Floor cover of a passenger transportation device

Abstract

A floor cover of an escalator or a moving walkway is described. The floor cover has a floor cover support and at least one cover element. The opening of a space provided under the floor to the surrounding floor which can be walked on can be closed in a flush manner by at least one cover element which lies on the floor cover support. The floor cover includes at least one device by which one single possible correct installation position of the at least one cover element on the floor cover support is specified. In the correct installation position, the cover element lies flush on the floor cover support, and in an incorrect installation position, the device causes at least one part of the cover element is arranged so as to visibly project beyond the floor cover support.

Claims

1. A floor cover of an entry region of a passenger transportation device that is formed as an escalator or a moving walkway, the floor cover comprising: a floor cover support and at least one cover element, wherein an opening of a space provided under a floor of the passenger transportation device can be closed in a flush manner to a surrounding floor which can be walked on by the at least one cover element that is laid on the floor cover support, at least one device that is arranged at least in part between the floor cover support and the at least one cover element, the at least one device transitionable between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein: in the first configuration, the at least one cover element lies flush on the floor cover support, in the second configuration, the at least one device is configured to cause at least one part of the at least one cover element to visibly project beyond the floor cover support, and the at least one device is biased towards the second configuration, and a fastener configured to connect the at least one cover element to the floor cover support such that, when fastened, the fastener causes the at least one device to be in the first configuration and secures the at least one cover element flushly to the floor cover support.

2. The floor cover of claim 1, wherein the at least one device comprises at least one resilient element.

3. The floor cover of claim 2, wherein the resilient element is a block of resilient material or a spring element and the fastener comprises a screw connection.

4. The floor cover of claim 1, wherein the device comprises at least one projection on the cover element and a recess on the floor cover support that corresponds to the projection, wherein, in the correct installation position, the projection protrudes into the recess, and in the incorrect installation position the at least one cover element is arranged against the projection so that the cover element is visibly projecting.

5. The floor cover of claim 4, wherein the projection and the recess extend in parallel with the planar extension of the cover element or in parallel with the floor cover support.

6. The floor cover of claim 5, wherein the projection comprises a strip and the recess comprises a groove.

7. The floor cover of claim 1, wherein the device comprises at least one stop piece on the cover element and a notch on the floor cover support that corresponds to the stop piece, wherein, in the correct installation position, the stop piece protrudes into the notch, and in the incorrect installation position the at least one cover element is arranged against the stop piece so that the cover element is visibly projecting.

8. The floor cover of claim 7, wherein a nose, extending in parallel with the floor cover support, is arranged on the stop piece, and a cap groove that corresponds to the nose is arranged on the cover element, wherein, in the correct installation position of the cover element, the nose engages in the cap groove.

9. The floor cover of claim 7, wherein the device comprises at least one resilient element that is arranged in a region of an end face of the cover element which is remote from the stop piece or the notch or the cap groove.

10. The floor cover of claim 1, wherein the device comprises at least one sensor or switch configured to monitor a correct installation position or any other installation positions of the cover element.

11. The floor cover of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a plurality of cover elements that are laid on the floor cover support so as to be adjacent to one another, and at least one device is associated with at least one of the cover elements.

12. The floor cover claim 1, wherein access to the space arranged under the floor can be provided by removing the at least one cover element.

13. The floor cover of claim 1, wherein at least one side face of the cover element is provided with at least one of a signal color, a reflective element, and a lamp.

14. A method for correctly assembling the at least one cover element of the floor cover of claim 1, comprising: during assembly, laying the at least one cover element on the floor cover support such that the at least one device being is arranged at least in part between the floor cover support and the at least one cover element; bringing the cover element into an intended correct installation position at least by pushing and/or inserting a fastener; and performing a visual check to determine whether one part of the cover element is visibly projecting from the floor cover support.

15. A method for modernizing a passenger transportation device formed as an escalator or moving walkway, wherein an existing floor cover is supplemented, in at least one of the entry regions of the existing moving walkway or of the existing escalator, with at least one device, which device is arranged at least in part between the floor cover support and the at least one cover element, such that the floor cover of claim 1 is created by this supplementation.

16. The floor cover of claim 1, wherein the at least one device further comprises: at least one recess on the cover element, and a projection on the floor cover support that corresponds to the recess, wherein, in a correct installation position, the projection protrudes into the recess, and in any other installation positions the at least one cover element is arranged against the projection so that the cover element is visibly projecting.

17. The floor cover of claim 1, wherein the at least one device comprises: at least one stop piece on the floor cover support, and a notch on the cover element that corresponds to the stop piece, wherein, in an correct installation position, the stop piece protrudes into the notch, and in any other installation positions the at least one cover element is arranged against the stop piece so that the cover element is visibly projecting.

18. The floor cover of claim 2, wherein the resilient element is a block of resilient material or a spring element and the fastener comprises a locking means.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The floor cover comprising a device that specifies a single possible correct installation position of the existing cover element on the floor cover support will be described in more detail in the following, with reference to examples and in conjunction with the drawings, the same reference signs being used throughout for the same components in all the figures. In the drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an escalator comprising a support structure or framework and two deflection regions, running rails being arranged in the framework, and a revolving step belt being arranged between the deflection regions;

(3) FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the detail, denoted by A in FIG. 1, of an entry region, the details of the floor cover thus being more easily identifiable;

(4) FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional view of a detail of a first embodiment of a floor cover, the floor cover comprising a device that comprises a spring element and a fastening means, and the cover element being shown in an incorrect installation position;

(5) FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional view of the first embodiment in FIG. 3, the cover element being shown in the correct installation position;

(6) FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of a floor cover comprising a device having a block of resilient material and a fastening means, the cover element being shown in an incorrect installation position;

(7) FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional view of the first embodiment in FIG. 3, the correct installation position of the cover element being monitored by a sensor or switch;

(8) FIG. 7 is a three-dimensional view of a detail of a third embodiment of a floor cover, the floor cover comprising a device that comprises a stop piece and a resilient element, and the cover element being shown in the correct installation position;

(9) FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a fourth embodiment of a floor cover comprising a device having a stop piece and a resilient element, the cover element being shown in the correct installation position;

(10) FIG. 9 is a three-dimensional view of a detail of a fifth embodiment of a floor cover, the floor cover comprising a device that comprises a recess on the cover element and a projection on the floor cover support that corresponds to said recess, and the cover element being shown in the correct installation position; and

(11) FIG. 10 is a three-dimensional view of the fifth embodiment in FIG. 9, the cover element being shown in the incorrect installation position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(12) FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a passenger transportation device 100, which is designed as an escalator and which connects a first story E1 to a second story E2. The passenger transportation device 100 comprises a support structure 106 or framework 106 comprising two deflection regions 107, 108, between which a step belt 105 (shown only in part) is guided so as to revolve. The step belt comprises traction means 109 on which steps 104 are arranged. A handrail 103 is arranged on a balustrade 102. The balustrade 102 is connected to the support structure 106 at the lower end by means of a balustrade base 110. The passenger transportation device 100 or the step belt 105 thereof can be entered via entry regions 111, 112 provided at both ends of the passenger transportation device 100. The surfaces of the entry region 111, 112 which can be walked on are floor covers 1 which each close, in a flush manner, the opening of a space 113, 114 of the passenger transportation device 100, provided under the floor, to the surrounding floor 115 which can be walked on of the stories E1, E2.

(13) Of course, the passenger transportation device 100 may also be designed as a moving walkway, instead of a step belt, a pallet belt being arranged so as to revolve, and the center of said passenger transportation device not being inclined or being less inclined than an escalator.

(14) FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the detail, denoted by A in FIG. 1, of an entry region 111 arranged in the story E1, the details of the floor cover 1 thus being more easily identifiable. The floor cover 1, shown in cross-section, comprises a plurality of cover elements 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. The first cover element 2, which is arranged on the right-hand side in FIG. 2, in the region of the balustrade base 110, is formed as a hollow profile having transverse connecting pieces 9 and the tapered right-hand side 8 thereof rests on a comb plate 18 that is part of a safety means. The left-hand side thereof ends in a separation point 7. The cover element 3 that is adjacent to the left-hand side is formed, in cross-section, as a rectangular hollow profile having transverse connecting pieces 9, and the further cover elements 4 to 6 are likewise designed so as to be of the same structure, in the form of hollow profiles having a rectangular cross-section and transverse connecting pieces 9. The end faces of the cover elements 2 to 6 may be interconnected at the separation points 7 by means of suitable connection elements 14, such as a tongue and groove. For example, the left-hand end faces of the cover elements 2 to 6 comprise a groove, and the right-hand end faces of the cover elements 3 to 6 comprise a tongue. A floor cover support 12 designed as an angular frame is fastened to the support structure 106 by means of adjustment screws 10, 11 such that the floor cover support 12 can be made level with the plane of the surrounding floor 115 which can be walked on of the story E1. The floor cover support 12 closes the floor cover 2 on two long sides (covered by the floor cover) which extend in the entry direction Z, and on one transverse side 13. All the cover elements 2 to 6 are shown in their correct installation position.

(15) When assembling the floor cover 1, the assembly or servicing personnel must ensure in particular that the tapered side 8 of the first cover element 2 rests securely on the comb plate 18. In order to prevent slipping and tilting off, the first cover element 2 is rigidly connected, in the region of the left-hand end face 15 thereof, to the floor cover support 12 by a fastening means 16. The fastening means may be a screw connection 16 or other type of fastener, for example. Since said fastening means 16 is not visible when the floor cover 1 is completely assembled, it is also not possible to identify when, for example, the nut of the screw connection 16 is missing due to an assembly error.

(16) In order to preclude this situation, according to the present disclosure, the floor cover 1 includes at least one device 20 by means of which one single possible correct installation position of the at least one cover element 2 to 6 on the floor cover support 12 is specified. In this case, the device 20 is arranged at least in part between the floor cover support 12 and the at least one cover element 2 to 6. Correct assembly is indicated by the cover element 2 to 6 being arranged so as to lie flush on the floor cover support 12. When incorrectly assembled, at least one part of the cover element 2 to 6 is arranged so as to visibly project beyond on the floor cover support 12 on account of the device 20.

(17) The device 20 and the arrangement thereof in the floor cover 1 can be designed in various ways. Five possible embodiments will be described in the following. Other embodiments are also possible.

(18) FIGS. 3 and 4 are three-dimensional views of a detail of a first embodiment of a floor cover 1 comprising a device 20, as shown in FIG. 2. The part of the floor cover 1 denoted as the first cover element 2 in FIG. 2 is shown in the incorrect installation position X.sub.1 in FIG. 3. As already described, a lack of or incorrect attachment of the fastening means 16 or screw connection 16 between the first cover element 2 and the floor cover support 12 is a serious danger. This incorrect attachment is shown in FIG. 3 by the removed wing nut 17. A screw connection 16 comprising a wing nut 17 is used if the floor cover 1 comprises a plurality of cover elements 2, as FIG. 2 shows. In order to indicate the incorrect installation position X.sub.1, and thus the potential danger, the floor cover 1 comprises the device 20 that comprises the fastening means 16 and a resilient element 21. A spring element 21 that is arranged on the floor cover support 12 is used as the resilient element 21. In the region of the separation point 7, the spring tongue thereof holds the end face 15 of the cover element 2 in a position X.sub.1 in which it is raised and thus visibly projecting relative to the adjacent floor of the story (not shown) and relative to the cover element 3 of the floor cover 1 that adjoins the end face.

(19) The floor cover support 12 may be a frame manufactured from angle sections. Said angle sections may be manufactured from sheet steel cut out of a sheet metal plate in a stamping process and bent into angle sections. During stamping of the metal plate, the spring element 21 can also be shaped immediately. Of course, the spring element 21 may also be manufactured as a separate component and then fastened to the floor cover support 12. All types of springs, such as leaf springs, disc springs, screw compression springs, torsion springs, spiral springs, leg springs, and the like can be used as spring elements 21 provided that said springs are suitable for raising and holding the associated cover element 2 so as to visibly project beyond the floor cover support 12 when in the incorrect installation position X.sub.1.

(20) The cover element 2 is in the correct installation position X.sub.0 only when the wing nut 17 of the fastening means 16 is assembled and fully tightened, as shown in FIG. 4. The upper surface 24 which can be walked on and which is provided with a ribbed tread 23 ends flush (X.sub.0=0) with the surface which can be walked on of the cover element 3, which surface is arranged on the floor cover support 12 so as to be adjacent to the correctly assembled first cover element 2.

(21) FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of a floor cover 1 which, similarly to the first embodiment, also comprises a device 30 comprising a resilient element 31 and a fastening means 32. The resilient element 31 is a block of resilient material 31 such as foam or plastic-like deformable material, for example, polyurethane foam. Said foam can be fastened to the floor cover support 12 by adhesive bonding or by mechanical fastening means and can retain its elasticity for decades, even when compressed. The size of the element reduces under pressure, and when unloaded the resilient element 31 returns to its original shape. A locking means 32 that is fastened to the floor cover support 12 and comprises a bolt 33, a compression spring 34, and guides 35, 36 is used as the fastening means 32. In FIG. 5, the bolt 33 is shown in the release position, such that the locking means 32 releases the first cover element 2 and the resilient element 31 is relaxed and in its original shape. It is accordingly indicated unmistakably to everyone that, as shown, the cover element 2 is in an incorrect installation position X.sub.1.

(22) Instead of the linearly displaceable bolt 33 shown, a rotary bolt mounted in the cover element 2 may also be used, the axis of rotation of which rotary bolt is arranged so as to be vertical to the planar extension of the cover element 2. Said rotary bolt can be actuated from the surface which can be walked on of the cover element 2 using a specialized wrench, for example.

(23) Alternatively, or in addition to the locking means 32, it is of course also possible to use the screw connection 16 of the first embodiment in this embodiment comprising a block of resilient material 31, too. These variants can be easily retrofitted to all existing passenger transportation devices 100 and can thus significantly improve the safety of existing escalators or moving walkways.

(24) It is particularly advantageous for an incorrectly assembled cover element 2 to 6 of the floor cover 1 to directly influence the operating state of the passenger transportation device 100. In order to achieve this, as shown in FIG. 6, the correct installation position X.sub.0 of the cover element 2 to 6 can be monitored by a sensor 25 or switch 25. FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional view of a possible manner of attaching the sensor 25 or switch 25, on the basis of the first embodiment of the floor cover 1 comprising the device 20 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. A simple switch 25 can be used for this purpose, which directly interrupts the supply of power to a drive motor of the step belt 105 or pallet belt, for example.

(25) Alternatively, the switch 25 or sensor 25 can transmit a signal to a control means of the passenger transportation device 100 that corresponds to the installation position of the cover element 2 to 6, such that, in the incorrect installation position X.sub.1 (see FIGS. 3 and 5), the control means immediately causes the step belt 105 or pallet belt to come to a standstill or maintains said standstill, and, in the correct installation position X.sub.0, enables the operation with respect to the floor cover 1.

(26) FIG. 7 is a three-dimensional view of a detail of a third embodiment of a floor cover 1. Said floor cover 1 comprises the device 40 that comprises a stop piece 41 and a resilient element 42. The cover element 2 is shown in the correct installation position X.sub.0. The stop piece 41 is an incompressible solid body, for example, a steel strip, which is rigidly connected to the floor cover support 12. The distance thereof from the comb plate 18 corresponds to the width of the first cover element 2. The comb plate 18 comprises a support region 19 that is designed such that the tapered side 8 of the first cover element 2 can be laid flush against the comb plate 18.

(27) The strip-like resilient element 42, shown in the compressed state, is arranged between the side face 43 of the first cover element 2 facing the comb plate 18 and the comb plate 18. When not compressed, the resilient element 42 protrudes so far that the side face 44 of the first cover element 2 on the opposite side rest on the stop piece 41 and is thus arranged so as to visibly project beyond the floor cover support 12. In order to correctly assemble the first cover element 2, said element must be pressed against the comb plate 18 when being laid on the floor cover support 12, such that the resilient element 42 is compressed until the opposite side face 44 can be laid beyond the stop piece 41 and said side of the first cover element 2 can be laid on the floor cover support 12.

(28) Of course, the cover element 3 (not shown) that is to be laid on subsequently has to comprise a notch that corresponds to the stop piece 41 in order for said element not to lie on the stop piece 41 and thus be arranged so as to visibly project beyond the floor cover support 12. The stop piece prevents the first cover element 2 from slipping off and tilting away from the comb plate 18 and thus from the support region 19 of the comb plate 18.

(29) In order that the at least partial projection of an incorrectly assembled cover element 2 to 6 can be perceived yet more easily, it is possible, as shown with reference to the first cover element 2, for at least one side face 44 of the cover element 2 to be provided with a signal color 45 such as neon yellow, neon orange, and the like.

(30) Instead of or in combination with the signal color 45, the side face 44 may also comprise at least one reflective element 46. Of course, for the same purpose, at least one lamp 47 may also be provided on the side face 44, as shown schematically by the luminous element 47 arranged in a groove 48. The lamp 47 may be used alone or in combination with a signal color 45 and/or a reflective element 46.

(31) FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a fourth embodiment of a floor cover 1, differing only slightly from the third embodiment shown in FIG. 7. Said floor cover also comprises a device 50 comprising a stop piece 51 and a resilient element 52, the first cover element 2 likewise being shown in the correct installation position X.sub.0. The difference is that the stop piece 51 additionally comprises a nose 53 that extends in parallel with the floor cover support 12, in the direction of the comb plate 18. A cap groove 55 is formed on the side face 54 of the first cover element 2 that is remote from the comb plate 18 in the assembled state, in which groove the nose 53 engages in the correct installation position X.sub.0, as shown.

(32) FIG. 8 also shows how the further cover element 3 that adjoins the first cover element 2 is positively interconnected by means of the connection element formed as a tongue 56 and groove 57. The notch 58 provided on the further cover element 3 can also be seen, which notch allows said cover element to lie in a flush manner on the floor cover support 12.

(33) FIGS. 9 and FIG. 10 are three-dimensional views of a detail of a fifth embodiment of a floor cover 1. The cover element 2 is shown in the correct installation position X.sub.0 in FIG. 9, and the first cover element 2 is shown in the incorrect installation position X.sub.1 in FIG. 10. The floor cover 1 comprises a device 60 that comprises a recess 61 on the cover element 2 and a projection 62 on the floor cover support 12 that corresponds to said recess 61.

(34) As shown, the device 60 may comprise at least one projection 62 on the floor cover support 12 and a recess 61 on the cover element 2 that corresponds to said projection 62. Of course, the at least one recess 61 may also be formed on the floor cover support 12, and a projection corresponding to said recess 61 may be formed on the cover element 2. In the correct installation position X.sub.0, the projection 62 protrudes into the recess 61, as shown in FIG. 9. In the incorrect installation position X.sub.1, the at least one cover element 2 is either arranged on the projection 62 so as to project above and protrude beyond the floor cover 12, as shown in FIG. 10, or the cover element 2 protrudes beyond the comb plate (not shown) so as to visibly project or so as to overlap by means of a front face 65 of the projection 62 protruding onto the rear edge 64 of the cover element 2.

(35) In order to forcibly bring about the single correct installation position X.sub.0 of the cover element 2, the projection 62 and the recess 61 extend in a plane in parallel with the planar extension of the cover element 2 or in parallel with the floor cover support 12, such that any tilting moments of the cover element 2 arranged on the floor cover support 12 can be absorbed or supported by the device 60 alone on account of the engagement of the projection 62 in the recess 61. In order to bring the cover element 2 into the correct installation position X.sub.0, it is not sufficient to simply lay said element on the floor cover support 12. When laid on the floor cover support 12, the cover element 2 still has to be shifted in the direction of the extension of the projection 62 until it has reached the correct installation position X.sub.0. If said cover element is only laid on but not shifted, it does not fit into the floor cover support 12 and one side of said element projects therefrom. In some circumstances, the cover element 2 has to be formed in multiple parts or comprise at least one articulation point in order that the projection 62 can be inserted into the recess 61.

(36) Preferably, the projection 62 is a strip and the notch 61 is a groove. The strip can be created for example in that, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, an angle section is arranged on a lateral portion of the floor cover support 12. A groove that corresponds to the strip is then formed on the cover element 2.

(37) Although the disclosure has been described through the illustration of specific embodiments, it is clear that numerous additional variants can be created within the context of the present disclosure, for example in that a sensor 25 or switch 25 is used to monitor the correct assembly of the first cover element 2 in each of the embodiments. Furthermore, the first cover element 2 may also comprise a plurality of devices 20, 30, 40, 50, 60. All the embodiments can also be applied in the case of floor covers 1 that comprise a plurality of cover elements 2 to 6. In the case of floor covers 1 of this kind, at least one device 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 may be provided for each of the cover elements 2 to 6. Moreover, it is in principle irrelevant as to which part of the fastening element 16 or the locking means 32 is arranged on the cover element 2 to 6 or on the floor cover support 12. For example, the locking means 32 may be arranged on the cover element 2 to 6, and the hole in which the bolt 33 is to engage may be made on the floor cover support 12. Of course, the locking means 32 may also be arranged on the floor cover support 12, and the hole in which the bolt 33 is to engage may be made on the cover elements 2 to 6.

(38) Of course, existing passenger-transporting systems 100 can also be modernized in that the existing floor covers 1 thereof are replaced by floor covers 1 according to the disclosure, or the existing floor covers 1 are supplemented with corresponding devices 20, 30, 40, 50, 60.