Escalator system

Abstract

This invention provides an escalator system including a track, a conveyor, and a curved handrail. The conveyor is movably disposed on the track. The conveyor has opposing first and second sides. The curved handrail is movably disposed through the conveyor. When the curved handrail moves to the position exposed on the first side of the conveyor, it selectively provides a grip or abutment protection depending on the direction of travel. When the curved handrail moves to the position exposed on the second side of the conveyor, it selectively provides abutment protection or a grip depending on the direction of travel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an escalator system, and more particularly to an escalator system that provides protection for passengers to hold or lean against it. Background Technology

[0002] Handrails are raised structures that combine practicality and decoration, typically installed on stairs, balustrades, balconies, etc., to provide support for users while walking. Most current handrails have simple structures, merely providing support, and are fixed in position with no adjustment, resulting in very limited functionality.

[0003] However, for those with special needs, the aforementioned handrails are insufficient. For example, the elderly or people with disabilities who require assistance with walking cannot meet their walking needs with these handrails. Furthermore, these users are often physically weak, and when encountering stairs or uneven surfaces, the handrails alone are insufficient to provide the necessary protection. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention relates to an escalator system that combines the functions of assisting walking and protecting users.

[0005] The escalator system according to the present invention includes a track, a conveyor, and a curved handrail. The conveyor is movably disposed on the track. The conveyor has opposing first and second sides. The curved handrail is movably disposed through the conveyor. When the curved handrail moves to be exposed on the first side of the conveyor, the curved handrail selectively provides a grip or abutment protection depending on the direction of travel. When the curved handrail moves to be exposed on the second side of the conveyor, the curved handrail selectively provides abutment protection or a grip depending on the direction of travel.

[0006] In an escalator system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the escalator system further includes a plurality of drive wheels, at least some of which are disposed on the conveyor and abut against the inner wall of the track, so that the conveyor moves along the track by the rolling of the drive wheels.

[0007] In an escalator system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the escalator system further includes a plurality of drive wheels, at least some of which are disposed on the conveyor and abut against the curved handrail, so that the curved handrail moves relative to the conveyor by the rolling of the drive wheels.

[0008] In an escalator system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the conveying element includes a body and an arcuate sleeve. The body has a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The first end is movably coupled to a track, and the arcuate sleeve is located at the second end for a curved handrail to be movably inserted.

[0009] In the escalator system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the arc-shaped sleeve and the arc-shaped handrail have the same curvature and the same center.

[0010] In the escalator system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the central angle corresponding to the arc-shaped handrail is greater than or equal to 180 degrees.

[0011] In an escalator system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the escalator system further includes at least one characteristic sensor disposed on the surface of the curved handrail.

[0012] In an escalator system according to an embodiment of the present invention, a vital signs sensor is movably mounted on the conveyor along the curved handrail.

[0013] Based on the above, the escalator system features a movable conveyor mounted on the track, with a curved handrail movably inserted through it. Therefore, when the curved handrail moves in front of the user, it allows the user to hold onto it and use it to assist walking along the track. In addition to providing walking assistance, the curved handrail can also move behind the user through the conveyor, preventing falls during ascent and descent. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the usage scenario of an escalator system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of the escalator system;

[0016] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Shown from a top-down perspective Figure 1 Use cases;

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A partial sectional view of the escalator system;

[0018] Figure 6 Showing it from another perspective Figure 2 A portion of the escalator system;

[0019] Figure 7 The component relationships of an escalator system according to an embodiment are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same component reference numerals are used in the drawings and description to denote the same or similar parts.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the usage scenario of an escalator system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of the escalator system. Please also refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 2In this embodiment, the escalator system 100 includes a track 110, a conveyor 120, a curved handrail 130, and at least one vital sign sensor 140. Here, there may be three vital sign sensors 140. The conveyor 120 is movably disposed on the track 110. The conveyor 120 has a first side S1 and a second side S2 that are opposite to each other. The curved handrail 130 is movably disposed through the conveyor 120. Figure 1 As shown, when a user moves along the steps 200 via the escalator system 100, the escalator system 100 can provide the user with the necessary mobility assistance services.

[0022] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Shown from a top-down perspective Figure 1 The usage scenarios are omitted here. Figure 1 The steps shown are 200. Please also refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 When a user moves through the escalator system 100, the curved handrail 130 is adapted to be driven to move relative to the conveyor 120. When the user moves along the direction of travel D1, the curved handrail 130 moves to the first side S1 exposed on the conveyor 120, that is, when it is in front of the user, the curved handrail 130 serves as a grip for the user while moving (e.g., ...). Figure 3 On the other hand, when the user moves forward in the same direction of travel D1, and the curved handrail 130 moves to the second side S2 exposed on the conveyor 120, that is, behind the user, the curved handrail 130 then provides support for the user to protect them (e.g., Figure 4 ).

[0023] In this embodiment, the conveyor 120 includes a body 121 and an arc-shaped sleeve 122. One end of the body 121 is movably coupled to the track 110, while the arc-shaped sleeve 122 is located at the other end of the body 121 and allows the arc-shaped handrail 130 to be movably inserted to move to the first side S1 or the second side S2. Here, the arc-shaped sleeve 122 and the arc-shaped handrail 130 have the same curvature and the same center. When a user moves through the escalator system 100, the user is located at the center, such as... Figure 3 or Figure 4 As shown. The central angle corresponding to the arc-shaped handrail 130 is greater than or equal to 180 degrees and is actually less than 360 degrees. In addition to facilitating movement along the arc-shaped sleeve 122, it also makes it convenient for users to operate without causing collisions or interference.

[0024] The use of the escalator system 100 is not limited here. Although this embodiment uses the stairs 200 as an example, in another embodiment not shown, the escalator system is also applicable to a sidewalk.

[0025] Figure 5 yes Figure 2A partial sectional view of the escalator system. Figure 6 Showing it from another perspective Figure 2 A portion of the escalator system. Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the component relationships of an escalator system according to an embodiment, where solid lines represent electrical connections between components, and dashed lines represent structural and actuation connections. Please also refer to... Figures 5 to 7 In detail, the escalator system 100 of this embodiment also includes a plurality of drive wheels (taking drive wheels 171, 172, and 173 as examples). The body 121 of the transmission member 120 has a first end E1 and a second end E2 opposite to each other, wherein the first end E1 is provided with drive wheels 172 and 173, and the drive wheels 172 and 173 abut against the inner wall 111 of the track 110, so that the transmission member 120 (first end E1) is movably coupled to the track 110 by the rolling of the drive wheels 172 and 173, so as to achieve the following Figure 1 , Figure 3 or Figure 4 The effect of moving along track 110 is shown.

[0026] On the other hand, the arc-shaped sleeve 122 is located at the second end E2 and is equipped with a drive wheel 171, so that the drive wheel 171 abuts against the arc-shaped handrail 130, and the rolling of the drive wheel 171 drives the arc-shaped handrail 130 to move relative to the arc-shaped sleeve 122.

[0027] like Figure 7 As shown, the escalator system 100 of this embodiment also includes a control module CM, a power supply 150, and a drive source 160 (e.g., a motor), wherein the drive source 160 is connected to the aforementioned drive wheels 171-173 to achieve the desired transmission effect. The control module CM controls the drive source 160 according to usage requirements or user instructions. Simply put, the escalator system 100 of this embodiment is electrically driven and is activated as the user begins the walking process (e.g., begins to climb the steps 200).

[0028] In another embodiment, not shown, the escalator system 100 may also allow the user to perform the above actions manually.

[0029] More importantly, the vital sign sensor 140, located on the surface of the curved handrail 130, is electrically connected to the control module CM. As the curved handrail 130 is movably inserted through the curved sleeve 122, it allows the user's health status to be measured while navigating the escalator system 100. For example, in a medical setting, the results from the vital sign sensor 140 can allow the user or relevant medical personnel to understand the user's current movement status and corresponding physiological condition, which is beneficial for rehabilitation treatment.

[0030] Specifically, in this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, when a user moves along the direction of travel D1 (e.g., going upstairs), they can hold the portion of the curved handrail 130 exposed on the first side S1 of the conveyor 120 with both hands, which corresponds to the positions of the two vital sign sensors 140 located at one end and the middle of the curved handrail 130, respectively. This allows the user's health status to be detected. Conversely, when a user moves in the opposite direction of travel D1 (e.g., going downstairs), the curved handrail 130 can be moved to the second side S2 exposed on the conveyor 120 for the user to hold. At this time, the user can hold the portion of the curved handrail 130 exposed on the second side S2 of the conveyor 120 with both hands, which corresponds to the positions of the two vital sign sensors 140 located at the other end and the middle of the curved handrail 130, respectively. This also allows the user's health status to be detected.

[0031] It is foreseeable that the aforementioned driving means with drive wheels 171-173 can also be combined with a related stop positioning mechanism to provide the effect of stopping, locking or unlocking the two components that generate relative motion. This is beneficial for the transmission component 120 to stop at any specific position on the track 110, and also for the curved handrail 130 to stop at any specific (angle) position relative to the transmission component 120, and also prevents the components from falling off.

[0032] In summary, in the above embodiments of the present invention, the escalator system is movably mounted on the track via a conveyor, and the curved handrail is movably inserted through the conveyor. Depending on the user's direction of travel, the handrail selectively moves to expose either the first or second side of the conveyor. Therefore, when the curved handrail is in front of the user, it can be held by the user to assist walking along the track. In addition to providing walking assistance, the curved handrail can also move through the conveyor and behind the user for support, preventing the user from falling during travel.

[0033] In addition, the escalator system also includes vital sign sensors installed on the surface of the curved handrail to sense the user's vital signs or health status when the user holds the curved handrail. This allows the escalator system to provide users with assistance, exercise and protection while also obtaining the user's health status, which is helpful for relevant (medical) personnel to determine the user's health status and provide corresponding assistance.

[0034] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An escalator system, characterized in that, include: track; A conveyor, movably disposed on the track, the conveyor having opposing first and second sides; as well as A curved handrail is movably installed on the conveyor. When the curved handrail moves to the first side exposed on the conveyor, it selectively provides a grip or abutment protection depending on the direction of travel. When the curved handrail moves to the second side exposed on the conveyor, it selectively provides abutment protection or a grip depending on the direction of travel. The escalator system also includes multiple drive wheels, a portion of which is disposed on the conveyor and abuts against the inner wall of the track, so that the conveyor can pass through the track. The device moves along the track by the rolling of a plurality of drive wheels, another portion of which is disposed on the conveyor and abuts against the arc-shaped handrail, so that the arc-shaped handrail moves relative to the conveyor by the rolling of the plurality of drive wheels. The conveyor includes a body and an arc-shaped sleeve. The body has a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The first end is movably coupled to the track. The arc-shaped sleeve is located at the second end for the arc-shaped handrail to be movably inserted. The arc-shaped sleeve and the arc-shaped handrail have the same curvature and the same center.

2. The escalator system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central angle corresponding to the arc-shaped handrail is greater than or equal to 180 degrees.

3. The escalator system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes at least one characteristic sensor disposed on the surface of the curved handrail.

4. The escalator system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The vital signs sensor is movably mounted on the conveyor along with the curved handrail.

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