MEASURING SYSTEM FOR ESCALATOR SYSTEMS OR PASSWAY SYSTEMS AS WELL AS MEASURING METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM AND USE

Abstract

 The present invention refers to a measuring system configured for measuring at least one first component of an escalator system or of a passway system respectively exhibiting a plurality of step units, wherein the measuring system comprises a reference system providing at least one reference based on at least one of a dimension, a relative position, a tolerance respectively of at least one further component of the escalator system or passway system. The present invention also refers to a method of measuring at least one component of an escalator system or a passway system by referring to a/the reference system. The present invention also refers to a system comprising means for executing the steps of such a method. Furthermore, the present invention refers to a computer program for executing the steps of such a method on a computer.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention refers to a measuring system for measuring at least one first component of an escalator system or a passway system (resp. walkway or moving walk system) respectively exhibiting a plurality of step units, wherein the measuring system comprises a reference system providing at least one (common) reference based on at least one of a dimension, a relative position, a tolerance respectively of at least one further (second) component of the escalator system or passway system. The present invention also refers to a method of measuring at least one component of an escalator system or a passway system (resp. moving walk system) by referring to a/the reference system. The present invention also refers to a system comprising means for executing the steps of such a method. The present invention also refers to an escalator system or passway system including such a measuring system. Furthermore, the present invention refers to a computer program for executing the steps of such a method on a computer.

Background of the invention

[0002] In escalator systems or passway systems, usually, dimensions and tolerances of system components are considered individually and independently. There is no correlation between considerations of dimensions and tolerances for system components. That situation does not facilitate analysis of such a system, which is detrimental especially in context with test runs; e.g., in case of errors or even system failure, exact system analysis is quite laborious. For example, until now, in case of assembly problems/difficulties, previously, generally, a/the quality department had to be contacted/called to carry out measurements and to search for any errors. But, in order to provide for higher quality and reliability, system analysis preferably should be facilitated, e.g. in conjunction with test runs or any such standard procedures.

Description of the invention

[0003] Starting from this situation, it is an object of the present invention to provide for a system allowing for testing, measuring and analyzing components of escalator systems or passway systems, especially steps or step units of the respective system, in a more reliable and efficient way, especially in context with test runs.

[0004] The object of the invention is solved by the features of the independent main claims. Advantageous features are indicated in the subclaims. If technically possible, the teachings of the subclaims can be combined arbitrarily with the teachings of the main and subclaims.

[0005] In particular, the object is therefore solved by a measuring system configured for measuring at least one first component (especially a step or step unit) of an escalator system or a passway system (resp. moving walk system) respectively exhibiting a plurality of step units, wherein the measuring system comprises a reference system providing at least one (common) reference based on at least one of a dimension, a relative position, a tolerance respectively of at least one further (second) component of the escalator system or passway system, especially for measuring the step units or analyzing the installation situation (resp. the relative arrangement) of the step units. Such a configuration also allows for more reliable and efficient test runs and fault analysis and quality checks (resp. quality control).

[0006] The measuring system may comprise several sensors and measuring units, depending on the desired kind of reference, measurement or component. For example, the measuring system comprises several position sensors, distance sensors and/or measuring units for measuring any further dimension (e.g. diameter). In other words, in particular it is provided that the relative arrangement of components of the system with respect to each other can be defined and diagnosed/analyzed in a standardized and efficient and reliable manner.

[0007] In the following, the general term "system" may refer to both an escalator system or a passway system. The present invention can be implemented for both kinds of systems, especially since these kinds of systems may exhibit similar kinematics and support configuration of the step units (resp. of components which are moved/driven).

[0008] In the following, the advantageous aspects of the claimed invention are explained and further below, preferred modified embodiments of the invention are described. Explanations, in particular on advantages and definitions of features, are basically descriptive and preferred, but not limiting examples. If an explanation is limiting, this is expressly mentioned.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the measuring system is configured for measuring at least one step (first component) of a/the step unit of the escalator system or passway system, especially based on the connection/coupling (further component) of the at least one step with respect to other structures of the escalator system or passway system, especially based on reference to at least one step roller of the step unit and/or based on reference to a guide rail or step chain roller or step chain roller axle of the escalator system or passway system. Such design/configuration also allows for reliable and efficient measurement/surveying of components which are moved/driven. It has been found that (at least, also) referring to the step chain roller and/or step chain roller axle (or corresponding guide rails) allows for very accurate and favorable measuring.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the measuring system is configured for correlating at least one dimension and at least one tolerance of the at least one first component (and optionally also of the at least one further component); and/or the measuring system is configured for correlating at least one relative position and at least one tolerance of the at least one first component (and optionally also of the at least one further component); and/or the measuring system is configured for correlating at least one relative position and/or at least one dimension and at least one tolerance of at least two components. Such design/configuration also facilitates referencing.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the measuring system is configured for correlating the at least one dimension and/or the at least one relative position and the at least one tolerance of the at least two components of the escalator system or passway system, thereby determining if a predefined tolerance threshold is complied with. Such design/configuration also allows for quite efficient/effective diagnosis/analysis in a standardized manner; in particular, fault analysis can be carried out very efficiently even in case multiple interrelated components be involved in the system. Thus, the inventive system can even cope with a high degree of complexity.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the referenced at least one dimension is a dimension of a component selected from the following group: C-hole, hollow axle contact surface, step, step roller axle, step roller, step chain roller, step chain roller axle, guide rail.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the referenced at least one tolerance is a tolerance of a component selected from the following group: C-hole, hollow axle contact surface, step, step roller axle, step roller, step chain roller, step chain roller axle, guide rail. Such kind of referencing respectively also allows for analysis of important parts/components which have an impact on appropriate functioning of the kinematics of the system.

[0014] The system may also refer to at least one (real, actual) position (absolute and/or relative) of the components.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the measuring system is configured for determining at least one deviation or threshold respectively of/for the respective dimension and/or the respective relative position and/or the respective tolerance, especially based on a tolerance system being correlated with the reference system; and/or the measuring system is configured for analyzing positional offset of at least one component, especially of at least one of the steps, based on at least one tolerance value or tolerance threshold referring to the at least one first or further component. Such configuration/implementation also allows for assessing any deviation of desired/set values in more accurate (relativized/qualified) manner, e.g. in context with plausibility check. In particular, providing for a tolerance system, especially a tolerance system which is specific with respect to each individual system or application, the tolerance system may render the analysis even more accurate and reliable. Also, any proposal of any provisions or measures in context with repair and maintenance may be provided in even more accurate manner.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the measuring system is configured for calibrating relative positions or positional offset of at least two of the components based on the referenced at least one dimension and/or at least one tolerance. Such configuration/implementation also allows for individually assessing effective deviation of parameters based on specific (momentary) system status. E.g., the system status may be different in context with test runs (quite new components) and maintenance/repair (quite old components or even damaged/worn/nagged components).

[0017] The present invention also provides for a method of measuring at least one first component of an escalator system or a passway system respectively exhibiting a plurality of step units, especially by means of a measuring system as decribed above, wherein the method comprises providing at least one reference based on at least one of a dimension, a relative position, a tolerance respectively of at least one further component of the escalator system or passway system, especially for measuring the step units or analyzing the installation situation of the step units. Such a method provides for above mentioned advantages.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the invention, it is provided that for measuring and referencing, at least one dimension and at least one tolerance of the at least one first component are correlated; and/or wherein for measuring and referencing, at least one relative position and at least one tolerance of the at least one component are correlated; and/or wherein for measuring and referencing, at least one relative position and/or at least one dimension and at least one tolerance of at least two components are correlated; and/or the method comprises determining if a predefined tolerance threshold is complied with, especially by correlating the at least one dimension and/or the at least one relative position and the at least one tolerance of the at least two components of the escalator system or passway system. Such implementation also allows for more accurate and more efficient system analysis.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the method comprises fault analysis of at least one of a dimension and a relative position of at least one of the components of the system, especially of at least one of the steps or step units of the system, especially by referencing to at least one dimension or tolerance of a component selected from the following group: C-hole, hollow axle contact surface, step, step roller axle, step roller, step chain roller, step chain roller axle, guide rail. Such implementation also allows for accurate and standardized maintenance procedures.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the method is carried out during a test run or as a test run or in context with fault analysis of an escalator system or a passway system, especially by referring to at least one of a dimension, a relative position, a tolerance of at least one of the steps or step units of the escalator system or passway system. Such implementation also allows for efficiently and correctly analyzing those system components which are moved/driven and which are subject to wear.

[0021] The present invention also provides an escalator system with means for providing at least one reference and means for measuring at least one of a dimension, a relative position, a tolerance respectively of at least one component of the escalator system, the escalator system preferably comprising a measuring system as described above, wherein the escalator system is configured for executing steps of the method as described above, preferably comprising use of the measuring system as described above. Such a system provides for above mentioned advantages.

[0022] The present invention also provides a passway system with means for providing at least one reference and means for measuring at least one of a dimension, a relative position, a tolerance respectively of at least one component of the passway system, the passway system preferably comprising a measuring system as described above, wherein the passway system is configured for executing steps of the method as described above, preferably comprising use of the measuring system as described above. Such a system provides for above mentioned advantages.

[0023] The present invention also provides a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the steps of the method described above. A computer program is a collection of instructions for performing a specific task that is designed to solve a specific class of problems. The instructions of a program are designed to be executed by a computer and it is required that a computer can execute programs in order to it to function.

[0024] The present invention also provides for use of a measuring system as described above for providing at least one reference and for correlating at least one of a dimension, a relative position, a tolerance respectively of at least two components of an escalator system or a passway system, especially in context with or during a test run, especially for executing steps of the method as described above. Such use provides for above mentioned advantages, especially in view of efficient standardized analysis.

Brief description of the drawings

[0025] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, using preferred design examples. The word "figure" is abbreviated in the drawings as "Fig". The drawings show in

Fig. 1A, 1B, 1C

respectively a schematic view of components of an escalator or passway system which can be measured by means of a measuring system according to preferred design examples of the invention;

Fig. 2

a schematic view of a system (measuring system and escalator or passway system) according to preferred design examples of the invention.

Detailed description of the design examples

[0026] The described design examples are only examples which can be modified and/or supplemented in many ways within the scope of the claims. Each feature described for a/the specific design example can be used independently or in combination with other features in any other design example. Each feature described for a/the design example of a particular claim category can also be used in a corresponding way in a design example of another claim category.

[0027] First, the reference signs are described in general terms; individual reference is made in connection with respective figures.

[0028] The present invention provides for a measuring system 10 configured for measuring at least one first component 130a of an escalator system 110 or a passway system 120 (resp. moving walk system) respectively exhibiting a plurality of step units 30, wherein the measuring system 10 comprises a reference system 20 providing at least one (common) reference 21 based on at least one of a dimension, a relative position, a tolerance respectively of at least one further (second) component 130b of the escalator system or passway system, especially for measuring the step units 30 or analyzing the installation situation of the step units. The at least one (common) reference 21 can be stored/deposited in data storage unit 23. The measuring system 10 may comprise at least one sensor or measuring unit 12. The reference system may correlate at least two parameters of the following components 130 (resp. the respective dimension, tolerance, relative position): step 31, C-hole 32, hollow axle contact surface 33 (resp. hollow axle), step roller 34, step roller axle 35,step chain roller 36, step chain roller axle 37, guide rail 40. Each of these components may be part of a/the escalator system 110 or passway system 120. E.g., the measuring system may correlate at least three components 130, namely a first component 130a, a second component 130b and a third component 130c. The individual components can be characterized by at least one of a first dimension D1, a second dimension D2, a third dimension D3, and/or a first position P1, a second position P2, a third position P3, and/or a first tolerance T1, a second tolerance T2, a third tolerance T3.

[0029] Fig. 1A shows some components of an escalator system 110. As an example, these components can be subject to correlation resp. referencing according to the concept of the present invention.

[0030] Fig. 1B shows correlation/ referencing of positions (PI, P2), tolerances (T1, T2), dimensions (D1, D2) of a C-hole 32 and a hollow axle contact surface 33, which can be considered as a first and second component 130a, 130b (for example).

[0031] Fig. 1C illustrates referencing in context with a position (P3), a tolerance (T3), a dimension (D3) of a step roller axle 35, which can be considered as a third component 130c (for example).

[0032] Fig. 2 illustrates correlation/referencing in a system exhibiting at least three components 130a, 130b, 130c which can be interrelated and which are correlated by means of the measuring system 10. Referencing can be done based on both references 21 already stored in data storage units 23 and references 21 actively determined via active measurements (by means of at least one sensor 12).

[0033] While several aspects of the present invention are shown in the accompanying figures and described in detail hereinabove, other aspects will be apparent to, and readily made by, those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. The invention described hereinabove is defined by the appended claims and all changes to the invention that fall within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

List of reference signs

[0034] 

10

measuring system

12

sensor or measuring unit

20

reference system

21

reference

23

data storage unit

30

step unit

31

step

32

C-hole

33

hollow axle contact surface

34

step roller

35

step roller axle

36

step chain roller

37

step chain roller axle

40

guide rail

110

escalator system

120

passway system

130

component

130a

first component

130b

further (second) component

130c

further (third) component

D1

first dimension (resp. dimension of first component)

D2

second dimension (resp. dimension of second component)

D3

third dimension (resp. dimension of third component)

P1

first position (resp. relative position of first component)

P2

second position (resp. relative position of second component)

P3

third position (resp. relative position of third component)

T1

first tolerance (resp. tolerance of first component or position)

T2

second tolerance (resp. tolerance of second component or position)

T3

third tolerance (resp. tolerance of third component or position)

Claims

1. Measuring system (10) configured for measuring at least one first component (130, 130a) of an escalator system (110) or a passway system (120) respectively exhibiting a plurality of step units (30), characterized in that the measuring system comprises a reference system (20) providing at least one reference (21) based on at least one of a dimension (D1), a relative position (PI), a tolerance (T1) respectively of at least one further component (130b, 130c) of the escalator system or passway system, especially for measuring the step units (30) or analyzing the installation situation of the step units.

2. Measuring system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring system is configured for measuring at least one step (31) of a/the step unit (30) of the escalator system or passway system, especially based on the connection/coupling of the at least one step (31) with respect to other structures of the escalator system or passway system, especially based on reference to at least one step roller (34) of the step unit and/or based on reference to a guide rail (40) or step chain roller (36) or step chain roller axle (37) of the escalator system or passway system.

3. Measuring system (10) according to at least one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the measuring system is configured for correlating at least one dimension (D1) and at least one tolerance (T1) of the at least one first component; and/or wherein the measuring system is configured for correlating at least one relative position (P1) and at least one tolerance (T1) of the at least one first component; and/or wherein the measuring system is configured for correlating at least one relative position (PI, P2, P3) and/or at least one dimension (D1, D2, D3) and at least one tolerance (T1, T2, T3) of at least two components (130a, 130b, 130c).

4. Measuring system (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the measuring system is configured for correlating the at least one dimension and/or the at least one relative position and the at least one tolerance of the at least two components of the escalator system or passway system, thereby determining if a predefined tolerance threshold is complied with.

5. Measuring system (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the referenced at least one dimension (D1, D2, D3) is a dimension of a component selected from the following group: C-hole (32), hollow axle contact surface (33), step (31), step roller axle (35), step roller (34), step chain roller (36), step chain roller axle (37), guide rail (40).

6. Measuring system (10) according to any of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the referenced at least one tolerance (T1, T2, T3) is a tolerance of a component selected from the following group: C-hole, hollow axle contact surface, step, step roller axle, step roller, step chain roller, step chain roller axle, guide rail.

7. Measuring system (10) according to any of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the measuring system is configured for determining at least one deviation or threshold respectively of/for the respective dimension (D1, D2, D3) and/or the respective relative position (PI, P2, P3) and/or the respective tolerance (T1, T2, T3), especially based on a tolerance system being correlated with the reference system (20); and/or wherein the measuring system is configured for analyzing positional offset of at least one component, especially of at least one of the steps (31), based on at least one tolerance value or tolerance threshold referring to the at least one first or further component; and/or wherein the measuring system is configured for calibrating relative positions or positional offset of at least two of the components (130a, 130b, 130c) based on the referenced at least one dimension and/or at least one tolerance.

8. Measurement method of measuring at least one first component (130a) of an escalator system (110) or a passway system (120) respectively exhibiting a plurality of step units (30), especially by means of a measuring system (10) according to at least one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the method comprises providing at least one reference (21) based on at least one of a dimension, a relative position, a tolerance respectively of at least one further component (130b, 130c) of the escalator system (110) or passway system (120), especially for measuring the step units (30) or analyzing the installation situation of the step units.

9. Measurement method according to claim 8, wherein for measuring and referencing, at least one dimension and at least one tolerance of the at least one first component are correlated; and/or wherein for measuring and referencing, at least one relative position and at least one tolerance of the at least one first component are correlated; and/or wherein for measuring and referencing, at least one relative position and/or at least one dimension and at least one tolerance of least two components (130a, 130b, 130c) are correlated; and/or the method comprises determining if a predefined tolerance threshold is complied with, especially by correlating the at least one dimension and/or the at least one relative position and the at least one tolerance of the at least two components of the escalator system or passway system.

10. Measurement method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the measurement method comprises fault analysis of at least one of a dimension and a relative position of at least one of the components of the system, especially of at least one of the steps or step units of the system, especially by referencing to at least one dimension or tolerance of a component selected from the following group: C-hole (32), hollow axle contact surface (33), step (31), step roller axle (35), step roller (34), step chain roller (36), step chain roller axle (37), guide rail (40).

11. Measurement method according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the measurement method is carried out during a test run or as a test run or in context with fault analysis of an escalator system (110) or a passway system (120), especially by referring to at least one of a dimension (D1, D2, D3), a relative position(P1, P2, P3), a tolerance (T1, T2, T3) of at least one of the steps (31) or step units (30) of the escalator system or passway system.

12. Escalator system (110) with means for providing at least one reference and means for measuring at least one of a dimension, a relative position, a tolerance respectively of at least one component (130, 130a, 130b, 130c) of the escalator system, the escalator system preferably comprising a measuring system (10) according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the escalator system is configured for executing steps of the measurement method according to any one of the claims 8 to 11.

13. Passway system (120) with means for providing at least one reference and means for measuring at least one of a dimension, a relative position, a tolerance respectively of at least one component (130, 130a, 130b, 130c) of the passway system, the passway system comprising a measuring system (10) according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the passway system is configured for executing steps of the method according to at least one of the preceding method claims, preferably comprising use of the measuring system according to at least one of the claims 1 to 7.

14. Computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the steps of the method according to at least one of the method claims 8 to 11.

15. Use of a measuring system (10) according to at least one of the claims 1 to 7 for providing at least one reference (21) and for correlating at least one of a dimension, a relative position, a tolerance respectively of at least two components (130, 130a, 130b, 130c) of an escalator system (110) or a passway system (120), especially in context with or during a test run, especially for executing steps of the method according to at least one of the preceding method claims.

Drawing