TESTING UNIT FOR COMB PLATE SAFETY SWITCHES FOR/IN ESCALATORS OR MOVING WALKS AS WELL AS TESTING METHOD AND USE OF THE TESTING UNIT

Abstract

 The present invention refers to a testing unit for testing at least one comb plate switch of an escalator or moving walk, wherein the testing unit exhibits at least one attachment means configured for fixing the testing unit at the at least one comb plate switch. Furthermore, the present invention refers to a method and use in context with such testing units.

Description

TECHNCAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention refers to a testing unit for testing at least one comb plate switch of an escalator or moving walk, wherein the testing unit exhibits at least one attachment means configured for fixing the testing unit at the at least one comb plate switch. Furthermore, the present invention refers to a method and use in context with such testing units.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In escalators or moving walks, individual step elements are moved alongside at least one comb plate, especially below a/the comb plate arranged in the area of access or exit for passengers. In order to ensure a kind of protection mechanism in case there be any collision between the pallets/steps and the comb plate (or with respect to any further external objects), so called comb plate safety switches are provided (or have to be provided, due to safety regulations), usually two comb plate safety switches for each comb plate. For safety reasons, in many escalator or moving walk systems, correct functioning of theses safety switches has to be reviewed within predefined intervals.

[0003] Currently, the function test of the comb plate on escalators and moving walks is carried out using a tool, e.g. screwdriver or lever, for exerting a force against a spring washer of the comb plate safety switch (resp., in order to pry the washer in a pretensioned/prestressed safety switch). In particular, the washer is axially moved/levered by a screwdriver engaging resp. intervening between a plate and the washer of the comb plate switch. But, such an operation brings the risk of the tool slipping off or even causing an accident or injury, besides the fact that the force for activating the tensioner of the switch (esp. by prying the washer) cannot be measured and is/remains empirical. Another difficulty is how to correctly adjust the spring plate by the force required to correctly activate it, e.g. as required by manuals for such devices and systems (e.g. 50N). Current testing operation also risks to falsify the spring plate position or its functioning.

SUMMARY

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device or method for facilitating and ensuring correct testing of comb plate safety switches in/of escalators and/or moving walks, especially with the comb plate arranged in intended/proper arrangement at the escalator or moving walk, especially in context with controlled operation of the escalator or moving walk via a maintenance control unit.

[0005] This object is achieved by the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

[0006] In particular, the present invention provides for a testing unit configured for testing at least one comb plate switch (especially comb plate safety switch) of an escalator or moving walk, wherein the testing unit exhibits at least one attachment means configured for fixing the testing unit at the at least one comb plate switch, especially in a predefined relative position with respect to the comb plate switch, wherein the testing unit is configured to exert a predefined testing force on the comb plate switch when tilting the testing unit by means of at least one tool which can be coupled with the testing unit. Advantageously, the testing unit provides for a kind of gear ratio from leverage forces, especially exerted by a person, to predefinable testing forces exerted on the switch.

[0007] In other words: The present inventions allows for solving the above mentioned difficulties by providing a method and device wherein a frame, casing or block of the testing unit is attached to a rod end of a comb plate (resp. attached to a screw end of a comb plate safety switch), and a tool (e.g., a screwdriver or a lever) can be used for more secure tests (e.g. for monthly tests), and also, optionally, a torque wrench can be used for even more precise adjustments and/or annual audits or the like.

[0008] In particular, the testing unit preferably is configured to exert a predefined testing force between a plate and a washer resp. between the plate and a screw of the switch, especially by providing for a tensile force between these components, especially by retaining at least one of these components with respect to at least one further of these components. Thus, the testing unit preferably is configured to apply a tensile force within the switch arrangement, thereby simulating a malfunction which shall induce actuation of the safety switch.

[0009] The present invention is also based on the finding that it is advantageous applying the predefined force at a component being arranged beyond the washer (protruding the washer), i.e., not between the washer and the plate of the switch, but e.g. between the end of a screw and the plate of the switch.

[0010] In the following, the basic idea of the invention and individual elements of the claimed invention subject matter are explained in accordance with their naming in the claim set and further in the following, particularly preferred embodiments of the invention subject matter are described. Any explanations are descriptive and preferred, but not limiting examples.

[0011] The basic idea or concept of the invention can also be described as follows: The testing unit provides for a testing method which can be standardised, wherein application of at least one tool for actuating the switch can be carried out in a reliable and secure manner. In particular, the testing unit allows for applying a predefined force by exposing the testing unit to a torque resp. to a leverage force.

[0012] According to one embodiment the at least one attachment means exhibits a lead through (lead-through, duct) or stay, wherein the at least one attachment means is arranged such that the testing unit can be fixed to a screw of the comb plate switch by means of the lead through or stay. Such a configuration also allows for practicable and easy coupling with the switch.

[0013] According to one embodiment the testing unit exhibits a flat side arranged for facing the comb plate switch, wherein the testing unit is configured to exert a tensile testing force, especially a tensile testing force having a predefined/predefinable amount, with respect to a washer or plate of the comb plate switch by pushing/pressing the flat side against the washer. Such a configuration also allows for transmitting forces from the testing unit to the switch in a reliable manner.

[0014] According to one embodiment the testing unit exhibits a protrusion or prolongation facing to the comb plate switch, wherein the testing unit is configured to exert a tensile testing force, especially on a screw of the comb plate switch, with respect to a washer or plate of the comb plate switch, when tilting the testing unit around a contacting border of the protrusion, especially when tilting the testing unit by means of at least one tool being coupled to at least one coupling provided in a casing of the testing unit. Such a configuration also allows for advantageous arrangement and relative positioning of the testing unit with respect to the switch.

[0015] According to one embodiment the testing unit is configured to exert a torque, especially a torque which is converted to a testing force when tilting a casing of the testing unit around a predefined pressure area by means of at least one tool being coupled to the casing, the casing preferably defining at least one lever arm for applying the torque resp. testing force. Such a configuration also allows for quite robust and advantageous flux of forces resp. transmission of forces and torques or leverage forces.

[0016] According to one embodiment the testing unit is designed such that the testing unit may remain fixed at the comb plate switch during operation of the escalator or moving walk. Such a configuration also facilitates recurring testing processes, especially in view of standardisation and long term behaviour.

[0017] According to one embodiment the testing unit exhibits at least two couplings for at least two different tools, especially a first coupling provided for coupling a screwdriver (in particular comprising a slit and a stay) and a second coupling provided for coupling a lever or torque wrench (in particular comprising a form-fitting interlock, especially having a square-cut cross profile). Such a configuration also allows for carrying out at least two different testing operations or adjustment procedures, both by using the same testing unit.

[0018] The above mentioned object is also solved by an escalator or a moving walk exhibiting at least one testing unit exhibiting features as described above, wherein the testing unit is fixed or is configured to be fixed to a comb plate switch of the escalator or moving walk. This allows for realizing above mentioned advantages.

[0019] The above mentioned object is also solved by a method of testing at least one comb plate switch of an escalator or moving walk, especially by means of a testing unit as described above, wherein a/the testing unit is fixed at the comb plate switch or is (already) arranged in said fixed state, wherein a predefined testing force, especially a predefined tensile force F, is exerted via the testing unit on the comb plate switch, especially on a washer or on a plate or on a screw of the comb plate switch, by tilting the testing unit by means of at least one tool which is coupled with the testing unit. This allows for realizing above mentioned advantages.

[0020] According to one embodiment at least one attachment means of the testing unit, especially a lead through or stay, is fixed to a/the screw of the comb plate switch in a predefined axial position with respect to a/the plate of the comb plate switch. Such a mode also facilitates standardisation of testing operations.

[0021] According to one embodiment a flat side of the testing unit is facing the comb plate switch and is pushing/pressing against a/the washer or a/the plate of the comb plate switch when the testing unit exerts a tensile testing force F with respect to the comb plate switch, especially when tilting the testing unit by means of a tool. This lever technique or lever mechanism also allows for reliable force application, wherein the forces which have to be applied by a person may be relatively small (leverage effect).

[0022] According to one embodiment a protrusion or prolongation of the testing unit is facing to the comb plate switch when the testing unit exerts a tensile testing force F with respect to a/the washer or a/the plate of the comb plate switch by tilting the testing unit around a contacting border of the protrusion, especially by tilting the testing unit by means of at least one tool being coupled to at least one coupling provided in a casing of the testing unit. Such a mode also allows for stabilising the whole arrangement, which is also favourable in context with safety requirements. The contacting border may reliably define the tilting axis.

[0023] According to one embodiment a torque (resp. leverage force) is exerted by the testing unit, especially a torque which is converted to a testing force F when tilting a casing of the testing unit around a predefined pressure area by means of at least one tool being coupled to a/the casing of the testing unit, the casing preferably defining at least one lever arm for applying the torque resp. testing force. Such a mode also allows for accurately implementing/applying the forces to the switch (good intuition, good tact).

[0024] According to one embodiment the testing forces are applied by at least two different tools which are/can be coupled to at least two different couplings of the testing unit, especially a first coupling provided for coupling a screwdriver and a second coupling provided for coupling a lever or torque wrench. Such a mode also allows for providing both functionalities (testing and adjusting) by only one single device. In particular, adjustment of the spring plate resp. tensioner (axial pretension/pretensioning of the switch) can be easily done by applying a torque wrench via the second coupling.

[0025] In particular, a first testing operation is carried out by applying the tool at the first coupling, and a second testing operation or an adjustment operation is carried out by applying the tool (or a further tool) at the second coupling.

[0026] It is preferable that the order of the aforementioned method steps can be varied, unless technically necessary in the aforementioned order. However, the aforementioned order of the method steps is particularly preferred.

[0027] The above mentioned object is also solved by a testing unit configured for testing at least one comb plate switch of an escalator or moving walk, wherein the testing unit exhibits at least one attachment means configured for fixing the testing unit at the at least one comb plate switch in a predefined relative position with respect to the comb plate switch, especially testing unit as described above, processed by composing a casing of the testing unit, especially by providing bent/stamped flat material, wherein the casing provides for a pressure area contacting the comb plate switch (in intended use arrangement), and by assembling the testing unit by providing first and second cross stays for fixing the testing unit to a comb plate switch and for coupling at least one tool with the testing unit. This comparatively simple and cost-effective manner of provision of the testing unit also allows for realizing above mentioned advantages, especially in view of providing a reliable and practicable device in a cost-effective and standardised manner, for efficiently and securely carrying out functioning tests as described above.

[0028] The above mentioned object is also solved by use of a testing unit for testing the functioning of at least one comb plate switch of an escalator or moving walk, especially use of a testing unit as described above, wherein the testing unit is fixed at the comb plate switch, wherein a predefined tensile testing force F is exerted via the testing unit on the comb plate switch, especially on a washer or on a plate or on a screw of the comb plate switch, by tilting the testing unit by means of at least one tool which is coupled with the testing unit such that a predefined pressure area provided by a casing of the testing unit is pressed against a/the plate of the comb plate switch. This allows for realizing above mentioned advantages.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0029] These and other aspects of the present invention will also be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. Individual features disclosed in the embodiments can constitute alone or in combination an aspect of the present invention. Features of the different embodiments can be carried over from one embodiment to another embodiment. In the drawings:

Figures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D in different views an arrangement and testing procedure according to prior art applications;

Figure 2 in a perspective view a testing unit according to one embodiment;

Figures 3A, 3B, 3C in perspective views, respectively, two different applications of a testing unit according to one embodiment;

Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F in different views a testing unit or components thereof according to one embodiment;

Figure 5 in a perspective view a moving walk (or analogously an escalator) for applying a testing unit resp. a testing method according to one embodiment;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0030] First, the reference signs are described in general terms; individual reference is made in connection with respective figures.

[0031] An escalator or a moving walk 1 exhibits at least one comb plate 3 and at least one comb plate switch 5 comprising a plate 5.1 (spring plate), a pretensioning unit 5.2 (tensioner), a screw 5.3 and a washer 5.4. Operation of the moving walk 1 can be controlled by means of a control unit 7. A testing unit 10 exhibits a frame or casing or carcass 12 (especially made of bent/stamped flat material, e.g. bent/stamped steel) defining a pressure point or pressing area or contacting border 12a and having a flat side 12b (facing the comb plate switch) and at least one protrusion or prolongation 12.1 facing the comb plate switch when correctly positioned at the switch. The testing unit 10 further exhibits two stays 14, namely a first cross stay 14a (especially screw or comprising screw) and a second cross stay 14b (especially screw or comprising screw), and further exhibits/defines two couplings 16 for at least one tool 20, namely a first coupling 16a (especially for screwdriver, especially slit back pressure coupling) and a second coupling 16b (especially for lever, especially form-fitting interlock). A sleeve or tube section 19 (especially cylindrical pipe section) can be provided at the first coupling 16a, especially in order to allow for advantageous coupling of the tool. The testing unit 10 further exhibits attachment means 18 (especially at least one attachment block), especially in an arrangement at the second cross stay 14b, wherein the attachment means 18 may exhibit at least one first lead through 18.1 (passageway opening, especially accommodation for screw) and a plurality of second lead throughs 18.2 (passageway openings), the lead throughs facilitating attachment of the unit 10 at the switch 5.

[0032] A resulting tensile testing force F transmitted from the testing unit 10 and to the switch 5 can be applied by providing a leverage force to the testing unit (especially by said at least one tool), wherein that leverage force evokes tilting of the unit around the tilting axis y resp. at the contact border 12a. Depending on the point of application of the forces induced by the tool 20, a lever arm Z16 is defined by the unit 10, especially having the length Z16a (first coupling) or the length Z16b (second lever arm of second coupling). Thus, the testing unit 1β allows for defining a power flow path PF (path of flow of applied testing forces) from the respective coupling 16a, 16b to the contact border 12a and/or to the flat side 12b.

[0033] Coordinate axis x designates the longitudinal direction (especially screw axis or safety switch axis), and coordinate axis y designates the tilting axis, and coordinate axis z designates the vertical axis.

[0034] Fig. 1A, 1B, 1C, ID illustrate prior art applications which is/was based on direct engagement of a tool between a washer and a plate of the switch 5. That kind of testing method has turned out to be not very reliable.

[0035] In Fig. 2, a testing unit 10 according to the present invention is shown, as one of several embodiments. The robust casing 12 is provided by bent/stamped flat material. The couplings 16a, 16b are directly provided/arranged within the solid material of the casing.

[0036] In Fig. 3A, 3B, 3C, some modes of application are shown. Fig. 3B illustrates application of a first tool at the first coupling 16a, and Fig. 3C illustrates application of a second tool at the second coupling 16b. Irrespective of the kind of tool, each tool described by the present disclosure is referenced by reference sign 20.

[0037] In Fig. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, structural details of the testing unit 10 and components thereof are shown in more detail.

[0038] In Fig. 4A, a radius resp. round border is visible, at the protruding end of protrusion resp. prolongation 12.1. That radius may allow for scrolling of the frame 12 when tilting with respect to the plate 5.1.

[0039] In Fig. 4A, the power flow path (path of flow of applied testing forces) PF arising when applying a tilting force by means of one of the two tools 20 (only illustrated for more comprehendible disclosure) between the tilting axis y (Fig. 4B) and the screw 5.3 is illustrated, wherein resulting tensile forces F (action, reaction) between the switch 5 (not shown) and the casing 12 are illustrated also. Specific power flow path PF depends on the kind of tool applied to casing 12 as well as on the point of coupling. Fig. 4A illustrates both examples of force flow paths.

[0040] In Fig. 5, it is referred to a moving walk 1, wherein a comb plate 3 and a control unit 7 controlling operation of the moving walk 1 are indicated.

List of reference signs

[0041] 

1

escalator or moving walk

3

comb plate

5

comb plate switch

5.1

plate (spring plate)

5.2

pretensioning unit (tensioner)

5.3

screw

5.4

washer

7

(maintenance) control unit

10

testing unit

12

frame or casing or carcass, especially made of bent/stamped flat material

12a

pressure point or pressing area or contacting border

12b

flat side, facing the comb plate switch

12.1

protrusion, prolongation

14, 14a, 14b

stay; first and second cross stay, especially screw or comprising screw

16

coupling(s) for at least one tool

16a

first coupling, especially for screwdriver, especially slit back pressure coupling

16b

second coupling, especially for lever, especially form-fitting interlock

18

attachment means, especially attachment block

18.1

first lead through (passageway opening), especially accommodation for screw

18.2

second lead throughs (passageway openings)

19

sleeve or tube section (especially cylindrical pipe section)

20

tool

F

resulting tensile force between testing unit and switch

PF

power flow path (path of flow of applied testing forces)

Z16

lever arm

Z16a

length of first lever arm for first coupling

Z16b

length of second lever arm for second coupling

x

longitudinal direction, especially screw axis or safety switch axis

y

tilting axis

z

vertical axis

Claims

1. Testing unit (10) configured for testing at least one comb plate switch (5) of an escalator or moving walk (1), wherein the testing unit (10) exhibits at least one attachment means (14b, 18) configured for fixing the testing unit (10) at the at least one comb plate switch (5), wherein the testing unit (10) is configured to exert a predefined testing force on the comb plate switch (5) when tilting the testing unit (10) by means of at least one tool (20) which can be coupled with the testing unit (10).

2. Testing unit (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment means (18) exhibits a lead through (18.1) or stay (14b), wherein the at least one attachment means (18) is arranged such that the testing unit (10) can be fixed to a screw (5.3) of the comb plate switch (5) by means of the lead through (18.1) or stay (14b).

3. Testing unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the testing unit (10) exhibits a flat side (12b) arranged for facing the comb plate switch (5), wherein the testing unit (10) is configured to exert a tensile testing force (F) with respect to a washer (5.4) or plate (5.1) of the comb plate switch (5) by pushing/pressing the flat side against the washer.

4. Testing unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the testing unit (10) exhibits a protrusion or prolongation (12.1) facing to the comb plate switch (5), wherein the testing unit (10) is configured to exert a tensile testing force (F) with respect to a/the washer (5.4) or plate (5.1) of the comb plate switch (5) when tilting the testing unit (10) around a contacting border (12a) of the protrusion (12.1), especially when tilting the testing unit (10) by means of at least one tool (20) being coupled to at least one coupling (16, 16a, 16b) provided in a casing (12) of the testing unit (10).

5. Testing unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the testing unit (10) is configured to exert a torque, especially a torque which is converted to a testing force (F) when tilting a casing (12) of the testing unit (10) around a predefined pressure area by means of at least one tool (20) being coupled to the casing (12), the casing preferably defining at least one lever arm (Z16) for applying the torque resp. testing force (F).

6. Testing unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the testing unit (10) is designed such that the testing unit (10) may remain fixed at the comb plate switch (5) during operation of the escalator or moving walk (1).

7. Testing unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the testing unit (10) exhibits at least two couplings (16a, 16b) for at least two different tools (20), especially a first coupling (16a) provided for coupling a screwdriver and a second coupling (16b) provided for coupling a lever or torque wrench.

8. Escalator or moving walk (1) exhibiting at least one testing unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the testing unit (10) is fixed or is configured to be fixed to a comb plate switch (5) of the escalator or moving walk (1).

9. Method of testing at least one comb plate switch (5) of an escalator or moving walk (1), especially by means of a testing unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a/the testing unit (10) is fixed at the comb plate switch (5) or is arranged in said fixed state, wherein a predefined testing force, especially a predefined tensile force (F), is exerted via the testing unit (10) on the comb plate switch (5), especially on a washer (5.4) or on a plate (5.1) or on a screw (5.3) of the comb plate switch (5), by tilting the testing unit (10) by means of at least one tool (20) which is coupled with the testing unit (10).

10. Method according to the preceding method claim, wherein at least one attachment means (18) of the testing unit, especially a lead through (18.1) or stay (14b), is fixed to a/the screw (5.3) of the comb plate switch (5) in a predefined axial position with respect to a/the plate (5.1) of the comb plate switch (5).

11. Method according to any of the preceding method claims, wherein a flat side (12b) of the testing unit (10) is facing the comb plate switch (5) and is pushing/pressing against a/the washer (5.4) or a/the plate (5.1) of the comb plate switch (5) when the testing unit (10) exerts a tensile testing force (F) with respect to the comb plate switch (5), especially when tilting the testing unit (10) by means of a tool; and/or wherein a protrusion or prolongation (12.1) of the testing unit (10) is facing to the comb plate switch (5) when the testing unit (10) exerts a tensile testing force (F) with respect to a/the washer (5.4) or a/the plate (5.1) of the comb plate switch (5) by tilting the testing unit (10) around a contacting border (12a) of the protrusion (12.1), especially by tilting the testing unit (10) by means of at least one tool (20) being coupled to at least one coupling (16, 16a, 16b) provided in a casing (12) of the testing unit (10).

12. Method according to any of the preceding method claims, wherein a torque is exerted by the testing unit (10), especially a torque which is converted to a testing force (F) when tilting a casing (12) of the testing unit (10) around a predefined pressure area by means of at least one tool (20) being coupled to a/the casing (12) of the testing unit, the casing preferably defining at least one lever arm (Z16) for applying the torque resp. testing force (F).

13. Method according to any of the preceding method claims, wherein the testing forces are applied by at least two different tools (20) which are/can be coupled to at least two different couplings (16a, 16b) of the testing unit (10), especially a first coupling (16a) provided for coupling a screwdriver and a second coupling (16b) provided for coupling a lever or torque wrench.

14. Testing unit (10) configured for testing at least one comb plate switch of an escalator or moving walk, wherein the testing unit exhibits at least one attachment means configured for fixing the testing unit at the at least one comb plate switch in a predefined relative position with respect to the comb plate switch, especially testing unit according to any of the preceding device claims 1 to 7, processed by composing a casing (12) of the testing unit, especially by providing bent/stamped flat material, wherein the casing (12) provides for a pressure area contacting the comb plate switch, and by assembling the testing unit by providing first and second cross stays for fixing the testing unit to a comb plate switch and for coupling at least one tool with the testing unit.

15. Use of a testing unit for testing the functioning of at least one comb plate switch (5) of an escalator or moving walk (1), especially use of a testing unit according to any of the preceding device claims 1 to 7, wherein the testing unit (10) is fixed at the comb plate switch (5), wherein a predefined tensile testing force (F) is exerted via the testing unit (10) on the comb plate switch (5), especially on a washer (5.4) or on a plate (5.1) or on a screw (5.3) of the comb plate switch (5), by tilting the testing unit (10) by means of at least one tool (20) which is coupled with the testing unit (10) such that a predefined pressure area provided by a casing of the testing unit (10) is pressed against a/the plate (5.1) of the comb plate switch (5).

Drawing