WO2004063078A1 - Passenger conveyor drive module arrangement - Google Patents
Passenger conveyor drive module arrangement Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2004063078A1 WO2004063078A1 PCT/US2003/000411 US0300411W WO2004063078A1 WO 2004063078 A1 WO2004063078 A1 WO 2004063078A1 US 0300411 W US0300411 W US 0300411W WO 2004063078 A1 WO2004063078 A1 WO 2004063078A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- loop
- chain
- drive
- step chain
- engages
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66B—ELEVATORS; ESCALATORS OR MOVING WALKWAYS
- B66B23/00—Component parts of escalators or moving walkways
- B66B23/02—Driving gear
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66B—ELEVATORS; ESCALATORS OR MOVING WALKWAYS
- B66B23/00—Component parts of escalators or moving walkways
- B66B23/02—Driving gear
- B66B23/028—Driving gear with separate drive chain or belt that engages directly the carrying surface chain
Definitions
- This invention generally relates to passenger conveyors. More particularly, this invention relates to drive modules for passenger conveyors. Description of the Prior Art
- Escalators or moving walkways typically include a plurality of steps that move along a path to carry passengers from one location to another such as between floors in a building.
- Typical arrangements include a step chain having a plurality of links associated with the steps. The step chain moves in a loop corresponding to the loop followed by the steps.
- a drive module engages the step chain to cause the desired movement of the steps.
- more than one drive module can be used to carry the anticipated passenger load, for example.
- multiple drive modules may be employed.
- Passenger conveyors having multiple drive modules are known.
- Conventional arrangements include a steel truss for supporting the elevator.
- the truss typically includes a track or other structure for guiding the step chain links along a chain loop.
- Such conventional arrangements limit the materials that are useable for making the step chain links.
- steel must be used for the step chain links to avoid different thermal expansion properties between the chain and the truss.
- the tension on the drive chain may change responsive to a changing enviromnent, which then necessitates further adjustment of the escalator drive system. Making such adjustments is impractical and, therefore, conventional arrangements have only included the same material used to make the escalator truss structure and the step chain links.
- This invention provides a system that eliminates the need to confrol the spacing between the modules, avoids uneven distribution of forces between drive modules and overcomes the shortcomings and drawbacks of the prior art described above.
- this invention is a passenger conveyor with a drive module arrangement that permits more convenient and economical use of multiple drive modules.
- One system designed according to this invention includes a plurality of steps that are moveable along a step loop having a passenger side and a return side.
- a step chain is associated with the steps.
- the step chain is moveable along a chain loop having a first side corresponding to the passengers side of the step loop and a second side corresponding to the return side of the step loop.
- At least one drive module has a motor and a drive member that engages the step chain only on one of the first side or the second side of the chain loop. The motor moves the drive member to cause selective movement of the chain and the steps.
- a second drive module has a motor and a drive member that engages the step chain on both sides of the chain loop.
- a synchronizing module has a synchronizing member that engages the step chain on both sides of the chain loop.
- a method of moving a step chain in a passenger conveyor system designed according to this invention includes providing a drive module that has a drive member that is adapted to engage only one side of the step chain to apply a motive force for moving the step chain along the loop.
- Figure 1 schematically illustrates a passenger conveyor system designed according to this invention.
- Figure 1A is a cross sectional view taken along the line 1A in Figure 1.
- Figure 2 schematically illustrates a first example embodiment of a passenger conveyor system designed according to this invention.
- Figure 3 schematically illustrates a second example embodiment of a passenger conveyor system designed according to this invention.
- Figure 4 schematically illustrates a third example embodiment of a passenger conveyor system designed according to this invention.
- Figure 5 schematically illustrates a fourth example embodiment of a passenger conveyor system designed according to this invention.
- FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a passenger conveyor system 20, which is an escalator in this example.
- This invention is not limited to escalators but is applicable to other types of passenger conveyors, such as moving walkways.
- the illustrated passenger conveyor system 20 includes a plurality of steps 22 that are moveable along a loop so that the steps 22 carry passengers between landings 24 and 26.
- a truss structure 28 supports the escalator system components in a known manner.
- the truss structure 28 in one example is made primarily of steel and accommodates movement of the steps 22 along a path that has a passenger carrying side (illustrated) and a return side (not illustrated).
- the return side of the step loop typically is hidden within the truss or other structure surrounding the conveyor system components.
- a step chain is associated with the steps 22 and moves along a loop 30.
- the step chain includes a plurality of step chain links 32.
- the step chain is supported by appropriate portions of the truss structure 28 so that it is moveable along the chain loop 30 in a known manner.
- a drive module 40 propels the step chain and the steps 22 as required to move passengers between the landings 24 and 26.
- the drive module 40 includes a motor 42 that causes a drive sheave 44 to rotate at a desired speed. Movement of the drive sheave 44 causes movement of a drive member 46, which engages the step chain for moving the steps 22 as desired.
- An idler sheave 48 supports an opposite end of the drive member 46.
- the drive member 46 is a drive chain.
- the drive member 46 is a belt made from a plurality of load-bearing cords 47 imbedded in urethane material 49.
- the drive member 46 preferably has an exterior surface that is contoured to provide the appropriate non-slip engagement with the step chain.
- the step chain loop 30 includes a first side 50 that corresponds to the passenger side of the step loop and a second side 52 that corresponds to the return side of the step loop. Only selected portions of the escalator system 20 are schematically shown in Figure 2.
- This example arrangement includes a first drive module 40A and a second drive module 40B that each provide a motive force for moving the step chain along the chain loop 30.
- the drive module 40A engages the step chain only on the first side 50 of the step chain loop 30.
- the drive module 40B engages both sides 50 and 52 of the step chain loop 30. Having a drive module that engages only one side of the step chain loop 30 is a significant departure from conventional arrangements. Module 40A could engage step chain loop 30 only on second side 52, but that would increase load on the belt at the drive module 40B.
- the spacing between the drive modules need not be tightly or accurately controlled as was required in conventional arrangements.
- the portions of the step chain shown at 54 and 56 will not experience changes in compression or tension (due to drive module position changes, wear or thermal expansion) because the drive module 40A imparts a force Fl only to first side 50 of the step chain loop 30.
- This invention provides the advantage of not having to precisely control the spacing between the drive modules and, instead, allows for greater freedom and variability of placement of the drive modules within the confines
- each module With conventional arrangements having multiple drive modules, the weight supported by each module is indeterminant.
- the forces associated with each drive module introduce more variables than can be solved (based on the known relationships) and, therefore, accurate force determination at each module is not possible and more complicated adjustment routines are required.
- the inventive arrangement provides a statically determinant system that is not sensitive to the spacing between the drive modules.
- the inventive arrangement provides a system that can be described by five equations with five variables. Therefore, the inventive arrangement is a determinant system with an equal number of variables and equations, which is solvable.
- the tracks (not illustrated) that guide the steps around the turnarounds preferably are designed so as to not carry any significant load so that the following equations may be used. Such a design avoids any force transfer between the passenger and return sides of the step chain except through a drive module that contacts both sides.
- the belt 46A of the drive module 40A applies a force F ⁇ and the belt 46B of the drive module 40B applies a force F 2, both on the first side 50 (i.e., the passenger side) of the step chain loop 30 in the example of Figure 2.
- F ⁇ the first side 50 (i.e., the passenger side) of the step chain loop 30 in the example of Figure 2.
- FMOTORI FMOTOR2 (for matched motors);
- the load imposed on the step chain by the modules that engage only one side of the chain loop 30 is the motor torque divided by the effective pulley radius. That load is determinable using the known relationship between the motor torque and the speed of chain movement.
- the drive module that engages both sides of the step chain loop 30 includes a smaller motor to equalize the force transferred from the drive module to the passenger side at each module.
- the drive module (i.e., 40B) that engages both sides of the step chain loop 30 applies motor torque to the passenger side of the step chain and transfers the weight of the return side of the loop 30 to the passenger side (i.e., the first side 50).
- the smaller motor of the drive module that engages both sides therefore, allows for an equal distribution of force applied to the passenger side of the step chain loop at each drive module.
- the spacing between the second side 52 of the step chain loop 30 and the drive module 40A may be accomplished as illustrated in several ways.
- the drive modules are the same size but the spacing between the passenger side and the return side of the tracks (not illustrated) that guide the step chain loop 30 is increased in the vicinity of the drive module 40A.
- the spacing is accomplished by utilizing a smaller sized drive module 40A compared to the drive module 40B.
- the size of the sheaves 44A and 48A are smaller than the sheaves 44B and 48B.
- the drive member 46 A could be smaller, or the sheaves 44 A and 48A could be slightly farther apart. This provides additional advantages of allowing the use of smaller components, which introduces space savings and other enhanced system economies such as lower motor torque and more system design flexibility.
- Another advantage of this invention is that it makes it possible to use different materials for making the step chain links 32.
- aluminum is one desirable material because of its light weight and corrosion resistance properties.
- different expansion rates between the link material (i.e., aluminum) and the truss or guide material (i.e., steel) do not cause complications.
- the drive modules 40A and 40B are the same size and the step chain loop path is diverted away from one side of one of the drive modules so that the drive module engages only the first side 50 of the step chain loop 30.
- Figure 3 illustrates another example arrangement where the drive module 40A engages both sides 50 and 52 of the step chain loop 30 while the drive module 40B engages only the first side 50 of the step chain loop 30.
- the placement of the drive modules can be varied depending on the needs of a particular situation.
- FIG. 4 illustrates another example embodiment of this invention.
- drive modules 40 A and 40B both engage only the first side 50 of the step chain loop 30.
- a synchronizing module 60 includes a synchronizing member 62 that engages both sides 50 and 52 of the step chain loop 30.
- the synchronizing module includes free-wheeling sheaves 64 and 66 that support the synchronizing member 62 for proper engagement with the step chain 30.
- the synchronizing module 60 transfers force from the second side to the first, but does not add any power to the step chain system.
- Such an arrangement allows for utilizing smaller drive modules, because they do not have to engage both sides of the chain loop, hi an arrangement such as illustrated in Figure 4, any number of drive modules may be used.
- the synchronizing module 60 includes a synchronizing member 62 that corresponds to the drive members 46A and 46B (i.e., a urethane- coated belt).
- the synchronizing member 62 preferably has an exterior surface that is contoured to provide the appropriate engagement with the step chain.
- FIG. 5 illustrates another example embodiment of this invention.
- one drive module 40 moves the step chain loop 30 by engaging only the first side 50 of the step chain.
- a synchronizing module 60' includes a synchronizing member 62 that engages both sides 50 and 52 of the step chain loop 30.
- a plurality of sheaves 64, 66, 68 and 70 support the synchronizing member 62 so that appropriate engagement with the step chain is achieved.
- the sheaves 64-70 may be supported by the truss structure in a conventional manner so that they allow the synchronizing member 62 to move responsive to movement of the step chain 30 thereby transferring force from the second side to the first without adding any power to the step chain system.
Landscapes
- Escalators And Moving Walkways (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE10394023.5T DE10394023B4 (en) | 2003-01-07 | 2003-01-07 | Drive module arrangement for specialist gas conveying means |
CNB038257572A CN100486884C (en) | 2003-01-07 | 2003-01-07 | System for passenger conveyor and method for making step chain moving along chain ring |
JP2004566390A JP2006512262A (en) | 2003-01-07 | 2003-01-07 | Arrangement of drive modules for passenger transporters |
PCT/US2003/000411 WO2004063078A1 (en) | 2003-01-07 | 2003-01-07 | Passenger conveyor drive module arrangement |
AU2003202235A AU2003202235A1 (en) | 2003-01-07 | 2003-01-07 | Passenger conveyor drive module arrangement |
US10/537,206 US7137500B2 (en) | 2003-01-07 | 2003-01-07 | Passenger conveyor drive module arrangement |
HK06107381.6A HK1087088A1 (en) | 2003-01-07 | 2006-06-29 | A passenger conveyor system and a method of moving its step chain along a chain loop |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2003/000411 WO2004063078A1 (en) | 2003-01-07 | 2003-01-07 | Passenger conveyor drive module arrangement |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2004063078A1 true WO2004063078A1 (en) | 2004-07-29 |
Family
ID=32710268
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2003/000411 WO2004063078A1 (en) | 2003-01-07 | 2003-01-07 | Passenger conveyor drive module arrangement |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
JP (1) | JP2006512262A (en) |
CN (1) | CN100486884C (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003202235A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE10394023B4 (en) |
HK (1) | HK1087088A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004063078A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2058263A1 (en) | 2007-11-12 | 2009-05-13 | ThyssenKrupp Elevator (ES/PBB) Ltd. | Drive system for moving walkways and escalators |
EP2065328A1 (en) | 2007-11-28 | 2009-06-03 | ThyssenKrupp Elevator (ES/PBB) Ltd. | Conveyor system for the transport of passengers/goods. |
US7926641B2 (en) | 2007-12-03 | 2011-04-19 | Thyssenkrupp Elevator (Es/Pbb) Ltd. | Conveyor system for the transport of passengers/goods |
CN106744225A (en) * | 2017-02-15 | 2017-05-31 | 黄浩华 | Conveyer system |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3365051A (en) * | 1964-06-25 | 1968-01-23 | Westinghouse Electric Corp | Moving walk |
US3658166A (en) * | 1969-04-04 | 1972-04-25 | Hitachi Ltd | Conveying apparatus with endless chain means |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3321060A (en) * | 1965-10-29 | 1967-05-23 | Westinghouse Electric Corp | Passenger conveyors employing handrails |
US3366217A (en) * | 1966-03-03 | 1968-01-30 | Westinghouse Electric Corp | Load distribution apparatus for endless belt conveyors |
US4397096A (en) * | 1981-08-14 | 1983-08-09 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Method of and apparatus for positioning the drive units of a plural drive escalator |
-
2003
- 2003-01-07 JP JP2004566390A patent/JP2006512262A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2003-01-07 WO PCT/US2003/000411 patent/WO2004063078A1/en active Application Filing
- 2003-01-07 DE DE10394023.5T patent/DE10394023B4/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-01-07 CN CNB038257572A patent/CN100486884C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-01-07 AU AU2003202235A patent/AU2003202235A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2006
- 2006-06-29 HK HK06107381.6A patent/HK1087088A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3365051A (en) * | 1964-06-25 | 1968-01-23 | Westinghouse Electric Corp | Moving walk |
US3658166A (en) * | 1969-04-04 | 1972-04-25 | Hitachi Ltd | Conveying apparatus with endless chain means |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2058263A1 (en) | 2007-11-12 | 2009-05-13 | ThyssenKrupp Elevator (ES/PBB) Ltd. | Drive system for moving walkways and escalators |
US7686152B2 (en) | 2007-11-12 | 2010-03-30 | Thyssenkrupp Elevator Innovation Center, S.A. | Drive system for moving walkways and stairs |
EP2065328A1 (en) | 2007-11-28 | 2009-06-03 | ThyssenKrupp Elevator (ES/PBB) Ltd. | Conveyor system for the transport of passengers/goods. |
US7926641B2 (en) | 2007-12-03 | 2011-04-19 | Thyssenkrupp Elevator (Es/Pbb) Ltd. | Conveyor system for the transport of passengers/goods |
CN106744225A (en) * | 2017-02-15 | 2017-05-31 | 黄浩华 | Conveyer system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
HK1087088A1 (en) | 2006-10-06 |
DE10394023B4 (en) | 2014-11-20 |
CN100486884C (en) | 2009-05-13 |
DE10394023T5 (en) | 2005-12-15 |
JP2006512262A (en) | 2006-04-13 |
CN1720192A (en) | 2006-01-11 |
AU2003202235A1 (en) | 2004-08-10 |
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