Modular chain newel with standard bearing

Abstract

A roller bearing and newel guide assembly (30) for a newel (24) in an escalator (10) has a newel guide (32), a roller chain (34), and a spring (40) connected between the roller chain (34) and the newel guide (32) to provide tension to the roller chain (34). The roller chain (34) comprises a series of interlinked chain units (36). Each chain unit (36) includes a frame (78), at least one roller bearing (72), and a pin (76) for connecting the roller bearing (72) to the frame (78). Each chain unit (36) has a female connector (62) and a male connector (64), which allow each chain unit (36) to connect to an adjacent chain unit (36) to form the roller chain (34).

Description

Background technique [0001] Passenger conveyors, such as escalators and moving walkways, have a continuous loop of channels flanked by railings called handrails. These balustrades have moving handrails that slide along the balustrade at the same speed as the continuous loop. At the end of the conveyor, the handrail typically passes through a curved newel. The curved profile of the center post makes it difficult to maintain tension in the armrest while reducing friction. Solutions for moving the handrail on a curved center post include using large rotating wheels, such as flywheels, or using multiple roller bearings along a curved profile. [0002] In the case of a roller bearing solution, the roller bearing needs to maintain contact with the handrail as it moves over the curved center column. Roller bearings are typically held in a center column guide that matches the profile of the curved center column. Each bearing is nailed into a hole drilled into the center post rail....

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Removal and replacement of a damaged roller bearing and center column guideway assembly is expensive and inefficient, especially when only one roller bearing needs to be replaced

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