical sensor 27. The application software 31 can also provide a time-trigger function 39 for operating the optical sensor 27.If the recording device 29 has hardware components for wireless signal transmission such as Bluetooth (not shown), the application software 31 can provide wireless communication 42 with a manual trigger device 7 arranged on the tension element 3 or the force measuring device 17 for operating the optical sensor 27.

[0039] The application software 31 of the recording device 29 can optionally also provide wireless communication 42 with a control 95 of the escalator 91 or the moving walk 81, wherein travel and travel stop commands can be transmitted to the control 95 of the escalator 91 or the moving walk 81 via the start / stop control panel 37 or the timer function 39 or the manual release device 7.

[0040] With a device 1 correctly mounted according to the above description, for example, the method for measuring handrail drive forces described below can be carried out.

[0041] In a first step, the recording of images 43 by the recording device 29 is started via the input device 33. A maintenance person 9 then stands on the conveyor belt 92 of the escalator 91 or the moving walkway 81 and grasps the tension element 3. The escalator 91 or the moving walkway 81 is then started, and the conveyor belt 92 and the handrails 93 are thus set in motion VB. As soon as a nominal speed VN predetermined in the control system 95 is reached, the maintenance person 9 pulls on the tension element 3 against the direction of movement VR of the handrails 93 until the force display 19 shows a force value Kw that corresponds to or exceeds a predefined force limit value KG. The force limit value KG can be stored in the memory element 45 and, for example, displayed on the screen 35 as an orientation aid during the measurement.As soon as the maintenance person 9 reads a force value Kw on the force display 19 that exceeds the force limit value KG, he stops the escalator 91 or the moving walk 81 and the recording of recordings 43, for example by entering it again on the recording device 29.

[0042] This stopping can also be automated, for example if the force measuring device 17 also has a communication device (not shown) and sends a corresponding signal to the recording device 29 when the force limit value KG is exceeded, or if the time-trigger function 39 initiates stopping after a preset time. The recordings 43 are then evaluated, for example by the maintenance person 9 reviewing the individual frames 47 of the recording 43 and, based on the position of the scale 15 on successively recorded frames 47 and the recorded force value Kw, determining whether or not a displacement of the two handrails 92 relative to one another has occurred when the force value Kw is less than the force limit value KG.

[0043] If the application software 31 is programmed accordingly, the evaluation described above can also be performed automatically. In this case, the application software 31 has suitable image processing algorithms 49 to perform automated processing of the images 43. Such image processing algorithms 49 are well known from graphics programs and photo editing programs and are therefore not described in detail. Using these image processing algorithms 49, a position of the scale 15 is registered on successively recorded frames 47 of the image 43, and the force values ​​Kw displayed on the force indicator 19 and recorded on the frames 47 are assigned to the frames 47 and read out using an OCR (optical character recognition) algorithm.From this, digitally processable measurement data MD can be generated, which contain the position of the scale 15 and the read-out force value Kw for each frame 47 or for selected frames 47 of a recording 43. By an automated comparison of the measurement data MD of consecutive frames 47, the beginning of a displacement of the scale 15 to the image edge 48 of the frame 47 or to a copied position mark 41 (see Figure 4) is determined and the associated force value Kw is output and / or compared with the force limit value KG and a suitable message is output to the maintenance person 9 via the screen 35. Preferably, the measurement data MD are stored in the memory element of the controller 95 of the associated escalator 91 or the associated moving walkway 81 or in the memory element 45 of the recording device 29.

[0044] As Figure 2 shows, the first clamping attachment 11 has a handrail clamping device 13, the schematic front view of which is shown in Figure 3. Figures 2 and 3 are described together below, with the handrail clamping device 13 shown being only one of many possible embodiments. This handrail clamping device 11 essentially comprises a guide block 51 and two clamping jaws 52. The clamping jaws 52 are arranged parallel to one another on the guide block 51 with respect to the handrail 93 to be accommodated, so that a passage 57 for the handrail 93 to be accommodated is present between the two clamping jaws 52.

[0045] As can be seen from Figure 3, the two clamping jaws 52 are guided in the guide block 51 by means of guides 53 so as to be linearly movable, with a main orientation LHA of the guides 53 extending orthogonally to a longitudinal axis LA of the passage 57. The guides 53 are arranged at an angle a to one another with respect to this main orientation LHA. This has the advantage that different sizes of handrails 93 can be securely clamped in this handrail clamping device 13. It can also be seen from Figure 3 that primarily the two lateral beads 96 of the handrail 93 are clamped. Although the assembly and disassembly of such clamping attachments 11 is more complex than the clamping attachments with the clamping devices described below, higher clamping forces can be applied to the two dimensionally stable beads 96 of the handrail 93 without them being squeezed together and fixed to the internal handrail guide 98.

[0046] The handrail clamping device 13 has a clamping element 54 in the area of ​​each guide 53, which is arranged between the guide block 51 and the movable clamping jaw 52. In the present embodiment, the clamping element 54 is a screw with a screw thread 58 and a screw nut 55. To achieve the best possible frictional connection between the handrail clamping device 13 and the handrail 93 clamped therein, an insert 56 or coating made of elastomer material is arranged in the passage 57. This insert also has a profile structure to achieve a higher surface pressure against the surface of the handrail 93. The insert 56 is preferably made of styrene-butadiene rubber, polyurethane, foam rubber, or the like.

[0047] The handrail clamping device 23 of the second clamping attachment 21, shown in Figure 4, also has a guide block 61 and two clamping jaws 62, 63. One of the two clamping jaws 63 is firmly connected to the guide block 61 (see Figure 5). The other clamping jaw 62 is guided in the guide block 61 for linear displacement by means of guides 64, which are more clearly visible in Figure 5. Figures 4 and 5 are described together below, as they show the same handrail clamping device 23, but with two alternative clamping elements 65, 67 shown. The clamping element 65 shown in Figure 4 has a screw 69 and a spring element 66 (helical compression spring). By screwing the screw 69 into the guide block 61, the spring element 66 arranged between the screw head 68 of the screw 69 and the clamping jaw 62 is preloaded and thereby the clamping jaw 62 is pressed against the guide block 61.When this clamp attachment 21 is placed on the handrail 93, the clamping jaws 62, 63 are pushed apart and automatically clamp the handrail 93 arranged in the passage 57. This handrail clamping device 23 can thus be very easily mounted on or removed from the handrail 93.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4 on the screen 35 of the recording device 29, the application software 31 described above provides a function by which a position mark 41 can be copied into the receptacle 43 of the optical sensor 27. The copied position mark 41 facilitates the detection of displacements of the recording device 29 relative to the scale 15 accommodated in the receptacle 43.

[0049] The clamping element 67 shown in Figure 5 is a standard knurled screw. A handrail clamping device 23 equipped with these clamping elements 67 is clamped to the handrail 93 in a manner similar to the function of a vice.

[0050] A holder 25 for a recording device 29 is arranged on the guide block 61. In Figure 4, a mobile phone is inserted into the holder 25 as an optical recording device 29. As can be seen more clearly in Figure 5, the holder 25 has a receiving recess 71 and three finger-shaped fastening means 73 which are adapted to the optical recording device 29. The receiving recess 71 and the fastening means 73 are provided with damping elements 72, 74. Such damping elements 72, 74 can be made of foam rubber, for example, and dampen the vibrations acting on the recording device during the measurement process.

[0051] 29 acting vibrations.

[0052] Figure 6 shows a schematic, three-dimensional view of two handrails 93 of a moving walkway 81. A device 1 for measuring the handrail drive force is clamped to these by means of a first clamping attachment 11 and a second clamping attachment 21. In this embodiment of the device 1, both clamping attachments 11, 21 have an identically designed handrail clamping device 83. Each has a guide block 84 and two clamping jaws 85. Between the two clamping jaws 85, a passage 57 for the handrail 93 is provided. The clamping jaws 85 are guided with respect to a main orientation LHA by guides 86 arranged at an angle to one another. The main orientation LHA corresponds to the longitudinal axis LA.

[0053] The clamping elements 87 are screws that slide in the guides 86 and, in cooperation with the guides 86 arranged at an angle to one another, engage the clamping jaws 85 against the handrail 93. If, with the clamping attachment 11, 21 in place, a tensile force Fz acts on the guide block 84 against the intended direction of movement VR of the handrail 93, the handrail 93 is pressed together or clamped from both sides by the clamping jaws 85. Depending on the angle ß of the two guides 86 to one another and to the main alignment LHA or longitudinal axis LA, the clamping is self-locking and can only be released by a force that acts on the guide block 84 in the intended direction of movement VR of the handrail 93. The assembly and disassembly of such clamping attachments 11, 21 is very simple and can be carried out very quickly.

[0054] As described above, this embodiment of a first clamp attachment 11 also includes a scale 15 and a force measuring device 17 to which a tension element 3 can be connected. The second clamp attachment 21 includes a mount 25 that is adapted to an optical marking device 79. When the clamp attachments 11, 21 of the device 1 are clamped onto the handrails 93, the maintenance person 9 must ensure that a marker 77 of the optical marking device 79 is aligned with the scale 15.

[0055] Once the above-mentioned assembly steps have been completed, the measurement of the handrail drive force of the handrail 93 to which the first clamp attachment 11 is attached can begin. Since only one optical marking device 79 is present, the maintenance person 9 first determines which starting position Ap the optical marking device 79 marks with the marker 77 on the scale 15. Then, the maintenance person 9, standing on the conveyor belt (not shown in Figure 6) of the moving walkway 81, grasps the tension element 3. The moving walkway 81 is then started, and the conveyor belt and the handrails 93 are thus set in motion. After the nominal speed VN is reached, the maintenance person 9 pulls on the tension element 3 against the direction of movement VR of the handrails 93 until the force display 19 of the force measuring device 17 shows a force value Kw that corresponds to a predefined force limit value KG.The moving walkway 81 is then stopped, and maintenance personnel 9 checks whether the marker 79 on the scale 15 still points to the starting position A?. If this is the case, the measurement procedure can be performed on the other handrail 93. If the marker 77 no longer points to the starting position A?, maintenance work must be performed on the handrail 93 and / or the handrail drive (not shown). After this work is completed, the measurement procedure is repeated for inspection on this handrail 93.

[0056] Although the invention has been described by illustrating specific embodiments, it is obvious that numerous further embodiments can be created with knowledge of the present invention, for example, by using the various designs of handrail clamping devices 13, 23, 83 in all of the illustrated devices 1. Furthermore, a device 1 can have both a receiving device 29 and a marking device 79. Furthermore, the force-measuring device 17 and the tension element 3 can also be arranged on the second clamping attachment 21 instead of on the first clamping attachment 11.

[0057] 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, provided these combinations are included in the wording of the appended claims. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (1) for measuring a handrail driving force, comprising: - a first clamping attachment (11) with a handrail clamping device (13, 23, 83), with an optically detectable scale (15) and with a force measuring device (17) which comprises an optically detectable force display (19), wherein the force measuring device (17) is arranged between the handrail clamping device (13, 23, 83) and a tension element (3) and the scale (15) and the force display (19) are arranged on the same side (S) of the first clamping attachment (11) and directed towards the side (S); - a second clamping attachment (21) with a handrail clamping device (13, 23, 83) and with a holder (25), wherein the holder (25) is designed to align an optical sensor (27) of a recording device (29) and / or an optical marking device (79) towards the side (S) in such a way that the scale (15) and the force display (19) can be detected by the optical sensor (27), or the optical marking device (79) is aligned with the scale (15) when, in the intended arrangement of the device (1), the first clamping attachment (11) and the second clamping attachment (21) are arranged opposite one another.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the handrail clamping device (13, 23, 83) comprises a guide block (51, 61, 84) and two clamping jaws (52, 62, 63, 85) which are arranged parallel to one another on the guide block (51, 61, 84) with respect to the handrail (93) to be accommodated, so that a passage (57) for the handrail (93) to be accommodated is present between the two clamping jaws (52, 62, 63, 85), wherein at least one of the clamping jaws (52, 62, 63, 85) is movably arranged on the guide block (51, 61, 84) and the handrail clamping device (13, 23, 83) has at least one tensioning element (54, 65, 67, 87) which is arranged between the guide block (51, 61, 84) and the movable clamping jaw (52, 62, 63, 85).

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, wherein both clamping jaws (52, 62, 63, 85) are movably guided on the guide block (51, 61, 84) and are guided with respect to a main alignment (LHA) by guides (53, 86) arranged at an angle to one another.

4. Device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the clamping element (54, 65, 67, 87) has a screw thread (58) and / or a spring element (66).

5. Device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein an insert (56) or coating of elastomer material is arranged in the passage (57).

6. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pulling element (3) is part of the device (1) and has a handle (5) or a loop.

7. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the holder (25) has a receiving recess (71) and fastening means (73) which are adapted to at least one optical recording device (29) and / or at least one optical marking device (79).

8. Device (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the device (1) has a recording device (29) with an optical sensor (27), wherein the recording device (29) comprises application software (31) which, as an input device (33) on a screen (35) of the recording device (29), provides a start / stop control panel (37) for operating the optical sensor (27) and / or provides a time-release function (39) for operating the optical sensor (27) or provides wireless communication (42) with a manual release device (7) arranged on the tension element (3) or the force measuring device (17) for operating the optical sensor (27).

9. Device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the recording device (29) provides wireless communication (42) with a controller (95) of the escalator (91) or the moving walkway (81), wherein the controller (95) of the escalator (91) or the moving walkway (81) can be controlled via the start / stop control panel (37) or the time-release function (39) or the manual release device (7).

10. Device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the application software (31) provides a function by means of which a position mark (41) can be copied into recordings (43) of the optical sensor (27) in order to more clearly visualize displacements of the recording device (29) relative to the scale (15) recorded in the recording (43).

11. Method for mounting a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10 on the two movable handrails (93) of an escalator (91) or a moving walkway (81), characterized marked, - that the first clamping attachment (11) is clamped with its handrail clamping device (13, 23, 83) to the first of the two handrails (93), the scale (15) and the force indicator (19) being directed to the side (S), towards the second of the two handrails (93); - that a tension element (3) is attached to the force measuring device (17); - that the second clamping attachment (21) is clamped to the second of the two handrails (93) opposite the first clamping attachment (11) by means of its handrail clamping device (13, 23, 83); and - that an optical recording device (29) and / or an optical marking device (79) is fastened in the holder (25) in such a way that the optical sensor (27) of the recording device (29) is aligned to the side (S) towards the scale (15) and the force display (19), or the optical marking device (79) is aligned to the scale (15).

12. Method for measuring handrail drive forces with a device (1) mounted according to claim 11 on an escalator (91) or on a moving walkway (81), characterized in that - that the capture of images (43) by the recording device (29) is started via an input device (33); - that a maintenance person (9) standing on a conveyor belt (92) of the escalator (91) or the moving walkway (81) grasps the traction element (3); - that the escalator (91) or the moving walkway (81) is started and the conveyor belt (92) and the handrails (93) are thus set in motion (VB); - that the maintenance person (9) pulls on the pulling element (3) after reaching a nominal speed (VN) against the direction of movement (VB) of the handrails (93) until the force indicator (19) shows a force value (Kw) which corresponds to or exceeds a predefined force limit value (KG); - that the escalator (91) or the moving walkway (81) and the recording of images (43) by the recording device (29) are stopped; and - that the recordings (43) are evaluated.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein an automated processing of the images (43) takes place by means of image processing algorithms (49) determining a position of the scale (15) on successively recorded frames (47) of the recording (43) are registered and the force values ​​(Kw) displayed on the force display (19) and recorded on the frames (47) are read out by means of a number recognition algorithm (OCR) associated with the frames (47), wherein digitally further processable measurement data (MD) are generated which have the position of the scale (15) and the read-out force value (Kw) for each frame (47) or for selected frames (47) of a recording (43).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the measurement data (MD) are stored in a memory element (45) of a controller (95) of the associated escalator (91) or the associated moving walkway (81) or the recording device (29).

15. Method for measuring handrail driving forces with a device (1) mounted according to claim 11 on an escalator (91) or on a moving walkway (81), characterized in that - that it is determined which starting position (Ap) the optical marking device (79) marks on the scale (15); - that a maintenance person (9) standing on a conveyor belt (92) of the escalator (91) or the moving walkway (81) grasps the traction element (3); - that the escalator (91) or the moving walkway (81) is started and the conveyor belt (92) and the handrails (93) are thus set in motion (VB); - that the maintenance person (9) pulls on the pulling element (3) after reaching a nominal speed (VN) against the direction of movement (VB) of the handrails (93) until the force indicator (19) shows a force value (Kw) which corresponds to a predefined force limit value (KG); - that the escalator (91) or the moving walkway (81) is stopped; and - checking whether the marking device (79) on the scale (15) still points to the starting position (Ap).

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