Traveling device having at least three longitudinal sections, and method and use

Abstract

In the travel device, in particular, the support structure and its manufacture and the assembly of the entire travel device, a good compromise between standardization and variability is ensured. According to the invention, the individual support structures are provided with an integrated positioning reference, that is, in a travel device having at least three longitudinal sections consisting of two head sections and at least one intermediate section, each longitudinal section having a support structure comprising side wall units, at least one structurally loadable reference point is arranged on each of the side wall units, by means of which reference points the individual longitudinal sections or the travel device assembled from a plurality of longitudinal sections can be positioned in a predeterminable manner; wherein, by means of the side wall units and reference points arranged therein, a longitudinal section-specific positioning reference is integrally provided for each longitudinal section, with reference to which a further component or component or further longitudinal section can be positioned in a predeterminable manner. In this way, the positioning and orientation accuracy can be significantly improved, in particular without the need for costing auxiliary assembly tools. The invention also relates to corresponding methods using or referring to these reference points.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a travel device having at least three longitudinal sections, which consist of two head sections and at least one middle section, wherein the head sections each have a first and a second head longitudinal section, wherein each longitudinal section has a load-bearing structure including a side wall unit, wherein the travel device can be manufactured in a relatively simple and precise manner due to advantageous position references. The invention also relates to a method for assembling such a travel device with reference to reference points, in particular during the handling (Handhaben) of the individual longitudinal sections or longitudinal section modules. Furthermore, the invention also relates to the use or provision of laser-cut or water-jet-cut material notches in the side walls or side wall units of the load-bearing structure of such a travel device, which are used to define and provide structurally load-bearing reference points. The invention particularly relates to a device and a method according to the preamble of each independent claim. Background Art

[0002] When manufacturing, in particular, at least partially trussed supporting structures (at least partially trussed structures, or also flat materials, such as plates), escalators and similar travel devices require the highest possible accuracy with regard to the relative installation positions and absolute dimensions of the individual components, for example also in the transition area of ​​the escalator from an inclined longitudinal section to a straight longitudinal section. Therefore, during the manufacturing and assembly process, for example within the scope of instructions for the assembly process, it must be possible to check or track the degree of position and positioning accuracy as frequently as required and as accurately as possible. This results in noticeable costs on the one hand, and on the other hand, relatively large-volume devices and assembly aids are required in order to be able to ensure this accuracy. Nevertheless, escalators and similar travel devices must be assembled taking into account a certain tolerance range of the individual components, in particular in order to be able to avoid unavoidable residual inaccuracies without making the final assembly impossible due to too narrow tolerances; however, it is usually not possible to ensure the same smallest possible size / position tolerances for all these components. Since the tolerances that can be maintained, in particular for the truss-like support structure, are generally larger than the tolerances that are permitted and actually maintained for many or even all other components that are usually smaller and can in many cases be manufactured with higher precision, or at least for most other components (such as guide rails, handrails, drive systems, etc.), in order to achieve the goal of higher precision, the entire escalator also needs to be optimized, in particular with regard to the design and relative arrangement of the structural components of the support structure and the most precise possible positioning.

[0003] The disadvantages described here or the high complexity described here are primarily related to the construction of the load-bearing structure of the escalator, which is usually at least partially truss-shaped at least in the lateral plane, wherein attempts are made to connect the individual load-bearing components as efficiently as possible by at least partially automatable processes, usually using a plurality of successive joining devices. The reduction in complexity is not insignificant here, as can be seen in particular in the effort required to arrange and orient the components as precisely as possible and with minimal tolerances.

[0004] For example, the publications EP 3 426 588 B1 and EP 3 426 589 B1 may be mentioned, which describe a device and a method for producing a passenger transport device based on a plurality of joining steps. In addition, EP 3 724 118 B1 may also be mentioned, from which measures are known which, in particular in the case of escalators, simplify the selection or other measures for preparation for production or also simplify the production process.

[0005] By way of example, mention may be made of publications WO 2022 / 200029 A1 and US 2012 / 298480 A1, which describe devices and methods relating to the construction and provision of escalators.

[0006] Based on the prior art, a need is recognized for measures to improve the dimensional / positional accuracy of escalator devices, in particular with regard to simplified handling and assembly. There is also an interest in improved designs of escalator devices, i.e., the individual assembly steps can be carried out as efficiently as possible, in particular as independently as possible of large, cost-intensive assembly aids. Furthermore, there is also an interest in a manufacturing process that is as streamlined and easily controllable as possible. Summary of the invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a device-technical concept and a method by which the dimensional / positional accuracy in escalators or travel devices in general can be improved and at the same time the individual assembly and assembly steps can be simplified. The object of the present invention is also to design the corresponding device in such a way that at least some of the assembly aids used so far can be eliminated or at least replaced by assembly aids that are more streamlined / smaller / less expensive or can be used more flexibly / variably. The object of the present invention is also to design an assembly / assembly method for travel devices so that the assembly of the travel device, or the process by which components are assembled into the travel device, can be carried out with the highest possible accuracy in an easily controllable process even when there are no available predetermined facilities or machines / assembly workshops (e.g. no guide rails or pits on the ground).

[0008] This task is solved by a traveling device according to claim 1 and by a method according to the parallel method claims. Advantageous refinements of the invention are set forth in the respective dependent claims. The features of the embodiments described below can be combined with one another as long as they are not explicitly negated.

[0009] The invention provides a traveling device (in particular an escalator device, a moving walkway device) having at least three longitudinal sections, said at least three longitudinal sections consisting of two head sections and at least one intermediate section, each of the head sections having a first and a second head longitudinal section (in particular a platform section and a deflected section), wherein each longitudinal section has a load-bearing structure including sidewall units, and wherein in the sidewalls of each sidewall unit, at least one reference point structurally capable of withstanding at least the forces caused by the self-weight of the traveling device is respectively arranged, and each longitudinal section or a traveling device assembled from a plurality of longitudinal sections can be predeterminately positioned by means of said reference point, in particular relative to another longitudinal section or at a predeterminate tipping angle relative to the ground or relative to a side stop; wherein by means of the sidewall units and the reference points arranged therein, a longitudinally section-specific positioning reference is integrally provided for each longitudinal section, and other components or assemblies or other longitudinal sections (relative to one another or relative to the longitudinal section) can be predeterminately positioned with reference to this positioning reference (in particular relative positioning in the case of dispensing with a given absolute spatial position). This also provides a good compromise between achievable accuracy, process efficiency, variability, and the required assembly aids.

[0010] Accordingly, it is proposed according to the invention that the positioning of each longitudinal section and other position-related assembly and fixing measures are carried out with reference to reference points or reference notches integrally provided in the material of the load-bearing structure.

[0011] The invention can also be conceived in the following context: the tolerances in the escalator structure (trusses or plates) are higher than the permissible tolerances of most other components (e.g. guide rails, handrails, drive components), which leads to the consideration that, in particular with regard to good mechanical coordination and optimal operating principle of the escalator, and also with regard to good manufacturing appearance and manufacturing quality, it is expedient to realize a precise system that helps to compensate for the tolerances of the manufactured support structure. According to the invention, the relatively precise reference system described here can be realized in the manufactured support structure, i.e., it is provided integrally in the flat material of the side wall unit (or side wall) of the corresponding module or longitudinal section, in particular in that the corresponding reference notch is introduced into the material in the following process step, i.e., in the process step, further shaping measures are also carried out, in particular at the beginning of material processing, in particular as soon as the outer dimensions of the corresponding material section are predetermined, in particular on the material / semi-finished product that is still at least as flat as possible (i.e., extends essentially two-dimensionally) in the laser cutting process or water jet cutting process. For example, reference is made to the end side with respect to the end side of the respective longitudinal section or to the abutment side or the connection interface with respect to the end side.

[0012] It has been shown that the reference system described here, which is provided integrally on the side wall unit and has module-specific reference notches, can not only be provided for the purpose of absorbing the loads to be overcome (in particular the deadweight of the travel device), but can also dispense with the use of complex assembly aids, such as rails embedded in the ground for longitudinal orientation in an aligned manner. The side wall unit or side wall can also be considered as an essential component of the support structure, on which several or all other components can be fastened. By providing integrated reference points in the side wall, in particular in the laser-cut or water jet-cut flat material, a reference with minimized tolerances with respect to other assembly / fastening points can also be ensured. Advantageously, such reference is carried out during the entire manufacturing process of the travel device or the individual longitudinal segments / longitudinal segment modules, so that the tolerances of the support structure are minimized or transferred to less critical areas, such as the base plate, and during the final assembly, the same reference system can also be used for positioning / orienting the support structure in the assembly line and here also for positioning other installation components or parts on the support structure.

[0013] In the simplest design, the reference system referred to here is provided to each longitudinal segment (module) by means of reference notches integrated in pairs or by means of at least one integrated reference axis consisting of reference notches, wherein the reference notches are preferably introduced by removing material (material removal) using a fully automated laser cutting or water jet cutting method.

[0014] According to one embodiment, reference notches are provided in the side wall segment units, which can be used scalably in each side wall plane to form longitudinal segments or modules (also modular in the plane inside the module). For example, the intermediate module comprises a side wall structure that is repeated every two or three meters, which can be provided, for example, from a one-piece flat material by side wall segment units that can be arranged side by side and can be connected to each other, in particular in a materially bonded manner, and in which the reference notches are introduced when the scalable side wall structure is constructed. Thus, for example, a number of reference notches can be provided in the side wall plane, which number corresponds to the number of side wall segment units used to form the entire side wall of the module, for example three side wall segment units each have reference notches in at least two longitudinal positions.

[0015] In particular, the positioning of the escalator or rolling escalator / rolling escalator module with reference to a reference system which is preferably integrated into the side wall of the supporting structure by means of laser cutting or water jet cutting makes it possible to use the same reference or reference position during the entire assembly process, in particular including the production and final assembly of the supporting structure. In this regard, the respective side wall (of the respective module) is the reference for the assembly process itself, thereby making it possible to achieve a relatively strong decoupling from the possibly separately provided assembly aids, for which such accuracy cannot be ensured, thereby making it possible to carry out the assembly process in a streamlined and variable manner and also largely independently of the available equipment or design of the assembly plant, which in particular also improves the overall usability.

[0016] It has been shown that the position reference method and method described here not only enables the required accuracy for the module-specific structure of the load-bearing structure, but also significantly simplifies the modular / module-based assembly and final assembly (including the assembly of all modules) and provides a large number of process-related advantages (after the introduction of the reference notch, the same reference system is preferably used for each manufacturing step). Each module is largely independent of a separate assembly / orientation aid and "carries" its own reference system or provides a position reference. Preferably, each reference notch is configured to at least bear the dead weight of the corresponding module and, optionally, also at least bear the load of the load-bearing structure of the entire travel device. Optionally, multiple reference notches can be combined with each other to better support and distribute the load, for example, each module-specific side wall has two or three reference notches. This also provides, in particular, the possibility of optionally supporting the entire travel device at different support locations.

[0017] By means of reference points of this type on the side walls, tolerances in the lower and upper crossbeam areas can also be “jumped over”, i.e., for example, by providing reference points in sections of the supporting structure in which very small tolerances can be ensured from a manufacturing technical point of view, and also by positioning assembly / fixing points, for example for railings or guide rails (other mounting components), relative to these reference points when these assembly / fixing points are arranged in areas of the supporting structure that can usually only be manufactured or provided with relatively large tolerances (dimensional deviations).

[0018] It has been shown that a particularly high degree of precision can be achieved by the defined geometry of the reference notches described here if the reference notches are introduced into the flat material or sheet metal part by laser or by a water jet cutting method, in particular if the material removal process is carried out at a stage when the flat material or sheet metal part is lying flat on a workbench or welding table. Thus, material sections or parts can be produced which can be perfectly positioned relative to one another or which can provide position references with the highest possible precision even in multi-dimensional load-bearing structural arrangements.

[0019] The reference notches described here can also be used to arrange the adapter plate, in particular in the preparatory phase for positioning two modules relative to each other at the end sides, before the modules are connected / joined in a form-fitting / force-fitting manner. The adapter plate can be mounted on the reference notches of the first module and, in particular, by providing (at least one) corresponding reduction guide on each adapter plate, it is easy to align adjacent (second) modules; the adapter plate is advantageously mounted externally on the corresponding side wall, in particular at least approximately in the center of the total height extension relative to the cross section of the support structure. On the adjacent (second) module, in particular also on at least one reference notch, in particular also in the relative position described here relative to the support structure, a corresponding guide bolt can be mounted. Such an adapter plate can be provided in a simple and cost-effective manner, in particular it is made of sheet metal.

[0020] It is worth mentioning that the adapter plate can simplify the joining of modules not only during working with a pit (one of the head modules is tilted with its end section below the working plane and extends deeper than the machine workshop floor into the pit and can optionally be supported there), but also during working without a pit; during working without a pit, the working plane for the entire supporting structure (i.e. for all modules to be joined) can be raised and / or tilted in such a way that the free end of the head module to be tilted downward is still arranged above the machine workshop floor; in this stage, if necessary, at least the head module is suspended on a crane, so that the adapter plate can simplify the orientation or at least guidance of the module when approaching the adjacent module until docking (or until a gap size predetermined / predeterminable by the adapter plate is reached).

[0021] For example, a corresponding adapter plate is used as follows, taking the final assembly of the load-bearing structure without using a pit as an example:

[0022] - mounting the adapter plate on a corresponding reference notch of / the first module, in particular on at least two reference notches;

[0023] - releasing at least one bolt of the lower head module (lower part) on the external supporting and moving device (e.g. the rear trolley), whereupon the lower head module can be lifted (or pushed upwards) at the platform section and can be tilted about the reference axis at the deflection section until the deflection section is in a horizontal orientation (the pivot point is in particular realized by a pair of bolts);

[0024] - After calibration via the reference notch, the lower head module (lower part) can be connected to the adjacent middle module (middle part) in a form-fitting / force-fitting manner (in particular by riveting);

[0025] - the middle part (middle module) connected to the lower part (lower head module) is then lifted (or pushed upwards) by a tilting movement about the reference notch of the lower part so high that a sufficiently large free space is formed relative to the machine shop floor in order to bring the upper head module (also in the tilted orientation) into engagement with the middle module - here, one / the pivot point is preferably predetermined only by a pair of pegs arranged in corresponding reference notches on the lower head module; preferably, the upper part (upper head module) is simultaneously lifted (or pushed upwards) by the tilting movement, wherein the upper part is hereby rotated about one / the reference axis arranged in the free end region of the platform section and then placed in an adapter plate mounted on the middle module, wherein, in order to bring the modules axially closer to each other, for example, screw clamps or similar tools can also be clamped between the modules;

[0026] - After calibration via the reference notch, the upper head module (upper part) can now also be connected to the adjacent middle module (middle part) by form-fitting / force-fitting means (in particular by riveting);

[0027] It can be seen from the steps shown here that the form / force-fit connection concept for joining modules can be implemented in a very flexible and variable manner, with high precision and with minimal equipment for assembly aids, as far as possible independently of location (both as a preparatory measure on the manufacturer's side and for final assembly on site at the destination). The corresponding adapter plates can be provided without any problems and independently of location, and can also be designed in such a cost-effective manner that even single-use (if not reusable) ones can be introduced into the market without any problems.

[0028] In this case, a defined gap dimension can also be produced with high precision, which can advantageously be used, for example, to weld parts or material sections together by means of a butt weld seam method (for example in the respective head modules, at the bending site in the transition region from the platform section to the deflection section).

[0029] In particular, in combination with the knowledge that the travel device can be manufactured or assembled in a particularly advantageous modular or modular fashion, the present invention in particular provides an advantageous high precision such that the relative position of a respective longitudinal section module with respect to at least one other longitudinal section module, in particular, can be predefined and referenced by means of a plurality of suitable form-fitting contours (the reference system is in particular predefined integrally in the respective module), so that the highest possible precision can be ensured when positioning relative to one another. This simplifies the handling and holding of the individual modules on the one hand and also simplifies the process of connecting / jointing the paired modules as a result on the other hand.

[0030] Preferably, the respective load-bearing structural components of the individual modules are referenced / located two-dimensionally, i.e., each only in one spatial plane. This also reduces the complexity of the process and, in particular, can ensure a streamlined process in the case of a material-fitting connection / welding.

[0031] The advantages described here with regard to the relative positioning and holding of the modules can in particular also be achieved with respect to the requirement of as high a precision as possible in the transition region of the travel device from the inclined section to the straight section (simplifying the manufacture of the load-bearing structure or truss in the case of maximum positioning and orientation precision). A predefined form-fitting geometry has proven to be particularly advantageous, which is introduced, for example, by laser cutting or water jet cutting into planar flat sheet parts (positioned with respect to two spatial directions) such that the parts to be connected respectively are positioned relative to one another without gaps or with a minimum positional tolerance, for example when laid flat on a welding table. Here, a predefined / predeterminable gap dimension can also be produced, which is particularly advantageous when welding by means of a butt weld seam method. Moreover, positioning tools or other similar auxiliary tools can be dispensed with, whereby the process can be further streamlined.

[0032] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the general term "travel device" refers primarily to escalator devices (including rolling escalators in particular) and moving walkways (the latter are used in particular in a stepless design with an at least approximately flat orientation or with negligible slopes), as well as similar people transport devices with endlessly circulating transport devices. In this case, the travel device comprises, for example, segments or units forming the transport device, in particular steps or trays, which are connected to a driven chain or similar drive means and are guided in guide rails. The guide rails as well as one or more of the chains (or similarly acting traction means) and other components of the travel device are, for example, held in a load-bearing or load-bearing structure extending essentially laterally from the travel device in the axial direction, which load-bearing or load-bearing structure is usually composed of two oppositely disposed side wall units connected to each other by a crossbeam (optionally also by a base unit) and can also include supports arranged in a truss-like manner. Furthermore, the term “travel device” relates in particular to a modularly constructed travel device which is modularly constructed from a plurality of longitudinal segments or longitudinal segment modules and can be assembled / assembled in a modular manner, the longitudinal segment modules having a load-bearing structure which is respectively constructed individually or longitudinal segment-specifically.

[0033] The travel devices described here can also respectively include automatic travel devices, i.e., travel devices without steps but with separate travel elements, which are oriented at least approximately horizontally and are not designed to overcome slopes, but are constructed as essentially flat roads; in this regard, references to bends or deflection sections should be understood here to mean that the corresponding sections are described largely independently of the actually achieved inclination.

[0034] In the context of the present disclosure, the general term "assembly" or the more specific term "final assembly" generally refers to the assembly of the entire / complete load-bearing structure of the travel device, which may also include all longitudinal segment modules (two head modules and at least one intermediate module) given as specified; this final assembly is also described here as modularly connecting / joining the load-bearing structures of at least two longitudinal segment modules in pairs, or at least including this connection step. Optionally, the term "assembly" may also include preparatory steps, such as picking / providing / holding components relative to the corresponding longitudinal segments or modules, or relative to the entire travel device; according to the present disclosure, the present invention mainly relates to steps and aspects downstream of picking, and therefore does not include picking in a narrow sense.

[0035] In contrast, the term "modular assembly" (or the synonyms "modular / module-like / module-specific assembly") refers specifically to the assembly or assembly of only specific individual modules or parts thereof in the respective module, for example in particular in the head module, wherein, for example, one / parts of the drive device are installed in the upper head module, or guides, rails, decorative parts or railing components are (pre-)assembled in only one of the modules. Depending on the design of the manufacturing method, the assembly of the components can be carried out at least partially at a stage when the modules are still handled separately from each other, or at a stage when the modules are already joined to each other; this variant possibility relates, for example, to individual steps / trays; in this regard, the use of the term "assembly" should not be considered to be limited to a specific stage in the construction process of a complete travel device or its supporting structure.

[0036] According to the present disclosure, “joining” should be understood as a process of finally fastening the individual modules together within the scope of constructing the entire load-bearing structure of the complete traveling device.

[0037] In the context of the present disclosure, the term "longitudinal section module" is generally understood to be a load-bearing longitudinal module of the travel device, i.e. a module that constitutes a longitudinal section or length section of the travel device and provides it with a load-bearing structure (i.e., a complete component of the travel device in the corresponding length area at least in terms of structure). Therefore, the term includes the terms "head module" and "middle module". The term "head module" means a module arranged at one of the ends of the travel device, and optionally refers to two head modules (upper head module and lower head module, also called upper part and lower part); in this regard, the term can also refer to a module at the upper end or lower end of the travel device. In a travel device designed as an escalator, the head module usually extends at an inclination angle of the travel device / the said angle, and thus spans the bend or transition from the inclined longitudinal section to the corresponding horizontal longitudinal section. In this context, the term "platform section" refers to a section of the respective head module which is oriented at least approximately in a horizontal plane when arranged as specified; in this respect, when describing the arrangement / orientation of the respective head module, reference is also made to the orientation of the platform section (or its main extension plane), in particular because the absolute length of the platform section is greater than the absolute length of the skew section, or when this is the case. A "connected skew section" (also referred to as head end in the technical literature) is to be understood in particular as a skewed / inclined oriented section which is provided for connection / joining with another longitudinal section module and which can be designed to be longer or shorter depending on the function of the respective head module; it is provided that the respective modules are connected to one another in the region of a / the longitudinal section which is inclined as specified; if a plurality of intermediate modules are provided, the intermediate modules are connected / joined to one another first, or the respective head module and the intermediate module are connected first, depending on the process preference. The general term "longitudinal section" can here alternatively refer to a longitudinal section module or to a specific longitudinal section (i.e. a platform section or an skew section), in particular a head module.

[0038] The term "longitudinal segment", which is more general than the term "longitudinal segment module", also refers to the head segment and at least one intermediate segment, unless otherwise indicated, and is used according to the present disclosure when a modular or modular design or a process that is carried out strictly modularly is not necessarily required, or when changes or modifications are also possible according to the present disclosure, or when it comes to a process or a state of the device technology before the individual modules are modularly constructed in accordance with the regulations, for example, when it comes to the connection of the individual longitudinal segments of the head module in order to form the entire head module. In other words: according to the present disclosure, when referring to the individual longitudinal segments without explicitly specifying them as longitudinal segment modules, it can refer not only to the individual modules but also to the longitudinal segments of the individual modules, in particular the platform segment (for example the first longitudinal segment) and the deflection segment (for example the second longitudinal segment) of the head module, for which specific connection processes can be provided (in particular in the area of ​​the bend); for example, the individual longitudinal segments of a module can be positioned relative to each other by means of a positively locking contour, for example in combination with a material-locking connection of these longitudinal segments for forming the entire load-bearing structure of the respective module.

[0039] A / the supporting structure of a / the travel device or a / the corresponding module can basically be composed of opposite side wall units and crossbeams (also called cross bars) connecting them, wherein a / the side wall unit is composed of at least one side wall and in particular an upper chord and / or a lower chord; the modular manufacturing process described here can also include the connection of a bottom unit to the side wall unit; however, it has been shown that such a bottom unit does not necessarily have to fulfill the load-bearing function, but is designed to, for example, have the function of collecting oil from a / the drive device and draining it when necessary, or is designed to be optimized for covering and / or access to the supporting structure or the travel device from below; in this regard, the bottom unit can be understood as an optional structural unit, which can also be arranged functionally separately from the supporting structure, but in individual cases, if desired, it can optionally also assume the load-bearing function of additional support.

[0040] The term "side wall" here refers to a side structure which, for example, at least partially extends flat only on one side plane, but which, alternatively or in addition, may also be constructed and / or reinforced at least partially by profiles, brackets or supports extending beyond one / the side plane. Usually, the side wall consists of structural elements or structural segments which, as a planar structural segment, absorb forces in multiple directions and / or as a rod-shaped or bracket-shaped structural part / segment / element, absorb the corresponding forces (tensile or compressive forces) only along the longitudinal extension given by the orientation; such a component of a load-bearing structure can also be designated by the English terms "truss member" or "truss section", wherein, according to the present disclosure, a truss-like structure does not necessarily have to be present; nevertheless, the term "truss" is still suitable here, because the side wall usually has a truss-like structure at least in part, i.e. the transmission of forces should take place according to a structurally predetermined direction. Thus, the side wall is constructed, for example, as a closed surface, a pure truss, or a structure having a closed surface part (or section) and a truss structure part. Optionally, at least a single load-bearing structural part / section of the side wall (e.g., a structurally flat section or a reinforced (especially) curved L-shaped or U-shaped profile section in the area welded to another structural part / element / section) is composed of a flat material, especially a metal sheet. According to the understanding of the present disclosure, a "side wall unit" includes the side wall described herein and the chords belonging to the side wall, especially the upper chord and the lower chord, wherein these chords can be constructed integrally with the side wall or separately from each other. These chords are also referred to as belts alternatively. Here, according to a reference to one / the corresponding stage of the manufacturing process of the respective module or the entire traveling device, the respective side wall / unit can also be understood as a side wall / unit provided in a modular manner. In this regard, the term "side wall unit" can refer to the entire side structure including the upper chord and the lower chord, and the term "side wall" can refer to the side structure arranged between the upper chord and the lower chord.

[0041] The terms "upper chord" and "lower chord", also collectively referred to as chords, mainly refer to structural parts / elements extending in the longitudinal direction in the upper edge or lower edge area of ​​the side wall, or corresponding load-bearing sections, which are used to withstand the loads of the travel device in the longitudinal direction, especially bending loads, which mainly cause tensile stresses in the lower chord and mainly cause compressive stresses in the upper chord. For this purpose, these chords are preferably constructed as profiles or profile sections, especially L-shaped profiles, U-shaped profiles or hollow profiles, so as to have a good section moment of inertia to withstand bending loads. These chords thus reinforce the load-bearing structure and constitute external corners, wherein these chords and / or the side walls are selectively used to fix other components of the travel device. In addition, the chords can be constructed as components separate from the side walls; however, preferably, at least a part of the chord is constructed integrally with the side walls, for example by bending the side walls. Particularly preferably, the upper chord is designed as a hollow profile with four walls, two of which are formed by side walls bent in an L-shape and made of flat material in this region, and the other two walls are formed by flat material components that are also bent in an L-shape and are separated from the side walls. Further preferably, the lower chord is similarly designed as a hollow profile with four walls, two of which are formed by side walls bent in an L-shape and made of flat material in this region, and two of which are formed by bottom units that are also bent in an L-shape and made of flat material in this region. The components that form the walls are preferably welded to one another. The upper chord and / or the lower chord can also be provided completely integrally with the side walls or completely separately from the side walls (especially in the sense of a process variant).

[0042] Here, "structurally loadable" refers to a point or part of a load-bearing structure that can be temporarily loaded in order to withstand forces generated, for example, in connection with individual assembly / assembly steps, at least by the deadweight of the travel device or the corresponding module. For example, the term is used in connection with the reference points described here.

[0043] In this context, “load-bearing” is to be understood as parts or components (sections) of the load-bearing structure which are designed to absorb the static and dynamic forces and moments which occur during the intended use of the travel device, even under continuous load for many years.

[0044] In the sense of the present disclosure, the term "connecting means" refers in particular to screw connections or rivet connections, in particular so-called locking eye bolt connections, in the connection of modules to one another. A person skilled in the art can specify in individual cases or at individual connection points whether such preferred rivet connections or locking eye bolt connections should be replaced by, for example, screw connections. Preferably, the rivet connection or locking eye bolt connection comprises at least one visual inspection mark, in particular by material removal.

[0045] It is worth mentioning that the invention is also based in particular on the concept that at least one important and overall shape-defining part of the side wall, the upper chord, the lower chord and / or the entire side wall unit is made of flat material, in particular a metal sheet, wherein at least one reference point is preferably defined on the flat material. With the processing methods currently available for flat materials, in particular by processing with the aid of a laser cutting tool or a water jet cutting tool, at least one correspondingly introduced reference point can be referenced during the further assembly of the travel device, so that the assembly can be carried out with very small assembly tolerances and the travel device can be constructed with advantageously high dimensional accuracy. In this way, the individual components of the travel device can also be relatively accurately positioned relative to or absolutely positioned with respect to at least one reference point, and additional measures for orienting and positioning the components, in particular relative to each other, can also be eliminated. The invention particularly preferably includes the following teaching, that is, in the course of the same processing method, in addition to at least one reference point particularly arranged in the corresponding side wall, other references, in particular corresponding recesses (in the sense of additional component-specific assembly reference points), are introduced on the flat material, at which recesses other components can be directly arranged, and these components can therefore be arranged in defined positions with high accuracy relative to at least one (main) reference point. References or reference notches are also introduced, in particular, into areas of flat materials which, after laser cutting or water jet cutting, can be subjected to further processing steps, in particular bending methods, whereby the referencing concept described here can also be used for multi-dimensional positioning in space with respect to at least two or all three spatial directions. In addition, the invention includes the following teaching, namely, the reference point is defined by, for example, a circular notch or by its center point, at which, for example, further positioning devices (i.e. assembly aids, such as side support units) can be clamped for positioning the respective longitudinal sections or components. In particular, the corresponding component or the entire module or even the entire travel device with the reference point is lifted at at least one reference point or supported around a reference axis formed by a plurality of reference points, for example even suspended thereon, or lifted, or tilted around this axis. At least a large part of the upper or lower chord can also be formed by a profile, wherein corresponding processing methods (in particular tube laser cutting methods or water jet cutting) can also be used for the profile to construct reference points and / or other references.

[0046] The general term "component" refers to a part to be installed in the respective travel device or in the individual modules of the travel device, for example in relation to electrical, drive, guidance, etc. If a structural component has to fulfill a load-bearing function, in particular for conventional permanent loads, it is referred to as a "load-bearing component" or structural part / element / segment in relation to the load-bearing structure.

[0047] In the sense of the present disclosure, the term "structurally loadable reference point" is to be understood as a point of action which is particularly arranged in the respective side wall, which transfers forces into the supporting structure and by which the respective module can, on the one hand, be lifted and / or supported in a predetermined / predeterminable positional relationship, respectively, and preferably can also be tilted about a horizontal axis (in particular when supported on opposite side wall sections, in particular about at least two reference points, which constitute the structurally loadable reference axis), and in this respect can support the assembly / assembly process and, on the other hand, can also enable the dimensioning of the individual components and / or modules relative to each other; in this respect, the term "longitudinal segment-specific positioning reference" is used here to illustrate the technical teaching that the respective longitudinal segment module is equipped with a module-specific position reference, by which relative and optionally also absolute positioning can be achieved. By means of the reference points and the preferably standardized lateral support units coupled thereto, displacement of the respective modules on the first and second support and movement devices or bearings or on a rollable flat cart can also be advantageously achieved here, in particular without rails or similar guides integrated in the floor; optionally, side stops in the form of safety bars or the like acting at the height of the support and movement devices can be provided, which serve to support the precisely aligned axial orientation of one or more modules. In other words: the respective reference notches can be provided as a component of the position-referenced coupling device, which together with the assembly aids provided as far as possible at least as accurately / precisely and, for example, bolt-shaped plug connections provide a / the position-referenced coupling device, preferably in a three-dimensionally positioned manner in space. Standard bolts, pins can also be used here.

[0048] It is worth mentioning that the support and movement device described here, by means of which the individual modules can be arranged, positioned and oriented, can also be provided by so-called trolleys or roller carts, in particular when the trolleys or roller carts have integrated height and / or lateral adjustment devices, which are available in many machine shops or production sites. It has therefore been shown that the positioning accuracy described here does not have to be achieved only by means of the reference hole grid described here in a predetermined / standardized positioning tool (for this purpose, in contrast to the disclosure of positioning units equipped with standardized guides or plug-in connections, in particular on an orientation plate), but can also be achieved by means of a relatively simple-designed trolley or roller cart, which can be used, for example, in combination with a tree crossbar placed thereon. For example, a corresponding tree crossbar is provided by welding two L-angle pieces made of 8 mm steel sheet to each other (in particular for a / the corresponding upper head module), wherein laser-cut or water-jet-cut reference notches or corresponding connection holes can be provided / introduced in the L-angle pieces. The individual lower head modules and the individual middle modules are supported, for example, on U-shaped profiles made of 8 mm laser sheet, which form a / the tree-shaped cross frame. Flat iron can be welded on one of the L-angle pieces or on the respective U-shaped profiles. The tree-shaped cross frame, which is preferably made of 8 mm steel sheet (laser cut or water jet cut) and described here as a double L-angle piece or U-shaped profile, can be arranged and fixed on the corresponding support and movement device with the help of angle pieces and supporting devices respectively (in this regard, the positioning unit described here can be characterized by these features). For example, the angle pieces are screwed to the supporting devices respectively, which can prevent sliding out. Here, a / the corresponding side support unit can also be provided by an L-angle piece made of 8 mm sheet material, preferably laser cut or water jet cut and welded, which can be tightened to the corresponding tree-shaped cross frame. On the side support unit designed in this way, the through-bolt described here can also be used in combination with the relative positioning performed by using the reference notches in the individual side walls.

[0049] Here, an absolute (lateral) position reference, in particular in the transverse direction, can also be provided, for example, by a tree frame (carrier, vertical support) or point in a / the machine shop (e.g. also a door frame), from which a geometric definition of at least individual sections of the assembly line can be given, for example using at least one dimensionally stable profile (e.g. an L-shaped profile) which is fixed to the ground with a strict axial orientation (or to a fixed supporting side defined in a different way, in this regard see the disclosure for optionally used side stops), if necessary also using optical assembly aids, such as a laser beam or a flat laser beam plane.

[0050] If the notch or the indentation is advantageously formed according to the present disclosure by means of laser cutting or by means of a laser cutting tool or by water jet cutting, the material is cut by a correspondingly oriented laser beam or water jet designed for this purpose. The (corresponding) laser cutting tool or water jet cutting tool is particularly designed for processing flat materials (essentially two-dimensional workpiece sections), wherein the laser head or water jet head is, for example, oriented orthogonally to the flat material and is (at least) designed to be movable relative to the flat material in a plane parallel to the flat material. The laser head or water jet head can also be oriented deviating from its orthogonal orientation. The laser cutting tool or the corresponding laser cutting device or water jet cutting device can also include a laser head or water jet head that is movable spatially around a workpiece (semi-finished product or correspondingly formed material section) that is particularly configured in a profile-like manner.

[0051] Within the scope of the present disclosure, anthropomorphic terms may refer to all parts of speech as long as they are not neutral words. Any English expressions or abbreviations used herein are commonly used technical expressions in the art and are well known to technicians in English.

[0052] According to one embodiment, at least one further component, for example at least one of the following components: drive unit, guardrail, guide rail, is fixed to the respective side wall unit in an assembly or fixing position referenced with respect to at least one reference point and in this position is supported on the support structure by the respective side wall unit. This also makes it possible to improve the tolerances which are usually not particularly small in these areas of the support structure by enabling position referencing with reference to at least one reference point which is arranged / introduced in a material section of the support structure in which relatively small / good tolerances can be ensured with high positioning accuracy (for example with reference to a height section in which the tolerances are minimized, in particular a middle height section).

[0053] According to one embodiment, at least one mounting point is arranged on the respective side wall unit, which is positioned with reference to a respective reference point and is used to fasten at least one of the following components: drive unit, guardrail, guide rail. This enables the high precision ensured for the reference point to be ensured also for these other components and their fastening / supporting means.

[0054] According to one embodiment, at least one fixing axis (or a corresponding fixing hole) positioned with reference to a corresponding reference point is introduced on the corresponding side wall unit for the preferred force-fit / form-fit connection of another longitudinal segment, in particular for the connection of two longitudinal segment modules of a modularly constructed running gear, which comprises at least three longitudinal segment modules. This enables the advantages in terms of precision described here to be achieved, and also directly in connection with the paired connection of the load-bearing structure modules of the running gear, in particular in connection with the purely force-fit / form-fit connection of the longitudinal segment modules by means of a sheet metal connection.

[0055] It should be mentioned that the term "longitudinal section" here can also refer to a section of a module (such as a platform section or a deflection section), and depending on the context can also generally refer to the entire longitudinal section module of a modularly constructed traveling device (including a head module and at least one intermediate module).

[0056] According to one embodiment, the respective reference points are arranged in a predetermined manner by introducing a notch in one / the side wall of the respective side wall unit. The notch is preferably introduced in conjunction with the material processing of the respective side wall (unit). This also achieves, in particular, synergy effects in conjunction with the production of the respective material sections of the support structure, so that the reference concept described here can also be incorporated into the production process in a streamlined manner. Preferably, the respective reference points or the respective notches are introduced into the respective side wall units by means of a laser or by laser cutting or by water jet cutting. Here, a "reference point" can also be understood as a point that is predefined by a contour / geometry of a preferably circular reference notch, a material-removed or laser-cut or water jet-cut.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the respective reference point is defined by a preferably laser-cut or water jet-cut notch (geometry, contour), in particular by a circular notch. This also facilitates (optionally) using the respective reference point as a reference point for defining a / the reference axis, for example for a lifting / tilting movement for positioning / adjusting the module during assembly. Laser cutting / water jet cutting provides a particularly high precision in this regard.

[0058] According to one embodiment, at least two or three reference points or reference notches are provided on at least one longitudinal section of each side wall unit, which reference points or reference notches have in particular the same contour (for example all reference points or reference notches have a circular geometry), in particular in an arrangement which, on the one hand, is designed to support the longitudinal section on the ground via the reference points and the lateral support units connected thereto, and, on the other hand, is designed to support the longitudinal section via a reference axis formed by the reference points in the opposite side wall unit so that the longitudinal section can be tilted about the reference axis. This also increases the variant possibilities not only for reference within the module, but also for positioning relative to other modules.

[0059] According to one embodiment, at least one of the reference points is provided in a module-specific manner by a reference notch, which is arranged in a height section of the support structure or the corresponding side wall (unit) with the smallest tolerance, in particular in the middle height section, in particular above a / the lower chord, preferably at least approximately at the height of the step return, i.e. below the crossbar plane of the travel device. This can further increase the achievable accuracy; it has been shown to be particularly advantageous if the reference point described here is arranged in the side wall section on the height section between the upper chord and the lower chord, in particular slightly below a / the crossbar plane, i.e. preferably in the lower half of the height extension between the upper chord and the lower chord. This also makes it possible, for example in conjunction with the support of the corresponding module and optionally also the lifting or tilting, to use the corresponding reference points very extensively, so that the number of reference points required / used can also be minimized. Other potential sources of inaccuracy can thus be avoided.

[0060] Here, the reference concept according to the invention based on the integrally provided reference points / notches also makes it possible to predetermine advantageous spacings or advantageous spatial directions for other components between individual reference points and individual assembly points, in particular so that corresponding tolerances are minimized. The reference concept also offers advantages in particular with regard to flat materials that are built into the load-bearing structure.

[0061] By referring to a reference notch which is designed as accurately as possible in terms of manufacturing technology, it is also possible to overcome the difficulty that a certain degree of inaccuracy cannot be avoided when fixing any support pins or similar fixing points. In this respect, the invention offers the advantage that in a side wall material section which is designed relatively accurately in terms of manufacturing technology, a correspondingly accurate reference notch is also provided, into which, for example, a plug-in connection can be inserted, which is supported on the support system with considerable accuracy.

[0062] Preferably, at least the drive element and the guide element are arranged or fixed with reference to a module-specific reference point. Advantageously, a / the railing (guardrail, handrail) of the travel device can also be positioned in the side wall with reference to the reference point. The latter can prove to be advantageous, for example, if only such accuracy can be ensured in the upper section or the lower section of the side wall unit that is worse than the accuracy achievable for the middle height section of the side wall unit; preferably, all reference points are arranged in the middle height section.

[0063] According to one embodiment, at least one of the reference points is provided in a module-specific manner by a reference recess which is designed geometrically corresponding to a journal or a coupling bolt of the lateral support unit in order to provide a coupling device for supporting the respective longitudinal segment module on the lateral support unit, in particular also for a tilting movement about the reference recess. As a result, the respective reference point can also be used more effectively in conjunction with individual processing steps determined by the manufacturing process technology.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the reference points arranged in the respective head module differ in relative position and function from the reference points arranged in at least one intermediate module, in particular because only the reference points of the head module provide at least one reference axis which is designed and arranged to provide a tilting axis. This also simplifies, in particular, the module-specific optimizable support. Optionally, the respective reference notches can also have different geometries, for example with different diameters. This also facilitates the assignment of the respective support and movement devices (or lateral support units), in particular when they are to be designed specifically according to the module type (intermediate module or head module).

[0065] The aforementioned object is also achieved by a method according to the corresponding parallel method claim, namely by a method for assembling a travel device (in particular an escalator device, a rolling escalator device) consisting of at least three longitudinal sections, wherein the at least three longitudinal sections include two head sections and at least one middle section, wherein the head sections each have a first and a second head longitudinal section (in particular a platform section and a deflection section), wherein each longitudinal section has a load-bearing structure including side wall units, wherein at least one structural support for bearing forces caused at least by the deadweight of the travel device is arranged in the side walls of each side wall unit. A loadable reference point, by means of which the individual longitudinal segments or the travel device already assembled from a plurality of longitudinal segments are positioned, i.e. relative to another longitudinal segment or at a predetermined tilting angle relative to the ground or relative to a side stop; wherein a longitudinal segment-specific, integrated position reference is provided for each longitudinal segment by means of the side wall unit and the reference point arranged therein, by means of which further components or assemblies or further longitudinal segments are positioned (particularly relative positioning without specifying an absolute spatial position), in particular also when / by using the side wall (unit) described above. This results in the advantages described above, in particular with regard to the use of the precision (minimized tolerances) achieved during the construction of the side wall (unit) as a reference position through / for the longest possible stage of the manufacturing / assembly process up to final assembly.

[0066] According to one embodiment, at least one further component, for example at least one of the following components: drive unit, guardrail, guide rail, is fastened to the respective side wall unit at at least one mounting point, whose position is relative to at least one of the reference points, and is thereby supported on the support structure. This allows consistent referencing with maximum precision, in particular without having to take into account further (external) assembly aids for positioning further components.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the respective longitudinal section or the entire travel device is supported on the ground / substrate at the reference point during the individual assembly / mounting steps, in particular by means of a lateral support unit (preferably a milled or die-cast support or lateral support unit) which can be connected to the reference point. This also allows the same assembly aid (in particular the lateral support unit) to be used variably in different structural types of the load-bearing structure. Optionally, the lateral support unit is designed as a relatively slender lateral support lever, which in turn can be connected at its side to a functionally equivalent positioning unit, by which the support function on the ground is realized, and which can also have a plurality of connection points arranged in a standardized manner.

[0068] The support and movement device described here can also optionally include such a positioning unit or be designed functionally equivalent thereto; it should be mentioned here for the sake of completeness that not all support and movement devices used in the respective assembly line have to be designed in the same way, particularly since the respective intermediate modules are kept as far as possible only arranged in a horizontal orientation (particularly on the same level) and the head modules are tilted or arranged in different orientations depending on the process stage.

[0069] The side support unit can also be used for the (relative) positioning of other mounting components by indirectly referencing the mounting components to the reference recesses via the side support unit; since the reference can also be kept with consistent accuracy in this intermediate step, provided that the required accuracy can also be ensured by means of the side support unit, for example by means of predetermined arranged coupling devices (e.g. plug-in coupling holes). This also offers the advantage that the reference can be shifted from a side plane of the respective side wall to another, further outer side plane or to a (horizontal) plane arranged orthogonally thereto by means of the side support unit; depending on the type of fastening of the respective mounting component, this can bring further advantages, for example with regard to temporary support.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the respective longitudinal section is connected at the reference point to at least one suspension or support unit, in particular to two side support units on both sides at the opposite side wall units, by at least two coupling bolts. This also provides a large variability, wherein the precision of such a coupling device can be relatively high. Here, "suspension or support unit" is to be understood as alternatively a crane device (or any similar lifting device), or a support and movement unit supported on the ground. In other words: the reference point can be used for support on the ground, or for lifting the load-bearing structure, and in this respect is not limited to a specific force action direction in use.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the positioning relative to the reference point is used both for the production of the supporting structure of the individual longitudinal segments (modules) and for the production of the entire travel device, in particular for connecting / joining the individual longitudinal segments / longitudinal segment modules to one another. According to one embodiment, the individual longitudinal segments are each provided as a separate longitudinal segment module, wherein the positioning of the individual longitudinal segment modules is performed not only individually but also relative to one another by means of the reference point or with reference to the reference point. This provides further process advantages in many stages of the assembly process.

[0072] According to one embodiment, in order to connect / join paired longitudinal segments / longitudinal segment modules, at least one longitudinal segment is tilted about a reference axis formed by its supporting structure in the opposite side wall unit, for example at an angle of inclination (slope) that is structurally predetermined by the supporting structure of the travel device. The support in the corresponding reference notch provides a high positioning accuracy and also provides a predetermined reliable support. The value of the tilting angle can also be related to the absolute length of the installed intermediate module or to whether a pit can / should be used. The corresponding value of the tilting angle has the following meaning only: in the case of a strictly horizontal orientation of the intermediate module and the use of a pit, it is advantageous to set / maintain a / the tilting angle precisely according to the structurally predetermined inclination angle of the corresponding travel device, in particular for the force-fitting / form-fitting connection of the longitudinal segment modules.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the reference positioning of the two supporting structures of the two longitudinal segment modules relative to one another is achieved by means of reference points in order to mount or assemble a form-fitting / force-fitting connecting means, which are preferably fixed to the two supporting structures in an overlapping arrangement by means of sheet metal connections. This also allows very high precision to be achieved in conjunction with form-fitting / force-fitting connecting means, which can optionally also be assembled purely manually, for example with connecting means that act essentially force-fittingly (by friction fit) on the supporting structures. In this relevant phase of the process, the adapter plates described elsewhere can also be advantageously used.

[0074] The above-mentioned object is also achieved by using a material cutout produced by laser cutting or water jet cutting in a side wall or a side wall unit of a supporting structure of a traveling device, which is used to define and provide a structurally loadable reference point for withstanding forces generated at least by the deadweight of the traveling device, so as to provide a position reference when handling (positioning and spatially orienting) at least the supporting structure during assembly of the traveling device, the traveling device consisting of at least three longitudinal sections, the at least three longitudinal sections including two head sections and at least one middle section, the two head sections each having a first and a second head longitudinal section, i.e. for spatially orienting the corresponding supporting structure relative to another longitudinal section or at a predeterminable tilting angle relative to the ground or relative to a side stop in a given longitudinal direction of assembly; wherein the position reference is specifically achieved by reference to the material cutout longitudinal section and optionally also by reference to other mounting components; this is particularly true in the method described above. The advantages described above can thereby be achieved.

[0075] The above-mentioned object is also achieved by using an automatable laser cutting device or water jet cutting device, which is used to provide a material gap made by laser cutting or water jet cutting in the side wall of the side wall unit of the supporting structure of the traveling device in a computer-implemented manner, the material gap is used to define and provide a structurally loadable reference point, which is used to withstand the forces generated by at least the deadweight of the traveling device, so as to perform position reference when handling (positioning and spatially orienting) at least the supporting structure during the assembly of the traveling device, the traveling device is composed of at least three longitudinal sections, the at least three longitudinal sections include two head sections and at least one middle section, each head section has a first and a second head longitudinal section, that is, to perform position reference in connection with the construction of the corresponding side wall (unit) of the supporting structure of the traveling device, or with the construction of the longitudinal section module of the traveling device; in particular in the method described above, or in the immediately preceding method step of constructing the side wall or the side wall unit. The advantages mentioned above can thereby be achieved.

[0076] Summary: In a travel device, in particular also with respect to the load-bearing structure and its production and with respect to the assembly of the entire travel device, a good compromise between standardization and variability is ensured. According to the invention, an integrated positioning reference is provided for each load-bearing structure, i.e. in a travel device having at least three longitudinal sections, the at least three longitudinal sections are composed of two head sections and at least one middle section, wherein each longitudinal section has a load-bearing structure comprising a side wall unit, wherein at least one structurally load-bearing reference point is arranged on each side wall unit, by means of which the corresponding longitudinal section or the travel device assembled from a plurality of longitudinal sections can be positioned in a predeterminable manner; wherein, by means of the side wall unit and the reference point arranged therein, a longitudinal section-specific positioning reference is provided for each longitudinal section in an integrated manner, with reference to which other components or assemblies or other longitudinal sections can be positioned in a predeterminable manner. As a result, the positioning and orientation accuracy can be significantly increased, in particular without the need for expensive assembly aids. The invention also relates to a corresponding method for using or referring to these reference points. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] The invention will be described in more detail in the following drawings, wherein reference numerals not explicitly described in the respective drawings will refer to other drawings. It shows:

[0078] Figure 1 An escalator according to the prior art is schematically shown in a side view, i.e., an escalator having a load-bearing structure built over the absolute length of the escalator, but not structurally divided into longitudinal segment modules;

[0079] Figure 2A , 2B A first head module and a second head module of a travel device according to an embodiment are shown in a side view, wherein the head modules are each supported at two support points on the platform section in such a way that the platform section is oriented at least approximately parallel to the ground;

[0080] Figure 3 Four longitudinal segment modules of a travel device according to an embodiment are shown in a side view, comprising a first head module and a second head module and two intermediate modules arranged therebetween, wherein the modules are each supported / supported in two bearing points in an orientation at least approximately parallel to the ground and are also oriented at least approximately axially aligned with respect to one another or along a / said predetermined assembly axis;

[0081] Figure 4A , 4B4C respectively show the supporting structures of the first head module, the middle module and the second head module of the traveling device according to the embodiment in a three-dimensional side view, wherein at least the side wall of each supporting structure module is at least substantially composed of a flat material;

[0082] Figure 5A , 5B 5C shows the supporting structures of the first head module, the middle module and the second head module of the travel device according to the embodiment in a three-dimensional side view, wherein each supporting structure is already equipped with other mounting components and is arranged on the support and movement device at least at two bearing points and is oriented relative to the ground in the positioning unit;

[0083] Figure 6 , 7 A longitudinal segment module arranged on a support and movement device according to an exemplary embodiment is shown in each case in a front view (in the longitudinal direction), the longitudinal segment module being supported and oriented or positioned on the support and movement device by means of lateral support units which are connected to the module in reference points / reference notches;

[0084] Figure 8 A longitudinal section of a travelling device according to an embodiment is shown in a side view, comprising a head module and an adjacent middle module, wherein the two modules are supported and oriented relative to one another, in particular exactly in a horizontal plane (joint plane vertically oriented) via reference points / reference notches;

[0085] Fig. 9 Schematically shows in a side view the arrangement of four longitudinal segment modules of a travel device according to an embodiment on an assembly line, wherein the individual modules are oriented relative to one another in such a way that their end faces or abutment surfaces can each be connected to one another in pairs in an at least approximately vertically oriented connection plane;

[0086] Fig.10 The flow of a method for constructing or assembling a load-bearing structure according to an embodiment is shown, which is exemplarily divided into seven steps;

[0087] Fig.11A , 11B , 11C, 11D, 11E schematically show in side views the various stages of connecting / joining the modules into a complete load-bearing structure of the traveling device according to the embodiment on a flat ground / base (step S6), wherein no pit is used;

[0088] Fig. 12A , 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F respectively schematically show in a side view (cut or uncut), in particular, the support and orientation of each longitudinal section module when arranging and orienting (relative positioning) a plurality of modules, or when connecting / joining these modules into a complete load-bearing structure of a traveling device according to an embodiment (step S6);

[0089] Fig.13A , 13B 13C schematically show in three-dimensional side views the various stages of connecting / joining the modules into a complete load-bearing structure of the traveling device according to the embodiment (step S6) on a flat ground / base, without using a pit, wherein: Fig. 13C An adapter plate that can be used in particular for this step is shown in detail; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0090] Firstly, the invention will be explained generally with reference to all reference numerals and drawings. Features, or individual aspects, or aspects clearly visible / illustrable in the corresponding drawings of the invention will be described separately in conjunction with the corresponding drawings.

[0091] The present invention provides a travel device 10 (especially an automatic / rolling escalator device), which has at least three longitudinal section modules 11, namely an upper head module 11a and a lower head module 11b and at least one middle module (especially a straight module without a bending part) 11c, and two head modules are connected to the middle module. Each head module 11a, 11b has a platform section 11.1 (or a landing section or a first longitudinal section or an end section), which has a horizontal orientation set according to regulations. In the transition area 11.2 (bending part), the platform section transitions to a deflected section 11.3 (or the second longitudinal section of the corresponding head module) oriented at a prescribed inclination. In this regard, the supporting structure develops an inclination angle α at the bending part, which corresponds to the inclination between the platform section and the deflected section. The free end 11.1a of the platform section marks the beginning or end of the travel device on its corresponding end side 11.4. According to the design of the traveling device 10, a plurality of interconnected intermediate modules may be provided so that a corresponding (first) intermediate module is connected to at least one other intermediate module 11c' (based on the relatively short basic module length unit of the standard intermediate module, advantageous length scaling is performed).

[0092] Advantageously, the supporting structure 15 of each longitudinal segment module 11 is / are conceptually similarly designed: the opposite side wall units 17, which are respectively composed of side walls 17a, 17b and an upper strip (upper chord section) 17.7 and a lower strip (lower chord section) 17.9, and are connected to one another by means of a crossbar 16.1, for example a crossbar with a hollow cross section. The side walls 17a, 17b are preferably composed for the most part or optionally entirely of flat material, which is bent at least in the edge region and can be welded to other flat material sections. In this regard, a possible truss-like structure can also be provided by the flat material sections, in particular without the need for the construction of semi-finished profiles. This also makes it possible, if necessary, to standardize the material thicknesses that are specifically preferred in each case, including in the region of the structural reinforcement, whereby in particular the correspondingly used connection technology (whether material fit or force / form fit) can also be used more precisely to achieve a higher dimensional accuracy (minimized tolerances).

[0093] In this regard, the support structure 15 can also at least partially have a truss-like configuration, which is a structure section in the form of individual brackets, which is mainly provided for receiving tensile or compressive loads, wherein, in particular depending on the respectively selected structural components, this truss-like configuration or orientation of the individual sections can also be individualized, in particular already in the flat material processing stage. Advantageously, the truss-like configuration at least partially or even substantially consists only of flat material sections (rather than a given profile produced from a semi-finished product). Because it has been proven that such a design, which is at least largely made of flat material, is particularly advantageous not only with regard to the modular production concept described here and the associated favorable scalability, but also with regard to the achievable precision.

[0094] Furthermore, the individual longitudinal section modules 11 can also have a bottom unit 14, which however does not necessarily have to assume a load-bearing function. Optionally, the bottom unit extends only two-dimensionally and, more precisely, only fulfills the function of a baffle (wherein, for example, the bottom unit can also have a cutout, which makes it easier to access the support structure), and optionally, the bottom unit can also include a bent profile section (in particular an L-shaped bent end region) and be connected to the actual support structure 15 in a structurally reinforced manner. A person skilled in the art can integrate the bottom unit into the support structure as appropriate for each application; therefore, the structural method according to the invention also opens up the possibility of variation.

[0095] The individual finished modules 11 can also have railings 12 and handrails 13 or longitudinal sections corresponding thereto.

[0096] Advantageously, at least one reference point 17.1 is constructed in each side wall unit 17, which reference point 17.1 can be defined, for example, by a geometrically defined (particularly laser-cut or water jet-cut) reference notch 17.3 (particularly a material recess introduced by material processing). During the relative positioning and / or positioning of the individual components (optionally also involving all processing and assembly steps after the introduction of the reference notch 17.3 until the final construction of at least the load-bearing structure and optionally until the construction of the entire travel device), an important part of the reference can advantageously be carried out by means of these reference notches 17.3, which can also be repeated, for example, in predetermined length units (e.g. two or three meters), and can thus be provided redundantly. Here, further assembly / fixing points 17.5 can also be set or positioned relative to corresponding reference points 17.1, which are used for at least one other component to be fixed to the supporting structure (these assembly / fixing points are, for example, also given by laser cutting or water jet cutting or relatively precisely adjustable processing methods), the setting or positioning of the assembly / fixing points being in particular with reference to reference points arranged in the height or length sections of the corresponding flat material sections, for which relatively high (manufacturing) precision can be ensured, in particular within the scope of the laser cutting process or the water jet cutting process.

[0097] The reference points 17.1 can be combined in particular with the paired connection / joining of the modules to significantly simplify the (displacement) support and handling of the respective modules 11 (in particular to make them tiltable) and to increase the accuracy that has been achievable so far, using relatively simple and compact assembly aids (in particular in conjunction with other assembly aids that achieve relatively precise support on the ground 1, such as lateral support units, by means of which predetermined positioning connection points are provided, via which the modules can then be connected to the reference recesses). Preferably, the individual modules 11 are connected to one another along a plurality of fixing axes by means of form-fitting and / or force-fitting (load-bearing) load-bearing module connections 30 or sheet metal connections 31, respectively, while the modules 11 are supported in the reference recesses. This relatively precise and easily applicable (e.g. also purely manually operable) connection technique will be described in more detail elsewhere.

[0098] The following reference numerals indicate reference planes or similar geometrical features, which facilitate the understanding of the invention: ground 1 (in particular floor, base, machine shop floor plane, etc.); floor plane E1 (for example, machine / assembly shop plane); orientation / support height plane Exy of the intermediate module, which is in particular horizontal; structurally load-bearing reference axis Y17, which is in particular used for tilting movements, which is provided by means of side wall units; horizontal longitudinal direction x, transverse direction y, vertical direction z;

[0099] In particular, the present invention can also overcome the escalator 3 ( Figure 1) has the disadvantages and processing difficulties that the escalator 3 requires a relatively long manufacturing process stage to tilt all longitudinal sections or the load-bearing structure that has been built over the entire longitudinal extension / orientation.

[0100] The respective modules 11 can be supported on the ground at support points 11.11 provided / arranged on the support structure specifically for the module. The support points 11.11 can be arranged, for example, on the underside of the respective support structure and can also enable the placement / support of the respective longitudinal segment modules independently of the support in the reference point and thus further simplify the handling. For example, the support points can also be used for intermediate storage or transportation of the entire manufactured support structure.

[0101] The support structure 15 or the corresponding side wall can be provided with a tolerance-minimized (intermediate, at least approximately arranged centrally between the upper chord and the lower chord) height section 15.1, in which a relatively high positioning accuracy or relatively small tolerances can be ensured, in particular when the corresponding support structure section is preferably formed in one piece from a flat material. In the upper height section 15a of the support structure, in particular also in the area where the railing is fixed, relatively large tolerances may also be insignificant. This is also true for the lower height section 15b of the support structure, in particular in the area of ​​one / the bottom unit. In this regard, the invention is also based on the concept that reference can be made to this intermediate height section 15.1 during relative positioning and / or absolute positioning by providing at least one, preferably at least two structurally load-bearing reference notches in this intermediate height section, which are provided, for example, for support on side support units.

[0102] The supporting structure 15 has, for example, a plurality of structural sections 15.3 (in particular flat material sections) and a plurality of supporting structural units 16, which each have a plurality of profiles 16.1 or profile sections 16.1a (in particular plate profiles or flat material profiles) with a hollow cross section, such as quadrilateral profile sections, L-shaped profile sections and / or U-shaped profile sections. In this case, the individual surface sections or brackets of the supporting structural unit 16 can also be provided for connecting the opposite side wall units. Optionally, for example, when the intermediate module 11c is to be composed of a plurality of similarly constructed supporting structural units 16 or is to be designed to be extendable and extendable, the plurality of supporting structural units 16 together form a longitudinal section module.

[0103] On two adjacent longitudinal sections of the support structure, in particular also at the bend, a cutout 16.2 (or a corresponding free space) can be structurally designed in the region of a plane / the connection interface. Here, the adjacent side wall sections can preferably be connected to one another in a planar connection interface 18 by coupling matching form-fitting contours to one another, in particular for a subsequent material-fit connection at the connection interface.

[0104] In order to connect / join the individual longitudinal segment modules in pairs, a (load-bearing) load-bearing module connection device is preferably provided, which module connection device respectively comprises a plurality of sheet metal connection devices 31 with angle plate elements or plate elements. The individual sheet metal connection devices 31 are preferably based on a purely force-fitting / positive-fitting connection technology, wherein the resulting holding force is preferably a friction force that can be ensured without a positive fit. Therefore, the corresponding sheet metal connection device 31 can include one of the following connecting components depending on the connection position: a butt piece, an inner corner or inner plate (especially of a bent angle piece), a corner / angle piece (especially implemented in a bent manner), a matching plate. The individual connecting components are connected to each other in a form-fitting / force-fitting manner by means of a connecting tool 37 (especially a bolt connection or a rivet connection), especially in such a way that the load-bearing structures of the adjacent longitudinal segment modules are held to each other in a friction-fitting manner. For this purpose, a fixing axis is provided which is defined by the sheet metal connection and the carrier, in particular by a plurality of (through) holes or, optionally, at least partially also by fixing holes designed as elongated holes (which are designed to be oversized in the axial longitudinal direction for position adjustment). Screws and / or rivets (for example in the embodiment as locking ring bolts) are suitable as connecting means 37, wherein preferably also a lock nut or a similarly acting counterpart (for example a locking ring bolt connection) is provided in each case.

[0105] The longitudinal segment module connection assembly 40 (or module connection process assembly) is capable of connecting / joining the individual longitudinal segment modules, wherein handling and relative positioning can be performed in an advantageous manner. The individual longitudinal segment modules can be supported on the ground by means of support and movement devices 40a, 40b (in particular a first and a second support and movement device 40a, 40b per longitudinal segment module) or correspondingly acting support devices (assembly aids), wherein a lifting or tilting mechanism 41 can also be integrated into the individual support and movement devices; the tilting device 42 is capable of a tilting movement about a transverse axis for positioning the desired longitudinal segment / s, for example for orienting the respective platform segment into an inclined position, so that the respective inclined segment can be positioned in a horizontal orientation on an adjacent intermediate module. The support and movement devices 40a, 40b can be supported on wheels or rollers 43. The support and movement devices 40a, 40b can also preferably each include a side support unit 44, by means of which the individual modules can be supported by reference notches introduced into the side wall units and can be positioned with minimal tolerances. For this purpose, predetermined connection points 45 arranged with high precision can be provided on the side support units 44, to which the connection units 46 (for example plug-in connection bolts) can be connected. According to a preferred design of the assembly method in terms of process, the longitudinal segment module connection assembly 40 or the corresponding section of the assembly line 100 can include a further positioning unit 50 (which is especially equipped with guides or plug-in connection devices 53 on the orientation plate), wherein the corresponding side support unit 44 is preferably connected to the correspondingly provided one or the positioning unit 50 in a standardized manner. In other words: the side support unit 44 can optionally be designed as a relatively slender side arm lever (for example, the side support unit can also be designed individually for the type of travel device), and the positioning unit 50 can be provided, for example, as a largely standardized assembly aid, by means of which the support on the ground can be achieved. This further reduces the amount of work that might be required to adjust for a specific type of assembly aid.

[0106] The longitudinal segment module connection assembly 40 is preferably designed as a component of an / the assembly line 100, i.e., in the end region of the assembly line 100, which assembly line (in particular a process / production line) is used to assemble the support structure of a modularly constructed travel device, on which the individual longitudinal segment modules are preferably arranged and supported in a module-specific assembly phase in a prescribed sequence and optionally also in an orientation coordinated for connection. The assembly line 100 can also include one or more orientation devices 101 (e.g. also rails fixed to the ground) and / or (in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extension of the respective module) optionally at least one side stop 101.1, which is preferably configured to cooperate with the lateral support unit 44 (in particular without the need for rails or similar guides fixed to the ground), so that positioning in the transverse direction can also be achieved by means of relatively slender assembly aids via module-specific, integrated reference points. For example, clamping devices (clamping connection devices) can temporarily hold / fix the individual assembly aids. Optionally, the assembly line 100 also includes a spatially designed cavity or assembly free space 110 located below the orientation / support plane of the corresponding intermediate module, in particular includes a free space located below the ground level, so that the intermediate modules can also be advantageously arranged flat above the ground when oriented horizontally (not only for module-specific assembly, but also for completing the manufacture of the entire supporting structure by connecting / joining individual modules).

[0107] The following geometric parameters facilitate the understanding of the present invention: the horizontal position / orientation Pxy of the platform section of the corresponding head module; the inclined position / orientation Pα of the platform section of the corresponding head module; the distance d17 between the reference point or reference notch and the assembly point (especially the distance in the side wall plane); the docking plane E11; the crossbar plane E16; the connection plane E18, which is defined by the connection interface of the connected module; the connection plane E30, which is defined by the module connection process component; the predetermined assembly axis / direction X100 (axial orientation of the assembly line).

[0108] Here, a "joint plane" is to be understood as the end side defined at least by the supporting structure end of the respective module, on / in which a connecting device arranged to join with an adjacent module is arranged, and a "connection plane" is to be understood here in a narrow sense also in a mathematical / geometric sense as a plane in which the respectively used connection means are to be arranged or at least to act in this plane. In this regard, a plurality of connection means can be provided, which are arranged axially overlapping with one or more joint planes in a plurality of connection planes oriented, for example, parallel and / or orthogonally to one another, or act therein respectively.

[0109] The individual method steps are briefly explained below in a chronological order that facilitates the process described here: Material provided for the construction of the support structure, in particular material in the form of flat material, is fed to material processing (step S1), including the production of material cutouts, in particular by laser cutting or water jet cutting; this processing step is preferably carried out when the flat material is arranged on a workbench. In this way, in particular, the main sections of the individual side walls (units) can also be constructed. Subsequently, a material-fitting connection (step S2) is carried out, which is in particular welding when the flat materials are arranged similarly on a (certain / same) workbench. For example, butt welding can also be carried out in the area of ​​the bend, in particular after the corresponding adjacent longitudinal sections of the relevant head module have been positioned relative to each other in a form-fitting manner on the correspondingly introduced form-fitting contours. Subsequently, at least the most important support structure components (side wall units or at least side walls and crossbars) can be assembled module-specifically (step S3), optionally on the same plane or on the same workbench (or on an extension thereof) as for steps S1 and / or S2. Subsequently, the plurality of modules is preferably arranged and oriented (or relatively positioned) (step S4) in such a way that they can be held in the selected relative arrangement with respect to one another during the further construction process, i.e., the modules are already arranged in a row in such an order that the entire support structure can be assembled without repositioning the individual modules in the longitudinal direction (without changing the order of the modules along the assembly line). Now, firstly, module-specific processing and module-specific assembly (step S5), such as mounting components, can take place, wherein the individual modules are advantageously oriented, in particular positioned in a horizontal plane (the head module is oriented with its platform section in the horizontal). Subsequently, the plurality of modules can be connected preferably in a form-fitting / force-fitting manner (step S6) to form the support structure of the entire travel device, wherein for this purpose the head modules are preferably tilted only about a reference axis in order to orient the deflected sections of the individual head modules in a / said horizontal plane, in which the intermediate modules are preferably arranged / held. The travel device is then completed, for example, by further assembly measures (step S7), for example concerning railings, or completing the circulating drive part or handrail parts, or installing steps (the latter can also be optionally carried out module-specifically).

[0110] Steps S4 to S6 and optionally also S7 are preferably carried out on the same assembly line, i.e. with the order of the individual modules unchanged and with an alignment along the longitudinal direction of the assembly line. In steps S4 to S6, reference is preferably made to reference notches which are integrally provided in the support structure provided specifically for the individual modules, wherein these reference notches are preferably introduced module-specifically in step S1.

[0111] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5CThe plurality of longitudinal segment modules 11 of the traveling device 10 which are constructed in a modular manner and can be assembled in a modular manner are shown. Figure 5C A longitudinal segment module 11b is shown which is configured as a lower head module. Figure 5B A longitudinal segment module 11c is shown which is configured as an intermediate module, and Figure 5A The longitudinal segment modules 11a are shown as upper head modules. These longitudinal segment modules 11 each have a supporting structure 15 with two side wall units 17 and a crossbar 16.1. In terms of structure, each side wall unit 17 has at least one side wall 17a, 17b, an upper chord 17.7 and a lower chord 17.9.

[0112] The structure of the supporting structure 15 of the respective module consists of side walls or side wall units which are constructed mostly from flat material. In this case, the side walls 17a, 17b are essentially made of flat material at least in the plane located on the outside and / or at least in the middle height section 15.1 (the middle height section can here completely occupy at least 75% or even at least 85% of the entire height of the respective side wall / side wall unit), wherein, by means of cutouts introduced into the flat material, structural sections which are designed as structural struts and / or structural sections which are designed as simple diagonally or cross-shaped cross braces are constructed in the flat material in the respective side wall plane or slightly offset thereto. The offset arrangement in multiple planes can be achieved, for example, by the flat material being bent at an angle once or multiple times in one piece. The structural sections which are designed as structural struts divide the side walls 17a, 17b or the respective side wall unit 17 into sections. Furthermore, the support element and the cross brace 16 . 1 are arranged or fastened, in particular welded or connected in another way (for example materially bonded), on the structural section provided by the flat material.

[0113] Furthermore, the respective side walls 17a, 17b are preferably constructed at least partially in one piece with the corresponding upper chord 17.7 and lower chord 17.9; in particular, the first wall (or the corresponding flat material section) of the upper chord 17.7 and the second wall bent in an L-shape from the first wall are formed by the flat material forming the respective side walls 17a, 17b; the third wall and the fourth wall of the upper chord 17.7 are formed by another structural element or structural section formed by the flat material bent in an L-shape and welded to the flat material forming the respective side walls 17a, 17b. In the same or comparable manner, the first wall is formed in an L-shape bent from the side wall and the second wall is formed in an L-shape bent from the first wall on the lower chord 17.9 by the flat material forming the side wall; the third wall and the fourth wall of the lower chord 17.9 are formed by the at least partially L-shaped bent bottom unit 14. The structural design of the upper and lower chords can be based on the same structural principle, but differ in details, for example in the cross-sectional geometry and / or the cross-sectional area, especially because the lower chord is predominantly subjected to tension and the upper chord is predominantly or at least predominantly subjected to compression. This structural design, especially using flat material that is bent in an L-shape at least in individual sections and further forms a profile, also allows a good compromise between material usage, strength, variability and precision. It has been found that a particularly advantageous arrangement can be provided if a plurality of (preferably only two) flat material sections that are bent in an L-shape in the end region are welded to one another to form a closed (quadrilateral) profile.

[0114] exist FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C , the support structure of the longitudinal section module 11 is shown in combination with other (installed) components of the travel device. The lower head module 11b has a comb plate, a base section and a plurality of guides, which here are used for chain rollers, step rollers / tray rollers and / or handrails. Corresponding guide rails are also arranged on the middle module. Here, the guide rails are located on a structural section of the support structure (in particular made of flat material). The upper head module (in particular in addition to the components already present in the lower head module and / or the middle module) has a drive device, which is used to drive the chain and, optionally, also a circulating handrail. In addition, the upper head module 11a has a railing 12 with a handrail 13 arranged thereon; the railing is connected to the support structure, such as in particular from Figure 5B As can be seen in .

[0115] The longitudinal segment modules 11 have, respectively on the supporting structure 15 or the side wall unit 17 or the side walls 17a, 17b, reference points 17.1 introduced into the flat material or corresponding geometrically defined (especially circular) reference indentations 17.3 ( Figure 5B ).exist FIG. 5A to FIG. 5CIn the embodiment, the reference point 17.1 is partially covered by a lateral support unit 44 which is predefined and positionable on the support and movement device 40a, 40b and which can be connected by means of a coupling unit 46 ( Figure 5C ) are connected to the reference points 17.1 (for example by means of plug-in coupling bolts which are connected without tolerance to corresponding coupling points 45 of the support and movement devices 40a, 40b). By supporting (in particular suspending) the individual longitudinal segments on the corresponding, integrally provided reference points 17.1, in particular when positioning / orienting additional installation components, it is possible to repeatedly and preferably exclusively refer to these positioning reference points 17.1, in particular with regard to individual assembly and mounting steps. Preferably, during the production of the side walls 17a, 17b, the reference point 17.1 is preferably constructed on the corresponding structural section by laser cutting or water jet cutting, in particular in at least a single layer of flat material, wherein, due to the relatively high precision (in particular during semi-automatic or fully automatic material processing in a plane, for example on a correspondingly precisely oriented workbench), other notches or indentations introduced into the structural section or into the flat material are relatively accurately positioned / positionable with respect to the reference point 17.1 with very high precision and, in this regard, (optionally) can also be used as a reference in themselves when positioning / orienting the component (preferably with reference to a first master reference, which is described here as the actual original reference point of the respective longitudinal section). This also applies in particular to the metal sheet connection device 31 ( Figure 5B ) positioning, the sheet metal connection device can be used to connect the longitudinal segment modules 11 in pairs (especially manually) using force-fitting / form-fitting connecting tools 37, and is also suitable for gaps or similar other cutouts, which are used to accommodate or predetermine the arrangement of other components or other load-bearing structural elements (or flat material segments) of the travel device 10, such as individual load-bearing structural segments or load-bearing elements or crossbars, which are also arranged to dock orthogonally with the side wall plane. With the help of the reference points 17.1 and in particular the reference axis Y17 ( Figure 5C ) a tiltable support device or suspension / holding device, in particular when the modules are connected / joined to each other in pairs (when their joining planes are oriented parallel to each other, in particular in connection planes predetermined by the module connection process components and having an at least approximately vertical orientation), also ensures a relatively precise orientation of the longitudinal section modules 11 relative to each other, thereby, for example, also making the use of the metal sheet connection device described here in combination with, for example, a largely manually introduced force-fitting / form-fitting connecting tool 37 (in particular a locking ring eye bolt) significantly easier and the feasibility of the modular design described here can be further improved.

[0116] The features of the present invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings or embodiments.

[0117] exist Figure 1 , a conventional orientation of an escalator 3 is shown in FIG. , which is in a horizontal Z-shape. However, in this orientation, many assembly and handling processes are disadvantageously hindered.

[0118] exist Figure 2A , 2B , two head modules 11a, 11b of a modularly provided travel device are shown, which are arranged on the support and movement devices 40a, 40b and are at least approximately, preferably exactly, oriented horizontally (horizontal plane Exy) with the corresponding platform section 11.1. In this arrangement / orientation, for example, the installation of drive components or other installed components is also significantly simplified.

[0119] Figure 3 The advantages of the invention in terms of advantageously arranging / orienting the individual modules are shown, on the one hand, in the module-specific equipment / assembly phase and, on the other hand, in or for the assembly line 100 for assembling the entire load-bearing structure or the entire travel device. Figure 3 In the relative arrangement shown, the individual modules can still be oriented in an end-side accessible and advantageously (in particular precisely horizontal) manner, but they can nonetheless be brought into the final relative position by relatively elaborate processes, respectively by relatively short / small translational movements (x) and by tilting movements (of the head module) in particular about the reference axis (y) provided here integrally by the side wall unit, and positioned / held there relatively precisely (for example in Figure 6 relative positions as shown).

[0120] Depend on Figure 4A , 4B 4C shows further details of the support structure 15 of the respective module 11a, 11b, 11c. The structural features have already been described in detail elsewhere; in this regard, it can also be mentioned here in addition to FIG. 4 that the reference points 17.1 or reference notches 17.3 are formed in pairs on all flat material sections of the side wall, which extend at least approximately vertically or orthogonally to the upper / lower chord, wherein at the respective longitudinal position at least one of the reference points 17.1 is arranged at least approximately in the middle of the height extension of the side wall, i.e. in the region of the crossbar or slightly below it; it has been found that this relative position provides a high degree of precision on the one hand and simplifies the handling, in particular in connection with the tilting movement of the module about one / the respective reference axis, on the other hand.

[0121] Depend on Figure 5A , 5B, 5C, with reference to the corresponding modules 11a, 11b, 11c, further details about the entire construction of the travel device and its mounting components connected to the support structure 15 can be seen. The design and process advantages brought about by the invention have been described in detail elsewhere; in this regard, it can also be added here with reference to FIG. 5 that the reference notch can also be used very advantageously from the module-specific assembly to the production of the travel device, and that it can also be used optionally without rails or similar guides embedded in the ground. In this regard, the support and movement device 40a, 40b can also be used in combination with at least one side stop 101.1, the longitudinal extension of which can be selected individually.

[0122] It is worth mentioning that the individual side walls can optionally be designed completely as flat material sections with introduced recesses (e.g. laser-cut or water-jet-cut recesses, which give an X-shaped diagonal bracket section, for example a laser-cut or water-jet-cut X-shaped profile), or with diagonal brackets designed as welded profiles (in particular bent (gekantet) U-shaped profiles), which interact with the flat material or are joined to the structure via the flat material sections. It is also possible to combine these two alternative designs along individual modules or to combine these two alternative designs for individual modules along the entire travel device. This variant possibility also relates in particular to the Figure 4B , 5B The designs or embodiments shown in FIG.

[0123] exist Figure 6 , 7 1 , it can be seen how the side support unit 44 can be connected to the reference recess 17 . 3 by means of a (plug-in) connection unit 46. In this case, the reference recess 17 . 3 or at least one of them provides a reference position for other mounting points, for example for a guide rail, with high precision, wherein their relative position can be predetermined relatively simply and precisely, for example by a given spacing d17. The side support unit 44 or a corresponding connection means 46 is inserted laterally from the outside into the side wall flat material section and in this process the side support unit 44 rests against the side wall unit 17.

[0124] Depend on Figure 7It is clear that the reference point is preferably arranged in the middle height section 15.1 which can be provided with minimal tolerances; in this case, the upper height section 15a and the lower height section 15b of the support structure can be less stringent in terms of the accuracy to be achieved. Preferably, reference is made to this middle height section 15.1 during relative and / or absolute positioning and also during the arrangement of other mounting points by introducing at least one, preferably at least two structurally load-bearing (preferably laser-cut or water-jet-cut) reference notches there. By inserting the corresponding lateral support units into the two reference notches, the corresponding module can be supported and oriented more stably or more precisely.

[0125] exist Figure 8 An arrangement is shown in which a head module 11a, which is already equipped with mounting components, is arranged adjacent to an adjacent middle module 11c with its tilted section 11.3 in an at least approximately horizontal orientation; both modules are supported on the ground in the reference notch described here by corresponding side support units 44 and support and movement devices 40a, 40b.

[0126] exist Fig. 9 1 shows the individual modules 11a, 11b, 11c, 11c' of the travel device 10 at a stage of the assembly process, wherein adjacent docking planes to be connected to each other are already oriented parallel to each other, in such a way that in particular the head modules 11a, 11b are arranged around a reference axis Y17 (Y17) provided integrally by the side wall units of the individual modules and supported on the support and movement devices 40a, 40b. Figure 5C ) tilting, optionally using a lifting / tilting mechanism 41, which can be activated or operated, for example, by means of a tilting device 42 provided on a corresponding support and movement device. Optionally, a lift can also be provided, depending on the configuration of the machine shop. However, it is advantageous that handling can be ensured by one or more tilting devices 42 described here even without a crane or a load shifting tool arranged above the module; this also increases the variability / flexibility, and also the working safety, thus also reducing the safety requirements imposed on the process.

[0127] exist Fig.10Among them, seven steps of the process for constructing the traveling device described herein are explained by way of example, wherein the present invention is mainly based on steps S1, S4, S5, and S6. First, material processing is performed (step S1), which includes, in particular, using laser cutting or water jet cutting to process material notches, especially on the main sections of the corresponding sidewalls (units). Here, the reference notches described herein are introduced into each sidewall section. Then, a material-mating connection is made, in particular, to the flat material section (step S2). Subsequently, at least the most important load-bearing structural components (sidewall units or at least sidewalls and crossbars) can already be assembled in a module-specific manner (step S3). Subsequently, a plurality of modules are preferably arranged and oriented (or relatively positioned) (step S4) such that these modules can be held in the selected relative arrangement during the subsequent construction process. In particular, the intermediate module and the corresponding platform section are held in an accurately horizontal orientation. Here, each module is supported, in particular, by means of the sidewall units described herein and the corresponding coupling tools in the reference notches. Now, first, module-specific processing and module-specific assembly can be performed on, for example, mounting components (step S5); in particular, the drive components and guide rails are assembled. Then, a plurality of modules can be preferably connected in a form-fitting / force-fitting manner (step S6) to form the load-bearing structure of the entire traveling device, wherein the head module preferably makes a tipping movement only around one / the corresponding reference axis so that the docking plane of the corresponding module is oriented, in particular, in at least an approximately vertical connection plane. Here, the form-fitting / force-fitting connection can be achieved, in particular, by means of sheet metal connection devices that have optionally been pre-assembled in the regions of the respective upper / lower chords. Then, the traveling device is perfected, for example, by additional assembly measures (step S7), such as those related to railings, or by perfecting the drive components or handrail components of the cycle, or by installing steps.

[0128] Steps S4 to S6 are preferably carried out on the same assembly line, where the order of the individual modules remains unchanged and they are oriented in alignment in the longitudinal direction of the assembly line. When orienting, supporting, and positioning, reference is made to the reference notches integrally provided in the load-bearing structures specifically provided for each module.

[0129] Regarding step S6, this step or process can be divided into the following steps. Here, taking the final assembly of the load-bearing structure without using a pit as an example, these steps are elaborated in detail: step S6.1 (optionally: install the adapter plate), step S6.2 (arrange / tilt the lower head module), step S6.3 (optionally: insert / place the lower head module in the adapter plate), step S6.4 (connect / join the lower head module with the adjacent middle module), step S6.5 (arrange / tilt the lower head module with the middle module), step S6.6 (arrange / tilt the upper head module in a manner that aligns its skewed section with the longitudinal extension of the middle module), step S6.7 (optionally: insert / place the upper head module in the adapter plate of the middle module, or vice versa), step S6.8 (connect / join the upper head module with the middle module).

[0130] In the case where a pit can / should be used, the corresponding steps, in particular those regarding the orientation of the intermediate module and the height position of the head module, can be changed accordingly; advantageously, only step S6.5 is adjusted in that the lower head module is arranged together with the intermediate module without tilting the lower head module and the intermediate module, since the upper head module can be arranged in such a way that its tilted section is aligned with the intermediate module (in particular strictly horizontally) without having to adjust the orientation of the intermediate module; here, it is also not necessary to significantly change the height position of the upper head module.

[0131] exist Figures 11A to 11E The various stages of step S6 are shown in FIG. 1 ; first, according to sub-step S6.1, the adapter plate is particularly mounted on at least two reference notches on the intermediate module 11c; then according to the Fig.11A , 11B According to sub-step S6.2, the lower head module 11b is arranged / tilted until its deflected section is in a horizontal orientation; then (optionally) according to sub-step S6.3, the lower head module is inserted / placed into the adapter plate on the middle module 11c, or conversely, this sub-step is optionally performed without using an adapter plate; then according to sub-step S6.4, the lower head module 11b is connected / joined to the adjacent middle module 11c; then, according to Fig. 11C , 11D Sub-step S6.5, arrange / tilt the lower head module 11b together with the middle module 11c; then follow the Fig.11D Sub-step S6.6, the upper head module 11a is arranged / tilted in such a way that its deflected section is aligned with the longitudinal extension of the middle module 11c; then, according to Fig.11E Sub-step S6.7, inserting / placing the upper head module 11a into the adapter plate on the middle module 11c, which is assembled on the reference notch of the side wall unit of the middle module, or vice versa; then according to Fig.11E Sub-step S6.8, connecting / joining the upper head module 11a with the middle module 11c. It is worth mentioning that according to Fig.11D In the sub-step, an adapter plate can advantageously be used, which is designed so that a guide bolt mounted on the corresponding head module can be used as a mating connection part; thus, the assembly aids can be modified in a simple manner on the corresponding module in a situation-related or process-coordinated manner, depending on whether it is necessary or advantageous (here, for example, depending on whether a pit can / should be used), without expensive assembly aids.

[0132] exist Figures 12A to 12F An advantageous design of the support and movement devices 40a, 40b is described in . The tree crossbars 51 are placed on the support devices 57, which are positioned on one / the corresponding positioning unit 50 by means of mounting angle pieces 55. The respective tree crossbars 51 can advantageously be formed by angle profiles 51.1 (L-shaped or U-shaped profiles), especially in the design as a welded structure. On the upper side (support device) of the individual tree crossbars 51, structurally reinforced flat irons 51.3 or similar load-absorbing means (e.g. welded 8 mm flat irons) can be provided.

[0133] For example, the tree-like cross-frames 51 provided for each upper head module are formed by L-angle pieces made of 8 mm steel sheet by laser cutting or water jet cutting, and the L-angle pieces are welded to each other. This design is also advantageous in particular in conjunction with the requirement that the upper head module, due to the downwardly directed angle (bending point), should be arranged higher above the corresponding positioning unit 50 than the corresponding lower head module and the middle module. For the latter, the corresponding tree-like cross-frames can also advantageously (optionally) be formed by U-shaped profiles, in particular by 8 mm steel sheet by laser cutting or water jet cutting.

[0134] The respective tree cross-members rest loosely on the respective support devices 57 , for example without additional fixing; the respective mounting angles 55 are connected to the support devices, for example screwed, and secure the tree cross-members against sliding / displacing.

[0135] The corresponding side support unit 44 can also be manufactured as an L-angle piece made of, for example, 8 mm sheet material by laser cutting or water jet cutting, and connected to the tree-shaped cross frame, especially screwed. Here, the through bolts 46 described elsewhere prevent the relative displacement of the corresponding modules, and the through bolts act in the respectively corresponding reference notches 17.3 of each module.

[0136] The components of the individual positioning units 50 described here can advantageously be provided at low construction costs, in particular if they are all produced from, for example, 8 mm steel sheets; in this regard, a minimum equipment outlay can also be ensured.

[0137] exist Fig.13A , 13B , 13C shows in detail the application of one or more adapter plates 60; each adapter plate 60 is fixed to two reference notches of each side wall of the corresponding module by means of paired connection points, so that the guide 61 converging / tapering along the longitudinal direction of the module is guided to one / the desired coupling point 65a defined by the end position of the guide; the end position (the rated position of the corresponding reference notch of the adjacent module or the reference bolt installed thereon) is represented here by a dotted circle ( Fig. 13C ). These adapter plates 60 can be used for the desired axial positioning; optionally, the corresponding reference bolts can also have a shoulder or a similar reference edge, by means of which a positioning reference in the transverse direction can also be provided, in particular relative to the inner or outer side of the adapter plate.

[0138] In particular, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this description, it can be seen that the concept according to the invention is also clear in the entire context of manufacturing a travel device (in particular an escalator), wherein it can be clearly seen in what way an advantageous symbiosis consisting of process characteristics and structural features can be achieved, in particular throughout the entire construction and assembly process, namely, starting from the material processing phase of the individual longitudinal segments or modules (in particular laser cutting or water jet cutting on the one hand, and welding on the other hand), through subsequent assembly / assembly phases (in particular involving module-specific mounting parts), to the final phase of connecting / joining the modules to form the entire load-bearing structure over the entire longitudinal extension of the travel device.

[0139] Description of Reference Numerals

[0140] 1 Floor, ground, base, machine shop floor plane, etc.

[0141] 3Escalators with standard structures

[0142] 10 Travel devices, especially automatic / rolling escalator devices

[0143] 11 longitudinal section modules

[0144] 11a Head module, especially the upper head module

[0145] 11b head module, especially the lower head module

[0146] 11.1 Platform section, or landing section, or first longitudinal section, or end section (set

[0147] for horizontal orientation)

[0148] 11.11 Support points

[0149] 11.1a Free end of platform section

[0150] 11.2 Transition area from flat section to deflected section

[0151] 11.3 (Set to be obliquely oriented) deflection section, or second longitudinal section

[0152] 11c Longitudinal segment module, ie (at least one) intermediate module, in particular without bends

[0153] Linear modules

[0154] 11c' Another intermediate module, the other intermediate module (for a specified tilted orientation)

[0155] Should be connected with one / the intermediate module

[0156] 11.4 Terminal Side

[0157] 12 Railings

[0158] 13 Armrests

[0159] 14 Bottom unit

[0160] 15 The supporting structure of the corresponding module or longitudinal section (especially having at least partially arranged

[0161] Truss configuration)

[0162] 15.1 (Intermediate) height section with minimized tolerances of the load-bearing structure or side walls

[0163] 15a, 15b upper and lower height sections of the load-bearing structure

[0164] 15.3 Structural Sections

[0165] 16 load-bearing structural units

[0166] 16.1 Transverse elements, load-bearing elements (e.g. beams), in particular with a hollow cross section

[0167] 16.1a Profiles (sections) with a hollow cross section, in particular plate profiles, such as tetrahedral

[0168] Edge profile (section)

[0169] 16.2 Cutout (free space) in the area of ​​a / the connection interface / plane

[0170] 17 Side wall unit, in particular having at least one curved profile section

[0171] 17a, 17b side wall

[0172] 17.1 Reference points in the side walls

[0173] 17.3 Reference notch (especially for laser cutting or water jet cutting)

[0174] 17.5 Mounting / fixing point for at least one other component

[0175] 17.7 Upper belt and upper string section

[0176] 17.9 Lower belt and lower chord section

[0177] 18. The connection interface is particularly flat

[0178] 31 Metal plate connection devices, especially angle plate units or flat plate units

[0179] 37 Connecting tools, especially threaded or rivet connecting devices

[0180] 40 longitudinal section module connection component, or module connection process component

[0181] 40a, 40b (first, second) support and movement device (support device, assembly auxiliary device)

[0182] Tools)

[0183] 41 Lifting mechanism or tipping mechanism

[0184] 42 tilting device, which is used to turn one / the platform area of ​​the (upper or lower) head module

[0185] Segment movement / tilting / positioning into an inclined position

[0186] 43Wheels or rollers

[0187] 44 side support unit (assembly aid), which in particular has a given arrangement of couplings

[0188] contact

[0189] 45 Connection points on the side support unit

[0190] 46 Connecting unit, such as a plug-in connector

[0191] 50 Positioning unit (especially with guide or plug connection device on the oriented plate)

[0192] 51 Tree Frame

[0193] 51.1 Angle profiles, U-shaped profiles

[0194] 51.3 flat iron

[0195] 53 guide or (one or more) plug-in connection device

[0196] 55 Assembly angle fittings

[0197] 57 Support device

[0198] 60 adapter plate

[0199] 61 Converging / tapering guide

[0200] 65 Connection points on adapter plate

[0201] 65a Coupling point on the adapter plate defined by the end position on the guide

[0202] 100Assembly line (especially process / production line) for assembling modular components

[0203] Load-bearing structure of the feed device

[0204] 101 Orienteering devices, especially rails fixed to the ground

[0205] 101.1 Side stop (transversely to the longitudinal extension direction of the corresponding module)

[0206] 110 cavity or assembly free space, which is located below the orientation / support plane of the middle module

[0207] free space below ground level

[0208] Horizontal position / orientation of the platform section of the Pxy head module

[0209] Pα Tilt position / orientation of the platform section of the head module

[0210] α The slope between the platform section and the deflection section

[0211] d17 Distance between reference point (in side wall plane) and assembly point

[0212] E1 Floor plane, e.g. machine / assembly room plane

[0213] E11 docking plane

[0214] E16 crossbar plane

[0215] E18 Connection plane defined by the connection interface of the connected modules

[0216] E30 Connection plane defined by module connection process components

[0217] The positioning / support height plane of the Exy intermediate module is particularly horizontal

[0218] S1 Material processing, which includes processing material recesses

[0219] S2 Material matching, especially welding

[0220] Module-specific assembly of S3 load-bearing structural components

[0221] S4 Arrangement and orientation of multiple modules (relative positioning)

[0222] S5 Module-specific processing and assembly of components, e.g.

[0223] S6 connects multiple modules to form the entire load-bearing structure

[0224] S6.1 Install the adapter plate in each of the two reference notches

[0225] S6.2 Arrange / tilt the lower head module until the deflected section is in a horizontal orientation

[0226] S6.3 Optionally: Insert / place the lower head module into the adapter plate on the middle module

[0227] or vice versa

[0228] S6.4 Connect / join the lower head module to the adjacent middle module

[0229] S6.5 Arrange / tilt the lower head module together with the middle module

[0230] S6.6 Align the upper head module with its deflected section relative to the longitudinal extension of the middle module.

[0231] Arrange in a straight line / tilt

[0232] S6.7 Insert / place the upper head module into the adapter plate on the middle module, or

[0233] opposite

[0234] S6.8 Connect / join the upper head module to the middle module

[0235] Improvement of the S7 travel system, e.g. by further assembly measures

[0236] X100 given assembly axis / direction (axial orientation of assembly line)

[0237] Y17 Loadable reference axis of the structure, especially for tilting movements

[0238] x, y, z horizontal longitudinal direction, transverse direction, vertical direction

Claims

1. A travelling device (10) having at least three longitudinal sections (11), the at least three longitudinal sections consisting of two head sections (11a, 11b) and at least one middle section (11c), the head sections each having a first and a second head longitudinal section (11.1, 11.3), in, Each longitudinal segment has a supporting structure (15) including a side wall unit (17), wherein at least one structurally load-bearing reference point (17.1) for bearing forces caused at least by the deadweight of the traveling device is arranged in the side walls (17a, 17b) of each side wall unit (17), with the help of which each longitudinal segment or a traveling device assembled from a plurality of longitudinal segments can be positioned in a predeterminable manner, in particular relative to another longitudinal segment or at a predeterminable tilting angle relative to the ground or relative to a side stop (101.1); wherein, with the help of the side wall unit (17) and the reference point (17.1) arranged therein, a longitudinal segment-specific positioning reference is provided in an integrated manner for each longitudinal segment, and with reference to the positioning reference, another component or assembly or another longitudinal segment can be positioned in a predeterminable manner.

2. The traveling device according to claim 1, in, At least one further component on each side wall unit (17) is fixed in an assembly or fixing position referenced to at least one of the reference points (17.1) and, in this position, is supported on the supporting structure (15) via the corresponding side wall unit (17), the further component being, for example, at least one of the following components: a drive unit, a handrail, a guide rail.

3. A travelling device according to any one of the preceding device claims, in, At least one mounting point is arranged on each side wall unit (17), which is positioned with reference to a corresponding reference point and is used to fix at least one of the following components: a drive unit, a handrail, a guide rail.

4. A travelling device according to any one of the preceding device claims, in, At least one fixed axis positioned with reference to a corresponding reference point is introduced on each side wall unit (17) and is used to connect further longitudinal segments, in particular to connect two longitudinal segment modules of a modularly constructed travel device (10), which comprises at least three longitudinal segment modules (11a, 11b, 11c).

5. A travelling device according to any one of the preceding device claims, in, The respective reference point (17.1) is arranged in a predetermined manner by introducing a recess (17.3) in one / the side wall (17a, 17b) of the respective side wall unit (17).

6. A travelling device according to any one of the preceding device claims, in, Each reference point is defined by a preferably laser-cut or water jet-cut notch ( 17 . 3 ), in particular a circular notch.

7. A travelling device according to any one of the preceding device claims, in, At least two or three reference points (17.1) are provided for each side wall unit (17) on at least one longitudinal section (11), in particular in an arrangement which, on the one hand, is provided for supporting the longitudinal section on the ground via the reference points and the side support units which can be connected thereto, and, on the other hand, is also provided for supporting the longitudinal section via a reference axis (Y17) formed by the reference points in the opposite side wall units so that the longitudinal section can be tilted around the reference axis.

8. A travelling device according to any one of the preceding device claims, in, At least one of the reference points (17.1) is provided module-specifically by a reference notch (17.3), which is arranged in a height section (15.1) with the smallest tolerance of the supporting structure (15) or the corresponding side wall (unit) (17, 17a, 17b), in particular in the middle height section, in particular above one / the lower chord, preferably at least approximately at the height of the step return, that is, below the crossbar plane (E16) of the travel device.

9. A travelling device according to any one of the preceding device claims, in, At least one of the reference points (17.1) is provided module-specifically by a reference notch (17.3), which is designed geometrically corresponding to a pin or a coupling pin (46) of a lateral support unit (44) in order to provide a coupling device for supporting the corresponding longitudinal segment module on the lateral support unit (44), in particular for a tilting movement about the reference notch (17.3).

10. A travelling device according to any one of the preceding device claims, in, The reference point (17.1) arranged in the respective head module differs in relative position and function from the reference point arranged in at least one intermediate module (11c), in particular because only the reference point of the head module provides at least one reference axis (Y17) which is configured and arranged to provide a tilting axis.

11. A method for assembling a travelling device (10) consisting of at least three longitudinal sections (11; 11a, 11b, 11c), the at least three longitudinal sections comprising two head sections (11a, 11b) and at least one middle section (11c), the head sections each having a first and a second head longitudinal section (11.1, 11.3), in, Each longitudinal segment (11) has a supporting structure (15) including a side wall unit (17), wherein at least one structurally load-bearing reference point (17.1) for withstanding forces caused at least by the deadweight of the travel device is arranged in the side walls (17a, 17b) of each side wall unit (17), with the help of which each longitudinal segment or a travel device (10) assembled from a plurality of longitudinal segments is positioned, i.e., relative to another longitudinal segment or at a predeterminable tilting angle relative to the ground or relative to a side stop (101.1); wherein, with the help of the side wall unit (17) and the reference point (17.1) arranged therein, an integrated, longitudinal segment-specific position reference is provided for each longitudinal segment, with the help of which other components or assemblies or other longitudinal segments are positioned.

12. The method according to claim 11, in, At least one further component is fixed to the corresponding side wall unit (17) at at least one mounting point and is thereby supported on the supporting structure (15), the position of the at least one mounting point being referenced relative to at least one of the reference points (17.1), the further component being, for example, at least one of the following components: drive unit, handrail, guide rail.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, in, The individual longitudinal segments (11) or the entire travelling device (10) are supported relative to the ground / substrate in a reference point (17.1) during a single assembly / mounting step, in particular by means of a lateral support unit (44) that can be coupled to the reference point.

14. The method according to any one of method claims 11 to 13, in, The respective longitudinal section (11) is connected at a reference point (17.1) via at least two connecting bolts (46) to at least one suspension or support unit, in particular to two side support units (44) on both sides at opposite side wall units (17); And / or wherein the positioning with reference to the reference point (17.1) is carried out not only for the manufacture of the supporting structure (15) of each longitudinal segment (module), but also for the manufacture of the entire travel device (10), in particular for the connection / joining of the individual longitudinal segments / longitudinal segment modules (11; 11a, 11b, 11c) to each other.

15. The method according to any one of method claims 11 to 14, in, The individual longitudinal segments (11) are each provided as an individual longitudinal segment module (11a, 11b, 11c), wherein the individual longitudinal segment modules are positioned not only individually but also relative to one another by means of a reference point (17.1) or at least with reference to the reference point.

16. The method according to any one of method claims 11 to 15, in, In order to connect / join paired longitudinal segments / longitudinal segment modules (11; 11a, 11b, 11c), at least one longitudinal segment is tilted about a reference axis (Y17) formed by its supporting structure (15) in opposite side wall units (17), in particular at an inclination angle (α) that is structurally predetermined by the supporting structure of the travel device.

17. The method according to any one of method claims 11 to 16, in, The reference positioning of the two supporting structures (15) of the two longitudinal section modules (11a, 11b, 11c) relative to each other is achieved with the help of a reference point (17.1) in order to install a form-fitting / force-fitting connecting tool, which is preferably fixed to the two supporting structures (15) in an overlapping arrangement with the help of a metal sheet connecting device (31).

18. A use of a laser-cut or water jet-cut material notch (17.3) in a side wall (17a, 17b) of a side wall unit (17) of a load-bearing structure (15) of a traveling device (10), the material notch being used to define and provide a structurally loadable reference point (17.1), the reference point being used to withstand forces generated at least by the deadweight of the traveling device, so as to provide a position reference when handling at least the load-bearing structure (15) during assembly of the traveling device (10), the traveling device (10) being used to define and provide a structurally loadable reference point (17.1), the reference point being used to withstand forces generated at least by the deadweight of the traveling device, so as to provide a position reference when handling at least the load-bearing structure (15) during assembly of the traveling device (10), the traveling device (10) being used to define and provide a structurally load-bearing reference point (17.1), the reference point being used to withstand forces generated at least by the deadweight of the traveling device, the reference point being used to provide a structurally load-bearing reference point (17.1), ... 0) is composed of at least three longitudinal sections (11), the at least three longitudinal sections (11) comprising two head sections (11a, 11b) and at least one middle section (11c), the head sections each having a first and a second head longitudinal section (11.1, 11.3), i.e. the reference point is used to orient the respective support structure (15) spatially relative to the other longitudinal sections or at a predeterminable inclination angle relative to the ground or relative to a side stop (101.1) in a predetermined longitudinal direction of assembly; in, The position referencing is performed with reference to the material recess ( 17 . 3 ) in a longitudinal section-specific manner and optionally also with respect to other installed components, in particular according to the method of one of method claims 11 to 17 .

19. An application of an automated laser cutting device or water jet cutting device for providing, in a computer-implemented manner, a material notch (17.3) produced by laser cutting or water jet cutting in a side wall of a side wall unit (17) of a load-bearing structure (15) of a traveling device (10), the material notch being used to define and provide a structurally loadable reference point (17.1) for withstanding forces generated at least by the deadweight of the traveling device, the reference point being used for position reference when processing at least the load-bearing structure (15) during assembly of the traveling device (10), the traveling device (10) being composed of at least three longitudinal zones. The at least three longitudinal segments (11) include two head segments (11a, 11b) and at least one middle segment (11c), and the head segments respectively have a first and a second head longitudinal segment (11.1, 11.3), that is, they are related to the construction of each side wall (unit) (17) of the supporting structure (15) of the traveling device (10), or the construction of the longitudinal segment modules (11a, 11b, 11c) of the traveling device, in particular, for providing the side walls (17a, 17b) of the supporting structure (15) of the traveling device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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