HK1063041B - Escalator with step flange - Google Patents

Description

Escalator with step flange

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to passenger conveyor systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a step flange arrangement for an escalator, wherein the step flange moves with the steps of the escalator.

Background

Conventional passenger conveyors, such as escalators, include a series of steps that travel in a loop to provide continuous motion along a particular path. There is inherent relative motion between the moving steps and the stationary structure of the conveyor system. This relative movement is greatest near the escalator landing of the escalator as a transition zone where the steps move relative to the stationary system structure and to each other.

A problem with passenger conveyor systems is that objects may become trapped between the moving steps and the stationary system structure. This possibility is greatest at the transition area, for example, near the landing of an escalator.

Various attempts have been made to reduce or eliminate the possibility of objects being pinched at the interface between moving parts of an escalator system. Stationary skirt panels, while they do cover some elevator system components, do not eliminate relative motion. And to movable skirts, but have not been successfully applied in the market. The example shown in U.S. patent No.4,470,497 has a two-piece skirt guard, but the device has not proven successful on the market.

There is therefore a need for a device that prevents objects from potentially becoming caught or stuck at the interface of moving parts within an escalator system. The present invention satisfies this need in a manner that is superior to previously attempted configurations.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention provides an escalator system, comprising: a plurality of steps adapted to move in a loop along a path; at least one drive member associated with the step; at least a first plate member held stationary relative to each step along the entire path; and at least a second plate member adjacent each step and extending from and supported by the drive member such that the second plate member remains stationary relative to the drive member along the entire path, the first and second plate members cooperating to provide a stop at least along one edge of the escalator.

The present invention also proposes a step assembly for an escalator, comprising: a plurality of steps moving along a path; a plurality of first plate members adjacent an edge of the step, the plate members remaining stationary relative to the step as they move along the path; and a plurality of second plate members spaced from, cooperating with and moving with the first plate members to form stops along edges of the plurality of steps while permitting relative movement between the first and second plate members.

In general, the present invention is an escalator system with a step flange. A first flange plate member is associated with each step such that the first plate member remains stationary relative to the step throughout the movement of the step. A second flange plate member is associated with each link of the drive chain such that the second plate member remains stationary relative to the link throughout movement of the link.

In a preferred embodiment, a cover is provided that overlaps at least a portion of the first and second plate members.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the first plate member has an arcuate surface while the second plate member has a corresponding arcuate surface for engaging the arcuate surface of the first plate member. Further, it is preferred that the first plate member includes a portion that is at least partially received by the second plate member to reduce a gap at an interface between the first and second plate members.

The various features and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the currently preferred embodiment. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows.

Drawings

Figure 1 schematically illustrates part of an escalator system according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of a step with a first flange plate member arrangement according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the portion of FIG. 1 encircled by numeral 3;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the portion of the embodiment of FIG. 1 indicated by the encircled portion numeral 4;

FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred feature of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates another feature of the present invention;

figure 8 shows details of selected portions of the components shown in figure 7.

Detailed Description

The escalator system 20 is at least partially shown in fig. 1. The step chain 22 includes a plurality of steps 24. Each step includes a stepping surface 26 and a rising surface 28. The steps 24 are preferably configured to run in a loop as in conventional escalator systems. In one example, a conventional drive mechanism is used to move the steps along the loop.

Each step 24 preferably includes a first step flange member 30 adjacent each side edge of the step. The first plate member 30 remains fixed relative to the step 24 so that it travels with the step along the conveyor loop throughout the movement of the step. In one example, the first plate member 30 is rigidly secured to the step 24 using conventional fastening methods, such as bolting or welding. In another example, the first plate member 30 is made as part of the step 24 as the step is manufactured. It is determined whether the first plate member 30 is formed as part of the step 24 or as a separate piece and secured to the step 24 as required by the particular application. Those skilled in the art who have the benefit of this description will make appropriate selections.

The first plate member 30 preferably has an arcuate interface surface 32 along an edge of the plate and positioned to face in the same direction as the step surface 26 of the step 24. The hub portion 34 is preferably provided as part of the first plate 30 to receive a shaft 36 of a drive chain 38 that includes a plurality of drive links 40.

The drive chain 38 is shown for illustrative purposes. Other drive members, such as toothed belts, may be used in a system designed according to this invention. Those skilled in the art who have the benefit of this description will select configurations appropriate to their particular needs.

As best shown in fig. 2, each first plate member 30 preferably supports a roller 42 at the end of a roller arm 44. The rollers 42 preferably travel along a track that is part of an escalator truss structure (not shown). The roller arm 44 is preferably rigidly attached to the first plate member 30.

An advantage associated with an escalator system designed in accordance with the present invention is that rollers 42 are positioned outside of steps 24 rather than below the steps as before. This arrangement enables a more compact step structure and provides greater flexibility in configuring the corresponding escalator truss track.

Alternative roller configurations are within the scope of the present invention. For example, the embodiment of FIG. 6 includes rollers 42 supported below the step. Fig. 7 shows the roller 42 under a step supported on an arm 44. The flexibility in roller position is achieved by another novel feature of the present invention, such that the inventive step flange effectively covers the edge of the step rather than requiring multiple moving parts as in the prior art.

The conventional way of connecting a step chain to a drive belt or chain involves fixing the rear end of the steps to the drive chain. The preferred arrangement of the present invention includes securing the leading edge of each step 24 to the drive chain 38 rather than the trailing end. The leading end is fixed to the drive chain and the tread portion 26 of the step moves relative to the step chain as the step chain travels in the escalator loop. The maximum height difference between the step tread 26 and the drive chain 38 is at the inclined part of the circuit. The smallest height difference occurs at the transition region and the flat portion.

With the configuration of the present invention, in the sloped region of the circuit, the triangular region is bounded by the step tread surface 26, the rise surface 28 of the adjacent step, and the line extending between the leading edges of the steps. The triangular region is preferably covered by a stepped flange member which remains fixed relative to the drive chain. Preferably the fixed distance between the leading edge of the step at the location of the point of attachment between the step and the drive chain makes it easier to cover the relevant area at the edge of the step without the need for moving parts which were previously thought to be required.

A second step flange member 50 is associated with each drive link 40 such that the second plate member 50 remains stationary relative to the drive links 40. In other words, each second plate member 50 moves with the drive link 40 throughout the movement of the drive chain.

The first and second panel members cooperate with one another along the length of the escalator 20 to provide a step flange assembly along the escalator path. The configuration of the present invention reduces any relative motion at the edges of the steps.

Each second plate member 50 preferably includes a straight top edge 52 facing in the same direction as the tread surface 26 of each step 24. The two arcuate interface surfaces 54 preferably cooperate with corresponding arcuate surfaces on the first plate member 30, as best shown in FIG. 3. There is relative movement between the first plate member 30 and the second plate member 50, particularly at the transition region in the escalator path of travel. However, the potential effects of such relative movement are reduced by the configuration and design of the flange assembly of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, the second plate member 50 preferably includes at least one recess 56 that receives a raised portion 58 of the first plate member 30. Providing such a configuration reduces any gaps at the interface between the first plate member 30 and the second plate member 50. The recess and raised portion may be reversed such that the first plate member includes the recess.

In addition, the preferred configuration results in relative movement at the edges of the step 24 parallel to the interface due to relative movement between the first plate member 30 and the second plate member 50. This parallel movement reduces the likelihood of any objects falling into the gap between the plate members. With the present invention, relative movement between the step and the plate member occurs more slowly along a shorter distance and more closely controlled gap than with conventional arrangements.

Another feature of the present invention is that the cover 60 is placed so that the top edges 52 and 32 of the plate members are not exposed. As can be appreciated from the drawings, the preferred embodiment includes a second plate member 50 that does not extend across the entire top of the rim 32 on the first plate member 30. The gap between adjacent second panel members 50 is preferably not exposed to passengers on the escalator. The cover 60 may be integrated on the guardrail interior panel or another portion of the escalator system structure.

In the transition region, the cover 60 is preferably spaced relative to the stepped surface 24 and the plate member to reduce the likelihood of trapping or catching passenger shoes. In one example, the cover 60 is relatively thin so that it does not extend significantly above the step surface 26 and the passenger shoe. In addition, a minimum vertical gap, preferably about 25mm, is maintained between the lower edge of the cover 60 and the stepped surface 26.

The present invention provides significant advantages by having a stair nosing member that remains fixed relative to the step and the drive links, respectively. By eliminating any relative movement between the step and the main portion of the moving flange, passenger safety is significantly improved.

Fig. 6 shows another example of application of the present invention. In this example, a plate member 80 is associated with each step 24. More particularly, each plate member 80 is preferably associated with each drive link 40 such that the plate member 80 remains stationary relative to the drive link along the entire escalator path. As can be appreciated from fig. 6, there is some relative movement between the panel member 80 and the associated step 24 at the transition region of the escalator. In addition, the plate member 80 effectively remains stationary relative to each step 24 along a substantial portion of the path.

In one example, the plate member 80 is fixed to the drive link 40. In another example, the plate member 80 forms a portion of the drive link. The plate member 80 remains stationary relative to the drive links 40 throughout the circuit in which the drive chain travels.

In this example, each plate member 80 covers a triangular area bounded by a line between the step tread surface 26, the adjacent raised surface 28 and the step leading edge. The configuration of the present invention makes it possible to provide a moving flange configuration that does not present the interface problem at the escalator comb.

The present invention includes a unique comb element and comb plate support arrangement that facilitates movement of the preferred arrangement through a transition zone at an escalator landing of an escalator system. As shown in fig. 7 and 8, comb plate support assembly 100 moves the step flanges and steps through the transition area and into engagement with comb 102 and comb plate 104 of each escalator landing.

The support assembly 100 includes two steel support members 106 and 108 supported on an escalator truss 110. The support members 106 and 108 are preferably oriented parallel with respect to the ground surface at the landing. Two vertical support members 110 and 112 preferably extend downwardly from the ends of support members 106 and 108, respectively. The support members 110 and 112 are connected to a support member 114 that provides support under the edges of the comb 102 and comb plate 104. The arrangement of the various support members is such that the stepped flange members pass under the support members and the sides of the comb 102 and comb plate 104.

The edges of the comb plate 104 are at least partially covered by a plastic cover portion 116. The armrest input device 118, which houses an armrest 120, is preferably adjacent to an upper edge of the cover portion 116. The other illustrated escalator platform components include a floor 122 preferably supported in a conventional manner by a floor frame 124 and support members 126.

The foregoing description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Such as horizontal, vertical, below and above, are used in conjunction with the description for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. In addition, variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not necessarily depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of legal protection given to this invention can only be determined by studying the following claims.

Claims (10)

1. An escalator system includes

A plurality of steps adapted to move in a loop along a path;

at least one drive member associated with the step;

at least a first plate member held stationary relative to each step along the entire path; and

at least a second plate member adjacent each step and extending from and supported by the drive member such that the second plate member remains stationary relative to the drive member along the entire path,

the first and second plate members cooperate to provide a stop along at least one edge of the escalator.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein two plate members of each of the first and second plate members are associated with each step, one first plate member and one second plate member being adjacent a first edge of the step, and the other first plate member and the other second plate member being located on opposite edges of the step.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the second plate member is rigidly secured to the drive member.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the second plate member forms a portion of the drive member.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein each first plate member includes an interface surface and each second plate portion includes a respective interface surface that cooperates with at least a portion of the first plate member interface surface.

6. The system of claim 5, comprising a cover extending over at least a portion of an interface between the first plate member and the second plate member.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the drive member includes a plurality of links having at least one link respectively associated with each step, and wherein each second plate member remains stationary relative to a respective one of the links.

8. A step assembly for an escalator comprising:

a plurality of steps moving along a path;

a plurality of first plate members adjacent an edge of the step, the plate members remaining stationary relative to the step as they move along the path; and

a plurality of second plate members spaced from, cooperating with and movable with the first plate members to form stops along edges of the plurality of steps while permitting relative movement between the first and second plate members.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein each first plate member includes an interface surface along one edge and each second plate member includes two interface surfaces that cooperate with adjacent first plate members.

10. The assembly of claim 9, further comprising a groove along one of the cooperating interface surfaces, the groove receiving a corresponding portion of the other of the cooperating interface surfaces.