Retractable access means with folding handrail assembly

Abstract

An access system (10) for a vehicle, equipment, or facility, the access system (10) including at least one section having a plurality of steps / steps (56), a storage mechanism having at least one actuator (28), and at least one handrail assembly (32), the storage mechanism arranged to store an access means (12) and enable its deployment, the handrail assembly (32) pivotally connected to the access means (12) to fold about the at least one section for storage and to expand to provide a handrail for supporting a user when the access means (12) is deployed.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a retractable access system.

[0002] One or more non-limiting specific forms of the present invention relate to a retractable access system for earthmoving vehicles and construction vehicles.

[0003] The retractable access system includes access means (such as stairs or ladders) that can be deployed from a stowed position and stowed from a deployed position.

[0004] The terms "retractable" or "deployable" include at least pivotal movement of the access means (stairs or ladders) and may include folding / expanding sections of the access means relative to each other or nesting / removing from nesting.

Background Art

[0005] Systems using deployable / retractable access means may be provided on large earthmoving and construction vehicles. For example, deployable / retractable access means (such as stairs or tilted ladders) are provided so that the vehicle operator can access the cab without having to climb a vertical ladder with a negative slope unless the equipment is parked on flat ground.

[0006] It will be appreciated that the access means can be deployed from a stowed position (the vehicle can move safely when the access means is stowed) and stowed from a deployed position (for example, when access to / from the vehicle is required and the vehicle is stationary).

[0007] When the operator is on the machine, the access means (stairs or ladders) is stowed, so the access means does not hang downwards and / or outwards, increasing the minimum ground clearance of the machine and thereby minimizing the probability of damage by contact with rocks when the machine is moving.

[0008] Access means must also be stowed away so that other workers cannot climb onto the machine without the operator's knowledge. If a person is on the access means without the operator's knowledge, there is a very high probability that the person will be injured. Possible injuries can range from a person losing their balance and falling, to a person being crushed or trapped between the working parts / wheels of the machine and the vehicle body adjacent to the machine.

[0009] The systems used to house the access means can vary widely, but generally rely on either an electrical or hydraulic system operated manually by an operator.

[0010] In particular, vehicles may have limited storage space for retractable access devices. Furthermore, the deployment or retraction of full-length access devices can create separation issues between vehicle components and / or adjacent infrastructure / workers. Such separation issues can also exist in non-vehicle applications of deployable / retractable access devices.

[0011] Access systems can be used more safely by workers if they have handrails. Handrails provide protection and stable support to workers when ascending or descending access means. Handrails may need to meet national or international safety or operational standards, such as ISO (International Organization for Standardization) or AS (Australian Standards).

[0012] However, the space required for handrails, as well as the need to deploy and retract them along with access means, present technical challenges regarding robustness and reliability when developing handrails suitable for retractable access systems.

[0013] For mining vehicles and heavy vehicles, the handrails of known access systems are physically connected to the vehicle and the access means. As a result, complex structural folding and retractable connections and shapes are required to compensate for changes in the positional and angular relationships between the handrail and the access means. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0014] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a retractable access system that includes a foldable handrail device that is attached to an access means of the system, retracts and unfolds in accordance with the access means, and is operated by a retraction mechanism of the access means.

[0015] Where any prior art is referenced herein, it should be understood that such reference does not constitute an acceptance that such prior art forms part of common sense in the field to which the present invention pertains, in Australia, or in any other country. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] In view of the foregoing, an aspect of the present invention provides an access system for a vehicle, equipment, or facility, the access system comprising at least one section having a plurality of steps / steps, a storage mechanism for housing and enabling the deployment of an access means, and at least one handrail assembly, the handrail assembly being pivotably connected to the access means to fold against at least one section for storage and to expand to provide a handrail for supporting a user when the access means is deployed.

[0017] When handrails are attached to the side of a vehicle, as with known access systems, retractable handrails are required to prevent them from overcentering and bending. Unless complex joints and retractable mechanisms are provided to counteract the overcentering problem caused by the handrail being attached to the vehicle, once a handrail overcenters and bends, it cannot be easily extended again from its folded position.

[0018] One or more embodiments of the present invention overcome such limitations by having a handrail assembly that operates to fold / extend using a storage mechanism and is attached to an access means.

[0019] Beneficial in this regard, the coupling device, which extends from the storage mechanism to the handrail / balusters of the handrail and is functionally connected to the storage mechanism, prevents the need to connect the handrail to a vehicle, equipment, or facility.

[0020] Access means, storage mechanisms, and folding handrail assemblies may be provided as assemblies for directly connecting handrails to vehicles, equipment, or facilities, or for mounting them to vehicles, equipment, or facilities without requiring complex joints and retractable devices.

[0021] The linkage device, which connects at least one actuator to the balusters to which the handrail is pivotably attached, is configured to avoid overcentering issues.

[0022] At least one handrail assembly may be operated to fold and extend for at least one section by a mechanical connection to a storage mechanism.

[0023] This mechanical connection may be provided via a pivotable linkage device. The pivotable linkage device may include links (connections) between each handrail assembly and a part of the storage mechanism.

[0024] The folding and / or extension of at least one handrail assembly can be actuated by the operation of at least one actuator for housing and / or deploying the access means.

[0025] This at least one actuator may include at least one hydraulic actuator, at least one pneumatic actuator, and / or at least one electric actuator.

[0026] The link (connection) device between the handrail assembly and the storage mechanism may include a link device connected to the handrail or a part of the handrail of each handrail assembly.

[0027] It will be understood that the handrail refers to a vertical member (when upright / extended) directly or indirectly connected between each handrail and a horizontal member extending along the side of that section to support the steps / footrests of the section. The handrail can be pivotally connected to the handrail and the horizontal member / sides, for example, by a pivotal connection to a bracket or a direct pivotal connection.

[0028] It is preferred that the access means, and the handrail connected between the actuator and the handrail, rotate in the same direction with respect to the mounting base / vehicle, equipment, and facilities during storage and deployment.

[0029] During storage or deployment, it is preferred that the handrail connected to the actuator rotates at a smaller angle or lower speed than the access means.

[0030] During storage, it is preferred that the access means rotates upward and each handrail folds towards the access means, while both the access means and the handrail connected to the actuator rotate in the same direction with respect to the mounting base.

[0031] During deployment, it is preferable that the access means rotates downward and each handrail moves outward relative to the access means, while both the access means and the balusters connected to the actuator rotate in the same direction relative to the mounting base.

[0032] The balusters can be functionally connected to at least one actuator and handrail of the storage mechanism.

[0033] The balusters may be positioned and configured such that they rotate relative to the mounting base (via at least one pivot connection) in the same direction as the stairs rotate when the access means are retracted or extended.

[0034] The access means and balusters may be positioned and configured to rotate in the same direction (via at least one pivot connection) relative to the mounting base / vehicle, equipment, or facility during storage and deployment.

[0035] A baluster, which can be functionally connected to at least one actuator, is configured to rotate at a smaller angle or slower speed than the access means during retraction or deployment.

[0036] During storage, the access means rotates upward and each handrail is positioned and configured to fold toward the access means, while both the access means and the balusters rotate in the same direction relative to the mounting base.

[0037] During deployment, the access means rotates downward and each handrail is positioned and configured to move outward relative to the access means, while both the access means and the balusters rotate in the same direction relative to the mounting base.

[0038] It is preferable that the balusters include members that extend between the connection to the handrail and the connection to the access means.

[0039] Connections to the handrail and / or access means may include their respective pivot connections.

[0040] It is preferable that the balusters are connected to a linkage device that is pivotably connected to at least one actuator.

[0041] A baluster may be functionally connected to at least one further baluster by a handrail and / or at least one intermediate handrail. The intermediate handrail relates to a safety handrail that extends between at least two adjacent balusters and is positioned away from the handrail and access means.

[0042] The distance between the main pivot connecting the access means to the mounting base, and the connection between the access means and at least one actuator, is greater than the distance between the connection between the link device and the access means, and the connection between the link device and at least one actuator.

[0043] The term "balusters" refers to elements / members (such as extension members) that provide a physical connection (direct or indirect) between each handrail and access means, similar to the vertical members between the handrail and horizontal members of conventional fixed stairs. However, in this invention, it will be understood that the balusters are pivotally connected to the access means, so that the balusters become upright when extended and pivot toward the access means when stored (for example, for storing the access means with the handrail assembly folded).

[0044] The access means may rotate over an angle greater than the rotation angle of at least one baluster / balustrade assembly between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position of the access means. The shape and length of one or more links / connectors, such as the spacing and / or position of pivot connections, can be arranged and configured to produce the required angle values, for example, as shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0045] This access means can be retracted or extended over a total rotation angle of up to 175°, preferably up to 160°, more preferably up to 150°, and even more preferably about 135° between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position. Each angle is determinable with respect to the mounting base on which the access means is placed on the pivot axis.

[0046] At least one baluster of a handrail assembly connected for rotation with respect to the access means, preferably an active baluster connected to a retraction mechanism, rotates over an angle equivalent to 15% to 40%, preferably 20% to 35%, of the total rotation angle of the access means between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position.

[0047] The handrail assembly can be rotated by an angle of rotation of 15% to 40%, preferably 20% to 35%, of the rotation angle of the access means.

[0048] One or more intermediate handrails extend between a series of balusters. One or more intermediate handrails can be pivotably connected to each baluster at each end of the intermediate handrail.

[0049] The access system may include multiple sections, each having a number of steps / runches. Preferably, at least the first and second such sections are pivotally connected for compact storage or the like.

[0050] A linkage device may be provided to transmit motion between the first section and the second section. The linkage device may include a first transmission link section and a second transmission link section that are pivotally connected to each other. At least one of the transmission link sections may be connected to an intermediate handrail or baluster of the second section.

[0051] The storage mechanism's storage operation raises the distal (lower) end of the first (upper) section, allowing the handrail assembly engaged with the first section to begin folding relative to the first section.

[0052] During storage, multiple sections may be adjacent to each other.

[0053] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for housing an access system incorporating at least one folding handrail assembly, comprising the steps of operating a housing mechanism having an actuator for driving the housing of an access means, the housing mechanism driving the folding of the handrail assembly relative to the access means.

[0054] The storage of the access means includes the pivoting of a second section of the access means with respect to a first section of the access means, and each of the above sections may include a number of steps / steps of the access means.

[0055] The first section may include a first handrail assembly, the second section may include a second handrail assembly, and the storage of the access means folds the first and second handrail assemblies.

[0056] Preferably, the folding of the second handrail assembly is driven by the mechanical connection of the second handrail assembly to the first section and / or the first handrail assembly.

[0057] The coupling device can transmit motion to the handrail assembly of the second section, driving the handrail assembly, which is engaged with the second section, to fold relative to the second section.

[0058] It will be understood that the deployment of access means can be the reverse of the steps of storage and use of storage mechanisms.

[0059] Power for at least one actuator may be provided by a vehicle, equipment, or facility system, such as an onboard hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical power source. Alternatively, a dedicated power source may be provided.

[0060] The folding of the second handrail assembly may be driven by the mechanical connection of the second handrail assembly to the first section and / or the first handrail assembly.

[0061] The storage mechanism may be arranged and configured to operate between an access means and a mounting base to which the access means is connected to a vehicle, equipment, or facility.

[0062] Preferably, at least one handrail assembly is pivotably attached to the access means.

[0063] The access means may be mounted on a mounting base attached to a vehicle, equipment, or facility, and the storage mechanism may be connected to operate between the mounting base and the access means.

[0064] The balusters can be functionally connected to at least one actuator and handrail of the storage mechanism.

[0065] The balusters may rotate relative to the mounting base in the same direction that the access means rotates during storage or deployment.

[0066] The access means and balusters can be rotated in the same direction relative to the mounting base / vehicle, equipment, or facility during storage and deployment.

[0067] A baluster functionally connected to at least one actuator rotates at a smaller angle or slower speed than the access means during retraction or deployment.

[0068] During storage, the access means may be rotated upward, and each handrail folds toward the access means, while both the access means and the balusters rotate in the same direction relative to the mounting base.

[0069] During deployment, the access means may be rotated downward, and each handrail may be moved outward relative to the access means, while both the access means and the balusters rotate in the same direction relative to the mounting base.

[0070] The balusters may include members extending between the connection to the handrail and the connection to the access means. The connection to the handrail and / or the connection to the access means include their respective pivot connections.

[0071] The balusters may be connected to a linkage device pivotably connected to at least one actuator. The balusters and linkage device may be a single component, such as a continuous member / element, preferably made of metal.

[0072] A baluster can be functionally connected to at least one further baluster by a handrail and / or at least one intermediate handrail.

[0073] The distance between the main pivot connecting the access means to the mounting base, and the connection between the access means and at least one actuator, may be greater than the distance between the connection between the linkage device and the access means, and the connection between the linkage device and at least one actuator. Such a difference in the lever action distance allows the access means to rotate at a larger angular range and / or at a faster speed than the balusters (thus the retraction of the access means covers a larger angle than the folding of the handrail assembly).

[0074] One or more embodiments or examples of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0075] [Figure 1A] This figure shows the stages of storage for a two-section access means with a folding handrail according to one embodiment of the present invention (Figures 1D to 1A, in reverse order, show the stages of deployment). [Figure 1B]This figure shows the stages of storage for a two-section access means with a folding handrail according to one embodiment of the present invention (Figures 1D to 1A, in reverse order, show the stages of deployment). [Figure 1C] This figure shows the stages of storage for a two-section access means with a folding handrail according to one embodiment of the present invention (Figures 1D to 1A, in reverse order, show the stages of deployment). [Figure 1D] This figure shows the stages of storage for a two-section access means with a folding handrail according to one embodiment of the present invention (Figures 1D to 1A, in reverse order, show the stages of deployment). [Figure 2A] This figure shows the stages of storing an access means having a folding handrail according to a further embodiment of the present invention (Figures 2E to 2A, in reverse order, show the stages of unfolding). [Figure 2B] This figure shows the stages of storing an access means having a folding handrail according to a further embodiment of the present invention (Figures 2E to 2A, in reverse order, show the stages of unfolding). [Figure 2C] This figure shows the stages of storing an access means having a folding handrail according to a further embodiment of the present invention (Figures 2E to 2A, in reverse order, show the stages of unfolding). [Figure 2D] This figure shows the stages of storing an access means having a folding handrail according to a further embodiment of the present invention (Figures 2E to 2A, in reverse order, show the stages of unfolding). [Figure 2E] This figure shows the stages of storing an access means having a folding handrail according to a further embodiment of the present invention (Figures 2E to 2A, in reverse order, show the stages of unfolding). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0076] Access systems are typically housed using hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric drive systems.

[0077] Similarly, the access means of an access system are mounted on vehicles or other equipment / facilities that require user entry / exit via the access means. A diagram of a vehicle, equipment, or facility is shown in the figure as a schematic example of the mounting of the access means.

[0078] In the following detailed description, reference will be made to accompanying drawings that form part of the detailed description. The exemplary embodiments described in this detailed description, illustrated in the drawings and defined in the claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments are available and other modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented. It will be readily apparent that aspects of this disclosure can be arranged, replaced, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, as generally described herein and shown in the drawings, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

[0079] Figures 1A to 1D show the stages of storage for a two-section access means with a folding handrail according to one embodiment of the present invention (Figures 1D to 1A, in reverse order, show the stages of deployment).

[0080] Figure 1A shows the fully deployed access means 12. Figure 1B shows the partially retracted access means. Figure 1C shows the further retracted access means. Figure 1D shows the fully retracted access means.

[0081] The access system 10 includes access means 12 that are attached to a vehicle, equipment, or facility 14.

[0082] This access mechanism may include a single section incorporating fixed or foldable steps / treads, or multiple sections arranged and configured to pivot / hing to one another. These sections can be folded together or nested together when stored / retracted.

[0083] A single or multiple sections of the access means include multiple steps / steps 56 used when ascending or descending to walk on the access means.

[0084] In the examples shown in Figures 1A to 1D, the access means is provided as a two-section access means (e.g., a staircase) that incorporates a first (upper when deployed) section 16 and a second (lower when deployed) section 18.

[0085] The first section 16 and the second section 18 are connected together by at least one pivot device 20. The pivot device 20 allows the first and second sections to be folded relative to each other during storage and deployment.

[0086] This access means is attached to a vehicle, equipment, or facility 14. The main pivot device 22 allows the access means 12 to pivot during retraction and deployment.

[0087] At least one actuator 24 (e.g., hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric) connects the link section 26 to the actuator bracket 28. The link section 26 connects this actuator to a main bracket 30 mounted on a vehicle, equipment, or facility. The folding handrail assembly 32 is pivotably mounted to each section 16, 18.

[0088] Each handrail assembly 32 includes a handrail 34 (34A, 34B) pivotably connected via one or more balusters 36 (36A, 36B, 36C). Each baluster is pivotably connected to each section of the respective handrail and access means.

[0089] The first transmission arm 38 and the second transmission arm 40 are pivotably connected. The first transmission arm 38 is also pivotably connected to the lower end of the first section 16. The second transmission arm 40 is pivotably connected to the upper end of the second section 18.

[0090] The transmission link 42 transmits motion from the second transmission arm 40 to the handrail assembly 32 of the second section 18.

[0091] During the storage of the exemplary multi-section access means, when the first (upper) section is lifted by the operation of the actuator 24, the first section begins to fold downward due to the pivot at the upper end (mounting end) and the pivot from the second section.

[0092] The motion is transmitted via a link member 44 connected to a baluster link section 46, which is connected to the upper baluster 36A. The upper baluster 36A is pivotably connected to the handrail 34A, and further pivotably connected to the first intermediate handrail 48.

[0093] The motion is transmitted to the second balusters 36B via a pivotable connection, and then to the third balusters 36C via the second intermediate balusters 50.

[0094] The motion is transmitted from the transmission link 42 to the upper baluster 36D of the second section 18. The first intermediate handrail 52 of the second section 18 transmits motion to the intermediate baluster 36E, and the second intermediate handrail 54 transmits motion to the lower baluster 36F. The handrail 34B is also pivotably connected to the baluster, thereby having a pivotally connected state with the intermediate handrail and the transmission link 42.

[0095] As shown in Figure 1D, the multi-section access means 12 is stored in a storage position with the first and second sections folded together. The handrail assembly is positioned so that the handrails 34 (34A, 34B) fold down to reduce storage space, providing greater clearance around vehicles, equipment, and facilities, and reducing leverage (rebound) and associated wear on the main pivot that may otherwise exist in a stored access means of the same overall length.

[0096] Figures 2A to 2E show the stages of storing an access means having a folding handrail according to a further embodiment of the present invention (Figures 2E to 2A, in reverse order, show the stages of unfolding).

[0097] An access means 12 of a single section 17 of an access system 10 according to a further embodiment of the present invention is pivotably mounted to a vehicle, equipment, or facility 14 via a main pivot device 22. The main pivot device preferably has a main pivot axis.

[0098] The link section 26 is connected to the end of the actuator 24. The opposite end of the actuator is connected to the actuator bracket 28. The actuator is powered by hydraulics, pneumatics, or electricity.

[0099] The actuator 28 may be a single-acting or double-acting ram, or may include both. In the case of a single-acting ram, the actuation can extend the ram and raise (retract) the access means. Descending can be by gravity and may have optional pressure / flow control from the ram to brake / control the deployment motion / velocity.

[0100] Motion is transmitted via a link member 44 connected to a baluster link section 46, which is connected to the upper baluster 36A. The upper baluster 36A is pivotably connected to the handrail 34A, and further pivotably connected to the first intermediate handrail 48.

[0101] The motion is transmitted to the second balusters 36B via a pivotable connection, and then to the third balusters 36C via the second intermediate balusters 50.

[0102] The handrail 34 is connected to balusters 36A, 36B, and 36C, thereby pivotably connected to the access means section 17 and intermediate handrails 48 and 50.

[0103] When the actuator extends (see Figure 2B), the distal (lower) end of the section rises. The link arm 44 and the baluster link section 46 pivot around a pivotal connection to the access means. As the section rises, the handrail assembly 32 folds down.

[0104] Further extension of the actuator (see Figure 2C) allows the section 17 of the access means 12 to rise (be retract) and the handrail assembly 32 to fold further.

[0105] The access means 12 is stored upward in an upright storage position (see Figure 2E), and the handrail assembly is folded for storage.

[0106] During storage, at least one actuator drives the access means to rotate upward relative to the mounting base / vehicle, equipment, or facility to which the access means is attached. The handrail assembly is attached to the access means. The handrail assembly is driven to fold toward the access means via connections of balusters to at least one actuator, while rotating in the same direction as the access means.

[0107] During storage, the handrail assembly rotates at a slower speed or smaller angle of rotation than the access means, and when both rotate upward relative to the mounting base, they close together, and the physical link connection between the handrail assembly and at least one actuator, and the pivotable connection to the handrail balusters (and any intermediate handrails) allows the handrail assembly to fold (and further extend during the reverse operation of deployment).

[0108] By avoiding direct / fixed connections between the handrail assembly and vehicles, equipment, and facilities, the need for complex pivotal and expandable connections between the components of the handrail assembly is avoided.

[0109] Furthermore, a self-contained access system is beneficial in that the handrail assembly, access means, and at least one actuator can be provided as a complete system without requiring connection to a vehicle, equipment, or facility other than mounting to at least one actuator and via any power supply.

[0110] This access means can be retracted or deployed over a total rotation angle of up to 175°, preferably up to 160°, more preferably up to 150°, and even more preferably up to about 135° between the fully deployed position and the fully retracted position.

[0111] At least one baluster of a handrail assembly connected for rotation with respect to the access means, preferably a baluster in operation connected to a retraction mechanism, rotates over an angle equivalent to 15% to 40% of the total rotation angle of the access means between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position.

[0112] In an example vehicle application, the rotation angle of the access means is 135°, and the balusters rotate by approximately 30.5% (approximately 47.25 degrees) of the rotation of the access means.

[0113] The handrail assembly can be rotated by an angle of rotation between 15% and 30% of the rotation angle of the access means.

[0114] In the subsequent claims and the above description of the invention, unless the context requires for clear expression or implied meaning, the word “comprise,” or variations such as “comprises,” “comprising,” is used in a comprehensive sense, i.e., to specifically describe the presence of the features described above, and not to exclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. An access system for a vehicle, equipment, or facility, wherein the access system is Includes access means comprising at least one section having multiple treads / steps, a storage mechanism having at least one actuator, and at least one handrail assembly for each of the at least one section, The storage mechanism is arranged to house the access means and enable its deployment. The handrail assembly is pivotally connected to each section of the access means so as to fold into at least one section for storage and so as to extend to provide a handrail for supporting a user when the access means is deployed. The access means is mounted on a mounting base attached to a vehicle, equipment, or facility, and the storage mechanism is connected to operate between the mounting base and the access means. The actuator link connects the proximal end of the actuator to the mounting base, and the actuator bracket connects the distal end of the actuator to a first section of at least one section. The at least one handrail assembly is configured to fold and extend relative to the at least one section by mechanical connection to the storage mechanism, The mechanical connection is made via a pivotable linkage device including a link between each handrail assembly and the proximal end of the actuator, and the handrail assembly and the proximal end of the actuator are pivotably connected to the first section. An access system in which the motion of the actuator is transmitted to the handrail assembly via the link portion.

2. The access system according to claim 1, wherein the link portion between the handrail assembly and the storage mechanism includes the link device connected to at least one baluster or a portion thereof of each of the handrail assemblies.

3. The access system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one actuator includes at least one hydraulic actuator, at least one pneumatic actuator, and / or at least one electric actuator.

4. One or more intermediate handrails extend between the continuous balusters, The access system according to claim 2, wherein one or more intermediate handrails are pivotably connected to each of the balusters at each end of the intermediate handrails.

5. An access system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a plurality of sections, each having a number of treads / steps and pivotably connected to one another.

6. At least the first and second sections are connected in a pivotable manner, At least one transmission link device is provided to transmit motion between the first section and the second section. The access system according to claim 5, wherein the transmission link device includes a first transmission link section and a second transmission link section that are pivotably connected to each other.

7. The access system according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the transmission link portions is connected to an intermediate handrail or baluster of the second section.

8. The access system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the transmission link device is arranged and configured to transmit motion to the handrail assembly of the second section.

9. The access system according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the plurality of sections are adjacent to each other when stored.

10. The access system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the balusters are functionally connected to the handrail and to the at least one actuator of the storage mechanism via the link portion.

11. The access system according to claim 10, wherein the balusters rotate relative to the mounting base in the same direction as the access means rotates when the access means is being stored or deployed.

12. The access system according to claim 11, wherein, during storage or deployment, a baluster functionally connected to the at least one actuator is configured to rotate at a smaller angle or at a slower speed than the access means.

13. The access system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, during storage, the access means rotates upward and each of the handrails folds toward the access means, while both the access means and the balusters rotate in the same direction relative to the mounting base.

14. The access system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein during deployment, the access means is configured to rotate downward and each of the handrails moves away from the access means, while both the access means and the balusters rotate in the same direction relative to the mounting base.

15. The aforementioned balusters connect to the handrail and form part of the access handrail link portion. An access system according to any one of claims 11 to 14, comprising a member extending between the connection to the step.

16. The access system according to claim 15, wherein the connection to the handrail and / or the connection to the access means includes the respective pivot connections.

17. The access system according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the balusters are pivotably connected to the at least one actuator via the link portion.

18. The access system according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the balusters are functionally connected to at least one further balusters by the handrail and / or at least one intermediate handrail.

19. The access system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the distance between the main pivot connecting the access means to the mounting base and the connection between the access means and the at least one actuator is greater than the distance between the connection between the link device and the access means and the connection between the link device and the at least one actuator, so that the access means rotates angularly larger and faster than at least one baluster of each handrail assembly, and the overall rotation angle is limited so as not to rotate overcenter.

20. The access system according to claim 19, wherein the access means is retracted or deployed over a rotation angle of up to 175° between a fully deployed position and a fully retracted position.

21. The access system according to claim 19 or 20, wherein at least one baluster connected for rotation of the access means rotates over an angle equivalent to 15% to 40% of the total rotation angle of the access means between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position.

22. The access system according to any one of claims 21, wherein the handrail assembly is rotated over a rotation angle between 15% and 40% of the rotation angle of the access means.

23. The access system according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the access means, storage mechanism, and folding handrail assembly are provided as an assembly for mounting on a vehicle, equipment, or facility.

24. A method for housing an access system according to claim 1, incorporating at least one folding handrail assembly, comprising the step of operating an actuator for driving the housing of the access means, wherein the housing mechanism drives the folding of the handrail assembly relative to the access means.

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