WO2025051647A1 - Barrier for an escalator or a moving walkway - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a barrier (31) which serves to prevent users from falling from an escalator or moving walkway. The barrier (31) has: a sensor (173) and/or an output device (157, 159, 167, 169); a clamping profile (33) having a V-shaped groove (35); a balustrade panel (45); an L-shaped wedge insert (53) having a wedge leg (55) and a base leg (57); and a clamping wedge (59) having a wedge-shaped cross-section. The wedge leg (55) of the wedge insert (53) is wedge-shaped in cross-section and is arranged between the first side surface (47) of the balustrade panel (45) and the first groove surface (39). The base leg (57) of the wedge insert (53) has a channel (58) and is arranged between the lower edge (51) of the balustrade panel (45) and the groove base (37). The clamping wedge (59) is arranged between the second side surface (49) of the balustrade panel (45) and the second groove surface (41).

Description

Barrier for an escalator or moving walkway

The invention relates to a barrier for a transport device. The barrier serves as a fall protection device for users of the transport device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a transport device with such a barrier, a method for assembling the barrier, and a method for modernizing a transport device using such a barrier.

For the purposes of this document, transportation systems are escalators and moving walkways with a conveyor belt comprising a plurality of steps or pallets. The steps or pallets form a conveyor surface used to transport users and/or other loads, such as hand luggage or shopping carts.

Balustrades with handrails that move synchronously with the conveyor belt are typically arranged along the sides of the steps or pallets of the moving device. Below the balustrades is a supporting structure to which the balustrades are attached. The supporting structure is covered at the top by a cover assembly and at the sides by a side panel. The cover assembly and the side panel are typically attached to the supporting structure using fasteners.

For escalators, building regulations and standards such as EN 115 apply to their balustrade height (based on the conveyor belt's conveying surface) and the height at which the handrail is installed. These building regulations are intended to ensure the safe use of the escalator or moving walkway and must be strictly adhered to by the operator or building owner.

Since the balustrades of conventional rides only extend to the height of the handrail, improper use poses certain risks. For example, users may "surf" on the handrails or intentionally jump over the balustrade, or they may be involuntarily pushed over the balustrade. This happens, for example, in football stadiums when hooligans throw themselves off a ride or push other users off. Such situations are dangerous for the users of the ride equipment and also for the persons underneath the ride equipment and must therefore be avoided at all costs.

WO 2020/114846A1, for example, discloses a balustrade for an escalator in which the first panels are arranged below the handrail and act as additional barriers, while the second panels are arranged laterally offset from the handrail and project beyond the handrail. The disadvantage of this solution is that the installation of the panels in the support profile can lead to problems. The glass fiber paper, in particular, tends to shift when the panels are inserted, potentially becoming crumpled and requiring replacement. Furthermore, it offers little damping at the clamping point, which can lead to an increased risk of breakage in glass panels. A further problem arises from the mass of the barrier and the forces acting on the barrier due to greater leverage, which place additional stress on the balustrade. In most cases, the balustrade must be significantly reinforced, which increases its dead mass and, in turn, places additional stress on the supporting structure. Measures to reinforce the balustrade of existing rolling stock also significantly increase the installation effort and may require complex modifications to the existing balustrade panels. DE102019207776A1 also discloses such a barrier.

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for erecting the aforementioned barrier. In particular, the aim is to create a barrier that is easy and quick to install, visually appealing, and serves as an improved fall protection device. Furthermore, the aim is to enable easy retrofitting of mobile devices with such a barrier.

This task is solved by a barrier for the fall protection of users in a moving device designed as an escalator or moving walkway. The barrier is designed to be mounted on the moving device next to a handrail that is movable all the way around a balustrade of the moving device, whereby the barrier, when mounted, extends parallel to the handrail. extends and protrudes above the balustrade or handrail in height. The barrier has a clamping profile with a V-shaped groove that extends longitudinally within the clamping profile. The V-shaped groove is defined by a groove base and two groove surfaces, and the groove surfaces are arranged at an angle to one another, starting from the groove base and ending at a groove opening. The clamping profile can be made, for example, from an extruded aluminum profile or an extruded plastic profile, the ends of which are covered, for example, with an end cap.

The barrier also includes a balustrade panel that has two parallel side surfaces and a bottom edge, and is arranged in the V-shaped groove in the area of its bottom edge. The balustrade panel can also be made up of multiple parts and comprise several panel sections. Another component of the barrier is an L-shaped wedge insert with a wedge leg and a base leg. The wedge leg has a wedge-shaped cross-section and is arranged between the first side surface of the balustrade panel and the first groove surface. The base leg is arranged between the bottom edge of the balustrade panel and the groove base. A channel is also formed in the base leg, which extends parallel to the V-shaped groove. The formation of a channel in the base leg has the advantage that a lamp and/or a supply line can be laid in the V-shaped groove.

In addition, the barrier features a wedge-shaped clamping wedge arranged between the second side surface of the balustrade panel and the second groove surface. It is not necessary for the wedge insert and the clamping wedge to extend continuously within the V-shaped groove or for their length to be matched to the length of the balustrade panel.

For cost, manufacturing, and assembly reasons, the wedge insert and the clamping wedge are designed to be significantly shorter than a balustrade panel, so that they can also be used in curved sections of the clamping profile without having to bend them in the longitudinal direction of the clamping profile. To avoid additional bending moments on the balustrade panel as a result of the clamping force generated by the driven-in clamping wedge, the wedge insert and the clamping wedge are preferably Arranged opposite each other in the V-shaped groove and not offset longitudinally. Several wedge inserts and clamping wedges can be provided per balustrade panel, whereby a distance greater than the length of one wedge insert or one clamping wedge can be provided between two wedge insert/clamping wedge pairs.

The L-shaped wedge insert provides a component that is inherently stable enough to withstand the forces exerted by the balustrade panel when inserted into the V-shaped groove. Furthermore, the wedge insert precisely positions the balustrade panel in the V-shaped groove, allowing multiple panel sections of a balustrade panel divided into several parts, arranged side by side, to be precisely positioned relative to one another without effort. Furthermore, the wedge insert, which is preferably made of a polymer material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), and the like, offers very good shock absorption, significantly reducing the risk of breakage of the balustrade panel and keeping its thickness comparatively low.

To further increase the effectiveness of the barrier in its fall protection function, it features at least one sensor and/or an output device for visual, acoustic, or audiovisual outputs. In addition, at least one connecting cable for the sensor and/or the output device is arranged in the V-shaped groove and routed through the channel of the wedge insert.

If the fall protection device is equipped with a sensor, it can be used, for example, to monitor the area between the handrail and the balustrade panel. As soon as a body mass larger than a hand is located in this area, an appropriate warning can be issued to the user of the moving device via the output device. Of course, the sensor can also send its sensor signals via the connecting cable to an output device independent of the barrier or even the moving device, thereby providing the user with an acoustic, visual, or audiovisual warning. However, the barrier can also be equipped with only one output device. This can be used, for example, to periodically issue announcements (acoustic output) or generate warning signals (visual output). displayed, or even movie sequences (visual or audiovisual output) can be displayed. As described in more detail below, the content output by the output device can also be static.

In one embodiment of the barrier, a receiving structure for a sensor or an output device is formed in the clamping profile. The receiving structure is designed to align a built-in sensor or a built-in output device to a predetermined area. This area can be, for example, the adjacent space of the handrail and/or the conveyor belt of the travel device. The receiving structure is preferably adapted to the sensor so that it can be easily installed in the receiving structure. A simple bore can serve as the receiving structure, which is formed, for example, in the clamping profile and whose inner diameter is matched to the outer diameter of the sensor. The clamping profile can have one or more receiving structures.

In a further embodiment of the barrier, a sensor is arranged in the receiving structure and connected to the connecting line. The sensor can be, for example, a radar sensor, an infrared sensor, a CMOS sensor, a laser scanner, a TOF camera, a LIDAR sensor, and the like. The sensor data generated by the sensor is forwarded via the connecting line or wirelessly to a processing module. The processing module is described in more detail below. Furthermore, an output device or parts of an output device, such as a loudspeaker, can be installed in the receiving structure and connected to the connecting line.

Regarding the connecting cable, it can generally be any type of connecting cable. In particular, the connecting cable can be a power supply cable, a signal transmission cable, an RS-485 cable, an Ethernet cable, and the like. The connecting cable can be a multi-core cable or comprise several single- or multi-core cables. For example, the connecting cable can serve only to supply the sensor and/or the output device with electrical energy, while wirelessly transmitting sensor signals or, if necessary, control signals for the output device. The signals can also be transmitted with the supply voltage over the same connecting cable, as is usual with a CAN bus, for example.

In another barrier design, the balustrade panel is equipped with an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) screen serving as an output device. The OLED screen is connected to the connecting cable to receive image data and electrical energy. This output device can display both image sequences such as advertising films or clips with safety instructions, as well as static content such as images, advertising slogans, or warning symbols, to the users of the ride. Since such displays tend to attract attention, they deter users from thinking about, or at least distract them from, using the ride improperly. By exploiting this psychological effect, the output device effectively increases the effectiveness of the barrier.

In another version of the barrier, the balustrade panel is made of transparent material such as single-pane safety glass, double-pane safety glass, or transparent plastic such as acrylic glass (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), edge-illuminated acrylic gas that emits light via the side surfaces, and the like. The balustrade panel is also provided with a semi-transparent coating such as a print, film, vapor deposition, or the like that serves as an output device, thus outputting only static content. The barrier also has a light directed towards the lower edge of the balustrade panel, which is arranged in the V-shaped groove and guided through the channel of the wedge insert. The light is connected to the connecting cable, which can supply it with electrical energy and, if necessary, control it.

Although the output device in this version displays purely static images or pictograms, it also utilizes the psychological effect described above. This is particularly the case when the light source is controllable and, for example, the color or wavelength of the emitted light can be varied over time. For example, light colors can be selected that have a calming effect when a hectic or irritable mood is triggered. of the ride. On the other hand, more "aggressive" light colors can also be used if users behave too sluggishly.

In another version of the barrier, the balustrade panel is made of transparent, edge-lit acrylic gas that emits light through the side surfaces. It is equipped with a liquid crystal display (LCD) that serves as the output device. Similar to the previously described version, a light source directed toward the lower edge of the balustrade panel is arranged in the V-shaped groove and guided through the channel of the wedge insert. The light source and the output device are also connected to the connecting cable.

As already mentioned, the barrier can have a processing module that is connected to the connecting line and thus to the sensor and/or the output device. The processing module is designed to perform at least one of the functions described below. The processing module can receive data. This feature is to be understood very broadly. For example, data from the sensor can be received, stored, or forwarded. Data can also be received, processed, and forwarded from a controller of the driving device or from sensors installed in the driving device.

Furthermore, data can also be received from an external monitoring system, from an external data storage device (for example, video sequences to be played on an output device of the barrier), or from a monitoring room through which several moving devices are centrally monitored. This data can be processed by the processing module, for example, by analyzing and evaluating sensor data and generating suitable signals in response to the received data. Known evaluation algorithms and analysis methods from electronic monitoring are used here, for example, trained artificial intelligence. The processing module can output a signal based on processed data, for example, an alarm signal to the aforementioned monitoring room or to the control system of the moving device or to an output device independent of the moving device. The processing module can also control a light source that is installed in the barrier. is installed to create the situation-appropriate ambience on the ride, as mentioned above. The processing module can also control an output device installed in the barrier to output acoustic, visual, or audiovisual content such as warnings, advertising messages, and the like.

In principle, all known light-emitting devices, such as light-emitting diodes, fluorescent tubes, OLED screen films, and the like, can be used as light sources. The light source is preferably a light strip equipped with light-emitting diodes. Light strips of the aforementioned type generally have a flexible base body with a rectangular cross-section and LEDs arranged in series. Usually, an integrated connecting cable is also present, which supplies the individual LEDs with electrical power. Depending on the design, these light strips are dimmable and/or the color or wavelength of the emitted light can be adjusted as desired.

To facilitate assembly of the barrier, the channel can be provided with a positioning device. The positioning device is adapted to the light source and/or the connecting cable in such a way that it positions the light source or the connecting cable perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the clamping profile in the channel during and after assembly of the barrier. The positioning device can, for example, be a rounded or chamfered edge at the channel opening facing the balustrade panel or the groove base.

In another design of the barrier, the channel is located on the side of the base leg that faces the bottom of the groove when the wedge insert is inserted into the V-shaped groove. This creates a broad support for the lower edge of the balustrade panel. To ensure that the balustrade panel resting on it is adequately illuminated by a light source located in the channel, at least one opening is provided through the base leg. This opening can also be used to route one or more connecting cables. In one version of the barrier, the channel is located on the side of the base leg that faces the lower edge of the balustrade panel when the wedge insert is inserted into the V-shaped groove and the balustrade panel is inserted. This design has the advantage that no opening is required, since a light source arranged in the channel can also be positioned in the area of the wedge insert between the base leg and the lower edge of the balustrade panel.

In another design of the barrier, fastening structures for an elastic sealing profile are provided on both sides of the V-shaped groove mouth. The sealing profiles arranged on both sides prevent dirt and water from penetrating the V-shaped groove and provide an aesthetic appearance to the transition from the clamping profile to the balustrade panel.

On a side of the clamping profile facing away from the V-shaped groove, a T-shaped groove can also be formed, which is intended to accommodate fasteners. This allows the clamping profile to be attached to suitable structural parts of the carriage or to the carriage via adapter parts. Furthermore, clamping profiles divided into several sections can be firmly connected to one another at the ends using connecting tabs inserted into the T-slot.

In another design of the barrier, it has a support with a base attachment area at one end and a head attachment area at the other. The head attachment area is connected to the clamping profile using fasteners. Provided the previously described T-shaped groove is present in the longitudinal direction of the clamping profile, the position of the support on the clamping profile can be freely selected. The base attachment area is intended to be attached to a supporting structure of a moving device, for example, to its supporting structure.

The support may include a telescopic device between the head attachment area and the foot attachment area. This allows the distance between the head attachment area and the foot attachment area to be fixedly adjusted. The moving device, designed as an escalator or moving walkway, can be equipped with a barrier on one or both sides, depending on its installation within a building. Such moving devices typically have a revolving conveyor belt and, on either side of the conveyor belt, a balustrade with a revolvingly movable handrail. The barrier according to the invention is mounted on the moving device next to the revolvingly movable handrail, with the barrier being arranged on the side of the handrail facing away from the conveyor belt. When mounted, the barrier extends parallel to the balustrade and projects higher than the balustrade or its handrail.

An existing transport device of the aforementioned type can also be modernized by equipping it with at least one barrier according to the invention.

The assembly method for the barrier comprises at least the following steps. At least one connecting cable and, if applicable, also a lighting device is arranged in the V-shaped groove. Furthermore, a wedge insert is inserted into the V-shaped groove so that the base leg of the wedge insert rests on the bottom of the V-shaped groove. The connecting cable and, if provided, the lighting device, are guided through the channel of the wedge insert. The balustrade panel or the end panel is then inserted into the V-shaped groove so that its lower edge rests on the base leg of the wedge insert and the wedge leg is arranged between the first groove surface of the V-shaped groove and the first side surface of the balustrade panel. The clamping wedge is then arranged and pressed in between the second side surface of the balustrade panel and the second groove surface.

Preferred embodiments of the barrier according to the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein similar elements in all figures are provided with identical reference numerals. Neither the drawings nor the description should be interpreted as limiting the invention. They show:

Figure 1: a three-dimensional representation of a moving device designed as an escalator with glass balustrades and two barriers arranged on the sides to protect users from falling; Figure 2: an enlarged view of a cross-section through a clamping profile of the barrier shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3: a cross-section through the entire barrier and the glass balustrade of the driving device shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4: an enlarged view of a partial cross-section through a box-shaped balustrade of a moving device and the barrier attached to it with a sensor and an output device;

Figure 5: in three-dimensional exploded view a section of the barrier shown in Figure 4 without balustrade and without consoles;

Figure 6: a larger view of section B shown in Figure 2 with an additional acoustic output device; and

Figure 7: a possible assembly method for a barrier according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional representation of a moving device 1 designed as an escalator, as installed in a building 3 (shown in dash-dotted lines). The moving device 1 has a circumferentially movable conveyor belt 5 with steps 7. Two balustrades 9 with glass panels 11 extend along each side of the conveyor belt 5. Moving devices 1 with such glass balustrades are used, for example, in department stores and shopping malls. At the edge of each balustrade 9, a handrail guide profile 13 (see Figure 3) with a circumferentially movable handrail 15 is arranged. The handrails 15 are moved synchronously with the conveyor belt 5. The balustrade height HB of the balustrade 9 is designed such that its handrail 15 can be comfortably grasped by an adult of average height, but is also easily accessible for smaller children. For example, EN-115 specifies a balustrade height HB of 900cm to 1100cm, depending on the location.

Since there is no wall on either side of the vehicle 1, users could the improper use mentioned above, fall over the balustrade and crash to the side of the travel device 1. To prevent this, a barrier 31 is mounted on both sides next to the handrail 15 on the travel device 1. As can be seen from Figure 1, the barrier 31 extends parallel to the balustrade 9. Its balustrade panel 45 projects at a height HA above the balustrade height HB or the handrail 15. So that users can hold on to the handrail 15, the barrier 31 is arranged on the side of the handrail 15 facing away from the conveyor belt 5.

To illustrate various designs of the barrier 31, the balustrade panel 45 mounted on the right barrier 31 is constructed in one piece. As illustrated by the left barrier 31, the balustrade panel 45 can also be constructed in multiple parts and comprise several panel sections 46. The barrier 31 can include panel connectors 145 to connect the individual panel sections 46 to one another.

Figure 2 shows an enlarged cross-section through the barrier 31 shown in Figure 1. The barrier 31 has a clamping profile 33 with a V-shaped groove 35 that extends in the longitudinal direction U (see Figure 1) of the clamping profile 33. The V-shaped groove 35 is delimited by a groove base 37 and two groove surfaces 39, 41. The groove surfaces 39, 41 are arranged at an angle to one another, starting from the groove base 37 and leading towards a groove mouth 43. In other words, the width of the V-shaped groove 35 increases in the direction of the groove mouth 43. The clamping profile 33 can be made, for example, from an extruded aluminum profile or extruded plastic profile, the ends of which can be covered, for example, with an end cap 147 (see Figure 1).

The barrier 31 also has a balustrade panel 45, which has two parallel side surfaces 47, 49 and is arranged in the V-shaped groove 35 in the region of its lower edge 51. The balustrade panel 45 is made of transparent material such as single-pane safety glass, laminated safety glass, a PMMA sheet, a polycarbonate sheet, edge-illuminated acrylic glass that emits light via the side surfaces, and the like. Another component of the barrier 31 is an L-shaped wedge insert 53 with a wedge leg 55 and a base leg 57. The wedge leg 55 has a wedge-shaped cross-section and is arranged between the first side surface 47 of the balustrade panel 45 and the first groove surface 39. The base leg 57 of the wedge insert 53 is arranged between the lower edge 51 of the balustrade panel 45 and the groove base 37. A channel 58 is also formed in the base leg 57, which extends parallel to the V-shaped groove 35. The formation of a channel 58 in the base leg 57 has the advantage that, for example, a lighting device 151 can be installed within the clamping profile 31 or in the V-shaped groove 35 with a constant cross-section without interrupting it.

Furthermore, the balustrade panel 45 is provided with a semi-transparent coating serving as a dispensing device 157. This coating can be a print, an e-film, a vapor deposition, and the like. To "activate" the effect of this dispensing device 157, which dispenses static content, it, or rather the barrier 31, has an illuminating means 151 directed toward the lower edge 51 of the balustrade panel 45, which is arranged in the V-shaped groove 35 and guided through the channel 58 of the wedge insert 55.

All known light-emitting devices, such as light-emitting diodes, fluorescent tubes, OLED screen films, and the like, can be used as the illuminant 151. The channel also allows for the easy installation of connecting cables 155 in the V-shaped groove 35. To ensure that the overlying balustrade panel 45 can also be sufficiently illuminated in the area of the wedge insert 53 by an illuminant 151 arranged in the channel 58, at least one opening 54 is provided through the base leg 57.

The light source 151 is connected to a processing module 161 (shown only in Figure 5) by the connecting line 155. As soon as the light source 151 is switched on by the processing module 161, the balustrade panel 45 is flooded with light and backlights the semi-transparent coating of the output device 157. Since the balustrade panel 45 is arranged at the eye level of most users of the travel device 1, it attracts attention and thereby reduces the willingness to use the driving device 1 improperly.

In order to fasten the wedge insert 53 and the balustrade panel 45 in the clamping profile 33, the barrier 31 has a clamping wedge 59 with a wedge-shaped cross-section, which is arranged between the second side surface 49 of the balustrade panel 45 and the second groove surface 41. To ensure secure and permanent clamping of the balustrade panel 45 in the V-shaped groove 35, the wedge angle α of the wedge leg 55 and the wedge angle β of the clamping wedge 59 must be smaller than the angle of a friction cone, which is present between the first groove surface 39 and the wedge leg 55 or the second groove surface 41 and the clamping wedge 59. The angle of the friction cone, which is another description of the friction coefficient between these components, depends on the surface roughness and the materials used for the clamping profile 33, the wedge insert 53, and the clamping wedge 59. For multi-part balustrade panels 45, the wedge inserts 53 and the clamping wedges 59 are preferably arranged in the clamping profile 33 such that they overlap two adjacent panel sections 46.

The V-shaped groove 35 also has a projection 61 narrowing the groove opening 43 on the first groove surface 39 provided for the wedge insert 53. This projection 61 provides the wedge insert 53 with better grip in the V-shaped groove 35, so that it does not slip when the balustrade panel 45 is inserted. To further improve this grip, an elastic element 63 can be arranged on the wedge leg 55 of the wedge insert 53. When the wedge insert 53 is inserted into the V-shaped groove 35, this elastic element 63 clamps the wedge leg 55 between the projection 61 and the groove base 37.

To prevent the V-shaped groove 35 from filling with water and dirt, sealing profiles 65, 67 made of elastomer material such as rubber, nitrile rubber, and the like are arranged at the groove mouth 43 on both sides of the balustrade panel 45. To enable the sealing profiles 65, 67 to be installed, fastening structures 69 are formed on both sides of the groove mouth 43 of the V-shaped groove 35. The fastening structures 69 (shown as a tongue and groove connection) correspond to corresponding formations on the sealing profiles 65, 67. The tongue and groove fastening structure 69 shown in Figure 2 is just one of the countless possible designs for fastening the sealing profile 65, 67 in the groove mouth 43 and therefore not reduced to this one representation.

In order to be able to fasten the barrier 31 to the moving device 1, a T-shaped groove 71 is formed on a side of the clamping profile 33 facing away from the V-shaped groove 35. Fastening means 73, such as square or hexagon screw heads, can be arranged in this groove, wherein their position in the longitudinal direction L of the clamping profile 33 can be freely selected. This simple and robust construction enables the clamping profile 33 to be fastened, for example, to a support 75, as is also shown in Figures 1 and 3, or to a box-shaped balustrade 91, as shown in Figure 4. Of course, other structures such as bores with internal threads, clampable projections, and the like can also be formed on the clamping profile 33 in order to be able to connect it to the moving device 1.

Figure 3 shows a cross-section through the entire barrier 31 and the balustrade 9 of the moving device 1 shown in Figure 1. In addition to the clamping profile 33, the balustrade panel 45, the wedge insert 53, and the locking wedge 59, the barrier 31 has a support 75, which is provided at one end with a foot fastening area 77 and at the other end with a head fastening area 79. The head fastening area 79 is connected to the clamping profile 33 by means of fastening elements 73 arranged in the T-shaped groove 71 of the clamping profile 33. The foot fastening area 77 of the support 75 is screwed to a balustrade clamp 103 of the moving device 1, and the balustrade clamp 103 is attached to a supporting structure 101 (only the upper chord of which is shown) of the moving device 1. The supporting structure 101 is the load-bearing structure that accommodates all components of the travel device 1 and supports its mass and its own mass in the structure 3. A glass panel 11 of the balustrade 9 is clamped in the clamping device of the balustrade clamp 103.

To ensure that the support 75 can be manufactured in large series rather than on a custom basis, a telescopic device 81 is arranged between the head fastening area 79 and the foot fastening area 77. The telescopic device 81 is implemented by a two-part support tube, wherein the two parts of the support tube are connected to one another by a thread 83 and allow adjustment in the axial direction A By means of the telescopic device 81, a distance X between the head fastening area 79 and the foot fastening area 77 can be fixedly adjusted, so that on the one hand, manufacturing tolerances of the supporting structure 101 can be compensated and on the other hand, the desired height HA (see Figure 1) of the balustrade panels 45 can be adjusted.

The barrier 31 also has a connecting element 85, one end of which is connected to the support 75. The other end of the connecting element 85 is attached to the handrail guide profile 13 of the moving device 1 mentioned above. As a result, the support 75 and the balustrade 9 of the moving device 1 mutually stabilize each other against the forces acting on the balustrade 9 and the barrier 31 transversely to the longitudinal direction L (see also Figure 1) of the barrier 31.

In contrast to Figure 2, the balustrade panel 45 shown in Figure 3 has two transparent plates 165 and a dispensing device 167 (preferably an OLED screen film) arranged between these plates 165. To ensure that the transparent plates 165 are firmly joined together even at edge areas not clamped in the clamping profile 33, the balustrade panel 45 can have an edge protection profile 163. Of course, the transparent plates 165 and the dispensing device 167 can also be glued together with a transparent adhesive applied over the entire surface; in this case, the edge protection profile 163 may be unnecessary. This design has the advantage that the dispensing device 167 is better protected against harsh climatic conditions and acts of vandalism. The dispensing device 167 is connected to a connecting line 155 arranged below the balustrade panel 45 in the clamping profile 33.

Figure 4 shows an enlarged partial cross-section through a box-shaped balustrade 91 of a moving device 1 and the barrier 31 attached to it. Box-shaped balustrades 91 have an inner metal construction 93 made of metal profiles, which are covered with cladding sheets 95. Such box-shaped balustrades 91, also called metal balustrades, are usually installed in heavily used moving devices 1 in public buildings, for example in subway stations, railway stations and airports. Since the box-shaped Since balustrades 91 already have a high inherent rigidity and strength, a support 75 can be omitted. Instead, the clamping profile 33 of the barrier 31 is screwed onto simple brackets 97 that are attached to the inner metal structure 93. The bracket 97 shown as an example can be part of the barrier 31 or part of the box-shaped balustrade 91 of the moving device 1.

In contrast to the wedge insert 53 shown in Figure 2, the channel 58 of the wedge insert 53 shown in Figure 4 is arranged on the opposite side of the base leg 57. In other words, the channel 58 is arranged on the side of the base leg 57 which, when the wedge insert 53 is inserted into the V-shaped groove 35 and the balustrade panel 45 is inserted, is directed towards the lower edge 51 of the balustrade panel 45. This design has the advantage that, for example, the connecting cable 155 and, if applicable, a lighting device 151 (not shown) can be laid very easily in the V-shaped groove 35. In addition, no opening 54 (see Figure 2) is required, since a luminaire 151 arranged in the channel 58 can also be arranged in the area of the wedge insert 53 between the base leg 57 and the lower edge 51 of the balustrade panel 45.

In addition, the balustrade panel 45 is provided with an output device 159 on its side facing away from the handrail 15. In the present embodiment, the output device 159 is an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) screen foil that is glued to the first side surface 47 of the transparent balustrade panel 45. The connection lines 181 from the output device 159 to the connecting line 155 are only shown in Figure 5 and are described further below.

Furthermore, a receiving structure 171 for a sensor 173 or an output device 169 (see Figure 6) is formed in the clamping profile 33. In the present embodiment, an infrared sensor is installed in the receiving structure 171. Of course, other sensors 173, such as a laser scanner, a radar sensor, a TOF camera, a LIDAR sensor, and the like, can also be installed. As indicated by the infrared light beam 174 emitted by the dash-dotted line and the receiving direction 175 symbolized by the double-dash line, the receiving structure 171 directs the installed sensor 173 toward a predetermined area 16, such as the surroundings of the Handrail 15. The receiving structure 171 has a passage 177 to the V-shaped groove 35 so that the sensor 173 can be connected to the connecting line 155.

Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional exploded view of a section of the barrier 31 shown in Figure 4 without the box-shaped balustrade 91 and without brackets 97. The balustrade panel 45 is divided into panel sections 46. Adjacent panel sections 46 are mechanically firmly connected to one another by means of panel connectors 145 and by clamping in the clamping profile 33. OLED screen films are adhesively attached to the first side surfaces 47 of the panel sections 46 and serve as an output device 159. Alternatively, a liquid crystal display (LCD) can also be arranged as the output device 159. In this case, the panel sections 46 are preferably made of edge-illuminated acrylic gas that couples out light via the side surfaces and can be illuminated by the illuminant 151 shown by a broken line in order to backlight the liquid crystal display. The illuminant 151 directed towards the lower edge 51 of the balustrade panel 45 is arranged in the V-shaped groove 35 of the clamping profile 33 and guided through the channel 58 of the wedge insert 53.

In order for the output device 159 to be controlled for the purpose of reproducing visually perceptible content, it has connecting connections 181 that are connected to the connecting line 155 arranged in the V-shaped groove 35. The arrangement of the connecting connections 181 and the wedge inserts 53 can be coordinated such that one wedge insert 53 fits between two connecting connections 181.

As already mentioned, the barrier can have a processing module 161, which is connected to the connecting line 155 and thus to the sensor 173 (see Figure 4) and/or the output device 159 and/or the lighting means 151. The processing module 161 is designed to perform at least one of the functions described below. The processing module 161 can, for example, receive data from the sensor 173 shown in Figure 4, process it, store it, and/or forward it. Data can also be received, processed, and forwarded from a controller (not shown) of the driving device 1 or from sensors (not shown) installed in the driving device 1. Furthermore, data can also be received from an external monitoring system (not shown) and/or from an external data storage device (not shown). Such data includes, for example, video sequences to be played on the output device 159 shown in Figures 4 and 5.

The data can be processed by the processing module 161, for example, by analyzing and evaluating sensor data and generating suitable signals in response to the received data. Known evaluation algorithms and analysis methods from the field of electronic surveillance are used here, for example, artificial intelligence trained through various deliberately staged situations. The processing module 161 can output a signal based on the processed data, for example, an acoustic alarm signal via the output device 169 (loudspeaker) shown in Figure 6 and/or a visual message via the output device 159 arranged on the balustrade panel 45. The processing module 161 can also control the lighting device 151 installed in the barrier 31 in order to create the situation-appropriate ambience on the moving device 1 mentioned above or to backlight a print or liquid crystal screen arranged as an output device 157, 159.

Figure 6 shows a larger view of section B shown in Figure 2. In this embodiment, the channel 58 of the wedge insert 53 is arranged on the side of the base leg 57 which, when the wedge insert 53 is inserted into the V-shaped groove 35, is directed towards the groove base 37. This creates a broad support for the lower edge 51 of the balustrade panel 45. As already mentioned above, at least one opening 54 is provided through the base leg 57 so that the light 99 emitted by the illuminant 151 can also reach the lower edge 51 of the balustrade panel 45 in the area of the wedge insert 53. The light strip used as the illuminant 151 has an integrated connecting line 155.

The clamping profile 33 also has a receiving structure 171 (not shown in Figure 2), in which a loudspeaker serving as an output device 196 is installed instead of a sensor. This loudspeaker is connected to a further connecting line 155 arranged in the V-shaped groove 35. The feedthrough 177 is clearly visible here. better visible than in Figure 4.

To facilitate the assembly of the barrier 31, the channel 58 has a positioning means 153. In the present embodiment, the positioning means 153 forms two chamfers with a chamfer angle y, which are configured on the two edges of the mouth 158 of the channel 58. The dimensions of the positioning means 153 are adapted to a contour or a cross-section 56 of the illuminant 151 and/or the connecting line 155 in such a way that it positions the illuminant 151 transversely to the longitudinal direction L (see Figure 1) of the clamping profile 33 in the channel 58 during and after assembly of the barrier 31. The illustrated positioning means 153 represents only one of many different possibilities for positioning the illuminant 151 and/or the connecting line 155 in the channel 58. Lugs, projections, grooves, rounded portions on the mouth 158 and the like can also be used as positioning means 153, provided they are matched to the illuminant 151 or the connecting line 155 intended for installation.

Figure 7 shows a possible assembly method for a barrier 31 according to the invention of the aforementioned type. The sequence of steps does not necessarily have to be adhered to, so that other reasonable sequences of these steps are also included within the scope of protection. Particular attention is drawn to the explanations regarding Figure 5, which may require an adjustment of the sequence of steps.

In a step S1 of the assembly process, the clamping profile 33 is firmly connected to the carriage 1 by supports 75, connecting elements 85, or brackets 97 (see Figures 3 and 4). In addition, a connecting cable 155 configured as a flat cable is laid in the V-shaped groove 35. The connecting cable 155 has connection connections 181 configured as contact fingers.

In a further step S2, the wedge insert 53 or several wedge inserts 53 are inserted into the V-shaped groove 35, so that the base leg 57 of the respective wedge insert 53 rests on the groove base 37 of the V-shaped groove 35. In this case, the connecting line 155 is "automatically" guided by the process described in Figure 7. Positioning means 153 is positioned and fixed in the channel 58 of the wedge insert 53.

In a further step S3, a first sealing profile 65 is fastened above the wedge leg 55 of the wedge insert 53 or the plurality of wedge inserts 53 to the fastening structure 69 provided for this purpose.

In a further step S4, a balustrade panel 45 or several panel sections 46 are inserted into the V-shaped groove 35 so that their lower edge 51 rests on the base leg 57 of the wedge insert 53 and the wedge leg 55 is arranged between the first groove surface 39 of the V-shaped groove 35 and the first side surface 47 of the balustrade panel 45. The balustrade panel 45, which is designed as described above with reference to Figure 3, has an integrated dispensing device 167. The dispensing device 167 contacts the connecting connections 181 when the balustrade panel 45 is inserted. Of course, other variants of connecting connections 181 can also be used, for example by connecting the dispensing device 167 to the connecting line 155 before the balustrade panel 45 is inserted.

In a further step S5, one or more clamping wedges 59 are arranged and pressed in between the second side surface 49 of the balustrade panel 45 and the second groove surface 41.

In a further step S6, a second sealing profile 67 is fastened above the clamping wedge 59 or the plurality of clamping wedges 59 to the fastening structure 69 provided for this purpose.

The aforementioned steps S1 to S6 can also be part of a method for modernizing an existing driving device 1, in which this driving device 1 is equipped with a barrier 31 according to the invention.

Although Figure 1 clearly depicts a travel device 1 configured as an escalator, it is obvious that the barrier 31 and the associated method can also be used for moving walkways. Furthermore, two oppositely arranged channels 58 can also be provided in the base leg 57 of the wedge insert 53. Furthermore, it is also possible for a plurality of receiving structures 171 to be arranged in the longitudinal direction L of the clamping profile 33, and for these to be alternately equipped with a sensor 173 or with an output device 169. The output devices 169 installed in the receiving structures 171 do not necessarily have to be loudspeakers, but can also be lighting devices or a combination of loudspeakers and lighting devices, which are activated by the processing module 161 in accordance with the evaluated sensor signals from the sensors 173.

Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "having," "comprising," etc., do not exclude other elements or steps, and terms such as "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A barrier (31) for protecting users from falling in a moving device (1) designed as an escalator or moving walkway, said barrier (31) being designed to be mounted on the moving device (1) next to a handrail (15) that is movable all the way around a balustrade (9) of the moving device (1), wherein in the mounted state the barrier (31) extends parallel to the handrail (15) and projects above the balustrade (9) or the handrail (15) at a height (HA), and wherein the barrier (31) comprises: • a clamping profile (33) with a V-shaped groove (35) which extends in the longitudinal direction (L) of the clamping profile (33) therein, wherein the V-shaped groove (35) is delimited by a groove base (37) and two groove surfaces (39, 41) and the groove surfaces (39, 41) are arranged opening at an angle to one another, starting from the groove base (37) and towards a groove mouth (43); • a balustrade panel (45) which has two parallel side surfaces (47, 49) and a lower edge (51) and is arranged in the V-shaped groove (35) in the region of its lower edge (51); • a clamping wedge (59) with a wedge-shaped cross-section, which is arranged between the second side surface (49) of the balustrade panel (45) and the second groove surface (41); characterized in that the barrier (31) further comprises: • an L-shaped wedge insert (53) with a wedge leg (55) and a base leg (57), wherein the wedge leg (55) is wedge-shaped in its cross-section and is arranged between the first side surface (47) of the balustrade panel (45) and the first groove surface (39), and the base leg (57) is arranged between the lower edge (51) of the balustrade panel (45) and the groove base (37), and a channel (58) is formed in the base leg (57) which extends parallel to the V-shaped groove (35); and • at least one sensor (173) and/or one output device (157, 159, 167, 169) for visual, acoustic or audiovisual outputs and at least one connecting line (155) for the sensor (173) or the output device (157, 159, 167, 169), wherein the connecting line (155) is arranged in the V-shaped groove (35) and is guided through the channel (58) of the wedge insert (53). 2. Barrier (31) according to claim 1, wherein a receiving structure (171) for the sensor (173) or the output device (169) is formed in the clamping profile (33), and wherein the receiving structure (171) is designed to align the built-in sensor (173) or the built-in output device (169) with a predetermined area (16). 3. Barrier (31) according to claim 2, wherein the sensor (173) or the output device (169) is arranged in the receiving structure (171) and connected to the connecting line (155). 4. Barrier (31) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the balustrade panel (45) is provided with an OLED screen film serving as an output device (159, 167), and the OLED screen film is connected to the connecting line (155). 5. Barrier (31) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the balustrade panel (45) is made of transparent material and is provided with a semi-transparent coating serving as an output device (157), wherein a lighting means (151) directed towards the lower edge of the balustrade panel (45) is arranged in the V-shaped groove (35) and guided through the channel (58) of the wedge insert (53) and the lighting means (151) is connected to the connecting line (155). 6. Barrier (31) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the balustrade panel (45) is made of transparent, edge-illuminated acrylic gas which couples out light via the side surfaces and is provided with a liquid crystal screen serving as an output device (159), wherein a lighting means (151) directed towards the lower edge (51) of the balustrade panel (45) is arranged in the V-shaped groove (35) and guided through the channel (58) of the wedge insert (53), and the lighting means (151) and the output device (159) are connected to the connecting line (155). 7. Barrier (31) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein it comprises a processing module (161) which is connected to the connecting line (155) and is designed to perform at least one of the following functions: receiving data; processing data; outputting a signal based on processed data; controlling a lighting means (151); controlling an output device (159, 167, 169). 8. Barrier (31) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the channel (58) has a positioning means (153) which is matched to the lighting means (151) and/or the connecting line (155) and positions the lighting means (151) or the connecting line (155) during and after assembly of the barrier (31) transversely to the longitudinal direction (L) of the clamping profile (33) in the channel (58). 9. Barrier (31) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the channel (58) is arranged on that side of the base leg (57) which, when the wedge insert (53) is inserted into the V-shaped groove (35), is directed towards the groove base (37) and wherein at least one opening (54) through the base leg (57) is present. 10. Barrier (31) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the channel (58) is arranged on that side of the base leg (57) which, when the wedge insert (53) is inserted into the V-shaped groove (35) and the balustrade panel (45) is inserted, is directed towards the lower edge (51) of the balustrade panel (45). 11. Barrier (31) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein fastening structures (69) for an elastic sealing profile (65) are formed on both sides of the groove mouth (43) of the V-shaped groove (35). 12. Barrier (31) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein it has a support (75) which is provided at one end with a foot fastening area (77) and at the other end with a head fastening area (79), wherein the head fastening area (79) is connected to the clamping profile (33) by means of fastening means (73) and the foot fastening area (77) is intended to be fastened to a supporting structure (101) of a driving device (1). 13. A travel device (1) designed as an escalator or moving walkway, with a revolving conveyor belt (5), characterized by at least one barrier (31) according to one of claims 1 to 12, which barrier (31) is mounted on the travel device (1) next to a handrail (15) which is movable in a revolving manner on a balustrade (9) of the travel device (1), wherein in the mounted state the barrier (31) extends parallel to the balustrade (9) and projects above the balustrade (9) or the handrail (15) at a height (HA), and wherein the barrier (31) is arranged on the side of the handrail (15) facing away from the conveyor belt (5). 14. A method for modernising a transport device which is designed as an escalator or moving walkway, characterized in that an existing transport device is equipped with a barrier according to one of claims 1 to 12. 15. Assembly method for a barrier (31) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the assembly method comprises at least the following steps: • Arrangement of a connecting line (155) and, if provided, a lighting means (151) in the V-shaped groove (35); • Inserting the wedge insert (53) into the V-shaped groove (35) so that the base leg (57) of the wedge insert (53) rests on the groove base (37) of the V-shaped groove (35), wherein the connecting line (155) and, if provided, a lighting means (151) are guided through the channel (58) of the wedge insert (53); • Inserting the balustrade panel (45) into the V-shaped groove (35) so that its lower edge (51) rests on the base leg (57) of the wedge insert (53) and the wedge leg (55) is arranged between the first groove surface (39) of the V-shaped groove (35) and the first side surface (47) of the balustrade panel (45); and • Position and press in the clamping wedge (59) between the second side surface (49) of the balustrade panel (45) and the second groove surface (41).