Comb plate retracting device for escalator
By designing a retraction device in the escalator system, the comb plate retracts when it is detected, solving the safety risk of stuck at the escalator exit, realizing the normal operation of the system and the safety of passengers.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411105375.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-08-14
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-13
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-21
AI Technical Summary
The interface between the conveyor belt at the exit of the escalator and the fixed comb plate is required due to the safety risk of jamming due to the relative movement, and a device that can easily release stuck items.
An escalator system is designed, including moving steps and comb plates, equipped with retraction devices. When an object is detected to be stuck, the retraction device retracts the comb plate from its normal position in the direction of travel, releasing the stuck item.
It effectively solves the problem of stuck lag, prevents damage to passengers, and does not need to stop the escalator, maintaining the normal operation of the system and the safety of passengers.
Smart Images
Figure CN119490125A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to an escalator system, and in particular to a comb plate configuration of an escalator. Background Art
[0002] People conveyors such as escalators and moving walkways generally include: a conveyor belt that moves between opposite landing areas with people standing on it; a drive machine that drives the movement of the conveyor belt; and a comb plate. The conveyor belt extends and moves between the opposite landing areas and has a surface that generally includes anti-skid strips and grooves. The comb plates are provided at the opposite landing areas. Each comb plate includes teeth that extend into the grooves of the surface of the conveyor belt when the conveyor belt moves relative to each comb plate and the anti-skid strip moves along each of the teeth.
[0003] The interface between the conveyor belt and the fixed comb plate at the escalator exit presents a safety risk of jamming due to the relative movement of the conveyor belt relative to the comb plate. Therefore, a device is needed that can easily release stuck items (such as parts of shoes, shoelaces or other clothing). Summary of the invention
[0004] In an exemplary embodiment, an escalator system includes a moving step including a plurality of grooves and being drivable in a direction of travel. A comb plate is located at least at a downstream end of the moving step relative to the direction of travel at a step-comb plate interface. A retraction device is configured to move the comb plate from a normal position toward a retracted position in the direction of travel when a jam of an object is detected at the step-comb plate interface.
[0005] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the retraction device includes one or more retraction springs configured to bias the comb plate toward the retracted position.
[0006] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, one or more solenoids are configured to hold the comb plate in the normal position.When a jam is detected, one or more solenoids are activated to release the comb plate, allowing the comb plate to move toward the retracted position.
[0007] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, a sticking is detected via a sticking detection sensor.
[0008] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the stuck detection sensor is one of a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor or a tactile force sensor.
[0009] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the reset actuator is configured to urge the comb plate from the retracted position toward the normal position.
[0010] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the reset actuator is activated when one or more of: no jamming is detected, or after a preselected duration after jamming is detected.
[0011] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the comb plate is configured to travel a range of 10 mm to 20 mm from the normal position to the retracted position.
[0012] In another exemplary embodiment, a comb plate assembly for an escalator includes a comb plate that partially defines a step-comb plate interface of the escalator. The comb plate includes a plurality of comb plate teeth. A retraction device is configured to move the comb plate from a normal position toward a retracted position along a travel direction when a jam of an object is detected at the step-comb plate interface.
[0013] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the retraction device includes one or more retraction springs configured to bias the comb plate toward the retracted position.
[0014] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, one or more solenoids are configured to hold the comb plate in the normal position.When a jam is detected, one or more solenoids are activated to release the comb plate, allowing the comb plate to move toward the retracted position.
[0015] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, a sticking is detected via a sticking detection sensor.
[0016] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the stuck detection sensor is one of a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor or a tactile force sensor.
[0017] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the reset actuator is configured to urge the comb plate from the retracted position toward the normal position.
[0018] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the reset actuator is activated upon one or more of: no jamming is detected, after a preselected duration after jamming is detected, or via a manually operated reset switch.
[0019] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the comb plate is configured to travel a range of 10 mm to 20 mm from the normal position to the retracted position.
[0020] In yet another exemplary embodiment, a method of operating an escalator includes driving a moving step including a plurality of grooves toward a comb plate in a direction of travel. The comb plate is located at least at a downstream end of the moving step relative to the direction of travel at a step-comb plate interface. A jam at the step-comb plate interface is detected, and a retraction device is activated to move the comb plate from a normal position toward a retracted position in the direction of travel.
[0021] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, one or more solenoids are activated when a jam is detected, allowing the comb plates to move toward the retracted position.
[0022] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, sticking is detected via one of a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor or a tactile force sensor.
[0023] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the comb plate is urged toward the normal position via activation of a reset actuator, the reset actuator being activated when one or more of: no jamming is detected, or after a preselected duration after jamming is detected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The following description should not be considered limiting in any way. Referring to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:
[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an escalator;
[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an interface of a comb plate and a pedal;
[0027] Figure 3 is a side view of an embodiment of a comb plate assembly in a normal position;
[0028] Figure 4 is a plan view of an embodiment of a comb plate assembly in a normal position;
[0029] Figure 5 is a side view of an embodiment of a comb plate assembly in a retracted position; and
[0030] Figure 6 is a plan view of an embodiment of a comb plate assembly in a retracted position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods is given herein by way of example and not limitation with reference to the figures.
[0032] Figure 1An embodiment of an escalator 10 is shown. It should be clear from the subsequent description that the present invention is applicable to other passenger conveyor systems, such as moving walkways. The escalator 10 generally includes a truss 12 extending between a lower landing 14 and an upper landing 16. A plurality of sequentially connected steps or pallets 18 are connected to a step chain 20 and travel through a closed loop path within the truss 12. A pair of handrails 22 include a moving handrail 24. A drive machine 26 or drive system is typically located in a machine space 28 below the upper landing 16; however, an additional machine space 28' may be located below the lower landing 14. The drive machine 26 is configured to drive the pallets 18 and / or handrails 24 via the step chain 20. Under normal operating conditions, the drive machine 26 operates to move the pallets 18 in a selected direction at a desired speed.
[0033] The pallet 18 makes a 180 degree change of direction at a turning area 19 located below the lower landing 14 and the upper landing 16. The pallet 18 is pivotally attached to a step chain 20 and follows the closed loop path of the step chain 20 from one landing to another and back again.
[0034] The drive machine 26 includes a first drive member 32 (such as a motor output pulley) connected to a drive motor 34 through a belt reduction assembly 36, which includes a second drive member 38 (such as an output pulley) driven by a tension member 39 (such as an output belt). In some embodiments, the first drive member 32 is a driving member and the second drive member 38 is a driven member.
[0035] As used herein, in various embodiments, the first drive member 32 and / or the second drive member 38 can be any type of rotating device, such as a pulley, a pulley, a gear, a wheel, a sprocket, a toothed wheel, a pinion, etc. In various embodiments, the tension member 39 can be configured as a chain, a belt, a cable, a ribbon, a belt, a strip, or any other similar device that can operably connect two elements to provide a driving force from one element to another element. For example, the tension member 39 can be any type of interconnecting member that extends between the first drive member 32 and the second drive member 38 and operably connects the first drive member 32 and the second drive member 38. In some embodiments, as Figure 1 As shown in , the first drive member 32 and the second drive member can provide belt reduction. For example, the first drive member 32 can be approximately 75 mm (2.95 inches) in diameter, while the second drive member 38 can be approximately 750 mm (29.53 inches) in diameter. For example, the belt reduction allows the pulleys to be replaced to change the speed of 50 or 60 Hz power applications, or different step speeds. However, in other embodiments, the second drive member 38 can be substantially similar to the first drive member 32.
[0036] As described, the first drive member 32 is driven by the drive motor 34 and is therefore configured to drive the tension member 39 and the second drive member 38. In some embodiments, the second drive member 38 may be an idler gear or similar device that is driven by an operative connection between the first drive member 32 and the second drive member 38 by means of the tension member 39. The tension member 39 travels around a loop set by the first drive member 32 and the second drive member 38, which loop may be referred to as a small loop hereinafter. The small loop is provided to drive a larger loop constituted by the step chain 20 and driven, for example, by the output pulley 40. Under normal operating conditions, the tension member 39 and the step chain 20 move synchronously based on the movement speed of the first drive member 32 as driven by the drive motor 34.
[0037] The escalator 10 also includes a controller 115 that is in electronic communication with the drive motor 34. As shown, the controller 115 may be located in the machine space 28 of the escalator 10 and is configured to control the operation of the escalator 10. For example, the controller 115 may provide a drive signal to the drive motor 34 to control the acceleration, deceleration, stop, etc. of the pedal 18 through the step chain 20. The controller 115 may be an electronic controller that includes a processor and an associated memory that includes computer executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform various operations. The processor may be, but is not limited to, any single processor or multi-processor system in a wide array of possible architectures, including homogeneous or heterogeneous field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), central processing units (CPUs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or graphics processing unit (GPU) hardware. The memory may be, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), or other electronic, optical, magnetic, or any other computer-readable medium.
[0038] Although described herein as a particular escalator drive system and particular components, this is merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will recognize that other escalator system configurations may operate with the present disclosure.
[0039] Reference now Figure 2 , a plurality of pallets 18 are linked to define a conveyor belt that moves between the lower landing 14 and the upper landing 16. Each of the pallets 18 has a travel surface that includes a plurality of grooves 42 and anti-slip strips 44 extending in a travel direction 46 of the escalator 10. Comb plate assemblies 48 are provided at each of the lower landing 14 and the upper landing 16. The comb plate assemblies 48 each include a comb plate 50 having a plate body 52 and a plurality of teeth 54 extending from the plate body 52 and extending into the plurality of grooves 42 of the pallet 18 when the pallet 18 moves relative to each comb plate 48 and the anti-slip strips 44 move along each of the teeth 54.
[0040] Reference again Figure 1 , the landings 14, 16 and the comb plate assembly 48 are located at the upstream end 56 and the downstream end 58 of the conveyor belt relative to the direction of travel 46 of the escalator 10. Now referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 At least the comb plate assembly 48 at the downstream end 58 includes a release device 60 configured to move the comb plate 50 in the direction of travel 46 to release a stuck object, such as a body part, clothing, etc. Figure 3 and Figure 4 is shown in the normal position and Figure 5 and Figure 6 Shown in the retracted position.
[0041] Reference again Figure 3 and Figure 4 , one or more retraction springs 62 are located between the layer station flange 64 and the comb plate flange 66 extending from the plate body 52. In the embodiment shown in this article, two retraction springs 62 are used. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that other numbers of retraction springs 62, such as one, three or four retraction springs 62, may be used in other embodiments. The retraction spring 62 biases the position of the comb plate 50 toward the retracted position. In order to maintain the comb plate 50 in the normal position, the release device 60 includes one or more solenoids 68, one or more solenoids 68 having a solenoid piston 70, which extends to prevent the travel of the comb plate flange 66, and thereby prevent the travel of the comb plate 50. Two solenoids 68 are shown herein, but those skilled in the art will readily recognize that other numbers of solenoids 68, such as one, three or four solenoids 68, may be used in other embodiments. As Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in , the solenoid 68 retracts the solenoid piston 70 when energized to unlock the comb plate flange 66, allowing the retraction spring 62 to push the comb plate 50 to move to the retracted position. In some embodiments, the comb plate 50 moves between the normal position and the retracted position, for example, within a range of 10 mm-20 mm. The movement of the comb plate 50 along the travel direction 46 temporarily reverses the relative movement of the plurality of pedals 18 relative to the comb plate 50, giving the passenger time and opportunity to pull out the stuck items, avoiding a more risky serious jam.
[0042] For example, the jamming can be detected by a jamming detection sensor 72 (such as a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor shown in this article) or a tactile force sensor. When the jamming is detected by the detection sensor 72, a signal is sent from the controller 74 to the solenoid 68 to energize the solenoid 68 and retract the solenoid piston 70, allowing the retraction spring 62 to push the comb plate 50 toward the retracted position. In other embodiments, the retraction of the comb plate 50 is passively triggered by the jamming force overcoming the biasing force of the retraction spring 62 and thus pushing the comb plate 50 toward the retracted position. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the retraction is achieved by the retraction of the solenoid piston 70 and the force from the retraction spring 62, in other embodiments, other retraction devices may be used. Other retraction devices include, but are not limited to, linear or rotary motors, magnets, solenoids, hydraulic actuators, etc.
[0043] The comb plate 50 can be retracted along a path defined by the slotted guide path 78, and at least a portion of the comb plate 50 (such as the plate body 52) engages with the slotted guide path 78 so that the comb plate 50 retracts along a desired path (usually a straight line). Although in the illustrated embodiment, the comb plate 50 is integral across the width of the comb plate 50, in other embodiments, the comb plate 50 can be segmented along its width into, for example, 2, 3, or 4 segments, wherein each segment includes a retraction device to allow independent detection of a jam at one or more of the comb plate segments, and to allow retraction of one or more of the comb plate segments depending on the location of the jam.
[0044] Once in the retracted position, the comb plate 50 can be returned to the normal position by activating the reset actuator 76. The reset actuator 76 pushes the comb plate 50 toward the normal position, and once in the normal position, the solenoid 68 is de-energized to allow the solenoid piston 70 to extend and block the path of the comb plate 50, thereby locking the comb plate 50 in the normal position. The reset actuator 76 can be activated based on, for example, no longer detecting a jam at the detection sensor 72, or alternatively a preselected duration after the comb plate 50 is moved to the retracted position. In other embodiments, the reset actuator 76 can be activated by a manually operated reset switch (not shown).
[0045] The retraction of the comb plate 50 allows any stuck items to be removed from the interface between the comb plate 50 and the tread 18, thus preventing injury to escalator passengers. In addition, the comb plate 50 is retracted while the tread 18 is still moving in the direction of travel 46, and there is no need to stop the escalator 10. Such a local response does not create a safety risk to other passengers of the escalator 10 that would occur if the escalator safety brake was engaged.
[0046] The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error associated with the measurement of a particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time the application was filed.
[0047] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprise" and / or "comprising" when used in this specification indicate the presence of the specified features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.
[0048] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its basic scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode for carrying out the present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments that fall within the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. An escalator system, comprising: a moving step including a plurality of grooves and being drivable in a direction of travel; a comb plate disposed at least at a downstream end of the moving step relative to the direction of travel at a step-comb plate interface; as well as A retraction device is configured to move the comb plate from a normal position toward a retracted position along the travel direction when a jam of an object is detected at the step-comb plate interface.
2. The escalator system according to claim 1, wherein: The retraction arrangement includes one or more retraction springs configured to bias the comb plate toward the retracted position.
3. The escalator system according to claim 1, further comprising one or more solenoids to maintain the comb plate in the normal position; Wherein when a jam is detected, the one or more solenoids are activated to release the comb plate, allowing the comb plate to move toward the retracted position.
4. The escalator system according to claim 1, wherein: The jam is detected via a jam detection sensor.
5. The escalator system according to claim 4, wherein: The stuck detection sensor is one of a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor or a tactile force sensor.
6. The escalator system of claim 1, further comprising a reset actuator configured to push the comb plate from the retracted position toward the normal position.
7. The escalator system according to claim 6, wherein: The reset actuator is activated when one or more of: no jamming is detected, or after a preselected duration after jamming is detected.
8. The escalator system according to claim 1, wherein: The comb plate is configured to travel a range of 10 mm to 20 mm from the normal position to the retracted position.
9. A comb plate assembly for an escalator, comprising: a comb plate partially defining a step-comb plate interface of the escalator, the comb plate comprising a plurality of comb plate teeth; A retraction device is configured to move the comb plate from a normal position toward a retracted position along the travel direction when a jam of an object is detected at the step-comb plate interface.
10. The comb plate assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The retraction arrangement includes one or more retraction springs configured to bias the comb plate toward the retracted position.
11. The comb plate assembly of claim 9, further comprising one or more solenoids to maintain the comb plate in the normal position; Wherein when a jam is detected, the one or more solenoids are activated to release the comb plate, allowing the comb plate to move toward the retracted position.
12. The comb plate assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The jam is detected via a jam detection sensor.
13. The comb plate assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The stuck detection sensor is one of a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor or a tactile force sensor.
14. The comb plate assembly of claim 9, further comprising a reset actuator configured to urge the comb plate from the retracted position toward the normal position.
15. The comb plate assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The reset actuator is activated upon one or more of: no jamming is detected, after a preselected duration after jamming is detected, or via a manually operated reset switch.
16. The comb plate assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The comb plate is configured to travel a range of 10 mm to 20 mm from the normal position to the retracted position.
17. A method of operating an escalator, comprising: driving a moving step including a plurality of grooves in a direction of travel toward a comb plate, the comb plate being disposed at least at a downstream end of the moving step relative to the direction of travel at a step-comb plate interface; detecting a jam at the step-comb plate interface; as well as The retracting device is activated to move the comb plate from the normal position toward the retracted position along the travel direction.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising activating one or more solenoids to allow the comb plate to move toward the retracted position when a jam is detected.
19. The method of claim 17, further comprising detecting sticking via one of a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor or a tactile force sensor.
20. The method of claim 17, further comprising urging the comb plate toward the normal position via activation of a reset actuator, the reset actuator being activated when one or more of: no jamming is detected, or after a preselected duration after jamming is detected.