Chain drive for a people conveyor

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10647549-B2
Application number	US-201816164455-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Oct 18, 2018
Priority date	Oct 20, 2017
Publication date	May 12, 2020
Grant date	May 12, 2020

Abstract

A chain drive ( 10 ) for a people conveyor ( 1 ) having a plurality of conveyance elements ( 4 ) comprises a drive chain ( 12 ) which is configured for driving the conveyance elements ( 4 ). The drive chain ( 12 ) includes a plurality of drive chain links ( 16 ) traveling along a closed path including a conveyance portion ( 5 ) and a return portion ( 7 ). The drive chain ( 12 ) further includes a plurality of linkages ( 42 ). Each linkage ( 42 ) is configured for coupling the drive chain ( 12 ) with one of the plurality of conveyance elements ( 4 ). The length of each linkage ( 42 ) along the path of the drive chain ( 12 ) is variable.

First claim

What is claimed:

1. Chain drive for a people conveyor having a plurality of conveyance elements, the chain drive comprising
a drive chain configured for driving the conveyance elements, the drive chain comprising a plurality of drive chain links traveling along a closed path including a conveyance portion and a return portion; and a plurality of linkages;
wherein each linkage is configured for coupling the drive chain with one of the plurality of conveyance elements; and
wherein the length of each of the linkages along the path of the drive chain is variable;
wherein each linkage comprises:
a first linkage element having a first end pivotably connected to the drive chain; and
a second linkage element comprising a first end, which is pivotably connected to a second end of the first linkage element by a joint, and a second end, which is pivotably connected to one of the conveyance elements.

2. Chain drive according to claim 1 , wherein the joint is provided with a linkage roller, the linkage roller being guided by at least one linkage roller guide rail.

3. Chain drive according to claim 2 , wherein the closed path includes two turnaround portions and wherein the conveyance portion is arranged be-tween the two turnaround portions and connected to said turnaround portions by transition portions.

4. Chain drive according to claim 3 , wherein the at least one linkage roller guide rail is configured so that the distance between the second ends of adjacent second linkage elements remains constant when traveling along the turnaround portions and/or along the transition portions.

5. Chain drive according to claim 3 , wherein the at least one linkage roller guide rail is configured so that a projection of the distance between the second ends of adjacent second linkage elements onto a horizontal plane remains constant when traveling along the turnaround portions and/or along the transition portions.

6. Chain drive for a people conveyor having a plurality of conveyance elements, the chain drive comprising
a drive chain configured for driving the conveyance elements, the drive chain comprising a plurality of drive chain links traveling along a closed path including a conveyance portion and a return portion and a plurality of linkages;
wherein each linkage is configured for coupling the drive chain with one of the plurality of conveyance elements;
wherein the length of each of the linkages along the path of the drive chain is variable; and
a plurality of drive chain rollers which are coupled to the drive chain and which are guided by at least one drive chain roller guide rail.

7. Chain drive according to claim 1 , comprising step axles coupled to the second ends of the second linkage elements, wherein the step axles are configured for supporting the conveyance elements.

8. Chain drive for a people conveyor having a plurality of conveyance elements, the chain drive comprising
a drive chain configured for driving the conveyance elements, the drive chain comprising a plurality of drive chain links traveling along a closed path including a conveyance portion and a return portion and a plurality of linkages;
wherein each linkage is configured for coupling the drive chain with one of the plurality of conveyance elements; wherein the length of each of the linkages along the path of the drive chain is variable;
step axles coupled to the second ends of the second linkage elements, wherein the step axles are configured for supporting the conveyance elements; and
conveyance element rollers supported by the conveyance element axles.

9. People conveyor comprising a plurality of conveyance elements forming a conveyance band, and at least one chain drive according to claim 1 .

10. People conveyor according to claim 9 , wherein the conveyance elements are steps, in particular rectangular steps, comprising a tread plate and a riser portion orthogonally extending from the tread plate.

11. People conveyor comprising a plurality of conveyance elements forming a conveyance band and at least one chain drive, the chain drive comprising:
a drive chain configured for driving the conveyance elements, the drive chain comprising a plurality of drive chain links traveling along a closed path including a conveyance portion and a return portion and a plurality of linkages;
wherein each linkage is configured for coupling the drive chain with one of the plurality of conveyance elements; and
wherein the length of each of the linkages along the path of the drive chain is variable;
wherein the conveyance elements are bucket steps.

12. People conveyor according to claim 9 , wherein the chain drive comprises two drive chains extending parallel to each other along opposing lateral sides of the conveyance band.

13. People conveyor according to claim 12 , wherein the drive chains are located next to the conveyance elements in a lateral direction.

14. People conveyor according to claim 12 , wherein the drive chains are located under the conveyance elements in the conveyance portion.

Assignees

• Otis Elevator Co

Inventors

• Turek Alexander

Classifications

• B66B23/14

  Guiding means for carrying surfaces · CPC title

• B66B23/024 Primary

  Chains therefor · CPC title

• B66B23/026

  with a drive or carrying sprocket wheel located at end portions · CPC title

• B65G47/31

  by varying the relative speeds of the conveyors forming the series · CPC title

• B66B23/02 Primary

  Driving gear · CPC title