Floor cover arrangement for covering an underfloor space of a passenger conveyor

Abstract

A floor cover arrangement for covering an underfloor space of a passenger conveyor includes a plurality of cover plates configured to be installed such that the they adjoin each other in a sequence along a longitudinal direction of the underfloor space and form a walking surface covering the underfloor space; a frame comprising a frame rail extending underneath the multiplicity of cover plates in the longitudinal direction; and a plurality of connectors, each connector being configured for fixedly connecting one of the cover plates with the frame. Each connector cooperates with the frame rail such that the connector is displaceable in the longitudinal direction and is fixed in both directions orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and when arranged at a fixation location associated to one of the cover plates, cooperates with the associated cover plate in a form-fitting manner such that the cover plate is fixed in a direction orthogonal to the walking surface.

Claims

1. A floor cover arrangement for covering an underfloor space of a passenger conveyor, the floor cover arrangement comprising: a plurality of cover plates configured to be installed such that the plurality of cover plates adjoin each other in a sequence along a longitudinal direction of the underfloor space and the plurality of cover plates form a walking surface covering the underfloor space; a frame comprising at least one frame rail extending underneath the plurality of cover plates in the longitudinal direction; and a plurality of connectors, each connector being configured for fixedly connecting one of the plurality of cover plates with the frame; wherein the plurality of cover plates, the frame and the plurality of connectors are configured such that each connector cooperates with the at least one frame rail in a form-fitting manner such that the connector is displaceable in the longitudinal direction and is fixed in two directions orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and each connector, when arranged at a fixation location associated with one of the plurality of cover plates, cooperates with the associated cover plate in a form-fitting manner such that the cover plate is fixed in a direction orthogonal to the walking surface.

2. The floor cover arrangement of claim 1, wherein the plurality of cover plates and the plurality of connectors are configured such that each one of the plurality of connectors may be arranged at one fixation location associated to one of the plurality of cover plates such as to cooperate with the associated cover plate in a form-fitting manner such that the cover plate is fixed in a direction orthogonal to the walking surface, and wherein a connector not being arranged at a fixation location interferes with at least one of the cover plates such that this cover plate may not be installed correctly.

3. The floor cover arrangement of claim 1, wherein the number of connectors is equal to m*(n1), m being the number of frame rails and n being the number of cover plates.

4. The floor cover arrangement of claim 1, wherein each connector comprises: a first engagement portion for cooperating with the at least one frame rail in a form-fitting manner such that the connector is displaceable in the longitudinal direction and is fixed in two directions orthogonal to the longitudinal direction; and a second engagement portion for cooperating with the associated cover plate in a form-fitting manner such that the cover plate is fixed in a direction orthogonal to the walking surface.

5. The floor cover arrangement of claim 4, wherein the second engagement portion comprises a cantilever end extending in the longitudinal direction.

6. The floor cover arrangement of claim 4, wherein each cover plate comprises a recess in a front surface opposing a rear surface of a neighbouring one of the cover plates and wherein the second engagement portion of the connector is adapted for engaging the recess.

7. The floor cover arrangement of claim 1, wherein, when arranged at the fixation location associated with one of the cover plates and being interposed between the associated cover plate and a neighbouring cover plate, the associated cover plate and the neighbouring cover plate hinder the connector from moving along in both of opposite longitudinal directions along the frame rail.

8. The floor cover arrangement of claim 1, wherein the frame rail is provided with a releasable stopper member for limiting a displacement range of the connectors along the frame rail.

9. The floor cover arrangement of claim 1, wherein each connector comprises a predetermined breaking point at which the connector breaks and releases the fixation of the cover plate to the frame upon a force exceeding a predetermined limit being applied to the cover plate.

10. The floor cover arrangement of claim 1, wherein each connector is an integral component.

11. The floor cover arrangement of claim 1, wherein each connector is formed by at least one of a cut and bent metal sheet, a plastic component and a bent wire.

12. The floor cover arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a screw arrangement for screwing one of the cover plates to the frame.

13. The passenger conveyor comprising the floor cover arrangement claim 1.

14. A method of installing a floor cover arrangement comprising a plurality of cover plates configured to be installed such that the plurality of cover plates adjoin each other in a sequence along a longitudinal direction of the underfloor space and the plurality of cover plates form a walking surface covering the underfloor space, a frame comprising at least one frame rail extending underneath the plurality of cover plates in the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of connectors, each connector being configured for fixedly connecting one of the plurality of cover plates with the frame, wherein the plurality of cover plates, the frame and the plurality of connectors are configured such that each connector cooperates with the at least one frame rail in a form-fitting manner such that the connector is displaceable in the longitudinal direction and is fixed in two directions orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and each connector, when arranged at a fixation location associated with one of the plurality of cover plates, cooperates with the associated cover plate in a form-fitting manner such that the cover plate is fixed in a direction orthogonal to the walking surface, the method comprising: a) pre-installing all of the plurality of connectors on the frame; b) installing the frame on a truss of a passenger conveyor; c) inserting a first cover plate on the frame; d) fixing the first cover plate to the frame by moving one of the pre-installed connectors longitudinally to a fixation location associated to the first cover plate and cooperatively engaging the connector with the first cover plate; e) inserting a next cover plate on the frame adjoining to the preceding cover plate; f) fixing the next cover plate to the frame by moving one of the pre-installed connectors longitudinally to a fixation location associated to the next cover plate and cooperatively engaging the connector with the next cover plate; g) repeating steps e) and f) until all but a last cover plate are inserted and fixed; h) inserting the last cover plate on the frame; and i) fixing the last cover plate to the frame.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the last cover plate is screwed to the frame.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the following, advantageous embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to the enclosed drawings. However, neither the drawings nor the description shall be interpreted as limiting the disclosure.

(2) FIG. 1 shows a passenger conveyor.

(3) FIG. 2 shows a cross section through a floor cover arrangement of a passenger conveyor.

(4) FIG. 3 visualizes an unintended lifting of a cover plate of a floor cover arrangement.

(5) FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal section through a floor cover arrangement according to an embodiment.

(6) FIG. 5 shows a top view onto a frame of a floor cover arrangement according to an embodiment.

(7) FIGS. 6(a) and (b) show perspective views on a left-side and a right-side connector of a floor cover arrangement according to an embodiment.

(8) FIG. 7 shows a perspective partial view through a floor cover arrangement according to an embodiment.

(9) FIG. 8 shows a top view onto a frame of a floor cover arrangement according to another embodiment.

(10) FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a connector engaged in a frame rail of a floor cover arrangement according to an embodiment.

(11) FIG. 10 shows a front view of the configuration of FIG. 9.

(12) FIG. 11 shows a perspective side view of the configuration of FIG. 9.

(13) FIG. 12 shows a connector made from a bent wire for a floor cover arrangement according to another embodiment.

(14) FIG. 13 shows a perspective view with the bent wire of FIG. 12 fixing a cover plate in a floor cover arrangement according to an embodiment.

(15) FIG. 14 visualizes process steps during installing a floor cover arrangement according to an embodiment.

(16) The figures are only schematic and not to scale. Same reference signs refer to same or similar features throughout the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(17) FIG. 1 shows a passenger conveyor 1 represented by an escalator. A transfer unit 2 may transport passengers along a transfer path 4. Underfloor spaces 3 are provided at both an upper end and a lower end of the escalator. The underfloor spaces 3 accommodate for example a drive unit, a control unit, etc. (not shown). Each underfloor space 3 is covered by a floor cover arrangement 5, such that passengers may walk over a walking surface 7 formed by this floor cover arrangement 5 in order to enter or leave the passenger conveyor 1.

(18) FIG. 2 shows an enlarged sectional view through a floor cover arrangement 5. The floor cover arrangement 5 is composed of several cover plates 9. The cover plates 9 are arranged in a common plane in a sequence along a longitudinal direction 8 such that front surfaces 11 and rear surfaces 13 of neighbouring cover plates 9 oppose each other. Neighbouring cover plates 9 are mechanically connected to each other at their front and rear surfaces 11, 13 via joints 17. A comb plate 15 is provided at a front end of the floor cover arrangement 5. All cover plates 9 are supported by a frame 12. The frame 12 is supported by a truss 16 of the escalator.

(19) FIG. 3 visualizes an example of how a shoe 25 may be caught for example with its heel in grooves at the walking surface 7 of a cover plate 9. The wearer of the shoe 25 may then exert a force F.sub.S onto this cover plate 9 and may therefore temporarily lift this cover plate 9. Conventionally, such upward-directed force F.sub.S is only counter-acted by a gravity force F.sub.G.

(20) FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal section through a floor cover arrangement 5 according to the disclosure. The floor cover arrangement 5 comprises a first cover plate 9, a middle cover plate 9 and a last cover plate 9 arranged such as to adjoin to each other in a sequence along the longitudinal direction 8. Each of the cover plates 9, 9, 9 is fixed to a frame 12 via associated connectors 19. Therein, each connector 19, on the one hand, cooperates with a frame rail 27 (see FIGS. 5 and 7) provided at the frame 12 in a form-fitting manner such that that the connector 19 may only be displaced in the longitudinal direction 8 but is fixed in both directions orthogonal to this longitudinal direction 8. On the one hand, upon correct installation, each connector 19 is arranged at a specific fixation location along the length of the frame 12 and is associated to one of the cover plates 9, 9, 9. In such configuration, each connector 19 cooperates with the associated cover plate 9, 9, 9 in a form-fitting manner such that the cover plate 9, 9, 9 is fixed in a direction orthogonal to the walking surface 7. At least at one end, the frame 12 comprises a stopper member 21 such as a screw fixed to the frame in order to avoid that any connectors 19 slip-off from the frame 12 when the cover plates 9, 9, 9 are removed. Furthermore, in the floor cover arrangement 5, the last cover plate 9 is fixed to the frame 12 by a screw arrangement 23.

(21) FIG. 5 shows a top view onto a frame 12 of an inventive floor cover arrangement 5. The frame 12 comprises two elongate side panels 14, 14. The side panels 14, 14 are arranged parallel to each other and spaced to each other and are connected at one end via a centre piece 16. At inner edges, both of the side panels 14, 14 comprise a flange which serves as a frame rail 27. The side panels 14, 14 may be made from metal sheets and the frame rails 27 may be formed by suitable bending of edges of such metal sheets. The connectors 19 may engage with the frame rails 27 in a form-fitting manner such that they may be displaced in the longitudinal direction 8 along the frame rails 27. A screw attached to the frame rails 27 serves as a rear side stopper member 21. A front side stopper member 22 may be formed by a protruding portion of the side panels 14, 14 and may, in contrast to the rear side stopper member 21, not be releasable.

(22) FIGS. 6(a) and (b) show perspective views onto exemplary connectors 19. FIG. 7 shows a perspective view onto a portion of a floor cover arrangement 5 in which the connector 19 engages with a cover plate 9 and with the frame rail 27 of the frame 12. In this example, the connector 19 is formed by a cut and bent metal sheet 34.

(23) The connector 19 comprises a first engagement portion 29 with which it may cooperate with the frame rail 27 in a form-fitting manner by embracing the flange forming the frame rail 27 from opposing sides thereof. Specifically, this first engagement portion is provided with a U-shaped lower section 28 and a top section 30 extending perpendicular thereto.

(24) The connector 19 further comprises a second engagement portion 31 with which it may cooperate with an associated cover plate 9 in a form-fitting manner such that the cover plate is fixed in a direction orthogonal to the walking surface 7. Particularly, the connector 19 is provided with a cantilever end 33 forming its second engagement portion 31 and being directed in the longitudinal direction 8 towards a recess 35 provided in the front surface 11 of the cover plate 9.

(25) Furthermore, the connector 19 comprises a protruding end 37 protruding from the cantilever end 33 in an opposite direction, e.g., away from the recess 35. Accordingly, the protruding end 37 extends out of the recess 35 and may be used for example for limiting the play in an assembled state, e.g. the protruding end 37 adjoin the following cover plate 9 in a close manner and prevents disengaging of the cantilever end 33 from the cover plates 9 recess 33.

(26) With respect to FIGS. 8 to 11, an alternative embodiment of an inventive floor cover arrangement 5 will be described.

(27) FIG. 8 shows a frame 12 having a similar design as the frame 12 of FIG. 5. However, in this example, the frame rail 27 is not a simple flange protruding from the metal sheet forming the rest of the frame 12. Instead, the frame rails 27 are formed with aluminium profiles 39. These elongate profiles 39 enclose an inner volume 41 and have a longitudinal slit 43 at their top side. Each profile 39 may be attached to one of the side panels 14, 14 at an inner edge thereof.

(28) As can be seen in more detail in FIGS. 9 and 10, a T-shaped lower portion 45 of a connector 19 is engaged in the inner volume 41 of the profile 39 of the frame rails 27. The lower portion 45 of the connector 19 is covered by horizontal portions 47 of the profile 39 such that, while being displaceable along the longitudinal direction 8 parallel to the slit 43 in the profile 39, the connector 19 may not be displaced in an upward direction orthogonal thereto. An upper portion 49 of the connector 19 protrudes through the slit 43. This upper portion 49 has an L-shape and comprises a cantilever end 33 directed in the longitudinal direction 8.

(29) The connector 19 may be made with a plastic material. Such plastic connector can easily slide within the aluminium frame rail 27 and can be produced at low costs e.g. by moulding techniques.

(30) Furthermore, the connector 19 may have a section with a reduced material thickness forming a predetermined breaking point 53. At such section, the connector 19 may break e.g. upon excessive upward forces acting thereon, thereby eventually releasing a previously fixed cover plate 9.

(31) As can be seen in FIG. 11, the connector 19 may slide in the longitudinal direction 8 along the frame rail 27 towards a cover plate 9 until its cantilever end 33 slips over one edge of the associated cover plate 9 thereby preventing that the cover plate 9 may be lifted in an upward direction. Accordingly, in this example, the lower portion 45 comprised in the profile 39 of the guide rail 27 forms the first engagement portion 29 of the connector 19 for form-fitting engagement with the frame rail 27. The upper portion 49 forms the second engagement portion 31 for form-fitting engagement with the cover plate 9, thereby keeping the cover plate 9 down even in cases where upward forces F.sub.S act on the cover plate 9.

(32) FIGS. 12 and 13 show another example of a connector 19 and its function in a floor cover arrangement 5. In this case, the connector 19 is made by a spring wire 51, which can be easily bent and formed into a desired configuration. A lower portion forming a first engagement portion 29 of the connector 19 is bent such as to form a U-shaped hook which engages with a flange of the frame 12 forming a frame rail 27. An upper portion forming a second engagement portion 31 of the connector 19 extends with a cantilever end 33 into a recess 35 at the front surface 11 of the cover plate 9.

(33) Normally, the hook-shaped first engagement portion 29 may tightly contact the frame rail 27 at the frame 12 and enclose it with its lower U-shaped portion. However, as the spring wire has a certain flexibility, the hook end may be opened a little, if necessary, such that the connector 19 may be separated from the frame and be removed. Thereby, the connector 19 may be opened such that the engaged cover plate 9 may be released and may be easily opened for example in a case where a maintenance staff is caught inside the underfloor space 3. Alternatively to such emergency opening option, the connector 19 may comprise a predetermined breaking point 53 such as indicated in FIG. 9 by a narrowed location at the upper portion 49 of the connector 19.

(34) Finally, processing steps in a method for installing a floor cover arrangement 5 according to an embodiment shall be briefly described with reference to FIG. 14.

(35) First, a predetermined number of connectors 19 is pre-installed on the frame rails 27 of the frame 12. Each frame rail 27 preferably receives a number x of connectors 19 corresponding to the number n of intended cover plates 9 minus 1, i.e. x=(n1). An overall number of connectors 19 of the floor cover arrangement 5 the x*m, wherein m is the number of frame rails 27. After the connectors 19 are pre-installed, the stopper member 21 is fixed at an end of the guide rail 27. (Step (a).)

(36) Next, the frame 12 is installed on a truss 16 (only schematically illustrated) of the passenger conveyor. (Step (b).)

(37) Then, the first cover plate 9 is inserted into the frame 12. The cover plate 9 may be laid onto or into the frame 12. (Step (c).)

(38) Next, a first one of the connectors 19 previously located at an opposite end of the frame rail 27 is moved longitudinally towards the first cover plate 9 until it reaches a fixation location associated to this first cover plate 9. Upon arranging this connector 19 at its fixation location, its second engagement portion engages with the first cover plate 9 and thereby prevents the first cover plate 9 from being lifted in an upward direction. Typically, connectors 19 at both frame rails 27 are moved to their fixation locations thereby fixing the cover plate 9 at both lateral sides. (Step (d).)

(39) Next, the second cover plate 9 is inserted into the frame 12. (Step (e).)

(40) This second cover plate 9 is then fixedly connected to the frame 12 by moving an associated one of the connectors 19 longitudinally towards this cover plate 9 until it engages at its fixation location with the cover plate 9. (Step (f).)

(41) This procedure of inserting a next cover plate 9 and then fixing it by one or more associated ones of the connectors 19 is repeated until all but the last cover plate 9 is to be inserted into the frame 12. At such final stage, all of the initially pre-installed connectors 19 are correctly installed at their fixation locations. If this is not the case, installation staff will recognize a remaining connector 19, as this connector 19 may block at least one of the cover plates 9 from being correctly installed, as it will protrude into the space where the cover plates 9 should be inserted into the frame 12.

(42) The last cover plate 9 is finally inserted into the frame 12 and is fixed to the frame 12 using the screw arrangement 23 which is accessible from outside the underfloor space 3.

(43) In order to temporarily open the floor cover arrangement 5, the procedure described with reference to FIG. 14 may be reversed. In other words, first the screw arrangement 23 may be opened and the last cover plate 9 may be removed by simple lifting it out of the frame 12. Then, the connectors 19 are accessible from outside the underfloor space 3 and may be drawn away from their associated cover plates 9 such that, step by step, each of the cover plates 9 may be easily released and removed.

(44) Finally, it should be noted that the term comprising does not exclude other elements or steps and the a or an does not exclude a plurality. Also elements described in association with different embodiments may be combined. It should also be noted that reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.