Escalator device with height limiting device acting on step rollers and use

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an escalator which has a plurality of individual step units mounted to be movable relative to each other, wherein the step units can be moved together along a displacement path by a motor, wherein each step unit has at least one step roller, wherein the respective step roller is mounted about a step roller axis and is guided over a rail or similar support structure. Background of the invention

[0002] Many escalators currently in operation pose a risk of individual steps shifting vertically, meaning they could lift themselves or be lifted by others. Particularly in areas where users or passengers walk across the steps, it is desirable that each step maintains a single, precise, predefined height in any given operating state. To date, no particularly effective and simple measures are known to prevent such unwanted upward or tilting movements of individual steps.While escalator products already exist on the market that aim to prevent vertical movement by limiting upward displacement at the step itself, particularly by means of hooks cast onto a base of the step or similar devices, this solution is considered suboptimal, for example, with regard to manufacturing effort. CN 106 744 226 A and CN 204 310 670 U disclose escalator devices according to the preamble of claim 1. Description of the invention

[0003] Starting from this situation, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device by means of which an upward or tilting movement of a respective step of escalators can be prevented in a particularly effective and simple manner, especially with the most cost-effective realization possible and with the most advantageous implementation of the measures envisaged / envisaged for this purpose also in terms of design.

[0004] The object of the invention is achieved by the features of the independent main claim and the dependent use claim. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. Where technically feasible, the teachings of the dependent claims can be combined arbitrarily with the teachings of the main and dependent claims.

[0005] In particular, the problem is solved by an escalator device with at least one motor-driven / driveable escalator, which has a plurality of individual step units mounted so as to be movable relative to one another, wherein the step units can be moved together along a displacement path by motor, in particular along a circumferential displacement path with forward and return movements, wherein each step unit has at least one roller, in particular at least one roller laterally on each side of the respective step unit, wherein the respective roller is mounted about a roller axis and is guided over a rail or similar support structure of the escalator, wherein the escalator device has a height limiting device which defines a height limit stop to prevent an upward vertical movement of the respective step unit.The height limiting device interacts with the respective step roller axle, and is arranged relative to the step roller axles in such a way that, when the respective step unit is arranged as intended, the step roller axles pass the height limiting device without contact and only come into contact with the height limiting device in the event of an (undesired, to be avoided) upward vertical movement of the step roller axle. This not only promotes a stable arrangement with a comparatively slim overall construction, but also enables material savings.

[0006] It has been shown that the measure according to the invention can be advantageously implemented in particular in the entire area of ​​the escalator used by users / passengers, especially along the entire route.

[0007] In other words, it is specifically intended that the respective step roller axis is implemented as a force transmission means to counteract an undesired upward vertical movement, in particular by having the respective step roller axis project laterally beyond the respective step roller (unit).

[0008] It has also been shown that material savings can be achieved, particularly by eliminating the need to cast or screw hooks onto the stair tread units. Furthermore, structural and strength-related advantages can be realized, especially by utilizing the stiffness of existing components such as the stair roller guide rail(s).

[0009] Advantageous aspects of the claimed invention are explained below, followed by a description of preferred modified embodiments of the invention. Explanations, particularly regarding advantages and definitions of features, are essentially descriptive and preferred examples, but not limiting ones. If an explanation is limiting, this will be expressly stated.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the respective step roller axis extends such that it projects beyond the corresponding step roller with a protruding section, i.e., it projects beyond the corresponding step roller or other components provided for its support. The height limitation device extends at least partially between a step of the stair unit, in particular a step base, and the step roller axis, thereby defining the height limitation stop in relation to the step roller axis. This arrangement also offers advantages in terms of design, particularly with regard to the simpler implementation of the height limitation measure.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the respective step roller axis extends inwards, towards a central area of ​​the respective stair tread unit, such that the respective step roller axis projects inwards beyond the corresponding step roller and protrudes inwards from the corresponding step roller or other components provided for its support, wherein the height limitation device extends at least partially between a stair tread of the stair tread unit and the step roller axis, thereby defining the height limitation stop. This arrangement also allows for particularly slim integration in a simple manner, for example, into existing systems.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the height limiting device has a section encompassing the free (especially inner) end of the respective step roller axle, in particular an L-shaped section encompassing the respective step roller axle, especially with the encompassing section in a contactless arrangement relative to the respective step roller axle (when the respective step unit is arranged as intended). This also allows for variations in position or adjustments for specific arrangements in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the height limiting device extends continuously along the displacement path, at least in the area of ​​the initial section of the displacement path, in particular by providing a guide rail section at least along the initial section of the displacement path, especially an L-shaped guide rail section in an overlapping arrangement above the respective step roller axis. This also allows the height limit to be implemented for any relative position along the displacement path. The height limiting device can be designed, at least partially or section by section, as an (additional) guide rail (or individual guide rail elements arranged in series), which, during intended use (i.e., without vertical movement), is mounted or arranged without contact relative to the step rollers and stair tread unit.This also facilitates application-specific implementation without significant additional effort.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the height limiting device is connected at points or at least partially over a surface to a rail for the step rollers, or to a support structure on which at least one (guide) rail for the step rollers is arranged. This also offers design advantages, particularly with regard to the utilization of available installation space. This type of fastening also allows for a comparatively slim and simple implementation in numerous different design variations.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the height limiting device is arranged relative to the stepped roller axes (or the stepped roller axes are arranged and / or aligned) such that the stepped roller axes reach a stop against the height limiting device once a predefined threshold of 2 mm, 3 mm, or 4 mm of upward vertical movement is reached. The maximum permissible or tolerated displacement tolerance in the vertical direction can also be specifically predefined, for example, depending on a longitudinal position along the displacement path.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the respective stepped roller axis is provided by means of a screw, in particular by means of a screw that fixes the corresponding stepped roller. This allows for a particularly simple implementation, whereby the forces arising from runout or mechanical contact can also be advantageously introduced / transmitted.

[0017] According to one embodiment, each step unit has at least one first roller and at least one second roller, in particular one laterally on each side of the respective step unit, wherein the first roller is arranged in a front (front-facing in the direction of movement) area of ​​the step unit, and the second roller is arranged in a rear (stern-facing in the direction of movement) area of ​​the step unit. The height limitation device is arranged such that a height limitation stop is provided for an upward vertical movement of at least the roller axis of the second (stern-facing) roller. Implementing this at least on the stern-facing roller provides good results with minimized technical effort in such escalators. Optionally, a height limitation can also be provided on the respective front-facing roller.

[0018] The aforementioned problem is also solved by using a height limiting device in an escalator device to limit a vertical movement of a respective step unit of the escalator device, in particular in an escalator device described above, wherein the height limiting device defines a height limiting stop to prevent an upward vertical movement of at least one step roller of the respective step unit, in particular for the purpose of limiting any (undesired, non-intended) vertical movement of the corresponding step roller to max.1 mm to 4 mm, by means of the height limiting device providing a encompassing section which encompasses one / the free end of one / the step roller axle of the respective step roller, in particular an L-shaped encompassing section in cross-section, especially with an L-profile rotated by 180° and upside down compared to the letter L. This provides, among other things, the advantages described above. Brief description of the drawings

[0019] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. The term "figure" is abbreviated as "Fig." in the drawings. The drawings show... Fig. 1 a schematic cutaway side view of the arrangement according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a detailed view of the arrangement according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 another schematic side view of the arrangement according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 another detailed view of the arrangement according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Detailed description of the implementation examples

[0020] The described embodiments are merely examples that can be modified and / or supplemented in various ways within the scope of the claims. Each feature described for a particular embodiment can be used independently or in combination with other features in any other embodiment. Each feature described for an embodiment of a particular claim category can also be used accordingly in an embodiment of a different claim category.

[0021] First, the invention is described with general reference to all reference numerals.

[0022] An escalator device 10 comprises at least one escalator 11 with a plurality of step units 12, each guided and supported on step rollers or step roller units 13, in particular laterally on both sides, for example with two step rollers (units) on each side of each step unit. The step rollers (units) 13 are guided via a rail or similar support structure (in particular a guide rail) 14, in particular laterally on both sides on one or two rails.

[0023] The present invention is based on the concept of extending the axis X13 of the respective step roller (unit) laterally in an arrangement projecting laterally from the step roller, so that a projecting axis section 13.1 is formed on the respective step roller, which has a free end 13.2.

[0024] The present invention is further based on the finding that a height limiting device 15 with a height limiting stop 15.1 can advantageously be implemented by guiding a encompassing section 15.2 around the free end 13.2 of the respective stepped roller axis X13. For this purpose, a guide rail section 15.3 with a comparatively large longitudinal extent (in the direction of displacement) can optionally be provided, or individual brackets can optionally be provided.

[0025] Between the height limit stop 15.1 defined by the encompassing section 15.2 and the free end 13.2, a height difference Δz is provided, namely between the intended height position of the step roller (axis) and the stop 15.1, whereby the height difference Δz can be a few millimeters depending on the design of the escalator and / or depending on the desired movement tolerance in the vertical direction, for example 1mm to 3mm.

[0026] The respective protruding extended stepped roller axis X13 can be realized, for example, by using the following components with an otherwise largely unchanged design of the respective stepped roller (unit): washer 13.3, nut 13.4, screw 13.5 ( Figure 2 ). It has been shown in such a construction that an extended screw 13.5 can particularly advantageously fulfill the function of a protruding extended stepped roller axle X13.

[0027] The escalator device may also include components known according to the prior art for driving and controlling the displacement in the direction of travel, in particular a motor, a control unit, actuators, sensors, and the like (not explicitly described in the figures).

[0028] Figure 1Figure 1 shows an extended stepped roller axis X13 with a protruding section 13.1 and a free end 13.2. The protruding section 13.1 is encompassed by the enclosing section 15.2 of a height limit stop, so that a stop is provided in the upward direction of movement.

[0029] In Fig. 1 Furthermore, another step roller is visible, which is arranged laterally and in the direction of travel offset from the step roller 13 described here (in particular in a front, bow-side area of ​​the step unit).

[0030] Figure 2Figure 1 shows an axis X13 provided by a screw 13.5. The screw can be secured with a nut 13.4, and a washer 13.3 can be provided to optimize force transmission. The axis X13 or the screw 13.5 sits in a base body of the respective stepped roller unit 13, on which a (ball / roller) bearing of the stepped roller can also be supported.

[0031] In Fig. 2 Furthermore, it is schematically illustrated that the (undesired) vertical movement of the stepped roller can be accommodated by providing a height difference Δz between the axis X13 and the stop 15.1, depending on the application.

[0032] The in Fig. 2 The view shown is a mirror image of the one in Fig. 1 as shown in the view. In other words: the implementation according to the invention can be provided on both sides of a respective stair step unit.

[0033] Figure 3 and Figure 4show a top view and a sectional view of the base body of the stepped roller unit in which the axis X13 or the screw 13.5 is arranged. Reference symbol list

[0034] 10 Escalator device 11 Escalator 12 Stair step unit 13 Step roller or step roller unit 13.1 Protruding axle section on the respective step roller 13.2 Free end of the respective step roller axle 13.3 Washer 13.4 Nut 13.5 Screw 14 Rail or similar support structure, in particular guide rail 15 Height limiting device 15.1 Height limiting stop 15.2 Enclosing section 15.3 Guide rail section X 13 Step roller axle Δz Height difference between intended height position and stop

Claims

1. Escalator apparatus (10) having at least one motor-drivable escalator (11) which has a plurality of individual step units (12) which are movably mounted relative to one another, wherein the step units are displaceable together along a displacement path by motor means, wherein each step unit (12) has at least one step roller (13), wherein the respective step roller is mounted about a step roller axis (X13) and is guided via a rail or similar supporting structure (14), wherein the escalator apparatus (10) has a height-limiting device (15) which defines a height-limiting stop (15.1) for avoiding an upwardly directed vertical movement of the respective step unit (12), characterized in that the height-limiting device (15) interacts with the respective step roller axis (X13), wherein the height-limiting device (15) is arranged relative to the step roller axes (X13) in such a way that, when the respective step unit (12) is arranged as intended, the step roller axes (X13) are guided contactlessly past the height-limiting device (15) and come into abutment with the height-limiting device (15) only in the case of an upwardly directed vertical movement of the step roller axis (X13).

2. Escalator apparatus (10) according to Claim 1, wherein the respective step roller axis (X13) extends in an elongated manner in such a way that the respective step roller axis projects beyond the corresponding step roller (13) with a protruding axis portion (13.1), wherein the height-limiting device (15) extends at least partially between a / the step of the step unit (12) and the step roller axis and thus defines the height-limiting stop in relation to the step roller axis (X13).

3. Escalator apparatus (10) according to at least one of Claims 1 and 2, wherein the respective step roller axis (X13) extends inwardly in an elongating manner in such a way that the respective step roller axis projects inwardly beyond the corresponding step roller (13) and protrudes inwardly from the corresponding step roller or further components provided for the mounting thereof, wherein the height-limiting device (15) extends at least partially between a / the step of the step unit (12) and the step roller axis and thus defines the height-limiting stop.

4. Escalator apparatus (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the height-limiting device (15) has a portion (15.2) encompassing a / the free end (13.2) of the respective step roller axis (X13), in particular a cross-sectionally L-shaped portion encompassing the respective step roller axis, in particular with the encompassing portion in contactless arrangement relative to the respective step roller axis.

5. Escalator apparatus (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the height-limiting device (15) extends continuously along the displacement path at least in the region of a / the forward strand of the displacement path, in particular in that the height-limiting device provides a guide rail portion (15.3) at least along the forward strand of the displacement path, in particular a cross-sectionally L-shaped guide rail portion (15.3) in an overlapping arrangement above the respective step roller axis (X13).

6. Escalator apparatus (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the height-limiting device (15) is connected point-wise, or at least in certain portions also flat, to a / the rail (14) for the step rollers (13).

7. Escalator apparatus (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the height-limiting device (15) is arranged relative to the step roller axes (X13) in such a way that the step roller axes (X13) come into abutment with the height-limiting device (15) starting from a predefinable threshold value of 2 mm or 3 mm or 4 mm of the upwardly directed vertical movement.

8. Escalator apparatus (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective step roller axis (X13) is provided by means of a screw (13.5), in particular by means of a screw fixing the corresponding step roller.

9. Escalator apparatus (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective step unit (12) has at least one first step roller and at least one second step roller (13), in particular in each case laterally on each side of the respective step unit, wherein the first step roller is arranged in a front region of the step unit (12), wherein the second step roller (13) is arranged in a rear region of the step unit (12), wherein the height-limiting device (15) is arranged in such a way that a / the height-limiting stop (15.1) is provided for an upwardly directed vertical movement at least of the step roller axis (X13) of the second step roller (13).

10. Use of a height-limiting device (15) in an escalator apparatus (10) for limiting a vertical movement of a respective step unit (12) of the escalator apparatus (10), in particular in an escalator apparatus (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the height-limiting device (15) defines a height-limiting stop (15.1) for avoiding an upwardly directed vertical movement of at least one step roller (13) of the respective step unit, in particular for the purpose of limiting any vertical movement of the corresponding step roller (13) to a maximum of 1 mm to 4 mm in that, by means of the height-limiting device (15), an encompassing portion (15.2) is provided which encompasses a / the free end (13.2) of a / the step roller axis (X13) of the respective step roller (13), in particular a cross-sectionally L-shaped encompassing portion.