EP1935832B1 - Moving device with simplified tread units - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a driving device according to the preamble of claim 1, which has a plurality of tread units, such as escalator steps or moving platform pallets.

Further details of a chain-based drive system for such a driving device can be found in the parallel patent application via a runner chain of the same Applicant, which was filed on the same day as the present application. Certain aspects of this co-pending application may also be used in connection with the present application.

Driving devices in the sense of the invention, which can also be referred to as conveyors, are escalators and moving walks with a plurality of tread units or steps or moving floor pallets which are connected to an endless conveyor or a chain. The users of the driving equipment stand on treads of the kiting units or they go on the pavement pallets in the same direction of movement as the driving devices themselves.

For escalators, the escalator steps form the stepping units, hereafter referred to as steps, and for moving walkways, the moving walkway pallets form stepping units, hereafter referred to as pallets. Escalators overcome with relatively large inclination greater differences in height, preferably whole floors and more. Moving walkways, on the other hand, run horizontally, or slightly obliquely, but generally at a lower incline than escalators.

Typically, such vehicles include treadmills or pallet belts or conveyor strands, which are typically formed as a step or pallet chains. Hereinafter For the sake of simplicity, we are talking only about transport chains. These conveyor strands are driven to move the stages or pallets in the conveying direction and convey endlessly and they are provided according to the prior art at regular intervals with rollers. These rollers roll along defined, dedicated rails. In the area of the ends of the driving devices, the transport lines run with the rollers around deflection wheels (eg sprockets) or deflections and thus make a change of direction. A solution in which instead of a part of the rollers attached to the transport strands sliding elements are used, refer to the aforementioned parallel application.

An exemplary driving device is from the Patent EP 1 236 672 B1 known. The primary aim of this patent is to minimize the distance between a balustrade and a step or pallet in order to reduce the risk of injury. Casually or fleeting in this patent of sliding or rolling elements is mentioned. The sliding or rolling elements are directly attached to a step chain which serves as a conveyor line, as described above. The step chain with sliding or rolling elements thus serves to drive the steps. In the figures of this patent rolling elements are shown which are rotationally symmetric with respect to a rotation axis and which roll around the axis of rotation along the guide rails or rails.

It is felt as a disadvantage of previous driving devices that in addition to the step chains including rollers at each stage two further conveyor or step rollers are required to roll along separate rails. Such an approach is costly because the rollers on the steps are expensive, laborious and expensive. This is in particular due to the fact that corresponding ball or roller bearings are required in order to secure the rollers to the steps can.

On the other hand, but attached to the steps or pallets casters are essential components of the vehicle, since they have an immediate impact on the smoothness. In addition, these rollers contribute not insignificantly to the quiet, uniform, i. smooth running of the driving device at.

Especially for a more cost-effective original equipment of driving equipment is the desire to replace the individual components with cheaper or simpler parts, but without affecting the smoothness and driving characteristics.

• eine kostengünstigere Fahreinrichtung der eingangs genannten Art zu schaffen, die aber trotzdem einen ruhigen, ruckfreien Lauf ermöglicht, nicht störungsanfällig ist und eine hohe Lebensdauer hat.

The object of the invention is therefore to

• to provide a cheaper driving device of the type mentioned, but still allows a smooth, smooth running, is not prone to failure and has a long life.

This object is achieved according to the invention for the features of claim 1.

Preferred developments of the driving device according to the invention are defined by the claims dependent on claim 1.

Fig. 1

eine Fahreinrichtung in Form einer Fahrtreppe, in einer seitlichen Ansicht, teilweise geschnitten;

Fig. 2A

einen Bereich A der Fahreinrichtung nach Fig. 1 in einer vergrösserten Ansicht;

Fig. 2B

eine vergrösserte Detailansicht X der Fahreinrichtung nach Fig. 2A;

Fig. 3A

einen Bereich B der Fahreinrichtung nach Fig. 1 in einer vergrösserten Ansicht;

Fig. 3B

eine vergrösserte Detailansicht Y der Fahreinrichtung nach Fig. 3A;

Fig. 4A

ein Gleitelement in einer seitlichen Ansicht (Aufriss);

Fig. 4B

einen Schnitt durch das Gleitelement von Fig. 4A längs der Linie Z-Z der Fig. 4A;

Fig. 4C

eine schematische Darstellung zur geometrischen Festlegung des Winkels W.

The invention will now be described in detail by way of examples and with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a driving device in the form of an escalator, in a side view, partially cut;

Fig. 2A

an area A of the vehicle after Fig. 1 in an enlarged view;

Fig. 2B

an enlarged detail X of the driving device to Fig. 2A ;

Fig. 3A

an area B of the driving device after Fig. 1 in an enlarged view;

Fig. 3B

an enlarged detail view Y of the driving device according to Fig. 3A ;

Fig. 4A

a sliding element in a side view (elevation);

Fig. 4B

a section through the sliding element of Fig. 4A along the line ZZ the Fig. 4A ;

Fig. 4C

a schematic representation of the geometric definition of the angle W.

In the Fig. 1 shown driving device 1 is an escalator, which connects a lower level E1 with an upper level E2. The driving device 1 has lateral balustrades 4 and as visible, moving parts stages 2 of an endless conveyor. As conveying strands are typically two mutually parallel step chains or conveyor chains with rollers are used to move the stages 2 in motion. According to the above-mentioned parallel application but also step chains with rollers and / or sliding elements can be used.

In addition, an endless handrail 10 is provided. The handrail 10 moves in solidarity or simultaneously with the conveyor strands and the steps 2. By reference numeral 7, the supporting or truss and the reference numeral 3, the lateral base plate of the driving device 1 bezechnet.

The endless conveyor of the driving device 1 essentially comprises a multiplicity of tread units (stages 2) and the two laterally arranged conveying strands, respectable step chains or conveyor chains, between which the steps 2 are arranged and with which the steps 2 are mechanically connected. Furthermore, the endless conveyor comprises, for example, a drive, not shown, as well as an upper deflection 12 and a lower deflection 13 located in the upper or lower end region the driving device 1 are located. The steps 2 have treads or standing surfaces 9.

As in Fig. 1 indicated, run the steps 2 of the lower deflector 13, which is located in the region of the lower level E1, obliquely upwards to the local upper deflection 12, which is located in the region of the upper level E2. This area, which leads from the lower deflection 13 to the upper deflection 12, is also referred to below as the conveying area or lead area 14 of the driving device 1, since in this area the tread surfaces 9 of the steps 2 point upwards or horizontally or horizontally and thus Can accommodate and transport people. The return of the stages 2 from the upper deflection 12 to the lower deflection 13 takes place in a return region, which is also referred to here as the return region 11. This return area 11 is located below the mentioned flow area. During the return, that is to say in the return region 11, the tread surfaces 9 of the steps 2 point downward or downward.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, which in the FIGS. 2A to 4C is shown in more detail, are now for the first time stages 2 are used, which instead of the usual directly attached to the steps 2 rollers so-called sliding elements 6 have. These sliding elements 6 are also referred to below as step skids. The sliding elements 6 are according to the invention mechanically connected to the respective stages 2 and designed so that they slide in the lead area 14 along a first guide rail 5.1, when the endless conveyor of the driving device 1 is in motion, as based on FIGS. 2A and 2B is explained in more detail. The first guide rails 5.1 are referred to in this context as Vorlaufschienen or Vorlaufführungsschienen to highlight their function. The course, respectively the position of the step chain with the rollers located on it is in the FIGS. 2A and 2B indicated by the line 8.

In the return region 11 slide the sliding elements 6 along a second guide rail 5.2 (also referred to as return guide rail), as shown in the FIGS. 3A and 3B is explained in more detail. Again, the return, respectively the position of the step chain, with the rollers located thereon, indicated in the figures by the line 8.

Thus, the sliding elements 6 are suitable as an equivalent replacement for hitherto used rollers or towed rollers, rollers or rollers with ball or roller bearings, each sliding member 6 for sliding along the supply guide rail 5.1 a so-called Vorlaufgleitfläche or segment 6.2. For sliding along the return guide rail 5.2, a separate, ie spatially separated, second return sliding surface or section 6.4 is provided, as shown by FIGS. 4A and 4B is explained in more detail. In Fig. 4A is a plan view and front view of a sliding element 6 is shown. In order to be able to better describe the position or orientation of the individual elements, reference will be made below to the position of the hour-hand pointer to a clock which rotates about the central axis 6.5 of the sliding element 6. The Vorlaufgleitfläche 6.2 of the sliding member 6 has a sliding surface 6.7, which is tangent to the 5 o'clock pointer position. The end or exit surfaces of this sliding surface are slightly angled or cambered or rounded. This results in a runner-like design of the leading sliding surface 6.2, which allows easy entry and exit of the sliding element 6 in the supply guide rail 5.1. In addition, the runner-like design prevents wedging or jamming of the sliding element on the supply guide rail 5.1.

Approximately in the 12 o'clock hand position is the return sliding surface 6.4. The sliding surface 6.8 of the return sliding surface 6.4 is substantially tangential to an hour hand, which is in the 12 o'clock position. The end or exit zones of this sliding surface are also slightly angled or cambered or rounded. This results in a runner-like design of the return sliding surface 6.4, which allows easy entry and exit of the sliding element 6 in or on the return guide rail 5.2. In addition, the runner-like design prevents wedging or snagging of the sliding element on the return guide rail 5.2.

It should be noted here that the angle W between the feed sliding surface 6.2 and the return sliding surface 6.4 is dependent on the constellation of the driving device 1. In the case of a moving walk which runs horizontally, the tangential surfaces of the leading sliding surfaces 6.2 and the return sliding surfaces 6.4 are preferably exactly opposite (the two tangential surfaces are parallel in opposite directions, ie the angle W between the two is approximately 180 degrees). In Fig. 4A is a variant for use in an escalator that overcomes a difference in height between two floors E1 and E2 shown. The tangential surfaces 6.7 and 6.8 of the sliding surfaces 6.2 and 6.4 are slightly inclined to each other. That is, the angle W is less than 180 degrees. In the example shown, the angle W is about 145 degrees, as in Fig. 4C indicated schematically, where the perpendicular to the sliding surfaces 6.8 and 6.7 are shown, which extend through the central axis 6.5.

Preferably, the angle W is between 180 and 120 degrees.

In order to take into account the fact that during the sliding of the sliding elements 6 along the supply guide rail 5.1 greater forces occur than when sliding along the return sliding surface 6.4, the leading sliding surfaces are 6.2 preferably made larger or more stable than the return sliding surfaces 6.4, as in Fig. 4A can be seen. The larger forces arise, therefore, that when entering a level 2, the weight forces on the leading sliding surfaces 6.2 of the sliding elements 6 must be introduced into the flow guide rails 5.1. During the return of the steps 2, these slide with the sliding elements 6 on the return guide rail 5.2. In this case, the sliding elements 6, respectively the Rücklaufgleitflächen 6.4 mainly carry only the weight of the stage 2, which consists of light metal.

To be able to fix a sliding element 6 laterally on a step 2, the sliding element 6 has an insert bushing 6.3 or socket or plain bearing bush which is arranged coaxially to the central axis 6.5 of the sliding element 6. Preferably, the sliding element 6 is designed so that it can be attached to the steps 2 in the same way as the previously used rollers or towed rollers. This can be achieved, for example, by appropriate dimensioning of the insert sleeve 6.3 or socket or plain bearing bushing, as you can simply put the slider in this case, the originally intended for a roller axle. This makes it possible for existing vehicles 1 to replace the rollers with sliding elements 6.

The sliding element 6 may have a main body or a carrier element 6.1 which connects and / or supports the individual elements 6.2, 6.3, 6.4. In the FIGS. 4A and 4B an embodiment is shown in which the support element 6.1 together with the other elements 6.2 and 6.4 made of plastic, for example injection-molded plastic, or of a milled or cast part or parts. Preferably, a one-piece sliding element 6 is used, which is made of one and the same material throughout. Optionally, however, the leading sliding surface 6.2 and / or the Rücklaufgleitfläche 6.4 have another material or be coated with another material, as will be described later.

In order to make the sliding element 6 as inexpensive and easy as possible, recesses 6.6, recesses or openings may be provided.

In Fig. 4B showing a section along the angled line ZZ, it can be seen that the body 6.1 may have thin webs or the like extending at least partially from the central axis 6.5 as the spokes of a wheel in the radial direction and the Support slide or 6.2 or the return sliding surface 6.4 support or frame.

Preferably, the leading sliding surface 6.2 and / or the Rücklaufgleitfläche 6.4 is coated with a material or sliding material, or comprise a material having a low coefficient of friction. Particularly suitable is a sliding surface 6.2 or 6.4 with a PTFE bandage (PTFE: polytetrafluoroethylene) or with a polyurethane bandage. An aramid coating or aramid fibers can also be used. These bandage zones are preferably hydrolysis-resistant or hydrolysis-stabilized.

PTFE is particularly suitable because of the low coefficient of friction and the robustness of this material with suitable material combinations. Since PTFE slides particularly well on PTFE, guide rails 5.1 and / or 5.2 are used in a preferred embodiment, which are also provided with PTFE or PTFE-like modified plastics. In addition, the friction of PTFE with suitable material combinations is exactly the same as the sliding friction, so that the transition from standstill to motion without jerking takes place, which is particularly advantageous for applications in the field of driving equipment (s).

Since the main forces, as described previously or before, between supply guide rail 5.1 and the leading slide 6.2 occur in a preferred embodiment, at least the leading slide 6.2 and / or supply guide rails 5.1 coated with suitable material or comprise a suitable material.

In a presently other preferred embodiment of the invention, the sliding elements 6 are designed and fixed to the steps 2 so as to allow a slight pivotal or rotational movement about the central axis 6.5. This allows an even quieter run can be achieved.

In another variant, the sliding elements 6 can be easily attached laterally on the steps 2 and locked there.

With the present invention, a completely new moving pavement generation or escalator generation can be realized, which manages completely or at least partially without rollers. The new ferry device is cheaper or cost-advantageous because instead of the rollers sliding elements 6 are used. This has the advantage that you save expensive and labor-intensive ball bearings that are included in the rollers of the stages 2 and are required or obligatory.

As described, the invention can be applied to escalators and moving walks equally or equivalently.

Claims (10)

1. Transportation device (1) with

   - several steps (2) or pallets,

   - advance guiderails (5.1), which are arranged in an advance area (14) of the transportation device (1),

   - return guiderails (5.2), which are arranged in a return area (11) of the transportation device (1),
   characterized in that

   - each step (2) or pallet has fastened to the step (2) or pallet sliding elements (6), which contain an advance sliding surface (6.2) and a return sliding surface (6.4),

   the steps (2) or pallets being movable in the direction of transportation when the transportation device (1) is in operation, and, in the advance area (14), supported by the sliding elements (6), each step (2) or pallet slides with the advance sliding surfaces (6.2) along the advance tracks or advance guiderails (5.1).
2. Transportation device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that in the return area (11), through the sliding elements (6) with the return sliding surfaces (6.4), each step (2) or pallet slides on the return rails or return guiderails (5.2).
3. Transportation device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in the advance area (14), by means of two sliding elements (6), each of the steps (2) or pallets is supported at two points on the advance guiderails (5.1) and/or additionally against a following or preceding step (2).
4. Transportation device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, per step (2) or pallet, provided for support are two sliding elements (6), which contain an advance sliding surface (6.2) and a separate return sliding surface (6.4).
5. Transportation device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the advance sliding surface (6.2) and the reverse sliding surface (6.4) respectively are executed in the form of runners.
6. Transportation device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the advance sliding surface (6.2) and/or the return sliding surface (6.4) have a material, or are coated with a material, which, in conjunction with the advance guiderail (5.1) or the return guiderail (5.2), results in a low coefficient of friction.
7. Transportation device (1) according to Claim 6, characterized in that polytetrafluorethylene or Teflon is used as sliding material.
8. Transportation device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each of the sliding elements (6) has an inset bushing (6.3) with which the sliding element (6) is immediately and/or contiguously and/or directly mechanically connected to the step (2) or pallet.
9. Transportation device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the advance sliding surface (5.1) and/or the return sliding surface (5.2) have a material, or are coated with a material, which, in conjunction with the sliding elements (6), results in a low coefficient of friction, use being made preferably of thermoplastic or elastomeric materials, polytetrafluorethylene, polyurethane, polyamide, aramid, or butyl rubber.
10. Transportation device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the transportation device (1) comprises two essentially parallel-running transportation bands, preferably in the form of two chains, and in that the steps (2), or pallets, are arranged in succession between, and mechanically connected to, the transportation bands.

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