Abstract:
A handrail, used in particular for escalators or moving walkways, has a plurality of individual grip elements arranged in a series along the length of the handrail loop. Each grip element has an oval or elliptical outer shell, cover layer or casing that is at least partially transparent. An illumination unit is situated in the interior the shell, cover layer or casing.

Description:
The invention relates to a handrail, particularly to a handrail for escalators or moving walkways. Specifically, the invention relates to the field of handrails for escalators or moving walkways in which the handrail is driven by means of a chain or a belt or the like. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     An endless handrail with a lighting system is known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,866,125 B2. In that case a plurality of charging stations is provided. The charging stations serve for charging a rechargeable battery, which supplies diodes or other light sources with energy. Charging of the rechargeable battery is then carried out by electromagnetic coupling or supply. 
     The handrail known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,866,125 B2 has the disadvantage that the design, particularly with respect to the charging stations operating by electromagnetic coupling or supply, is expensive and due to transmission losses and intermediate storage in the rechargeable battery there is low energy yield and light intensity. Moreover, the integration of the required components in the handrail is very complicated and costly. 
     It is the object of the invention to create handrail in which one or more lighting devices can be operated with (comparatively) low costs. 
     Specifically, it is an object of the invention to create a handrail with a lighting possibility which is produced economically and is usable as universally as possible. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     It is advantageous that the outer shell or cover layer or casing of the base body of the grip element or grip segment has a window element which is associated with the lighting means and that the window element is positioned at least laterally at the base body. For example, the window element can be oriented towards the side or also towards the inner side of the escalator or the moving walkway, so that the lighting effect can be better perceived by a user. Moreover, through the lateral arrangement it is possible to achieve illumination which can replace conventional balustrade illumination. 
     In that case it is additionally advantageous if the outer shell or cover layer or casing has a cross-section which in a grip region is composed of a small oval or elliptical contour and a large oval or elliptical contour, wherein the small oval or elliptical contour is cut at a side of the large oval elliptical contour by the large oval or elliptical contour and wherein the window element in terms of construction or possibility is provided at the large oval or elliptical contour and/or at the small oval or elliptical contour in a region of the cutting. This design of the grip elements of the base body enables different grip positions or handgrip possibilities, wherein gripping from below is also made possible. Children and young people can thereby securely and better hold the handrail. The arrangement of the window element enables good visibility of the lighting means and/or advantageous illumination. In that case, essential parts for the lighting means as well as optionally the lighting means itself can be accommodated in the base body in the region of the large oval or elliptical contour. 
     In advantageous manner a solar element electrically connected with the lighting means is provided in the interior space of the base body. In that case the solar element can be directly connected with the lighting means. The energy for operation of the lighting means can then be obtained from the environment, particularly from the already-present interior space illumination, or it can be obtained from sunlight. The solar element is preferably disposed with respect to the escalator or the moving walkway at the outside or on the outer side, whilst the lighting means is preferably disposed internally or on the inner side of the escalator or the moving walkway. One or more light-emitting diodes, one or more organic light-emitting diodes, one or more electroluminescent films and/or one or more light-emitting nanodiodes and/or one or more small lamps or lamps or fluorescent tubes is or are preferably used as lighting means. 
     It is advantageous if at least one traction means contact element is provided and if the traction means contact element is electrically connected with the lighting means. 
     Moreover, one or more traction means contact elements serve for electrical conducting or contact-making of the traction means. The traction means is preferably formed at least partly from an electrically conductive material or has an electrical conductor mounted at the traction means. For example, the traction means can be formed by a metallic chain or by an embedded steel cable in a belt. The traction means contact element can be designed or constructed as a wiper element, particularly as a mechanical and/or resilient wiper element, as a conductive roller, particularly as a resiliently suspended conductive roller, or the like. An electrical contact or an electrical contact-making of the lighting means with the traction means by way of the traction means contact element is thereby possible. 
     Moreover, it is advantageous if at least one handrail guide contact element is provided and if a further, opposite handrail guide contact element is electrically connected with the lighting means. Consequently, the handrail guide contact element can also serve for electrical contacting or contact-making of a or the handrail guide and/or a conductor rail connected with the handrail guide. The handrail guide can be designed to be electrically conductive or to conduct low current, for example of aluminium or brass or copper or stainless steel or steel, and be connected with a power supply. Moreover, it is possible for several lighting means of different grip elements to be connected together and/or intermittently connected by way of the handrail guide. 
     A further handrail guide contact element can in advantageous manner make possible an electrical contact-making or contacting with a further conductor rail, which is mechanically connected oppositely with the handrail guide rail, but electrically insulated therefrom. The current circuit present can thereby be closed. However, a further advantageous embodiment provides a second current circuit which makes possible additional connections or couplings or collective connections. 
     It is also advantageous if at least one electrical conductor is provided which connects the lighting means of the grip element with one or more further lighting means of other grip elements. The electrical conductor can in that case be designed in advantageous manner as an electrical cable which is led through several lined-up grip elements. Additional switching possibilities are provided by the control cable or cable in order to close the current circuit and to differently activate or switch on the lighting means. It is then also conceivable or possible for two or more electrical conductors to be provided in order to provide intermittent, pulsating, flashing or other forms of lighting up of the lighting means. 
     It is also advantageous if the lighting means of different grip elements are separately or alternately or alternatively activatable in groups. As a result, on the one hand the lighting intensity and/or the light colour can be controlled. On the other hand, different items of information can be displayed, for example travel direction arrows or other symbols (Stop, Attention, Danger). In that case it is also possible for two or more alternatively or alternately or separately activatable lighting means to be accommodated in a grip element. 
     In the case of separate activation, each group of lighting means can be activated independently of the other groups. Thus, for example, in the case of two groups of lighting means activation of only the lighting means of the first group, of only the lighting means of the second group or of both the first group and the second group is possible. In an alternative activation, in each instance only one group is activatable. For example, an alternative activation in the case of travel direction arrows is feasible. In this regard the lighting means can be connected with a diode or designed as light-emitting diodes, wherein the polarity of the first group is different from the polarity of the lighting means of the second group. 
     In the case of an alternating activation it is possible through preselection and/or the switching cycle to light the first light-emitting diode or the second or the third or the fourth, wherein successively five seconds later the next light-emitting diode lights up and the first extinguishes. In continuation, the succeeding light-emitting diode lights up and the second extinguishes, etc. A running light or another, different light effect or a running light effect or a rapid flashing light results. 
     Reference is expressly made to a possible capability of combining the teaching of this application with the teaching of an application filed at the same time by the same applicant. There, a handrail with material characteristics and safety characteristics improved further or to greater extent or more or multiply improved is disclosed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention is described in more detail symbolically and by way of example on the basis of figures. 
       The figures are described conjunctively and generally. The same reference numerals signify the same components and reference numerals with different indices indicate functionally identical or similar components. 
       Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description by way of the accompanying drawings, in which corresponding elements are provided with corresponding reference numerals and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a handrail in a schematic sectional illustration in correspondence with a first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows a handrail in a schematic sectional illustration in correspondence with a second embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  shows a handrail in a schematic sectional illustration in correspondence with a third embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  shows two lined-up grip elements of a handrail, which is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , from the viewing direction denoted by IV and in correspondence with a further embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 5  shows a schematic switching diagram, in the manner of a detail, for a handrail in correspondence with a further embodiment for additional clarification of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  shows a schematic sectional illustration of a handrail  1  in correspondence with a first exemplifying embodiment of the invention. The handrail  1  comprises a plurality of grip elements  2  which are lined up or protrude into one another or engage in one another, wherein one of the grip elements  2  is shown in a sectional illustration in  FIG. 1 . The sectional illustration in that case shows a cross-section of the grip element  2  or grip segment  2  perpendicularly to a running direction of the handrail  1 . The grip element  2  is guided by means of a handrail guide profile member  3 . The handrail guide profile member  3  is connected with a balustrade  4 , which can be formed from, for example, glass or wood or gypsum or steel or aluminium or brass. Support of the movable handrail  1  on the balustrade  4  is thereby provided. The handrail  1  serves especially for escalators or moving walkways, wherein the handrail guide profile member  3  can be provided in sections in the forward run. In particular, in a lower return run region for the handrail  1 , the handrail guide profile member  3  can be interrupted and a different return running or different supporting can take place, for example by way of support rollers. The design of the handrail  1  from a plurality of grip elements  2  enables simple assembly and simple exchange of individual parts or segments or simple maintenance or inspection. The handrail  1  according to the invention is, however, suitable for other applications. 
     The grip element  2  has stiffening ribs  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8 . In that case, even further stiffening ribs can be provided, wherein in  FIG. 1  for simplification of the illustration only the stiffening ribs  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8  are characterised. The stiffening ribs  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8  form suitable mounts for the handrail guide profile member  3 . Moreover, the stiffening ribs  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8  are surrounded by an outer shell  10  or cover layer  10  or casing  10  and are connected therewith. The outer shell  10  or cover layer  10  or casing  10  is formed to be substantially closed, particularly in a grip region  11 . The outer shell  10  or cover layer  10  or casing  10  has, in a lower region, an opening  12  for the handrail guide profile member  3 . The stiffening ribs  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8 , which subdivide the interior space  13 , are provided in an interior space  13  of the grip element  2 , which is bounded by the outer shell  10  or cover layer  10  or casing  10 . Chambers  14 ,  15 ,  16 ,  17  are formed by this subdivision. 
     The handrail  1  is preferably so mounted or assembled that a user looks at the handrail  1  from the viewing direction denoted by IV when he or she uses the escalator or moving walkway. Provided in the chamber  15  on the side  18  of the grip element  2  facing the user is a lighting means mount  19  in which a lighting means  20  is mounted. In that case, a viewing window  21  can be provided preferably at the outer shell  10  or cover layer  10  or casing  10  in the region of the chamber  15 . The outer shell  10  or cover layer  10  or casing  10  is formed to be transparent in the region of the chamber  15  and/or at least in the region of the lighting means  20  by virtue of the viewing window  21  which is possibly present. An entirely translucent outer shell  10  is, moreover, possible and enables a sensational form of illumination. The translucent outer shell  10  can be not only transparent, but also coloured. Furthermore, an apertured or perforated construction of the outer shell  10  is conceivable. In that case, the outer shell  10  is provided in the region of the lighting means  20  with small holes or round holes or four-cornered holes or square holes or rhombic holes or lozenge-shaped holes or rectangular holes or quadrilateral holes or semicircles or semi-ellipses or ellipses, which make possible an unobstructed issue of light. 
     Provided in the interior space  13  of the handrail  1  is a traction means which is formed as a chain  22  and in which the grip element  2  or grip segment  2  engages in suitable manner, for example by means of mounts or pins, which are connected with the outer shell  10  or cover layer  10  or casing  10 . 
     Moreover, a cable  23  or a conductor rail  23  or a feed  23  or a supply  23 , which comprises several electrical conductors, is arranged in the chamber  14  at a side  18 ′ remote from the user. The cable  23  or a conductor rail  23  or a feed  23  or a supply  23  in that case extends through a plurality of identical chambers  14  of lined-up grip elements  2  or grip segments  2 . At least a part of the electrical conductors of the cable  23  or the conductor rail  23  is connected by way of a connecting line  23 ′ with the lighting means  20 , so that several lighting means  20  of different grip elements  2  or grip segments  2  are connected together. 
     In addition, a traction means contact element  25  is provided, which on the one hand is fastened to the reinforcing rib  5  and on the other hand contacts or is contactingly connected with the chain  22 . An electrical line of the cable  23  is electrically connected with the chain  22  or the belt  22  by way of the traction means contact means  25 . The lighting means  20  is thus also electrically connected with the chain  22  or the belt  22 . The traction means is thereby electrically conductive and the electrical energy is transported from there to where it is needed. Moreover, a feed or supply of electrical energy in the traction means, in the handrail return run, is conceivable. Handrail guide contact elements  26  and  26 ′ are provided optionally or additionally. In that case the handrail guide contact element  26  is connected with the stiffening rib  5 . Moreover, the handrail guide contact element  26  wipes an upper side  27  of the handrail guide profile member  3 . Correspondingly, the handrail guide contact element  26 ′ is connected with the stiffening rib  6  and similarly wipes an upper side  27  of the handrail guide profile member  3 . The handrail guide profile member  3  consists of an electrically conductive material, for example of stainless steel or brass or copper or steel or aluminium. An electrical connection and/or current supply between a line of the cable  23  and the handrail guide profile member  3  exists by way of the handrail guide contact elements  26  and  26 ′. The lighting means  20  is also electrically connected with the handrail guide profile member  3  by way of the handrail guide contact element  26 ′. Consequently, through application of a current/voltage, current or electrical energy flows between the chain  22 , or the belt  22 , and the handrail guide profile member  3  to the lighting means  20  and it is supplied with electrical energy. 
     Moreover, it is also possible for the handrail guide profile member  3  to be provided with conductor rails which are insulated from one another. The insulation can be effected by, for example, a non-conductive handrail guide profile member  3  produced from plastics material. In this case, a voltage can also be applied between the handrail guide contact elements  26  and  26 ′. The current transfer by way of the traction element  22  or the chain  22  or the belt  22  can in this case be dispensed with. 
       FIG. 2  shows a grip element  2  or grip segment  2  of a handrail  2  in a schematic sectional illustration in correspondence with a second exemplifying embodiment of the invention. In this exemplifying embodiment a solar element  30  formed as a photoelectric element is arranged in the chamber  14  lying at the side  18 ′ remote from the user. The solar element  30  or solar cells  30  or photovoltaic cells  30  in that case lies or lie under a window element  21 ′ which is formed as an entry window and which is inserted in a part, which consists of, for example, plastics material, of the outer shell  10  or cover layer  10  or casing  10  and is connected therewith by, for example, snapping in place or clipping in place or gluing. In addition, the outer shell  10  or cover layer  10  or casing  10  is formed to be transparent in the region of the solar element  30 . The arrows  31  illustrate light impinging on the solar element  30  from the environment of the escalator or the moving walkway, for example daylight, reflected sunlight, or light produced by electric lamps. As a result of the incident light beams  31 , electrical energy serving for operation of the lighting means  20  is generated by the solar element  30  or solar cells  30  or photovoltaic cells  30 . For this purpose the solar element  30  is connected with the lighting means  20  by way of the connecting line  23 ′. Moreover, a cable  23 , such as is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , can also be provided in order to distribute the electrical energy to several lighting means  20  of different grip elements  2  or grip segments  2 . Moreover, several solar elements  30  or solar cells  30  or photovoltaic cells  30  of different grip elements  2  or grip segments  2  can also be connected together. This enables extension and distribution of a greater amount of energy for the lighting means  20 . Moreover, it is thereby possible to provide compensation if the handrail  1  is exposed to sunlight or shone on only in part. The distribution of the electrical energy can also be carried out with the assistance of the traction means  22  and/or the handrail guide profile member  3 , as is similarly described in corresponding manner on the basis of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a grip element  2  or grip segment  2  of a handrail  1  in a sectional illustration corresponding with a third exemplifying embodiment of the invention. In this exemplifying embodiment the outer shell  10  or cover layer  10  or casing  10  has a cross-section which is composed of a large oval or elliptical contour  35  and a small oval or elliptical contour  36 . In that case, the small oval or elliptical contour  36  is cut at the side  18 , which faces a user, by the large oval or elliptical contour  35 . The window element  21  formed as a viewing window  21  is provided in a region  37  of the cutting between the oval or elliptical contours  35  and  36 . In that case, the viewing window  21  can be provided only the region of the large oval or elliptical contour  35  or only in the region of the small oval or elliptical contour  36  or also in the region of both oval or elliptical contours  35  and  36 . In this exemplifying embodiment the window element  21 , which serves as viewing window  21 , is provided at the large oval or elliptical contour  35 . The lighting means  21  is, in this exemplifying embodiment, arranged in the chamber  15  in the region of the large oval or elliptical contour  35 . The possibilities of gripping when holding the handrail  1  are increased by the small oval or elliptical contour  36 . In particular, gripping from below is possible, whereby children and young people can securely hold the handrail  1 . 
       FIG. 4  shows grip elements  2  and  2 ′ of a handrail  1  from the viewing direction, which is denoted in  FIG. 1  by IV, in correspondence with a further exemplifying embodiment of the invention. The grip elements  2  and  2 ′ or grip segments  2  and  2 ′ have outer shells  10  and  10 ′ or cover layers  10  and  10 ′ or casings  10  and  10 ′. In that case, encircling introduction chamfers  38  and  38 ′ or bevels  38  and  38 ′ or recesses  38  and  38 ′ are provided at the outer shells  10  and  10 ′ or cover layers  10  and  10 ′ or casings  10  and  10 ′ and facilitate or enable assembly of the handrail  1  from a plurality of grip elements  2  and  2 ′. The outer shells  10  and  10 ′ or cover layers  10  and  10 ′ or casings  10  and  10 ′ have window elements  21  and  21 ″ designed as viewing windows  21  and  21 ″. Lighting means  20 A and  20 B are arranged behind the window element  21 . The lighting means  20 A and  20 B are designed in the form of, for example, travel direction arrows. In that regard, the directional arrows of the lighting means  20 A and  20 B point in opposite directions. In operation of the handrail  1  the lighting means  20 A or  20 B is activated, which indicates the instantaneous travel direction of the escalator or moving walkway, and thus follows the movement direction of the handrail  1 . A visualisation of the instantaneous travel direction is thereby guaranteed. The travel direction indication is given and guaranteed clearly and simply and in cost-saving manner. 
     No lighting means is provided behind the window element  21 ″, which is formed as a viewing window  21 ″, in this exemplifying embodiment. However, the chamber  15  as is illustrated by way of example in  FIG. 1 , and in which the lighting means  20  is provided, is connected in the assembled state of the handrail  1  with a corresponding chamber of the grip element  2 ′. The generated light can thereby be perceived also indirectly via the viewing window  21 ″. An indirect illumination is thereby imparted. An indirect or a direct illumination is also thus possible via the viewing window  21 ″. In this connection, the stiffening rib  6  and in a given case the inner side of the outer shell  10  or cover layer  10  or casing  10  can be additionally provided in the region of the chamber  15  of the grip element  2  with a reflective material, for example by coating or metallising or chroming or plating or painting. A corresponding design is also possible in the case of the further grip elements, particularly the grip elements according to the kind or type  2 ′. 
       FIG. 5  shows a schematic circuit diagram, in the manner of a detail, for a handrail  1  in correspondence with a further exemplifying embodiment of the invention. In this exemplifying embodiment current lines  27 ′ and  27 ″ or conductor rails  27 ′ and  27 ″ are provided, which are arranged, for example, at the upper side  27  of the handrail guide profile member  3 . The current lines  27 ′ and  27 ″ or conductor rails  27 ′ and  27 ″ are connected in contact-making manner or contacted by means of the handrail guide contact element  26  and  26 ′ of the grip element  2 . Moreover, handrail guide contact elements  28  and  28 ′ of the grip element  2 ″ are also provided for electrical contact-making or contacting of the current lines  27 ′ and  27 ″ or conductor rails  27 ′ and  27 ″. A spacing does not necessarily have to be present between the grip elements  2  and  2 ″. The grip elements  2  and  2 ″ can be inserted several times one behind the other and thus illuminate the complete handrail. Moreover, several grip elements  2 ′ designed in correspondence with the grip element  2 ′, which is illustrated in  FIG. 4 , without lighting means are also additionally possible between the grip elements  2  and  2 ″. The grip elements  2  and  2 ″ have lighting means  20  and  20 ′. In that case it is conceivable to connect the lighting means  20  and  20 ′ with different polarity. As a result, either the lighting means  20  or the lighting means  20 ′ can be operated. In this manner the lighting means  20  and  20 ′ can be subdivided into different groups. Correspondingly, an alternative activation of the lighting means is also possible. If three or more electrical lines are provided, a separate or alternating or intermittent or specific connection of several lighting means is also conceivable. As a result, for example, the lighting means can reveal a selective illumination. For example, running light or rapid flashing light or partial light or chain light or a strip light. 
     Moreover, a solar element  30  can have one or more solar cells. In addition, the lighting means  20  can be of different design. For preference, light-emitting diodes or organic light-emitting diodes which can be operated at low voltage are provided. The operating safety can thereby be guaranteed even without expensive insulation. The traction means contact element  25  and/or the handrail guide contact elements  26  and  26 ′ can be formed by wiper elements, conductive rollers or the like. In that case a design with a degree of elasticity or spring-loading or resilience is of advantage in order to guarantee a reliable electrical contact over the service life. The handrail  1  can be composed of various, divergent or differently designed grip elements  2  such as illustrated by way of  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 . In that case the modular construction of the handrail  1  enables economic adaptation to different requirements or customer needs. In this regard, a combination of the energy supply by means of a solar element  30  and an external current supply can also be effected. 
     The window elements  21  and  21 ′ and  21 ″ can be formed from acrylic glass or ABS or PMMA or Plexiglas or PET or Lucite or Makrolon or Lexan or polycarbonate. A colouring and/or partial mirroring and/or mirroring is also then possible. The outer shell  10  or cover layer  10  or casing  10  can also be formed from a transparent plastics material or the like. 
     The outer shell  10  of the handrail  1  can be completely transparent. 
     A part of the grip elements preferably does not have any lighting means or, in the case of a few grip elements, no lighting means is introduced or embedded. 
     Reference is expressly made to a capability of possible combining of the teaching of this application with the teaching of an application filed at the same time by the same applicant. There, a handrail with material characteristics and safety characteristics improved still further or to greater extent or more or multiply improved is disclosed. 
     The invention is not restricted to the described embodiments.