CA2074574A1 - Hydraulic tensioning system in passenger conveyors - Google Patents
Hydraulic tensioning system in passenger conveyorsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2074574A1 CA2074574A1 CA002074574A CA2074574A CA2074574A1 CA 2074574 A1 CA2074574 A1 CA 2074574A1 CA 002074574 A CA002074574 A CA 002074574A CA 2074574 A CA2074574 A CA 2074574A CA 2074574 A1 CA2074574 A1 CA 2074574A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- frame
- conveyor
- turnaround
- track assembly
- tensioning
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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
- B66B23/026—Driving gear with a drive or carrying sprocket wheel located at end portions
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66B—ELEVATORS; ESCALATORS OR MOVING WALKWAYS
- B66B23/00—Component parts of escalators or moving walkways
- B66B23/16—Means allowing tensioning of the endless member
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66B—ELEVATORS; ESCALATORS OR MOVING WALKWAYS
- B66B23/00—Component parts of escalators or moving walkways
- B66B23/16—Means allowing tensioning of the endless member
- B66B23/18—Means allowing tensioning of the endless member for carrying surfaces
Landscapes
- Escalators And Moving Walkways (AREA)
Abstract
HYDRAULIC TENSIONING SYSTEM IN PASSENGER CONVEYORS
ABSTRACT
A hydraulic tensioning device is disclosed for use in a passenger conveyor which includes a series of passenger platforms supported on and movable along a frame which includes side support tracks for chain driven support rollers mounted on the platforms. A turnaround track assembly is located at an end of the conveyor with track means on each side thereof. The turnaround track assembly is movably mounted relative to the frame and side support tracks. A chain tensioning system is operatively asso-ciated between the turnaround track assembly and the frame.
The system includes a hydraulic tensioning device inter-connected between the turnaround track assembly and the frame on each side of the conveyor. A source of pres-surized hydraulic fluid communicates with the tensioning devices. An accumulator hydraulically interconnects the tensioning devices to equalize tensioning between the side of the conveyor.
ABSTRACT
A hydraulic tensioning device is disclosed for use in a passenger conveyor which includes a series of passenger platforms supported on and movable along a frame which includes side support tracks for chain driven support rollers mounted on the platforms. A turnaround track assembly is located at an end of the conveyor with track means on each side thereof. The turnaround track assembly is movably mounted relative to the frame and side support tracks. A chain tensioning system is operatively asso-ciated between the turnaround track assembly and the frame.
The system includes a hydraulic tensioning device inter-connected between the turnaround track assembly and the frame on each side of the conveyor. A source of pres-surized hydraulic fluid communicates with the tensioning devices. An accumulator hydraulically interconnects the tensioning devices to equalize tensioning between the side of the conveyor.
Description
~37-~L~7~
~glO2 SPECIFICATION
HYDRAULIC TENSIONING SYSTB IN PRSSENGER ONVEYORS
Field of the Invention This invention generally relates to tha art of passenger conveyors such as escalators or the like, and, particularly, to a hydraulic tensioning system for a turnaround track assembly of a passenger conveyor.
Backaround of the Invention A passenger conveyor t~pically includes a series of passenger platform~ or steps which are driven in an endless path between horizontally spaced landings. The passenger conveyor includes a main body frame supported by the ~loors or other support structures of a building, for instance, and conventionally has ~rack means for the passenger platforms to guide the platforms along a path between the landings. Typically, the track mean include a ~upport track for support rollers mounted to th2 respec-tive passenger platforms, and, in some instances, guide rollers movable along a guide krack.
For instance, in an e~calator-type passenger conveyor, an endles~ series o~ steps are moved ~rom one landing to another to convey passengers. The steps are interconnected by means of a sprocket chain, sometimes called a running gsar chain. U~ually, such a chain i~ used on each side o~ the escalator. In addition, each ~tep is provided with at least one support roller on each side thereof, associated with the running gear chain, along with a trailer roller. Guide means are provided at each end o~
the e~calator for guiding the rollars around the bends of the endless conveyor means. The guida mean~ usually are provided in the form o~ a turnaround track ass~mbly. The track assembly includ~s pairs of lnner and outer curved ~7~
~glO2 SPECIFICATION
HYDRAULIC TENSIONING SYSTB IN PRSSENGER ONVEYORS
Field of the Invention This invention generally relates to tha art of passenger conveyors such as escalators or the like, and, particularly, to a hydraulic tensioning system for a turnaround track assembly of a passenger conveyor.
Backaround of the Invention A passenger conveyor t~pically includes a series of passenger platform~ or steps which are driven in an endless path between horizontally spaced landings. The passenger conveyor includes a main body frame supported by the ~loors or other support structures of a building, for instance, and conventionally has ~rack means for the passenger platforms to guide the platforms along a path between the landings. Typically, the track mean include a ~upport track for support rollers mounted to th2 respec-tive passenger platforms, and, in some instances, guide rollers movable along a guide krack.
For instance, in an e~calator-type passenger conveyor, an endles~ series o~ steps are moved ~rom one landing to another to convey passengers. The steps are interconnected by means of a sprocket chain, sometimes called a running gsar chain. U~ually, such a chain i~ used on each side o~ the escalator. In addition, each ~tep is provided with at least one support roller on each side thereof, associated with the running gear chain, along with a trailer roller. Guide means are provided at each end o~
the e~calator for guiding the rollars around the bends of the endless conveyor means. The guida mean~ usually are provided in the form o~ a turnaround track ass~mbly. The track assembly includ~s pairs of lnner and outer curved ~7~
tracks for the suppor~ rollers and the trailer rollers to rotate around the bends at the ends of the escalator.
It is typical in escalator-type passenger convey-ors to provide a chain tensioning system at one end of the conveyor system, such as beneath the lower landing. The~e tensioning systems sometimes are termed "step band tension~
ing systems". Heretofore, a typical escalator step b~nd tensioning system included a compres~ion spriny mechanism on each side of the conveyor or operatively associated with each side chain~ The tensioning typically was mechanical in nature, such as with a threaded rod associated with the compression spriny. In order to equalize ten~ion on oppo~ite sides of the conveyor, i.e., to equalize the respective tension~ on the side chains, tape or ruler measurements were used to estimate the tension setting.
Such settings actually are approximate, at best, and are susceptible to certain variances, such as different com-pression spring rates, and are susceptibla to other mis-adjustments due to wear as well as maintenance human error.
This invention is directed to providing a hydrau-lic tensioning system designed to automatically equalize the chain tension on opposite sides o~ the conveyor or escalator.
Summa~y of the Invention An object~ therefore, of the invention is to provid~ a new and improved ten~ioning sy~tem for a turn-around track assembly of a passenger conveyor.
As disclosed herein, a pa~senger conveyor i~
illustrated in the form of an escalator which include~ a series of steps or passenger plat~orms supported on and movable along a frame which include~ side support tracks for chain driven support roller~ mounted on the platforms.
A turnaround track as~embly is located at an end o~ th~
conveyor, with track mean~ on each side of the moving ~9102 plat~orms. The turnaround track assembly is movably mounted relative to the frame and side ~upport tracks.
The invention contemplates a chain tensioning system operatively associated between the turnaround track S assembly and the ~rame. The tensioning system includes a hydraulic tensioning device interconnected between the turnaround track assembly and the frame on each side thereof. A source of pressurized hydraulic fluid commu~i-cates with the tensioning devices. Means are provided for hydraulically interconnecting the teneioning d~vices to equalize tensioning between the side~ of the turnaround track assembly.
As disclosed herein, the source of pre~surized hydraulic fluid ls hydraulically connected to an accumula-tor which, in turn, is hydraulically connected to the side hydraulic tensioning devices, thereby equalizing the pressure therebetween. In the preferred embodiment, the hydraulic tensioning devices comprise piston and cylinder devices.
In the illustrated e~bodiment of the invention, the hydraulic devices are interconnQcted between push members fixed to the frame and slide members movably mounted on the frame and ~ixed to the turnaround track assembly. The slide members are provided in the form of slider plates having opposite edges supported by roller means.
Other objects, features and advantage~ of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description O~ The Drawin~s The features of this invention which are beli~v~d to be novel ar~ ~et ~orth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with it8 object~
and the advantages thereof, may be best understood by reference to th~ following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals identlfy like elements in th~ igures and in which:
FIGURE 1 is a somewhat schematic illustration of a typical escalator construction, with the hydrau~ic tensioning system of the invention located at the lower left-hand corner of the illu~tration, below the lower landing;
FIGURE 2 is another schematic illustration, on an enlarged scale, showing the location o~ the hydraulic tenqioning system of the invention, and particularly the turnaround track assembly in as~ociation with the rollers of an escalator step;
FIGURE 3 is an elevational view, on a further enlarged scale, of the hydraulic tensioning ~ystem at one side of the escalator;
FIGURE 4 is an end elevational view of the hydraulic tensioning system; and FIGURE 5 is a fragmented end elevational view, on an Qnlarged scale, of the right hand side of the sy~tem shown in Figure 4, appearing with FIGURES 1 and 2.
Detailed DQsariptiQn ~ Embodimen~
Referring to the drawings in grea~er de~ail, and fir~t to Figure 1, a general arrangement of a pas~enger conveyor in th~ form o~ a typical escalator, generally designated 10, is shown. Th~ arrangemen~ includes a stationary main frame, schematically illus~rated at 12, which mount-~ ~he conveyor to a 8upport gtructUre 0~ a ~uilding, ~or in~tance. The main ~rame supports a pair of horizontally spaced circuitous handrails 18. The passenger ~7 ~
~ 5 -platforms are suppor~e~ by a plurali~y of support rollers movable on a support track, as described in greater detail hereinafter. Suffice it to say, circles 20 in Figure 1 simply are shown ~o illustrate some of the support rollers.
the support track is appropriately fixed to stationary frame 12.
Chains 14 are moved by a conventional belt drive, generally designated 22, to continuously move passenger platforms 16 in a closed-loop path between a ~ront or lower landing 24 and an upper landing 26. A second belt drive mechanism, generally designated 28, drive~ handrail 18 in a closed-loop path in synchronism with the endless sexies of a passenger platforms 16, as indicated by arrows 30, as a passenger stands on one of the platforms and grasps handrail 18.
It should be under6tood that the illustration of escalator lO in Figure l, alonq with the above description thereof, is somewhat schematic in that the described components of the escalator are generally conventional~ It must be understood that the invention is directed to a tensioning system for use with passenger conveyors in gen-eral, including escalators, aR described, a~ well as horizontal moving walkways and the like.
Referring to the bottom, left-hand corner o~
Figure 1, a turnaround track a~sembly, generally de~ignated 32, is shown schematically below lower landing 24. A~ will be described in greater detail below, the ~urnaround track assembly is movably mounted for movement in the direction of double-headed arrow 34 in order to adju~t the tension in chain~ 14 which move passenger plat~orms or step~ 16 in their circuitous paths.
Figure 2 shows an enlarged schematic depiction of th~ bottom left-hand corner of Figure 1 to illustrate turn-around txack assembly 32 in conjunction with a step 16 which has a pair of ~ront support roll~r~ 36 and a trailer support roller 38, as the step moves in the direction of 2~ 7~
arrow 40. Only one step i5 shown in Figure 2 to avoid cluttering the illustration. Each side of turnaround track assembly 32 includes a pair of outer tracks 42 and 44 between which support rollers 3~ move. The tracks are generally semi-circular whereby, on the upper run of the tracks, inner track 42 support rollers 36 and outer track 44 provides a hold-down means for the rollers. A second pair of generally semi-circular tracks ~6 and 48 are provided for guiding trailer roller 38 around the turn around area. Again, in the upper run of the tracks, innar track 46 supports trailer roller 38 and outer track 48 provideR a hold-down means for the trailer rollerO Of course, on the lower runs of the pairs of tracks, the support and hold-down functions of the tracks are re~ersed.
Referring to Figure 3 in conjunction with Figure 1, turnaround ~rack assembly 32 i~ shown in greater detail, including the above-described track~ 42, 44 and 46, 48 on each side of the conveyor. It should be understood that the more detailed deplction of Figure 3 shows only one ~ide of the turnaround track assembly, ~uch as looXing inside-out at the left side of the con~eyor when facing inwardly toward the lower landing. ~he opposite or right side i8 identical. Consequently, the numeral 32a is being used for the suba~sembly shown in Figure 3. Tracks 42, 44, 46, 48 are mounted on a common or base support pla~e 50 which i8 shown to have a generally semi circular outer periphery 52~
The guide track means on main frame 12 (Fig. 3~ are simi-larly constructed to include an inner support track 54 and an outer hold-down track 56 for step support rollers 36, and an inner support track 58 and an outer hold-doT~n track 60 for trailer rollers 38. Still re~erring to Flgur~ 3, as stated above, turnaround track assembly 32 (there~ore, subassembly 32a) is mounted for movement in the diraction of double-headed arrow 34 relative to main frame 12 and tracks 54-60.
~7~
The movable mounting of each subassembly 32a, on each side of the conveyor, i~ provided by a slider plate 62 fixed by appropriate fastening means 64 to base support plate 50 of turnaround track subassembly 32a. A second plate 66 is fixed by appropriate fastening means 68 to base support plate 50, on the outside of the base support plate, to provide further rigidity for slider plate 62. The slider plate extends beyond an inner edge 70 of ba~e support plate 50 and is disposed between three top rollers 72 and three bottom rollers 74 journalled on stationary main frame 12. Therefore, slider plate 62 is movable between rollers 72 and 74 in the direation o~ double-headed arrow 76 to move turnaround track subassembly 32a therewith in the direction of double-headed arrow 34. ~ push block in the form of an angle beam 78 is fixed to stationary main frame 12 by bolts or other appropriate ~astening means 80.
The push block overlies and is spaced from the inside of the slider plate 62. -~
As stated above, Figure 3 is a depiction looking "inside-out" at one side of the e calator below landing 24.
There~ore, it should be understood that one of the turn- `
around track subassemblies 32a, slider plates 62, rollers 72 and 74, and push blocks 7~ are provided at each side of the escalator or conveyor system.
The invention contemplates a hydraulic chain tensioning system operatively associated between the turn-around track subassemblies 32a and the stationary main frame 12 on each ide of the escalator system to equalize tension on the step chains on opposite ~ides of the con-veyor. Still referring to Figure 3, a hydraulic ten~10ning device in the form of a piston and cylinder device, gener-ally designated 82, is interconnected be~ween each turn-around track subassembly 32a and stationary main ~rame 1~
on each s1de of the escala~or. Each ten~ioning devica includes a cylinder 84 mounted by bracket~ 86 to slider plate 62. A piston 88 projects from the inner end o~
2~
~ 8 -cylinder 84 and is engageable with push block 78 fixed to stationary main frame 12. Therefore, upon application of pressurized fluid to cylinder 84, piston ~8 will move in the direction of arrow 90 against push block 78 which, in turn, moves turnaround track subassem~ly 32a away from the main ~rame.
Figura 4 shows an end view o~ the hydraulic tensioning system to illustrate that a hydraulic piston and cylinder ~evice 82 is locatad at each opposite side of ~he escalator, along with the respective slider plates 62, rollers 72 and 74, base support plates 50 and support plates 66. In addition, rollers 72 and 74 can be seen to bs journalled on bolt like ~tub shafts 92.
As stated above, the invention ~ontemplates that hydraulic piston and cylinder devices 82 be hydraulically connected to equalize tènsioning on tha step chains between the turnaround track subassemblies at opposite sides o~ the escalator or conveyor. More particularly, 3till re~erring to Figure 4, each cylinder o~ each piston and cylinder device communicates hydraulically through conduits 96 to a common accumulator 98 which, in turn, communicates through a conduit 100 to a source 102 of pressurized hydraulic fluid. Therefore, the pressura in the cylinders are maintained equal, whereby the ~orces of the pistons on push blocks 78 likewise are equal. The piston and cylind~r device~, themselve , should be mounted to be substantially parallel to each other, i.e. in a common plane, to as~ure precise applications of equal forces on push blocks 78.
Accumulator 98 provide~ both a re~arvoir and pressure or tension regulation. Teneion on the Btep chains is adjusted by controlling the accumulator charge prsssure.
The accumulator charge can be monitored by an appropriats pressure gauge 106 for ea6y visual observation. 0~ cour~e, accumulator charge monitoring could be accompli hed by appropriate electronic controls of the escalator by mean~
of a pre sure transducer or a switch. With ~uch a hydrau-g _ lic system, emergency shutdown could be triggered either by a loss of pressure (i.e., chain tension), pressure fluctua-tion, ~low detection or any combination thereof, such as resulting from an obstructlon or impact to the turnaround track subas~emblies or other abnormal operating conditions.
Cushioning or shock absorption also is possible with the use of simple orifice~ or flow control valves operatively associated with the hydraulic devices. All o~ these advantages are afforded by the hydraulic tensioning system of the inv~ntion, which otharwise would be impossible or impractical with mechanical tensioning systems hereto~orQ
available.
It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details giv~n herein.
It is typical in escalator-type passenger convey-ors to provide a chain tensioning system at one end of the conveyor system, such as beneath the lower landing. The~e tensioning systems sometimes are termed "step band tension~
ing systems". Heretofore, a typical escalator step b~nd tensioning system included a compres~ion spriny mechanism on each side of the conveyor or operatively associated with each side chain~ The tensioning typically was mechanical in nature, such as with a threaded rod associated with the compression spriny. In order to equalize ten~ion on oppo~ite sides of the conveyor, i.e., to equalize the respective tension~ on the side chains, tape or ruler measurements were used to estimate the tension setting.
Such settings actually are approximate, at best, and are susceptible to certain variances, such as different com-pression spring rates, and are susceptibla to other mis-adjustments due to wear as well as maintenance human error.
This invention is directed to providing a hydrau-lic tensioning system designed to automatically equalize the chain tension on opposite sides o~ the conveyor or escalator.
Summa~y of the Invention An object~ therefore, of the invention is to provid~ a new and improved ten~ioning sy~tem for a turn-around track assembly of a passenger conveyor.
As disclosed herein, a pa~senger conveyor i~
illustrated in the form of an escalator which include~ a series of steps or passenger plat~orms supported on and movable along a frame which include~ side support tracks for chain driven support roller~ mounted on the platforms.
A turnaround track as~embly is located at an end o~ th~
conveyor, with track mean~ on each side of the moving ~9102 plat~orms. The turnaround track assembly is movably mounted relative to the frame and side ~upport tracks.
The invention contemplates a chain tensioning system operatively associated between the turnaround track S assembly and the ~rame. The tensioning system includes a hydraulic tensioning device interconnected between the turnaround track assembly and the frame on each side thereof. A source of pressurized hydraulic fluid commu~i-cates with the tensioning devices. Means are provided for hydraulically interconnecting the teneioning d~vices to equalize tensioning between the side~ of the turnaround track assembly.
As disclosed herein, the source of pre~surized hydraulic fluid ls hydraulically connected to an accumula-tor which, in turn, is hydraulically connected to the side hydraulic tensioning devices, thereby equalizing the pressure therebetween. In the preferred embodiment, the hydraulic tensioning devices comprise piston and cylinder devices.
In the illustrated e~bodiment of the invention, the hydraulic devices are interconnQcted between push members fixed to the frame and slide members movably mounted on the frame and ~ixed to the turnaround track assembly. The slide members are provided in the form of slider plates having opposite edges supported by roller means.
Other objects, features and advantage~ of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description O~ The Drawin~s The features of this invention which are beli~v~d to be novel ar~ ~et ~orth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with it8 object~
and the advantages thereof, may be best understood by reference to th~ following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals identlfy like elements in th~ igures and in which:
FIGURE 1 is a somewhat schematic illustration of a typical escalator construction, with the hydrau~ic tensioning system of the invention located at the lower left-hand corner of the illu~tration, below the lower landing;
FIGURE 2 is another schematic illustration, on an enlarged scale, showing the location o~ the hydraulic tenqioning system of the invention, and particularly the turnaround track assembly in as~ociation with the rollers of an escalator step;
FIGURE 3 is an elevational view, on a further enlarged scale, of the hydraulic tensioning ~ystem at one side of the escalator;
FIGURE 4 is an end elevational view of the hydraulic tensioning system; and FIGURE 5 is a fragmented end elevational view, on an Qnlarged scale, of the right hand side of the sy~tem shown in Figure 4, appearing with FIGURES 1 and 2.
Detailed DQsariptiQn ~ Embodimen~
Referring to the drawings in grea~er de~ail, and fir~t to Figure 1, a general arrangement of a pas~enger conveyor in th~ form o~ a typical escalator, generally designated 10, is shown. Th~ arrangemen~ includes a stationary main frame, schematically illus~rated at 12, which mount-~ ~he conveyor to a 8upport gtructUre 0~ a ~uilding, ~or in~tance. The main ~rame supports a pair of horizontally spaced circuitous handrails 18. The passenger ~7 ~
~ 5 -platforms are suppor~e~ by a plurali~y of support rollers movable on a support track, as described in greater detail hereinafter. Suffice it to say, circles 20 in Figure 1 simply are shown ~o illustrate some of the support rollers.
the support track is appropriately fixed to stationary frame 12.
Chains 14 are moved by a conventional belt drive, generally designated 22, to continuously move passenger platforms 16 in a closed-loop path between a ~ront or lower landing 24 and an upper landing 26. A second belt drive mechanism, generally designated 28, drive~ handrail 18 in a closed-loop path in synchronism with the endless sexies of a passenger platforms 16, as indicated by arrows 30, as a passenger stands on one of the platforms and grasps handrail 18.
It should be under6tood that the illustration of escalator lO in Figure l, alonq with the above description thereof, is somewhat schematic in that the described components of the escalator are generally conventional~ It must be understood that the invention is directed to a tensioning system for use with passenger conveyors in gen-eral, including escalators, aR described, a~ well as horizontal moving walkways and the like.
Referring to the bottom, left-hand corner o~
Figure 1, a turnaround track a~sembly, generally de~ignated 32, is shown schematically below lower landing 24. A~ will be described in greater detail below, the ~urnaround track assembly is movably mounted for movement in the direction of double-headed arrow 34 in order to adju~t the tension in chain~ 14 which move passenger plat~orms or step~ 16 in their circuitous paths.
Figure 2 shows an enlarged schematic depiction of th~ bottom left-hand corner of Figure 1 to illustrate turn-around txack assembly 32 in conjunction with a step 16 which has a pair of ~ront support roll~r~ 36 and a trailer support roller 38, as the step moves in the direction of 2~ 7~
arrow 40. Only one step i5 shown in Figure 2 to avoid cluttering the illustration. Each side of turnaround track assembly 32 includes a pair of outer tracks 42 and 44 between which support rollers 3~ move. The tracks are generally semi-circular whereby, on the upper run of the tracks, inner track 42 support rollers 36 and outer track 44 provides a hold-down means for the rollers. A second pair of generally semi-circular tracks ~6 and 48 are provided for guiding trailer roller 38 around the turn around area. Again, in the upper run of the tracks, innar track 46 supports trailer roller 38 and outer track 48 provideR a hold-down means for the trailer rollerO Of course, on the lower runs of the pairs of tracks, the support and hold-down functions of the tracks are re~ersed.
Referring to Figure 3 in conjunction with Figure 1, turnaround ~rack assembly 32 i~ shown in greater detail, including the above-described track~ 42, 44 and 46, 48 on each side of the conveyor. It should be understood that the more detailed deplction of Figure 3 shows only one ~ide of the turnaround track assembly, ~uch as looXing inside-out at the left side of the con~eyor when facing inwardly toward the lower landing. ~he opposite or right side i8 identical. Consequently, the numeral 32a is being used for the suba~sembly shown in Figure 3. Tracks 42, 44, 46, 48 are mounted on a common or base support pla~e 50 which i8 shown to have a generally semi circular outer periphery 52~
The guide track means on main frame 12 (Fig. 3~ are simi-larly constructed to include an inner support track 54 and an outer hold-down track 56 for step support rollers 36, and an inner support track 58 and an outer hold-doT~n track 60 for trailer rollers 38. Still re~erring to Flgur~ 3, as stated above, turnaround track assembly 32 (there~ore, subassembly 32a) is mounted for movement in the diraction of double-headed arrow 34 relative to main frame 12 and tracks 54-60.
~7~
The movable mounting of each subassembly 32a, on each side of the conveyor, i~ provided by a slider plate 62 fixed by appropriate fastening means 64 to base support plate 50 of turnaround track subassembly 32a. A second plate 66 is fixed by appropriate fastening means 68 to base support plate 50, on the outside of the base support plate, to provide further rigidity for slider plate 62. The slider plate extends beyond an inner edge 70 of ba~e support plate 50 and is disposed between three top rollers 72 and three bottom rollers 74 journalled on stationary main frame 12. Therefore, slider plate 62 is movable between rollers 72 and 74 in the direation o~ double-headed arrow 76 to move turnaround track subassembly 32a therewith in the direction of double-headed arrow 34. ~ push block in the form of an angle beam 78 is fixed to stationary main frame 12 by bolts or other appropriate ~astening means 80.
The push block overlies and is spaced from the inside of the slider plate 62. -~
As stated above, Figure 3 is a depiction looking "inside-out" at one side of the e calator below landing 24.
There~ore, it should be understood that one of the turn- `
around track subassemblies 32a, slider plates 62, rollers 72 and 74, and push blocks 7~ are provided at each side of the escalator or conveyor system.
The invention contemplates a hydraulic chain tensioning system operatively associated between the turn-around track subassemblies 32a and the stationary main frame 12 on each ide of the escalator system to equalize tension on the step chains on opposite ~ides of the con-veyor. Still referring to Figure 3, a hydraulic ten~10ning device in the form of a piston and cylinder device, gener-ally designated 82, is interconnected be~ween each turn-around track subassembly 32a and stationary main ~rame 1~
on each s1de of the escala~or. Each ten~ioning devica includes a cylinder 84 mounted by bracket~ 86 to slider plate 62. A piston 88 projects from the inner end o~
2~
~ 8 -cylinder 84 and is engageable with push block 78 fixed to stationary main frame 12. Therefore, upon application of pressurized fluid to cylinder 84, piston ~8 will move in the direction of arrow 90 against push block 78 which, in turn, moves turnaround track subassem~ly 32a away from the main ~rame.
Figura 4 shows an end view o~ the hydraulic tensioning system to illustrate that a hydraulic piston and cylinder ~evice 82 is locatad at each opposite side of ~he escalator, along with the respective slider plates 62, rollers 72 and 74, base support plates 50 and support plates 66. In addition, rollers 72 and 74 can be seen to bs journalled on bolt like ~tub shafts 92.
As stated above, the invention ~ontemplates that hydraulic piston and cylinder devices 82 be hydraulically connected to equalize tènsioning on tha step chains between the turnaround track subassemblies at opposite sides o~ the escalator or conveyor. More particularly, 3till re~erring to Figure 4, each cylinder o~ each piston and cylinder device communicates hydraulically through conduits 96 to a common accumulator 98 which, in turn, communicates through a conduit 100 to a source 102 of pressurized hydraulic fluid. Therefore, the pressura in the cylinders are maintained equal, whereby the ~orces of the pistons on push blocks 78 likewise are equal. The piston and cylind~r device~, themselve , should be mounted to be substantially parallel to each other, i.e. in a common plane, to as~ure precise applications of equal forces on push blocks 78.
Accumulator 98 provide~ both a re~arvoir and pressure or tension regulation. Teneion on the Btep chains is adjusted by controlling the accumulator charge prsssure.
The accumulator charge can be monitored by an appropriats pressure gauge 106 for ea6y visual observation. 0~ cour~e, accumulator charge monitoring could be accompli hed by appropriate electronic controls of the escalator by mean~
of a pre sure transducer or a switch. With ~uch a hydrau-g _ lic system, emergency shutdown could be triggered either by a loss of pressure (i.e., chain tension), pressure fluctua-tion, ~low detection or any combination thereof, such as resulting from an obstructlon or impact to the turnaround track subas~emblies or other abnormal operating conditions.
Cushioning or shock absorption also is possible with the use of simple orifice~ or flow control valves operatively associated with the hydraulic devices. All o~ these advantages are afforded by the hydraulic tensioning system of the inv~ntion, which otharwise would be impossible or impractical with mechanical tensioning systems hereto~orQ
available.
It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details giv~n herein.
Claims (15)
1. In a passenger conveyor which includes a series of passenger platforms supported on and movable along a frame which includes side support tracks for chain driven support rollers mounted on the platforms, and including a turnaround track assembly at an end of the conveyor with track means on each side thereof, the turn-around track assembly being movably mounted relative to the frame and side support tracks, a chain tensioning system operatively associated between the turnaround track assembly and the frame, comprising a hydraulic tensioning device interconnected between the turnaround track assembly and the frame on each side of the conveyor, a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid communicating with the tension-ing devices, and means for hydraulically interconnecting the tensioning devices to equalize tensioning between the sides of the conveyor.
2. In a passenger conveyor as set forth in claims 1, wherein said hydraulic tensioning devices com-prise piston and cylinder devices.
3. In a passenger conveyor as set forth in claim 1, wherein said hydraulic tensioning devices are interconnected between fixed means on the frame and means movably mounted on the frame, the movably mounted means supporting the turnaround track assembly.
4. In a passenger conveyor as set forth in claim 1, including a push member fixed to the frame, a slide member movably mounted on the frame and fixed to the turnaround track assembly, and at least one of said ten-sioning devices interconnected between the push member and the slide member.
5. In a passenger conveyor as set forth in claim 4, wherein said slide member is movably mounted on roller means journalled on the frame.
6. In a passenger conveyor as set forth in claim 5, wherein said slide member comprises a slider plate, and said roller means are mounted along opposite edges of the slider plate.
7. In a passenger conveyor as set forth in claim 1, wherein said hydraulic tensioning devices are hydraulically interconnected to a common accumulator to equalize pressure to the tensioning devices.
8. In a passenger conveyor as set forth in claim 7, wherein said source of pressurized hydraulic fluid is hydraulically connected to the accumulator.
9. In a passenger conveyor which includes a series of passenger platforms supported on and movable along a frame which includes side support tracks for chain driven support rollers mounted on the platforms, and including a turnaround track assembly at an end of the conveyor with track means on each side thereof, the turn-around track assembly being movably mounted relative to the frame and side support tracks, a chain tensioning system operatively associated between the turnaround track assembly and the frame, comprising a hydraulic piston and cylinder device interconnected between the turnaround track assembly and the frame on each side of the conveyor, the piston and cylinder devices being generally parallel, a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid communicating with the piston and cylinder devices, and accumulator means for hydraulically interconnecting the piston and cylinder devices to equalize tensioning between the sides of the conveyor.
10. In a passenger conveyor as set forth in claim 9, wherein said source of pressurized hydraulic fluid is hydraulically connected to the accumulator means.
11. In a passenger conveyor as set forth in claim 9, wherein said piston and cylinder devices are interconnected between respective push members fixed to the frame and slide members movably mounted on the frame and fixed to the turnaround track assembly.
12. In a passenger conveyor as set forth in claim 11, wherein said slide members comprise slider plates having opposite edges thereof movably mounted between roller means journalled on the frame.
13. In a passenger conveyor which includes a series of passenger platforms supported on and movable along a frame by chain driven support rollers mounted on the platforms, and including a turnaround assembly at an end of the conveyor, the turnaround assembly being movably mounted relative to the frame, a chain tensioning system operatively associated between the turnaround assembly and the frame, comprising a hydraulic device interconnected between the turnaround track assembly and the frame on each side of the conveyor, the hydraulic tensioning devices being hydraulically interconnected to equalize tension between the sides of the conveyor.
14. In a passenger conveyor as set forth in claim 13, wherein said hydraulic tensioning devices com-prise piston and cylinder devices.
15. In a passenger conveyor as set forth in claim 13, wherein said piston and cylinder devices are hydraulically interconnected to a common accumulator to equalize pressure between the devices.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US80957991A | 1991-12-17 | 1991-12-17 | |
| US809,579 | 1991-12-17 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2074574A1 true CA2074574A1 (en) | 1993-06-18 |
Family
ID=25201667
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002074574A Abandoned CA2074574A1 (en) | 1991-12-17 | 1992-07-23 | Hydraulic tensioning system in passenger conveyors |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0547737A3 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH0648675A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR930012555A (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9203497A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2074574A1 (en) |
| FI (1) | FI925720A (en) |
| TW (1) | TW215071B (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE19634668C2 (en) * | 1996-08-28 | 1999-06-24 | O & K Rolltreppen Gmbh | Hydraulic tensioning system for passenger conveyor systems, especially for escalators and moving walks |
| US6270326B1 (en) | 1997-08-29 | 2001-08-07 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Transfusion device and liquid supply tube |
| KR100945119B1 (en) * | 2006-09-01 | 2010-03-02 | 미쓰비시덴키 가부시키가이샤 | Passenger conveyor |
| DE202008015410U1 (en) * | 2008-11-20 | 2009-02-05 | Thyssenkrupp Fahrtreppen Gmbh | Escalator or moving walk |
| CN103395602B (en) * | 2013-07-25 | 2016-08-10 | 宁波博帆卫浴有限公司 | A kind of toilet lid suspension conveying system |
| CN103738823B (en) * | 2014-01-24 | 2015-09-23 | 苏州富士电梯有限公司 | Escalator lower segment tightening device patch guide rail |
| CN106931109A (en) * | 2016-12-14 | 2017-07-07 | 维德（肇庆）重型机器有限公司 | A kind of drive sprocket strainer run along cyclic track |
| CN117074512B (en) * | 2023-10-13 | 2024-01-02 | 山西科为磁感技术有限公司 | Magnetic flaw detection system for steel wire rope |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2649181A (en) * | 1948-06-01 | 1953-08-18 | Westinghouse Electric Corp | Moving stairway |
| US2663400A (en) * | 1950-10-13 | 1953-12-22 | Otis Elevator Co | Moving stairway |
| GB793229A (en) * | 1956-01-19 | 1958-04-09 | Brueninghaus Gmbh Stahlwerke | Improvements in tensioning means for endless conveyors |
| DE3210917A1 (en) * | 1982-03-25 | 1983-09-29 | Gewerkschaft Eisenhütte Westfalia, 4670 Lünen | Device for tensioning endless bands, in particular for conveying chains of scraper chain conveyors |
| DE3411173C1 (en) * | 1984-03-27 | 1985-07-18 | O & K Orenstein & Koppel Ag, 1000 Berlin | Clamping device for tail pulleys of conveyor belts, especially in bucket wheel supports |
| GB8609126D0 (en) * | 1986-04-15 | 1986-05-21 | Dale Mansfield Ltd | Conveyors |
-
1992
- 1992-07-23 TW TW081105832A patent/TW215071B/zh active
- 1992-07-23 CA CA002074574A patent/CA2074574A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1992-07-28 EP EP19920306886 patent/EP0547737A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1992-09-09 BR BR929203497A patent/BR9203497A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1992-10-09 KR KR1019920018527A patent/KR930012555A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1992-11-16 JP JP4328976A patent/JPH0648675A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1992-12-16 FI FI925720A patent/FI925720A/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| FI925720A0 (en) | 1992-12-16 |
| EP0547737A2 (en) | 1993-06-23 |
| JPH0648675A (en) | 1994-02-22 |
| EP0547737A3 (en) | 1993-09-22 |
| TW215071B (en) | 1993-10-21 |
| KR930012555A (en) | 1993-07-20 |
| FI925720A (en) | 1993-06-18 |
| BR9203497A (en) | 1993-06-22 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| RU2518544C2 (en) | Overhead ropeway | |
| CN104583113B (en) | The counterweight of elevator | |
| US20140047994A1 (en) | Train Platform Safety Device | |
| US7500549B2 (en) | People mover | |
| CA2074574A1 (en) | Hydraulic tensioning system in passenger conveyors | |
| JPH02210178A (en) | Slide door assembly | |
| US20220185627A1 (en) | Running system for elevator, and multi-car elevator running system | |
| US5361706A (en) | Conveying system with tensioning and docking assembly and method | |
| US6016902A (en) | Upper rail for passenger conveyor | |
| GB2277918A (en) | Minimising elevator vibrations | |
| US4589539A (en) | Transportation apparatus having a moving handrail | |
| US6431325B1 (en) | Acceleration control system utilizing elevator platform stabilization coupler | |
| EP0647585B1 (en) | Escalator step chain support apparatus | |
| US3926296A (en) | Passenger conveyor system | |
| US20090159397A1 (en) | Passenger conveyor | |
| US20030102613A1 (en) | Elevator noise and vibration isolation system | |
| KR100835502B1 (en) | Shock absorbing device for passenger conveyors | |
| CN115258864B (en) | Anti-falling construction elevator | |
| CN101454234B (en) | Vibration damping device for elevator | |
| EP0138372A1 (en) | Escalator | |
| US5083599A (en) | Protective cover device | |
| US11214464B2 (en) | Elevator seismic performance apparatus | |
| CN111874777A (en) | Modular pulley unit | |
| CA2060927A1 (en) | Escalator handrail reentry guard | |
| CN220226409U (en) | Lifting mechanism and parking equipment |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |