Escalators or moving walkways equipped with lighting devices for illuminating transition areas

Abstract

A personal transport device (1) in the form of an escalator or moving walkway is introduced, the personal transport device having: a fixed entry area (3); a conveyor belt (5) composed of multiple tread units (15) arranged sequentially along the direction of movement (13), the conveyor belt (5) being able to move around the fixed entry area (3); a transition area (37) in which a combing structure (35) of the movable conveyor belt (5) is adjacent to a static comb-like structure (29) of the entry area (3); and a lighting device (7). It has at least one light source (39) for emitting light in the visible spectrum; wherein the illumination device (7) is configured such that at least a first portion of the light emitted by the at least one light source (39) is focused in such a way that it primarily illuminates an elongated transition surface (41), the transition surface including a transition region (37) together with a comb structure (29) and a structure (35) of the conveyor belt (5) that acts as a comb in the region of the comb structure (29), the transition surface (41) extending transversely to the longitudinal extension direction of the personnel transport device (1) and along the entire exposed width (B) of the conveyor belt (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a personnel transport device in the form of an escalator or moving walkway. Background Technology

[0002] Escalators and moving walkways are installed in building structures to transport people along inclined or horizontal transport routes. For this purpose, escalators and moving walkways have various components that are firmly connected to the building structure and are therefore stationary. These include, for example, stationary entry areas at the entrance and exit ends of the passenger transport equipment. Furthermore, the passenger transport equipment has movable components, i.e., components that can move relative to the stationary components. This includes, for example, a conveyor belt on which passengers stand and are then transported along a transport route from the entry area at the entrance end to the entry area at the exit end.

[0003] In the transition zone, a static comb-like structure is typically located at the entrance zone, where the rotatable or shiftable conveyor belt abuts against the stationary components of the entrance zone. These comb-like structures can be designed, for example, in the form of a comb plate with multiple teeth protruding at regular intervals to form the comb structure. On the upper side of the conveyor belt, a combing structure consisting of a web and grooves is typically provided, designed to be substantially complementary to the comb-like structure. As the conveyor belt moves relative to the stationary entrance zone or the stationary comb plate located there, the combing structure of the conveyor belt abuts against, or partially engages with, the static comb-like structure of the entrance zone in the transition zone.

[0004] When entering or exiting personnel transport equipment, passengers should be able to identify the transition between the corresponding stationary entry area and the moving conveyor belt to avoid tripping when initially entering or subsequently exiting the conveyor belt. For this purpose, lights are typically installed on conventional escalators and moving walkways, specifically illuminating a portion of the stationary entry area and an adjacent section of the conveyor belt. For example, CN203533349U describes an integrated comb light. Comb light devices of the aforementioned type are also disclosed in documents JPS5241885U, XP055141659, CN209127856U, and JP2000128469A. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main requirement will be a personnel transport device in which the transition between the stationary entry area and the movable conveyor belt can be more clearly identified.

[0006] This need can be met by personnel transport equipment according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a personnel transport device in the form of an escalator or moving walkway is provided, the personnel transport device having a stationary entry area, a conveyor belt, a transition area, and a lighting device. The conveyor belt has a plurality of tread units arranged sequentially along the direction of movement and is movable about the entry area. In the transition area, a comb-like structure of the movable conveyor belt is adjacent to a static comb-like structure of the entry area. The lighting device has at least one light source for emitting light in the visible spectrum. The lighting device is configured such that at least a first portion of the light emitted by the at least one light source is focused such that the light primarily illuminates an elongated transition surface, the transition surface including the transition area together with the comb-like structure and the structure of the conveyor belt that acts as a comb within the area of ​​the comb-like structure, wherein the transition surface extends transversely to the longitudinal extension direction of the personnel transport device and along the entire exposed width of the conveyor belt.

[0008] The possible features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention can be considered in particular based on the concepts and understandings described below, without limiting the invention.

[0009] As introduced at the beginning, traditional escalators and moving walkways are typically equipped with lighting fixtures that illuminate the entire entrance area and at least part of the conveyor belt. In this case, all sub-areas at the entrance and exit of the personnel transport equipment along which passengers can move are essentially uniformly and without special illumination.

[0010] In such conventionally lit passenger transport equipment, upon close observation, passengers can see, for example, that when entering the passenger transport equipment, the stationary entry area ends and the moving conveyor belt begins, or when leaving the passenger transport equipment, the moving conveyor belt ends and the stationary entry area begins. However, passengers need to pay attention to identify the transition between the stationary entry area and the conveyor belt.

[0011] It has been recognized that drawing the passenger’s attention to the transition section can be actively supported by specifically illuminating the specific transition surface, including the transition section, in a manner that is visually recognizable to the passenger.

[0012] To achieve this, it is recommended that personnel transport equipment be equipped with special lighting. Compared to conventional lighting in personnel transport equipment (which uniformly illuminates most of the entry area and conveyor belt), this lighting should be specially configured to utilize the light it produces to primarily illuminate the specifically defined transition surfaces.

[0013] Here, the transition surface includes a transition area in which the comb-like structure of the movable conveyor belt is adjacent to the static comb-like structure of the stationary entry area. Therefore, the transition area essentially corresponds to the area or edge that passengers must cross to reach the conveyor belt from the stationary entry area or from the conveyor belt to the stationary entry area.

[0014] The transition surface should be elongated, meaning its length should be greater than its width. The length of the transition surface should be measured in a direction corresponding to the width of the personnel transport equipment, i.e., transverse to the longitudinal extension direction of the personnel transport equipment.

[0015] Here, the length of the transition surface should be set such that it extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the personnel transport equipment, substantially along the entire exposed width of the conveyor belt. The exposed width of the conveyor belt refers to the sub-area of ​​the conveyor belt that is exposed and thus can be stepped on by passengers. Typically, this exposed width corresponds to the distance between guardrails or guardrail bases that are adjacent to the conveyor belt on both sides and may cover sub-areas of the conveyor belt, such that these sub-areas are not included in the calculation of the exposed width of the conveyor belt.

[0016] To further enhance passenger attention, the lighting device includes a projection device according to the invention. The projection device is configured to project a second portion of light emitted by at least one light source onto a projection surface, thereby optionally displaying at least one sign selected from a plurality of feasible signs.

[0017] In this configuration, the light emitted by the light source in the lighting device is split into at least two parts. When the first part is focused onto the elongated transition surface as described above, the second part of the light is projected onto the projection surface in a manner that displays at least one mark.

[0018] Logos can take many forms. For example, a logo can be a simple projected line, surface, or outline. However, a logo can also be animated, thus representing movement through motion in a direction of motion or movement in three-dimensional space. A logo can also be an entire video or film sequence projected using a second part of light. A logo can also be, for example, a static or animated hologram projected onto an area of ​​entry.

[0019] Any surface that is part of the personnel transport equipment and is accessible to a second part of the light can be used as a projection surface, such as the surfaces of railings, railing bases, conveyor belts, handrails, and entry areas. Of course, the surfaces of building structures can also be used as projection surfaces adjacent to the personnel transport equipment. In the special case of holograms, the space surrounding the personnel transport equipment can also be used as a projection surface. For clarity, it will also be referred to as a projection surface here, even though strictly speaking it is a three-dimensional projection space.

[0020] In order to illuminate the transition surface in the manner described above, the lighting fixture should be designed so that the light emitted by it is not uniformly emitted in all directions or over a very large angular range. Instead, the lighting fixture should emit the emitted light in a focused manner.

[0021] Here, the light should be focused in such a way that the intensity of the incident light in the focal region is higher than that of spatially uniform light emission, but the intensity of the incident light outside the focal region is lower than that of spatially uniform light emission. In other words, the focused light emission of the light source should be designed such that at least a first portion of the light emitted by the illumination device is dominant, i.e., more than 50%, preferably more than 80%, or more than 90%, or even more than 95%, is directly directed towards the transition surface. In the best case, at least a first portion of the light emitted by the illumination device should illuminate almost all, i.e., more than 98%, the aforementioned transition surface. Any secondary portion of the emitted light should illuminate the area outside the transition surface. This secondary portion can be generated, for example, by focusing that is not technically ideal and / or due to light scattering.

[0022] Therefore, the surface area adjacent to the aforementioned transition surface should be substantially unilluminated by the lighting fixture. In other words, the transition surface should be illuminated with high light intensity, while the adjacent surface area should not be illuminated by the lighting fixture, or at most with significantly lower light intensity.

[0023] For example, the light intensity directed onto the transition surface can be more than twice, preferably more than five times, or even more than ten times, the light intensity emitted by the lighting device onto the surface directly adjacent to the transition surface. Therefore, the brightness difference between the illuminated transition area and its adjacent surface should be significant and clearly perceptible to passengers.

[0024] In this document, it should be noted, as explained in more detail below, that although the lighting device can provide a second portion of the emitted light, the lighting device can also be specifically configured so that the second portion of the light is directed to a region completely different from the transition region or transition surface, i.e., not to a sub-region directly adjacent to the transition surface.

[0025] By employing the design of the lighting fixtures and the lighting scheme for the transition surfaces they affect, it is possible to ensure that the transition between the stationary entrance area and the conveyor belt is not merely illuminated without special illumination. Instead, the lighting fixtures specifically focus at least a first portion of their light onto the transition surface covering the transition area, thereby marking the transition in a manner clearly perceptible to passengers.

[0026] A transition zone, marked by light focused by a lighting device, runs near the entrance end of a personnel transport device. This transition zone is typically located below the comb plate in a stationary entry area or near the exit end below the comb plate. It appears significantly brighter to passengers than the surrounding area in order to draw their attention to the transition zone.

[0027] The lighting fixtures of personnel transport equipment may have one or more light sources. Each light source may be designed to emit light not in a spatially uniform manner, but to focus light at least partially in a preferred direction or at least within a narrow angular range around the preferred direction.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, each light source may be equipped with an optical device by means of which the light emitted by the light source can be focused. The optical device may have, for example, a focusing mirror, a lens, or a similar optical component.

[0029] The lighting device can preferably be designed such that the elongated transition surface illuminated by it is substantially rectangular.

[0030] In other words, the transition surface illuminated by the lighting device can have two substantially parallel edges. "Substantially parallel" can also include slight deviations from perfect parallelism, for example, the two edges can extend relative to each other at an angle between -10° and +10°, preferably between -5° and +5°.

[0031] To illuminate such a rectangular transition surface, the lighting device can be configured, for example, to emit a directional light beam toward the transition surface, illuminating it at an angle or tangentially to it. In other words, the light source of the lighting device can, for example, be arranged laterally close to the transition area and vertically above it, and the light from the light source is directed downwards as a directional beam toward the transition surface including the transition area.

[0032] In this configuration, the transition surface may have both a length dimension and a width dimension. Here, the length dimension extends along the entire exposed width of the conveyor belt, while the width dimension extends perpendicular to the length dimension and therefore parallel to the longitudinal direction of the personnel transport equipment and thus also parallel to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt. The transition surface should preferably have an elongated geometry, wherein the width dimension is less than 20% of the length dimension, preferably less than 10%, and more preferably even less than 5% of the length dimension.

[0033] In other words, the transition area should be designed as a narrow strip. This strip should extend laterally to the longitudinal direction of the personnel transport equipment and illuminate the transition area between the stationary entry area and the moving conveyor belt in a focused manner, thus providing localized illumination and marking in a way that is identifiable to passengers.

[0034] Here, the width of the transition surface can be, for example, less than 20 cm, preferably less than 10 cm, or even less than 5 cm. Therefore, compared to the entire length of the personnel transport equipment or its stationary entry area or its conveyor belt, the transition surface, which is brightly illuminated by the lighting device due to focusing, is very narrow, which is particularly attractive to passengers.

[0035] In particular, the lighting device can be configured such that a first portion of the light emitted by at least one light source is focused such that the elongated transition surface is illuminated with a uniformity of more than 50%, preferably more than 80% or even more than 90%.

[0036] In other words, the illumination of the transition area caused by the lighting device should be as uniform as possible so that passengers perceive the transition surface as a uniformly bright and thus uniformly marked area. Specifically, when comparing the light intensity illuminating the transition surface with the light intensity of the light illuminating the transition surface from the outside, the variation in light intensity within the transition surface of the sub-regions illuminated by the lighting device should be significantly smaller. On the one hand, the uniform illumination of the transition surface and the clear distinction in light intensity between the inside and outside of the transition surface enhance the effect of the light emitted by the lighting device in a focused manner as an optical marker of the transition area, as described previously.

[0037] The lighting device can preferably be configured to selectively emit light in different spectra.

[0038] In other words, it can be advantageous, for example, to be able to control one or more light sources of a lighting device so that the overall spectrum of light emitted by the lighting device can be selectively altered. Thus, the light emitted by the lighting device can, for example, selectively present different colors or color mixtures. For example, the emitted light can be green for some purposes and red or blue, or normally other colors, for others. Certain information can be conveyed or suggested to passengers by means of the currently emitted light color. For example, illuminating a transition surface with a green light can indicate that passengers can now enter the conveyor belt, while illuminating it with a red light can indicate that the conveyor belt is moving against the direction the passengers wish to enter, and therefore they should not enter.

[0039] For this purpose, the lighting device may, for example, have multiple different light sources, which can be activated independently and in a controlled manner and emit different spectra from each other. Alternatively or additionally, the lighting device may have filters, for example, light emitted by one or more light sources is radiated through the filters, and the light passing through thus changes in its spectrum according to the optical properties of the filters. In this case, for example, a single filter can be provided in the optical path of the lighting device, and the filter can change its optical properties in a controlled manner. Alternatively or supplementarily, various filters can be provided for the lighting device, which can be introduced into the optical path of the lighting device in a controlled manner as needed.

[0040] Preferably, at least one light source of the lighting device can be a light-emitting diode, i.e., an LED.

[0041] LEDs can produce light with very high efficiency, thus enabling energy-saving operation. Furthermore, LEDs require very little installation space, allowing them to be integrated into other components of personnel transport equipment or other parts in a space-saving manner. Additionally, LEDs can have a very long lifespan, so even with long-term operation and considering the long lifespan of personnel transport equipment, the lighting installation requires virtually no maintenance or repair.

[0042] For example, a lighting fixture may have multiple LEDs with different emission spectra. Depending on which spectrum or color is to be used to illuminate the transition surface, one or more different LEDs of the lighting fixture may be activated. Alternatively or additionally, one or more adjustable LEDs may be used in the lighting fixture, i.e., LEDs that emit different spectra depending on the mode of operation.

[0043] Lighting fixtures can be arranged laterally next to the transition area, for example, in the railing or the base of the railing.

[0044] Typically, in passenger transport equipment, the entrance areas at the ends and the conveyor belt between these entrance areas are laterally defined by guardrails. For example, these guardrails prevent passengers from accidentally moving laterally off the passenger transport equipment. For instance, handrails that move synchronously with the conveyor belt can be provided on the guardrails. Lighting devices can preferably be housed in such guardrails or guardrail bases in a space-saving manner. Thus, the lighting devices can be laterally positioned next to the transition area to be marked. Specifically, the lighting devices can be arranged there on the guardrail or base such that the stationary entrance area is adjacent to the conveyor belt. Therefore, the light emitted by the lighting devices can, for example, be laterally directed over the transition area and thus locally focused and illuminate the elongated transition surface covering the transition area as uniformly as possible, thereby optically marking it.

[0045] As mentioned above, the lighting device also includes a projection device. The projection device should be designed to display different signs depending on how it is operated. The signs can be, for example, letters, numbers, pictographs, or simple geometric shapes (e.g., rectangles, circles, triangles, or arrows).

[0046] With the aid of a projection device, signs can be projected onto a projection surface, depending on the situation. These signs can convey information to passengers on the passenger transport equipment. For example, signs can indicate which direction the conveyor belt is currently moving, whether the entry area is the entrance or exit of the passenger transport equipment, etc. Related information can also be displayed, such as how to use the passenger transport equipment (e.g., "Keep to the right, walk to the left," "Hold on the handrail," etc.) and / or what behaviors are prohibited on the passenger transport equipment (e.g., "No roller skates allowed").

[0047] However, in principle, logos can take the most diverse forms. As mentioned earlier, a logo can be a simple projected line, surface, or outline. However, a logo can also be animated, thus representing movement through shifting directions of motion or movement in three-dimensional space. A logo can also be an entire video or film sequence projected using a second part of light. A logo can also be, for example, a static or animated hologram projected onto an area of ​​entry.

[0048] The projection surface onto which the projection device projects the desired mark is typically positioned differently from the transition surface between the stationary entry area and the moving conveyor belt. In principle, the projection surface can also be a horizontally extending surface, such as part of the ground formed within the entry area or conveyor belt of the personnel transport equipment. However, the projection surface can also be another surface extending transversely to the horizontal plane, especially, for example, a vertically extending surface. In principle, all surfaces that are part of the personnel transport equipment and are reached by a second portion of light from the projection device can be used as projection surfaces. This includes areas such as guardrails, guardrail bases, or conveyor belts, handrails, entry areas, etc. Of course, surfaces of the building structure can also be used as projection surfaces adjacent to the personnel transport equipment. In the special case of holograms, the space surrounding the personnel transport equipment can also be used as a projection surface.

[0049] If the projection surface is a sub-area on the guardrail and / or the ground of a stationary entry area, the projection device can display signs, for example, in a manner easily perceptible to passengers, particularly at eye level. On the ground of a stationary entry area, signs displayed by the projection device include, for example, signs that passengers should perceive before entering the conveyor belt behind the personnel transport equipment at the entrance or before leaving the conveyor belt at the exit of the personnel transport equipment.

[0050] The projection device may have multiple masks that can be selectively positioned between at least one light source of the lighting device and the projection surface. In this case, each mask can be configured to project the passing light as one or more marks selected from a plurality of possible marks onto the projection surface.

[0051] In other words, the projection device can have many different masks designed to resemble shadow masks. In such masks, the area representing the sign to be displayed is designed to be partially or completely transparent, while adjacent areas are designed to partially or completely absorb light. Light directed towards the mask is thus transmitted through the transparent areas and not transmitted through the light-absorbing areas, or at least transmitted in a different manner, i.e., for example, in a different color. Depending on one or more signs to be projected, another available mask can be placed in the optical path between the light source and the projection surface in the projection device. For this purpose, the projection device can have suitable mechanisms and / or suitable actuators. The projection device can have suitable controllers for controlling such mechanisms or actuators. For example, the controller can control which available masks are currently in use and / or at which part within the lighting device or at which part of the optical path the mask will be positioned.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, the projection device may have a variable mask arranged between at least one light source and a projection surface. The variable mask may be configured to variably project passing light onto the projection surface as one or more marks selected from a plurality of possible marks.

[0053] In other words, the projection device can have a mask whose light transmission characteristics can be changed in a targeted manner depending on the position. Here, the light transmission characteristics of the mask can be changed by physical means, such as applying a voltage, in the sub-regions of the transmission surface arranged in the optical path between the light source and the projection surface. Depending on how the transmission characteristics are set in different sub-regions of the transmission surface, the incident light can be completely or partially transmitted or absorbed, thereby projecting the desired mark onto the projection surface.

[0054] A modifiable mask can be designed as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) mask, in which a large number of pixels are arranged on the transmissive surface, and the light transmission characteristics of the liquid crystal contained therein can be affected by applying a voltage to each pixel. To control the modifiable mask, the projection device can have a suitable controller. In this case, a transparent mask or a black / white mask can be generated using an LCD mask.

[0055] The projection device may also have a shifting mechanism that can be configured to shift the projection surface.

[0056] In other words, the projection device does not need to be designed to be static, so that it always projects the sign to be displayed onto the same projection surface. Instead, the projection device can have a shifting mechanism that can shift the projection surface, that is, project the sign to be displayed onto different surfaces. Of course, the sign to be displayed can also be animated, that is, display a sequence of images like on film, for example, through programming in a controller.

[0057] The shifting mechanism may, for example, have optical components that can deflect the image generated in the projection device in different directions. For instance, the shifting mechanism may have mirrors, lenses, or other optical components that can be mechanically shifted or whose optical properties can be otherwise altered. To control the shifting mechanism, the projection device may have a suitable controller.

[0058] In addition, the projection device may have a focusing device configured to selectively project at least one sign to be displayed onto projection surfaces spaced at different distances.

[0059] For example, the focusing device can be configured such that a sign projected onto different projection surfaces by the projection device can be focused using a shifting mechanism, thereby enabling clear display of the sign. Similar to the shifting mechanism, the focusing device can also include optical components that focus the image generated in the projection device onto projection planes located at different distances. Reflectors, lenses, etc., can also be used as optical components. To control the focusing device, the projection device can also have a suitable controller.

[0060] It should be noted that some possible features and advantages of the present invention are described herein with reference to different embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these features can be combined, modified, or interchanged in a suitable manner to achieve other embodiments of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0061] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and description should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0062] Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of a sub-area of ​​a personnel transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0063] Figure 2 A top view and enlarged detail view of a sub-area of ​​a personnel transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0064] Figure 3 A perspective view showing the entrance of a personnel transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] These accompanying drawings are schematic only and are not faithful to scale. The same reference numerals in different drawings indicate the same or equivalent features. Detailed Implementation

[0066] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The sub-regions of the personnel transport device 1 are shown in longitudinal sectional and top views, based on which the features and characteristics of the personnel transport device 1 designed according to the present invention can be explained. The accompanying drawings only show the sub-regions near the entrance or exit of the personnel transport device 1. Components of the personnel transport device 1 are shown only schematically, and for clarity, some components that appear unnecessary for understanding the implementation of the personnel transport device 1 are not shown. The personnel transport device 1 may be designed as an escalator or a moving walkway.

[0067] The personnel transport equipment 1 includes a stationary entry area 3, a conveyor belt 5, and a lighting system 7. The stationary entry area 3 includes components such as a base plate 9 and comb plates 11, which are securely connected to the building. The conveyor belt 5 has a plurality of step units 15 arranged sequentially along the direction of movement 13. In the case of the personnel transport equipment 1 being an escalator, these step units 15 are designed as step steps, while in the case of an moving walkway, these step units 15 are designed as pallets. The step units 15 are connected to each other by a transmission mechanism such as a chain 17 and can be deflected at a deflector wheel 19. The entire conveyor belt 5 can be rotatably moved and moved relative to the entry area 3. The personnel transport equipment 1 also includes two guardrails 21, each guardrail 21 having a guardrail base 23 and a handrail 25 extending along the guardrail 21.

[0068] like Figure 2 As shown in the enlarged detail view, the comb plate 11 has multiple teeth 27, which together form a static comb-like structure 29 for entering the region 3. On each pedal unit 15, grooves 31 and webs 33 protruding beyond these grooves 31 are designed on an upward-pointing surface; the grooves and webs together form a combing structure 35 for the conveyor belt 5. Viewed in the direction of motion 13, the region adjacent to the combing structure 35 and the static comb-like structure 29 is referred to herein as the transition region 37.

[0069] An illumination device 7 is arranged in the guardrail base 23 and includes at least one light source 39. This light source 39 emits light in the visible spectrum. Due to the special configuration of the light source 39 used therein and / or due to optics (not shown) specifically designed for this purpose, the illumination device 7 is configured such that at least a first portion of the light emitted by the light source 39 is directed and focused such that it primarily illuminates an elongated transition surface 41. This transition surface 41 extends along and covers the transition region 37, including a static comb-like structure 29 disposed therein and a combing structure 35 adjacent thereto.

[0070] The transition surface 41 extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the personnel conveying equipment 1 and along the entire exposed width B of the conveyor belt 5. Therefore, the exposed width B of the conveyor belt 5 substantially corresponds to the length I of the transition surface 41. The transition surface 41 should have an elongated geometry, wherein the width b of the transition surface 41 is significantly smaller than the length I, i.e., for example, less than 10% of the length I. For example, the width b is less than 10 cm. Preferably, the transition surface 41 has a substantially rectangular geometry.

[0071] The lighting device 7 is preferably designed such that a first portion of the light it emits is focused onto the transition surface 41, such that the light illuminates the transition surface 41 with at least 80% coverage. The lighting device 7 is also designed to illuminate the transition surface 41 as uniformly as possible.

[0072] The lighting device 7 also includes a projection device 43. This projection device 43 is configured to project a second portion of the light emitted by the light source 39 onto a projection surface 45. In this case, the projection surface 45 may, for example, be part of a guardrail 21 opposite to the lighting device 7.

[0073] The light should be projected in such a manner that at least one of a plurality of feasible signs 47 is displayed on the projection surface 45. For this purpose, the projection device 43 may have one or more masks 49, 51 arranged between the light source 39 and the projection surface 45 and suitably transmitting or absorbing the transmitted light to enable the display of the sign 47. If desired, the mask 51 can be configured to be variable by means of, for example, an LCD unit. Therefore, the sign 47 can have the most diverse forms. For example, the sign 47 can be a simple line, surface, or outline projected. However, the sign 47 can also be animated and thus can represent movement by movement in a direction of motion or movement in three-dimensional space. The sign 47 can also be an entire video or film sequence projected using a second portion of the light. For example, the sign 47 can also be a static or animated hologram projected into the entry area 3.

[0074] The projection device 43 may also have a shifting mechanism 53 by means of which the projection surface 45 can be shifted. For example, the shifting mechanism 53 may include suitable controllable optics to project the sign to be displayed in different directions and thus onto the projection surfaces 45 supported by different supports. In addition, a focusing device 55 may be provided, by means of which the projection device 43 can selectively project the sign 47 to be displayed in a focused manner onto the projection surfaces 45 spaced at different distances. In the figures, the masks 49 and 51, the shifting mechanism 53 and the focusing device 55 are shown only schematically.

[0075] Figure 3The entrance to a passenger transport device 1 in the form of an escalator is shown. To use the escalator, passengers first pass through a stationary entry area 3 with a base plate 9 and comb plates 11. An illumination device 7 generates a light strip at the transition between the entry area 3 and the following moving conveyor belt 5, in a focused manner illuminating the transition area 37 along an elongated transition surface 41. This light strip attracts the passenger's attention, enabling them to recognize the transition from the stationary entry area 3 to the moving conveyor belt 5 and to enter the conveyor belt 5 with appropriate attention.

[0076] Additionally, further information can be provided to passengers using a projection device 43. For example, a sign 47 in the form of a projected pictogram 59 can be displayed on a projection surface 45 of the guardrail 21 opposite the lighting device 7. Alternatively or additionally, the sign 47 can be displayed as a projected straight line 57, which can guide passengers and / or, for example, indicate whether a passenger is at the entrance or exit of the escalator based on the color used for the line.

[0077] For example, a green line can symbolize entry, as it represents the escalator's entrance, while a red line symbolizes the escalator's exit, thus preventing entry into the escalator area 3. The transition surface 41 can also be illuminated with the corresponding color.

[0078] like Figure 3 As shown, the straight line 57 can be projected onto the guardrail 21 from both sides of the conveyor belt 5. The second portion of light emitted from both sides of the lighting device 7 also enables a holographic display in the space between the guardrails 21 in the entry area 3.

[0079] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "having" and "comprising" do not exclude other elements or steps, and terms such as "a" or "one" do not exclude multiple. Furthermore, it should be pointed out that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of the other embodiments described above. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A personnel transport device (1), said personnel transport device being in the form of an escalator or moving walkway, said personnel transport device having: Fixed entry area (3). The conveyor belt (5) is composed of multiple pedal units (15) arranged sequentially along the direction of motion (13). The conveyor belt (5) is capable of rotating around the fixed entry area (3). In the transition region (37), the combing structure (35) of the movable conveyor belt (5) is adjacent to the static comb-like structure (29) of the entry region (3). Lighting device (7), the lighting device having at least one light source (39) for emitting light in the visible spectrum, in, The lighting device (7) is configured such that at least a first portion of the light emitted by at least one light source (39) is focused in such a way that the light primarily illuminates an elongated transition surface (41), the transition surface including a transition region (37) together with a comb structure (29) and a structure (35) of the conveyor belt (5) that, together with the comb structure, functions as a comb in the region of the comb structure (29), the transition surface (41) extending transversely to the longitudinal extension direction of the personnel transport equipment (1) and along the entire exposed width (B) of the conveyor belt (5), characterized in that the lighting device (7) further comprises a projection device (43) configured to project a second portion of the light emitted by at least one light source (39) onto the projection surface (45), thereby enabling the selective display of at least one sign (47) selected from a plurality of feasible signs (47).

2. The personnel transport equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The lighting device (7) is configured such that a first portion of the light emitted by at least one light source (39) is focused such that at least 80% of the light illuminates the elongated transition surface (41).

3. The personnel transport equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The slender transition surface (41) is basically rectangular.

4. The personnel transport equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The elongated transition surface (41) has a length dimension (l) extending along the entire exposed width (B) of the conveyor belt (5) and a width dimension (b) extending perpendicular to the length dimension (l). Wherein, the width dimension (b) is less than 20% of the length dimension (l).

5. The personnel transport equipment according to claim 4, wherein, The width dimension (b) is less than 20cm.

6. The personnel transport equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The lighting device (7) is configured such that a first portion of the light emitted by at least one light source (39) is focused such that it illuminates the elongated transition surface (41) with a uniformity of more than 50%.

7. The personnel transport equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The lighting device (7) is configured to selectively emit light in different spectra.

8. The personnel transport equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least one light source (39) is a light-emitting diode.

9. The personnel transport equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The lighting device (7) is arranged laterally on the guardrail (21) next to the transition area (37).

10. The personnel transport equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The projection surface (45) is a sub-region on the guardrail (21) and / or the conveyor belt (5) and / or on the ground of the fixed entry area (3).

11. The personnel transport equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The projection device (43) has a plurality of masks (49) that can be selectively arranged between the at least one light source (39) and the projection surface (45), each of the masks (49) being configured to project passing light onto the projection surface (45) as one or more of a plurality of feasible markers (47).

12. The personnel transport equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The projection device (43) has a variable mask (51) disposed between the at least one light source (39) and the projection surface (45), the variable mask (51) being configured to project the light passing through it onto the projection surface (45) in a variable manner as one or more marks (47) selected from a plurality of feasible marks (47).

13. The personnel transport equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The projection device (43) has a shifting mechanism (53) configured to shift the projection surface (45).

14. The personnel transport equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The projection device (43) has a focusing device (55) configured to project at least one sign (47) to be displayed onto projection surfaces (45) at different intervals in a selectable manner.

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