Transport unit and method for transporting a moving walkway

Abstract

A transport unit (1) for transporting a moving walkway (19) is introduced, the transport unit having a plurality of moving walkway modules (3) and a plurality of holding frames (5). At least two of the moving walkway modules (3) are designed as moving walkway intermediate members (7) and each have a load-bearing structure segment (9), wherein the load-bearing structure segment (9) is configured to carry a guide rail segment (11), a forward pallet belt segment (13) and a return pallet belt segment (15). The moving walkway modules (3) are configured to be coupled to one another in series along a longitudinal direction (17) so as to form a sub-region of the moving walkway (19). The moving walkway modules (3) are arranged one above the other in a plurality of layers in the transport unit (1) in a vertical direction extending transversely to the longitudinal direction (17). Each holding frame (5) has a plurality of horizontal braces (21) spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction and distributed in parallel with one another, and has at least two vertical braces (23) holding the horizontal braces (21) at their respective opposite ends. The holding frames (5) are respectively configured and arranged at positions spaced apart along the longitudinal direction (17) such that each one of the moving walkway modules in the moving walkway modules (3) is loaded on one of the horizontal braces (21), and the vertical braces (23) are distributed laterally adjacent to the moving walkway modules (3) on opposite sides of the moving walkway modules (3).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport unit and a method for transporting an escalator walkway. Background Art

[0002] An escalator walkway is used as a people transport device for transporting people in a building or a building structure. Here, after the escalator walkway is installed, it is fixedly constructed in the building. Between an entrance section at a first end of the escalator walkway and an exit section at an opposite end of the escalator walkway, a conveyor belt runs in the form of a pallet belt that can be driven by a drive. Passengers can be transported along a forward section of the movement path of the pallet belt by means of the pallet belt. The pallet belt generally includes a plurality of mostly plate-shaped pallets, mostly made of metal, which are interconnected, for example, by means of conveyor chains in a manner capable of withstanding tensile forces. During movement along a displacement path in the area of the forward section, the pallet belt is generally supported and / or guided by guide rails. The guide rails are carried by a load-bearing structure, which is formed, for example, by a frame structure composed of a large number of interconnected struts. Thus, the load-bearing structure serves to support the weight of the pallet belt and the weight of the passengers that may be loaded thereon. When reaching the exit section, the pallets of the pallet belt are deflected and transported back to the entrance section again along a return section. The entrance section and the exit section can be at the same or only slightly different levels, so the displacement path is horizontal or slightly inclined.

[0003] The components of the escalator walkway are usually manufactured by the escalator walkway manufacturer, for example, in its workshop. Then, the components must be transported to the target building where the escalator walkway is to be installed. Since a fully assembled escalator walkway has a rather large size, after the escalator walkway is fully assembled in the workshop, it is usually divided into a plurality of segments at the set separation sites, and the individual segments are packaged, loaded onto a saddle trailer and transported to the use site. However, the disadvantage of this method is that the individual parts are large in volume and relatively low in self-weight, so a large number of load-carrying vehicles must be used to transport a large amount of air and a small amount of material. For example, in JP2543945A1, the transport process of packaging and transporting an escalator is introduced.

[0004] Another feasible solution is to package the components individually or in different smaller units and then, for example, use a plurality of trucks to send them to the use site or the target building. Thereby, a huge cost for packaging and transporting a large number of components may be incurred. During the packaging and / or transporting process, there is also a risk that the components may be damaged. Summary of the Invention

[0005] There is a need, mainly, to transport an escalator walkway with relatively low cost and / or reliably, that is, in particular, to be able to transport it from the manufacturing site to the target building.

[0006] This need can be met by a conveying unit and a method according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, a conveying unit for a moving walkway is presented, which conveying unit has a plurality of moving walkway modules and a plurality of retaining frames. At least two of the moving walkway modules are configured as moving walkway intermediate members and each have a load-bearing structure section. Here, the load-bearing structure section is configured to receive and carry a forward pallet belt section and a return pallet belt section. The moving walkway modules are configured to be coupled to one another longitudinally in series to form at least one load-bearing structure of a sub-region of the moving walkway. In the conveying unit, the moving walkway modules are stacked or arranged one above the other in a plurality of layers in a vertical direction extending transversely to the longitudinal direction. Each retaining frame has a plurality of horizontal braces spaced from one another in the vertical direction and distributed parallel to one another, and has at least two vertical braces holding the horizontal braces at their respective opposite ends. Here, at positions spaced from one another longitudinally, each retaining frame is configured and arranged such that one moving walkway module is loaded on one of the horizontal braces, and the vertical braces are distributed laterally adjacent to the moving walkway module on the opposite side of the moving walkway module.

[0008] In other words, in the case where the conveying unit is set up, on the one hand, the moving walkway modules arranged one above the other are mechanically connected to one another by the support brackets of the conveying unit, and on the other hand, the retaining frames of the conveying unit are mechanically connected to one another by the moving walkway modules.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for conveying a moving walkway is presented, which method at least includes the following method steps (not necessarily in the given order):

[0010] Providing a plurality of moving walkway modules;

[0011] Providing horizontal braces and vertical braces for forming a plurality of retaining frames; and

[0012] Arranging the moving walkway modules one above the other in a plurality of layers in the vertical direction to form a conveying unit.

[0013] Here, at least two of the moving walkway modules are designed as intermediate moving walkway components and each has a load-bearing structure segment, wherein the load-bearing structure segment is configured to hold a guide rail segment, a forward pallet belt segment, and a return pallet belt segment. The moving walkway modules are configured to be coupled to one another longitudinally in front and behind to form at least one sub-region of the load-bearing structure of the moving walkway. During the arrangement of the moving walkway modules, here, horizontal braces and vertical braces are assembled into a holding frame such that each holding frame has a plurality of horizontal braces spaced from one another in the vertical direction and distributed parallel to one another, and at least two vertical braces that hold the horizontal braces at their respective opposite ends. At positions spaced from one another longitudinally, each holding frame is configured and arranged such that: a respective moving walkway module is loaded on one of the horizontal braces, and the vertical braces are distributed laterally adjacent to the walkway module on the opposite side of the moving walkway module.

[0014] The feasible features and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention can be regarded as being based on the concepts and cognitions described below, including but not limited to the present invention.

[0015] The embodiments of the introduced transport unit or the corresponding transport method are used to be able to transport a moving walkway from a first location (such as a manufacturing location) to a second location (such as an installation site) with as little consumption as possible. Here, the entire moving walkway can be divided into a plurality of moving walkway modules. All or at least a plurality of these moving walkway modules can be concentrated in one or more transport units. Here, each transport unit can be transported simply and safely. For example, the transport unit can be dimensioned such that the transport unit can be transported in a transport container with standardized dimensions.

[0016] In order to be able to transport the entire moving walkway in one transport unit or preferably in a distributed manner into a plurality of transport units, the moving walkway is divided into a plurality of moving walkway modules. Although the entire moving walkway generally has a very large size, namely especially a very large length of several tens of meters and thus can hardly be transported as a whole, each moving walkway module can have only a small part of the length of the entire moving walkway. For example, a single moving walkway module should be only a few meters long, that is, shorter than ten meters. Preferably, the moving walkway modules jointly accommodated in one transport unit should basically have the same length, that is, the lengths of the moving walkway modules should differ, for example, by less than 20%, preferably less than 10%. In particular, the dimensions of each moving walkway module can be selected such that the entire transport unit fits into a container with standard dimensions, such as a 20′ container according to ISO standard 668. Subsequently, when accommodated in such a container, the transport unit can be easily loaded and transported by various transport means, such as ships, trains, or trucks.

[0017] The moving walkway modules of a moving walkway can be designed in different ways. In particular, a moving walkway can have moving walkway modules that are configured as intermediate components of the moving walkway. In a completed moving walkway, such intermediate components of the moving walkway are arranged between the end components of the moving walkway, and tensioning stations are provided on the end components of the moving walkway, for example, at one end of the moving walkway and at the opposite end of the moving walkway. The intermediate components of the moving walkway are mainly used to carry the self-weight of the moving walkway and, for example, the loads generated by passengers and transfer them to the building.

[0018] For this purpose, the intermediate components of the moving walkway or such moving walkway modules can have load-bearing structure segments. Such load-bearing structure segments can consist of a plurality of load-bearing components (such as braces, wooden bars, etc.) such that these components are connected to each other in a load-bearing manner. For example, the load-bearing structure segment can be designed in the form of a frame structure. Such a frame structure can have a three-dimensional structure composed of an upper belt, a lower belt, cross bars, vertical bars, diagonal bars, etc. A plurality of load-bearing structure segments or moving walkway modules having these load-bearing structure segments can be arranged longitudinally in rows and connected to each other so as to be able to form a load-bearing structure for the entire moving walkway.

[0019] Here, the moving walkway module can not only have a load-bearing structure segment designed to accommodate and hold the guide rails in a completed moving walkway. Here, the moving walkway module can also include a guide rail segment, a forward pallet belt segment, and a return pallet belt segment. The guide rail segment is the following sub-region of the guide rail, which sub-region extends substantially along the entire length of the travel area of the moving walkway in a completed moving walkway and is used to support and / or guide the rotating pallet belt when the pallet belt is displaced along the travel area. Here, the entire pallet belt that rotates in the form of a closed loop consists of a plurality of pallets arranged in a circulating direction. For this purpose, the pallets are connected to each other and / or, for example, connected to a conveyor chain so as to be able to be displaced in a jointly rotating manner. In the forward area, in such a rotating displacement, the pallet belt moves from the entrance area of the moving walkway to the exit area, so that passengers standing on the pallets are transported along the travel area of the moving walkway. The pallet belt is deflected in the entrance area and the exit area so that the return area of the pallet belt can be moved in a direction opposite to the forward area. The entire pallet belt having a forward area and a return area can be formed by connecting a plurality of forward pallet belt segments and return pallet belt segments.

[0020] On each moving walkway module, contingency plans can be adopted so that the moving walkway modules can be interconnected after transportation, so that the entire moving walkway or at least one load-bearing structure of the moving walkway can be constructed from the moving walkway modules. For this purpose, the moving walkway modules can, for example, have connecting units and / or abutment surfaces, by means of which adjacent moving walkway modules can be abutted and supported adjacent to each other and then can be interconnected so that, when the moving walkway is used later, the loads acting on the individual moving walkway modules are transferred to adjacent moving walkway modules and / or ultimately to the building. Here, the moving walkway modules can be designed so that they can be coupled to each other longitudinally in a front-to-back manner to form at least one sub-region of the load-bearing structure of the moving walkway. Specifically, here, a plurality of load-bearing structure segments can be connected to each other longitudinally in a manner capable of withstanding mechanical loads to form the load-bearing structure of the moving walkway or at least one section of the load-bearing structure. At opposite ends of such a composite, other moving walkway modules can be coupled, for example, in the form of a deflection drive station and / or a deflection tensioning station. As described above, the moving walkway modules can also have guide rail segments, as well as a forward pallet belt segment and a return pallet belt segment. Here, a moving walkway provided with such moving walkway modules has a guide rail composed of guide rail segments and a pallet belt composed of a plurality of forward pallet belt segments and a plurality of return pallet belt segments.

[0021] To form a transport unit, a plurality of moving walkway modules can be arranged one above the other on a plurality of different levels. In other words, the different levels are distributed one above the other with respect to a vertical direction (transverse to, in particular perpendicular to, the longitudinal extension of the moving walkway modules), that is, at different heights. Here, each level forms a kind of compartment in which one of the moving walkway modules is respectively accommodated. Thus, the moving walkway modules in the transport unit are arranged almost stacked on top of each other, but the different moving walkway modules preferably do not come into direct contact, that is, do not directly load each other.

[0022] Instead, to accommodate the different moving walkway modules, a holding structure composed of a plurality of holding frames is provided. Thereby, the holding frames form compartments on the different levels where the moving walkway modules are to be accommodated. For this purpose, the holding frames are constructed in such a way that the holding frames can bear the weight of each moving walkway module. In addition, the holding frames are preferably also constructed in such a way that the moving walkway modules can be fixed to prevent horizontal sliding.

[0023] To this end, each retaining frame has a plurality of horizontally extending struts that are vertically spaced apart and are substantially parallel to each other, and at least two vertical struts that hold the horizontal struts at their respective opposite ends. Here, the horizontal struts extend in a horizontal plane and are arranged at different heights spaced apart from each other. Here, the vertical distance between adjacent horizontal struts is large enough to accommodate one of the moving walkway modules between the horizontal struts. Here, the horizontal struts are each held by at least one vertical strut at their opposite ends. To this end, the horizontal struts can be coupled to the respective vertical struts at their ends in a manner capable of withstanding mechanical loads. This coupling is preferably carried out in a reversible manner, for example by means of screws, split pins, quick locking elements, etc. For example, the horizontal struts and the vertical struts can be constructed as profiles capable of withstanding high mechanical loads, such as metal profiles, especially steel profiles. Such profiles can be constructed, for example, as T-shaped profiles, L-shaped profiles, U-shaped profiles, H-shaped profiles, etc.

[0024] In the transport unit, at least two retaining frames are arranged at longitudinally spaced positions. In other words, the two retaining frames are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the transport unit. Here, the retaining frames are configured such that a respective moving walkway module is loaded on one of the horizontal struts of the two retaining frames. In other words, each moving walkway module is loaded on at least two horizontal struts of at least two horizontally spaced retaining frames. Here, the vertical struts of the retaining frames are distributed laterally adjacent to the moving walkway module on opposite sides of the moving walkway module. In other words, the vertical struts extend in the vertical direction, wherein a respective vertical strut extends along one of the opposite sides of the moving walkway module. Here, the vertical struts extend from a region below the lowermost moving walkway module to a region above the uppermost moving walkway module of the transport unit.

[0025] In order to correspondingly construct the holding frames and arrange the moving walkway modules one above the other in multiple layers, the holding frames can be constructed successively according to the embodiments of the conveying process described herein, and here, multiple moving walkway modules can be arranged successively in the holding frames. When arranging the moving walkway modules one above the other in multiple layers, the first moving walkway module among the moving walkway modules can be respectively placed on the first horizontal braces of two horizontally spaced holding frames. On opposite ends of the two first horizontal braces, vertical braces can be installed either beforehand or subsequently. Above the first moving walkway module, second horizontal braces can be respectively installed on each vertical brace for each of the two holding frames. Then, the second moving walkway module can be placed on the second horizontal braces of the two holding frames. If necessary, the step of hierarchically installing the horizontal braces as described and arranging the moving walkway modules on the horizontal braces can be performed more than twice, so that, for example, three, four or more moving walkway modules can be stored one above the other in the conveying unit.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the conveying unit further has at least one end connection element. The end connection element is installed on the end of one of the moving walkway modules when observed longitudinally. In this case, the end connection element is designed as a spacer so that the moving walkway module or its conveying unit connected thereto is spaced from the opposite container wall or other conveying units in the container accommodating the conveying unit.

[0027] In other words, an end connection element can be provided on the conveying unit, and the end connection element acts as a spacer. Thus, by means of such an end connection element, the moving walkway module provided with the end connection element can be spaced from the container wall, or if necessary, from another moving walkway module (for example, as part of other conveying units accommodated in the same container). If necessary, end connection elements can be provided at both ends of the moving walkway module. In particular, one or more end connection elements are provided on the lowermost moving walkway module in the conveying unit.

[0028] In order to be able to act as a spacer, the end connection element can be correspondingly adapted in terms of its structure, dimensions and stability. For example, the end connection element can be designed to be mounted on the moving walkway module on one side. In addition, the end connection element on the other side can, for example, have a support surface so as to be supported on the container wall or other moving walkway modules or be able to be mechanically coupled to the container wall or other moving walkway modules.

[0029] To form a transport unit, i.e., within the scope of the transport method introduced here, each end connection element can be mounted, for example, reversibly detachable, i.e., temporarily tightened, on the end of one of the moving walkway modules. After transporting the transport unit, the end connection elements can be detached again before connecting the moving walkway modules to each other.

[0030] According to a specific embodiment, each end connection element can respectively have an insertion opening and be mounted on the moving walkway module in such a way that it can move longitudinally on the moving walkway module by being inserted into and pulled in the insertion opening.

[0031] In other words, the end connection element can be designed such that the traction device can be temporarily coupled to the transport unit by means of the end connection element, so that the individual moving walkway modules or the entire transport unit of the transport unit can be displaced longitudinally, i.e., horizontally. For example, the moving walkway module or the entire transport unit can be pulled out of the container horizontally in this way.

[0032] For this purpose, the end connection element can have an insertion opening, for example, in the form of a through-hole in the sheet or profile forming the end connection element. In this insertion opening, the traction device, i.e., for example, a machine that can engage a hook, can be inserted in order to introduce the required force for displacing the moving walkway module or the transport unit. Here, the insertion opening and the end connection element should be designed stably enough to be able to pull out the entire moving walkway module or even the entire transport unit.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the transport unit or its moving walkway modules respectively include at least one guide rail section, a forward pallet belt section, a return pallet belt section, and a fixing mechanism. Here, the guide rail section is mounted on the load-bearing structure section and is configured to guide the forward pallet belt section during the displacement movement of the forward pallet belt section relative to the load-bearing structure section parallel to the longitudinal direction. The forward pallet belt section and the return pallet belt section are fixed to the guide rail section and / or the load-bearing structure section by means of the fixing mechanism during the transportation of the transport unit.

[0034] In other words, the moving walkway module in the transport unit can not only have a load-bearing structure section. Instead, as a supplement, the guide rail section, the forward pallet belt section, and the return pallet belt section can also be accommodated in the transport unit and can be transported together with the load-bearing structure section.

[0035] Here, the guide rail segments can already be fixedly connected to the associated load-bearing structure segments of the moving walk module if necessary. However, the pallet belt segments should be movable relative to the guide rails in a fully assembled moving walk, which means that the pallet belt segments are generally not fixedly connected to the load-bearing structure segments or the guide rail segments. In order to temporarily prevent unwanted displacement of the pallet belt segments, in particular relative to the load-bearing structure segments and / or the guide rail segments, during the transportation process of the transportation unit, a suitable fixing mechanism is provided, by means of which the pallet belt segments can be temporarily and reversibly detachably fixed to the pallet belt segments or the guide rail segments. For this purpose, the fixing mechanism can be used in the form of elastic and / or flexible connecting elements, which are also partly referred to as bridging elements (Briden). Such a connecting element can be implemented, for example, as a loop that can surround some parts of the pallet belt segment as well as some parts of the load-bearing system or the guide rail segment, and can thereby fix them to each other. Fixed angle pieces, plates, high-strength cable ties, clamping claws, etc. can also be used as fixing elements.

[0036] According to one embodiment, each vertical strut of the vertical upper end has a lifting structure configured to lift the entire transportation unit by lifting all the brackets on the lifting structure of its vertical strut.

[0037] In other words, the vertical struts can not only be used to hold or support the horizontal struts, but also lift the entire transportation unit through the horizontal struts. A lifting structure can be provided for this purpose on each of the at least two vertical struts of the at least two holding frames. The lifting structure can be constructed at the upper end of the corresponding vertical strut in the vertical direction. The geometry, dimensioning and stability of the lifting structure as well as the connection of the lifting structure to the remaining vertical struts can be designed in such a way that on the one hand a suitable lifting tool (such as a crane) can cooperate with the lifting structure, and on the other hand sufficient force can be exerted on the conveying unit through the lifting structure to lift the conveying unit as a whole.

[0038] For example, the lifting structure can be designed as a simple through-opening in the carrier or profile forming the vertical strut. The through-opening can be large enough to be able to insert a hook of a crane or a loop, chain or crane assembly that mates with the hook therein. Thus, the lifting structure can be integrally constructed with the vertical strut. Alternatively, the lifting structure can also be provided as a separate component and can be connected to the vertical strut in a mechanically load-bearing manner temporarily or permanently.

[0039] According to one embodiment, in the conveying method described herein, lifting elements are respectively detachably fixed to the moving walk modules, and the corresponding moving walk modules can be lifted by means of the lifting elements so that the moving walk modules can be placed on the respective horizontal braces of the two holding frames in the set stratification.

[0040] The above-mentioned lifting structure can be arranged on the vertical braces of the holding frame and can be used to lift the entire conveying unit, but the lifting elements can only be used to lift each individual moving walk module. For this purpose, the lifting elements are directly mounted only on the moving walk modules. Since the lifting elements can temporarily lift the moving walk modules within the scope of the conveying method described herein, but are not required for the subsequent operation of the moving walk, the lifting elements should be detachably mounted on the moving walk modules. For example, the lifting elements can be temporarily connected to the components of the moving walk module, especially by screwing, for example. The lifting elements can be designed similar to vertical braces having elastic sheets, profiles, etc. that can withstand mechanical loads to a sufficient degree. Appropriate structures such as insertion openings can also be provided on the lifting elements, and lifting devices such as cranes can cooperate with the lifting elements to lift the lifting elements together with the moving walk modules fixed thereon. In this way, the moving walk modules can be placed during the assembly of the conveying unit and placed on the horizontally arranged braces of the two holding frames in the stratification provided for them.

[0041] According to one embodiment, each vertical brace can be reversibly coupled to at least one of the vertical braces and / or at least one of the horizontal braces.

[0042] In other words, the moving walk modules can not only be placed on the horizontal braces of the holding frame and thus prevented from lateral slipping only by the force-locking due to friction with the horizontal braces. Instead, the moving walk modules can be mechanically coupled to the holding frame, i.e., to one of the horizontal braces and / or one of the vertical braces, i.e., connected by form-locking. Herein, the mechanical coupling should be designed in such a way that the lateral displacement of the moving walk modules relative to the holding frame is particularly prevented. For example, the components of the moving walk module (such as load-bearing structure segments) can be connected to the components of the holding frame in a mechanically load-bearing manner. In particular, such components can be reversibly screwed together, for example, or connected to each other by belts, loops, bridging members, clamping clips, etc.

[0043] Specifically, according to one embodiment, each moving walk module can be reversibly connected to at least one vertical brace on opposite sides. By connecting the moving walk module to the vertically distributed braces on opposite sides, a favorable and uniform force transmission between the moving walk module and the holding frame can be achieved.

[0044] In a further embodiment of the conveying unit, at least two moving walk modules can be coupled by support elements in such a way that they support each other and are reversibly separable from each other. By connecting the moving walk modules by means of support elements, the conveying unit can be made more resistant to impact and bending stresses, thereby protecting the moving walk modules from each other.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the conveying unit may also have a moving walk module designed as a deflection drive module and / or a deflection tensioning module. The deflection drive module is configured to deflect and drive the pallet belt of the moving walk near one end of the moving walk. The deflection tensioning module is configured to deflect and tension the pallet belt of the moving walk near one end of the moving walk.

[0046] In other words, in addition to the moving walk modules configured as intermediate components of the moving walk, the conveying unit has at least one moving walk module designed in a different way.

[0047] In particular, such a moving walk module can be designed as a deflection drive module. Thus, on the one hand, such a deflection drive module has a deflection device by means of which the pallet belt can be deflected from the forward section to the return section or from the return section to the forward section at one end of the travel path. For example, such a deflection device can be a deflection wheel. On the other hand, this moving walk module has a drive device by means of which the pallet belt can be actively displaced. For example, such a drive can be an electric motor which can drive, for example, the deflection wheel of the deflection device.

[0048] Alternatively, the moving walk module can be designed as a deflection tensioning module. In this case, the deflection tensioning module again has a deflection device and also a tensioning device by means of which the pallet belt can be mechanically held in tension.

[0049] Typically, the deflection drive module, the deflection tensioning module, and the intermediate component of the moving walk have different dimensions. In particular, the deflection drive module and the deflection tensioning module are typically higher than the intermediate component of the moving walk. Therefore, in addition to the intermediate component of the moving walk, the transport unit for transporting such a deflection drive module and / or deflection tensioning module can also have different dimensions and / or distances in terms of the horizontal braces and / or vertical braces used therefor. In particular, the compartment that can accommodate the deflection module and / or the deflection tensioning module can be significantly higher than the compartment for accommodating the intermediate component of the moving walk. Therefore, the vertical distance between the horizontal braces defining such a compartment can be greater than that of the compartment provided for the intermediate component of the moving walk.

[0050] In addition, the weight of the deflection drive module and / or the deflection tensioning module is typically significantly greater than, for example, the weight of the intermediate component of the moving walk. Therefore, it may be necessary to locally reinforce the holding frame or provide other measures to be able to withstand or share the gravitational force within the transport unit in order to accommodate such heavy modules. For example, supplementary support elements can also be provided in the transport unit. With the aid of such support elements, for example, the very heavy and very sensitive deflection drive module with respect to damage can at least support a part of its weight on the intermediate component of the moving walk arranged below it. As described above, the transport unit can be made more resistant to impact and bending stresses by connecting the moving walk modules to overlap each other through the support elements, thereby protecting the moving walk modules from each other.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the transport unit can also have a transport monitoring module configured to detect the acceleration and / or position change acting on the transport unit and store information about the acceleration and / or position change.

[0052] With the aid of the transport monitoring module, the forces acting on the transport unit and the acceleration and / or position changes achieved in the same situation can be identified. The transport monitoring module can have suitable sensors for this purpose, in particular acceleration sensors and / or position sensors. In particular, the transport monitoring module can be constructed in the same way as described in the earlier patent application EP3218882B1. The acceleration and / or position change detected by the transport monitoring module can be temporarily stored. For this purpose, the transport monitoring module can have a data memory. At the same or a later point in time, the data provided by the transport monitoring module can be analyzed. For this purpose, the transport monitoring module can have, for example, a data processing unit with a processor.

[0053] Here, for example, it can be identified through data analysis: for example, the situation where the transport unit is subjected to an overload acceleration during transportation. Such an acceleration may be the result of a collision or the transport unit falling. Therefore, data analysis can help identify transport damage.

[0054] In the case of further data analysis, it can even be recognized in what way the occurring overload acceleration may damage the components of the transport unit or the moving walkway to be transported. For example, the information about the occurring overload acceleration can be used so that an analysis and / or simulation can be carried out using a digital twin of the moving walkway, based on which possible transport damages can be deduced backwards. Here, the digital twin represents a data set in which the physical characteristics of the actual moving walkway can be reflected as precisely as possible, and based on these physical characteristics, an analysis or simulation of the reaction to the overload acceleration is carried out.

[0055] For example, the transport monitoring module can be fixed to one of the holding frames. Alternatively, the transport monitoring module can also be fixed to one of the moving walkway modules. The transport monitoring module can be permanently or reversibly mounted on the transport unit or one of the holding frames.

[0056] According to one embodiment, an identification mark is provided on the holding frame, which uniquely or one-to-one identifies the holding frame.

[0057] In other words, a mark can be provided on the holding frame, by means of which the holding frame can be identified. This identification mark can preferably be read mechanically. For example, the identification mark can be designed as a barcode or a QR code and can be read visually using a scanner. Additionally, the identification mark can also be designed as an RFID tag and can be read by an electromagnetic signal.

[0058] In principle, the holding frame or the struts forming the holding frame can be provided as disposable components, i.e., single-use components. After transporting the transport unit, these components can be used for other purposes. However, it is also conceivable to reuse the holding frame or the struts, especially if the holding frame or the struts also include the transport monitoring module. For this purpose, a tracking and / or a pledge system for these components can be established. For example, each holding frame or even each of its horizontal struts and / or vertical struts can be clearly identified by means of the identification mark. The identification mark can be registered. After using the holding frame, it can be sent back to the manufacturer or the sales organization. It can also be provided that, for example, the full functionality can only be run if the holding frame used and registered during the transport process has been returned to the manufacturer.

[0059] It can be noted that certain possible features and advantages of the present invention are introduced on the one hand in connection with the transport unit according to the invention or on the other hand in connection with different embodiments of the transport method process. Those skilled in the art recognize that the features can be combined, adjusted or exchanged in a suitable manner to achieve other embodiments of the present invention. Description of the Drawings

[0060] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings and the description should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0061] Figure 1 A perspective view showing a transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 2 A side view showing a transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 3 A front view showing a holding frame of a transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 4 Showing from Figure 3 A side view of the holding frame in

[0065] Figure 5 Showing a cross-sectional view along Figure 2 Plane A-A in

[0066] Figure 6 A side view showing a transport unit according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 7 Showing a cross-sectional view along Figure 6 Plane B-B of

[0068] These numbers are only illustrative and not to scale. The same reference numerals in different drawings denote the same or equivalent features. Detailed Embodiments

[0069] Figure 1 A perspective view showing an exemplary transport unit 1, and components of the moving walk 19 can be transported by means of the transport unit. Figures 2 to 5 Showing details or possible designs of the exemplary transport unit 1.

[0070] In the illustrated example, the transport unit 1 includes four moving walk modules 3 and two holding frames 5. The moving walk modules 3 are configured as intermediate components 7 of the moving walk. Here, each intermediate component 7 of the moving walk includes a load-bearing structure segment 9, on which a guide rail segment 11, a forward pallet belt segment 13, and a return pallet belt segment 15 are arranged. Here, the moving walk modules 3 extend parallel to the longitudinal direction 17. After being transported by means of the transport unit 1, the moving walk modules 3 can be assembled into a moving walk 19.

[0071] In the illustrated example, the load-bearing structure segment 9 is configured as a frame structure 55. The frame structure 55 includes a plurality of upper belts 57, lower belts 59, cross bars 61, vertical bars 63, and diagonal bars 65. The different belts 57, 59 and bars 61, 63, 65 are constructed, for example, from steel profiles and are connected to each other in a load-bearing manner to form the frame structure 55. In the load-bearing structure segment 9, a connecting element 67 may also be provided by means of which other components, such as the guardrail of an escalator, can be fixed to the load-bearing structure segment 9.

[0072] The pallet belt segments 13, 15 may have a plurality of pallets 69 which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction 17. The pallets 69 may be connected to each other and / or to the conveyor chain 71. The pallets 69 are held on the guide rail segments 11 such that the pallet belt formed by the pallets 69 together is guided by the guide rail formed by the guide rail segments 11.

[0073] In order to prevent the pallet belt segments 13, 15 from separating from the guide rail segments 11 or the load-bearing structure segment 9 during transportation, a fixing mechanism 73 may be provided by means of which the pallet belt segments 13, 15 are temporarily fixed to the guide rail segments 11 and / or the load-bearing structure segment 9 (for example as clearly shown in Figure 7 . The fixing mechanism 73 can in particular prevent: the pallets 69 from moving relative to the load-bearing structure segment 9 and slipping out of the guide rail segments 11, for example. For example, the fixing mechanism 73 can be designed as a collar or a bridging element.

[0074] During transportation, i.e. in the transportation unit 1, the escalator modules 3 are arranged one above the other, i.e. stored one above the other on a plurality of levels or planes. Here, the escalator modules 3 are held by at least two holding frames 5.

[0075] In particular as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, each holding frame 5 has for this purpose: a plurality of horizontal braces 21 and at least two vertical braces 23. Here, both the horizontal braces 21 and the vertical braces 23 are formed from metal profiles 33. In the illustrated example, four horizontal braces 21’, 21”, 21”’, 21”” are arranged at different horizontal planes at intervals from each other in the vertical direction. The vertical distance between adjacent horizontal braces 21 is at least slightly larger than the height between the escalator modules accommodating the horizontal brace racks 21. Here, the opposite end portions of each horizontal brace 21 are respectively fixed to the vertical braces 23. For example, the horizontal braces 21 and the vertical braces 23 can be screwed together.

[0076] The transportation unit 1 can be assembled in different ways or in a different order. For example, the lowermost horizontal brace 21’ can first be provided. Then, for example, the lowermost escalator intermediate part 7’ can be placed on the horizontal brace 21’ (for example inFigure 5 (as shown). Next, vertical braces 23' and 23'' can be respectively installed on opposite ends of the horizontal brace 21'. Then, another horizontal brace 21'' can be installed above the lowermost moving walk intermediate member 7' on these vertical braces 23' and 23''. Then, the next moving walk intermediate member 7'' can be placed on this another horizontal brace 21'', and so on until the entire conveying unit 1 is assembled.

[0077] In order to be able to lift the moving walk module 3 during the loading process of the conveying unit 1 like this, a plurality of lifting elements 49 can be installed on each moving walk module 3. Such a lifting element 49 can be a rod temporarily connected to the load-bearing structure segment 9. Then, the lifting element 49 can be lifted together with the moving walk module 3 by a crane.

[0078] In order to prevent the moving walk module 3 from moving horizontally relative to the holding frame 5, it can also be arranged that the moving walk module 3 is coupled to at least one of the vertical braces 23 and / or at least one of the horizontal braces 21. For example, the moving walk module 3 can be fixed to these braces 21 and 23 by a screw connection 39 (especially Figure 5 (as shown).

[0079] After the moving walk modules 3 have been arranged in different layers of the conveying unit 1, the entire conveying unit 1 (i.e., the two holding frames 5 also including the moving walk modules 3 arranged therein) is loaded. For example, the entire conveying unit 1 can be accommodated in a container 27 (only shown by a broken line in Figure 1 (only shown by a broken line in the figure). Such a container 27 is usually rectangular and is bounded by container walls 29. Here, a single conveying unit 1 can be accommodated in a single container 27. For a larger container 27, multiple conveying units 1 can also be accommodated in a single container 27.

[0080] In order to be able to load the conveying unit 1 into the container 27 from above, a lifting structure 35 can be provided on the vertical braces 23. These lifting structures 35 can be designed in such a way that all the holding frames 5 of the conveying unit 1 can be lifted together, for example by a crane.

[0081] In the example shown, the lifting structures 35 are respectively designed as through openings 37 near the upper ends of each vertical brace 23. Through such through openings 37, a loop can be guided, and then the loop can be hooked and lifted by a crane.

[0082] In particular, in order to prevent the transport unit 1 from moving within the container 27, i.e., from shifting relative to the container wall 29 and / or relative to another transport unit 1 contained within the container 27, end connection elements 25 may be provided. Such end connection elements 25 may be mounted on the end of one of the moving walkway modules 3 as viewed in the longitudinal direction 17. Preferably, such end connection elements 25 are mounted on at least the lowermost moving walkway module 3, on one or preferably two opposite ends. Here, the end connection elements 25 are designed and dimensioned such that the moving walkway module 3 can be supported on the container wall 29 or on an adjacent moving walkway module 3 by means of the end connection elements 25.

[0083] The end connection elements 25 may additionally be configured such that at least one of the entire transport unit 1 or the moving walkway module 3 can be horizontally displaced by means of the end connection elements, for example in order to be able to pull the transport unit 1 out of the laterally open container 27. For this purpose, the end connection elements 25 may have an insertion opening 31. For example, the hook of a tractor can be inserted into this insertion opening 31, and then, by means of this hook, sufficient pulling force can be applied to the connected moving walkway module 3 via the end connection elements 25.

[0084] In Figure 6 and Figure 7 a further possible design of the transport unit 1 is shown. While in the design shown in the previous figures, four identical moving walkway modules 3 in the form of moving walkway intermediate members 7 were accommodated in the holding frame 5, in the design shown here, different types of moving walkway modules 3 are arranged in the transport unit 1.

[0085] In the example shown, between the lower moving walkway module 3 designed as a moving walkway intermediate member 7' and the upper moving walkway module 3 also designed as a moving walkway intermediate member 7'', other types of moving walkway modules 3 in the form of deflection drive modules 41 or deflection tensioning modules 43 are accommodated in the transport unit 1.

[0086] Such deflection drive modules 41 or deflection tensioning modules 43 generally have a height that is significantly greater than, for example, that of the moving walkway intermediate member 7. Therefore, compared to the case of accommodating the moving walkway intermediate member 7, the spacing between the horizontal braces 21'', 21'' that define the compartment in which the deflection drive module 41 or deflection tensioning module 43 should be accommodated must be significantly greater (especially as shown in Figure 7 ).

[0087] In addition, the deflection drive module 41 or the deflection tensioning module 43 may also have a greater width than the intermediate component 7 of the moving walkway. Therefore, compared to the case where only the intermediate component 7 of the moving walkway is to be accommodated in the transport unit 1, the lateral distance between the vertical struts 23', 23'' can be selected to be greater. In order to still be able to laterally fasten the intermediate components 7', 7'' of the moving walkway below and above the vertical struts 23', 23'', a spacer element 53 can be used (see Figure 7 ).

[0088] In addition, the deflection drive module 41 or the deflection tensioning module 43 is generally significantly heavier than the intermediate component 7 of the moving walkway. In order to be able to accommodate the large weight of such a deflection drive module 41 or deflection tensioning module 43 or to be properly distributed in the transport unit 1, additional support elements 51 can be provided in the transport unit 1 (see Figure 6 ). With the aid of the support element 51, one of the deflection drive modules 41 or the deflection tensioning modules 43 can be supported, for example, downward onto the intermediate component 7 of the moving walkway located below. The support element 51 can be provided, for example, in the region located between the holding frames 5 along the longitudinal direction 17. Accordingly, such a support element 51 can also be used for an intermediate component 7 of the moving walkway that is significantly shorter than the other intermediate components 7 of the moving walkway, so that this intermediate component of the moving walkway can only be fixed at one end to the holding frame 5. The other end can be fixed to the intermediate component 7 of the moving walkway located below and / or above it by means of the support element 51. Of course, such a short intermediate component 7 of the moving walkway can also be completely fixed to a longer intermediate component 7 of the moving walkway, such that this intermediate component of the moving walkway is indirectly connected to the holding frame 5. By connecting the moving walkway modules 3 to each other by means of the support element 51, the transport unit 1 can be made more resistant to impact and bending stresses, so that the moving walkway modules 3 or the intermediate components 7 of the moving walkway, the deflection drive module 41 and the deflection tensioning module 43 are supported and protected from each other.

[0089] In particular, in order to be able to identify transport damage (transport damage is caused, for example, during the transport of the transport unit 1 due to the dropping or collision of the transport unit 1), the transport unit 1 can also have a transport monitoring module 45 (shown in Figure 1). The transport monitoring module 45 can be arranged, for example, on one of the holding frames 5. The transport monitoring module 45 can detect accelerations and / or position changes acting on the transport unit 1 by means of sensor devices. The data determined by the sensor devices can be stored and / or processed so that information about possible transport damage can be derived based on these data. For example, the information about the occurrence of overload acceleration given in the data can be used to determine the possible damaging effects of accelerations occurring on the moving walkway 19 by means of a data set used as a simulation environment for a digital double or digital twin of the moving walkway 19.

[0090] In order to be able to identify the transport unit 1 or at least the holding frame 5 installed therein, an identification mark 47 can be provided on the holding frame 5 (at Figure 1 1). This identification mark can preferably be read automatically. Based on the identification mark, the position of the holding frame 5 can be tracked. For example, this information can be used to create an incentive to send the holding frame 5 back to the sender of the transport unit 1 again after use. For this purpose, a pledge system can be established. In addition, the function of the moving walkway can be released only when the holding frame 5 has been returned.

[0091] In summary, it should be noted that terms such as "having", "comprising" and the like do not exclude any other elements or steps, nor do they exclude terms such as "a" or "an". It should also be noted that features or steps introduced in one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. The reference signs in the claims should not be considered as limiting.

Claims

1. A transport unit (1), comprising: a plurality of moving walkway modules (3) of a moving walkway (19) and a plurality of holding frames (5); wherein, at least two of the moving walkway modules (3) are configured as moving walkway intermediate members (7) and each has a load-bearing structure segment (9), and the load-bearing structure segment (9) is configured to carry a guide rail segment (11), a forward pallet belt segment (13), and a return pallet belt segment (15); the moving walkway modules (3) are configured to be coupled to each other front and back along a longitudinal direction (17) so as to form at least one load-bearing structure of a sub-region of the moving walkway (19); the moving walkway modules (3) are arranged one above the other in a plurality of layers in the transport unit (1) in a vertical direction extending transversely to the longitudinal direction (17); each holding frame (5) has a plurality of horizontal braces (21) spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction and distributed in parallel with each other, and has at least two vertical braces (23) holding the horizontal braces (21) at opposite ends thereof respectively; at positions spaced apart along the longitudinal direction (17), the holding frames (5) are respectively configured and arranged such that a corresponding one of the moving walkway modules (3) is loaded on one of the horizontal braces (21), and the vertical braces (23) are distributed adjacent to the moving walkway module (3) laterally on opposite sides of the moving walkway module (3); characterized in that, the transport unit further has at least one end connection element (25), wherein the end connection element (25) is mounted on an end of one of the moving walkway modules (3) as observed along the longitudinal direction (17), and the end connection element (25) is designed as a spacing retainer so that the moving walkway module (3) connected to the end connection element and the transport unit (1) thereof are spaced from an opposite container wall (29) or other transport units (1) within a container (27) accommodating the transport unit (1).

2. The transport unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein, the end connection element (25) has an insertion opening (31), and is mounted on the moving walkway module (3) such that the moving walkway module (3) can be displaced by fitting in the insertion opening (31) and pulling along the longitudinal direction (17).

3. The transport unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the moving walkway module (3) of the transport unit further includes: a guide rail segment (11), a forward pallet belt segment (13), a return pallet belt segment (15), and a fixing mechanism (73), wherein the guide rail segment (11) is mounted on the load-bearing structure segment (9), and is configured to guide at least the forward pallet belt segment (13) parallel to the longitudinal direction (17) during a displacement movement of the forward pallet belt segment (13) relative to the load-bearing structure segment (9); and During the transportation by the transportation unit (1), the forward pallet belt section (13) and the return pallet belt section (15) are fixed to the guide rail section (11) and / or the load-bearing structure section (9) by the fixing mechanism (73).

4. The transportation unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, each of the vertical braces (23) has a lifting structure (35) at the upper end in the vertical direction, and the lifting structure is configured to be able to lift the entire transportation unit (1) by lifting all the holding frames (5) on the lifting structure (35) of the vertical braces (23) of the transportation unit.

5. The transportation unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, each of the moving walkway modules (3) is reversibly detachably coupled to at least one vertical brace (23) and / or at least one horizontal brace (21) and / or, on opposite sides, to at least one of the vertical braces.

6. The transportation unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, at least two of the moving walkway modules (3) are supported by each other by the support elements (51) and are coupled to each other in a reversibly separable manner.

7. The transportation unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, the transportation unit further having: a moving walkway module (3) designed as a deflection drive module (41) and / or a deflection tensioning module (43), wherein, the deflection drive module (41) is configured to deflect and drive the pallet belt of the moving walkway (19) near one end of the moving walkway (19), and the deflection tensioning module (43) is configured to deflect and tension the pallet belt of the moving walkway (19) near one end of the moving walkway (19).

8. The transportation unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, the transportation unit further having a transportation monitoring module (45), the transportation monitoring module being configured to detect the acceleration and / or position change acting on the transportation unit (1) and store information about the acceleration and / or position change.

9. The transportation unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, an identification mark (47) is provided on the holding frame (5), and the identification mark uniquely identifies the holding frame (5).

10. A method (19) for transporting a moving walkway, the method comprising: providing a plurality of moving walkway modules (3, 41, 43); providing horizontal braces (21) and vertical braces (23) to form a plurality of holding frames (5); arranging the moving walkway modules (3, 41, 43) vertically above and below each other in a plurality of layers to form a transportation unit (1); wherein at least two of the moving walkway modules (3) are designed as moving walkway intermediate components (7) and each has a load-bearing structure section (9), and the load-bearing structure section (9) is configured to carry the guide rail section (11), the forward pallet belt section (13), and the return pallet belt section (15); The moving walkway modules (3, 41, 43) are configured to be coupled longitudinally one behind the other to form at least one load-bearing structure of a sub-region of the moving walkway (19); During the arrangement of the moving walkway modules (3, 41, 43), the horizontal braces (21) and the vertical braces (23) are combined into a holding frame (5) in such a way that each holding frame (5) has a plurality of horizontal braces (21) spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction and distributed parallel to one another, and has at least two vertical braces (23) holding the horizontal braces (21) at their respective opposite ends, and the holding frames (5) are respectively configured and arranged at positions spaced apart from one another longitudinally (17) in such a way that a respective one of the moving walkway modules (3, 41, 43) loads a load on one of the horizontal braces (21), and the vertical braces (23) are distributed laterally adjacent to the moving walkway module (3) on opposite sides of the moving walkway module (3), characterized in that at least one end connection element (25) is mounted on the end of one of the moving walkway modules (3) as observed longitudinally (17), the end connection element (25) being designed as a spacing retainer in order to keep the moving walkway module (3) and its conveying unit (1) connected to the end connection element spaced from the opposite container wall (29) or other conveying units (1) within the container (27) accommodating the conveying unit (1).

11. The method according to claim 10, when arranging the moving walkway modules (3) one above the other in a plurality of layers, placing the first moving walkway module among the moving walkway modules (3) respectively on the first horizontal brace of the horizontal braces (21) of two horizontally spaced holding frames (5); wherein vertical braces (23) are respectively mounted on opposite ends of the two first horizontal braces (21); above the first moving walkway module (3), for each of the two holding frames (5), a second horizontal brace (21) is respectively mounted on each vertical brace (23); and the second moving walkway module among the moving walkway modules (3) is respectively placed on the second horizontal brace (21).

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein lifting elements (49) are respectively fixed to the moving walkway modules (3) in a reversibly detachable manner, by means of which the respective moving walkway module (3) can be lifted in order to place the moving walkway module on the respective horizontal brace (21) of the two holding frames (5) in the set layer.

13. The method according to claim 10 or 11, on the conveying unit (1) there is also arranged a conveying monitoring module (45), the conveying monitoring module being configured to detect the acceleration and / or position change acting on the conveying unit (1) and store information about the acceleration and / or position change.

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