Man conveyor

Abstract

To provide a man conveyor capable of operating an operation part by generating electricity using footstep running.SOLUTION: The man conveyor comprises: a plurality of steps travelling with a person thereon; a roller rotatably connected to the steps; a support part extending in a travelling direction in which the steps travel and supporting the roller from bottom; a piezoelectric element fixed on the support part and receiving a force from the roller passing above the element; and the operation part operated by the power generation by the piezoelectric element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This specification relates to a people conveyor. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, for example, passenger conveyors are equipped with a balustrade with a light-emitting part that emits light (for example, Patent Document 1). In passenger conveyors, the operating parts (for example, the light-emitting part that emits light) are supplied with power via a cable from a control panel located in a machine room or the like.

[0003] Meanwhile, a people conveyor, for example, comprises a transport section for transporting people, and the transport section comprises a plurality of steps along which people travel, and rollers rotatably connected to the steps (for example, Patent Document 2). There is a demand for generating electricity using the movement of the steps to operate the operating section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-84792 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-125200 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, the object is to provide a people conveyor that can operate the operating part by generating electricity using the travel of the steps. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] [1] Man conveyors are Multiple steps for carrying people and traveling, a roller rotatably connected to the step; a support portion extending in a traveling direction in which the step travels and supporting the roller from below; a piezoelectric element fixed on the support portion and capable of applying a force to the roller passing over the piezoelectric element; and an operating section that operates by the power generation of the piezoelectric element.

[0007] [2] Also, the man conveyor mentioned above [1] is a balustrade having the operating portion; The operating unit includes a light emitting unit that emits light by power generation by the piezoelectric element. The following configuration is also possible.

[0008] [3] Also, the man conveyor mentioned above [2] is a light-emitting unit group having a plurality of light-emitting units; The light-emitting unit is The piezoelectric element; the light emitting unit emitting light when the piezoelectric element generates electricity, In the light-emitting unit group, the piezoelectric elements and the light-emitting portions are arranged in the same order for each light-emitting unit along the traveling direction, In the light-emitting unit group, the light-emitting parts flash in sequence in the running direction. The following configuration is also possible.

[0009] [4] In addition, in the man conveyor described above in [3], a distance between adjacent rollers is a first distance when the rollers are supported by the support portion; A plurality of the piezoelectric elements are arranged within the first distance. The following configuration is also possible.

[0010] [5] In addition, in the man conveyor described above in [3], a distance between adjacent rollers is a first distance when the rollers are supported by the support portion; the distance between adjacent piezoelectric elements is constant, is greater than N (N is a natural number) times the first distance, and is smaller than (N+0.5) times the first distance; The following configuration is also possible.

[0011] [6] In addition, any one of the above [2] to [5] man conveyors, a storage battery that stores electricity generated by the piezoelectric element and supplies power to the light-emitting unit; The following configuration is also possible.

[0012] [7] In addition, in the man conveyor mentioned above [6], The storage battery supplies power to the light-emitting unit when power supply to the passenger conveyor is stopped. The following configuration is also possible.

[0013] [8] In addition, any one of the above [1] to [7] man conveyors, Further provided is a flat contact portion that contacts the roller from below, A plurality of the piezoelectric elements are arranged along the traveling direction, The contact portion extends along the traveling direction and is disposed over the plurality of piezoelectric elements. The following configuration is also possible. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of a people conveyor according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a main part of a passenger conveyor according to the embodiment; [Figure 3] Enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the line III-III in Figure 2 [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the main parts of a passenger conveyor according to the embodiment; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the main part of the passenger conveyor according to the embodiment, illustrating the operation of the light-emitting unit. [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the main part of the passenger conveyor according to the embodiment, illustrating the operation of the light-emitting unit. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the main parts of a passenger conveyor according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the main part of the passenger conveyor according to the embodiment, illustrating the operation of the light-emitting unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the main part of the passenger conveyor according to the embodiment, illustrating the operation of the light-emitting unit. [Figure 10] Electrical system diagram of a passenger conveyor according to yet another embodiment (a: first example, b: second example) [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are views showing the main parts of a passenger conveyor according to still another embodiment (a: plan view, b: cross-sectional view along line XI-XI of a) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] In each drawing, the dimensions of the components may be enlarged or reduced relative to the actual dimensions, for example, to facilitate understanding, and the dimensional ratios between the drawings may not be consistent. Note that in each drawing, for example, to facilitate understanding, some of the components may be omitted.

[0016] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, but these terms are used only to distinguish one component from another, and the components are not particularly limited by these terms. The number of components including ordinal numbers is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, one. Furthermore, the ordinal numbers used in the following specification and drawings may differ from the ordinal numbers described in the claims.

[0017] An embodiment of a passenger conveyor will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Note that the following embodiment is provided as an example to aid in understanding the configuration of the passenger conveyor, and is not intended to limit the configuration of the passenger conveyor.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the passenger conveyor 1 may include, for example, a structure 2 installed on a main body, a transport unit 3 for transporting people (passengers), a pair of balustrade units 4 (only one is shown in Figure 1) arranged to sandwich the transport unit 3 in a first direction D1, a drive unit 5 for driving the transport unit 3 and the balustrade units 4, and a processing unit 6 for controlling the entire device.

[0019] In each figure, the first direction D1 is the first horizontal direction (also called the "width direction") D1, which is a direction parallel to the horizontal direction, the second direction D2 is the second horizontal direction (also called the "front-to-back direction") D2, which is a direction parallel to the horizontal direction and perpendicular to the first horizontal direction D1, and the third direction D3 is the vertical direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction D1 and the second horizontal direction D2, which is the up-down direction D3.

[0020] The fourth direction D4 is the direction in which the transport unit 3 transports the person and is referred to as the inclined direction D4 that is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction D2, and the fifth direction D5 is referred to as the direction D5 that is perpendicular to the inclined direction D4 (hereinafter also referred to as the "orthogonal direction"). Note that the second to fifth directions D2 to D5 are each included in the same predetermined imaginary plane, and the first direction D1 is a direction perpendicular to the imaginary plane.

[0021] The passenger conveyor 1 according to this embodiment is an escalator with stepped treads for transporting passengers, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the passenger conveyor 1 may be a moving walkway with flat treads for transporting passengers.

[0022] The transport unit 3 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, an endless annular running unit 7 that rotates and runs when driven by the drive unit 5, and a plurality of steps 8 that are connected to the running unit 7 and run together with the running unit 7, and have treads for people to stand on. As a result, the steps 8 run while carrying people on them.

[0023] As in the present embodiment, the driving unit 5 may include, for example, a rotating unit 5a around which a first end of the traveling unit 7 in the second horizontal direction D2 is wound and which rotates about an axis in the first horizontal direction D1, a winding unit 5b that supports a second end of the traveling unit 7 in the second horizontal direction D2, a driving source 5c that rotates the rotating unit 5a, and a braking unit 5d that brakes the rotation of the rotating unit 5a. As a result, the step 8 is reversed by the rotating unit 5a and also reversed by the winding unit 5b.

[0024] Although not particularly limited, the rotating portion 5a may be, for example, a sprocket. Furthermore, although not particularly limited, the winding portion 5b may be, for example, a guide member that guides the traveling portion 7 so that it rotates in the reverse direction, or may be, for example, a rotating member (e.g., a sprocket) around which the traveling portion 7 is wound and which rotates about an axis in the first horizontal direction D1. Furthermore, although not particularly limited, the driving source 5c may be, for example, a motor. Furthermore, although not particularly limited, the braking portion 5d may be, for example, a brake.

[0025] The balustrade section 4 may, for example, as in this embodiment, comprise an endless circular handrail belt 4a that rotates and runs, a balustrade main body section 4b that supports the handrail belt 4a, and a cover section 4c that covers the lower part of the balustrade main body section 4b. Note that, for example, the handrail belt 4a may run by being driven by the drive section 5, and the running of the handrail belt 4a may be synchronized with the running of the steps 8.

[0026] The balustrade portion 4 also includes an operating portion 4d that operates. The operating portion 4d includes a light-emitting portion 9 that emits light. The light-emitting portion 9 may be disposed on the cover portion 4c, as in this embodiment, or may be disposed on the balustrade main body portion 4b, for example. That is, the position of the operating portion 4d (light-emitting portion 9) is fixed (it does not move and remains unchanged). The light source of the light-emitting portion 9 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, an LED or a light bulb.

[0027] The structure 2 may include, for example, machine rooms 2a arranged at each end in the second horizontal direction D2, as in this embodiment. The structure 2 may also have, for example, a truss structure or a girder structure made up of multiple frame members.

[0028] The passenger conveyor 1 may, for example, include a floor plate 1a attached to the structure 2 so as to cover the machine room 2a from above, as in this embodiment. As a result, the floor plate 1a constitutes boarding and disembarking sections 1b arranged at each end of the transport section 3 in the second lateral direction D2 for passengers to get on and off the transport section 3.

[0029] 2 and 3, for example, a pair of running sections 7 may be provided spaced apart in the first horizontal direction D1, and multiple steps 8 may be arranged between the pair of running sections 7, 7. Also, for example, as in this embodiment, the transport section 3 may be provided with connecting shafts 3a connected to the pair of running sections 7, 7, respectively, and the steps 8 may be rotatably connected to the connecting shafts 3a.

[0030] As a result, the steps 8 are connected to each of the running parts 7 so as to be rotatable about an axis in the first horizontal direction D1. The steps 8 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include a tread part 8a on which a person stands, a riser part 8b formed in a curved shape, and a connecting part 8c rotatably connected to the connecting shaft 3a of the transport part 3.

[0031] The running section 7 is not particularly limited, but may include, for example, as in this embodiment, an endless loop-shaped chain 7a and a second roller 7b rotatably connected to the chain 7a around an axis in the first transverse direction D1. That is, as in this embodiment, the running section 7 may be a roller chain. In this embodiment, the second roller 7b is rotatably connected to the step 8 via the chain 7a and the connecting shaft 3a.

[0032] The conveying section 3 includes a first roller 10 rotatably connected to the step 8 around an axis in the first horizontal direction D1. Note that, for example, as in this embodiment, a pair of first rollers 10 (only one is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3; the same applies to FIGS. 4 to 9) may be provided so as to sandwich the step 8 in the first horizontal direction D1. Also, for example, as in this embodiment, the step 8 may include a connection shaft 8d to which the first roller 10 is rotatably connected.

[0033] For example, as in this embodiment, the people conveyor 1 may be provided with a first guide body 11 extending along the running direction D2, D4 in which the steps 8 run to guide the first roller 10, and a second guide body 12 extending along the running direction D2, D4 in which the steps 8 run to guide the running portion 7 (specifically, the second roller 7b).

[0034] In this embodiment, the travel directions D2, D4 in which the steps 8 travel (hereinafter simply referred to as "travel directions") are the second lateral direction D2 and the inclined direction D4 (in Figures 2 and 3, it is the second lateral direction D2. The same applies to Figures 4 to 10.) Furthermore, the first guide body 11 and the second guide body 12 may be fixed to the structure 2 (see Figure 1), for example.

[0035] For example, as in this embodiment, the first guide body 11 may include a first guide portion 11a that guides the first roller 10 from below, and a first restricting portion 11b that stops the first roller 10 in the first lateral direction D1. This allows the first guide portion 11a to guide the first roller 10 in the running direction D2, and the first restricting portion 11b to prevent the first roller 10 from shifting in the first lateral direction D1.

[0036] For example, as in this embodiment, the second guide body 12 may include a second guide portion 12a that guides the second roller 7b from below and a second restriction portion 12b that stops the second roller 7b in the first lateral direction D1. This allows the second guide portion 12a to guide the second roller 7b in the running direction D2, and the second restriction portion 12b to prevent the second roller 7b from shifting in the first lateral direction D1.

[0037] The first guide portion 11a includes a support portion 13 that extends in the traveling direction D2 and supports the first roller 10 from below, and a piezoelectric element 14 that is fixed on the support portion 13 and applies force to the first roller 10 passing above it. Note that the passenger conveyor 1 may also include, for example, an electrical connection portion 15 that electrically connects the piezoelectric element 14 and the light-emitting portion 9, as in this embodiment.

[0038] The electrical connection portion 15 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a conductive wire (e.g., a cable, a conductor, etc.) as in this embodiment. This allows the light emitting portion 9 to emit light when the piezoelectric element 14 generates power, and the light emitting portion 9 to stop emitting light when the power generation of the piezoelectric element 14 stops.

[0039] The piezoelectric element 14 and the light-emitting section 9 electrically connected to the piezoelectric element 14 constitute a light-emitting unit 16. The number of piezoelectric elements 14 and the number of light-emitting sections 9 constituting one light-emitting unit 16 are not particularly limited. For example, as in the present embodiment, one light-emitting unit 16 may be constituted by one piezoelectric element 14 and one light-emitting section 9.

[0040] 4, a plurality of light-emitting units 16 are provided, and the plurality of light-emitting units 16 constitute a light-emitting unit group 17. The number of light-emitting units 16 constituting the light-emitting unit group 17 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, four as in this embodiment, or may be, for example, two, three, five or more.

[0041] In the light-emitting unit group 17, the piezoelectric elements 14a to 14d and the light-emitting portions 9a to 9d are arranged in the running direction D2 so that the light-emitting units 16a to 16d are in the same order. That is, the piezoelectric elements 14a to 14d and the light-emitting portions 9a to 9d are arranged in the running direction D2 in the order of the first light-emitting unit 16a, the second light-emitting unit 16b, the third light-emitting unit 16c, and the fourth light-emitting unit 16d.

[0042] As a result, the piezoelectric elements 14a to 14d are arranged along the traveling direction D2 in the following order: piezoelectric element 14a of first light-emitting unit 16a, piezoelectric element 14b of second light-emitting unit 16b, piezoelectric element 14c of third light-emitting unit 16c, and piezoelectric element 14d of fourth light-emitting unit 16d. Also, the light-emitting portions 9a to 9d are arranged along the traveling direction D2 in the following order: light-emitting portion 9a of first light-emitting unit 16a, light-emitting portion 9b of second light-emitting unit 16b, light-emitting portion 9c of third light-emitting unit 16c, and light-emitting portion 9d of fourth light-emitting unit 16d.

[0043] When distinguishing between the light-emitting unit 16, the piezoelectric element 14, and the light-emitting section 9, they are referred to as the Nth (N is a natural number) light-emitting unit 16a to 16n, the Nth (N is a natural number) piezoelectric element 14a to 14n, and the Nth (N is a natural number) light-emitting section 9a to 9n, respectively; when not distinguishing between the light-emitting unit 16, the piezoelectric element 14, and the light-emitting section 9, they are simply referred to as the light-emitting unit 16, the piezoelectric element 14, and the light-emitting section 9.

[0044] Incidentally, when the first rollers 10 are supported by the support portion 13, the distance W1 between adjacent first rollers 10, 10 is constant at the first distance W1, and multiple piezoelectric elements 14 are arranged at the first distance W1. Note that constant includes the distance W1 between adjacent first rollers 10, 10 being approximately the same (for example, approximately the same with a difference of ±10%) to the extent that the number of piezoelectric elements 14 arranged between adjacent first rollers 10, 10 is the same.

[0045] The number of piezoelectric elements 14 arranged over the first distance W1 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, four as in this embodiment, or may be, for example, two, three, or five or more. The number of piezoelectric elements 14 arranged over the first distance W1 is equal to the number of light-emitting units 16 that make up the light-emitting unit group 17. The distance W2 between adjacent piezoelectric elements 14, 14 may be constant (for example, approximately the same with a difference of ±10%).

[0046] The distance W3 between adjacent light-emitting units 9, 9 may be constant (e.g., approximately the same with a difference of ±10%). The number of light-emitting units 9 arranged over the first distance W1 is not particularly limited, but may be the same as the number (four) of piezoelectric elements 14 arranged over the first distance W1, as in this embodiment.

[0047] Here, the operation of the light emitting unit 9 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4 (when the step 8 is located at the first position P1), the first roller 10 is in contact with the support portion 13, and as the step 8 travels in the travel direction D2 (specifically, the direction of the arrow in the second horizontal direction D2), the first roller 10 passes over the first piezoelectric element 14a as shown in FIG. 5(a) (when the step 8 is located at the second position P2). As a result, the first roller 10 applies a force to the first piezoelectric element 14a, causing the first piezoelectric element 14a to generate electricity. Therefore, the first light-emitting portion 9a emits light.

[0049] 5(b) (when the step 8 is located at the third position P3), the first roller 10 passes over the second piezoelectric element 14b. As a result, the first roller 10 applies a force to the second piezoelectric element 14b, causing the second piezoelectric element 14b to generate power, and the second light-emitting portion 9b emits light.

[0050] 6(a) (when the step 8 is located at the fourth position P4), the first roller 10 passes over the third piezoelectric element 14c. As a result, the first roller 10 applies a force to the third piezoelectric element 14c, causing the third piezoelectric element 14c to generate power, and the third light-emitting portion 9c emits light.

[0051] Thereafter, as the step 8 continues to travel in the travel direction D2, the first roller 10 passes over the fourth piezoelectric element 14d as shown in Fig. 6(b) (when the step 8 is located at the fifth position P5). As a result, the first roller 10 applies a force to the fourth piezoelectric element 14d, causing the fourth piezoelectric element 14d to generate power, and the fourth light-emitting unit 9d emits light.

[0052] In this way, as the step 8 travels the first distance W1 in the traveling direction D2, the first light-emitting element 9a, the second light-emitting element 9b, the third light-emitting element 9c, and the fourth light-emitting element 9d flash in sequence. That is, as the step 8 travels in the traveling direction D2, the light-emitting elements 9a to 9d in the light-emitting unit group 17 flash in sequence in the traveling direction D2, so the light-emitting elements 9a to 9d flash as if flowing in the traveling direction D2. This can therefore improve the design of the balustrade part 4, for example.

[0053] As described above, the passenger conveyor 1, for example, as in this embodiment, Multiple steps8 for carrying people and traveling; A roller (in this embodiment, a first roller) 10 rotatably connected to the step 8; a support portion 13 extending in the travel direction D2, D4 in which the step 8 travels and supporting the roller 10 from below; a piezoelectric element 14 fixed on the support portion 13 and capable of applying a force to the roller 10 passing thereover; and an operating unit 4d that operates by the power generation of the piezoelectric element 14. This configuration is preferred.

[0054] With this configuration, since the piezoelectric element 14 is fixed on the support portion 13, when the roller 10 passes over the piezoelectric element 14, the piezoelectric element 14 applies a force to the roller 10. This causes the piezoelectric element 14 to generate power, which causes the operating portion 4d to operate. Therefore, the operating portion 4d can be operated by generating power using the travel of step 8.

[0055] In addition, the passenger conveyor 1, for example, as in this embodiment, A balustrade portion 4 having the operating portion 4d is provided, The operating unit 4d includes a light emitting unit 9 that emits light by power generation by the piezoelectric element 14. The following configuration is also possible.

[0056] According to this configuration, the piezoelectric element 14 generates electricity, causing the light emitting portion 9 of the balustrade portion 4 to emit light. This allows the light emitting portion 9 to emit light by generating electricity using the movement of the steps 8.

[0057] In addition, the passenger conveyor 1, for example, as in this embodiment, A light-emitting unit group 17 having a plurality of light-emitting units 16 is provided. The light emitting unit 16 is The piezoelectric element 14; the light emitting unit 9 emitting light when the piezoelectric element 14 generates electricity, In the light-emitting unit group 17, the piezoelectric elements 14 and the light-emitting portions 9 are arranged along the traveling directions D2 and D4 so that the order of each light-emitting unit 16 is aligned, In the light-emitting unit group 17, the light-emitting parts 9 flash in sequence in the traveling directions D2 and D4. The following configuration is also possible.

[0058] With this configuration, in the light-emitting unit 16, when the piezoelectric element 14 generates power, the light-emitting section 9 emits light. In the light-emitting unit group 17, the piezoelectric elements 14 and light-emitting sections 9 are arranged in the same order for each light-emitting unit 16 along the traveling directions D2 and D4, respectively, and the light-emitting sections 9 flash in order in the traveling directions D2 and D4. As a result, the light-emitting sections 9 flash in a flowing manner in the traveling directions D2 and D4.

[0059] In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1, for example, as in this embodiment, The distance W1 between the adjacent rollers (first rollers in this embodiment) 10, 10 is constant at a first distance W1 when the rollers 10 are supported by the support portion 13, A plurality of the piezoelectric elements 14 are arranged within the first distance W1. This configuration is preferred.

[0060] With this configuration, the distance W1 between adjacent rollers 10, 10 is constant at the first distance W1 when the rollers 10 are supported by the support parts 13. Since multiple piezoelectric elements 14 are arranged over the first distance W1, when the step 8 travels the first distance W1, the multiple light-emitting parts 9 flash in a flowing manner in the travel directions D2 and D4.

[0061] The passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, nor is it limited to the above-described effects. Furthermore, various modifications can be made to the passenger conveyor 1 without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, it is possible to select one or more of the configurations and methods of the various modified examples described below and adopt them in the configurations and methods of the above-described embodiment.

[0062] (A) The passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment is configured to include a piezoelectric element 14 that applies force to the first roller 10. In other words, the first guide body 11 is configured to include a piezoelectric element 14. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0063] For example, the passenger conveyor 1 may be configured to include a piezoelectric element 14 that applies a force to the second roller 7b, in addition to (or instead of) the piezoelectric element 14 that applies a force to the first roller 10. That is, the second guide body 12 may be configured to include a piezoelectric element 14, in addition to (or instead of) the first guide body 11.

[0064] (B) Furthermore, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the operating unit 4d is configured to include a light-emitting unit 9 that emits light by power generation by the piezoelectric element 14. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0065] For example, the operating unit 4d may be configured to include a sound generating unit (e.g., a buzzer) that generates sound by the power generated by the piezoelectric element 14. Also, for example, the operating unit 4d may be configured to include a photoelectric sensor that emits detection light to detect a person by the power generated by the piezoelectric element 14. Also, for example, the operating unit 4d may be configured to include an ultraviolet ray irradiation device that irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the handrail belt 4a by the power generated by the piezoelectric element 14.

[0066] (C) Furthermore, the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment is configured to have multiple light-emitting units 16. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the passenger conveyor 1 may be configured to have only one light-emitting unit 16.

[0067] (D) Furthermore, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the light emitting units 9 in the light emitting unit group 17 are configured to flash in sequence in the traveling direction D2. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the light emitting units 9 may be configured to flash randomly rather than in a fixed sequence.

[0068] (E) Furthermore, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, a plurality of piezoelectric elements 14 are arranged over a first distance W1, which is the distance W1 between adjacent first rollers 10, 10. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0069] For example, the distance W2 between adjacent piezoelectric elements 14, 14 may be greater than the distance W1 between adjacent first rollers 10, 10. Although not particularly limited, examples of such a configuration may be the configurations shown in Figures 7 to 9.

[0070] (E-1) The configurations shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 will be described below.

[0071] 7, a plurality of light-emitting units 16 are provided, and the plurality of light-emitting units 16 constitute a light-emitting unit group 17. The number of light-emitting units 16 constituting the light-emitting unit group 17 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, four as shown in FIG. 7, or may be, for example, two, three, five or more.

[0072] In the light-emitting unit group 17, the piezoelectric elements 14a to 14d and the light-emitting portions 9a to 9d are arranged in the running direction D2 so that the light-emitting units 16a to 16d are in the same order. That is, the piezoelectric elements 14a to 14d and the light-emitting portions 9a to 9d are arranged in the running direction D2 in the order of the first light-emitting unit 16a to the fourth light-emitting unit 16d.

[0073] When the first rollers 10 are supported by the support portions 13, the distance W1 between adjacent first rollers 10, 10 is constant at the first distance W1. Also, the distance W2 between adjacent piezoelectric elements 14, 14 is constant.

[0074] The distance W2 between the piezoelectric elements 14, 14 is greater than N (N is a natural number) times the first distance W1 and is smaller than (N+0.5) times the first distance W1. In Fig. 7, the distance W2 between the piezoelectric elements 14, 14 is greater than 1 time the first distance W1 and is smaller than 1.5 (=1+0.5) times the first distance W1.

[0075] Specifically, when the light-emitting unit group 17 is composed of M (M is a natural number of 2 or more) light-emitting units 16, the distance W2 between the piezoelectric elements 14, 14 is greater than N times the first distance W1 and is smaller than (N+1 / M) times the first distance W1. In Fig. 7, since the light-emitting unit group 17 is composed of four light-emitting units 16, the distance W2 between the piezoelectric elements 14, 14 is greater than 1 time the first distance W1 and is smaller than 1.25 (=1+1 / 4) times the first distance W1.

[0076] The distance W3 between adjacent light-emitting units 9 may be constant (for example, approximately the same with a difference of ±10%). Although not particularly limited, in Fig. 7, the distance W3 between the light-emitting units 9 is equal to or greater than the first distance W1, which is the distance between the first rollers 10, and more specifically, is approximately the same as the distance W2 between the piezoelectric elements 14.

[0077] The operation of the light-emitting unit 9 will now be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. When distinguishing between steps 8, they are referred to as Nth steps 8e to 8h (N is a natural number), and steps 8e to 8h are arranged in the order of first step 8e, second step 8f, third step 8g, and fourth step 8h in the running direction D2 (specifically, the direction of the arrow in the second lateral direction D2).

[0078] As shown in Fig. 7 (when the first step 8e is located at the first position P1), the first roller 10 of each step 8e to 8h is in contact with the support portion 13, and as the step 8 travels in the travel direction D2, the first roller 10 of the first step 8e passes over the first piezoelectric element 14a as shown in Fig. 8(a) (when the first step 8e is located at the second position P2). This causes the first piezoelectric element 14a to generate electricity, causing the first light-emitting portion 9a to emit light.

[0079] Then, as the step 8 continues to travel in the travel direction D2, the first roller 10 of the second step 8f passes over the second piezoelectric element 14b as shown in Fig. 8(b) (when the first step 8e is located at the third position P3). This causes the second piezoelectric element 14b to generate power, causing the second light-emitting part 9b to emit light.

[0080] 9(a) (when the first step 8e is located at the fourth position P4), the first roller 10 of the third step 8g passes over the third piezoelectric element 14c, causing the third piezoelectric element 14c to generate power, and the third light-emitting part 9c to emit light.

[0081] 9(b) (when the first step 8e is located at the fifth position P5), the first roller 10 of the fourth step 8h passes over the fourth piezoelectric element 14d, causing the fourth piezoelectric element 14d to generate power, and the fourth light-emitting part 9d to emit light.

[0082] In this way, as step 8 travels the first distance W1 in traveling direction D2, first light-emitting unit 9a, second light-emitting unit 9b, third light-emitting unit 9c, and fourth light-emitting unit 9d flash in sequence. That is, as step 8 travels in traveling direction D2, light-emitting units 9a to 9d in light-emitting unit group 17 flash in sequence in traveling direction D2, so light-emitting units 9a to 9d flash as if flowing in traveling direction D2.

[0083] Moreover, since the distance W3 between the light emitting units 9, 9 is equal to or greater than the first distance W1, which is the distance between the first rollers 10, 10, the speed at which the light emitting units 9a to 9d flash becomes faster than the running speed of the step 8. Therefore, for example, the design of the balustrade 4 can be improved.

[0084] Note that the distance W1 between the first rollers 10, 10 being constant includes the distance W1 being approximately the same (for example, approximately the same with a difference of ±10%) to the extent that the light emitting sections 9 in the light emitting unit group 17 blink in sequence in the traveling direction D2. Also, the distance W2 between the piezoelectric elements 14, 14 being constant includes the distance W2 being approximately the same (for example, approximately the same with a difference of ±10%) to the extent that the light emitting sections 9 in the light emitting unit group 17 blink in sequence in the traveling direction D2.

[0085] In this way, in the passenger conveyor 1, as shown in Figures 7 to 9, a distance W1 between adjacent rollers (first rollers in FIGS. 7 to 9 ) 10, 10 is constant at a first distance W1 when the rollers 10 are supported by the support portions 13; The distance W2 between the adjacent piezoelectric elements 14, 14 is constant and is greater than N (N is a natural number) times the first distance W1 and is smaller than (N+0.5) times the first distance W1. This configuration is preferred.

[0086] With this configuration, when the rollers 10 are supported by the support portions 13, the distance W1 between adjacent rollers 10 is constant at the first distance W1, and the distance W2 between adjacent piezoelectric elements 14 is constant. The distance W2 between adjacent piezoelectric elements 14 is greater than N times the first distance W1 and less than (N+0.5) times the first distance W1. As a result, when the step 8 travels the first distance W1, the light-emitting units 9 flash in a flowing manner in the travel directions D2 and D4.

[0087] In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1, as shown in Figures 7 to 9, The light-emitting unit group 17 includes M (M is a natural number of 2 or more) light-emitting units 16, The distance W2 between the adjacent piezoelectric elements 14, 14 is constant and is greater than N (N is a natural number) times the first distance W1 and is smaller than (N+1 / M) times the first distance W1. This configuration is preferred.

[0088] With this configuration, the distance W2 between adjacent piezoelectric elements 14, 14 is greater than N times the first distance W1 and less than (N+1 / M) times the first distance W1. This allows the M light-emitting units 9 to flash in a flowing manner in the traveling directions D2 and D4 when the step 8 travels the first distance W1.

[0089] (F) Furthermore, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the light emitting section 9 in the light emitting unit 16 is configured to emit light when the piezoelectric element 14 generates electricity. In other words, the timing of the power generation by the piezoelectric element 14 and the timing of the light emission by the light emitting section 9 are the same. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0090] For example, the timing of power generation by the piezoelectric element 14 may be different from the timing of light emission by the light-emitting unit 9. In such a configuration, for example, the passenger conveyor 1 may be equipped with a storage battery. Although not particularly limited, one example of such a configuration may be the configuration shown in Figure 10(a), and another example of such a configuration may be the configuration shown in Figure 10(b).

[0091] (F-1) The configuration shown in FIG. 10(a) will be described below.

[0092] 10(a), the passenger conveyor 1 is equipped with a storage battery 18. As a result, the power generated by the piezoelectric element 14 is stored in the storage battery 18, and the power stored in the storage battery 18 is supplied to the light-emitting unit 9.

[0093] 10(a), the passenger conveyor 1 may also be provided with, for example, a switching unit 19 that switches the state of power supply to the light-emitting unit 9. The switching unit 19 switches between a state in which power is supplied to the light-emitting unit 9 from the processing unit 6 (for example, a control panel arranged in the machine room 2a) and a state in which power is supplied to the light-emitting unit 9 from a storage battery 18.

[0094] As a result, when power is being supplied to the passenger conveyor 1 (processing section 6), the switching section 19 switches to a state in which power is supplied from the processing section 6 to the light-emitting section 9. On the other hand, when power supply to the passenger conveyor 1 (processing section 6) is stopped, the switching section 19 switches to a state in which power is supplied from the storage battery 18 to the light-emitting section 9. Therefore, in the event of a power outage, the light emitted by the light-emitting section 9 can illuminate the balustrade section 4, so the light-emitting section 9 can be used as an emergency light, for example.

[0095] In this way, the passenger conveyor 1 is as shown in Figure 10(a). A storage battery 18 is provided which stores electricity generated by the piezoelectric element 14 and supplies power to the light emitting unit 9. This configuration is preferred.

[0096] According to this configuration, the storage battery 18 is charged by generating electricity from the piezoelectric element 14. Then, the storage battery 18 supplies power to the light emitting unit 9, causing the light emitting unit 9 to emit light.

[0097] In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1, as shown in Figure 10(a), The storage battery 18 supplies power to the light emitting unit 9 when power supply to the passenger conveyor 1 is stopped. This configuration is preferred.

[0098] With this configuration, when the power supply to the passenger conveyor 1 is stopped, the storage battery 18 supplies power to the light emitting unit 9, causing the light emitting unit 9 to emit light. As a result, the light emitted by the light emitting unit 9 can illuminate the balustrade 4.

[0099] 10(a), the light emitting unit 9 is configured to emit light both when power is being supplied to the passenger conveyor 1 and when power supply to the passenger conveyor 1 is stopped, but this is not limited to such a configuration. For example, when power supply to the passenger conveyor 1 is stopped, the light emitting unit 9 is powered by the storage battery 18 and emits light, and when power is being supplied to the passenger conveyor 1, the light emitting unit 9 is not powered and does not emit light.

[0100] (F-2) The configuration shown in FIG. 10(b) will be described below.

[0101] 10(b), the passenger conveyor 1 is equipped with a storage battery 18. As a result, the power generated by the piezoelectric element 14 is stored in the storage battery 18, and the power stored in the storage battery 18 is supplied to the light-emitting unit 9.

[0102] 10(b), for example, the processing unit 6 may control the light emission of the light-emitting unit 9. Although not particularly limited, the processing unit 6 may include a relay, and the relay may control the light emission of the light-emitting unit 9. This allows, for example, the timing at which the light-emitting unit 9 emits light to be flexibly adjusted.

[0103] In this way, the man conveyor 1 is as shown in Figure 10(b). A storage battery 18 is provided which stores electricity generated by the piezoelectric element 14 and supplies power to the light emitting unit 9. This configuration is preferred.

[0104] According to this configuration, the storage battery 18 is charged by generating electricity from the piezoelectric element 14. Then, the storage battery 18 supplies power to the light emitting unit 9, causing the light emitting unit 9 to emit light.

[0105] (G) Furthermore, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the first roller 10 is configured to apply force to the piezoelectric element 14 by contacting the piezoelectric element 14. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0106] For example, the passenger conveyor 1 may be configured so that, by coming into contact with the contact portion, a force is applied to the piezoelectric element 14 via the contact portion. Although not particularly limited, an example of such a configuration may be the configuration shown in Figure 11.

[0107] (G-1) The configuration according to FIG. 11 will be described below.

[0108] As shown in Fig. 11, a plurality of piezoelectric elements 14 are arranged along the running direction D2. The first guide portion 11a has a flat contact portion 20 that contacts the first roller 10 from below. The contact portion 20 may be formed in a flat plate shape, as shown in Fig. 11. The contact portion 20 may also be formed of, for example, metal or the like, and may have rigidity.

[0109] The contact portions 20 extend along the running direction D2 and are disposed over the plurality of piezoelectric elements 14. As a result, steps caused by the piezoelectric elements 14 are flattened by the contact portions 20, which makes it possible to suppress vibrations in the first roller 10 when the first roller 10 passes over the piezoelectric elements 14. On the other hand, the first roller 10 applies force to the piezoelectric elements 14 via the contact portions 20, which causes the piezoelectric elements 14 to generate electricity.

[0110] In this way, the passenger conveyor 1, as shown in Figure 11, The roller (first roller in FIG. 11) 10 further includes a flat contact portion 20 that contacts the roller (first roller in FIG. 11) from below. The piezoelectric elements 14 are arranged in plurality along the traveling directions D2 and D4, The contact portion 20 extends along the traveling directions D2 and D4 and is disposed over the plurality of piezoelectric elements 14. This configuration is preferred.

[0111] With this configuration, a plurality of piezoelectric elements 14 are arranged in line along the running directions D2, D4, while the contact portions 20 extend along the running directions D2, D4 and are arranged across the plurality of piezoelectric elements 14. As a result, any steps caused by the piezoelectric elements 14 are flattened by the contact portions 20, and therefore, when the roller 10 passes over the piezoelectric elements 14, vibrations in the roller 10 can be suppressed.

[0112] (H) For example, the order of execution of each step, such as the operations, procedures, steps, and stages, in the methods and apparatuses shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings, can be implemented in any order, as long as the result of a previous step is not used in a subsequent step. For example, even if a description is made using "first," "next," etc. for convenience, this does not mean that the steps must be executed in that order. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1...people conveyor, 1a...floor plate, 1b...boarding and alighting section, 2...structure, 2a...machine room, 3...transport section, 3a...connecting shaft, 4...parapet section, 4a...handrail belt, 4b...parapet main body section, 4c...cover section, 4d...operating section, 5...driving section, 5a...rotating section, 5b...winding section, 5c...driving source, 5d...braking section, 6...processing section, 7...traveling section, 7a...chain, 7b...second roller, 8...step, 8a...tread section, 8b...riser section, 8c...connecting section, 8d...connecting shaft, 8e...first step, 8f...second step, 8g...third step, 8h...fourth step, 9...light-emitting section, 9a...first light-emitting section, 9b...second light-emitting section, 9c...third light-emitting section, 9d...fourth light-emitting section, 10...first roller 11...first guide body, 11a...first guide portion, 11b...first restriction portion, 12...second guide body, 12a...second guide portion, 12b...second restriction portion, 13...support portion, 14...piezoelectric element, 14a...first piezoelectric element, 14b...second piezoelectric element, 14c...third piezoelectric element, 14d...fourth piezoelectric element, 15...electrical connection portion, 16...light-emitting unit, 16a...first light-emitting unit, 16b...second light-emitting unit, 16c...third light-emitting unit, 16d...fourth light-emitting unit, 17...light-emitting unit group, 18...storage battery, 19...switching portion, 20...contact portion, D1...first horizontal direction (width direction), D2...second horizontal direction (front-to-back direction), D3...up-down direction, D4...tilt direction, D5...orthogonal direction

Claims

1. Multiple steps for carrying people and traveling, a roller rotatably connected to the step; a support portion extending in a traveling direction in which the step travels and supporting the roller from below; a piezoelectric element fixed on the support portion and capable of applying a force to the roller passing over the piezoelectric element; and an operating section that operates by power generation by the piezoelectric element.

2. a balustrade having the operating portion; 2. The passenger conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the operating section comprises a light-emitting section that emits light by power generation by the piezoelectric element.

3. a light-emitting unit group having a plurality of light-emitting units; The light-emitting unit is The piezoelectric element; the light emitting unit emitting light when the piezoelectric element generates electricity, In the light-emitting unit group, the piezoelectric elements and the light-emitting portions are arranged in the same order for each light-emitting unit along the traveling direction, 3. The passenger conveyor according to claim 2, wherein the light emitting portions in the light emitting unit group flash in sequence in the travel direction.

4. a distance between adjacent rollers is constant at a first distance when the rollers are supported by the support portion; 4. The people conveyor according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of the piezoelectric elements are arranged within the first distance.

5. a distance between adjacent rollers is constant at a first distance when the rollers are supported by the support portion; 4. A people conveyor as described in claim 3, wherein the distance between adjacent piezoelectric elements is constant and is greater than N (N is a natural number) times the first distance and less than (N+0.5) times the first distance.

6. A passenger conveyor according to any one of claims 2 to 5, comprising a storage battery that is charged by power generated by the piezoelectric element and supplies power to the light-emitting unit.

7. 7. The passenger conveyor according to claim 6, wherein the storage battery supplies power to the light emitting unit when power supply to the passenger conveyor is stopped.

8. Further provided is a flat contact portion that contacts the roller from below, A plurality of the piezoelectric elements are arranged along the traveling direction, A passenger conveyor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the abutment portion extends along the traveling direction and is arranged over a plurality of the piezoelectric elements.

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