Support structure section for a support structure of a track device

Abstract

The following descriptions relate to a support structure section (10, 20) for a support structure (4) of a travel path device (1), comprising two opposing side wall units (11, 21), each with a side wall (12, 22) and at least one flange (15, 25), at least one crossbeam connecting the side wall units (11, 21) to one another, and end elements (16, 26) arranged at the head of each flange (15, 25), wherein the end elements (16, 26) each form an end of the support structure section (10, 20) with an external contact surface for attaching a further support structure section (10, 20), wherein the flange (15, 25) is designed as an L-profile (31) in a central section (18, 28) and as an O-profile (33) immediately adjoining the end element (16, 26), and wherein several first penetrations are provided in the end element (16, 26) for receiving connecting agents (34.1, .., 34.4) are arranged to connect the supporting structure section (10, 20) with the further supporting structure section (10, 20) within the O-profile (33).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The following statements relate to a support structure section for a support structure of a guideway device, comprising two opposing side wall units, each with a side wall and at least one belt, at least one cross member connecting the side wall units to one another and end elements arranged on the head side of the belt, wherein the end elements each form a termination of the support structure section with an external contact surface for the attachment of a further support structure section.

[0002] Furthermore, the following embodiments relate to a support structure for a guideway device, comprising at least two such support structure sections abutting one another with respective contact surfaces.

[0003] Furthermore, the following statements relate to a guideway device, in particular an escalator, with such a supporting structure. Technical background

[0004] Guideway devices are generally known from the prior art. In such guideway devices, supporting structures form the outer framework for components of the guideway device, such as guides with steps / pallets embedded therein, drives and electrical systems, as well as for attachments and cladding elements. They are typically formed from two opposing sidewall units connected by crossbeams. The sidewall units typically comprise welded profiles as structural elements, from which lattice-like sidewalls and chords, for example, an upper chord and / or a lower chord, are formed.

[0005] It is known for such guideway devices to form the support structure from several sections, whereby the support structure sections are prefabricated in the factory and assembled at the site of installation of the guideway device. Support structure sections are significantly easier to transport and install in a building than single-piece prefabricated support structures. The support structure sections are usually connected to one another using fasteners, in particular screws and nuts. A disadvantage, however, is that the force from the chord(s) at one end of the closure element is introduced into them, so that the loading of fasteners distributed across the closure element is uneven. In particular, bending loads are then essentially borne by individual fasteners, so that in the worst case scenario, these fasteners can be overloaded, while other fasteners remain largely load-free.

[0006] A supporting structure for an escalator formed from supporting structure sections is previously known, for example, from CN 106904520 A. Description - Technical solution

[0007] Based on this situation, the present task is to enable a safe and simple connection of the supporting structure sections in a supporting structure formed from supporting structure sections.

[0008] The present object is achieved by the features of the independent main claims. 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.

[0009] In particular, the object is accordingly achieved by a support structure section for a support structure of a guideway device, comprising two opposing side wall units, each with a side wall and at least one belt, at least one cross member connecting the side wall units to one another and end elements arranged on the head side of the belt, wherein the end elements each form a termination of the support structure section with an external contact surface for attaching a further support structure section, wherein the belt is designed as an L-profile in a central section and as an O-profile immediately adjacent to the end element, and wherein a plurality of first penetrations are arranged in the end element for receiving connecting means for connecting the support structure section to the further support structure section within the O-profile.

[0010] Advantageous aspects are explained below, and preferred modified embodiments are described further 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.

[0011] Where ordinal numbers ("first," "second," etc.) are used, for example, to designate a component, an element, a process step, or a process action, these ordinal numbers are intended purely for differentiation in the designation and do not indicate any dependencies or sequences. This means, in particular, that, for example, a device does not have to have a "first component" in order to have a "second component." A device can also have a "first component" and a "third component" without necessarily having a "second component." Multiple units of the same ordinal number can also be provided, for example, multiple "first components."

[0012] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the general term "guideway device" primarily refers to escalator devices and moving walkway devices (the latter particularly in a stepless configuration with an at least approximately level alignment or with a negligible gradient) as well as related passenger transport devices with a continuously rotating transport device. A guideway device comprises, for example, steps or pallets forming the transport device, which are connected to driven drive means and guided in guides. The guides, as well as the drive means and other components of the guideway device, are typically held within support structures extending longitudinally substantially laterally therefrom. These support structures are usually formed from two opposing sidewall units connected to one another via crossbeams and optionally also a base plate.

[0013] The supporting structure of the guideway device or of the respective module is essentially formed by opposing side wall units and cross members (also referred to as crossbeams) connecting them, wherein each side wall unit is formed by at least one side wall and in particular by an upper chord and / or a lower chord. A supporting structure can also comprise a base plate, but it has been shown that such a base plate does not necessarily have to fulfil a supporting function, but is designed, for example, with the function of collecting oil from a / the drive and, if necessary, draining it away, or is designed to be optimised with regard to a cover and / or accessibility from below to the supporting structure or to the guideway device; in this respect, the base plate is to be understood as an optional structural unit.

[0014] The term "sidewall" refers to a side structure that, for example, runs flat in only one side plane at least in part and / or is formed and / or reinforced at least in part by profiles, struts, or beams extending beyond the side plane. Generally, the sidewall is formed from structural elements or structural sections that, as flat structural sections, absorb forces in multiple directions and / or, as rod-shaped or strut-like structural elements / sections, absorb the respective forces along the longitudinal extent determined by the orientation. The sidewall is thus formed, for example, as a closed surface, as a pure framework, or as a structure with portions of closed surfaces and portions with a framework structure. Optionally, at least some of the structural elements / sections of the sidewall are formed from flat material, in particular sheet metal, e.g.structurally flat sections or stiffening (especially) curved L- or U-profile sections in the area of ​​welded connections to other structural elements / sections.

[0015] According to the present disclosure, a "sidewall unit" comprises the above-described sidewall and, as further structural elements / sections, at least one belt associated with this sidewall, in particular an upper belt and / or a lower belt. The belt(s) may be formed integrally with the sidewall, integrated into the sidewall, or as separate components. A belt is also alternatively referred to as a band.

[0016] The term "belt," which particularly refers to upper or lower chords of the supporting structure, refers in the present case to structural elements or structural sections extending longitudinally in the region of an edge of the side wall for absorbing loads in the longitudinal direction of the guideway device, in particular bending loads that primarily lead to tensile stresses in the case of a lower chord and to compressive stresses in the case of an upper chord. For this purpose, chords are preferably designed as profiles and thus have a favorable area moment of inertia for absorbing bending loads. Thus, chords stiffen the supporting structure and form outer corner points, with optionally the chords and / or the side walls serving to attach further components of the guideway device. Furthermore, the chords can be designed as separate components from the side wall, or at least some of the chords can be formed integrally with the side wall, for example by bending the side wall.The term belt refers to both the portion of a belt of the supporting structure that is formed on a supporting structure section and the totality of the belts of all interconnected supporting structure sections, whereby the respective assignment follows from the context below.

[0017] An L-shaped profile is defined as a profile with two essentially perpendicular legs in cross-section. An O-shaped profile is defined as a profile with four essentially perpendicular legs. An O-shaped profile is not strictly bound to the usual proportions of the letter "O" but may deviate from these proportions, as long as it is technically appropriate for the present teaching.

[0018] An end element is a component extending orthogonally to the belt(s) and forming a contact surface at one end of the support structure section. In particular, the end element is provided to enlarge the cross-section of components extending substantially in the axial direction, such as the belt(s) or the side walls, in order to enable a secure connection between adjacent support structure sections. The end element can also be designed as a structural post or, together with another end element of an adjacent support structure section resting against it, form a structural post. A structural post forms a connection for components of the guideway device to the support structure, for example receptacles for rails for guiding steps or pallets and / or holders for drive components.The end element can also fulfil its full functionality, at least in part, only in the assembled state of the support structure or the guideway device, for example when it rests against an end element of an adjoining support structure section.

[0019] Insofar as the first penetrations are arranged within the O-profile, their respective axis or their respective orthogonal projection extends within the space surrounded by the legs of the O-profile.

[0020] The solution to the problem described above with a supporting structure section now includes the teaching that the belt, which is actually designed as an L-profile, is partially O-shaped in the area where the supporting structure section connects to an adjacent supporting structure section, wherein the O-shaped section rests against the end element surrounding the first penetrations. Regardless of the direction of a bending load, the respective bending load is then introduced into the end element on both sides of the penetrations, resulting in an even force distribution across the multiple penetrations or connecting elements arranged therein. Instead of the respective bending load being introduced at one edge of the end element, as is the case with a connection to an L-profile, it is introduced distributed over an area.This makes it possible to evenly absorb the load within the area through several fasteners arranged in the apertures or to transfer it to the adjacent supporting structure section. Individual fasteners are thus protected from overloading, and smaller and therefore more cost-effective fasteners can be used. Conversely, a sufficient area is available to provide enough fasteners to absorb or transfer the load. The transfer of bending loads between two supporting structure sections is thus ensured safely and easily.

[0021] As an alternative to the features described above, or in a preferred embodiment of the above, the chord is a bottom chord. Since the bottom chord, and thus also the connection between adjacent supporting structure sections in the area of ​​the bottom chords, is subjected to particularly high tensile loads, forces are transmitted to a particularly high degree via the connecting means, or the forces to be transmitted act opposite to the direction in which the connecting means act. The above-described advantages of the supporting structure sections are thus achieved to a particularly high degree for bottom chords.

[0022] As an alternative to the features described above, or in a preferred embodiment of the above, the belt is formed by a continuous L-profile, with the O-profile being formed immediately adjacent to the end element by an L-profile piece placed on the L-profile. The belt is therefore particularly easy to manufacture. The L-profile piece can, for example, be arranged on the L-profile after connecting the L-profile to the end element and then easily aligned with the end element.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of what has been described immediately above, the L-profile piece is welded to the L-profile. This ensures that the force is reliably transmitted from the L-profile to the L-profile piece, so that the force distribution present in the formed O-profile directly at the end element is particularly homogeneous. Preferably, the L-profile piece or the section of the belt designed as an O-profile extends sufficiently far from the end element in the axial direction of the belt to achieve a uniform force distribution directly at the end element. For example, the section of the belt designed as an O-profile extends from the end element over one to five times its height or width in the axial direction of the belt.

[0024] As an alternative to the features described above, or in a preferred embodiment of the above, the O-profile has a second opening on at least one side for handling the connecting means. The connecting means then do not have to be laboriously handled from an end of the O-profile section of the belt facing away from the closure element, and the assembly of the support structure is thus significantly simplified. Conversely, the O-profile section of the belt can be designed independently of accessibility concerns regarding its axial length to the first openings.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the immediately above-described features, two second apertures are formed on different sides of the O-profile. Preferably, the two second apertures are formed on two sides of the L-profile piece. The accessibility of the first apertures is then particularly high and, in particular, is formed from two sides. It is then possible, for example, to easily hold a fastener arranged in a first aperture by hand or to place a tool at an engagement point of a fastener.

[0026] As an alternative to the features described above, or in a preferred embodiment of the above, the supporting structure section has four first penetrations arranged within the O-profile. Four connecting elements arranged there, in particular in a square, allow the bending load to be absorbed or transmitted securely and distributed across multiple connecting elements, regardless of the direction of the bending load (transverse or vertical). Furthermore, the spatial dimensions typically found in the area of ​​a chord of a supporting structure offer sufficient space for four connecting elements arranged within the O-profile, or the available space is effectively utilized by four connecting elements.

[0027] The object is further achieved by a support structure for a guideway device, comprising at least two previously described support structure sections abutting one another with respective contact surfaces, wherein the first apertures of the support structure sections, each arranged within the O-shaped profile, are aligned with one another and accommodate connecting means. The support structure achieves the advantages described above with respect to the support structure section. In particular, in the support structure, sections of the belt (formed by the belts of the respective support structure sections) extend on both sides of the connection as O-shaped profiles.The force transmitted between the supporting structure sections is thus transferred both evenly and safely from the first supporting structure section to the connecting elements arranged in the aligned apertures, and evenly and safely from the connecting elements to the second supporting structure section, regardless of the direction of the bending load. The multiple connecting elements are evenly loaded and transfer the load jointly, allowing the connecting elements to be smaller than individual load-transferring connecting elements.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the immediately above-described elements, the connecting means are formed by bolts and nuts. Bolts and nuts advantageously allow for a high preload to be generated in the connection, thus ensuring a secure transmission of forces between the supporting structure sections. Furthermore, bolts and nuts can be easily handled at the installation site of the guideway device using simple hand tools to create the connection between the supporting structure sections.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the immediately above-described feature, a first perforated plate is arranged on a supporting structure section within the O-profile and adjacent to the end element. Holes arranged in the first perforated plate are aligned with the first apertures of the end element and have a contour for rotationally securing the nuts or screw heads. In this way, a counter is created within the O-profile for each connecting element, and it is not necessary to hold the nuts or screw heads with a tool when fastening the screws in the confined space within the O-profile.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the immediately above-described embodiment, the first perforated plate is connected, in particular welded, to the O-profile. The nuts or screw heads are then securely held on the first perforated plate, and the first perforated plate is securely secured against slipping, in particular axial slipping. The first perforated plate can, in particular, be welded to an L-profile piece before this is placed on the L-profile to form an O-profile. Welding the first perforated plate within the confined space within the already formed O-profile is then eliminated.

[0031] As an alternative to the features described immediately above, or in a preferred embodiment of the features described immediately above, a second perforated plate is arranged on a supporting structure section within the O-profile and away from the end element, wherein holes arranged in the second perforated plate are aligned with the first passages of the end element. By means of the second perforated plate, a tool for fastening the screws or nuts can then be guided coaxially to the connecting means, for example a socket wrench insert with a sufficient length to pass through the section designed as an O-profile (a so-called long nut) of a ratchet. The tool can then not break out or become loose when fastening the screws or nuts.slip off, but is fixed in the coaxial alignment and a sufficiently high torque can be easily applied to fasteners in the first penetrations using the tool.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the immediately above-described embodiment, the second perforated plate is connected, in particular welded, to the O-profile. The tool is then securely guided on the second perforated plate, and the second perforated plate is securely secured against slipping, in particular axial slipping, so that a favorable distance between the screws or nuts and the second perforated plate for guiding the tool is ensured. The second perforated plate can, in particular, be welded to an L-profile piece before this is placed on the L-profile to form an O-profile. Welding of the second perforated plate within the confined space within the already formed O-profile is then eliminated.

[0033] The first perforated plate and the second perforated plate preferably each have an outer contour that essentially corresponds to the interior of the O-profile.

[0034] The object is further achieved by a guideway device, in particular an escalator, with a support structure as described above. The escalator achieves the advantages described above with respect to the support structure section or the support structure. In particular, a guideway device is created that can be easily and safely installed at the installation site, thereby achieving reliable force transmission between individual sections of the guideway device. Short description of the drawings

[0035] A preferred technical solution is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings using preferred embodiments. The term "figure" is abbreviated to "Fig." in the drawings.

[0036] The drawings show Fig. 1 shows a highly simplified schematic side view of a guideway device with a supporting structure; Fig. 2 shows a perspective detailed view of a supporting structure in the region of a lower chord at a connection between two supporting structure sections in a first embodiment; Fig. 3 shows a plan view in the axial direction of the connection in the region of the lower chord in a supporting structure according to Fig. 2 ; Fig. 4 a perspective detailed view of a support structure in the region of a lower chord at a connection of two support structure sections in a second embodiment; Fig. 5a a further perspective detailed view of the support structure according to Figure 4 in the area of ​​the lower chord; and Fig. 5b further perspective detailed view of the supporting structure according to Figure 4 or Fig. 5a in the area of ​​the lower chord while fastening fasteners using a tool. Detailed description of the drawings

[0037] 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.

[0038] Figure 1shows a guideway device 1 designed as an escalator with a lower deflection area (not shown in detail), an upper deflection area 2.1 and a transport area 2.2 located therebetween, wherein steps 3 form a staircase in the transport area 2.2 and a flat arrangement relative to one another in the deflection areas 2.1. The guideway device 1 has a support structure 4 (shown only in simplified form) with a lower chord 4.1 and an upper chord 4.2, on which rollers 3.1 of the steps 3 are guided in guide rails (not shown in detail) and pulled by a chain 5 with chain rollers 5.1. The support structure 4 is formed, in a manner not shown in detail but generally known, from two side wall units which are connected to one another via cross beams (likewise not shown in detail). The guideway device 1 further has a balustrade 6 with a handrail 7.

[0039] Figure 2shows a support structure 4 in a detailed view, wherein the support structure 4 is formed from a first support structure section 10 and a second support structure section 20. The support structure sections 10, 20 each have side wall units 11, 21, each having a side wall 12, 22 with several structural elements 13, 14, 23, 24 and a belt 15, 25. The belts 15, 25 together form the lower belt 4.1 of the support structure 4. End elements 16, 26 are arranged at the head end of the belts 15, 25, which extend perpendicular to the belts 15, 25 and form contact surfaces (shown hidden) for the support structure sections 10, 20 to one another. The supporting structure sections 10, 20 further comprise base plates 17, 27, wherein a gap between the base plates 17, 27 is covered by a panel 8.

[0040] As next to the Figure 2 also in Figure 3As shown in more detail, the belts 15, 25 are each designed as an L-profile 31 in the middle sections 18, 28 remote from the end elements 16, 26 and as an O-profile 32 in the sections 19, 29 directly adjoining the end element 16, 26. To form the O-profile 32, the L-profile 31, as shown in Figure 3 As can be seen in detail, L-profile pieces 33 are attached and welded. Within the O-profile 32, four first apertures (shown in a hidden manner) are arranged in a square pattern on each of the end elements 16, 26. The first apertures of the two end elements 16, 26 are aligned with each other and accommodate screw-type fasteners 34.1, 34.2, 34.3, 34.4.

[0041] The Figures 4, 5a and 5b show a modified embodiment of the Figures 2 and 3The O-profiles 32 in the sections 19, 29 each have second through-passages 35.1, 35.2 for handling the connecting means 34.1, 34.2, 34.3, 34.4. Furthermore, on the side of the second support structure section 20, a first perforated plate 37.1 is arranged within the O-profile 32, which has holes 36 aligned with the first through-passages and having a contour for the rotationally fixed reception of nuts 38 of the connecting means 34.1, 34.2, 34.3, 34.4. The nuts 38 are thus held on the first perforated plate 37.1 and do not need to be held in the poorly accessible O-profile 32 by means of a tool when fastening the connecting means 34.1, 34.2, 34.3, 34.4. Furthermore, on the side of the first support structure section 10, at an end of the O-profile 32 facing away from the end element 16, a second perforated plate 37.2 is arranged, which has holes 39 aligned with the first passages. As in Fig. 5bAs shown, the holes 39 serve to guide a tool 40, here provided as a ratchet. The tool 40, here a long socket of the tool 40, then rests against a respective connecting element 34.1, 34.2, 34.3, 34.4 and against one of the holes 39 and is thus secured against breaking out of the coaxial position with the respective connecting element 34.1, 34.2, 34.3, 34.4. The holes 39 also serve as a guide when applying the tool 40. List of reference symbols

[0042] 1Guideway device 2.1Upper deflection area 2.2Transportation area 3Steps 3.1Step rollers 4Supporting structure 4.1Lower chord of the supporting structure 4.2Upper chord of the supporting structure 5Chain 5.1Chain rollers 6Balustrade 7Handrail 8Fascia 10Supporting structure section 11Side wall unit 12Side wall 13Structural element 14Structural element 15Girder 16End element 17Base plate 18Middle sections of the chord 19Sections of the chord adjoining the end element 20Supporting structure section 21Side wall unit 22Side wall 23Structural element 24Structural element 25Girder 26End element 27Base plate 28Middle sections of the chord 29Sections of the chord adjoining the end element 31L-profile 32O-profile 33L-profile piece 34.1 Fasteners 34.2 Fasteners 34.3 Fasteners 34.4 Fasteners 35.1 Second through-hole 35.2 Second through-hole 36 Holes 37.1 First perforated plate 37.2 Second perforated plate 38 Nut 39 Holes 40 Tool

Claims

1. A support structure section (10, 20) for a support structure (4) of a guideway device (1), comprising two opposing side wall units (11, 21), each with a side wall (12, 22) and at least one belt (15, 25); at least one cross member connecting the side wall units (11, 21) to one another; and end elements (16, 26) arranged at the head end of the belt (15, 25), wherein the end elements (16, 26) each form a termination of the support structure section (10, 20) with an external contact surface for attaching a further support structure section (10, 20); wherein the belt (15, 25) is designed as an L-profile (31) in a central section (18, 28) and as an O-profile (33) immediately adjacent to the end element (16, 26). and wherein a plurality of first passages in the end element (16, 26) for receiving connecting means (34.1, .., 34.4) for connecting the support structure section (10, 20) to the further support structure section (10, 20) are arranged within the O-profile (33).

2. Support structure section (10, 20) according to claim 1, wherein the belt (15, 25) is a lower belt (4.1).

3. Support structure section (10, 20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the belt (15, 25) is formed by a continuous L-profile (31), wherein the O-profile (33) immediately adjacent to the end element (16, 26) is formed by an L-profile piece (33) placed on the L-profile (31).

4. Support structure section (10, 20) according to claim 3, wherein the L-profile piece (33) is welded to the L-profile (31).

5. Support structure section (10, 20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the O-profile (33) has a second passage (35.1, 35.2) in at least one side for handling the connecting means (34.1, .., 34.4).

6. Support structure section (10, 20) according to claim 5, wherein two second passages (35.1, 35.2) are formed on different sides of the O-profile (32).

7. Support structure section (10, 20) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising four first passages arranged within the O-profile (33).

8. Support structure (4) for a guideway device (1), comprising at least two support structure sections (10, 20) according to one of the preceding claims, which bear against one another with respective contact surfaces; wherein the first passages of the support structure sections (10, 20), each arranged within the O-profile (33), are aligned with one another and accommodate connecting means (34.1, .., 34.4).

9. Supporting structure (4) according to claim 8, wherein the connecting means (34.1, .., 34.4) are formed by screws and nuts (39).

10. Support structure (4) according to claim 9, wherein a first perforated plate (37.1) is arranged on a support structure section (10, 20) within the O-profile (33) and adjacent to the end element (16, 26), wherein holes (36) arranged in the first perforated plate (37.1) are aligned with the first passages of the end element (16, 26) and have a contour for the rotationally fixed holding of the nuts (39) or screw heads.

11. Support structure (4) according to claim 10, wherein the first perforated plate (37.1) is connected, in particular welded, to the O-profile (33).

12. Support structure (4) according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein a second perforated plate (37.2) is arranged on a support structure section (10, 20) within the O-profile (33) and away from the end element (16, 26), wherein holes (39) arranged in the second perforated plate (37.2) are aligned with the first passages of the end element (16, 26).

13. Support structure (4) according to claim 12, wherein the second perforated plate (37.2) is connected, in particular welded, to the O-profile (33).

14. Guideway device (1), in particular escalator, with a supporting structure (4) according to one of claims 8 to 13.

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