Escalator drive system failure detection and brake activation

US7497315B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Richard N. Fargo · Plainville, US
• Helmut Meyer · Bückeburg, DE
• Frank Sansevero · Glastonbury, US
• Markus Hame · Stadthagen, DE
• Hermann Wiese · Bückeburg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 7, 2003
• Grant date: Mar 3, 2009
• Expiry date: May 31, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B66B29/00
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An escalator drive assembly (30) includes a sensor that facilitates detecting when the normal drive assembly operation is interrupted, such that a brake should be activated. In one example, a sensor member (40) in the form of a flange (42) is associated with a drive pulley (34) and normally rotates in unison with the drive pulley. When there is a failure in the normal operation of the drive mechanism, however, there is a resulting relative movement between the sensor member (40) and the drive pulley (34). Such relative motion preferably activates a switch (80) that provides a signal that indicates a failure of the normal operation of the drive mechanism (30). Another example sensor includes a sensor member (202, 212) that engages a drive belt (35). If the belt (35) breaks, the sensor member (202, 212) moves to provide an indication of the broken belt condition. Various braking application modes are possible using the invention.