HK1171000A - Releasable step locking system - Google Patents

Description

Releasable step locking system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to conveyor systems. In particular, the present invention relates to a conveyor system having steps and a propulsion mechanism.

Background

Conventional passenger conveyors, such as moving walkways or escalators, include a series of pallets or steps that move in a closed loop. Passenger conveyors allow people to be transported a distance while standing or walking along steps. The steps are typically attached to a propulsion mechanism that provides forward movement for the steps. More specifically, the drive pulley powers a sprocket that imparts motion to the step chain, thereby moving the steps and any person positioned on the steps along a predetermined track.

Step chains often include a pair of tendons connected by a plurality of axles, which are permanently fixed to the steps. The fixation between the steps and the step chain ensures that the steps follow any curvature along the track. In the case of escalators, the track extends between a lower level and a higher level and returns to the lower level in a closed loop. Moving walkways may have inclined, descending or generally flat tracks and sometimes include a pair of parallel walkways traveling in opposite directions. Regardless of the configuration of the track, there is a need to reduce the costs associated with maintenance and repair of passenger conveyors.

Disclosure of Invention

A conveyor includes steps for supporting a load and a propulsion mechanism connected to the steps for moving the steps. A locking system attaches the step to the propulsion mechanism and includes a clamp, a lock, and an actuator. The clamp has a clamped state for coupling the step to the propulsion mechanism and an undamped state for decoupling the step from the propulsion mechanism. The lock is attached to the clamp and has a locked state for securing a coupling between the step and the propulsion mechanism and an unlocked state for decoupling the propulsion mechanism from the step. An actuator is attached to both the lock and the step, and is capable of changing the state of the lock.

A method of moving steps in a conveyor system comprising: moving the steps around a closed loop path of the conveyor system; for a first portion of the closed loop path in which the steps carry a load, engaging the steps; and disengaging the steps for a second portion of the closed loop path in which the steps are unloaded.

A method of attaching and detaching a step of a conveyor system to a propulsion mechanism includes: activating a locking system in the conveyor system that attaches the step to the propulsion mechanism; changing the lock from the first lock state to the second lock state in response to activation of the locking system; and changing the clamp from the first clamp state to the second clamp state in response to the change in the lock state such that the attachment between the step and the propulsion mechanism changes.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary passenger conveyor with a portion broken away to show a step locking system according to the present invention.

Fig. 2A and 2B are schematic side views of a first embodiment of the step locking system.

Fig. 3A and 3B are schematic side views of a second embodiment of the step locking system.

Fig. 4A and 4B are schematic side views of a third embodiment of the step locking system.

Fig. 5A-5F are a series of schematic side views illustrating the operation of the step locking system.

Fig. 6-9 are schematic side views of a fourth embodiment of a clamp engaging an advancement mechanism.

Detailed Description

As used herein, a passenger conveyor includes both escalators and moving walkways. Similarly, the steps are used as a generic term including both steps for escalators and pallets for moving walkways. In addition, propulsion mechanisms are used as a generic term that includes chains, belts, and ropes or any other device that imparts movement to steps in a conveyor.

Conventionally, the individual steps of a passenger conveyor are permanently fixed to the propulsion mechanism during operation. Conventional steps are only separated from the propulsion mechanism for maintenance and repair. While it is desirable to have a durable connection between the steps and the propulsion mechanism, such a connection need not be a permanent fixation. In fact, the releasable attachment system between the steps and the propulsion mechanism can reduce the expense and maintenance costs and increase ride comfort. The present invention is a releasable locking system for attaching a step in a passenger conveyor to a propulsion mechanism.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one example of a passenger conveyor 10 with a portion broken away to show releasable attachment system 12 between steps 14 and propulsion mechanism 16. The components of the passenger conveyor 10 are shown in fig. 1: releasable attachment system 12, step 14, propulsion mechanism 16, machine 18, drive pulley 20, tension pulley 22, passenger portion 24, and return portion 26. Releasable attachment system 12 couples steps 14 to propulsion mechanism 16 in passenger portion 24 and decouples steps 14 from propulsion mechanism 16 during return portion 26 of passenger conveyor 10.

Although the passenger conveyor 10 is shown in fig. 1 as a racetrack moving walkway, the invention is not so limited and may be applied to other types of moving walkways and passenger conveyors, such as escalators. Releasable attachment system 12 is located between step 14 and propulsion mechanism 16. Steps 14 forming the moving walkway of passenger conveyor 10 have a top surface for supporting passengers and a bottom surface connected to releasable attachment system 12. In other embodiments, a releasable attachment system is connected to the sides of each step 14. Steps 14 may take many shapes such as, but not limited to, rectangular, square, circular, and half-moon shapes. A first end of releasable attachment system 12 is attached to the underside of step 14 and an opposite second end of releasable attachment system 12 is either coupled to or decoupled from propulsion mechanism 16. The cutaway portion of fig. 1 shows releasable attachment system 12 coupling step 14 to propulsion mechanism 16. Propulsion mechanism 16 may be a chain, rope, belt, or any other suitable device that moves steps 14. Machine 18 is centrally located so that it is adjacent to and attached to drive sheave 20. Opposite and remote from the drive pulley 20 is a tension pulley 22. The propulsion mechanism 16 extends around both the drive pulley 20 and the tension pulley 22 to form a closed loop path. In one complete loop, there may be one or more passenger portions 24 for supporting passengers and one or more return portions 26 for returning steps 14 to the beginning of passenger portions 24. In the track-type passenger conveyor 10 shown in fig. 1, there are two passenger sections 24 separated by two return sections 26, the return sections 26 also being just turnaround sections. In other embodiments similar to more conventional escalators, the single return portion 26 may extend upwardly from the lower landing to an upper landing below the single passenger portion 24, with the single passenger portion 24 extending downwardly from the upper landing to the lower landing. Several embodiments are contemplated, but all share a common point, namely releasable attachment system 12 between step 14 and propulsion mechanism 16.

The passenger conveyor 10 is configured to move passengers and/or cargo from one location to another. Passengers may either stand or walk along steps 14 to quickly transition from one location to another. Releasable attachment system 12 either couples step 14 to propulsion mechanism 16 or decouples step 14 from propulsion mechanism 16. Machine 18 powers and controls the operation of drive sheave 20. The drive pulley 20 imparts forward movement to the propulsion mechanism 16, and the propulsion mechanism 16 moves in a closed loop between the drive pulley 20 and the tension pulley 22. When coupled via releasable attachment system 12, propulsion mechanism 16 maintains steps 14 in alignment so that they follow the same curvature through the closed loop of passenger conveyor 10. It is contemplated that releasable attachment system 12 will couple step 14 to propulsion mechanism 16 during a first portion (e.g., without limitation, passenger portion 22) of passenger conveyor 10 and decouple step 14 from propulsion mechanism 16 during a second portion (e.g., without limitation, return portion 22) of the passenger conveyor. Thus, as steps 14 are transported around the closed loop, they are coupled to propulsion mechanism 16 and decoupled from propulsion mechanism 16 at predetermined intervals via releasable attachment system 12.

Fig. 2A and 2B are schematic side views of a first embodiment of releasable attachment system 12A. Fig. 2A shows releasable attachment system 12A coupling step 14 to propulsion mechanism 16, while fig. 2B shows releasable attachment system 12A decoupling step 14 from propulsion mechanism 16. Fig. 2A and 2B show releasable attachment system 12A, propulsion mechanism 16, roller 27, actuator 28A, track 29A, lock 30A, clamp 32A, lever 24, first spring 36, arm 38, and handle 40. While holding (at rest), releasable attachment system 12A couples step 14 to propulsion mechanism 16. Step 14 is disengaged from propulsion mechanism 16 by roller 27-track 29 combination activating releasable attachment system 12A.

Releasable attachment system 12A includes three subsystems: an actuator 28A, a lock 30A, and a clamp 32A. Actuator 28A is the left-most portion of releasable attachment system 12A and includes roller 27-track 29 combination, but actuator 28A may take other forms, such as, but not limited to, a lever, spring, or solenoid. When the actuator 28A is held (state) or not actuated, the track 29 is not present or at least does not contact the roller 27. When the actuator 28A is activated or actuated, the track 29 contacts the top surface of the roller 27. Attached to actuator 28A and forming the middle of releasable attachment system 12 is a lock 30A including a lever 34 and a first spring 36. The lever 34 first extends outwardly from both sides of the roller 27 to a point and then extends back inwardly toward the first spring 36. A first spring 36 extends between the levers 34 near the center of the releasable attachment system 12. The first spring 36 holds the levers 34 close together when the lock 30A is locked or held, and the first spring 36 urges the levers 34 outward when the lock 30A is activated or unlocked. Attached to lock 30A and forming the rightmost portion of the releasable attachment system is a clamp 32A including an arm 38 and a handle 40. Arm 38 extends outward from the center of releasable attachment system 12 to a point and then extends back toward the center to handle 40. A handle 40 extends centrally from the rightmost portion of each arm 38 and is shaped like a half moon. When the clamp 32A is held or clamped, the handle 40 contacts the outer periphery of the propulsion mechanism 16, and when the handle 40 is activated or released, the handle 40 moves outwardly away from the propulsion mechanism 16. Propulsion mechanism 16 is shown as a round rope, but flat belts, linked chains, or any other propulsion mechanism are equally feasible. Clamp 32A alternates between clamping and unclamping propulsion mechanism 16 using arm 38 and handle 40 to attach step 14 to propulsion mechanism 16 and detach step 14 from propulsion mechanism 16.

Releasable attachment system 12A undergoes at least one change of state as steps 14 move around the closed loop path. Activation of actuator 28A (roller 27-track 29 combination) causes a change in state of lock 30A (lever 34 and first spring 36) that causes a change in state of clamp 32A (arm 38 and handle 40) to ultimately either couple step 14 to propulsion mechanism 16 or decouple step 14 from propulsion mechanism 16. In 2A, releasable attachment system 12A is held or deactivated and step 14 is coupled to propulsion mechanism 16. Since track 29A is not present, no pressure is applied to roller 27, allowing roller 27 to move to the left. The lever 34 is held in the extended holding position by the spring force of the first spring 36. Arm 38 is compressed and exerts pressure on handle 40, and handle 40 securely engages propulsion mechanism 16 to couple step 14 with propulsion mechanism 16. The coupled condition shown in fig. 2A is advantageous when step 14 is carrying a load, such as during a passenger portion 24 of passenger conveyor 10.

In fig. 2B, releasable attachment system 12A is activated to detach step 14 from propulsion mechanism 16. First, the actuator 28A is activated: track 29A exerts a force on roller 27 and pushes the roller to the right. Second, lock 30A unlocks: the lever 34 is pressed by the movement of the roller 27, and the first spring 36 releases its spring force. Third, the clamp 32 is released: movement of lever 34 causes arms 38 to move outwardly, thereby releasing handle 40 from propulsion mechanism 16. This detached state is advantageous when step 14 is not carrying a load, such as during a return portion 26 of passenger conveyor 10. In one complete loop of passenger conveyor 10, releasable attachment system 12A may alternate one or more times between the coupled position shown in fig. 2A and the uncoupled position shown in fig. 2B.

Fig. 3A and 3B are schematic side views of a second embodiment of releasable attachment system 12B. Fig. 3A shows releasable attachment system 12B coupling step 14 to propulsion mechanism 16, while fig. 3B shows releasable attachment system 12B decoupling step 14 from propulsion mechanism 16. Releasable attachment system 12B, propulsion mechanism 16, roller 27, actuator 28B, track 29, lock 30B, clamp 32B, arm 38, handle 40, second spring 42, lever 44, and third spring 46 are shown in fig. 3A and 4B. In contrast to releasable attachment system 12A described above, where activation triggers disengagement, activation of releasable attachment system 12B couples step 14 to propulsion mechanism 16.

Releasable attachment system 12B is connected to the underside of step 14. Releasable attachment system 12B includes three subsystems: an actuator 28B, a lock 30B, and a clamp 32B. Actuator 28B is the left-most portion of releasable attachment system 12B and includes roller 27-track 29B combination, although other actuation means are equally possible. When activated, track 29B contacts roller 27. In the middle of releasable attachment system 12B, to the right of actuator 28B, is lock 30B. The lock 30B includes a lever 44, and the lever 44 extends outward from both sides of the roller 27 to form a box shape around the second spring 42. Extending from lock 30B and forming the rightmost portion of releasable attachment system 12B is a clamp 32B. The clamp 32B includes an arm 38, the arm 38 extending downward and outward from a second spring 42 to contact 44 before turning inward toward the handle 40. A handle 40 extends centrally from arm 38 to engage or disengage propulsion mechanism 16. The clamp 32B also includes a third spring 46, the third spring 46 extending between the tops of the arms 38 adjacent the second spring 42. Releasable attachment system 12B is configured to provide a secure yet releasable engagement between the steps and propulsion mechanism 16.

In fig. 3A, releasable attachment system 12B is activated and step 14 is coupled to propulsion mechanism 16. Track 29B pushes roller 27 to the right to cause actuator 28B to actuate. The lever 44 transmits force to the right to keep the second spring 42 compressed and the lock 32B locked. The inward compression force of the lock 32B ensures that the third spring 46 remains compressed and the arm 38 and handle 40 firmly engage the propulsion mechanism 16, clamping the clamp 32B. The clamped or coupled state of releasable attachment system 12B shown in fig. 3A may be used to connect step 14 to propulsion mechanism 16 when step 14 is carrying a load.

In fig. 3B, releasable attachment system 12B is retained and step 14 is detached from propulsion mechanism 16. First, the actuator 28B is deactivated: track 29B ends or at least no longer contacts roller 27. Second, the lack of pressure from roller 27 causes lock 30B to unlock. The lever 44 and the second spring 42 are extended outwardly and release the third spring 43. Third, the third spring 43 moves outwardly, also pulling the arm 38 and handle 40 of the clamp 32B outwardly. The outward movement of the arms 38 and the handle 40 effectively changes the clamp 32B from the clamped state to the undamped state. In this loosened state, engagement of propulsion mechanism 16 is complete and releasable attachment system 12B is in a retained state. The disengaged state of releasable attachment system 12B shown in fig. 3B may be used to disengage step 14 from propulsion mechanism 16 when step 14 is not carrying a load. For example, steps 14 may be separated from propulsion mechanism 16 on return portion 26 of passenger conveyor 10, allowing steps 14 to advance through return portion 26 at a different curvature or speed than is required to carry the load.

Fig. 4A and 4B are schematic side views of a third embodiment of releasable attachment system 12C. Fig. 4A shows releasable attachment system 12C coupling step 14 to propulsion mechanism 16, while fig. 4B shows releasable attachment system 12C decoupling step 14 from propulsion mechanism 16. Fig. 4A and 4B show releasable attachment system 12C, step 14, propulsion mechanism 16, actuator 28C, lock 30C, clamp 32C, roller 48, piston 50, first clamp 52, second clamp 54, spring 56, and track 58. Similar to releasable attachment system 12A described above with reference to fig. 2A and 2B, activation of releasable attachment system 12C decouples step 14 from propulsion mechanism 16.

Combination actuator 28C and lock 30C are located below step 14 and connected to step 14. The combination actuator 28C and lock 30C include a roller 48 that extends at approximately a right angle to a piston 50. Located below and attached to the combination actuator 28C and lock 30C is a two-piece clamp 32C. The two-piece clamp 32C includes a first clamp 52 attached to the lower end of the piston 50 and a second clamp 54 located adjacent to and separate from the side of the piston 50. A spring 56 is attached to the upper end of the piston 50 near the roller 48 and is considered to be a component of the combination actuator 28C and lock 30C. By combining actuator 28C and lock 30C, the overall size of releasable locking system 12C is reduced, thereby providing a more compact releasable engagement system 12C between step 14 and propulsion mechanism 16.

In fig. 4A, releasable attachment system 12C remains and step 14 is coupled to propulsion mechanism 16. The absence of the track 58 allows the roller 48, piston and spring 56 to remain in an extended holding position. Since the combination actuator 28C and lock 30C are maintained in a stable holding state, no trigger is sent to the two-piece clamp 32C, and thus, the first clamp 52 and the second clamp 54 remain in a clamped state in which both engage the propulsion mechanism 16. The coupled condition shown in fig. 4A is advantageous when step 14 is carrying a load, such as during a passenger portion 24 of passenger conveyor 10.

In fig. 4B, releasable attachment system 12C is activated and step 14 is disengaged from propulsion mechanism 16. The rollers 48 encounter the track 58 (or alternatively, just a change in the track 58), which track 58 pushes the rollers 48 and attached pistons 50 upward. The upward force of the piston 50 compresses the spring 56 by reducing the length of the spring 56, thereby completing the change of state of the combination actuator 28C and lock 30C. As the first clamp 52 is attached to the piston 50, the first clamp 52 is drawn upward by the piston 50, causing the clamp 32C to release its grip on the advancing mechanism 16. Propulsion mechanism 16 is then removed from second clamp 54, thereby completely separating step 14 and propulsion mechanism 16 from each other. Once releasable attachment system 12C has detached propulsion mechanism 16 from step 14, both propulsion mechanism 16 and step 14 are free to follow different paths, such as around return portion 26 of passenger conveyor 10.

Fig. 5A-5F are a series of schematic side views illustrating operation of releasable attachment system 12C in further detail. Releasable attachment system 12C, step 14, propulsion mechanism 16, actuator 28C, lock 30C, clamp 32C, roller 48, piston 50, first clamp 52, second clamp 54, spring 56, and track 58, trailing wheel 60, and step track 62 are shown in fig. 5A-5F. The components of releasable attachment system 12C are arranged substantially as described above with reference to fig. 4A and 4B. Moreover, trailing wheels 60 extend from the sides of steps 14, and step track 62 is shown below trailing wheels 60 to further give the (use) environment of releasable attachment system 12C. As is known in the art, the trailing wheels 60 and step tracks 62 guide each step 14 continuously around the closed loop path of the passenger conveyor 10. While traveling around closed-loop passenger conveyor 10, releasable attachment system 12C engages propulsion mechanism 16 on passenger side 24 and disengages propulsion mechanism 16 on return side 26, as described below.

Fig. 5A shows loaded step 14, step 14 being securely engaged with propulsion mechanism 16 by releasable attachment system 12C as step 14 travels past passenger side 24 of passenger conveyor 10. The piston 50 is biased downward by a spring 56 such that the first clamp 52 contacts the propulsion mechanism 16. First clamp 52 presses propulsion mechanism 16 against second clamp 54 with a predetermined amount of pressure to ensure a safe connection between loaded step 14 and propulsion mechanism 16. The amount of pressure used by the first clamp 52 is selected based on the allowable passenger load of the passenger conveyor 10 and is achieved by the spring rate of the spring 56.

Fig. 5B shows step 14 immediately after unloading, such as when step 14 enters return side 26 of passenger conveyor 10. As step 14 enters return side 26, combination actuator 28C and lock 30C are activated to change their state. More specifically, the track 58 pushes the roller 48 upward, and the roller 48 pulls the attached piston 50 upward toward the spring 56 and away from the propulsion mechanism 16. Activation of the combination actuator 28C and lock 30C triggers a change in state of the clamp 32C. The first clamp 52 is lifted upward together with the piston 50, thereby releasing the advancing mechanism 16 from being pressed against the second clamp 54. After completing the change of state of clamp 32C, propulsion mechanism 16 is disengaged from step 14.

Fig. 5C shows step 14 immediately after propulsion mechanism 16 disengages step 14. Step 14 continues to travel through the turn portion of return side 26. More specifically, steps 14 move in direction 68 to follow a closed loop of drag wheels 58 and step track 62 around passenger conveyor 10. However, propulsion mechanism 16 is disengaged and may be pulled laterally away from releasable attachment system 12C. In the illustrated embodiment, propulsion mechanism 16 is driven by traction wheel 64 in direction 66. Thus, decoupling during return side 26 allows steps 14 and propulsion mechanism 16 to advance at different speeds and/or in different directions.

Fig. 5D-5F show step 14 as it approaches the end of return side 26 and is ready to enter passenger side 24. It is envisioned that at least three things occur to couple and secure steps 14 to propulsion mechanism 16 to accommodate a load. First, the traction wheel 64 guides the propulsion mechanism 16 back toward the second clamp 54, as shown in fig. 5D. Second, the advancement mechanism 16 is received back into the second clamp 54, as shown in fig. 5E. And third, the track 58 ends, removing the pressure exerted on the wheel 48 and allowing the piston 50 to drop and the spring 56 to expand. In addition, when the piston 50 is dropped, the first clamp 52 moves downward to secure the propulsion mechanism 16 against the second clamp 54. Thus, releasable attachment system 12C couples step 14 to propulsion mechanism 16 so that step 14 can safely enter passenger side 24 and carry loads.

Fig. 6-9 illustrate alternative clamps 32D-32G and advancement mechanisms 16D-16G, respectively. The advancing mechanism 16, the clamp 32, the arm 38 and the handle 40 are shown in each of fig. 6-9. The handle 40 of the clamp 32 may assume any configuration capable of securely and detachably engaging the propulsion mechanism 16.

Fig. 6-9 each illustrate various embodiments of the clamp 32 having an arm 38 and a handle 40 extending from the arm 38. The handle 40 has different shapes to grip different shapes of propulsion mechanisms 16. Fig. 6 shows handle 40D having a half-moon or shell shape such that handle 40D forms a friction fit with cylindrical or rope-shaped propulsion mechanism 16D. Fig. 7 shows a flat handle 40E that extends generally perpendicular to arm 38E to form a friction fit with flat or belt-shaped propulsion mechanism 16E. Fig. 8 shows a flat toothed handle 40F extending generally perpendicular to the arm 38F to form a positive fit with the toothed belt propulsion mechanism 16F. Teeth 66A extending downwardly from propulsion mechanism 16F mate with spaces between teeth 66B extending upwardly from handle 40F, although other configurations are equally possible. Fig. 9 shows a handle 40G extending generally perpendicular to arm 38G to form a positive fit with the chainbelt propulsion mechanism 16G. Teeth 66C extend from both handles 40G to mate with spaces between links of propulsion mechanism 16G.

The shape and material used to construct the handle 40 depends largely on the size of the propulsion mechanism 16 and to some extent on the type of passenger conveyor 10. The clamps 32D-G shown in fig. 6A-6D are all similar in that the handle 40 is pressed into contact with the propulsion mechanism 16 with sufficient pressure to ensure a secure connection between the pallet 14 and the propulsion mechanism 16. Passenger load is a factor to be considered in determining the type of gripper 30 to be used in any given passenger conveyor 10.

"vertical," "horizontal," "above," "below," "top," "bottom," "left," and "right" have been used throughout the specification to help define relative orientations. Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (20)

1. A conveyor having a releasable step locking system, the conveyor comprising:

a step for supporting a load;

a propulsion mechanism connected to the steps to move the steps;

a locking system to removably attach the step to the propulsion mechanism, the locking system comprising:

a clamp having a clamped state coupling the step to the propulsion mechanism and an undamped state decoupling the step from the propulsion mechanism;

a lock attached to the clamp, the lock having a locked state that secures the coupling between the step and the propulsion mechanism and an unlocked state that disengages the propulsion mechanism from the step; and

an actuator attached to both the lock and the step, the actuator capable of changing a state of the lock.

2. The conveyor of claim 1, wherein the propulsion mechanism is selected from the group consisting of a rope, a belt, and a chain.

3. The conveyor of claim 1, wherein the conveyor is selected from the group consisting of an escalator and a moving walkway.

4. The conveyor of claim 1, wherein the lock comprises at least one spring.

5. The conveyor of claim 4, wherein the lock is biased toward the locked state and the clamp is biased toward the clamped state such that activation of the actuator disengages the step from the propulsion mechanism.

6. A conveyor as in claim 4 wherein the clamp includes at least one spring.

7. The conveyor of claim 6, wherein the lock is biased toward the unlocked state and the clamp is biased toward the undamped state such that activation of the actuator disengages the steps from the propulsion mechanism.

8. A conveyor as in claim 1 wherein the clamp has a friction fit with the advancement mechanism.

9. A conveyor as in claim 1 wherein the gripper has a positive fit with the advancement mechanism.

10. The conveyor of claim 1, wherein the actuator is selected from the group consisting of a track and roller combination, a lever, a spring, and a solenoid.

11. The conveyor of claim 1, wherein the steps have a top side and a bottom side, the top side configured to support a load and the bottom side attached to the actuator.

12. A method of moving steps in a conveyor system, the method comprising:

moving the steps around a closed loop path of the conveyor system;

engaging the steps to a propulsion mechanism for a first portion of the closed loop path in which the steps carry a load; and

for a second portion of the closed loop path in which the steps are unloaded, disengaging the steps from the propulsion mechanism.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first portion and the second portion form a complete loop of the closed-loop path.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first portion comprises a passenger portion for transporting passengers and the second portion comprises a return portion for returning the steps to a beginning of the passenger portion.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the second portion further comprises a turn between the passenger portion and the return portion.

16. A method of attaching and detaching a step of a conveyor system to a propulsion mechanism, the method comprising:

activating a locking system in the conveyor system that attaches the step to the propulsion mechanism;

changing a lock from a first lock state to a second lock state in response to the activation of the locking system; and

changing a clamp from a first clamp state to a second clamp state in response to the change in lock state such that the attachment between the step and the propulsion mechanism changes.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

deactivating the locking system that attaches the step to the propulsion mechanism in the passenger conveyor system;

changing the lock from the second lock state to the first lock state in response to the activation of the locking system; and

changing the clamp from the second clamp state to the first clamp state in response to the change in lock state such that the attachment between the step and the propulsion mechanism changes.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein changing the clamp from the first clamp state to the second clamp state attaches the step to the propulsion mechanism.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein changing the clamp from the first clamp state to the second clamp state disengages the step from the propulsion mechanism.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the conveyor system is a moving walkway.