Escalator slow speed operation device

Abstract

To provide an escalator slow-speed operation device that is able to greatly reduce the labor of maintenance work of an elevator that is performed while a main power source is kept stopped.SOLUTION: An escalator slow-speed operation device 100 is an escalator slow-speed operation device for driving an escalator during maintenance work, the escalator including: an intermediate drive unit that drives a step chain unit by means of electric power supplied from a main power supply; and a transmission mechanism that transmits torque input to a handle 40 during the maintenance work, to the step chain unit. The escalator slow-speed operation device 100 includes: an electric device 110 having a first rotary shaft 111 driven to rotate around a first center axis C1 by electric power supplied from a power source different from the main power source; and a transmission member 120 provided so as to transmit torque output from the first rotary shaft 111 of the electric device 110 to a handle 40 when the electric device 110 is driven, and so as to apply braking force to the handle 40 when the driving of the electric device 110 is stopped.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an escalator slow speed operation device. [Background technology]

[0002] During maintenance work on escalators, there are situations where test runs of the escalator are performed in the presence of workers in the vicinity of related equipment or when part of the related equipment has been disassembled. For safety reasons, such test runs are performed manually with the main power cut off.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2001-122574 (Patent Document 1) discloses a passenger conveyor device in which a manual handle is manually turned to move the passenger over steps. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-122574 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The manual test run requires a great deal of effort. In particular, when replacing a unit of the step chain, the step chain needs to be run one full revolution, which requires a great deal of effort and time.

[0006] During test runs, the step chain of the escalator must be stopped immediately if necessary. A great deal of effort is also required to immediately stop the step chain and the weight of the steps fixed to the step chain against inertia.

[0007] The main object of the present disclosure is to provide an escalator slow speed operation device that can significantly reduce the labor required for elevator maintenance work that is performed with the main power supply cut off. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The slow-speed escalator operation device according to the present disclosure is an escalator slow-speed operation device for operating an escalator during maintenance work, the escalator having a transmission mechanism for transmitting torque input to an input section during maintenance work to a step chain unit. The slow-speed escalator operation device includes an electric device having a first rotating shaft that is driven to rotate about a first central axis by power supplied from a power source different from a main power source, and a transmission member that transmits the torque output from the first rotating shaft of the electric device to the input section when the electric device is operating, and that is provided to apply a braking force to the input section when the electric device is stopped operating. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an escalator slow speed operation device that can significantly reduce the labor required for elevator maintenance work that is performed with the main power supply cut off. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view illustrating the components of the escalator according to the present embodiment, which are main components used during normal operation. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view illustrating the components of the escalator according to the present embodiment, which are main components used during maintenance work. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of an escalator slow-speed operation device according to a first embodiment and its usage state, viewed from a direction perpendicular to a first rotation axis of the escalator slow-speed operation device. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of an escalator slow-speed operation device according to a first embodiment and its usage state, viewed from a direction perpendicular to a first rotation axis of the escalator slow-speed operation device. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of an escalator slow-speed operation device according to a first embodiment and its usage state, viewed from a direction along a first rotation axis of the escalator slow-speed operation device. FIG. [Figure 6] 11 is a schematic diagram of an escalator slow-speed operation device according to a second embodiment and its usage state, viewed from a first direction perpendicular to a first rotation axis of the escalator slow-speed operation device. FIG. [Figure 7] 11 is a schematic diagram of an escalator slow-speed operation device according to a second embodiment and its usage state, viewed from a second direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis of the escalator slow-speed operation device. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The same components are given the same reference numbers, and the description thereof will not be repeated. The drawings show the connection relationship between the components of the escalator slow speed operation device according to the present embodiment and the main components of the escalator, and do not necessarily show the physical spatial arrangement of each component.

[0012] <Escalator configuration> 1, the escalator 1 includes a truss 2, an upper sprocket 3, a lower sprocket 4, a step chain 5, an intermediate drive unit 6, a control device 7, a plurality of steps 8, a balustrade 9, and a moving handrail 10. The escalator 1 is a so-called intermediate drive type escalator.

[0013] The truss 2 accommodates an upper sprocket 3, a lower sprocket 4, a step chain 5, an intermediate drive unit 6, and a control device 7. The upper sprocket 3 is installed on the upper floor of the truss 2. The lower sprocket 4 is installed on the lower floor of the truss 2. The step chain 5 is wound around the upper sprocket 3 and the lower sprocket 4. Steps 8 and the like are attached to the step chain 5. In this specification, a unit including the step chain 5 and the steps 8 and the like attached thereto is referred to as a step chain unit. The intermediate drive unit 6 is installed on the inclined portion of the truss 2 between the upper floor and the lower floor. The intermediate drive unit 6 drives the step chain 5 by power supplied from the main power source of the escalator 1. The step chain 5 moves, and the multiple steps 8 circulate between the upper floor and the lower floor. The control device 7 includes a first switch that switches the main power supply on / off, and a second switch that switches a first auxiliary power supply on / off, which is capable of supplying power to the brake release switch 38 when the main power supply is cut off.

[0014] A balustrade 9 is provided above the truss 2. The balustrade 9 extends in the longitudinal direction of the truss 2. A moving handrail 10 is provided on the balustrade 9. The moving handrail 10 moves cyclically between the upper floor and the lower floor. The intermediate drive unit 6 may further drive the moving handrail 10. The moving handrail 10 moves in conjunction with the step 8.

[0015] The intermediate drive unit 6 mainly includes a drive motor 11, a reducer 15, and a disc brake (not shown).

[0016] The drive motor 11 has a second rotating shaft 12. A motor-side pulley 13 is fixed to the second rotating shaft 12. The drive motor 11 drives and rotates the second rotating shaft 12 and the motor-side pulley 13 by power supplied from the main power supply of the escalator 1.

[0017] The reducer 15 has a reducer input shaft 16 and a reducer output shaft 17. The reducer 15 reduces the rotational speed of the power input from the reducer input shaft 16 and outputs it from the reducer output shaft 17. A reducer pulley 18, a disc brake, and a first pulley 31 (described later) are fixed to the reducer input shaft 16. A belt 20 is wound between the motor side pulley 13 and the reducer pulley 18. A drive chain sprocket 19 is fixed to the reducer output shaft 17. The drive chain sprocket 19 is engaged with the step chain 5.

[0018] The disc brake is the main brake of the escalator 1. The disc brake is an electromagnetic brake that utilizes electromagnetic force to brake the rotational motion of the reducer input shaft 16. The braking operation of the disc brake is controlled by the control device 7.

[0019] 1 and 2, the escalator 1 further includes a first pulley 31, a second pulley 32, a first shaft (not shown), a first transmission section 33, a second shaft 34, a second transmission section 35, a third shaft 36, a handle insertion section 37, a brake release switch 38, and a handle 40 (input section) as parts that are not used during normal operation but are used during maintenance work. The first pulley 31, the second pulley 32, the first shaft (not shown), the first transmission section 33, the second shaft 34, the second transmission section 35, the third shaft 36, and the handle insertion section 37 constitute a transmission mechanism for transmitting torque input to the handle 40 during maintenance work to the step chain unit.

[0020] The first pulley 31 is disposed in the intermediate drive unit 6. The second pulley 32, the first shaft, the first transmission section 33, the second shaft 34, the second transmission section 35, and the third shaft 36 are disposed in the truss 2 and outside the intermediate drive unit 6. The second pulley 32, the first transmission section 33, the second shaft 34, the second transmission section 35, and the third shaft 36 are disposed, for example, on an upper floor side than the intermediate drive unit 6. The handle insertion section 37 and the brake release switch 38 are disposed, for example, outside the truss 2, in the floor portion 22 that is covered by the cover 21 during normal operation but is exposed when the cover 21 is removed during maintenance work.

[0021] The first pulley 31 is fixed to the reducer input shaft 16 of the reducer 15. The first pulley 31 is rotatable integrally with the reducer input shaft 16. The second pulley 32 is disposed at a distance from the first pulley 31. The second pulley 32 is connected to one end of the first shaft.

[0022] The first transmission part 33 includes, for example, a pair of bevel gears. One gear of the first transmission part 33 is connected to the other end of the first shaft. The other gear of the first transmission part 33 is connected to one end of the second shaft .

[0023] The second transmission part 35 includes, for example, a pair of bevel gears. One gear of the second transmission part 35 is connected to the other end of the second shaft 34. The other gear of the second transmission part 35 is connected to one end of a third shaft 36. The other end of the third shaft 36 is engageable with a tip of an axis 41 of a handle 40 inserted into the handle insertion part 37.

[0024] Handle insertion portion 37 includes, for example, an opening 37A (see FIG. 3) through which the other end of third shaft 36 is exposed, and a guide portion for guiding the tip of shaft 41 of handle 40 into opening 37A.

[0025] The brake release switch 38 is connected to the control device 7. The brake release switch 38 is a switch for forcibly releasing the disc brake. The brake release switch 38 is made conductive (ON) by being pressed when the second switch of the control device 7 is in a closed state, and is made non-conductive (OFF) when not pressed. When the brake release switch 38 is in an ON state, the brake release switch 38 is provided to supply power from the first auxiliary power source to the disc brake to electrically release the disc brake. The brake release switch 38 is disposed, for example, near the handle insertion portion 37.

[0026] The handle 40 is inserted into the handle insertion portion 37 and connected to the third shaft 36 only during maintenance work on the escalator 1. The handle 40 includes an axle 41 and a wheel 42. The width W1 of the axle 41 of the handle 40 is equal to or smaller than the opening width W2 of the opening 37A of the handle insertion portion 37. The width W1 of the axle 41 is, for example, less than the opening width W2. One end (tip) of the axle 41 is engageable with the other end of the third shaft 36 when inserted into the handle insertion portion 37. The other end of the axle 41 is connected to the center of the wheel 42. The axle 41 and the wheel 42 are arranged coaxially. In this specification, the central axis of each of the axle 41 and the wheel 42 is referred to as a second central axis C2.

[0027] The wheel 42 has a first surface 42A and a second surface 42B facing opposite to each other in a direction along the second central axis C2, and an outer peripheral surface 42C connecting the outer peripheral edges of the first surface 42A and the second surface 42B. When viewed from the direction along the second central axis C2, the outer shape of the outer peripheral surface 42C is a toothed shape. In the first embodiment, the wheel 42 is configured as a first gear.

[0028] Handle 40 is, for example, a component part of escalator 1. In this case, handle 40 is housed in a machine room of escalator 1 during normal operation of escalator 1. Note that handle 40 does not have to be a component part of escalator 1. In this case, it is sufficient that escalator slow speed operation device 100 according to this embodiment is equipped with handle 40.

[0029] During normal operation of the escalator 1, the first contact switch of the control device 7 is closed, and power is supplied from the main power source to the intermediate drive unit 6. On the other hand, during normal operation of the escalator 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the second pulley 32 is not connected to the first pulley 31. In other words, during normal operation, the driving force generated by the intermediate drive unit 6 is not transmitted to the second pulley 32. During normal operation of the escalator 1, the cover 21 covers the handle insertion portion 37 and the brake release switch 38, and the handle 40 is not inserted into the handle insertion portion 37. During normal operation of the escalator 1, the second contact switch is open.

[0030] During maintenance work on the escalator 1, an operator opens the first contact switch, thereby cutting off the main power supply and realizing a state in which the intermediate drive unit 6 is not energized. Furthermore, during maintenance work, an operator closes the second contact switch, thereby realizing a state in which the braking operation of the disc brake can be controlled by turning the brake release switch 38 on and off.

[0031] Furthermore, during maintenance work on the escalator 1, as shown in FIG. 2, the second pulley 32 is connected to the first pulley 31 via the maintenance chain 30. Furthermore, during maintenance work, the cover 21 is removed, and the tip of the handle 40 is inserted into the handle insertion portion 37 and connected to the other end of the third shaft 36. When the brake release switch 38 is turned on and torque around the second center axis C2 is input to the handle 40 inserted into the handle insertion portion 37, the torque is transmitted to the reducer input shaft 16 via the third shaft 36, the second transmission portion 35, the second shaft 34, the first transmission portion 33, the first shaft, the second pulley 32, the maintenance chain 30, and the first pulley 31. The torque transmitted to the reducer input shaft 16 is transmitted to the step chain 5 via the reducer output shaft 17 and the drive chain sprocket 19.

[0032] The following describes the slow-speed escalator operation device according to the present disclosure. The slow-speed escalator operation device according to the present disclosure is used during maintenance work on the escalator 1 to run the step chain 5 on the slow side and to immediately stop the step chain 5 as necessary. The slow-speed escalator operation device according to the present disclosure is provided to rotate the handle 40 and to immediately stop the rotation of the handle 40 as necessary.

[0033] Embodiment 1 <Configuration of the escalator slow speed operation device> As shown in FIG. 3, escalator slow-speed operation device 100 according to the first embodiment includes electric device 110 and transmission member 120.

[0034] The electric device 110 has a first rotating shaft 111 that is driven to rotate about a first central axis C1 by a power source (second auxiliary power source) different from the main power source and the first auxiliary power source of the escalator 1. The electric device 110 further has a switch 112 for switching between a state in which the first rotating shaft 111 is rotating and a state in which the first rotating shaft 111 is stopped from rotating. The electric device 110 is capable of outputting a torque equal to or greater than the torque required to run the step chain unit.

[0035] Preferably, the electric device 110 is capable of varying the torque it outputs. For example, the electric device 110 can change the torque it outputs in stages. In this case, it is preferable that the electric device 110 can output a torque that is one step larger than the torque required to run the step chain unit.

[0036] In the maintenance work, the weight of the step chain unit differs depending on the work. Therefore, the torque required to run the step chain unit during the maintenance work, i.e., the torque required to rotate the flywheel, differs depending on the work. For example, a first torque required to run the step chain unit during a first work is smaller than a second torque required to run the step chain unit during a second work different from the first work. In this case, it is preferable that the electric device 110 is switchable between a first state in which a third torque larger than the first torque and smaller than the second torque can be output, and a second state in which a fourth torque larger than the second torque can be output.

[0037] The electric device 110 is a handheld electric device. Preferably, the electric device 110 is a rechargeable power tool. The electric device 110 may be available as a commercially available power tool.

[0038] The transmission member 120 is configured to transmit the torque output from the first rotating shaft 111 of the electric device 110 to the handle 40 when the electric device 110 is driven, and to apply a braking force to the handle 40 when the electric device 110 is stopped from being driven.

[0039] The transmission member 120 includes a second gear 130 , a first positioning member 140 , a first friction member 150 , and a second friction member 160 .

[0040] The second gear 130 engages with the wheel 42 serving as the first gear. The outer diameter of the second gear 130 is shorter than the outer diameter of the wheel 42, for example. In this specification, the central axis of the second gear 130 is referred to as a third central axis C3. The second gear 130 is connected to a third rotation shaft 147 of the first positioning member 140, which will be described later. The second gear 130 and the third rotation shaft 147 are arranged coaxially.

[0041] The first positioning member 140 positions the second gear 130 relative to the wheel 42. Specifically, the first positioning member 140 positions the second gear 130 relative to the wheel 42 in a state in which the third central axis C3 of the second gear 130 is parallel to the second central axis C2 of the handle 40 and the second gear 130 is engaged with the wheel 42.

[0042] Preferably, the first positioning member 140 positions the second gear 130 relative to each of the handle 40 and the handle insertion portion 37. Preferably, the first positioning member 140 includes a first bearing 141, a second bearing 142, a first connecting member 143 connecting the first bearing 141 and the second bearing 142, a fitting portion 144, a third bearing 145, a second connecting member 146 connecting the fitting portion 144 and the third bearing 145, and a third rotation shaft 147.

[0043] The first bearing 141 rotatably supports the shaft 41 of the handle 40. The second bearing 142 rotatably supports the third rotating shaft 147. The shaft 41 is fitted into the inner ring of the first bearing 141. The third rotating shaft 147 is fitted into the inner ring of the second bearing 142. The outer ring of the first bearing 141 and the outer ring of the second bearing 142 are fixed to a first connecting member 143.

[0044] The fitting portion 144 is provided to fit into the handle insertion portion 37. The third bearing 145 rotatably supports the third rotating shaft 147. The third rotating shaft 147 is fitted into the inner ring of the third bearing 145. The fitting portion 144 and the outer ring of the third bearing 145 are fixed to the second connecting member 146.

[0045] The first friction member 150 and the second friction member 160 constitute a friction clutch. The first friction member 150 is a driving side friction part fixed to the first rotating shaft 111 as a driving shaft, and the second friction member 160 is a driven side friction part fixed to the second gear 130 and the third rotating shaft 147 as driven shafts. The first friction member 150 and the second friction member 160 constitute a cone clutch in which each friction surface is configured as a cone surface, for example.

[0046] The first friction member 150 is attached to the first rotating shaft 111 of the electric device 110. The first friction member 150 is pressed against the second friction member 160 when the electric device 110 is driven and when it is stopped, and is provided so as to transmit the torque output from the electric device 110 to the second gear 130 when it is driven and to apply a braking force to the second gear 130 when it is stopped. The first friction member 150 has rotational symmetry with respect to the first central axis C1.

[0047] The first friction member 150 has a first friction surface 151. In a cross section along the third central axis C3, the first friction surface 151 is inclined with respect to the third central axis C3. The first friction surface 151 is, for example, a conical surface provided such that the inner diameter with respect to the first central axis C1 gradually decreases with increasing distance from the electric device 110.

[0048] The second friction member 160 is attached to the second gear 130. The second friction member 160 is provided to rotate around the third central axis C3 integrally with the second gear 130 and the third rotating shaft 147. The second gear 130, the third rotating shaft 147, and the second friction member 160 have rotational symmetry with respect to the third central axis C3.

[0049] The second friction member 160 has a second friction surface 161. A recess that is recessed relative to the upper surface is formed in the second friction member 160. The second friction surface 161 is formed as an inner peripheral surface of the recess of the second friction member 160. In a cross section along the third central axis C3, the second friction surface 161 is inclined relative to the third central axis C3. The second friction surface 161 is, for example, a conical surface that is provided such that the inner diameter relative to the third central axis C3 gradually becomes shorter as it moves away from the upper surface.

[0050] In the transmission member 120, the second gear 130, the first positioning member 140, and the second friction member 160 are integrated together. The first friction member 150 is separate from the second gear 130, the first positioning member 140, and the second friction member 160.

[0051] The first friction member 150 and the second friction member 160 are provided such that, in a state in which the first friction member 150 is pressed against the second friction member 160, the first central axis C1 is disposed on the same straight line as the third central axis C3, and the first friction surface 151 is in surface contact with the second friction surface 161. The second friction member 160 and the first friction member 150 are provided such that, in the above state, the torque output from the electric device 110 is transmitted to the handle 40 via the second gear 130 by the frictional force generated between the first friction surface 151 and the second friction surface 161.

[0052] Furthermore, the first friction member 150 and the second friction member 160 are provided so as to apply a braking force to the handle 40 when the driving of the electric device 110 is stopped in the above state.

[0053] Each of the first friction member 150 and the second friction member 160 is, for example, an elastic member. <How to use the escalator slow speed operation device> As described above, the escalator slow speed operation device 100 is used during maintenance work on the escalator 1 to input the torque to be transmitted to the step chain 5 to the handle 40 and to immediately stop the step chain 5 if necessary.

[0054] An example of a method of using the escalator slow-speed operation device 100 will be described below with reference to Figs.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 3, the electric device 110 and the first friction member 150, which are integrated with each other, and the second gear 130, the first positioning member 140, and the second friction member 160, which are integrated with each other, are prepared. Furthermore, with the fitting portion 144 of the first positioning member 140 fitted into the handle insertion portion 37, the shaft 41 of the handle 40 is fitted into the inner ring of the first bearing 141. This realizes the state shown in Fig. 3.

[0056] Next, the first friction member 150 attached to the first rotating shaft 111 of the electric device 110 is pressed against the second friction member 160. This achieves the state shown in FIG.

[0057] Next, the worker depresses the brake release switch 38 with his foot to release the disc brake, and then turns on the switch 113 of the electric device 110. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the torque output from the electric device 110 is transmitted to the wheel 42 of the handle 40 via the first friction member 150, the second friction member 160, and the second gear 130. Furthermore, the torque transmitted to the handle 40 is transmitted to the step chain 5 via the third shaft 36, the second transmission section 35, the second shaft 34, the first transmission section 33, the first shaft, the second pulley 32, the maintenance chain 30, the first pulley 31, the reducer input shaft 16, the reducer output shaft 17, and the drive chain sprocket 19. As a result, the step chain unit runs at a slow speed. After the step chain unit has moved the required distance, or when it becomes necessary to immediately stop the step chain 5, the worker turns off the switch 113 of the electric device 110 while keeping the first friction surface 151 of the first friction member 150 in contact with the second friction surface 161 of the second friction member 160. This prevents the handle 40 from continuing to rotate due to inertia caused by the frictional force generated between the second friction surface 161 and the first friction surface 151, and the step chain unit immediately stops. After completing the maintenance work, the worker collects the escalator slow speed operation device 100.

[0058] In the first task, in which a first torque required to run the step chain unit at a slow speed is smaller than a second torque required in the second task, the electric device 110 is in the first state. In the second task, the electric device 110 is in the second state.

[0059] <Effects> Escalator slow speed operation device 100 comprises electric device 110 and transmission member 120, which is arranged to transmit the torque output from electric device 110 to the step chain unit via handle 40 or the like when electric device 110 is driven, and to apply a braking force to the step chain unit via handle 40 or the like when driving of electric device 110 is stopped. Therefore, escalator slow speed operation device 100 can significantly reduce the labor required for maintenance work compared to manually rotating the flywheel during elevator maintenance work performed with the main power supply cut off.

[0060] In particular, when the step chain unit replacement work was performed manually as in the past, multiple workers had to rotate the flywheel in shifts, whereas by using the escalator slow speed operation device 100, one worker can smoothly run the step chain unit one revolution.

[0061] Furthermore, escalator slow speed operation device 100 has a relatively simple structure and can be easily used in maintenance work on an existing escalator 1 that includes first pulley 31, second pulley 32, first shaft, first transmission section 33, second shaft 34, second transmission section 35, third shaft 36, handle insertion section 37, and brake release switch 38. Therefore, escalator slow speed operation device 100 can reduce capital investment and running costs.

[0062] Furthermore, in the escalator slow speed operation device 100, a rechargeable electric tool may be adopted as the electric device 110. In this case, the electric device 110, the first rotating shaft 111, and the first friction member 150 may be easily prepared by attaching an integrated unit of the first rotating shaft 111 and the first friction member 150 to an electric tool used for maintenance work as its tip tool. Furthermore, after the above-mentioned use, the integrated unit of the first rotating shaft 111 and the first friction member 150 may be replaced with another tip tool such as an electric screwdriver, so that the electric device 110 may be used for other maintenance work. The escalator slow speed operation device 100 may further reduce capital investment and running costs.

[0063] In the escalator slow speed operation device 100, a first friction member 150 attached to a first rotating shaft 111 of the electric device 110 and a second friction member 160 attached to a second gear 130 that engages with a wheel 42 of the handle 40 constitute a friction clutch. Therefore, the escalator slow speed operation device 100 can stably supply the torque required to run the step chain unit from the electric device 110 to the handle 40. Also, when a large load is applied to the driven side of the friction clutch including the step chain unit, the second friction surface 161 slips against the first friction surface 151, and the first friction member 150 stops the driven rotation. Therefore, the use of the escalator slow speed operation device 100 can increase the safety of maintenance work.

[0064] In the escalator slow speed operation device 100, the second friction member 160 and the first friction member 150 form a cone clutch. That is, the second friction surface 161 of the second friction member 160 is inclined with respect to the third central axis C3, and the first friction surface 151 of the first friction member 150 is inclined with respect to the first central axis C1. In a state in which the first friction member 150 is pressed against the second friction member 160, the first central axis C1 is disposed on the same straight line as the third central axis C3, and the first friction surface 151 is in surface contact with the second friction surface 161. With such second friction member 160 and first friction member 150, the torque that can be transmitted is larger than that of a disk clutch having the same outer diameter.

[0065] In the escalator slow speed operation device 100, the first positioning member 140 includes a first bearing 141 that is fitted to the shaft 41 of the handle 40, and a fitting portion 144 that is fitted to the handle insertion portion 37. This allows the first positioning member 140 to determine the relative positions of the second gear 130, the handle 40, and the handle insertion portion 37. Therefore, even when the width W1 of the shaft 41 of the handle 40 is less than the opening width W2 of the opening 37A of the handle insertion portion 37 as described above, the first positioning member 140 can position the second gear 130 with respect to the handle 40 that is positioned with respect to the handle insertion portion 37 so that the second central axis C2 of the handle 40 is aligned on the same straight line as the central axis of the third shaft 36.

[0066] Preferably, the electric device 110 is switchable between a first state in which it can output a third torque that is greater than the first torque and less than the second torque, and a second state in which it can output a fourth torque that is greater than the second torque. One escalator slow-speed operation device 100 is capable of handling both a first task requiring the first torque and a second task requiring the second torque.

[0067] <Modification> The shapes of the second friction surface 161 and the first friction surface 151 may be appropriately changed depending on the number of torques and the magnitude of each torque required in the maintenance work of the escalator 1. The second friction surface 161 and the first friction surface 151 may be configured as a disk clutch. Also, the second friction member 160 and the first friction member 150 may be configured as a dog clutch.

[0068] First positioning member 140 does not have to be provided to position handle 40 relative to handle insertion portion 37, which is a part of the transmission mechanism. First positioning member 140 may include a fourth bearing that rotatably supports shaft 41 of handle 40, instead of fitting portion 144. Escalator slow speed operation device 100 including such a first positioning member 140 can be used, for example, when width W1 of shaft 41 of handle 40 is equal to opening width W2 of opening 37A of handle insertion portion 37 and handle 40 can be positioned relative to handle insertion portion 37 simply by inserting the tip of shaft 41 into handle insertion portion 37.

[0069] Embodiment 2 Unless otherwise specified, the slow-speed escalator operation device according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the slow-speed escalator operation device according to the first embodiment, and exerts the same effects.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, escalator slow speed operation device 200 according to the second embodiment includes electric device 210 and transmission member 220.

[0071] The electric device 210 has a first rotating shaft 211 that is driven to rotate around a first central axis C1 by a power source different from the main power source of the escalator 1. The electric device 210 further has a switch 212 for switching between a state in which the first rotating shaft 211 is rotating and a state in which the first rotating shaft 211 is stopped rotating. The electric device 210 can output a torque equal to or greater than the torque required to run the step chain unit. The electric device 210 is not a handheld type, but a stationary type electric device. The electric device 210 is detachably fixed to a wall surface or the like of the truss 2 of the escalator 1 by a second positioning member 250.

[0072] Preferably, the electric device 210 is capable of varying the torque it outputs. For example, the electric device 210 is capable of changing the torque it outputs in stages. In this case, it is preferable that the electric device 210 is capable of outputting a torque that is one step larger than the torque required to run the step chain unit.

[0073] It is preferable that the electric device 210 is also switchable between a first state in which a third torque larger than the first torque and smaller than the second torque can be output, and a second state in which a fourth torque larger than the second torque can be output. The electric device 210 may be a rechargeable power tool.

[0074] The transmission member 220 is configured to transmit the torque output from the first rotating shaft 211 of the electric device 210 to the handle 40 when the electric device 210 is driven, and to apply a braking force to the handle 40 when the electric device 210 is stopped from being driven.

[0075] The transmission member 220 includes a third friction member 230 , a fourth friction member 240 , a second positioning member 250 , and a third positioning member 260 .

[0076] The third friction member 230 is attached to the first rotating shaft 211 and has a third friction surface 231 that contacts the first surface 42A of the wheel 42. The third friction surface 231 is, for example, circular in any cross section perpendicular to the first central axis C1. The third friction surface 231 is, for example, a cylindrical surface.

[0077] The fourth friction member 240 has a fourth friction surface 241 that faces the third friction surface 231 and is capable of contacting the second surface 42B of the wheel 42.

[0078] The fourth friction surface 241 is, for example, circular in any cross section perpendicular to the first central axis C1. The fourth friction surface 241 is, for example, a cylindrical surface. The fourth friction member 240 is fixed to, for example, a fourth rotating shaft 242. The fourth friction member 240 and the fourth rotating shaft 242 are fixed to the second positioning member 250 so as to be rotatable around the fourth central axis C4.

[0079] The second positioning member 250 positions the fourth friction member 240 relative to the electric device 210 and the third friction member 230. The second positioning member 250 can realize a third state in which the third friction surface 231 contacts the first surface 42A and the fourth friction surface 241 contacts the second surface 42B. In the third state, the third friction member 230 and the fourth friction member 240 sandwich the wheel 42 in the direction along the second central axis C2. Each of the third friction member 230 and the fourth friction member 240 is pressed against the wheel 42 in the third state.

[0080] The second positioning member 250 has, for example, a first housing portion 251 that houses the electric device 210 and a second housing portion 252 that houses the fourth rotating shaft 242. Each of the first housing portion 251 and the second housing portion 252 is configured as, for example, a through hole. The electric device 210 is fitted into and fixed to the first housing portion 251. The fourth rotating shaft 242 is rotatably positioned with respect to the second housing portion 252 of the second positioning member 250 by the first fixing member 243 in a state where it is inserted into the second housing portion 252. For example, the fourth rotating shaft 242 is provided with a screw thread, and the first fixing member 243 such as a nut is fastened to the screw thread.

[0081] Second positioning member 250 further has second fixing member 253 for detachably fixing escalator slow speed operation device 200 to a wall surface of truss 2. Second fixing member 253 may have any structure, but is provided, for example, to sandwich L-shaped angle 2A of truss 2. Second fixing member 253 includes, for example, a contact portion that contacts one side of angle 2A, a facing portion that is connected to the contact portion, faces the other side of angle 2A, and has a screw hole formed therein, and a bolt having a tip portion that screws into the screw hole of the facing portion and presses the other side of angle 2A.

[0082] The third positioning member 260 positions the handle 40 relative to the handle insertion portion 37, which is a part of the transmission mechanism. The third positioning member 260 can be arranged in the same line as the central axis of the third shaft 36 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The third positioning member 260 includes, for example, a cylindrical member 261, a plurality of third fixing members 262, and a fifth bearing 263.

[0083] The cylindrical member 261 is provided to accommodate the handle insertion portion 37 and at least a part of the shaft 41 therein when the tip of the shaft 41 of the handle 40 is inserted into the handle insertion portion 37 and connected to the other end of the third shaft 36. The cylindrical member 261 is formed with a plurality of screw holes 264 that screw into each of the plurality of third fixing members 262. The plurality of screw holes 264 are formed in a region of the cylindrical member 261 that faces the handle insertion portion 37 in the radial direction relative to the second central axis C2 when one end of the cylindrical member 261 contacts the floor portion 22 on which the handle insertion portion 37 is provided.

[0084] Each of the plurality of third fixing members 262 includes a thread that screws into each of the screw holes 264. Each of the plurality of third fixing members 262 is, for example, a bolt.

[0085] The fifth bearing 263 includes an outer ring fitted inside the cylindrical member 261, an inner ring fitted with the shaft 41 of the handle 40, and a rolling element that rolls between the outer ring and the inner ring. The fifth bearing 263 is disposed at intervals from the multiple screw holes 264 in the direction along the second center axis C2.

[0086] The third friction member 230 is provided so as to transmit the torque output from the electric device 210 to the wheel 42 when the electric device 210 is driven, and to apply a braking force to the wheel 42 when the electric device 210 is stopped, in the third state. The fourth friction member 240 is provided so as to rotate in response to the rotation of the third friction member 230 in the third state. Each of the third friction member 230 and the fourth friction member 240 is, for example, an elastic member.

[0087] Preferably, second positioning member 250 can be switched between the third state and a fourth state in which the distance between third friction surface 231 and fourth friction surface 241 is different from the third state. In the direction along second central axis C2, opening width W3 (see FIG. 6) of second accommodation section 252 is wider than the width (outer diameter) of fourth rotating shaft 242. Fourth rotating shaft 242 can move in the direction along second central axis C2 within second accommodation section 252. First fixing member 243 can fix fourth rotating shaft 242, which is disposed at any position within second accommodation section 252 in the direction along second central axis C2, to second accommodation section 252. Thus, in escalator slow speed operation device 200, the pressure with which wheel 42 is sandwiched between third friction member 230 and fourth friction member 240 can be adjusted. In other words, according to the escalator slow speed operation device 200, an appropriate pressure can be applied to the wheels 42 during each maintenance work on a plurality of types of escalators 1 having wheels 42 with different thicknesses.

[0088] The escalator slow speed operation device 200 can be used in the same manner as the escalator slow speed operation device 100. As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the worker arranges the escalator slow speed operation device 200 so that the first rotation axis 211 is perpendicular to the axis 41 of the handle 40 and the third friction member 230 and the fourth friction member 240 sandwich the wheel 42, and fixes it to the wall surface of the truss 2. Furthermore, the worker releases the disk brake by stepping on the brake release switch 38 with his foot. After that, the worker turns on the switch 212 of the electric device 210 to input torque to the handle 40. This causes the step chain unit to travel at a slow speed. After the step chain unit has moved a required distance, or when it becomes necessary to immediately stop the step chain 5, the worker turns off the switch 212 of the electric device 210. This prevents the handle 40 from continuing to rotate due to inertia due to the frictional force generated between the third friction member 230 and the wheel 42, and the step chain unit immediately stops. After completing the maintenance work, the worker collects escalator slow speed operation device 200.

[0089] Note that second positioning member 250 of escalator slow speed operation device 200 may be capable of maintaining a non-contact state in which third friction member 230 and fourth friction member 240 are not in contact with wheel 42. In this case, after maintenance work is completed, if the power source for supplying electricity to electric device 210 is cut off and the non-contact state is achieved, escalator slow speed operation device 200 may be maintained in a state fixed to the wall surface of truss 2.

[0090] Transmission member 220 of escalator slow speed operation device 200 does not have to include third positioning member 260. Escalator slow speed operation device 200 equipped with such transmission member 220 can be used, for example, when width W1 of shaft 41 of handle 40 is equal to opening width W2 of opening 37A of handle insertion portion 37 and handle 40 can be positioned with respect to handle insertion portion 37 simply by inserting the tip of shaft 41 into handle insertion portion 37.

[0091] The electric device 210 may be provided to supply power to the disc brake to release the disc brake. In this case, the operator can release the disc brake and run the step chain unit at a slow speed simply by turning on the switch 212 of the escalator slow speed operation device 200, without mechanically operating the brake release switch 38.

[0092] The embodiments and modifications disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1 escalator, 2 truss, 2A angle, 3 upper sprocket, 4 lower sprocket, 5 step chain, 6 intermediate drive unit, 7 control device, 8 step, 9 balustrade, 10 moving handrail, 11 drive motor, 12 second rotating shaft, 13 motor side pulley, 15 reducer, 16 reducer input shaft, 17 reducer output shaft, 18 reducer pulley, 19 drive chain sprocket, 20 belt, 21 cover, 22 floor part, 30 maintenance chain, 31 first pulley, 32 second pulley, 33 first transmission part, 34 second shaft, 35 second transmission part, 36 third shaft, 37 handle insertion part, 37A opening, 38 brake release switch, 40 handle, 41 shaft, 42 wheel, 42A first surface, 42B second surface, 42C outer circumferential surface, 100, 200 Escalator slow speed operation device, 110, 210 Electric device, 111, 211 First rotating shaft, 112, 113, 212 Switch, 120, 220 Transmission member, 130 Second gear, 140 First positioning member, 141 First bearing, 142 Second bearing, 143 First connecting member, 144 Fitting portion, 145 Third bearing, 146 Second connecting member, 147 Third rotating shaft, 150 First friction member, 151 First friction surface, 160 Second friction member, 161 Second friction surface, 230 Third friction member, 231 Third friction surface, 240 Fourth friction member, 241 Fourth friction surface, 242 Fourth rotating shaft, 243 First fixing member, 250 Second positioning member, 251 First housing portion, 252 Second housing portion, 253 Second fixing member, 260 A third positioning member, 261 a cylindrical member, 262 a third fixing member, 263 a fifth bearing, and 264 a screw hole.

Claims

1. An escalator slow speed operation device for operating an escalator during maintenance work, the escalator comprising an intermediate drive unit that drives a step chain unit by power supplied from a main power source, and a transmission mechanism that transmits torque input to an input section during maintenance work to the step chain unit, the device comprising: an electric device having a first rotating shaft that is rotated about a first central axis by electric power supplied from a power source different from the main power source; a transmission member configured to transmit torque output from the first rotating shaft of the electric device to the input portion when the electric device is driven, and to apply a braking force to the input portion when the electric device is stopped.

2. The input portion includes a first gear that is rotatable about a second central axis, The transmission member is a second gear engaged with the first gear and rotatable about a third central axis; a first positioning member that positions the second gear relative to the first gear; a first friction member attached to the first rotating shaft; a second friction member attached to the second gear; 2. The escalator slow speed operation device according to claim 1, wherein the first friction member and the second friction member form a friction clutch.

3. The first friction member has a first friction surface, The second friction member has a second friction surface, the first friction surface is inclined with respect to the first central axis, the second friction surface is inclined with respect to the third central axis, 3. The escalator slow-speed operation device according to claim 2, wherein, in a state in which the first friction member is pressed against the second friction member, the first central axis is disposed on the same straight line as the third central axis, and the first friction surface is in surface contact with the second friction surface.

4. 4. The slow-speed operation device for an escalator according to claim 2, wherein the first positioning member is provided to position the input portion relative to the transmission mechanism.

5. a first torque required to run the step chain unit during a first operation is smaller than a second torque required to run the step chain unit during a second operation different from the first operation; 4. The escalator slow speed operation device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the electric device is switchable between a first state in which it can output a third torque greater than the first torque and less than the second torque, and a second state in which it can output a fourth torque greater than the second torque.

6. The slow-speed operation device for an escalator according to claim 5, wherein the electric device is a rechargeable electric tool.

7. The input portion includes a shaft rotatable about a second central axis, and a wheel having a first surface and a second surface facing opposite to each other in a direction along the second central axis, The transmission member is a third friction member attached to the first rotating shaft and having a third friction surface in contact with the first surface; a fourth friction member having a fourth friction surface facing the third friction surface and contactable with the second surface; a second positioning member that positions the fourth friction member relative to the electric device and the third friction member, the second positioning member is capable of realizing a third state in which the third friction surface is in contact with the first surface and the fourth friction surface is in contact with the second surface; 2. The slow-speed operation device for an escalator according to claim 1, wherein, in the third state, the fourth friction member is capable of being rotated in response to rotation of the first rotating shaft and the third friction member.

8. The slow speed operation device for an escalator according to claim 7 , wherein the transmission member further includes a third positioning member that positions the input portion relative to the transmission mechanism.

9. 9. The escalator slow speed operation device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the second positioning member is switchable between the third state and a fourth state in which a distance between the third friction surface and the fourth friction surface is different from that in the third state.

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