Reduction of handrail vibration in passenger conveyors

US5566810A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Helmut Meyer · Bückeburg, DE
• Alfons Von Herz · Stadthagen, DE
• Dirk Winkelhake · Kassel, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 12, 1995
• Grant date: Oct 22, 1996
• Expiry date: Jul 12, 2015

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B66B23/04
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Movement of the handrail on an escalator or moving walkway passenger conveyor is smoothed out by providing a totally elastomeric coupling between the conveyor step chain and the handrail drive mechanism. The handrail drive mechanism is a friction drive roller, or belt, which is driven by being connected to the step chain. The connection between the step chain and the handrail drive is provided by an elastomeric member which engages both a step chain-driven sprocket and the handrail drive mechanism. The elastomeric connection damps out jerks which are created by the chordal nature of the step chain and the main motor drive chain as the chains pass around chain return sprockets. The elastomeric connection therefore smooths out movement of the handrail.