EP2297019B1 - Escalator or moving walkway with led illumination - Google Patents

Abstract

An escalator or moving walkway comprises a balustrade base, an illumination profile disposed in the base and a transparent cover through which illumination is provided. An illumination strip is located within the illumination profile, and has a plurality of LED lamps. A reflecting surface is provided on the illumination profile, and is aligned such that at least a portion of the light emitted by the LED lamps impinging upon the surface is reflected in the direction of the cover, facilitating an even level of illumination.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to an escalator or a moving walkway with a lighting, which comprises light sources based on an LED technology.

State of the art

From the EP 1657209 A1 An escalator or moving walkway with a row of light emitting diodes is known in a balustrade. In this case, a plurality of light-emitting diodes is arranged behind a transparent or translucent cover for the light emitting diodes, wherein the cover extends flush with the balustrade. The distance between the light emitting diodes and the cover is at least 20 mm and in particular at least 30 mm. Between the cover and the light emitting diodes, a light diffuser is arranged, which is formed by a frosted glass pane. This extends just behind the cover. In addition, the cover has a flat front surface and a slightly curved rear surface to provide a slight converging lensing effect for focusing the light. Furthermore, the light diffuser plastic and embedded soot particles. By these measures, a more uniform light output of the LED array is to be achieved and an ugly discrete light image can be avoided.

The from the EP 165209 A1 known escalator and the known moving walkway have the disadvantage that the effort to achieve a uniform possible light output is very high. On the one hand, special elements, such as the specially designed light diffuser and the cover with collective lens effect, are required. On the other hand, a certain amount of design effort is required to position the LED array in the specific distance to the cover. In particular, the assembly is elaborate.

An escalator or a moving walkway with a lighting according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from EP 891940 A1 or the EP 913354 A1 known. There are mainly fluorescent tubes described, but also LEDs are mentioned. It is not only - as usual - the entrance area and the exit area illuminated, but the entire base area over the entire length of the escalator or the moving walkway. The problem in particular is the curved transition region between the planar access area and the inclined center area or inclined center area and the level exit area.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide an escalator or moving walk, in which or in which an improved lighting, especially in a base area, is possible. Specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide uniform illumination based on LED technology with reduced parts and assembly costs. In particular, no separate light sources should be necessary for the curved transitional area between the level access area and the oblique central area or the oblique central area and the level exit area.

The object is achieved by an escalator according to the invention or a moving walkway according to the invention with the features of claim 1.

The measures listed in the dependent claims advantageous refinements of the recited in claim 1 escalator or the moving walk are possible.

Advantageously, the light source is based on an LED technology, namely the light-emitting means is formed by an LED strip. For bulbs that are based on an LED technology, is usually a strong forward concentration of the given radiated light. This represents a difference to a filament-based light source, in which a largely spatially uniform radiation is given. When using LEDs based on LED technology, therefore, there is usually the problem that one or more bulbs are perceived as dots or at least pronounced differences in brightness are perceptible, which are undesirable. Due to the reflective surface, part of the light emitted by the luminous means can be reflected in the direction of the cover, while another part can pass directly from the luminous means to the cover. This is in itself for the entry and exit area from the JP 2006-232518 A known. This allows a more uniform illumination can be achieved. In particular, the light emitted in the forward direction by the luminous means can be deflected over the reflecting surface. It is possible even with a relatively compact design a more uniform illumination.

The transparent cover can be made completely or partially transparent. In a partially transparent embodiment, for example, a directional arrow can be realized. The transparent part of a partially transparent cover is then largely uniformly illuminated, so that a harmonious overall impression is created.

It is advantageous that a light-emitting strip is provided which has a plurality of lighting means, and that the light-emitting strip is inserted into the lighting profile. Specifically, the profile of the light-emitting strip should be aligned horizontally. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the light-emitting strip is bendable in a longitudinal direction and designed to be twistable about the longitudinal direction. By inserting the light source strip in the lighting profile a simple installation is possible. Further, a bend of the light-emitting strip is made possible, as required for example in an escalator in transition areas between horizontal and upward sections is. In contrast, the bendability is limited in such a case with a vertical mounting of the light-emitting strip.

It is advantageous that the lighting profile comprises receiving elements between which the light-emitting strip is positioned. Thereby, the light-emitting strip can be inserted in a simple manner between the receiving elements, wherein a fixation or at least a certain positioning is ensured. In this case, the receiving elements can be configured in an advantageous manner as a pin-shaped receiving elements. The receiving elements may also be hook-shaped, bolt-shaped, punctiform, wart-shaped, lenticular or designed as elevations to ensure positioning or anti-slip. Especially pin-shaped receiving elements can be designed stiff. Depending on the application but also a flexible design is possible.

It is advantageous that the transparent cover has a diffusion structure on an inner side facing the reflective surface. For example, the transparent cover on the inside can be designed wave-shaped. As a result, the externally perceived lighting effect can be further improved.

Advantageously, the reflective surface is designed on an inner surface of the illumination profile. It is also advantageous that the reflective surface is formed by a coating which is applied to the inner surface of the illumination profile. As a result, an embodiment with a reduced number of parts is possible, whereby a simple assembly is possible.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the reflective surface is concave in a sectional area. This can be a big one Proportion of the light emitted by the light source can be deflected in the direction of the cover.

Advantageously, the illuminating means inserted in the illumination profile is oriented approximately perpendicular to the cover, wherein the reflective surface is oriented at least approximately at an angle of 45 ° to the cover and on the other hand at least approximately at an angle of 45 ° to a main radiation direction of the illuminant , In the main radiation direction of the luminous means, a large part of the total light emitted by the luminous means is emitted. Advantageously, the light emitted in the main radiation direction is first deflected by the reflecting surface before it is transmitted through the cover. As a result, on the one hand, a larger expansion due to the longer distance possible. On the other hand, a typical circular shape of the luminous means can be resolved by a curved configuration of the reflection surface.

It is advantageous that the lighting profile has a fixing portion, that the base has a base plate and that the lighting profile is connected at its attachment portion with the base plate. It is also advantageous that the transparent cover has at least one fastening edge which is clamped between the mounting portion of the lighting profile and the base plate. As a result, a simple installation of the lighting profile on the base and an attachment of the transparent cover is possible.

Brief description of the drawings

• Fig. 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer Fahrtreppe entsprechend einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• Fig. 2 einen auszugsweisen Schnitt durch die in Fig. 1 gezeigte Fahrtreppe entlang der mit II bezeichneten Schnittlinie und
• Fig. 3 den in Fig. 2 mit III bezeichneten Ausschnitt eines Sockels der Fahrtreppe im weiteren Detail.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which corresponding elements are provided with corresponding reference numerals. It shows:

• Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an escalator according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
• Fig. 2 an excerpted section through the in Fig. 1 shown escalator along the designated II section line and
• Fig. 3 the in Fig. 2 III section of a base of the escalator in more detail.

Preferred embodiments of the invention

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an escalator 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. According to the embodiment of the escalator 1 shown, a moving walkway can be configured. The escalator 1 has a plurality of support elements 2, which are designed as steps or pallets. Furthermore, a handrail 3 is provided, on which users of the escalator 1 can stop during operation. The handrail 3 is guided on a balustrade 4, which also represents a lateral boundary during use. The balustrade 4 is fixed to a balustrade base 5, which has a base plate 6. The support elements 2 are at least partially disposed next to the base plate 6 and move during operation along an outer side 7 (FIG. Fig. 2 ) of the base plate 6 according to the current direction of travel of the escalator. 1

In this embodiment, the escalator 1 allows the conveyance from a first plane E1 to a second plane E2, which are at different levels. Alternatively, the escalator 1 can be configured as a moving walk, wherein the planes E1, E2 are at the same or at least substantially the same level, so that instead of steps supporting elements 2 can be used, which are designed as pallets.

The base plate 6 has a recess 8 (FIG. Fig. 2 ), in which a transparent cover 10 is arranged.

Like in the Fig. 2 illustrated, the base plate 6 forms with further base plates 11, 12, an L-beam 13 and other elements 14 the balustrade base 5 for the balustrade. 4

Within the balustrade base 5, a lighting device 15 is arranged, which comprises the transparent cover 10. By the illumination device 15, for example, a lighting of the support elements 2 is possible. Furthermore, the optical appearance of the escalator 1 can be upgraded by the illumination device 15.

The further embodiment and function of the illumination device 15 is also described below with reference to FIG Fig. 3 described in further detail.

Fig. 3 shows the in Fig. 2 III marked section of the escalator 1 of the embodiment. The illumination device 15 comprises an illumination profile 16 arranged within the balustrade base 5. The illumination profile 16 comprises a nose-shaped base profile 17 which has an approximately triangular cross-section. Furthermore, the illumination profile 16 comprises an upper attachment portion 18 and a lower attachment portion 19, which are connected to the base profile 17. The transparent cover 10 has an upper fastening edge 20 and a lower fastening edge 21. The upper attachment edge 20 of the cover 10 is clamped between the base plate 6 and the upper attachment portion 18 of the illumination profile 16. Further, the lower fastening edge 21 is clamped between the base plate 6 and the lower mounting portion 19 of the lighting profile 16. The lighting profile 16 is connected at its upper attachment portion 18 by means of a connecting element 22 and at its lower mounting portion 19 by means of a connecting element 23 with the base plate 6. In this case, in a longitudinal direction 24 ( Fig. 1 ) a variety of others Connecting elements 22, 23 may be provided for fixing the lighting profile 16 to the base plate 6.

In the illumination profile 16, a light-emitting strip 30 is inserted, which has a plurality of corresponding to a light source 31 designed bulbs. The light source 31 is based on an LED technology.

On the illumination profile 16 pin-shaped receiving elements 32, 33 are provided. In this case, a plurality of further pin-shaped receiving elements 32, 33 are provided on the illumination profile 16 in the longitudinal direction 24. Accordingly, the lighting means 31 are distributed in the longitudinal direction 24 via the light-emitting strip 30.

The illuminant 31 emits light, as illustrated by the arrows 34A, 34B, 34C. As a result, a main radiation direction for the luminous means 31 is characterized by the arrow 34B. The light emitted in the direction 34A and in the main radiation direction 34B impinges on a reflecting surface 35, which is formed by a coating on the inner surface 36 of the illumination profile 16. The reflective surface 35 is configured concave. The reflecting surface 35 reflects the incident light toward the transparent cover 11, as illustrated by the arrows 37A, 37B. Further, a part of the light emitted from the lighting means 31 directly strikes the transparent cover 10, as illustrated by the arrow 34C. The light reaching the transparent cover 10 in accordance with the arrows 34C, 37A, 37B is transmitted through the transparent cover 10. In this case, the transparent cover 10 has a diffusion structure 38 on its inner side, which faces the reflective surface 35. The diffusion structure 38 may be formed, for example, by a wave-shaped configuration of the cover 10 on its inner side. By the diffusion structure 38 is an additional diffusion reaches the transmitted through the cover 10 light. As a result, a uniform illumination in the spatial direction is achieved by the illumination device 15, that is, the radiation 39 transmitted through the cover 10 is largely isotropic. This results in a uniform illumination, for example, the support elements 2, which creates a harmonious impression for an observer. Specifically, an observer from outside the bulbs 31 does not perceive as a variety of point-shaped bulbs.

The profile of the light-emitting strip 30 is aligned horizontally. In this case, the light-emitting strip 30 is simply inserted between the pin-shaped receiving elements 32, 33. This results in a simple installation. In addition, the light-emitting strip 30 can easily be bent in the longitudinal direction 24, as in the regions 40, 41 (FIG. Fig. 1 ) is required. In contrast, a vertical mounting of the light-emitting strip 30, that is, a vertical orientation of the profile of the light-emitting strip 30, a bending in the areas 40, 41 would oppose. This further simplifies assembly. Furthermore, the light-emitting strip 30 can be twisted about the longitudinal direction 24. As a result, the light-emitting strip 30 can be easily inserted from one end, for example from the region 40, to the other end, for example to the region 41, in the illumination profile 16.

The luminous means 31 is oriented approximately perpendicular to the cover 10, so that the main radiation direction 37B is initially oriented parallel to the cover 10. The reflecting surface 35 is oriented approximately 45 ° to the main radiation direction 34B of the luminous means 31. On the other hand, the reflective surface 35 is also oriented approximately 45 ° to the cover 10. As a result, a reflection in the direction of the cover 10 is achieved. The light emitted by the luminous means 31 passes largely by reflection on the reflective surface 35 to the transparent cover 10. Ein Part of the light emitted by the light source 31 also passes directly to the cover 10, as illustrated by the arrow 34C.

The escalator 1 of the described embodiment has the advantage that the light-emitting strip 30 can be inserted with the bulbs 31 without a special holder in the lighting profile 16, wherein it is mounted horizontally. By the illumination profile 16 with the reflective surface 35, the light emitted by the light source 31 by approximately 90 °, in particular by 70 ° to 110 °, deflected and irradiated large and full surface serving as light exit in the base plate 6 of the Balustradensockels 5 transparent cover 10th In this case, the illumination profile 16 can be curved and / or curve-shaped and / or arc-shaped and / or segmented. Furthermore, there is the advantage that a bright illumination is possible even at low current. Furthermore, the illumination device 15 can be configured relatively easily and inexpensively. Furthermore, there is the advantage that the illumination device 15 can be designed with a reduced number of individual parts or components and with a relatively low use of light. The lighting device 15 allows a high light balance and light exploitation by redirection and dispersion or distribution, distribution and diffusion. The perceptibility of individual LED points can be avoided. There is the advantage of a uniform light segment course, which is not interrupted by dark spots in the illumination. Thus, the light emission through the transparent cover 10 in the base plate 6 without points and points of light and therefore clean and full-surface. This allows excellent illumination of the support elements 2, wherein a continuous, glare-free light strip is achieved.

The invention is not limited to the described embodiments.

Claims (10)

1. Escalator or moving walk (1) with a base (5), an illumination profile (16) arranged in the base (5), and an at least partly transparent cover (10), wherein at least one lamp (31) is provided which is inserted in the illumination profile (16) and wherein at least one reflective surface (35) is provided which is so aligned that at least a part of the light emitted by the lamp (31) is reflected in the direction of the cover (10), characterised in that a lamp strip (30) is inserted in the illumination profile (16), that the lamp strip (30) comprises a plurality of lamps (31) based on an LED technology, that a profile of the lamp strip (30) at least sectionally is aligned at least substantially horizontally and in that the lamp strip (30) is formed to be bendable in a longitudinal direction (24) and to be twistable about the longitudinal direction (24).
2. Escalator or moving walk according to claim 1, characterised in that the illumination profile (16) comprises receptacle elements (32, 33) between which the lamp strip (30) is positioned.
3. Escalator or moving walk according to claim 2, characterised in that the receptacle elements (32, 33) are formed as pin-shaped receptacle elements (32, 33).
4. Escalator or moving walk according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the transparent cover (10) has a diffusion structure (38) on an inner side facing the reflective surface (35).
5. Escalator or moving walk according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the reflective surface (35) is formed on an inner surface (36) of the illumination profile (16).
6. Escalator or moving walk according to claim 5, characterised in that the reflective surface (35) is formed by a coating applied at least partly to the inner surface (36) of the illumination profile (16).
7. Escalator or moving walk according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the reflective surface (35) is formed to be concave in a sectional plane.
8. Escalator or moving walk according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the lamp (31) inserted in the illumination profile (16) is oriented at least approximately perpendicularly to the cover (10) and that the reflective surface (35) is on the one hand oriented at least approximately at an angle of 45° to the cover (10) and on the other hand oriented at least approximately at an angle of 45° to a principal radiation direction of the lamp (31).
9. Escalator or moving walk according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the illumination profile (16) has at least one fastening section (18, 19), that the base (5) has a base plate (6) and that the illumination profile (16) is connected at its fastening section (18, 19) with the base plate (6).
10. Escalator or moving walk according to claim 9, characterised in that the transparent cover (10) has at least one fastening edge (20, 21) which is wedged at least in part between the fastening section (18, 19) of the illumination profile (16) and the base plate (6).

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