EP3472085A1

EP3472085A1 - Passenger transport system with monitoring and marking device for characterizing defective step units

Info

Publication number: EP3472085A1
Application number: EP17731579.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Manfred Gartner; Thomas Novacek
Original assignee: Inventio AG
Current assignee: Inventio AG
Priority date: 2016-06-21
Filing date: 2017-06-21
Publication date: 2019-04-24
Anticipated expiration: 2037-06-21
Also published as: CL2018003413A1; AU2017281562B2; KR20190020667A; MX2018015895A; WO2017220648A1; EP3472085B1; TW201803798A; RU2019100522A; US10336582B2; RU2736242C2; CN109311636B; RU2019100522A3; AU2017281562A1; BR112018072007B1; ES2778834T3; CN109311636A; US20190161324A1; SG11201810538PA; PH12018502255A1; BR112018072007A2

Abstract

The invention relates to a passenger transport system (1) and to a method for modernizing an existing passenger transport system. The passenger transport system has multiple step units (17), a comb plate (27), a monitoring device (49), and a marking device (45). The step units are to be moved one behind the other continuously along a target movement path (29) during normal operation. The comb plate is arranged at a fixed position relative to the target movement path. The monitoring device is designed to monitor an actual position of a currently monitored step unit relative to the target movement path and to detect a deviation of the actual position from the target movement path by more than an allowable tolerance value and activate the marking device in response thereto. Upon being activated, the marking device is designed to provide the currently monitored step unit and/or a step unit spatially correlating to the currently monitored step unit in a defined manner with a marking (57). In this manner, collisions between a step unit and the comb plate can be prevented, and step units at risk of a collision can be quickly and easily detected by maintenance personnel using the marking attached to the units by the marking device.

Description

Passenger transport system with monitoring and marking device for identifying defective kiting units

The present invention relates to a passenger transport system such as a

Escalator or a moving walk.

Passenger transport facilities are used to transport people, for example, in buildings between different height levels or within a constant height level. For example, escalators, which are sometimes referred to as escalators, used to transport people, for example, in a building from one floor to another floor. Moving walkways can be used to convey people, for example, within a floor in a horizontal plane or only a slightly inclined plane.

Passenger transport systems usually have a plurality of kiting units on which e.g. People can stand and be transported by passenger transport system. On escalators, the kiting units are also referred to as stairs. For driving platforms, the kiting units are commonly referred to as pallets. The tread units are usually made of metal and may e.g. be produced as castings. An upward surface of a stepping unit is usually with in

Direction extending longitudinal ribs and profiled between these longitudinal grooves. The tread units are generally parallel to each other and arranged one behind the other. The kiting units are regularly using a conveyor such. a conveyor chain connected to each other and can in normal operation of the

Passenger transport system, for example, by means of the conveyor behind one another continuously displaced along a desired travel path. The desired travel can be e.g. be predetermined by a guide or a rail, along which the kiting units are moved, usually rolling or sliding on Führungsroll- or

Guide sliding elements.

Near the ends of the travel path usually so-called comb plates are provided on the passenger transport system. The comb plates are relative to the travel and thus also relative to the displacing along the travel tread units a fixed position arranged. The comb plates are provided at the transition between the moving along the travel kiting units and a stationary structure of the passenger transport system. Teeth of the comb plate engage in the longitudinal grooves between the longitudinal ribs of the tread units. During the

Normalbetriebs the passenger transport system, the kiting units move one after the other usually just below the comb plates through. A gap between an upper side of the respective tread unit and a lower side or the teeth of the

Comb plate should be as small as possible, e.g. smaller than 2mm, so that e.g. Do not get objects or body parts between the comb plate and the kicking unit and get caught in the gap.

Examples of passenger transport systems and details of their components are given in WO 2009047146 AI and in EP 0 924 157 Bl.

It has been observed that in certain constellations, collisions may occur between the moving tread units and the fixed comb plates. For example, wear on guide roller or guide sliding elements of individual tread units may mean that they are no longer guided exactly along the desired travel path during their displacement. A slight deviation from the desired travel can, in particular, where a stepping unit under a

To be performed comb plate, cause the stepping unit is no longer sufficiently spaced over a gap from the comb plate, but can rub directly to this or at worst collides with its front even with the comb plate. This can occur, in particular, when the stepping unit can tilt, for example due to play around a horizontally arranged axis and then just before driving under the comb plate, for example, by a passenger is charged so that their front edge moves upward and then with the Comb plate collides.

Collisions between tread units and comb plates can lead to damage to the passenger transport system. In most cases, the operation of the passenger transport system must be interrupted and the passenger transport system must be maintained, so that it may possibly lead to longer downtime. During maintenance, the kiting unit causing the collision must be identified, for example by Repair or replace worn or damaged components

To be able to repair passenger transport equipment again.

There may be, inter alia, a need for a passenger transport system in which a risk of damage to the passenger transport system due to collisions between a kicking unit and a comb plate is reduced and / or caused by such collisions downtime of the passenger transport system can be avoided or at least shortened. Such a need can be met by a passenger transport system according to the

independent claim to be met. Such a need may also be met by a method of modernizing existing passenger transport equipment according to the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims and the following description.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a passenger transport system is proposed, which a plurality of rider units, a comb plate, a

Monitoring device and a marking device has. In a normal operation, the tread units are to be displaced continuously in succession along a desired travel path. The comb plate is disposed relative to the desired travel at a fixed position. The monitoring device is configured to monitor an actual position of a currently monitored tread unit relative to the desired travel path and to detect a deviation of the actual position from the desired travel path by more than a permissible tolerance value and then the

Marking device to activate. The marking device is set up at its

Activation to provide the currently monitored stepping unit and / or standing with the currently monitored stepping unit in a defined spatial correlation stepping unit with a marker. Optionally, the marking device can also be set up to a at the

Kicking unit already existing, unique mark to identify.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for modernizing an existing passenger transport system is proposed. The passenger transport system points while several kiting units and a comb plate on. In a normal operation, the tread units are to be displaced continuously in succession along a desired travel path. The comb plate is disposed relative to the travel path at a fixed position. The method includes retrofitting the passenger transport system with a

Monitoring device and a marking on. The

Monitoring device is configured to monitor an actual position of a currently monitored tread unit relative to the desired travel and to detect a deviation of the actual position of the desired travel by more than an allowable tolerance value and then to activate the marker. The marking device is set up to mark the currently monitored stepping unit and / or a stepping unit in a defined spatial correlation with the currently monitored stepping unit when activated.

Possible features and advantages of embodiments of the invention may be considered, inter alia, and without limiting the invention, as being based on the ideas and findings described below.

As noted in the introduction, there is a risk of personal transport equipment

Collisions between moving tread units and stationary comb plates. In order to minimize this risk as much as possible or at least to be able to minimize the expense of repairing or maintaining the passenger transport system caused by a collision, it is proposed to provide the passenger transport system with a special monitoring device. The monitoring device is designed to recognize tread units which are damaged or worn so that they no longer move exactly along the desired travel path of the passenger transport system.

For this purpose, the monitoring device monitors an actual position or an actual travel path of each of the tread units during an individual time period for each tread unit or while this tread unit is moving along a specific subsection of the travel path. The monitoring device can detect whether the actual position of a currently monitored stepping unit is at the desired travel distance or whether the actual travel path coincides with the desired travel path or whether significant deviations occur between them.

In the event that deviations occur that exceed a predetermined tolerance value, this can be detected by the monitoring device and evaluated as an indication that the currently monitored stepping unit is no longer guided sufficiently accurately along the desired travel path, but dangerously far from it may deviate so that threatens a collision with the comb plate. Due to this information determined by the monitoring device, suitable measures can be taken. For example, the passenger transport system can then completely stop its operation or at least modify it until a suitable maintenance or repair of the collision-prone stepping unit could take place.

However, in practice it has often proven to be expensive for maintenance or repair personnel to reliably detect the collision-prone stepping unit.

If necessary, all tread units had to be extensively tested in order to detect whether one or more tread units could, for example due to wear, deviate excessively from the desired travel path.

Therefore, it is proposed for the passenger transport system additionally one

Provide marking. With the aid of this marking device, markings can be applied to one or more tread units and / or existing unique markings can be identified. These markings can then be recognized by maintenance or repair personnel.

The monitoring device and the marking device now work together in such a way that the monitoring device, as soon as it detects that a currently monitored stepping unit deviates from the nominal travel path by more than the permissible tolerance value, activates the marking device and the marking device then suitably monitors the currently monitored stepping unit Marker provides or identifies.

As an alternative or in addition, the marking device can not or not only mark the currently monitored stepping unit, but also a stepping unit with the latter in a defined spatial correlation. For example, instead of or in addition to the currently monitored stepping unit, the following one, two or more kiting units are marked by the marking device.

On the basis of the attached markings, maintenance or repair personnel can now very easily and reliably recognize which of the tread units of the

Monitoring device has been identified as potentially dangerous for collision and can then wait, repair or replace it without a long search.

According to one embodiment, the marking device is adapted to the

Form marking as a visually perceptible marking. A visually perceptible marking can be understood to mean a marking that can be recognized, for example, by service personnel with the naked eye. This can bring the advantage that a marked killing unit without further aids, i. especially without tools, and thus can be recognized very easily.

In principle, it is also conceivable to execute the marking not visually perceptible. For example, markers could be attached to a kicking unit, which are not visible to the naked eye but, for example, only visible by means of suitable tools. For example, a mark could only be visible under the UV light of a UV lamp.

According to one embodiment, the marking device is adapted to the

Mark on the stepping unit contactless to install. Non-contact can be understood to mean that the marking device does not touch the tread unit during marking. Accordingly occur during marking no friction and thus no wear. Furthermore, it is preferably not necessary to precisely adjust the marking device relative to the travel path of the tread units, in particular to an accuracy of a few millimeters, as described, for example, in US Pat. the case would be if the marker would mark the tread units in contact.

According to one embodiment, the marking device has a paint spraying device. A paint spraying device here is a device by means of which paint can be sprayed onto the stepping unit to be marked. The Farbsprüheinrichtung need not touch the kick unit here and needs in terms of their position and / or Orientation only roughly adjusted. As the color to be sprayed, any substances can be used as long as they adhere reliably to the tread unit to be marked and are preferably also visually perceptible.

Alternatively, paint can also be applied with a differently designed marking device. For example, For example, the activated marking device can introduce a type of pencil to the stepping unit to be marked. It is also possible to press colored adhesive strips against the step unit to be marked.

According to one embodiment, the marking device is set up and arranged to provide the tread unit with the marking on an underside and / or a lateral flank. The bottom of the tread unit is arranged opposite to an upper-side tread surface of the treadle on which users of the passenger transport system can stand. The side flanks extend between the bottom and the tread of the kicking unit. Both the bottom and the side flanks of the kicking unit are usually for a user of

Passenger transport system is not visible, so that there markings attached can not be seen by him and therefore not irritate or disturb him. On the other hand, the markings of service personnel can be easily recognized during a maintenance or repair process. In addition, a marking device provided for marking from below or from the side can be mounted in a space-saving and / or inconspicuous manner below the travel path of the tread units or, for example, in a lateral fairing.

Optionally, the individual tread units already have a clearly distinguishable marking due to the production process. Such

Marking may be, for example, a serial production number, a barcode, an incorporated RFID tag, and the like. According to one embodiment, the marking device can be set up to detect and identify an existing marking that can be uniquely assigned to each stepping unit. For this purpose, the marking device must be a detection device such as a camera, an RFID reader and the like. According to one embodiment, the monitoring device has a mechanically operated position detector, which is set up and arranged to be mechanically actuated when the actual position of the currently monitored stepping unit deviates from the setpoint travel path by more than the permissible tolerance value.

In other words, a position detector may be provided for the monitoring device, for example in the form of a feeler, feeler, switch or other type of mechanical sensor. The position sensor can be inside the

Passenger transport system are arranged so that it is only operated when the currently monitored stepping unit deviates excessively from its desired travel.

An "actuation of the position detector" can be interpreted broadly as a detectable change of state of the position sensor. In other words, for example, a button forming the position sensor in the unactuated state can not be depressed and operated by depression. Conversely, however, a button can be depressed even in the unactuated state and operated by relieving. In other words, the position detector may be of the type "normally open" or of the type "normally closed".

According to one embodiment, the passenger transport system has a conveyor chain. Each of the tread units is mechanically connected at a defined position with the conveyor chain and relocate by means of the conveyor chain. The

Monitoring device is then configured to monitor the position of the currently monitored stepping unit indirectly by monitoring a current position of the conveyor chain.

In other words, all tread units may be attached at respective positions to a common conveyor chain in order to be able to displace the tread units together along the travel path. Instead of now detecting the position of a single stepping unit directly on this stepping unit, it may be provided to determine this position indirectly, in which the current position of the conveyor chain is monitored. Since the position of the conveyor chain correlates directly with that of a tread unit attached to this conveyor chain, the exact position of the respective tread unit can thus also be recognized become. Optionally, it may be easier to determine the position of the conveyor chain than to directly determine the position of the respective stepping unit.

For example, a position sensor in the form of a button can be arranged such that the conveyor chain either normally continuously pushes the button in normal operation or just run in the normal operation on the button is guided past, so that a deviation of the conveyor chain of their normal travel and associated with a deviation of the mounted tread unit of the target path leads to a mechanical actuation of the position sensor.

According to one embodiment, the monitoring device is configured to contactlessly monitor the actual position of the currently monitored stepping unit.

In other words, it may be advantageous to monitor the actual position of the currently monitored stepping unit on the basis of non-contact measurable parameters, which depend on the position of the kicking unit. For example, optical, magnetic, capacitive, inductive or similar parameters can be monitored. In a contactless monitoring of the position of the kicking unit friction and concomitant wear can be avoided. In addition, one can

positional adjustment of a detector or sensor used for monitoring are usually inaccurate, as this is e.g. is typically the case with mechanical actuation based surveying techniques.

In particular, according to one embodiment, the monitoring device can be set up to optically monitor the actual position of the currently monitored stepping unit. With the aid of an optically operating position detector, the position of the kicking unit can be determined very simply, without contact and, as a rule, very precisely.

For example, in one embodiment, the monitoring device may include an optically operating position detector configured and arranged to be actuated to deviate from the desired travel distance by more than the allowable tolerance value as the actual position of the currently monitored gait unit deviates. Such an optically operating position detector can be designed, for example, in the form of a single-stage or multi-stage light barrier. The position detector can depending on the design of the passenger transport system and / or the

Monitoring device may be arranged at different locations and / or monitor different areas of a currently monitored stepping unit or related components in terms of their current position.

For example, in one embodiment, the monitoring device may be configured and arranged to monitor a position of an upstanding tread of the currently monitored tread unit.

For this purpose, the monitoring device can have a position detector, which is arranged, for example, laterally next to tread units guided past it.

For example, the position detector may be arranged on or in a lateral balustrade of the passenger transport system and monitor the position of the tread surfaces of the tread units guided past it from there.

According to one embodiment, the passenger transportation system may further include a

Guide means which is adapted and arranged to guide the tread units during their displacement sufficiently spaced to the comb plate.

In other words, in addition to the above-described components of the passenger transport system, a guide device can be provided which selectively guides the tread units during operation of the passenger transport system in such a way that a collision between a tread unit and a comb plate is avoided and instead the tread unit is always spaced apart over a sufficient gap the comb plate is passed.

Although the monitoring device can reliably detect in this case, if a stepping unit, for example due to wear excessively away from their desired travel and can then cause, for example, a maintenance or repair. However, even without immediate maintenance or repair, due to the proper guidance by the guide means, a collision between the treadle unit and the comb plate does not occur in a timely manner. However, the necessary maintenance or repair should still be done, for example to be able to minimize further wear on the tread unit and / or on other components of the passenger transport system, in particular the guide device.

It can also be provided that the guide device does not permanently guide the tread units. Instead, it can be provided that the guide device is activated only when a collision risk between a stepping unit and the comb plate is actually detected, i. if, for example, an activation signal is generated by the monitoring device. As a result, for example, wear on the guide device can be minimized.

According to one embodiment, the monitoring device is further designed to cause the passenger transport system to terminate its normal operation upon activation of the marking device and / or to issue a warning signal.

In other words, the activation of the marking device initiated by the monitoring device should preferably not merely lead to, for example, marking the currently monitored stepping unit. Instead, it can be provided that the passenger transport system issued by the monitoring device

Activation signal also implemented so that it stops its normal operation. This can mean that the operation of the passenger transport system is completely stopped or the passenger transport system transitions into at least a kind of special operation in which the treading units are moved, for example, more slowly and / or in which, for example, a guide device is activated. Alternatively or additionally, a warning signal can be generated on the basis of the activation signal output by the monitoring device. Such a warning signal can, for example, be perceptible to users of the passenger transportation system and, in particular, can be output optically or acoustically. Alternatively, a warning signal, for example, to a

Monitoring center or a maintenance center are transmitted, for example, as an electrical signal to signal this, that maintenance or repair of the passenger transport system should be timely.

According to one embodiment, the tolerance value is selected such that a distance between a downwardly directed surface of a profile of the comb plate and a opposite surface facing the surface of the currently monitored stepping unit is greater than 0.3mm, preferably greater than 0.7mm, and less than 3mm, preferably less than 2mm, and more preferably less than 1.6mm.

In normal operation, i.e., as long as the tread units are traveling along the desired travel, such a distance, i. a gap between the upper side of the tread units guided under the comb plate and the underside of the

Comb plate, regularly between 1 and 2 mm, for example, about 1, 5mm amount. In the event of wear-related deviations from the desired travel path, however, this distance may decrease.

The tolerance value to be taken into account by the monitoring device should be selected such that the said distance is preferably not reduced to less than 0.7 mm, or at least not less than 0.3 mm. In other words, the monitoring device should be the actual position of the currently monitored

Monitor kick unit relative to the desired travel and not to

Transverse tolerance value assume such that the upward surface of the stepping unit of the downwardly directed surface of the profile of the comb plate not closer than 0.3 mm, preferably not closer than 0.7 mm, comes, and activate the marker when the tolerance value is exceeded ,

How the tolerance value is to be dimensioned in the concrete application case can greatly depend on the actual implementation of the monitoring device.

For example, the tolerance value can be chosen to be different in size, depending on whether the position of the currently monitored stepping unit is measured directly on the stepping unit or indirectly on components connected to this stepping unit.

It should be noted that some of the possible features and advantages of the invention are described herein in part with reference to a passenger transportation system and in part with respect to a method of modernizing a passenger transportation system. One skilled in the art will recognize that the features may be suitably combined, transmitted, adapted or replaced to other

To arrive embodiments of the invention. Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein neither the drawings nor the

Description are to be construed as limiting the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a passenger transport system in the form of an escalator.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of an end portion of an escalator adjacent to a comb plate.

Fig. 3 shows a sectional view through an end portion of an escalator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a sectional view through an end portion of an escalator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The figures are only schematic and not to scale. Like reference numerals designate like or equivalent features throughout the several figures.

Fig. 1 shows a configured as escalator 3 passenger transport system 1. The escalator 3 serves to carry people between two levels El and E2. The escalator 3 has a lower access area 5 and an upper access area 7. Between the lower and the upper access area 5, 7, both of which extend horizontally, extends an inclined to the horizontal region 9. The escalator 3 has lateral balustrades 11 and base plates 13. Along the balustrades 11 each endless handrails 15 are provided.

In order to be able to transport people standing, the passenger transport system 1 on several tread units 17, which are formed in the case of the escalator 3 as treads. The tread units 17 are arranged one behind the other with respect to a direction of travel 19 of the escalator 3 and essentially adjoin one another directly. The tread units 17 are each connected to a conveyor chain 21 (sometimes referred to as a step chain), by means of which the tread units 17 in the

Traversing direction 19 can be moved along a travel path. The tread units 17 are, for example, via guide rollers or guide sliding elements, which be guided by rails or similar guide elements, guided in normal operation along a desired travel path. Near the two access areas 5, 7, the conveyor chain 21 and the attached tread units 17 by an upper

Deflection unit 25 and a lower deflection unit 23 deflected.

At the two access areas 5, 7, the tread units 17 moved by the conveyor chain 21 each pass under a comb plate 27. Figure 2 shows an enlarged perspective view of this area. While the tread units 17 are moving along the desired travel path 29, the comb plate 27 is fixed in a stationary manner, for example on a comb plate receiver 31 in the access area 7, and thus is located at a fixed position relative to the desired travel path.

In the illustrated example, an upwardly facing surface 33 of the treading unit 17 with ribs 35 and intermediate grooves, each parallel to the

Traversing 19 are aligned formed. On the comb plate 27 is located on a downward and thus the underlying passing through stepping unit 17 surface 37 a plurality of teeth 39 which engage in the grooves of the tread units 17. Optionally, the comb plate 27 may be composed of a plurality of juxtaposed segments.

FIG. 3 shows a section of an escalator 3 near the upper access area 7. For reasons of clarity, only a single stepping unit 17 is shown, which drives driven by the conveyor chain 21 in the direction of travel 19 under the comb plate 27. The tread unit 17 has a connection to the conveyor chain 21 near its front end via an axle 40. The conveyor chain 21 runs over guide rollers 41 along a guide rail 43.

As long as all components of the passenger transport system 1 are working correctly, ie no components deviate from a desired state, for example due to damage or wear, the tread units 17 move in normal operation along the desired travel path 29, pulled by the conveyor chain 21 and guided by the on the Guide rail 43 running guide rollers 41 and possibly other guide rollers or Führungsgleitelemente such as tractors (not shown). The Keitinheiten 17 move while approaching the upper access area 7 while a predetermined distance of, for example, 1.5 mm, that is spaced above a gap 42, below the comb plate 27 therethrough. On the one hand, such a slight spacing can ensure that the stepping unit 17 does not collide with the comb plate 27. On the other hand, it is possible to prevent objects or even body parts of passengers from getting caught in an excessive gap 42.

However, if there are deviations from a target state in one or more components such as heavy wear of individual guide rollers 4Γ, a breakage of a guide roller 41, a breakage of an axis 40, a deformation of the guide rail 43 or the like, it may occur during the movement the treads 17 come to deviations from the desired travel 29.

For example, due to locally excessive wear or wear, a single guide roller 4Γ may be reduced in diameter or enlarged in diameter due to dirt accumulation such that the tread unit 17 attached thereto via the axle 40 no longer extends along the desired travel path 29 slightly lower or higher under the comb plate 27 is driven.

In particular, when the kicking unit 17 retracts higher, i. the gap 42 is reduced, this may result in a risk of collision with the comb plate 27. But even if the stepping unit 17 due to a reduced guide roller 4Γ lower at its front end and thus with an enlarged gap 42 under the

Crash plate 27 would run, there may be a risk of collision, as in this case, the kicking unit 17 is no longer guided correctly along the desired travel path 29, but may have a certain amount of play and therefore the front end of the kicking unit 17 at, for example, corresponding unfavorable load tilt a passenger up and then collide with the comb plate 27.

To minimize such a collision risk, therefore, for the

Passenger transport system 1 a monitoring device 49 is provided. This monitoring device 49 is designed to be able to determine the actual position of a currently monitored stepping unit 17 in order then to be able to detect a deviation of this actual position from the desired travel path 29. If deviations are detected that are greater than a predefined permissible tolerance value, the monitoring device 49 assumes that there is an increased risk of a collision between the currently monitored stepping unit 17 and the comb plate 27. The monitoring device 49 can then initiate suitable measures. For example, the operation of the passenger transport system 1 can be set or at least modified, for example, slowed down. Additionally or alternatively, a warning signal to a maintenance center and / or users of the passenger transport system 1 are transmitted.

To make it easier for maintenance personnel to recognize a worn or damaged and thus collision-prone stepping unit 17, is for the

Passenger transport system 1 additionally provided a marking device 45. This marking device 45 is set up to provide the currently monitored stepping unit 17 and / or one or more stepping units 17 in a fixed positional relationship with a marking 57 when it is activated. The marker 57 should preferably be visually perceptible so that it can be easily and easily recognized by service personnel without additional tools.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the monitoring device 49 is equipped with a position detector 54 which is mechanically actuatable. Of the

Position detector 54 has a switch 53, the actuating arm 56 rests against a switching cam 55. The switching cam 55 in turn is connected to the conveyor chain 21 via a sensor 59. The monitoring device 49 or its switch 53 is actuated as soon as the conveyor chain 21 deviates excessively from its normal direction of movement. In this way, since the conveyor chain 21 is in turn fixedly connected to each of the tread units 17 via the axles 40, the position of a currently monitored tread unit 17 can be monitored indirectly by monitoring the current position of the conveyor chain 21.

As soon as an intolerable deviation of the kicking unit 17 from the desired travel path 29 is detected by the monitoring device 49 in this way, it for example transmits an activation signal to the marking device 45 via a control device 51. The marking device 45 activated in this way then applies the marking 57 the underside 61 of the tread unit 17 or on one of the lateral flanks of the tread unit 17.

In the example shown, the marking device 45 is designed as a color spraying device 47. The paint spraying device 47 is configured and arranged in such a way that it can spray a color jet 63 in the direction of the underside 61 of the kicking unit 17 when it is activated. The paint spraying device 47 itself does not touch the kicking unit 17, that is, the tag 57 can be applied without contact.

However, due to the production process, the individual tread units 17 may already have a marking 57 which can be clearly distinguished from one another. Such a mark 57 may be, for example, a serial production number, a barcode, an incorporated RFID tag, and the like. This can be the

Marking device 45 by not actively marking the corresponding stepping unit 17, for example marked by a color spot, but passively marked by detecting and storing the uniquely identifiable marking 57. Correspondingly, the marking device 45 must be set up to detect and identify an existing marking 57 that can be unambiguously assigned to each stepping unit 17. For this purpose, the marking device 45 must have a detection device such as a camera, an RFID reader and the like.

While in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 the actual position of a currently monitored stepping unit 17 is monitored by a monitoring device 49 with a mechanically actuated position sensor 54, with reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, this position is proposed without contact and preferably with an optical monitor operating position detector 65.

The position detector 65 may, for example, monitor the gap 42 between the upper surface 33 of the tread unit 17 and the underside 37 of the comb plate 27. For this purpose, the position detector 65 may be formed, for example, in the form of a single-stage or multi-stage light barrier. As soon as the gap 42 changes its size, ie narrows or widened, this can be regarded as an indication of an increased risk of collision and then the marker 45 is activated again via the control device 51 connected to the position detector 65. The position detector 65 may, for example, be disposed on a hole in one of the base plates 13 (see FIG. 1) and monitor the gap 42 or, alternatively, another region of the stepping unit 17 therethrough. If the above-described unique marking 57 of the kicking unit 17 in the detection range of

Position detector 65 is arranged, this can also be used as a detection device of the unique distinguishable existing mark 57.

As a further feature, the passenger transport system 1 in addition to a

Guide means 67 may be equipped (see Fig. 2). The guide means 67 may be arranged and arranged to guide the tread units 17 sufficiently spaced apart from the comb plate 27 during their displacement. This needs the

Guide means 67 not necessarily always lead to her passing tread units 17. As long as a stepping unit 17 moves correctly along the desired travel path 29, it does not need to be guided by the guide device 67.

Accordingly, the guide 67 may remain passive in this case. If, however, a stepping unit 17 moves inappropriately far from the desired travel path 29, so that a collision with the comb plate 27 threatens, the guide device 67 can guide the corresponding stepping unit 17 in such a way that such a collision is avoided.

For example, the guide device 67 may be arranged on a lateral edge of the comb plate 27, as shown in FIG. It may be provided there as a forwardly projecting and suitably geometrically shaped plate 69, the underside 71 of which is designed and arranged such that one of the comb plate 27 presses close to the region of the kicking unit 17 downwards and thus away from the underside 37 of the comb plate 27 becomes.

Optionally, functions of the monitoring device 49 can also be combined with those of the guide device 67. For example, at the

Bottom 71 of the guide means 67, a switch, for example in the form of a piezoelectric element, be provided, which can be actuated by a deviating from the desired travel path 29 stepping unit 17 and then the marker 45 can be activated. By means of the monitoring device and the marking device, collisions between a stepping unit and the comb plate can be avoided in the passenger transport system 1 or a retrofitted retrofit system on the one hand, on the other hand, collision-prone kiting units can be quickly and easily accessed by means of the marking of maintenance personnel attached thereto by the marking device easily recognized.

Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "comprising," "comprising," etc., do not exclude other elements or steps, and terms such as "a" or "an" do not exclude a variety. It should also be appreciated that features or steps described with reference to any of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limiting.

Claims

claims

1st passenger transport system (1), comprising:

several tread units (17);

a comb plate (27);

a monitoring device (49);

a marking device (45);

wherein the tread units (17) are to be displaced continuously in a normal operation along a desired travel path (29);

wherein the comb plate (27) is disposed at a fixed position relative to the target travel path (29);

wherein the monitoring device (49) is adapted to monitor an actual position of a currently monitored kicker unit (17) relative to the desired travel distance (29) and to deviate the actual position from the target travel distance (29) by more than one permissible one Tolerance value to detect and then the

Marking device (45) to activate;

characterized in that

the marking device (45) is set up, when activated, the currently monitored stepping unit (17) and / or a stepping unit (17) in a defined spatial correlation with the currently monitored stepping unit (17)

Marking (57) to provide.

2. Personentransportanlage (1) according to claim 1, wherein the marking device (45) is adapted to form the marking (57) as a visually perceptible mark (57).

3. Passenger transport installation (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the marking device (45) is adapted to the marking (57) on the tread unit (17) to be mounted without contact.

4. Passenger transport installation (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the marking device (45) has a Farbsprüheinrichtung (47).

5. Passenger transport installation (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the marking device (45) is arranged and arranged to provide the tread unit (17) on a lower side (61) and / or a lateral flank with the marking (57).

6. Passenger transport system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the marking device (45) is adapted to a unique each step unit assignable, existing

To detect and identify mark (57).

7. The passenger transportation system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring device (49) has a position detector (54) which is mechanically actuated and which is set up and arranged to deviate from the actual position of the currently monitored stepping unit (17) Desired travel path (29) to be mechanically actuated by more than the permissible tolerance value.

8. Passenger transport system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a conveyor chain (21), wherein each of the tread units (17) at a defined position with the conveyor chain (21) is mechanically connected and by means of the conveyor chain (21) to relocate and wherein the monitoring device (49) is adapted to monitor the position of the currently monitored stepping unit (17) indirectly by monitoring a current position of the conveyor chain (21).

9. passenger transport system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring device (49) is adapted to monitor the actual position of the currently monitored stepping unit (17) contactless.

10. Passenger transport system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring device (49) is adapted to optically monitor the actual position of the currently monitored stepping unit (17).

11. The passenger transportation system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring device (49) has an optically operating position detector (65), which is arranged and arranged, in a deviation of the actual position of the currently monitored stepping unit (17) from the target -Verfahrweg (49) to be operated more than the allowable tolerance value.

12. Passenger transport installation (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring device (49) is arranged and arranged to monitor a position of an upwardly directed tread surface (33) of the currently monitored stepping unit (17).

13. Passenger transport installation (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a guide device (67) which is adapted and arranged to guide the tread units (17) during their displacement sufficiently spaced from the comb plate (27).

14. Passenger transport system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring device (49) is further adapted, upon activation of the marking device (45), the passenger transport system (1) for terminating their

Normal operation and / or issue a warning signal.

15. Passenger transport installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tolerance value is selected such that a distance (42) between a downwardly directed surface (37) of a profile of the comb plate (27) and a surface facing this, upwards Surface (33) of the currently monitored stepping unit (17) is greater than 0.3mm, preferably greater than 1mm, and less than 3mm, preferably less than 1.6mm.

16. Method for modernizing an existing passenger transport installation (1), wherein the passenger transport installation (1) has a plurality of tread units (17) and a comb plate (27), the tread units (17) running in succession along a desired travel path (29) in normal operation to be displaced and the comb plate (27) is disposed at a fixed position relative to the desired travel path (29), the method comprising:

Retrofitting a monitoring device (49) and a marking device (45) on the passenger transport system (1);

wherein the monitoring device (49) is adapted to an actual position of a currently monitored stepping unit (17) relative to the desired travel path (29) monitor and a deviation of the actual position of the target path (29) to detect more than an allowable tolerance value and then the

Marking device (45) to activate;

wherein the marking device (45) is adapted to activate the currently monitored stepping unit (17) and / or a stepping unit (17) in a defined spatial correlation with the currently monitored stepping unit (17)

Marking (57) to provide.