Method for modernizing an escalator or a moving walkway

Abstract

The application relates to a method for modernizing an existing escalator or an existing moving walkway. The method can include removing all the electrical and mechanical parts from the existing framework of the existing escalator or of the existing moving walkway, the existing framework having two framework side parts and a base structure connecting said framework side parts, and the framework side parts being connected to each other by means of cross members disposed at a distance from the base structure; and replacing the existing cross members of the existing framework with new cross members, the two framework side parts of the existing framework being connected to each other in a mutually stabilising manner at least one point at a distance from the base structure of the framework, during replacement of the cross members.

Claims

1. A method for modernizing an existing escalator or an existing moving walkway, the method comprising: of removing all electrical and mechanical parts from an existing framework of the existing escalator or of the existing moving walkway, the existing framework having two framework side parts and a base structure connecting said framework side parts, and the framework side parts being connected to each other with cross members disposed at a distance from the base structure, and removing all the cross members of the existing framework and replacing at least part of the removed cross members with new cross members, the two framework side parts of the existing framework being connected to each other in a mutually stabilizing manner at least at one point at a distance from the base structure of the framework, during replacement of the cross members.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cross members are sequentially replaced in order to stabilize the two framework side parts, such that as the operation proceeds, the framework side parts are connected to each other in a mutually stabilizing manner at a distance from the base structure decreasingly with existing cross members and increasingly with new cross members due to the sequential replacement.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein before the cross members for stabilizing the two framework side parts are removed, at least one stabilizing apparatus is fastened to the existing framework, wherein the at least one stabilizing apparatus connects the framework side parts in a mutually stabilizing manner at a point at a distance from the base structure of the existing framework, wherein after the at least one stabilizing apparatus is fastened, the cross members are removed and new cross members are inserted, and after the new cross members are inserted, the at least one stabilizing apparatus is removed.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the at least one stabilizing apparatus comprises a stabilizing member detachably disposed on the framework side parts.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the position of the new cross members the existing framework is determined from the installation space required for the modernizing components to be newly inserted and in relation to the height of the framework side parts.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the position is established as a distance from the top chords of the framework side parts towards lower bottom chords of the framework side parts as an instruction for positioning the new cross members.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the existing cross members are welded on a first lateral surface of framework webs of the framework side parts and in each case the existing cross members of the framework webs are first removed and then the new cross members are fastened to a second lateral surface of the framework web.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein a first deflecting module having rail interfaces is installed in the framework provided with new cross members at a first end of the framework and a second deflecting module having rail interfaces is installed in the framework at a second end of the framework.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein a target device is disposed at the rail interfaces of the first deflecting module and an alignment device is disposed at the rail interfaces of the second deflecting module, and wherein the alignment device is adjusted to the target device, wherein further components to be inserted into the framework between the deflecting modules can be aligned on the alignment device.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein a frame assembly apparatus is available, which frame assembly apparatus is first provided with a right-hand frame and a left-hand frame provided receptacles, then the frame assembly apparatus is placed onto a new cross member, subsequently the frame assembly apparatus is aligned to the alignment device a separate adjustment device, then the frames held in alignment by the frame assembly apparatus are fastened to the new cross members, and finally the frame assembly apparatus is removed from the new cross member provided with frames.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the framework provided with new cross members, frames and deflecting modules is completed with new rails, drive components, control components, a new step band or palette band, with cladding parts, balustrades and handrails, to form a modernized escalator or a modernized moving walkway.

12. A set of devices for carrying out a modernizing method on an existing escalator or on an existing moving walkway according to claim 10, wherein the set of devices comprises: at least one alignment device having support points that can be aligned with rail interfaces of deflecting modules, at least one target device having support points that can be aligned with rail interfaces deflecting modules, the alignment device being adjustable to the target device when installed, at least one frame assembly apparatus matched to the new cross member, which apparatus has an adjustment device and at least one receptacle for at least one frame.

13. The set of devices according to claim 12, wherein the adjustment device comprises two mutually distally disposed setting devices which are supported on the new cross member for the purposes of adjustment, and the adjustment device further contains an alignment aperture having a hole or a notch having a groove, wherein the diameter of the hole or the cross section of the groove is matched to the alignment means of the alignment device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The method for modernizing an existing escalator or an existing moving walkway and other features of this application are described in the following with reference to examples and to the drawings, the same reference signs being used for the same components in all the drawings. In the drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an existing escalator before modernization, comprising balustrades, comprising a framework and two deflecting regions, rails being disposed in the framework and a circulating step band being disposed between the deflecting regions;

(3) FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional view of the emptied existing framework of FIG. 1 during a method step in a first embodiment, in which existing cross members are replaced sequentially by new cross members;

(4) FIG. 3 is a partially sectional side view of the existing framework of FIG. 2 provided with new cross members and deflecting modules during installation of the frames;

(5) FIG. 4 shows an example of a frame assembly apparatus, as used during installation of the frames in FIG. 3;

(6) FIG. 5 shows an example of a balustrade base assembling apparatus, which is supported on the installed frames shown in FIG. 4;

(7) FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional view of the emptied existing framework of FIG. 1 during a method step in a second embodiment, in which existing cross members are replaced with new cross members having integrally formed frame portions by means of a stabilizing apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(8) FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an existing escalator 1, which connects a first story E1 to a second story E2. In order that the most significant components thereof can be shown, the escalator 1 is shown in FIG. 1 without side cladding. The escalator 1 comprises a framework 6 having two deflecting regions 7, 8, between which a step band 5 (shown only in part) is guided in a circulating manner. The step band 5 comprises traction means 9 on which steps 4 are disposed. Furthermore, schematically shown rails 11 are disposed in the framework 6, which rails extend between the two deflecting regions 7, 8 and guide the step band 5 in the forward motion and in the backward motion. A deflecting shaft 12 having deflecting sprockets 13 (only one of which is visible) is rotatably mounted in the deflecting region 7 of the first story E1. A deflection spindle 14 having drive sprockets 15 (only one of which is visible) is disposed in the deflecting region 8 of the second story E2, which sprockets are driven by a drive 19. The step band 5 is guided around the sprockets 13, 15 in the two deflecting regions 7, 8. The drive 19 is controlled with a control means 20.

(9) Furthermore, a handrail 3 is disposed on a balustrade 2. The lower end of the balustrade 2 is connected to the framework 6 by means of a balustrade base 10. The escalator 1 or the step band 5 thereof can be entered via access regions 16, 17 at each end of the escalator 1. The accessible surfaces of the access regions 16, 17 are floor coverings 21, each of which close the opening to the underfloor deflecting region 7, 8 of the escalator 1 in a flush or even manner to the surrounding accessible floor 18 of the stories E1, E2.

(10) Of course, an existing moving walkway 1 may be present instead of the existing escalator 1, a pallet band being disposed in a circulating manner instead of a step band 5. Furthermore, the central part of a moving walkway disposed between the deflecting regions does not have an incline or has only a low incline of up to 12%.

(11) As escalators 1 and moving walkways typically remain in use for many years, there comes a time when they are technically outdated and it becomes more expensive to produce replacement parts, as the required replacement parts can be reproduced in only small quantities. In addition, buildings are adapted and rebuilt according to the changed requirements for use at intervals of decades. Typically, in the course of this renovation work, the owner would also like the escalator 1 or the moving walkway to have a new, up-to-date appearance. The only component of an escalator 1 or a moving walkway that has not experienced any significant technical development over many decades is the framework 6.

(12) The framework 6 is also the component of an escalator 1 or a moving walkway 1 that requires the most outlay, due to its dimensions and its high weight. It is therefore expensive to transport said framework, and it may be necessary to demolish walls in existing buildings at least in part and create large openings in the building shell, in order to introduce the new escalator 1 into the existing building. It is therefore possible to continue using the existing framework 6.

(13) First, therefore, the existing escalator 1 or the existing moving walkway 1 must be dismantled, with the exception of the existing framework 6. When the existing components of the escalator 1 or the existing moving walkway 1 are dismantled, the existing framework 6 is used ideally as scaffolding between the two stories E1 and E2.

(14) FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional view of the emptied existing framework 6 from FIG. 1. The existing framework 6 comprises two parallel framework side parts 31, 32, which are constructed substantially of top chords 33, bottom chords 34 and framework webs 35 and diagonal members 36. The framework side parts 31, 32 are connected to each other at the bottom chords 34 thereof by means of a base structure 37. The base structure 37 is covered by welded metal sheets 38. In order to make the base structure 37 visible, a region without covering metal sheets 38 has been shown. These metal sheets 38, also known as oil sheets, are used to collect lubricants and dirt.

(15) Before the method is carried out, the framework side parts 31, 32 are connected to each other, with existing cross members 39, at points that are at a distance from the base structure 37. The existing cross members 39 mutually support the two framework side parts 31, 32 of the existing framework 6 that is mounted in the floors 18 of the stories E1, E2 and thereby provide the existing framework 6 with high rigidity and stability. The dimensions and the position of the existing cross members 39 in the framework 6 are matched to the components of the existing escalator 1 that have already been removed. As the existing framework 6 is still mounted in the building at the two ends faces 41, 42 thereof, similarly to a bridge, the existing framework 6 would become highly unstable if the existing cross members 39 were simply removed.

(16) After the existing framework 6 is emptied, it is preferably cleaned. The existing cross members 39 are then replaced with new cross members 40, which are adapted to the parts of the modernized escalator 1 to be newly installed. This can be carried out, for example, in a first embodiment of the proposed method for modernizing an existing escalator 1 or an existing moving walkway, in which existing cross members 39 are sequentially replaced with new cross members 40. At this point, it should be noted that not necessarily all the existing cross members 39 are replaced with new cross members 40, as it may be the case that existing cross members 39 in the deflecting regions 7, 8 need to be removed in order to create sufficient space for the deflecting modules 51, 52 (see FIG. 3) to be inserted there, which modules connect the two framework side parts 31, 32 in a mutually stabilizing manner in these regions.

(17) When the method according to the invention is carried out, the position of the new cross members 40 in the existing framework 6 may first be determined, for example. This position is dependent on the installation space required for the modernization components to be newly inserted and in relation to the height H of the framework side parts 31, 32. This can ensure that there is sufficient passage height X between the new cross members 40 and the base structure 37 for the new components to be inserted, in particular for the backward motion of the step band 5 or palette band. However, the new cross members 40 should not be disposed between the framework side parts 31, 32 at too great a distance from the base structure 37, so that it is not necessary to make too many adaptations to the new balustrade base (see FIG. 5), the position of which also depends on the position of the step band 5 or palette band in the framework 6.

(18) As soon as the position Y=HX of the new cross members 40 has been determined, replacement of the cross members can begin. In the case of sequential replacement, an existing cross member 39 can be separated out, as shown. Typically, the existing cross members 39 are welded on a first lateral surface 43 of the framework web 35. The existing cross members 39 can be removed quickly and easily, by simply being sawn through on both sides and near the framework web 35. As a result, a small piece 39 of the now separated existing cross member 39 remains on each framework side part 31, 32 or on the framework web 35. In order that this piece 39 does not have to be removed in a cumbersome manner, the new cross member 40 can be fastened, at the previously determined position, to a second lateral surface 44 of the framework web 35.

(19) Of course, the existing cross member can also be fully removed and the new cross member 40 can be fastened to this lateral face 43 of the framework web 35. The new cross members 40 are fastened in a form-fitting manner by riveting, screwing, clinching or integrally by means of bonding, soldering or welding. The next existing cross member 39 is then replaced by a new cross member 40 in the same way. In the case of this sequential process, the existing framework 6 can be worked through from the first story E1 to the second story E2, for example.

(20) Of course, another sequence of cross member replacement is possible. If the inherent stability of the existing framework 5 allows it, a plurality of existing cross members 39 can be replaced with new cross members 40 at the same time, for example two cross members in each case.

(21) Another possibility for sequential replacement is that each second existing cross member 39 is first removed and, after it has been removed, the free points are each provided with new cross members 40. Subsequently, the second group of existing cross members 39 is separated out and new cross members 40 are installed at these points. Or, in the case of particularly sturdy existing frameworks, even more existing cross members may be separated out at the same time and replace with new cross members. The only condition for sequential replacement is that the two framework side parts 31, 32 of the existing framework 6 are connected to each other in a mutually stabilizing manner at least one point by means of an existing cross member 39 or a new cross member 40, during replacement.

(22) FIG. 3 is a partially sectional side view of the existing framework 6 of FIG. 2 provided with new cross members 40 and deflecting modules 51, 52 during installation of the frames 53.

(23) The deflecting modules 51, 52 are pre-assembled units which are constructed according to their function. For example, the first deflecting module 51 disposed in the first story E1 comprises the deflecting sprockets having a tensioning device (not visible) for the step band. Furthermore, rail portions 55 having rail interfaces 56 are disposed in the first deflecting module 51. The second deflecting module 52 disposed in the second story E2 may comprise the drive sprockets and various drive components (not visible) such as a drive motor and a gear mechanism. Rail portions 57 having rail interfaces 58 are also disposed in the second deflecting module 52.

(24) The frames 53 are components to be rigidly connected to the existing framework 6, on which components fastening regions 61, 62, 63 for rails 11 (see FIG. 4) are formed. In order that the rails 11 can be installed as easily as possible, the frames 53 or the fastening regions 61, 62, 63 thereof for the rails 11 are to be aligned exactly with the rail interfaces 56, 58 of the deflecting modules 51, 52.

(25) A set of devices is therefore preferably available for installing the frames 53. This set comprises: at least one alignment device 70 having support points that can be aligned with rail interfaces 56, 58 of deflecting modules 51, 52 (see FIG. 3), at least one target device 71 having support points that can be aligned with rail interfaces 56, 58 of deflecting modules 51, 52, the alignment device 70 being adjustable to the target device 71 when installed (see FIG. 3), and at least one frame assembly apparatus 77 which is matched to the new cross member 40 and has an adjustment device 74 and at least one receptacle 75 for at least one frame 53 (see FIG. 4).

(26) As shown in FIG. 3, the target device 71 is disposed on the rail interfaces 56 of the first deflecting module 51. The alignment device 70 is disposed on the rail interfaces 58 of the second deflecting module 52. A dot-dash line, which represents the alignment means 73, is shown between the target device 71 and the alignment device 70. According to the course of the alignment means 73 shown in FIG. 3, the alignment device 70 is already adjusted to the target device 71. This alignment means 73 may be a tensioned wire or a plumb line; however, a laser beam is preferably used as the alignment means 73.

(27) FIG. 3 shows several frames 53 that are already assembled. A set of frames 53 is held in the correct installation position by means of the frame assembly apparatus 77 supported on a new cross member 40.

(28) Adjustment of the correct installation position can be seen in FIG. 4. This drawing shows, by way of example, a frame assembly apparatus 77, as used during installation of the frames 53 in FIG. 3. The frame assembly apparatus 77 comprises four recesses 75 in the form of receiving mandrels 75. A frame 53 can be inserted into two of these four receptacles 75 in each case. The two frames 53 are to be disposed mirror-symmetrically to a mid-perpendicular plane S of the frame assembly apparatus 77.

(29) Furthermore, the frame assembly apparatus comprises an adjustment device 74. This adjustment device contains a left-hand adjusting device 78, a right-hand adjusting device 79 and an alignment aperture 76. The setting devices 78, 79 and the alignment aperture 76 form, due to their arrangement on the frame assembly apparatus 77, a triangle, the base of this triangle being provided by the new cross member 40, on which the two setting devices 78, 79 are supported. Adjusting screws 78, 79 can be used as simple adjusting devices 78, 79, for example.

(30) In order to align the frames 53 in the existing framework 6, the setting devices 78, 79 are actuated and the frame assembly apparatus 77 is moved on the new cross member 40 until the alignment means 73, for example a laser beam 73, passes through a hole 80 of the alignment aperture 76. In this case, a horizontal portion 81 of the frame assembly apparatus 77 should be precisely horizontally aligned. Of course, the alignment device 70 may also comprise two mutually parallel alignment means 73 and the frame assembly apparatus 77 may comprise two alignment apertures 76. This makes it substantially easier to horizontally align the frame assembly apparatus 77.

(31) The indicated rail profile of a rail 11 shows that the arrangement of the frames 53 in the existing framework 6 must be extremely precise. Said profile rests directly on the fastening region 61 of the frame 53. In the present embodiment of FIG. 4, the frames 53 are fastened to the new cross members 40. Of course, the frames 53 may also be fastened to the framework webs 35, as implemented in FIG. 5 by links 82. Particularly secure and stable fastening is produced when the frames 53 are rigidly connected to both the new cross members 40 and the framework webs 35. The frames 53 can be fastened by screws, rivets, pins, bolts or by means of welding, soldering, bonding and the like.

(32) Furthermore, the cross section of the framework 6 can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, in particular the arrangement of the webs 35, of the top chords 33, of the bottom chords 34, of the base structure 37, of the new cross member 40 and of the oil sheet 38.

(33) In FIG. 5, the rails 11 are already assembled on the frames 53 and the frame assembly apparatus 77 shown in FIG. 4 has been removed. The holes 83 on the frames 53, by means of which holes the frames 53 were disposed on the receiving mandrels 75 of the frame assembly apparatus 77, are therefore also free. These holes 83 can therefore be used as receiving points for a balustrade base assembly apparatus 85, as shown in FIG. 5. The balustrade base assembly apparatus 85 holds base frames 86 in the correct position precisely aligned with the rails 11, such that the welding straps 87 thereof are aligned to the existing framework 6 and can be welded thereon.

(34) FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional view of the emptied existing framework 6 from FIG. 1. As already described in FIG. 2, the existing framework 6 comprises two mutually parallel framework side parts 31, 32, which are constructed substantially from top chords 33, bottom chords 34 and the framework webs 35 and diagonal members 36 connecting these chords. The framework side parts 31, 32 are connected to each other at the bottom chords 34 thereof by means of a base structure 37. The base structure 37 is covered by welded metal sheets 38.

(35) After the existing framework 6 is emptied, it is preferably cleaned. Subsequently, the existing cross members 39 are replaced with new cross members 90, which are adapted to the parts to be newly installed of the modernized escalator.

(36) This replacement can also be carried out, for example, in a second embodiment of the proposed method for modernizing an existing escalator 1 or an existing moving walkway, in which existing cross members 39 are replaced with new cross members 90 by means of a stabilizing apparatus 99. In principle, this method can also be carried out using the cross members 40 shown in FIGS. 2 to 5. The cross member 90 shown in FIG. 6 also comprises integrally formed frame portions 91.

(37) In the embodiment in FIG. 6, a stabilizing apparatus 99 is fastened in the center of the existing framework 6 by means of detachable connecting elements (not shown), in order to stabilize the two framework side parts 31, 32. The stabilizing apparatus 99 is fastened before the existing cross members 39 are removed. The stabilizing apparatus 99 connects the framework side parts 31, 32 in a mutually stabilizing manner at one point at a distance from the base structure 37 of the existing framework 6. After the stabilizing apparatus 99 is fastened, all the existing cross members 39 can be removed and new cross members 90 can then be inserted into the framework 6. The stabilizing apparatus 99 is then removed. Of course, if one stabilizing apparatus 99 is not sufficient, a plurality of stabilizing apparatuses 99 can be used and fastened at predetermined distances from one another, for example between the top chords 33.

(38) A simple stabilizing member 99 can be inserted between the framework side parts 31, 32 as the stabilizing member 99, for example. This stabilizing member can be fastened to the framework side parts 31, 32 preferably by means of detachable connecting elements such as clamping jaws, screws, socket pins, cotter bolts and the like. In this case, it is sufficient if these connecting elements support the framework side parts 31, 32 against each other; the stabilizing apparatus 99 does not have to be able to transmit large forces.

(39) As shown in FIG. 6 by way of example, the new cross member 90, which is installed in a framework 6 as a replacement for an existing cross member 39, is already provided with the frames or with frame portions 91. The frame-like formations are integrally formed on the new cross members 90. This new cross member 90 can, for example, be cut out of a flat metal sheet by means of a laser cutting method or a water jet cutting method. Subsequently, a C-shaped central portion 92 can be produced on the new cross members 90 folded edges. This production creates a new cross member, which comprises frame portions 91 integrally connected to each other by means of the central portion 92. At least fastening points 61, 62, 63 for rails 11 of the escalator 1 or of the moving walkway are formed on the frame portions 91.

(40) When the above-described new cross member 90 having frame portions 91 or the new cross member 40 provided with frames 53 is installed, it is not sufficient, however, to weld it in a simple rough alignment on framework webs 35, as the frames are already integrally formed or fastened on the new cross member 90 and therefore the possibility of aligning the fastening points 61, 62, 63 with the rail interfaces 56, 58 (see also FIG. 3) is no longer available. When new cross members 90 of this kind are used, the deflecting modules 51 are therefore preferably installed in the existing framework 6 first. As already described, the alignment device 70 and the target device 71 are disposed on the rail interfaces 56, 58. The new cross members 90 of the type mentioned above can then be aligned on the alignment means 73. For this purpose, an alignment aperture 76 or a notch having a groove may be temporarily fastened to the new cross member 90.

(41) It is particularly advantageous if at least one alignment aperture 76 having a hole 80 or a notch having a groove is formed on the above-mentioned, integral new cross member 90. This is possible without any problems, as said cross member is produced from a metal sheet preferably by means of laser cutting methods and the alignment aperture 76 or notch can be cut out at the same time. The diameter of the hole 80 or the cross section of the groove are matched to the alignment means 73, described in connection with FIG. 3, of the alignment device 70.

(42) In connection with FIGS. 3 to 5, it was described that first the new cross members 40 and then the frames 53 are installed. Of course, the cross members 40 and the frames 53 may be inserted together using the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the frames 53 must be assembled on the new cross member 40 before the new cross member 40 is installed in the existing framework 6. In accordance with the previous embodiment, an alignment aperture 76 or a notch having a groove must be temporarily fastened on the new cross member 40 provided with frames 53 in this case, too.

(43) Although the invention has been described by presenting specific embodiments, it is obvious that numerous other embodiments can be produced with regard to the present invention, for example by a stabilizing apparatus 99 also being used in sequential replacement. Furthermore, the order in which the existing cross members 39 are first replaced with new cross members 40, 90 and then the deflecting modules 51, 52 are installed, or vice versa, is irrelevant. Of course, the adjustment device 74 of the frame assembly apparatus 77 may also comprise completely differently designed setting devices 78, 79, for example having wedges. In addition, an adjustment device 74 that can be detachably attached to the integral new cross member 90 may be provided for said member, which device is supported on the top chords 33 of the existing framework 6, for example.