EP4353660A1 - Trackway device comprising at least three longitudinal section modules having longitudinal sections that can be coupled in a form-fit manner, and assembly method and use - Google Patents

Abstract

In the case of guideway devices, it is important to ensure a good compromise between standardization and variability, in particular with regard to the support structure. According to the invention, a modular concept is provided both with regard to the structural design and with regard to the assembly method, wherein for the modular assembly of at least one longitudinal section module of a modularly assembled guideway device before connecting at least two longitudinal section modules of the guideway device, the guideway device is provided in a modular configuration with at least three separately/independently created longitudinal section modules comprising two head modules and at least one intermediate module, wherein geometrically corresponding form-fitting contours are introduced into at least two adjacent longitudinal sections of the support structure, in particular by means of laser cutting, by means of which the adjacent longitudinal sections are positioned for subsequent work steps (e.g. welding). This also ensures a high level of accuracy. The invention further relates to a corresponding assembly method.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a guideway device in modular construction with at least three separate longitudinal section modules that can be connected to one another in pairs, consisting of two head modules, each with a first and second longitudinal section and at least one intermediate module, wherein the respective longitudinal section module has a support structure that comprises two side wall units, wherein the respective side wall unit has at least one connection interface that extends in a flat, planar manner in a connection plane and is designed to correspond geometrically to a corresponding flat, planar connection interface of a side wall unit that is intended to be adjacent. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for modular assembly of such a guideway device, in particular with maximized positioning accuracy. Last but not least, the present invention also relates to the use of comparatively precise form-fitting contours for carrying out such a method. In particular, the invention relates to a device and a method according to the preamble of the respective independent claim.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When constructing escalators and similar passenger transport systems, on the one hand a comparatively high level of flexibility and variability is desired in both the design and process aspects, and on the other hand the provision/consideration of standardization is necessary in view of the manufacturing costs, particularly in connection with the large quantities required in individual cases. This also applies in particular to the load-bearing support structure of escalators, which has to meet high requirements in terms of accuracy and dimensional tolerance, e.g. with regard to the guidance of the escalator steps being as precise as possible.

Until now, the time required to manufacture a particular escalator was comparatively long, especially in connection with several consecutive assembly and disassembly processes, for example with regard to test runs, running-in, exact positioning and alignment, adjustment of installation components, transportability and installation options for the entire escalator on site or other similar boundary conditions. Such intermediate steps have been required more often in the course of the value chain than would be desired or expedient for an efficient value creation process. This has also been accompanied by a comparatively large space requirement for handling and (intermediate) storage of the escalators or the components and semi-finished products intended for them. This has also had a noticeable negative impact on the goal of a process that is as lean as possible and a cost-efficient and variable escalator design, and these disadvantages have not yet been easily overcome. Last but not least, such frequent (dis)assembly intermediate steps can also be detrimental to the accuracy during installation or test commissioning or later during the final installation.

For example, when assembling escalators or their components in/on the escalator, the components to be assembled in the head areas of the escalator must usually be installed in an inclined position of the head areas, especially if the supporting structure of the escalator has already been created and is present over the entire intended length of the escalator and the angular alignment of an intermediate section between the head modules relative to the head modules is already predefined, i.e. if the intended gradient/inclination of the escalator has already been structurally implemented. A large part of the assembly/installation measures usually take place in this state, with corresponding requirements for cranes, support arms or similar assembly aids designed for large loads.

The disadvantages and the high level of effort described here arise primarily in connection with the creation of the load-bearing support structure of escalators, which is usually constructed in a truss-like manner at least in sections on the side planes, whereby attempts are made to make the connection of individual load-bearing components as efficient as possible using at least partially automated processes, usually using several consecutive joining devices. The fact that it is not trivial to reduce the complexity is shown in particular by the efforts required in connection with arranging and aligning the components as precisely as possible and with minimal tolerances.

Examples include the publications EP 3 426 588 B1 and EP 3 426 589 B1 which each describe a device and a method for producing a passenger transport system based on several joining steps. Furthermore, the EP 3 724 118 B1 which indicate measures intended to facilitate order picking or other measures preparatory to production or the production process, particularly in the case of escalators.

According to the state of the art, it is usually necessary to compare the assembly/installation process specifically for each individual design of an escalator. to adapt strongly. On the one hand, there is an interest in minimizing this type/application-related effort, on the other hand, based on the state of the art, there is also a need for easier standardization of manufacturing steps, including in connection with individual assembly steps, or a need for more general, pre-definable work processes along the process chain up to the fully assembled/built escalator, particularly with regard to optimization potential regarding the achievable accuracy and the achievable dimensional tolerances. Last but not least, particularly with regard to occupational safety and the complexity of the work processes, there is also an interest in a process that is as safe and reliable as possible without major risks but with minimized error potential.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The task is to provide a device-technical or structural design of guideway devices and an associated process with which escalators or guideway devices in general can be manufactured as simply as possible with the highest possible accuracy, particularly of the supporting structure components. It is also the task to design a concept for the structural design of guideway devices and a mounting/assembly process dependent on this in such a way that the guideway devices can be manufactured with the highest possible standardization and efficiency on the one hand and the best possible accessibility on the other.

This object is achieved by a guideway device according to claim 1 and by a method according to the independent method claim. Advantageous further developments of the invention are explained in the respective subclaims. The features of the exemplary embodiments described below can be combined with one another, unless this is explicitly stated otherwise.

A guideway device (in particular escalator device, moving staircase device) is provided in modular construction with at least three separate longitudinal section modules that are to be connected to one another in pairs (to be married to one another to form a guideway device that extends over the entire length), consisting of two head modules, each with a first and second longitudinal section (in particular a platform section and an inclined section) and at least one intermediate module, wherein the respective longitudinal section module has a support structure that comprises two side wall units, wherein the respective side wall unit has at least one connection interface that extends in a planar-flat manner in a connection plane and is designed to correspond geometrically to a corresponding planar-flat connection interface of a/the intended adjacent side wall unit. is, wherein at least one form-fitting contour is provided or incorporated at connecting interfaces that are intended to be connected in pairs, at which the side wall units that are intended to be connected in pairs can be coupled to one another in a form-fitting manner and can thus be positioned in a predefined manner relative to one another in at least two spatial directions, in particular for the purpose of a subsequent at least one- or two-dimensional welding process, in particular butt welding, in this coupled relative position of adjacent side wall units to form a one-piece side wall unit over the entire length of the respective head module or longitudinal section/module. This provides high precision with great structural and process variability, in particular when using a laser cutting process to form the corresponding form-fitting contours.

According to the invention, it is therefore proposed to structurally segment at least one of the longitudinal section modules (or at least side wall sections or upper chord sections or lower chord sections) into several longitudinal sections and to design these longitudinal sections so that they can be coupled to one another in a form-fitting manner in order to facilitate relative positioning with the greatest possible accuracy, in particular for subsequent processes (in particular material-locking connections). This form-fitting coupling can be implemented particularly advantageously at a bevel or bend point of the respective head module, as well as at a straight transition of axially aligned longitudinal sections (e.g. when scaling the length of intermediate modules or platform sections). The reference recesses described in detail elsewhere here can also be used in this phase.

It should be mentioned that the connection technology described here with regard to the side wall units can also be implemented for the respective side wall, depending on the stage of the process in which the connection is to take place. As explained elsewhere, a side wall unit is structurally essentially made up of an upper flange, a side wall and a lower flange. Reference is primarily made here to the entire side wall unit, although the form-fitting contours described here can also specifically relate to adjacent side wall sections or adjacent upper flange sections or adjacent lower flange sections; this is at least implicitly disclosed here by the fact that reference is made generally to the entire side wall unit in each case; the form-fitting contours described here are advantageously used at least in a stage of the process in which the corresponding side wall sections are present as flat, flat material sections.

This connection concept can optionally also be transferred to the connection of support structure sections of modules to be connected in pairs, wherein the respective longitudinal section module has at least one connection interface on the support structure which extends in a flat, planar manner in a connection plane and which is designed geometrically to correspond to a corresponding flat, planar connection interface of a longitudinal section or longitudinal section module which is intended to be adjacent to one another, wherein at least one form-fitting contour is provided/incorporated in the area of the flat, planar connection interface on connection interfaces which are intended to be adjacent to one another in pairs, at which the longitudinal sections or longitudinal section modules which are intended to be connected in pairs couple to one another in a form-fitting manner and are thus predefined/positionable relative to one another in at least two spatial directions, in particular for the purpose of subsequent at least one- or two-dimensional welding process, in particular butt welding, in this relative position of the coupled longitudinal sections/longitudinal section modules.

It has been shown that the form-fitting contours described here, particularly in combination with flat material sections, provide great advantages both for the manufacturing process and for the guideway device as such, in particular with regard to the particularly high requirements for accuracy and load-bearing capacity at the bends of the support structure. The form-fitting contours preferably have an essentially two-dimensional extension. In this respect, the present invention also provides advantages for support structure designs that consist of as large a proportion as possible of flat material. The manufacturing accuracy can be noticeably improved by the predefined form-fitting coupling/coupling geometries described here, which are introduced (in particular laser-cut) into sheet-like flat material sections of side walls or side wall units of the respective module, for example; this also facilitates the most accurate positioning of adjacent material sections relative to one another, for example when they are laid flat on a work table for subsequent processing steps (for example on a welding table). In this respect, the present invention provides further degrees of freedom in terms of design and process, without this being at the expense of the achievable accuracy. In addition, defined gap dimensions can be created, which are particularly useful when the relevant material sections are to be connected by butt welds. The laser cutting and welding processes are preferably carried out on separate systems.

In particular, in connection with the realisation that guideway devices can be manufactured or assembled in a particularly advantageous manner in a modular or modular manner, The present invention provides an advantageously high level of accuracy, in particular such that the respective longitudinal section module can be referenced in a predefined manner with respect to the relative position to at least one other longitudinal section module, in particular by means of several suitable form-fitting contours (reference system in particular integrally specified in the respective module), so that the greatest possible accuracy can be ensured when positioning relative to one another. On the one hand, this makes it easier to handle and hold the individual modules, and on the other hand, it can also make the process of connecting/marrying modules in pairs easier.

Preferably, the corresponding support structure components of the respective module are referenced/positioned two-dimensionally, i.e. in only one spatial plane. This also reduces the process complexity and can ensure a lean process, particularly in connection with material-locking joining/welding. In this respect, the technical teaching of the present invention primarily relates to a process phase in which flat material sections are positioned relative to one another in order to realize the respective support structure plane of a longitudinal section, a longitudinal section module or several longitudinal section modules with the highest possible accuracy of an axially aligned alignment and/or an angle of inclination in the area of a kink.

The advantages described here in connection with the relative positioning and holding of the modules can also be realized in particular with regard to the requirement for the highest possible accuracy in the area of the transition from the inclined to the straight section of the guideway device (easier support structure production or truss production with maximum position and alignment accuracy). Predefined form-fitting geometries that are introduced into flat sheet metal parts (positioning relative to two spatial directions), e.g. by laser cutting, have proven to be particularly advantageous, so that the components to be connected are positioned relative to one another without play or with minimal position tolerance, e.g. when they lie flat on a welding table. Predefined/predefinable gap dimensions can also be created, which is particularly advantageous in connection with welding using butt welds. Last but not least, positioning tools or similar other aids can be dispensed with, which can further streamline the process.

For the purposes of the present disclosure, the general term "travel device" refers primarily to escalator devices (in particular including moving walkways) and moving walkway devices (the latter in particular in a stepless design in at least approximately flat alignment or with a negligible gradient) as well as related Passenger transport devices with a continuously rotating transport device. A guideway device comprises, for example, segments or units forming the transport device, in particular steps or pallets, which are connected to driven chains or similar drive means and guided in guide rails. The guide rails as well as a/the chain (or a similarly acting traction device) and other components of the guideway device are held, for example, within load-bearing constructions or support structures extending essentially laterally from them in the axial direction, which are usually formed from two side wall units that lie opposite one another and are connected to one another via crossbeams and optionally also a floor unit, and can also include struts arranged in a lattice-like manner. The term "guideway device" also refers in particular to modularly constructed guideway devices that are modularly constructed from several longitudinal sections or longitudinal section modules, each with an individual or longitudinal section-specific support structure, and can be assembled/mounted in modules.

The guideway devices described here can also each comprise moving walkway devices, i.e. guideway devices that are at least approximately horizontally aligned without steps but with individual guideway elements that are not intended to overcome an incline but form a largely flat route; in this respect, a reference to a bend or an inclined section is to be understood here to mean that the corresponding section is described largely independently of any incline actually realized.

In the sense of the present disclosure, the general term "assembly" or the more specific term "final assembly" generally refers to the assembly of the entire/complete support structure of the guideway device, which can also include all of the intended longitudinal section modules (two head modules and at least one intermediate module); this final assembly is also described here as a pairwise modular connection/marriage of the support structures of at least two longitudinal section modules, or at least comprising this connection step. Optionally, the term "assembly" can also include preparatory steps such as picking/providing/keeping components ready for a respective longitudinal section or module or for the entire guideway device; according to the present disclosure, the invention primarily relates to steps and aspects that are downstream of picking, i.e. do not include picking in the narrower sense. According to the present disclosure, "marrying" is to be understood as the process of finally fastening the individual modules to one another as part of the creation of the entire supporting structure of the complete guideway device.

In contrast, the term "modular assembly" (or synonymously "modular/modular/module-specific assembly") refers specifically to the assembly or assembly of only certain individual modules or their components in the corresponding module, for example specifically in the case of a head module, where, for example, components of a/the drive are installed in the upper head module, or guides, rails, cladding parts or components of the balustrade are (pre-)assembled in only one of the modules. Depending on the design of the manufacturing process, the assembly of components can take place at least partially in a phase in which the modules are still handled separately from one another, or in a phase in which the modules are already married to one another; this variation possibility applies, for example, to the individual steps/pallets; in this respect, too, the use of the term "assembly" is not to be understood as restrictive with regard to certain phases of the process of creating the complete guideway device or its supporting structure.

The term "longitudinal section module" is to be understood in the sense of the present disclosure generally as a load-bearing longitudinal module of the guideway device, i.e. as a module that forms a longitudinal or length section of the guideway device and provides the support structure for it (i.e. a component of the guideway device in the corresponding length range that is at least structurally complete). This term therefore includes the terms "head module" and "intermediate module". The term "head module" refers to a module arranged at one of the ends of the guideway device and refers optionally to both types of head modules (upper and lower head module, also referred to as upper part and lower part); in this respect, this term can equally refer to the module at the upper or lower end of the guideway device. In guideway devices designed as escalators, head modules usually extend over one or the angle of inclination of the guideway device and thus span the bend or the transition from the inclined longitudinal section to the respective horizontal longitudinal section. In this context, the term "platform section" refers to the section of the respective head module which, in its intended arrangement, is aligned at least approximately in a horizontal plane; in this respect, when describing the arrangement/alignment of the respective head module, reference is also made to the alignment of this platform section (or its main extension plane), in particular if or when the absolute length of the platform section is greater than the absolute length of the Sloping section. The "connecting sloping section" (also referred to as a stub in the technical literature) is to be understood in particular as the sloping/inclined section intended for connecting/marrying with another longitudinal section module, and this sloping section can be more or less long depending on the function of the respective head module; this means that the individual modules are intended to be connected to one another in the area of a/the intended inclined longitudinal section; if several intermediate modules are provided, the intermediate modules are first connected/married to one another or the respective head module and intermediate module are first connected, depending on the process preference. The general term "longitudinal section" can refer either to a longitudinal section module or to a specific longitudinal section, in particular of the head module (i.e. platform section or sloping section).

The even more general term "longitudinal section" compared to the term "longitudinal section module" refers, unless further specified, equally to the head sections and the at least one intermediate section and is used according to the present disclosure when modularity or a modular design or a strictly modular process is not necessarily required or can also be varied or modified according to the invention, or when reference is made to a process or a device-related state which is still prior to the intended modular construction of the individual modules, e.g. relating to connecting individual longitudinal sections of a head module to form the entire head module. In other words: If, according to the present disclosure, individual longitudinal sections are referred to without explicitly referring to them as longitudinal section modules, not only the individual modules but also longitudinal sections of an individual module can be affected, in particular a platform section (e.g. first longitudinal section) and an inclined section (e.g. second longitudinal section) of a head module, for which two sections a specific connection process can be provided (in particular in the area of the bend); For example, individual longitudinal sections of a module can be positioned relative to one another by means of form-fitting contours, e.g. in connection with a material-locking connection of these longitudinal sections to create the entire supporting structure of the respective module.

A/the supporting structure of a/the guideway device or of a/the respective module can essentially be formed by opposing side wall units and cross beams connecting them (also referred to as crossbars), wherein a/the side wall unit is formed by at least one side wall and in particular by an upper chord and/or a lower chord; the modular manufacturing process described here can also involve the connection of a floor unit with the side wall units; however, it has been shown that such a floor unit does not necessarily have to fulfil a load-bearing function, but is designed, for example, with regard to the function of collecting oil from a drive and, if necessary, draining it away, or is designed to be optimised with regard to a cover and/or accessibility from below to the support structure or the guideway device; in this respect, the floor unit is to be understood as an optional structural unit which can also be functionally provided separately from the support structure, but which can optionally also take on an additional supporting load-bearing function if desired in individual cases.

The term "side wall" refers to a side structure which, for example, runs flat in only one side plane at least in sections, but is alternatively or additionally formed and/or reinforced at least in sections by profiles, struts or supports extending beyond one/the side plane. In general, the side wall is formed from structural elements or structural sections which, as flat structural sections, absorb forces in several directions and/or, as rod-shaped or strut-like structural parts/sections/elements, absorb the respective forces only along the longitudinal extension specified by the orientation (tension or compression); such components of the load-bearing structure can also be referred to by the English term "truss member" or "truss section", whereby according to the present disclosure, a truss-like structure does not necessarily have to be present; the term "truss" can nevertheless be considered appropriate here, because the side wall usually has a truss-like structure at least in sections, i.e. the force is to be transmitted in accordance with structurally predefined directions. The side wall is thus designed, for example, as a closed surface, as a pure framework or as a structure with parts (or sections) of closed surfaces and parts with a framework structure. Optionally, at least some of the load-bearing structural parts/sections of the side wall are made of flat material, in particular sheet metal, e.g. structurally flat sections or stiffening (in particular) curved L- or U-profile sections in the area of welded connections to other structural parts/elements/sections. According to the understanding of the present disclosure, a "side wall unit" comprises the side wall described here and belts assigned to this side wall, in particular an upper belt and a lower belt, wherein the belts can be formed integrally with the side wall, integrated or separate from one another. These belts are alternatively also referred to as bands. The respective side wall/unit can also be understood as a side wall/unit provided in modules, depending on the reference to a/the respective phase of the manufacturing process of the individual modules or the entire guideway device. In this respect, the term side wall unit can refer to the entire side structure comprising upper and lower belts, and the term sidewall can refer to the side structure arranged between the upper and lower chords.

The terms upper chord and lower chord, which are also referred to together as belts, refer here to structural parts/elements or corresponding load-bearing sections extending in the longitudinal direction in the area of an upper edge or a lower edge of the side wall for absorbing loads in the longitudinal direction of the guideway device, in particular bending loads, which primarily lead to tensile stresses in the lower chord and to compressive stresses in the upper chord. The belts are preferably designed as profiles or profile sections, in particular as L-profiles, U-profiles or hollow profiles and thus have a favorable area moment of inertia for absorbing the bending loads. The belts therefore stiffen the support structure and form outer corner points, with the belts and/or the side walls optionally serving to attach further components of the guideway device. The belts can also be designed as components separate from the side wall; however, at least some of the belts are preferably designed as one piece with the side wall, for example by bending the side wall. The upper chord is particularly preferably designed as a hollow profile with four walls, with two walls being formed by the L-shaped side wall made from flat material in this area, and two more of the walls being formed by a flat material component that is also L-shaped and separate from the side wall. The lower chord is also preferably designed in a similar way as a hollow profile with four walls, with two walls being formed by the L-shaped side wall made from flat material in this area, and two walls being formed by the base unit that is also L-shaped and made from flat material in this area. The components forming the walls are preferably welded to one another. The upper chord and/or the lower chord can also be provided entirely in one piece with the side wall or entirely separately from the side wall (particularly in the sense of a process variation).

"Structurally loadable" is understood to mean a point or component of the supporting structure that is temporarily loadable to absorb at least the forces resulting from the dead mass of the guideway device or the corresponding module, e.g. in connection with individual assembly steps. This term is used, for example, in relation to the reference points described here.

The term "load-bearing" or "load-bearing" refers to a component or part (section) of the supporting structure which is designed to support the load-bearing structure when used as intended. The guideway device must be able to cope with the prevailing static and dynamic forces and moments even under continuous load over several years.

It is worth mentioning that the present invention is also based in particular on the concept that at least a significant portion of a side wall, an upper flange, a lower flange and/or the entire side wall unit, which portion defines the overall shape, is made of flat material, in particular sheet metal, with at least one reference point preferably being defined on the flat material. Using processing methods available today for flat materials, in particular processing using laser cutting tools, reference can be made to at least one reference point that has been introduced accordingly during the further course of assembly of the guideway device, so that assembly can be carried out with very small assembly tolerances and the guideway device can be created with advantageously high dimensional accuracy. In this way, the comparatively exact relative or absolute positioning of individual components of the guideway device with reference to the at least one reference point can also be made possible, and additional measures for aligning and positioning the components, in particular relative to one another, can largely be dispensed with. The invention particularly preferably includes the teaching of introducing further references, in particular corresponding recesses (in the sense of additional component-specific assembly reference points) on the flat material in addition to the at least one reference point arranged in particular in the corresponding side wall during the course of the same processing method, on which further components can be arranged directly and thus in a defined position relative to at least one (master) reference point with high accuracy. The references or reference recesses are also introduced in particular in areas of the flat material which can be subjected to further processing steps, in particular bending processes, following laser cutting, whereby the referencing concept described here can also be implemented for multi-dimensional positioning in space with respect to at least two or all three spatial directions. The invention further includes the teaching that the reference point is defined by, for example, a circular recess or by its center, to which further positioning devices (i.e. assembly aids such as, for example, side support units) for positioning individual longitudinal sections or components can be clamped, for example. In particular, the respective component with the reference point or the entire module or the entire guideway device is lifted at at least one reference point or supported around a reference axis formed by several reference points, e.g. also suspended or lifted thereon or tilted around this axis. At least a significant portion of an upper chord or a lower chord can also be formed from a profile, with corresponding Processing methods, in particular tube laser cutting methods, for forming a reference point and/or further references are also available for profiles.

The general term "components" refers to components to be installed in the respective guideway devices or in the respective modules of the guideway device, e.g. relating to electrics, drive, guidance or the like. If a load-bearing function is to be fulfilled by a structural component, in particular for the intended continuous load, the term "load-bearing components" or structural parts/elements/sections is used in connection with the supporting structure.

Personified terms, unless formulated in the neuter form here, can refer to all genders within the scope of this disclosure. Any English-language expressions or abbreviations used here are technical terms customary in the industry and are familiar to those skilled in the English language.

According to one embodiment, the side wall units are designed to be connected to one another in pairs in a materially bonded manner with a positional relationship predefined by means of the form-fitting contours, in particular in an abutting arrangement, optionally while maintaining a gap in the longitudinal direction between the side wall units, in particular across the entire connection interface. Last but not least, this also promotes or facilitates subsequent process steps, in particular a welding process.

According to one embodiment, corresponding form-fitting contours of side wall units coupled to one another ensure the form-fitting two-dimensionally in two spatial directions in the corresponding connection plane. This provides a comparatively lean process that can be carried out with high precision, particularly in connection with the processing of flat material sections, and a supporting structure that is subsequently provided accordingly efficiently and with high positional accuracy (minimized tolerance).

According to one embodiment, a geometrically corresponding contour in the form of a plug-socket connection or a male-female connection is incorporated or formed on the (respective) connection interface, for example a mushroom-shaped protruding flat contour on a first of the side wall units and a corresponding contour with a corresponding negative shape on an adjacent second of the side wall units. This promotes last but not least, the handling of coupled longitudinal sections on a plane, e.g. when placed flat on a work table.

According to one embodiment, the side wall units (by means of the form-fitting contours) are designed for pairwise form-fitting coupling and thus referenced positioning relative to one another in such a way that in this form-fitting defined relative position, the side wall units can be welded to one another without additional positioning tools, in particular butt welding in each case with a flat connection interface, e.g. in an arrangement of the side wall units flat on a welding table. Last but not least, this increases the variability and provides further optimization potential, in particular with regard to further minimized requirements for any additional manufacturing/assembly aids.

According to one embodiment, the relative position and alignment of adjacent side wall units for a welded (load-)bearing connection of adjacent longitudinal sections is/are specified by means of the corresponding form-fitting contours. This also enables further design and process-related degrees of freedom while at the same time providing maximum accuracy or accuracy that is not noticeably impaired by the part segmentation (longitudinal section segmentation).

According to one embodiment, adjacent longitudinal sections or side wall units in a transition area from a horizontal to an inclined section (in particular at the transition between the platform section and the inclined section) are coupled or connected to one another by means of the form-fitting contours designed to correspond to one another at the at least one connection interface, in particular in the area of a transition from a platform section (intended horizontal orientation) to an inclined section (intended inclined orientation) of the respective head module. Last but not least, this also enables easy adaptation with regard to different angles of inclination for different travel path devices. At the same time, this angular transition area can be created with the greatest possible accuracy. The geometry of the form-fitting contours can be decoupled/independent of the geometry of the connection interface.

According to one embodiment, at least two connection interfaces are provided for each connection level, in particular on the outer, widely spaced sections of the side wall units or longitudinal sections, in particular with a recess or cavity in between (non-contacting free space). This also enables greatest possible accuracy in the sections of the supporting structure that are subject to the highest loads.

According to one embodiment, the at least one connection interface of the corresponding side wall units or the corresponding longitudinal section/longitudinal section module has at least one upper positive-locking flange plate coupling and at least one lower positive-locking flange plate coupling, whereby a positive coupling of adjacent side wall units is ensured in at least two areas/sections of the respective support structure, in particular in the edge areas/sections furthest apart from each other in the transverse/height direction. This also enables an effective leverage effect over the entire cross-sectional height of the support structure.

According to one embodiment, the form-fitting contours are arranged and set up for a form-fitting coupling for predefined form-fitting positioning with respect to at least two spatial directions before a material-fit connection, in particular by means of a butt-welded connection (butt welding with flat joining partners or corresponding supporting structure components of the side wall units of the longitudinal sections/longitudinal section modules to be connected). This means that the respective form-fitting contour can also be introduced and used in an advantageous process phase.

According to one embodiment, in the case of form-fitting coupled side wall units of the supporting structure components or longitudinal sections/longitudinal section modules to be connected, an axial distance or gap (predefined gap dimension) between adjacent side wall units is provided/ensured by means of the form-fitting contours, in particular in areas in which a welded connection is subsequently formed (joint plane). Last but not least, this also facilitates particularly simple and precise positioning and holding of the material sections to be connected until they have subsequently been connected to one another.

The supporting structure sections of the longitudinal sections/longitudinal section modules provided by the side wall units can be designed for a positive coupling of at least the following components to one another: side walls or side wall sections, upper chords or upper chord sections, lower chords or lower chord sections.

The form-fitting contours can optionally also connect at least two components of a respective longitudinal section/longitudinal section module with corresponding components of a further of the longitudinal sections/longitudinal section modules, in particular at least the following components: guide rails, balustrade elements or fastening means provided for them.

According to one embodiment, the respective form-fitting contour is incorporated by means of a laser or laser cutting. This provides a very high level of precision and also enables advantageous process integration, e.g. in combination with a downstream welding process.

According to one embodiment, the respective form-fitting contour extends two-dimensionally in a plane. This also facilitates integration into a process in which flat material is processed. Depending on the design (and thickness) of the material section in question, the form-fitting contour is strictly speaking three-dimensional; apart from the material thickness, the form-fitting contour can be set up and intended to couple by overlapping the adjacent material sections and to position the material sections two-dimensionally relative to one another.

The aforementioned object is also achieved by a material-locking load-bearing connection of a head module of a guideway device previously described above with a positional relationship of a/the platform section (first longitudinal section) of the head module relative to a/the inclined section (second longitudinal section) of the head module predefined by corresponding form-fitting contours, in particular when the platform section and inclined section are arranged relative to one another at the end face in abutment (optionally with a gap), wherein the material-locking load-bearing module connection is a welded connection and is designed or provided in the transition area between the platform section and inclined section. This provides the advantages previously described above, especially in the transition area (kink point) of the respective head module.

The aforementioned object is also achieved by a material-locking load-bearing module connection of two longitudinal section modules of a guideway device previously described above with a positional relationship predefined by corresponding form-fitting contours, in particular when the longitudinal section modules are arranged relative to one another at the end face in abutment (optionally with a gap), wherein the material-locking load-bearing module connection is a welded connection.

The above-mentioned object is also achieved by a method according to the corresponding independent method claim, namely by a method for modular assembly a guideway device by providing and connecting at least two longitudinal sections/longitudinal section modules of the guideway device in a coordinated arrangement and orientation, wherein the guideway device is provided in a modular configuration with at least three separate longitudinal section modules consisting of two head modules and at least one intermediate module, wherein in order to carry out a pairwise connection of the longitudinal sections/longitudinal section modules, a positive coupling to corresponding positive locking contours of at least one connection interface of a support structure of the respective longitudinal section/longitudinal section module extending flatly in a connection plane takes place and are thereby predefined in at least two spatial directions relative to one another in such a way that the coupled longitudinal sections/longitudinal section modules are provided in this relative position for a materially bonded load-bearing module connection, in particular for the purpose of subsequent at least one- or two-dimensional welding process, in particular butt welding, in particular also during/by realizing a process-related coupling of laser cutting and subsequent welding. This results in the aforementioned advantages, in particular with regard to high positioning accuracy and high quality of a welded joint realized in the corresponding area of the material sections.

According to one embodiment, the positive coupling takes place in one plane for each connection interface, with corresponding positive locking contours ensuring the positive locking two-dimensionally in two spatial directions in the corresponding connection plane, in particular with the positive locking contours in the form of a mushroom-shaped male-female connection (mushroom-shaped protruding flat contour corresponding to an indentation-like negative recording). Last but not least, this also promotes a procedural coupling with a subsequent welding process, e.g. by using at least the same working plane.

According to one embodiment, longitudinal sections or longitudinal section modules to be connected in pairs are connected to one another in a material-locking manner after the positive coupling in the coupled relative positional relationship, in particular welded, in particular welded one- or two-dimensionally on a welding table without additional use of positioning tools, in order to provide a material-locking load-bearing connection. Last but not least, this also enables position and alignment tolerances to be minimized even without comparatively complex handling or fixing using positioning tools.

According to one embodiment, after the pairwise form-fitting coupling, at least three longitudinal sections or longitudinal section modules are connected to one another in pairs in a materially bonded manner, in particular welded, in particular also to provide a materially bonded load-bearing connection for the complete guideway device (for all longitudinal section modules, i.e. over the entire length of the guideway device). Last but not least, this also promotes a high level of accuracy over the entire longitudinal extent and also enables a process-related variation, e.g. in the event that several intermediate modules are to be lined up next to one another for the same guideway device.

It has been shown that the present invention can be advantageously implemented primarily in the area of the bevels in the head modules (i.e. in the area of the bend), e.g. in order to be able to ensure exactly 30° (or another predetermined angle of inclination), and/or in the area of adjacent intermediate modules (in order to maximize the accuracy of the axial alignment even with modular scaling of the absolute length of several intermediate modules arranged in a row).

The aforementioned object is also achieved by a guideway device in modular construction with at least three longitudinal section modules connected to one another in pairs, comprising two head modules and at least one intermediate module, each with a support structure, wherein the longitudinal section modules or individual longitudinal sections of the longitudinal section modules are/are coupled to one another in pairs in a form-fitting manner in at least one connection interface extending in a flat, planar manner in a connection plane by means of at least one form-fitting contour, manufactured according to a method previously described above, in particular with the connection plane comprising a material-locking connection (in particular a butt weld seam). Based on the aforementioned advantages, this also enables an advantageous process variation with regard to an at least partially material-locking connection of flat material sections and an essentially force-locking connection technique for material sections of the support structure that meet in several planes, so that the support structure of the respective guideway device can be created precisely and stably over the entire length and height, also individually optimized, using these connection techniques.

The above-mentioned task is also solved by using geometrically corresponding form-fitting contours, which are each in the area of flat connecting interfaces of a supporting structure of longitudinal sections/longitudinal section modules of a guideway device which are intended to be adjacent to one another in pairs. are provided/incorporated for pairwise form-fitting coupling and thereby predefined positioning of the pairwise adjacent longitudinal sections/longitudinal section modules relative to one another in at least two spatial directions and subsequent material-locking connection of the support structures of the pairwise adjacent longitudinal sections/longitudinal section modules, in particular use of flat, flat form-fitting contours at least in the area of the bends (transition from platform section to inclined section) of the support structure of a guideway device described above, in particular in a method described above. This enables the aforementioned advantages to be realized.

In this case, the use of a laser cutting system, in particular for two-dimensional laser cutting, as well as a work table unit and at least one further manually operated and/or robotically controllable welding unit for the creation of a respective support structure of individual longitudinal section modules of a modularly assembled guideway device with at least three separate longitudinal section modules consisting of two head modules and at least one intermediate module also provides an advantageous process integration, wherein after the laser cutting of side wall units of the respective longitudinal section module (and of the form-fitting contours described here) and after the welding of longitudinal sections, these side wall units can be arranged on the work table unit defining a work plane, in particular in a vertical plane, and can be connected by means of cross struts to form the module-specific load-bearing support structure of the corresponding longitudinal section module, in particular use of the laser cutting system and the work table unit to create a respective longitudinal section module of a guideway device described above.

Summary: In the case of guideway devices, it is important to ensure a good compromise between standardization and variability, in particular with regard to the supporting structure. According to the invention, a modular concept is provided both with regard to the structural design and with regard to the assembly method, wherein for the modular assembly of at least one longitudinal section module of a modularly assembled guideway device before connecting at least two longitudinal section modules of the guideway device, the guideway device is provided in a modular configuration with at least three separately/independently created longitudinal section modules comprising two head modules and at least one intermediate module, wherein geometrically corresponding form-fitting contours are introduced into at least two adjacent longitudinal sections of the supporting structure, in particular by means of laser cutting, by means of which positioning of the adjacent longitudinal sections for subsequent work steps (e.g. welding) are carried out. This also ensures a high level of accuracy. The invention further relates to a corresponding assembly method.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

• Figur 1 in einer Seitenansicht in schematischer Darstellung eine Fahrtreppe gemäß dem Stand der Technik, also mit über die absolute Länge der Fahrtreppe erstellter Tragstruktur, ohne konstruktive Unterteilung in Längsabschnittsmodule;
• Figuren 2A, 2B jeweils in einer Seitenansicht ein erstes Kopfmodul und ein zweites Kopfmodul einer Fahrwegvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel, wobei die Kopfmodule jeweils in zwei Auflagerpunkten am Podestabschnitt mit dem Podestabschnitt in zumindest annähernd paralleler Ausrichtung zum Boden gelagert/abgestützt sind;
• Figur 3 in einer Seitenansicht vier Längsabschnittsmodule einer Fahrwegvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel, umfassend ein erstes Kopfmodul und ein zweites Kopfmodul und zwei dazwischen angeordnete Zwischenmodule, wobei die Module jeweils in zwei Auflagerpunkten in zumindest annähernd paralleler Ausrichtung zum Boden gelagert/abgestützt sind und dabei auch zumindest annähernd axial fluchtend relativ zueinander bzw. in einer/der vordefinierten Montageachse ausgerichtet sind;
• Figuren 4A, 4B, 4C jeweils in einer perspektivischen Seitenansicht die Tragstruktur eines ersten (oberen) Kopfmoduls und eines Zwischenmoduls und eines zweiten (unteren) Kopfmoduls einer Fahrwegvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel, wobei zumindest die Seitenwände des jeweiligen Tragstrukturmoduls zumindest im Wesentlichen aus Flachmaterial ausgestaltet sind;
• Figuren 5A, 5B, 5C jeweils in einer perspektivischen Seitenansicht die Tragstruktur eines ersten Kopfmoduls und eines Zwischenmoduls und ein zweites Kopfmodul einer Fahrwegvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel, wobei die jeweilige Tragstruktur bereits mit weiteren Einbaukomponenten bestückt ist und in wenigstens zwei Auflagerpunkten auf Abstütz- und Bewegungseinrichtungen angeordnet ist und in einer Positioniereinheit relativ zum Boden ausgerichtet ist;
• Figur 6 in einer Seitenansicht in schematischer Darstellung vier auf einer Montagelinie angeordnete Längsabschnittsmodule einer Fahrwegvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel, wobei die einzelnen Module derart relativ zueinander ausgerichtet sind, dass deren Stirnseiten bzw.
• Stoßebenen jeweils paarweise in zumindest annähernd vertikal ausgerichteten Verbindungsebenen miteinander verbunden werden können;
• Figur 7 eine Abfolge eines Verfahrens für die Erstellung bzw. den Zusammenbau der Tragstruktur gemäß Ausführungsbeispielen, wobei eine exemplarische Unterteilung in sieben Schritte erfolgt;
• Figur 8 in einer Seitenansicht in schematischer Darstellung den Übergang bzw. die Knickstelle zwischen Podestabschnitt (erster Längsabschnitt) und Schrägabschnitt (zweiter Längsabschnitt) eines jeweiligen Kopfmoduls einer Fahrwegvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel, wobei diese Längsabschnitte mittels Formschlusskonturen aneinander gekuppelt sind, insbesondere zwecks nachfolgendem Verschweißen;
• Figur 9 in einer detaillierten Seitenansicht in schematischer Darstellung die in Fig. 8 angedeuteten Formschlusskonturen, welche an mehreren Stellen jeweils eine Art Flanschblechkupplung und dadurch über die gesamte Verbindungsschnittstelle der aneinandergrenzenden Längsabschnitte eine formschlüssige Kupplung insbesondere in Flachmaterialebene bereitstellen, insbesondere für das relative Positionieren für einen nachfolgenden (Stumpf-)Schweißprozess;

The invention is described in more detail in the following drawing figures, whereby reference is made to the other drawing figures for reference symbols that are not explicitly described in a respective drawing figure. They show:

• Figure 1 in a side view in schematic representation of an escalator according to the state of the art, i.e. with a supporting structure constructed over the absolute length of the escalator, without structural subdivision into longitudinal section modules;
• Figures 2A, 2B each in a side view of a first head module and a second head module of a guideway device according to an embodiment, wherein the head modules are each mounted/supported in two support points on the platform section with the platform section in at least approximately parallel alignment to the ground;
• Figure 3 in a side view four longitudinal section modules of a guideway device according to an embodiment, comprising a first head module and a second head module and two intermediate modules arranged therebetween, wherein the modules are each mounted/supported in two support points in an at least approximately parallel alignment to the ground and are also aligned at least approximately axially flush relative to one another or in a/the predefined mounting axis;
• Figures 4A, 4B, 4C each in a perspective side view of the support structure of a first (upper) head module and of an intermediate module and of a second (lower) head module of a guideway device according to an embodiment, wherein at least the side walls of the respective support structure module are at least substantially made of flat material;
• Figures 5A, 5B, 5C each in a perspective side view of the support structure of a first head module and an intermediate module and a second head module of a guideway device according to an embodiment, wherein the respective support structure is already equipped with further installation components and is arranged in at least two support points on support and movement devices and is aligned in a positioning unit relative to the ground;
• Figure 6 in a side view in a schematic representation of four longitudinal section modules of a guideway device according to an embodiment arranged on an assembly line, wherein the individual modules are aligned relative to one another in such a way that their front sides or
• Joint planes can be connected to each other in pairs in at least approximately vertically aligned connecting planes;
• Figure 7 a sequence of a method for the construction or assembly of the supporting structure according to embodiments, wherein an exemplary division into seven steps is made;
• Figure 8 in a side view in a schematic representation of the transition or the kink between the platform section (first longitudinal section) and the inclined section (second longitudinal section) of a respective head module of a guideway device according to an embodiment, wherein these longitudinal sections are coupled to one another by means of form-fitting contours, in particular for the purpose of subsequent welding;
• Figure 9 in a detailed side view in schematic representation the Fig.8 indicated form-fitting contours, which provide a type of flange plate coupling at several points and thus a form-fitting coupling over the entire connection interface of the adjacent longitudinal sections, in particular in the flat material plane, in particular for the relative positioning for a subsequent (butt) welding process;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention is first explained with general reference to all reference numbers and figures. Special features or individual aspects or aspects of the present invention that are clearly visible/representable in the respective figure are addressed individually in connection with the respective figure.

A travel path device 10 (in particular an escalator device) is provided, comprising at least three longitudinal section modules 11, namely an upper head module 11a and a lower head module 11b and at least one intermediate module (in particular a straight module without a bend) 11c, with which the head modules are connected. The respective head module 11a, 11b has a platform section 11.1 (or landing section or first longitudinal section or end section) with a horizontal orientation as intended. In a transition area 11.2 (bend), the platform section changes into an inclined section 11.3 (or second longitudinal section of the respective head module) with an inclined orientation as intended. At the bend, the support structure therefore spans an angle of inclination α, corresponding to the inclination between the platform section and the inclined section. A free end 11.1a of the platform section marks the beginning or the end of the guideway device at its respective front end 11.4. Depending on the design of the guideway device 10, several interconnected intermediate modules can also be provided, so that the respective (first) intermediate module is/will be connected to at least one further intermediate module 11c' (advantageous Length scaling based on a comparatively short basic module length unit of a standard intermediate module).

Advantageously, a/the support structure 15 of the respective longitudinal section module 11 is constructed in a conceptually comparable manner: Opposite side wall units 17, in particular comprising at least one profile section bent from flat material, are each formed from a side wall 17a, 17b and an upper band (upper flange section) 17.7 and a lower band (lower flange section) 17.9 and are connected to one another by means of crossbars 16.1 (e.g. cross members, in particular with a hollow profile). The side walls 17a, 17b are preferably formed largely or optionally exclusively from flat material, which can be bent at least in edge areas and welded to further flat material sections. In this respect, any sectional structuring can also be provided from flat material sections, in particular without the need to install profile semi-finished products. Last but not least, this enables a kind of standardization of individual, specifically preferred material thicknesses, even in the area of structural stiffeners, which also allows the connection technology used (be it material bonding or force/form bonding) to be applied even more precisely, with a view to even greater dimensional accuracy (minimized tolerances).

In this respect, the support structure 15 can also have, at least in sections, a lattice-like configuration of individual strut-like structural sections intended primarily for tensile or compressive loading, whereby such a lattice-like design or orientation of the individual sections can also be individualized, in particular depending on the structural components selected in each case, in particular already in a phase of flat material processing. A lattice-like configuration also advantageously comprises at least partially or even essentially only flat material sections (instead of profiles predetermined by semi-finished product production). This is because it has been shown that this design, which is at least largely made of flat material, is particularly advantageous also with regard to the modular production concept described here and a scalability favored in this context, not least with regard to the achievable accuracy.

Furthermore, the respective longitudinal section module 11 can also have a base unit 14, which, however, does not necessarily have to have a load-bearing function. Optionally, the base unit extends only two-dimensionally and rather only fulfils a panel function (whereby the base unit can also have recesses, for example, which facilitate access to the support structure), optionally the base unit can also have bent profile sections (in particular L-shaped curved end regions) and be connected to the actual support structure 15 in a structurally stiffening manner. The person skilled in the art can specify an appropriate integration of the floor unit into the support structure for the respective application; in this respect too, the construction method according to the invention opens up possibilities for variation.

The respective completed module 11 can also have a balustrade 12 and a handrail 13 or the corresponding longitudinal section thereof.

Advantageously, at least one reference point 17.1 is formed in the respective side wall unit 17, which can be defined, for example, by a geometrically predefined (in particular laser-cut) reference recess 17.3 (in particular a material recess introduced by material processing). A significant part of the referencing during the relative and/or positioning of the individual components can advantageously be carried out via these reference recesses 17.3, which can also be repeated, for example, after a predefined length unit of e.g. two or three meters and can therefore be provided redundantly, optionally also concerning all handling and assembly steps downstream of the introduction of the reference recesses 17.3 up to the final creation of at least the support structure and optionally also the entire guideway device. In this case, further assembly/fastening points for at least one further component to be fastened to the support structure can also be provided or positioned relative to the corresponding reference point 17.1 (for example also predefined by laser cutting or a comparably precisely adjustable processing method), in particular with reference to reference points which are arranged in a height or length section of the corresponding flat material section, for which a comparatively high (manufacturing) accuracy can be ensured, in particular in the context of laser cutting processes.

The reference points 17.1 can considerably facilitate the storage and handling (in particular a tilting movement) of the respective module 11, in particular in connection with a pairwise connection/marriage of the modules, and increase the accuracy that could previously be achieved using comparatively simple and compact assembly aids (in particular in coordination with other assembly aids that enable comparably precise storage on the floor 1, such as side support units, by means of which predefined positioned coupling points are provided, via which the modules can be coupled to the reference recesses). Preferably, the individual modules 11 are connected to one another by means of form-fitting and/or force-fitting (load-)bearing module connections or sheet metal connections 31 in a plurality of fastening axes, while the modules 11 in the reference recesses are/are supported. This comparatively precise and yet easy-to-use connection technology (e.g. also purely manually) is described in more detail elsewhere.

The reference recesses described here can also be used for the arrangement of adapter plates, in particular in a preparatory phase when positioning two modules face-to-face, before the modules are connected/married in a form-fitting/non-positive manner. The adapter plates can be mounted on the reference recesses of a first module and facilitate flush docking of the adjacent (second) module, in particular by providing corresponding tapered guides (at least one) on the respective adapter plate; the adapter plates are advantageously mounted on the outside of the respective side wall, in particular at least approximately centrally with respect to the total height of the cross-section of the support structure. A corresponding guide bolt can be mounted on the adjacent (second) module, in particular also on at least one reference recess, in particular also in the relative position described here relative to the support structure. Such adapter plates can be provided in a simple and cost-effective manner, in particular from sheet metal.

It is worth mentioning that the adapter plates can make it easier to connect the modules both when working with a pit (one of the head modules is tilted with its end section below the working level and reaches deeper than a machine hall floor into a pit and can optionally be supported there) and when working without a pit; when working without a pit, the working level for the entire support structure (i.e. for all modules to be connected) can be raised and/or tilting takes place in such a way that the head module to be tilted downwards is still positioned with its free end above the floor of the machine hall; in this phase, at least the head module is suspended from a crane if necessary, so that the adapter plates can make it easier to align or at least guide the module as it approaches the adjacent module until it touches the edge (or until a gap specified/specified by the adapter plate).

• Anbringen der Adapterplatte an den entsprechenden Referenzaussparungen eines/des ersten Moduls, insbesondere an wenigstens zwei Referenzaussparungen;
• an einer/der außenliegenden Abstütz- und Bewegungseinrichtung (z.B. hintere Lore) eines/des unteren Kopfmoduls (Unterteil) wird wenigstens ein Bolzen gelöst, woraufhin das untere Kopfmodul am Podestabschnitt angehoben (bzw. nach oben gedrückt) werden kann und dabei um die Referenzachse am Schrägabschnitt gekippt werden kann, bis der Schrägabschnitt horizontal ausgerichtet ist (Drehpunkt insbesondere über ein Bolzenpaar realisiert);

• nach Abstecken über die Referenzaussparungen kann das untere Kopfmodul (Unterteil) mit dem angrenzenden Zwischenmodul (Mittelteil) form-/kraftschlüssig verbunden werden, insbesondere vernietet werden;
• daraufhin kann das mit dem Unterteil (unteres Kopfmodul) verbundene Mittelteil (Zwischenmodul) derart weit durch eine Kippbewegung um Referenzaussparungen des Unterteils angehoben (bzw. nach oben gedrückt) werden, dass ein ausreichend großer Freiraum zum Maschinenhallenboden geschaffen ist, um das obere Kopfmodul (ebenfalls in gekippter Ausrichtung) mit dem Zwischenmodul zu verheiraten - dabei wird ein/der Drehpunkt bevorzugt ausschließlich durch ein in den entsprechenden Referenzaussparungen am unteren Kopfmodul angeordnetes Bolzenpaar vorgegeben; bevorzugt gleichzeitig wird das Oberteil (oberes Kopfmodul) durch eine Kippbewegung angehoben(bzw. nach oben gedrückt), wobei das Oberteil dabei um eine/die im Bereich des freien Endes des Podestabschnitts angeordnete Referenzachse dreht, und dann wird das Oberteil in den am Zwischenmodul montierten Adapterplatten abgelegt, wobei zur Axialannäherung der Module aneinander z.B. auch eine Schraubzwingen oder dergleichen Werkzeug zwischen den Modulen verspannt werden kann;
• nach Abstecken über die Referenzaussparungen kann nun auch das obere Kopfmodul (Oberteil) mit dem angrenzenden Zwischenmodul (Mittelteil) form-/kraftschlüssig verbunden werden, insbesondere vernietet werden;

For example, the respective adapter plate is used as follows, here using the example of a final assembly of the supporting structure without using a pit:

• Attaching the adapter plate to the corresponding reference recesses of a/the first module, in particular to at least two reference recesses;
• At least one bolt is loosened on an external support and movement device (e.g. rear trolley) of a lower head module (lower part), whereupon the lower head module can be lifted (or pushed upwards) at the platform section and can be tilted about the reference axis at the inclined section until the inclined section is aligned horizontally (pivot point realized in particular by a pair of bolts);

• after staking out via the reference recesses, the lower head module (lower part) can be connected to the adjacent intermediate module (middle part) in a form-fitting/non-positive manner, in particular by riveting;
• then the middle part (intermediate module) connected to the lower part (lower head module) can be raised (or pushed upwards) by a tilting movement around reference recesses in the lower part to such an extent that a sufficiently large clearance is created to the machine hall floor in order to marry the upper head module (also in a tilted orientation) to the intermediate module - in this case a pivot point is preferably specified exclusively by a pair of bolts arranged in the corresponding reference recesses on the lower head module; preferably at the same time the upper part (upper head module) is raised (or pushed upwards) by a tilting movement, whereby the upper part rotates around a reference axis arranged in the area of the free end of the platform section, and then the upper part is placed in the adapter plates mounted on the intermediate module, whereby a screw clamp or similar tool can also be clamped between the modules to bring the modules axially closer to one another;
• After staking out using the reference recesses, the upper head module (upper part) can now be connected to the adjacent intermediate module (middle part) in a form-fitting/non-positive manner, in particular by riveting;

The steps outlined here show that the form-fitting/non-positive connection concept for marrying the modules can be implemented in a very flexible and variable manner with high precision and with minimal assembly aids, largely independent of location (i.e. both as a preparatory measure at the manufacturer's site and on a construction site for final assembly at the destination). The respective adapter plate can be provided without any problem regardless of location and can also be designed so inexpensively that even a single use (if not reusable) can be priced in without any problems.

The following reference numerals indicate reference planes or similar geometrical conditions which facilitate the understanding of the present invention: Floor 1 (in particular floor, subsoil, machine hall floor level or the like); Floor level E1 (e.g. level of a machine/assembly hall); Alignment/support height level Exy of the intermediate module, in particular horizontal; structurally loadable reference axis Y17 in particular for Tilting movement provided by the side wall units; horizontal longitudinal direction x, transverse direction y, vertical direction z;

The present invention also makes it possible, in particular, to overcome disadvantages and handling difficulties associated with escalators 3 ( Fig.1 ) with standard construction, which require an inclined arrangement/alignment of all longitudinal sections or of the supporting structure already constructed over the entire longitudinal extent during a comparatively long phase of the manufacturing process.

The respective module can be supported against the ground at support points 11.11 provided/provided for the module on the supporting structure. The support points 11.11 can be provided, for example, on the underside of the respective supporting structure and enable the respective longitudinal section module to be laid down/supported independently of support at the reference points, thus making handling even easier. For example, the support points can also be used to temporarily store or transport the entire supporting structure after completion.

The support structure 15 or the corresponding side wall can be provided with a height section 15.1 with minimized tolerances (middle, arranged at least approximately in the middle between the upper and lower chords), in which a comparatively high position accuracy or a comparatively small tolerance can be ensured, in particular if the corresponding support structure section is preferably formed in one piece from flat material. In an upper height section 15a of the support structure, in particular in the area of the attachment of the balustrade, a comparatively large tolerance can also be uncritical. This also applies to a lower height section 15b of the support structure, in particular in the area of a/the floor unit. In this respect, the present invention is also based on the concept of enabling referencing to this middle height section 15.1 during relative and/or absolute positioning by providing at least one, preferably at least two structurally loadable reference recesses in this middle height section, e.g. set up for support on side support units.

The support structure 15 has, for example, several structural sections 15.3 (in particular flat material sections) and several support structure units 16, each with several profiles 16.1 or profile sections 16.1a with a hollow cross-section (in particular sheet metal profiles or flat material profiles), e.g. square profile sections, L-profile sections and/or U-profile sections. Individual surface sections or struts of the support structure units 16 can also be provided for connecting opposite side wall units. Optionally, several Support structure units 16 together form a longitudinal section module, e.g. if the intermediate module is to be composed of several similarly constructed support structure units 16 or is to be designed to be scalable and extendable.

On two adjacent longitudinal sections of the support structure, in particular also at the bend, recesses 16.2 (or a corresponding free space) can be structurally planned in the area of a connection interface/level, in particular also between individual form-fitting couplings of adjacent flat material sections. Adjacent side wall sections can preferably be connected to one another in a flat-surface connection interface 18 by coupling corresponding form-fitting contours 18.1 to one another, in particular for the purpose of subsequent material-locking connection at the connection interface. For example, a positive-locking coupling 19 is provided in particular for defining a/the relative position for subsequent welding of adjacent longitudinal sections by means of a first positive-locking contour 18.1a on a first longitudinal section and a corresponding second positive-locking contour 18.1b (in particular negative form) on a second longitudinal section, wherein several individual flange plate couplings 19.1 (flat, acting two-dimensionally) can also be provided for each connection interface, in particular at height positions that are as far apart as possible. This promotes a high level of positional accuracy, in particular with regard to an abutting arrangement while maintaining a gap 18.2 (axial distance) and reduces the risk of jamming or stress.

The form-fitting contours described here also facilitate the arrangement of the corresponding material sections on a work table unit for the production of the side walls or the side wall units or the supporting structure of individual longitudinal sections or modules.

For connecting/marrying the individual longitudinal section modules in pairs, a (load-)bearing module connection is preferably provided, each comprising a plurality of sheet metal connections 31 with sheet metal angle units or plate units. The respective sheet metal connections 31 are preferably based on purely force-locking/positive locking connection technology, whereby the holding force produced is preferably a frictional force, i.e. can be ensured without a positive locking. Accordingly, the respective sheet metal connection 31 can comprise individual ones of the following connection components depending on the connection position: butt plate, inner angle or plate (in particular curved angle piece), angle/angle piece (in particular in a curved design), counter plate. The individual connection components are connected to one another in a form-locking/positive locking manner by means of connecting means 37 (in particular screw connection or rivet connection), in particular such that the supporting structures of the adjacent longitudinal section modules are held together by friction. For this purpose, fastening axes are provided which are defined by the sheet metal connection and the supporting structure, in particular by several (through) holes or optionally fastening holes designed at least partially as elongated holes (in particular oversized in the axial longitudinal direction for the purpose of position adjustment). Screws and/or rivets (for example in the form of locking ring bolts) are suitable as connecting means 37, whereby a lock nut or a similarly acting counterpart (e.g. a locking ring bolt connection) is also preferably provided.

A longitudinal section module connection arrangement 40 (or module connection process arrangement) enables the individual longitudinal section modules to be connected/married, whereby the handling and relative positioning can be carried out in an advantageous manner. The respective longitudinal section module can be supported against the ground by means of support and movement devices 40a, 40b or correspondingly acting supports (assembly aids) (in particular first and second support and movement devices 40a, 40b for each longitudinal section module), whereby a lifting or tilting kinematics 41 can also be integrated into the individual support and movement devices; a tilting device 42 enables a movement in the form of a tilting about a transverse axis for positioning a/the desired longitudinal section, for example for aligning a respective platform section in an inclined position in order to be able to position the corresponding inclined section in a horizontal alignment on the adjacent intermediate module. The support and movement devices 40a, 40b can be mounted on wheels or rollers 43. The support and movement devices 40a, 40b can preferably also each comprise side support units 44, by means of which the respective module can be supported via reference recesses made in the side wall units and positioned with minimal tolerances. For this purpose, coupling points 45 arranged in a predefined manner with high precision can be provided on the side support unit 44, to which coupling units 46 (e.g. plug-in coupling bolts) can be coupled. The longitudinal section module connection arrangement 40 or a corresponding section of a/the assembly line 100 can comprise further positioning units 50 (in particular equipped with guides or plug connections 53 on alignment plates) depending on the preferred design of the assembly method, with the respective side support unit 44 preferably coupling in a standardized manner with a/the correspondingly provided positioning unit 50. In other words: The side support units 44 can optionally be designed as comparatively slim side arm levers (e.g. also individually for each type of travel device), and the positioning units 50 can, for example, be provided as largely standardized assembly aids, by means of which the support is on the ground. This further reduces the effort required for any type-specific adaptation of assembly aids.

The longitudinal section module connection arrangement 40 is preferably provided as a component of an assembly line 100 for assembling support structures of modularly constructed guideway devices (in particular process/production line), namely in the end region of this assembly line 100, on which the individual longitudinal section modules are preferably already arranged and supported in a phase of module-specific assembly in the intended order and optionally also in an alignment coordinated for the connection. The assembly line 100 can also comprise one or more alignment devices 101 (e.g. also floor-mounted rails), and/or optionally have at least one side stop 101.1 (in the direction transverse to the longitudinal extension of the respective module), which is preferably set up to interact with the side support units 44 (in particular without the need for rails or similar floor-mounted guides), so that positioning in the transverse direction can also be carried out via the reference points provided integrally for the module using comparatively slim assembly aids. For example, a clamp (clamp connection) enables individual assembly aids to be held/fixed temporarily. Optionally, the assembly line 100 also includes a spatially planned cavity or an assembly clearance 110 below the alignment/support level of the respective intermediate module, in particular a clearance below the floor level, so that the intermediate modules can also be advantageously arranged flat above the floor when aligned horizontally (both for the module-specific assembly and for completing the entire support structure by connecting/marrying the individual modules).

The Figures 5A to 5C show several longitudinal section modules 11 of a modularly constructed and modularly assembled guideway device 10, namely Figure 5C a longitudinal section module 11b designed as a lower head module, Figure 5B a longitudinal section module 11c designed as an intermediate module, and Figure 5A a longitudinal section module 11a designed as an upper head module. The longitudinal section modules 11 each have a support structure 15 with two side wall units 17 and cross members 16.1. In structural terms, a respective side wall unit 17 has at least one side wall 17a, 17b, an upper flange 17.7 and a lower flange 17.9.

The structure of the supporting structure 15 of the respective module consists of side walls or side wall units made largely of flat material. The side wall 17a, 17b is at least an external plane and/or at least over a middle height section 15.1 essentially made of flat material (the middle height section can certainly make up at least 75% or even at least 85% of the total height of the corresponding side wall/unit), whereby structural sections designed as structural posts and/or structural sections designed as simple diagonal or cross-shaped cross braces are formed in the flat material in the corresponding side wall plane or slightly offset therefrom through recesses made in the flat material. The offset arrangement in several planes can be realized, for example, by bending the flat material in one piece, at a single angle or at multiple angles. The structural sections designed as structural posts divide the side wall 17a, 17b or the corresponding side wall unit 17 into fields. Furthermore, support elements and cross braces 16.1 are arranged or fastened to the structural sections provided by the flat material, in particular welded or otherwise connected, for example, by means of a material bond.

The respective side wall 17a, 17b is further preferably formed integrally in one piece with the corresponding upper flange 17.7 and the lower flange 17.9, at least in sections; in particular, the flat material forming the respective side wall 17a, 17b forms a first wall (or a corresponding flat material section) and a second wall of the upper flange 17.7 bent in an L-shape from the first wall; a third wall and a fourth wall of the upper flange 17.7 are formed by a further structural element or section formed from an L-shaped bent flat material and welded to the flat material forming the corresponding side wall 17a, 17b. In the same or comparable manner, a first wall is formed on the lower flange 17.9 by the flat material forming the side wall bent in an L-shape from the side wall and a second wall is formed in an L-shape from the first wall; a third wall and a fourth wall of the lower chord 17.9 are formed by a base unit 14 which is bent into an L-shape at least in sections. The structural design of the upper and lower chords can be based on the same design principle, but differ in details such as the cross-sectional geometry and/or area, in particular because the lower chord is primarily subjected to tensile stress and the upper chord is primarily or at least largely subjected to compressive forces. This structural design, in particular the use of flat material bent into an L-shape at least in individual sections, which is installed to form further profiles, also enables a good compromise between material use, strength, variability and precision. It has been shown that a particularly advantageous arrangement can be provided if several (preferably only two) flat material sections bent into an L-shape in the end area are welded together to form a closed (square) profile.

The supporting structures of the longitudinal section modules 11 are in the Figures 5A to 5C in combination with other (built-in) components of the guideway device. The lower head module 11b has a comb plate, a base section and several guides for chain rollers, step/pallet rollers and/or handrails. Corresponding guide rails are also arranged on the intermediate module. The guide rails rest on structural sections (in particular made of flat material) of the support structure. The upper head module has (in particular in addition to the components already present in the lower head module and/or intermediate module) a drive for driving a chain and optionally also a handrail circuit. In addition, the upper head module 11a has a balustrade 12 with a handrail 13 arranged on it; the balustrade is connected to the support structure, as can be seen in particular from Fig. 5B visible.

The longitudinal section modules 11 each have reference points 17.1 or corresponding geometrically predefined (in particular circular) reference recesses 17.3 introduced into the flat material on the supporting structures 15 or side wall units 17 or side walls 17a, 17b ( Fig. 5B ). In the Figures 5A to 5C the reference points 17.1 are partially covered by side support units 44 which are predefined positioned/positionable on support and movement devices 40a, 40b and which are connected by means of coupling units 46 ( Fig. 5C ) can be coupled to the reference points 17.1 (e.g. by means of plug-in coupling bolts which couple to the corresponding coupling points 45 of the support and movement devices 40a, 40b without tolerances). By storing (in particular hanging) the individual longitudinal sections on the corresponding integrally provided reference points 17.1, reference can be made to these positioning reference points 17.1 repeatedly and preferably exclusively, in particular in connection with individual assembly and installation steps, in particular when positioning/aligning additional built-in components. The reference points 17.1 are preferably formed as part of the manufacturing process of the side walls 17a, 17b on the corresponding structural section, in particular in the at least single-layer flat material, preferably by laser cutting, whereby thanks to a comparatively high level of accuracy (in particular in the case of a material processing process that is carried out partially or fully automated in the plane, e.g. on a correspondingly precisely aligned work table), further recesses or cutouts made on the structural sections or on the flat material are positioned/positionable comparatively precisely with very good accuracy in relation to the reference points 17.1 and can therefore (optionally) also serve as a reference for the positioning/alignment of components (however, reference is preferably made to the first master reference, described here as the actual original reference points of the respective longitudinal section). In particular, this also applies to the Positioning of sheet metal connections 31 ( Fig. 5B ), which can be applied with force-locking/positive-locking connecting means 37 for connecting the longitudinal section modules 11 in pairs (in particular manually), as well as for slots or similar further recesses for receiving or for the predefined arrangement of further components of the guideway device 10 or further support structure elements (or flat material sections) such as individual support structure sections or support elements or crossbars, in particular also in an arrangement orthogonal to the side wall plane. By means of the reference points 17.1 and in particular the reference axis Y17 ( Fig. 5C ) tiltable storage or suspension/mounting of the longitudinal section modules 11 also ensures a comparatively exact alignment of the longitudinal section modules 11 relative to one another, in particular in connection with the pairwise connection/marriage of the modules to one another (if their abutment planes are aligned parallel to one another, in particular in each case in a connection plane predefined by a module connection process arrangement with at least approximately vertical alignment), which also noticeably facilitates the use of the sheet metal connections described here in combination with, for example, essentially manually introduced force-locking/positive-locking connecting means 37 (in particular locking ring bolts) and the feasibility of the modular concept described here can be further improved.

The following geometric references facilitate the understanding of the present invention: horizontal position/orientation Pxy of the platform section of the corresponding head module; inclined position/orientation Pα of the platform section of the corresponding head module; distance between reference point or reference recess and mounting point (in particular distance in side wall plane); joint plane E11; crossbar plane; connection plane E18 defined by connection interface of coupled modules; E30 connection plane defined by module connection process arrangement; predefined assembly axis/direction X100 (axial orientation of an assembly line);

The "joint plane" is to be understood as an end face defined at least by the supporting structure ends of the respective module, on/in which a connection is provided in an abutting arrangement with the adjacent module, and the "joint plane" is to be understood in a narrower sense, also in a mathematical/geometric sense, as a plane in which the respective applied connecting means is to be arranged or at least to act. In this respect, several connecting means can be provided, which axially overlap the joint plane(s) in several, e.g. are arranged or act in connecting planes that are parallel and/or orthogonal to one another.

In the following, individual process steps are roughly explained in a chronology that is advantageous for the process described here: The material intended for the creation of the support structure, in particular in the form of a flat material, is subjected to material processing (step S1) comprising a material recess, in particular by laser cutting; this processing step is preferably carried out when the flat material is arranged on a work table. In this way, in particular the essential sections of the respective side wall (unit) can also be created. This is followed by a material-locking connection (step S2), in particular welding with a comparable arrangement of the flat material (on a/the same) work table. For example, butt welding can also be carried out in the area of the bend, in particular after the corresponding adjacent longitudinal sections of the head module in question have been positively positioned relative to one another on correspondingly introduced form-fitting contours. A module-specific assembly (step S3) of at least the most important support structure components (side wall units or at least side walls and cross bars) can then take place, optionally on the same plane or on the work table (or in its extension) that was used for steps S1 and/or S2. This is then preferably followed by arranging and aligning (or relative positioning) several modules (step S4) in such a way that the modules can remain in the selected relative arrangement to one another during the further course of the production process, i.e. are already arranged in a row one behind the other in such an order that the entire support structure can be assembled without further repositioning of the individual modules in the longitudinal direction (no change in the order along the assembly line). Now, module-specific handling and module-specific assembly (step S5 ) of, for example, built-in components can be provided, with the respective module being advantageously aligned, in particular in a horizontal plane (head modules with their platform section in a horizontal alignment). A preferably form-fitting/non-positive connection of several modules (step S6 ) can then take place to form the supporting structure of the entire guideway device, wherein the head modules are preferably only tilted about a reference axis for this purpose in order to align the inclined section of the respective head module in a/the horizontal plane in which the intermediate module is/remains preferably arranged. The guideway device can then be completed (step S7 ), e.g. by further assembly measures, for example relating to the balustrade or completing the peripheral drive or handrail components or installing the steps (the latter can optionally also be carried out on a module-specific basis).

Steps S4 to S6 and optionally also S7 are preferably carried out in the same assembly line, i.e. with the order of the individual modules unchanged and with aligned alignment in the longitudinal direction of the assembly line. In steps S4 to S6, reference is preferably made to reference recesses provided integrally in the respective module-specific support structure, with these reference recesses preferably being introduced in step S1 in a module-specific manner.

In the following, special features of the invention are explained with reference to individual figures or embodiments.

In Fig.1 A conventional orientation of an escalator 3 in the manner of a lying Z-letter is illustrated. In this orientation, however, many assembly and handling processes are disadvantageously complicated.

In the Fig. 2A, 2B the two head modules 11a, 11b of a modularly available guideway device are shown in an arrangement resting on support and movement devices 40a, 40b and with the respective platform section 11.1 in at least approximately, preferably exactly horizontal alignment (horizontal plane Exy). In this arrangement/alignment, for example, the installation of drive components or other installation components is also considerably easier.

Fig.3 illustrates, among other things, the process-related advantage associated with the present invention of an advantageous arrangement/alignment of the individual modules on the one hand in a phase of module-specific assembly/mounting, on the other hand also in/for an assembly line 100 for the assembly of the entire support structure or the complete guideway device. In the Fig.3 In the relative arrangement shown, the individual modules are still accessible from the front and advantageously aligned (in particular exactly horizontally), nevertheless the modules can be brought into a final relative position by a comparatively slim process by a comparatively short/small translation movement (x) and by tilting (head modules), in particular about the reference axes (y) provided integrally by the side wall units described here, and can be positioned/held there comparatively exactly (as e.g. in the Fig.6 shown relative position).

From the Fig. 4A, 4B, 4C further details of the supporting structure 15 of the respective module 11a, 11b, 11c are shown. The structural features are already described in detail elsewhere; in this respect, no further details can be given with regard to the Figures 4 It should be mentioned here that the form-fitting contours 18.1 described here at least in the area of the bend 11.2 of the respective head module 11a, 11b ( Fig. 4A ) and optionally also on other flat material sections that are to be connected to one another in a flat manner, including intermediate modules. In this way, different inclination angles α can also be constructed with high precision, without the need for complex process adjustments.

From the Fig. 5A, 5B, 5C Further details regarding the overall structure of the guideway device and its installation components connected to the support structure 15 are apparent with reference to the respective module 11a, 11b, 11c. The associated structural and procedural advantages of the present invention are already described in detail elsewhere here; in this respect, with regard to the Figures 5 It should also be mentioned here that the high position and assembly accuracy described here can also be advantageously achieved by the fact that the side walls of the head modules can also be produced comparatively precisely with minimized position tolerances in the area of the bending point 11.2 using the form-fitting contours described here, and can therefore provide the reference points/recesses 17.1, 17.3 described here with very high position accuracy. The support on the side support units 44 can therefore be carried out with very good position accuracy.

It is worth mentioning that the respective side wall is optionally designed as a flat material section with recesses made in it (e.g. laser-cut recesses that result in an X-arrangement of diagonal strut sections, e.g. laser-cut X-contour), or has diagonal struts designed as welded profiles (in particular folded U-profiles), which interact with the flat material or are integrated into the structure via flat material sections. A combination of these two alternative designs along a single module or individually for each module along the entire guideway device is also possible. This variation option also applies in particular to the Figures 4B , 5B shown configurations or embodiments.

In Fig.6 individual modules 11a, 11b, 11c, 11c' of a guideway device 10 are shown in a phase of the assembly process in which the adjacent and to be connected joint planes are already aligned parallel to each other, in particular by the head modules 11a, 11b being arranged around the integrally formed by the side wall units of the respective module provided and supported on the support and movement devices 40a, 40b, are/were tilted, optionally using a lifting/tilting kinematics 41, which can be activated or operated, for example, by means of a tilting device 42 provided on the respective support and movement device. A hoist can also be provided optionally, depending on the equipment of a machine hall. Advantageously, the tilting device(s) 42 indicated here can also ensure handling without a crane or load transfer devices arranged above the modules; this also increases variability/flexibility and also occupational safety, thus also reducing the safety requirements placed on the process.

It is worth mentioning that the support and movement devices described here, by means of which the individual modules can be arranged, positioned and aligned, can also be provided by so-called trolleys or trolleys, which are available in many machine halls or production facilities, especially if the trolleys or trolleys have an integrated height and/or lateral adjustment. It has therefore been shown that the positioning accuracy described here cannot necessarily be achieved solely by means of the reference hole grid described here in predefined/standardized positioning means (compare the disclosure of the positioning units equipped in particular with standardized guides or plug connections on alignment plates), but also by means of comparatively simply designed trolleys or trolleys, which can be used, for example, in conjunction with a traverse tree placed on them. For example, the respective truss tree is provided by two L-angles made of 8 mm sheet steel that are welded together (in particular for a/the respective upper head module), whereby laser-cut reference recesses or corresponding coupling holes can be provided/introduced in the L-angles. The respective lower head module and the respective intermediate module are, for example, mounted on U-profiles made of 8 mm laser-cut sheet steel, which form a/the truss tree. Flat iron can be welded onto one of the L-angles or the respective U-profile. The truss trees described here as double L-angles or as U-profiles, preferably made of 8 mm sheet steel (laser-cut), can each be arranged and secured on the respective support and movement device by means of angles and supports (in this respect, the positioning units described here can be characterized by these features). For example, one angle is screwed onto a support in each case so that slipping out can be prevented. A respective side support unit can also be provided by a preferably laser-cut and welded L-angle made of 8mm sheet metal, which can be screwed to the respective truss tree. Even on structures designed in this way For side support units, the through bolts described here can be applied in conjunction with the relative positioning by using the reference recesses in the respective side wall.

In this case, an absolute (lateral) position reference, particularly in the transverse direction, can also be provided, for example, by a tree (beam, vertical support) or point in a/the machine hall (e.g. also door frame), from which a geometric definition of at least individual sections of the assembly line can be specified, e.g. using at least one dimensionally stable profile (e.g. L-profile) which is fixed to the floor in a strictly axial alignment (or a differently defined fixed bearing side, compare the disclosure on the optionally usable side stop), if necessary also using optical assembly aids such as a laser beam or a flat laser beam plane.

In Fig.7 By way of example, seven steps of a process for producing a guideway device described here are explained, the present invention being based primarily on steps S1, S2, S3, i.e. relating to a phase of assembly in which the individual flat material sections are still handled separately from one another or are positioned relative to one another or are to be connected to one another. First, material processing (step S1 ) takes place, comprising a material recess, in particular by laser cutting, in particular relating to the essential sections of the respective side wall (unit); during this step, the form-fitting contours 18.1 described here can also be introduced, preferably by means of laser cutting. This is followed by a material-locking connection (step S2 ), in particular of flat material sections, in particular on the same work table or in the same work plane as the previous material processing by material recess. A module-specific assembly (step S3) of at least the most important support structure components (side wall units or at least side walls and cross bars) can then already take place. This is followed by preferably arranging and aligning (or relative positioning) several modules (step S4 ) in such a way that the modules can remain in the selected relative arrangement to one another during the further course of the production process, in particular with the intermediate module and the respective platform section in an exactly horizontal alignment. Now, module-specific handling and module-specific assembly (step S5) of, for example, built-in components can be provided first; in particular, drive components and guide rails are assembled. This is followed by preferably form-fitting/non-positive connection of several modules (step S6 ) to form the supporting structure of the entire guideway device, with the head modules preferably only being moved by one or the other. corresponding reference axis, in order to align the joint plane of the respective module, in particular in an at least approximately vertical connection plane. The positive/non-positive connection can be made using optionally pre-assembled sheet metal connections, in particular in the area of the respective upper/lower chord. The guideway device can then be completed (step S7 ), e.g. by further assembly measures, for example relating to the balustrade or completion of the peripheral drive or handrail components or installation of the steps.

Steps S1 to S3 are preferably carried out on the same working level and optionally also in a continuous process (at least steps S1, S2, in particular with regard to synergistic use of laser cutting and welding automation options); optionally, a new arrangement/alignment of the individual support structure sections can also be carried out on a different level or on a different assembly line for the module-specific assembly of the support structure. Steps S4 to S6 are preferably carried out in the same assembly line, with the order of the individual modules unchanged and with aligned alignment in the longitudinal direction of the assembly line, whereby during alignment, support and positioning reference is made to the reference recesses provided integrally in the respective module-specific support structure.

In the following, special features of the invention are explained with reference to those figures which show in detail the flange plate coupling formed between flat material sections of individual longitudinal sections or modules.

In the Figs. 8, 9 a side wall section of a head module is shown, in which a positive coupling 19 is provided by two flange plate couplings 19.1, which are each formed by first and second positive-locking contours 18.1a, 18.1b, which are preferably formed integrally in the flat material by laser cutting into flat structural sections 15.3 of the support structure to be formed therefrom ( Fig. 4A ). The form-fitting contours enable relative positioning of the adjacent longitudinal sections 11.1, 11.3 of the corresponding side wall in such a way that the longitudinal sections or the flat material sections in question are correctly (as intended) aligned relative to one another (here: in particular at the intended angle of inclination α) and that a gap 18.2 is optionally formed. This makes subsequent processes easier and the alignment and holding of the longitudinal sections can be made more precise. The Fig.8 The visible gap 18.2 remaining at the front of the connection interface 18 (particularly in the longitudinal direction) can, depending on the design of the Flat material and depending on the type of subsequent connection (particularly butt welding), the form-fitting contours are individually specified and also adhered to comparatively precisely.

The Fig.9 The circumferential gap between the interlocking form-fitting contours, which is still visible here for technical drawing reasons, is negligibly small or converges uniformly along the form-fitting contour towards a width of zero (fit, exact tolerance-free form-fitting), which can be ensured in particular by means of laser cutting, so that the position accuracy is maximized. In Fig.9 the reference number 18 is used both for the front edges of the respective longitudinal section and for the line running through the center of the gap in order to illustrate that the gap 18.2 formed there will be closed, bridged or materialized as intended by a subsequent joining process (in particular butt welding).

In particular, when the figures and the present description are viewed together, the concept according to the invention also becomes apparent in the overall context of the manufacture of guideway devices (in particular escalators), whereby it becomes clear how an advantageous symbiosis of process-related special features and design features can be realized, in particular with regard to a process or a phase of the assembly process, in which material processing (in particular laser cutting on the one hand, welding on the other hand) of individual longitudinal sections or modules is to take place for the purpose of subsequent assembly into individual modules and then into the entire support structure over the entire longitudinal extent of the guideway device.

List of reference symbols

1

ground, floor, subsurface, machine hall floor level or similar.

3

Escalator with standard construction

10

Travel device, in particular escalator device

11

Longitudinal section module

11a

Head module, especially upper head module

11b

Head module, especially lower head module

11.1

Platform section or landing section or first longitudinal section or end section (intended horizontal alignment)

11.11

Support point

11.1a

free end of the podium section

11.2

Transition area from the platform section to the inclined section

11.3

Inclined section (intended inclined orientation) or second longitudinal section

11c

Longitudinal section module, namely intermediate module (at least one), in particular straight module without kink

11c'

additional intermediate module to be connected to an intermediate module (for intended inclined alignment)

11.4

Front end

12

balustrade

13

Handrail

14

Ground unit

15

Supporting structure of the respective module or longitudinal section (in particular with a truss configuration provided at least in sections)

15.1

Tolerance-minimized (middle) height section of the supporting structure or side wall

15a, 15b

upper and lower height sections of the supporting structure

15.3

Structure section

16

Support structure unit

16.1

Traverse element, support element (e.g. cross beam), especially with hollow profile

16.1a

Profile (section) with hollow cross-section, in particular sheet metal profile, e.g. square tube profile (section)

16.2

Recess (free space) in the area of a connection interface/level

17

Side wall unit, in particular with at least one curved profile section

17a, 17b

Side wall

17.1

Reference point in side wall

17.3

Reference recess (especially laser cut)

17.7

Upper belt, upper belt section

17.9

Lower belt, lower belt section

18

Connection interface, especially flat

18.1

Form-fitting contour

18.1a, 18.1b

first form-fitting contour, second form-fitting contour (corresponding)

18.2

Gap in the area of the connection interface between longitudinal sections

19

positive coupling especially for relative positioning for welding

19.1

Single flange plate coupling (flat, two-dimensional effect)

31

Sheet metal connection, especially sheet metal angle unit or plate unit

37

Fasteners, in particular screw connections or rivet connections

40

Longitudinal section module connection arrangement, or module connection process arrangement

40a, 40b

(first, second) support and movement device (support, assembly aid)

41

Lifting or tilting kinematics

42

Tilting device for moving/tilting/positioning a/the platform section of the (upper or lower) head module into an inclined position

43

Wheel or roller

44

Side support unit, in particular with predefined coupling points (assembly aid)

45

Coupling point on side support unit

46

Coupling unit, e.g. plug-in coupling bolt

50

Positioning unit (especially with guides or plug connections on alignment plates)

53

Guide or connector(s)

100

Assembly line for the assembly of supporting structures of modular guideway devices (especially process/production lines)

101

Alignment device, especially floor-mounted rail

101.1

Side stop (in the direction transverse to the longitudinal extension of the respective module)

110

Cavity or installation space below the alignment/support plane of the intermediate module, in particular space below ground level

Pxy

horizontal position/orientation of the platform section of the head module

Pα

inclined position/orientation of the platform section of the head module

α

Slope between platform section and inclined section

E1

Floor level, e.g. level of a machine/assembly hall

E11

Impact plane

E18

Connection level defined by connection interface of coupled modules

E30

Connection level defined by module connection process arrangement

Exy

Alignment/support height level of the intermediate module, especially horizontal

S1

Material processing comprising a material recess

S2

material bonding, especially welding

S3

Module-specific assembly of supporting structure components

S4

Arranging and aligning (relative positioning) multiple modules

S5

Module-specific handling and assembly of e.g. built-in components

S6

Connecting several modules to form the entire supporting structure

S7

Completing the guideway device, e.g. through further assembly measures

X100

predefined assembly axis/direction (axial alignment of an assembly line)

Y17

structurally resilient reference axis, especially for tilting movements

x, y, z

horizontal longitudinal direction, transverse direction, vertical direction

Claims (15)

Guideway device (10) in modular construction with at least three separate longitudinal section modules (11) to be connected to one another in pairs, consisting of two head modules (11a, 11b) each with a first and second longitudinal section (11.1, 11.3) and at least one intermediate module (11c), wherein the respective longitudinal section module (11) has a support structure (15) which comprises two side wall units (17), wherein the respective side wall unit has at least one connection interface (18) extending in a planar-flat manner in a connection plane, which is designed geometrically to correspond to a corresponding planar-flat connection interface of a/the intended adjacent side wall unit, wherein at least one form-fitting contour (18.1) is provided or incorporated at connection interfaces which are intended to be adjacent to one another in pairs, at which the side wall units (17) intended to be connected to one another in pairs can be coupled to one another in a form-fitting manner and thereby in at least two spatial directions relative to one another are/are predefined positionable, in particular for the purpose of subsequent at least one- or two-dimensional welding process, in particular butt welding, in this coupled relative position of adjacent side wall units to form a one-piece side wall unit (17) over the entire length of the respective longitudinal section/module (11). Guideway device according to claim 1, wherein the side wall units (17) are designed for materially bonded connection to one another in pairs with a positional relationship predefined by means of the form-fitting contours (18.1), in particular in an abutting arrangement, optionally while maintaining a gap (18.2) in the longitudinal direction between the side wall units, in particular over the entire connection interface; and/or wherein corresponding form-fitting contours (18.1) of side wall units (17) coupled to one another ensure the form-fitting connection two-dimensionally in two spatial directions in the corresponding connection plane. Guideway device according to one of the preceding device claims, wherein a geometrically corresponding contour in the manner of a plug-socket connection or a male-female connection is incorporated or formed on the (respective) connection interface (18), for example a mushroom-shaped protruding flat contour on a first of the side wall units and a corresponding contour with a corresponding negative shape on an adjacent second of the side wall units. Guideway device according to one of the preceding device claims, wherein the side wall units (17) are designed for pairwise form-fitting coupling and thereby referenced positioning relative to one another such that in this form-fitting defined relative position, welding of the side wall units (17) to one another can be carried out without additional positioning tools, in particular butt welding in each case with a flat connection interface; and/or wherein the relative position and alignment of adjacent side wall units for a welded load-bearing connection of adjacent longitudinal sections (11.1, 11.3) is/is predetermined by means of the corresponding form-fitting contours (18.1). Guideway device according to one of the preceding device claims, wherein adjacent longitudinal sections (11.1, 11.3) or side wall units (17) in a transition region (11.2) from a horizontal to an inclined section are coupled to one another by means of the form-fitting contours (18.1) designed to correspond to one another at the at least one connection interface (18) and are thereby connected to one another, in particular in the region of a/the transition from a platform section (11.1) to an inclined section (11.3) of the respective head module (11a, 11b); and/or wherein at least two connection interfaces are provided for each connection level, in particular on external, widely spaced sections of the side wall units (17) or longitudinal sections (11.1, 11.3), in particular with a recess or cavity in between; and/or wherein the at least one connection interface (18) of the corresponding side wall units (17) or of the corresponding longitudinal section (module) has at least one upper positive-locking flange plate coupling (19.1) and at least one lower positive-locking flange plate coupling (19.1), whereby a positive coupling of adjacent side wall units (17) is ensured in at least two regions/sections of the respective support structure (15), in particular in the edge regions/sections of the corresponding side wall units which are furthest apart from one another in the transverse/height direction. Guideway device according to one of the preceding device claims, wherein the form-fitting contours (18.1) are arranged and set up for a form-fitting coupling for predefined form-fitting positioning with respect to at least two spatial directions before a material-fit connection, in particular by means of a butt-welded connection. Guideway device according to one of the preceding device claims, wherein in the case of form-fitting coupled side wall units (17) of the supporting structure components to be connected or longitudinal sections (modules), an axial distance/gap (18.2) between adjacent side wall units (17) is provided/ensured by means of the form-fitting contours (18.1), in particular in areas in which a welded connection is subsequently to be formed. Guideway device according to one of the preceding device claims, wherein the respective form-fitting contour (18.1) is incorporated by means of a laser or laser cutting; and/or wherein the respective form-fitting contour (18.1) extends two-dimensionally in a plane. Material-locking load-bearing connection of a head module (11a, 11b) of a guideway device (10) according to one of the device claims 1 to 8 with a positional relationship of a/the platform section (11.1) of the head module relative to a/the inclined section (11.3) of the head module predefined by corresponding form-fitting contours (18.1), in particular in an arrangement of the platform section and inclined section relative to one another in abutting relationship, wherein the material-locking load-bearing module connection is a welded connection and is designed in the transition region (11.2) between the platform section and inclined section. Material-locking load-bearing module connection of two longitudinal section modules of a guideway device (10) according to one of the device claims 1 to 8 with a positional relationship predefined by corresponding form-fitting contours (18.1), in particular in an arrangement of the longitudinal section modules (11) relative to one another on the end face with abutment, wherein the material-locking load-bearing module connection is a welded connection. Method for modular assembly of a guideway device (10) by providing and connecting at least two longitudinal sections (11.1, 11.3) and/or longitudinal section modules (11) of the guideway device (10) in a coordinated arrangement and orientation, wherein the guideway device (10) is provided in a modular configuration with at least three separate longitudinal section modules (11) consisting of two head modules (11a, 11b) and at least one intermediate module (11c), wherein in order to carry out a pairwise connection of the longitudinal sections/longitudinal section modules, a positive coupling to corresponding positive locking contours (18.1) of at least one connection interface (18) of a support structure (15) of the respective longitudinal section/longitudinal section module, which extends in a flat-planar manner in a connection plane, is carried out and are thereby predefined in at least two spatial directions relative to one another in such a way that the coupled longitudinal sections/longitudinal section modules in this relative position for a integral load-bearing Module connection can be provided, in particular for the purpose of subsequent at least one- or two-dimensional welding process, in particular butt welding. Method according to the preceding method claim, wherein the positive coupling takes place in one plane for each connection interface (18), wherein corresponding positive locking contours (18.1) ensure the positive locking two-dimensionally in two spatial directions in the corresponding connection plane (18), in particular with the positive locking contours in the form of a mushroom-like male-female connection. Method according to one of the method claims 11 or 12, wherein longitudinal sections/longitudinal section modules to be connected in pairs are connected to one another in a materially bonded manner after the positive coupling in the coupled relative positional relationship, in particular are welded, in particular are welded one- or two-dimensionally on a welding table without additional use of positioning tools, in order to provide a materially bonded load-bearing connection; and/or wherein at least three longitudinal sections or longitudinal section modules are connected to one another in pairs in a materially bonded manner after the pairwise positive coupling in the coupled relative positional relationship, in particular are welded. Guideway device (10) in modular construction with at least three longitudinal section modules (11) connected to one another in pairs, comprising two head modules (11a, 11b) and at least one intermediate module (11c), each with a support structure (15), wherein the longitudinal section modules or also individual longitudinal sections (11.1, 11.3) of the longitudinal section modules are/are coupled to one another in pairs in a form-fitting manner in at least one connection interface (18) extending in a flat-planar connection plane by means of at least one form-fitting contour (18.1), manufactured according to a method according to one of claims 11 to 13, in particular with the connection plane comprising a material-fit connection. Use of geometrically corresponding form-fitting contours (18.1), which are each provided/incorporated in the area of flat connection interfaces (18) of a support structure (15) of longitudinal sections/longitudinal section modules (11.1, 11.3; 11a, 11b, 11c) of a guideway device (10) which are intended to be adjacent to one another in pairs, for pairwise form-fitting coupling and thereby predefined positioning of the pairwise adjacent longitudinal sections/longitudinal section modules in at least two spatial directions relative to one another and subsequent material-locking connection of the Support structures (15) of the longitudinal sections/longitudinal section modules adjoining one another in pairs, in particular use of flat, flat form-fitting contours (18.1) at least in the region of the respective bending point (11.2) of the support structure (15) for a guideway device (10) according to one of the device claims 1 to 8, in particular in a method according to one of the claims 11 to 13.

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