HANDRAIL DRIVING SYSTEM FOR AN ESCALATOR

Abstract

 The invention relates to a handrail system (100) for transport system and a method to adapt the handrail speed of an escalator.
The handrail system comprises a first and a second handrail wheel (121) attached to a handrail shaft (120), a main shaft (110) configured to be coupled with a drive unit of the transport system and a force transfer system (130) comprising a connection means (133) connecting the main shaft (110) and the handrail shaft (120), wherein the connection means (133) is configured to transfer a driving force of the main shaft (110) to the handrail shaft (120).
Especially, the force transfer system (130) comprises at least two pulleys (134, 135), wherein a first pulley (134) is mounted on the main shaft (110) and a second pulley (135) is mounted on the handrail shaft (120), and wherein at least one of the pulleys (134, 135) is configured to be changed in diameter in order to adapt the rotation speed of the handrail shaft (120) and accordingly a speed of a handrail driven by the handrail driving system (100).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a handrail driving system for a transport system, especially an escalator or a moving walk, comprising a main shaft, a first and a second handrail wheel each configured to move a handrail of a transport system due to a rotation of the corresponding handrail wheel, and a handrail shaft, wherein the first handrail wheel is attached to a first position of the handrail shaft and the second handrail wheel is attached to a second position of the handrail shaft. Further, the handrail driving system comprises a force transfer system comprising a connection means connecting the main shaft and the handrail shaft, wherein the connection means is configured to transfer a driving force of the main shaft to the handrail shaft in order to rotate the handrail shaft and thus rotate the first handrail wheel and the second handrail wheel.

[0002] In escalators and moving walks a first handrail on a first side of the escalator/moving walk and a second handrail on a second side of the escalator/moving walk have to be moved synchronously with the steps/pallets of the escalator/moving walk.

[0003] The steps/pallets of the escalator/moving walk are driven due to a rotation of the main shaft of the escalator/moving walk.

[0004] The handrails are moved each by a handrail wheel, wherein a first handrail wheel moving the first handrail is in a fixed connection and consequently at a fixed gear ratio to a first end of a handrail shaft and a second handrail wheel moving the second handrail is in a fixed connection to a second end of the handrail shaft. The handrails are moved due to a rotation of the handrail shaft.

[0005] To move handrails synchronously with the steps/pallets, in conventional escalators/moving walks a first chain wheel is arranged around the main shaft and a second chain wheel is arranged around a handrail shaft.

[0006] A drive force of the main shaft is transferred to the handrail shaft via a chain, which is turned around the first chain wheel and the second chain wheel.

[0007] So in conventional escalators/moving walks the main shaft moves a chain to transfer a driving force to the handrail shaft and a step chain/pallet band of the escalator/moving walk at the same time. In that way the handrail and the steps/pallets of the escalator/moving walk are moved synchronously.

[0008] In conventional escalators/moving walks the handrail wheels moving the handrail are of rubber or polyurethane (PU). Due to wear the thickness of the rubber or PU decreases over time. In consequence, the handrail velocity decreases due to the reduced diameter of the handrail wheel, consequence the handrails do not move synchronously with the steps/pallets of the escalator/moving walk any more. At some point an unacceptable des-synchronism occurs due to wear and the handrail wheel has to be replaced.

[0009] The replacement of a handrail wheel is of great effort, high costs and is not environmentally acceptable.

[0010] Therefore, the objective task of the invention is to provide a handrail driving system for an escalator or moving walk, wherein it is not necessary to replace a handrail wheel due to its reduced diameter. Thereat, the construction of the handrail driving system should be simple and should not require high costs. Especially, the construction of a typical escalator/moving walk should not be changed in large parts, so a large part of standard components can be used.

[0011] To solve the problem a handrail driving system is proposed according the independent claim, wherein the handrail driving system can be integrated in a common escalator or moving walk. Further, advantageous arrangements of the invention are described in the dependent claims and the description as well as shown in the figures.

[0012] The solution of the problem provides a handrail driving system for a transport system, such as an escalator or moving walk, comprising a first handrail wheel and a second handrail wheel, wherein the first handrail wheel is attached to a first position, especially to a first end, of a handrail shaft and the second handrail wheel is attached to the second position, especially to a second end, of the handrail shaft, and wherein the first and the second handrail wheel are each configured to move a handrail of an escalator or moving walk due to a rotation of the corresponding handrail wheel. Especially, the first handrail wheel is configured to move a first handrail on a first side of an escalator or moving walk, and the second handrail wheel is configured to move a second handrail on a second side of the escalator or moving walk.

[0013] Further, the handrail driving system comprises a main shaft and a force transfer system comprising a connection means connecting the main shaft and the handrail shaft, wherein the connection means is configured to transfer a driving force of the main shaft to the handrail shaft in order to rotate the handrail shaft and thus to rotate the first handrail wheel and the second handrail wheel.

[0014] The main shaft is configured to be coupled with a drive unit of the transport system, such as an escalator or moving walk. Due to a rotation of the main shaft a step chain of the escalator or a pallet band of the moving walk is moved in order to move the steps of the escalator/pallets of the moving walk. At the same time the rotating main shaft moves the connection means. Due to the movement of the connection means connecting the main shaft and the handrail shaft, the handrail shaft is rotated. In that way the handrails are moving synchronously with the steps or pallets. Hereby the gear ratio can be changed by the transfer system so as to adapt the speed of the handrail to the speed of the pellet independently from any wear of any of the related parts.

[0015] Especially, the force transfer system comprises at least two pulleys. Especially, a first pulley is mounted on the main shaft and a second pulley is mounted on the handrail shaft.

[0016] Especially, at least one of the pulleys is configured to be changed in diameter. Especially, the diameter of the at least one pulley is changed mechanically. Especially, the diameter of the at least one pulley is changed electrically. Especially, the diameter of the at least one pulley is changed pneumatically. Especially, the diameter of the at least one pulley is changed hydraulically.

[0017] Changing of the diameter of the at least one pulley means that the radius of the guiding surface of the pulley is to be changed. By reducing/increasing the diameter of the pulley, the radius of the guiding surface is reduced/increased.

[0018] Especially, the diameter of at least one of the pulleys is changed in order to adapt the rotation speed of the handrail shaft and accordingly a velocity of a handrail driven by the handrail driving system.

[0019] By changing the diameter of at least one of the pulleys of the handrail driving system the velocity of the handrail is adapted.

[0020] In an arrangement, the at least one pulley, which is configured to be changed in diameter, comprises a first segment, a second segment and an adjusting means configured to adjust a distance between the first segment and the second segment.

[0021] Especially, the first segment is a first half of the pulley and the second segment is a second half of the pulley.

[0022] In a further arrangement, the first segment and the second segment each comprises an inner thread and the adjusting means is an adjusting nut.
Especially, the first segment of the pulley is left threaded to the adjusting nut, and the second segment of the pulley is right threaded to the adjusting nut.

[0023] Due to the left threaded of the first segment and the right threaded of the second segment, the segments are separated from each other by turning the adjusting nut in a first direction. By turning the adjusting nut in a second direction the segments of the pulley are approached to each other.

[0024] Alternatively, the adjusting means is at least an electromagnet arranged between the first segment and the second segment of the pulley, wherein the distance between the first segment and the second segment, and thus the radius of the pulley, can be changed by varying an applied voltage to the electromagnet.

[0025] Alternatively, the adjusting means is at least a reservoir configured to contain a fluid. Thereat, the distance between the first segment and the second segment of the pulley configured to be changed in diameter can be adapted by changing the volume of fluid within the reservoir.

[0026] In an arrangement, the handrail driving system comprises at least a tensioning means. Especially, the connection means connecting the main shaft and the handrail shaft is guided in a circle over the first pulley, the second pulley and the tensioning means, wherein the tensioning means is configured to tension the connection means.

[0027] Especially, the first pulley is arranged around the main shaft and the second pulley is arranged around the handrail shaft.

[0028] The connection means is moved due to rotation of the main shaft. In accordance, the connection means moves the handrail shaft. To transfer the driving force of the main shaft to the handrail shaft effectively, the connection means has to be tensioned.

[0029] In case that the handrail speed is adapted by changing the diameter of at least one of the pulleys of the handrail driving system, the tensioning means tensions the connection means to ensure that the connection means is tensioned at all moments such that the connection means keeps in contact with the guiding surface of the pulley in order to transfer the driving force of the main shaft to the handrail shaft.

[0030] In a further arrangement, the first pulley and the second pulley have a notch along their circumference, which is the guidance surface for the connection means.

[0031] The notch along the circumference of the pulleys leads to a save guidance of the connection means, so the connection means does not slip of the pulleys during process.

[0032] In a further arrangement, the connection means is an endless trapezoidal belt fitting in the notch of the first pulley and the second pulley.

[0033] Due to the shape of the connection means the connection means is in positive connection to the notch of the pulleys. In case of a change of diameter of at least one of the pulleys the connection means keeps in positive connection with the notch of the pulleys. Further, the surface of the connection means which is in positive connection to the notch of the pulley is of a maximum such that the value of the driving force transferred from the main shaft to the handrail shaft via the connection means is of a maximum.

[0034] In a further arrangement, the tensioning means comprises at least a tensioning pulley having a notch along its circumference, which is the guidance surface for the connection means, wherein the connection means fits in the notch of the tensioning pulley.
Especially, the connection means is in positive connection with the guidance surface of the tensioning pulley.

[0035] Using a tensioning pulley for tensioning the connection means leads to no losses due to friction. Further, the notch along the circumference of the tensioning pulley leads to a save guidance of the connection means, such that the connection means does not slip off the tensioning means during process.

[0036] In a further arrangement, the first pulley is of a fixed diameter, while the second pulley is configured to be changed in diameter. Especially, the first segment and the second segment of the second pulley are each arranged around the handrail shaft.

[0037] In a further arrangement, the adjusting means is an adjusting nut arranged around the handrail shaft. Especially, the adjusting nut is fixed to the handrail shaft in axial direction and is configured to be turned around the handrail shaft.

[0038] Thereat, the first segment and the second segment of the second pulley are threaded to the adjusting nut, wherein the first segment of the second pulley is left threaded to the adjusting nut, and the second segment of the second pulley is right threaded to the adjusting nut.

[0039] By changing the diameter of the second pulley the velocity of rotation of the handrail shaft is changed and consequently the velocity of rotation of the handrail wheels as well as the handrail speed.

[0040] Equivalent, the first pulley can be configured to be changed in diameter, comprising a first segment, a second segment and an adjusting means, while the second pulley is of a fixed diameter.

[0041] In a further arrangement, the first pulley attached to the main shaft, as well as the second pulley attached to the handrail shaft, are configured to be changed in diameter. Especially, both, the first pulley and the second pulley each comprises a first segment, a second segment, and an adjusting means.

[0042] In a further arrangement, the tensioning means comprises a spring, wherein the connection means is tensioned at each moment by means of the spring.

[0043] Especially a spring force of the spring acts on a bracket holding the tensioning pulley guiding the connection means.
By using a spring to tension the connection means via the tensioning pulley, the connection means is tensioned automatically due to the spring force of the spring. The spring force of the spring acts on the tensioning pulley such that the connection means is tensioned at each moment.

[0044] For adjusting the rotation speed of the handrail shaft, and accordingly the handrail speed, the diameter of the second pulley is changed.

[0045] The diameter of the second pulley is reduced by separating the first segment and the second segment from each other. To increase the diameter of the second pulley the first segment and the second segment are approached to each other.

[0046] The rotation speed of the handrail shaft and accordingly the handrail speed is increased by reducing the diameter of the second pulley, and decreased by increasing the diameter of the second pulley.

[0047] In fact, the rotation speed of the handrail shaft and accordingly the speed of the handrail is changed due to a change of the radius of the guiding surface of the pulley which is changed in diameter.
When separating the first and the second segment of a pulley and therefore reducing the diameter of the pulley, the connection means slips more deeply into the notch of the pulley. Accordingly, the radius of the guiding surface for the connection means of the pulley reduces and accordingly, the time of contact between the connection means and the guiding surface of the pulley reduces. When approaching the first and the second segment of a pulley to each other and therefore increasing the diameter of the pulley, the connection means is slightly pushed out of the notch of the pulley. Accordingly, the radius of the guiding surface for the connection means of the pulley increases and accordingly, the time of contact between the connection means and the guiding surface of the pulley increases.

[0048] Reducing the diameter of the second pulley leads to a speed up of the rotation speed of the handrail shaft due to the movement of the connection means transferring a driving force from the main shaft to the handrail shaft, while the rotation speed of the main shaft keeps constant.

[0049] The other way round, increasing the diameter of the second pulley leads to a slowdown of the rotation speed of the handrail shaft due to the movement of the connection means transferring a driving force from the main shaft to the handrail shaft, while the rotation speed of the main shaft keeps constant.

[0050] In an arrangement, wherein the first pulley is configured to be changed in diameter, the speed of the handrail can be increased by increasing the diameter of the first pulley, and decreased by decreasing the diameter of the first pulley.

[0051] In a further arrangement, wherein the first pulley and the second pulley are both configured to be changed in diameter, the handrail speed can be adapted by changing the diameter of one of the pulleys or both of them. In that way the range of values of velocity for adapting the handrail speed is increased.

[0052] In case that the adjusting means is an adjusting nut the diameter of the pulley, which is configured to be changed in diameter, can be changed by turning the adjusting nut.
To reduce the diameter of the pulley the first segment and the second segment of the pulley are separated from each other by turning the adjusting nut in a first direction. To increase the diameter of the pulley the first segment and the second segment are approached to each other by turning the adjusting nut in a second direction.

[0053] Due to the connection means is of a trapezoidal shape, the connection means fits in the notch of the first pulley and the second pulley independent of the adjusted diameter of the first pulley and or the second pulley.

[0054] By adapting the speed of the handrail via the handrail driving system by changing the diameter of at least one pulley of the handrail driving system it can be ensured that the handrail moves synchronously with the steps/pallets of the escalator/moving walk. Thereat, a replacement of a handrail wheel is not needed anymore.
So, the maintenance of the escalator/moving walk is of less effort and reduced costs. Furthermore, the construction of a conventional escalator/moving walk is only changed insignificantly, so large parts of standard components can be used.

[0055] Further, positive details, features and functions of the invention are explained in association with the examples shown in the figures.
It is shown in:

Fig. 1

in a schematic diagram the state of the art of a typical handrail driving system of an escalator/moving walk;

Fig. 2

in a schematic diagram a handrail driving system according the invention in a top view;

Fig. 3

in a schematic diagram the tensioning means of the handrail driving system of Fig. 2 in a side view;

Fig. 4

in a schematic diagram the cross section of the first pulley arranged around the main shaft of the handrail driving system of Fig. 2; and

Fig. 5

in a schematic diagram the second pulley arranged around the handrail shaft of the handrail driving system of Fig. 2

a in a cross section

b in a perspective view

c in an initial position

d in a position with decreased radius

[0056] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram showing the state of the arte of a typical handrail driving system 100 of an escalator/moving walk comprising a main shaft 110, a handrail shaft 120 and a force transfer system 130 comprising a connection means 133 to transfer a driving force from the main shaft 110 to the handrail shaft 120.

[0057] To both ends of the main shaft 110 a gearwheel 111 is attached, wherein due to a rotation of the main shaft 110 the gearwheels 111 move the steps/pallets of the escalator/moving walk.

[0058] The handrails are moved each by a handrail wheel 121 attached to both ends of the handrail shaft 120. The handrails are moved due to a rotation of the handrail shaft 120.

[0059] To rotate the handrail shaft 120 a driving force is transferred from the main shaft 110 of the escalator/moving walk to the handrail shaft 120 via the force transfer system 130.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 1, in conventional escalators/moving walks the force transfer system 130 comprises a first chain wheel 131 arranged around the main shaft 110 and a second chain wheel 132 arranged around a handrail shaft 120, wherein the connection means 133 transferring the driving force from the main shaft 110 to the handrail shaft 120 is a chain, which is wound around the first chain wheel 131 and the second chain wheel 132.

[0061] In conventional escalators/moving walks the handrail wheels moving the handrail are of rubber or polyurethane (PU). Due to wear, the thickness of the rubber or PU decreases over time. In consequence, the handrail velocity decreases due to the reduced diameter of the handrail wheel and the handrails do not move synchronously with the steps/pallets of the escalator/moving walk any more. At some point an unacceptable des-synchronism occurs due to wear and the handrail wheel has to be replaced, meaning a great effort and high costs.

[0062] This disadvantage can be eliminated by a handrail driving system according the invention as shown in Fig. 2.

[0063] Fig. 2 shows a handrail driving system 100 similar to the conventional one shown in Fig. 1. In detail, the handrail driving system 100 according the invention shown in Fig. 2 differs from the conventional handrail driving system as shown in Fig. 1 by the force transfer system 130 transferring a driving force from the main shaft 110 to the handrail shaft 120 to which the handrail wheels 121 are attached to.

[0064] Here, the force transfer system 130 comprises a first pulley 134 adjusted around the main shaft 110 and a second pulley 135 adjusted around the handrail shaft 120.

[0065] A connection means 133 is guided in a circle around the first pulley 134 and the second pulley 135, wherein the connection means 133 is tensioned by a tensioning means 136, wherein the connection means 133 is guided over a tensioning pulley 1361 of the tensioning means 136.

[0066] The first pulley 134, the second pulley 135 and the tensioning pulley 1361 have a notch along their circumference forming the guidance surface for the connection means 133.

[0067] The notch along the circumference of the pulleys leads to a save guidance of the connection means, so the connection means does not slip of the pulleys during process.

[0068] The connection means 133 is an endless trapezoidal belt fitting in the notch of the first pulley 134, the second pulley 135 and the tensioning pulley 1361.

[0069] Due to the trapezoidal shape of the connection means the connection means is in positive connection to the notch of the pulleys. In case of a change of diameter of at least one of the pulleys the connection means keeps in positive connection with the notch of the pulleys.

[0070] In the arrangement shown in Fig. 2 the first pulley 134 is of a fixed diameter, while the second pulley 135 is configured to be changed in diameter, in order to adapt the speed of the handrails.

[0071] In a further arrangement, which is not shown, the first pulley is configured to be changed in diameter, while the second pulley is of a fixed diameter.

[0072] Fig. 3 shows a closer view of the force transfer system 130 of the handrail driving system 100 of Fig. 2 in order to give a more detailed view of the tensioning means 136 tensioning the connection means 133, which transfers a driving force from the main shaft 110 to the handrail shaft (not shown in Fig. 3).

[0073] The tensioning means 136 comprises a frame 1363, a holding device 1364, a tensioning pulley 1361 and a spring 1362.

[0074] The frame 1363 is of a U-shape comprising a top-side 1363a and two side plates 1363b each having long holes 1363c.

[0075] The tensioning pulley is hold by a holding device 1364, which is fastened moveable to the frame 1363 via bolts 1364a engaging with the long holes 1363c of the frame 1363.

[0076] The spring 1362 is arranged in between the top-side 1363a of the frame 1363 and the holding device 1364. Due to the spring force of the spring 1362 the top-side 1363a of the frame 1363 and holding device 1364 holding the tensioning pulley 1361 and are pushed apart from each other. Consequently, the connection means 133, which is guided over the tensioning pulley 1361 is tensioned by means of the spring 1362.

[0077] When the diameter of the second pulley is decreased in order to increase the handrail speed, the tensioning of the connection means 133 decreases.

[0078] By tensioning the connection means 133 by means of the spring 1362, the connection means 133 is tensioned automatically at each moment. So when the diameter of the second pulley is decreased the connection means 133 keeps tensioned due to the spring force of the spring 1362.

[0079] Fig. 4 shows the cross-section of the first pulley 134 arranged around the main shaft 110.

[0080] Due to an inaccuracy in fabrication, there can be a small spacing in between the main shaft 110 and the first pulley 134. This spacing could lead to a shift of the first pulley 134 out of position during operation.

[0081] To hold the first pulley 134 in position shaft keys 137 are placed in between the main shaft 110 and the first pulley 134 to fill up the spacing between the first pulley 134 and the main shaft 110. Thereat, several shaft keys 137 are placed around the main shaft 110. Especially, the shaft keys are placed equidistant around the main shaft.

[0082] Around its circumference the first pulley 134 has a notch 138, in order to prevent the connection means 133 from slipping of the first pulley 134 during operation. Thereat, the form of the notch 138 is adapted to the form of the connection means 133, so the connection means 133 is in positive connection with the circumference of the first pulley 134.

[0083] Fig. 5a-d show the second pulley 135 arranged around the handrail shaft 120. The second pulley 135 is configured to be changed in diameter in order to adapt the handrail speed, wherein second pulley 135 comprises a first segment 1351 and a second segment 1352 and an adjusting means 1353.
In the arrangement shown in Fig. 5a-d the first segment 1351 equals a first half, the second segment 1352 equals a second half and the adjusting means 1353 is an adjusting nut. Thereat, the first half 1351 and the second half 1352 are threaded to the adjusting nut 1353 arranged around the handrail shaft 120, wherein the first half 1351 is left threaded to the adjusting nut 1353 via an inner thread and the second half 1352 is right threaded to the adjusting nut 1353 via an inner thread.

[0084] Due to the different threaded of the first half 1351 and the second half 1352, the first half 1351 and the second half 1352 can be separated or approached to each other by turning the adjusting nut 1353.

[0085] As shown in Fig. 5a, which shows the second pulley 135 in a cross-section, the adjusting nut 1353 is fixed to the handrail shaft 120 in axial direction via an axial fixation 1354 in order to prevent a shifting of the second pulley 135 during operation. Thereat, the axial fixation 1354 is at least one projection arranged around the circumference of the handrail shaft 120.

[0086] Further, the first half 1351 and the second half 1352 of the second pulley are fastened to the handrail shaft 120 via shaft keys 137.

[0087] The circumference of the first half 1351 and the second half 1352 are beveled, forming a trapezoidal notch 138.
So, the connection means 133, which is an endless trapezoidal belt is in positive connection to the second pulley 135.

[0088] Due to this trapezoidal notch 138 and the trapezoidal cross-section of the connection means 133, the connection means 133 always keeps in positive connection with the circumference of the second pulley 135 independent of the distance between the first half 1351 and the second half 1352 adjusted by the adjusting nut 1353.

[0089] Fig. 5b shows the second pulley 135 attached around the handrail shaft 120 from a perspective view, wherein several shaft keys 137 are placed between the handrail shaft 120 and the halves of the second pulley 135 around the handrail shaft 120. Especially, the shaft keys 137 are placed equidistant to each other to prevent an unbalance.

[0090] The first half 1351 and the second half 1352 are fixed to the handrail shaft 120 via the shaft keys 137 to prevent that during operation the distance between the first half 1351 and the second half 1352 is changed by accident due to friction of the connection means 133.

[0091] Figures 5c and 5d show a half of the cross-section of the second pulley 135 arranged around the handrail shaft 120 and hold in position via shaft keys 137.

[0092] Fig. 5c shows the second pulley 135 in an initial position, wherein the first half 1351 and the second half 1352 are approached to each other to a maximum. The beveled edges of the first half 1351 and the second half 1352 form a trapezoidal notch 138 to with the connection means 133 is in positive connection to.

[0093] The first half 1351 is left threaded to the adjusting nut 1353 and the second half 1352 is right threaded to the adjusting nut 1353.
By turning the adjusting nut 1353 the first half 1351 and the second half 1352 are separated from each other and the notch 138 of the second pulley 135 is increased.
Due to the beveled edges of the first half 1351 and the second half 1352 the radius of the guidance face of the second pulley 135 for the connection means 133 is reduced, as shown in Fig. 5d.

[0094] By reducing the diameter of the second pulley 135 the handrail speed is increased. The handrail speed is decreased by increasing the diameter of the second pulley 135.

[0095] Due to the trapezoidal shape of the connection means 133, the connection means 133 keeps in positive connection with the circumference of the second pulley for each adjusted radius for the guidance face of the second pulley 135.

[0096] In order to prevent a shifting of the second pulley 135 out of position while turning the adjusting nut 1353, the adjusting nut 1353 is hold in position in axial direction of the handrail shaft 120 by an axial fixation 1354.

Reference numbers

[0097] 

100

Handrail driving system

110

Main shaft

111

Gearwheel

120

Handrail shaft

121

Handrail wheel

130

Force transfer system

131

First chain wheel

132

Second chain wheel

133

Connection means

134

First pulley

135

Second pulley
1351 First segment
1352 Second segment
1353 Adjusting means
1354 Axial fixation

136

Tensioning means
1361 Tensioning pulley
1362 Spring
1363 Frame
1363a Top-side
1363b Side plate
1363c Long hole
1364 Holding device
1364a Bolt

137

Shaft key

138

Notch

Claims

1. Handrail driving system (100) for transport system, especially an escalator or moving walk, comprising

- a first handrail wheel (121) and a second handrail wheel (121), which are each configured to move a handrail of a transport system due to a rotation of the corresponding handrail wheel (121);

- a handrail shaft (120), wherein the first handrail wheel (121) is attached to a first position, especially to a first end, of the handrail shaft (120) and the second handrail wheel (121) is attached to a second position, especially a second end, of the handrail shaft (120);

- a main shaft (110), which is configured to be coupled with a drive unit of the transport system;

- a force transfer system (130) comprising a connection means (133) connecting the main shaft (110) and the handrail shaft (120) at a certain gear ratio, wherein the connection means (133) is configured to transfer a driving force of the main shaft (110) to the handrail shaft (120) in order to rotate the handrail shaft (120) and thus to rotate the first handrail wheel (121) and the second handrail wheel (121),

characterized in
that the force transfer system (130) is adapted to change the gear ratio.

2. Handrail driving of claim 1,
characterized in
that the force transfer system comprises
at least two pulleys (134, 135), wherein a first pulley (134) is mounted on the main shaft (110) and a second pulley (135) is mounted on the handrail shaft (120), and wherein
at least one of the pulleys (134, 135) is configured to be changed in diameter in order to adapt the rotation speed of the handrail shaft (120) and accordingly a speed of a handrail driven by the handrail driving system (100).

3. Handrail driving system (100) of claim 2,
characterized in
that the at least one pulley (134, 135), which is configured to be changed in diameter, comprises
a first segment (1351),
a second segment (1352), and
an adjusting means (1353) configured to adjust a distance between the first segment (1351) and the second segment (1352).

4. Handrail driving system (100) of claim 3,
characterized in
that the first segment (1351) comprises an inner thread,
the second segment (1352) comprises an inner thread, and
the adjusting means (1353) is an adjusting nut, wherein
the first segment (1351) is left threaded to the adjusting nut (1353), and
the second segment (1352) is right threaded to the adjusting nut (1353).

5. Handrail driving system (100) of one of the claims 2 to 4,
characterized in
that the force transfer system (130) comprises at least a tensioning means (136), wherein
the connection means (133) is guided in a circle over the first pulley (134), the second pulley (135) and the tensioning means (136), wherein the tensioning means (136) is configured to tension the connection means (133).

6. Handrail driving system (100) of one of the claims 2 to 5,
characterized in
that the first pulley (134) and the second pulley (135) have a notch (138) along their circumference, which is the guidance surface for the connection means (133).

7. Handrail driving system (100) of claim 6,
characterized in
that the connection means (133) is an endless trapezoidal belt fitting in the notch (138) of each the first pulley (134) and the second pulley (135).

8. Handrail driving system (100) of one of the claims 5 to 7,
characterized in
that the tensioning means (136) comprises at least a tensioning pulley (1361) having a notch (138) along its circumference, which is the guidance surface for the connection means (133),
wherein the connection means (133) fits in the notch (138) of the tensioning pulley (1361).

9. Handrail driving system (100) of one of the claims 2 to 8,
characterized in
that the first pulley (134) is of a fixed diameter, and
the second pulley (135) is configured to be changed in diameter, wherein
the first segment (1351) and the second segment (1352) of the second pulley (135) are each arranged around the handrail shaft (120).

10. Handrail driving system (100) of claim 9,
characterized in
that the adjusting means (1353) is an adjusting nut, to which the first segment (1351) and
the second segment (1352) of the second pulley are threaded to, wherein
the adjusting nut (1353) is arranged around the handrail shaft (120), and wherein
the adjusting nut (1353) is fixed to the handrail shaft (120) in axial direction, and wherein
the adjusting nut (1353) is configured to be turned around the handrail shaft (120).

11. Handrail driving system (100) of one of the claims 5 to 10,
characterized in
that the tensioning means (136) comprises a spring (1362), wherein the connection means (133) is tensioned at each moment by means of the spring (1362).

12. Method to adapt the handrail speed for an escalator with a handrail drive system (100) according one of the claims 2 to 11,
characterized in
that for adjusting the rotation speed of the handrail shaft (120), and accordingly the handrail speed, the diameter of the second pulley (135) is changed.

13. Method of claim 12,
characterized in
that the diameter of the second pulley (135) is
reduced by separating the first segment (1351) and the second segment (1352) from each other, and
increased by approaching the first segment (1351) and the second segment (1352) to each other.

14. Method of one of the claims 12 to 13,
characterized in
that the rotation speed of the handrail shaft (120) and accordingly the handrail speed is increased by reducing the diameter of the second pulley (135), and
decreased by increasing the diameter of the second pulley (135).

15. Method of one of the claims 12 to 14,
characterized in
that in case the adjusting means (1353) is an adjusting nut the diameter of the second pulley (135) is changed by turning the adjusting nut (1353).

16. Transport system comprising a handrail driving system (100) of one of the claims 1 to 11, wherein the handrail speed is adapted according the method of one of the claims 12 to 15.

Drawing