Barrier for an escalator or a moving walkway

Abstract

The invention relates to a barrier (15) having a deflector panel (35) for preventing users from falling from a travel device (1) in the form of an escalator or moving walkway. The deflector panel (35) is provided for a rising conveying region (6) of the travel device (1), the angle of inclination (α) of which conveying region extends between a horizontal plane (E) and the handrail (13) which is in rising arrangement there. The deflector panel (35) is planar and has a lower edge (23) and an upper edge (25), which adjoins the lower edge (23) such that the angle of inclination (α) is included. The deflector panel (35) additionally has a parallel edge (27) which is arranged in parallel with the lower edge (23) at an edge distance (H). A deflector edge (29) of the deflector panel (35) is arranged orthogonally with respect to the horizontal plane (E) or at an arrangement angle (β) = 90° + angle of inclination (α) with respect to the parallel edge (27) and extends with a predetermined length (Z) between the upper edge (25) and the parallel edge (27).

Description

[0001] Barrier of an escalator or moving walkway

[0002] The invention relates to a barrier for a mobile device. The barrier serves as fall protection for users of the mobile device. The invention also relates to a mobile device with such a barrier.

[0003] For the purposes of this document, moving walkways and escalators are defined as those with a conveyor belt comprising a multitude of steps or pallets. These steps or pallets form a conveying surface used for transporting users and / or other loads, such as hand luggage or shopping carts.

[0004] Balustrades with handrails that move synchronously with the conveyor belt are typically arranged to the sides of the transport system. A support structure to which the balustrades are attached is located below the balustrades. The support structure is covered at the top by a cover assembly and on the sides by side panels. The cover assembly and the side panels are usually attached to the support structure using fasteners.

[0005] For moving walkways, building regulations and standards such as EN-115 apply with regard to their balustrade height (measured from the conveyor belt surface) and the height at which the handrail is positioned. These building regulations are intended to ensure the safe use of the escalator or moving walkway and must be strictly adhered to by the operators or building owners.

[0006] Since the balustrades of conventional elevators only extend to the height of the handrail, certain risks exist if they are used improperly. For example, users sometimes "surf" on the handrails, deliberately jump over them, or are involuntarily pushed over them. This happens, for instance, in football stadiums when hooligans jump off elevators or push other users off them.

[0007] Such situations are dangerous for users of the escalator and also for people located beneath it, and must therefore be avoided at all costs. For example, WO 2020 / 114846A1 discloses a balustrade for an escalator in which the first panels are positioned below the handrail as an additional barrier, and the second panels are offset laterally from the handrail and project above it. While this barrier effectively mitigates the situations described above, in upward-moving escalators, body parts of users or objects carried that protrude above the barrier can become trapped between the top edge of the barrier and a ceiling surface if, due to limited installation space, the barrier is located close to the edge of the penetration area or the ceiling opening.

[0008] Against this background, an object of the present invention is to provide a visually appealing barrier that serves as fall protection and counteracts the aforementioned entrapment of body parts or objects. Furthermore, it aims to enable the simple retrofitting of mobile equipment with such a barrier.

[0009] This task is accomplished by a barrier designed to prevent falls from users of a moving walkway. The moving walkway is configured as an escalator or moving platform. The barrier is designed to be mounted next to a handrail that is movable around the perimeter of the walkway's balustrade. When installed, the barrier, or rather its deflector panel, extends parallel to the handrail and projects above it. One deflector panel is intended for an ascending section of the moving walkway, where an angle of inclination exists between a horizontal plane and the handrail, which is positioned at an angle of inclination. The deflector panel is plate-shaped and has a lower edge. Furthermore, the deflector panel has an upper edge that connects to the lower edge, including the angle of inclination.Furthermore, the deflector panel has a parallel edge positioned parallel to the bottom edge at a certain distance. To prevent the pinching described above, the deflector panel features a deflector edge that is orthogonal to the horizontal plane or arranged at an angle to the parallel edge and extends between the top edge and the parallel edge with a predetermined length. The angle of inclination is related to the slope angle according to the following formula: Angle of inclination β = 90° + Slope angle a.

[0010] The arrangement angle can have an angular tolerance of ± 10°. Preferably, the angular tolerance is ± 5°; particularly preferably ± 2°. In one embodiment of the deflector panel, the specified length is at least 100 mm. Preferably, the specified length is > 300 mm, so that even larger body parts, such as heads, do not get caught.

[0011] In another embodiment, the deflector panel is equipped with at least one of the following components: a pivotally suspended pendulum rod, a chain, or a motion sensor directed towards the parallel edge. These components are all designed to be positioned in front of the deflector edge. The pendulum rods or chain provide a mechanical warning to the user that their outstretched hand is about to strike the hard deflector edge, allowing them to withdraw their hand before this occurs. The motion sensor directed towards the parallel edge can be used instead of, or in combination with, the pendulum rods or chain. Its sensor signals can be transmitted to an output device. The output device can include suitable means such as loudspeakers, light sources, screens, or the like, and can produce visual, acoustic, or audiovisual outputs.As soon as the motion sensor detects an object or a user's body part, the output device issues a warning to the user in question.

[0012] In another embodiment, the deflector panel features a connection profile located at its upper edge. This connection profile protects the upper edge, which, when installed, runs close to building contours or other moving parts, from damage caused by impacts or vibrations. The connection profile can also include a mounting flange that can be attached to the building or to an intersecting moving part using fasteners such as screws, adhesives, or similar materials. This allows the entire barrier to be stiffened and supported against lateral forces acting upon it via the upper edge of the deflector panel. Alternatively, instead of a connection profile, mounting areas can be provided in the deflector panel at its upper edge. These mounting areas can be holes, slots, grooves, or similar features.These mounting areas allow for lateral attachment when the deflector panel abuts the side of the building structure rather than butting up against its underside. Lateral attachment of the deflector panel to building structures is logically possible with or without a connection profile. Bonding the top edge to the building structure is also possible, eliminating the need for a connection profile or mounting areas.

[0013] In another embodiment, the connection profile has a protruding end that extends beyond the deflector edge. This protruding end is designed to receive or attach the pendulum rods, chain strands, or motion sensor described above.

[0014] The deflector panel is preferably made of the same materials as other barrier panels of the barrier. The deflector panel can therefore be made of safety glass, laminated safety glass, PMMA, or PMMA with transparent light-diffusing particles. However, it can also be made of opaque materials such as plywood, aluminum, or opaque polymers.

[0015] As previously mentioned, the barrier is designed to protect users from falls and, in the case of escalators or moving walkways, is mounted next to a handrail that can be moved around the perimeter of the escalator's balustrade. When installed, the barrier extends parallel to the handrail and projects above it at a predetermined height. If the barrier forms a wedge-shaped gap with a crossing escalator, the barrier includes at least one deflector panel to mitigate the hazard. This deflector panel is positioned within this wedge-shaped gap at the intersection of the two escalators. The upper edge of the deflector panel on the first escalator can be attached to the second escalator, which crosses the first, either with or without a connecting profile.

[0016] If the moving equipment is located within a passageway of a structure and its barrier forms a wedge-shaped gap with the passageway, the barrier, for "hazard mitigation," includes at least one deflector panel located in the area of ​​this wedge-shaped gap or adjacent to the passageway of the structure. Typically, the upper edge of the deflector panel attached to the moving equipment can be fastened to the passageway with or without a connecting profile. The characteristic "at the passageway" means that the fastening can be located either on the inner wall of the passageway or on the underside of the floor adjacent to the passageway.

[0017] In another embodiment, the barrier incorporates an alarm device. This alarm device includes a motion sensor and at least one output device through which acoustic and / or visual warnings can be emitted in the area of ​​the deflector panel. As previously mentioned, the motion sensor preferably monitors approach to the deflector edge. A light barrier, radar sensor, photocell, infrared sensor, ultrasonic sensor, or similar device can be used as the motion sensor. If pendulum rods or chain strands are suspended in this area, they can also be equipped with a mechanical switching element and serve as motion sensors.

[0018] In another embodiment, the barrier features a clamping profile with a V-shaped groove extending longitudinally along the profile. The V-shaped groove is defined by a base and two surfaces. These surfaces open at an angle to each other, starting from the base and extending towards the groove's opening. The clamping profile can be made, for example, from an extruded aluminum profile, with its ends capped.

[0019] Furthermore, the barrier includes a barrier panel. This panel has two parallel side surfaces and a bottom edge, and its bottom edge is positioned in the V-shaped groove. The barrier panel can also be multi-part and comprise several panel sections. Another component of the barrier is an L-shaped wedge insert with a wedge leg and a base leg. The wedge leg has a wedge-shaped cross-section and is positioned between the first side surface of the barrier panel or deflector panel and the first groove surface. The base leg is positioned between the bottom edge of the barrier panel or deflector panel and the bottom of the groove. In another embodiment of the barrier, the base leg also incorporates a channel that extends parallel to the V-shaped groove.The formation of a channel in the base leg has the advantage that at least one of the following components can be laid in the clamping profile or in the V-shaped groove: an electrical conductor such as a signal line or power supply line; a light source; a CAN bus.

[0020] The barrier also features a wedge-shaped clamping wedge, positioned between the second side surface of the barrier panel or deflector panel and the second groove surface. It is not necessary for the wedge insert and the clamping wedge to extend continuously within the V-shaped groove or for their length to be matched to the length of the barrier panel.

[0021] For reasons of cost, manufacturing, and assembly, the wedge insert and the clamping wedge are significantly shorter than a barrier panel, allowing them to be used even in curved sections of the clamping profile without having to bend them along the longitudinal axis of the clamping profile. To avoid additional bending moments on the barrier panel due to the clamping force generated by the driven-in clamping wedge, the wedge insert and the clamping wedge are preferably arranged opposite each other in the V-shaped groove and not offset from each other longitudinally. Several wedge inserts and clamping wedges can be provided per barrier panel, with a distance between two pairs of wedge inserts / clamping wedges that is greater than the length of a wedge insert or clamping wedge, respectively.

[0022] The L-shaped wedge insert provides a component that is dimensionally stable enough to withstand the forces exerted by the barrier panel or deflector panel when inserted into the V-shaped groove. Furthermore, the wedge insert precisely positions the barrier panel or deflector panel within the V-shaped groove, allowing for the precise alignment of multiple, adjacent panel sections of a multi-part barrier panel without any effort. In addition, the wedge insert, preferably made of a polymer material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), or similar materials, offers excellent shock absorption, significantly reducing the risk of breakage of the barrier panel and thus allowing its thickness to be kept comparatively low.

[0023] The barrier of the aforementioned design can include at least one alarm device with an output device for visual, acoustic, or audiovisual output. For example, a loudspeaker can be recessed in the clamping profile, an LED light strip can be arranged in the base of the groove, or a screen film can be mounted on the barrier panel. To supply the output device with electrical power and output signals, the barrier includes a connecting cable. This connecting cable is located in the V-shaped groove and routed through the channel of the wedge insert.

[0024] If the barrier is equipped with a motion sensor, the area in front of the deflector edge can be monitored. As soon as an object or body part is located in this area, a suitable warning can be issued to the operator of the moving equipment via the output device. The output device is preferably located close to the deflector edge. Naturally, the motion sensor can also send its sensor signals via the connecting cable to an output device independent of the barrier or even the moving equipment, and thus warn the operator acoustically, visually, or audiovisually. The output device can, for example, periodically broadcast announcements (acoustic output), display warning signals (visual output), or even project video sequences (visual or audiovisual output).

[0025] On one side of the clamping profile opposite the V-shaped groove, a T-shaped groove can also be formed, designed to accommodate fasteners. This allows the clamping profile to be attached to suitable structural components of the vehicle or to the vehicle via adapter parts. Furthermore, clamping profiles divided into several sections can be firmly connected to each other on the same side using connecting tongues inserted into the T-slot.

[0026] In another embodiment of the barrier, it features a support with a foot mounting area at one end and a head mounting area at the other. The head mounting area is connected to the clamping profile using fasteners. If the previously described T-shaped groove is present along the length of the clamping profile, the support's position along the length of the clamping profile can be freely selected. The foot mounting area is designed to be attached to a supporting structure of a mobile device, such as its frame.

[0027] The support can have a telescopic mechanism between the head mounting area and the foot mounting area. This allows the distance between the head mounting area and the foot mounting area to be fixed and adjusted.

[0028] In another version of the barrier, it features a connecting panel that is positioned directly adjacent to the deflector panel and is taller than the barrier panel itself. This greater height ensures that contours of the structure, such as surfaces and edges of the ground in the penetration area, are covered and therefore inaccessible.

[0029] In another version of the barrier, it features a connecting element. This connecting element is attached at one end to the clamping profile or the support and at the other end is designed to be fastened to a handrail guide profile of a mobile device. This connection between the balustrade and the barrier allows them to support each other orthogonally to the longitudinal direction of the clamping profile, enabling both the balustrade and the barrier to be designed and constructed with reduced material thicknesses.

[0030] Depending on its location in a building, the moving device, designed as an escalator or moving walkway, may be equipped with a barrier on one or both sides.

[0031] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein identical elements in all figures are provided with matching reference numerals. Neither the drawings nor the description are to be interpreted as limiting the invention. The drawings show:

[0032] Figure 1: in three-dimensional representation a moving device designed as an escalator with glass balustrades and two laterally arranged barriers for fall protection of users, one of the barriers having a deflector panel;

[0033] Figure 2: side view of the deflector panel shown in Figure 1;

[0034] Figure 3A: in side view, a further development of the one shown in Figure 2

[0035] Deflector panels;

[0036] Figure 3B: front view of the deflector panel shown in Figure 3A;

[0037] Figure 4: in side view two intersecting driving devices with fixed directions of travel, wherein both driving devices have barriers and the barriers of the upward-conveying driving device have deflector panels with a deflector edge;

[0038] Figure 5: a cross-section through the entire barrier and the glass balustrade of the vehicle shown in Figure 1;

[0039] Figure 6: Enlarged view of a partial cross-section through a box-shaped balustrade of a mobile device and the barrier attached to it with a dispensing device; and

[0040] Figure 7: a larger representation of the section B shown in Figure 6, with the addition of an acoustic output device.

[0041] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional representation of an escalator 1 as installed in a building 3 (shown with double-dotted lines). The escalator 1 has a continuously movable conveyor belt 5 with steps 7. Two balustrades 9 with glass panels 11 extend along each side of the conveyor belt 5. Escalators 1 with such glass balustrades are used, for example, in department stores and shopping malls. A handrail guide profile 12 (see Figure 5) with a continuously movable handrail 13 is arranged at the edge of each balustrade 9. The handrails 13 move synchronously with the conveyor belt 5. The balustrade height HB of the balustrade 9 is designed such that its handrail 13 can be comfortably grasped by an adult of average height, but is also easily reachable for smaller children.For example, EN-115 specifies a balustrade height HB of 900 cm to 1100 cm, depending on the location.

[0042] Since there is no wall on either side of the transport device 1, users could fall over the balustrade 9 and tumble to the side of the transport device 1 if they use it improperly as described above. To prevent this, a barrier 15 is mounted on both sides of the transport device 1 next to the handrail 13. As can be seen in Figure 1, the barrier 15 extends parallel to the balustrade 9 and its height HA is higher than the balustrade height HB of the balustrade 9, or the handrail 13. To allow users to hold onto the handrail 13, the barrier 15 is located on the side of the handrail 13 facing away from the conveyor belt 5.

[0043] The barrier 15 has barrier panels 17 that are clamped in a clamping profile 19. The clamping profile 19 is rigidly connected to the transport device 1 by means of supports 21. The construction of the clamping profile 19 and other components integrated therein are explained further below in the description of Figures 5 to 7. Although the transport device 1 is largely freestanding within the structure 3, the left balustrade 9 passes very close to the floor 4 in a passage 2 of the structure 3 within the ascending conveying section 6 of the transport device 1. Without special provisions, a parallel edge 27 of the barrier panel 17, running parallel to the clamping profile 19, forms a wedge-shaped gap 33 with the underside of the floor 4 (shown by a dashed line).

[0044] As indicated by the double arrow, the transport device 1 can be operated in two directions L. In downward operation, there is no risk of an object or body part becoming trapped in the wedge-shaped gap 33. In upward operation L, however, entrapment is possible without suitable precautions. To prevent this, a specially designed deflector panel 35 is provided instead of a standard barrier panel 17.

[0045] If, in the passage area 2, the distance between the floor 4 and the barrier 15 is so great that the upper edge 25 of the barrier panel 17 (see Figures 2, 3A and 3B) cannot be flush with the floor 4, a connecting panel 37 with a greater height HA, shaped appropriately for passage area 2, can be used, as shown by the dashed line. This prevents objects or body parts of users from getting between the contours of the structure 3 and the barrier 15 in passage area 2, at the upper edge 25.

[0046] Figure 2 shows a side view of the deflector panel 35 depicted in Figure 1. As explained above, the deflector panel 35 is intended to mitigate the hazards of the wedge-shaped gap 33 and is therefore designed for the ascending conveying section 6 of the transport device 1. The angle of inclination α (see Figure 1) of the ascending conveying section 6 extends between a horizontal plane E and the handrail 13 arranged therein. The deflector panel 35 is plate-shaped and has a lower edge 23 which, in the installed state, is arranged in the clamping profile 19 (see Figure 1). Since the clamping profile 19 extends parallel to the handrail 13, the lower edge 23, relative to the installed state, is also arranged at the angle of inclination α to the horizontal plane E (shown as a dashed line in Figures 1 and 2).

[0047] Furthermore, the deflector panel 35 has an upper edge 25 that connects to the lower edge 23, including the angle of inclination α. ​​The term "including" means that the angle 5 between the lower edge 23 and the upper edge 25 contains at least the angle of inclination α. ​​If the drive unit 1 is arranged in the passage area 2 of a structure 3 and thus crosses a horizontal contour of the structure 3, such as the floor 4 shown in Figure 1, the angle 5 corresponds to the angle of inclination α. ​​As explained below with reference to Figure 4, the angle 5 can also be greater than the angle of inclination α when drive units 1 cross.

[0048] Like the barrier panels 17, the deflector panel 35 also has a parallel edge 27, which is arranged parallel to the lower edge 23 at an edge distance H. With regard to the installed state, the edge distance H is aligned with the adjacent barrier panel 17 such that their parallel edges 27 are precisely aligned (see also Figure 1).

[0049] To eliminate the hazards of the wedge-shaped gap 33, the deflector panel 35 has a deflector edge 29 that is arranged orthogonally to the horizontal plane E or at an angle β = (90° + angle of inclination α) to the parallel edge 27 and extends with a predetermined length Z between the upper edge 25 and the parallel edge 27. The predetermined length Z is at least 100 mm. Preferably, the predetermined length Z is > 300 mm, so that even larger body parts, such as heads, do not get caught. The advantage of the deflector panel 35 according to the invention lies particularly in the fact that no additional components need to be mounted for protective measures. In addition, due to the one-piece design of the deflector panel 35, the deflector edge 29 is perfectly positioned relative to the barrier 15, thus preventing the creation of additional hazards such as gaps, joints, or the like, in which, for example, textiles could become entangled.In the area of ​​the upper edge 25, fastening areas 24 can be formed in the deflector panel 35 (and are therefore shown with a dashed line). These fastening areas 24 can be bores, slots, grooves, or the like. They allow for lateral fastening when the deflector panel 35 abuts laterally against structures of the building 3 and does not butt against the underside of the floor 4 (see Figures 3A and 3B).

[0050] Figures 3A and 3B show, in side and front views respectively, a further development of the deflector panel 35 depicted in Figure 2, and are therefore described together below. In this further development, the deflector panel 35 has a connection profile 41, which is arranged at the upper edge 25. The connection profile 41 is provided with a groove 43, which is matched to the thickness S of the deflector panel 35. The connection profile 41 also has a mounting flange 45, which can be attached, for example, to an adjacent floor 4 using fasteners 57. Dimensional deviations between the upper edge 25 and the floor 4 are compensated for by the groove 43. The attachment of the connection profile 41 to the floor 4 of the structure 3 additionally supports the upper edge 25 against laterally acting shear forces F.

[0051] As shown, the connection profile 41 can have a projecting end 55 which extends beyond the deflector edge 29 by a length X. Mechanical and / or electronic pre-warming systems can be attached to the projecting end 55 to warn a user before they collide with the deflector edge 29. Such a collision is generally harmless due to the low operating speed of escalators and moving walkways and does not cause serious damage. However, depending on the design, the deflector edge 29 can cause pain and minor injuries. Hinged pendulum rods 47 and / or chain strands 49 can serve as mechanical pre-warming systems. An electronic pre-warming system, such as a motion sensor 51 of an alarm device 50, can also be installed at the projecting end 55 of the connection profile 41. Its detection cone 53 is preferably directed towards the parallel edge 27.As soon as the motion sensor 51 detects an object or a user's body part, it sends a sensor signal (not shown) to an output device 131 of the alarm device 50 (see Figure 7). The output device 131 then sends visual, acoustic, or audiovisual messages to the user. The sensor signal triggers a corresponding output to warn the user of a potential collision with the deflector edge 29. In addition, the deflector panel 35 can also be illuminated, as described below. It goes without saying that pendulum rods 47, chain strands 49, and the motion sensor 51 can also be attached to the deflector edge 29 without a protruding end 55 or without a connecting profile 41, for example, to structures of the building 3 or to a crossing drive system 1.

[0052] The deflector panel 35 is preferably made of a transparent material such as safety glass, laminated safety glass, PMMA, or PMMA with transparent light-diffusing particles, so that users do not feel confined. However, it can also be made of an opaque material such as plywood, aluminum, or an opaque polymer material.

[0053] Figure 4 shows a side view of two closely spaced, intersecting transport devices 1 with fixed directions of travel L. Both transport devices 1 also have barriers 15. The barriers 15 of the upward-conveying transport device 1 each also have a deflector panel 35 with a vertical deflector edge 29.

[0054] As can be seen in Figure 4, without a deflector edge 29, the upper edge 27 of the barrier panel 17 of the rear-mounted drive unit 1 forms a wedge-shaped gap 33 with the underside 87 of the intersecting drive unit 1 located in the front of the image plane. This gap could, for example, trap outstretched arms. The same problem occurs where the rear-mounted drive unit 1 crosses the base 4 of the structure 3 in the passage area 2. By providing a deflector panel 35 with a vertical deflector edge 29, the wedge shape of the gap 33 is effectively mitigated. The deflector panel 35 with a deflector edge 29 is therefore used where the drive unit 1, in relation to its intended direction of travel L, passes close to an intersecting drive unit 1 and / or passes through a narrow passage area 2.If the lateral distance between the two intersecting drive units 1 is very small, the barrier panel 17 cannot be guided laterally past the adjacent drive unit. To secure the barrier panel 17 located there, a mounting flange 22 can be arranged on the adjacent drive unit 1 instead of a support 21 (see also Figures 2 and 5).

[0055] Figure 5 shows a cross-section through the entire barrier 15 and the balustrade 9 of the transport device 1 shown in Figure 1. In addition to the clamping profile 19 and the barrier panel 17 or the deflector panel 35 (not shown in this section), the barrier 15 comprises a wedge insert 91, a clamping wedge 92, and the support 21, which is provided at one end with a foot mounting area 93 and at the other end with a head mounting area 94. The head mounting area 94 is connected to the clamping profile 19 by means of a fastening element 96 arranged in a T-shaped groove 95 of the clamping profile 19. The foot fastening area 93 of the support 21 is screwed to a balustrade clamp 101 of the transport device 1 and the balustrade clamp 101 is attached to a support structure 102 (only its upper chord is shown) of the transport device 1.The supporting structure 102 is the load-bearing structure that accommodates all components of the moving equipment 1 and supports its mass and its own mass within the structure 3. The glass panel 11 of the balustrade 9 is clamped in the clamping device 103 of the balustrade clamp 102.

[0056] To enable the support 21 to be manufactured in large series rather than on a per-order basis, a telescopic device 98 is arranged between the head mounting area 94 and the base mounting area 93. The telescopic device 98 is implemented by a two-part support tube, the two parts of which are connected by a thread, allowing adjustment in the axial direction A. Using the telescopic device 98, a support spacing T between the head mounting area 94 and the base mounting area 93 can be fixedly set, thus compensating for manufacturing tolerances of the supporting structure 102 and allowing the desired height HA (see Figure 1) of the barrier panels 17 and the at least one deflector panel 35 to be adjusted.

[0057] The barrier 15 also has a connecting element 105, one end of which is connected to the support 21. The other end of the connecting element 105 is attached to the handrail guide profile 12 of the mobile device 1. This stabilizes the support 21 and the balustrade 9 of the mobile device 1 against the transverse forces acting on the balustrade 9 and the barrier 15 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L (see also Figure 1).

[0058] Figure 6 shows an enlarged partial cross-section through a box-shaped balustrade 121 of a moving walkway 1 and the barrier 15 attached to it. Box-shaped balustrades 121 have an internal metal structure 122 made of metal profiles, which are clad with cladding sheets 123. Such box-shaped balustrades 121, also called metal balustrades, are commonly used in heavily frequented moving walkways 1 in public buildings 3, for example, in subway stations, train stations, and airports. Since the box-shaped balustrades 121 already exhibit high inherent rigidity and strength, a support 21 is unnecessary. Instead, the clamping profile 19 of the barrier 15 is screwed to a profile 124, which is part of the internal metal structure 122.

[0059] Figure 7 shows a larger view of section B shown in Figure 6. The clamping profile 19 of the barrier 15 has a V-shaped groove 132 extending along the longitudinal direction L (see Figure 1) of the clamping profile 19. The V-shaped groove 132 is bounded by a groove base 133 and two groove surfaces 134, 135. The groove surfaces 134, 135 are arranged at an angle to each other, opening towards a groove opening 136, starting from the groove base 133. In other words, the width of the V-shaped groove 132 increases towards the groove opening 136. The clamping profile 19 can be made, for example, of an extruded aluminum profile or an extruded plastic profile, the ends of which can be covered, for example, with an end cap (not shown).

[0060] Depending on the position of the depicted cutout, the barrier 15 has a barrier panel 17 or deflector panel 35, which has two parallel side surfaces 137, 138 and is arranged in the V-shaped groove 132 in the area of ​​its lower edge 139. The barrier panel 17 or deflector panel 35 is made of transparent material such as tempered safety glass, laminated safety glass, a PMMA sheet, a polycarbonate sheet, edge-illuminated acrylic glass that emits light via its side surfaces, or the like.

[0061] Another component of the barrier 15 is an L-shaped wedge insert 141 with a wedge leg 142 and a base leg 143. The wedge leg 142 has a wedge-shaped cross-section and is located between the first side surface 137 of the barrier panel 17 or deflector panel 35 and the first groove surface 134. The base leg 143 of the wedge insert 141 is located between the lower edge 139 of the barrier panel 17 or deflector panel 35 and the bottom of the groove 133. A channel 144 is also formed in the base leg 143, extending parallel to the V-shaped groove 132. The formation of a channel 144 in the base leg 143 has the advantage that, for example, a light source 145 can be laid within the clamping profile 19 or in the V-shaped groove 132 with a constant cross-section without interrupting it.

[0062] As already mentioned in the description of Figures 3A and 3B, the barrier 15 can include an alarm device 50 with a motion sensor 51 and an output device 131. The output device 131 can, for example, be the light source 145, which is directed towards the lower edge 139 of the barrier panel 17, arranged in the V-shaped groove 132, and guided through the channel 144 of the wedge insert 142. As soon as the motion sensor 51 emits a sensor signal, the light source 145, which is preferably arranged in the area of ​​the deflector panel 35, is activated. For example, the light source 145 can illuminate the deflector panel 35 by flashing red, so that the user instinctively withdraws their body part from the danger zone. Any known light-emitting device, such as LEDs, fluorescent tubes, OLED screen films, and the like, can be used as the light source 145.The channel also allows for the easy installation of connecting cables 146 in the V-shaped groove 132. To ensure that the resting barrier panel 17 or deflector panel can be adequately illuminated in the area of ​​the wedge insert 141 by a light source 145 arranged in the channel 144, at least one opening 147 through the base leg 143 is provided.

[0063] However, a loudspeaker 199 can also be arranged in the clamping profile 19 as an output device 131, which, when a sensor signal is present, emits a wail, a whistle, a siren, or the like, as long as the motion sensor 51 maintains the sensor signal.

[0064] To secure the wedge insert 141 and the barrier panel 17 in the clamping profile 19, the barrier 15 has a clamping wedge 148 with a wedge-shaped cross-section, which is arranged between the second side surface 138 of the barrier panel 17 and the second groove surface 135. To ensure secure and permanent clamping of the barrier panel 17 in the V-shaped groove 132, the wedge angle α of the wedge leg 142 and the wedge angle α of the clamping wedge 148 must be smaller than the angle of a friction cone that exists between the first groove surface 134 and the wedge leg 142 and between the second groove surface 135 and the clamping wedge 148, respectively. The angle of the friction cone, which is another way of describing the coefficient of friction between these components, depends on the surface roughness and the materials used for the clamping profile 19, the wedge insert 141 and the clamping wedge 148.In the case of multi-part barrier panels 17, wedge inserts 141 and clamping wedges 148 are preferably arranged in the clamping profile 19 such that these two adjacent barrier panels 17 overlap.

[0065] The V-shaped groove 132 also has a projection 152 on the first groove surface 134, which is intended for the wedge insert 141 and narrows the groove opening 136. This projection 152 provides the wedge insert 141 with better support in the V-shaped groove 132, preventing it from slipping when the barrier panel 17 is inserted. To further improve this support, an elastic element 151 can be arranged on the wedge leg 142 of the wedge insert 141. When the wedge insert 141 is inserted into the V-shaped groove 132, this elastic element clamps its wedge leg 142 between the projection 152 and the groove base 133.

[0066] To prevent the V-shaped groove 132 from filling with water and dirt, sealing profiles 153 made of elastomeric material such as rubber, nitrile rubber, and the like are arranged on both sides of the barrier panel 17 at the groove opening 136. To enable the installation of the sealing profiles 153, fastening structures 149 are formed on both sides of the groove opening 136 of the V-shaped groove 132. The fastening structures 149 (a tongue-and-groove connection is shown) correspond to corresponding features on the sealing profile 153. The tongue-and-groove fastening structure 149 shown in Figure 7 is only one of countless possible configurations for fastening the sealing profile 153 in the groove opening 136 and should therefore not be understood as limited to this single illustration.

[0067] To attach the barrier 15 to the transport device 1, a T-shaped groove 95 is formed on one side of the clamping profile 19 opposite the V-shaped groove 132. Fasteners 96, such as square or hexagonal screw heads, can be arranged in this groove, their position along the longitudinal dimension L of the clamping profile 19 being freely selectable. This simple and robust design allows the clamping profile 19 to be attached, for example, to a support 21, as shown in Figures 1 and 5, or to a box-shaped balustrade 91, as shown in Figure 6. Of course, other structures such as threaded holes, clampable projections, and the like can also be incorporated into the clamping profile.

[0068] 19 must be trained to connect this to the driving device 1.

[0069] Although figures 1 and 4 clearly show moving equipment 1 designed as escalators, it is obvious that the barrier 15 can also be used for moving walkways.

[0070] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "comprising," "encompassing," etc., do not exclude other elements or steps, and terms such as "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps from other embodiments described above. Reference numerals in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A barrier (15) for fall protection of users in a moving device (1) designed as an escalator or moving walkway, the barrier (15) being designed to be mounted on the moving device (1) next to a handrail (13) which is movable around its circumference on a balustrade (9) of the moving device (1), wherein in the mounted state the barrier (15) extends parallel to the handrail (13) and projects above the balustrade (9) or the handrail (13) at a height (HA), characterized in that the barrier (15) has at least one deflector panel (35), - which deflector panel (35) is provided for an ascending conveying area (6) of the transport device (1), the angle of inclination (a) of which extends between a horizontal plane (E) and the handrail (13) arranged there in an ascending manner; - which deflector panel (35) is designed in a plate-like shape and has a lower edge (23); - which deflector panel (35) has an upper edge (25) which connects to the lower edge (23) including the angle of inclination (a); - which deflector panel (35) has a parallel edge (27) arranged at an edge distance (H) parallel to the lower edge (23); and - which deflector panel (35) has a deflector edge (29) that is arranged orthogonally to the horizontal plane (E) or at the arrangement angle (β) = 90° + inclination angle (α) to the parallel edge (27) and extends with a predetermined length (Z) between the upper edge (25) and the parallel edge (27).

2. Barrier (15) according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined length (Z) of the deflector panel (35) is at least 100 mm, preferably > 300 mm.

3. Barrier (15) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the following items is assigned to and arranged in front of the deflector edge (29) of the deflector panel (35): a pivotally suspended pendulum rod (47), a chain strand (49) or a motion sensor (51) directed towards the parallel edge (27), the sensor signals of which can be transmitted to an output device (131).

4. Barrier (15) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the deflector panel (35) is a has a connection profile (41) which is arranged at the top edge (25), or in Deflector panel (35) mounting areas (24) are formed in the area of ​​the upper edge (25).

5. Barrier (15) according to claim 4, wherein the connecting profile (41) has a projecting end (55) which extends beyond the deflector edge (29).

6. Barrier (15) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the deflector panel (35) comprises safety glass, laminated safety glass, PMMA or PMMA with transparent light-scattering particles or is made of opaque or non-transparent material.

7. Barrier (15) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the deflector panel (35) is arranged adjacent to a nearby crossing, second driving device (1) and the upper edge (25) of the deflector panel (35) arranged on the first driving device (1) is attached to the second driving device (1) crossing the first driving device (1).

8. Barrier (15) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the deflector panel (35) is arranged adjacent to a passage area (2) of a structure (3), in which passage area (2) the driving device (1) is passed and the upper edge (25) of the deflector panel (35) arranged on the driving device (1) is attached to the passage area (2).

9. Barrier (15) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein it has an alarm device (50) which has a motion sensor (51) and an output device (131), wherein acoustic, visual or audiovisual warning signals can be output by the output device (131) in the area of ​​the barrier panel (35).

10. Barrier (15) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the barrier (15) further comprises: • a clamping profile (19) with a V-shaped groove (132) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of the clamping profile (19), wherein the V-shaped groove (132) is bounded by a groove base (133) and two groove surfaces (134, 135) and the groove surfaces (134, 135) are arranged opening at an angle to each other from the groove base (133) towards a groove opening (136); • a barrier panel (17) which has two parallel side surfaces (137, 138) and has a lower edge (139) and is arranged in the V-shaped groove (132) in the area of ​​its lower edge (139); • a wedge-shaped clamping wedge (148) in cross-section, which is arranged between the second side surface (138) of the barrier panel (17) or deflector panel (35) and the second groove surface (135); and • a U-shaped wedge insert (141) with a wedge leg (142) and with a base leg (143), wherein the wedge leg (142) has a wedge-shaped cross-section and is arranged between the first side surface (137) of the barrier panel (17) or deflector panel (35) and the first groove surface (134), and the base leg (143) is arranged between the lower edge (139) of the barrier panel (17) or deflector panel (35) and the groove base (133).

11. Barrier (15) according to claim 10, wherein a channel (144) is formed in the base leg (143) which extends parallel to the V-shaped groove (132); and the barrier (15) has at least one output device (131) for visual, acoustic or audiovisual outputs and at least one connecting line (146) for the output device (131), wherein the connecting line (146) is arranged in the V-shaped groove (132) and is guided through the channel (144) of the wedge insert (141).

12. Barrier (15) according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the barrier has a support (21) which is provided at one end with a foot mounting area (93) and at the other end with a head mounting area (94), wherein the head mounting area (93) is connected to the clamping profile (19) by means of fastening means (96) and the foot mounting area (93) is provided to be attached to a supporting structure (101) of a moving device (1), and / or the barrier (15) has a connecting element (105) which connecting element (105) is connected at one end to the clamping profile (19) or to the support (21) and is designed at the other end to be attached to a handrail guide profile (12) of a moving device (1).

13. Barrier (15) according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein it has a connecting panel (37) which is arranged directly adjacent to the deflector panel (35) and has a greater height HA than the barrier panel (17).

14. Moving device (1) designed as an escalator or moving walkway, with a circumferential conveyor belt (5), characterized by at least one barrier (15) according to one of claims 1 to 13, which barrier (15) is mounted on the moving device (1) next to a handrail (13) which is movable circumferentially on a balustrade (9) of the moving device (1), wherein in the mounted state the barrier (15) extends parallel to the balustrade (9) and projects above the balustrade (9) or the handrail (13) at a height (HA), and wherein the barrier (15) is arranged on the side of the handrail (13) facing away from the conveyor belt (5).

Images