Public Traffic Type Escalator Driving Chain Broken: A Failure Analysis

Abstract

The main drive chain of escalator is an important part of power transmission. In this paper, combined with an Escalator driving chain failure case, by taking a variety of analytical methods, such as visual inspection, chemical composition analysis, and microstructure, analysis on the cause of driving chain failure. According to analysis, we can conclude that the fracture of the drive chain is caused by the stress concentration effect of the bending stress of the transition plate, and the decarburization layer on the surface of the chain plate reaches 3. 5% of the plate thickness, which accelerates the occurrence of fatigue cracking. So in the process of design and manufacture, the rationality of material, manufacturing and assembly process should be fully considered. Also in the use of the drive chain due to wear, impact, etc., to achieve the service life should be replaced in a timely manner.