Work platform for maintenance work on an escalator or on a moving walkway

Abstract

The invention relates to a work platform (1) for maintenance work on an escalator (101) or on a moving walkway. The work platform (1) has a mast (3), a work stage (5) and at least two support means (7). When the work platform (1) is in a state in which it is ready for use, the mast (3) is arranged between the balustrades (103) of the escalator (101) or the moving walkway in such a way that the supporting regions (9) thereof are supported on parts of the transport belt (106) or support structure (107) of the escalator (101) or the moving walkway. The support beam (11) of the mast (3) projects laterally beyond the two balustrades (103) on both sides with the support means receptacles (12) thereof. A support means (7), which is guided past a balustrade (103) in each case, is arranged between each support means receptacle (12) and the work stage (5). The work platform (5) hangs below the escalator (101) or the moving walkway on the support means (7) and is supported by the mast (3) on the transport belt (106) or support structure (107) of the escalator (101) or the moving walkway.

Description

[0001] 2024P00209WÖ

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Work platform for maintenance work on an escalator or moving walkway

[0004] The invention relates to a work platform for maintenance work on an escalator or moving walkway and in particular to a mast of the work platform which is supported in a suitable manner on the escalator or moving walkway.

[0005] Escalators and moving walkways are passenger transport systems used in high-traffic areas such as airports, train stations, subway stations, and similar locations to manage the flow of people. They are also used in shopping malls, department stores, public buildings, and similar venues. When escalators and moving walkways are mentioned in this document, they are spanning a gap within the structure. The problems described below do not occur with escalators that run parallel to fixed staircases or with moving walkways embedded in a pit.

[0006] From time to time, wear parts on escalators and moving walkways need to be replaced, and possibly other parts such as cladding panels, balustrade sections, etc. To carry out this work, it may be necessary to remove the outer cladding panels of the escalator or moving walkway. As proposed in JP1999255464A and JP4317673B2, temporary scaffolding is erected for this purpose. However, erecting and dismantling scaffolding is very complex and, in the case of multiple escalators stacked one above the other, it also blocks the escalator on which the scaffolding is being erected. Another option is to use mobile work platforms. Mobile work platforms can generally only be used for the lowest escalator, as their working height is limited. Furthermore, the structure must be designed to accommodate mobile work platforms.

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to enable work to be carried out on the outer shell of an escalator or moving walkway with as little effort and as little disturbance to the surroundings as possible, in any type of building.

[0008] This task is solved by a work platform for maintenance work on an escalator or moving walkway. As is known, the escalator or moving walkway has a supporting structure with a continuously movable conveyor belt and, on both sides of the 2024P00209WÖ

[0009] - 2 -

[0010] Each conveyor belt has a balustrade. This forms an upward-facing, U-shaped conveyor channel that lifts the passengers being transported.

[0011] The work platform comprises a mast, a work platform, and at least two support elements. The mast includes a support beam with support element receptacles, a support structure, and multiple support points. When the work platform is in its operational state, the mast and its support structure are positioned between the balustrades of the escalator or moving walkway such that its support points rest against parts of the conveyor belt or supporting structure, and the support beam with its support element receptacles extends laterally beyond both balustrades on both sides. A support element, passing by each balustrade, is arranged between each support element receptacle and the work platform. The work platform is suspended from the support elements beneath the escalator or moving walkway and is accordingly supported by the mast against the conveyor belt or supporting structure of the escalator or moving walkway.

[0012] The work platform preferably has a winch with which the lifting length of the lifting elements can be varied. For this purpose, the winch includes a manually operated input device via which the desired lifting length can be set.

[0013] The work platform can also be equipped with a remote control unit, which can be connected to the escalator or moving walkway control system via cable or wirelessly. The remote control unit allows defined travel commands to be transmitted to the control system, enabling the conveyor belt and the work platform attached to it to move in the direction of travel. The defined travel command includes limits regarding speed and possible travel distance to prevent accidents and damage. The mast can also be equipped with sensors and limit switches, the signals from which are transmitted to the control system to stop the conveyor belt in the selected direction of travel.

[0014] The support structure of the mast is designed so that it can be positioned between the two balustrades of the escalator or moving walkway. In other words, the support structure must be designed to be narrow enough to allow the mast to be inserted into the conveying channel between the two balustrades. Furthermore, the support structure is designed such that 2024P00209WÖ

[0015] - 3 - it towers above the balustrades when it is positioned between the balustrades.

[0016] The support beam has a receptacle for load-bearing elements at each of its ends. It is positioned centrally at one end of the support structure and is designed to project laterally beyond the two balustrades with its receptacles on both sides. In other words, the support structure has a T-shaped form, with the support beam being long enough that the receptacles at both ends lie outside the egg-shaped cross-section. This allows load-bearing elements such as ropes, chains, straps, or similar items to be attached to the receptacles and run alongside the balustrades without touching or damaging them. The receptacle can be of any design, for example, a simple hole or recess in the support beam. It can also be specifically adapted to the load-bearing element used, for example, as a wedge lock, hook, eye, clamp, or similar.

[0017] The support areas are located at the base of the support structure and are designed to rest against components of the conveyor belt or the supporting structure. In other words, the support areas can have a structure that complements the surface of the conveyor belt's treads, so that when placed on the treads, they find maximum stability. It is also conceivable that the support areas have flanges that can be attached to parts of the supporting structure. In this case, a portion of the treads must be removed to expose the underlying supporting structure. A disadvantage of this design is that the work platform cannot be moved by the conveyor belt to reach the correct work location or multiple work locations along the escalator or moving walkway.

[0018] In one embodiment, the mast's support areas are designed to be attached to components of the conveyor belt. This allows, on the one hand, a stable anchoring of the mast to the escalator or moving walkway and, on the other hand, the mast to be moved by the conveyor belt. The support areas can, for example, be attached to conveyor belt axles if the conveyor belt's treads have been removed beforehand.

[0019] In a further embodiment, two support areas are arranged on one side of a rectangular, rigid support frame of the column structure. The support frame thus forms a 2024P00209WÖ

[0020] - 4 -

[0021] Part of the base of the support structure.

[0022] In another embodiment of the mast, the square support frame has at least one diagonal brace. This significantly stiffens its frame structure. The support frame can also have two diagonal braces that intersect at a frame node in the middle of the frame.

[0023] In another embodiment of the mast, two support posts of equal length are each connected at their first end to a connecting node on the side of the square support frame opposite the base. The support frame and the support posts thus form an A-frame support structure. The support posts each have a bracing section at their second end.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the mast's support structure comprises two trestle supports, a rectangular, rigid connecting frame, and two connecting struts. Here, a first side of the connecting frame is connected to one of the two trestle supports at at least one associated connection node. A second side of the connecting frame, opposite the first side, is connected to the supporting beam by at least one connection node. Furthermore, a first end of each connecting strut is connected to an associated connection node of the other trestle support, and the second end of each connecting strut is connected to the supporting beam by at least one connection node.In other words, the structure of the support system resembles the construction of a "house of cards", in that the base is formed by two A-shaped trestle supports and these two A-shaped trestle supports are in turn connected to each other by the connecting frames and connecting struts that form an A-shaped head area.

[0025] In another embodiment, the square connecting frame has at least one diagonal brace for stiffening. Of course, it can also have two diagonal braces that intersect at a frame node in the middle of the frame.

[0026] Generally, the rectangular support frame or connecting frame can be rectangular, square, or trapezoidal in shape. The aforementioned connecting nodes can be designed in various ways, for example, 2024P00209WÖ

[0027] - 5 -

[0028] Examples include plug connections, screw connections, rivet connections, or similar. The connection node is preferably designed as a hinge. This allows, as described below, the mast to be moved in both conveying directions by means of the conveyor belt and / or to be folded up for transporting the work platform to and from the work platform. If a connection node is designed as a hinge, the support structure can have a locking device by means of which a pivoting movement of the connection node can be temporarily blocked.

[0029] In a further embodiment, each support area is designed to be temporarily and positively connected to an axis of the conveyor belt. These axes can be chain axes of the conveyor belt's transport chains. The conveyor belt typically has two parallel, ring-shaped transport chains, the distance between which is approximately equal to the width of the conveyor belt. The treads are arranged one behind the other between the two transport chains and pivotally connected to them. In escalators, the treads, designed as steps, are arranged on conveyor belt axes (usually referred to as step axes) that are located between the two transport chains and connect them. To attach the support areas to the transport axes, treads must first be removed from the corresponding locations.Moving walkways typically do not have conveyor belt axes, so the treads are directly and rigidly connected to the conveyor chains. Accordingly, the support areas can be designed to be rigidly connected to the conveyor chain in the same way as the treads.

[0030] The treads of moving walkways and escalators feature a ribbed / grooved surface arranged parallel to the direction of travel of the conveyor belt, providing a surface on which users can stand. This surface structure is designed to fit comb plates that are fixed in the two access areas of the escalator or moving walkway and form the transition to the moving conveyor belt. At least one support area of ​​the mast can be designed to be temporarily interlocked with the surface structures of the conveyor belt. In other words, one, several, or all support areas of the mast can have a bearing surface for resting on the treads that, complementary to the surface structures of the treads, also features a grooved / ribbed surface. The support areas can also be equipped with 2024P00209WÖ

[0031] - 6 - have flat contact surfaces covered with soft elastic materials, which provide excellent frictional contact with the tread elements.

[0032] Preferred embodiments of the work platform according to the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein identical elements in all figures are provided with corresponding reference numerals. Neither the drawings nor the description are to be interpreted as limiting the invention. The drawings show:

[0033] Figure 1: three-dimensional representation of an escalator arranged between two floors of a building with a work platform arranged according to the invention;

[0034] Figure 2: an enlarged, three-dimensional cross-section through the escalator shown in Figure 1, to show the arrangement of the work platform, in particular the arrangement of its mast between the balustrades of the escalator;

[0035] Figure 3: enlarged three-dimensional representation of the mast shown in Figures 1 and 2;

[0036] Figures 4A to 4D: side view showing various possible configurations of support areas for the mast depicted in Figures 1 to 3; and

[0037] Figures 5A to 5C: different arrangement situations of the mast in the conveyor channel of the escalator.

[0038] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional representation of an escalator 101 arranged between a lower floor El and an upper floor E2 of a building 102, as is frequently found, for example, in the atriums of shopping malls. Depending on how many floors El, E2 the building 102 has, several escalators 101 or moving walkways can be arranged one above the other in the building 102. Often, these are not aligned vertically with each other, but rather cross the atrium in different directions. The 2024P00209WÖ

[0039] - 7 -

[0040] Maintenance of escalators 101 arranged in this way is particularly difficult if, due to the internal structure of the escalator 101, maintenance must be carried out from side S or from its underside U. Replacing balustrades 103 or cladding panels 104 of the escalator 101 is also significantly easier to perform from side S than from the conveyor channel 105 of the escalator 101 formed by the two balustrades and the conveyor belt 106 arranged between them (see in particular Figures 5A to 5C). The escalator 101 essentially comprises a supporting structure 107, the conveyor belt 106 arranged circumferentially in the supporting structure 107, the two balustrades 103 arranged laterally on the conveyor belt 106 with handrails 108 arranged circumferentially on them, a drive unit 109 serving to drive the handrails 108 and the conveyor belt 106, and a control unit 110 for the drive unit 109.

[0041] Figure 2 shows an enlarged, three-dimensional cross-section through the escalator 101 depicted in Figure 1. Figures 1 and 2 show, in particular, the arrangement of a work platform 1 according to the invention. The work platform 1 is designed for maintenance work on the escalator 101 or on a moving walkway and comprises a mast 3, a work platform 5, and at least two support elements 7. When the work platform 1 is ready for use, the mast 3 is arranged between the balustrades 103 such that its support areas 9 rest against parts of the conveyor belt 106 or the supporting structure 107.

[0042] Figure 3 shows an enlarged three-dimensional view of the mast 3 depicted in Figures 1 and 2. This mast is attached to the conveyor belt 106 by its support sections 9. The conveyor belt 106 here has only two conveyor chains 112, which are mechanically connected to each other transversely to the intended direction of movement 13 by conveyor belt axes 111. Figures 1 to 3 are described together below. The mast 3 has a support beam 11, a support structure 14, and a plurality of support sections 9. The support structure 14 is designed such that it can be arranged between the two balustrades 103 and extends above them in height. The support beam 11 has a lifting element receptacle 12 at each end and is positioned centrally at one end 16 of the support structure 14.In this document, the feature "central" means that the horizontally arranged support beam 11, in its intended operating position, is attached at its center M to the head end 16 of the support structure 14. Thus, the mast 3, viewed from the direction of movement 13 of the conveyor belt 106, is T-shaped 2024P00209WÖ.

[0043] - 8 - designed. Furthermore, the support beam 11 is designed such that it laterally projects beyond the two balustrades 103 with its load-bearing center 12 on both sides. The support areas 9 are arranged in a base area 15 of the support structure 14 and are designed to support components of the conveyor belt 106 or supporting structure 107. Possible embodiments of the support areas 9 are shown in Figures 4A to 4D and are described in more detail below.

[0044] As can be seen from Figure 3, two support areas 9 are arranged on one side 20 of a rectangular, rigid support frame 21 of the support structure 14. The support frame 21, or in the present embodiment two support frames 21, form part of the base area 15 of the support structure 14. To stiffen the rectangular support frame 21, it has two diagonal struts 22 which are connected to each other at their midpoint.

[0045] Two support posts 23 of equal length are each connected at their first end 24 to the square support frame 21 by a connecting node 26 on the side opposite the base areas 15. Thus connected, the support frame 21 and the support posts 23 form an A-frame support 27 of the support structure 14. The support posts 23 each have a support area 9 at their second end 25.

[0046] The support structure 14 of the illustrated embodiment comprises two A-frame supports 27, a rectangular, rigid connecting frame 28, and two connecting struts 30. A first side 31 of the connecting frame 28 is connected to one of the two A-frame supports 24 by at least one of the connecting nodes 26. A second side 32 of the connecting frame 28, opposite the first side 31, is connected to the support beam 11 by at least one connecting node 26. A first end 33 of each connecting strut 30 is also connected to an associated connecting node 26 of the other A-frame support 27, and the second end 34 of each connecting strut 30 is connected to the support beam 11 by at least one connecting node 26. Like the support frames 21, the rectangular connecting frame 28 also has two intersecting diagonal struts 29.

[0047] The connecting nodes 26 of the depicted mast 3 are designed as hinges. This has the advantage that the mast 3 can be folded. This allows the mast 3 to be 2024P00209WÖ

[0048] - 9 - small building openings can be brought into or removed from the structure 102 without having to disassemble it. Furthermore, it can be stored in a space-saving manner when not in use. To make the mast 3 more rigid in operation, the support structure 14 can have a locking device 35 by means of which a pivoting movement of the connecting node 26, designed as a hinge, can be temporarily blocked. The locking pin shown in Figure 3 is only one of countless possibilities for implementing a locking device 35. Locking devices 35 can also be clamping devices, toothed connections, rods detachably arranged between connecting struts 30 and connecting frame 28, or the like.

[0049] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the support beam 11 extends laterally beyond the two balustrades 103 on both sides, with its suspension brackets 12. This allows the two suspension elements 7 to be attached to the suspension brackets 12 and arranged to hang downwards laterally past the escalator 101. The work platform 5 is attached to the downward-hanging suspension elements 7. In other words, a suspension element 7 is arranged between each suspension bracket 12 and the work platform 5, passing by each balustrade 103. The work platform 5 hangs from the suspension elements 7 below the escalator 101 or moving walkway and is supported by the mast 3 on the conveyor belt 106 or supporting structure 107. The suspension element 7 can be, for example, a rope, a chain, or a belt, in particular a toothed belt.

[0050] Preferably, the work platform 5 has a winch 36 with which the load-bearing length L of the load-bearing elements 7 can be varied. In the illustrated embodiment, two winches 36 are arranged on the work platform 5, which engage the load-bearing element 7 either by friction (rope) or by positive engagement (chain, toothed belt) and are operated synchronously. The winch 36 includes a manually operated input device 37 by means of which the desired load-bearing length L can be set. The manual input device 37 can be a hand crank by means of which the winch 36 is operated. However, the manual input device 37 can also be a wired or wireless remote control with which an electric motor (not shown) of the winch 36(s) can be controlled.

[0051] Furthermore, the work platform 5 can have a remote control device 38, which is designed to be connected, either wired or wirelessly, to a control unit 110 (see Figure 1) of the escalator 101 or the moving walkway. The remote control device 38 2024P00209WÖ

[0052] - 10 - defined driving commands can be transmitted to the control unit 110.

[0053] Figures 4A to 4C show various possible configurations of the support areas 9 of the mast 3 depicted in Figures 1 to 3 in side views. In Figure 4A, the support area 9, located on the support frame 21 or the support post 23, is designed to be temporarily connected to a conveyor belt axle 111 of the conveyor belt 106 in a form-fitting manner. To prevent any components of the support area 9 from being lost, its clamp 42 is attached to a receptacle 40 of the support area 9 by means of a hinge 41. Once the conveyor belt axle 111 is positioned in the designated receptacle 40, the clamp 42 can be folded closed and tightened using the screw 43. As shown in Figures 5A to 5C, individual footplates 115 must be removed from the conveyor belt 106 so that the support area 9 described above can be attached to the conveyor belt axle 111.

[0054] Figure 4B shows a further embodiment of the support area 9. This has a support plate 44 that can be articulated to the support frame 21 or the support post 23. A layer of elastomeric material 45 is arranged on the bearing surface 53 of the support plate, which is designed to rest on a step element 115 of the conveyor belt 106. The support area 9, as designed accordingly, is thus intended to rest on the step elements 115 of the conveyor belt 106. The layer of elastomeric material 45 prevents a concentrated force from being applied to the step element 115 and, by distributing the load evenly, prevents local damage to the step element 115. In addition, the elastomeric material 45, for example rubber, prevents the support area 9 from slipping due to its high coefficient of friction with the materials of the conveyor belt 106.

[0055] In Figure 4C, the support area 9 is designed to be temporarily positively connected to surface structures 50 of the conveyor belt 106. The surface structure of a step element consists of alternating ribs 48 and grooves 47 arranged side by side, which extend parallel to the direction of movement 13 of the conveyor belt 106. Specifically, this support area 9 has a support plate 46 that can be pivotally connected to the support frame 21 or the support post 23. On the bearing surface 54 of the support plate 46, which is intended for bearing on the step element 115, complementary structures of ribs 55 and grooves 56 are arranged, such that these two structures 2024P00209WÖ

[0056] - 11 - interlock and form a positive connection at least perpendicular to the direction of movement 13.

[0057] In Figure 4D, the support area 9 is designed to be temporarily and positively attached to components of the supporting structure 107. In the illustrated embodiment, the support area 9 has a fork-shaped foot element 49 that can be placed with minimal play onto suitable components of the supporting structure 107, such as cross braces. A screw connection 51, inserted through bores 57 in both fork legs 58, is used for securing the connection. When tightened, this screw pulls the fork legs 58 together, thus clamping the component of the supporting structure 107 in place.

[0058] Figures 5A to 5C show various arrangements of the mast 3 in the conveyor channel 105 of the escalator 101. Support areas 9, as shown in Figure 4A, are used. As already mentioned, the corresponding steps 115 must first be removed from the conveyor belt 106. The function of the hinge-type connecting nodes 26 is particularly evident here, as the individual components of the mast 3 assume different spatial positions relative to each other depending on their arrangement on the escalator 101.

[0059] Although Figures 1, 2, and 5 clearly depict an escalator 101, it is obvious that the work platform 1 can also be used for moving walkways. Furthermore, the support areas 9 of a mast 3 do not necessarily all have to be of identical construction.

[0060] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "comprising," "encompassing," etc., do not exclude other elements or steps, and terms such as "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Reference numerals in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

Claims

2024P00209WÖ - 12 - Patent claims 1. Work platform (1) for maintenance work on an escalator (101) or on a moving walkway, wherein the escalator (101) or the moving walkway has a supporting structure (107) with a conveyor belt (106) arranged to move around its circumference and a balustrade (103) on both sides of the conveyor belt (106), characterized in that the work platform (1) has a mast (3), a work platform (5) and at least two support elements (7); wherein the mast (3) has a support beam (11) with support element receptacles (12), a support structure (14) and a plurality of support areas (9) and wherein, in the ready-for-use state of the work platform (1): - the mast (3) with its support structure (14) is arranged between the balustrades (103) in such a way that its support areas (9) are supported on parts of the conveyor belt (106) or supporting structure (107) and the support beam (11) projects laterally beyond the two balustrades (103) with its support means receptacles (12) on both sides; - a lifting element (7) is arranged between each lifting element receptacle (12) and the working platform (5), passing by a balustrade (103) in each case; and - the work platform (5) is suspended from the support means (7) under the escalator (101) or moving walkway and supported by the mast (3) on the conveyor belt (106) or supporting structure (107).

2. Working platform (1) according to claim 1, wherein it has a winch (36) with which a carrying length (L) of the carrying means (7) can be varied and the winch (36) comprises a manually operable input device (37) via which the desired carrying length (L) can be adjusted.

3. Working platform (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the latter has a remote control device (38) which is designed to be connected, either wired or wirelessly, to a control unit (110) of the escalator (101) or the moving walkway and to transmit defined driving commands to the control unit (110). 2024P00209WÖ - 13 - 4. Work platform (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the support structure (14) is designed to be positioned between the two balustrades (103) and to extend above the balustrades (103); - wherein the supporting beam (11) has a load-bearing element (12) at each of its two ends and is arranged centrally at one head end (16) of the support structure (14) and is designed to project laterally beyond the two balustrades (103) with its load-bearing elements (12) on both sides; and - the support areas (9) are arranged in a foot area (15) of the support structure (14) and are designed to support components of the conveyor belt (106) or supporting structure (107).

5. Work platform (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support areas (9) are designed to be attached to components of the conveyor belt (106) or supporting structure (107).

6. Work platform (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein two support areas (9) are arranged on one side (20) of a square, rigid support frame (21) of the support structure (14), which support frame (21) forms part of the base area (15) of the support structure (14).

7. Work platform (1) according to claim 6, wherein the square support frame (21) has at least one diagonal strut (22).

8. Work platform (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, to form an A-shaped trestle support (27) of the support structure (14), two support posts (23) of equal length are each connected with their first end (24) to the side of the square support frame (21) opposite the foot areas (15) by a connecting node (26), and the support posts (23) each have a support area (9) at their second end (25).

9. Work platform (1) according to claim 8, wherein the support structure (14) comprises two A-shaped trestle supports (27), a square, rigid connecting frame (28) and two connecting struts (30), wherein a first side (31) of the connecting frame (28) is connected to it by at least one of the connecting nodes (26) of one of the two trestle supports (27) and a second side opposite the first side of the 2024P00209WÖ - 14 - The connecting frame (28) is connected to the support beam (11) by at least one connecting node (26), and a first end (33) of each connecting strut (30) is connected to an associated connecting node (26) of the other trestle support (27), and the second end (34) of each connecting strut (30) is connected to the support beam (11) by at least one connecting node (26).

10. Work platform (1) according to claim 9, wherein the square connecting frame (28) has at least one diagonal strut (29).

11. Work platform (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each support area (9) is designed to be temporarily positively connected to a conveyor belt axis (111) of the conveyor belt (106).

12. Work platform (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the support areas (9) are designed to be temporarily positively connected to surface structures (50) of the conveyor belt (106).

13. Work platform (1) according to one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the connecting node (26) is designed as a hinge.

14. Work platform (1) according to claim 13, wherein the support structure (14) has a blocking device (35) by means of which a pivoting movement of the connecting node (26) can be temporarily blocked.

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