Escalator

Abstract

To provide an escalator step having a partition protruding from a step board in a configuration different from the conventional type.SOLUTION: An escalator is configured such that, in an inclined section where a plurality of steps 12 are inclined in a staircase-like manner, when a passenger boards one step S13 and a step 50 is displaced downward due to the passenger's own weight, one end side of a first swivel member 82 rotates upward, causing the tip portion of a partition 90 to rise upward from a slit 50A opened in the step 50, and at the same time, an operating portion 98A, which is one end portion of a second swivel member 92, pushes up and rotates upward a passive portion 88A, which is one end portion of the first swivel member 82 of another step S14, which is one step higher than the first step S13, so that the partition 90 of the other step S14 rises upward from the slit 50A of the other step S14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an escalator, and more particularly to an escalator that can effectively prevent walking on the steps. [Background technology]

[0002] The current rule on escalators is that people should stand still instead of walking, and some local governments have enacted this rule into law. Despite this, it is common to see people leaving one side open on escalators with two rows of passengers, for example, to leave one side open for people who are in a hurry.

[0003] Accidents have been occurring due to "improper riding habits," such as passengers who are walking and passing by passengers who have stopped to use the train causing the standing passenger to fall when their luggage or body comes into contact with the train, or passengers who are walking and using the train themselves tripping over steps and falling.

[0004] In order to address this problem, Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe escalators that were invented with the aim of preventing people from walking on the steps by using innovative steps.

[0005] The steps described in Patent Document 1 have a movable partition 33 with a "blowback" structure (Figs. 4, 5, and 6 of Patent Document 1). The movable partition 33 is stored in a chamber 35 (Figs. 3 and 4 of Patent Document 1) provided at the tip of the step 21. The lower end of the movable partition 33 protruding from the chamber 35 serves as an air inlet / outlet 37 (Fig. 5 of Patent Document 1). An air blower 39 is provided below the multiple steps 5 that run obliquely like a staircase, along the path of the steps 5 (Fig. 1 of Patent Document 1).

[0006] Furthermore, paragraph

[0025] of Patent Document 1 states that, as the air blowing section 39, "when the movable partition 33 is on the forward path side of the circular route, an upward-facing jet nozzle that sends air upward toward the downward-facing air inlet / outlet 37, and a blower that sends air to the jet nozzle can be used," and that "as a result, when the step 5 with movable partition moves along the circular route, the movable partition 33 rises up like a curtain only while it moves above the air blowing section 39 on the forward path side."

[0007] In the escalator described in Patent Document 1, the movable partition 33 protrudes from the tip of the step, which becomes an obstacle, and it is described that the purpose of suppressing walking on the step is achieved (paragraph

[0026] of Patent Document 1). However, since there is a considerable distance between the blower 39 and the air inlet / outlet 37 of the movable partition 33 (see Figures 1 and 5 of Patent Document 1), it is doubtful whether air sufficient to raise the movable partition 33 can be blown into the air inlet / outlet 37, and doubts arise as to the feasibility.

[0008] Furthermore, in the method of Patent Document 1, a device that requires a new power source, such as a blower, is required to project the movable partition 33, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of energy conservation.

[0009] In response to this, steps that do not require a new power source have been disclosed. The steps in the escalator described in Patent Document 2 have a configuration in which a movable roller 42 that is guided by a guide rail 3 that guides the follower roller 14 of the step 100 is added, and a protruding member 20 is connected to the movable roller 42 (Fig. 2 of Patent Document 2). The protruding member 20 can move in and out in the vertical direction from a through hole 11b opened at the tip of the step 11.

[0010] The step bracket 13 of the step body 10 has a triangular shape in side view, and the roller bracket 41 having an elongated roller hole 41a is provided in a position protruding outward from the triangle. The movable roller 42 moves in the longitudinal direction of the roller bracket 41 while being guided by the roller hole 41a.

[0011] In the step described in Patent Document 2, paragraph

[0027] states that in an inclined section where the guide rail 3 is inclined, the movable roller 42, which is guided by the guide rail 3 and displaces vertically relative to the step 11, is positioned above the following roller 14, so that the protruding member 20 is pushed up and protrudes upward from the tip of the step 11. Because the movable roller 42 is guided by the guide rail 3 and is connected to the movable roller 42, and is configured to push up the protruding member 20 guided by the roller bracket 41, no additional power source is required. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-154855 A [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2020 / 003375 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] However, in the step 100 described in Patent Document 2, in the inclined section where the guide rail 3 is inclined with respect to the step 11, as shown in FIG. 4, the roller bracket 41 moves in a state of protruding below the guide rail 3, and in reality, there is a risk of interference with other elements constituting the escalator 1. In addition, although not shown, in the turn-around section of the step 11 where the guide rail 3 curves in an arc, the roller bracket 41 also protrudes toward the inner circumference side of the guide rail 3, and there is also a risk of interference with other components. In other words, like the escalator described in Patent Document 1, there are doubts about the feasibility of an escalator using the step 100 described in Patent Document 2.

[0014] In view of the above circumstances, from the viewpoint of enriching the technology, the present invention aims to provide an escalator having a configuration different from the escalators described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, in which a partition protrudes from the tread. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an escalator comprising a plurality of steps, each of which includes a frame, a step, a riser, a pair of drive rollers, and a pair of driven rollers, connected in a ring shape, the steps connected in a ring shape running horizontally, then running inclined in a staircase shape, and then running horizontally again to transport passengers standing on the steps, each of the steps having a slit opened along the edge of the step on the riser side and an elastic member which is elastically deformed by a load applied to the tread surface of the step, a support means for supporting the step so that the step can be displaced in the up and down direction relative to the pair of drive rollers and the pair of driven rollers, a first rotating member rotatably mounted on an axis member provided parallel to the longitudinal direction of the step, the first rotating member having a first end portion pressed down as the step is displaced downward and a second end portion rotating upward, and the first rotating member having a second end portion which is pressed down as the step is displaced downward, The vehicle has a partition whose base end is attached to the second end portion of the swivel member and whose tip end portion is capable of moving in and out of the slit, and a second swivel member which is rotatably mounted on the shaft member, the first end being pushed down as the footboard moves downward and the second end side being rotated upward, and in the inclined stepwise section which moves in a staircase-like manner, when the footboard is displaced downward due to the weight of the passenger on one of the steps, the second end side of the first swivel member rotates upward, causing the tip end portion of the partition to rise upward from the slit, and the second end portion of the second swivel member pushes up the second end portion of the first swivel member of another step which is one step higher than the first step and rotates it upward, so that the partition of the other step rises upward from the slit of the other step.

[0016] The present invention is also characterized in that it has a drive shaft that rotatably supports the pair of drive rollers and a driven shaft that rotatably supports the pair of driven rollers, the tread is fixed to the frame, and the support means is provided between the frame and the drive shaft and the driven shaft.

[0017] In this case, the device is characterized by having a connecting member that connects the shaft member and the drive shaft and supports the shaft member so that it does not displace in the up and down direction relative to the drive shaft.

[0018] Alternatively, the driving shaft and the driven shaft are supported by the frame so as not to be displaced in the vertical direction relative to the frame, and the support means is provided between the footboard and the frame.

[0019] In this case, the shaft member is supported by the frame so as not to be displaced in the vertical direction relative to the frame.

[0020] Furthermore, in the horizontal running section in which the steps run horizontally, the second end side of the first swivel member has a regulating member that regulates upward rotation so that the tip portion of the partition does not rise upward from the slit. Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the escalator having the above configuration, in the inclined section where the steps connected in an annular shape are inclined in the staircase shape, when a passenger boards one of the steps and the step is displaced downward by the passenger's own weight, a first end of a first pivot member rotatably mounted on an axis member arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the step is pushed down and a second end of the first pivot member rotatably mounted on an axis member arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the step is pushed down and a tip end of the screen, the base end of which is attached to the second end portion, rises up from a slit opened along the riser side edge of the step. Also, a first end of a second pivot part rotatably mounted on an axis member is pushed down and a second end of the second pivot part rotatably mounted on an axis member is pushed down and a tip end of the screen, the base end of which is attached to the second end portion, rises up from a slit opened along the riser side edge of the step. Also, a first end of a second pivot part rotatably mounted on an axis member is pushed down and a second end of the second pivot part rotatably mounted on an axis member is pushed down and a second end of the second pivot part rotatably mounted on an axis member is pushed up ... In this way, according to the escalator of the present invention, the partition can be made to protrude from the step board by a configuration different from the configurations described in Patent Documents 1 and 2. In other words, the technology regarding escalators in which the partition protrudes from the steps is enriched.

[0022] When the escalator is used for going down, the partition rising from the slit in the step of the first step on which the passenger has boarded becomes an obstacle to walking, and therefore it is possible to prevent the passenger from walking as much as possible. On the other hand, when the escalator is used for going up, the partition rising from the slit in the step of the other step which is one step higher than the first step on which the passenger has boarded becomes an obstacle to walking, and therefore it is possible to prevent the passenger from walking as much as possible. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an escalator according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 1A is a side view of the step cut at the center of its longitudinal direction, FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the connecting arm, and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing the step in the state shown in FIG. 1A with a load applied to the step board. [Diagram 3]FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the steps of a down escalator immediately after they are extended from the comb plate at the entrance to the upper floor, and the operation of the steps that follow as it travels four steps. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing the movement of four steps on a down escalator just before they enter the comb board below. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing the steps of an upward escalator immediately after they are extended from the comb plate at the entrance to the floor below, and their movement during the three steps that follow. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing the steps of an upward escalator immediately after they are extended from the comb plate at the entrance to the floor below, and the operation of the steps that follow as it moves forward four steps. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing the movement of five steps on an upward escalator just before they enter the comb board on the floor above. [Figure 10] 10(a) is a side view of an escalator step of embodiment 2 cut at its longitudinal center, and FIG. 10(b) is a view showing the step in a state where a load is applied to the step board from the state shown in FIG. 10(a). [Figure 11] FIG. 11(a) is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a step of an escalator according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 11(b) is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a frame of the same step, etc.; [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are partial cross-sectional views taken at the position of a flanged pin of an escalator step in accordance with a second embodiment, where (a) is a cross-sectional view in the state shown in FIG. 10A, and (b) is a cross-sectional view in the state shown in FIG. 10B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an escalator according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <Embodiment 1> [Overall configuration] A schematic configuration of an escalator 10 according to the first embodiment is shown in Fig. 1. Note that in Fig. 1, some of the steps 12 at the top of the escalator 10 are not shown. Also, a "screen partition up / down mechanism" (described later) provided on each step 12 is not shown.

[0025] The escalator 10 has a plurality of steps 12, which are endless conveyors connected in a circular shape and travel in a circular motion. A drive device 16 for driving the steps 12 is installed in an upper machine room 14.

[0026] The drive unit 16 has an electric motor 18 capable of forward and reverse rotation, and the power of the electric motor 18 is transmitted to an output shaft (neither shown) via a reduction gear. A drive sprocket 20 journaled on the output shaft is then driven to rotate. The drive unit 16 also has a driven sprocket 22 having a larger pitch circle than the drive sprocket 20, and the driven sprocket 22 is journaled on a shaft 24 so as to be freely rotatable. A roller chain 26, which is an endless chain, is wound around the drive sprocket 20 and the driven sprocket 22. A main step sprocket 28 is fixed coaxially to the shaft 24.

[0027] Meanwhile, a secondary step sprocket 34 journaled on a shaft 32 is provided in the lower machine room 30. A step chain 36 is wound between the main step sprocket 28 and the secondary step sprocket 34. A drive shaft 64, described later, for each of the multiple steps 12 is attached to the step chain 36. Between the main step sprocket 28 and the secondary step sprocket 34, the step chain 36 is guided by a first guide rail 74, described later (not shown in FIG. 1).

[0028] The escalator 10 is installed between an upper US and a lower DS of a building. At the entrance of the upper US, a comb plate 38 and a floor plate 40 are provided adjacent to the comb plate 38. At the entrance of the lower DS, a comb plate 42 and a floor plate 44 are provided adjacent to the comb plate.

[0029] In escalator 10 configured as described above, when electric motor 18 is started, its rotational power is transmitted via the reduction gear (not shown) and the output shaft (not shown), and drive sprocket 20 is rotated. When drive sprocket 20 rotates, roller chain 26 wound around drive sprocket 20 and driven sprocket 22 runs in a circle, and the rotational power from drive sprocket 20 is transmitted to driven sprocket 22.

[0030] When the driven sprocket 22 rotates, the main step sprocket 28, which is provided coaxially (on the shaft 24) with the driven sprocket 22, is also rotated. As a result, the step chain 36 wound around the main step sprocket 28 and the driven step sprocket 34 is guided by the first guide rail 74 (not shown in FIG. 1) and travels in a circle, and accordingly, the multiple steps 12 connected in a ring shape travel in a circular manner along the path shown in FIG. 1, just like the step chain 36.

[0031] The motor 18 can be switched between forward and reverse rotation, so that the escalator 10 can be used for both ascending and descending travel. When the escalator 10 is used for descending travel, the steps 12 that travel in a circular motion are fed out one after another from the comb plate 38, travel horizontally, then tilt downward, travel horizontally again, and then sneak under the floor plate 44 from the comb plate 42 of the lower floor DS. In contrast, when the escalator 10 is used for ascending travel, the steps 12 are fed out one after another from the comb plate 42 of the lower floor DS, travel horizontally, then tilt upward, travel horizontally again, and then sneak under the floor plate 40 from the comb plate 38 of the upper floor US. That is, in both the ascending and descending travels, the steps 12 travel horizontally in the passenger transport area (horizontal travel section), then tilt in a staircase-like manner (tilt section), and then travel horizontally again (horizontal travel section).

[0032] [Step configuration] Fig. 2(a) shows a side view of the step 12 cut at its longitudinal center, Fig. 2(b) shows a connecting arm 78, which will be described later, and Fig. 2(c) shows the step 12 in a state in which a load is applied to the step 50 from the state shown in Fig. 2(a). Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the step 12.

[0033] As shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(c), the step 12 has a frame 46 that is triangular in side view. A riser 48 is attached to a first side 46A of the triangle. A rectangular step 50 as shown in Figure 3 is attached to a second side 46B. Here, the direction along the long side of the rectangle is the length direction of the step 12 and the step 50, and the direction along the short side of the rectangle is the width direction of the step 12 and the step 50.

[0034] A pair of drive rollers 66 are provided via a pair of suspension units 52 on the end of the third side 46C on the footboard 50 side (only one of the pair of drive rollers 66 is visible in FIG. 2).

[0035] The frame 46 has a pair of pedestals 46D protruding horizontally for mounting the suspension unit 52 (only one of the pair of pedestals 46D is shown in FIG. 2). A cross-sectional view of the suspension unit 52 is shown in FIG. 4. The suspension unit 52 has a first cylindrical member 54 with both ends open and a second cylindrical member 56 having a bottom.

[0036] A flange portion 54A of the first cylindrical member 54 is fixed to the base 46D by bolts (not shown). The first cylindrical member 54 has an inner diameter including a large diameter portion 54B and a small diameter portion 54C.

[0037] The second cylindrical member 56 is inserted into the small diameter portion 54C of the first cylindrical member 54. A flange portion 56A is provided at the open end of the second cylindrical member 56. The flange portion 56A abuts against a step formed by the large diameter portion 54B and the small diameter portion 54C of the first cylindrical member 54, thereby preventing the second cylindrical member 56 from slipping off the first cylindrical member 54.

[0038] A compression coil spring 58 is housed in a compressed state inside the first cylindrical member 54 and the second cylindrical member 56. A cylindrical stopper 60 is erected at the center of the inner bottom of the second cylindrical member 56 with its base end joined.

[0039] The upper end of a stick-shaped connecting member 62 is joined to the outer bottom of the second cylindrical member 56. A drive shaft 64 is supported at the lower end portion of the connecting member 62. The drive shaft 64 has a length slightly longer than the overall length of the footboard 50, and both end portions thereof are supported by the connecting members 62 of the pair of suspension units 52. The drive shaft 64 is press-fitted into a through hole opened in the connecting member 62, and the drive shaft 64 is fixed to the connecting member 62 so as not to rotate.

[0040] A pair of drive rollers 66 are rotatably attached to both end portions of the drive shaft 64 (only one of the pair of drive rollers 66 is shown in FIG. 2). Step chains 36 (FIG. 1) are attached to the drive shaft 64 portions between the drive rollers 66 and the corresponding connecting members 62.

[0041] A pair of driven rollers 72 are provided on the end of the third side 46C of the frame 46 facing the riser 48 via a pair of suspension units 68 (only one of the pair of driven rollers 72 is visible in Figure 2).

[0042] The frame 46 has a base 46E similar to the base 46D for mounting a suspension unit 68 (only one of the pair of bases 46E is shown in FIG. 2). The suspension unit 68 has the same configuration as the suspension unit 52, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The components of the suspension unit 68 will also be designated by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 4.

[0043] However, they differ in that while the pair of suspension units 52 support one drive shaft 64, the pair of suspension units 68 independently support a pair of driven shafts 70 corresponding to the pair of driven rollers 72. That is, each of the pair of connecting members 62 supports each of the pair of driven shafts 70 (only one of the driven shafts 70 and one of the connecting members 62 is shown in Figs. 2 and 4). A pair of driven rollers 72 are rotatably attached to each of the pair of driven shafts 70.

[0044] Each of the pair of drive rollers 66 is guided by a first guide rail 74 that is provided corresponding to the pair of drive rollers 66 (FIG. 2). Each of the pair of driven rollers 72 is guided by a second guide rail 76 that is provided corresponding to the pair of drive rollers 66 (FIG. 2).

[0045] [Screen up / down mechanism] As shown in Fig. 2(b), the step 12 has a shaft member 80 made of a round bar connected to the drive shaft 64 by a connecting arm 78. The shaft member 80 is provided parallel to the longitudinal direction of the step 50. The connecting arm 78 is fixed to the drive shaft 64 so that it cannot rotate. As a result, the shaft member 80 is fixed immovably to the drive shaft 64 via the connecting arm 78, which is a connecting member.

[0046] A pair of first rotating members 82 are rotatably provided on both ends of the shaft member 80. The first rotating member 82 includes a first rotating bar 84, which is a portion attached to the shaft member 80, and a first rotating roller 86 rotatably provided on the upper end portion of the first rotating bar 84. The first rotating member 82 also includes a passive bar 88 whose tip is branched into a T-shape. The passive bar 88 has its base end fixed to the lower end portion of the first rotating bar 84.

[0047] The first rotating roller 86 abuts against a surface on the back side of the step board 50. Here, the surface on the back side of the step board 50 (hereinafter referred to as the "back side") refers to the underside of the step board 50 when the first rotating roller 86 comes into direct contact with the step board 50 due to the configuration of the frame 46, and refers to the underside of the frame 46 that is on the underside (back side) of the step board 50 when the first rotating roller 86 comes into contact with part of the frame 46. The first rotating roller 86 rolls on the back side.

[0048] 3, one of the branches of the T-shape of the passive bar 88 is referred to as a passive portion 88A, and the other branch is referred to as a regulated portion 88B. The roles of the passive portion 88A and the regulated portion 88B will be described later.

[0049] A rectangular sheet-like partition 90 is attached to the pair of first rotating bars 84. The partition 90 is made of, for example, rubber (natural rubber or synthetic rubber) or synthetic resin, and is flexible. The partition 90 is not limited to being made of rubber or synthetic resin, and may be made of other materials as long as it exhibits flexibility in relation to its thickness. The partition 90 is attached to the first rotating bar 84, for example, as follows. That is, a groove (not shown) is provided in each of the pair of first rotating bars 84. Then, the long side of the partition 90 is inserted into the groove and fixed with an adhesive or the like.

[0050] The partition 90 provided as described above has its base end rotated in conjunction with the rotation (pivot) of the first rotating bar 84, and is displaced in the up-down direction as a whole. A slit 50A is provided in the step 50 to allow the tip end portion of the displaceable partition 90 to protrude upward from the step 50. The slit 50A penetrates the step 50 in the thickness direction (up-down direction). The slit 50A is provided in the end portion on the riser 48 side along the edge on the riser 48 side.

[0051] 2(a), when no passenger is standing on the step 12 (when no load is applied), the tip (upper end) of the partition 90 is located at least below the upper edge of the slit 50A. In this example, the tip of the partition 90 is located inside the slit 50A.

[0052] As shown by the arrow in FIG. 2(c), when a load is applied to the footboard 50 (when a passenger gets on), the footboard 50 and the frame 46 are displaced downward (FIGS. 4(b) and 2(c)) against the biasing force of the compression coil springs 58 of the four suspension units 52, 68 (FIG. 4(a)) until the lower surfaces of the pedestals 46D, 46E come into contact with the upper ends of the stoppers 60. Then, the first rotating roller 86 rolls leftward in FIG. 2. Accordingly, the first rotating bar 84 rotates counterclockwise around the axis of the shaft member 80. As a result, the tip end portion (upper end portion) of the partition 90 protrudes upward from the slit 50A.

[0053] A pair of second rotating members 92 are also rotatably provided on both ends of the shaft member 80. The second rotating member 92 includes a second rotating bar 94 attached to the shaft member 80 in a state where it crosses the first rotating bar 84 at an intersection, and a second rotating roller 96 rotatably provided on the upper end portion of the second rotating bar 94. The second rotating roller 96 rolls on the back surface of the first rotating roller 86 in the opposite direction.

[0054] The second rotating member 92 also includes an actuating bar 98 having a rectangular frame portion. A portion of the actuating bar 98 extending from one long side of the rectangle is fixed to the lower end portion of the second rotating bar 94. Here, both short sides of the rectangle shown in Fig. 3 are referred to as actuating portion 98A. The function of actuating portion 98A will be described later.

[0055] When a load is applied to the footboard 50 (when a passenger stands on it), and the footboard 50 and the frame 46 are displaced downward (FIGS. 4(b), 2(c)) against the biasing force of the compression coil springs 58 of the four suspension units 52, 68 (FIG. 4(a)), the second rotating roller 96 rolls to the right in FIG. 2. Accordingly, the second rotating bar 94 rotates clockwise around the axis of the shaft member 80. As a result, the operating part 98A also rotates and displaces upward.

[0056] When no load is applied to the tread 50, the first rotating member 82 and the second rotating member 92 are in the posture (position) shown in Fig. 2(a) for the following reason: That is, the weight balance of the members around the axis of the shaft member 80 is such that the first rotating member 82 rotates clockwise and the second rotating member 92 rotates counterclockwise in Fig. 2(a).

[0057] As shown in Fig. 3, the escalator 10 has a pair of regulating rails 99. The pair of regulating rails 99 are provided corresponding to the pair of regulated portions 88B, respectively. The regulating rails 99 regulate the upward displacement of the regulated portions 88B, and thus the rotation of the entire first rotating member 82 in the counterclockwise direction in Fig. 2. This will be described later.

[0058] Next, the operation of the screen raising and lowering mechanism will be described separately for the case where the escalator 10 having the steps 12 configured as described above is used as a descending escalator and the case where it is used as an ascending escalator.

[0059] [When used as a down escalator] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the steps 12 immediately after being pulled out from the comb board 38 (FIG. 1) at the entrance of the upper US, and the movement of the steps 12 during the subsequent four steps. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the movement of the steps 12 for four steps immediately before entering the comb board 42 (FIG. 1) of the lower DS. Note that FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show the movement of one step 12 when a passenger boards the step 12. As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the running positions of the steps 12 are indicated by P1 to P9. The regulating rails 99 (FIG. 3) are provided at two locations, on the upper US side and the lower DS side, and are distinguished by calling the upper US side a regulating rail 99U and the lower DS side a regulating rail 99D.

[0060] When the passenger's weight is applied to the step 50, the step 12 pushes down the first rotating roller 86, causing it to roll leftward and causing the entire first rotating member 82 to rotate counterclockwise around the axis of the shaft member 80, but at positions P1 and P2, i.e., in the horizontal traveling section, the regulating rail 99U prevents the regulated part 88B of the passive bar 88 from rotating upward. As a result, the step 12 remains in the state shown in Figure 2(a), and the tip part of the partition 90 does not rise upward from the slit 50A.

[0061] As the steps 12 advance to positions P3 and P4, the restriction on the upward displacement (upward rotation) of the regulated portion 88B is gradually relaxed due to the layout path of the regulating rail 99U. Accordingly, the first swivel member 82 as a whole gradually rotates counterclockwise, and the partition 90 rotates, causing its tip portion to gradually rise up from the slit 50A. The reason for the gradual rise is to avoid startling passengers.

[0062] Then, when the step 12 advances further to position P5 and the regulated portion 88B is released from the regulation rail 99U (when the regulated portion 88B is no longer in contact with the regulation rail 99U), the step 12 enters the state shown in Fig. 2(c) with the tip portion of the partition 90 rising up from the slit 50A. Because the partition 90 is flexible, it bends appropriately while sliding against the side wall of the slit 50A, and the partition 90 rises up smoothly.

[0063] Passengers who wish to walk on the escalator 10 must step over the partition 90 that rises in front of their toes, and the partition 90 becomes an obstacle to their movement. The partition 90 that rises in this way has the effect of discouraging passengers from walking, thereby suppressing walking on the steps. Even if a passenger starts to walk, the partition 90 rises at each step 12 they move to, making it difficult to walk, and this has the effect of making them give up walking.

[0064] As the inclined section ends and the vehicle moves to the horizontal section, the regulated portion 88B starts to be regulated by the regulating rail 99D, as shown in Fig. 6. The regulating rail 99D is laid on a path such that as the step 12 advances, the regulated portion 88B is displaced downward relative to the shaft member 80, causing the entire first swivel member 82 to rotate clockwise.

[0065] As the steps 12 advance to positions P6, P7, and P8, the partition 90 gradually descends, and in the horizontal running section (positions P8 and P9), the upper end of the partition 90 is completely housed within the slit 50A (it no longer rises upward from the slit 50A). This removes the obstacle (partition 90), allowing passengers to disembark smoothly.

[0066] When no passengers are on board and no load is applied to the steps 50, the steps 12 travel in the state shown in FIG. 2(a) throughout the entire travel section (for transporting passengers).

[0067] [When used as an upward escalator] 7 and 8 are schematic diagrams showing the steps 12 immediately after being pulled out from the comb board 42 (FIG. 1) at the entrance of the lower DS, and the movement of the steps 12 while moving forward three steps and four steps thereafter. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the movement of the steps 12 for five steps immediately before entering the comb board 38 (FIG. 1) of the upper US. Note that FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 show the movement of one step 12 when a passenger gets on the step 12. Here, the travel positions of the steps 12 are again designated as P10 to P19 as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9. The steps 12 at positions P10 to P19 are designated as S10 to S19, respectively.

[0068] At positions P10 and P11 shown in Fig. 7, i.e., in the horizontal travel section, the regulating rail 99D prevents the regulated portion 88B of the passive bar 88 from rotating upward. As a result, even when a passenger is on board, the step 12 remains in the state shown in Fig. 2(a), and the tip portion of the partition 90 does not rise upward from the slit 50A. This prevents the partition 90 from interfering with the boarding of subsequent passengers.

[0069] As the step 12 on which the passenger is riding advances from position P11 to position P12, the restriction on the upward displacement (upward rotation) of the regulated portion 88B is gradually relaxed due to the laid path of the regulating rail 99D. As a result, the entire first rotating member 82 gradually rotates counterclockwise, and the step 50 is displaced downward. In response to this, the second rotating roller 96 rolls to the right, and the entire second rotating member 92 gradually rotates clockwise. The operating bar 98 of the rotating second rotating member 92 pushes up the passive bar 88 of the first rotating member 82 of the next upper step 12, causing it to rotate upward. As a result, the partition 90 of the next upper step 12 rises upward.

[0070] A more detailed explanation will be given with reference to Fig. 7. When the restriction of the restricted portion 88B of the step 12 of S12 where a passenger is boarding is relaxed, the entire first swivel member 82 of S12 rotates counterclockwise and the step 50 is displaced downward. Accordingly, the second rotating roller 96 of S12 rolls rightward, and the entire second swivel member 92 of S12 rotates clockwise. The actuating bar 98 (actuating portion 98A) of the rotating second swivel member 92 of S12 pushes up the passive bar 88 (passive portion 88A) of the first swivel member 82 of S13, which is the next upper step 12, and rotates it upward. As a result, the partition 90 of the step 12 of S13 rises upward.

[0071] The reason why the operating part 98A of the operating bar 98 of S12 slides under the passive part 88A of the passive bar 88 of S13 while moving from position P11 to position P12 is as follows: As the vehicle moves from position P11 to position P12 to position P13, a step is formed between adjacent steps 12, and the adjacent steps 12 move closer to the running direction (horizontal direction) by the amount of the inclination of the riser 48. As a result, the operating part 98A of the operating bar 98 of S12 slides under the passive part 88A of the passive bar 88 of S13.

[0072] As the step 12 on which the passenger has boarded advances further to position P13 as shown in Fig. 8, and the regulated portion 88B of the step 12 of S13 is released from the regulation rail 99D (when the regulated portion 88B is no longer in contact with the regulation rail 99D), the step 12 enters the state shown in Fig. 2(c), and the operating portion 98A of the operating bar 98 of S13 further pushes up the passive portion 88A of the passive bar 88 of S14, causing the entire first rotating member 82 of S14 to rotate counterclockwise. As a result, the partition 90 of S14 rises to the desired position.

[0073] A passenger who wishes to walk on the escalator 10 must climb over the partition 90 that stands on the next higher step 12, which becomes an obstacle to walking. The partition 90 that stands up in this way has the effect of discouraging passengers from walking, thereby making it possible to suppress walking on the steps.

[0074] As the inclined section ends and the vehicle moves to the horizontal section, the regulated portion 88B starts to be regulated by the regulating rail 99U, as shown in Fig. 9. The regulating rail 99U is laid along a path such that as the step 12 advances, the regulated portion 88B is displaced downward relative to the shaft member 80, causing the entire first swivel member 82 to rotate clockwise.

[0075] As the step 12 on which the passenger is standing moves from position P15 to position P16, the partition 90 gradually descends. Then, the step difference between the step 12 on which the passenger is standing and the step 12 on the next level above decreases, and as they move apart horizontally, the engagement between the operating part 98A of the operating bar 98 of the step 12 on which the passenger is standing and the passive part 88A of the passive bar 88 of the step 12 on the next level above the step 12 on which the passenger is standing is released. As a result, the upper end of the partition 90 of the step 12 on the next level above the step 12 on which the passenger is standing is completely stored within the slit 50A (it no longer rises upward from the slit 50A). This removes the obstacle (partition 90), allowing the passenger to disembark smoothly.

[0076] If a passenger is also on the step 12 above the one on which the passenger is standing, the regulated portion 88B of the step 12 on which the passenger is standing is regulated by the regulating rail 99U, so that the partition 90 of the step 12 on which the passenger is standing gradually lowers, and in the horizontal running section (positions P18 and P19), the upper end of the partition 90 is completely housed within the slit 50A (it does not rise upward from the slit 50A). As a result, the partition 90 of the step 12 above is no longer an obstacle for the passenger, and the passenger can disembark smoothly.

[0077] <Embodiment 2> The escalator according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the escalator 10 according to the first embodiment, except for the screen raising and lowering mechanism. Therefore, a description of the common parts will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the different parts.

[0078] Fig. 10(a) shows a side view of an escalator step 112 according to the second embodiment cut at its longitudinal center, and Fig. 10(b) shows the step 112 in a state where a load is applied to the step 150 from the state shown in Fig. 10(a). Fig. 11(a) is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the step 150, and Fig. 11(b) is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the frame 146, etc. In Figs. 10 and 11 (as well as Fig. 12 described later), components corresponding to those of the step 12 in the first embodiment are given reference numbers in the hundreds, and the last two digits (and the alphabet) of the reference numbers indicate the corresponding components in the step 12.

[0079] The step 12 of the first embodiment has a compression coil spring 58, which is an elastic member that elastically deforms due to the load (weight of a passenger, etc.) applied to the tread surface of the step 50, and has suspension units 52, 68 as support means that support the step 50 so that it can be displaced vertically relative to a pair of drive rollers 66 and a pair of driven rollers 72 (FIGS. 2 and 4). In other words, the frame 46 to which the step 50 is fixed is made vertically displaceable relative to the drive shaft 64 on which the drive roller 66 is journalled and the driven shaft 70 on which the driven roller 72 is journalled, thereby making it possible for the step 50 to be displaced relative to the drive roller 66 and the driven roller 72.

[0080] In contrast, in the step 112 of embodiment 2, the drive shaft 164 and the driven shaft 170 are journalled to the frame 146, and a compression coil spring 158 is provided between the step 150 and the frame 146, so that the step 150 is supported so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction relative to the pair of drive rollers 166 and the pair of driven rollers 172.

[0081] A single drive shaft 164 is attached to the end of the third side 146C of the frame 146 on the side of the tread plate 150. A pair of drive rollers 166 are rotatably provided on both ends of the drive shaft 164.

[0082] A pair of driven shafts 170 are attached to the end of the third side portion 146C of the frame 146 on the riser 148 side. A pair of driven rollers 172 are rotatably provided on each of the pair of driven shafts 170.

[0083] The shaft member 180, which rotatably supports the first rotating member 182 and the second rotating member 192, is fixed to the frame 146. That is, the frame 146 has an intermediate frame portion 146F at each end, as shown in Fig. 11(b). Each intermediate frame portion 146F has a through hole 146G that penetrates in the longitudinal direction of the step 112, and both ends of the shaft member 180 (Fig. 10) are inserted into each of the through holes 146G.

[0084] A pair of spring receiving members 201 are provided so as to span between both ends of the frame 146. The spring receiving members 201 are made of, for example, channel steel as shown in the figure.

[0085] Two compression coil springs 158 are respectively provided in the grooves of the spring receiving member 201, and the step plate 150 is placed on the frame 146.

[0086] A flanged pin 202 is provided to position the step 150 relative to the frame 146 and to prevent it from coming off the frame 146. Fig. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the step 150 and the frame 146 at the position where the flanged pin 202 is provided.

[0087] 11(b), holes 146H are formed in four places on the frame 146. Stepped through-holes 150D each having a large diameter portion 150B and a small diameter portion 150C are formed in four places on the step board 150.

[0088] After positioning the step 150 on the frame 146 so that each of the four holes 146H communicates with the corresponding four through-holes 150D, the flanged pin 202 is inserted through the through-hole 150D and press-fitted into the hole 146H. The diameter of the flanged pin 202 has a clearance fit with the narrow-diameter portion 150C, so that the step 150 is horizontally positioned relative to the frame 146. In addition, the diameter of the flange of the flanged pin 202 is larger than the diameter of the narrow-diameter portion 150C, so that the step 150 is prevented from coming off the frame 146.

[0089] In the step 112 configured as described above, as shown by the arrow in Fig. 10(b), when a load is applied to the step 150 (when a passenger stands on it), the step 150 displaces downward against the biasing force of the four compression coil springs 158 until it abuts against the upper end of the frame 146. Then, the first rotating roller 186 rolls leftward in Fig. 10. Accordingly, the first rotating bar 184 rotates counterclockwise around the axis of the shaft member 180. As a result, the tip side portion (upper end portion) of the partition 190 protrudes upward from the slit 150A.

[0090] On the other hand, the second rotating roller 196 rolls to the right in Fig. 10. Accordingly, the second rotating bar 194 rotates in the clockwise direction about the axis of the shaft member 180. As a result, the operating portion 198A also rotates and is displaced upward.

[0091] The operation of the partition up and down mechanism when the escalator of embodiment 2 is used for going down and when it is used for going up is the same as in embodiment 1 described using Figures 5 to 9, so the description will be omitted.

[0092] When there is no passenger on the step 112 (when no load is applied to the step 150) and in the horizontal running section, a cover portion 150E is provided on the edge of the step 150 facing the riser 150 to prevent a gap from occurring between the step 150 and the riser 148 when viewed from the riser 148 side (Figures 10 and 11(a)).

[0093] 10(a), the concealing portion 150E has a width approximately equal to the gap between the frame 146 and the step 150, and a length equal to the overall length of the step 150. In a plan view, it has a shape corresponding to the bellows shape (not shown) of the riser 148, and in the state shown in FIG. 10(b), the concealing portion 150E is provided so as to overlap the upper end portion of the riser 148 in the horizontal direction.

[0094] While the escalator according to the present invention has been described above based on the embodiment, the present invention is of course not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be, for example, in the following embodiment. (1) In the above embodiment, the first rotating rollers 86, 186 are provided at the upper end of the first rotating bar 84, 184 as members that come into contact with the back surface of the tread 50, 150 to rotate the first rotating member 82, 182, but it is not necessary to provide rollers. For example, the upper end of the first rotating bar 84, 184 may be coated with a fluororesin to improve sliding contact with the back surface. The same applies to the second rotating members 92, 192.

[0095] (2) In the above embodiment, the compression coil springs 58, 158 are used as elastic members that are elastically deformed by the load applied to the tread surfaces of the treads 50, 150. However, the elastic members are not limited to this and may be made of, for example, rubber.

[0096] (3) In the above embodiment, an escalator with two rows of passengers is taken as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to an escalator with one row of passengers. This is because the "no walking" rule remains the same even in the case of a single row of passengers. [Industrial Applicability]

[0097] The present invention can be suitably used, for example, in escalators on which it is necessary to prevent passengers from walking. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 10 Escalator 12, 112 steps 48, 148 riser 50, 150 treadle 50A, 150A slit 52, 68 Suspension unit 66, 166 Drive roller 72, 172 Driven roller 158 Compression coil spring 82, 182 First pivot member 90, 190 Folding screen 92, 192 Second pivot member 201 Spring support member

Claims

1. An escalator comprising a plurality of steps, each of which includes a frame, a step plate, a riser, a pair of drive rollers, and a pair of driven rollers, connected in a ring shape, the steps connected in a ring shape running horizontally, then running obliquely in a staircase shape, and then running horizontally again to transport passengers standing on the steps, Each of the steps is A slit is opened along the riser side edge of the step; a support means having an elastic member that is elastically deformed by a load applied to a tread surface of the tread, and supporting the tread so that the tread can be displaced in the up and down direction relative to the pair of drive rollers and the pair of driven rollers; a first rotating member rotatably mounted on a shaft member that is provided parallel to the longitudinal direction of the step, the first rotating member having a first end that is pushed down and a second end that rotates upward as the step is displaced downward; a partition having a base end attached to the second end portion of the first rotating member and a tip end portion capable of moving in and out of the slit; a second rotating member rotatably provided on the shaft member, the second rotating member having a first end portion pushed down and a second end portion pivoted upward in accordance with the downward displacement of the footboard; having In the inclined section in which the step-like inclination is formed, When the passenger boards one of the steps and the step is displaced downward by the passenger's own weight, the second end of the first rotating member rotates upward, causing the tip of the partition to rise upward from the slit, An escalator characterized in that the second end portion of the second swivel member pushes up and rotates the second end portion of the first swivel member of another step one level above the first step, causing the partition of the other step to rise upward through the slit of the other step.

2. a drive shaft that rotatably supports the pair of drive rollers; a driven shaft that rotatably supports the pair of driven rollers; having The step is fixed to the frame, 2. The escalator according to claim 1, wherein the support means is provided between the frame and the driving shaft and the driven shaft.

3. 3. The escalator according to claim 2, further comprising a connecting member that connects the shaft member and the drive shaft and supports the shaft member so as not to displace in the vertical direction relative to the drive shaft.

4. the drive shaft and the driven shaft are supported by the frame so as not to be displaced in the vertical direction relative to the frame, 2. The escalator according to claim 1, wherein the support means is provided between the tread and the frame.

5. 5. The escalator according to claim 4, wherein the shaft member is supported by the frame so as not to be displaced vertically relative to the frame.

6. In the horizontal running section in which the steps run horizontally, An escalator as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second end side of the first rotating member has a regulating member that regulates upward rotation so that the tip portion of the partition does not rise upward from the slit.

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