A ladder chain and escalator

Abstract

This utility model provides a ladder chain and an escalator, relating to the field of chains. The ladder chain includes outer links and inner links. The outer links include a pair of outer link plates and a pair of pins. The inner links include a pair of inner link plates and a pair of sleeves. A sliding bearing is disposed inside the sleeve, and a roller bushing is fitted outside the sleeve. Lubricant is filled between the sleeve and the sliding bearing, and between the sleeve and the roller bushing. A sealing cup is also provided on the outer side of the inner link plate, sealingly engaging with the inner link plate. This utility model's ladder chain fills the space between the sleeve and the sliding bearing, and between the sleeve and the roller bushing, achieving self-lubrication and avoiding the need to add lubricant during use. Simultaneously, the sealing cup on the outer side of the inner link plate prevents lubricant loss and contaminant contamination, increasing the service life of the ladder chain. This utility model also provides an escalator, including a ladder chain.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of chains, and more specifically, to a ladder chain and an escalator. Background Technology

[0002] Ladder chains are chain products used on escalators. Compared with conventional chains, ladder chains have higher performance requirements in all aspects, such as good wear resistance, high strength, and reliable connection. Ladder chains need to be connected and used in conjunction with chain links.

[0003] Existing ladder chains require external lubricants (such as grease, lubricating oil, etc.) to reduce friction in components such as rollers, pins, and bushings. However, when ladder chains operate under complex conditions such as high loads and dust, the lubricant is easily lost or contaminated from the filling port or gaps, leading to increased wear on various chain components and a shortened chain life. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a ladder chain and an escalator that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] The embodiments of this utility model can be implemented as follows:

[0006] An embodiment of this utility model provides a ladder chain, which includes:

[0007] The outer link consists of a pair of outer link plates and a pair of pins;

[0008] The inner link consists of a pair of inner link plates and a pair of sleeves. The sleeves are positioned between the pair of inner link plates. A pin passes through the outer link plate and the inner link plate and is rotatably engaged. A sliding bearing is installed inside the sleeve, and a roller bushing is fitted on the outside of the sleeve. Lubricant is filled between the sleeve and the sliding bearing, as well as between the sleeve and the roller bushing. A sealing cup is also provided on the outside of the inner link plate, and the sealing cup is in a sealing engagement with the inner link plate.

[0009] Optionally, the inner chain plate is provided with an annular groove, and the mouth of the sealing bowl is embedded in the annular groove.

[0010] Optionally, the sealing bowl is an elastomer, with an arc-shaped transition between the bottom and the rim.

[0011] Optionally, a wear-resistant gasket is also provided between the sealing bowl and the inner chain plate.

[0012] Optionally, rollers are fitted onto the outer side of the roller bushing.

[0013] Optionally, a sealing gasket is provided at the end of the roller, and the sealing gasket is in sealing engagement with the inner chain plate and the roller.

[0014] Optionally, the ladder chain also includes a solid long shaft and a ladder assembly. The solid long shaft passes between the outer and inner chain plates of the two sets of ladder chains, connects the two sets of ladder chains, and the ladder assembly is disposed on the solid long shaft.

[0015] Optionally, the surface of the solid long shaft is provided with a wear-resistant layer.

[0016] Optionally, an oil reservoir is provided on the wall of the sliding bearing, and the oil reservoir stores lubricant.

[0017] An embodiment of this utility model also provides an escalator, including a step chain.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model embodiment:

[0019] The ladder chain includes outer links and inner links. The outer links include a pair of outer links and a pair of pins. The inner links include a pair of inner links and a pair of sleeves. The sleeves are positioned between the pair of inner links. The pins pass through the outer links and inner links and are rotatably engaged. A sliding bearing is installed inside the sleeve, and a roller bushing is fitted on the outside of the sleeve. Lubricant is filled between the sleeve and the sliding bearing, as well as between the sleeve and the roller bushing. A sealing cup is also provided on the outside of the inner links, and the sealing cup is in a sealing engagement with the inner links. This utility model embodiment of the ladder chain is equipped with sliding bearings and roller bushings. During the production and assembly process of the ladder chain, lubricant is filled between the sleeve and the sliding bearing, as well as between the sleeve and the roller bushing, to achieve self-lubrication. This avoids the need to add lubricant during subsequent operation. At the same time, a sealing bowl is set on the outer side of the inner chain plate to seal the lubricant between the sleeve, the sliding bearing, and the roller bushing, preventing lubricant leakage and loss, and also preventing external dust and other contaminants from mixing into the lubricant. This helps reduce the wear of various components of the ladder chain and can increase the service life of the ladder chain.

[0020] The escalator includes a step chain, which has all the functions of a step chain. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the ladder chain provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a top view of the ladder chain provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a partial schematic diagram of the ladder chain provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the solid long shaft provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Icons: 1-Outer link; 10-Outer link plate; 11-Pin; 2-Inner link; 20-Inner link plate; 201-Annular groove; 21-Sleeve; 3-Sliding bearing; 30-Oil reservoir; 4-Roller bushing; 5-Sealing bowl; 6-Wear-resistant washer; 7-Roller; 70-Sealing washer; 8-Solid long shaft; 80-Wear-resistant layer; 81-Positioning step; 82-Retaining ring groove; 9-Step assembly; 90-Shaft sleeve; 91-Roller. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0029] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" are used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the utility model product is usually placed during use, they are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0033] The terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase “comprising one…” does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0034] Unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, terms such as "setup" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0035] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other.

[0036] Ladder chains are chain products used on escalators, and they need to be connected and used in conjunction with chain links. Existing ladder chains require the addition of external lubricants (such as grease, lubricating oil, etc.) for lubrication to reduce friction in components such as rollers, pins, and bushings. However, when ladder chains operate under complex conditions such as high loads and dust, lubricant can easily leak from the filling port or gaps, or external dust and other contaminants can easily contaminate the lubricant, causing the lubricant to fail to lubricate effectively. This leads to increased wear on various chain components and a shortened chain life.

[0037] In view of this, the present invention provides a step chain and an escalator that can solve the above problems, and will be described in detail below.

[0038] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4The ladder chain includes an outer link 1 and an inner link 2. The outer link 1 includes a pair of outer link plates 10 and a pair of pins 11. The inner link 2 includes a pair of inner link plates 20 and a pair of sleeves 21. The sleeves 21 are positioned between the pair of inner link plates 20, and the pair of inner link plates 20 are positioned between the pair of outer link plates 10. The pins 11 pass through the outer link plates 10 and the inner link plates 20 and are rotatably engaged, thereby connecting the inner link 2 and the outer link 1 together. A sliding bearing 3 is provided inside the sleeve 21, and a roller bushing 4 is fitted on the outside of the sleeve 21. Lubricant is filled between the sleeve 21 and the sliding bearing 3, as well as between the sleeve 21 and the roller bushing 4. A sealing bowl 5 is also provided on the outside of the inner link plate 20. The sealing bowl 5 is in a sealing engagement with the inner link plate 20, and the sealing bowl 5 is also filled with lubricant. The lubricant reduces the frictional loss of the various components of the ladder chain.

[0039] This embodiment of the ladder chain features a sliding bearing 3 and a roller bushing 4. During the production and assembly of the ladder chain, lubricant is filled between the sleeve 21 and the sliding bearing 3, and between the sleeve 21 and the roller bushing 4, achieving self-lubrication between the sleeve 21 and the sliding bearing 3, and between the sleeve 21 and the roller bushing 4. This avoids the need to add lubricant during subsequent operation. Simultaneously, a sealing bowl 5 is provided on the outer side of the inner chain plate 20. The sealing bowl 5 also contains lubricant, sealing the lubricant between the sleeve 21, the sliding bearing 3, and the roller bushing 4. This prevents lubricant leakage and loss, and also prevents external dust and other contaminants from mixing into the lubricant, achieving a seal in the lubricant area. This helps reduce wear on the various components of the ladder chain, thereby increasing the service life of the ladder chain and facilitating its use under harsh working conditions.

[0040] refer to Figure 2 The ladder chain of this utility model embodiment includes two sets of ladder chains, left and right, which are connected together by a solid long shaft 8. The solid long shaft 8 passes between the outer chain plate 10 and the inner chain plate 20 of the two sets of ladder chains, and connects the left and right sets of ladder chains. Since the ladder chain on the left side has the same structure as the ladder chain on the right side, one of them will be described below.

[0041] The ladder chain consists of alternating first and second ladder stages. The first stage is formed by connecting outer link 1, inner link 2, and outer link 1 in sequence. The second stage is formed by connecting inner link 2, outer link 1, and inner link 2 in sequence. A solid long shaft 8 passes through the connection between the first and second stages; that is, the solid long shaft 8 passes through the outer link plate 10 of the first stage and the inner link plate 20 of the second stage, connecting the first and second stages together. The outer link 1 includes a pair of outer link plates 10 and a pair of pins 11, with the pair of pins 11 passing through both ends of the pair of outer link plates 10. The inner link 2 includes a pair of inner link plates 20 and a pair of sleeves 21. A first stage includes two pairs of outer link plates 10, a pair of inner link plates 20, a pair of pins 11, and three sleeves 21. A second stage includes one pair of outer link plates 10, two pairs of inner link plates 20, a pair of pins 11, and three sleeves 21.

[0042] refer to Figure 4 A sleeve 21 is positioned between a pair of inner chain plates 20. A sliding bearing 3 is installed inside the sleeve 21, and a roller bushing 4 is fitted onto the outside of the sleeve 21. Lubricant is filled between the sleeve 21 and the sliding bearing 3, and between the sleeve 21 and the roller bushing 4, before assembly. A roller 7 is fitted onto the outside of the roller bushing 4. The sleeve 21, roller bushing 4, and sliding bearing 3 pass through through holes in the inner chain plates 20 and rotate relative to each other. A sealing bowl 5 is also provided on the outside of the inner chain plates 20. The sealing bowl 5 is also filled with lubricant and forms a sealing fit with the inner chain plates 20. A pin 11 passes through the sliding bearing 3 and is tightly fitted with the sealing bowl 5.

[0043] The sleeve 21 can be made of rolled tin bronze sheet. Tin bronze itself has good wear resistance and corrosion resistance, which can increase the service life of the pin 11 and the sleeve 21. The surface of the sleeve 21 can also be machined with oil storage holes. Lubricant is stored in the oil storage holes to ensure good lubrication when the pin 11 and the sleeve 21 rotate relative to each other without the need for additional oil.

[0044] The sliding bearing 3 is made of a three-layer composite self-lubricating thin sheet of wear-resistant polymer material (PTFE), bronze, and steel plate. The surface of the polymer material is uniformly machined with oil storage holes 30. The three-layer composite material has a self-lubricating and oil-free function. The oil storage holes 30 on the surface initially add high-quality lubricant to ensure good lubrication when the pin 11 and the sleeve 21 rotate relative to each other, reduce wear, and achieve an oil-free effect.

[0045] The roller bushing 4 is made of copper-based alloy material manufactured by powder metallurgy. Its self-lubricating and high wear resistance are achieved by adding lubricating components such as carbon and graphite to reduce the coefficient of friction. Moreover, the roller bushing 4 has the load-bearing capacity under low-frequency high-load impact conditions while meeting the meshing requirements of the roller 7 and the sprocket.

[0046] Optionally, a sealing washer 70 is provided at the end of the roller 7, and the sealing washer 70 is in sealing fit with the inner chain plate 20 and the roller 7. The sealing washer 70 is a thin washer made of wear-resistant polymer material (PTFE) to meet the requirement that the lateral force between the roller 7 and the inner chain plate 20 is not large when the chain is running, and to retain the lubricant between the roller bushing 4 and the sleeve 21.

[0047] The sealing bowl 5 is injection molded from a high-molecular polymer material (PTFE) with good wear resistance, elasticity, and hardness, and is shaped like a bowl. The bottom and mouth of the sealing bowl 5 are connected by an arc-shaped transition, ensuring the elasticity of the sealing bowl 5. The bottom of the sealing bowl 5 is interference-fitted with the pin 11 / sleeve 21 to ensure the sealing performance of the bottom of the sealing bowl 5. The sealing bowl 5 is pressed together by the inner chain plate 20 and the outer chain plate 10. The inner chain plate 20 is provided with an annular groove 201. The mouth of the sealing bowl 5 is pressed together with the annular groove 201 on the inner chain plate 20. The bottom and sides of the annular groove 201 and the mouth of the sealing bowl 5 form a labyrinth seal structure to ensure the sealing performance of the mouth of the sealing bowl 5. After assembly, the sealing bowl 5 will be compressed to increase the sealing performance. The sealing bowl 5 seals the lubricant between the sleeve 21 and the pin 11, and between the sleeve 21 and the sliding bearing 3.

[0048] Optionally, a wear-resistant washer 6 is also provided between the sealing bowl 5 and the inner chain plate 20. The wear-resistant washer 6 can be made of thin copper sheet. The wear-resistant washer 6 is set between the bottom of the sealing bowl 5 and the end face of the sleeve 21 or the surface of the inner chain plate 20. When the ladder chain rotates, the wear-resistant washer 6 can prevent the pin 11 or the sleeve 21 from directly contacting the sealing bowl 5, thus avoiding wear on the side of the sealing bowl 5.

[0049] Traditional escalator chains use a pair of step pins 11 and a hollow tube shaft to connect the left and right step chain assemblies. This is prone to localized stress concentration due to instantaneous off-center torque. While the hollow tube shaft reduces weight, its bending strength is only 60%-70% of that of a solid shaft with the same cross-sectional area. Under long-term alternating loads, it is prone to plastic deformation, leading to accelerated chain misalignment and wear. The pair of step pins 11 and the hollow tube shaft are connected by bolts. During long-term operation of the escalator, gaps exist between the bolts and bolt holes, and there is a risk of bolt loosening, which can easily cause step swaying, affecting passenger experience and safety.

[0050] Therefore, this embodiment uses a solid long shaft 8 to connect the left and right sets of ladder chains in a through manner. This connection method can distribute the load and reduce local stress peaks.

[0051] The solid long shaft 8 can be made of martensitic stainless steel, which has excellent corrosion resistance and can resist oxidation and corrosion under different environmental conditions. In the actual use of escalators, they may face various complex environmental factors such as humidity and dust. The corrosion resistance of the solid long shaft 8 makes it better suited to such harsh working conditions, reducing damage and failure caused by corrosion, and extending the overall service life of the escalator.

[0052] refer to Figure 5 The solid long shaft 8 is also equipped with a positioning step 81. This positioning step 81 allows for quick positioning of the installation connection position of the step chain, achieving precise positioning and stable operation, and minimizing assembly errors during assembly. In the long-term operation of escalators, bolt loosening is a common problem. Gaps exist between bolts and bolt holes, and bolts are at risk of loosening, easily causing step swaying, affecting passenger experience and safety. In this embodiment, the positioning step 81 on the solid long shaft 8 enhances stability and effectively prevents step swaying caused by loose bolts, providing a reliable guarantee for the smooth operation of the escalator.

[0053] The surface of the solid long shaft 8 is also provided with a wear-resistant layer 80, which improves the wear resistance of the solid long shaft 8. The wear-resistant layer 80 is located in the area where the solid long shaft 8 connects and mates with the step chain. Specifically, the surface of the solid long shaft 8 undergoes high-frequency quenching treatment. High-frequency quenching can locally harden the surface of the solid long shaft 8, forming a hard wear-resistant layer 80, which significantly improves wear resistance. In actual use, this can reduce the frequency of maintenance and replacement, thereby increasing the service life of the escalator, and also improving the reliability and stability of the equipment.

[0054] The solid long shaft 8 is also provided with a retaining ring groove 82 and a side groove, through which the step assembly 9 can be installed. The step assembly 9 includes a bushing 90 and a roller 91. The bushing 90 is located in the retaining ring groove 82, and the roller 91 is located in the side groove. A support plate can be installed on the outside of the bushing 90. The roller 91 is used for rolling motion to drive the step chain.

[0055] In this embodiment, a solid long shaft 8 is used instead of the existing hollow shaft, which has the advantage of simple processing. Conventional turning processes can meet the processing requirements of solid shafts; this process is mature, easy to operate, and can efficiently complete manufacturing. In contrast, the processing of hollow shafts is more complex. In addition to basic external machining, additional processes such as drilling and internal wall treatment are required. Moreover, hollow shafts have higher requirements for material uniformity. During processing, material inhomogeneity may lead to various defects, thereby increasing the scrap rate. Therefore, the solid long shaft 8 in this embodiment has significant advantages in terms of processing cost and quality control. Furthermore, in terms of assembly, compared to hollow shafts, the solid long shaft 8 can directly connect the chains in strips, eliminating the process of forming individual chains. This optimizes the entire assembly process, not only improving assembly efficiency but also reducing human error during assembly, ensuring the fitting accuracy between the chain and the solid long shaft 8, and making the overall structure of the escalator more compact and rational.

[0056] Finally, it is worth mentioning that the lubricant in this embodiment can be a high-quality grease or lubricating oil.

[0057] The ladder chain of this embodiment is self-lubricating, eliminating the need for lubrication during use. Simultaneously, the sealing bowl 5 seals the lubricant between the sleeve 21 and the sliding bearing 3, and between the sleeve 21 and the roller bushing 4, preventing external dust and other contaminants from entering the lubricant or the gaps where the lubricant is located. This ensures the lubricant can continuously and effectively lubricate for a long period, reducing friction between the ladder chain components and extending the service life of the ladder chain. Furthermore, this embodiment uses a solid long shaft 8 that runs through the left and right sets of ladder chains, connecting them reliably and securely. This prevents the ladder chain from wobbling, overcomes the problems of insufficient load-bearing capacity of existing hollow tube bearings and easy loosening of bolt connections, and improves safety and riding comfort.

[0058] An embodiment of this utility model also provides an escalator including the aforementioned step chain, the escalator including the step chain having all the functions of a step chain.

[0059] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A step chain, characterized in that, include: The outer link (1) includes an outer link plate (10) and a pair of pins (11). The inner link (2) includes a pair of inner link plates (20) and a pair of sleeves (21). The sleeves (21) are disposed between the pair of inner link plates (20). The pin (11) passes through the outer link plate (10) and rotates with the inner link plate (20). A sliding bearing (3) is disposed inside the sleeve (21). A roller bushing (4) is sleeved on the outside of the sleeve (21). Lubricant is filled between the sleeve (21) and the sliding bearing (3) and between the sleeve (21) and the roller bushing (4). A sealing bowl (5) is also disposed on the outside of the inner link plate (20). The sealing bowl (5) is sealed with the inner link plate (20).

2. The ladder chain according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner chain plate (20) is provided with an annular groove (201), and the mouth of the sealing bowl (5) is embedded in the annular groove (201).

3. The ladder chain according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing bowl (5) is an elastic body, and the bottom of the bowl and the mouth of the bowl are connected by an arc-shaped transition.

4. The ladder chain according to claim 1, characterized in that, A wear-resistant washer (6) is also provided between the sealing bowl (5) and the inner chain plate (20).

5. The ladder chain according to claim 1, characterized in that, The roller bushing (4) is fitted with rollers (7) on its outside.

6. The ladder chain according to claim 5, characterized in that, The end of the roller (7) is provided with a sealing gasket (70), which is in a sealing fit with the inner chain plate (20) and the roller (7).

7. The ladder chain according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ladder chain also includes a solid long shaft (8) and a ladder assembly (9). The solid long shaft (8) passes between the outer chain plate (10) and the inner chain plate (20) of the two sets of ladder chains. The solid long shaft (8) connects the two sets of ladder chains. The ladder assembly (9) is disposed on the solid long shaft (8).

8. The ladder chain according to claim 7, characterized in that, The surface of the solid long shaft (8) is provided with a wear-resistant layer (80).

9. The ladder chain according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The sliding bearing (3) has an oil storage hole (30) on its wall surface, and the oil storage hole (30) stores lubricant.

10. An escalator, characterized in that, Includes the ladder chain as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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