WO2019043284A1

WO2019043284A1 - A passenger conveyor

Info

Publication number: WO2019043284A1
Application number: PCT/FI2017/050611
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tarvo Viita-Aho; Jorma Mustalahti; Raimo Pelto-Huikko; Janne Laine
Original assignee: KONE Elevators Co. Ltd.; Kone Corporation
Priority date: 2017-08-30
Filing date: 2017-08-30
Publication date: 2019-03-07

Abstract

The invention relates to a passenger conveyor (1), such as an escalator or an autowalk, comprising an endless band (2) of conveying elements (3); a diverting wheel (4) for diverting the passage of the band (2) of conveying elements (3) and/or a traction member (5) thereof; and a brake (9;9a;9b) for braking rotation of the diverting wheel (4). The brake (9;9a;9b) is a wedging brake comprising at least one braking member (14a;14b) actuatable to wedge against an axial side (s1,s1 ';s2,s2') of said diverting wheel (4) or a brake wheel (6) connected with the diverting wheel (4).

Description

A PASSENGER CONVEYOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to stopping of movement of a passenger conveyor, such as an escalator or a moving ramp. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Escalators and moving ramps are passenger conveyors, each of which typically comprises an endless band of conveying elements, such as steps or pallets for supporting the load to be transported, i.e. a person. The conveying element typically comprises guide rollers and a tread member with a tread surface on which a person can stand. The conventional passenger conveyors furthermore comprise elongated guide rails for guiding and supporting the guide rollers of the conveying elements. The conveying elements are typically connected to each other, most typically by a traction member such as a chain. However, alternatively they can be directly connected to each other, which is the case in some moving ramps particularly. In this case a separate traction member may not be needed at all as the conveying members can transmit traction to each other directly. In the first mentioned type, the drive member can be on one or both lateral sides of each conveying element, for instance. It is typical that one guide roller of the step is coupled with a chain link of the chain. Thereby, the chain becomes guided by the guide rollers as well. The passenger conveyors are typically arranged to divert the path of its moving parts at its upper and lower end by a diverting wheel, which diverting wheel diverts passage of the chain and the conveying elements.

[0003] For moving the conveying elements, the passenger conveyor comprises typically a machinery comprising a motor, and for stopping movement of the conveying elements, the machinery can comprise a main brake. It may be that the passenger conveyor also needs to have an auxiliary brake for preventing certain special conditions. Such a special condition is particularly uncontrolled rushing of the people conveyor, which may be caused in free rotation of the main shaft, for instance. Such rushing in downwards direction can take place in passenger conveyors due to passenger weight when the endless band of conveying elements comprises an inclined conveying section for conveying passengers standing on the conveyor elements at an inclined angle. Such a rushing may also be caused by a failure in some part of the machinery, such as failure of the main brake or failure of the motor encoder. A drawback of known passenger conveyors has been that they have not had a reliable, compact and simple brake suitable for serving as an auxiliary brake for stopping of the passenger conveyor in such situations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The object of the invention is to introduce a new passenger conveyor, which is improved in terms of its stopping function. An object is to introduce a solution by which one or more of the above defined problems of prior art and/or drawbacks discussed or implied elsewhere in the description can be solved. An object is to introduce an improved solution by which movement of the passenger conveyor can be stopped reliably and swiftly with a great braking force. [0005] It is brought forward a new passenger conveyor, such as an escalator or an autowalk, comprising an endless band of conveying elements. The passenger conveyor may also comprise an endless traction member. The passenger conveyor further comprises a diverting wheel for diverting the passage of the band of conveying elements and/or the aforementioned traction member of the band of conveying elements. The passenger conveyor further comprises a brake for braking rotation of the diverting wheel. The brake is a wedging brake comprising at least one braking member actuatable to wedge against an axial side of said diverting wheel or a brake wheel connected with the diverting wheel. With this kind of solution one or more of the above mentioned objects can be achieved. Preferable further details of the passenger conveyor are introduced in the following, which further details can be combined with the passenger conveyor individually or in any combination.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, said at least one braking member is movable in a wedge space. [0007] In a preferred embodiment, the brake comprises an actuating means for moving at least a first braking member, in particular to wedge it against the axial side of said diverting wheel or a brake wheel. Rotation of the wheel against which the first braking member moves can be arranged to further increase the wedging effect. The actuating means are preferably actuating means for moving said at least a first braking member in a first wedge space in particular to wedge it against the axial side of said diverting wheel or a brake wheel.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the brake comprises a frame; a first wedge space between a first axial side of said diverting wheel or a brake wheel and the frame, in particular a wall thereof. The brake further comprises a first braking member movable in the first wedge space to wedge against the first axial side of said diverting wheel or a brake wheel, as well as an actuating means for moving the first braking member in the first wedge space, in particular to wedge against the axial side of said diverting wheel or a brake wheel. Preferably, although not necessarily, the brake comprises a second wedge space between a second axial side of said diverting wheel or a brake wheel and the frame; and a second braking member movable in the second wedge space, in particular to wedge against the axial side of said diverting wheel or a brake wheel. The aforementioned first and second axial sides are opposite axial sides of the wheel in question. [0009] In a preferred embodiment, the brake is mounted on a stationary part of the conveyor.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned frame is mounted on a stationary part of the conveyor.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, each said wedge space is wedge-shaped. Preferably, it comprises a face which is at an inclined angle relative to the axial side of the wheel.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, each said braking member is wedge-shaped. However, this is not necessary as also members with on some other shape can be wedged. For example, the braking member in the form of a roller could be used as the braking member.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the actuating means comprises an electrically controllable actuator, such as a solenoid. The electrically controllable actuator is preferably such that it comprises an actuating rod, which is movable by linear movement back and forth.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the actuator is connected with the first braking member via a mechanical linkage. The mechanical linkage preferably comprises one or more levers, at least some of which are pivotal around an axis. [0015] In a preferred embodiment, the passenger conveyor comprises an electrical controller configured to control the actuating means, e.g. over an electrical bus. Electrical control provides that the criteria based on which the braking is to be actuated can be chosen relatively freely and without devices to be fitted in the tight space close to the wheel to be acted on by the brake. [0016] In a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned electrical controller is configured to activate the actuating means when one or more predetermined criteria are met, said one or more predetermined criteria preferably including that overspeed is detected in one or more of moving parts of the conveyor. Said one or more of moving parts preferably include the band of conveying elements. [0017] In a preferred embodiment, said diverting wheel or brake wheel is rotatable at least in first rotation direction, and said diverting wheel or brake wheel is arranged to push the first braking member towards the narrower end of said wedge space when it is rotating in its first rotation direction and the first braking member is against said first axial side. The pushing is arranged to increase the wedging effect. [0018] In a preferred embodiment, the endless band of conveying elements comprises an inclined conveying section for conveying passengers standing on the conveyor elements at an inclined angle upwards or downwards. [0019] In a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned first rotation direction is the rotation direction in which said diverting wheel or brake wheel rotates when the conveying elements of the inclined section that are accessible to stand on by passengers move at an inclined angle downwards. [0020] In a preferred embodiment, the first braking member comprises a first braking surface which faces a region of the axial side of said diverting wheel or a brake wheel, which moves towards the narrower end of said wedge space when said diverting wheel or brake wheel rotates in its first rotation direction.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the first braking member comprises a first braking surface which faces a region of the axial side of said diverting wheel or a brake wheel, which region is at a distance from the rim of said diverting wheel or a brake wheel.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, each of the wedge spaces tapers in tangential direction of said diverting wheel or a brake wheel, the wedge space having a first end and a second end, said first end being substantially narrower than the second end.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the brake comprises a first braking member comprising a first braking surface; a second braking member comprising a second braking surface; wherein a gap is formed between the braking surfaces of the braking members; and said diverting wheel or a brake wheel connected with the diverting wheel extends into the gap. Said gap is narrowable my moving of said pressing members towards each other. At least one of the braking members is actuatable to wedge towards the other of the braking members such that the gap is narrowed and the diverting wheel or a brake wheel is compressed by the braking surfaces of the braking members. [0024] In a preferred embodiment, the brake is a floating caliper brake. Then preferably, the brake comprises a frame carrying the at least one braking member, which frame is a floating brake caliper movable in direction of the rotational axis x of said diverting wheel or a brake wheel. [0025] In a preferred embodiment, the traction member is a chain.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the diverting wheel is a sprocket around and against which the traction member and/or conveying elements pass.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, it is an escalator and said conveying elements are steps.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, it comprises a first brake, which is the main brake of the passenger conveyor, and a second brake, which is an auxiliary brake of the passenger conveyor, the aforementioned wedging brake being said second brake.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, where the passenger conveyor comprises a brake wheel, the brake wheel is connected with the diverting wheel in a force transmitting manner, in particular via connection for transmitting braking force from the brake wheel to the diverting wheel.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, where the passenger conveyor comprises a brake wheel, the brake wheel is coaxial with the diverting wheel, and at a distance from it such that between them there is a gap for receiving one or more of the components of the brake. Then in the conveyor, one or more components of the brake extend between into the gap.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, each of the braking members is arranged to contact only a substantially planar region of the axial side of the wheel against an axial side of which it is actuatable to wedge.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, each of the braking members is normally out of contact with the wheel against an axial side of which it is actuatable to wedge.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the passenger conveyor is an escalator or an autowalk. [0034] In a preferred embodiment, the passenger conveyor comprises a motor for moving the endless band of conveying elements. [0035] In a preferred embodiment, the traction member is connected with the conveying elements for transmitting traction force to them. The aforementioned motor is preferably arranged to drive the traction member.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned traction member is a chain.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the diverting wheel is a sprocket around and against which the traction member and/or conveying elements pass.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the passenger conveyor is an escalator and said conveying elements are steps. [0039] In a preferred embodiment, each of the conveying elements comprises a tread member with a tread surface on which a person can stand while the conveying element moves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] In the following, the present invention will be described in more detail by way of example and with reference to the attached drawings, in which

Figure 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the passenger conveyor according to the invention.

Figure 2 illustrates preferred details of the passenger conveyor according to a first embodiment of the conveyor of Figure 1.

Figure 3 illustrates preferred details of the passenger conveyor according to a second embodiment of the conveyor of Figure 1.

Figure 4 illustrates schematically preferred structure and operation of a brake of Figures 2 or 3.

Figure 5 illustrates schematically preferred further details of the structure and operation of a brake of Figure 4.

Figure 6 illustrates schematically preferred details of the layout of the passenger conveyor with a brake arrangement presented in Figure 2. Figure 7 illustrates schematically preferred details of the layout of the passenger conveyor with a brake arrangement presented in Figure 3.

Figure 8 illustrates schematically preferred details of the structure of the brake wheel of the brake arrangement presented in Figures 3 and 7.

Figure 9 illustrates a block diagram of a preferred control arrangement of the brake of Figures 3 or 4.

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate details of a preferred implementation of the brake of Figures 4 and 5.

The foregoing aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the drawings and the detailed description related thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Figure 1 illustrates a passenger conveyor 1, in particular an escalator, comprising an endless band 2 of conveying elements 3, the band 2 comprising an inclined conveying section 2a for conveying passengers standing on the conveyor elements 3 at an inclined angle upwards or downwards. The passenger conveyor 1 moreover comprises a diverting section 2b wherein the passage of the band 2 of the conveying elements 3 is diverted.

[0042] In the presented preferred embodiment, the passenger conveyor 1 is an escalator where the conveying elements 3 are connected to each other by an endless traction member, which is in the presented case a chain 5 as presented more precisely in Figures 2 and 3.

[0043] The passenger conveyor 1 comprises a diverting wheel 4, which is in the presented preferred embodiment a step chain sprocket wheel, for diverting the passage of the band 2 of conveying elements 3 and a traction member 5 thereof. [0044] The passenger conveyor 1 moreover preferably comprises a motor (not illustrated) for moving the band 2 of conveying elements 3. The motor can be arranged to rotate the diverting wheel 4, whereby the traction member 5 can be moved by the motor for producing traction on the conveying elements 3. [0045] The passenger conveyor 1 moreover comprises a brake arrangement comprising a brake for braking rotation of the diverting wheel 4.

[0046] Figure 2 illustrates preferred details of the passenger conveyor according to a first embodiment of the conveyor of Figure 1. In this case, the aforementioned brake 9 is a wedging brake. Wedging provides that when actuated, a great braking force can be swiftly and reliably achieved. Figure 4 illustrates schematically preferred structure and operation of the brake 9 of Figure 2. In this embodiment, the wedging brake 9 has a braking member 14a movable in a wedge space 13a and actuatable to wedge against an axial side si of said diverting wheel 4. [0047] In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the brake 9 is positioned to act only on such a region of the axial side si of said diverting wheel 4 which is, when viewed in axial direction of the diverting wheel 4, between a section of the traction member 5 arriving at the diverting wheel 4 and a section of the traction member 5 departing from the diverting wheel 4, and thereby not inside an arched section of the traction member 5 that rests against the diverting wheel 4. This is preferable, because hereby the brake 9 can be separated simply from the traction member 5 components passing around and against the diverting wheel 4 such that no collisions can occur. This positioning is however not necessary.

[0048] Figure 3 illustrates preferred details of the passenger conveyor according to a second embodiment of the conveyor of Figure 1. In this case, the passenger conveyor 1 comprises a brake 9a and/or a brake 9b for braking rotation of the diverting wheel 4. The aforementioned brake 9a;9b is a wedging brake. Wedging provides that when actuated, a great braking force can be swiftly and reliably achieved. In this embodiment, the passenger conveyor 1 comprises a brake wheel 6 connected with the diverting wheel 4 in a force transmitting manner via connection for transmitting braking force from the brake wheel 6 to the diverting wheel 4. They are preferably connected immovably to each other, whereby they are rotatable together. Figure 4 illustrates schematically a preferred structure and operation of the brake 9a;9b of Figure 3. The wedging brake 9a; 9b has a braking member 14a movable in a wedge space 13a and actuatable to wedge against an axial side si' of this brake wheel 6 connected with the diverting wheel 4. The brake wheel 6 is preferably coaxial with the diverting wheel 4, as illustrated whereby a force transmitting connection where these are immovable relative to each other is simple to provide.

[0049] Owing to the use of the brake wheel 6 connected with the diverting wheel 4, the brake can be positioned relatively freely. In Figure 3, the brake 9a is positioned to act only on such a region of the axial side si of said brake wheel 6 which is, when viewed in axial direction of the diverting wheel 4, between a section of the traction member 5 arriving at the diverting wheel 4 and a section of the traction member 5 departing from the diverting wheel 4, and thereby not inside an arched section of the traction member 5 that rests against the diverting wheel 4. Brake 9b, on the other hand, is positioned to act only on such a region of the axial side si of said brake wheel 6 which is, when viewed in axial direction of the diverting wheel 4, inside the arc section of the traction member 5 that rests against the diverting wheel 4.

[0050] An advantage of the embodiment of Figure 3, and of utilizing a brake wheel 6 is that the brake 9a,9b and of the brake wheel 6 itself can be relatively quickly and simply installed also to an existing conveyor 1 without modifications of the diverting wheel 4. Using a brake wheel 6 may also facilitate installing of the brake arrangement to an existing conveyor 1 without considerable dismantling of the support of the diverting wheel 4 shaft 11. [0051] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate schematically preferred structure and operation of a wedging brake of Figures 2 or 3. The same brake structure and operation can with each brake 9,9a,9b be similar independent on whether the wheel 4,6 to be acted on by the brake is the diverting wheel 4 in case of Figure 2 or a brake wheel 6. Referring to Figure 2 the brake 9 has a first braking member 14a movable in a first wedge space 13a and actuatable to wedge against an axial side si of said diverting wheel 4. Referring to Figure 3 the brake 9a;9b has a first braking member 14a movable in a wedge space 13a and actuatable to wedge against an against an axial side si' of a brake wheel 6 connected with the diverting wheel 4. In each case, the brake 9;9a;9b preferably moreover comprises an actuating means 15-17 for moving the first braking member 14a in a first wedge space 13a, in particular to wedge it against the axial side sl,sl' of said diverting wheel 4 or a brake wheel 6, respectively.

[0052] The brake 9;9a;9b is preferably such that it comprises a frame 10 mounted on a stationary part of the conveyor 1, and the first wedge space 13a is formed between a wall 12a of the frame 10 and the a first axial side sl;sl' of said diverting wheel 4 or the brake wheel 6. The first braking member 14a is movable in the first wedge space 13a to wedge against the axial side si of said diverting wheel 4 or a brake wheel 6.

[0053] The actuating means 15-17 are preferably such that they comprise an electrically controllable actuator 17, such as a solenoid 17. In the embodiment of Figure 5, the actuator 17 is connected with the first braking member 14a via a mechanical linkage 15,16. However, the actuator 17 could alternatively be directly connected with the first braking member 14a.

[0054] Generally, the wheel 4,6 to be acted on by the brake, namely said diverting wheel 4 in case of Figure 2 and or brake wheel 6 in case of Figure 3, is rotatable at least in a first rotation direction Dl, and said wheel 4,6 to be acted on by the brake is arranged to push the first braking member 14a towards the narrower end (in the direction of the arrow a in Figure 4) of said wedge space 13a when it is rotating in its first rotation direction Dl and the first braking member 14a is against said first axial side sl;sl' of the wheel 4,6 in question, for thereby increasing the wedging effect. Preferably, the endless band 2 of conveying elements 3 comprises an inclined conveying section 2a for conveying passengers standing on the conveyor elements 3 at an inclined angle upwards or downwards. Then it is preferable that said first direction Dl is the rotation direction in which said diverting wheel 4 or brake wheel 6 rotates when the conveying elements 3 of the inclined section 2a that are accessible to stand on by passengers move at an inclined angle downwards. Hereby, rushing of the passenger conveyor caused by gravity affecting on the passengers can be effectively prevented.

[0055] The configuration is preferably moreover such that the first braking member 14a has a first braking surface 14a', which faces a region r of the axial side si of said diverting wheel 4 or a brake wheel 6, which region r moves towards the narrower end of said wedge space 13a (in Figure 4 towards direction pointed by arrow a2 when said diverting wheel 4 or brake wheel 6 rotates in its first rotation direction Dl. [0056] The configuration is preferably moreover such that the first braking surface 14a' of the first braking member 14a faces a region r of the axial side sl;sl' of said diverting wheel 4 or a brake wheel 6, which region r is displaced from the rim of said diverting wheel 4 or a brake wheel 6 towards the rotational axis x of the diverting wheel 4 or a brake wheel 6, respectively. [0057] In the embodiment presented in Figure 4, the first wedge space 13a is such that tapers in tangential direction of said diverting wheel 4 or a brake wheel 6, the wedge space 13a having a first end and a second end, said first end being substantially narrower than the second end.

[0058] In the embodiment presented in Figure 4, the brake 9;9a;9b is more precisely such that it comprises two braking members, namely a first braking member 14a comprising a first braking surface 14a' and a second braking member 14b comprising a second braking surface 14b'; and a gap is formed between the braking surfaces 14a', 14b' of the braking members 14a,14b; and said diverting wheel 4 or a brake wheel 6 connected with the diverting wheel 4 in a force transmitting manner extends into the gap. The aforementioned gap is narrowable my moving of said braking members 14a, 14b towards each other, which can be achieved by movement of one or both of the braking members 14a,14b. At least one (braking member 14a in Figure 4) of the braking members 14a,14b is actuatable to wedge towards the other of the braking members 14a,14b such that the gap is narrowed and said diverting wheel 4 or a brake wheel 6 compressed by the braking surfaces 14a', 14b' of the braking members 14a,14b.

[0059] Preferably, although not necessarily, the second braking member 14b is, in the corresponding manner as the first braking member 14a, movable in a second wedge space 13b to wedge against an axial side s2,s2' of said diverting wheel 4 or a brake wheel 6, the axial sides sl,sl' and s2,s2' being opposite axial sides. [0060] The actuation means need not directly actuate the second braking member 14b, because actuation of the first braking member can be arranged to cause relative movement between the second braking member 14b and said diverting wheel 4 or a brake wheel 6 such that they contact the rotating diverting wheel 4 or a brake wheel 6, which can then pick up the second braking member 14b and move it into wedged state as well. Said relative movement can occur due to the brake being a floating caliper brake, for instance. Having a second braking member is preferable so that a very powerful compression can be achieved, however not necessary as one side braking is in principle also possible. [0061] The brake 9;9a;9b can be implemented as a floating caliper brake, for example. This kind of implementation is presented in Figures 10 and 11. In this case, the brake 9;9a;9b comprises a frame 10 carrying the at least one braking member 14a; 14b, which frame 10 is a floating brake caliper movable in direction of the rotational axis x of said diverting wheel 4 or a brake wheel 6. [0062] Figure 6 illustrates schematically as viewed from above preferred details of the layout of the passenger conveyor 1 with a brake arrangement in accordance with Figure 2. In this embodiment, the brake 9 is in horizontal direction positioned on the lateral side of the rotational axis x of said diverting wheel 4, wherein said lateral side is the side on which the conveying section 2a of the conveyor 1 is located.

[0063] Figure 7 illustrates schematically, as viewed from above, preferred details of the layout of the passenger conveyor with a brake arrangement in accordance with Figure 3. In the this embodiment, the brake wheel 6 is coaxial with the diverting wheel 4, and at a distance from it such that between them there is a gap g for receiving one or more of the components of the brake 9a;9b. Thus, a first braking member 14a and a second braking member 14b can be simply positioned on opposite axial sides of the brake wheel.

[0064] Simultaneous presence of the two brakes 9a and 9b in Figure 7, as well as in Figure 3, is not necessary. These Figures shows preferred alternative positions for a brake 9a,9b, while also demonstrating freedom of positioning which comes when utilizing the brake wheel 6. There need not be two brakes present simultaneously and the positioning could also differ from what is shown.

[0065] In this embodiment, the brake 9a is in horizontal direction positioned on the lateral side of the rotational axis x of said diverting wheel 4, wherein said lateral side is the side on which the conveying section 2a of the conveyor 1 is located.

[0066] In this embodiment, the brake 9b is in horizontal direction positioned on the lateral side of the rotational axis x of said diverting wheel 4, wherein said lateral side is opposite the side on which the conveying section 2a of the conveyor 1 is located.

[0067] Figure 8 illustrates schematically preferred details of the structure of the braking wheel 6 of Figures 3 and 7. In this embodiment, the brake wheel 6 comprises a first wheel half 6a and a second wheel half 6b connectable such that they together form a wheel, and when wheel halves 6a,6b are connected each said wheel half 6a,6b delimits a segment of an annulum through which a shaft 11 of the conveyor 1 passes, which shaft 11 is immovably fixed on the diverting wheel 4. This is advantageous, because hereby the brake arrangement can be installed without considerable dismantling of the support of the diverting wheel 4 shaft 11. Each said wheel half 6a,6b forms a segment of the circumference of the brake wheel. The wheel halves 6a,6b are also disconnectable for removing the wheel halves 6a,6b from around the shaft 11. [0068] Figure 9 illustrates a block diagram of a preferred control arrangement of the brake 9;9a;9b of Figures 3 and 4. In this embodiment, the passenger conveyor 1 comprises control arrangement of the brake 9;9a;9b, which comprises an electrical controller 20 configured to control the actuating means 15-17, in the presented case over an electrical bus 21. The control arrangement of the brake 9;9a;9b is preferably such that the electrical controller 20 is configured to activate the actuating means 15- 17 when one or more predetermined criteria are met, said one or more predetermined criteria preferably including that overspeed is detected in one or more of moving parts of the conveyor 1. The passenger conveyor 1 comprises preferably furthermore a detection means for detecting overspeed in one or more of moving parts of the conveyor 1, which means may comprise one or more sensors, and a processing unit for determining whether a sensed speed exceeds a threshold speed.

[0069] In the embodiment presented in Figures 10 and 11, a preferred embodiment implementing the brake of Figures 4 and 5 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the brake 9;9a;9b comprises a first braking member 14a comprising a first braking surface 14a'; a second braking member 14b comprising a second braking surface 14b'; wherein a gap is formed between the braking surfaces 14a', 14b' of the braking members 14a,14b; and said diverting wheel 4 or a brake wheel 6 connected with the diverting wheel 4 in a force transmitting manner extends into the gap; and said gap is narrowable my moving of said braking members 14a, 14b towards each other. The braking member 14a is actuatable to wedge towards the other of the braking members 14a,14b such that the gap is narrowed and the diverting wheel 4 or a brake wheel 6 compressed by the braking surfaces 14a', 14b' of the braking members 14a,14b. [0070] The wheel presented in Figure 11 has teeth, which is advantageous when the wheel is a diverting wheel 4 as described, but should it be a brake wheel 6 as described, the teeth are not needed.

[0071] In the embodiment presented in Figures 10 and 11, the second braking member 14b is movable in a second wedge space 13b to wedge against an axial side s2;s2' of said diverting wheel 4 or a brake wheel 6. The axial sides sl;sl' and s2;s2' acted on by the braking members 14a,14b are opposite axial sides of the wheel 4, 6 in question.

[0072] In the embodiment presented in Figures 10 and 11, the brake 9;9a;9b is implemented as a floating caliper brake. The brake 9;9a;9b comprises a frame 10 carrying the braking members 14a; 14b, which frame 10 is a floating brake caliper movable in direction of the arrow a3 in Figure 10, which direction is parallel with the rotational axis x of said diverting wheel 4 or a brake wheel 6, in question.

[0073] The actuation means are not in the embodiment of Figures 10 and 11 arranged to directly actuate the second braking member 14b, because actuation of the first braking member 14a is arranged to cause relative movement between the second braking member 14b and said diverting wheel 4 or a brake wheel 6 such that they contact. The rotating diverting wheel 4 or a brake wheel 6 can then pick up the second braking member 14b and move it into wedged state as well. Said relative movement can occur due to the brake 9;9a;9b being a floating caliper brake in this case.

[0074] The brake 9;9a;9b moreover comprises an actuating means 15-17 for moving the first braking member 14a in the first wedge space 13a, in particular to wedge it against the axial side sl,sl' of said diverting wheel 4 or a brake wheel 6 in question. [0075] Generally, the actuating means 15-17 are such that they comprise an electrically controllable actuator 17, such as a solenoid 17. In the embodiment of Figure 10 and 11, the actuator 17 is connected with the first braking member 14a via a mechanical linkage 15 comprising lever 15a, shaft 15b and a lever 15c all pivotal around an axis 16 by the actuator 17. The actuator 17 is arranged to move the lever 15a, such that it pivots around the axis 16 pivoting the shaft 15b around the axis 16, in direction illustrated by arrow a4 in Figure 11. The shaft 15 is arranged to pivot the lever 15c around the axis 16 as well in direction illustrated by arrow a5 in Figure 11, and the lever 15c is arranged to move the first braking member 14a when pivoted around the axis 16 in direction illustrated by arrow a6 in Figure 11. [0076] The configuration of Figures 10 and 11 is moreover such that the first braking surface 14a' of the first braking member 14a faces a region r of the axial side sl;sl' of said diverting wheel 4 or a brake wheel 6, which moves towards the narrower end of said wedge space 13a (in Figure 11 downwards) when said diverting wheel 4 or brake wheel 6 rotates in its first rotation direction Dl. [0077] The configuration of Figures 10 and 11 is moreover such that the first braking surface 14a' of the first braking member 14a faces a region r of the axial side sl;sl' of said diverting wheel 4 or a brake wheel 6, which region r is displaced from the rim of said diverting wheel 4 or a brake wheel 6 towards the rotational axis of the diverting wheel 4 or a brake wheel 6, respectively. [0078] Generally, the passenger conveyor 1 can be an escalator or an autowalk.

The aforementioned conveying elements 3 are steps if the people mover is an escalator and pallets or a conveying belt if the people mover is an autowalk. As mentioned, the endless band 2 can comprise an inclined conveying section for conveying passengers, who stand on the conveyor elements, at an inclined angle upwards or downwards. In this case, the solution is particularly advantageous as in this case the passenger conveyor has the risk of rushing downwards due to gravity affecting on the passengers. Such an inclined conveying section is comprised in escalators, but also when the passenger conveyor is an autowalk, it can have an inclined conveying section (in this case a ramp section). The solution is most advantageous when the passenger conveyor is an escalator, because in escalators the inclination angle is steep enough to cause realistic risk of rushing downwards due to gravity affecting on the passengers.

[0079] Generally, wedging provides that when actuated, a great braking force can be swiftly and reliably achieved. Generally, it is advantageous that the wedging brake is arranged to act on an axial side of a rotating wheel, such as on the axial side of the diverting wheel 4 or the brake wheel 6 as presented, because in this way the surface via which the braking force is transmitted can simply be a surface which need not preserved from mechanical wear that might be caused in braking. This is also advantageous, because positioning and finding space for the brake equipment is simple with a new passenger conveyor as well as with an old passenger conveyor that is being modernized.

[0080] It is to be understood that the above description and the accompanying

Figures are only intended to teach the best way known to the inventors to make and use the invention. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The above-described embodiments of the invention may thus be modified or varied, without departing from the invention, as appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

A passenger conveyor (1), such as an escalator or an autowalk, comprising an endless band (2) of conveying elements (3);

a diverting wheel (4) for diverting the passage of the band

(2) of conveying elements

(3) and/or a traction member (5) thereof;

a brake (9;9a;9b) for braking rotation of the diverting wheel (4), characterized in that the brake (9;9a;9b) is a wedging brake comprising at least one braking member (14a; 14b) actuatable to wedge against an axial side (sl,sl';s2,s2') of said diverting wheel (4) or a brake wheel (6) connected with the diverting wheel (4).

A passenger conveyor (1) according to claim 1, wherein the brake (9;9a;9b) comprises an actuating means (15-17) for moving at least a first braking member (14a).

A passenger conveyor (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the brake (9;9a;9b) comprises

a frame (10);

a first wedge space (13a) between a first axial side (sl;sl') of said diverting wheel (4) or a brake wheel (6) and the frame (10); and

a first braking member (14a) movable in the first wedge space (13a) to wedge against the axial side (sl;sl') of said diverting wheel

(4) or a brake wheel (6),

an actuating means (15-17) for moving the first braking member (14a) in the first wedge space (13a).

A passenger conveyor (1) according to any of the preceding claims 2-3, wherein the actuating means (15-17) comprises an electrically controllable actuator (17).

5. A passenger conveyor (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electrically controllable actuator (17) is a solenoid (17).

6. A passenger conveyor (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electrically controllable actuator (17) is connected with at least the first braking member (14a) via a mechanical linkage (15,16).

7. A passenger conveyor (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the passenger conveyor (1) comprises an electrical controller (20) configured to control the actuating means (15-17).

8. A passenger conveyor (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical controller (20) is configured to activate the actuating means (15-17) when one or more predetermined criteria are met, said one or more predetermined criteria preferably including that overspeed is detected in one or more of moving parts of the conveyor (1).

9. A passenger conveyor (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said diverting wheel (4) or brake wheel (6) is rotatable at least in a first rotation direction (Dl), and said diverting wheel (4) or brake wheel (6) is arranged to push the first braking member (14a) towards the narrower end of said wedge space (13a) when it is rotating in its first rotation direction (Dl) and the first braking member (14a) is against said first axial side (si).

10. A passenger conveyor (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the endless band (2) of conveying elements (3) comprises an inclined conveying section for conveying passengers standing on the conveyor elements (3) at an inclined angle upwards or downwards.

11. A passenger conveyor (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first direction (Dl) is the rotation direction in which said diverting wheel (4) or brake wheel (6) rotates when the conveying elements (3) of the inclined section that are accessible to stand on by passengers move at an inclined angle downwards.

12. A passenger conveyor (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first braking surface (14a') of the first braking member (14a) faces a region (r) of the axial side (sl;sl') of said diverting wheel (4) or a brake wheel (6), which moves towards the narrower end of said wedge space (13a) when said diverting wheel (4) or brake wheel (6) rotates in its first rotation direction (Dl).

13. A passenger conveyor (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first braking surface (14a') of the first braking member (14a) faces a region (r) of the axial side (sl;sl') of said diverting wheel (4) or a brake wheel (6), which region (r) is at a distance from the rim of said diverting wheel (4) or a brake wheel (6).

14. A passenger conveyor (1) according to any of the preceding claim, wherein the brake (9;9a;9b) comprises a first braking member (14a) comprising a first braking surface (14a'); a second braking member (14b) comprising a second braking surface (14b'); wherein a gap is formed between the braking surfaces (14a', 14b') of the braking members (14a,14b); and said diverting wheel (4) or a brake wheel (6) connected with the diverting wheel (4) extends into the gap; and wherein at least one of the braking members (14a,14b) is actuatable to wedge towards the other of the braking members (14a,14b) such that the gap is narrowed and said diverting wheel (4) or a brake wheel (6) is compressed by the braking surfaces (14a', 14b') of the braking members (14a,14b).

15. A passenger conveyor (1) according to any of the preceding claim, wherein the brake (9;9a;9b) is a floating caliper brake.

16. A passenger conveyor (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the traction member (5) is a chain.

17. A passenger conveyor (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the diverting wheel (4) is a sprocket around and against which the traction member (5) and/or conveying elements (3) pass.

18. A passenger conveyor (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein it is an escalator and said conveying elements (3) are steps.

19. A passenger conveyor (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises a first brake, which is the main brake of the passenger conveyor, and a second brake, which is an auxiliary brake of the passenger conveyor, the aforementioned wedging brake (9;9a;9b) being said second brake.