Escalator drive mechanism with failure detection and backup

摘要

An escalator drive assembly includes a backup member ( 40 ) that facilitates controlling movement of the escalator ( 20 ) even when the normal drive assembly operation is interrupted. A backup member ( 40 ) in the form of a flange ( 42 ) is associated with a drive pulley ( 34 ) and normally rotates in unison with the drive pulley ( 34 ). When there is a failure in the normal operation of the drive mechanism, however, there is a resulting relative movement between the backup member ( 40 ) and the drive pulley ( 34 ). Such relative motion preferably activates a switch ( 80 ) that provides a signal that indicates a failure of the normal operation of the drive mechanism. The backup member ( 40 ) facilitates providing an indication of a failure and control over movement of the escalator ( 20 ) even when the normal drive assembly is not operating as intended.