Bionic step

Abstract

Step for an escalator as well as the method for manufacturing the step, wherein the step is configured as a one-piece die-cast light metal part containing a step plate, a skirt, at least one transverse rib, guide lugs, wherein the guide lugs are fastened solely on the skirt, and drive lugs wherein the drive lugs are each arranged and fastened solely on the step with a connecting web.

Claims

1. A step for an escalator comprising, wherein the step is configured as a one-piece die-cast light metal part comprising: a step plate, a skirt, at least one transverse rib, guide lugs, wherein the guide lugs are fastened solely on the skirt, and drive lugs; and wherein the drive lugs are each fastened and arranged solely on the step with a connecting web.

2. A step for an escalator according to claim 1, wherein, the connecting webs of the drive lugs are arranged on the step plate.

3. A step for an escalator according to claim 1 wherein, the step is open downwards over the complete width.

4. A step for an escalator according to claim 1 wherein, there is no direct connection between the guide lugs and the drive lugs.

5. A step for an escalator according to claim 1 wherein, reinforcement ribs 8 are arranged between the skirt and the step plate in the peripheral regions of the step.

6. A step for an escalator according to claim 1 wherein, the drive and guide lugs of the respective peripheral region of the step lie in the same alignment wherein the alignment runs in the travelling direction.

7. A step for an escalator according to claim 1 wherein, the skirt, the reinforcement ribs, the transverse rib and the connecting webs between the transverse rib and the reinforcement ribs form a closed frame, on the underneath side of the step plate.

8. A method for manufacturing a step according to claim 1, wherein, the step is produced as a one-piece part in the light metal die-casting process.

Description

DRAWINGS

(1) An exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings, wherein the invention is not restricted to only the exemplary embodiment. In the drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a step according to the invention;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a three-dimensional view of a step according to the invention, with the underneath facing upwards;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a three-dimensional section of a step according to the invention, with the underneath facing upwards, and

(5) FIG. 4 shows a three-dimensional section of a step according to the invention from another view, with the underneath turned upwards.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(6) FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a step 1 according to the invention for an escalator. The step 1 is configured as a one-piece die-cast light metal part whereby high completion costs for the individual steps can be avoided. The step 1 contains a step plate 2, a skirt 3, at least one transverse rib 4 for reinforcing the step plate 2, wherein the transverse rib 4 is preferably arranged on the underneath side of the step plate 2, guide lugs 5, wherein the guide lugs 5 are arranged solely on the skirt 3. This means that two guide lugs 5 are moulded and extend in the two peripheral regions 9 of the step 1, and/or skirt 3 of the step 1, seen in the travelling direction. These lugs serve to guide the step 1 and the escalator. The step 1 furthermore contains drive lugs 6 which are driven by means of the chain of an escalator, wherein the drive lugs 6 of the step 1 are each arranged in the two peripheral regions 9 of the step 1. The drive lugs 6 are each connected to the step 1 and formed on the step plate by means of a connecting web 7. The formation of the lugs 5, 6 is clearly shown in FIGS. 2-4 through the inverted view of the step 1.

(7) The drive lugs 6 are preferably formed on the underneath of the step plate 2. The drive lugs 6 and the guide lugs 5 on the respective peripheral region 9 of the step 1 preferably lie in one alignment. The drive and guide lugs 5, 6 do not however have any connecting webs between them. Since there are also no connecting webs between the skirt 3 and step plate 2 the step 1 is open downwards over the entire width. This configuration of the step 1 enables a simple construction of the casting tool for producing the step 1. It is thereby possible to dispense with further sliders on the casting tool. This shortens the times for removing the step 1 from the mould. In order to ensure the required stability and strength of the step 1 despite the lack of braces between the skirt 3 and step plate 2 reinforcement ribs 8 are arranged in each of the two peripheral regions 9.

(8) The reinforcement ribs 8 preferably run in the alignment of the drive and guide lugs 5, 6 of the respective peripheral region 9.

(9) The reinforcement ribs 9 run along the inside of the skirt 3 and the underneath side of the step plate 2. The reinforcement ribs 8 run parallel to the travelling direction of the step 1 and escalator respectively.

(10) The reinforcement ribs 8 extend along the skirt 3 and have a radius in the transition to the step plate 2.

(11) The height of the reinforcement rib 8 is preferably at least 8 mm. The height of the reinforcement ribs 8 can also be different in the region of the skirt 3 and in the region of the step plate 2.

(12) The skirt 3, the reinforcement ribs 8, the transverse rib 4 and the connecting webs 6 arranged between the transverse rib 4 and the reinforcement ribs 8 form a closed frame preferably on the underneath side of the step plate 2, whereby the required stability and strength of the step is achieved.

REFERENCE NUMERAL LIST

(13) 1 Step 2 Step plate 3 Skirt 4 Transverse rib 5 Guide lug 6 Drive lug 7 Connecting web 8 Reinforcement rib 9 Peripheral region