ELEVATOR OR PLATFORM WITH A SETTING RING

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an escalator or moving walkway with an adjusting ring.

[0002] In the following description, the term escalator should also include moving walkways and the term step should also include moving walkway pallets.

[0003] The steps of an escalator are attached to two transport chains, forming an endless, continuous belt of steps that runs over a pair of transport sprockets at each end of the escalator. One pair of transport sprockets belongs to the drive station and drives and deflects the belt of steps, while the other pair is part of a deflection station. Alternatively, deflection arch rails can be used in the deflection station, in which case only one pair of transport sprockets is present in the drive station.

[0004] In an escalator or moving walkway, a main drive shaft is installed at the top of the escalator, with the aforementioned pair of transport chains forming part of this main drive shaft. The main drive shaft is supported at both ends by a supporting structure. This support structure must be as simple as possible, since in the event of bearing failure, the main drive shaft must be disassembled, and despite its lightweight construction, it can still weigh up to 500 kg.

[0005] The main drive shaft powers the steps or pallets, which are guided on track rails. To achieve a highly durable, dimensionally stable, yet weight-optimized design, the main drive shaft is constructed as a hollow shaft. Such a main drive shaft has a fixed axle mounted in the escalator's supporting structure. A hollow shaft with the transport sprocket pair attached to it is arranged around this axle. The hollow shaft is rotatably mounted on the axle by means of roller bearings. The axle supporting the hollow shaft is typically bolted to the supporting structure. Such a design is described, for example, in EP 1 616 834 B1.

[0006] If the deflection station includes a deflection shaft with a pair of transport sprockets, this deflection shaft can be of the same design as the main drive shaft. If the deflection station also serves as a tensioning station for the stepped conveyor, the shaft is not rigidly connected to the support structure, but rather via linear guides mounted on both sides. Furthermore, a mechanism (springs, spindles) must be provided to adjust the required tension.

[0007] In the event of a rolling bearing failure, extensive disassembly and assembly work is required, as the rolling bearings can only be removed and reinstalled by longitudinal displacement to the end of the shaft. For the sake of simpler maintenance, and particularly due to the size of the rolling bearing and the very limited space available, pressing the rolling bearings into the hollow shaft or pressing them onto the shaft is avoided. Instead, they are secured against axial displacement by means of retaining rings mounted on the shaft.

[0008] Rolling bearings are typically made from highly hardenable steels, which have low corrosion resistance and therefore rust quickly. One type of steel used is, for example, 100Cr6 (material no. 1.3505), a steel with a carbon content of approximately 1% and chromium content of 1.5%. Other steels, such as 100CrMnSi6-4 and 100CrMo7, are also used, with the alloying elements manganese (Mn) and molybdenum (Mo) serving to improve through-hardenability.

[0009] Since escalators and moving walkways can be exposed to heavy dirt and moisture depending on their location and operating conditions, damp dirt can accumulate in the area of ​​the rolling bearings. This can lead to rust forming between the rolling bearing and the hollow shaft or axle, making it almost impossible to remove the bearing during replacement. Furthermore, in bearings that are only greased and not sealed, dirt can cause significant wear if it gets into the area of ​​the rolling elements.

[0010] The object of the present invention is therefore to create a simple and effective protection of the rolling bearing against dirt and moisture, which is cost-effective and enables at least equally simple assembly and disassembly of the rolling bearing.

[0011] This problem is solved by a moving walkway or escalator with a deflection shaft and / or a main drive shaft according to claim 1, which comprises at least one axle and a rolling bearing arranged on the axle. The moving walkway or escalator further comprises at least one adjusting ring, which adjusting ring has a hollow cylindrical ring body and at least one adjusting screw. The adjusting screw is arranged in a threaded bore that extends through the ring body and terminates at an inner diameter of the ring body. Naturally, the adjusting ring can also have several threaded bores, each containing an adjusting screw. Preferably, these threaded bores extend radially in the ring body with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the ring body and are arranged at equal angular distances from one another.

[0012] The inner diameter of the ring body is matched to the axle of the main drive shaft or deflection shaft, which, in the assembled state, protrudes through it. In other words, the inner diameter of the hollow cylindrical ring body is large enough to slide over the axle without requiring any force. The inner diameter can have sufficient clearance relative to the axle diameter. The adjusting ring is attached to the axle adjacent to the roller bearing by means of the adjusting screw.

[0013] To protect the rolling bearing from environmental influences, the outer diameter of the ring body is larger than the inner outer ring diameter of an outer ring of the adjacent rolling bearing of the main drive shaft when installed. This overlap provides excellent protection for the rolling elements of the bearing. Furthermore, at least one annular groove, concentric to the inner diameter, is arranged on a ring-side surface of the ring body that faces the rolling bearing when installed. The annular groove is located in a zone where, during rotation of the main drive shaft, relative movement occurs between the surfaces of the annular groove and the immediately adjacent surfaces of the rolling bearing and / or the hollow shaft. The annular groove can thus act as a labyrinth seal, effectively preventing the ingress of liquids and dirt.Over time, fibrous dirt such as dust can become trapped in the ring groove, forming a kind of felt ring that effectively prevents further ingress of dirt and dust. This is aided by the bearing's lubricants, which hold the fibrous dirt together and further prevent the ingress of fluids.

[0014] Since the adjusting ring is designed to secure the rolling bearing against axial displacement, it is pushed fully against the rolling bearing, and then the adjusting screws are tightened. To prevent friction between the part of the rolling bearing moving relative to the side surface of the adjusting ring (outer ring) and the side surface, a small gap must be maintained between the adjusting ring and the outer ring of the rolling bearing when the assembly is complete. This gap can be achieved, for example, by a narrow shim placed between an inner ring of the rolling bearing and the adjusting ring on the shaft.

[0015] Instead of such a shim, in one embodiment of the adjusting ring, a projecting annular projection can be formed on the ring body in the region of the inner diameter. This annular projection extends from the ring side surface containing the annular groove and thus defines the intended distance between the ring side surface and the adjacent outer ring of the rolling bearing. Preferably, the outer diameter of the projection is smaller than the inner outer ring diameter of the outer ring of the adjacent rolling bearing in the assembled state.

[0016] In another embodiment of the adjusting ring, the small groove diameter of the ring groove can be larger than the inner diameter of the outer ring of the adjacent rolling bearing in the assembled state. This achieves the sealing function of the adjusting ring described above in the area of ​​the outer ring or even in the area of ​​an end face of the hollow shaft.

[0017] Of course, it is not absolutely necessary for a seal to form from fibrous dirt. A sealing element can be incorporated during the assembly of the adjusting ring, completely sealing the gap created by the intended distance between the adjusting ring and the adjacent rolling bearing. For this purpose, the annular groove can be designed with a diameter and cross-section specifically tailored to an annular sealing element. The sealing element is positioned within the annular groove. When installed, the sealing element protrudes from the annular groove by a predefined amount. The protrusion and the distance are coordinated to ensure that the gap is sealed while simultaneously minimizing wear on the protruding portion of the sealing element.The sealing pressure provided depends on the material properties of the sealing material and the surface quality of the surface of the hollow shaft or outer ring of the rolling bearing that moves relative to the adjusting ring or sealing element.

[0018] In another embodiment of the adjusting ring, the annular groove can have a relief groove, which forms an annular groove projection in the material of the ring body. This groove projection is designed to secure a sealing element inserted in the annular groove against axial displacement from the annular groove.

[0019] An adjusting ring prepared for assembly can have all the necessary adjusting screws and the sealing element inserted in the groove.

[0020] The sealing element can be made of various materials, for example, a non-ferrous metal that exhibits very good sliding properties. Of course, sealing elements made of composite materials can also be used. Preferably, the sealing element is an O-ring made of a polymer material, as such sealing elements offer good sealing properties and are also very inexpensive.

[0021] In another embodiment of the adjusting ring, a lubrication bore with an inlet and an outlet can be formed in the ring body. The outlet of this bore opens into the ring's side surface between the ring groove and the inner diameter of the ring body. This lubrication bore allows lubricant such as grease or oil to be supplied to the immediately adjacent rolling bearing. Furthermore, it allows the cavity between the shaft, the rolling bearing, the adjusting ring, and the sealing element to be filled with lubricant, preferably grease. This prevents the ingress of liquids, moisture, and dirt, and also prevents condensation from forming in this cavity due to temperature fluctuations. This prevents corrosion of the rolling bearing, significantly simplifying future bearing replacement and extending the bearing's service life.

[0022] The inlet opening of the lubrication bore can, for example, be located on one side of the ring body opposite the ring side surface.

[0023] Preferably, the lubrication bore's inlet opening is threaded. This allows, for example, the installation of a standard grease nipple with a check valve at the inlet opening, preventing the lubricant from escaping the bore after it has been supplied. The threaded inlet bore can, of course, also be closed with a simple threaded plug, such as a suitable short hex bolt with a sealing ring.

[0024] The lateral supply of lubricants may be hampered by the supporting structure located in the immediate vicinity. To simplify the lubricant supply, a 90° grease nipple can be installed in the thread. Alternatively, the inlet opening of the lubrication bore can also be located on a surface of the ring body that is limited by the outer diameter.

[0025] As mentioned at the outset, moving walkways or escalators have a drive station and a deflection station, the latter typically serving not only to deflect but also to tension the step conveyor or pallet conveyor. The deflection station may be equipped with a deflection shaft. The drive station has a main drive shaft. The deflection shaft, or main drive shaft, comprises an axle, a hollow shaft mounted on the axle with transport sprockets attached to it, and at least one rolling bearing located between the hollow shaft and the axle. The moving walkway or escalator also has at least one adjusting ring, which corresponds to one of the previously described design variants. This adjusting ring is fastened to the axle adjacent to the rolling bearing by means of at least one adjusting screw, with the annular groove of the adjusting ring facing the rolling bearing.

[0026] A ring-shaped sealing element can be inserted into the annular groove of the adjusting ring, protruding from the groove by a predefined amount. This creates a distance between the rolling bearing and the adjusting ring that depends on this predefined protrusion. As described above, this distance can be determined either by the width of a shim or by the ring projection extending by a corresponding dimension.

[0027] Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, whereby neither the drawings nor the description are to be interpreted as limiting the invention. The drawings show: Figure 1 schematically shows a longitudinally sectioned side view of an escalator with a supporting structure in which running rails and a continuous step band are arranged between a first deflection area and a second deflection area; Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of the escalator in theFigure 1 specified section AA; Figure 3 in enlarged representation of the in the Figure 2 specified section X; Figure 4 in enlarged representation of the in the Figure 3 specified section Y in a first embodiment; and Figure 5 in an enlarged representation of the one in the Figure 3 specified section Y in a second embodiment.

[0028] The figures are merely schematic and not to scale. Identical reference symbols in the different figures denote identical or equivalent features.

[0029] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a longitudinally sectioned side view of an escalator 1 with two balustrades 3, although only one balustrade 3 is visible due to the longitudinal section. A handrail 5 is arranged around each balustrade 3. The escalator 1 also has a supporting structure 7, shown in outline, which supports the balustrades 3. The balustrades 3 have base plates 9, between which laterally guided steps 11 are arranged around the perimeter. The escalator 1 connects a first floor E1 with a second floor E2. Rollers 13 of the steps 11 run on track rails 15, 17, 19, 21, which are connected to the supporting structure 7 of the escalator 1. The supporting structure 7 can be a truss, a beam, a foundation, or the like.

[0030] The steps 11 are connected to each other by means of transport chains (not shown) to form a continuous step belt 23, which is only partially shown for clarity. The supporting structure 7 has a first deflection section 25 with a deflection station 27 in the area of ​​the first floor E1 and a second deflection section 29 with a drive station 31 in the area of ​​the second floor E2, in which the step belt 23 is deflected between a forward direction V and a return direction R. Due to the indicated arrow direction of the forward direction V and the return direction R, users are transported from the second floor E2 to the first floor E1 in the illustrated embodiment. Of course, operation of the escalator 1 in the opposite direction is also possible. For deflecting the step belt 23, a deflection shaft 33 is rotatably arranged in the first deflection section 25 and a main drive shaft 35 in the second deflection section 29.The main drive shaft 35 is connected to a drive pinion 39 of a drive unit 37 via a drive chain 41, transmitting rotational power. Of course, the drive unit 37 can also be designed differently and arranged at a different location in the escalator 1 to drive the step belt 23.

[0031] The Figure 2 shows in an enlarged view the one in the Figure 1 specified section AA through drive station 31. Figure 3 shows an enlarged representation of the in the Figure 2 The specified section X. Both figures are described together below.

[0032] The one in Figure 2The section plane AA shown also intersects the main drive shaft 35 located in the drive station 31. To achieve a highly resilient, dimensionally stable, yet weight-optimized design, the main drive shaft 35 is designed as a hollow shaft. A main drive shaft 35 designed in this way has a fixed axle 47, which is supported in the supporting structure 7 of the escalator 1. Disc-shaped flanges 55 and cup washers 57 are used at both ends of the axle 47 as connecting elements to the supporting structure 7. The axle 47 is typically bolted to the supporting structure 7 by means of the flanges 55 and cup washers 57. A hollow shaft 49 with two transport sprockets 43 attached to it is arranged on the axle 47. In other words, the axle 47 is located in the bore 59 of the hollow shaft 49.The transport chains 12 of the stepped conveyor 23 are guided and deflected via the transport sprockets 43, with the steps 11 being arranged between the transport chains 12.

[0033] The hollow shaft 49 and the transport sprockets 43 connected to each other via the hollow shaft 49 are rotatably mounted on the axle 47 by means of two rolling bearings 51. Depending on the design, the rolling bearings 51 are located in recesses 61 provided for this purpose (see figure). Figure 3 ) the transport sprockets 43 or the hollow shaft 49.

[0034] To prevent the rolling bearings 51 from moving out of the recesses 61 during operation, they are each secured against axial displacement by an adjusting ring 71, which is attached to the shaft 47 adjacent to the rolling bearing 51 by means of an adjusting screw 73. The adjusting ring 71 has a hollow cylindrical ring body 75. The adjusting screw 73 is located in a threaded bore 79 of the ring body 75. To allow the adjusting screw to be tightened against the shaft 47, the threaded bore 79 extends through the ring body 75 and terminates at an inner diameter DRI of the ring body 75. The inner diameter DRI of the ring body 75 is matched to the shaft 47, or rather its outer diameter DAA, so that the adjusting ring 71 can be easily slid over the shaft 47, but still does not have excessive radial play relative to the shaft 47 (sliding fit).To secure a tightened adjusting screw 73, a lock nut 77 can be provided as shown. Of course, other locking devices, such as anaerobic adhesives, can also be used to secure the adjusting screw 73 in the threaded bore 79 against loosening.

[0035] As described in the description of the Figures 1 and 2 As already mentioned, the escalator 1 of the present embodiment has a main drive shaft 35 and a deflection shaft 33. These are essentially identical in design, so that the same components can be used for both shafts 33 and 35. Since the main drive shaft 35 drives the steps 11 or the step belt 23, it differs from the deflection shaft 33 only by a drive gear 45, which is arranged laterally on one of the two transport sprockets 43 and screwed to it.

[0036] As the Figure 3As shown, the adjusting ring 71 according to the invention has at least one annular groove 81. Variants of this annular groove 81 and further special embodiments of the adjusting ring 71 are shown in the Figures 4 and 5 , which in an enlarged representation of the in the Figure 3 Reproduce the specified section Y.

[0037] As in the Figure 4As shown, the outer diameter D RA of the ring body 75 is larger than the inner outer ring diameter D LAI of an outer ring 91 of a rolling bearing 51 arranged adjacent to it in the assembled state. This ensures that, in the assembled state, the end face of the rolling bearing 51 is covered by the ring body 75 of the adjusting ring 71 at least up to and including the area of ​​its rolling elements 93. Furthermore, at least one annular groove 81, arranged concentrically to the inner diameter D RI, is provided in an annular side surface 83 of the ring body 75, which, in the assembled state, faces the rolling bearing 51. In other words, the annular side surface 83 can have not only one annular groove 81, as shown, but two or more annular grooves 81, arranged concentrically to each other and to the inner diameter D RI of the ring body 75.

[0038] As the Figures 4 and 5Furthermore, the small groove diameter D KN of the annular groove 81 is larger than the inner outer ring diameter D LAI of the outer ring 91 of the adjacent rolling bearing 51 in the assembled state. This places the sealing zone of the annular groove 81 in the area of ​​the outer ring 91, so that dirt can become trapped in the area of ​​the annular groove 81. To increase the protective effect, a sealing element 85 is arranged in the annular groove 81 in the present embodiment. This prevents dirt and moisture from entering the area of ​​the rolling elements 93. As shown, the sealing element 85 can be an O-ring made of a soft, elastic polymer material.

[0039] The annular groove 81 is matched to the annular sealing element 85 with respect to its groove diameters D KN , D GN and its groove cross-section, so that the latter is inserted in the annular groove 81 and protrudes from the annular groove 81 by a predefined projection UR.

[0040] Furthermore, a ring projection 87 is formed on the ring body 75 in the region of the inner diameter D RI, which extends a distance SB from the ring side surface 83, which contains the ring groove 81. The outer diameter DB of the ring projection 87 is smaller than the inner outer ring diameter D LAI of the outer ring 91 of the adjacent rolling bearing 51 in the assembled state.

[0041] To achieve sufficient sealing against penetrating moisture, the sealing element 85 must press against the adjacent side surface 95 of the rolling bearing outer ring 91 with a predetermined force. This pressing action is described in the Figure 4This is symbolically represented by the sealing element 85 penetrating the outer ring 91. In reality, however, the side surface of the outer ring 91 is flat and as smooth as possible, so that the sealing element 85 only rests against the side surface 95 and is compressed between the adjusting ring 71 and the rolling bearing 51. Since the sealing element 85 has soft-elastic material properties, it generates this force depending on the difference between the projection UR and the distance SB. In other words, the ring projection 87 defines a distance SB between the rolling bearing 51 and the adjusting ring 71, which is dimensioned based on the intended force or sealing pressure, depending on the predefined projection UR.

[0042] As the Figure 4Furthermore, the ring body 75 has a lubrication bore 89 with an inlet opening 97 and an outlet opening 99. The outlet opening 99 opens into the ring side surface 83 of the ring body 75 between the annular groove 81 and the inner diameter D RI. The lubrication bore 89 allows lubricant such as grease or oil to be supplied to the immediately adjacent rolling bearing 51. It also allows the cavity 101 between the shaft 47, the rolling bearing 51, the adjusting ring 71, and the sealing element 85 to be filled with lubricant, preferably grease. This prevents the ingress of liquids, moisture, and dirt, and also prevents condensation from forming in this cavity due to temperature fluctuations. This prevents corrosion of the rolling bearing 51 in the recess 61, thus significantly simplifying future bearing replacement.To achieve a better distribution of the lubricant in the cavity 101, a lubrication groove 103 can also be provided (see . Figure 5 The lubrication groove 103 is formed in the ring body 75. Its design depends on the available manufacturing possibilities for the adjusting ring 71 and the properties of the lubricant, which is why further explanations regarding an ideal cross-sectional profile of the lubrication groove 103 are omitted here. The inlet opening 97 of the lubrication bore 89 is located on a side of the ring body 75 opposite the ring side surface 83. The inlet opening 97 of the lubrication bore 89 has a thread 107 into which a connection for a lubricant pump (not shown) can be screwed. To prevent the escape of filled lubricant, a screw with a sealing ring can be screwed in as a plug after removing the connection.

[0043] The Figure 5 also shows the one in Figure 3 The specified section Y, but with an adjusting ring 71 in an alternative embodiment. Its annular groove 81 has a relief groove 111, through which an annular groove projection 109 is formed in the material of the ring body 75. This groove projection 109 is designed to secure a sealing element 85 inserted in the annular groove 81 against axial displacement from the annular groove 81. Furthermore, the inlet opening 97 of the lubrication bore 89 is arranged on a surface of the ring body 75, which is bounded by the outer diameter D RA. The inlet opening 97 is also provided with a standard grease nipple 105 with a check valve, so that maintenance personnel can conveniently refill lubricant as needed without first removing a sealing screw.

[0044] Although the Figure 1As the figure shows an escalator 1 with a step belt 23, it is obvious that the present invention is also suitable for a moving walkway with a pallet belt. Furthermore, it is obvious that the different configurations of annular grooves 81 and arrangements of entry openings 97 can be combined.

[0045] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "comprising," "encompassing," etc., do not exclude other elements or steps, and terms such as "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above within the scope of protection of the appended claims. Reference numerals in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

Claims

1. Moving walkway or escalator (1) with a deflection shaft (33) and / or a main drive shaft (35) comprising at least one axle (47) and a roller bearing (51) arranged on the axle (47), and the moving walkway or escalator (1) further comprising at least one adjusting ring (71) which the adjusting ring (71) comprising a hollow cylindrical annular body (75) and at least one adjusting screw (73), wherein the adjusting screw (73) being arranged in a threaded hole (79) which is formed right through the annular body (75) and ends at an inside diameter (DRI) of the annular body (75), and the inside diameter (DRI) of the annular body (75) being matched to the axle (47) of the main drive shaft (35) or the deflection shaft (33), and the adjusting ring is fastened to the roller bearing (51) adjacent to the axle (47) by means of the adjusting screw (73), characterized in that • an outside diameter (DRA) of the annular body (75) is greater than an inner outside ring diameter (DLAI) of the outer ring (91) of a roller bearing (51) of the main drive shaft (35) or deflection shaft (33) arranged adjacently in the assembled state; and • at least one annular groove (81) arranged concentrically to the inside diameter (DRI) is formed in a lateral ring face (83) of the annular body (75) which is directed towards the roller bearing (51) in the assembled state.

2. Moving walkway or escalator (1) according to Claim 1, wherein a small groove diameter (DKN) of the annular groove (81) is greater than the inner outside ring diameter (DLAI) of the outer ring (91) of the roller bearing (51) which is adjacent in the assembled state.

3. Moving walkway or escalator (1) according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein an annular projection (87) is formed on the annular body (75), in the region of the inside diameter (DRI), which annular projection protrudes by a distance (SB) from the lateral ring face (83) that contains the annular groove (81), and its projection outside diameter (DB) is smaller than the inner outside ring diameter (DLAI) of the outer ring (91) of the roller bearing (51) arranged adjacently in the assembled state.

4. Moving walkway or escalator (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the annular groove (81) is matched, with respect to its groove diameter (DGN, DKN) and its groove cross-section, to an annular sealing element (85) which is provided for being arranged in the annular groove (81) and for protruding from the annular groove (81) with a predefined overhang (UR) in the installed state.

5. Moving walkway or escalator (1) according to Claim 3, wherein the annular groove (81) has an undercut (111) by means of which an annular groove projection (109) is formed in the material of the annular body (75), and which groove projection (109) is provided for securing a sealing element (85) inserted in the annular groove (81) against emerging axially from the annular groove (81).

6. Moving walkway or escalator (1) according to Claim 4 or Claim 5, wherein the adjusting ring (71) comprising a sealing element (85).

7. Moving walkway or escalator (1) according to Claim 6, wherein the sealing element (85) is an O-ring made of a polymer material.

8. Moving walkway or escalator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a lubrication hole (89) having an inlet opening (97) and an outlet opening (99) is formed in the annular body (75), wherein the outlet opening (99) thereof opens into the lateral ring face (83) between the annular groove (81) and the inside diameter (DRI).

9. Moving walkway or escalator (1) according to Claim 8, wherein the inlet opening (97) of the lubrication hole (89) is arranged on a side of the annular body (75) opposite the lateral ring face (83).

10. Moving walkway or escalator (1) according to Claim 8, wherein the inlet opening (97) of the lubrication hole (89) is arranged on a radial surface of the annular body (75) which is delimited by the external diameter (DRA).

11. Moving walkway or escalator (1) according to any one of Claims 8 to 10, wherein the inlet opening (97) of the lubrication hole (89) has a thread (107).

12. Moving walkway or escalator (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein an annular sealing element (85) is inserted in the annular groove (81) of the adjusting ring (71), which sealing element protrudes from the annular groove (81) with a predefined overhang (UR), and wherein a distance (SB) that is dependent on the predefined overhang (UR) is defined between the roller bearing (51) and the adjusting ring (71).