Man conveyor, maintenance device, and man conveyor step removal method

Abstract

To provide a man conveyor capable of positioning steps at desired positions.SOLUTION: A man conveyor comprises a circular running section that rotates and runs, a plurality of steps that can be attached to and detached from the running section, a step detection section that detects each of the plurality of steps, an input section to which running instruction data for running the running section is input, and a processing section that controls the running of the running section; when running instruction data is input to the input section, the processing section runs the running section and stops the running section based on detection by the step detection section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification relates to a people conveyor, a maintenance device, and a method for removing steps from a people conveyor. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a passenger conveyor has a circular running section that rotates and travels, and multiple steps that can be attached and detached to the running section (for example, Patent Document 1). When performing maintenance on the passenger conveyor, the steps are removed from and attached to the running section. However, when removing a step from the running section, it is necessary to position the removed step in the desired position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-172414 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Therefore, the first object is to provide a man conveyor and maintenance device that can position the steps at a desired position.

[0005] The second object of the present invention is to provide a method for removing steps from a passenger conveyor that allows the steps to be easily removed from the running section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Man conveyors are a circular running part that rotates and runs; A plurality of steps detachable from the traveling portion; a step detection unit that detects each of the plurality of steps; an input unit to which driving instruction data for driving the driving unit is input; a processing unit that controls the traveling of the traveling unit, The processing unit When the driving instruction data is input to the input unit, the driving unit is caused to drive; The traveling unit is stopped based on the detection by the step detection unit.

[0007] The maintenance device is also used for the above-mentioned man conveyor.

[0008] Also, how to remove steps from a man conveyor: A method for removing steps from the passenger conveyor, comprising: a step of inputting the driving instruction data into the input unit to drive the driving unit; stopping the traveling unit based on the detection by the step detection unit; and removing the step from the running portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of a people conveyor according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are perspective views of a main part of a conveying unit according to the embodiment (FIG. 1A shows a state in which the step is attached, and FIG. 1B shows a state in which the step is removed); [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a front view of a main part of a passenger conveyor according to the embodiment; [Figure 4] Front view of Fig. 3 [Figure 5] Enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of line VV in Figure 4 [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a main part of a support part according to the embodiment; [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are views showing the main part of the support part according to the embodiment (a: front view, b: enlarged view of region VII in a); [Figure 8] Enlarged view of region VIII in Figure 1 [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram of a maintenance device according to the embodiment; [Figure 10] Control block diagram of the passenger conveyor according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a method for removing the step according to the embodiment, showing an internal front view of the passenger conveyor. [Figure 12] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams of a method for removing a step according to the embodiment, each showing a front view of the interior of the passenger conveyor (a: a diagram showing a state in which the step detection unit detects the second step, and b: a diagram showing a state in which the first step has stopped at a desired position). [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a method for removing a step according to the embodiment, showing an internal front view of the passenger conveyor (a: a diagram showing a state in which the first step has been removed, b: a diagram showing a state in which the step detection unit has detected the third step). [Figure 14] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams of a method for removing a step according to the embodiment, and are internal front views of the passenger conveyor (a: a diagram showing a state in which the second step has stopped at a desired position, b: a diagram showing a state in which the second step has been removed). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] An embodiment of a passenger conveyor and maintenance device will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 14. Note that the following embodiment is provided as an example to aid in understanding the configuration of the passenger conveyor and maintenance device, and is not intended to limit the configuration of the passenger conveyor and maintenance device.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] The transport unit 3 includes an endless annular running unit 7 that rotates and runs, and a plurality of steps 8 that can be attached to and detached from the running unit 7. For example, as in this embodiment, the running unit 7 may be configured to rotate and run by being driven by the drive unit 5, and the plurality of steps 8 may be connected to the running unit 7 and run together with the running unit 7. In this way, the steps 8 run with people on board.

[0017] The drive unit 5 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, a drive wheel 5a around which a first end of the traveling unit 7 in the second lateral direction D2 is wrapped and which rotates about an axis in the first lateral direction D1, a support unit 9 that supports a second end of the traveling unit 7 in the second lateral direction D2, a drive source 5b that rotates the drive wheel 5a, and a braking unit 5c that brakes the rotation of the drive wheel 5a. As a result, the step 8 is reversed by the drive wheel 5a and also reversed by the support unit 9.

[0018] Although not particularly limited, the drive wheel 5a may be, for example, a sprocket. Furthermore, although not particularly limited, the drive source 5b may be, for example, a motor and an inverter. Furthermore, although not particularly limited, the braking unit 5c may be, for example, a brake.

[0019] 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 running section 7 and the step 8.

[0020] 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 a plurality of frames 2b to 2d (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0021] The passenger conveyor 1 may, for example, include a floor plate 10 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 10 constitutes boarding and disembarking sections 1a located at each end of the transport section 3 in the second lateral direction D2 for passengers to get on and off the steps 8 of the transport section 3.

[0022] 2, 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 disposed between the pair of running sections 7, 7. Also, for example, as in this embodiment, the transport unit 3 may be provided with a connecting shaft 3a connecting the pair of running sections 7, 7, and the steps 8 may be rotatably coupled to the connecting shaft 3a. As a result, the steps 8 are connected to each running section 7 so as to be rotatable about an axis in the first horizontal direction D1.

[0023] The step 8 includes step rollers 8a that can rotate about an axis in the first horizontal direction D1. Alternatively, for example, as in this embodiment, the step 8 may include a step body 8b that is rotatably connected to the step rollers 8a, and the step body 8b may include a tread portion 8c on which a person stands, a rise portion 8d that is formed in a curved shape, and a pivot portion 8e that is rotatably connected to the connection shaft 3a.

[0024] The transport unit 3 may include, for example, an attachment / detachment tool 3b for attaching and detaching the step 8 to and from the connecting shaft 3a, as in the present embodiment. The attachment / detachment tool 3b may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and may be configured to be inserted into and removed from the concave pivot support portion 8e of the step 8 by sliding the connecting shaft 3a in the first horizontal direction D1, as in the present embodiment.

[0025] As a result, the step 8 is attached to the connecting shaft 3a by inserting the attachment / detachment tool 3b into the pivotal support portion 8e of the step 8, while the step 8 is detached from the connecting shaft 3a by removing the attachment / detachment tool 3b from the pivotal support portion 8e of the step 8. Therefore, the step 8 is detachable from the running part 7 via the connecting shaft 3a and the attachment / detachment tool 3b.

[0026] Although not particularly limited, the operation of attaching and detaching the step 8 to and from the traveling section 7 (specifically, the operation of the attachment / detachment tool 3b) may be performed by using, for example, the tool described in Patent Document 1. Furthermore, the configuration for attaching and detaching the step 8 to and from the traveling section 7 is not particularly limited, and is not limited to the above configuration.

[0027] The number of step rollers 8a is not particularly limited. For example, as in this embodiment, a pair of step rollers 8a (only one is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3; the same applies to FIGS. 4 to 5 and 11 to 14) may be provided so as to sandwich the step body 8b in the first horizontal direction D1.

[0028] The running section 7 is not particularly limited, but may include, for example, an endless loop-shaped chain 7a and running rollers 7b and 7c rotatably connected to the chain 7a around an axis in the first transverse direction D1, as in the present embodiment. That is, the running section 7 may be a roller chain, as in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the running rollers 7b and 7c are rotatably connected to the step 8 via the chain 7a and the connecting shaft 3a.

[0029] Also, for example, as in this embodiment, the first running roller 7b among the plurality of rollers may be rotatably coupled to the end of the connecting shaft 3a, and the second running roller 7c among the plurality of rollers may be arranged away from the connecting shaft 3a. Note that in Figures 3 and 4 (as well as Figures 5 and 11 to 14), only the first running roller 7b is shown, and the second running roller 7c is not shown.

[0030] 3 and 4, the structure 2 may include, for example, an upper frame 2b and a lower frame 2c extending in the second horizontal direction D2, and a vertical frame 2d extending in the vertical direction D3 and connecting the upper frame 2b and the lower frame 2c. Although not particularly limited, the structure 2 may include, for example, horizontal frames extending in the horizontal directions D1 and D2 and connecting the frames 2b to 2d, and diagonal frames extending at an angle and connecting the frames 2b to 2d.

[0031] The people conveyor 1 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include a support guide mechanism 11 that guides the support portion 9 in the second lateral direction D2, and a tension applying portion 12 that applies tension to the running portion 7. The support guide mechanism 11 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include a guide roller 11a fixed to the support portion 9, and a guide rail 11b fixed to the structure 2 and extending in the second lateral direction D2 to guide the guide roller 11a in the second lateral direction D2.

[0032] The tension applying unit 12 may include, for example, an elastic unit 12a that applies an elastic restoring force in the second horizontal direction D2 to the support unit 9, as in the present embodiment. Although not particularly limited, for example, as in the present embodiment, the elastic unit 12a may be a helical spring, and the tension applying unit 12 may include a fixed shaft 12b that is fixed to the support unit 9 and extends in the second horizontal direction D2, a first holding unit 12c that is fixed to the fixed shaft 12b and holds a first end of the elastic unit 12a, and a second holding unit 12d that is fixed to a vertical frame 2d of the structure 2 and holds a second end of the elastic unit 12a.

[0033] As a result, the elastic portion 12a undergoes elastic compression deformation in the second lateral direction D2, and an elastic restoring force in the second lateral direction D2 (specifically, the left direction in FIGS. 3 and 4) is applied to the support portion 9. Therefore, the tension applying portion 12 can apply tension to the running portion 7.

[0034] For example, as in this embodiment, a pair of support portions 9 may be provided so as to sandwich the step 8 in the first horizontal direction D1. Note that Fig. 3 illustrates the support portion 9 on one side (the side opposite to the arrow direction in the first horizontal direction D1), and Fig. 4 (similarly Figs. 5 to 7 and Figs. 11 to 14) illustrates the support portion 9 on the other side (the side in the arrow direction in the first horizontal direction D1).

[0035] 3 to 7, the support portion 9 may include, for example, a support portion main body 9a, a travel guide portion 9b that guides the travel portion 7, and a roller guide portion 9c that guides the step rollers 8a of the step 8. As a result, the travel portion 7 is guided by the travel guide portion 9b so as to turn back its travel direction, and the step 8 is guided by the roller guide portion 9c so as to turn back its travel direction.

[0036] The support body 9a may be formed in a plate shape extending in the up-down direction D3 and the second lateral direction D2, as in the present embodiment. The travel guide 9b may be a plate-shaped rail fixed to the support body 9a, as in the present embodiment. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this configuration, and the travel guide 9b may be, for example, a sprocket (driven sprocket) around which the travel part 7 is wound and which is rotatable about an axis in the first lateral direction D1.

[0037] The roller guide portion 9c includes an inner guide portion 9d that guides the step roller 8a from the inside, and an outer guide portion 9e that guides the step roller 8a from the outside. As a result, the step roller 8a is disposed between the inner guide portion 9d and the outer guide portion 9e. Note that the inner guide portion 9d and the outer guide portion 9e may be, for example, plate-shaped rails fixed to the support portion main body 9a, as in this embodiment.

[0038] In this way, the roller guide portion 9c guides the step roller 8a, and the running guide portion 9b guides the step 8 (specifically, the pivot support portion 8e) via the running portion 7, the attachment / detachment tool 3b, and the connecting shaft 3a. As a result, the step 8 guided by the support portion 9 runs along a fixed trajectory.

[0039] The outer guide portion 9e has an entrance / exit portion 9f through which the step rollers 8a can be moved in and out of the roller guide portion 9c. As a result, the step rollers 8a of the step 8 removed from the traveling portion 7 can pass through the entrance / exit portion 9f and be moved out of or into the roller guide portion 9c. The width W1 (see FIG. 7(b)) of the entrance / exit portion 9f is not particularly limited, but may be larger than the diameter of the step rollers 8a.

[0040] The width W1 of the entrance / exit section 9f may be, for example, 105% or more of the diameter of the step roller 8a, or may be, for example, 110% or more of the diameter of the step roller 8a, or may be, for example, 115% or more of the diameter of the step roller 8a, thereby allowing the step roller 8a to pass through the entrance / exit section 9f reliably.

[0041] Furthermore, the width W1 of the entrance / exit portion 9f may be, for example, 200% or less of the diameter of the step roller 8a, or may be, for example, 180% or less of the diameter of the step roller 8a, or may be, for example, 150% or less of the diameter of the step roller 8a, thereby preventing a decrease in the function of the outer guide portion 9e that guides the step roller 8a.

[0042] As shown in Figure 8, the people conveyor 1 may be equipped with, for example, a start / stop input unit 13 into which data on travel on step 8 is input, a travel direction input unit 14 into which data on the travel direction on step 8 is input, and a display output unit 15 that displays the data. Although not shown, the people conveyor 1 may also be equipped with a sound output unit 16 (see Figure 10) that sounds out the data, such as a buzzer or speaker.

[0043] The start / stop input unit 13 may receive, for example, start instruction data that is an instruction to start traveling on step 8 and stop instruction data that stops traveling on step 8. Although not particularly limited, the start / stop input unit 13 may be, for example, as in this embodiment, a key lock switch that is disposed on the cover portion 4c of the balustrade portion 4 and can be rotated by inserting a key.

[0044] The running direction input unit 14 may receive input of first direction instruction data that is an instruction to run in a first direction (upward) on the steps 8, and second direction instruction data that is an instruction to run in a second direction (downward) on the steps 8. Although not particularly limited, the running direction input unit 14 may be, for example, as in this embodiment, a key lock switch that is disposed on the cover 4c of the balustrade 4 and can be turned by inserting a key.

[0045] The display output unit 15 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, as in this embodiment, a liquid crystal indicator light disposed on the cover portion 4c of the balustrade portion 4. When the boarding and alighting portion 1a is a boarding portion, the display output unit 15 may, for example, display an arrow indicating that entry is permitted, and when the boarding and alighting portion 1a is a disembarking portion, the display output unit 15 may, for example, display a mark indicating that entry is prohibited.

[0046] As shown in Figure 9, the people conveyor 1 is equipped with a maintenance device 17. The maintenance device 17 is equipped with a step detection unit 18 that detects steps 8, a maintenance travel input unit 19 to which maintenance travel instruction data for traveling the traveling unit 7 is input, and a processing connection unit 17a that can be electrically connected to the processing unit 6. The maintenance device 17 may also be equipped with an operation panel 17b, for example, as in this embodiment.

[0047] The step detector 18 is not particularly limited, but may be any type that can detect each of the multiple steps 8. The step detector 18 may be, for example, a photoelectric sensor (a reflective photoelectric sensor or a transmissive photoelectric sensor), a proximity sensor, or a contact sensor.

[0048] The maintenance travel input unit 19 may receive maintenance travel instruction data for causing the travel unit 7 to travel in order to move the step 8 to the maintenance position. Although not particularly limited, the maintenance travel input unit 19 may be, for example, a push button switch with an automatic return function, as in this embodiment.

[0049] The processing connection unit 17a is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, an electrical connector. The processing connection unit 17a may be electrically connected to the step detection unit 18 and the maintenance travel input unit 19 via the operation panel 17b, for example, as in this embodiment. As a result, the processing connection unit 17a is electrically connected to the processing unit 6, and the step detection unit 18 and the maintenance travel input unit 19 are thereby electrically connected to the processing unit 6.

[0050] Although not particularly limited, the processing unit 6 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, a control panel 6a (see FIG. 1) arranged in the upper machine room 2a, and a relay panel 6b (see FIG. 1) arranged in the lower machine room 2a and electrically connected to the control panel 6a. Then, for example, the processing connection unit 17a may be detachable from the relay panel 6b.

[0051] As a result, the process connection unit 17a is electrically connected to the relay panel 6b, and the process connection unit 17a is electrically connected to the control panel 6a of the processing unit 6. Therefore, a maintenance person can use the maintenance device 17 in the machine room 2a below.

[0052] As shown in Figure 10, the passenger conveyor 1 is equipped with a distance detection unit 20 that detects the travel distance of the traveling section 7. The passenger conveyor 1 may also be equipped with an automatic / manual input unit 21 into which data on the operation mode of the passenger conveyor 1 is input, as in this embodiment.

[0053] The distance detection unit 20 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor, a photoelectric sensor) that detects the outer teeth of the drive wheel 5a, or may be, for example, a sensor (e.g., an encoder) that detects the rotation of the drive wheel 5a.

[0054] The automatic / manual input unit 21 may receive, for example, automatic instruction data that is an instruction to automatically travel through the step 8, and manual instruction data that is an instruction to manually travel through the step 8. Although not particularly limited, the automatic / manual input unit 21 may be, for example, a select switch or a key lock switch that can be rotated by inserting a key.

[0055] Furthermore, the passenger conveyor 1 may be equipped with, for example, an input unit 1b to which various data are input, and an output unit 1c to which various data are output, as in this embodiment. Although not particularly limited, the input unit 1b may be equipped with an input unit to which data is input in addition to the above-mentioned input units 13, 14, 19, and 21, and the output unit 1c may be equipped with an output unit to which data is output in addition to the above-mentioned output units 15 and 16.

[0056] The input unit 1b may be, for example, a switch (push button switch, select switch, etc.), a touch panel, etc. The output unit 1c may be, for example, a display device that displays data (for example, an electronic bulletin board, an indicator light), a sound device that emits data as sound (for example, a buzzer, a speaker), a signal output device that outputs a signal to the outside (for example, a central monitoring panel, etc.), etc.

[0057] For example, as in this embodiment, the processing unit 6 may include an acquisition unit 6c that acquires each piece of data from each of the units 1b, 13 to 14, 18 to 21, a storage unit 6d that stores each piece of data, a calculation unit 6e that calculates each piece of data, and a control unit 6f that controls each of the units 1c, 5, 15 to 16. The processing unit 6 may be a computer that includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU and an MPU (for example, the calculation unit 6e, the control unit 6f), memories such as a ROM and a RAM (for example, the acquisition unit 6c, the storage unit 6d), various interfaces, etc.

[0058] As a result, the processor executes the program stored in the memory, and the software and hardware work together to realize the units 6c to 6f of the processing unit 6. Note that the processing unit 6 may be configured, for example, by a software circuit, or may be configured, for example, by a hardware circuit, or may be configured, for example, by a combination of a software circuit and a hardware circuit.

[0059] The processing unit 6 may be configured as a single device, or may be configured as multiple devices that can communicate with each other. Specifically, the units 6c to 6f of the processing unit 6 may be provided in a single device, or may be distributed across multiple devices that can communicate with each other.

[0060] The processing unit 6 controls the travel of the traveling unit 7. For example, as in this embodiment, the processing unit 6 may control the travel of the traveling unit 7 by controlling the drive unit 5. Although not particularly limited, the travel control of the traveling unit 7 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0061] First, for example, when automatic instruction data is input to the automatic / manual input unit 21, the people conveyor 1 enters an automatic travel mode for transporting people. Although not particularly limited, in the automatic travel mode, for example, the processing unit 6 sets the travel speed of the travel unit 7 to a transport speed (for example, 25 m / min to 30 m / min) when transporting people.

[0062] In the automatic traveling mode, for example, when a human detection unit (for example, a photoelectric sensor, not shown) detects a human at the boarding and disembarking section 1a, the processing unit 6 sets the traveling speed of the traveling unit 7 to the conveying speed, while, for example, when the human detection unit does not detect a human for a predetermined time, the processing unit 6 sets the traveling speed to a standby speed (for example, 0 to 10 m / min) that is slower than the conveying speed. Note that the configuration is not limited to this, and for example, in the automatic traveling mode, the processing unit 6 may always keep the traveling speed of the traveling unit 7 constant at the conveying speed.

[0063] Next, for example, when manual instruction data is input to the automatic manual input unit 21, the passenger conveyor 1 enters a manual travel mode in which the traveling unit 7 and steps 8 are manually traveled. Although not particularly limited, in the manual travel mode, for example, the processing unit 6 sets the travel speed of the traveling unit 7 to a manual speed. Note that, although not particularly limited, the manual speed may be the same as the conveying speed (for example, 25 m / min to 30 m / min).

[0064] In the manual travel mode, for example, the processing unit 6 may be configured to cause the travel unit 7 to travel only while the start / stop input unit 13 or the travel direction input unit 14 is being operated. As a result, in the manual travel mode, the operation of the start / stop input unit 13 or the travel direction input unit 14 allows the travel unit 7 to travel continuously or to inch (inch) the travel unit 7.

[0065] Next, for example, when manual instruction data is input to the automatic manual input unit 21 and maintenance travel instruction data is input to the maintenance travel input unit 19, the man conveyor 1 enters maintenance travel mode. Although not particularly limited, in the maintenance travel mode, for example, the processing unit 6 sets the travel speed of the travel unit 7 to a maintenance speed (for example, 1 m / min to 15 m / min) that is slower than the conveying speed. Although not particularly limited, the maintenance speed is preferably slower than the manual speed.

[0066] Then, for example, when maintenance travel instruction data is input to the maintenance travel input unit 19, the processing unit 6 changes the passenger conveyor 1 from manual travel mode to maintenance travel mode, and the processing unit 6 starts traveling of the traveling unit 7. After that, for example, based on detection by the step detection unit 18, the processing unit 6 stops the traveling of the traveling unit 7, and the processing unit 6 changes the passenger conveyor 1 from maintenance travel mode to manual travel mode.

[0067] 11, the maintenance device 17 may include, for example, a fixing part 17c that can be switched between a state in which it is fixed to the structure 2 and a state in which it is released from the fixation, and a connecting part 17d that connects the fixing part 17c and the step detecting part 18. In this way, the step detecting part 18 is configured to be detachable from the structure 2 that is installed on the skeleton.

[0068] The step detector 18 may be configured to detect steps 8 whose positions relative to the structure 2 are fixed and which are guided by the support parts 9, as in the present embodiment. This allows the step detector 18 to detect the same position of each step 8. Although not particularly limited, the step detector 18 may detect, for example, the position of an end of a step 8, or may detect, for example, the position of a specific member of the step 8 (for example, a reflective material fixed to the same position on the step 8).

[0069] Furthermore, connecting portion 17d may be flexible enough to be deformable and capable of maintaining the deformation, thereby allowing the position of step detector 18 to be changed by deforming connecting portion 17d. Although not particularly limited, connecting portion 17d may be formed of, for example, resin with wire embedded therein.

[0070] The configuration of the passenger conveyor 1 according to this embodiment has been described above, and next, a method for removing the step 8 of the passenger conveyor 1 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 11 to 14. Note that the following method is provided as an example to help understand how to remove the step 8, and is not intended to limit the method for removing the step 8.

[0071] Furthermore, when distinguishing between steps 8, they are referred to as Nth (N is a natural number) steps 8f to 8h, respectively. Steps 8f to 8h are arranged consecutively in the running direction in the order of first step 8f, second step 8g, and third step 8h.

[0072] First, when performing maintenance on the passenger conveyor 1, the process connection unit 17a of the maintenance device 17 is electrically connected to the processing unit 6, and as shown in FIG. 11, the step detection unit 18 is fixed to the structure 2 by the fixing unit 17c. Then, when the traveling unit 7 is stopped and maintenance travel instruction data is input to the maintenance travel input unit 19, the traveling unit 7 starts traveling. At this time, the traveling unit 7 travels so that the steps 8 travel upward.

[0073] 12(a), the step detection unit 18 detects the second step 8g, causing the traveling unit 7 to stop. At this time, the traveling unit 7 stops based on the detection by the distance detection unit 20, so that after the step detection unit 18 detects the second step 8g, the traveling unit 7 travels a set distance.

[0074] 12(b), when the traveling unit 7 stops, the position of the step roller 8a of the first step 8f is aligned with the position of the entrance / exit section 9f. In this way, the step detection unit 18 is attached to a predetermined position with respect to the structure 2, and after the step detection unit 18 detects the second step 8g, the traveling unit 7 travels a set distance based on the detection by the distance detection unit 20, so that the first step 8f can be reliably positioned at the desired position.

[0075] Although not particularly limited, the set distance may be set (changed) by inputting it into the input unit 1b, for example. By inputting an appropriate set distance into the input unit 1b, the step 8 can be reliably positioned at a desired position. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the set distance may be, for example, a default (unchangeable) value.

[0076] 13(a), the first step 8f is removed from the running section 7, and the step rollers 8a of the first step 8f pass through the entrance / exit section 9f and are taken out of the roller guide section 9c (outside the outer guide section 9e). As a result, for example, after the first step 8f is removed from the running section 7, the step rollers 8a of the first step 8f can be taken out of the entrance / exit section 9f without running the running section 7.

[0077] Therefore, the first step 8f can be easily removed from the running section 7. The desired position of the step 8 is a position where the step roller 8a is near the entrance / exit section 9f, and is a position where, for example, after the step 8 is removed from the running section 7, the step roller 8a of the step 8 can be taken out of the entrance / exit section 9f without causing the running section 7 to move, preventing the removed step 8 from interfering with an adjacent step 8.

[0078] Thereafter, when maintenance travel instruction data is input again to the maintenance travel input unit 19, the travel unit 7 travels. Then, as shown in FIG. 13(b), after the step detection unit 18 detects the third step 8h, the travel unit 7 travels a set distance and stops based on the detection of the distance detection unit 20. As a result, when the travel unit 7 stops, the position of the step roller 8a of the second step 8g is aligned with the position of the entrance / exit section 9f, as shown in FIG. 14(a).

[0079] 14(b), the second step 8g is removed from the running section 7, and the step rollers 8a of the second step 8g pass through the entrance / exit section 9f and are taken out of the roller guide section 9c (outside the outer guide section 9e). This makes it possible to easily remove the second step 8g from the running section 7.

[0080] In this embodiment, the set distance is shorter than the distance between adjacent steps 8, 8 (specifically, the distance between the pivotal support portions 8e, 8e connected to the traveling portion 7 of the adjacent steps 8, 8). As a result, the set distance is shorter than the distance required to advance one step 8.

[0081] Therefore, when maintenance travel instruction data is repeatedly input to the maintenance travel input unit 19, steps 8f to 8h can be positioned at desired positions in the consecutive order. Therefore, for example, steps 8f to 8h can be removed from the travel unit 7 in the consecutive order.

[0082] The method of attaching steps 8 to traveling unit 7 (step attaching method) may also use maintenance device 17. Specifically, the method may include a step of causing traveling unit 7 to travel by inputting maintenance travel instruction data to maintenance travel input unit 19, a step of stopping traveling unit 7 based on detection by step detection unit 18, and a step of attaching steps 8 to traveling unit 7.

[0083] At this time, traveling unit 7 travels so that steps 8 travel downward. Then, by repeatedly inputting maintenance travel instruction data to maintenance travel input unit 19, steps 8 may be attached to traveling unit 7 in the order in which they are connected.

[0084] [1] As described above, the passenger conveyor 1, as in this embodiment, a circular running portion 7 that rotates and runs; a plurality of steps 8 detachable from the traveling portion 7; a step detection unit 18 that detects each of the plurality of steps 8; an input unit (in this embodiment, a maintenance travel input unit) 19 into which travel instruction data (in this embodiment, maintenance travel instruction data) for causing the travel unit 7 to travel; a processing unit 6 that controls the travel of the travel unit 7, The processing unit 6 When the travel instruction data is input to the input unit 19, the travel unit 7 is caused to travel; The traveling unit 7 is stopped based on the detection of the step detection unit 18. This configuration is preferred.

[0085] With this configuration, when travel instruction data is input to the input unit 19, the travel unit 7 travels. Then, based on the detection by the step detection unit 18, the travel unit 7 stops. This allows the steps 8 to be positioned at a desired position.

[0086] [2] In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1 described above in [1], as in this embodiment, The distance from when the step detection unit 18 detects the step 8 until the traveling unit 7 stops is shorter than the distance traveled by one step 8. This configuration is preferred.

[0087] With this configuration, from when the step detection unit 18 detects a step 8 until the traveling unit 7 stops, the traveling unit 7 travels a distance that is shorter than one step 8. As a result, when traveling instruction data (in this embodiment, maintenance traveling instruction data) is repeatedly input to the input unit (in this embodiment, maintenance traveling input unit) 19, the steps 8 can be positioned at desired positions in the consecutive order.

[0088] [3] In addition, the passenger conveyor 1 of the above [1] or [2], as in this embodiment, Further provided is a distance detection unit 20 that detects the travel distance of the traveling unit 7, The processing unit 6 stops the traveling unit 7 based on the detection of the distance detection unit 20 so that the traveling unit 7 travels a set distance after the step detection unit 18 detects the step 8. This configuration is preferred.

[0089] With this configuration, the traveling unit 7 stops based on the detection by the distance detection unit 20, and the traveling unit 7 travels a set distance after the step detection unit 18 detects the step 8. This allows the step 8 to be reliably positioned at the desired position.

[0090] [4] In addition, in any one of the passenger conveyors 1 described above in [1] to [3], as in this embodiment, The step 8 includes a rotatable step roller 8a. The passenger conveyor 1 is an inner guide portion 9d that guides the step roller 8a from the inside; an outer guide portion 9e that arranges the step roller 8a between the inner guide portion 9d and the step roller 8a, and guides the step roller 8a from the outside; The outer guide portion 9e has an entrance / exit portion 9f through which the step roller 8a of the step 8 removed from the running portion 7 can be inserted and removed. This configuration is preferred.

[0091] With this configuration, the step rollers 8a are disposed between the inner guide portion 9d and the outer guide portion 9e, so that the inner guide portion 9d guides the step rollers 8a from the inside, and the outer guide portion 9e guides the step rollers 8a from the outside. Then, the step rollers 8a of the step 8 removed from the running portion 7 pass through the entrance / exit portion 9f and are taken out to the outside of the outer guide portion 9e.

[0092] [5] In addition, any one of the above-mentioned [1] to [4] passenger conveyors 1, as in this embodiment, a maintenance device 17 having the input unit (in this embodiment, a maintenance travel input unit) 19 and the step detection unit 18; the maintenance device 17 includes a processing connection unit 17a electrically connectable to the processing unit 6 in order to electrically connect the input unit 19 and the step detection unit 18 to the processing unit 6; The step detection unit 18 is configured to be detachable from the structure 2 installed on the body. This configuration is preferred.

[0093] According to this configuration, the processing connection unit 17a of the maintenance device 17 is electrically connected to the processing unit 6, and thereby the input unit 19 and the step detection unit 18 are electrically connected to the processing unit 6. Then, by attaching the step detection unit 18 to a desired position with respect to the structure 2, the step 8 can be positioned at a desired position.

[0094] [6] Furthermore, it is preferable that the maintenance device 17 is used for the passenger conveyor 1 described above in [5].

[0095] With this configuration, the step 8 can be positioned at a desired position.

[0096] [7] In addition, the method for removing the steps of the passenger conveyor 1 is as follows: A method for removing steps from a passenger conveyor 1 according to any one of the above [1] to [5], a step of causing the traveling unit 7 to travel by inputting the traveling instruction data (in this embodiment, maintenance traveling instruction data) into the input unit (in this embodiment, maintenance traveling input unit) 19; a step of stopping the traveling unit (7) based on the detection of the step detection unit (18); and removing the step 8 from the running portion 7. This method is preferred.

[0097] According to this method, the traveling unit 7 travels when travel instruction data is input to the input unit 19. Then, the traveling unit 7 stops based on the detection by the step detection unit 18. As a result, the step 8 is positioned at the desired position, and the step 8 can be easily removed from the traveling unit 7.

[0098] [8] In addition, the method for removing the steps of the passenger conveyor 1 is as follows: The method for removing steps from the man conveyor 1 according to [4] above, a step of causing the traveling unit 7 to travel by inputting the traveling instruction data (in this embodiment, maintenance traveling instruction data) into the input unit (in this embodiment, maintenance traveling input unit) 19; a step of stopping the traveling unit 7 so that the position of the step roller 8a coincides with the position of the entrance / exit portion 9f based on the detection of the step detection unit 18; removing the step 8 from the running portion 7; and removing the step roller 8a of the removed step 8 from the entrance / exit portion 9f. This method is preferred.

[0099] According to this method, the traveling unit 7 travels when travel instruction data is input to the input unit 19. Then, the traveling unit 7 stops based on the detection by the step detection unit 18. As a result, the step 8 is positioned at the desired position, and the step 8 can be easily removed from the traveling unit 7.

[0100] When the traveling section 7 stops, the step rollers 8a of the step 8 are positioned in the same position as the entrance / exit section 9f. This allows the step rollers 8a of the step 8, which have been removed from the traveling section 7, to be easily taken out from the entrance / exit section 9f.

[0101] The passenger conveyor 1, maintenance device 17, and step removal method are not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiment, nor are they limited to the above-described effects. Furthermore, the passenger conveyor 1, maintenance device 17, and step removal method can, of course, be modified in various ways 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 use them in the configurations and methods of the above-described embodiment.

[0102] (A) In the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the processing unit 6 is configured to run the traveling unit 7 when maintenance travel instruction data is input to the maintenance travel input unit 19, and to stop the traveling unit 7 based on detection by the step detection unit 18. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0103] For example, processing unit 6 may be configured to cause traveling unit 7 to travel when traveling instruction data is input to input unit 1b separate from maintenance traveling input unit 19, and to stop traveling unit 7 based on detection by step detection unit 18. Although not particularly limited, for example, when manual instruction data is input to automatic manual input unit 21 and start instruction data is input to start / stop input unit 13, processing unit 6 may determine that traveling instruction data has been input to input unit 1b and cause traveling unit 7 to travel.

[0104] (B) Furthermore, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, in order to remove the step 8 from the traveling section 7, the processing section 6 is configured to cause the traveling section 7 to travel when travel instruction data is input to the input section 19, and to stop the traveling section 7 based on detection by the step detection section 18. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0105] For example, in order to perform maintenance (e.g., inspection, cleaning, etc.) on each step 8, the processing unit 6 may be configured to cause the traveling unit 7 to travel when travel instruction data is input to the input unit 1b, and to stop the traveling unit 7 based on detection by the step detection unit 18. Also, for example, in order to perform maintenance (e.g., inspection, cleaning, etc.) on each predetermined part of the traveling unit 7, the processing unit 6 may be configured to cause the traveling unit 7 to travel when travel instruction data is input to the input unit 1b, and to stop the traveling unit 7 based on detection by the step detection unit 18.

[0106] (C) Furthermore, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the distance from when the step detection unit 18 detects step 8 until the traveling unit 7 stops is shorter than the distance it takes to advance one step 8. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the distance from when the step detection unit 18 detects step 8 until the traveling unit 7 stops may be longer than the distance it takes to advance one step 8.

[0107] (D) Furthermore, in the people conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the processing unit 6 is configured to stop the running unit 7 so that the running unit 7 travels a set distance after the step detection unit 18 detects a step 8, based on the detection by the distance detection unit 20. However, the people conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0108] For example, the people conveyor 1 may not be equipped with the distance detection unit 20. Also, for example, the processing unit 6 may be configured to stop the traveling unit 7 when a set time has elapsed after the step detection unit 18 detects step 8.

[0109] (E) Furthermore, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the outer guide portion 9e is configured to have an entrance / exit portion 9f through which the step rollers 8a of the step 8 removed from the running portion 7 can be inserted and removed. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the outer guide portion 9e may be configured so that the step rollers 8a cannot be inserted and removed.

[0110] (F) Furthermore, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the processing connection unit 17a is electrically connected to the processing unit 6, and thereby the input unit (maintenance travel input unit) 19 and the step detection unit 18 are electrically connected to the processing unit 6. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the input unit (maintenance travel input unit) 19 and the step detection unit 18 may be permanently installed and always electrically connected to the processing unit 6.

[0111] (G) Furthermore, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the step detection unit 18 is configured to be detachable from the structure 2. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the step detection unit 18 may be configured to be fixed to the structure 2 so that it cannot be detached.

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

[0113] 1...people conveyor, 1a...boarding and disembarking section, 1b...input section, 1c...output section, 2...structure, 2a...machine room, 2b...upper frame, 2c...lower frame, 2d...vertical frame, 3...transport section, 3a...connecting shaft, 3b...detachable device, 4...parapet section, 4a...handrail belt, 4b...parapet main body section, 4c...cover section, 5...drive section, 5a...drive wheel, 5b...drive source, 5c...braking section, 6...processing section, 6a...control panel, 6b...relay panel, 6c...acquisition section, 6d...storage section, 6e...calculation section, 6f...control section, 7...travel section, 7a...chain, 7b...first travel roller, 7c...second travel roller, 8...step, 8a...step roller, 8b...step main body, 8c...tread section, 8d...riser section, 8e...axial support section, 8f...first step, 8g...second step, 8h...third step cap, 9...support portion, 9a...support portion main body, 9b...travel guide portion, 9c...roller guide portion, 9d...inner guide portion, 9e...outer guide portion, 9f...entrance / exit portion, 10...floor plate, 11...support guide mechanism, 11a...guide roller, 11b...guide rail, 12...tensioning portion, 12a...elastic portion, 12b...fixed shaft, 12c...first holding portion, 12d...second holding portion, 13...start / stop input portion, 14...travel direction input portion, 15...display output portion, 16...sound output portion, 17...maintenance device, 17a...processing connection portion, 17b...operation panel, 17c...fixed portion, 17d...connection portion, 18...step detection portion, 19...maintenance travel input portion, 20...distance detection portion, 21...automatic / manual input portion, D1...first horizontal direction, D2...second horizontal direction, D3...vertical direction

Claims

1. a circular running part that rotates and runs; A plurality of steps detachable from the traveling portion; a step detection unit that detects each of the plurality of steps; an input unit to which driving instruction data for driving the driving unit is input; a processing unit that controls the traveling of the traveling unit, The processing unit When the driving instruction data is input to the input unit, the driving unit is caused to drive; A people conveyor that stops the traveling unit based on detection by the step detection unit.

2. 2. The people conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the distance from when the step detection unit detects the step to when the traveling unit stops is shorter than the distance it takes to advance one step.

3. a distance detection unit that detects a travel distance of the traveling unit, 3. The people conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit stops the running unit based on the detection of the distance detection unit so that the running unit runs a set distance after the step detection unit detects the step.

4. the step comprises a rotatable step roller; The man conveyor is an inner guide portion that guides the step roller from the inside; an outer guide portion that arranges the step roller between the inner guide portion and the step roller, and guides the step roller from the outside, 3. A passenger conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the outer guide portion has an entrance / exit portion through which the step rollers of the step removed from the running portion can be taken in and out.

5. a maintenance device having the input unit and the step detection unit, the maintenance device includes a processing connection unit electrically connectable to the processing unit in order to electrically connect the input unit and the step detection unit to the processing unit; 3. The passenger conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the step detection unit is configured to be detachable from a structure installed on the main body.

6. A maintenance device for use with the people conveyor of claim 5.

7. 3. A method for removing steps from a passenger conveyor according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: a step of inputting the driving instruction data into the input unit to drive the driving unit; stopping the traveling unit based on the detection by the step detection unit; and removing the step relative to the run.

8. 5. A method for removing steps from a people conveyor as claimed in claim 4, comprising the steps: a step of inputting the driving instruction data into the input unit to drive the driving unit; a step of stopping the traveling unit so that the position of the step roller matches the position of the entrance / exit section based on the detection of the step detection unit; removing the step from the running portion; and a step of removing the step rollers of the removed step from the entrance / exit section.

Images