EP3224187B1 - Support frame for a transport device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a support structure for a transport device, in particular for an escalator or for a moving walk, with a bottom surface and two side surfaces.

State of the art

Transport devices can be designed, for example, as escalators or as moving walks. Such a conveying device comprises a support structure in which different elements of the conveying device are arranged, for example an endlessly rotating, movable conveying belt as well as elements for moving this conveying belt.

Such support structures are mostly designed as truss structures and are composed of a plurality of longitudinal, vertical and / or diagonal beams, struts or beams, which are usually made of metal or steel.

These half-timbered constructions are solid, voluminous and bulky, and take up a lot of space. The space required for the entire conveying device is increased by such truss constructions. Furthermore, truss structures are complex and costly to manufacture and assemble.

From the publication JP S61 45880 A is known a support structure for an escalator with a floor surface and two side surfaces. The side surfaces are each arranged on a profile extending over the longitudinal direction of the support structure. In addition, the support structure includes struts to further reinforce the support structure.

Also from the publication EP 2 196 426 A1 a support structure with side surfaces and a bottom surface for a conveying device is known.

Next is from the publication JP 2010 189131 A a conveyor device with a supporting structure is known. This support structure comprises side surfaces in the manner of a truss, the side surfaces being reinforced by struts.

From the DE 20 2004 004 178 U1 an escalator is known in which the frame is at least partially constructed from perforated sheet metal. Holes are made in the side panels of the frame.

It is desirable to provide an improved support structure for transportation devices such as escalators or moving walks.

Disclosure of the invention

According to the invention, a support structure for a transport device and a transport device with the features of claims 1 and 13. proposed. Advantageous refinements are the subject of the respective subclaims and the description below.

The support structure has a bottom surface and two side surfaces. According to the invention, at least one of the side surfaces of the support structure is made from a metal sheet. "A metal sheet" is not intended to mean "a single sheet" but "one or more metal sheets". A support structure is attached to this metal sheet of the at least one of the side surfaces. In particular, both side surfaces are each made of a metal sheet, on each of which a support structure is attached. The side surfaces and the bottom surface can be connected to one another in a suitable manner, for example by welding.

The support structure according to the invention is particularly suitable for transport devices such as escalators or moving walks. In particular, the conveying device is designed as a passenger conveying device. The support structure is designed in particular as a frame or as a frame structure of the conveying device. The support structure is in particular set up so that different elements of the conveying device are arranged in the support structure.

The conveyor device in particular comprises an endlessly rotating, movable conveyor belt. In the case of an escalator, this conveyor belt is designed, for example, as a step belt, and in the case of a moving walk, for example, as a flat conveyor belt. A handrail can also be provided. Different elements can be provided for moving the conveyor belt and / or the handrail, for example a motor, shafts, gears, gears, chains, guide rails, etc. The conveyor belt, the handrail and the elements for their movement can be arranged wholly or at least partially within the supporting structure ,

The support structure advantageously does not include a truss structure. To create the necessary stability for the support structure, no beams, beams or the like are provided. The necessary stability and span of the supporting structure is achieved in particular exclusively by the metal sheet or sheets and the supporting structures attached to them.

The invention provides a support structure with particularly high stability, which is manufactured by inexpensive elements in the form of metal sheets and the support structure that are inexpensive to manufacture. It is therefore not necessary to use massive, voluminous and massive truss structures in order to construct a support structure with high stability.

By using the metal sheet, the support structure according to the invention can be constructed in a lightweight construction. The support structure according to the invention has a comparable or lower weight compared to support structures made of truss structures. Furthermore, the support structure according to the invention has a smaller volume, a smaller expansion and thus a smaller space requirement than conventional support structures made of truss structures.

The support structure can be produced in a low-cost and inexpensive manner. For example, metal can be pressed into a desired shape or into a metal sheet of the desired shape with little effort and then folded. In particular, the metal sheet is made of steel, aluminum or possibly plastic (GRP).

The stability of the metal sheet is increased by the support structure. In particular, this support structure increases a span of the support structure, that is to say a maximum length between two support points, between which the support structure and thus the transport device can be freely stored without additional support points or without additional intermediate supports. Intermediate supports, which are arranged below the support structure in order to support the support structure from below, can be saved by using this support structure, or at least a necessary distance between such intermediate supports can be increased.

At least one strut or support is preferably attached as a support structure to the metal sheet of the at least one of the side surfaces. These struts or supports can be designed, for example, as pillars or supports made of metal, for example steel. The support structure can in particular be designed as a regular pattern from these struts or supports.

The support structure is advantageously screwed and / or welded and / or connected to the metal sheet of the at least one of the side surfaces. The support structure is screwed or welded to an inside and / or outside of the respective side surface.

Elements of the support structure are preferably attached diagonally or vertically to one or more sections of the metal sheet of the at least one of the side surfaces. These elements are preferably designed as the supports or struts described above. By diagonally or vertically attached it is to be understood that the elements of the support structure are attached diagonally or vertically with respect to an expansion or extension direction of the support structure, in particular with respect to a longitudinal extension, a main axis or main expansion direction of the support structure. The support structures can be attached to the sheet metal both inside and outside.

From a static point of view, diagonal structures are reinforcement elements through which particularly high stability can be achieved. The stability can be increased again by the vertical structures. In particular, each section of the metal sheet has a diagonal and a vertical element. The metal sheets of the two side surfaces preferably have a plurality of such sections next to one another. The metal sheet therefore preferably has a regular pattern of these elements of the support structure on the side surfaces.

The metal sheet of the at least one of the side surfaces advantageously has at least one opening. This opening or recess can be implemented, for example, as a hole or hole in the metal sheet. Maintenance and / or repair work on the transport device can be made possible through this opening. Furthermore, the openings can also be used for stability purposes. The weight of the metal sheet is reduced through the openings. A metal sheet with openings is in particular less flexible or less easy to deform than a metal sheet without such openings.

The at least one opening is preferably designed as at least one circular opening. Each opening thus has in particular a circular shape. Alternatively or additionally, openings can also have other suitable shapes, for example oval or elliptical.

The area of the at least one opening is preferably between 10% and 50%, in particular between 12% and 35% of the area of the at least one of the side areas. The surface area of the openings which are arranged on a side surface is thus in a ratio between the surface area of this respective side surface between one to ten and one to two. The width of the individual openings is preferably between 10% and 50%, in particular between 12% and 35% of the width of the side faces. If the openings are in particular circular, the radius of the openings is in each case preferably between 10% and 50%, in particular between 12% and 35% of the width of the side face. The openings are thus preferably not designed as relatively small openings, as is the case, for example, with a perforated plate, but rather as relatively large openings. The width of the openings or the width of the side surfaces should be understood to mean an expansion of the openings or the side surfaces in a direction which is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal extension, a main axis or the main expansion direction of the support structure.

One or more sections of the metal sheet of the at least one of the side faces preferably have at least two openings. These at least two openings are preferably arranged diagonally offset from one another. The at least two openings are offset from one another both in the vertical and in the horizontal direction of expansion or extension of the support structure. This creates a diagonal structure in the respective section of the metal sheet between these two openings, through which a particularly high stability can be achieved. With such an arrangement of two openings in each case, the stability of the support structure can be increased further, while at the same time reducing weight. The metal sheet preferably has a plurality of such sections next to one another on the two side surfaces. The metal sheet therefore preferably has a regular pattern of openings on the side surfaces, two openings being arranged diagonally offset from one another.

Preferably, elements of the support structure are attached between two openings. Since two openings are preferably arranged diagonally offset from one another, an element of the support structure can in turn be mounted diagonally between two openings on the metal sheet. These elements are particularly located in the diagonal structures described above between these two openings. Furthermore, elements of the Support structure can also be mounted vertically between two openings on the metal sheet.

The support structure preferably has a U-shaped profile. The support structure can alternatively also have another suitable profile, for example a double U profile, an H profile or an L profile.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the bottom surface and the side surfaces of the support structure are made from a common metal sheet. The bottom and side surfaces can thus be made from a single, coherent metal sheet, alternatively several sheets can also be used. The desired shape of the support structure is achieved in particular by folding the common metal sheet at desired locations on the metal sheet.

The metal sheet (s) of the at least one of the side faces preferably has a fold for attaching a balustrade of the conveying device. The balustrade is in particular arranged directly on the supporting structure. The corresponding folding enables the balustrade to be fastened. In particular, a beam or a support is arranged on this fold, to which the balustrade can in turn be attached. In particular, a fold for each balustrade of the conveying device is attached to an upper edge of the metal sheets of the right and left side surfaces.

The metal sheet of the at least one of the side surfaces preferably has a fold for attaching a base plate of the conveying device. This base plate is designed in particular as a landing zone or as an entry and exit area for entering or leaving the transport device.

The metal sheet (s) of the at least one of the side faces preferably has a thickness between 5 mm and 15 mm, in particular with a thickness of 8 mm. The width of the entire supporting structure can thus be kept as small as possible. The support structure preferably has a maximum width of between 1000 mm and 1500 mm, more preferably of 1350 mm.

The invention further relates to a transport device with at least one support structure as described above. Embodiments of this transport device according to the invention result from the above description of the support structure according to the invention in an analogous manner.

The transport device is designed in particular as an escalator or moving walk. In particular, the conveying device is designed as a person conveying device.

If the transport device is designed, for example, as an escalator, the transport device can in particular comprise three support structures. A first, in particular horizontally oriented support structure can be arranged in a lower entry or exit level for entering or leaving the transport device, a second, in particular horizontally oriented support structure in an upper entry or exit level. A third support structure can be arranged obliquely between the first and second support structures. The three support structures can be connected to one another in a suitable manner, for example by welding or screwing.

Alternatively, a conveying device designed as an escalator can also comprise a common support structure. The support structure can in particular be made from a single common metal sheet that is folded at appropriate locations.

Further advantages and refinements of the invention result from the description and the attached drawing.

It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the combination indicated in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The invention is shown schematically in the drawing using an exemplary embodiment and is described below with reference to the drawing.

figure description

Figure 1

shows schematically two preferred embodiments of a support structure according to the invention Figures 1a and 1b ,

Figure 2

schematically shows a preferred embodiment of a transport device according to the invention.

In Figure 1 Two preferred configurations of a support structure according to the invention are shown schematically and designated 100. The support structure 100 is suitable for conveying devices such as escalators or moving walks. A corresponding conveyor device is described below in relation to FIG Figure 2 explained in detail.

The support structure 100 has a left side surface 101, a right side surface 102 and a bottom surface 103. The side surfaces 101 and 102 are each made of a metal sheet 105 and 106, respectively. The bottom surface 103 can also be made of a metal sheet 107, for example. The metal sheets 105, 106 and 107 are connected to one another in a suitable manner, for example welded to one another. Alternatively, the bottom surface 103 and the left and right side surfaces 101 and 102 can also be made of a common metal sheet which is folded accordingly to form the desired shape of the support structure 100.

The metal sheets 105 and 106 of the side surfaces 101 and 102 each have a plurality of openings 110. The openings 110 are each formed by round holes in the metal sheet 105 and 106, respectively.

Each of the side surfaces 101 and 102 is divided into several (imaginary) sections 140. In Figure 1 two sections per side surface are shown purely by way of example. Two openings 110 are provided in each of these sections 140 of the respective side surface 101 and 102, respectively.

The two openings 110 of each section 140 are each arranged diagonally offset from one another, that is to say offset from one another both in the vertical and in the horizontal direction of extent of the respective side surface 101 or 102.

A support structure 130 is attached to the metal sheets 105 and 106, respectively. In the example of Figure 1a the support structures 130 are attached to the outside of the left and right side surfaces 101 and 102, respectively, in the example of FIG Figure 1b each on the inside of the side surfaces 101 and 102. Also a combination of the Figures 1a and 1b is possible.

The support structure 130 comprises struts 131 and 132 which are welded and / or screwed to the metal sheet 105 and 106, respectively. Each strut 131 and 132 can have, for example, a U-shaped, a double-U-shaped, an H-shaped or an L-shaped profile.

Vertical struts 131 are attached to the metal sheets 105 and 106 perpendicularly with respect to a longitudinal extent of the support structure 100, diagonal struts 132 are attached diagonally with respect to this longitudinal extent.

In each section 140 of the metal sheets 105 and 106, two struts are attached, one vertical and one diagonal strut. The diagonal struts 132 are each arranged between the two openings 110 of the respective section 140. The vertical struts 131 are each arranged between two openings in adjacent sections 140.

An upper edge of the metal sheets 105 and 106 is folded, respectively. A balustrade and / or a base plate of the conveying device can be attached to the fold 120 thus created.

In Figure 2 A preferred embodiment of a transport device according to the invention is shown schematically and designated 200. In this example, the conveying device 200 is designed as an escalator.

In this example, the escalator 200 comprises three support structures 100A, 100B and 100C analogous to the support structure according to FIG Figure 1 ,

A first support structure 100A is arranged horizontally in a lower entry or exit level 201 for entering or leaving the escalator 200. A second support structure 100B is arranged horizontally in an upper entry or exit level 202.

A third support structure 100C is arranged obliquely between the first and second support structures 100A and 100B. The support structures 100A, 100B and 100C can, for example, be welded to one another or alternatively can also be made from a single common metal sheet which is folded accordingly.

A balustrade 220 of the escalator 200 is arranged on the folds 120 of the left and right side surfaces 101 and 102 of the third supporting structure 100C. A support 221C is attached directly to the fold 120, which in turn serves as a fastening option for the respective balustrade 220.

Similarly, supports 221A and 221B of the balustrade are also attached to the folds 120 of the side surfaces 101 and 102 of the first and second support structures 100A and 100B, respectively.

Furthermore, a bottom plate 210 of the escalator is attached to the folds 120 of the side surfaces 101 and 102 of the first and second support structures 100A and 100B. The escalator can be entered or exited in the lower and upper entry and exit levels 201, 202 via these base plates 110.

A handrail 230 is guided along each of the balustrades 220. Furthermore, the escalator comprises a step belt, which for the sake of clarity Figure 2 is not explicitly shown. Different elements for moving the step belt and the handrail 230, for example a motor, shafts, gears, gears, chains and guide rails, are arranged within the support structures 100A, 100B and 100C, for example.

LIST OF REFERENCES

100

supporting structure

101

left side surface

102

right side surface

103

floor area

105

metal sheet

106

metal sheet

106

metal sheet

110

openings

120

folding

130

support structure

131

vertical struts

132

diagonal struts

140

Section of the metal sheet on the side surface

100A

first supporting structure

100B

second support structure

100C

third support structure

200

Transport device, escalator

201

lower entry or exit level

202

upper entry and exit level

210

baseplate

220

balustrade

221A

first pillar of the balustrade

221B

second pillar of the balustrade

221C

third pillar of the balustrade

230

handrail

Claims (13)

1. Bearing structure (100) for a conveyor device (200), in particular for an escalator or for a moving walkway, having a base surface (103) and two side surfaces (101, 102), wherein at least one of the side surfaces (101, 102) of the bearing structure (100) is produced from a metal sheet (105, 106), and a support structure (130) is attached to the metal sheet (105, 106) of the at least one of the side surfaces (101, 102), wherein elements (131, 132) of the support structure (130) are attached diagonally or vertically to one or more sections (140) of the metal sheet (105, 106) of the at least one of the side surfaces (101, 102), wherein at least one strut or support (131, 132) is attached as a support structure (130) to the metal sheet (105, 106) of the at least one of the side surfaces (101, 102), characterized in that the support structure is in this case attached to an inner and to an outer side of the respective side surface.
2. Bearing structure (100) according to Claim 1, wherein the support structure (130) is screwed and/or welded to the metal sheet (105, 106) of the at least one of the side surfaces (101, 102).
3. Bearing structure (100) according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the metal sheet (105, 106) of the at least one of the side surfaces (101, 102) comprises at least one opening (110), in particular one circular opening.
4. Bearing structure (100) according to Claim 3, wherein the area of the at least one opening (110) is between 10% and 50%, in particular between 12% and 35%, of the area of the at least one of the side surfaces (101, 102).
5. Bearing structure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more sections (140) of the metal sheet (105, 106) of the at least one of the side surfaces (101, 102) comprise at least two openings (110) which are arranged diagonally offset from one another.
6. Bearing structure (100) according to Claim 5, wherein elements (131, 132) of the support structure (130) are attached between in each case two openings (110) .
7. Bearing structure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure (130) comprises a U-shaped, an H-shaped or an L-shaped profile.
8. Bearing structure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base surface (103) and the side surfaces (101, 102) of the bearing structure are produced from a common metal sheet.
9. Bearing structure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the metal sheet (105, 106) of the at least one of the side surfaces (101, 102) comprises a folded portion (120) for the attachment of a balustrade (220) of the conveyor device (200).
10. Bearing structure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the metal sheet (105, 106) of the at least one of the side surfaces (101, 102) comprises a folded portion (120) for realizing a floor plate (210) or for the attachment of a floor plate (210) of the conveyor device (200).
11. Bearing structure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the metal sheet (105, 106) of the at least one of the side surfaces (101, 102) comprises a thickness of between 5 mm and 15 mm, in particular a thickness of 8 mm.
12. Bearing structure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a maximum width of between 1000 mm and 1500 mm, in particular of 1350 mm.
13. Conveyor device (200), in particular escalator or moving walkway, having at least one bearing structure (100A, 100B, 100C) according to one of the preceding claims.

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