Handrail Drive Chains

Handrail drive chains are a system that allows you to quickly and easily change the direction of the railing in place. The system uses pressure roller assemblies to force the handrail 25 against the drive wheel 11. These sprockets make radial contact with the handrail, which ensures that the maximum force is transferred. They can be adjusted to increase or decrease the force they apply to the handrail.

Chain No.	Pitch	Roller diameter	Width between inner plates	Pin diameter	Pin length		Inner plate depth	Plate thickness	Transverse pitch	Ultimate tensile strength	Average tensile strength	Weight per meter
	P	d1 max	b1 min	d2 max	L max	Lc max	h2 max	t/T max	Pt	Q min	Q0	q
	mm	mm	mm	mm	mm	mm	mm	mm	mm	kN/lbf	kg	kg/m
16A-2	25.40	15.88	15.75	7.92	62.7	64.3	24.00	3.25	29.29	113.40/25493	141.8	5.15
16AFT-2	25.40	15.88	15.75	7.92	62.7	65.8	24.00	3.25	29.29	132.3/29742	165.4	5.51
16B-1	25.40	15.88	17.02	8.28	36.1	37.4	21.00	4.15/3.10	–	60.0/13488	72.8	2.71
16B-2	25.40	15.88	17.02	8.28	68.0	69.3	21.00	4.15/3.10	31.88	106.0/23829	133.0	5.42

Handrail Drive Chains Features

Drive chains are a vital part of escalators because they transmit motive force from the main axis of the escalator to the axis of the handrail. These chains are typically composed of two sets of chains with rollers spaced at regular intervals. Step chains also use several axels, which link the steps. The newel chain, on the other hand, has small bearings at the end of the newel to allow for smoother movement.
The improved drive system 10 is designed to be installed in a typical escalator system. To install the system, the existing handrail 25 is shortened approximately ten inches, and the frame 12 is replaced. The new frame 12 has an angle of about six degrees toward the top. The handrail drive system is thus compatible with an escalator with a six wheel roller drive system.

Types of Handrail Drive Chains There are several types of handrail chains, including Rollers 50, Handrail drive 18, and Self-measuring units. Listed below are some of the most common types:
Handrail drive 18	A handrail drive chain is a mechanical device that drives a handrail in a specified direction. The handrail is attached to a truss frame by means of a pair of parallel guide bases. One guide base is located at the lower position of the truss and the other is located at the upper position. A truss drive chain includes a motor 19 that drives a sprocket 14a through a power transmission mechanism. Another pair of sprockets are attached to the drive chains 18 via a chain guide system.
Rollers 50	The self-tightening multiple nip mangle type handrail drive has two pairs of drive rollers. Each pair has a separate chain entangled in a common dual drive sprocket. An electric motor rotates these sprockets. Rollers 50 and 55 are used in tandem with this type of drive, allowing greater driving force to be transmitted without damaging the handrail.
R1 and R2	The handrail drive chains that connect the Moving Handrail to the Trailing Rollers are the key to preventing a car from slipping and tumbling off the road. These chains come in R1, R2 and R3 configurations and are made to fit the respective railings. The R1 and R2 configurations are the most common, but variations in each level may exist depending on location and weather conditions.

Indentations

Indentations in handrails are not only unsightly, but they are often a source of safety concern for building managers. In many applications, such as elevators and escalators, indentations can cause severe safety concerns. As such, minimizing these indentations can significantly reduce the time it takes for the elastic handrail to return to its normal profile. As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, indentations in handrail drive chains may lead to a significant safety concern.

Polyurethane rollers reduce indentations

There are many applications for polyurethane rollers in industrial processes. These products not only provide superior noise reduction, but also provide abrasion and solvent resistance. Conveying systems are the foundation of efficient operations and must ensure the movement of parts without indentations. Idler rollers are a major component of conveyor systems, and reduce damage by reducing friction and causing fewer indentations.

Indentations caused by pinching of idled section of handrail

Pinch-grip handrails are commonly used as guardrails on stairs. Although they are much less stable than power grips. They are still an effective means of guidance on stairs, ramps, and walkways. However, pinch-grip handrails do not meet the strict ADA requirements, making them a poor stairway choice.  Designe true handrails with fall prevention in mind and meet the necessary safety standards to ensure the safety of all users.

Handrail Drive Chains and Sprockets

While sprockets are usually designed to match a specific chain, there are a few differences between them. In the U.S., chains are made to a standard, called ANSI. The pitch of a chain is the measurement from one roller-pin center to the next. The chain pitch is always measured in 1/8″ increments.
The two components, chains and sprockets work hand-in-hand. A sprocket is a wheel-shaped projection that hooks onto a chain for a drive. This projection later became known as the sprocket wheel. The modern chain has been driving machinery for more than a century. Sprockets are a crucial part of a chain-driven machine. The sprockets can be used in many industries. Chainsaws also use sprockets to make their blades. Chainsaws, on the other hand, use sprockets for a more reliable way to cut materials. Compared to timing belts, sprocket chains are more durable and dependable.
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