Pedestrian chain for a looped moving sidewalk and method for installing same

Abstract

The application discloses a pedal chain for a loop type moving sidewalk and a mounting method thereof, and belongs to the field of moving sidewalk technology. The pedal chain comprises a shaft connecting chain plate, a butt joint chain plate connected with the shaft connecting chain plate, and a wheel shaft assembly fixedly connected with the shaft connecting chain plate and comprising a front shaft. The front shaft is slidably connected with a butt joint groove arranged on the butt joint chain plate. In the application, the front shaft is slidably connected with the butt joint groove. During use, the front shaft can slide in the butt joint groove, and the front shaft is connected with the butt joint groove only. Therefore, during tensioning of the butt joint chain plate and the shaft connecting chain plate, the front shaft abuts against the side wall of the butt joint groove, so that the butt joint groove and the front shaft transmit force through the abutting surface, and a rigid force transmission effect is formed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of escalator technology, and in particular to a ring-shaped moving walkway tread chain and its installation method. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technology, the pedal chain links can only rotate around the front axle, but cannot swing laterally or extend and retract to change the pitch. When the stairway transitions from a curved section to a straight section, the inner and outer rings of the pedal chain transition from "existing length tolerance" to "no length tolerance". Therefore, the pedal chain needs to be able to achieve variable pitch function, which does not meet the design requirements of the ring-shaped pedestrian pedal chain.

[0003] For example, publication number "CN115367599A" discloses "a step chain for a rotating escalator," including an outer step chain and an inner step chain. The inner arc length of the inner step chain is smaller than the outer arc length of the outer step chain. The shaft links of the outer and inner step chains cooperate with the step treads. The outer step chain consists of an outer inner link, an outer transition link, an outer shaft link, an outer outer link, and an outer connecting link. The inner step chain consists of an inner inner link, an inner transition link, an inner shaft link, an inner outer link, and an inner connecting link. However, in practical applications, while the problem of lateral chain rotation is solved, the pitch cannot be adjusted, and the chain cannot properly enter the leveling section and the drive chain revolving section of the escalator. This also fails to meet the design requirements for a ring-shaped pedestrian walkway tread chain. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In response to the problem mentioned in the background art that the chain cannot switch normally between the level section and the rotating section of the drive sprocket, the present invention provides a ring-shaped automatic walkway pedal chain that enables the chain to switch smoothly between the level section and the rotating section of the stairway, and the connection can adaptively adjust its pitch.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0006] A chain for a circular moving walkway includes:

[0007] Linkage chain plate;

[0008] A docking chain plate, wherein the docking chain plate is connected to a coupling chain plate;

[0009] A wheel and axle assembly, the wheel and axle assembly being fixedly connected to a connecting chain plate, the wheel and axle assembly including a front axle;

[0010] A docking groove is provided on the docking chain plate, and the front axle is slidably connected in the docking groove.

[0011] In current market applications, escalators often have a section requiring a turnaround, which necessitates an arc-shaped structure. Therefore, the chain design must adapt to this arc. However, in practice, the chain can generally only rotate around the front axle and cannot swing laterally. Existing technologies typically use fixed arc-shaped chains, but these chains lack flexibility and cannot adapt to the smooth switching between leveling and turnaround sections. Another technology uses chains made of stretchable materials, allowing for stretching and deformation to accommodate leveling and turnaround sections. However, because these chains use a stretchable material, they also stretch during force transmission, resulting in poorer force transmission performance compared to rigid structures. Furthermore, their structural lifespan is also shorter than that of rigid connection structures.

[0012] Therefore, to address the problems in the prior art, this application uses a sliding connection between the front axle and the mating groove. During use, since the front axle is slidably connected in the mating groove, it can slide relative to the mating groove. Furthermore, since the connecting chain plates are connected through the connection between the front axle and the mating groove, and the front axle is a wheel and axle assembly fixedly connected to the connecting chain plate, the link spacing can be changed between the connecting chain plate and the mating chain plate through the relative sliding between the mating groove and the front axle. In the prior art, both the connecting chain plate and the mating chain plate are symmetrically arranged on both sides. Furthermore, connections on both sides ensure uniform force transmission. Therefore, the connecting chain plates are connected to the front axle via connecting slots on both sides. This allows for lateral swaying between the connecting chain plates and the connecting chain plates during lateral rotation, through varying degrees of displacement between the connecting slots and the front axle. This adapts to the curved rotation section. Since the front axle is only connected to the connecting slot, during tensioning of the connecting chain plates and the connecting chain plates, the front axle abuts against the side wall of the connecting slot, allowing force transmission between the connecting slot and the front axle through the contact surface, creating a rigid force transmission effect. When in the rotation section, because the front axles and connecting slots on both sides of the same set of connecting chain plates and connecting chain plates can move independently, one front axle abuts against the side wall of the connecting slot while the other front axle adapts, ensuring force transmission even during lateral swaying. Therefore, the above structure in this application can simultaneously achieve rigid force transmission between chain plates, smooth switching between the rotating section and the leveling section, and maintain stable force transmission on the rotating section.

[0013] As a preferred option, it also includes:

[0014] A guide member, which is connected to the front axle;

[0015] A guide docking component is connected to a docking groove and is slidably connected to a guide component.

[0016] In this application, guide members and guide mating members are provided to fix and constrain the relative position between the front axle and the mating groove, and to guide the relative sliding process between the mating groove and the front axle. The guide members and guide mating members include, but are not limited to, structures such as pins and grooves, sliders and grooves, etc., and their positions can be changed according to actual use. For example, the groove can be set on the mating groove or on the front axle. The connection between the guide members and guide mating members and the front axle and the mating groove can be integral or separate.

[0017] Preferably, the guide component is a locking pin mounted on the front axle, and the guide docking component is a sliding groove mounted on the docking groove, with the locking pin slidably connected within the sliding groove. The locking pin is mounted on the front axle, and is separately mounted from the front axle. By connecting the locking pin to the front axle and connecting it to the sliding groove on the docking groove, the front axle can move relative to the sliding groove along the docking groove, guided by the locking pin. Simultaneously, in a non-rotating state, under the tension force of the connecting chain plate and the docking chain plate, the lateral position between the front axle and the docking groove can be limited, thus ensuring that there is no lateral movement between the connecting chain plate and the docking chain plate, guaranteeing the stability of force transmission.

[0018] Preferably, the slide groove is provided with an installation opening, and the locking pin can be inserted into the installation opening and slidably connected in the slide groove. The installation opening in the slide groove allows the locking pin to smoothly engage in the slide groove, ensuring assembly efficiency.

[0019] Preferably, a force-transmitting surface is provided within the docking groove. When the docking chain plate and the connecting chain plate are tensioned in opposite directions, the front axle abuts against the force-transmitting surface, which is provided with an outwardly convex arc surface. When the connecting chain plate and the docking chain plate are tensioned together, the front axle abuts against one surface of the docking groove, which is defined as the force-transmitting surface. The tensioned connecting chain plate and the docking chain plate transmit force through the force-transmitting surface. Simultaneously, when the front axle abuts against the force-transmitting surface, it represents the limit displacement state of the front axle within the groove. However, when lateral sway occurs between the connecting chain plate and the docking chain plate, one front axle abuts against the force-transmitting surface of the docking groove, while the other front axle moves away from the force-transmitting surface. This causes the entire front axle to deviate from the center line. Therefore, in this application, an outwardly convex arc surface is provided on the force-transmitting surface. This design allows the front axle to continue swinging along the convex arc surface while contacting the force transmission surface, ensuring smooth swinging and maintaining effective contact with the force transmission surface. This allows it to adapt to swinging at various angles without stress concentration. Furthermore, since the contact area between the front axle and the convex arc surface remains essentially constant during swinging, the force transmission effect remains uniform. This prevents sudden changes in force transmission between the connecting chain plate and the mating chain plate, improving stability and providing space for the front axle to swing.

[0020] Preferably, a reset element is provided within the docking groove. This reset element connects the front axle to the docking groove. When the front axle displaces relative to the docking groove, the reset element generates a reverse reset force on the front axle. The reset element in the docking groove can perform a reverse reset of the front axle, ensuring that the front axle is always subjected to the resetting effect applied by the reset element during lateral rotation, thus preventing the front axle from being in an unstable state within the docking groove. The reset element includes, but is not limited to, elastic materials such as springs, elastic blocks, and torsion springs.

[0021] Preferably, the docking groove is provided with a force-transmitting surface. When the docking chain plate and the connecting chain plate are pulled back to each other, the front axle contacts the force-transmitting surface. The docking groove includes a mounting surface opposite to the force-transmitting surface, and an elastic element is provided on the mounting surface. The elastic element connects to the front axle. The mounting surface and the force-transmitting surface are the sides of the two docking grooves opposite to each other. By placing the elastic element on the side of the docking groove, the elastic element can push the front axle against the force-transmitting surface, thereby ensuring a continuous and stable contact effect between the front axle and the force-transmitting surface in a non-rotating state. This avoids collisions between the front axle and the force-transmitting surface during movement due to gaps, thus ensuring the stability of force transmission. During the lateral swing of the docking chain plate and the connecting chain plate, due to the need to adapt to the change in curvature, the docking chain plate and the connecting chain plate need to wobble, thereby reducing the chain link spacing. This causes the front axle on one side to squeeze the elastic element, while the front axle on the other side always maintains contact with the force transmission surface. The front axle on the side squeezing the elastic element is subjected to the squeezing force generated by the connecting chain plate adapting to the curvature deformation, as well as the rebound force generated by the elastic element due to being squeezed. This causes the front axle to be subjected to forces on both sides, thereby ensuring the stability of the front axle and ensuring the stability of the wobble.

[0022] Preferably, when the connecting chain plate and the docking chain plate are in a non-rotating state, the elastic element presses the front axle against the force transmission surface. In the non-rotating state, pressing the front axle against the force transmission surface by the elastic element ensures stable contact between the docking chain plate and the connecting chain plate, thereby enabling stable force transmission between the chain plates.

[0023] Preferably, a method for installing a pedal chain includes the following steps:

[0024] S1. Install the wheel and axle assembly onto the connecting chain plate;

[0025] S2. Connect the docking chain plate to the connecting chain plate, and connect the docking groove to the front axle;

[0026] S3. Place the front axle against the force transmission surface and install an elastic element between the mounting surface and the front axle.

[0027] During installation, the wheel and axle assembly is first installed. The front axle on the connecting chain plate moves synchronously with the connecting chain plate. Then, the docking groove on the docking chain plate is connected to the corresponding front axle, allowing the front axle to move relative to the docking groove. Next, the front axle is placed against the force transmission surface. At this point, the docking chain plate and the connecting chain plate are at their maximum relative stroke position, while the distance between the front axle and the mounting surface is at its maximum. The elastic element is then installed to ensure smooth installation. After installation, the elastic element is placed against the front axle. Grooves or surfaces that can connect the elastic element are provided on the mounting surface and the front axle to ensure installation stability. Since the front axle itself is in a state of contact with the force transmission surface, it will not collide with the force transmission surface during operation, thus ensuring operational stability and structural lifespan.

[0028] Preferably, when the elastic element is in its maximum compression position, the travel of the locking pin within the groove does not reach the mounting opening of the groove. Since the locking pin is installed into the groove through the mounting opening, it can also exit the groove through the mounting opening. By controlling the ultimate compression position of the elastic element, the locking pin is prevented from dislodging from the groove. After installation, the locking pin is moved to the force transmission surface, leaving sufficient installation clearance between the locking pin and the mounting surface for the elastic element to be installed. Once installed, the elastic element has a maximum compression value; at this maximum compression value, the locking pin still does not move to the mounting opening, thus ensuring that the locking pin always moves within the groove, guaranteeing the connection stability between the connecting chain plate and the coupling chain plate.

[0029] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0030] (1) It enables the chain to switch smoothly between the leveling section and the slewing section of the ladder, and the connection can adaptively adjust its pitch.

[0031] (2) The sliding connection between the pin and the slide groove can ensure the running stability of the front axle in the mating groove;

[0032] (3) It enables the front axle to have a larger swing space, making the swing smoother, reducing the limiting effect of the force transmission surface on the front axle, and ensuring that the force transmission effect between the force transmission surface and the front axle is uniform.

[0033] (4) It can ensure that the front axle is always in contact with the force transmission surface, so that the mating chain plate and the connecting chain plate can maintain a rigid connection, thereby ensuring the force transmission effect, while reducing impact and ensuring the stability of the front axle. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is an isometric sectional view of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 This is an isometric view of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a partial isometric sectional view of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle.

[0039] In the picture:

[0040] 1. Connecting chain plate;

[0041] 2. Connecting chain plate, 21. Connecting groove, 211. Slide groove, 212. Mounting opening, 213. Force transmission surface, 214. Outwardly convex arc surface, 215. Mounting surface;

[0042] 3-wheel axle assembly, 31 front axle, 311 retaining pin;

[0043] 4. Elastic components. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0045] Example 1:

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, a chain for a ring-shaped moving walkway includes:

[0047] Linkage plate 1;

[0048] Connecting chain plate 2, connecting chain plate 2 is connected to coupling chain plate 1;

[0049] Wheel and axle assembly 3 is fixedly connected to the connecting chain plate 1, and wheel and axle assembly 3 includes a front axle 31;

[0050] The docking groove 21 is set on the docking chain plate 2, and the front axle 31 is slidably connected in the docking groove 21.

[0051] In current market applications, escalators often have a section requiring a turnaround, which necessitates an arc-shaped structure. Therefore, the chain design must adapt to this arc. However, in practice, the chain can generally only rotate around the front axle 31 and cannot swing laterally. Thus, existing technologies typically use fixed arc-shaped chains. However, these chains lack flexibility and cannot adapt to the flexible switching between leveling and turnaround sections. Existing technologies also use chains made of stretchable materials, allowing for stretching and deformation to accommodate leveling and turnaround sections. However, because these chains use a stretchable material, they also stretch during force transmission, resulting in poorer force transmission performance compared to rigid structures. Furthermore, their structural lifespan is also shorter than that of rigid connection structures.

[0052] Therefore, to address the problems in the prior art, this embodiment uses a sliding connection between the front axle 31 and the docking groove 21. During use, since the front axle 31 is slidably connected in the docking groove 21, it can slide relative to the docking groove 21. Furthermore, since the connecting chain plates 2 are connected through the connection between the front axle and the docking groove 21, and the front axle 31 is a wheel and axle assembly 3 fixedly connected to the connecting chain plate 1, the link spacing between the connecting chain plate 1 and the docking chain plate 2 can change through the relative sliding between the docking groove 21 and the front axle 31. In the prior art, both the connecting chain plate and the docking chain plate 2 are symmetrically arranged on both sides. The coupling chain plate 1 and the coupling chain plate 2 are connected on both sides to ensure the uniformity of force transmission. Therefore, the coupling chain plate 2 is connected to the front axle 31 through the coupling grooves 21 on both sides. Thus, during the lateral swing, the different degrees of displacement between the coupling grooves 21 on both sides and the front axle 31 can realize the lateral swing between the coupling chain plate 1 and the coupling chain plate 2 to adapt to the arc-shaped rotation section. Since the front axle 31 is only connected to the coupling groove 21, during the tensioning of the coupling chain plate 2 and the coupling chain plate 1, the front axle 31 will abut against the side wall of the coupling groove 21. Thus, the coupling groove 21 and the front axle 31 transmit force through the abutting surface, forming a rigid structure force transmission effect. When in the rotating section, since the front axles 31 and docking grooves 21 on both sides of the same set of connecting chain plates 1 and docking chain plates 2 can move independently, the front axle 31 on one side abuts against the side wall of the docking groove 21, while the other front axle 31 moves adaptively, can still achieve force transmission through the front axle 31 and docking groove 21 during the process of lateral swaying. Therefore, in this embodiment, the above structure can simultaneously achieve rigid force transmission between chain plates, smooth switching between the rotating section and the leveling section, and stable force transmission even in the rotating section.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, it also includes:

[0054] Guide component, the guide component is connected to the front axle 31;

[0055] The guide docking component is connected to the docking groove 21 and is slidably connected to the guide component.

[0056] In this embodiment, guide members and guide docking members are provided to fix and constrain the relative position between the front axle 31 and the docking groove 21, and to guide the relative sliding process between the docking groove 21 and the front axle 31. The guide members and guide docking members include, but are not limited to, structures such as pins and grooves 211, sliders and grooves 211, etc., and their positions can be changed according to actual use. For example, the groove 211 can be set on the docking groove 21 or on the front axle 31. The connection between the guide members and guide docking members and the front axle 31 and the docking groove 21 can be integrally formed or separately connected.

[0057] like Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figure 4, the guide component is a locking pin 311 mounted on the front axle 31, and the guide docking component is a sliding groove 211 mounted on the docking groove 21. The locking pin 311 is slidably connected within the sliding groove 211. The locking pin 311 is mounted on the front axle 31, and is separate from the front axle 31. The locking pin 311 is connected to the front axle 31 and then to the sliding groove 211 on the docking groove 21. This allows the front axle 31 to move relative to the sliding groove 211 along the docking groove 21, guided by the locking pin 311. Simultaneously, in a non-rotating state, under the tension of the connecting chain plate 1 and the docking chain plate 2, the lateral position between the front axle 31 and the docking groove 21 is limited, ensuring that there is no lateral movement between the connecting chain plate 1 and the docking chain plate 2, thus guaranteeing the stability of force transmission.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, the slide groove 211 is provided with an installation opening 212, and the locking pin 311 can be inserted into the installation opening 212 and slidably connected in the slide groove 211. The installation opening 212 on the slide groove 211 allows the locking pin 311 to be smoothly engaged in the slide groove 211, ensuring assembly efficiency.

[0059] like Figure 5As shown, a force-transmitting surface 213 is provided in the docking groove 21. When the docking chain plate 2 and the connecting chain plate 1 are tensioned in opposite directions, the front axle 31 abuts against the force-transmitting surface 213. The force-transmitting surface 213 is provided with an outwardly convex arc surface 214. When the connecting chain plate 1 and the docking chain plate 2 are tensioned together, the front axle 31 will abut against one surface of the docking groove 21, which is defined as the force-transmitting surface 213. The tensioned connecting chain plate 1 and the docking chain plate 2 transmit force through the force-transmitting surface 213. At the same time, when the front axle 31 abuts against the force-transmitting surface 213, it is the limit displacement state of the front axle 31 in the sliding groove 211. When there is a lateral sway between the connecting chain plate 1 and the docking chain plate 2, one of the front axles 31 abuts against the force-transmitting surface 213 of the docking groove 21, while the other front axle 31 moves away from the force-transmitting surface 213. This will cause the entire front axle 31 to deviate from the center line. Therefore, in this embodiment, An outer arc surface is provided on the force transmission surface 213, so that when the front axle 31 abuts against the force transmission surface 213, it can still swing along the outer convex arc surface 214, ensuring the smoothness of the swing and the contact effect with the force transmission surface 213. This allows it to adapt to swings at various angles without stress concentration. At the same time, since the contact area between the front axle 31 and the outer convex arc surface 214 remains basically consistent during the swing, the force transmission effect can be kept uniform. This can prevent sudden changes in the force transmission effect between the connecting chain plate 1 and the docking chain plate 2, improve stability, and provide space for the swing of the front axle 31.

[0060] like Figure 4 , 5 As shown, a reset element is provided in the docking groove 21. The reset element connects the front axle 31 and the docking groove 21. When the front axle 31 moves relative to the docking groove 21, the reset element generates a resetting force on the front axle 31 in the opposite direction. A force transmission surface 213 is provided in the docking groove 21. When the docking chain plate 2 and the connecting chain plate 1 are pulled back and forth, the front axle 31 contacts the force transmission surface 213. The docking groove 21 includes a mounting surface 215 opposite to the force transmission surface 213. An elastic element 4 is provided on the mounting surface 215 and is connected to the front axle 31. In this embodiment, the reset element is the elastic element.

[0061] The mounting surface 215 and the force transmission surface 213 are the sides of two mating grooves 21 that are arranged opposite each other. By setting the elastic element 4 on the side of the mating groove 21, the elastic element 4 can push the front axle 31 against the force transmission surface 213, thereby ensuring that the front axle 31 and the force transmission surface 213 can maintain a continuous and stable contact effect in the non-rotating state. This avoids the front axle 31 from colliding with the force transmission surface 213 during movement due to the gap between them, thus ensuring the stability of force transmission. During the lateral swing of the connecting chain plate 2 and the connecting chain plate 1, the connecting chain plate 2 and the connecting chain plate 1 need to swing to adapt to the change in curvature, thereby reducing the distance between the chain links. This causes the front axle 31 on one side to squeeze the elastic element 4, while the front axle 31 on the other side always maintains contact with the force transmission surface 213. The front axle 31 on the side that squeezes the elastic element 4 is subjected to the squeezing force generated by the connecting chain plate 1 adapting to the curvature deformation, as well as the rebound force generated by the elastic element 4 due to being squeezed. This causes the front axle 31 to be subjected to forces on both sides, thereby ensuring the stability of the front axle 31 and ensuring the stability of the swing.

[0062] like Figure 5 As shown, when the connecting chain plate 1 and the docking chain plate 2 are in a non-rotating state, the elastic element 4 presses the front shaft 31 against the force transmission surface 213. In the non-rotating state, the elastic element 4 presses the front shaft 31 against the force transmission surface 213, thereby ensuring a stable contact between the connecting chain plate 2 and the connecting chain plate 1, thus enabling a stable force transmission effect between the chain plates.

[0063] Example 2:

[0064] This embodiment describes a method for installing a pedal chain, which includes the following steps:

[0065] S1. Install the wheel and axle assembly 3 onto the connecting chain plate 1;

[0066] S2. Connect the docking chain plate 2 to the connecting chain plate 1. Connect the docking groove 21 to the front axle 31.

[0067] S3. Place the front axle 31 against the force transmission surface 213, and install the elastic element 4 between the mounting surface 215 and the front axle 31.

[0068] During installation, the wheel and axle assembly 3 is first installed. The front axle 31 on the connecting chain plate 1 moves synchronously with the connecting chain plate 1. Then, the docking groove 21 on the docking chain plate 2 is connected to the front axle 31, allowing the front axle 31 to move relative to the docking groove 21. The front axle 31 is then placed against the force transmission surface 213. At this time, the docking chain plate 2 and the connecting chain plate 1 are at their maximum relative stroke position, while the distance between the front axle 31 and the mounting surface 215 is the farthest. The elastic element 4 is then installed to ensure smooth installation. After installation, the elastic element 4 abuts against the front axle 31. Grooves or surfaces that can connect the elastic element 4 are provided on the mounting surface 215 and the front axle 31 to ensure installation stability. Since the front axle 31 is already in contact with the force transmission surface 213, it will not collide with the force transmission surface 213 during operation, thus ensuring operational stability and structural lifespan.

[0069] When the elastic element 4 is in its maximum compression position, the travel of the locking pin 311 within the slide groove 211 does not reach the mounting opening 212 of the slide groove 211. Since the locking pin 311 is installed into the slide groove 211 through the mounting opening 212, the locking pin 311 can also exit from the slide groove 211 through the mounting opening 212. By controlling the extreme compression position of the elastic element 4, the locking pin 311 is prevented from coming out of the slide groove 211. After the locking pin 311 is installed, it is moved to the force transmission surface 213, so there is a sufficient installation gap between the locking pin 311 and the mounting surface 215 to install the elastic element 4. After the elastic element 4 is installed, the elastic element 4 itself has a limit compression amount. Under this limit compression amount, the locking pin 311 still does not move to the mounting opening 212, thus ensuring that the locking pin 311 always moves within the slide groove 211, ensuring the connection stability between the docking chain plate 2 and the connecting shaft chain plate 1.

[0070] Furthermore, this embodiment incorporates the following technical features through the aforementioned installation method:

[0071] Linkage plate 1;

[0072] The docking chain plate 2 is connected to the connecting chain plate 1;

[0073] A wheel and axle assembly 3 is fixedly connected to the connecting chain plate 1, and the wheel and axle assembly 3 includes a front axle 31;

[0074] The front axle 31 is slidably connected to the docking groove 21 provided on the docking chain plate 2;

[0075] Guide component, the guide component is connected to the front axle 31;

[0076] A guide docking component is connected to the docking groove 21, and the guide docking component is slidably connected to the guide component;

[0077] In this embodiment, the guide component is a locking pin 311, which is set on the front axle 31. The guide docking component is a sliding groove 211 set on the docking groove 21. The locking pin 311 is slidably connected in the sliding groove 211.

[0078] An installation opening 212 is provided on the slide groove 211, and the locking pin 311 can be inserted into the installation opening 212 and slidably connected in the slide groove 211.

[0079] In this embodiment, the front axle 31 is slidably connected to the docking groove 21. During use, since the front axle 31 is slidably connected in the docking groove 21, the front axle 31 can slide relative to the docking groove 21. Since the docking chain plate 2 is connected to the chain plate through the connection between the front axle and the docking groove 21, and the front axle 31 is a wheel and axle assembly 3 fixedly connected to the connecting chain plate 1, the chain link spacing can be changed between the connecting chain plate 1 and the docking chain plate 2 through the relative sliding between the docking groove 21 and the front axle 31.

[0080] Both the connecting chain plate and the docking chain plate 2 are symmetrically arranged on both sides, and are connected on both sides to ensure the uniformity of force transmission. Therefore, the docking chain plate 2 is connected to the front axle 31 through the docking grooves 21 on both sides. Thus, during the lateral swing, the lateral swing between the connecting chain plate 1 and the docking chain plate 2 can be achieved through the different degrees of displacement between the docking grooves 21 and the front axle 31 on both sides to adapt to the arc-shaped rotation section. Since the front axle 31 is only connected to the docking groove 21, during the tensioning of the docking chain plate 2 and the connecting chain plate 1, the front axle 31 will abut against the side wall of the docking groove 21. Thus, the docking groove 21 and the front axle 31 transmit force through the abutting surface, forming a rigid structure force transmission effect. When in the rotating section, since the front axles 31 and docking grooves 21 on both sides of the same set of connecting chain plates 1 and docking chain plates 2 can move independently, the front axle 31 on one side abuts against the side wall of the docking groove 21, while the other front axle 31 moves adaptively, can still achieve force transmission through the front axle 31 and docking groove 21 during the process of lateral swaying. Therefore, in this embodiment, the above structure can simultaneously achieve rigid force transmission between chain plates, smooth switching between the rotating section and the leveling section, and stable force transmission even in the rotating section.

[0081] In this embodiment, guide members and guide docking members are provided to fix and constrain the relative position between the front axle 31 and the docking groove 21, and to guide the relative sliding process between the docking groove 21 and the front axle 31. The guide members and guide docking members include, but are not limited to, structures such as pins and grooves 211, sliders and grooves 211, etc., and their positions can be changed according to actual use. For example, the groove 211 can be set on the docking groove 21 or on the front axle 31. The connection between the guide members and guide docking members and the front axle 31 and the docking groove 21 can be integrally formed or separately connected.

[0082] A locking pin 311 is provided on the front axle 31. The locking pin 311 and the front axle 31 are separate components. The locking pin 311 is connected to the front axle 31 and then to the sliding groove 211 on the mating groove 21. This allows the front axle 31 to move relative to the sliding groove 211 along the mating groove 21, guided by the locking pin 311. Simultaneously, in a non-rotating state, under the tension of the connecting chain plate 1 and the mating chain plate 2, the lateral position between the front axle 31 and the mating groove 21 is limited, ensuring no lateral movement between the connecting chain plate 1 and the mating chain plate 2, thus guaranteeing the stability of force transmission. An installation opening 212 is provided on the sliding groove 211, allowing the locking pin 311 to smoothly engage in the sliding groove 211, ensuring assembly efficiency.

[0083] In this embodiment, a force-transmitting surface 213 is provided within the docking groove 21. When the docking chain plate 2 and the connecting chain plate 1 are pulled back to each other, the front axle 31 abuts against the force-transmitting surface 213. A convex arc surface 214 is provided on the force-transmitting surface 213. When the docking chain plate 2 and the connecting chain plate 1 are pulled back to each other, the front axle 31 contacts the force-transmitting surface 213. The docking groove 21 includes a mounting surface 215 opposite to the force-transmitting surface 213, and an elastic element 4 is provided on the mounting surface 215. The elastic element 4 is connected to the front axle 31. When the connecting chain plate 1 and the docking chain plate 2 are in a non-rotating state, the elastic element 4 presses the front axle 31 against the force-transmitting surface 213.

[0084] When the connecting chain plate 1 and the docking chain plate 2 are tensioned together, the front axle 31 will abut against one surface of the docking groove 21, which is defined as the force transmission surface 213. The tensioned connecting chain plate 1 and the docking chain plate 2 transmit force through the force transmission surface 213. At the same time, when the front axle 31 abuts against the force transmission surface 213, it is the limit displacement state of the front axle 31 within the slide groove 211. However, when there is a lateral sway between the connecting chain plate 1 and the docking chain plate 2, one of the front axles 31 abuts against the force transmission surface 213 of the docking groove 21, while the other front axle 31 moves away from the force transmission surface 213. This will cause the entire front axle 31 to deviate from the center line. Therefore, in this embodiment, An outer arc surface is provided on the force transmission surface 213, so that when the front axle 31 abuts against the force transmission surface 213, it can still swing along the outer convex arc surface 214, ensuring the smoothness of the swing and the contact effect with the force transmission surface 213. This allows it to adapt to swings at various angles without stress concentration. At the same time, since the contact area between the front axle 31 and the outer convex arc surface 214 remains basically consistent during the swing, the force transmission effect can be kept uniform. This can prevent sudden changes in the force transmission effect between the connecting chain plate 1 and the docking chain plate 2, improve stability, and provide space for the swing of the front axle 31.

[0085] The mounting surface 215 and the force transmission surface 213 are the sides of two mating grooves 21 that are arranged opposite each other. By setting the elastic element 4 on the side of the mating groove 21, the elastic element 4 can push the front axle 31 against the force transmission surface 213, thereby ensuring that the front axle 31 and the force transmission surface 213 can maintain a continuous and stable contact effect in the non-rotating state. This avoids the front axle 31 from colliding with the force transmission surface 213 during movement due to the gap between them, thus ensuring the stability of force transmission. During the lateral swing of the connecting chain plate 2 and the connecting chain plate 1, the connecting chain plate 2 and the connecting chain plate 1 need to sway to adapt to the change in curvature, thereby reducing the distance between chain links. This causes the front axle 31 on one side to press against the elastic element 4, while the front axle 31 on the other side always maintains contact with the force transmission surface 213. The front axle 31 on the side pressing against the elastic element 4 is subjected to the compressive force generated by the connecting chain plate 1 adapting to the curvature deformation, as well as the rebound force generated by the elastic element 4 due to being compressed. This causes the front axle 31 to be subjected to forces on both sides, thus ensuring the stability of the front axle 31 and the stability of the sway. In the non-swinging state, the elastic element 4 is pressed against the front axle 31 to abut against the force transmission surface 213, thereby ensuring stable contact between the connecting chain plate 2 and the connecting chain plate 1, and thus enabling a stable force transmission effect between the chain plates.

Claims

1. A chain for a circular moving walkway, characterized in that, Include: The connecting shaft chain plate (1); The butt joint chain plate (2) is connected to the connecting shaft chain plate (1); The wheel shaft assembly (3) is fixedly connected to the connecting shaft chain plate (1), and the wheel shaft assembly (3) comprises a front shaft (31); The butt joint groove (21) is arranged on the butt joint chain plate (2), and the front shaft (31) is slidably connected in the butt joint groove (21); The butt joint groove (21) is provided with a force transmission surface (213), when the butt joint chain plate (2) and the connecting shaft chain plate (1) are pulled away, the front shaft (31) abuts against the force transmission surface (213), and the force transmission surface (213) is provided with an outer convex curved surface (214).

2. A loop-type moving sidewalk pedal chain as set forth in claim 1, characterized by Also include: The guide is connected to the front shaft (31); The guide butt joint piece is connected to the butt joint groove (21), and the guide butt joint piece is slidably connected to the guide.

3. A tread chain for a moving sidewalk of the endless belt type according to claim 2, characterized in that The guide is a pin (311) arranged on the front shaft (31), and the guide butt joint piece is a sliding groove (211) arranged on the butt joint groove (21), and the pin (311) is slidably connected in the sliding groove (211).

4. A tread chain for a moving sidewalk of the endless belt type according to claim 3, characterized in that The sliding groove (211) is provided with a mounting opening (212), and the pin (311) can be slidably connected in the sliding groove (211) by penetrating the mounting opening (212).

5. A loop-type moving sidewalk according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The reset member is connected to the front shaft (31) and the butt joint groove (21), and when the front shaft (31) is displaced relative to the butt joint groove (21), the reset member generates a reset force opposite to the front shaft (31).

6. A tread chain for a moving sidewalk of the endless belt type as set forth in claim 4, wherein The butt joint groove (21) comprises a mounting surface (215) opposite to the force transmission surface (213), the mounting surface (215) is provided with an elastic member (4), and the elastic member (4) is connected to the front shaft (31).

7. A tread chain for a moving sidewalk of the endless belt type as defined in claim 6, wherein When the connecting shaft chain plate (1) and the butt joint chain plate (2) are in a non-deflection state, the elastic member (4) extrudes the front shaft (31) to abut against the force transmission surface (213).

8. A method of installing a tread chain for use in a tread chain for a moving sidewalk as set forth in claim 6, characterized by, The steps include: S1, install the wheel shaft assembly (3) on the connecting shaft chain plate (1); S2, connect the butt joint chain plate (2) and the connecting shaft chain plate (1), and connect the butt joint groove (21) and the front shaft (31); S3, abut the front shaft (31) on the force transmission surface (213), and install the elastic member (4) between the mounting surface (215) and the front shaft (31).

9. A method of installing a pedal chain as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that, When the elastic member (4) is in the maximum compression position, the stroke of the pin (311) in the sliding groove (211) does not reach the mounting opening (212) of the sliding groove (211).

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