WO2008031918A1

WO2008031918A1 - Method, testing device and arrangement for testing the safety switches of a comb plate of a people mover

Info

Publication number: WO2008031918A1
Application number: PCT/FI2007/000228
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christian Stratmann; Osmo BJÖRNI; Heikki Haasmaa
Original assignee: Kone Corporation
Priority date: 2006-09-15
Filing date: 2007-09-13
Publication date: 2008-03-20
Also published as: FI20060825A; FI20060825A0; FI123350B

Abstract

Method and testing device for the testing of safety switches (3, 4) connected to a comb plate (2) of an escalator, moving ramp and/or walkway having a moving track (1), such as a pallet track and/or a stairway track. The switches form part of the electric safety circuit of the escalator, moving ramp and/or walkway and, when engaged, prevent movement of the moving track. In the method, the comb plate (2) is displaced horizontally and/or vertically without detaching the comb plate and a conclusion is made as to whether the safety switches (3, 4) are operational. The testing device comprises a first gripper (9), which is adapted for gripping the first edge (6) of the comb plate (1); a second gripper (10), which is adapted for gripping the second edge (8) of the cover plate (7); a pulling device (11), which is arranged to act between the first gripper (9) and the second gripper (10) to pull the first gripper towards the second gripper so as to move the comb plate (2) horizontally in order to engage the horizontal switch (3); and lifting means (12) for lifting the first gripper (9) and along with it the comb plate (2) in order to engage the vertical switch (4).

Description

METHOD, TESTING DEVICE AND ARRANGEMENT FOR TESTING THE SAFETY SWITCHES OF A COMB PLATE OF A PEOPLE MOVER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method as defined in the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a testing device as defined in the preamble of claim 5. Moreover, the invention relates to an arrangement as defined in the preamble of claim 13.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Each end of an escalator, moving ramp and/or sidewalk is provided with a cover plate, each cover plate being level with the finished floor surface of the building. The cover plate is either hinged or removable to permit access to the spaces for mechanical equipment located below them. Between the stationary cover plate and the movable track are a number of comb plates placed side by side in a slightly downward sloping position to ensure that the prongs of the comb plate will fit into the longitudinal grooves in the pallets or steps of the movable track. The forward edges of the prongs are below the stepping surface of the pallet or step. The comb plate is movable against spring force within a limited range of motion in horizontal and vertical direc- tions. Connected to the comb plate are safety switches, which form part of the electric safety circuit of the escalator, moving ramp and/or walkway and comprise a horizontal switch and a vertical switch. The horizontal switch is engaged if the comb plate moves horizontally, interrupting the supply of power to the drive motor of the moving track and thus causing the track to stop. In a corresponding manner, the vertical switch is engaged if the comb plate moves vertically, interrupting the supply of power to the drive motor of the moving track and thus causing the track to stop. These situations may occur if a foreign object, such as a garment, gets stuck between the moving track and the comb plate . The operation of the safety switches has to be verified at certain intervals, e.g. four times a year. In prior art, a method is known where the comb plates are removed to expose the switches for testing. The problem is that the prior-art method is very time-consuming and expensive.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to overcome one or more the above-mentioned drawbacks. A specific object of the invention is to disclose a fast, inexpensive and safe method for testing the operation of safety switches. A further object of the invention is to disclose an easy-to-use, safe and inexpensive testing device for implementing the said method. A further object of the invention is to disclose an easy-to-use and inexpensive arrangement for testing the safety switches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The method of the invention is characterized by what is disclosed in claim 1. The testing device of the invention is characterized by what is disclosed in claim 5. The arrangement of the invention is characterized by what is disclosed in claim 13. Other embodiments of the invention are characterized by what is disclosed in the other claims. Inventive embodiments are also presented in the description part and drawings of the present application. The inventive content disclosed in the application can also be defined in other ways than is done in the claims below. The inventive content may also consist of several separate inventions, especially if the invention is considered in the light of explicit or implicit sub-tasks or with respect to advantages or sets of advantages achieved. In this case, some of the attributes contained in the claims below may be superfluous from the point of view of separate inventive concepts. Within the framework of the basic concept of the invention, features of different embodiments of the invention can be applied in conjunction with other embodiments.

In the method of the invention, the comb plate is displaced horizontally and/or vertically without detaching the comb plate and a conclusion is made as to whether the safety switches are operational.

In an embodiment of the method, the safety switches include a horizontal switch, which is designed to be engaged when the comb plate is displaced horizontally while the moving track is running and a foreign object gets stuck between the comb plate and the moving track, and to stop the moving track. When the moving track is in the stopped state, the comb plate is gripped and subjected to a force directed horizontally away from the moving track and sufficient to displace the comb plate horizontally and to cause engagement of the horizontal switch. The comb plate is held in the displaced position and an attempt is made to connect electric power to the drive motor of the moving track. If the moving track does not start running, the horizontal switch is pronounced operational, and defective if the moving track does start running.

In an embodiment of the method, the safety switches include a vertical switch, which is designed to be engaged while the moving track is running when the comb plate is displaced upwards as a foreign object gets stuck between the comb plate and the moving track, and to stop the moving track. When the moving track is in the stopped state, the comb plate is gripped and subjected to a vertical force sufficient to raise the comb plate and to cause engagement of the vertical switch. The comb plate is held in the displaced position and at the same time an attempt is made to connect electric power to the drive motor of the moving track. If the moving track does not start running, the ver- tical switch is pronounced operational, and defective if the moving track does start running.

In an embodiment of the method, the comb plate is displaced by applying between a first edge of the comb plate, said first edge being directed towards the moving track of the escalator, moving ramp and/or walkway, and a second edge of the cover plate adjacent to the comb plate, said second edge being directed away from the moving track, a force pulling the comb plate and the cover plate towards each other .

According to the invention, the testing device comprises a first gripper, which is adapted for gripping the first edge of the comb plate. Further, the testing device comprises a second gripper, which is adapted for gripping the second edge of the cover plate. In addition, the testing device comprises a pulling device arranged to act between the first gripper and the second gripper so as to pull the first gripper towards the second gripper in order to move the comb plate horizontally to cause the horizontal switch to be engaged. Furthermore, the testing device comprises lifting means for raising the first gripper and together with it the comb plate so as to engage the vertical switch.

In an embodiment of the testing device, the first gripper comprises a plate-like first frame, which can be placed against the top surface of the comb plate, and a number of hook-like gripping elements bent from the edge of the plate-like first frame, said elements being adapted to fit in the spaces between the prongs of the comb plate and to extend over the first edge of the comb plate to the lower surface of the comb plate.

In an embodiment of the testing device, the second gripper comprises a plate-like second frame, which can be placed against the top surface of the cover plate, and a hook-like shoulder adapted to extend over the second edge of the cover plate to the lower surface of the cover plate.

In an embodiment of the testing device, the pulling device comprises a tensioning device, which is connected to the second gripper, and an elongated flexible pulling element, the first end of which is attached to the first gripper while its second end is connected to the tensioning device.

In an embodiment of the testing device, the pulling element is a belt and the tensioning device is a belt tensioner.

In an embodiment of the testing device, the lifting means comprise a handle, grip or the like, which is connected to the first gripper.

In an embodiment of the testing device, the lifting means comprise a lever device for lifting the first gripper.

According to the invention, the arrangement comprises a first gripper, which is adapted for gripping a first edge of a comb plate of a people mover. Further, the arrangement comprises a second gripper, which is adapted for gripping a second edge of a cover plate of a people mover. In addition, the arrangement comprises a pulling device, which is arranged to act between the first gripper and the second gripper so as to pull the first gripper towards the second gripper in order to move the comb plate horizontally to cause the horizontal switch to be engaged.

In an embodiment of the method of the arrangement, the arrangement comprises lifting means for lifting the first gripper and, together with it, the comb plate so as to en- gage the vertical switch. LIST OF FIGURES

In the following, the invention will be described in detail by referring to a few embodiment examples and the attached drawings , wherein

Fig. 1 presents an axonometric oblique top view of an escalator end with an embodiment of the testing device of the invention mounted on it,

Fig. 2 presents a diagram representing section II-II through Fig. 1 when the horizontal switch is being tested,

Fig. 3 presents a part of Fig. 2 when the comb plate is be- ing lifted to test the operation of the vertical switch.

Fig. 4 illustrates a situation corresponding to Fig. 3 when a lever device is used, and

Figs. 5 - 8 illustrate different alternative solutions for lifting the comb plate to test the vertical switch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Fig. 1 presents an illustration of the end of an escalator, moving ramp and/or walkway. The figure shows a moving track 1, which comprises e.g. stair steps or pallets provided with a number of longitudinal grooves in their upper surface. The cover plates 7 are level with the finished floor surface of the building. Between the stationary cover plate 7 and the moving track 1 are a number of comb plates 2 placed side by side in a slightly downwards-slanting position so that the prongs of the comb plate fit into the longitudinal grooves of the pallets or steps of the moving track. The forward edges of the prongs 5 of the comb plate 2 are below the level of the tread surface of the pallet or step.

The comb plate comprises a first edge 6 provided with prongs 5 and oriented pointing towards the moving track 1 of the escalator, moving ramp and/or walkway.

The cover plate 7 comprises a second edge 8, which is oriented away from the moving track 1.

As can be seen from figures 2 and 3, the comb plate 2 is limitedly movable in horizontal and vertical directions. Connected to each comb plate 2 are safety switches 3 and 4, which form part of the electric safety circuit of the esca- lator, moving ramp and/or walkway. The safety switches comprise a horizontal switch 3 and a vertical switch 4. The horizontal switch 3 is designed to be engaged if the comb plate 2 moves horizontally away from its normal position, in which case the horizontal switch 3 will disconnect the electricity supply to the power unit (not shown in the figure) of the moving track 1, causing the track to stop. Correspondingly, the vertical switch 4 is designed to be engaged if the comb plate 2 moves vertically, thus disconnecting the electricity supply to the power unit of the moving track 1 and causing the track to stop.

Figs. 1 and 2 show a testing device which can be used to test the operation of the horizontal switch 3 and vertical switch 4. The testing device comprises a first gripper 9, which is adapted for gripping the first edge 6 of the comb plate 1. A second gripper 10 is adapted for gripping the second edge 8 of the cover plate 7. A pulling device 11 is arranged to exert a force between the first gripper 9 and the second gripper 10 to pull the first gripper 9 towards the second gripper 10 so as to move the comb plate 2 horizontally in order to engage the horizontal switch 3. More- over, the testing device comprises lifting means 12 for lifting the first gripper 9 and, together with it, the comb plate 2 in order to engage the vertical switch 4.

As can be seen from Fig. 2, the first gripper 9 comprises a plate-like first frame 13, which can be placed against the top surface 14 of the comb plate 2. Bent out from the edge or plate-like first frame 13 are a number of hook-like gripping elements 15 adapted to fit in the spaces between the prongs 5 of the comb plate 2 and to extend over the first edge 6 of the comb plate 2 to the lower surface 16 of the comb plate 2 so that the first gripper 9 will remain firmly in contact with the comb plate 2 when a horizontal force is applied to it.

The second gripper 10 comprises a plate-like second frame 17, which can be placed against the top surface 18 of the cover plate 7. Bent out from the edge of the plate-like second frame 17 is a hook-like shoulder 19, which is adapted to extend over the second edge 8 of the cover plate to the lower surface 20 of the cover plate so that the second gripper 9 will remain firmly in contact with the comb plate 2 when a horizontal force is applied to it.

The pulling device 11 comprises a belt tensioning device 21 connected to the second gripper 10, and a belt 22 , the first end 23 of which is secured to the first gripper 9 while the second end 24 is connected to the belt tensioning device 21.

Fig. 2 visualizes a step of the method wherein the functioning of the horizontal switch 3 is tested. To test the operation of the horizontal switch 3 with the moving track 1 in the stopped state, the comb plate 2 is gripped by means of the first gripper 9. Using the belt tensioner 21, the belt 22 is tightened so that the first gripper 9 pulls the comb plate 2 horizontally to the left as seen in Fig. 2. The initial position is depicted in broken line while the removed position is depicted in solid line. Thus, the comb plate 2 is subjected to a force which is directed horizontally away from the moving track 1 and which is sufficient to displace the comb plate 2 horizontally to cause engagement of the horizontal switch 3. The comb plate 2 is retained in this displaced position and an attempt is made to connect starting power to the moving track 1. The hori- zontal switch 3 is deemed operational if the moving track 1 does not start running, and defective if the moving track 1 does start running although it should not.

Fig. 3 visualizes the testing of the operation of the ver- tical switch 4. Connected to the first gripper 9 is a handle 25, grip or the like, which can be used to lift the comb plate 2. With the moving track 1 in the stopped state, the handle 25 is gripped and the comb plate 2 is lifted so as to cause engagement of the vertical switch 4. In the ex- ample in Fig. 3, when the comb plate is being lifted by the handle 25, the plate-like frame 13 is inclined and the gripping elements 15 meet the moving track 1 and apply an upward leverage on the comb plate 2. The comb plate 2 is again held in the raised position and an attempt is made to connect starting power to the moving track 1. The vertical switch 4 is pronounced operational if the moving track 1 does not start running, and defective if the moving track 1 does start running although it should not.

To make it easier to lift the comb plate, it is possible to provide as a lifting means e.g. a simple lever device 26 as shown in Fig. 4, comprising a lever arm 27 provided with a wheel 28 at its end. The wheel can be brought into engagement with the top surface of the moving track 1 and pre- vents movement of the lever device 26 in the event of the moving track starting running. The lever device further comprises a hook 29 placed at a distance from the wheel 28 and designed to grip the handle 25. To raise the comb plate 2 , the maintenance person performing the testing can turn the lever arm upwards while standing on the cover plate 7.

Figs . 5 and 6 further present example embodiments wherein the comb plate 2 is raised using a lifting means as in Fig. 3, with the difference that the lifting is performed using a power means. In Fig. 5, the plate-like frame 13 of the first gripper 9 is inclined by using an expandable bellows- type power means 30 actuated by a pressure medium, e.g. hy- draulically or pneumatically, acting between the frame 13 and the comb plate 3. The gripping elements 15 meet the moving track and produce an upward leverage on the comb plate 2. In Fig. 6, the plate-like frame 13 of the first gripper 9 is inclined by using as a lifting means an extendable/retractable power means 31 operated hydraulically, pneumatically or electromechanically and acting between the frame 13 and the comb plate 3. The gripping elements 15 meet the moving track and produce an upward leverage on the comb plate 2.

In Fig. 7, the plate-like frame 13 of the first gripper 9 is raised using a lifting means, such as a screw 32, which acts between the first gripper 9 and the moving track 1.

In Fig. 8, plate-like frame 13 of the first gripper 9 is raised by using as a lifting means an extendable/retractable, hydraulically, pneumatically or electromechanically operated power means 33 acting between the first gripper 9 and the moving track 1.

The arrangement of the invention for testing the safety switches of the comb plate of an escalator, moving ramp and/or walkway comprises a first gripper (9) adapted for gripping the first edge (6) of the comb plate (1) , a second gripper (10) adapted for gripping the second edge (8) of the cover plate (7), and a pulling device (11) . The features in question preferably correspond to the features of the testing device described elsewhere in the present application. The arrangement preferably also comprises a lifting device (12)

It is obvious that the invention can also be implemented as simpler embodiments in which the testing device or testing arrangement does not necessarily include any lifting means. It is likewise obvious that the device can be applied so as to subject the comb plate to vertical and horizontal forces simultaneously or separately as necessary.

It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the in- vention is not limited to the embodiments described above, in which the invention has been described by way of example, but that many variations and different embodiments of the invention are possible within the scope of the inventive concept defined in the claims presented below.

Claims

1. Method for the testing of safety switches (3, 4) connected to a comb plate (2) of an escalator, moving ramp and/or walkway having a moving track (1) , such as a pallet track and/or a stairway track, which safety switches form part of the electric safety circuit of the escalator, moving ramp and/or walkway and which safety switches, when engaged, prevent movement of the moving track, c h a r a c - t eri zed in that the comb plate (2) is displaced horizontally and/or vertically without detaching the comb plate and a conclusion is made as to whether the safety switches are operational .

2. Method according to claim 1, characteri z ed in that the safety switches include a horizontal switch (3), the purpose of which is, when the moving track (1) is running, to be engaged when the comb plate is displaced horizontally when a foreign object gets stuck between the comb plate and the moving track, and to stop the moving track; and that when the moving track (1) is in the stopped state, the comb plate (2) is gripped and subjected to a force directed horizontally away from the moving track and sufficient to displace the comb plate horizontally and to cause engagement of the horizontal switch (3), the comb plate is held in the displaced position, an attempt is made to connect starting power to the moving track and, if the moving track does not start running, the horizontal switch is deemed operational, and defective if the moving track does start running.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2 , charac teri z ed in that the safety switches include a vertical switch (4) , the purpose of which is, when the moving track (1) is run- ning, to be engaged when the comb plate is displaced upwards when a foreign object gets stuck between the comb plate and the moving track, and to stop the moving track; and that when the moving track (1) is in the stopped state, the comb plate (2) is gripped and subjected to a vertical force sufficient to raise the comb plate and to cause engagement of the vertical switch (4) , the comb plate is held in the displaced position, an attempt is made to connect starting power to the moving track and, if the moving track does not start running, the vertical switch is deemed operational, and defective if the moving track does start running.

4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characteri z ed in that the comb plate (2) is displaced by applying between a first edge (6) of the comb plate (2), said first edge (6) being directed towards the moving track (1) of the escalator, moving ramp and/or walkway, and a second edge (8) of a cover plate (7) adjacent to the comb plate, said second edge (8) being directed away from the moving track (1) , a force pulling the comb plate (2) and the cover plate (7) towards each other.

5. Testing device for testing the safety switches (3, 4) of a comb plate (2) of an escalator, moving ramp and/or walkway, which safety switches are connected to form part of the electric safety circuit of the escalator, moving ramp and/or walkway and include a horizontal switch (3) and a vertical switch (4) , said comb plate comprising a first edge (6) which is provided with prongs (5) and oriented in a direction towards the moving track (1) of the escalator, moving ramp and/or walkway, and beside which comb plate there is a substantially horizontal fixed cover plate (7) having a second edge (8) which is oriented in a direction away from the moving track (1), charac teri z ed in that the testing device comprises

- a first gripper (9), which is adapted to grip the first edge (6) of the comb plate (1), - a second gripper (10), which is adapted to grip the second edge (8) of the cover plate (7),

- a pulling device (11), which is arranged to act between the first gripper (9) and the second gripper (10) so as to pull the first gripper towards the second gripper in order to move the comb plate (2) horizontally to cause the horizontal switch (3) to be engaged, and

- lifting means (12) for raising the first gripper (9) and, together with it, the comb plate (2) in order to engage the vertical switch (4) .

6. Testing device according to claim 5, charac teri z ed in that the first gripper (9) comprises a plate-like first frame (3), which can be placed against the top sur- face (14) of the comb plate (2), and a number of hook-like gripping elements (15) bent from the edge of the plate-like first frame, said elements being adapted to fit in the spaces between the prongs (5) of the comb plate (2) and to extend over the first edge (6) of the comb plate to the lower surface (16) of the comb plate (2) .

7. Testing device according to claim 5 or 6, charac teri z ed in that the second gripper (10) comprises a plate-like second frame (17), which can be placed against the top surface (18) of the cover plate (7), and a hook- like shoulder (19) bent from the edge of the plate-like second frame, said shoulder being adapted to extend over the second edge (8) of the cover plate to the lower surface (20) of the cover plate.

8. Testing device according to any one of claims 5 - 7, charac teri z ed in that the pulling device (11) comprises a tensioning device (21) , which is connected to the second gripper (10) , and an elongated flexible pulling ele- ment (22), the first end (23) of which is attached to the first gripper (9) while its second end (24) is connected to the tensioning device (21) .

9. Testing device according to claim 8, charac t eri z ed in that the pulling device (22) is a belt or equivalent and the tensioning device (21) is a belt tensioner or an equivalent tensioner.

10. Testing device according to any one of claims 5 - 9, charac teri z ed in that the lifting means (12) comprise a handle (25), grip or the like, which is connected to the first gripper (9) .

11. The testing device according to any one of claims 5 - 10, charac teri z ed in that the lifting means comprise a lever device (26) for lifting the first gripper

(9) •

12. Testing device according to any one of claims 5 - 11, charac t eri z ed in that the lifting means comprise a power unit (30,31,32,33) for lifting the first gripper (9).

13. Arrangement for testing the safety switches (3, 4) of a comb plate (2) of an escalator, moving ramp and/or walkway, which safety switches are connected to form part of the electric safety circuit of the escalator, moving ramp and/or walkway and include a horizontal switch (3) and a vertical switch (4) , said comb plate comprising a first edge (6) which is provided with prongs (5) and oriented in a direction towards the moving track (1) of the escalator, moving ramp and/or walkway, and beside which comb plate there is a substantially horizontal fixed cover plate (7) having a second edge (8), which is oriented in a direction away from the moving track (1), charac teri z ed in that the arrangement comprises - a first gripper (9), which is adapted for gripping the first edge (6) of the comb plate (1) ,

- a second gripper (10) , which is adapted for gripping the second edge (8) of the cover plate (7), - a pulling device (11) , which is arranged to act between the first gripper (9) and the second gripper (10) for pulling the first gripper towards the second gripper in order to move the comb plate (2) horizontally to cause the horizontal switch (3) to be engaged.

14. Arrangement according to claim 13, charac teri z ed in that the arrangement additionally comprises lifting means (12) for raising the first gripper (9) and together with it the comb plate (2) in order to engage the vertical switch (4) .