U.S. patent application number 11/719545 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-12 for people conveyor glass bastustrade lighting.
Invention is credited to Bernward Engelke, Frank Kirchhoff, Andreas Vogt, Frank Wiegand.
Application Number | 20090067162 11/719545 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35447919 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090067162 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vogt; Andreas ; et
al. |
March 12, 2009 |
PEOPLE CONVEYOR GLASS BASTUSTRADE LIGHTING
Abstract
People conveyor (2) having an endless people transportation band
(4) and an endless handrail (6), a glass balustrade (8) arranged
laterally to the transportation band (4) and supporting the
handrail (6), and a profile (10, 12) having an U-shaped channel
(38) for engaging the glass balustrade (8) and comprising an
Illumination cavity (44), wherein a plurality of LEDs is arranged
in the illumination cavity (44).
Inventors: |
Vogt; Andreas;
(Wiedenbrugge, DE) ; Wiegand; Frank; (Nienstaedt,
DE) ; Kirchhoff; Frank; (Bedin, DE) ; Engelke;
Bernward; (Hildesheim, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CARLSON GASKEY & OLDS
400 W MAPLE STE 350
BIRMINGHAM
MI
48009
US
|
Family ID: |
35447919 |
Appl. No.: |
11/719545 |
Filed: |
November 26, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
November 26, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2004/013453 |
371 Date: |
May 17, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
362/146 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B66B 23/22 20130101;
B01J 23/08 20130101; B01J 37/16 20130101; B01J 23/62 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/146 |
International
Class: |
F21S 2/00 20060101
F21S002/00; B66B 23/22 20060101 B66B023/22 |
Claims
1-19. (canceled)
20. A people conveyor, comprising: an endless people transportation
band; an endless handrail; a glass balustrade arranged laterally to
the transportation band and supporting the handrail; and a profile
for engaging the glass balustrade and comprising an illumination
cavity that is disposed between the profile and the glass
balustrade, wherein a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) is
arranged in the illumination cavity.
21. People conveyor according to claim 20, wherein the LEDs are
arranged to project light through an edge of the glass
balustrade.
22. People conveyor according to claim 20, wherein the profile
comprises a U-shaped channel for engaging the glass balustrade and
wherein the illumination cavity is an extension of the U-shaped
channel.
23. People conveyor according to any claim 22, wherein the U-shaped
channel has a depth direction which is defined in parallel to
lateral walls of the U-shaped channel in a direction from an open
mouth to a base of the U, and wherein the illumination cavity is an
extension of the U-shaped channel in the depth direction.
24. People conveyor according to claim 22, wherein the U-shaped
channel has a depth direction which is defined in parallel to
lateral walls of the U-shaped channel in a direction from an open
mouth to a base of the U, and wherein the illumination cavity is an
extension of the U-shaped channel in one of the lateral walls and
perpendicular to the depth direction.
25. People conveyor according to claim 22, comprising an elastic
interlayer between the profile and the glass balustrade along
lateral walls of the U-shaped channel and wherein the elastic
interlayer is also provided between walls of the illumination
cavity and the LEDs.
26. People conveyor according to claim 20, comprising a potting
material mounting the LEDs into the illumination cavity.
27. People conveyor according to claim 26, wherein the potting
material is transparent.
28. People conveyor according to claim 26, wherein the potting
material has a good coefficient of thermal conduction.
29. People conveyor according to claim 20, wherein the LEDs are
electrically connected with an electrical power source so that the
LEDs can be switched to selectively power selected individual LEDs
or selected groups of LEDs.
30. People conveyor according to claim 29, comprising a bus system
for separately switching the LEDs.
31. People conveyor according to claim 20, comprising a plurality
of screws securing the profile to the glass balustrade.
32. People conveyor according to claim 20, wherein the profile is
attached on the top of the glass balustrade and forms a guide
support for the handrail.
33. People conveyor according to claim 20, wherein the profile is
attached to a base structure of the people conveyor and supports
the glass balustrade.
34. People conveyor according to claim 33, comprising means for an
electrostatic grounding of the handrail.
35. People conveyor according to claim 20, wherein a portion of
each LED is supported on a common printed circuit board.
36. People conveyor according to claim 20, wherein the profile is
formed of a plurality of profile segments adjoined with each other
in a longitudinal direction of the profile and wherein electrical
connectors are provided at longitudinal ends of the profile
segments for electrically connecting the profile segments with each
other.
37. People conveyor according to claim 20, wherein the profile
comprises fins or rips for increasing heat dissipation.
38. People conveyor according to claim 20, wherein the profile
comprises a U-shaped channel for engaging the glass balustrade and
the illumination cavity is an extension of the U-shaped channel in
which the plurality of LEDs is arranged.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to people conveyors having an
endless people transportation band and an endless handrail, a glass
balustrade arranged laterally to the transportation band and
supporting the handrail, and a profile for engaging the glass
balustrade and comprising an illumination cavity.
[0002] People conveyors of this type are known for example from DE
42 09 505 C1 and WO 02/20378 A1. Particularly, the people conveyor
can be an escalator or moving walkway. Accordingly, the endless
people transportation band can comprise a plurality of individual
steps or pallets which are arranged one after the other so as to
form the endless revolving transportation band. Alternatively, an
elastic endless belt can form the transportation band. The handrail
is preferably movable together with the endless people
transportation band.
[0003] Illumination of the glass balustrade is advantageous for
safety reasons as well as for aesthetic reasons. "Glass balustrade"
in the context of the present application refers to balustrades
made of transparent or translucent material which does not
necessarily have to be glass. It is particularly advantageous to
illuminate the transportation band and particularly the steps in
case of an escalator. At present standard escalators have a tube
lightening for illuminating the glass balustrade. However, the tube
lighting requires substantial space and a slim appealing balustrade
design cannot easily be achieved, particularly if it is desired to
illuminate the glass balustrade from above, i.e. from under the
handrail. The above-mentioned prior art documents and similarly
U.S. Pat. No. 6,129,442 suggest to use light-guides for guiding
light from a light source to the profile on top of the balustrade.
Moreover, such prior art documents suggest to use a transparent
material for the profile, particularly if it is desired to
illuminate the glass balustrade from the small peripheral or top
front side, since a separate illumination cavity is provided within
the profile for retaining the light-guide within the profile. Both
features, i.e. the transparent profile and the separate required
illumination cavity, are generally not present in existing people
conveyor installations so that re-equipping of existing people
conveyors with under handrail illumination is virtually
impossible.
[0004] Moreover, the existing systems do not allow separate
switching of sections or spots to be illuminated along the glass
balustrade which might be desired in order to highlight information
as provided on the glass balustrade or for any aesthetic
reason.
[0005] Another point is that such light-guide systems require very
strong illumination sources in order to provide sufficient light
intensity along the complete glass balustrade. Such light sources
are typically arranged within the upper or lower landings and
consume a large amount of space which might not be available in
some applications. Typically they also consume a relatively large
amount of energy.
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a people
conveyor of the type as described above, which has a high
illumination intensity, requires minimum amount of space for the
light source, particularly in the upper an lower landing areas,
provides durable and low-energy-consumption light sources, and
provides the option for individually switching sections or spots of
the illumination along the glass balustrade.
[0007] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
this object is solved by a people conveyor as described above,
wherein a plurality of LEDs (light emitting diodes) is arranged in
the illumination cavity.
[0008] The LEDs are arranged so as to direct the light into the
edge or the peripheral face of the glass balustrade and/or into one
or both lateral side surfaces thereof. The LEDs are individual
light sources which can be switched individually, and as they are
distributed along the length of the profile, it is possible to
illuminate selected portions of the glass balustrade. The LEDs only
require a power source which can be very compact and which can be
placed conveniently within the people conveyor. Moreover, the LEDs
may have a high illumination density. As compared to lighting
tubes, the LEDs consume much less space so that it is possible to
re-equip existing profiles with LED glass balustrade illumination.
Due to the fact that the LEDs are arranged individually, it is easy
to illuminate also the newel bows of the handrail. It is further
possible to use LEDs of different colors or LEDs which can produce
different colors depending on how they are controlled. Thus it is
possible to generate different light and color effects both for
aesthetic and warning purposes. The very small voltage required for
feeding the LEDs is another advantage of using LEDs. Even if, for
whatever reason, the passengers get in contact with the conductors
feeding the LEDs, the voltage will do no harm to them. A further
advantage is small power consumption by the LEDs and the relatively
small heat generation by the LEDs.
[0009] Preferably, the profile comprises an U-shaped channel and
the illumination cavity is an extension of the U-shaped channel.
Alternatively, the profile can be made of a transparent or
translucent material and the illumination cavity can be provided
separately from the U-shaped channel engaging the glass balustrade.
If, however, the illumination cavity is en extension of the
U-shaped channel so that the LEDs are in direct optical contact
with the glass balustrade, the profile can be made from a material
having a good thermal conductivity, for example metal material, and
preferably an aluminium or aluminium alloy. Despite that fact that
LEDs produce only small amounts of heat, they produce heat which so
needs to be dissipated. Transparent profiles as mentioned above are
made of resin material which typically is not a good thermal
conductor. If LEDs are used in a illumination cavity in such a
resin profile, and if no means for dissipating thermal energy are
provided, the LEDs have to operate at elevated temperatures which
might cause premature failure of the LEDs. The use of the LEDs in
combination with a profile made from a material having a good
thermal conductivity insures good thermal dissipation and
reasonable operating temperatures for the LEDs.
[0010] Preferably, a potting material is used for mounting the LEDs
into the illumination cavity. Generally it is an advantage of the
potting material to position the LEDs securely within the
illumination cavity, since this facilitates assembling the people
conveyor. Moreover, by using the potting material the LEDs are
fixed in place so that the illumination direction thereof will be
maintained. Preferably, the potting material is any kind of
plastics material. It may be a flexible material in the hardened
condition which allows for easy installation of the pottered LEDs
into the profile and facilities flexing of the profile for example
in the newel portion. For example an epoxy resin can be used.
[0011] It is possible to pot the LEDs in the potting material
outside the body of the light profile and to assemble this potted
illumination band into the body only there-after. In this case
flexible potting material is particularly preferred. It is also
possible to provide a support, for example an U-shaped channel made
from metal, aluminium, plastics material, etc., supporting the LEDs
and the potting material, forming together with the LEDs and the
potting material an illumination band. Such illumination band can
be mounted into the light profile.
[0012] Preferably, the potting material is clear like glass or
water, transparent or translucent. By using a transparent potting
material it is possible to completely enclose the LEDs within the
potting material. It might also be preferred to not completely
enclose the LEDs within the potting material but to have the
illuminating side of the LEDs extending out of the potting
material. In this case there is no need to use a transparent
potting material.
[0013] Preferably, the potting material has a good coefficient of
thermal conduction. Such potting material ensures a good
dissipation of the heat produced by the LEDs into the profile
material and, away from the LEDs and the illumination cavity.
[0014] Preferably, the LEDs are electrically connected with an
electrical power source so that individual LEDs and/or groups of
LEDs can be switched separately. A control, such as a conventional
microprocessor or the like, can be used for controlling such
separate switching. It is possible to not only produce static
illumination, but to also produce a moving or timely varying
illumination. Thus a moving illumination can display the
transportation direction of the people conveyor, for example by way
of a moving bar or arrow.
[0015] It is also possible to dim and/or change the color of all or
some of the LEDs and to have a timely varying or moving dim effect
and/or color change effect.
[0016] Preferably, a bus system is provided for separately
switching the LEDs. A bus system can substantially reduce the
wiring for the LEDs and thus reduce space consumption in the
profile.
[0017] Preferably, the U-shaped channel has a depth direction which
is defined in parallel to lateral walls of the U-shaped channel in
the direction from the open mouth to the base of the U, wherein the
illumination cavity is an extension of the U-shaped channel in the
depth direction. Using such profile shape, the LEDs can be placed
and potted, respectively, in the profile with the illumination side
thereof opposite to the peripheral front face of the glass
balustrade. Moreover, the manufacturing of such an illumination is
very simple because the LEDs can be easily mounted in such an
enlarged channel.
[0018] Preferably, the U-shaped channel has a depth direction which
is defined in parallel to the lateral walls of the U-shaped channel
in the direction from the open mouth to the base of the U, and
wherein the illumination cavity is an extension of the U-shaped
channel in one of the lateral walls thereof and perpendicular to
the depth direction. This construction brings the illuminating side
of the LEDs into an opposed position with respect to one of the
lateral surfaces of the glass panel. It is possible to angle the
LEDs and possibly also the illumination cavity with respect to the
depth direction of the U-shaped channel and the plane of the glass
balustrade, respectively, so as to let the LEDs radiate into the
glass panel with an angle between 0.degree. and
90.degree./preferably between 10.degree. and 80.degree. and most
preferred between 30.degree. and 60.degree. with respect to a plane
of the glass panel.
[0019] Preferably, an elastic interlayer is provided between the
profile and the glass balustrade along the lateral walls of the
U-shaped channel and, preferably, such an interlayer is also
provided between walls of the illumination cavity and the LEDs. By
using such a construction, the mounting of the LEDs into the
illumination cavity and particularly the potting of the LEDs
therein can be used for securing such elastic interlayer within the
profile. It is possible to use a translucent or transparent elastic
interlayer. There is no need to provide such an interlayer between
the walls of the illumination cavity and the LEDs, but it can be
provided between the LEDs and the glass balustrade.
[0020] Preferably, the profile is screwed to the glass profile by
means of a plurality of screws. With existing constructions the
profile is fixed to the balustrade by way of spring means which are
biased against the glass balustrade for fixing the profile thereon.
Spring means are not easy to manufacture and to install. Typically,
such spring means have to be customised for the particular
application so that there are relatively expensive components.
Screws can be taken from stock and are relatively inexpensive
compared to such spring means.
[0021] Preferably, the profile is attached on top of the glass
balustrade and forms a guide support for the handrail.
[0022] Preferably, the profile is attached to a base structure of
the people conveyor and supports the glass balustrade. By using the
profiles according to the present invention for supporting the
glass balustrade and for supporting the handrail, illumination for
the glass balustrade can be provided from the top and from the
bottom so that a very high illumination intensity and equal
intensity distribution over the glass balustrade can be
realized.
[0023] Preferably, means for electrostatic grounding of the
handrail are provided. The moving handrail is typically made of an
elastomeric material which is subjected to electrostatic charging
thereof. In the effect, very high voltages can be generated which
might destroy the LEDs. In order to ensure prolonged lifetime of
the LEDs an electrostatic grounding is preferred together with the
LED illumination.
[0024] Preferably, at least a portion of the LEDs is supported on a
common printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is
preferably flexible. Particularly, the LEDs can be surface mounted
to the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board can include
the conductors for feeding the LEDs. It can further comprise data
lines, for example the data bus of the bus system, and can further
include logic elements to be used with respect to each individual
LED or groups of individual LEDs together with the bus system.
[0025] Preferably, the profile of the people conveyor is formed of
a plurality of profile segments which are joined with each other in
longitudinal direction of the profile and which preferably have
electrical connectors provided at longitudinal ends of the profile
segments for electrically connecting the profile segments with each
other. Preferably, the LEDs of one profile segment are mounted on a
common printed circuit board.
[0026] Preferably, the profile and the profile segment,
respectively, comprise fins or ribs for increasing heat
dissipation. Such fins or ribs can be provided at the outer side of
the profile, i.e. the side facing the environment. They can also be
provided within the illumination channel in order to increase the
heat dissipation from the LEDs into the material of the profile.
Even if a thermal conductive potting material is used, such
internal fins or ribs can be provided in order to improve the heat
transfer from the potting material to the profile material.
[0027] The invention relates in one embodiment also to a profile
segment for an escalator according to the present invention
comprising an U-shaped channel for engaging the glass balustrade
and an illumination cavity which is preferably an extension of the
U-shaped channel and in which a plurality of LEDs is arranged. It
is to be noted that generally all features as described above with
respect to the people conveyor and which relate to the profile
apply for the profile segment as well.
[0028] Embodiments of the invention are described in greater detail
below with reference to the Figures, wherein:
[0029] FIG. 1 shows a people conveyor having a glass balustrade
illumination according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a cross section view of a profile supporting the
handrail of the people conveyor and part of the glass balustrade in
the inclined area of the people conveyor; and
[0031] FIG. 3 shows a sectional view similar to that of FIG. 2 of
the profile in the newel bow of the people conveyor.
[0032] FIG. 1 shows a people conveyor 2 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. Particularly, the people
conveyor 2 of FIG. 1 is an escalator, but the invention can also be
realized with a moving walkway, etc. The people conveyor 2 has an
endless people transportation band 4 made up from a plurality of
steps which are arranged one next to the other. The people conveyor
2 further includes an endless handrail 6 moving in parallel with
the people transportation band 4. A glass balustrade 8 is arranged
laterally to the transportation band 4 and supports the handrail 6.
Particularly, the handrail 6 is supported by a profile 10 which is
mounted on top of the glass balustrade. Similar to the profile 10,
there is a further profile 12 which is supported by the base
structure 14 of people conveyor 2 and supports the glass
balustrade.
[0033] As will be discussed in detail below, the glass balustrade 8
can be illuminated by an illumination arrangement which is provided
in the profile 10 and/or in the profile 12. The glass balustrade 8
can be structured in a way so as to scatter the light out of the
volume of the glass balustrade 8 in order to illuminate the
transportation band 4 or in order to display information or for
purely decorative purposes. It is possible to have such structures
only in particular areas, for example in the form of an image or
word which is to be displayed. But it is also possible to have such
structure on the complete side surface or both side surfaces of the
glass balustrade 8. The structure can be made by various
techniques, for example blasting techniques like grid blasting or
sand blasting. It is also possible to print such structures on the
surface. Screen printing and particularly screen printing of
ceramic material is most preferred at present.
[0034] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the handrail follows an endless
path through an inclined area 16, a transition area 18, a newel
area 20, where the handrail is guided around a newel bow 22 and
then through a return path 24. In the return path a handrail drive
26 is arranged. A power source 28 for providing power for
illuminating the glass balustrade 8 can be positioned in space 30
below the upper landing or at any other place within the people
conveyor 2 or even outside thereof.
[0035] The profile 10 supporting the handrail 6 as well as the
profile 12 supporting the balustrade 8 can be made up from a
plurality of profile segments 32 which are adjacent to each other
in the longitudinal direction of the profile 10.
[0036] FIG. 2 is a section through the handrail arrangement 34 at
any location of the handrail arrangement except the newel area 20
and the return path 24. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the handrail
arrangement 34 comprises the handrail 6, made of an elastic rubber
material as it is conventional, a sliding guide 36 which is
supported by the profile 10. The profile 10 has an U-shaped channel
38 comprising lateral walls 40. The U of the U-shaped channel 38 is
opening downwardly in the representation of FIG. 2 and has a base
42.
[0037] It is to be noted that the profile 12 also comprises an
U-shaped channel and is in some respect similar to the profile 10.
The profile 12 does not necessarily have any means for guiding the
handrail 6. The profiles 10 and 12 are preferably made of a
material having a good thermal conductivity, for example a metal,
etc. Preferably, the profiles 10, 12 are extruded aluminium or
aluminium alloy profiles. An illumination cavity 44 is provided in
the extension of the U-shaped profile 38. A plurality of LEDs 45 is
arranged in the illumination cavity 44. The LEDs are preferably
those as sold by the German company Osram under the name of LBE67C
POWER TOPLED or LT E67C. A potting material 43 is used for mounting
the LEDs 45 into the illumination cavity. An elastic interlayer 46
is provided between the profile 10 and the glass balustrade 8. As
can be seen in FIG. 2, the elastic interlayer 46 is provided along
the lateral walls 40 of the U-shaped channel 38 and is also
provided along the walls of the illumination cavity. In order to
provide for a good thermal contact between the LEDs and the profile
10 and particularly between the potting material and the profile
10, it is possible to provide openings in the elastic interlayers
46 at least in the area of the illumination cavity in order to make
sure that any heat developed by the LEDs, etc., will be dissipated
through the interlayer 44 and into the profile 10.
[0038] A further option for reducing the temperature as generated
by the illumination in the lighting profile 42, a conductor having
a relatively large cross sectional area can be used for supplying
power to the individual LEDs 51. A wire of the type lapp canel,
oelflid 191, 3G 1.5 mm/16AWG has been found suitable. A power
supply can be provided for supplying power to the LEDs 51 and for
controlling the illumination colour, intensity, etc.) of the LEDs
51. If a plurality of stairs needs to be controlled, for example in
unison within a building, one power supply can be configured as
Master controller. The Master controller or any other power supply
can control the colours via pre-set values or a PC program, static
or dynamic.
[0039] In the representation of FIG. 2, the light as generated by
the LEDs is directed through an edge or peripheral front surface 48
of the balustrade 8 into the volume of the balustrade 8.
[0040] The glass balustrade has a typical width of 10 mm.
Preferably, the illumination band as formed by the LEDs has
substantially the same width as the glass balustrade.
[0041] The profile 10 is fixed to the glass balustrade 8 by way of
screws 50 and preferably by way of self-cutting headless screws 50.
The screw opening may be covered by cover 52.
[0042] FIG. 3 is a sectional view similar to that of FIG. 2, but is
taken in the area of the newel bow 22. In order to reduce friction
between the handrail 6 and the newel bow 22, rollers 54 are
journaled in the profile 10. Particularly, such rollers can be made
of metallic material, for example copper, and it is possible to
ground such rollers in order to avoid electrostatic charging of the
handrail 6. Roller bearings 56 are schematically shown within the
envelope of the roller 54.
[0043] The LEDs 45 are preferably mounted to a flexible printed
circuit board 57 which extends along the length of the illumination
cavity 44. A data bus can be provided on such printed circuit board
57 or separately therefrom in addition to the conductors feeding
electrical power to the LEDs 45. The data bus can be connected with
individual LEDs 45 and/or groups of LEDs 45 in order to separately
illuminate such individual LEDs 45 or groups of LEDs 45. To this
effect, for each individual LED 45 or for each group of LEDs 45 a
data decoder is provided. The data decoder can be integrally formed
on the printed circuit board or can be integrally formed with the
LED 45, but can also be surface mounted to the printed circuit
board or be individually connected with the data bus and the LED(s)
45. Associated to the data decoder a switching means can be
provided for switching power to the respective LED 45 or groups of
LEDs 45 in case that the information on the data bus requires
illumination thereof. Any other circuitry or conductor arrangement
can be used for individually or groupwise switching LEDs 45 on and
off.
[0044] By using such individual or groupwise controller of the LEDs
45, it is possible to have localised illumination on the glass
balustrade 8 or illumination which moves along the glass balustrade
8, for example in unison with the movement of a passenger standing
on the transportation band 4, etc.
* * * * *