Guardrail of escalator or moving sidewalk

Abstract

A guardrail (31) for protecting a user from falling from an escalator or moving walkway is disclosed. The guardrail (31) has a clamping profile (33) with a V-shaped groove (35), a guardrail panel (45), an L-shaped wedge insert (53) with a wedge leg (55) and a base leg (57), and a clamping wedge (59) with a wedge-shaped cross section. The wedge leg (55) of the wedge insert (53) has a wedge-shaped cross-section and is positioned between the first side surface (47) and the first groove surface (39) of the guardrail panel (45). The base leg (57) of the wedge insert (53) has a channel (58) and is positioned between the lower edge (51) of the guardrail panel (45) and the slot base (37). A clamping wedge (59) is positioned between the second side surface (49) of the guardrail panel (45) and the second slot surface (41).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a balustrade for a transport installation, a method of installing a balustrade and a transport installation having such a balustrade, which serves as a fall protection for users. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the sense of this document, a transport installation is an escalator and a moving walk with a conveyor belt having a large number of steps or trays. The steps or trays form a transport surface for transporting users and / or other loads, such as hand luggage or shopping carts.

[0003] The balustrade is usually arranged to the side of the steps or trays of the transport installation. Below the balustrade is a support structure to which the balustrade is attached. The support structure is covered at the top by a cover assembly and in the lateral direction by a side panel. The cover assembly and the side panel are usually attached to the support structure by means of fasteners designed for this purpose.

[0004] For transport installations, building regulations and standards, such as EN-115, apply to the height of the balustrade (from its transport surface) or the height of the handrail arrangement. These building regulations aim to ensure the safe use of escalators or moving walks, which the operator or building owner must strictly adhere to.

[0005] Since the balustrade of a conventional transport installation only extends to the height of the handrail, there are certain risks associated with incorrect use. As a result, users sometimes "surf" on the handrail or deliberately jump over the balustrade, or users are inadvertently pushed onto the balustrade. This happens, for example, in football stadiums when delinquents jump off the transport installation or push other users off the transport installation.

[0006] This situation is dangerous for both the users of the transport installation and for people located below the transport installation, so it must be avoided at all costs.

[0007] For example, WO 2020 / 114846 A1 discloses a handrail for an escalator, wherein a first panel is arranged below the handrail and a second panel is arranged as an additional guardrail laterally offset from the handrail and protruding above the handrail. The disadvantage of this solution is that the installation of the panels in the installation profile can cause problems. In particular, its glass paper tends to be displaced when the panel is inserted and can be wrinkled and needs to be replaced in the process. Furthermore, the panel provides little damping at the clamping point, which can lead to an increased risk of breakage of the glass panel. Another problem is created by the mass of the guardrail and the forces acting on it due to the greater lever effect, which places additional stress on the handrail. In most cases, this requires a significant reinforcement, which increases its inherent mass and, overall, places additional loads on the support structure. Furthermore, the measures to reinforce the handrail of an existing transport device significantly increase the installation effort and can require extensive changes to the existing handrail panels. EP 3757052 A1 also discloses a guardrail that can be arranged laterally on the handrail of an escalator or moving walkway. SUMMARY

[0008] Against this background, it is the object of the present invention to provide an improved device for erecting the aforementioned guardrail. In particular, it is the object to create a guardrail that is easy and quick to install, visually appealing and serves as a fall protection. Furthermore, it should be possible to retrofit a transport device with this guardrail, regardless of whether the transport device has a so-called glass handrail (common for department store escalators) or a metal plate handrail (common for moving walks in train stations).

[0009] The object is achieved by a guardrail that protects users from falling from a transport device configured as an escalator or moving walkway. The guardrail is configured to be installed on the transport device next to a circulating movable handrail on a handrail of the transport device, wherein in the installed state, the barrier extends parallel to the handrail and protrudes at a height over the handrail or the handrail. The guardrail has a clamping profile, which has a V-shaped groove extending into the clamping profile in its longitudinal direction, wherein the V-shaped groove is bounded by a groove base and two groove surfaces, and the groove surfaces are arranged at an opening angle to each other from the groove base towards a groove opening. The clamping profile can be made of an extruded or pressed profile bar. The clamping profile can be made of an aluminum extruded profile or an extruded plastic profile. The end of the clamping profile can be covered with an end cap, for example.

[0010] Furthermore, the railing has a handrail panel with two parallel side surfaces, and the handrail panel is arranged in a V-groove in the area of ​​its lower edge. The handrail panel may also be composed of multiple parts and include multiple panel segments. Another component of the railing is an L-shaped wedge insert with wedge-shaped legs and a base leg. The wedge-shaped legs have a wedge-shaped cross-section and are arranged between the first side surface of the handrail panel and the surface of the first groove. The base leg is arranged between the lower edge of the handrail panel and the base of the groove.

[0011] Furthermore, the guardrail has clamping wedges with a wedge-shaped cross-section, arranged between the second side surface of the guardrail panel and the second groove surface. In this case, the wedge inserts and clamping wedges do not need to extend continuously in the V-groove, or their lengths do not need to match the length of the guardrail panel.

[0012] Due to cost, manufacturing, and installation considerations, the wedge inserts and clamping wedges are constructed to be significantly shorter than the handrail panels, allowing them to be used in the curved sections of the clamping profile without bending in the longitudinal extension of the profile. Preferably, the wedge inserts and clamping wedges are arranged opposite each other within V-grooves and are not offset from each other in the longitudinal direction to avoid additional bending moments on the handrail panels due to the clamping force generated by the pushed-in clamping wedges. Each handrail panel can be provided with multiple wedge inserts and clamping wedges, thereby providing a distance greater than the length of the wedge insert or clamping wedge between two pairs of wedge inserts / clamping wedges.

[0013] The L-shaped wedge insert provides a component that is dimensionally stable enough to withstand the forces on the handrail panel when inserted into the V-groove. Furthermore, the wedge insert precisely positions the handrail panel within the V-groove, allowing multiple handrail panels arranged adjacent to each other to be precisely positioned relative to one another effortlessly. Moreover, the wedge insert, preferably made of polymeric materials such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), etc., provides excellent shock absorption, significantly reducing the risk of handrail panel breakage, and thus allowing its thickness to remain relatively low.

[0014] In one embodiment of the guardrail, the V-shaped groove on the first groove surface provided for the wedge-shaped insert has a protrusion that narrows the groove opening. This protrusion, together with the groove base and the first groove surface, forms a lateral recess into which the wedge-shaped legs of the wedge-shaped insert can be placed. During the installation and removal of the guardrail panel, the protrusion secures the wedge-shaped insert within the V-shaped groove, holding it in a predetermined position within the groove. This further significantly simplifies the installation process and allows even inexperienced installers to perform the installation.

[0015] In another embodiment of the guardrail, an elastic element is arranged on the wedge-shaped legs of the wedge-shaped insert. When the wedge-shaped insert is inserted into the V-groove, the elastic element clamps the wedge-shaped legs of the wedge-shaped insert between the protrusion and the base of the groove. Therefore, the elastic element better secures the wedge-shaped insert within the V-groove, particularly in preventing displacement along its longitudinal direction. This is especially advantageous on the inclined sections of escalators, preventing the wedge-shaped insert from sliding "downhill".

[0016] To further enhance the adhesion of the elastic element, in another embodiment of the guardrail, the elastic element may have ribs on one surface. When the wedge insert is inserted, the ribs abut against the protrusion, resulting in greater static friction between the elastic element and the protrusion. This greater static friction holds the wedge insert in place.

[0017] In another embodiment of the railing, the railing panel is made of a transparent material. This could be monolithic safety glass, laminated safety glass, PMMA board, polycarbonate board, etc. The railing panel can also be made of opaque materials, such as wood, composite materials, metal, or opaque polymer materials.

[0018] In another embodiment of the guardrail, the clamping wedge has an ejector nose. Installers can attach a removal tool to it to remove the clamping wedge from the V-groove. This greatly simplifies the replacement of damaged or unsightly guardrail panels. If necessary, the clamping wedge may have ejector noses at both ends, allowing two tools to be applied to both ends of the clamping wedge simultaneously, and the clamping wedge can be pulled out of the V-groove.

[0019] In another embodiment of the guardrail, fastening structures for the resilient sealing profiles are formed on both sides of the opening of the V-groove. The sealing profiles arranged on both sides prevent dirt and water from penetrating the V-groove and provide an aesthetically pleasing transition from the clamping profiles to the guardrail panel.

[0020] In another embodiment of the guardrail, a T-slot is formed on the side of the clamping profile opposite to the V-groove, and this T-slot is configured to receive a fastening element. This allows the clamping profile to be attached to a suitable structural component of the conveying device, or to the conveying device via an adapter component. Furthermore, the clamping profiles, divided into multiple sections, can be securely connected to each other at their end faces via connecting tongues inserted into the T-slots.

[0021] In another embodiment of the guardrail, the guardrail has a support member with a foot attachment area at one end and a head attachment area at the other end. The head attachment area is connected to a clamping profile by a fastening device arranged in a T-slot of the clamping profile. The T-slot along the longitudinal direction of the clamping profile allows for free selection of the position of the support member on the clamping profile. The foot attachment area is configured to attach to a support structure of the transport device, such as its supporting structure.

[0022] In one possible embodiment of the support, a telescopic device is arranged between the head attachment area and the foot attachment area. This allows for a fixedly adjustable distance between the head attachment area and the foot attachment area.

[0023] In another embodiment of the guardrail, the guardrail has a connecting element. This connecting element is connected at one end to a clamping profile or support, and at the other end, the connecting element is configured to attach to a handrail guide profile of the transport device. Through this connection between the handrail and the guardrail, the handrail and the guardrail are supported orthogonally to each other in the longitudinal direction of the clamping profile, thereby allowing the handrail and guardrail to be configured and manufactured with reduced material thickness.

[0024] The thickness of the handrail panel to be installed may vary depending on the contract, depending on different standards or customer-specific requirements. However, clamping wedges and wedge inserts are often required in large quantities, which is why it is preferable to use wedge insert sets with wedge legs of varying thicknesses and / or clamping wedge sets with clamping wedges of varying thicknesses. Then, wedge inserts or correspondingly matching clamping wedges that match the thickness of the handrail panel can be selected from the wedge insert sets and / or clamping wedge sets.

[0025] In another embodiment, the guardrail has an end panel. The end panel has a first panel area and a second panel area, the first panel area having a first lower edge and the second panel area having a second lower edge offset from the first lower edge. In this installed guardrail, the end panel is arranged such that its first lower edge is within a clamping profile and its second lower edge is disposed in a retaining element. The retaining element is configured to be attached to a floor area of ​​the transport device or a floor area of ​​the building housing the transport device.

[0026] Depending on their location within the building, transport devices constructed as escalators or moving walkways may be equipped with guardrails on one or both sides. Such transport devices typically have a circulating conveyor belt and handrails on both sides of the conveyor belt, the handrails having circulating, movable handrails. According to the invention, the guardrail is mounted on the transport device next to the circulating, movable handrails, wherein the guardrail is arranged on the side of the handrail facing away from the conveyor belt. In the installed state, the guardrail extends parallel to the handrails and protrudes in height beyond the handrails or their handrails.

[0027] The installation method for the guardrail includes at least the steps listed below. A wedge insert is placed in a V-groove such that the base leg of the wedge insert rests on the base of the V-groove. Then, the handrail panel or end panel is inserted into the V-groove such that its lower edge rests on the base leg of the wedge insert, and the wedge leg is positioned between the first groove surface of the V-groove and the first side surface of the handrail panel. Finally, a clamping wedge is positioned and pressed between the second side surface of the handrail panel and the second groove surface. Attached Figure Description

[0028] In the following description, preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings; in all the drawings, the same elements have the same reference numerals. Neither the drawings nor the description should be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of a transportation device constructed as an escalator is shown, which has glass handrails and two transversely arranged guardrails to protect users from falling.

[0030] Figure 2 It shows crossing Figure 1 An enlarged view of the cross-section of the clamping profile of the guardrail shown;

[0031] Figure 3 It shows crossing Figure 1 The cross-section of the entire guardrail and glass railing of the transport device shown;

[0032] Figure 4 An enlarged view of a partial cross-section of the box-shaped handrail passing through the transport device and the guardrail attached to the handrail is shown;

[0033] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 The guardrail shown is a set of wedge-shaped inserts;

[0034] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 A set of clamping wedges in the guardrail shown;

[0035] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 The diagram shows a three-dimensional schematic of the support structure of the escalator and one of the glass handrails with laterally arranged guardrails, the handrail having end panels; and

[0036] Figure 8 Possible installation methods for the guardrail according to the present invention are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Figure 1A three-dimensional view of a transport device 1 configured as an escalator is shown, as if the escalator were installed in building 3 (shown in dashed lines). The transport device 1 has a circulating, movable conveyor belt 5 with steps 7. Two handrails 9 with glass panels 11 extend along each side of the conveyor belt 5. Transport devices 1 with such glass handrails are used, for example, in department stores and shopping malls. A handrail guide profile 13 with circulating, movable handrails 15 (see...) Figure 3 The handrails 15 are arranged at the edge of each handrail 9. The handrails 15 move synchronously with the conveyor belt 5. The height H of the handrail 9 is... B The handrail 15 is adapted so that it can be comfortably gripped by adults of average height, but is also easily accessible to smaller children. For example, EN-115 specifies the handrail height H according to the location of use. B The height ranges from 900cm to 1100cm.

[0038] Since there are no walls on either side of the transport device 1, a user could fall off the handrail and tumble from the side of the transport device 1 during the aforementioned improper use. To prevent this, guardrails 31 are installed on both sides of the handrail 15 on the transport device 1. Figure 1 As shown, the guardrail 31 extends parallel to the balustrade 9 and at a height H A The height H of the railing exceeds 9. B Or handrail 15. In order to enable the user to hold the handrail 15, the guardrail 31 is arranged on the side of the handrail 15 away from the conveyor belt 5.

[0039] Figure 2 Schematic illustration of crossing Figure 1 The enlarged cross-section of the supporting guardrail 31 is shown. The guardrail 31 has a clamping profile 33 having a longitudinal direction L along the clamping profile 33 (see...). Figure 1 A V-shaped groove 35 extends therein. The V-shaped groove 35 is defined by a groove base 37 and two groove surfaces 39, 41. In this case, the groove surfaces 39, 41 are arranged to extend from the groove base 37 to the groove opening 43, opening at an angle to each other. In other words, the width of the V-shaped groove 35 increases toward the groove opening 43. The clamping profile 33 can be made, for example, of an extruded aluminum profile, and its ends can be covered, for example, with end caps 147 (see...). Figure 1 and Figure 7 ).

[0040] The guardrail 31 also has a handrail panel 45, which has two parallel side surfaces 47, 49, and the handrail panel is arranged in a V-groove 35 in the area of ​​its lower edge 51. The handrail panel 45 can be made of a transparent material, such as monolithic safety glass, laminated safety glass, PMMA board, etc. The handrail panel 45 can also be made of an opaque material, such as wood, composite materials, metal, or opaque polymer materials. The handrail panel 45 can also be composed of multiple parts and include multiple panel segments 46 (see...). Figure 7 ).

[0041] Another component of the guardrail 31 is an L-shaped wedge-shaped insert 53 having wedge-shaped legs 55 and base legs 57. The wedge-shaped legs 55 have a wedge-shaped cross-section and are arranged between the first side surface 47 and the first groove surface 39 of the guardrail panel 45. The base legs 57 of the wedge-shaped insert 53 are arranged between the lower edge 51 of the guardrail panel 45 and the groove base 37.

[0042] To secure the wedge insert 53 and the handrail panel 45 within the clamping profile 33, the guardrail 31 has a clamping wedge 59 with a wedge-shaped cross-section, positioned between the second side surface 49 and the second groove surface 41 of the handrail panel 45. To ensure a secure and permanent clamping of the handrail panel 45 within the V-groove 35, the wedge angle α of the wedge leg 55 and the wedge angle β of the clamping wedge 59 must be less than the angle of the friction cone between the first groove surface 39 and the wedge leg 55, or between the second groove surface 41 and the clamping wedge 59. The angle of the friction cone is another way of describing the coefficient of friction between these components, depending on the surface roughness and the materials used for the clamping profile 33, the wedge insert 53, and the clamping wedge 59.

[0043] The V-groove 35 also has a protrusion 61 on the first groove surface 39 for the wedge-shaped insert 53, which narrows the groove opening 43. This protrusion 61 better retains the wedge-shaped insert 53 within the V-groove 35, preventing it from slipping when inserted into the handrail panel 45. To further improve this retention, an elastic element 63 can be arranged on the wedge-shaped legs 55 of the wedge-shaped insert 53, which clamps its wedge-shaped legs 55 between the protrusion 61 and the groove base 37 when the wedge-shaped insert 53 is inserted into the V-groove 35. Figure 5 In the middle, the elastic element 63 is more clearly visible.

[0044] To prevent the V-groove 35 from becoming filled with water and dirt, sealing profiles 65 and 67 made of an elastomeric material such as rubber or nitrile rubber are arranged at the groove openings 43 on both sides of the handrail panel 45. To allow the sealing profiles 65 and 67 to be installed, fastening structures 69 are formed on both sides of the groove openings 43 of the V-groove 35. The fastening structures 69 (shown as dovetail grooves) correspond to the responsive features on the sealing profiles 65 and 67. Figure 2The tongue and groove fastening structure 69 shown is only one of countless possible designs for fastening the sealing profiles 65, 67 in the groove opening 43, and therefore should not be construed as a simplification of this representation.

[0045] To allow the guardrail 31 to be attached to the transport device 1, a T-groove 71 is formed on the side of the clamping profile 33 opposite to the V-groove 35. A fastening device 73, such as a square or hexagonal screw head, can be arranged therein, wherein the position of the fastening device in the longitudinal direction L of the clamping profile 33 is freely selectable. This simple yet robust structure allows the clamping profile 33 to be attached, for example, to... Figure 1 and Figure 3 The support member 75 shown, or attached to, as Figure 4 The box-shaped handrail 91 shown.

[0046] Figure 3 It shows crossing Figure 1 The cross-section of the entire guardrail 31 and handrail 9 of the transport device 1 is shown. In addition to the clamping profile 33, handrail panel 45, wedge insert 53, and locking wedge 59, the guardrail 31 also has a support member 75 with a foot attachment area 77 at one end and a head attachment area 79 at the other end. The head attachment area 79 is connected to the clamping profile 33 via an attachment element 73 arranged in a T-slot 71 of the clamping profile 33. The foot attachment area 77 of the support member 75 is screwed onto the handrail clamp 103 of the transport device 1, and the handrail clamp 103 is attached to the support structure 101 of the transport device 1 (only its upper chord is shown). The support structure 101 is a load-bearing structure that receives all components of the transport device 1 and supports its mass and its own mass within the structure 3. The glass panel 11 of the handrail 9 is clamped in the clamping device 103 of the handrail clamp.

[0047] To enable mass production of the support 75 rather than for specific contracts, a telescopic device 81 is arranged between the head attachment area 79 and the foot attachment area 77. The telescopic device 81 is implemented using a two-piece support tube, wherein the two sections of the support tube are connected to each other by threads 83, allowing adjustment in the axial direction A. With the aid of the telescopic device 81, the distance X between the head attachment area 79 and the foot attachment area 77 can be fixedly adjusted, thereby compensating for manufacturing tolerances of the support structure 101 and adjusting the desired height H of the handrail panel 45. A .

[0048] The guardrail 31 also has a connecting element 85, which is connected at one end to the support 75. The other end of the connecting element 85 is attached to the handrail guide profile 13 of the transport device 1 mentioned above. This stabilizes the support 75 and the handrail 9 of the transport device 1 to resist forces acting on the handrail 9 and the guardrail 31 in the longitudinal direction L transverse to the guardrail 31.

[0049] Figure 4 An enlarged partial cross-section of a box-shaped handrail 91 passing through the transport device 1 and the guardrail 31 attached thereto is shown. The box-shaped handrail 91 has an internal metal structure 93 made of metal profiles covered by a panel 95. This type of box-shaped handrail 91, also known as a metal handrail, is commonly installed in frequently used transport devices 1 in public buildings (e.g., subway stations, train stations, and airports). Because the box-shaped handrail 91 already has high inherent stiffness and strength, the support member 75 can be omitted. Instead, the clamping profile 33 of the guardrail 31 is screwed onto a simple bracket 97, which is connected to the inner metal structure 93. An exemplary control panel 97 may be part of the guardrail 31 of the transport device 1 or part of the box-shaped handrail 91 of the transport device 1.

[0050] Figure 5 Shown in plan view and sectional view Figures 1 to 4 The guardrail 31 shown comprises a set of 111 wedge-shaped inserts 53, wherein all wedge-shaped inserts 53 in the set 111 have the same plan view. The set of wedge-shaped inserts 111 includes wedge-shaped inserts 53', 53'', 53''', and 53'''', whose wedge-shaped legs 55 have different thicknesses. The base legs 57 of all wedge-shaped inserts 53 in the set 111 are constructed identically. A wedge-shaped insert 53 that matches the thickness S of the guardrail panel 45 can be selected from the set 111 (see...). Figure 4 Preferably, the thickness S of the handrail panel 45 that matches the corresponding wedge-shaped support leg 55 is indicated on the wedge-shaped insert 53. The wedge-shaped insert 53 is preferably manufactured from a polymer material using an injection molding process, but it can also be manufactured using 3D printing. To save material, the wedge-shaped insert may have 53 recesses 113 and / or depressions 115.

[0051] At the two lateral ends of the wedge-shaped insert 53, leaf spring-like elastic elements 63 are arranged, their height protruding beyond the upper edge 87 of the wedge-shaped leg 55. When the wedge-shaped insert 53 is inserted into the V-groove 35 (see...), Figure 2Two elastic elements 63 bend downwards and are positioned below the protrusion 61. At this point, the elastic elements 63 clamp the wedge-shaped insert 53 between the protrusion 61 and the groove base 37 of the V-shaped groove 35. This is particularly advantageous in the inclined portion of the transport device 1, preventing the wedge-shaped insert 53 from sliding "downwards" before or during insertion of the handrail panel 45. Of course, the leaf spring-like design of the elastic element 63 is just one possible example among many other variations of the elastic element that can be used here. As shown, the elastic element can be integrally molded onto the wedge-shaped insert 53. Alternatively, the elastic element 61 can be designed as a separate component and mounted on the wedge-shaped insert 53.

[0052] To further enhance the adhesion of the elastic element 63, the elastic element has ribs 89 on its surface, which are configured to abut against the protrusion 61. When the wedge insert 53 is inserted, the ribs 89 abut against the protrusion 61 accordingly, resulting in greater static friction between the elastic element 63 and the protrusion 61, and the wedge insert is more firmly secured in the inserted position. It should also be noted that the arrangement of the elastic element 63 and the ribs 89 does not necessarily correspond to the illustrated design. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other portions of the wedge insert 53, such as the upper edge 87, may also be adapted to attach the elastic element 63 and / or the ribs 89 thereto.

[0053] Figure 6 It shows Figures 1 to 4 The guardrail shown has a clamping wedge assembly 121 with clamping wedges 59. The clamping wedges 59', 59'', 59''', and 59'''' in the clamping wedge assembly 121 have different thicknesses, similar to the wedge inserts 53', 53'', 53''', and 53'''' in the wedge insert assembly 111. Clamping wedges 59 that match the thickness S of the handrail panel 45 can also be selected from the clamping wedge assembly 121. Preferably, the corresponding thickness S of the handrail panel 45 is also shown here on the clamping wedge 59. Preferably, the clamping wedges 59 are also manufactured from polymer material using an injection molding method. To save material, the clamping wedges 59 may also have recesses 123 and / or depressions 127.

[0054] Ejector noses 125 are arranged at both ends of the clamping wedge 59, and a disassembly tool (not shown) can be placed on the ejector noses to release the clamping wedge 59 from the V-groove 35. Of course, there can be only one ejector nose 125. However, since the disassembly tool (not shown) can be placed on both sides, the symmetrical arrangement of two ejector noses 125 facilitates the ejection of the clamping wedge 59 from the V-groove 35.

[0055] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1The diagram shows a three-dimensional schematic of the support structure 101 of the transport device 1 and one of the handrails 9. A guardrail 31 is arranged on the side of the handrail 9 and has a handrail panel 45 composed of multiple panel segments 46 and a decorative panel 131. The handrail panel 45, divided into panel segments 46, may have panel connectors 145 to connect the individual panel segments 46 together. In this multi-part handrail panel 45, wedge inserts 53 and clamping wedges 59 are preferably arranged in clamping profiles 33 such that the wedge inserts 53 and clamping wedges 59 overlap with two adjacent panel segments 46.

[0056] according to Figure 7 The guardrail 31 is structurally similar to Figure 2 The guardrail 31 shown corresponds to the end panel 131 and the multi-part handrail panel 45. The end panel 131 has a first panel area 133 and a second panel area 137. The first panel area 133 has a first lower edge 135, and the second panel area 137 has a second lower edge 139 offset from the first lower edge 135. Due to this embodiment, the end panel 131 can be arranged such that its first lower edge 135 is within a clamping profile 33, and its second lower edge 139 can be arranged within a retaining element 141, which is attached to the floor area 143 of the transport device 1. The retaining element 141 can be a single clamping profile 33, also used for the first lower edge 135 and other panel sections 46 of the guardrail 31. The front of the clamping profile can also be covered with a cover 147.

[0057] Figure 8 A possible installation method for the guardrail 31 of the type described above according to the present invention is shown. In the first step S1 of the installation method, the clamping profile 33 is secured by a support 75, a connecting element 85, or a bracket 97 (see...). Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is securely connected to the transport device 1.

[0058] In another step S2, one or more wedge inserts 53 are inserted into the V-groove 35 such that the base leg 57 of the corresponding wedge insert 53 is located on the groove base 37 of the V-groove 35.

[0059] In another step S3, the first sealing profile 65 is attached above the wedge-shaped insert 53 or the wedge-shaped legs 55 of the plurality of wedge-shaped inserts 53 to the fastening structure 69 provided therefor. In another step S4, one or more handrail panels 45 and / or end panels 131 are inserted into the V-groove 35 such that their lower edges 51 are located on the base legs 57 of the wedge-shaped inserts 53, and the wedge-shaped legs 55 are arranged between the first groove surface 39 of the V-groove 35 and the first side surface 47 of the handrail panel 45.

[0060] In another step S5, one or more clamping wedges 59 are arranged and pressed between the second side surface 49 and the second groove surface 41 of the handrail panel 45. In the final step S6, a second sealing profile 67 is attached above the clamping wedges 59, or multiple clamping wedges 59 are attached to a fastening structure 69 provided for this purpose.

[0061] although Figure 1 and Figure 7 The diagram shows a transport device 1 clearly constructed as an escalator, but it is clear that the guardrail 31 and related methods can also be used for moving walkways.

[0062] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "having" or "comprising" do not exclude other elements or steps, and terms such as "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the exemplary embodiments described above may also be used in combination with other features or steps of the other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference numerals in the claims should not be considered limiting.

Claims

1. A guardrail (31) for protecting a user from falling from a transport device (1) configured as an escalator or moving walkway, the guardrail (31) being configured to be mounted on the transport device (1) alongside a circulating movable handrail (15) on the handrail (9) of the transport device (1), wherein, In the installed state, the guardrail (31) extends parallel to the handrail (15) and protrudes beyond the handrail (9) or the handrail (15) at a height, and wherein the guardrail (31) has: A clamping profile (33) having a V-groove (35) extending therein along the longitudinal direction (L) of the clamping profile (33), wherein the V-groove (35) is defined by a groove base (37) and two groove surfaces (39, 41), and the groove surfaces (39, 41) are arranged at an angle to each other from the groove base (37) toward the groove opening (43); The handrail panel (45) has two parallel side surfaces (47, 49) and a lower edge (51), and the handrail panel is arranged in the V-groove (35) in the area of ​​the lower edge (51) of the handrail panel. A clamping wedge (59) is provided, which is designed to have a wedge-shaped cross-section and is arranged between the second side surface (49) and the second groove surface (41) of the handrail panel (45). The guardrail (31) is characterized in that it further comprises: L-shaped wedge insert (53), the L-shaped wedge insert having wedge-shaped legs (55) and base legs (57), wherein the wedge-shaped legs (55) have a wedge-shaped cross section and are arranged between the first side surface (47) and the first groove surface (39) of the handrail panel (45), and the base legs (57) are arranged between the lower edge (51) of the handrail panel (45) and the groove base (37).

2. The guardrail (31) according to claim 1, wherein, The V-groove (35) has a protrusion (61) on the first groove surface (39) provided for the wedge insert (53) that narrows the groove opening (43).

3. The guardrail (31) according to claim 2, wherein, An elastic element (63) is arranged on the wedge-shaped leg (55) of the wedge-shaped insert (53). When the wedge-shaped insert (53) is inserted into the V-shaped groove (35), the elastic element clamps the wedge-shaped leg (55) of the wedge-shaped insert (53) between the protrusion (61) and the groove base (37).

4. The guardrail (31) according to claim 3, wherein, The elastic element (63) has a rib (89) on one surface, and wherein the rib (89) is configured to abut against the protrusion (61) when the wedge insert (53) is inserted.

5. The guardrail (31) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The clamping profile (33) is made of extruded profile bar, and an end cap (147) is disposed on at least one end face of the clamping profile.

6. The guardrail (31) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The clamping wedge (59) has an ejector nose (125) configured to allow a disassembly tool to be attached thereto in order to release the clamping wedge (59) from the V-groove (35).

7. The guardrail (31) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The fastening structure (69) for the elastic sealing profile (65) is formed on both sides of the groove opening (43) of the V-groove (35).

8. The guardrail (31) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, A T-groove (71) is formed on the side of the clamping profile (33) opposite to the V-groove (35), and the T-groove is configured to accommodate the fastening device (73).

9. The guardrail (31) according to claim 8, wherein, The guardrail has a support member (75) having a foot attachment area (77) at one end and a head attachment area (79) at the other end, wherein the head attachment area (79) is connected to the clamping profile (33) by means of a fastening device (73) arranged in the T-slot (71) of the clamping profile (33), and the foot attachment area (77) is configured to be attached to the support structure (101) of the transport device (1).

10. The guardrail (31) according to claim 9, wherein, A telescopic device (81) is arranged between the head attachment area (79) and the foot attachment area (77), and the distance (X) between the head attachment area (79) and the foot attachment area (77) can be fixedly adjusted by means of the telescopic device (81).

11. The guardrail (31) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The guardrail has a connecting element (85) which is connected at one end to the clamping profile (33) or the support (75) according to claim 9 or 10, and the connecting element (85) is configured to be attached at the other end to the handrail guide profile (13) of the transport device (1).

12. The guardrail (31) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The assembly includes a wedge-shaped insert group (111) and / or a clamping wedge group (121), wherein the wedge-shaped insert group has wedge-shaped inserts (53', 53'', 53''', 53''''), the wedge-shaped legs (55) of the wedge-shaped inserts have different thicknesses, and the clamping wedge group has clamping wedges (59', 59'', 59''', 59'''') of different thicknesses; wherein a wedge-shaped insert (53) matching the thickness (S) of the handrail panel (45) can be selected from the wedge-shaped insert group (111), and / or a clamping wedge (59) matching the thickness (S) of the handrail panel (45) can be selected from the clamping wedge group (121).

13. The guardrail (31) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The guardrail has an end panel (131), wherein the end panel (131) has a first panel area (133) and a second panel area (137), the first panel area having a first lower edge (135) and the second panel area having a second lower edge (139) offset from the first lower edge (135), wherein the end panel (131) is arranged such that its first lower edge (135) is in the clamping profile (33) and the second lower edge (139) is arranged in a retaining element (141), the retaining element (141) being configured to be attached to a floor area (143) of the transport device (1) or a floor area (143) of the building (3) that accommodates the transport device (1).

14. A transport device (1) configured as an escalator or moving walkway, said transport device having a circulating conveyor belt (5), characterized in that, At least one guardrail (31) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the guardrail (31) being mounted on the transport device (1) alongside a revolving movable handrail (15) on the handrail (9) of the transport device (1), wherein, in the installed state, the guardrail (31) extends parallel to the handrail (9) and at a height (H) A The guardrail (31) protrudes beyond the handrail (9) or the handrail (15), and the guardrail (31) is arranged on the side of the handrail (15) away from the conveyor belt (5).

15. A method for installing a guardrail (31) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The installation method includes at least the following steps: Insert the wedge-shaped insert (53) into the V-shaped groove (35) such that the base leg (57) of the wedge-shaped insert (53) rests on the groove base (37) of the V-shaped groove (35); Insert the handrail panel (45) and / or end panel (131) into the V-groove (35) such that the lower edges (51, 135) of the handrail panel (45) and / or end panel (131) are located on the base leg (57) of the wedge insert (53), and the wedge leg (55) is arranged between the first groove surface (39) of the V-groove (35) and the first side surface (47) of the handrail panel (45); and The clamping wedge (59) is arranged and pressed between the second side surface (49) and the second groove surface (41) of the handrail panel (45).

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