PEOPLE CONVEYOR WITH HANDRAIL BELT TENSIONING MECHANISM

Abstract

 A people conveyor (2) comprises an endless conveyance band (8) of conveyance elements (4) extending along a closed loop in a conveyance area (8a) between two opposing landing areas (3, 9); an endless handrail belt (6) extending in a closed loop between the landing areas (3, 9) parallel to the conveyance band (8); and at least one handrail belt tensioning mechanism (20). The at least one handrail belt tensioning mechanism (20) includes a guide element (12a) and a remote actuation mechanism (30). The guide element (12a) is configured for guiding a portion of the handrail belt (6) and arranged between the two landing areas (3, 9). The remote actuation mechanism (30) is configured for adjusting the position of the guide element (12a) from a position outside the conveyance area (8a) for tensioning the handrail belt (6).

Description

[0001] The application is related to a people conveyor comprising a handrail belt and a tensioning mechanism for tensioning the handrail belt.

[0002] People conveyors, such as escalators and moving walkways, usually comprise a conveyance band of conveyance elements (steps or pallets) configured for conveying passengers, and at least one handrail belt moving parallel to the conveyance band.

[0003] In order to ensure a proper movement of the handrail belt, the handrail belt needs to be tensioned with a predetermined tension force. The applied tension force may decrease over time. Thus, there is a need to regularly check and adjust the tension force applied to the handrail belt.

[0004] It therefore is desirable to provide a handrail belt tensioning mechanism which allows conveniently adjusting the tension force applied to a handrail belt of a people conveyor.

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a people conveyor comprises an endless conveyance band of conveyance elements extending along a closed loop in a conveyance area between two opposing landing areas; an endless handrail belt extending in a closed loop between the landing areas parallel to the conveyance band; and at least one handrail belt tensioning mechanism, which is configured for tensioning the handrail belt. The at least one handrail belt tensioning mechanism includes a guide element configured for guiding a portion of the handrail belt. The guide element is arranged between the two landing areas and acts as a tensioning element. The at least one handrail belt tensioning mechanism further includes a remote actuation mechanism which allows tensioning the handrail belt by adjusting the position of the guide element from a position outside the conveyance area.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method of tensioning a handrail belt includes accessing a working space located outside the conveyance area of the people conveyor and changing the position of the guide element by actuating the remote actuation mechanism. The method in particular may include reaching into the working space for actuating the remote actuation mechanism while the body of the person actuating the remote actuation mechanism is outside the working space. Alternatively, the method may include entering the working space and accessing the remote actuation mechanism from inside the working space.

[0007] In a people conveyor according to exemplary embodiments of the invention, at least an operating portion of the remote actuation mechanism is located outside the conveyance area of the people conveyor, in particular next to or within a working space of the people conveyor. Thus, the remote actuation mechanism may be accessed easily, and the tension of the handrail belt may be adjusted conveniently without accessing parts of the people conveyor which are not reachable from the working space. Adjusting the tension of the handrail belt in particular does not require deinstalling major parts of the people conveyor. As a result, the efforts and costs for tensioning the handrail belt are reduced.

[0008] A number of optional features are set out in the following. These features may be realized in particular embodiments, alone or in combination with any of the other features.

[0009] The guide element in particular may be arranged in a return portion of the handrail belt, i.e. in a lower portion of the people conveyor which is neither visible nor accessible to passengers using the people conveyor. Arranging the guide element in the return portion of the handrail prevents any undesired interaction of passengers with the guide element / handrail belt tensioning mechanism. It further reduces the distance between the guide element and the working space of the people conveyor which usually is located below at least one of the landing areas.

[0010] The handrail belt tensioning mechanism may comprise at least one lever. The at least one lever may have a first end connected with the guide element, and an opposing second end. The remote actuation mechanism may further comprise an actuation element configured for acting on the second end of the at least one lever. A lever provides a suitable means for remotely actuating the guide element.

[0011] The actuation element may be a threaded bolt or a screw. A threaded bolt or screw allows applying the necessary actuation force easily as the thread allows amplifying the force applied by the operator rotating the actuation element.

[0012] The at least one lever may include a first lever extending basically horizontally, and a second lever pivotably connected with the first lever. The second lever may extend transversely to the first lever. The second lever in particular may be pivotably connected with a middle portion of the first lever. Such a configuration results in a lever mechanism which is well suited for actuating the guide element.

[0013] In order to reduce the friction between the handrail belt and the guide element, at least one roller may be provided at the guide element. The guide element in particular may comprise a plurality of rollers.

[0014] The guide element may be configured for guiding the handrail belt along a curved path. For example, a plurality of rollers may be arranged along an arc for guiding the handrail element along a curved path. Guiding the handrail belt along a curved path along the guide element allows adjusting the tension of the handrail belt by moving the guide element in a plurality of directions and/or by tilting the guide element.

[0015] The guide element may be movably attached to a truss of the people conveyor, e.g. by a support plate mounted to the truss. Mounting the guide element to the truss allows reliably supporting the guide element.

[0016] The guide element may be mounted slideably and/or pivotably to the truss in order to allow adjusting the tension of the handrail belt by moving the guide element.

[0017] A handrail belt tensioning mechanism may be provided at each landing area in order to allow adjusting the tension of the handrail belt at each landing area. Providing two (or more) handrail belt tensioning mechanisms further increases the range over which the tension of the handrail belt may be varied.

[0018] The people conveyor may comprise two handrail belts, with one handrail belt being arranged on each lateral side of the at least one conveyance band, respectively.

[0019] This allows passengers to rest their hands on both lateral sides of the people conveyor.

[0020] Each of the handrail belts may be provided with a handrail belt tensioning mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention in order to allow adjusting the tension of each of the handrail belts.

[0021] The people conveyor may be an escalator comprising a plurality of steps forming the conveyance band.

[0022] Alternatively, the people conveyor may be a moving walkway comprising a plurality of pallets forming the conveyance band. In case of a moving walkway, the chain of conveyance elements (pallets) may be inclined with respect to the horizontal, or it may extend horizontally.

[0023] In the following an exemplary embodiment of the invention is described with reference to the enclosed figures.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a people conveyor comprising a handrail belt.

Fig. 2 shows an enlarged perspective view of an area next to an upper landing area of a people conveyor comprising a handrail belt tensioning mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the handrail belt tensioning mechanism.

Fig. 4 shows an enlarged perspective view of another portion of the handrail belt tensioning mechanism.

Fig. 5 shows the remote actuation mechanism of the handrail belt tensioning mechanism.

Fig. 6 depicts a schematic side view of a moving walkway.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a people conveyor 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0025] The people conveyor 2 depicted in Fig. 1 comprises a truss 5 extending between a lower landing area 3 and an upper landing area 9. The truss 5 supports a conveyance band 8 of conveyance elements 4. The conveyance band 8 extends in a conveyance area 8a between the two landing areas 3, 9.

[0026] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the people conveyor 2 is an escalator 2a in which the conveyance elements 4 are steps.

[0027] Two balustrades 7 extend parallel to the conveyance band 8. The balustrades 7 reside laterally at both sides of the conveyance band 8 respectively supporting a moving handrail belt 6. Only one balustrade 7 is visible in the side view depicted in Fig. 1

[0028] In the following, the description predominantly refers only to a single handrail belt 6. However, the skilled person will understand that the described features and principles may be applied to a second handrail belt 6, which is arranged on the other side of the conveyance band 8, as well.

[0029] The handrail belt 6 is configured for moving along a closed travel path (loop) extending parallel to the truss 5. The travel path extends in a plane which is parallel to the plane of Fig. 1. The travel path comprises an upper conveying portion 16a and a lower return portion 16b. At the landing areas 3, 9, the conveying portion 16a and the return portion 16b are connected by curved turnaround portions 16c. In the turnaround portions 16c, the handrail belt 6 transfers from the conveying portion 16a into the return portion 16b and vice versa.

[0030] In the return portion 16b, the handrail belt 6 runs over a handrail drive 10, in particular a portion of a drive wheel 11, which is in frictional and/or structural engagement with the handrail belt 6. The handrail drive 10 is driven by a motor 13 for driving the handrail belt 6.

[0031] The handrail belt 6 and the conveyance band 8 may be driven by the same motor 13. Alternatively, separate motors 13 may be employed for driving the handrail belt 6 and the conveyance band 8, respectively. Similarly, two handrail elements 6, which are provided on the two lateral sides of the conveyance band 8, may be driven by the same motor 13 or by separate motors 13.

[0032] The motor 13 is accessible from a working space 18 formed at the upper landing area 9. In normal operation, the working space 18 is covered by a cover 19, which may be removed for accessing the working space 18. Although a working space 18 is depicted only at the upper landing area 9 in Fig. 1, the skilled person understands that additionally or alternatively a similar working space may be formed at the lower landing area 3 as well.

[0033] Next to the drive wheel 11, the handrail belt 6 is guided by a first guide element 12a and by a second guide element 12b. The guide elements 12a, 12b may be provided as guide rails, in particular as curved guide rail bows as illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0034] The first guide element 12a is movably mounted to the truss 5. Thus, the tension of the handrail belt 6 may be varied by moving the first guide element 12a with respect to the truss 5.

[0035] However, after the people conveyor 2 has been completely installed, accessing the first guide element 12a may be difficult. It therefore is desirable to provide a handrail belt tensioning mechanism which allows adjusting the tension of the handrail belt 6 more easily, i.e. without the need of directly accessing one of the guide elements 12a, 12b. It in particular would be beneficial to allow adjusting the tension of the handrail belt 6 from outside the conveyance area 8a, in particular from the working space 18.

[0036] Fig. 2 shows an enlarged perspective view of an area close to the upper landing area 9.

[0037] Each of the guide elements 12a, 12b is provided with a plurality of rollers 14 for supporting and guiding the handrail belt 6 with low friction. For clarity of illustration, not all rollers 14 are provided with reference signs. The rollers are arranged along an arc.

[0038] The people conveyor 2 is provided with a handrail belt tensioning mechanism 20, which allows adjusting the tension of the handrail belt 6 by changing the position of the first guide element 12a from the working space 18 located next to the upper landing area 9 and outside the conveyance area 8a.

[0039] An enlarged view of said handrail belt tensioning mechanism 20 without the guide element 12a is depicted in Fig. 3.

[0040] The handrail belt tensioning mechanism 20 comprises a first lever 24 extending in a basically horizontal direction.

[0041] An actuation plate 22 is mounted to a first end 24a of the first lever 24. The first end 24 is shown on the left side of Figs. 2 and 3. The actuation plate 22 comprises two actuation surfaces 44 extending basically orthogonally from the actuation plate 22. The actuation surfaces 44 are configured for interacting with the first guide element 12a.

[0042] Fig. 4 shows an enlarged perspective view of the actuation plate 22 and the first guide element 12a. The actuation plate 22 is movably mounted to the truss 5 by means of a support plate 40. A plurality of slots 42 are formed within the support plate 40 accommodating fastening elements 48 such as screws, bolts or pins for fixing the actuation plate 22 to the support plate 40. The fastening elements 48 are configured so that they are moveable along the slots 42 allowing the actuation plate 22 to move with respect to the support plate 40.

[0043] Not all slots 42 formed within the support plate 40 extend parallel to each other; i.e. there are at least two slots 42 extending transverse with respect to each other. This allows the actuation plate 22 to slide and tilt with respect to the support plate 40 with the fastening elements 48 moving along the slots 42.

[0044] For damping vibrations, elastic damping elements 46 may be arranged between the actuation surfaces 44 and the first guide element 12a.

[0045] Referring again to Figs. 2 and 3, the lever 24 also has a second end 24b, which is shown on the right side of Figs. 2 and 3. The second end 24b of the lever 24 is arranged in an area which is conveniently accessible from the working space 18.

[0046] The first lever 24 is movably mounted to the truss 5 by means of a second lever 26 and a third lever 27. The second and third levers 26, 27 are pivotably mounted to the truss 5 by first joints (not shown). The second and third levers 26, 27 are pivotably connected to the first lever 24 by means of second joints 28, 29, respectively. The second lever 26 in particular is connected to a central portion of the first lever 24, and the third lever 27 is mounted next to the second end 24b of the first lever 24.

[0047] A remote actuation mechanism 30 is provided at the second end 24b of the first lever 24. The remote actuation mechanism 30 is configured for interacting with the second end 24b of the first lever 24 for moving the first lever 24, the actuation plate 22 and the first guide element 12a in order to adjust the tension of the handrail belt 6.

[0048] The remote actuation mechanism 30 is depicted only very schematically in Figs. 2 and 3. The remote actuation mechanism 30 is illustrated in more detail in Fig. 5.

[0049] The remote actuation mechanism 30 comprises a support 33 mounted to the truss 5 (cf. Fig. 2).

[0050] The remote actuation mechanism 30 further comprises an actuation element 31, e.g. a threaded bolt or a screw, extending basically orthogonally to the first lever 24. The actuation element 31 is supported by an extension 35 protruding from the support 33. The extension 35 in particular protrudes in a horizontal plane oriented orthogonally with respect to the support 33.

[0051] The actuation element 31 extends through an opening 39 formed within the extension 35. An inner thread matching with an outer thread formed on the actuation element 31 is formed at the inner periphery of the opening 39 allowing the actuation element 31 to be screwed into the opening 39.

[0052] A lower end 31a of the actuation element 31 is connected with the second end 24b of the first lever 24. As a result, the first lever 24, and in consequence the first guide element 12a, may be moved by moving the actuation element 31 in the vertical direction.

[0053] A plurality of fixing elements 32, 34, 36, 38, e.g. nuts, are applied to the actuation element 31. A first fixing element 32 and a second fixing element 34 are applied to the lower end 31a of the actuation element 31. A connection portion 24c formed at the second end 24b of the first lever 24 is sandwiched between first fixing element 32 and a second fixing element 34. Thus, when the first fixing element 32 and the second fixing element 34 are fixed/tightened, the actuation element 31 is securely fixed to the second end 24b of the first lever 24.

[0054] A third fixing element 36 and an optional fourth fixing element 38 are applied to an opposing second end 31b of the actuation element 31, in particular to a portion of the actuation element 31 above the extension 35 protruding from the support 33.

[0055] When tightened, the third fixing element 36 prevents an undesired movement of the actuation element 31 in the vertical direction. The optional fourth fixing element 38, when tightened, secures the third fixing element 36, i.e. the fourth fixing element 38 is configured for preventing an undesired release of the third fixing element 36.

[0056] For adjusting the tensions of the handrail belt 6, all fixing elements 32, 34, 36, 38 are released/loosened and the actuation element 31 is moved in the vertical direction by being screwed into/out of the threaded opening 39 formed within the extension 35, respectively.

[0057] Movement of the actuation element 31 in the vertical direction moves the first lever 24 in a pivoting motion along a path defined by the second and third levers 26, 27.

[0058] In the orientation depicted in Figs. 2 to 5, moving the actuation element 31 downwards causes the first lever 24 to move to the left side. As a result, the actuation plate 22 attached to the first end 24a of the first lever 24 moves the first guide element 12a to the left side thereby increasing the tension of the handrail belt 6.

[0059] After the desired tension of the handrail belt 6 has been reached, the fixing elements 32, 34, 36, 38 are fixed/tightened, fixing the actuation element 31 with respect to the extension 35 and the connection portion 24c of the first lever 24 for maintaining the desired tension of the handrail belt 4.

[0060] As the remote actuation mechanism 30 is arranged outside the conveyance area 8a, in particular next to or within the working space 18, the tension of the handrail belt 6 may be adjusted easily.

[0061] The tension of the handrail belt 6 may be adjusted by reaching into the working space 18 for actuating the remote actuation mechanism 30 while the body of the person actuating the remote actuation mechanism 30 is outside the working space 18. Alternatively, the tension of the handrail belt 6 may be adjusted by entering the working space and accessing the remote actuation mechanism from inside the working space.

[0062] Adjusting the tension of the handrail belt 6 in particular does not require deinstalling major parts of the people conveyor 2.

[0063] Although the people conveyor 2 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is an escalator 2a, the skilled person understands that the ideas and principles described before may be applied similarly to horizontal and inclined moving walkways 2b, and to any other types of people conveyors 2 comprising at least one moving handrail belt 6.

[0064] A schematic side view of a horizontal moving walkway 2b in which a handrail belt tensioning mechanism 20 according to exemplary embodiments of the invention may be employed, is depicted schematically in Fig. 6.

[0065] The moving walkway 2b comprises an endless chain of conveyance elements 4 (pallets) forming a conveyance band 8 moving in a conveyance area 8a between two landing areas 3, 9 provided at both ends of the moving walkway 1.

[0066] In turnaround portions next to the landing areas 3, 9, the conveyance band 8 passes from an upper conveyance portion into a lower return portion, and vice versa.

[0067] Two balustrades 7 extend parallel to the conveyance band 8. The balustrades 7 reside laterally at both sides of the conveyance band 8 respectively supporting a moving handrail belt 6.

[0068] Only one balustrade 7 is visible in the side view depicted in Fig. 6. The skilled person will understand that the described features and principles may be applied to a second handrail belt 6, which is arranged on the other side of the conveyance band 8, as well.

[0069] The handrail belt 6 is configured for moving along a closed travel path (loop) extending parallel to the conveyance band 8. The travel path extends in a plane parallel to the plane of Fig. 6 and comprises an upper conveying portion 16a and a lower return portion (not shown). At the landing areas 3, 9, the conveying portion 16a and the lower return portion are connected by turnaround portions 16c.

[0070] Similar to the escalator 2a depicted in Fig. 1, the moving walkway 2b comprises a handrail drive (not shown) which is configured for driving the handrail belt 6. The moving walkway 2b further comprises guide elements (not shown) similar to the first and second guide elements 12a, 12b depicted in Figs. 1, 2, and 4 for guiding and supporting the handrail belt 6. At least one of said guide elements is coupled to a handrail belt tensioning mechanism 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0071] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adopt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention is not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

References

[0072] 

2

people conveyor

2a

escalator

2b

moving walkway

3

lower landing area

4

conveyance element

5

truss

6

handrail element

7

balustrade

8

conveyance band

8a

conveyance area

9

upper landing area

10

handrail drive

11

drive wheel

12a

first guide element

12b

second guide element

13

motor

14

roller

16a

conveying portion

16b

return portion

16c

turnaround portion

18

working space

19

cover

20

handrail belt tensioning mechanism

22

actuation plate

24

first lever

24a

first end of the first lever

24b

second end of the first lever

24c

connection portion

26

second lever

27

third lever

28, 29

second joints

30

remote actuation mechanism

31

actuation element

32

first fixing element

33

support

34

second fixing element

35

extension

36

third fixing element

38

fourth fixing element

39

opening

40

support plate

42

slots

44

actuation surface

46

damping element

48

fastening elements

Claims

1. People conveyor (2) comprising:

an endless conveyance band (8) of conveyance elements (4) extending along a closed loop in a conveyance area (8a) between two opposing landing areas (3, 9);

an endless handrail belt (6) extending in a closed loop between the landing areas (3, 9) parallel to the conveyance band (8); and

at least one handrail belt tensioning mechanism (20), the at least one handrail belt tensioning mechanism (20) including:

a guide element (12a) configured for guiding a portion of the handrail belt (6) and arranged between the two landing areas (3, 9); and

a remote actuation mechanism (30) configured for adjusting the position of the guide element (12a) from a position outside the conveyance area (8a) for tensioning the handrail belt (6).

2. People conveyor (2) according to claim 1, wherein the handrail belt tensioning mechanism (20) comprises at least one lever (24, 26, 27).

3. People conveyor (2) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one lever (24) has a first end (24a) connected with the guide element (12a), and an opposing second end (24b).

4. People conveyor (2) according to claim 3, wherein the remote actuation mechanism (30) further comprises an actuation element (31) configured for acting on the second end (24b) of the at least one lever (24).

5. People conveyor (2) according to claim 4, wherein the actuation element (31) is a threaded bolt or a screw.

6. People conveyor (2) according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the at least one lever (24, 26, 27) includes a first lever (24) extending basically horizontally, and a second lever (26) pivotably connected with the first lever (24) and extending transversely to the first lever (24).

7. People conveyor (2) according to claim 6, wherein the second lever (26) is pivotably connected with a middle portion of the first lever (24).

8. People conveyor (2) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the guide element (12a) comprises at least one roller (14) configured for guiding the handrail belt (6).

9. People conveyor (2) according to claim 8, wherein the guide element (12a) comprises a plurality of rollers (14), wherein the plurality of rollers (14) in particular are arranged along an arc.

10. People conveyor (2) according to any of the previous claims comprising a truss (5), wherein the guide element (12a) is movably attached to the truss (5).

11. People conveyor (2) according to claim 10, wherein the guide element (12a) is slideable and/or pivotable with respect to the truss (5).

12. People conveyor (2) according to any of the previous claims, comprising a handrail belt tensioning mechanism (20) at each landing area (3, 9).

13. People conveyor (2) according to any of the previous claims comprising:

two handrail belts (6) extending parallel to each other laterally on both sides of the conveyance band (8); and

at least two handrail belt tensioning mechanisms (20), wherein each of the at least two handrail belt tensioning mechanisms (20) is configured for tensioning one of the handrail belts (6), respectively.

14. People conveyor (2) according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the people conveyor (2) is an escalator (2a) and the conveyance elements (4) are steps, or wherein the people conveyor (2) is a moving walkway (2b) and the conveyance elements (4) are pallets.

15. Method of tensioning a handrail belt (6) in a people conveyor (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the method includes:

accessing a working space (18) of the people conveyor (2), the working space (18) being located outside the conveyance area (8a); and

changing the position of the guide element (12a) by actuating the remote actuation mechanism (30).

Drawing