Title of Invention	A TRAVELATOR, MOVING RAMP OR ESCALATOR
Abstract	A travelator, moving ramp or escalator is disclosed. It comprises a power means (1) and a conveyor (2) having a driven end (3) driven by the power means (1) and a non-driven end (4). The conveyor comprises a first drive element (5) and a second drive element (6), which are at a distance from each other and parallel to each other, each being formed as an endless loop. A number of transport platforms (7), such as pallets or stairs, are arranged one after the other and secured to the first (5) and the second (6) drive elements. The first drive element (5) is passed at the driven end (3) over a first driving pulley (8), which is rotated by the power means (1), and at the non-driven end (4) over a first diverting pulley (9). The second drive element (6) is passed at the driven end (3) over a second driving pulley (10), which is rotated by the power means (1), and over a second diverting pulley (12) at the non-driven end (4). Placed at the driven end (3) are first synchronizing means (12) for mutual synchronization of the first driving pulley (8) and the second driving pul- ley (10). The conveyor (2) additionally comprises second synchronizing means (13), which have been arranged at the non-driven end (4) for mutual synchronization of the first diverting pulley (9) and the second diverting pulley (11).

Title of Invention

A TRAVELATOR, MOVING RAMP OR ESCALATOR

Abstract

A travelator, moving ramp or escalator is disclosed. It comprises a power means (1) and a conveyor (2) having a driven end (3) driven by the power means (1) and a non-driven end (4). The conveyor comprises a first drive element (5) and a second drive element (6), which are at a distance from each other and parallel to each other, each being formed as an endless loop. A number of transport platforms (7), such as pallets or stairs, are arranged one after the other and secured to the first (5) and the second (6) drive elements. The first drive element (5) is passed at the driven end (3) over a first driving pulley (8), which is rotated by the power means (1), and at the non-driven end (4) over a first diverting pulley (9). The second drive element (6) is passed at the driven end (3) over a second driving pulley (10), which is rotated by the power means (1), and over a second diverting pulley (12) at the non-driven end (4). Placed at the driven end (3) are first synchronizing means (12) for mutual synchronization of the first driving pulley (8) and the second driving pul- ley (10). The conveyor (2) additionally comprises second synchronizing means (13), which have been arranged at the non-driven end (4) for mutual synchronization of the first diverting pulley (9) and the second diverting pulley (11).

Full Text	FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a travelator, moving ramp or escalator. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In prior art, a travelator, moving ramp or escalator is known which comprises a power means and a conveyor having an end driven by the power means and a non- driven end. The conveyor comprises a first drive element and a second drive ele- ment, which are disposed at a distance from each other and parallel to each other, each being implemented as an endless loop. The drive elements are usually link chains or toothed belts. A number of conveyor platforms, such as pallets, are arranged one after the other and secured to the first and the second drive elements. At the driven end of the con- veyor, the first drive element is passed over a first driving pulley rotated by the power means and at the non-driven end over a first diverting pulley. The second drive element is passed at the driven end of the conveyor over a second driving pul- ley rotated by the power means and over a second diverting pulley at the non-driven end. Arranged at the driven end are synchronizing means for mutual synchroniza- tion of the first driving pulley and the second driving pulley. The elongations of the drive elements at the non-driven end of the conveyor may be different. In conventional prior-art travelators, moving ramps and escalators, the transport length of the conveyor is reasonably short and the link chains usually employed as drive elements are of a very heavy design. For example, the effective diameter of the driving pulley may be of the order of 60 cm and the chain pitch 130 - 150 mm. The difference of elongation of the link chains on opposite sides does not become very large and no problem arises. Today, however, there is a need for travelators, moving ramps and/or escalators in which the transport distances are very long and in which the distance between the driving and diverting pulleys of the drive elements are consequently also very long. For example, in very long travelators, the distance between the driving and diverting pulleys is long, e.g. of the order of 100 meters. Further, there has arisen a need for low-construction travelators, moving ramps and escalators designed to be mounted directly on a fixed base, such as a floor, without any special pits formed in the fixed structure, such as the floor of a building, for embedded mounting of the frame and machinery of the travelator. In the frame structure of a travelator, moving ramp or escalator mounted on a fixed base there is very little space for the drive machine of the conveyor, and therefore the diameter of the driving and diverting pulleys can not be very large and correspondingly the drive elements used, such as link chains or belts, are also quite thin, so their elonga- tions and accordingly the difference of elongation may become large enough to cause problems. For example, if the drive elements used in a 100 m long conveyor are link chains with a pitch of 5/8", then the elongation of the link chain may be as much as about 30 cm. The difference of elongation of the link chains used as first and second drive elements may be e.g. about 10 cm. The difference of elongation becomes the more pronounced the longer and thinner the chains are. The difference of elongation may be due to different tolerances of the chains and/or different wear resulting from uneven loading of the conveyor. Uneven loading again may be due to the fact that passengers usually stand on the right-hand side of the conveyor. Therefore, the drive element on the right-hand side undergoes greater elongation than does the drive element on the left-hand side. In prior art, as the diverting pulleys at the non-driven end of the conveyor are in no way synchronized with each other and because the transport platforms are fastened to both drive elements, the difference of elongation accumulating at the non-driven end of the conveyor leads to a problematic situation where the transport platforms especially near the non-driven end of the conveyor tend to move in a position differ- ing from the mutually parallel position at the driven end, that is to say, in an oblique position relative to the transport direction, which may result in the transport plat- forms being stuck on their guide rails, thus stopping the conveyor. US 2003/0132087 discloses a travelator having pallets connected to two drive chains which are running between a drive sprocket and a tension sprocket, respec- tively, OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks. A specific object of the invention is to disclose a travelator, moving ramp or escala- tor in which it is possible to use longer and thinner cheap drive elements requiring a lower tolerance accuracy than before. A further object of the invention is to disclose a travelator, moving ramp or escala- tor in which unequal wear of the drive elements causes less problems than before. A further object of the invention is to disclose a travelator, moving ramp or escala- tor in which the load is better distributed between the drive elements. Yet another object of the invention is to disclose a travelator, moving ramp or esca- lator in which the transport platforms are prevented from getting into an oblique position relative to the transport direction at the non-driven end of the conveyor. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly the present invention provides a travelator, moving ramp or escalator, comprising: a power means, and a conveyor having a driven end, which is driven by the power means, and a non-driven end, which has no power means, said conveyor comprising a first drive element and a second drive element which are at a distance from each other and parallel to each other, each being formed as an endless loop, a number of transport platforms, such as pallets or stairs, which are arranged one after the other and secured to the first drive element and to the second drive element, a first driving pulley, which is disposed at the driven end and over which the first drive element is passed, said first driving pulley being rotatable by the power means, a first diverting pulley, which is disposed at the non-driven end and over which the first drive element is passed, a second driving pulley, which is disposed at the driven end and over which the second drive element is passed, said second driving pulley being rotatable by the power means, a second diverting pulley, which is disposed at the non-driven end and over which the second drive element is passed, first syn- chronizing means arranged at the driven end for mutual synchronization of the first driving pulley and the second driving pulley, second synchronizing means at the non-driven end for mutual synchronization of the first diverting pulley and the sec- ond diverting pulley, which second synchronizing means comprise: a second syn- chronizing shaft a fifth diverting pulley, which is mounted on the second synchro- nizing shaft, a sixth diverting pulley, which is mounted on the same shaft with the first driving pulley, a fifth drive element, which is passed as an endless loop over the fifth diverting pulley and the sixth diverting pulley, a seventh diverting pulley, which is mounted on the second synchronizing shaft at a distance from the fifth di- verting pulley, an eighth diverting pulley, which is mounted on the same shaft with the second diverting pulley, and a sixth drive element, which is passed as an endless loop over the seventh diverting pulley and the eighth diverting pulley. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention is characterized by what is disclosed in the characterization part of claim 1. Other embodiments of the invention are characterized by what is disclosed in the other claims. Inventive embodiments are also presented in the description part and drawings of the present application. Within the framework of the basic concept of the invention, features of different embodiments of the invention can be applied in conjunction with other embodiments. According to the invention, the conveyor comprises second synchronizing means, which have been arranged at the non-driven end for mutual synchronization of the first diverting pulley and the second diverting pulley. The invention has the advantage that the second synchronizing means equalize the error arising from unequal elongation of the drive elements or from other errors be- tween the two drive elements so that the load is evenly distributed on both. This makes it possible to use thinner and more stretchable drive elements than before, which can be manufactured to less strict tolerances than before. Furthermore, the invention makes it possible to produce a longer travelator, moving ramp or escalator designed to be mounted on a fixed base than before. In the invention, the synchronizing means at the non-driven end comprise a second synchronizing shaft; a fifth driving pulley mounted on the second synchronizing shaft; a fifth diverting pulley mounted on the second synchronizing shaft; a sixth diverting pulley mounted on the same shaft with the first diverting pulley; a fifth drive element, which is passed as an endless loop over the fifth diverting pulley and a sixth diverting pulley; a seventh diverting pulley mounted on the second synchro- nizing shaft at a distance from the fifth diverting pulley; an eighth diverting pulley mounted on the same shaft with the second diverting pulley; and a sixth drive ele- ment, which is passed as an endless loop over the seventh diverting pulley and the eighth diverting pulley. In an embodiment of the invention, the first synchronizing means at the driven end comprise a first synchronizing shaft to which a first power means is connected to rotate it; a third driving pulley mounted on the first synchronizing shaft; a third di- verting pulley mounted on the same shaft with the first driving pulley; a third drive element, which is passed as an endless loop over the third driving pulley and the third diverting pulley; a fourth driving pulley mounted on the first synchronizing shaft at a distance from the third driving pulley; a fourth diverting pulley mounted on the same shaft with the second driving pulley; and a fourth drive element, which is passed as an endless loop over the fourth driving pulley and the fourth diverting pulley. In an embodiment of the invention, the axis of rotation of the first diverting pulley is on the same first axis line with the axis of rotation of the second diverting pulley. The second synchronizing shaft is at a distance from the said first axis line. In an embodiment of the invention, the second synchronizing shaft is outside the track of motion of the transport platforms. In an embodiment of the invention, the second synchronizing shaft is inside the track of motion of the transport platforms, arranged between an upper transport por- tion and a lower return portion of the transport platforms. Using this arrangement, the length of the structure can be reduced. In an embodiment of the invention, the axis of rotation of the first driving pulley is on the same second axis line with the axis of rotation of the second driving pulley. The first synchronizing shaft is at a distance from the said second axis line. In an embodiment of the invention, the first synchronizing shaft is outside the track of motion of the transport platforms. In an embodiment of the invention, the first synchronizing shaft is inside the track of motion of the transport platforms, arranged between the upper transport portion and the lower return portion of the transport platforms. This arrangement allows the length of the structure to be reduced. In an embodiment of the invention, the first drive element and the second drive ele- ment are link chains. In an embodiment of the invention, the first drive element and the second drive ele- ment are toothed belts. In an embodiment of the invention, the travelator, moving ramp or escalator is a low-construction travelator, moving ramp or escalator mounted on a fixed base, such as a floor or other support. BRIEF DECSRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS In the following, the invention will be described in detail with reference to embodi- ment examples and the attached drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 presents a diagrammatic side view of an embodiment of the drive arrange- ment of the conveyor of the travelator, moving ramp or escalator of the invention, and Fig. 2 presents a top view of the drive arrangement shown in Fig. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Fig. 1 and 2 are diagrams representing a low-construction horizontal travelator mounted on a fixed base, such as a floor or other support, which means that no pit needs to be made in the fixed base for the travelator machinery. In the following description of an example, the invention is described in connection with a travelator, but it is obvious that corresponding principles of the invention can be applied to moving ramps and escalators as well. The travelator comprises a conveyor 2, which in this case is a pallet conveyor. The conveyor 2 is mounted on a conveyor frame 28. The conveyor frame 28 lies on a floor base throughout its length. Secured to the conveyor frame 28 are usually two balustrades 29 extending alongside the conveyor 2 throughout its length on either side of it. In this description, that end of the conveyor 2 which in Fig. 1 and 2 is the right-hand end and by which the conveyor is driven by a power means 1 is referred to as the driven end 3. The other end of the conveyor 2, which is not provided with a power means, is referred to as the non-driven end 4. The conveyor 2 comprises a first drive element 5 and second drive element 6, which are at a distance from each other and parallel to each other, each being formed as an endless loop. A number of transport platforms 7, which in the example are pallets, have been arranged one after the other and each one of them is fastened from one side oriented in the transport direction to the first drive element 5 and from the other side oriented in the transport direction to the second drive element 6. The first and the second drive elements 5 and 6 may be link chains or alternatively toothed belts. Placed on one side of the conveyor 2 at the driven end 3 of the conveyor 2 is a first driving pulley 8 rotated by a power means 1, and a first diverting pulley 9 is pro- vided at the non-driven end. The first drive element 5 is passed over the first driving pulley 8 and me first diverting pulley 9. Correspondingly, on the other side of the conveyor 2 at the driven end 3 of the con- veyor 2 is a second driving pulley 10 rotated by the power means 1, and a second diverting pulley 11 is provided at the non-driven end. The second drive element 6 is passed over the second driving pulley 10 and the second diverting pulley 11. At the driven end 3, the first driving pulley 8 and the second driving pulley 10 are mutually synchronized by first synchronizing means 12. The first synchronizing means 12 comprise as an essential functional part a first synchronizing shaft 14, to which the power means 1 is connected to rotate it. Mounted on the first synchroniz- ing shaft 14 is a third driving pulley 15. A third diverting pulley 16 is mounted on the same shaft with the first driving pulley 8. A third drive element 17 is passed as an endless loop over the third driving pulley 15 and the third diverting pulley 16. A fourth driving pulley 18 is mounted on the first synchronizing shaft 14 at a distance from the third driving pulley 15. A fourth diverting pulley 19 is mounted on the same shaft with the second driving pulley 10. A fourth drive element 20 is passed as an endless loop over the fourth driving pulley 18 and the fourth diverting pulley 19. Thus, the driving power is transmitted to both drive elements 5 and 6 via the same synchronizing shaft 14. A similar synchronization arrangement is also provided at the non-driven end 4 of the conveyor 2, where the conveyor 2 comprises second synchronizing means 13 for mutual synchronization of the first diverting pulley 9 and the second diverting pul- ley 11. The second synchronizing means 13 at the non-driven end 4 comprise as an essential functional part a second synchronizing shaft 21. A fifth diverting pulley 22 is mounted on the second synchronizing shaft 21. A sixth diverting pulley 23 is mounted on the same shaft with the first diverting pulley 9. A fifth drive element 24 is passed as an endless loop over the fifth diverting pulley 22 and the sixth diverting pulley 23. A seventh diverting pulley 25 is mounted on the second synchronizing shaft 21 at a distance from the fifth diverting pulley 22. An eighth diverting pulley 26 is mounted on the same shaft with the second diverting pulley 10. A sixth drive element 27 is passed as an endless loop over the seventh diverting pulley 25 and the eighth diverting pulley 26. Thus, at the non-driven end 4 the load is equalized be- tween the two drive elements 5 and 6 via the second synchronizing shaft 21. As can be seen from Fig. 1 and 2, the conveyor 2 is a pallet conveyor of a flat shape. The pallets move from the entry end 4 of the conveyor 2 to its exit end 3 and vice versa along a transport track consisting of upper supporting guide rails provided in the conveyor frame 28. At the exit end 3 of the conveyor, maintaining their position and orientation, the pallets move onto a lower return track consisting of lower sup- porting guide rails provided in the conveyor frame, where the pallets 7 return in the opposite direction relative to the transport direction of the conveyor to the entry end 4 of the conveyor. From Fig. 2 it can be seen that, as the axis of rotation of the first diverting pulley 9 is on the same axis line L1 with the axis of rotation of the second diverting pulley 11, the second synchronizing shaft 21 is at a distance from the said first axis line L1 outside the track of motion of the transport platforms 7. Similarly, at the other end of the conveyor 2, the axis of rotation of the first driving pulley 8 is on the same axis line L2 with the axis of rotation of the second driving pulley 10 and the first syn- chronizing shaft 14 is at a distance from the said second axis line L2 outside the track of motion of the transport platforms 7. This arrangement permits the pallets 7 to move at the entry and exit ends of the conveyor from the lower return track to the upper transport track and vice versa past the synchronizing shafts 14 and 21. The invention is not limited to the embodiment examples described above; instead, many variations are possible within the scope of the inventive concept defined in the claims. List of reference numbers: power means (1) conveyor (2) driven end (3) ei-kaytetty paa (4) first drive element (5) second drive element (6) transport platform (7) first driving pulley (8) first diverting pulley (9) second driving pulley (10) second diverting pulley (11) first synchronizing means (12) second synchronizing means (13) first synchronizing shaft (14) third driving pulley (15) third diverting pulley (16) third drive element (17) fourth driving pulley (18) fourth diverting pulley (19) fourth drive element (20) second synchronizing shaft (21) fifth diverting pulley (22) sixth diverting pulley (23) fifth drive element (24) seventh diverting pulley (25) eighth diverting pulley (26) sixth drive element (27) first axis line (L1) second axis line (L2) conveyor frame (28) balustrade (29) WE CLAIM: 1. A travelator, moving ramp or escalator, comprising: - a power means (1), and - a conveyor (2) having a driven end (3), which is driven by the power means (1), and a non-driven end (4), which has no power means, said conveyor comprising: -- a first drive element (5) and a second drive element (6), which are at a distance from each other and parallel to each other, each being formed as an endless loop, -- a number of transport platforms (7), such as pallets or stairs, which are arranged one after the other and secured to the first drive element (5) and to the sec- ond drive element (6), -- a first driving pulley (8), which is disposed at the driven end (3) and over which the first drive element (5) is passed, said first driving pulley being rotatable by the power means (1), -- a first diverting pulley (9), which is disposed at the non-driven end (4) and over which the first drive element (5) is passed, - a second driving pulley (10), which is disposed at the driven end (3) and over which the second drive element (6) is passed, said second driving pulley (10) being rotatable by the power means (1), -- a second diverting pulley (11), which is disposed at the non-driven end (4) and over which the second drive element (6) is passed, -- first synchronizing means (12) arranged at the driven end (3) for mutual synchronization of the first driving pulley (8) and the second driving pulley (10), -- second synchronizing means (13) at the non-driven end (4) for mutual synchronization of the first diverting pulley (9) and the second diverting pulley (11), which second synchronizing means comprise: - a second synchronizing shaft (21) - a fifth diverting pulley (22), which is mounted on the second synchroniz- ing shaft (21), - a sixth diverting pulley (23), which is mounted on the same shaft with the first driving pulley (9), - a fifth drive element (24), which is passed as an endless loop over the fifth diverting pulley (22) and the sixth diverting pulley (23), - a seventh diverting pulley (25), which is mounted on the second synchro- nizing shaft (21) at a distance from the fifth diverting pulley (22), - an eighth diverting pulley (26), which is mounted on the same shaft with the second diverting pulley (10), and - a sixth drive element (27), which is passed as an endless loop over the sev- enth diverting pulley (25) and the eighth diverting pulley (26). 2. A travelator, moving ramp or escalator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first synchronizing means (12) at the driven end (3) comprise: - a first synchronizing shaft (14), to which the power means (1) is connected to rotate it, - a third driving pulley (15), which is mounted on the first synchronizing shaft (14), - a third diverting pulley (16), which is mounted on the same shaft with the first driving pulley (8), - a third drive element (17), which is passed as an endless loop over the third driving pulley (15) and the third diverting pulley (16), - a fourth driving pulley (18), which is mounted on the first synchronizing shaft (14) at a distance from the third driving pulley (15), - a fourth diverting pulley (19), which is mounted on the same shaft with the second driving pulley (10), and - a fourth drive element (20), which is passed as an endless loop over the fourth driving pulley (18) and the fourth diverting pulley (19). 3. A travelator, moving ramp or escalator as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the axis of rotation of the first diverting pulley (9) is on the same first axis line (Lx) with the axis of rotation of the second diverting pulley (11); and that the second synchronizing shaft (21) is at a distance from the said first axis line (Lx). 4. A travelator, moving ramp or escalator as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second synchronizing shaft (21) is outside the track of motion of the transport plat- forms (7). 5. A travelator, moving ramp or escalator as claimed in claim 3, wherein the track of motion of the transport platforms comprises an upper transport portion and a lower return portion; and that the second synchronizing shaft (21) is inside the track of motion of the transport platforms (7), arranged between the transport por- tion and the return portion. 6. A travelator, moving ramp or escalator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the axis of rotation of the first driving pulley (8) is on the same second axis line (L2) with the axis of rotation of the second driving pulley (10); and that the first synchronizing shaft (14) is at a distance from the said second axis line (L2). 7. A travelator, moving ramp or escalator as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first synchronizing shaft (14) is outside the track of motion of the transport plat- forms (7). 8. A travelator, moving ramp or escalator as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first synchronizing shaft (14) is inside the track of motion of the transport platforms (7), arranged between the transport portion and the return portion. 9. A travelator, moving ramp or escalator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first drive element (5) and the second drive element (6) are link chains. 10. A travelator, moving ramp or escalator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first drive element (5) and the second drive element (6) are toothed belts. 11. A travelator, moving ramp or escalator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the travelator, moving ramp or escalator is a low-construction travela- tor, moving ramp or escalator mounted on a fixed base, such as a floor or other sup- port. ABSTRACT A TRAVELATOR, MOVING RAMP OR ESCALATOR A travelator, moving ramp or escalator is disclosed. It comprises a power means (1) and a conveyor (2) having a driven end (3) driven by the power means (1) and a non-driven end (4). The conveyor comprises a first drive element (5) and a second drive element (6), which are at a distance from each other and parallel to each other, each being formed as an endless loop. A number of transport platforms (7), such as pallets or stairs, are arranged one after the other and secured to the first (5) and the second (6) drive elements. The first drive element (5) is passed at the driven end (3) over a first driving pulley (8), which is rotated by the power means (1), and at the non-driven end (4) over a first diverting pulley (9). The second drive element (6) is passed at the driven end (3) over a second driving pulley (10), which is rotated by the power means (1), and over a second diverting pulley (12) at the non-driven end (4). Placed at the driven end (3) are first synchronizing means (12) for mutual synchronization of the first driving pulley (8) and the second driving pul- ley (10). The conveyor (2) additionally comprises second synchronizing means (13), which have been arranged at the non-driven end (4) for mutual synchronization of the first diverting pulley (9) and the second diverting pulley (11).

Full Text

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a travelator, moving ramp or escalator.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In prior art, a travelator, moving ramp or escalator is known which comprises a
power means and a conveyor having an end driven by the power means and a non-
driven end. The conveyor comprises a first drive element and a second drive ele-
ment, which are disposed at a distance from each other and parallel to each other,
each being implemented as an endless loop. The drive elements are usually link
chains or toothed belts.
A number of conveyor platforms, such as pallets, are arranged one after the other
and secured to the first and the second drive elements. At the driven end of the con-
veyor, the first drive element is passed over a first driving pulley rotated by the
power means and at the non-driven end over a first diverting pulley. The second
drive element is passed at the driven end of the conveyor over a second driving pul-
ley rotated by the power means and over a second diverting pulley at the non-driven
end. Arranged at the driven end are synchronizing means for mutual synchroniza-
tion of the first driving pulley and the second driving pulley.
The elongations of the drive elements at the non-driven end of the conveyor may be
different.
In conventional prior-art travelators, moving ramps and escalators, the transport
length of the conveyor is reasonably short and the link chains usually employed as
drive elements are of a very heavy design. For example, the effective diameter of the
driving pulley may be of the order of 60 cm and the chain pitch 130 - 150 mm. The
difference of elongation of the link chains on opposite sides does not become very
large and no problem arises.

Today, however, there is a need for travelators, moving ramps and/or escalators in
which the transport distances are very long and in which the distance between the
driving and diverting pulleys of the drive elements are consequently also very long.
For example, in very long travelators, the distance between the driving and diverting
pulleys is long, e.g. of the order of 100 meters.
Further, there has arisen a need for low-construction travelators, moving ramps and
escalators designed to be mounted directly on a fixed base, such as a floor, without
any special pits formed in the fixed structure, such as the floor of a building, for
embedded mounting of the frame and machinery of the travelator. In the frame
structure of a travelator, moving ramp or escalator mounted on a fixed base there is
very little space for the drive machine of the conveyor, and therefore the diameter of
the driving and diverting pulleys can not be very large and correspondingly the
drive elements used, such as link chains or belts, are also quite thin, so their elonga-
tions and accordingly the difference of elongation may become large enough to
cause problems. For example, if the drive elements used in a 100 m long conveyor
are link chains with a pitch of 5/8", then the elongation of the link chain may be as
much as about 30 cm. The difference of elongation of the link chains used as first
and second drive elements may be e.g. about 10 cm. The difference of elongation
becomes the more pronounced the longer and thinner the chains are.
The difference of elongation may be due to different tolerances of the chains and/or
different wear resulting from uneven loading of the conveyor. Uneven loading again
may be due to the fact that passengers usually stand on the right-hand side of the
conveyor. Therefore, the drive element on the right-hand side undergoes greater
elongation than does the drive element on the left-hand side.
In prior art, as the diverting pulleys at the non-driven end of the conveyor are in no
way synchronized with each other and because the transport platforms are fastened
to both drive elements, the difference of elongation accumulating at the non-driven

end of the conveyor leads to a problematic situation where the transport platforms
especially near the non-driven end of the conveyor tend to move in a position differ-
ing from the mutually parallel position at the driven end, that is to say, in an oblique
position relative to the transport direction, which may result in the transport plat-
forms being stuck on their guide rails, thus stopping the conveyor.
US 2003/0132087 discloses a travelator having pallets connected to two drive
chains which are running between a drive sprocket and a tension sprocket, respec-
tively,
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks.
A specific object of the invention is to disclose a travelator, moving ramp or escala-
tor in which it is possible to use longer and thinner cheap drive elements requiring a
lower tolerance accuracy than before.
A further object of the invention is to disclose a travelator, moving ramp or escala-
tor in which unequal wear of the drive elements causes less problems than before.
A further object of the invention is to disclose a travelator, moving ramp or escala-
tor in which the load is better distributed between the drive elements.
Yet another object of the invention is to disclose a travelator, moving ramp or esca-
lator in which the transport platforms are prevented from getting into an oblique
position relative to the transport direction at the non-driven end of the conveyor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly the present invention provides a travelator, moving ramp or escalator,
comprising: a power means, and a conveyor having a driven end, which is driven by

the power means, and a non-driven end, which has no power means, said conveyor
comprising a first drive element and a second drive element which are at a distance
from each other and parallel to each other, each being formed as an endless loop, a
number of transport platforms, such as pallets or stairs, which are arranged one after
the other and secured to the first drive element and to the second drive element, a
first driving pulley, which is disposed at the driven end and over which the first
drive element is passed, said first driving pulley being rotatable by the power means,
a first diverting pulley, which is disposed at the non-driven end and over which the
first drive element is passed, a second driving pulley, which is disposed at the driven
end and over which the second drive element is passed, said second driving pulley
being rotatable by the power means, a second diverting pulley, which is disposed at
the non-driven end and over which the second drive element is passed, first syn-
chronizing means arranged at the driven end for mutual synchronization of the first
driving pulley and the second driving pulley, second synchronizing means at the
non-driven end for mutual synchronization of the first diverting pulley and the sec-
ond diverting pulley, which second synchronizing means comprise: a second syn-
chronizing shaft a fifth diverting pulley, which is mounted on the second synchro-
nizing shaft, a sixth diverting pulley, which is mounted on the same shaft with the
first driving pulley, a fifth drive element, which is passed as an endless loop over the
fifth diverting pulley and the sixth diverting pulley, a seventh diverting pulley,
which is mounted on the second synchronizing shaft at a distance from the fifth di-
verting pulley, an eighth diverting pulley, which is mounted on the same shaft with
the second diverting pulley, and a sixth drive element, which is passed as an endless
loop over the seventh diverting pulley and the eighth diverting pulley.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention is characterized by what is disclosed in the characterization part of
claim 1. Other embodiments of the invention are characterized by what is disclosed
in the other claims. Inventive embodiments are also presented in the description part
and drawings of the present application. Within the framework of the basic concept

of the invention, features of different embodiments of the invention can be applied
in conjunction with other embodiments.
According to the invention, the conveyor comprises second synchronizing means,
which have been arranged at the non-driven end for mutual synchronization of the
first diverting pulley and the second diverting pulley.
The invention has the advantage that the second synchronizing means equalize the
error arising from unequal elongation of the drive elements or from other errors be-
tween the two drive elements so that the load is evenly distributed on both. This
makes it possible to use thinner and more stretchable drive elements than before,
which can be manufactured to less strict tolerances than before. Furthermore, the
invention makes it possible to produce a longer travelator, moving ramp or escalator
designed to be mounted on a fixed base than before.
In the invention, the synchronizing means at the non-driven end comprise a second
synchronizing shaft; a fifth driving pulley mounted on the second synchronizing
shaft; a fifth diverting pulley mounted on the second synchronizing shaft; a sixth
diverting pulley mounted on the same shaft with the first diverting pulley; a fifth
drive element, which is passed as an endless loop over the fifth diverting pulley and
a sixth diverting pulley; a seventh diverting pulley mounted on the second synchro-
nizing shaft at a distance from the fifth diverting pulley; an eighth diverting pulley
mounted on the same shaft with the second diverting pulley; and a sixth drive ele-
ment, which is passed as an endless loop over the seventh diverting pulley and the
eighth diverting pulley.
In an embodiment of the invention, the first synchronizing means at the driven end
comprise a first synchronizing shaft to which a first power means is connected to
rotate it; a third driving pulley mounted on the first synchronizing shaft; a third di-
verting pulley mounted on the same shaft with the first driving pulley; a third drive
element, which is passed as an endless loop over the third driving pulley and the

third diverting pulley; a fourth driving pulley mounted on the first synchronizing
shaft at a distance from the third driving pulley; a fourth diverting pulley mounted
on the same shaft with the second driving pulley; and a fourth drive element, which
is passed as an endless loop over the fourth driving pulley and the fourth diverting
pulley.
In an embodiment of the invention, the axis of rotation of the first diverting pulley is
on the same first axis line with the axis of rotation of the second diverting pulley.
The second synchronizing shaft is at a distance from the said first axis line.
In an embodiment of the invention, the second synchronizing shaft is outside the
track of motion of the transport platforms.
In an embodiment of the invention, the second synchronizing shaft is inside the
track of motion of the transport platforms, arranged between an upper transport por-
tion and a lower return portion of the transport platforms. Using this arrangement,
the length of the structure can be reduced.
In an embodiment of the invention, the axis of rotation of the first driving pulley is
on the same second axis line with the axis of rotation of the second driving pulley.
The first synchronizing shaft is at a distance from the said second axis line.
In an embodiment of the invention, the first synchronizing shaft is outside the track
of motion of the transport platforms.
In an embodiment of the invention, the first synchronizing shaft is inside the track of
motion of the transport platforms, arranged between the upper transport portion and
the lower return portion of the transport platforms. This arrangement allows the
length of the structure to be reduced.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first drive element and the second drive ele-
ment are link chains.
In an embodiment of the invention, the first drive element and the second drive ele-
ment are toothed belts.
In an embodiment of the invention, the travelator, moving ramp or escalator is a
low-construction travelator, moving ramp or escalator mounted on a fixed base,
such as a floor or other support.
BRIEF DECSRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
In the following, the invention will be described in detail with reference to embodi-
ment examples and the attached drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 presents a diagrammatic side view of an embodiment of the drive arrange-
ment of the conveyor of the travelator, moving ramp or escalator of the invention,
and
Fig. 2 presents a top view of the drive arrangement shown in Fig. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Fig. 1 and 2 are diagrams representing a low-construction horizontal travelator
mounted on a fixed base, such as a floor or other support, which means that no pit
needs to be made in the fixed base for the travelator machinery. In the following
description of an example, the invention is described in connection with a travelator,
but it is obvious that corresponding principles of the invention can be applied to
moving ramps and escalators as well.
The travelator comprises a conveyor 2, which in this case is a pallet conveyor. The
conveyor 2 is mounted on a conveyor frame 28. The conveyor frame 28 lies on a

floor base throughout its length. Secured to the conveyor frame 28 are usually two
balustrades 29 extending alongside the conveyor 2 throughout its length on either
side of it.
In this description, that end of the conveyor 2 which in Fig. 1 and 2 is the right-hand
end and by which the conveyor is driven by a power means 1 is referred to as the
driven end 3. The other end of the conveyor 2, which is not provided with a power
means, is referred to as the non-driven end 4.
The conveyor 2 comprises a first drive element 5 and second drive element 6, which
are at a distance from each other and parallel to each other, each being formed as an
endless loop. A number of transport platforms 7, which in the example are pallets,
have been arranged one after the other and each one of them is fastened from one
side oriented in the transport direction to the first drive element 5 and from the other
side oriented in the transport direction to the second drive element 6. The first and
the second drive elements 5 and 6 may be link chains or alternatively toothed belts.
Placed on one side of the conveyor 2 at the driven end 3 of the conveyor 2 is a first
driving pulley 8 rotated by a power means 1, and a first diverting pulley 9 is pro-
vided at the non-driven end. The first drive element 5 is passed over the first driving
pulley 8 and me first diverting pulley 9.
Correspondingly, on the other side of the conveyor 2 at the driven end 3 of the con-
veyor 2 is a second driving pulley 10 rotated by the power means 1, and a second
diverting pulley 11 is provided at the non-driven end. The second drive element 6 is
passed over the second driving pulley 10 and the second diverting pulley 11.
At the driven end 3, the first driving pulley 8 and the second driving pulley 10 are
mutually synchronized by first synchronizing means 12. The first synchronizing
means 12 comprise as an essential functional part a first synchronizing shaft 14, to
which the power means 1 is connected to rotate it. Mounted on the first synchroniz-

ing shaft 14 is a third driving pulley 15. A third diverting pulley 16 is mounted on
the same shaft with the first driving pulley 8. A third drive element 17 is passed as
an endless loop over the third driving pulley 15 and the third diverting pulley 16. A
fourth driving pulley 18 is mounted on the first synchronizing shaft 14 at a distance
from the third driving pulley 15. A fourth diverting pulley 19 is mounted on the
same shaft with the second driving pulley 10. A fourth drive element 20 is passed as
an endless loop over the fourth driving pulley 18 and the fourth diverting pulley 19.
Thus, the driving power is transmitted to both drive elements 5 and 6 via the same
synchronizing shaft 14.
A similar synchronization arrangement is also provided at the non-driven end 4 of
the conveyor 2, where the conveyor 2 comprises second synchronizing means 13 for
mutual synchronization of the first diverting pulley 9 and the second diverting pul-
ley 11. The second synchronizing means 13 at the non-driven end 4 comprise as an
essential functional part a second synchronizing shaft 21. A fifth diverting pulley 22
is mounted on the second synchronizing shaft 21. A sixth diverting pulley 23 is
mounted on the same shaft with the first diverting pulley 9. A fifth drive element 24
is passed as an endless loop over the fifth diverting pulley 22 and the sixth diverting
pulley 23. A seventh diverting pulley 25 is mounted on the second synchronizing
shaft 21 at a distance from the fifth diverting pulley 22. An eighth diverting pulley
26 is mounted on the same shaft with the second diverting pulley 10. A sixth drive
element 27 is passed as an endless loop over the seventh diverting pulley 25 and the
eighth diverting pulley 26. Thus, at the non-driven end 4 the load is equalized be-
tween the two drive elements 5 and 6 via the second synchronizing shaft 21.
As can be seen from Fig. 1 and 2, the conveyor 2 is a pallet conveyor of a flat shape.
The pallets move from the entry end 4 of the conveyor 2 to its exit end 3 and vice
versa along a transport track consisting of upper supporting guide rails provided in
the conveyor frame 28. At the exit end 3 of the conveyor, maintaining their position
and orientation, the pallets move onto a lower return track consisting of lower sup-
porting guide rails provided in the conveyor frame, where the pallets 7 return in the

opposite direction relative to the transport direction of the conveyor to the entry end
4 of the conveyor.
From Fig. 2 it can be seen that, as the axis of rotation of the first diverting pulley 9
is on the same axis line L1 with the axis of rotation of the second diverting pulley
11, the second synchronizing shaft 21 is at a distance from the said first axis line L1
outside the track of motion of the transport platforms 7. Similarly, at the other end
of the conveyor 2, the axis of rotation of the first driving pulley 8 is on the same axis
line L2 with the axis of rotation of the second driving pulley 10 and the first syn-
chronizing shaft 14 is at a distance from the said second axis line L2 outside the
track of motion of the transport platforms 7. This arrangement permits the pallets 7
to move at the entry and exit ends of the conveyor from the lower return track to the
upper transport track and vice versa past the synchronizing shafts 14 and 21.
The invention is not limited to the embodiment examples described above; instead,
many variations are possible within the scope of the inventive concept defined in the
claims.
List of reference numbers:
power means (1)
conveyor (2)
driven end (3)
ei-kaytetty paa (4)
first drive element (5)
second drive element (6)
transport platform (7)
first driving pulley (8)
first diverting pulley (9)
second driving pulley (10)

second diverting pulley (11)
first synchronizing means (12)
second synchronizing means (13)
first synchronizing shaft (14)
third driving pulley (15)
third diverting pulley (16)
third drive element (17)
fourth driving pulley (18)
fourth diverting pulley (19)
fourth drive element (20)
second synchronizing shaft (21)
fifth diverting pulley (22)
sixth diverting pulley (23)
fifth drive element (24)
seventh diverting pulley (25)
eighth diverting pulley (26)
sixth drive element (27)
first axis line (L1)
second axis line (L2)
conveyor frame (28)
balustrade (29)

WE CLAIM:
1. A travelator, moving ramp or escalator, comprising:
- a power means (1), and
- a conveyor (2) having a driven end (3), which is driven by the power
means (1), and a non-driven end (4), which has no power means, said conveyor
comprising:
-- a first drive element (5) and a second drive element (6), which are at a
distance from each other and parallel to each other, each being formed as an endless
loop,
-- a number of transport platforms (7), such as pallets or stairs, which are
arranged one after the other and secured to the first drive element (5) and to the sec-
ond drive element (6),
-- a first driving pulley (8), which is disposed at the driven end (3) and over
which the first drive element (5) is passed, said first driving pulley being rotatable
by the power means (1),
-- a first diverting pulley (9), which is disposed at the non-driven end (4)
and over which the first drive element (5) is passed,
- a second driving pulley (10), which is disposed at the driven end (3) and
over which the second drive element (6) is passed, said second driving pulley (10)
being rotatable by the power means (1),
-- a second diverting pulley (11), which is disposed at the non-driven end
(4) and over which the second drive element (6) is passed,
-- first synchronizing means (12) arranged at the driven end (3) for mutual
synchronization of the first driving pulley (8) and the second driving pulley (10),
-- second synchronizing means (13) at the non-driven end (4) for mutual
synchronization of the first diverting pulley (9) and the second diverting pulley (11),
which second synchronizing means comprise:
- a second synchronizing shaft (21)

- a fifth diverting pulley (22), which is mounted on the second synchroniz-
ing shaft (21),
- a sixth diverting pulley (23), which is mounted on the same shaft with the
first driving pulley (9),
- a fifth drive element (24), which is passed as an endless loop over the fifth
diverting pulley (22) and the sixth diverting pulley (23),
- a seventh diverting pulley (25), which is mounted on the second synchro-
nizing shaft (21) at a distance from the fifth diverting pulley (22),
- an eighth diverting pulley (26), which is mounted on the same shaft with
the second diverting pulley (10), and
- a sixth drive element (27), which is passed as an endless loop over the sev-
enth diverting pulley (25) and the eighth diverting pulley (26).
2. A travelator, moving ramp or escalator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
first synchronizing means (12) at the driven end (3) comprise:
- a first synchronizing shaft (14), to which the power means (1) is connected
to rotate it,
- a third driving pulley (15), which is mounted on the first synchronizing
shaft (14),
- a third diverting pulley (16), which is mounted on the same shaft with the
first driving pulley (8),
- a third drive element (17), which is passed as an endless loop over the
third driving pulley (15) and the third diverting pulley (16),
- a fourth driving pulley (18), which is mounted on the first synchronizing
shaft (14) at a distance from the third driving pulley (15),
- a fourth diverting pulley (19), which is mounted on the same shaft with the
second driving pulley (10), and
- a fourth drive element (20), which is passed as an endless loop over the
fourth driving pulley (18) and the fourth diverting pulley (19).

3. A travelator, moving ramp or escalator as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein
the axis of rotation of the first diverting pulley (9) is on the same first axis line (Lx)
with the axis of rotation of the second diverting pulley (11); and that the second
synchronizing shaft (21) is at a distance from the said first axis line (Lx).
4. A travelator, moving ramp or escalator as claimed in claim 3, wherein the
second synchronizing shaft (21) is outside the track of motion of the transport plat-
forms (7).
5. A travelator, moving ramp or escalator as claimed in claim 3, wherein the
track of motion of the transport platforms comprises an upper transport portion and
a lower return portion; and that the second synchronizing shaft (21) is inside the
track of motion of the transport platforms (7), arranged between the transport por-
tion and the return portion.
6. A travelator, moving ramp or escalator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to
5, wherein the axis of rotation of the first driving pulley (8) is on the same second
axis line (L2) with the axis of rotation of the second driving pulley (10); and that the
first synchronizing shaft (14) is at a distance from the said second axis line (L2).
7. A travelator, moving ramp or escalator as claimed in claim 6, wherein the
first synchronizing shaft (14) is outside the track of motion of the transport plat-
forms (7).
8. A travelator, moving ramp or escalator as claimed in claim 6, wherein the
first synchronizing shaft (14) is inside the track of motion of the transport platforms
(7), arranged between the transport portion and the return portion.
9. A travelator, moving ramp or escalator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to
8, wherein the first drive element (5) and the second drive element (6) are link
chains.

10. A travelator, moving ramp or escalator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to
9, wherein the first drive element (5) and the second drive element (6) are toothed
belts.
11. A travelator, moving ramp or escalator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to
10, wherein the travelator, moving ramp or escalator is a low-construction travela-
tor, moving ramp or escalator mounted on a fixed base, such as a floor or other sup-
port.

ABSTRACT

A TRAVELATOR, MOVING RAMP OR ESCALATOR
A travelator, moving ramp or escalator is disclosed. It comprises a power
means (1) and a conveyor (2) having a driven end (3) driven by the power means (1)
and a non-driven end (4). The conveyor comprises a first drive element (5) and a
second drive element (6), which are at a distance from each other and parallel to
each other, each being formed as an endless loop. A number of transport platforms
(7), such as pallets or stairs, are arranged one after the other and secured to the first
(5) and the second (6) drive elements. The first drive element (5) is passed at the
driven end (3) over a first driving pulley (8), which is rotated by the power means
(1), and at the non-driven end (4) over a first diverting pulley (9). The second drive
element (6) is passed at the driven end (3) over a second driving pulley (10), which
is rotated by the power means (1), and over a second diverting pulley (12) at the
non-driven end (4). Placed at the driven end (3) are first synchronizing means (12)
for mutual synchronization of the first driving pulley (8) and the second driving pul-
ley (10). The conveyor (2) additionally comprises second synchronizing means (13),
which have been arranged at the non-driven end (4) for mutual synchronization of
the first diverting pulley (9) and the second diverting pulley (11).

A TRAVELATOR, MOVING RAMP OR ESCALATOR

Documents:

Inventors:

PCT Conventions: