WO2018172361A1 - Articulated chain drive, in particular for an escalator - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an articulated chain (GK), in particular for escalators or moving walkways, having at least one force introduction body (BU, ZB) having a non-cylindrical contact surface (F) on which a chain drive sprocket (AKR) can engage for force transmission. The contact surface (F) is preferably planar or at least curved in some sections and perpendicular or oblique with respect to the running direction of the articulated chain (GK). The chain drive sprocket (AKR) preferably contains circular cylindrical rotatable intermediate bodies (ZK) as teeth.

Description

 Articulated chain drive, in particular for an escalator

The invention relates to a joint chain, a chain drive chain, as well as an escalator and a moving walk.

From WO 2013/060823 A1 it is known to achieve long conveyor lines or large height differences in escalators not only in the deflection, but alternatively or additionally in the linear areas

To arrange drive sprockets, which engage in the articulated chain, which carries the steps (so-called step chain). As drive sprockets are in particular those with movably mounted on the body between bodies used as teeth, in particular with rotatably mounted circular cylindrical intermediate bodies (rollers).

Against this background, it was an object of the present invention

especially for use on escalators or moving walks to provide a further improved articulated chain drive.

This object is achieved by a link chain according to claim 1, by a

Articulated chain drive according to claim 7, and solved by a means of transport according to claim 12. Advantageous embodiments are contained in the subclaims.

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a joint chain with a plurality of chain links, which are connected to each other in chain links (usually pivoting) movable. Furthermore, the articulated chain contains at least one force introduction body with a contact surface on which a drive sprocket can act force-transmitting. Typically, in a joint chain in each chain joint force introduction body formed by the bolts or sockets of the chain joint. The joint chain according to the invention is characterized in that the contact surface of the force introduction body does not have the shape of a cylinder and not the shape of a part of a cylinder.

At conventional link chains, the cylindrical outer surfaces of the hinge pins or joint bushings of the chain links are present as force introduction bodies on each chain link. Characterized in that non-cylindrical shapes of the force introduction body are used according to the invention, the power transmission can be influenced by a drive sprocket on the articulated chain and positively changed in particular with regard to a uniform drive of the chain.

In general, the contact surface can have virtually any shape that provides a desired kinematic result. However, at least in a partial region, the shape of the contact surface deviates from the shape of a (part of) a circular cylinder.

According to a preferred embodiment of the articulated chain, the contact surface of the force introduction body is flat. Such a planar contact surface may also optionally be substantially perpendicular to the running direction of the articulated chain (i.e.

perpendicular to the extension direction of the associated chain link).

According to another embodiment, the contact surface is at least partially curved (ie not flat). In particular, there may be a convex curvature of the contact surface towards the outside. In general, however, the contact surface has no curvature in the axial direction of the chain joints. Such a surface may be described in other words as a prismatic body or extrusion body.

Level contact surfaces can form an angle of 90 ° with the running direction of the articulated chain. In the general case, other angles are possible, wherein the angle between the contact surface and running direction of the chain typically in a range of about 70 ° to about 90 °, preferably about 80 ° to about 90 °, more preferably between about 85 ° and about 90 °. In this regard, should Explanatory remarks, which in the following for a "vertical" course of the

Contact surfaces are made relative to the running direction of the chain, to be understood in the sense of "substantially perpendicular" according to the above-mentioned angle ranges. If the contact surface is not flat but curved, this angle relative to the running direction of the chain is always to be understood as the angle of the local tangent.

A particular curved shape of the contact surface is preferably determined with regard to a given drive sprocket which is intended to cooperate with the articulated chain. Such a determination may be based on purely theoretical calculations, with the aid of a drawing construction, or purely

be determined experimentally on the basis of a predetermined optimization criterion. In particular, the contact area may be determined so as to reduce the polygon effect resulting from interaction with the drive sprocket (to define the polygon effect, see e.g.

WO 2003/036129 A1).

The force introduction body can optionally by a hinge pin, a

Joint socket and / or an intermediate bolt are formed. One

Intermediate bolt is a bolt additionally arranged between the joints, typically as a cross-connection between parallel tabs of a

Chain link. Intermediate bolts are described in WO 2013/060823 A1, which is incorporated in full in the present application.

In an optional embodiment, the force introduction body of the

Articulated chain provided with two contact surfaces, wherein the contact between the link chain and a drive sprocket at a certain predetermined application (eg, forward movement of the chain) takes place within one of these contact surfaces. In other words, different contact surfaces are present on the force introduction body for different application types (forward rotation, reverse rotation, outside of the chain turned inwards, etc.), wherein these different contact surfaces may optionally also be partially overlapping. Furthermore, it is preferred if the at least two existing

Contact surfaces (point or mirror) are symmetrical to each other. A mirror symmetry may be, for example, with respect to a perpendicular to

Running direction of the chain lying plane exist. In this case, the

Articulated chain for operation in both directions (forward,

Reverse run). Additionally or alternatively, a mirror symmetry may also exist with respect to a plane parallel to the running direction of the chain. This has the advantage that the joint chain can optionally be turned over when one of the contact surfaces is worn (outer side of the chain is turned inwards) in order to enable further operation with the other contact surface.

The articulated chain is preferably cranked, so that each chain link is formed identically. This has the advantage that the wear (between hinge pin and joint bushings in the area of the chain joints) occurs uniformly at each chain joint, so that the resulting change in the pitch of the chain is uniform.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a chain drive, which is particularly suitable for an escalator or a moving walkway, and which contains at least one articulated chain of the type described above and at least one drive sprocket engaging in the articulated chain.

Due to the special shape of the force introduction body of the joint chain, an optimized interaction between the articulated chain and the drive sprocket can be achieved in the joint chain drive.

At least one drive sprocket of the chain drive can as

have force-transmitting, coming into contact with the joint chain teeth movably mounted intermediate body. In this case, optionally at least one intermediate body be circular cylindrical and / or rotatably mounted. For more information on such drive sprockets can be found in the

WO 2013/060823 A1. In another embodiment, the drive sprocket may have differently configured teeth for co-operation with different ones

Have force introduction bodies of the joint chain. The link chain may, for example, comprise force introduction bodies in the form of bushes in the chain links and intermediate bolts in the region between the joints; The teeth of the drive sprocket can then be configured differently, depending on whether they interact with the bushes or the intermediate bolt. It is assumed that the number of teeth of the drive sprocket is an integer multiple of the number of force introduction body of a chain link, so that the teeth always with the same force introduction bodies

interact. Different teeth for joint bushes or

For example, intermediate bolts may be useful if the joint bushes or intermediate bolts have different dimensions and / or one

subject to different wear.

The pitch of at least one tooth of the drive sprocket is preferably adjustable. As usual, the term "pitch" is understood to mean the distance to the preceding tooth (or tooth). Due to the adjustability of the tooth can be readjusted to an optionally over time by wear adjusting extension of the articulated chain. An adjustable division can be achieved, for example, by an eccentrically mounted circular cylindrical intermediate body.

Furthermore, it proves to be advantageous if the division of the

Drive sprocket is slightly smaller than the pitch of the link chain.

For example, it may be between about 95% and 99.5%, preferably between about 98% and 99.5% of the pitch of the hinge chain. This leads to an earlier takeover of the introduction of force by the tooth of a drive sprocket, which has a favorable effect on the kinematic properties of the chain.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a means of transport,

especially in the form of an escalator, moving walk, apron conveyor,

Roller belt, cell belt, Kettenbecherwerkes or the like, which contains a chain drive of the type described above. As already In the introduction, at least one drive sprocket can be provided in the linear region of the articulated chain in the means of transport, in particular, as a so-called "intermediate drive".

In an escalator or moving walkway typically two parallel link chains are provided, between which extend axes to which the steps or pallets are mounted. Preferably, a drive motor according to the invention is arranged in the central region of a shaft, at the two ends of which drive sprockets are respectively arranged to drive the two link chains. This creates a particularly compact design.

In a further development of the embodiment described above, at least one wheel is additionally arranged on the said shaft for driving a handrail. Compared to known systems are thus no further

Gears or the like needed to drive the handrail.

Furthermore, optionally at least one guide roller can be provided, which controls the movement of the articulated chain in the region of its engagement with the

Drive sprocket limited. In this way, a possible linear course of the articulated chain can be ensured.

The guide roller can be stored stationary. Preferably, however, it is resiliently mounted in order to be able to react elastically to disturbing forces.

The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to the figures. Showing:

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an escalator, in which the

 Division of the articulated chain corresponds to the step size;

Figure 2 is a plan view (left) and a side view (right) of

 Articulated chain of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the engagement of a drive sprocket in the articulated chain of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a schematic side view of the upper portion of a

Escalator, in which the pitch of the articulated chain corresponds to one third of the step size;

Figure 5 is a plan view (left) and a side view (right) of

 Articulated chain of Figure 4;

6 shows a section along the line Vl-Vl of Figure 1 in the region of a

 Drive sprocket;

Figure 7 is a plan view (left) and a side view (right) of a third

 Embodiment of a joint chain with curved contact surfaces;

Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the engagement of a drive sprocket in the articulated chain of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a front view (top left), a side view (top right) and a plan view (bottom left) of an intermediate bolt of the link chain of Figure 7;

Figure 10 is a front view (top left), a side view (top right) and a plan view (bottom left) of a hinge bushing of the articulated chain of Figure 7;

Figure 1 1 analogous to Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the engagement of a

 Drive sprocket in a link chain, wherein the contact surfaces are inclined to the direction of the chain.

In the figures, identical or identical elements are different

Embodiments are identified by reference numerals that differ by multiples of 100. In addition, important recurring elements are additionally also identified across the embodiments with letter combinations. Hidden lines are usually broken (dashed). The conventional design of escalators is powered by the upper landing station. The step chains are driven by sprockets and are deflected by these. The tensile force in the step chain essentially results from the conveyor length, the load and the angle of inclination.

With increasing size of these parameters, this construction technically reaches its limits. The chains generate very high tensile forces. In particular, the rollers no longer withstand the forces resulting from the tensile force in the step chains in the region of the upper deflection bends.

But even the step chains come from a certain pulling power to its limits. Even when using high quality materials and more complex

Heat treatments and high specific loads, the necessary dimensions for the joints are no longer useful in the chain (pitch is usually about 133 mm = 1/3 of the pitch division) accommodate. Since step chains and rollers have to be suitable for very high forces, these are also very expensive.

When very large heads are required, an escalator manufacturer often has no choice but to build several escalators "in series".

As a result, the passengers have to change, which is unattractive. Furthermore, the construction of several escalators results in considerable additional costs.

Drive chain and handrail

The previous, conventional technique requires several roller chain counterparts or roller chain drives to transmit from the engine, the force on the main shaft (there are the sprockets for the step chains) and from there to the handrail shaft. Of course, all of these shafts must also be stored by means of rolling bearings. During operation, various parts of this technology must be lubricated and regularly maintained and checked. The

Energy efficiency is - due to many moving parts and the associated friction losses - rather moderate. This conventional technique therefore means relatively high construction costs for the escalator manufacturer and significant follow-up costs for the operator. The patent application DE 2009 034 346 A1 describes a drive system for a passenger conveyor system which drives step chains on the conveyor track. It is powered by constant pitch gantry wheels, which are in contact with bushes / rollers mounted on the extended chain of the step chain. The intervention of the drive stick wheels thus takes place outside the clear width of the step chain. The joint pitch of the step chain is about 1/3 of the step division. The links in the step chain are not cranked. In the clear width of the step chain is a Schonrolle for the engagement of the sprockets in the upper and lower landing station. The drive of the handrail is done separately.

Against this background, the improvements of the present invention explained in greater detail below by way of examples are proposed.

1 shows in this regard an escalator 100 with - on each side - a handrail 101 and a link chain 1 10 (generally also by "GK"

in). The two link chains 1 10 parallel to each other and take between them on axes 1 16 (Figure 2) on the steps. The division of the articulated chain 1 10 corresponds to the length of the steps, that is the

Chain links 1 1 1 ("KG") have a length of the order of

Step length (typically approx. 400 mm).

At the lower and upper landing station, the link chains 1 10 are deflected by Umlenkbögen 102 and 103 by 180 °. The drive of the link chains 1 10 carried by first drive sprockets 120 ("AKR"), close to the top

Landestation in the linear region of the link chains are arranged so that they engage in the respective upper strand and lower strand. The drive of the handrails 101 is effected by wheels 104 which are arranged on the same shaft as the drive sprockets 120. A tensioning device 107 for the respective

Handrail is either (as shown) at the bottom or near the drive.

Furthermore, an intermediate drive 130 is provided in the lower region of the escalator 100, which engages only in the upper strand. The drive sprockets AKR are preferably sprockets with movably mounted thereon circular cylindrical intermediate bodies 121 ("ZK", Figure 3), wherein the intermediate body ZK, the force-transmitting tooth elements of

Form drive sprocket. Such drive sprockets are described in detail in WO 2013/060823 A1.

FIG. 2 shows the joint chains GK used in the escalator 100 in a plan view (left) and a side view (right). It can be seen that they are cranked chains, wherein the chain joints GE are formed by axes 1 16, which has a narrower (upper in the figure) end of

Pull through the link plates 1 12 ("LA") 1 13 ("BU") and recesses on the wider end of the link plates. In the area between the link chains GK the steps are suspended in the axes 1 16 (not shown). The securing or attachment of the steps and axes is done by conventional means. In the area outside the link chains GK 1 16 rollers 1 17 are attached to the ends of the axes, with the help of the joint chains GK in

U-rails 105 (Figure 6) can be performed.

In the articulated chain 1 10 corresponds to the joint pitch of the chain of the step division. Each chain link preferably has 1, 2 or 3 intermediate bolts 1 14, 15 ("ZB"), ie in total two, three or four divisions (generally an integer number of divisions). The intermediate bolts ZB are normally made of solid material, but can also be designed with any inner contour, ie. have a hole.

As a force introduction body, where a drive sprocket force on a

Can transfer chain GK, serve both the bushings BU and the interposed intermediate bolts ZB.

Over time, a certain degree of joint wear occurs on the chain. Seen from a chain joint, this changes the pitch to one of the two adjacent intermediate bolts ZB. The divisions of the intermediate bolt within a chain link KG, however, do not change. Therefore, it is advantageous if the (preferably circular)

Between body ZK of the drive sprocket, which is in contact with the

Joint bushings BU can also be changed in their position on the sprocket. This then preferably takes place in such a way that the change in pitch results only in one of the (two) adjacent intermediate bodies and the pitch remains unchanged relative to the other adjacent intermediate body. The other intermediate body ZK, which can only come into contact with the intermediate bolt ZB, must not be made variable in their position. In this regard, it is necessary that the number of teeth of the drive sprocket corresponds to an integer multiple of the number of divisions per chain link. For example, with three divisions per member, this would be e.g. 15, 18 or 21 teeth. The drive can be adapted to a worn chain with the described method. If this were not the case, there would always be a more or less disturbing jerk from step to step in the operation of the worn chain, a disturbing acceleration.

The chain links KG are advantageously cranked. As a result, the distance changes evenly from axis to axis, even with a worn chain. Thus, the step division varies from limb to limb evenly and a worn chain is (due to cranking and

Change in the position of the respective intermediate body) with uniform speed (without jerking) drivable.

If the chain were designed with straight tabs (i.e., not cranked), the change in pitch from limb to limb would alternately be zero / double joint wear / zero / double joint wear, and so forth

Running characteristics of such a (worn) chain would be unacceptably bad for an escalator.

As in Figure 3 from the detailed view of the engagement area of a

Drive sprocket AKR can be seen in a link chain GK, have the aforementioned force introduction body no circular cylindrical shape (at least not in the contact surface in which they can contact the drive sprocket). The outer contours of the joint bushing BU and intermediate bolt ZB have rather at least one, preferably two opposing flat surfaces F, which are in operative connection with the intermediate bodies of the sprockets or on which the intermediate body can roll off. Preferably, the plane of the surfaces F is perpendicular to the extension direction of the link chain GK (ie perpendicular to the link plates LA). By means of these surfaces F, the kinematics of the

Chain drive positively influenced and it evened out the

Chain speed, the polygon effect is reduced.

The joint bushes are present in the chains anyway and also the mechanical strength of these components, due to curing, given. All that needs to be done is to complete the contact surfaces and ensure that they are adequate

Design strength of the joint bushes are respected. This can be realized relatively easily in the production of the chains.

With regard to the outer contour of the intermediate body ZK of the sprocket, two cases can be distinguished: a) The intermediate bolts ZB have the same outer contour as the

 Joint Bushings BU: Then all intermediate bodies ZK of a sprocket should have the same outer contour. b) The intermediate bolts ZB have a different outer contour than the

 Articulated Bushings BU: Then, the intermediate bodies ZK that are in contact with these intermediate bolts should have a different outer contour (e.g., a different diameter adapted thereto) than that

 Between bodies, which are in contact with the joint bushes.

Since the sprockets engage centrally in the clear width of the link chains, no additional components such as extended bolts, plugged sockets and / or rollers are required on the link chains (for the engagement of the intermediate drives). An additional advantage is that the maintenance is simplified (rollers that are not available do not need to be relubricated). Furthermore, the force is transmitted from the sprockets in the middle of the chains - so there is no overturning moment. FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of an escalator 200, wherein many of the explanations made above apply analogously to this and are therefore not repeated. Instead, only the differences are discussed.

Thus, for example, a drive sprocket 220 is provided in the upper reversal point, while a further drive sprocket 230 is arranged at a distance from the upper landing station and engages as an intermediate drive only in the upper run of the articulated chain 210.

As can be seen from Figure 5, the associated link chain 210 has a smaller pitch, since a step spacing (corresponding to the distance of the

Axes 216) is divided into three chain links KG.

Furthermore, the link chain 210 has only bushes 213 as force introduction body, which can attack the drive sprockets. Analogous to the illustration of Figure 3, the bushings 213 again have flat contact surfaces F, which extend perpendicular to the running direction of the chain.

If, as in FIG. 4, the uppermost drive of an escalator is arranged at the uppermost landing station and the articulated chain is to be driven and deflected by it, the articulated chain should be designed with a smaller graduation (approximately 2, 3 or 4 divisions per stage, ie approx. 200 mm, 133 mm or 100 mm). Several joint pitches then result in a step division. The chain should also be cranked (due to the wear-related even pitch change from limb to limb) and the joint bushings should also be made with surfaces perpendicular to the direction of travel of the chain. These surfaces are to reduce the polygon effect during the intervention of

Between drives. The top drive can be optional with ordinary

Sprockets are fitted, but should preferably also with

Drive sprockets be designed with rotatable intermediate bodies. This is advantageous in order to avoid a relative movement (sliding) between the joint bush and the sprocket.

In this version, all drive sprockets should be rotatable

Between bodies be executed so that all intermediate bodies in their Position (division) are changeable. When occurring joint wear of the chains thus the sprockets can be adjusted.

Figure 6 shows a section along the line Vl-Vl of Figure 1 in the region of an intermediate drive. Evident is the centrally arranged gear motor M, which acts on a symmetrically extending to both sides shaft W. In general, the entire arrangement is mirror-symmetrical to the vertical axis in the figure by the geared motor M.

At the ends of the shaft W are first the drive sprockets AKR

arranged, which engage with their intermediate bodies in the respective articulated chain. In both joint chains, the axes are to see 1 16, where the steps (not shown) are mounted and carry at their ends the rollers 1 17, which are guided in U-shaped guide rails 105.

At the extreme end of the shaft W are further arranged wheels 104, by means of which the handrail 101 of the escalator is driven.

In the situation shown in Figure 6 runs just in Obertrum a chain joint 1 13 through the drive sprocket, while there is at the lower run an intermediate bolt 1 14.

Furthermore, stationary guide rollers 106 can be seen, which are arranged on one or both sides of the articulated chain in their engagement region with the drive sprocket and ensure as linear a guidance as possible of the articulated chain.

Advantageously, the guide rollers 106 are resiliently mounted against a restoring force to react more flexibly to disturbing forces.

FIG. 7 shows, in a representation analogous to FIG. 2, a third embodiment of a link chain 310 (GK). In the following, essentially only the features of this articulated chain will be discussed, which differ from the preceding embodiments. Reference is additionally made to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, which show the interaction of the articulated chain with a drive sprocket 320 (AKR) and the intermediate bolts 314 (ZB) and the bushes 313 (BU) of the articulated chain separately. As in the previous embodiments, a cranked chain with tabs 312 (LA) are coupled in their central region by (an) intermediate bolt 314 and at their ends via bushings 313 and axles 316. Furthermore, the intermediate pins or bushes serve as force introduction body with contact surfaces F, within which they can come into force-transmitting contact with a drive sprocket AKR, said contact surfaces F other than a purely circular cylindrical shape (with the cylinder axis on the axis of the socket or the intermediate pin ) to have.

As is best seen in FIGS. 8 to 10, the

Contact surface F slightly curved, preferably curved convexly outward. Furthermore, at least in places, the contact surface F is not exactly perpendicular to the running direction LR of the chain. Rather, it typically forms with this an angle β between about 70 ° and about 90 ° (Figure 8), wherein this angle ß changes locally due to the curvature of the surface and

is measured by definition between the local tangent TA to the contact surface and the running direction LR (on the side of the drive sprocket AKR and in the material of the force introduction body). Preferably, the contact surface is inclined in its entire extent at such an angle β <90 ° relative to the running direction LR of the chain.

Furthermore, in the articular chain drive, the pitch of the drive sprocket AKR (on the order of typically 0.5% to about 2%) is shorter than the pitch of the link chain GE (the pitch of the drive sprocket 320 is the distance of the axes of rotation of adjacent intermediate bodies 321). When transferring from one to the next tooth, the drive sprocket is then rotated relative to the articulated chain by about 1/5 to 1/3 pitch angle.

In Figure 9, an intermediate bolt 314 (ZB) is shown separately. As already explained, this has an at least partially curved contact surface F. In the example shown this is slightly convex outwards (out of the material of the intermediate bolt) curved. The curved surface can also be combined with flat surface sections. For example, it can be seen in the figure that the sections of the contact surface F lying at the upper edge are just. Furthermore, the intermediate bolt has essentially a prismatic shape or the shape of an extrusion body, ie, the surface F has no curvature in the side view perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

For non-rotatable connection with the link plates, the intermediate bolt 314, for example, have two spaced-apart through holes 314a, through which it can be connected by screws with the link plates.

Basically, the intermediate bolt ZB can be produced as one piece as shown. Manufacturing technology, however, it may also be preferred to form him from several identical, aligned in the side view of slices, which from a corresponding material by

Laser cutting can be obtained.

FIG. 10 shows an analogous representation of an embodiment of the invention

Socket 313 (BU). In manufacturing technology simple way, the socket can consist of two components, namely an inner, substantially cylindrical standard part 313 a, on which the curved surfaces F having molding 313 d is pressed. The standard part 313a can conventionally have a cylindrical inner bore 313c for passing through a chain pin and have a substantially cylindrical outer shape, on which flat mounting surfaces 313b are provided at both ends for non-rotatable positive connection with the link plates.

As can be seen from FIGS. 9 and 10, there is a mirror symmetry of the contact surfaces F perpendicular to the running direction of the articulated chain GE. This and the symmetry of the drive sprockets (in the case of circular

Between body) reversibility and absorption of forces in both directions is given. In this way, among other things, the low-load deflection of the chain results. The contact surfaces may additionally or alternatively also have an axis of symmetry in the direction of travel (not shown). Then the chain is also drivable "on the back". FIG. 11 shows, analogously to FIG. 3, an enlarged view of the engagement of a drive sprocket AKR in a link chain GK. In contrast to FIG. 3, however, the plane (or alternatively curved) runs here.

Contact surfaces F on the intermediate pin ZB and the bushings BU not exactly vertical, but obliquely to the direction of the chain. For one of the surfaces in this regard, the angle ß is registered, which forms the surface F with the running direction of the chain (or the underside of the link plate parallel thereto). This angle is typically about 80 ° to about 85 °. Furthermore, two such contact surfaces F are arranged on each intermediate pin ZB or each bush BU, which are mirror images of each other with respect to a direction perpendicular to the direction of the chain surface.

By equipping the force introduction body ZB, BU the chain with

Curved contact surfaces can achieve polygon compensation

or supported, which in turn makes it possible to use between body with a smaller diameter, because the

Polygon compensation becomes practically independent of the diameter of the

Intermediate body. The intermediate body therefore no longer engage so deeply in the joint chain, so that the distance between the central axes of the joints GE and the top of the joint chain can be made shorter. This is particularly advantageous for plate bands, since this can reduce the gap formed between the plates when the chain is bent.

The combination of shortening the sprocket pitch, torsion (during transfer) and the geometry of the contact surfaces results in a nearly perfect correction or compensation of the polygon effect. The movement of the chain in the direction of rotation can therefore be as even as possible. This allows

in particular the execution of large chain pitches in combination with low numbers of teeth. The consequences are sinking total costs and the feasibility of low construction heights due to sinking pitch circle diameters. Furthermore, this technique allows chains to be driven in the extended state and deflected in the unloaded state. The result is significantly reduced joint wear. In summary, it can be stated that the present invention also long escalators or moving walks or those with large

Height differences are possible, since the drive (or the drives) is arranged on the conveyor link and drives the stretched chains, i. the drives work as intermediate drive (s).

The upper drive is advantageously just below the top

Umlenkbögen arranged and preferably engages in upper and lower run of the chain. As a result, the tensile force in the chain in the region of the upper deflection bends and the deflection is only relatively low. The resulting from the tensile force roller load is also low. This relieves the roles considerably. Furthermore, the articular surface pressure is low. As a result, the step chain can then easily (it creates less friction) and deflect with little joint wear. Furthermore, a significantly lighter design of step chain and rollers is possible, which considerably reduces moving masses and costs and increases the delivery height.

Furthermore, the chains in large joint pitch (joint pitch =

Step division). This has a cost-reducing effect on the chains.

Depending on the amount of funding and capacity, you can one or more

Use intermediate drives. Preferably then engages the top drive in upper and lower run. The drives arranged further below preferably only engage in the upper strand.

The - albeit relatively small - weight of the chains and stages generated (due to the inclination angle) in the lower strand traction in the chains. If this becomes too big for the chains, one can counter this by additionally letting one (or more) intermediate drives arranged further down into the lower run. The tensile force in the step chains is thus transferred to the chain drive, and the step chains are relieved accordingly. From a chain technical point of view, therefore, endless delivery heights / delivery lengths can be realized.

Preferably, a drive station is displaceable / displaceable in the conveying direction by e.g. be able to compensate for any chain elongation (for example due to wear).

The deflection of the chains takes place at upper and lower landing station

preferably by means of deflection bends on which the rollers run off. The

Deflection arches can be fixed, but are preferably biased by spring force. The spring force at the upper landing station is chosen so that persons who are above the upper drive, are also safely conveyed - the chain is therefore sufficiently taut.

The motor used is preferably designed as (standard)

Geared motor and mounted directly on the drive shaft. The engine is optionally equipped with integrated or additionally mounted flywheel to increase the inertia or to change the

Acceleration and braking behavior of the escalator. Preferably, the engine is centered inside the escalator (Figure 6). However, it is also conceivable that it is attached to the outside to him for example. if necessary, easier to replace.

The handrail drive can also be integrated there and is preferably housed on the same shaft as the engine and sprockets. This arrangement combines several functions in a simple manner, has a clear structure and is extremely cost-effective. There is no need to relubricate. By eliminating some roller chain counterparts and not least by reducing moving masses and low-load bending / deflection of the step chains, this concept offers outstanding energy efficiency. The construction costs are so low and the

Follow-up costs also.

The leadership of the chains is ensured by the attached to the chain or on the axes outer rollers. In addition, one or more fixedly mounted rollers can be arranged in the vicinity of a drive, which act on the upper side of the tabs, in order to avoid a radial upward movement of the chains, even if only for a fraction of a millimeter.

Due to the required substantially vertical surfaces on the joint bushings, the chains should not be equipped with protective rollers (which prevent the relative movement to the sprocket in normal construction).

Claims

claims 1 . Joint chain (GK) of several in chain joints (GE) with each other  linked chain links (KG) containing at least one  Force introduction body (BU, ZB) with a contact surface (F) on which a drive sprocket (AKR) can force-transmittingly engage,  characterized in that  the contact surface (F) does not have the shape of a cylinder or part cylinder. 2. joint chain (GK) according to claim 1,  characterized in that the contact surface (F) is flat. 3. joint chain (GK) according to claim 1,  characterized in that the contact surface (F) is curved at least in places. 4. joint chain (GK) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact surface (F) with the  Running direction (LR) of the articulated chain forms an angle (ß) between about 70 ° and about 90 °. 5. joint chain (GK) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the force introduction body by a hinge pin, a hinge bushing (BU), and / or a Intermediate bolt (ZB) is formed. 6. joint chain (GK) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the force introduction body (BU, ZB)  has at least two contact surfaces (F) which are mirror-symmetrical to an axis perpendicular to the running direction (LR) of the articulated chain and / or to an axis parallel to the running direction of the articulated chain axis. 7. chain drive, in particular for an escalator (100, 200) or a moving walkway, comprising a joint chain (GK) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6 and at least one in the joint chain (GK) engaging drive sprocket (AKR). 8. Articulated chain drive according to claim 7,  characterized in that the drive sprocket (AKR) movably mounted intermediate body (ZK) has as teeth, wherein at least one intermediate body is preferably a circular cylindrical and / or rotatably mounted. 9. Articulated chain drive according to at least one of the preceding  Claims,  characterized in that the drive sprocket (AKR) at least two differently configured teeth for cooperation with  having different force introduction bodies (BU, ZB) of the joint chain (GK). 10. Articulated chain drive according to at least one of the preceding  Claims, characterized in that the pitch of at least one tooth of the drive sprocket (AKR) is adjustable. 1 1. Articulated chain drive according to at least one of the preceding  Claims,  characterized in that the pitch of the drive sprocket (AKR) is smaller than the pitch of the link chain (GK). 12. means of transport, in particular in the form of an escalator (100, 200),  Moving walk, slat conveyor, roller conveyor, cell conveyor,  Chain bucket elevator or the like, comprising a chain drive according to at least one of claims 7 to 1 1. 13. transport (100, 200) according to claim 12,  characterized in that a drive motor (M) in the central region of a shaft (W) is arranged, at both ends thereof  Drive sprockets (AKR) for driving various link chains (GK) are arranged. 14. Transport means according to claim 13,  characterized in that on the shaft (W) in addition at least one wheel (104) for driving a handrail (101, 201) is arranged. 15. Transport means (100, 200) according to at least one of the preceding claims,  characterized in that guide rollers (106) are provided, which limit the movement of the link chain (GK) in the region of engagement with a drive sprocket (AKR).