Passenger conveyor

Abstract

To provide a passenger conveyor capable of realizing a device for suppressing the movement of passengers on an endless carrier at low cost.SOLUTION: A device comprises a first light source unit 70A arranged behind the left lane of the endless transport body, a second light source unit 70B arranged behind the right lane, a control unit that controls the first light source unit 70A and the second light source unit 70B individually, and light-transmitting portions 41g formed laterally on the left lane and the right lane in the width direction of the endless transport body at predetermined intervals over the entire length of the endless transport body. The light-transmitting portions 41g on the left lane and the light-transmitting portions 41g on the right lane in the width direction of the endless transport body can display different patterns.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a passenger conveyor that transports passengers using an endless transport body that moves in a circular motion. [Background technology]

[0002] Passenger conveyors such as escalators and moving walkways have entrances and a transport section. The entrances are located at the beginning and end of a passage (entrance and exit). The transport section has an endless transport body that transports passengers by circulating along the passage. Passengers move from the entrance to the beginning of the endless transport body (passenger receiving section), board the endless transport body, and are transported by the endless transport body. After that, when they reach the end of the endless transport body (passenger sending-out section), they move to the exit and continue moving, leaving the passenger conveyor.

[0003] If a passenger moves (walks or runs, hereinafter the same) on the endless conveyor while being transported by the endless conveyor, there is a risk of coming into contact with other passengers. For this reason, passenger conveyors are designed to transport passengers while they are standing on the endless conveyor without moving. However, it is common practice to move on the endless conveyor and to leave either the left or right lane of the endless conveyor open so as not to obstruct the movement of the passenger.

[0004] Therefore, a passenger conveyor has been proposed that provides a display device on each step of the endless conveying body, and displays a guide display consisting of a pattern of "circle" figures alternating left and right in the longitudinal direction of the endless conveying body, thereby dividing passengers to the left and right and suppressing the movement of passengers on the endless conveying body (Figures 9 and 10 of Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-175112 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the passenger conveyor described in the above document requires a display device to be installed on each of the many steps, which not only increases manufacturing costs but also increases the weight of the endless conveying body, resulting in higher operating costs.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a passenger conveyor that can realize a device for suppressing the movement of passengers on an endless transport body at low cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The passenger conveyor according to the first aspect of the present invention is A passenger conveyor including an endless transport body that moves circulatingly along a path having a left lane and a right lane, and a boarding entrance located at an end of the path, As a display device, a first light source unit disposed behind the left lane of the endless conveyor and a second light source unit disposed behind the right lane; a control unit that controls the first light source unit and the second light source unit individually; light-transmitting portions formed laterally on each of the left and right lanes in the width direction of the endless conveying body and at predetermined intervals over the entire length of the endless conveying body, The display is performed using light emitted upward from the light-transmitting section, and by varying either the on / off state or the luminous color between the first light source unit and the second light source unit in the width direction of the endless conveyor, it is possible to display differently between the light-transmitting section of the left lane and the light-transmitting section of the right lane in the width direction of the endless conveyor. It is a passenger conveyor.

[0009] Specific examples of such a configuration include the following first, second, fifth and sixth embodiments.

[0010] The passenger conveyor according to the second aspect of the present invention is A passenger conveyor including an endless transport body that moves circulatingly along a path having a left lane and a right lane, and a boarding entrance located at an end of the path, As a display device, a light source unit disposed on the rear side of the endless conveyor; a control unit that controls the light source unit; light-transmitting portions formed laterally on each of the left and right lanes in the width direction of the endless conveying body and at predetermined intervals over the entire length of the endless conveying body, The display is performed using light emitted upward from the light-transmitting section, and by making the light-transmitting section of the left lane and the light-transmitting section of the right lane in the width direction of the endless conveyor different in color, it is possible to display different aspects on the light-transmitting section of the left lane and the light-transmitting section of the right lane in the width direction of the endless conveyor. It is a passenger conveyor.

[0011] Specific examples of such a configuration include the fourth and sixth embodiments described below.

[0012] The passenger conveyor according to the third aspect of the present invention is A passenger conveyor including an endless transport body that moves circulatingly along a path having a left lane and a right lane, and a boarding entrance located at an end of the path, As a display device, a light source unit disposed on the rear side of the endless conveyor; a control unit that controls the light source unit; a light-transmitting portion formed on either the left lane or the right lane in the width direction of the endless conveyor, at a predetermined interval over the entire length of the endless conveyor, and distributed between the left lane and the right lane in the longitudinal direction of the endless conveyor; The display is made by light emitted upward from the transparent part. It is a passenger conveyor.

[0013] A specific example of such a configuration is the third embodiment described below.

[0014] As one aspect of the passenger conveyors according to the first to third aspects of the present invention, The light source units are provided for at least two light transmitting portions adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the endless transport body. The above configuration can be adopted.

[0015] As one aspect of the passenger conveyor according to the first aspect of the present invention, A light-blocking partition wall is provided at the rear of the endless transport body at the midpoint in the width direction of the endless transport body. The above configuration can be adopted.

[0016] As one aspect of the passenger conveyor according to the second aspect of the present invention, By making the patterns and translucent colors different between the translucent parts of the left lane and the translucent parts of the right lane in the width direction of the endless conveyor, it is possible to display different aspects between the translucent parts of the left lane and the translucent parts of the right lane in the width direction of the endless conveyor. The above configuration can be adopted.

[0017] As one aspect of the passenger conveyors according to the first to third aspects of the present invention, The light-transmitting portion is composed of a plurality of through-holes and a blocking body that blocks each of the through-holes. The above configuration can be adopted.

[0018] As one aspect of the passenger conveyors according to the first to third aspects of the present invention, The endless conveyor is configured by connecting multiple steps in an endless manner, The light-transmitting portion is formed on the tread portion of each step. The above configuration can be adopted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, a display device for restricting the movement of passengers on an endless conveying body can be realized with a simple configuration and at low cost. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of the escalator from the entrance to a point midway along the conveying section. [Figure 2] Fig. 2(a) is a perspective view of a step constituting the endless conveying body, Fig. 2(b) is a plan view of the step, Fig. 2(c) is a side view of the step, and Fig. 2(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 2(b). [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the handrail portion. [Figure 4] Fig. 4(a) is a partial side view of the entrance side of the escalator, and Fig. 4(b) is a plan view of the entrance side of the escalator. [Figure 5] 5(a) and 5(b) are explanatory diagrams of a light emission pattern 1 of a light source unit of a display device. [Figure 6] 6(a) and 6(b) are explanatory diagrams of a light emission pattern 2 of a light source unit of a display device. [Figure 7] 7(a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams of light emission patterns 3 of the light source unit of the display device. [Figure 8] Fig. 8(a) is a plan view of the left half of the steps of the escalator according to embodiment 1-1. Fig. 8(b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the tread portion of the steps of the escalator according to embodiment 1-1. Fig. 8(c) is a plan view of the entrance side of the escalator according to embodiment 1-1. [Figure 9] Fig. 9(a) is a plan view of the left half of the steps of the escalator according to embodiment 1-2. Fig. 9(b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the tread portion of the steps of the escalator according to embodiment 1-2. Fig. 9(c) is a plan view of the entrance side of the escalator according to embodiment 1-2. [Figure 10] Fig. 10(a) is a plan view of the left half of the steps of the escalator according to embodiment 1-3. Fig. 10(b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the tread portion of the steps of the escalator according to embodiment 1-3. Fig. 10(c) is a plan view of the entrance side of the escalator according to embodiment 1-3. [Figure 11] Fig. 11(a) is a plan view of the left half of the steps of the escalator according to embodiment 2-1. Fig. 11(b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the tread portion of the steps of the escalator according to embodiment 2-1. Fig. 11(c) is a plan view of the entrance side of the escalator according to embodiment 2-1. [Figure 12] Fig. 12(a) is a plan view of the left half of the steps of the escalator according to embodiment 2-2. Fig. 12(b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the tread portion of the steps of the escalator according to embodiment 2-2. Fig. 12(c) is a plan view of the entrance side of the escalator according to embodiment 2-2. [Figure 13] Fig. 13(a) is a plan view of the left half of the steps of an escalator according to embodiment 3. Fig. 13(b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the tread portion of the steps of the escalator according to embodiment 3. Fig. 13(c) is a plan view of the entrance side of the escalator according to embodiment 3. [Figure 14] Fig. 14(a) is a plan view of the right half of the steps of an escalator according to embodiment 4. Fig. 14(b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the tread portion of the steps of the escalator according to embodiment 4. Fig. 14(c) is a plan view of the entrance side of the escalator according to embodiment 4. [Figure 15] Fig. 15(a) is a plan view of the left half of the steps of an escalator according to embodiment 6. Fig. 15(b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the tread portion of the steps of the escalator according to embodiment 6. Fig. 15(c) is a plan view of the entrance side of the escalator according to embodiment 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] <Overall structure> Hereinafter, as embodiments of the present invention, various embodiments of an escalator, which is one type of passenger conveyor, will be described. However, prior to this, the overall configuration of the escalator will be described.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, escalator 1 comprises a truss (not shown), a boarding / alighting entrance 3, a conveying section 4, a handrail section 5, and a control section 6. The truss is a structure that supports the weight of escalator 1 and its load. The boarding / alighting entrance 3 is provided at the top of both ends of the truss and is located at the end (starting end, terminal end) of the passage. The conveying section 4 is supported by the truss, and its tread moves along the passage, transporting passengers while keeping them standing in that position without making them walk. The handrail sections 5 are also supported by the truss and are provided along the passage on both sides. The control section 6 controls each section of escalator 1 to ensure smooth operation of escalator 1.

[0023] Escalator 1 is configured for ascending, transporting passengers from left to right (from a lower floor to an upper floor). For this reason, escalator 1 is provided with, from left to right, an entrance 3, a transport section 4, and an exit entrance. When the settings are reversed by control section 6, entrance 3 becomes an exit entrance and the exit entrance becomes an entrance, and escalator 1 is configured for descending, transporting passengers from right to left (from an upper floor to a lower floor).

[0024] The boarding / alighting entrance 3 is provided above the horizontal end of the truss. The boarding / alighting entrance 3 is equipped with a floor plate 30. The floor plate 30 forms the floor of the boarding / alighting entrance 3 and is installed at the end (starting end, ending end) of the passage. A comb-tooth-shaped comb 31 is attached to the tip of the floor plate 30. The comb 31 is divided into multiple parts in the left-right direction, each of which has a rectangular shape (oblong shape). The multiple combs 31 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, forming a long strip in the left-right direction along the tip of the floor plate 30. The tip of the floor plate 30 (the tip of the comb 31) marks the boundary between the boarding / alighting entrance 3 and the conveying section 4.

[0025] The conveying section 4 includes an endless conveying body 40. The endless conveying body 40 is formed by connecting a plurality of steps 41 in an endless fashion via a step chain 42. The endless conveying body 40 is arranged within the truss so as to be able to move in a circular motion along the longitudinal direction of the truss. The endless conveying body 40 moves in a circular motion in one direction or the opposite direction as the step chain 42 moves in a circular motion in response to the driving of a drive motor (not shown) arranged within the truss.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the step 41 includes a step portion 41a, a riser portion (vertical plate portion) 41b, and a yoke portion 41c. The step portion 41a is a plate-like portion that extends along a horizontal plane, with the upper surface serving as the tread surface. The riser portion 41b is a plate-like portion that hangs down from the tip of the step portion 41a and extends downward while curving in an arc-like shape. The yoke portion 41c is a reinforcing member that connects the side edges of the step portion 41a and the riser portion 41b. A pair of yoke portions 41c are provided on the left and right.

[0027] The upper surface of the tread portion 41a of the step 41 is provided with a plurality of ridges 41d. The ridges 41d are provided from the tip to the base end of the tread portion 41a along the depth direction of the step 41. The ridges 41d are arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals in the width direction of the step 41 and are provided over the entire upper surface of the tread portion 41a. The spaces between the ridges 41d, 41d, are grooves 41e. The grooves 41e are provided from the tip to the base end of the tread portion 41a along the depth direction of the step 41. The grooves 41e are arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals in the width direction of the step 41 and are provided over the entire upper surface of the tread portion 41a.

[0028] The steps 41 are provided with a partition wall 41f on the back side, at the middle or center in the width direction. The partition wall 41f is provided across the back surface of the step portion 41a and the back surface of the riser portion 41b. The aisle has left and right lanes wide enough for passengers to line up side by side, and the partition wall 41f is provided at the boundary between the left and right lanes. The partition wall 41f is provided so as not to interfere with other components when the steps 41 move in a circular motion, and is provided close to (the light irradiation surface of) the light source unit 70 of the display unit 7 described below.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3 , the handrail section 5 comprises a handrail 50 and a balustrade 51. The handrail 50 is also called a moving handrail and is flexible and endless. The handrail 50 moves in a circular manner in conjunction with the endless conveying body 40. The balustrade 51 is arranged on the side of the endless conveying body 40 along the longitudinal direction of the endless conveying body 40. The lower edge of the balustrade 51 is supported by the truss 2, and supports the handrail 50 so that it can move in a circular manner. The balustrade 51 comprises a balustrade panel 52, a skirt guard 53, an exterior material 54, and a deck cover 55. A pair of handrails 50 and balustrades 51 are provided along the passage on both sides of the passage.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, the escalator 1 further includes a display device 7. The display device 7 is provided on the entrance 3 side of the passage. The display device 7 includes a light source unit 70. The light source unit 70 is arranged on the back side of the endless conveying body 40 (the continuous steps 41). The light source unit 70 is arranged so that its light emitting surface faces the back side of the tread portion 41a of the steps 41. The light source unit 70 consists of a first light source unit 70A and a second light source unit 70B. The first light source unit 70A is arranged below the left lane of the passage. The second light source unit 70B is arranged below the right lane of the passage. The light source unit 70 is fixedly arranged within the truss.

[0031] The light source unit 70 is provided elongated along the longitudinal direction of the endless transport body 40 (the moving direction of the steps 41). The light source unit 70 has a length spanning three (three levels) of adjacent steps 41A to 41C in the longitudinal direction of the endless transport body 40. The light source unit 70 includes a plurality of light emitters 70a. The light emitters 70a are arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the endless transport body 40. The pitch between the light emitters 70a, 70a is smaller than the depth dimension of the steps 41 (generally about 40 cm), and preferably two, three, or more light emitters 70a are arranged per step 41 in the depth direction of the step 41.

[0032] As an example, the light emitter 70a is a multicolor LED configured with red (R), green (G), and blue (B) LED elements. Alternatively, the light emitter 70a is a combination of red and green LEDs. Alternatively, the light emitter 70a is a white LED. In either case, the light emitter 70a is individually controlled by the control unit 6, and the state of lighting, blinking, or extinguishing and the light color are selected for each light emitter 70a.

[0033] As an example, FIG. 5 shows light-emitting pattern 1. In light-emitting pattern 1, a group of light-emitting elements 70a corresponding to either the left lane or the right lane of each step 41 moving on the light source unit 70 lights up or flashes in a predetermined light color, and the light-emitting elements 70a alternate between the left and right sides for each step 41 along the longitudinal direction of the endless conveyor 40. Light-emitting pattern 1 lights up or flashes half or approximately half of all light-emitting elements 70a, which can achieve power savings and a longer lifespan compared to when all light-emitting elements 70a are lit up or flashed (constantly lit or flashed). The predetermined light-emitting color is, for example, a single color such as green or white. The light-emitting elements 70a that light up or flash move in synchronization with the movement of the steps 41 (FIG. 5(a) → FIG. 5(b)). When focusing on one step 41, the light-emitting pattern remains fixed and does not change.

[0034] Furthermore, since the total length of the endless conveying body 40 and the total number of steps 41 are known, and the control unit 6 is aware of the moving speed and origin position of the endless conveying body 40, the control unit 6 can identify the groups of light-emitting bodies 70a corresponding to each of the left and right lanes of each step 41 moving on the light source unit 70.

[0035] As another example, light emission pattern 2 is shown in FIG. 6. Light emission pattern 2 is a light emission pattern in which, in addition to light emission pattern 1, the remaining groups of light emitters 70a, i.e., the groups of light emitters 70a corresponding to either the left lane or the right lane of each step 41 moving on the light source unit 70, light up or flash in different light emission colors. The predetermined light emission color (light emitters 70a filled in black in the figure) is, for example, a single green color, and the different light emission color (light emitters 70a with hatching in the figure) is, for example, a single red color. The light emitters 70a that light up or flash move in synchronization with the movement of the steps 41 (FIG. 6(a) → FIG. 6(b)), and when focusing on one step 41, the light emission pattern remains fixed and does not change.

[0036] 7 shows a light emission pattern 3. The light emission pattern 3 is a light emission pattern in which all the light emitters 70a light up or blink in a predetermined light color. The predetermined light color is, for example, a single color such as white.

[0037] In addition to the light source unit 70, the display device 7 also includes a light-transmitting portion on the step portion 41a of each step 41. By combining the light emission pattern of the light source unit 70 with the characteristics of the light-transmitting portion, the display of each embodiment described below can be performed.

[0038] <Embodiment 1> <Embodiment 1-1> The display device 7 according to embodiment 1-1 is a combination of an illumination pattern 1 generated by a light source unit 70 and a light-transmitting portion 41g having a pattern shown in FIG. 8. The display device 7 displays a guide display 72 by emitting light irradiated from the light emitter 70a of the light source unit 70 upward from the light-transmitting portion 41g via the light guide 71. The light-transmitting portion 41g according to embodiment 1-1 is formed in each of the left and right lanes of each tread 41. The light-transmitting portion 41g and the display 72 according to embodiment 1-1 are patterned in the shape of a circle. The light-transmitting portion 41g (light guide 71) according to embodiment 1-1 is colorless and transparent.

[0039] The light-transmitting portion 41g is composed of a through-hole 41h and a blocking body 71b. The through-holes 41h are holes that penetrate the front and back of the step portion 41a at the locations of the recessed grooves 41e of the step portion 41a, and are formed in multiple locations in an arrangement that forms a pattern. The blocking body 71b is a convex portion that protrudes from the upper surface of the base portion 71a of the light guide 71. It is inserted into the through-hole 41h and blocks the through-hole 41h. The light guide 71 is arranged along the back surface of the step portion 41a, and is disposed between the step portion 41a and the light source unit 70 (the light irradiation surface). The light guide 71 is made of, for example, a hard, transparent resin and is light-transmitting.

[0040] According to the display device 7 of embodiment 1-1, the guide signs 72 are displayed alternately left and right for each step 41 in the longitudinal direction of the endless conveyor 40. Passengers tend to stand close to either the left or right lane due to custom and hesitate to stand on the other lane, but the presence of the guide signs 72 guides passengers to stand on the guide signs 72 without hesitation, realizing alternating left and right riding. Furthermore, because passengers alternate left and right, both the left and right lanes of the aisle are blocked by passengers, which inhibits the movement of following passengers.

[0041] <Embodiment 1-2> The display device 7 according to embodiment 1-2 is a combination of an illumination pattern 1 generated by a light source unit 70 and a light-transmitting portion 41g having the pattern shown in FIG. 9. The light-transmitting portion 41g according to embodiment 1-2 is formed in each of the left and right lanes of each tread 41. The light-transmitting portion 41g and the display 72 according to embodiment 1-2 have a grid pattern consisting of a large number of dots. The light-transmitting portion 41g (light guide 71) according to embodiment 1-2 is colorless and transparent.

[0042] <Embodiment 1-3> The display device 7 according to the first to third embodiments is a combination of an illumination pattern 1 generated by a light source unit 70 and a light-transmitting portion 41g having the pattern shown in FIG. 10. The light-transmitting portion 41g according to the first to third embodiments is formed on each of the left and right lanes of each step 41. The light-transmitting portion 41g and the display 72 according to the first to third embodiments are linear patterns that run along the tip of the step 41a (the boundary with the riser 41b). This means that the light-transmitting portion 41g also serves as a demarcation line. The light-transmitting portion 41g (light guide 71) according to the first to third embodiments is colorless and transparent.

[0043] <Embodiment 2> <Embodiment 2-1> The display device 7 according to embodiment 2-1 is a combination of an illumination pattern 2 generated by a light source unit 70 and a light-transmitting portion 41g having the pattern shown in FIG. 11. The light-transmitting portion 41g according to embodiment 2-1 is formed in each of the left and right lanes of each tread 41. The light-transmitting portion 41g and the pattern of the displays 72 and 73 according to embodiment 2-1 are a grid pattern consisting of a large number of dots, similar to embodiment 1-2 shown in FIG. 9. The light-transmitting portion 41g (light guide 71) according to embodiment 2-1 is colorless and transparent.

[0044] According to the display device 7 of embodiment 2-1, guide signs 72 are displayed alternately on the left and right for each step 41 in the longitudinal direction of the endless conveying body 40 in a color (e.g., green) that makes passengers realize that it is possible to enter, and a prohibition sign 73 is displayed on the opposite side in a color (e.g., red) that makes passengers realize that it is not possible to enter.

[0045] <Embodiment 2-2> The display device 7 according to embodiment 2-2 is a combination of an illumination pattern 2 generated by a light source unit 70 and a light-transmitting portion 41g having a pattern shown in FIG. 12. The light-transmitting portion 41g according to embodiment 2-2 is formed in each of the left and right lanes of each tread 41. The light-transmitting portion 41g and the patterns of the indicators 72 and 73 according to embodiment 2-2 are linear patterns that run along the tip of the tread portion 41a (the boundary with the riser portion 41b), similar to embodiment 1-3 shown in FIG. 10. The light-transmitting portion 41g (light guide 71) according to embodiment 2-2 is colorless and transparent.

[0046] <Embodiment 3> The display device 7 according to the third embodiment is a combination of the light-emitting pattern 1 or light-emitting pattern 3 by the light source unit 70 and a light-transmitting portion 41g having the pattern shown in FIG. 13. The light-transmitting portion 41g according to the third embodiment is formed on either the left lane or the right lane of each step 41, and is formed alternately on the left and right sides for each step 41 in the longitudinal direction of the endless transport body 40. The light-transmitting portion 41g and the pattern of the display 72 according to the third embodiment are a pattern consisting of circles, similar to the embodiment 1-1 shown in FIG. 8, or a pattern similar to the embodiment 1-2 shown in FIG. 9 or the embodiment 1-3 shown in FIG. 10. The light-transmitting portion 41g (light guide 71) according to the third embodiment is colorless and transparent.

[0047] According to the display device 7 of the third embodiment, the guide displays 72 are displayed alternately on the left and right for each step 41 in the longitudinal direction of the endless transport body 40.

[0048] <Embodiment 4> The display device 7 according to the fourth embodiment is a combination of an illumination pattern 3 generated by a light source unit 70, a light-transmitting portion 41i having a pattern similar to that of the embodiment 1-1 shown in FIG. 8, and a light-transmitting portion 41k having a pattern shown in FIG. 14. The light-transmitting portion 41i according to the fourth embodiment is formed in either the left lane or the right lane of each step 41, and the light-transmitting portion 41k according to the fourth embodiment is formed in the other of the left lane or the right lane of each step 41. The light-transmitting portions 41i and 41k according to the fourth embodiment are formed in left-right inverted positions for each step 41 in the longitudinal direction of the endless transport body 40. The light-transmitting portion 41i and the pattern of the display 75 according to the fourth embodiment are patterns of "circles" similar to those of the embodiment 1-1 shown in FIG. 8, and the light-transmitting portion 41k and the pattern of the display 77 according to the fourth embodiment are patterns of "crosses." The light-transmitting portion 41i (light guide 74) according to the fourth embodiment is colored (for example, green) and transparent, and the light-transmitting portion 41k (light guide 76) according to the fourth embodiment is colored (for example, red) and transparent.

[0049] According to the display device 7 of embodiment 4, guide signs 75 are displayed alternately on the left and right for each step 41 in the longitudinal direction of the endless conveying body 40 in a pattern that makes passengers realize that it is possible (for example, a pattern consisting of ``○'' figures) and a color that makes passengers realize that it is possible (for example, green), and a ``no'' sign 77 is displayed on the opposite side in a pattern that makes passengers realize that it is not possible (for example, a pattern consisting of ``X'' figures) and a color that makes passengers realize that it is not possible (for example, red).

[0050] <Embodiment 5> The display device 7 according to the fifth embodiment is a combination of an illumination pattern 2 generated by a light source unit 70, a light-transmitting portion 41i having a pattern similar to that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 8, and a light-transmitting portion 41k having a pattern shown in FIG. 14. The light-transmitting portion 41i according to the fifth embodiment is formed in either the left lane or the right lane of each step 41, and the light-transmitting portion 41k according to the fifth embodiment is formed in either the left lane or the right lane of each step 41. The light-transmitting portions 41i and 41k according to the fifth embodiment are formed in a left-right inverted manner for each step 41 in the longitudinal direction of the endless transport body 40. The light-transmitting portion 41i and the display 75 according to the fifth embodiment are patterns of "circles" similar to those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 8, and the light-transmitting portion 41k and the display 77 according to the fifth embodiment are patterns of "crosses." The light-transmitting portions 41i and 41k (light guides 74 and 76) according to the fifth embodiment are colorless and transparent.

[0051] According to the display device 7 of embodiment 5, guide signs 75 are displayed alternately on the left and right for each step 41 in the longitudinal direction of the endless conveying body 40 in a pattern that makes passengers realize that it is possible (for example, a pattern consisting of ``○'' figures) and a color that makes passengers realize that it is possible (for example, green), and a ``no'' sign 77 is displayed on the opposite side in a pattern that makes passengers realize that it is not possible (for example, a pattern consisting of ``X'' figures) and a color that makes passengers realize that it is not possible (for example, red).

[0052] <Embodiment 6> The display device 7 according to the sixth embodiment is a combination of the light-emitting pattern 2 generated by the light source unit 70 and light-transmitting portions 41i and 41k having the pattern shown in FIG. 15. The light-transmitting portions 41i and 41k according to the sixth embodiment are formed in the left lane and the right lane of each tread 41, respectively. The light-transmitting portion 41i and the pattern of the display 75 according to the sixth embodiment are patterns consisting of circles, similar to those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 8, and the light-transmitting portion 41k and the pattern of the display 77 according to the sixth embodiment are patterns consisting of crosses. The light-transmitting portion 41i (light guide 74) according to the sixth embodiment is transparent and colored (the same color (e.g., green) as the light-emitting color of the corresponding light-emitting element 70a), and the light-transmitting portion 41k (light guide 76) according to the sixth embodiment is transparent and colored (the same color (e.g., red) as the light-emitting color of the corresponding light-emitting element 70a). That is, the light-transmitting portions 41i and 41k (light guides 74 and 76) according to the sixth embodiment have optical transparency to light from light sources of different colors.

[0053] According to the display device 7 of the sixth embodiment, guide signs 75 are displayed alternately on the left and right for each step 41 in the longitudinal direction of the endless conveyance body 40, in a pattern that makes passengers realize that it is OK (for example, a pattern consisting of "○" figures) and a color that makes passengers realize that it is OK (for example, green), and a "no" sign 77 is displayed on the opposite side in a pattern that makes passengers realize that it is not OK (for example, a pattern consisting of "X" figures) and a color that makes passengers realize that it is not OK (for example, red). Note that in the area where the guide sign 75 is displayed, the light irradiated from the light-emitting body 70a cannot pass through the translucent portion 41k, so the "no" sign 77 does not appear, and in the area where the "no" sign 77 is displayed, the light irradiated from the light-emitting body 70a cannot pass through the translucent portion 41i, so the guide sign 75 does not appear.

[0054] <Effects of each embodiment> The display device 7 according to the first to sixth embodiments can have a simple configuration, without the need to provide a display device for each step 41. Therefore, the display device 7 according to the first to sixth embodiments can be realized at low cost.

[0055] According to the display devices 7 of the first to sixth embodiments, the light source units 70 are provided for at least two steps 41 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the endless conveying body 40, and the same type of display (guidance displays 72, 75) is displayed on the left and right sides in the longitudinal direction of the endless conveying body 40. Therefore, the display devices 7 of the first to sixth embodiments can distribute passengers to the left and right, thereby suppressing the movement of passengers on the endless conveying body 40. In particular, according to the display devices 7 of the first to sixth embodiments, the guidance displays 72, 75 are displayed alternately on the left and right sides for each step 41 in the longitudinal direction of the endless conveying body 40. Therefore, the display devices 7 of the first to sixth embodiments can guide passengers to board alternately on the left and right sides.

[0056] According to the display device 7 of the second and fourth to sixth embodiments, in addition to the guide signs 72 and 75, the unacceptable signs 73 and 77 are displayed on the opposite side of the steps 41. Therefore, the display device 7 of the second and fourth to sixth embodiments allows passengers to more clearly grasp where they should stand, and realizes more reliable left-right alternating boarding.

[0057] According to the display device 7 of the first to sixth embodiments, in the light-transmitting portions 41g, 41i, and 41k, the through holes 41h, 41j, and 41m are blocked by the blocking bodies 71b, 74b, and 76b. Therefore, according to the display device 7 of the first to sixth embodiments, it is possible to prevent dust and the like from passing through the through holes and falling into the truss 2.

[0058] In the display device 7 according to the first, second and sixth embodiments, the light-transmitting portions 41g, 41i, 41k are formed symmetrically about the center of the width of the step 41, so that there is no left-right bias and no care is required in arranging or positioning the steps 41 when installing them. Therefore, according to the display device 7 according to the first, second and sixth embodiments, it is sufficient to manufacture only one type of step 41.

[0059] <Other embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0060] In the above-described first to sixth embodiments, the display device 7 (light source unit 70) is provided on the entrance 3 side of the passage. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The display device may be provided in addition to the entrance side of the passage, or may be provided at a location along the conveyance section instead of the entrance side of the passage.

[0061] In the above-described first to sixth embodiments, the light source units 70 are provided for a plurality of (three) steps 41. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The light source units may be provided for one (one) step. Furthermore, even in the case of a plurality of steps, the number of steps may not be three, but may be two, four, five or more.

[0062] In the above-described first to sixth embodiments, the light source unit 70 is provided long enough to cover the plurality of steps 41. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A light source unit may be provided for each step, and multiple light source units may be provided in the longitudinal direction of the endless transport body.

[0063] In the above-described first to sixth embodiments, the display device 7 displays the guide signs 72, 75 alternately on the left and right in the longitudinal direction of the endless transport body 40. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The display device may display the guide signs on the left and right for some of the steps. Furthermore, the display device may display the guide signs alternately on the left and right for every two or three steps in the longitudinal direction of the endless transport body, such as left-left, right-right, left-left, or left-left-left, right-right-right, left-left-left.

[0064] In the above-described embodiments 1 to 6, a first light source unit 70A and a second light source unit 70B are used corresponding to the left and right lanes. However, in the above-described embodiments 3 and 4, when using the light emission pattern 3 shown in Fig. 7, it is not essential that the light source unit be divided into two corresponding to the left and right lanes, and a single light source unit may be used.

[0065] In the above-described first to sixth embodiments, a multicolor LED is used as the light emitter (point light source). However, when using light emission pattern 1 shown in Fig. 5 or light emission pattern 3 shown in Fig. 7, a single-color LED may be used, and when using light emission pattern 2 shown in Fig. 6, a combination of two single-color LEDs (e.g., red and green) may be used. Also, instead of an LED, another light emitter such as a lamp may be used.

[0066] In the above-described first to sixth embodiments, the corresponding light-emitting elements 70a light up or flash (note that "lighting" in the broad sense as specified in claim 1 is not limited to "lighting" in the narrow sense, but rather includes "flashing" in the broad sense). That is, the corresponding light-emitting elements 70a either light up or flash. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the light-emitting elements 70a within a predetermined range from the entrance 3 side of the light source unit 70 may flash, while the light-emitting elements 70a in the remaining range may light up (in the narrow sense). In this case, the guide signs 72, 75 on a predetermined number of steps 41 (for example, one or two) on the entrance 3 side are emphasized by flashing, and on steps 41 beyond that, the guide signs 72, 75 are lit up for a more subdued appearance.

[0067] In the above-described first to sixth embodiments, the patterns of the light-transmitting portions 41g, 41i, 41k are formed in a part of the left half region or the right half region of the step 41. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The patterns may be formed over the entire half region of the step. Furthermore, various patterns may be adopted.

[0068] In the above-described first to sixth embodiments, the through-holes 41h, 41j, and 41m are blocked by blocking bodies 71b, 74b, and 76b to prevent dust and other particles from falling in. However, the present invention is not limited to this. If the problem of dust and other particles falling does not arise, the blocking bodies are not essential. However, in the above-described fourth and sixth embodiments, the blocking bodies 74b and 76b also function as color conversion means for the translucent color. Therefore, if the blocking bodies 74b and 76b are eliminated in the above-described fourth and sixth embodiments, a separate color conversion means such as a color filter is required.

[0069] In the above-described fourth embodiment, the pattern and the translucent color are different between the translucent portion 41i of the left lane and the translucent portion 41k of the right lane. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The translucent colors are also different, but the patterns may be the same on the left and right sides, as in the first embodiment.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the passenger conveyor is an escalator. However, it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a moving walkway. Note that there are moving walkways that have either a step-type endless conveyor or a belt-type endless conveyor (endless belt-like conveyor).

[0071] For example, as long as there is no physical interference, such as integrating the pattern of embodiment 1-3 shown in FIG. 10 with the pattern of embodiment 1-1 shown in FIG. 8 or the pattern of embodiment 1-2 shown in FIG. 9, it is naturally possible to apply the technical elements described above to other embodiments or examples, to replace the technical elements described above with technical elements related to other embodiments or examples, or to combine the technical elements described above, and this is naturally intended by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1...escalator, 2...truss, 3...boarding / alighting door, 30...floor plate, 31...comb, 4...convex section, 40...endless conveying body, 41...steps, 41A-41D...steps arranged in the conveying direction, 41a...tread section, 41b...riser section (vertical plate section), 41c...yoke section, 41d...convex strip, 41e...groove, 41f...partition wall, 41g...transparent section, 41h...through hole, 41i...transparent section, 41j...through hole, 41k...transparent section, 41m...through hole, 42...step chain, 5...handrail section, 50...handrail, 50A...outward section, 50B...return section, 51...balustrade, 52... Parapet panel, 53...skirt guard, 54...exterior material, 55...deck cover, 6...control unit, 7...display device, 70...light source unit, 70A...first light source unit (light source unit for left lane), 70B...second light source unit (light source unit for right lane), 70a...light emitting element (LED), 71...light guide, 71a...base portion, 71b...blocking element (convex portion), 72...guidance display, 73...prohibition display, 74...light guide, 74a...base portion, 74b...blocking element (convex portion), 75...guidance display, 76...light guide, 76a...base portion, 76b...blocking element (convex portion), 77...prohibition display

Claims

1. A passenger conveyor including an endless transport body that moves circulatingly along a path having a left lane and a right lane, and a boarding entrance located at an end of the path, As a display device, a first light source unit disposed behind the left lane of the endless conveyor and a second light source unit disposed behind the right lane; a control unit that controls the first light source unit and the second light source unit individually; light-transmitting portions formed laterally on each of the left and right lanes in the width direction of the endless conveying body and at predetermined intervals over the entire length of the endless conveying body, The display is performed using light emitted upward from the light-transmitting section, and by varying either the on / off state or the luminous color between the first light source unit and the second light source unit in the width direction of the endless conveyor, it is possible to display differently between the light-transmitting section of the left lane and the light-transmitting section of the right lane in the width direction of the endless conveyor. Passenger conveyor.

2. A passenger conveyor including an endless transport body that moves circulatingly along a path having a left lane and a right lane, and a boarding entrance located at an end of the path, As a display device, a light source unit disposed on the rear side of the endless conveyor; a control unit that controls the light source unit; light-transmitting portions formed laterally on each of the left and right lanes in the width direction of the endless conveying body and at predetermined intervals over the entire length of the endless conveying body, The display is performed using light emitted upward from the light-transmitting section, and by making the light-transmitting section of the left lane and the light-transmitting section of the right lane in the width direction of the endless conveyor different in color, it is possible to display different aspects on the light-transmitting section of the left lane and the light-transmitting section of the right lane in the width direction of the endless conveyor. Passenger conveyor.

3. A passenger conveyor including an endless transport body that moves circulatingly along a path having a left lane and a right lane, and a boarding entrance located at an end of the path, As a display device, a light source unit disposed on the rear side of the endless conveyor; a control unit that controls the light source unit; a light-transmitting portion formed on either the left lane or the right lane in the width direction of the endless conveyor, at a predetermined interval over the entire length of the endless conveyor, and distributed between the left lane and the right lane in the longitudinal direction of the endless conveyor; The display is made by light emitted upward from the transparent part. Passenger conveyor.

4. The light source units are provided for at least two light transmitting portions adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the endless transport body. A passenger conveyor according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A light-blocking partition wall is provided at the rear of the endless transport body at the midpoint in the width direction of the endless transport body.

2. A passenger conveyor according to claim 1.

6. By making the patterns and translucent colors different between the translucent parts of the left lane and the translucent parts of the right lane in the width direction of the endless conveyor, it is possible to display different aspects between the translucent parts of the left lane and the translucent parts of the right lane in the width direction of the endless conveyor.

3. A passenger conveyor according to claim 2.

7. The light-transmitting portion is composed of a plurality of through-holes and a blocking body that blocks each of the through-holes. A passenger conveyor according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The endless conveyor is configured by connecting multiple steps in an endless manner, The light-transmitting portion is formed on the tread portion of each step. A passenger conveyor according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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