Escalator step chain roller

US5137135A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Kurt Pietsch · Minden, DE
• Hans-Jirgen Langer · Stadthagen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 13, 1991
• Grant date: Aug 11, 1992
• Expiry date: Mar 13, 2011

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B66B23/12
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The step chain rollers for an escalator or moving walkway are provided with an annular elastomeric tread mounted on the rim of the roller. The roller rim is formed with a recess or groove which receives the tread. The main body of the roller is metal, and the side edges of the roller contact a side part of the escalator roller track as the roller moves along the track. Lateral guidance for the step chain is thus provided. By recessing the tread in the roller rim, an increase in the metal-to-metal side contact zone between the roller and track is provided resulting in longer roller lift. The sides of the tread are preferably offset from the sides of the roller recess to allow crack-free expansion of the tread to occur.