Method for producing a connection between a first end of a handrail and a second end of the handrail, and closed handrail

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a connection between a first end (1) of a handrail (10) and a second end (2) of the handrail (10). The handrail (10) has a multilayer structure, the handrail comprising a tension member (3) and at least one cover layer (4) between the tension member and a contact surface (5) of the handrail (10). The method comprises removing the cover layer (4) at the first end (1) and the second end (2) of the handrail (10) such that the tension member (3) is exposed in a connection region (6) along a direction of extent (R1) of the handrail (10), joining the tension member (3) of the first end (1) and the second end (2) along a tension member contact surface (7), and building up a new cover layer (8) on the exposed tension member (3) in the connection region (6). The invention also relates to a closed handrail (10) for an escalator or a moving walkway.

Description

[0001] Method for creating a connection between a first end of a handrail and a second end of the handrail and closed handrail

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for creating a connection between a first end of a handrail and a second end of the handrail, as well as a closed handrail.

[0003] A handrail is used, for example, on automatic escalators or moving walkways to provide support for the user. Such a handrail runs continuously on a guide, allowing it to support the user even while moving. The movement is guided by a roller and / or gear system. Due to wear and tear from friction, weathering, vandalism, etc., handrails need to be replaced periodically. Since handrails are usually manufactured in continuous lengths, they often need to be joined on-site to form a closed handrail. Modern handrails often have a multi-layered construction. When joining two open ends of a handrail, the individual layers must be separated and then rejoined individually. This current splicing method is complex, laborious, time-consuming, and potentially dangerous.Furthermore, a handrail joined using such a splicing method has a reduced lifespan.

[0004] Factory preparation of the handrail ends is often not possible either, as the exact handrail length can only be determined on site.

[0005] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method which enables a simple and durable connection of two ends of a handrail. The above problem is solved with a method having the features of claim 1 and with a handrail having the features of claim 21.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for creating a connection between a first end of a handrail and a second end of the handrail is provided. The handrail may have a multi-layered structure. The handrail may comprise a tension member and at least one cover layer between the tension member and a contact surface of the handrail. The method preferably comprises removing the cover layer at the first end and the second end of the handrail, so that the tension member is exposed in a connection area along a direction of extension of the handrail. Furthermore, the method preferably comprises joining the tension members of the first end and the second end along a tension member contact surface. Preferably, the method comprises building up a new cover layer on the exposed tension member in the connection area.

[0007] Compared to the prior art, the present invention eliminates the need for a connection with numerous overlaps between the individual layers of a handrail. More precisely, it is no longer necessary to separate layers that have already been vulcanized and laboriously reconnect them to other layers. Thus, the time-consuming and difficult process of exposing the individual layers (also known as filleting) is eliminated. Consequently, the time-consuming exposure process is no longer required. Furthermore, the risk of damaging any of the layers during exposure is avoided. Additionally, the risk of user injury during this process is prevented. Subsequent overlapping and reconnecting of the individual layers can lead to surface warping, which is avoided in the present invention.Furthermore, highly specialized personnel are required to expose the layers individually without damaging them. Moreover, working on handrails on-site is often difficult. More precisely, local conditions can lead to a lack of space and / or tools. With the present method, all layers except the tension member can be removed, and after connecting the tension member to the first and second ends, the remaining layers of the handrail can be reconstructed. Thus, when removing the other layers (except the tension member), the handrail can be cut so that all layers up to the tension member are severed. The layers can then be removed. Therefore, no time-consuming dissecting of the individual layers is necessary. This provides a particularly simple method for joining two ends of a handrail.In summary, the present invention offers the advantage that the tension member can be easily and quickly exposed without damaging the other layers of the handrail. The handrail can then be completely reconstructed in the connection area using new semi-finished products (except for the tension member). Therefore, a simple method for joining two ends of a handrail can be provided, and the finished handrail exhibits no loss of durability or performance.

[0008] The handrail can be made of rubber, plastic, or a combination of both materials. It can be mounted on an escalator or moving walkway to provide support for users. Users typically grasp the handrail with their hand. Contact between the handrail and the user usually occurs at the top surface of the handrail. The handrail can be guided in a track on the escalator or moving walkway. For this purpose, the handrail may have a sliding layer. This sliding layer can be positioned opposite the top surface. To achieve various properties, the handrail can have a multi-layered structure. To transfer tensile loads, the handrail can have a tension member. This tension member can also be called a tension element or a carcass.In other words, the handrail can have a carcass in which the tension member is arranged. The tension member can be formed as an expansion brake from steel, polymer, or carbon fibers. The tension member can absorb a tensile force, thus allowing for the maximum possible elongation of the handrail based on the tension member used. The tension member can ensure that elongation of the handrail in one profile direction is limited over its service life. The tension member can be located only in the central area of ​​the handrail's cross-section. This allows for easy manufacturing of the end sections and keeps the overall weight of the handrail low. The first and second ends of the tension member can be made from the same tension member. In other words, the tension member ends can be the open ends of an otherwise continuous tension member. The handrail can extend in one direction.Perpendicular to its direction of extension, the handrail can have a cross-section of varying sizes. Along its direction of extension, the cross-section of the handrail can remain essentially constant. The handrail can be manufactured as a continuous product. For example, the handrail can be manufactured or at least finished by extrusion. To then install the handrail on an escalator or moving walkway, it must be cut to the correct length and the two ends joined together. This creates a closed handrail (i.e., a continuous handrail). The surface layer can also be referred to as the face sheet. The surface layer is the part of the handrail that comes into contact with a user standing on the escalator or moving walkway. The thickness of the surface layer (i.e., its cross-sectional thickness) can depend on the intended use of the handrail.Preferably, the material thickness ranges from a few micrometers to 12 mm. Within this range, it has been shown that the handrail exhibits the desired properties regarding resistance to environmental influences such as UV radiation, ozone pollution, and widely fluctuating temperatures, while also being sufficiently flexible to be used efficiently even with small radii of drive rollers. The surface layer provides a secure and comfortable grip for the user when using the escalator or moving walkway. The surface layer preferably comprises a thermoplastic elastomer. This thermoplastic elastomer can include reinforcing materials such as textiles, corduroy, knitted fabrics, and / or mesh. The surface layer can rest directly or indirectly on the tension member. In other words, at least one further layer can be arranged between the surface layer and the tension member.The top layer can be cut down to the tension member using a knife or similar tool. The cut can be made essentially perpendicular to the direction of extension of the handrail. This allows the top layer and any additional layers optionally provided to be easily removed. In other words, the tension member can be exposed in the connection area. In another embodiment, in addition to the top layer, every other layer except the tension member is also removed to expose the tension member. This includes, for example, a sliding layer or sliding surface provided on the side of the tension member opposite the top layer. Furthermore, the top layer can comprise a multitude of different layers. The tension member is thus exposed at both the first and second ends of the handrail. The exposed tension member can then be joined together.This design offers good accessibility because the tension member is exposed at the joint, and every other layer of the handrail has been removed. Removing the other layers (besides the tension member) can mean physically detaching them from the handrail. In other words, the removed layers cannot simply be folded over or folded away. Therefore, the removed layers can be taken out as a whole and do not need to be separated from each other. Optionally, the handrail has at least two additional layers besides the tension member. The tension member at the first end can be butted together with the tension member at the second end. Once the tension member is joined, a new top layer can be applied to it. This new top layer was preferably not previously attached to the handrail. In other words, the new top layer can be a new semi-finished product applied to the tension member at the joint."New" here can mean that the new top layer being applied to the tension member was not previously attached to the handrail. A mobile vulcanization unit can be used for this purpose, for example. This allows the previously removed top layer to be rebuilt using unvulcanized material. The newly applied top layer preferably has the same thickness as the previously removed layer. This ensures that the handrail has the same thickness in the connection area as before. This prevents local protrusions and thus avoids operational problems. Overall, this results in time savings when exposing the tension member. The exposed tension member also allows for faster joining of the tension member compared to current methods.At the same time, the risk of injury to a user joining the handrail, as well as the risk of damaging one or more layers of the handrail, is significantly reduced. Rebuilding the top layer takes more time than with the prior art method. Nevertheless, the total time required to join two ends of a handrail is considerably reduced with the present method.

[0009] Preferably, the removal step includes completely detaching the at least one cover layer in the handrail's connection area. In other words, the cover layer is not merely detached from the tension member, but completely removed from the handrail. This ensures unrestricted access to the tension member. In other words, the cover layer can be completely removed, so that the removed material no longer adheres to the handrail. This allows for easy access to the handrail's connection area.

[0010] Preferably, the assembly step comprises a complete rebuild of at least one cover layer in the joint area of ​​the handrail. In other words, the cover layer, which was previously completely removed, can be rebuilt with new material. The new material is preferably unvulcanized. This avoids the need to rejoin already vulcanized handrail material. This eliminates the need for re-vulcanizing previously vulcanized material. As a result, the quality of the cover layer can be improved.

[0011] Preferably, the removal step includes removing all layers of the handrail except for the tension member. This allows for the removal of any sliding layer, which may be located on the opposite side of the tension member from the top layer. This provides access to the tension member from all sides. Furthermore, any sliding layer provided for in the connection area can be reapplied during the handrail's reconstruction. This can improve the overall durability of the handrail.

[0012] Preferably, the removal step comprises removing at least one layer of the handrail in the connection area next to the tension member, transverse to the handrail's direction of extension. The tension member is preferably located centrally within the handrail. This allows the tension member to be spaced at least three ways from the handrail surfaces. In other words, the tension member can be embedded in the material. Therefore, not only can a cover layer extending between the tension member and a contact surface between the handrail and the user be removed, but also the handrail material adjacent to the tension member in a direction transverse to the handrail's direction of extension. This facilitates optimal access to the tension member. In particular, the tension member can also be accessed laterally, which significantly simplifies trimming it.

[0013] Preferably, the method after the removal step includes exposing at least one further layer of the handrail. In other words, the handrail can have at least one further layer in addition to the top layer. In the example above, the tension member can also simultaneously provide a sliding contact with a guide for the handrail. According to a further embodiment, a separate sliding layer can be provided, which is designed to come into contact with a guide for the handrail. The guide can, for example, ensure that the handrail runs in a predefined position along the escalator or moving walkway. Thus, the handrail can, for example, have an additional layer in the form of a sliding layer. The sliding layer can be arranged on a side of the tension member that is opposite the side of the tension member on which the top layer is arranged.In other words, the cover layer and the sliding layer can enclose the tension member. According to the present embodiment, only the cover layer in the connection area needs to be removed, while the sliding layer is merely detached from the tension member. Removing the cover layer is sufficient to provide access to the tension member. This allows the tension member of the first end of the handrail to be satisfactorily connected to the tension member of the second end of the handrail. Thus, the tension member can be accessed from at least one side. Preferably, the tension member can also be accessed from three sides by removing the remaining handrail material located next to the tension member, perpendicular to the direction of extension of the handrail. During the assembly step, the sliding layers of the present embodiment can be joined together with an overlap.This makes the sliding layer particularly wear-resistant against friction.

[0014] Preferably, the method further comprises: separating a sliding layer, designed to interact with a handrail guide, from the tension member. As shown above, the sliding layer can be separated from the tension member so that the sliding layer can be folded away independently of the tension member (at least in the connection area). This ensures optimal accessibility to the tension member.

[0015] Preferably, the method further comprises an overlap between the sliding layer of the first end, which is separated from the tension member, and the sliding layer of the second end, which is also separate from the tension member. This overlap ensures optimal preservation and / or connection of the two sliding layer ends.

[0016] Preferably, the method further comprises: machining the sliding layer at the first end and the second end such that the ends of the sliding layer form an angle other than 90° with respect to the direction of extension of the handrail. In other words, the first end of the sliding layer and the second end of the sliding layer can be chamfered so that they do not run at a 90° angle perpendicular to the direction of extension of the handrail. It should be noted that a tolerance range of ± 5° is included here. Thus, after joining the first and second ends, the sliding layer can have a parallelogram shape when viewed from below (i.e., from the side of the sliding layer). In other words, the sliding layer at the first end can be shaped in the same way as the sliding layer at the second end. This ensures the durability of the sliding layer.More precisely, this is due to the fact that in a frictional contact between the sliding layer and a guide for the handrail, a beveled end of the sliding layer has a greater resistance force.

[0017] Preferably, the method further comprises: machining the sliding surface of the first end and the second end so that the ends of the sliding layer have a triangular shape. In other words, each end of the sliding layer can have two differently inclined edges. This prevents the sliding layer from detaching during frictional contact between the sliding layer and the handrail guide. This increases the durability of the sliding layer.

[0018] Preferably, the method further comprises: machining the sliding surface of the first end and the second end such that the ends of the sliding layer have a parallelogram-like shape. In other words, the cut ends of the sliding layer at the first end and the second end can be parallel to each other. It is advantageous if the cut ends are inclined relative to the main direction of extension. This allows the parallelogram-like shape to be formed. As a result, the contact length when joining the two ends can be increased. Consequently, the joining force of the two ends can be increased.

[0019] Preferably, the handrail comprises a sliding layer, wherein the sliding layer is designed to interact with a guide for the handrail. The method further comprises: removing the sliding layer at the first and second ends of the handrail, so that the tension member is exposed in the connection area along one direction of extension of the handrail. The assembly step includes building up a sliding layer on the exposed tension member in the connection area. In other words, in the present embodiment, the sliding layer can also be completely removed in the connection area. In this case, the assembly step can also involve rebuilding the sliding layer with a new half-section. This allows the entire connection area to be redesigned, thus ensuring the durability of the connection area.

[0020] Preferably, the tension member is completely exposed in the connection area after the removal step. In other words, the tension member can be accessed from all sides after the removal step. This simplifies the connection of the tension member at the first end to the tension member at the second end, making the joining step particularly easy.

[0021] Preferably, the method further comprises machining the tension member so that an outer end of the tension member at the first end corresponds to an outer end of the tension member at the second end. In other words, the outer ends of the tension member at the first end and the tension member at the second end can be machined so that both ends fit together. For example, the end of the tension member at the first end and the end of the tension member at the second end can be machined according to the lock-and-key principle. This increases the contact area of ​​the tension member, ensuring optimal force transmission from the tension member at the first end to the tension member at the second end. This can increase the durability of the handrail after assembly. Furthermore, it can increase the strength of the tension member connection.

[0022] Preferably, the contact surface of the tension member between the first and second ends has a stepped shape. In other words, at least one step can be provided in the contact surface of the tension member. At least one step can be substantially perpendicular to the direction of extension. Such a geometric shape allows for optimal distribution of the tensile force, thus ensuring the durability of the handrail. Furthermore, a sawtooth shape can also be provided. This is particularly advantageous when the handrail is subjected to especially high loads, such as with long handrails. A stepped, stair-like shape can also be provided.

[0023] Preferably, the contact surface of the tension member between the first and second ends is inclined at an angle other than 90° relative to the direction of extension. This also increases the contact area of ​​the tension member, thereby improving the transmission of tensile forces. In other words, force peaks in the contact surface of the tension member can be avoided, thus preventing damage to the connection area. It should be noted that the angle need not be exactly 90°, but also includes a tolerance of ± 5°.

[0024] Preferably, the ends of the tension member at the first end and the end of the tension member at the second end are butted together. In other words, the tension member is not joined with an overlap. That is, the tension member at the first end of the handrail contacts the tension member at the second end of the handrail without overlapping. This avoids local thickening in the joint area of ​​the handrail. Such thickening or overlapping of the tension member leads to altered stiffness of the handrail, which can cause problems when the handrail is bent. In particular, it prevents the creation of tight radii, as required in some handrail systems. Because the tension member of the handrail is butted together, the handrail stiffness remains the same in the joint area as in the rest of the handrail, so there are no limitations in this area.

[0025] Preferably, the tensile member at the first end is bonded to the tensile member at the second end by means of a material bond. In other words, the tensile member ends can be welded together. This can provide a particularly durable connection. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the tensile member ends can be bonded to each other using a different method. For the purposes of this definition, a material bond is defined as a type of connection in which the components are held together by atomic or molecular forces. This can create a connection that cannot be broken without destruction. Examples of material bonding methods include gluing, soldering, welding, or vulcanizing.

[0026] Preferably, the tension member at the first end is positively connected to the tension member at the second end. A positive connection can be achieved by interlocking the connecting surfaces. For example, the ends of the tension member can be designed to interlock, creating a connection. This means that the geometric contact of the two ends of the tension member forms two contact surfaces capable of transferring forces to each other. This can be achieved, for example, as a zipper joint, dovetail joint, or similar connection. Furthermore, the ends of the tension member can be joined using other methods such as clinching or hot riveting. This allows for the formation of a ring-shaped tension member.

[0027] Preferably, the connection area has a length of 20 to 30 cm in the direction of the handrail's extension, preferably approximately 26 cm. This allows the length of the handrail that is processed during a connection to be greater than is the case in the prior art. This provides sufficient space to comfortably connect the tension members. This is only possible because at least the top layer is removed. The 20 to 30 cm range has proven advantageous because it provides enough space to create a geometrically shaped end for the tension member. A length of approximately 26 cm has proven particularly advantageous when a stepped contact surface for the tension members is implemented. The stepped contact surface can then extend over essentially 26 cm in the direction of the handrail's extension.This resulted in the best durability in long-term tests with the handrail.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the method is used according to one of the above embodiments for joining two ends of a handrail. According to a further aspect of the present invention, a closed handrail is provided for an escalator or moving walkway. The handrail can be closed at a joint. The handrail can have a multi-layered structure. The handrail comprises a tension member and at least one cover layer between the tension member and a contact surface of the handrail. The handrail has a new cover layer at least partially in the area of ​​the joint. A closed handrail can be annular. In other words, a closed handrail can be a handrail that is installed ready for operation in an escalator or moving walkway.In contrast, a handrail produced in a continuous process is not closed but has two open ends. The contact surface of a handrail can be the surface that is touched by a user of the escalator or moving walkway.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a connection between the two ends of a handrail can be provided. Such a connection can also be referred to as a handrail splice. In a further embodiment, all rubber and textile layers of both handrails are removed to a greater extent, namely 26 cm in the direction of extension of the handrail around the tension member. The individual rubber and textile layers are not exposed (i.e., filleted). Thus, the butt joint is not made with existing layers. Rather, the tension member is exposed without damaging the existing layers. This provides optimal access to the tension member and allows for easy and straightforward connection. The handrail is completely re-assembled in the area of ​​the connection using new semi-finished products (with the exception of the tension member). In this way, a handrail splice can be carried out both at the factory and on-site.

[0030] In contrast, the conventional splicing method poses a very high risk of injury to both the operator and the handrail. More precisely, in the prior art, the individual layers are separated from each other using sharp blades in order to then be joined on both sides. The sliding layer joint in the prior art is based on an overlap joint without cutting a contour or exposing the adjacent layer.

[0031] The present invention achieves a time saving of approximately 50% when exposing the tension member. Assembling the tension member is also faster than with methods known in the prior art. This results in a reduced risk of injury and a lower risk of damage to a layer of the handrail. Only the assembly of the remaining handrail layers in the connection area requires approximately 10 to 20% more time than in the prior art. Overall, however, the advantages of the method according to the invention outweigh those of the prior art.

[0032] Individual embodiments and features can be combined to form new embodiments. Features and advantages mentioned in connection with the embodiments or features also apply analogously to the new embodiments. Features and designs mentioned in connection with the method also apply analogously to the device, and vice versa.

[0033] Detailed embodiments are described below with reference to the attached figures.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a perspective and schematic view of a first end of a handrail according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Fig. 2 shows schematically and in perspective a first end of a handrail during a process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 shows schematically and in perspective a first end of a handrail during a process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Fig. 4 shows schematically and in perspective a first end of a handrail during a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Fig. 5 shows schematically and in perspective a first end of a handrail during a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Fig. 6 shows schematically and in perspective a first end of a handrail during a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Fig. 7 shows a schematic top view of a first end and a second end of a handrail according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Fig. 8 shows schematically and in perspective a first end of a handrail during a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Fig. 9 shows schematically and in perspective a first end of a handrail during a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Fig. 10 shows a schematic and perspective view of a first end of a handrail during a process according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a schematic flowchart that schematically illustrates the sequence of a process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Fig. 1 is a schematic and perspective view of a first end 1 of a handrail according to an embodiment of the present invention. The handrail can, for example, be a continuous handrail that has been bent to the correct installation length. To put the handrail into operation, the two free ends (i.e., the first end 1 and the second end 2, which is not shown in Fig. 1) must be connected to each other. The handrail 10 has a multi-layered structure comprising a top layer 4 with a contact surface 5. The contact surface 5 is the surface that a user of a moving walkway or escalator on which the handrail is mounted uses. Furthermore, the handrail 10 of the present embodiment comprises a sliding layer 9. The sliding layer 9 is designed to come into contact with a guide in order to guide the handrail 10 on a moving walkway or escalator.The sliding layer 9 can comprise further layers. Furthermore, the handrail 10 of the present embodiment includes a tension member 3 that absorbs the tensile forces acting on the handrail 10. The handrail 10 has a direction of extension R1. Figure 1 shows the cross-section in the second direction R2, which runs transversely to the direction of extension R1. Apart from manufacturing tolerances, the cross-section of the handrail 10 remains essentially constant along the direction of extension R1.

[0044] To connect the first end 1 with the second end 2 of the handrail, a connection area 6 is defined at each end of the handrail. The connection area 6 extends along the direction of extension of the handrail 10.

[0045] Fig. 2 is a schematic and perspective view of the first end 1 of the handrail 10 during the process of the present invention. The first step comprises removing the top layer 4. Fig. 2 shows that, in the present embodiment, the handrail 10 is first cut from the side (i.e., in the second direction R2) on both sides up to the tension member 3. In this embodiment, all layers of the handrail 10 are cut through and removed. Thus, as shown in Fig. 2, only the part of the handrail in which the tension member 3 is located remains.

[0046] Fig. 3 is a schematic and perspective view of the first end 1 of the handrail 10 during a process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 shows that the cover layer 4 is now cut vertically from above (i.e., orthogonal to the second direction R2 and to the extension direction R1) at the end of the connection area 3. The cover layer 4 can then be easily peeled off the tension member 3. This exposes the tension member 3.

[0047] Fig. 4 is a schematic and perspective view of the first end of the handrail during a process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 shows the first end 1 of the handrail 10 obliquely from below. In a next step, the sliding layer 9 at the end of the connection area 6 is cut from below (i.e., orthogonal to the extension direction R1 and orthogonal to the second direction R2) up to the tension member. Subsequently, the sliding layer 9 can be easily peeled off the tension member 3. The cutting of the cover layer and the sliding layer 9 (see Fig. 3) can be done with a knife. If the tension member 3 is made of a metallic material, the knife will not damage the tension member 3. In contrast, the plastic or rubber layers of the cover layer and / or the sliding layer can be easily cut with a knife. It should be noted that the [unclear] in Fig.The removal of the sliding layer shown in section 4 is carried out in the present embodiment, but is not absolutely necessary to perform the method according to the invention. For example, the sliding layer can also remain and does not have to be removed.

[0048] After removing the sliding layer, as shown in Fig. 4, the tension member 3 is now completely exposed and accessible from all sides. Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of part of the first end 1 of the handrail 10 during a process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Once the tension member has been exposed, individual layers of the cover layer and / or the sliding layer can be exposed section by section. "Exposed" in this context means that the respective layer is not covered by another layer. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the cover layer 4 has an additional layer arranged between the contact surface 5 and the tension member 3. The step shown in Fig. 5 is also optional and is preferably used when the individual layers have multiple layers. The exposed layers can then be easily joined with new layers.

[0049] Fig. 6 is a schematic view of the first end of the handrail 10, as shown in Fig. 5. In the step shown in Fig. 6, a tool 12, which in this embodiment is a knife, is used to cut between the sliding layer 9 and the tension member in order to separate the tension member from the sliding layer. This allows contact to occur in an area between the tension member 3 and the old sliding layer 9 when the new sliding layer is joined to the old sliding layer 9.

[0050] In the preceding figures, steps of embodiments of the present invention were described only with reference to the first end 1. However, the same descriptions also apply to the second end 2. In other words, exactly the same steps can be carried out at a second end 2 of the handrail 10 to prepare for connecting the handrail 10.

[0051] Fig. 7 is a schematic top view of both the first end 1 and the second end 2 of the handrail 10. The process steps described above have been carried out on the first handrail 1 and the second handrail 2 as shown in Fig. 7. In addition, the exposed tension member has been further processed so that the tension member of the first end fits the tension member of the second end according to the key-lock principle. A variety of shapes and configurations are conceivable. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the tension member contact surface 7 has four steps. The end of the tension member 3 at the first end 1 is designed like a female connector, and the tension member at the second end 2 like a male connector. The four steps of the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 all extend over the same length in the direction R1 of the handrail 10.

[0052] Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the handrail 10 during a further process step according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 shows the handrail 10 from a perspective view from below. In Fig. 8, the two ends, as shown in Fig. 7, are now pushed into one another, so that the tension member contact surface 7 is formed by the compression members 3 of the first end 1 and the second end 2. In Fig. 8, it can be seen that the tension member is exposed in the connection area 6. In this position, the tension members of the first end 1 and the second end 2 are connected to each other. Preferably, the tension member is a steel cord, which can be joined, for example, by welding.

[0053] Fig. 9 is a schematic view of a handrail 10 during a further process step of the method according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 9, the handrail 10 is shown from below. In Fig. 9, a new half-section is arranged as a sliding layer in the connection area 6. The new layer is an unvulcanized layer that is used to rebuild the handrail 10 in the connection area 6. In the present embodiment, the newly provided sliding layer 11 has chamfered ends in the direction of extension R1. This creates a parallelogram-like shape for the newly applied sliding layer 11. This can increase the durability of the handrail 10.

[0054] Fig. 10 is a schematic and perspective view of the handrail 10 according to a process step of an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 shows the handrail 10 from an oblique angle above with the newly constructed sliding layer 11. The tension member 3 remains exposed at the top. In a next step, the cover layer is reconstructed. For this purpose, a new cover layer half-section 8 is inserted and joined with the cover layers of the first end 1 and the second end 2. In the present embodiment, the new cover layer is produced by vulcanization. This allows the handrail 10 to be completed on-site and joined together to create a durable handrail.

[0055] Fig. 11 is a schematic flowchart illustrating the sequence of a process according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, in step S1, the top layer is removed from the first and second ends of the handrail, exposing the tension member 3 in the connection area 6 along the extension direction R1 of the handrail. In step S2, the tension member 3 of the first end 1 and the second end 2 are then joined together along the tension member contact surface 7. Subsequently, in step S3, the top layer 8 is rebuilt on the exposed tension member. The exposed tension member is thus connected, so that the first end 1 and the second end 2 are joined together.

[0056] Reference symbol list:

[0057] I first end 2 second end

[0058] 3 tension beams

[0059] 4 Top layer

[0060] 5 Contact surface

[0061] 6 Connection area 7 Tension beam contact surface

[0062] 8 new top layer

[0063] 9 Sliding layer

[0064] 10 Handrail

[0065] II new sliding layer R1 direction of extension

[0066] R2 second direction

Claims

Claims 1. Method for creating a connection between a first end (1) of a handrail (10) and a second end (2) of the handrail (10), wherein the handrail (10) has a multi-layered structure, wherein the handrail (10) comprises a tension member (3) and at least one cover layer (4) between the tension member (3) and a contact surface (5) of the handrail (10), wherein the method comprises: Removing the top layer (4) at the first end (1) and the second end (2) of the handrail (10) so that the tension member (3) is exposed in a connection area (6) along an extension direction (R1) of the handrail (10), Joining the tension member (3) of the first end (1 ) and the second end (2) along a tension member contact surface (7), Construction of a new top layer (8) on the exposed tension member (3) in the connection area (6).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the removal step comprises completely loosening the at least one cover layer (4) in the connection area (6) of the handrail (10).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the assembly step comprises a complete reassembly of the at least one cover layer (4) in the connection area (6) of the handrail (10).

4. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the removal step comprises removing all layers of the handrail (10) except the tension member (3).

5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the removal step is the removal of at least one layer of the handrail (10) in the connection area (6) next to the tension member (3) transverse to the extension direction (R1) of the handrail (10).

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method after the removal step comprises exposing at least one further layer of the handrail (10).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises: separating a sliding layer (9) designed to cooperate with a guide of the handrail from the tension member (3).

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises: an overlap of the sliding layer (9) of the first end (1) separated from the tension member (3) and the sliding layer (9) of the second end (2) separated from the tension member (3).

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises: machining the sliding layer (9) of the first end (1) and the second end (2) such that the ends of the sliding layer (9) enclose an angle of non-90° with respect to the extension direction of the handrail.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises: machining the sliding layer of the first end (1) and the second end (2) such that the ends of the sliding layer (9) have a triangular shape.

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises: machining the sliding layer (9) of the first end (1) and the second end (2) such that the ends of the sliding layer (9) have a parallelogram-like shape.

12. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the handrail comprises a sliding layer (9), wherein the sliding layer (9) is configured to cooperate with a guide of the handrail, wherein the method further comprises: removing the sliding layer (9) at the first end (1) and second end (2) of the handrail, so that the tension member (3) is exposed in the connection area along an extension direction of the handrail, wherein the assembly step comprises an assembly of a sliding layer (9) on the exposed tension member (3) in the connection area.

13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tension member (3) in the connection area (6) is completely exposed after the removal step.

14. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises: machining the tension member (3) such that an outer end of the tension member (3) of the first end (1) corresponds to an outer end of the tension member (3) of the second end (2).

15. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tensile carrier contact surface (7) between the first end (1) and the second end (2) has a stepped shape.

16. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tension member contact surface (7) between the first end (1) and the second end (2) is inclined at an angle other than 90° relative to the direction of extension.

17. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the end of the tension member (3) at the first end (1 ) is butted together with the end of the tension member (3) at the second end (2).

18. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tension member (3) is not joined in an overlapping manner.

19. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tension member (3) of the first end (1) is positively connected to the tension member (3) of the second end (2).

20. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection area has a length in the extension direction of the handrail of 20 to 30 cm, preferably approximately 26 cm.

21. A closed handrail (10) for an escalator or moving walkway, wherein the handrail (10) is closed at a connection, wherein the handrail (10) has a multi-layered structure, wherein the handrail (10) comprises a tension member (3) and at least one cover layer (4) between the tension member (3) and a contact surface (5) of the handrail (10), wherein the handrail (10) has at least a partial new cover layer (8) in the area of ​​the connection.

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