Escalator apparatus having a height-limiting device acting on step rollers, and use
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023712844
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-03-17
- Filing Date
- 2023-03-16
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-22
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-03-16
AI Technical Summary
Existing escalators face challenges in preventing unwanted upward or tilting movement of individual steps, particularly in areas where users walk, with current solutions being either ineffective or requiring significant manufacturing effort.
An escalator device with a height limiting device that interacts with step roller axes to prevent upward vertical movement, utilizing a protruding step roller axis and a height limiting stop to counteract undesirable movements, allowing for a stable and cost-effective design without the need for additional hooks or structural modifications.
The solution effectively prevents upward movement of escalator steps, ensuring a stable arrangement while minimizing material usage and manufacturing effort, allowing for easy integration and adjustment, and providing structural advantages by utilizing existing components.
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] Escalator device with height limiting device acting on step rollers and use
[0002] Technical area
[0003] The present invention relates to an escalator which has a plurality of individual stair step units which are mounted so as to be movable relative to one another, wherein the stair step units are displaceable together by motor along a displacement path, wherein each stair 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 the like from a support structure.
[0004] Background of the invention
[0005] Many escalators currently in operation pose the risk that individual steps could shift in height, meaning they could either lift themselves or be lifted by third parties. However, particularly in areas where users or passengers walk over the steps, only a single, precisely predefined height position for each step should be predefined / definable in each operating state. To date, no particularly effective or simple measures have been identified to prevent such an unintentional upward or tilting movement of individual steps.While there are already escalator products on the market that attempt to prevent vertical movement by limiting upward displacement at the stair step itself, particularly by means of hooks or the like cast onto a base body of the stair step, this solution is considered suboptimal, for example, with regard to the manufacturing effort involved. Description of the invention.
[0006] Based on 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, in particular also with the most cost-effective realization possible and with the most advantageous implementation possible from a design point of view of the measures envisaged / envisaged for this purpose.
[0007] The object of the invention is achieved by the features of the independent main claim and the subordinate use claim. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims. To the extent technically feasible, the teachings of the subclaims can be combined arbitrarily with the teachings of the main and subclaims.
[0008] In particular, the object is accordingly achieved by an escalator device with at least one motor-driven / driven escalator, which has a plurality of individual stair step units mounted so as to be movable relative to one another, wherein the stair step units are motor-driven and can be displaced together along a displacement path, in particular along a circumferential displacement path with forward and reverse travel, wherein each stair step unit has at least one step roller, in particular at least one step roller laterally on each side of the respective stair step unit, wherein the respective step roller is mounted about a step roller axis and is guided via a rail or the like from the support structure of the escalator, wherein the escalator device has a height limiting device which defines a height limiting stop for preventing an upward vertical movement of the respective stair step unit,The height-limiting device interacts with the respective step roller axle. The height-limiting device is arranged relative to the step roller axles in such a way that, when the respective stair unit is arranged as intended, the step roller axles are guided past the height-limiting device without contact and only come into contact with the height-limiting device during an (undesirable, avoidable) upward vertical movement of the step roller axle. This not only promotes a stable arrangement with a comparatively slim overall design, but also enables material savings.
[0009] 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, in particular along the entire travel route.
[0010] In other words, it is particularly provided that the respective step roller axis is implemented as a force transmission means for counteracting an undesired upward movement in height, in particular by the respective step roller axis projecting laterally beyond the respective step roller (unit).
[0011] It has also been demonstrated that material savings can be achieved, particularly in that no hooks need to be cast or screwed onto the stair tread units. Furthermore, structural and strength-related advantages can be realized, particularly in that the rigidity of existing components such as a stair roller guide rail(s) can be utilized.
[0012] Advantageous aspects of the claimed invention are explained below, and preferred modified embodiments of the invention are further described below. Explanations, particularly regarding advantages and definitions of features, are essentially descriptive and preferred, but not limiting, examples. If an explanation is limiting, this will be expressly stated.
[0013] According to one embodiment, the respective step roller axis extends in such a way that the respective step roller axis projects beyond the corresponding step roller with a protruding axis section, i.e., protrudes from the corresponding step roller or other components provided for its mounting. The height limiting device extends at least partially between a / the stair step of the stair step unit, in particular a stair step base body, and the step roller axis, thereby defining the height limit stop in relation to the step roller axis. This arrangement also provides advantages from a design perspective, particularly with regard to simple implementation of the height limiting measure.
[0014] According to one embodiment, the respective step roller axis extends inwardly, i.e., toward a central region of the respective stair step units, such that the respective step roller axis projects inward beyond the corresponding step roller and protrudes inward from the corresponding step roller or other components provided for its support. The height limiting device extends at least partially between a / the stair step of the stair step unit and the step roller axis, thereby defining the height limit stop. This arrangement also enables particularly streamlined integration in a simple manner, for example, even into existing systems.
[0015] According to one embodiment, the height-limiting device has a section that encompasses one or the free (particularly inner) end of the respective step roller spindle, in particular a section with an L-shaped cross-section that encompasses the respective step roller spindle, in particular with the encompassing section in a contactless arrangement relative to the respective step roller spindle (when the respective stair unit is arranged as intended). This also enables positional variations or adaptations for specific arrangements in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner.
[0016] According to one exemplary embodiment, the height-limiting device extends continuously along the displacement path, at least in the region of a / the advance portion of the displacement path, in particular by providing a guide rail section at least along the advance portion of the displacement path, in particular a guide rail section with an L-shaped cross-section in an overlapping arrangement above the respective step roller axis. This also enables implementation of the height limitation for any relative position along the displacement path. The height-limiting device can be configured, at least partially or in sections, as an (additional) guide rail (or individual guide rail elements arranged in a row), which, during intended use (i.e., without vertical movement), is mounted or arranged contactlessly relative to the step rollers and stair unit.This also facilitates application-specific implementation without any significant additional effort.
[0017] According to one embodiment, the height limiting device is connected point-like or at least partially also flatly 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 provides design advantages, in particular with regard to the utilization of the available installation space. This type of fastening also enables a comparatively slim, simple implementation in numerous different design variants.
[0018] According to one embodiment, the height limiting device is arranged relative to the step roller axes (or the step roller axes are arranged and / or aligned in such a way) that the step roller axes come into contact with the height limiting device starting at a predefinable threshold value of 2 mm, 3 mm, or 4 mm of upward vertical movement. The maximum permissible or maximum tolerated displacement tolerance in the height direction can also be specifically predefined, for example, depending on a longitudinal position along the displacement path.
[0019] According to one embodiment, the respective stepped roller axis is provided by a screw, in particular by a screw that fixes the corresponding stepped roller. This enables particularly simple implementation, while also advantageously transmitting / transmitting the forces generated by radial runout or mechanical contact.
[0020] According to one exemplary embodiment, the respective stair step unit has at least one first step roller and at least one second step roller, in particular laterally on each side of the respective stair step unit, wherein the first step roller is arranged in a front region (on the bow side in the direction of displacement) of the stair step unit, wherein the second step roller is arranged in a rear region (on the rear side in the direction of displacement) of the stair step unit, wherein the height limiting device is arranged such that a / the height limiting stop is provided for an upward vertical movement of at least the step roller axis of the second (rear-side) step roller. Implementing this at least on the rear-side step roller in such escalators achieves a good effect with minimized technical complexity. Optionally, a height limiter can also be provided on the respective front-side step roller.
[0021] The above-mentioned object is also achieved by using a height limiting device in an escalator device for limiting a vertical movement of a respective stair step unit of the escalator device, in particular in an escalator device previously described above, wherein the height limiting device defines a height limiting stop for preventing an upward vertical movement of at least one step roller of the respective stair 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 providing a surrounding section by means of the height limiting device, which surrounds a / the free end of a / the step roller spindle of the respective step roller, in particular a surrounding section with an L-shaped cross-section, in particular with an L-profile rotated by 180° and positioned upside down compared to an L-letter. This provides, among other things, the advantages described above.
[0022] Short description of the drawings
[0023] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The wording "figure" is abbreviated to "Fig." The drawings show:
[0024] Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional side view of the arrangement according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a detailed view of the arrangement according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0025] Fig. 3 is a further schematic side view of the arrangement according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0026] Fig. 4 shows a further detailed view of the arrangement according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0027] Detailed description of the implementation examples
[0028] The described embodiments are merely examples that can be modified and / or supplemented in a variety of ways within the scope of the claims. Each feature described for a specific embodiment can be used independently or in combination with other features in any other embodiment. Each feature described for an embodiment of a specific claim category can also be used correspondingly in an embodiment of a different claim category.
[0029] First, the invention is described with general reference to all reference numerals.
[0030] An escalator device 10 comprises at least one escalator 11 with a plurality of stair step units 12, each of which is 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 a respective stair step unit. The step rollers (units) 13 are guided via a rail or similar support structure (in particular guide rail) 14, in particular laterally on one or two rails on both sides.
[0031] The present invention is based on the concept of laterally extending an axis XI 3 of the respective step roller (unit), 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.
[0032] The present invention is further based on the finding that a height limiting device 15 with a height limit stop 15.1 can be advantageously implemented by having a surrounding section 15.2 guide around the free end 13.2 of the respective step roller axis X13. For this purpose, a guide rail section 15.3 with a comparatively large longitudinal extension (in the direction of displacement) can optionally be provided; optionally, individual brackets can also be provided.
[0033] A height difference Az is provided between the height limit stop 15.1 defined by the encompassing section 15.2 and the free end 13.2, namely between the intended height position of the step roller (axis) and the stop 15.1, whereby the height difference Az can be a few millimeters, for example 1mm to 3mm, depending on the design of the escalator and / or depending on the desired movement tolerance in the height direction.
[0034] The respective protruding extended step roller axis X13 can be realized, for example, by using the following components with the structure of the respective step roller (unit) otherwise largely unchanged: disc 13.3, nut 13.4, screw 13.5 (Figure 2). With such a structure, it has been shown that an extended screw 13.5 can particularly advantageously fulfill the function of a protruding extended step roller axis XI3.
[0035] The escalator device may further comprise the components known from 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).
[0036] Figure 1 shows an extended step roller axle X13 with protruding section
[0037] 13.1 and free end 13.2. The protruding section 13.1 is encompassed by the encompassing section 15.2 of a / the height limit stop, so that a stop is provided in the upward direction of movement.
[0038] In Fig. 1, a further step roller is also visible, which is arranged laterally offset and offset in the direction of travel to the step roller 13 described here (in particular in a front, bow-side area of the stair unit).
[0039] Figure 2 shows an axis XI 3 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 XI 3 or the screw 13.5 is seated 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.
[0040] Fig. 2 further schematically illustrates that the (undesired) height movement of the step roller can be given a tolerance range by providing a height difference Az between the axis XI 3 and the stop 15.1, depending on the area of application.
[0041] The view shown in Fig. 2 is reversed from the view shown in Fig. 1. In other words, the implementation according to the invention can be provided on both sides of a respective stair unit.
[0042] Figure 3 and Figure 4 show a top view and a sectional view of the base body of the step roller unit, in which the axis XI 3 and the screw 13.5 are arranged. List of reference symbols
[0043] 10 Escalator device
[0044] 11 Escalator 12 Stair unit
[0045] 13 Step roller or step roller unit
[0046] 13.1 protruding axle section on the respective step roller
[0047] 13.2 free end of the respective step roller axis
[0048] 13.3 Disc 13.4 Nut
[0049] 13.5 Screw
[0050] 14 Rail or the like From support structure, in particular guide rail
[0051] 15 Height limiting device
[0052] 15.1 Height limit stop 15.2 encompassing section
[0053] 15.3 Guide rail section
[0054] XI 3 step roller axle
[0055] Az Height difference between intended height position and stop
Claims
Patent claims 1. Escalator device (10) with at least one motor-driven escalator (11) which has a plurality of individual step units (12) mounted so as to be movable relative to one another, wherein the step units together can be moved by motor along a displacement path, wherein each step unit (12) has at least one step roller (13), wherein the respective step roller is mounted about a step roller axis (XI 3) and is guided over a rail or the like from the support structure (14), wherein the escalator device (10) has a height limiting device (15) which has a height limiting stop (15.1) defined to prevent an upward vertical movement of the respective stair step unit (12), wherein the height limiting device (15) interacts with the respective step roller axis (XI 3), wherein the height limiting device (15) is arranged relative to the step roller axes (X13) in such a way that the step roller axes (XI 3) are guided past the height limiting device (15) without contact when the respective stair step unit (12) is arranged as intended and only come into contact with the height limiting device (15) when the step roller axis (XI 3) is moved upward vertically.
2. Escalator device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the respective step roller axis (XI 3) extends such that the respective step roller axis projects beyond the corresponding step roller (13) with a protruding axis section (13.1), wherein the height limiting device (15) extends at least partially between a step of the step unit (12) and the step roller axis and thereby defines the height limiting stop in relation to the step roller axis (XI 3).
3. Escalator device (10) according to at least one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the respective step roller axis (X13) extends inwards such that the respective step roller axis projects inwards beyond the corresponding step roller (13) and projects inwards from the corresponding step roller or further components provided for its bearing, wherein the Height limiting device (15) extends at least partially between a step of the step unit (12) and the step roller axis and thereby defines the height limiting stop.
4. Escalator device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the height limiting device (15) has a section (15.2) encompassing one / the free end (13.2) of the respective step roller axis (X13), in particular a section with an L-shaped cross-section encompassing the respective step roller axis, in particular with the encompassing section in a contactless arrangement relative to the respective step roller axis.
5. Escalator device (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 area of one / the lead-in of the displacement path, in particular by providing a guide rail section (15.3) at least along the lead-in of the displacement path, in particular an L-shaped guide rail section (15.3) in an overlapping arrangement above the respective step roller axis (XI 3).
6. Escalator device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the height limiting device (15) is connected point-wise or at least sectionally also planarly to a rail (14) for the step rollers (13).
7. Escalator device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the height limiting device (15) is arranged relative to the step roller axes (XI 3) such that the step roller axes (XI 3) come into contact with the height limiting device (15) from a predefinable threshold of 2mm or 3mm or 4mm of the upward vertical movement.
8. Escalator device (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 device (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 each laterally on each side of the respective step unit, wherein the first step roller is arranged in a front area of the step unit (12), wherein the second step roller (13) is arranged in a rear area of the step unit (12), wherein the height limiting device (15) is arranged such that a height limiting stop (15.1) is provided for an upward vertical movement of at least the step roller axis (X13) of the second step roller (13).
10. Use of a height limiting device (15) in an escalator device (10) for limiting a vertical movement of a respective step unit (12) of the escalator device (10), in particular in an escalator device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the height limiting device (15) defines a height limiting stop (15.1) to prevent an upward vertical movement of at least one step roller (13) of the respective step unit, in particular for limiting any vertical movement of the corresponding step roller (13) to a maximum of 1 mm to 4 mm, by means of the height limiting device (15) providing an encompassing section (15.2) which encompasses one / the free end (13.2) of one / the step roller axis (X13) of the respective step roller (13), in particular an L-shaped encompassing section in cross-section.