Step for escalator and escalator
By setting different light-gathering areas and light-gathering parts on the escalator steps, the problem of difficulty in identifying the boundaries of adjacent steps is solved, improving user safety and the convenience of going up and down the escalator.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
- Filing Date
- 2021-06-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-12
AI Technical Summary
In escalators, the boundaries between adjacent steps are difficult to visually identify, increasing the risk of users tripping or falling.
Different light-gathering areas are set on the steps of the escalator. By configuring the light-gathering units in a visually distinguishable manner, the boundary between adjacent steps becomes more obvious.
It improves the visual recognition between adjacent steps, increasing user safety and convenience when going up and down escalators.
Smart Images
Figure CN115072535B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a step for an escalator and an escalator. Background Technology
[0002] Previously, it was known that in escalators, yellow dividing lines were provided around the ends of the upper surface of each step—namely, the front end, the rear end, and the left and right sides—to draw the user's attention and improve safety. Patent Document 1 discloses that these dividing lines use a photoluminescent material. Therefore, even in dark environments such as during power outages, users can easily visually identify the dividing lines through the light emitted by the photoluminescent material.
[0003] Existing technical documents
[0004] Patent documents
[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-211190 Summary of the Invention
[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve
[0007] However, in the past, because the same dividing line was set at the ends of each adjacent side of two adjacent steps, the boundary between adjacent steps was difficult to visually identify, which posed a risk of users tripping or falling.
[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an escalator step and an escalator that can improve the visual recognition of the boundary between adjacent steps, making it safer and easier for users to go up and down the escalator.
[0009] Methods for solving problems
[0010] The escalator step of the present invention has a footboard for a user to ride on and a vertical plate extending downward from one end edge of the footboard. At least a portion of the end of the footboard on one side of the vertical plate on the upper surface has a first light-gathering region including a light-gathering part, and at least a portion of the end of the upper surface other than the end on one side of the vertical plate has a second light-gathering region including a light-gathering part. The light-gathering parts in the first light-gathering region and the second light-gathering region are arranged in a way that makes them visually distinguishable from each other.
[0011] Invention Effects
[0012] According to the escalator steps and escalator of the present invention, the visual recognizability of the boundary between adjacent steps is improved, making it safer and easier for users to go up and down the escalator. Attached Figure Description
[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the boarding and alighting points of the escalator according to the implementation method.
[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A 3D diagram of the steps of an escalator.
[0015] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a first configuration example of the light-gathering units in the first and second light-gathering regions.
[0016] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a second configuration example of the light-gathering units in the first and second light-gathering regions.
[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a third configuration example of the light-gathering units in the first and second light-gathering regions.
[0018] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a fourth configuration example of the light-gathering units in the first and second light-gathering regions.
[0019] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the luminous color of the luminescent portion in the first and second luminescent regions.
[0020] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the luminous color of the luminescent components in the third luminescent region and other luminescent regions.
[0021] Figure 9 It is a 3D diagram of two adjacent steps.
[0022] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional view of the steps and comb plate adjacent to the boarding and alighting points.
[0023] Label Explanation
[0024] 1: Escalator; 2: Step; 3: Tread; 4: Vertical board; 6: Floor; 7: Comb plate; 3A: First photoluminescent zone; 3B: Second photoluminescent zone; 3C: Third photoluminescent zone; 41: Skirt board; 42: Moving handrail; 43: Glass panel; 7A: Fourth photoluminescent zone; 31a, 31b, 31c: Photoluminescent section. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The steps and the escalator of the embodiment will be described below. Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the boarding and alighting entrance of the escalator 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of step 2 of escalator 1. (See diagram below.) Figure 1As shown, the escalator 1 includes: a plurality of steps 2 that move cyclically in a circular connection; a floor 6 disposed on the ground at the boarding / alighting point; and a comb plate 7 disposed at the boundary between the floor 6 and the steps 2. Furthermore, the escalator 1 includes: a skirt panel 41 disposed along both sides of the steps 2; a movable handrail 42 that moves synchronously with the steps 2; and a glass panel 43 that supports the movable handrail 42. In this embodiment, the steps 2 correspond to the steps of the escalator according to the present invention.
[0026] In addition, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the step 2 has a footrest 3 for a user to sit on and a vertical plate 4 extending downward from one end edge of the footrest 3. At least a portion of the footrest 3 at the vertical plate side end of its upper surface has a first light-gathering region 3A including a light-gathering portion. Furthermore, at least a portion of the ends of the footrest 3 on its upper surface other than the vertical plate side end—that is, the ends in three directions (rear, left, and right) when the vertical plate side is in the front—has a second light-gathering region 3B including a light-gathering portion. Here, "light-gathering portion" broadly refers to a portion exhibiting light-gathering properties, such as a portion formed of a material containing a light-gathering substance, a portion coated with a paint containing a light-gathering substance, or a portion with a sheet-like light-gathering material adhered to it. Moreover, a light-gathering region can be an area where multiple light-gathering portions are arranged, or an area entirely formed of light-gathering portions.
[0027] In the first luminescent region 3A and the second luminescent region 3B, luminescent units are arranged in a manner that makes them visually distinct from each other. Here, luminescent units are arranged in a manner that makes them visually distinct, meaning that at least one of the following is different: the number, size, color, shape, arrangement pattern, or luminous intensity based on the type or concentration of the luminescent material used in the luminescent units: when the surrounding environment is dark due to power outages or other reasons, even if the first luminescent region 3A and the second luminescent region 3B are adjacent, the user can visually distinguish the approximate boundary between the first luminescent region 3A and the second luminescent region 3B.
[0028] The following describes a specific example of a structure in which the light-emitting section is arranged in a visually distinguishable manner. First, as a first structure, there exists a structure in which the proportion of the area occupied by the light-emitting section per unit area of the first light-emitting region 3A is greater than the proportion of the area occupied by the light-emitting section per unit area of the second light-emitting region 3B.
[0029] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a first configuration example of the light-gathering units in the first light-gathering region 3A and the second light-gathering region 3B. Figure 3 Example of the configuration of the light-gathering unit in the first light-gathering region 3A is shown in (a). Figure 3 Example of the configuration of the light-gathering unit in the second light-gathering region 3B is shown in (b). Figure 3 As shown in (a), a plurality of light-gathering portions 31a of a predetermined size and with a circular upper surface are embedded in the first light-gathering region 3A at intervals of distance d1. Figure 3 As shown in (b), multiple light-emitting units 31a are embedded in the second light-emitting region 3B at intervals greater than the distance d2, which is greater than the distance d1. Therefore, compared to the second light-emitting region 3B, the proportion of area occupied by the light-emitting units per unit area U is larger in the first light-emitting region 3A. Consequently, when the surrounding environment is dark due to power outages or other reasons, the first light-emitting region 3A emits a brighter light than the second light-emitting region 3B, thus emphasizing its brightness and allowing the user to visually distinguish between the two regions.
[0030] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a second configuration example of the light-gathering units in the first light-gathering region 3A and the second light-gathering region 3B. Figure 4 Example of the configuration of the light-gathering unit in the first light-gathering region 3A is shown in (a). Figure 4 Example of the configuration of the light-gathering unit in the second light-gathering region 3B is shown in (b). Figure 4 As shown in (a), a plurality of light-gathering portions 31b, with a circular upper surface of diameter D1, are embedded in the first light-gathering region 3A at intervals of distance d2. Figure 4 As shown in (b), a plurality of light-emitting portions 31c, each with a diameter D2 smaller than the upper surface, are embedded in the second light-emitting region 3B at intervals of distance d2. Therefore, compared to the second light-emitting region 3B, the proportion of area occupied by the light-emitting portions per unit area U is larger in the first light-emitting region 3A. Consequently, in dark environments such as those caused by power outages, the first light-emitting region 3A emits a brighter light than the second light-emitting region 3B, thus emphasizing its brightness and allowing the user to visually distinguish between the two regions.
[0031] In addition, as another structure for setting up the light-gathering units in a visually distinguishable manner, there is a structure in which multiple light-gathering units are arranged at equal intervals or randomly in the second light-gathering region 3B, and multiple light-gathering units are arranged in the first light-gathering region 3A by a arrangement method other than the arrangement at equal intervals or randomly.
[0032] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a third configuration example of the light-gathering units in the first light-gathering region 3A and the second light-gathering region 3B. Figure 5 Example of the configuration of the light-gathering unit in the first light-gathering region 3A is shown in (a). Figure 5 Example of the configuration of the light-gathering unit in the second light-gathering region 3B is shown in (b). Figure 5 As shown in (a), multiple light-gathering units 31c are arranged in a diagonal pattern with the right side higher than the left in the first light-gathering region 3A. Figure 5As shown in (b), multiple light-emitting units 31c are arranged at equal intervals in the second light-emitting region 3B. Therefore, when the surrounding environment is dark due to power outages or other reasons, a more distinctive light-emitting pattern appears in the first light-emitting region 3A than in the second light-emitting region 3B. As a result, the first light-emitting region 3A is more emphasized than the second light-emitting region 3B, allowing the user to visually distinguish between them.
[0033] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a fourth configuration example of the light-gathering units in the first light-gathering region 3A and the second light-gathering region 3B. Figure 6 Example of the configuration of the light-gathering unit in the first light-gathering region 3A is shown in (a). Figure 6 Example of the configuration of the light-gathering unit in the second light-gathering region 3B is shown in (b). Figure 6 As shown in (a), multiple light-gathering units 31c are arranged in a horizontally connected rhomboid shape in the first light-gathering region 3A. Figure 6 As shown in (b), multiple light-emitting units 31c are randomly arranged in the second light-emitting region 3B. Therefore, when the surrounding environment is dark due to power outages or other reasons, a more distinctive light-emitting pattern appears in the first light-emitting region 3A than in the second light-emitting region 3B. As a result, the first light-emitting region 3A is more emphasized than the second light-emitting region 3B, allowing the user to visually distinguish between them.
[0034] Furthermore, as another structure for visually distinguishing the light-emitting units, there exists a structure in which the emission color of the light-emitting unit provided in the first light-emitting region 3A is different from the emission color of the light-emitting unit provided in the second light-emitting region 3B. That is, light-emitting units with different emission colors are provided in the first light-emitting region 3A and the second light-emitting region 3B.
[0035] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates examples of the emitted colors in the first phosphorescent region 3A and the second phosphorescent region 3B. Figure 7 In the diagram, areas emitting red light are represented by a thick diagonal line that slopes downwards from left to right, while areas emitting yellow light are represented by a thin diagonal line that slopes downwards from left to right. For example... Figure 7 As shown, a red-emitting light-emitting element is located in the first light-emitting area 3A, while a yellow-emitting light-emitting element is located in the second light-emitting area 3B. Therefore, when the surrounding environment is dark due to power outages or other reasons, the first light-emitting area 3A is emphasized by its more striking red color compared to the yellow of the second light-emitting area 3B, allowing the user to visually distinguish between the two areas.
[0036] Furthermore, while the example described here is of a red light-emitting unit located in the first light-emitting region 3A and a yellow light-emitting unit located in the second light-emitting region 3B, this is not a limitation. For example, a yellow light-emitting unit could be provided in the first light-emitting region 3A, and a red light-emitting unit in the second light-emitting region 3B. Alternatively, a green light-emitting unit could be provided in the second light-emitting region 3B, and a yellow light-emitting unit, more striking than green, could be provided in the first light-emitting region 3A. In this way, by visually distinguishing the first light-emitting region 3A (located on the front side) of the step 2 from the second light-emitting region 3B, the user can more easily identify the three-dimensional shape of the step 2.
[0037] Furthermore, as another structure for visually distinguishing the luminescent units, there exists a structure in which a pair of third luminescent regions are provided at both ends along the length of the first luminescent region 3A, such that the emission color of the luminescent units provided in the third luminescent regions is different from the emission color of the luminescent units provided in the areas of the first luminescent region 3A other than the third luminescent regions and the luminescent units provided in the second luminescent region 3B. Hereinafter, the areas of the first luminescent region 3A other than the third luminescent regions and the second luminescent region 3B will be referred to as other luminescent regions.
[0038] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates examples of the luminescent colors in the third phosphorescent region 3C and other phosphorescent regions. Figure 8 In the diagram, areas emitting red light are represented by a thick diagonal line that slopes downwards from left to right, while areas emitting yellow light are represented by a thin diagonal line that slopes downwards from left to right. For example... Figure 8 As shown, red-emitting light-emitting units are located in a pair of third light-emitting regions 3C, 3C, while yellow-emitting light-emitting units are located in the other light-emitting regions. Therefore, in dark environments such as those caused by power outages, the pair of third light-emitting regions 3C, 3C are highlighted by their striking red color compared to the other light-emitting regions, and the first light-emitting region 3A, which has a pair of third light-emitting regions 3C, 3C at both ends, is also highlighted. This allows the user to visually distinguish between the first light-emitting region 3A and the second light-emitting region 3B.
[0039] Furthermore, this description addresses the case where the light-emitting unit located in the third light-emitting region 3C emits red light, while the light-emitting units located in other light-emitting regions emit yellow light; however, this is not a limitation. For example, a light-emitting unit emitting yellow light may be provided in the third light-emitting region 3C, while a light-emitting unit emitting red light may be provided in other light-emitting regions. Additionally, a light-emitting unit emitting green light may be provided in other light-emitting regions, while a light-emitting unit emitting a brighter yellow light may be provided in the third light-emitting region 3C.
[0040] Through the various structures described above, in situations where the first phosphorescent region 3A and the second phosphorescent region 3B can be visually distinguished, for example... Figure 9 As shown, in two adjacent steps 2(a) and 2(b), even though the second photoluminescent area 3B(a) of the front step 2(a) and the first photoluminescent area 3A(b) of the rear step 2(b) are adjacent to each other, the user can easily visually identify the approximate boundary between them. Therefore, the visual recognizability of the boundary between adjacent steps 2(a) and 2(b) is improved, making it safer and easier for the user to ascend and descend the escalator. Furthermore, when the first photoluminescent area 3A located on the front side (front side) of step 2 is visually distinguished from the second photoluminescent area 3B in a way that makes them more prominent, the user can more easily identify the three-dimensional shape of step 2, making it safer and easier for the user to ascend and descend the escalator.
[0041] Furthermore, in the escalator 1, the comb plate 7 has at least a fourth light-emitting region 7A, including a light-emitting part, on its upper surface. Moreover, the light-emitting part in the fourth light-emitting region 7A is arranged in a manner visually distinct from the first light-emitting region 3A of the step 2. Specifically, light-emitting parts with different luminous colors are provided in the first light-emitting region 3A of the step 2 and the fourth light-emitting region 7A of the comb plate 7. Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the adjacent steps 2 and comb plate 7 at the boarding / alighting point. Figure 10 In the diagram, areas emitting red light are represented by a thick diagonal line that slopes downwards from left to right, while areas emitting yellow light are represented by a thin diagonal line that slopes downwards from left to right. For example... Figure 10 As shown, a red-emitting light-emitting element is located in the first light-emitting area 3A of the step 2, while a yellow-emitting light-emitting element is located in the fourth light-emitting area 7A of the comb plate 7. Therefore, in dark environments such as during power outages, the first light-emitting area 3A of the step 2 is highlighted by its bright red color, which is more striking than the yellow of the fourth light-emitting area 7A of the comb plate 7, allowing users to easily visually distinguish the approximate boundary between the two. As a result, using the escalator becomes safer and easier for users.
[0042] Furthermore, this description focuses on the case where the light-emitting unit in the first light-emitting region 3A emits red light and the light-emitting unit in the fourth light-emitting region 7A emits yellow light, but this is not a limitation. For example, a light-emitting unit emitting yellow light could be provided in the first light-emitting region 3A, and a light-emitting unit emitting red light could be provided in the fourth light-emitting region 7A. Additionally, a light-emitting unit emitting green light could be provided in the fourth light-emitting region 7A, and a light-emitting unit emitting a brighter yellow light than green could be provided in the first light-emitting region 3A.
[0043] Alternatively, instead of the aforementioned structure that produces different emission colors, the proportion of the area occupied by the light-emitting element per unit area in the first light-emitting region 3A can be greater than the proportion of the area occupied by the light-emitting element per unit area in the fourth light-emitting region 7A, thereby making it visually distinguishable between the two. Furthermore, multiple light-emitting elements can be arranged at equal intervals or randomly in the fourth light-emitting region 7A, and multiple light-emitting elements can be arranged in the first light-emitting region 3A using a method other than equal intervals or random arrangement, thereby making it visually distinguishable between the two.
Claims
1. An escalator step, comprising a tread for a user to ride on, having a front end adjacent to a preceding step and a rear end adjacent to a following step, and a vertical plate extending downward from the end edge of said front end. The pedal has a first light-gathering region including a light-gathering portion at least a portion of the front end of its upper surface, and a second light-gathering region including a light-gathering portion at least the rear end of the upper surface other than the front end. In the first and second light-gathering areas, the light-gathering portions are arranged in such a way that the first light-gathering area, located at the front end of the pedal, is more conspicuous than the second light-gathering area, located at least at the rear end of the pedal, and thus visually distinguishable from each other. in, Compared to the second light-gathering region, the first light-gathering region has a larger proportion of light-gathering area per unit area.
2. The escalator step according to claim 1, wherein, In the second light-gathering region, multiple light-gathering units are arranged at equal intervals or randomly. In the first light-gathering region, a plurality of light-gathering units are arranged by a method other than equal or disordered arrangement.
3. The escalator step according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The light emission color of the light-emitting unit located in the first light-emitting region is different from the light emission color of the light-emitting unit located in the second light-emitting region.
4. The escalator step according to claim 3, wherein, The light-emitting part located in the first light-emitting region emits red light. The light emitted by the light-emitting part located in the second light-emitting region is yellow.
5. The escalator step according to claim 3, wherein, The light-emitting part located in the first light-emitting region emits yellow light. The light-emitting part located in the second light-emitting region emits green light.
6. The escalator step according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The pedal has a pair of third light-gathering areas, which are located at both ends of the first light-gathering area along its length. The light emission color of the light-emitting unit located in the third light-emitting region is different from the light emission color of the light-emitting units located in the areas other than the third light-emitting region in the first light-emitting region and in the second light-emitting region.
7. The escalator step according to claim 6, wherein, The light-emitting part located in the third light-emitting region emits red light. The light emission color of the light-emitting part in the first light-emitting region (excluding the third light-emitting region) and the light-emitting part in the second light-emitting region is yellow.
8. The escalator step according to claim 6, wherein, The light-emitting part located in the third light-emitting region emits yellow light. The light emission color of the light-emitting part in the first light-emitting region (excluding the third light-emitting region) and the light-emitting part in the second light-emitting region is green.
9. An escalator, comprising: Escalator steps according to any one of claims 1 to 8; Floor, which is set on the ground at the boarding and alighting points; and A comb plate is disposed at the boundary between the floor and the escalator steps. The comb plate has at least a fourth light-gathering region, including a light-gathering part, on its upper surface. The light emission color of the light-emitting unit located in the first light-emitting region is different from the light emission color of the light-emitting unit located in the fourth light-emitting region.
10. The escalator according to claim 9, wherein, The light-emitting color of the light-emitting part in the first light-emitting region is red. The light-emitting color of the light-emitting part in the fourth light-emitting region is yellow.
11. The escalator according to claim 9, wherein, The light emitted by the light-gathering part of the first light-gathering region is yellow. The light-emitting color of the light-emitting part in the fourth light-emitting region is green.