Step chain tensioner and balancing control method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a step chain tensioning device and a balance control method thereof, wherein the step chain tensioning device comprises a fixed frame, a sliding frame, a first distance measuring sensor and a controller, the front end and / or the rear end of the sliding frame is provided with a guide column, the fixed frame is provided with a limiting hole in sliding fit with the guide column; the front end and / or the rear end of the sliding frame is provided with a first electromagnet, the two sides of the sliding frame are respectively provided with a second electromagnet, the fixed frame is provided with a third electromagnet opposite to the first electromagnet, and the fixed frame is provided with a fourth electromagnet opposite to the second electromagnet; the first distance measuring sensor is used for monitoring the distance of the side of the sliding frame relative to the fixed frame, the first electromagnet, the second electromagnet, the third electromagnet and the fourth electromagnet are one-to-one electrically connected with a current control module, and the current control module and the first distance measuring sensor are electrically connected with the controller. The application has the advantages of simple structure, convenient operation, high safety and high intelligence.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of escalator technology, and in particular to a step chain tensioning device and its balance control method. Background Technology

[0002] With urbanization, escalators have become widely used in various industries, especially in public places such as shopping malls and bus stations. The step chain is an important transmission component in escalators, and a tensioning device is required to keep it taut for normal operation.

[0003] As escalators operate for longer periods, the step chains become increasingly stretched, requiring frequent manual adjustments by maintenance personnel to maintain tension. However, the installation space on escalators is relatively confined, making this operation cumbersome, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. Furthermore, existing tensioning devices are primarily adjustable only in the forward and backward direction of the escalator's movement. Lateral misalignment makes adjustment difficult, leading to friction between the step chains and the swivel sheave teeth, causing noise and even wear on the step chains or swivel sheave. Therefore, a solution to these problems is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a ladder chain tensioning device and its balance control method in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] The present invention achieves the above-mentioned objective through the following technical solution: a ladder chain tensioning device, comprising a fixed frame, a sliding frame, a first distance sensor, and a controller. The sliding frame is provided with a sprocket adapted to the ladder chain. The front end and / or rear end of the sliding frame are provided with guide posts. The fixed frame is provided with limiting holes that slide with the guide posts. The front end and / or rear end of the sliding frame are provided with a first electromagnet. The two sides of the sliding frame are respectively provided with second electromagnets. The fixed frame is provided with a third electromagnet opposite to the first electromagnet and a fourth electromagnet opposite to the second electromagnet. The first distance sensor is used to monitor the distance between the side of the sliding frame and the fixed frame. The first electromagnet, the second electromagnet, the third electromagnet, and the fourth electromagnet are electrically connected to a current control module in a one-to-one correspondence. The current control module and the first distance sensor are electrically connected to the controller.

[0006] Furthermore, a fifth electromagnet is provided at the bottom of the sliding frame, and a sixth electromagnet is provided at the top of the fixed frame, opposite to the fifth electromagnet. The fifth and sixth electromagnets are electrically connected to the current control module in a one-to-one correspondence. This allows the sliding frame to levitate relative to the fixed frame, eliminating friction between the bottom of the sliding frame and the top of the fixed frame. This facilitates adjustment of the sliding frame relative to the fixed frame, avoids scratches, and prevents noise generation.

[0007] Furthermore, a second ranging sensor electrically connected to the controller is included. This second ranging sensor monitors the height of the bottom of the sliding frame relative to the fixed frame. This allows the sliding frame to suspend relative to the fixed frame within a suitable height range, ensuring the normal operation of the ladder chain without affecting other components.

[0008] Furthermore, a limit nut is screwed to the free end of the guide post, and the limit nut cooperates with the stop of the fixed frame. This effectively restricts the sliding frame to the fixed frame, preventing accidental slippage and more serious safety accidents, thus enhancing safety.

[0009] Furthermore, an elastic element is sleeved on the guide post, with one end of the elastic element abutting against the limiting nut and the other end abutting against the fixing bracket. The elastic element acts as a buffer, preventing sudden slippage and damage to the component, thus improving safety.

[0010] Furthermore, a limiting ring is provided on the guide post, which is positioned between the sliding frame and the fixed frame. The length of the limiting ring is greater than the sum of the thicknesses of the first electromagnet and the third electromagnet. The limiting ring effectively prevents the opposing first and third electromagnets from colliding and causing damage, thus ensuring their service life.

[0011] Furthermore, both the fixed frame and the sliding frame have a frame structure, with the sliding frame housed within the fixed frame, and the opposing side walls of the sliding frame and the fixed frame are spaced apart; this makes installation more convenient, facilitates the balance of the sliding frame, and ensures the balance of tension.

[0012] The present invention also provides a balance control method based on the above-mentioned ladder chain tensioning device, comprising the following steps:

[0013] Step 1: Preset the initial magnetic force of the first and third electromagnets according to the manufacturing standards of the escalator, and set the floating error; at the same time, preset the initial magnetic force of the second and fourth electromagnets so that the distance between the side of the sliding frame and the fixed frame is the initial gap, and set the floating range of the initial gap.

[0014] Step 2: The controller acquires the interaction force between the first electromagnet and the third electromagnet; the first ranging sensor monitors and acquires the first distance between the side of the sliding frame and the fixed frame, and transmits the first distance to the controller;

[0015] Step 3: The controller determines whether the interaction force is within the floating error range based on the initial magnetic forces of the first and third electromagnets. When the interaction force exceeds the floating error range, the controller sends an adjustment signal to the current control module corresponding to the first and / or third electromagnets. The current control module changes the current supplied to the first and / or third electromagnets according to the adjustment signal to adjust the interaction force. At the same time, the controller determines whether the first distance is within the floating range based on the initial spacing. When the first distance exceeds the floating range, the controller sends an adjustment signal to the current control module corresponding to the second and / or fourth electromagnets. The current control module changes the current supplied to the second and / or fourth electromagnets according to the adjustment signal to adjust the magnetic force of the second and / or fourth electromagnets.

[0016] Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the first distance is within the floating range and the interaction force is within the floating error range.

[0017] Furthermore, step one also includes: preset the initial magnetic force of the fifth and sixth electromagnets so that the bottom of the sliding frame is at an initial height relative to the fixed frame, and set the floating height;

[0018] Step two also includes: the second ranging sensor monitors and obtains the first height of the bottom surface of the sliding frame relative to the top surface of the fixed frame, and transmits the first height to the controller;

[0019] Step 3 also includes: the controller determines whether the first height is within the floating height based on the initial height. When the first height exceeds the floating height, the controller sends an adjustment signal to the current control module corresponding to the fifth electromagnet and / or the sixth electromagnet. The current control module changes the current supplied to the fifth electromagnet and / or the sixth electromagnet according to the adjustment signal to adjust the magnetic force of the fifth electromagnet and / or the sixth electromagnet.

[0020] Step four also includes: until the first height is within the floating height.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: Firstly, by providing a first electromagnet at the front end and / or rear end of the sliding frame, and a third electromagnet opposite to the first electromagnet on the fixed frame, the corresponding current control module outputs a corresponding current under the action of the controller, thereby controlling the first and third electromagnets to generate corresponding magnetic forces. This allows the sliding frame to move relative to the fixed frame in the front-rear direction, causing the sprocket to tighten the ladder chain and generate tension force. This ensures that the corresponding ladder chain is always and automatically kept in a tensioned state, allowing for adaptive adjustment and relatively intelligent operation. It eliminates the need for maintenance personnel to operate repeatedly, reducing operational difficulty. Secondly, second electromagnets are provided on both sides of the sliding frame, and a fourth electromagnet opposite to the second electromagnet is provided on the fixed frame. Under the action of the controller, the corresponding current control module outputs a corresponding current, thereby controlling the second and fourth electromagnets to generate corresponding magnetic forces. Magnetic force allows the sliding frame to move relative to the fixed frame in both lateral directions, maintaining a consistent distance between them and preventing scratches and noise. Furthermore, with the assistance of a first distance sensor, the distance can be automatically detected as being within the acceptable range, and feedback is sent to the controller for automatic adjustment. This eliminates the need for maintenance personnel and is convenient, effectively solving the technical problems of existing technologies. Thirdly, guide posts are provided at the front and / or rear of the sliding frame, and limiting holes on the fixed frame slide in conjunction with the guide posts, restricting the sliding frame and preventing accidental slippage, ensuring connection reliability and improving safety. Overall, this invention possesses the advantages of simple structure, convenient operation, high safety, and high intelligence, effectively ensuring the tension and balance of the ladder chain, preventing scratches and noise, and reducing operational difficulty. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixing frame in this invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention assembled inside an escalator;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall control flow of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the balance control process of the sliding frame in the front and rear end directions in this invention;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the balance control process of the sliding frame in the left and right directions in this invention;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the balance control process of the sliding frame in the upper and lower directions in this invention.

[0029] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0030] 1-Fixed frame; 1.1-Limiting hole; 2-Sliding frame; 3-First ranging sensor; 4-Controller; 5-Sprocket; 6-Guide post; 6.1-Limiting ring; 7-First electromagnet; 8-Second electromagnet; 9-Third electromagnet; 10-Fourth electromagnet; 11-Current control module; 12-Fifth electromagnet; 13-Sixth electromagnet; 14-Second ranging sensor; 15-Limiting nut; 16-Elastic element; 17-Sprocket shaft; 18-Tangential rail; 19-Truss; 20-Guide rail; 21-Operating panel. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more detailed description is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that when an element is described as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. When an element is described as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. The terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," and similar expressions used in this specification are for illustrative purposes only.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0033] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, this embodiment provides a ladder chain tensioning device, including a fixed frame 1, a sliding frame 2, a first distance sensor 3, and a controller 4. The sliding frame 2 is provided with a sprocket 5 adapted to the ladder chain. The front end and / or rear end of the sliding frame 2 are provided with guide posts 6. The fixed frame 1 is provided with a limiting hole 1.1 that slides with the guide posts 6. The front end and / or rear end of the sliding frame 2 are provided with a first electromagnet 7. The two sides of the sliding frame 2 are respectively provided with second electromagnets 8. The fixed frame 1 is provided with a third electromagnet 9 opposite to the first electromagnet 7 and a fourth electromagnet 10 opposite to the second electromagnet 8. The first distance sensor 3 is used to monitor the distance between the side of the sliding frame 2 and the fixed frame 1. The first electromagnet 7, the second electromagnet 8, the third electromagnet 9, and the fourth electromagnet 10 are electrically connected to a current control module 11 in a one-to-one correspondence. The current control module 11 and the first distance sensor 3 are electrically connected to the controller 4.

[0034] For details, please refer to Figure 3 As shown, bearing seats are provided on both sides of the sliding frame 2, and a sprocket shaft 17 is rotatably connected between the two bearing shafts. The sprocket 5 is coaxially fixed on the sprocket shaft 17. A tangential rail 18 is also provided on the sliding frame 2, and the tangential rail 18 is arranged opposite to the sprocket 5. In actual installation, the fixing frame 1 is securely fixed inside the truss 19 of the escalator, so that the tangential rail 18 is arranged opposite to the guide rail 20 inside the truss 19, and the step chain is connected to the sprocket 5.

[0035] The sliding frame 2 has a fifth electromagnet 12 at its bottom and a sixth electromagnet 13 opposite to the fifth electromagnet 12 at its top. The fifth electromagnet 12 and the sixth electromagnet 13 are electrically connected to a current control module 11 in a one-to-one correspondence. It also includes a second ranging sensor 14 electrically connected to the controller 4. The second ranging sensor 14 is used to monitor the height of the bottom of the sliding frame 2 relative to the fixed frame 1.

[0036] A limit nut 15 is screwed to the free end of the guide post 6, and the limit nut 15 cooperates with the stop of the fixed frame 1. An elastic element 16 is sleeved on the guide post 6, one end of the elastic element 16 abuts against the limit nut 15, and the other end of the elastic element 16 abuts against the fixed frame 1; the elastic element 16 is a cylindrical spring. A limit ring 6.1 is provided on the guide post 6, and the limit ring 6.1 is located between the sliding frame 2 and the fixed frame 1. The length of the limit ring 6.1 is greater than the sum of the thicknesses of the first electromagnet 7 and the third electromagnet 9.

[0037] Both the fixed frame 1 and the sliding frame 2 are frame structures. The sliding frame 2 is housed inside the fixed frame 1, and the side walls of the sliding frame 2 and the fixed frame 1 are spaced apart.

[0038] Specifically, multiple first electromagnets 7 are spaced apart at the front and rear ends of the sliding frame 2, with corresponding third electromagnets 9. The first electromagnets 7 and third electromagnets 9 at the front end generate a repulsive force between each other, while the first electromagnets 7 and third electromagnets 9 at the rear end generate an attractive force between each other. This ensures that the total force on the sliding frame 2 in the front-to-back direction is backward, which can pull the step chain and keep it taut, effectively ensuring the tension of the step chain. Multiple second electromagnets 8 are spaced apart on each side, with corresponding fourth electromagnets 10. Opposite second electromagnets 8 and fourth electromagnets 10 generate a repulsive force between each other, keeping the sliding frame 2 at a distance from the fixed frame 1 in the side direction to avoid scratching and noise. Similarly, multiple fifth electromagnets 12 are spaced apart at the bottom, with corresponding sixth electromagnets 13. Opposite fifth electromagnets 12 and sixth electromagnets 13 generate a repulsive force between each other, keeping the sliding frame 2 suspended relative to the fixed frame 1 (it should be noted that the front and rear directions are relative to the running direction of the escalator, and the front end is the end closest to the center of the escalator).

[0039] Preferably, first ranging sensors 3 are respectively installed on both sides of the fixed frame 1 to detect both sides simultaneously, preventing the sliding frame 2 from tilting and ensuring stable operation. Multiple second ranging sensors 14 are installed on the top of the fixed frame 1 to ensure that the sliding frame 2 is suspended at a relatively horizontal height, preventing tilting or warping.

[0040] The present invention also provides a balance control method based on the above-mentioned ladder chain tensioning device, comprising the following steps:

[0041] Step 1: Preset the initial magnetic force of the first electromagnet 7 and the third electromagnet 9 according to the manufacturing standards of the escalator, and set the floating error; at the same time, preset the initial magnetic force of the second electromagnet 8 and the fourth electromagnet 10 so that the distance between the side of the sliding frame 2 and the fixed frame 1 is the initial spacing, and set the floating range of the initial spacing.

[0042] Step 2: Controller 4 acquires the interaction force between the first electromagnet 7 and the third electromagnet 9; the first ranging sensor 3 monitors and acquires the first distance between the side of the sliding frame 2 and the fixed frame 1, and transmits the first distance to controller 4;

[0043] Step 3: The controller 4 determines whether the interaction force is within the floating error range based on the initial magnetic force of the first electromagnet 7 and the third electromagnet 9. When the interaction force exceeds the floating error range, the controller 4 sends an adjustment signal to the current control module 11 corresponding to the first electromagnet 7 and / or the third electromagnet 9. The current control module 11 changes the current supplied to the first electromagnet 7 and / or the third electromagnet 9 according to the adjustment signal to adjust the interaction force. At the same time, the controller 4 determines whether the first distance is within the floating range based on the initial spacing. When the first distance exceeds the floating range, the controller 4 sends an adjustment signal to the current control module 11 corresponding to the second electromagnet 8 and / or the fourth electromagnet 10. The current control module 11 changes the current supplied to the second electromagnet 8 and / or the fourth electromagnet 10 according to the adjustment signal to adjust the magnetic force of the second electromagnet 8 and / or the fourth electromagnet 10.

[0044] Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the first distance is within the floating range and the interaction force is within the floating error range.

[0045] Furthermore, step one also includes: preset the initial magnetic force of the fifth electromagnet 12 and the sixth electromagnet 13 so that the bottom of the sliding frame 2 is at an initial height relative to the fixed frame 1, and set the floating height;

[0046] Step two also includes: the second ranging sensor 14 monitors and obtains the first height of the bottom surface of the sliding frame 2 relative to the top surface of the fixed frame 1, and transmits the first height to the controller 4;

[0047] Step 3 also includes: the controller 4 determines whether the first height is within the floating height based on the initial height. When the first height exceeds the floating height, the controller 4 sends an adjustment signal to the current control module 11 corresponding to the fifth electromagnet 12 and / or the sixth electromagnet 13. The current control module 11 changes the current supplied to the fifth electromagnet 12 and / or the sixth electromagnet 13 according to the adjustment signal, so as to adjust the magnetic force of the fifth electromagnet 12 and / or the sixth electromagnet 13.

[0048] Step four also includes: until the first height is within the floating height.

[0049] Specifically, the controller 4 includes an operation panel 21, which has operation buttons such as "manual", "left and right", "up and down" and "automatic".

[0050] Specifically, in step one, the maintenance personnel press the "Manual" button and consult the escalator's manufacturing standards to obtain the required tension of the step chain. They then preset the initial magnetic forces of the first electromagnet 7 and the third electromagnet 9, which are also the tension forces, and set the allowable floating error to 100N. Next, they press the "Left / Right" button to adjust the initial magnetic forces of the second electromagnet 8 and the fourth electromagnet 10, thereby adjusting the relative distance between the sliding frame 2 and the fixed frame 1, and setting the allowable floating range to 2mm. The controller 4 records the distance measured by the first distance measuring sensor 3 on both sides. Similarly, pressing the "Up / Down" button adjusts the initial magnetic forces of the fifth electromagnet 12 and the sixth electromagnet 13, thereby adjusting the height of the bottom of the sliding frame 2 relative to the top of the fixed frame 1, and setting the allowable floating height to 2mm. The controller 4 records the height measured by the second distance measuring sensor 14. Finally, pressing the "Automatic" button initiates automatic operation. Based on the above settings, steps two through four are repeated to ensure that the sliding frame 2 remains balanced relative to the fixed frame 1 and maintains the tension of the step chain.

[0051] Preferably, the magnitude of the electromagnet's magnetic force can be obtained through a Hall sensor.

[0052] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed invention. The scope of protection of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A balance control method for a ladder chain tensioning device, characterized in that: The ladder chain tensioning device includes: a fixed frame, a sliding frame, a first ranging sensor and a controller. The sliding frame is provided with a sprocket adapted to the ladder chain. The front end and / or rear end of the sliding frame are provided with guide posts. The fixed frame is provided with a limiting hole that slides with the guide posts. The sliding frame is provided with a first electromagnet at its front end and / or rear end, and a second electromagnet is provided on both sides of the sliding frame. A third electromagnet is provided on the fixed frame opposite to the first electromagnet, and a fourth electromagnet is provided on the fixed frame opposite to the second electromagnet. The first ranging sensor is used to monitor the distance between the side of the sliding frame and the fixed frame. The first electromagnet, the second electromagnet, the third electromagnet and the fourth electromagnet are electrically connected to a current control module in a one-to-one correspondence. The current control module and the first ranging sensor are electrically connected to the controller. The bottom of the sliding frame is provided with a fifth electromagnet, and the top of the fixed frame is provided with a sixth electromagnet opposite to the fifth electromagnet. The fifth electromagnet and the sixth electromagnet are electrically connected to the current control module in a one-to-one correspondence. It also includes a second ranging sensor electrically connected to the controller, the second ranging sensor being used to monitor the height of the bottom of the sliding frame relative to the fixed frame; The balance control method for this ladder chain tensioning device includes the following steps: Step 1: Preset the initial magnetic force of the first and third electromagnets according to the manufacturing standards of the escalator, and set the floating error; at the same time, preset the initial magnetic force of the second and fourth electromagnets so that the distance between the side of the sliding frame and the fixed frame is the initial gap, and set the floating range of the initial gap. Step 2: The controller acquires the interaction force between the first electromagnet and the third electromagnet; the first ranging sensor monitors and acquires the first distance between the side of the sliding frame and the fixed frame, and transmits the first distance to the controller; Step 3: The controller determines whether the interaction force is within the floating error range based on the initial magnetic forces of the first and third electromagnets. When the interaction force exceeds the floating error range, the controller sends an adjustment signal to the current control module corresponding to the first and / or third electromagnets. The current control module changes the current supplied to the first and / or third electromagnets according to the adjustment signal to adjust the interaction force. At the same time, the controller determines whether the first distance is within the floating range based on the initial spacing. When the first distance exceeds the floating range, the controller sends an adjustment signal to the current control module corresponding to the second and / or fourth electromagnets. The current control module changes the current supplied to the second and / or fourth electromagnets according to the adjustment signal to adjust the magnetic force of the second and / or fourth electromagnets. Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the first distance is within the floating range and the interaction force is within the floating error range.

2. The balance control method for the ladder chain tensioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A limit nut is screwed to the free end of the guide post, and the limit nut cooperates with the stop of the fixing frame.

3. The balance control method for the ladder chain tensioning device according to claim 2, characterized in that: An elastic element is sleeved on the guide post. One end of the elastic element abuts against the limiting nut, and the other end of the elastic element abuts against the fixing frame.

4. The balance control method for the ladder chain tensioning device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The guide post is provided with a limiting ring, which is disposed between the sliding frame and the fixed frame. The length of the limiting ring is greater than the sum of the thicknesses of the first electromagnet and the third electromagnet.

5. The balance control method for the ladder chain tensioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the fixed frame and the sliding frame are frame structures. The sliding frame is housed within the fixed frame, and the opposite side walls of the sliding frame and the fixed frame are spaced apart.

6. The balance control method for the ladder chain tensioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step one also includes: setting the initial magnetic force of the fifth and sixth electromagnets so that the bottom of the sliding frame is at the initial height relative to the fixed frame, and setting the floating height; Step two also includes: the second ranging sensor monitors and obtains the first height of the bottom surface of the sliding frame relative to the top surface of the fixed frame, and transmits the first height to the controller; Step 3 also includes: the controller determines whether the first height is within the floating height based on the initial height. When the first height exceeds the floating height, the controller sends an adjustment signal to the current control module corresponding to the fifth electromagnet and / or the sixth electromagnet. The current control module changes the current supplied to the fifth electromagnet and / or the sixth electromagnet according to the adjustment signal to adjust the magnetic force of the fifth electromagnet and / or the sixth electromagnet. Step four also includes: until the first height is within the floating height.

Images