Passenger conveyor

Abstract

Passenger conveyor. Provided is a passenger conveyor that can achieve high attention - attracting performance while suppressing costs. The passenger conveyor includes a power supply unit (17) and steps (2). The power supply unit (17) is not provided on the steps (2). The steps (2) move relative to the power supply unit (17). The steps (2) include a power receiving unit (29) and an LED (30). Power is supplied to the power receiving unit (29) from the power supply unit (17) in a non - contact manner. When power is supplied to the power receiving unit (29), the LED (30) emits light.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a passenger conveyor. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an escalator. In the escalator described in Patent Document 1, a step is provided with a solar cell and an LED. The step also needs to be provided with a control unit for controlling the lighting of the LED.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-162963 Summary of the Invention

[0006] In the escalator described in Patent Document 1, the step is provided with an LED. Therefore, the escalator has a high performance of attracting the attention of passengers. However, an escalator has many steps. In the escalator described in Patent Document 1, all the steps provided with LEDs require solar cells, so there is a problem of increased cost.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a passenger conveyor that can achieve a high attention-grabbing performance while suppressing costs.

[0008] The passenger conveyor of the present invention includes a first power supply unit; and steps that move relative to the first power supply unit. The steps include: a first power receiving unit that is supplied with power from the first power supply unit in a non-contact manner; and a first light-emitting body that emits light when the first power receiving unit is supplied with power.

[0009] Advantages of the Invention

[0010] The passenger conveyor of the present invention includes a first power supply unit and steps that move relative to the first power supply unit. The steps include a first power receiving unit and a first light-emitting body. The first power receiving unit is supplied with power from the first power supply unit in a non-contact manner. When the first power receiving unit is supplied with power, the first light-emitting body emits light. If it is the passenger conveyor of the present invention, a high attention-grabbing performance can be achieved while suppressing costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing an example of the passenger conveyor of Embodiment 1.

[0012] Figure 2 It is a diagram of the boarding opening viewed from above.

[0013] Figure 3 It isFigure 2 BB cross-sectional view shown.

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 CC cross-sectional view shown.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control unit.

[0016] Figure 6 It is shown in Figure 5 FIG is a diagram of the state when the determination in S103 is "Yes".

[0017] Figure 7 It is shown in Figure 5 FIG is a diagram of the state when the determination in S106 is "Yes".

[0018] Description of labels

[0019] 1: Truss; 2: Step; 3: Entrance; 4: Exit; 5: Machine room; 6: Floor; 7: Machine room; 8: Floor; 9: Motor; 10: Control device; 11: Reducer; 12: Shaft; 13: Sprocket; 14: Step chain; 15: Step shaft; 16: Skirt; 17: Power supply unit; 18: Control unit; 19: Sensor; 21: Pedal; 22: Demarcation cleat; 23: Riser; 24: Support frame; 25: Roller; 26: Bolt; 27: Main body; 28: Light-emitting module; 29: Power receiving unit; 30: LED; 40: Processing circuit; 41: Processor; 42: Memory; 43: Special hardware. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following is a detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Repetitive descriptions are appropriately simplified or omitted. In each figure, the same reference numerals represent the same parts or corresponding parts.

[0021] Implementation Method 1

[0022] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the passenger conveyor according to the first embodiment. [[ID= An escalator is shown as an example of a passenger conveyor. Detailed description of other examples of passenger conveyors such as moving walkways is omitted.

[0023] ​ The passenger conveyor shown in the figure includes a truss 1 and steps 2. The truss 1 is installed on upper and lower floors. Passengers take the steps 2 to move from a landing 3 to a landing 4. ​ An ascending escalator is shown. ​ The passenger conveyor shown could also be a descending escalator. ​It is a view of the boarding opening 3 observed from above.

[0024] Below the boarding opening 3, there is a machine room 5. The machine room 5 is a space formed inside the truss 1. The machine room 5 is enclosed by a floor 6. The floor 6 forms the ground of the boarding opening 3. Passengers board the steps 2 by moving from the floor 6.

[0025] Below the lower landing 4, there is a machine room 7. The machine room 7 is a space formed inside the truss 1. The machine room 7 is enclosed by a floor 8. The floor 8 forms the ground of the lower landing 4. Passengers move from the steps 2 to the floor 8.

[0026] In the machine room 7, there is a motor 9 and a control device 10. The motor 9 drives the steps 2. The control device 10 controls the motor 9. For example, the motor 9 rotates a shaft 12 provided in the machine room 7 with the aid of a speed reducer 11. A sprocket 13 is provided on the shaft 12. A step chain 14 is wound around the sprocket 13. A plurality of step shafts 15 are provided on the step chain 14. The steps 2 are fixed to the respective step shafts 15. Thus, the plurality of steps 2 are connected by the step chain 14.

[0027] The steps 2 move by being pulled by the step chain 14. In ​ the example shown, the steps 2 appear from below the floor 6 at the boarding opening 3 and move towards the lower landing 4. ​ The arrow A shown indicates the direction in which the steps 2 are about to move at the boarding opening 3. In the following content, the direction in which the steps 2 move is also marked as the A direction.

[0028] On both sides of the tread plate 2 moving from the boarding opening 3 towards the lower landing 4, there are skirt plates 16. The steps 2 emerging from below the floor 6 move along the skirt plates 16 between the skirt plates 16. The steps 2 enter below the floor 8 at the lower landing 4 and reverse at the machine room 7. The steps 2 move inside the truss 1 towards the machine room 5 in the reversed state. The steps 2 return to the normal posture by further reversing in the machine room 5 and appear again from below the floor 6.

[0029] ​ is ​ the B - B cross - sectional view shown. ​ is ​ the C - C cross - sectional view shown. The passenger conveyor includes a power supply unit 17, a control unit 18, and a sensor 19. The control unit 18 controls the power supply unit 17. The sensor 19 detects the situation where the steps 2 are disposed at a specific position. Each step 2 includes a tread plate 21, a demarcation cleat 22, a riser 23, a support frame 24, and a roller 25.

[0030] A passenger steps onto the tread 21. Cleats are formed on the upper surface of the tread 21. The starting plate 23 extends downward from the edge of the tread 21 of the step 2 in such a manner as to block the gap between the tread 21 of the step 2 and the tread 21 of the next lower step when the step 2 moves on the inclined portion of the escalator. The support frame 24 supports the tread 21 from below. The support frame 24 is connected to the tread shaft 15. The rollers 25 are rotatably provided on the support frame 24.

[0031] The demarcation cleat 22 is provided on the tread 21. The demarcation cleat 22 may also be provided on the support frame 24. As an example, the demarcation cleat 22 is detachably provided on the upper surface of the tread 21 using bolts 26. As another example, the demarcation cleat 22 is detachably provided on the upper surface of the support frame 24 using bolts 26.

[0032] The demarcation cleat 22 is arranged along the edge of the tread 21 so as to be adjacent to the skirt plate 16 when the step 2 moves from the boarding opening 3 to the lower opening 4. ​ An example is shown in which the demarcation cleat 22 is arranged along the left and right edges of the tread 21. The demarcation cleat 22 may also be arranged along all the front, rear, left, and right edges of the tread 21.

[0033] The demarcation cleat 22 includes a resin main body 27 and a lighting module 28 for attracting attention. A groove is formed in the main body 27 along the A direction. The lighting module 28 is provided in the main body 27 so as to emit light from the bottom surface of the groove. As an example, the lighting module 28 is integrally provided in the main body 27 by being embedded in the main body 27.

[0034] The lighting module 28 includes a power receiving unit 29 and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 30. In the present embodiment, an example in which the power receiving unit 29 and the LED 30 are integrally provided is shown. The power receiving unit 29 is supplied with power in a non-contact manner, that is, wirelessly, from the power supply unit 17 when the step 2 passes near the power supply unit 17. The LED 30 is an example of a light-emitting body that emits light. When the power receiving unit 29 is supplied with power, the LED 30 emits light.

[0035] In the present embodiment, an example in which the demarcation cleat 22 includes three lighting modules 28 is shown. The number of lighting modules 28 included in the demarcation cleat 22 is arbitrary. The demarcation cleat 22 may also include only one lighting module 28.

[0036] In the following, when it is necessary to separately specify the light-emitting module included in the demarcation splint 22, "-N" will be marked after the reference numeral. In the example shown in the present embodiment, since the demarcation splint 22 includes three light-emitting modules 28, N is a number from 1 to 3. For example, the light-emitting module 28-1 includes a power receiving unit 29-1 and an LED 30-1. The light-emitting module 28-2 includes a power receiving unit 29-2 and an LED 30-2. The light-emitting module 28-3 includes a power receiving unit 29-3 and an LED 30-3.

[0037] The light-emitting modules 28-1 to 28-3 are arranged in a row along the A direction. The light-emitting module 28-2 is arranged at a position in front of the light-emitting module 28-1 in the A direction. The light-emitting module 28-3 is arranged at a position in front of the light-emitting module 28-2 in the A direction.

[0038] In the example shown in the present embodiment, the power supply unit 17 is not provided on the step 2. Therefore, the step 2 moves relative to the power supply unit 17. As an example, the power supply unit 17 is provided on the truss 1 via a support member (not shown). The power supply unit 17 may also be provided on other components.

[0039] As described above, when the power receiving unit 29 is supplied with power, the LED 30 emits light. The power supply unit 17 is arranged so as to be able to supply power to the power receiving unit 29 at a position where the LED 30 is desired to emit light. Hereinafter, also with reference to ​ an example of attracting the attention of passengers moving from the floor 6 to the step 2 will be described.

[0040] As ​ shown, in the example shown in the present embodiment, three power supply units 17 are provided corresponding to the number of light-emitting modules 28 included in one demarcation splint 22. In the following, when it is necessary to separately specify the power supply unit 17, "-N" is marked after the reference numeral. N is a number from 1 to 3.

[0041] The power supply units 17-1 to 17-3 are arranged in a row along the A direction inside the skirt plate 16 in such a manner that the LED 30 of the step 2 emits light when the step 2 appears from below the floor 6. The power supply unit 17-2 is arranged at a position in front of the power supply unit 17-1 in the A direction. The power supply unit 17-3 is arranged at a position in front of the power supply unit 17-2 in the A direction.

[0042] The interval in the A direction between the power supply unit 17-1 and the power supply unit 17-2 is larger than the interval in the A direction between the light-emitting module 28-1 and the light-emitting module 28-2. The interval in the A direction between the power supply unit 17-2 and the power supply unit 17-3 is larger than the interval in the A direction between the light-emitting module 28-2 and the light-emitting module 28-3.

[0043] ​ This is a flowchart showing an operation example of the control unit 18. In the control unit 18, it is determined whether the step 2 is disposed at a specific position for starting the power supply from the power supply unit 17 to the power receiving unit 29 (S101). When the sensor 19 detects that the step 2 is disposed at this specific position, that is, the power supply start position, the sensor 19 outputs a detection signal to the control unit 18.

[0044] ​ The figure shows a state where the right step 2 is disposed at the power supply start position. The step 2 is disposed at the power supply start position immediately after emerging from under the floor 6. When the step 2 is disposed at the power supply start position, the power supply unit 17-1 is disposed adjacent to the power receiving unit 29-1 with the skirt 16 therebetween. When the control unit 18 receives the detection signal from the sensor 19, it determines "Yes" in S101. When the control unit 18 determines "Yes" in S101, it starts the power supply from the power supply unit 17-1 to the power receiving unit 29-1 (S102). That is, the sensor 19 outputs a signal as a trigger for the control unit 18 to start the power supply process.

[0045] When the power from the power supply unit 17-1 is supplied to the power receiving unit 29-1, the LED 30-1 emits light. The power supply from the power supply unit 17-1 to the power receiving unit 29-1 is performed for a predetermined time (S103). When this predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in S103), the control unit 18 stops the power supply from the power supply unit 17-1 (S104). As a result, the LED 30-1 no longer emits light.

[0046] ​ This is a diagram showing the state when it is determined "Yes" in ​ S103. ​ This is a cross-sectional view corresponding to ​ In ​ the bolts 26 are omitted for simplicity.

[0047] When it is determined "Yes" in S103, the control unit 18 starts the power supply from the power supply unit 17-2 to the power receiving unit 29-2 (S105). As described above, the interval in the A direction between the power supply unit 17-1 and the power supply unit 17-2 is larger than the interval in the A direction between the light emitting modules 28-1 and 28-2. During the period when it is determined "No" in S103, the step 2 also moves in the A direction. The interval in the A direction between the power supply units 17-1 and 17-2 and the predetermined time in S103 are preset such that when it is determined "Yes" in S103, the power receiving unit 29-2 is disposed at a position adjacent to the power supply unit 17-2 with the skirt 16 therebetween.

[0048] When the power from the power supply unit 17-2 is supplied to the power receiving unit 29-2, the LED 30-2 emits light. The power supply from the power supply unit 17-2 to the power receiving unit 29-2 is performed for a predetermined time (S106). When this predetermined time has elapsed (the "Yes" in S106), the control unit 18 stops the power supply from the power supply unit 17-2 (S107). As a result, the LED 30-2 no longer emits light.

[0049] ​ It is a diagram showing the state when it is determined as "Yes" in ​ S106. ​ It is a cross-sectional view corresponding to ​ . In ​ , the bolt 26 is omitted for simplicity.

[0050] When it is determined as "Yes" in S106, the control unit 18 starts the power supply from the power supply unit 17-3 to the power receiving unit 29-3 (S108). As described above, the interval in the A direction between the power supply unit 17-2 and the power supply unit 17-3 is larger than the interval in the A direction between the light emitting module 28-2 and the light emitting module 28-3. During the period when it is determined as "No" in S106, the step 2 also moves in the A direction. The interval in the A direction between the power supply units 17-2 and 17-3 and the predetermined time in S106 are preset so that when it is determined as "Yes" in S106, the power receiving unit 29-3 is disposed at a position adjacent to the power supply unit 17-3 with the skirt 16 interposed therebetween.

[0051] When the power from the power supply unit 17-3 is supplied to the power receiving unit 29-3, the LED 30-3 emits light. The power supply from the power supply unit 17-3 to the power receiving unit 29-3 is performed for a predetermined time (S109). When this predetermined time has elapsed (the "Yes" in S109), the control unit 18 stops the power supply from the power supply unit 17-3 (S110). As a result, the LED 30-3 no longer emits light. By stopping the power supply in S110, the lighting process for one step 2 is completed.

[0052] In the passenger conveyor shown in the present embodiment, the LED 30 provided in the step 2 emits light. Since the passengers boarding the step 2 at the boarding area 3 are generally facing downward, the light from the LED 30 easily enters the passengers' field of vision. If it is this passenger conveyor, high attention - attracting performance can be achieved.

[0053] In the passenger conveyor shown in this embodiment, the step 2 only includes a power receiving unit 29 and an LED 30. The power supply unit 17 and the control unit 18 are provided in the truss 1 or the like. And wireless power supply is performed from the power supply unit 17 to the power receiving unit 29. Therefore, the components mounted on the step 2 can be reduced, and the cost can be suppressed.

[0054] In addition, there is a concern that the light emitting module 28 included in the step 2 may be damaged due to being stepped on by a passenger or a foreign object being bitten into the groove of the boundary splint 22. For the damaged light emitting module 28, it is necessary to replace it with a new light emitting module.

[0055] In the passenger conveyor shown in this embodiment, the light emitting module 28 is integrated with the main body 27. Therefore, in the case where the light emitting module 28 is damaged, it is only necessary to replace the boundary splint 22. The replacement of the boundary splint 22 can be easily performed by removing and installing the bolt 26. In addition, in the passenger conveyor shown in this embodiment, even if the light emitting module 28 is damaged, it is not necessary to replace the power supply unit 17, the control unit 18, and the sensor 19. Therefore, the repair when the light emitting module 28 is damaged can also be performed simply and inexpensively.

[0056] In the example shown in this embodiment, after the control unit 18 performs detection using the sensor 19, it is only necessary to perform power supply control for each power supply unit 17 at a predetermined interval. Therefore, the control unit 18 can be realized even with a simple switching circuit.

[0057] In this embodiment, an example in which the LEDs 30 are sequentially lit and extinguished starting from the LED 30 close to the boarding opening 3 has been described. That is, in the example shown in Embodiment 1, after stopping the power supply to the power receiving unit 29-1, the power supply to the power receiving unit 29-2 is performed. In addition, after stopping the power supply to the power receiving unit 29-2, the power supply to the power receiving unit 29-3 is performed.

[0058] As another example, it is also possible to stop the power supply to the power receiving unit 29-1 after performing the power supply to the power receiving unit 29-2. It is also possible to stop the power supply to the power receiving unit 29-2 after performing the power supply to the power receiving unit 29-3. However, even in this example, the power supply is performed sequentially starting from the power receiving unit 29-1, and the stop of the power supply is also performed sequentially starting from the power receiving unit 29-1. As another example, it is also possible to simultaneously light or flash the LEDs 30-1 to 30-3.

[0059] In this embodiment, an example of attracting attention using the LED 30 at the boarding opening 3 has been described. Attracting attention using the LED 30 can also be performed at the disembarking opening 4. Attracting attention using the LED 30 can also be performed at the inclined portion of the escalator.

[0060] The control unit 18 includes a processing circuit 40 including a processor 41 and a memory 42 as hardware resources. The processing circuit 40 may also include a plurality of processors 41. The processing circuit 40 may also include a plurality of memories 42. As the memory 42, for example, a semiconductor memory may be employed. The functions of the control unit 18 described above can be implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware described as a program. This program is stored in the memory 42. The control unit 18 implements the above-described respective functions by the processor 41 executing the program stored in the memory 42.

[0061] The control unit 18 may also include a processing circuit 40 including a processor 41, a memory 42, and dedicated hardware 43 as hardware resources. ​ An example of implementing a part of the functions of the control unit 18 by the dedicated hardware 43 is shown. All the functions of the control unit 18 may also be implemented by the dedicated hardware 43. As the dedicated hardware 43, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof can be employed.

Claims

1. A passenger conveyor, wherein, The passenger conveyor includes: A first power supply unit; and Steps that move relative to the first power supply unit; and A floor that forms the ground of the boarding area, The steps include: Tread plates; Support frames that support the tread plates from below; and Partition clamps that are provided on the tread plates or the support frames; The partition clamps include: A first power receiving unit that is supplied with power in a non-contact manner from the first power supply unit; And A first light-emitting body that emits light when the first power receiving unit is supplied with power, The steps move along the skirt plate after emerging from below the floor, The first power supply unit is configured to be adjacent to the first power receiving unit with the skirt plate therebetween immediately after the steps emerge from below the floor.

2. The passenger conveyor according to claim 1, wherein The partition clamps can be detached from and attached to the tread plates or the support frames, The partition clamps have resin bodies, The first power receiving unit and the first light-emitting body are integrally provided on the bodies.

3. The passenger conveyor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The passenger conveyor further includes a second power supply unit and a control unit, The steps further include: A second power receiving unit that is supplied with power in a non-contact manner from the second power supply unit; and A second light-emitting body that is arranged at a position in front of the first light-emitting body in the moving direction of the steps and emits light when the second power receiving unit is supplied with power, The control unit controls the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit so that the second power receiving unit is supplied with power after the first power receiving unit is supplied with power.

4. The passenger conveyor according to claim 3, wherein The first light-emitting body is integrally provided on the first power receiving unit, The second light-emitting body is integrally provided on the second power receiving unit, The second power supply unit is arranged at a position in front of the first power supply unit in the direction, The interval between the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit in the direction is larger than the interval between the first light-emitting body and the second light-emitting body in the direction.

5. The passenger conveyor according to claim 3, wherein The passenger conveyor further includes a sensor that detects the situation where the steps are arranged at a specific position, The control unit starts the power supply from the first power supply unit to the first power receiving unit when the sensor detects that the steps are arranged at the specific position.

6. The passenger conveyor according to claim 4, wherein The passenger conveyor further includes a sensor that detects the situation where the steps are arranged at a specific position, The control unit starts the power supply from the first power supply unit to the first power receiving unit when the sensor detects that the steps are arranged at the specific position.

7. A passenger conveyor, wherein, The passenger conveyor includes: A first power supply unit; Steps that move relative to the first power supply unit; and A floor that forms the ground of the boarding area, The steps include: The first power receiving unit, which is supplied with power in a non-contact manner from the first power supply unit; The first light emitter, which emits light when the first power receiving unit is supplied with power, The step moves along the skirt board after emerging from under the floor, The first power supply unit is configured to be adjacent to the first power receiving unit with the skirt board therebetween immediately after the step emerges from under the floor.

8. The passenger conveyor according to claim 7, wherein, The passenger conveyor further includes a second power supply unit and a control unit, The step further includes: A second power receiving unit, which is supplied with power in a non-contact manner from the second power supply unit; and A second light emitter, which is disposed at a position in front of the first light emitter in the moving direction of the step and emits light when the second power receiving unit is supplied with power, The control unit controls the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit such that the second power receiving unit is supplied with power after the first power receiving unit is supplied with power.

9. The passenger conveyor according to claim 8, wherein, The first light emitter is integrally provided with the first power receiving unit, The second light emitter is integrally provided with the second power receiving unit, The second power supply unit is disposed at a position in front of the first power supply unit in the direction, The interval between the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit in the direction is larger than the interval between the first light emitter and the second light emitter in the direction.

10. The passenger conveyor according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The passenger conveyor further includes a sensor that detects a situation where the step is disposed at a specific position, The control unit starts supplying power from the first power supply unit to the first power receiving unit when the sensor detects that the step is disposed at the specific position.

11. A passenger conveyor, wherein, The passenger conveyor includes: A first power supply unit; Steps, which move relative to the first power supply unit; A second power supply unit; and A control unit, The step includes: A first power receiving unit, which is supplied with power in a non-contact manner from the first power supply unit; A first light emitter, which emits light when the first power receiving unit is supplied with power, A second power receiving unit, which is supplied with power in a non-contact manner from the second power supply unit; And A second light emitter, which is disposed at a position in front of the first light emitter in the moving direction of the step and emits light when the second power receiving unit is supplied with power, The control unit controls the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit such that the second power receiving unit is supplied with power after the first power receiving unit is supplied with power.

12. The passenger conveyor according to claim 11, wherein, The first light emitter is integrally provided with the first power receiving unit, The second light emitter is integrally provided with the second power receiving unit, The second power supply unit is disposed at a position in front of the first power supply unit in the direction, The interval between the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit in the said direction is larger than the interval between the first light-emitting body and the second light-emitting body in the said direction.

13. The passenger conveyor according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the passenger conveyor further includes a sensor that detects a situation where the step is disposed at a specific position, when the sensor detects that the step is disposed at the specific position, the control unit starts power supply from the first power supply unit to the first power receiving unit.

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