EP0449780B1 - Step element for moving walkway or escalator - Google Patents

Abstract

So that a reliable connection between marginal strips (3), inserted into the step plate (2) of a step element, and the step plate (2) can be produced in a simple manner by the diecasting process, the marginal strips (3) each have a tongue (6, 7) on their underside at least along their two longitudinal edges. The cross-sections of the two tongues (6, 7) have the shape of a parallelogram with angles identical to one another or of a trapezium and engage like a tongue-and-groove joint in corresponding grooves (8, 9) in the step plate (2). Furthermore, these marginal strips (3) are also provided on their underside with at least two integrally cast locking pins (10) extending downwards and through the adjoining step plate (2). One clamping ring (11) each, supported in a flexible manner on the underside of the step plate 2, is firmly clamped to the free ends of the locking pins (10), which free ends project downwards out of the step plate (2). <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a step element for moving walk or stairs, with a step plate for receiving the people to be transported, this step plate being provided with an edge strip attached to it in the area of at least one of its longitudinal edges.

It is already known to provide tread elements with edge strips, with either their attachment by means of a few screws to the tread element, seen over a longer period of use, which is sometimes not able to cope with the extremely harsh operating conditions and / or relatively complex mechanical processing of the tread elements produced in the die-casting process are required .

From GB-A-2 163 716 a tread element according to the preambles of claims 1, 2 is known.

The object of the present invention is to provide a step element which does not have the above-mentioned disadvantages and is extremely simple to assemble and simple Way allows a good fixation of the edge over its entire length.

This object is achieved according to the invention according to claim 1 or 2 in a tread element of the type mentioned.

To make the die-casting mold as simple as possible, it is advantageous if the tread element, including the grooves intended for receiving the edge strip springs and provided in the tread plate, is produced by the die-casting process, and that the direction of insertion of these grooves and preferably the longitudinal axis of the locking bolts and the associated passage openings in the tread plate runs parallel to the direction of extension of the tread element from the die casting mold during its manufacture. It is expedient if the direction of insertion of the grooves and tongues is at an angle of 25 to 50 °, preferably 38 °, with respect to a perpendicular to the step plate plane.

Appropriate further developments of the tread element according to the invention are the subject of claims 3 to 17.

Fig.1

einen Grundriss einer beispielsweisen Ausführungsform eines für eine Fahrtreppe bestimmten erfindungsgemässen Trittelementes;

Fig.2

eine Seitenansicht des in Figur 1 dargestellten Trittelementes;

Fig.3

einen Schnitt längs der Linie III-III in Figur 1;

Fig.4

eine Seitenansicht der in Figur 3 eingesetzten Randleiste;

Fig.5

eine Ansicht in Richtung des Pfeiles A in Figur 4 auf die Unterseite der Randleiste;

Fig.6

eine Draufsicht auf die in den Figuren 4 und 5 dargestellte Randleiste;

Fig.7

einen Schnitt längs der Linie VII-VII in Figur 1;

Fig.8

einen Schnitt längs der Linie VIII-VIII in Figur 7;

Fig.9

eine Draufsicht auf die in Figur 7 eingesetzte Randleiste;

Fig.10

eine Unteransicht der in Figur 9 dargestellten Randleiste;

Fig.11

eine Stirnansicht der Randleiste in Richtung des Pfeiles B in Figur 9 gesehen;

Fig.12

einen Schnitt analog Fig. 8 durch eine weitere beispielsweise Ausführungsform einer seitlichen Randleiste mit schwalbenschwanzförmigen Federn;

Fig.13

eine Untersicht der in Figur 11 dargestellten Randleiste;

Fig.14

eine Seitenansicht analog Fig. 2 einer weiteren beispielsweisen Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Trittelementes;

Fig.15

einen Schnitt längs der Linie XV-XV in Figur 14;

Fig.16

einen Grundriss analog zu Figur 1 von einer weiteren beispielsweisen Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Trittelementes; und

Fig.17

einen Schnitt längs der Linie XVII-XVII in Figur 16.

Fig.18

einen Grundriss einer weiterenbeispielsweisen Ausführungsform eines für eine Fahrtreppe bestimmten erfindungsgemässen Trittelementes;

Fig.19

eine Seitenansicht des in Figur 18 dargestellten Trittelementes;

Fig.20

einen Schnitt längs der Linie XX-XX in Figur 18;

Fig.21

eine Seitenansicht der in Figur 20 eingesetzten Randleiste;

Fig.22

eine Ansicht in Richtung des Pfeiles A in Figur 21 auf die Unterseite der Randleiste;

Fig.23

eine Draufsicht auf die in den Figuren 21 und 22 dargestellte Randleiste;

Fig.24

einen Schnitt längs der Linie XXIV-XXIV in Figur 18;

Fig.25

einen Schnitt längs der Linie XXV-XXV in Figur 24;

Fig.26

eine Draufsicht auf die in Figur 24 eingesetzte Randleiste;

Fig.27

eine Unteransicht der in Figur 26 dargestellten Randleiste;

Fig.28

eine Stirnansicht der Randleiste in Richtung des Pfeiles B in Figur 26 gesehen;

Fig.29

einen Schnitt längs der Linie XXIX-XXIX in Figur 27;

Fig.30

eine Seitenansicht analog Fig. 19 einer weiteren beispielsweisen Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Trittelementes;

Fig.31

einen Schnitt längs der Linie XXXI-XXXI in Figur 30;

Fig.32

einen Grundriss analog zu Figur 18 von einer weiteren beispielsweisen Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Trittelementes; und

Fig.33

einen Schnitt längs der Linie XXXIII-XXXIII in Figur 32.

The invention is explained below with reference to the drawing, for example. It shows

Fig. 1

a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of an inventive tread element intended for an escalator;

Fig. 2

a side view of the tread element shown in Figure 1;

Fig. 3

a section along the line III-III in Figure 1;

Fig. 4

a side view of the edge strip used in Figure 3;

Fig. 5

a view in the direction of arrow A in Figure 4 on the underside of the edge strip;

Fig. 6

a plan view of the edge strip shown in Figures 4 and 5;

Fig. 7

a section along the line VII-VII in Figure 1;

Fig. 8

a section along the line VIII-VIII in Figure 7;

Fig. 9

a plan view of the edge strip used in Figure 7;

Fig. 10

a bottom view of the edge strip shown in Figure 9;

Fig. 11

seen an end view of the edge strip in the direction of arrow B in Figure 9;

Fig. 12

8 shows a section analogous to FIG. 8 through a further exemplary embodiment of a lateral edge strip with dovetail-shaped springs;

Fig. 13

a bottom view of the border shown in Figure 11;

Fig. 14

a side view analogous to Figure 2 of another exemplary embodiment of a tread element according to the invention;

Fig. 15

a section along the line XV-XV in Figure 14;

Fig. 16

a plan similar to Figure 1 of another exemplary embodiment of a tread element according to the invention; and

Fig. 17

a section along the line XVII-XVII in Figure 16.

Fig. 18

a floor plan of another exemplary embodiment of a tread element according to the invention intended for an escalator;

Fig. 19

a side view of the tread element shown in Figure 18;

Fig. 20

a section along the line XX-XX in Figure 18;

Fig. 21

a side view of the edge strip used in Figure 20;

Fig. 22

a view in the direction of arrow A in Figure 21 on the underside of the edge strip;

Fig. 23

a plan view of the edge strip shown in Figures 21 and 22;

Fig. 24

a section along the line XXIV-XXIV in Figure 18;

Fig. 25

a section along the line XXV-XXV in Figure 24;

Fig. 26

a plan view of the edge strip used in Figure 24;

Fig. 27

a bottom view of the edge strip shown in Figure 26;

Fig. 28

seen an end view of the edge strip in the direction of arrow B in Figure 26;

Fig. 29

a section along the line XXIX-XXIX in Figure 27;

Fig. 30

a side view analogous to FIG. 19 of a further exemplary embodiment of a tread element according to the invention;

Fig. 31

a section along the line XXXI-XXXI in Figure 30;

Fig. 32

a plan similar to Figure 18 of another exemplary embodiment of a tread element according to the invention; and

Fig. 33

a section along the line XXXIII-XXXIII in Figure 32.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the tread element 1 (hereinafter referred to as the escalator step) of an escalator is provided with a tread plate 2 for receiving the person to be transported. The tread plate 2 has edge strips 3, 4 and 5 inserted into it and fastened to it.

As can be seen from FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the rear edge strip 3 has a spring 6 and 7 on its underside along its two longitudinal edges, the cross sections of which have the shape of a parallelogram with angles identical to one another, and in the manner of a Tongue and groove connection engage in corresponding grooves 8 and 9 in the tread plate 2.

This rear edge strip 3 furthermore has on its underside two guide and locking bolts 10, which are distributed over its length and which extend downwards and through and through the adjacent tread plate 2, which form a piece with the edge strip 3 and at the end of which Step plate 2 protruding downward free ends each a clamping ring 11 which is supported under spring pressure on the underside of the step plate 2 is clamped.

The tread element 1, including the grooves 8 and 9 intended for receiving the edge strip springs 6 and 7 and provided in the tread plate 2, is produced by the die-casting process, the direction of insertion of these springs 6, 7 and grooves 8, 9 and the longitudinal axis of the guide and locking bolts 10 and the associated guide and passage openings 12 in the tread plate 2 run parallel to the extension direction Z of the tread element 1 from the die casting mold during its manufacture, so that the simplest possible die casting die can be produced. In the exemplary embodiment shown, this extension direction Z runs at an angle α of 38 ° with respect to a perpendicular to the step plate plane 13.

The edge strip 3 is provided with the same rib division as the tread plate 2, with mutual locking the ribs 14 of the edge strip 3 with the ribs 15 of the tread plate 2, part of the ribs 14 of the edge strip 3 are provided on their sides adjacent to the ribs 15 of the tread plate 2 with guide grooves 16, into each of which a guide comb 17 of the adjacent ribs of the adjacent ribs is arranged Step plate 2 engages. To insert the guide combs 17 into the associated guide grooves 16, the latter are open on their lower end faces 18.

As can be seen from FIGS. 7 to 11, the two lateral edge strips 4 and 5 are provided on their underside with a plurality of springs 19 which are distributed over their length and extend in their transverse direction, the cross sections of which are analogous to the springs 6 and 7 of the rear edge strip 3 have the shape of a parallelogram with mutually identical angles and engage in corresponding grooves 20 in the step plate 2 in the manner of a tongue and groove connection. These two side edge strips 4 and 5 are, similarly to the rear edge strip 3, also provided on their underside on their underside with two guide and locking bolts 10, which are distributed over their length and extend downwards and through the adjoining tread plate 2, at the bottom thereof from the tread plate 2 protruding free ends analogous to the rear edge 3 each a clamping ring 11 which is supported under spring pressure on the underside of the tread plate 2 is clamped.

The guide and locking bolts 10, the guide and passage openings 12 assigned to them and the tongue and groove connections 19, 20 are coordinated with one another analogously to the rear edge strip 3 in such a way that they allow the springs 19 of the two edge strips 4 and 5 in to be retracted freely allow the grooves 20 associated with these springs 19 in the tread plate 2.

The insertion direction Z of the tongue and groove connection 19, 20 and the guide and locking bolt 10 is the same as for the rear edge strip 3 already described above for the simplest possible production.

Since the support surfaces 21 and the grooves 8 and 9 and 20, respectively, determined in the tread plate 2 for the edge strips 3, 4 and 5, and the grooves 8 and 9 and 20 respectively, and the guide and passage openings 12 during the production of the tread element 1 in the die-casting mold, all from above, That means that they can be produced from a single side of the die-casting mold, these edge strip anchoring grooves 8, 9 and 20 can be so precisely produced in the die-casting process with respect to the edge strip contact surfaces 21 and the guide openings 12 that the edge strips 3 can be held practically without play (without clamping rings 11) , 4 and 5 in the tread plate 2, any mechanical reworking of the tread elements 1 designed in this way is superfluous, which represents a huge advantage in terms of production.

The installation of these edge strips 3, 4 and 5 is extremely simple, since they are simply inserted obliquely into the tread plate 2 and then the clamping rings 11 onto the free ends of the guide and locking bolts which are inserted in the tread plate 2 and protrude from the underside of the tread plate 2 10 can be pressed.

The clamping rings 11 are made of spring steel and have a cambered design, so that they can be pressed onto the slightly conical locking bolts 10 in a simple manner up to the resilient contact on the underside of the tread plate 2 and then there automatically on the latter clamp. Slightly cambered spring washers or disc springs as well as so-called Schnorr rib washers can also be used as clamping rings 11.

In order to be able to easily replace such an attached edge strip 3, 4 or 5 in the event of any damage during operation, e.g. 11 can be seen in the longitudinal axis of the guide and locking bolts 10 on the top of the edge strips 3, 4 and 5 and on the downward free end face of the guide and locking bolts 10 centering countersinks 22 and 23 for centering a drill for drilling out the relevant guide - And locking bolt 10 is provided so that the latter can be eliminated in a simple manner and the defective edge strips can be removed without the subsequent attachment of a new edge strip would give rise to any additional problems.

For additional lateral anchoring of the front end faces 24 of the ribs 25 of the two lateral edge strips 4 and 5, these are also provided, analogously to the rear edge strip 3, with guide grooves 16, in each of which a guide comb 17 of the escalator step 1 engages (FIG. 7).

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in contrast to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, the grooves 19 'and the springs 20' are provided with a dovetail cross section.

Such edge strips 4 ', 5' can be pushed into each other because of the shape of the grooves 19 'and the springs 19' only in the lateral direction of these edge strips 4 ', 5'. In order to enable such a lateral insertion, the in Step plate 2 'for the locking bolts 10' provided through openings 12 'be open laterally in the form of a slot.

As can be seen from FIGS. 14 and 15, it is also possible to have the two lateral edge strips 4 and 5 on their longitudinal edge, which is directed outward with respect to the tread plate 2, with a first side skirt which extends downward and forms a piece with the edge strip 4 and 5, respectively 26, and the curved front wall 27 (see FIG. 14) of the tread element 1 with two lateral side skirts 28 which extend from the front wall 27 to the rear. The common dividing line 29 between the partially abutting respective two side skirts 26 and 28 runs at the same or a larger angle α than the insertion direction Z of the tongue and groove connection 19, 20. Analogously to the ribs 14 and 25 of the edge strips 3, 4 and 5, the side skirts 26 of the edge strips 5˝ or 4˝ (not shown) are provided in their area adjacent to the associated side skirt 28, each with a guide groove 16˝ into which a guide comb 17˝ of the associated side skirt 28 for mutual lateral fixing and centering of the tread element 1 engages.

Normally, the escalator steps consist of a magnesium alloy and the edge strips 3, 4 and 5 together with the locking bolts 10 provided on them from weatherproof, impact-resistant and aging-resistant plastic.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the edge strips 3, 4 and 5 are formed by inserting into the step plate 2 and distancing it from the outside of the latter. signaling strips of a different color forming part of the tread surface of the tread plate 2, the plastic from which these edge strips consist is colored, for example, with a yellow glow.

The rear edge strip 3 has, for the lateral centering of its ribs 14 with respect to the ribs 15 of the tread plate 2 on both end faces of its ribs 14, guide grooves 16 into which guide ridges 17 of the abutting end faces of the ribs 15 of the tread plate 2 engage. Here too, the guide grooves 16 for inserting the guide combs 17 are open at their lower end 18.

Of course, it is also possible to provide the step plate 2 with edge strips on all four sides, the front edge strip being able to be fastened in the step plate 2 analogously to the rear edge strip 3.

Parts which are analogous to FIGS. 1 to 17 are given the same reference symbols in FIGS. 18 to 33, so that a detailed description of the same parts is unnecessary and only the different features are described.

In contrast to the previously described Asführungsformen the rear edge strip 3, as can be seen from Figures 20, 21 and 22, on its underside along its two longitudinal edges each have a spring 6 or 7, the cross sections of which are identical in shape to a trapezoid Have angles, and engage in the manner of a tongue and groove connection in corresponding grooves 8 and 9 in the step plate 2.

In the embodiment of the interlocking springs 6, 7 and grooves 8, 9 shown in FIGS. 18 to 30, the extension direction Z or the angle δ between the longitudinal axis 10 'of the guide and locking bolts 10 and a perpendicular to the step plate plane 13 can also be smaller than be the angle α.

In order to relieve the guide and locking bolts 10 on in the longitudinal direction of the front edge strip 3 or in the longitudinal direction of the tongue and groove connections 6,7; 8.9 to achieve forces P acting on this edge strip 3 are on the underside of these edge strips 3, preferably in the area of the guide and locking bolts 10, transverse to the longitudinal direction of the springs 6, 7, with an approximately triangular cross-section and centering and relief projections or ribs 30 (see FIG. 22) are provided, which engage in a form-locking manner in associated centering and relief grooves 31 provided in the step plate 2. The guide and locking bolts 10, for their part, also preferably engage in a form-locking manner without play in the associated guide and passage openings 12 provided in the step plate 2.

As can be seen from FIGS. 24 to 28, the two lateral edge strips 4 and 5 are provided on their underside with a plurality of springs 19 which are arranged along their length and extend in their transverse direction, the cross sections of which are analogous to the springs 6 and 7 of the rear Edge strip 3 have the shape of a trapezoid with mutually identical angles and, as in the exemplary embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 17, engage in corresponding grooves 20 in the step plate 2 in the manner of a tongue and groove connection.

In order to relieve the load on the guide and locking bolts 10 and on lateral evasion of these side edge strips 4, 5 in their area between the guide and locking bolts 10 with transverse to the longitudinal direction of the side edge strips 4, 5 or in the longitudinal direction of the tongue and groove connections 19, To achieve 20 forces Q acting on these edge strips 4,5 are on the underside of these edge strips 4,5 in the area of the guide and locking bolts 10 and in the area between them, distributed over the entire length of these edge strips 4,5, transversely to the longitudinal direction the tongue and groove connections 19, 20 and centering and relief projections or ribs 30 (see FIGS. 25, 28 and 29) which run transversely to the longitudinal direction of these edge strips 4, 5 and have an approximately triangular cross section, which locks in a form-fitting manner in, in the centering and relief grooves 31 provided on the tread plate 2 engage. In the case of these lateral edge strips 4, 5, too, the guide and locking bolts 10 engage, preferably also in a form-locking manner, without play in the associated guide and passage openings 12 provided in the step plate 2.

As can be seen from FIGS. 30 and 31, it is also possible here for the two lateral edge strips 4 and 5 on their longitudinal edge, which is directed outward with respect to the tread plate 2, with a downwardly extending one and forming a piece with the edge strip 4 and 5, respectively To form the side skirt 26 and the arcuate front wall 27 (see FIG. 13) of the tread element 1 with two lateral side skirts 28 extending rearward from the front wall 27.

Normally, the escalator steps consist of a magnesium alloy and the edge strips 3, 4 and 5 together with the locking bolts 10 provided on them from weatherproof, impact-resistant and aging-resistant plastic.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the edge strips 3, 4 and 5 are formed by signaling strips of a different color, which are inserted into the tread plate 2 and distanced from the outside of the latter and form part of the tread surface of the tread plate 2, the plastic from which these edge strips exist, for example, colored bright yellow.

The rear edge strip 3 has, in addition to the centering and relief projections 30 for the lateral centering of its ribs 14 relative to the ribs 15 of the tread plate 2 on both end faces of its ribs 14, additional guide grooves 16 into which guide ridges 17 of the abutting end faces of the ribs 15 of the tread plate 2 engage . Here too, the guide grooves 16 for inserting the guide combs 17 are open at their lower end 18.

The springs 6, 7 and the associated grooves 8, 9 here have parallelogram-shaped cross sections for an even better anchoring of the edge strips in the step plate 2.

Claims (17)

1. Step element for moving walkway or staircase, having a step plate (2) for receiving the persons to be transported, this step plate (2) being provided in the region of at least one of its longitudinal edges with an edge strip (3) secured thereto, wherein the edge strip (3) is provided on its underside in the region of at least along its two longitudinal edges, with a respective tongue (6,7), each tongue having a cross section with a plurality of corners and engaging in a corresponding groove (8,9) in the step plate (2) in the manner of a tongue and groove connection, whereby at least one of these tongues (7) extends along one of the longitudinal edges, wherein each tongue (6,7) having a cross section with the shape of a trapezoid or with the shape of a parallelogram with mutually identical angles, whereof two of each parallelogram are at least 110°, and wherein this edge strip (3) moreover has on its underside at least two locking pins (10) which are arranged distributed over its length, which extend downwards and through the adjacent step plate (2) and on whose free ends projecting downwards out of the step plate (2) a respective clamping ring (11) supported under springloaded pressure on the step plate (2) are associated with these locking pins being matched to one another such that they permit unimpeded insertion of the tongues (6,7) of the edge strip (3) into the grooves (8,9) which are associated with the tongues and are in the step plate (2).
2. Step element for moving walkway or staircase, having a step plate for receiving the persons to be transported, this step plate being provided in the region of at least one of its longitudinal edges with an adge strip secured thereto, wherein the edge strip (4,5), of which there is at least one, is provided on its underside with a plurality of tongues (19) arranged distributed over its length which extend in its transverse direction, each tongue having a cross section with the shape of a trapezoid or with the shape of a parallelogram with mutually identical angles, whereof two of each parallogram are at least 110°, and each tongue engages in a corresponding groove (20) in the step (2) plate in the manner of a tongue and groove connection, and wherein this edge strip (4,5) moreover has on its underside at least two locking pins (10) which are arranged distributed over its length, and which extend downwards and through the adjacent step plate and on whose free ends projecting downwards out of the step plate a respective clamping ring (11) is clamped, supported under spring-loaded pressure on the step plate (2), whereby these locking pins (10) and the through openings (12) which are associated therewith and are in the step plate (2) being matched to one another such, that they permit unimpeded insertion of the tongues (19) of the edge strip (4,5) into the grooves (20) which are associated with them and are in the step plate (2).
3. Step element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the edge strip (3) is provided on its underside at least along its two longitudinal edges, with a respective tongue (6,7).
4. Step element as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base line of the trapezoidal cross section of the tongues (6,7) runs at least approximately parallel to the plane of the step plate, in that, of the mutually analogous angles of the tongues (6,7), the one angle (β) remote from the step plate is at least 110°, the other angle (γ) remote from the step plate is at most 90° and the sum of these two angles (β, γ) is at least 180°.
5. Step element as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the edge strip (3,4,5) of which there is at least one, is provided on its underside with at least one centering projection which runs transversely preferabily perpendicularly to the tongues (6,7,19) and which has preferabily an at least approximately triangular cross section, and which engages with form fit in the longitudinal direction of the tongues (6,7,19), with a centering action in an associated centering cutout (31) provided in the step plate (2).
6. Step element as claimed in one of the claim 1 to 3, wherein the step element (1), including the grooves (8,9;20) provided in the step plate (2) and intended to receive the edge strip tongues (6,7;19) is produced by pressure die casting, and wherein the direction of insertion of these grooves (8,9;20) and preferably the longitudinal axis of the locking pins (10) as well as of the associated through openings (12) in the step plate (2) runs parallel to the direction of emergence (Z) of the step element (1) from the die-casting die during its production.
7. Step element as claimed in claim 6, wherein the direction of insertion (Z) of the grooves (8,9;20) and tongues (6,7;19) runs at an angle (α) of 25° to 50°, preferably 38°, with respect to a perpendicular to the step plate plane (13).
8. Step element as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the step plate (2) is provided on at least one of its outer edges with the edge strip.
9. Step element as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the edge strip (3,4,5) is formed by at least one signaling strip which is inserted in the step plate (2), is distanced from the outside of the latter, forms a part of the step surface of the step plate (2) and is of a different color.
10. Step element as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 9, wherein the edge strip (3,4,5) is provided with the same rib division as the step plate (2), and wherein at least some of the ribs (14,25) of the edge strip (3,4,5) are provided on their sides adjacent to the ribs (15,15') of the step plate (2) with guide grooves (16) in which there engages a respective guide comb (17) arranged on the end face of the adjacent ribs (15,15') of the step plate (2), the guide grooves (16) being open on their lower end faces for insertion of the associated guide combs (17).
11. Step element as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 10, wherein in the longitudinal axis of the respective locking pins (10) on at least one of the upper side of the edge strips (3,4,5) and the downwardly directed end face of the individual locking pins (10) there is provided a respective centering spot (22,23) facing for centering a drill for drilling out and removing the locking pin (10) concerned.
12. Step element as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the locking pins (10) run at least approximately perpendicular to the plane of the step plate, and wherein the through openings (12) associated with these locking pins (10) and preferabily also the locking pins are constructed broadening, as seen in the direction of emergence.
13. Step element as claimed in one of the claims 2 to 12, wherein the two lateral edge strips (4,5) are provided at their longitudinal edge outwardly directed with respect to the step plate (2) with a downwardly extending first side apron (26) and the arcuate front wall (27) of the step element (1) is provided with two lateral second side aprons (28) extending away backwards from the front wall (27), wherein the common separation line (29) between the two respective side aprons (26,28), partly abutting against one another, runs at an angle (α) which is equal to or greater than the direction of insertion (Z) of the tongue and groove connection (19,20), and wherein the first side aprons (26) are provided in their region adjacent to the associated second side apron (28) with a respective guide groove (16'') in which there engages a guide comb (17'') of the associated second side apron (28).
14. Step element as claimed in claim 2, wherein the grooves (20') and the tongues (19') have a dovetail-shaped cross section.
15. Step element as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the locking pins (10) are constructed as guide pins and extend preferabily with the provision of a slide seating without play through the associated through openings (12) in the step plate (2).
16. Step element as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 15, wherein the locking pins (10) are of slightly conical construction and the clamping rings (12), which are of spring steel and in the untensioned state are of slightly convex construction, are dimensioned in their internal diameter such that they are in clamping engagement with the associated locking pin (10), with resilient non-positive bearing against the underside of the step plate (2).
17. Step element as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 16, wherein the locking pins (10) are in one piece with the edge strip (3,4,5) and these parts are produced preferabily from weather-and-ageing-resistant and shock-resistant plastics.

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