Passenger conveyor refueling system

Abstract

This invention provides a passenger conveyor refueling system that can be easily installed on passenger conveyors. [Solution] In the passenger conveyor refueling system, multiple second refueling tanks 21 are arranged at different heights. Oil stored in the first refueling tank 11 is supplied from the first refueling tank 11 to the second refueling tank 21 located at the highest position among the second refueling tanks 21 through the first connecting pipe 31, so that the weight of the oil allows it to be supplied to each second refueling tank 21 through the second connecting pipe 32. The valve device 22 mechanically interlocks with the change in the oil level when oil is stored in the second refueling tank 21, allowing oil to flow into the second refueling tank 21 when the oil level is below the upper limit oil level, and blocking the flow of oil into the second refueling tank 21 when the oil level reaches the upper limit oil level.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fuel supply system for a passenger conveyor.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a lubricating oil replenishing device in which a plurality of fuel tanks installed on each floor corresponding to a plurality of escalators are connected to each other by a fuel supply pipe. In the lubricating oil replenishing device, lubricating oil is replenished to the fuel tank installed on the top floor, and then lubricating oil is replenished to all the fuel tanks through the fuel supply pipe.

[0003] Each fuel tank is provided with an oil level sensor for detecting the amount of oil inside the fuel tank. The replenishment control unit adjusts the amount of lubricating oil replenished to the fuel tank installed on the top floor based on the signals sent from each oil level sensor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When installing the conventional lubricating oil replenishing device disclosed in Patent Document 1, not only the work of installing each oil level sensor and the replenishment control unit is required, but also the work of installing wiring for sending signals from each oil level sensor to the replenishment control unit is necessary. Therefore, the burden of the work of installing the lubricating oil replenishing device increases.

[0006] The present disclosure solves the above problems and aims to provide a fuel supply system for a passenger conveyor that can be easily installed on the passenger conveyor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The passenger conveyor refueling system according to this disclosure comprises a first refueling device and a plurality of second refueling devices installed on at least one passenger conveyor, which individually supply oil to a plurality of refueling target sections, the first refueling device having a first refueling tank for storing oil, each of the plurality of second refueling devices having a second refueling tank and a valve device installed in the second refueling tank, each second refueling tank being positioned at a different height from each other, the second refueling tank located at the highest position being connected to the first refueling tank via a first connecting pipe, and the second refueling tanks being arranged in order of decreasing height from the highest position of the second refueling tank The tanks are continuously connected via a second connecting pipe. Oil stored in the first fuel tank is supplied from the first fuel tank to the second fuel tank located at the highest position among the second fuel tanks via the first connecting pipe. The weight of the oil allows it to be supplied to each second fuel tank through the second connecting pipe. In each second fueling system, the valve device is mechanically linked to changes in the oil level when oil is stored in the second fuel tank. When the oil level is below the upper limit level, it allows oil to flow into the second fuel tank, and when the oil level reaches the upper limit level, it blocks the flow of oil into the second fuel tank. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The passenger conveyor refueling system described herein can be easily installed on a passenger conveyor. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a side view showing a passenger conveyor equipped with the refueling system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a partially cutaway cross-sectional view schematically showing the second refueling device having the second refueling tank in the middle of Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a partially cutaway cross-sectional view schematically showing the second fueling device when the oil level in the intermediate second fueling tank in Figure 2 has reached the upper limit of the oil level. [Figure 4]This is a partially cutaway cross-sectional view schematically showing the second refueling device having the second refueling tank at the end of Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a schematic partially cutaway cross-sectional view showing the second refueling device when the oil level in the second refueling tank at the end of the device has reached the upper limit of the oil level. [Figure 6] This is a side view showing a passenger conveyor equipped with a refueling system according to Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments for carrying out the subject matter of this disclosure will be described with reference to the attached figures. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are simplified or omitted as appropriate. The subject matter of this disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and any modification of any component of the embodiments or omission of any component of the embodiments is possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0011] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a schematic side view showing a passenger conveyor equipped with a refueling system according to Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the passenger conveyor equipped with the refueling system is an escalator. In the figure, an escalator truss 101 is installed between the upper and lower floors. One longitudinal end of the truss 101 is located on the upper floor as the upper end of the truss 101. The other longitudinal end of the truss 101 is located on the lower floor as the lower end of the truss 101. The middle section of the truss 101 is arranged at an angle from the lower end of the truss 101 toward the upper end of the truss 101.

[0012] An upper machine room 102 is provided inside the upper end of the truss 101. A lower machine room 103 is provided inside the lower end of the truss 101. An upper step sprocket 104 and a control device (not shown) are installed in the upper machine room 102. A lower step sprocket 105 is provided in the lower machine room 103.

[0013] The truss 101 supports multiple steps 106 on which passengers can stand. The multiple steps 106 are endlessly connected by a step chain 107. The step chain 107 is wrapped around the upper step sprocket 104 and the lower step sprocket 105.

[0014] Multiple drive units 108 are provided in the middle section of the truss 101. In this embodiment, three drive units 108 are provided in the middle section of the truss 101. The three drive units 108 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the truss 101. Because the middle section of the truss 101 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, the heights of the three drive units 108 are different from each other.

[0015] Each drive unit 108 generates a driving force that causes each step 106 to move in a circular motion. Each drive unit 108 is controlled by a control device installed in the upper machine room 102. A transmission mechanism (not shown) is provided between the step chain 107 and each drive unit 108 to transmit the driving force generated by each drive unit 108 to the step chain 107.

[0016] Each drive unit 108 includes a drive sprocket 108a, a follow sprocket 108b, a drive chain 108c, and a drive motor (not shown).

[0017] The drive sprocket 108a is connected to the drive motor. The drive sprocket 108a rotates due to the driving force of the drive motor. The follow sprocket 108b is positioned at a distance from the drive sprocket 108a. The drive chain 108c is an endless chain wrapped around the drive sprocket 108a and the follow sprocket 108b.

[0018] In each drive device 108, when the drive sprocket 108a rotates, the drive chain 108c moves and the follower sprocket 108b rotates. The driving force of the drive motor is transmitted to the tread chain 107 through the transmission mechanism by the movement of the drive chain 108c. The tread chain 107 circulates between the upper machine room 102 and the lower machine room 103 while rotating the upper tread sprocket 104 and the lower tread sprocket 105 respectively by the driving force of each drive device 108. Thereby, each tread 106 circulates between the upper and lower floors.

[0019] A pair of handrails 109 are provided on the truss 101. An endless moving handrail 110 is individually provided at the peripheral edge of each handrail 109. Each moving handrail 110 moves along the peripheral edge of each handrail 109 in synchronization with each tread 106 by the driving force of each drive device 108.

[0020] The oil supply system is provided in the escalator. The oil supply system is a system that supplies oil to a plurality of predetermined oil supply target parts in the escalator. In the present embodiment, each drive device 108 is determined as a plurality of oil supply target parts. An oil pan 111 is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the truss 101 at the bottom of the truss 101. The oil pan 111 receives the oil that has dropped from each oil supply target part.

[0021] The oil supply system has a first oil supply device 1 and a plurality of second oil supply devices 2.

[0022] The first oil supply device 1 is provided in the upper machine room 102. The first oil supply device 1 has a first oil supply tank 11, a first oil supply pump motor 12, and a first oil supply timer (not shown).

[0023] The first fuel tank 11 stores oil to supply to multiple fueling targets. The capacity of the first fuel tank 11 is greater than or equal to the total amount of oil supplied to each of the multiple fueling targets. In this embodiment, lubricating oil to supply to each of the three drive units 108 is stored together in the first fuel tank 11. On the upper floor, workers can replenish the oil in the first fuel tank 11.

[0024] The first fuel pump motor 12 is installed in the first fuel tank 11. The first fuel pump motor 12 generates the driving force to send the oil stored in the first fuel tank 11 to the second fuel supply device 2. The first fuel timer drives the first fuel pump motor 12 at the timing set in the first fuel timer. This allows the first fuel pump motor 12 to be driven automatically at regular intervals.

[0025] Multiple second lubrication devices 2 are provided in the middle section of the truss 101. The multiple second lubrication devices 2 are arranged to correspond individually to multiple lubrication target sections. In this embodiment, three second lubrication devices 2 correspond individually to three drive units 108. Each second lubrication device 2 supplies oil to the corresponding drive unit 108.

[0026] Each of the multiple second refueling devices 2 includes a second refueling tank 21, a valve device 22, a second refueling pump motor 23, an oil dripping mechanism 24, and a second refueling timer (not shown).

[0027] Each second fuel tank 21 is positioned to match the location of the corresponding fuel supply unit. In this embodiment, each second fuel tank 21 is positioned to match the location of the corresponding drive unit 108.

[0028] The size of each second fuel tank 21 is set to match the amount of oil supplied to the corresponding fueling target. In this embodiment, the size of each second fuel tank 21 is smaller than the size of the first fuel tank 11.

[0029] Each second fuel tank 21 is spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the truss 101. Because the middle section of the truss 101 is inclined, each second fuel tank 21 is positioned at a different height from each other. Furthermore, the height of each second fuel tank 21 increases as it gets closer to the upper machine room 102. Because the first fuel tank 11 is located in the upper machine room 102, the height of each second fuel tank 21 increases as it gets closer to the first fuel tank 11. In this embodiment, the height of the second fuel tank 21 located at the highest position is the same as the height of the first fuel tank 11.

[0030] Of the second fuel tanks 21, the second fuel tank 21 located at the highest position is connected to the first fuel tank 11 via a first connecting pipe 31. The first connecting pipe 31 can be a hose made of a soft material such as rubber, or a metal pipe. The oil stored in the first fuel tank 11 is sent through the first connecting pipe 31 to the second fuel tank 21 located at the highest position, driven by the first fuel pump motor 12.

[0031] Each second fuel tank 21 is connected to the others via a second connecting pipe 32, in descending order of height. That is, each second fuel tank 21 is connected via the second connecting pipe 32, starting from the highest-positioned second fuel tank 21, and progressing in descending order of height. The second connecting pipe 32 can be a hose made of a soft material such as rubber, or a metal pipe.

[0032] In this embodiment, three second fuel tanks 21 are continuously connected via a second connecting pipe 32. Of the three second fuel tanks 21, the second fuel tank 21 located at an intermediate height is connected to the second fuel tank 21 located at the highest position via the second connecting pipe 32. Also, of the three second fuel tanks 21, the second fuel tank 21 located at the lowest position is connected to the second fuel tank 21 located at an intermediate height via the second connecting pipe 32.

[0033] The oil sent from the first fuel tank 11 to the second fuel tank 21 located at the highest position among the second fuel tanks 21 is able to flow sequentially through the second connecting pipe 32 to the lower side of each second fuel tank due to the weight of the oil. This makes it possible to supply oil to each second fuel tank 21. In other words, the oil stored in the first fuel tank 11 is supplied from the first fuel tank 11 to the second fuel tank 21 located at the highest position among the second fuel tanks 21, and by the weight of the oil, it flows sequentially through the second connecting pipe 32 to each second fuel tank 21 and can be supplied to each second fuel tank 21.

[0034] Each second fuel tank 21 has a predetermined upper limit, known as the permissible upper limit, which is the maximum amount of oil that can be stored in the second fuel tank 21. Each second fuel tank 21 also has an individually set oil level upper limit level, which indicates the height of the oil level when the amount of oil stored in the second fuel tank 21 reaches the permissible upper limit.

[0035] Of the two second fuel tanks 21, the one located at the lowest position is designated as the terminal second fuel tank 21a. Furthermore, of the two second fuel tanks 21, all but the terminal second fuel tank 21a are designated as intermediate second fuel tanks 21b. In this embodiment, of the three second fuel tanks 21, the second fuel tank 21 located at the intermediate height and the second fuel tank 21 located at the highest position are designated as intermediate second fuel tanks 21b.

[0036] Figure 2 is a schematic partially cutaway cross-sectional view showing the second refueling system 2 having the intermediate second refueling tank 21b in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a schematic partially cutaway cross-sectional view showing the second refueling system 2 when the oil level in the intermediate second refueling tank 21b in Figure 2 has reached the upper limit level. Each intermediate second refueling tank 21b is provided with an inlet 211 and an outlet 212. The inlet 211 in the intermediate second refueling tank 21b is a through-hole through which oil flowing into the intermediate second refueling tank 21b passes. The outlet 212 in the intermediate second refueling tank 21b is a through-hole through which oil flowing out of the intermediate second refueling tank 21b passes. In the intermediate second refueling tank 21b, the position of the outlet 212 is lower than the position of the inlet 211.

[0037] Figure 4 is a schematic partially cutaway cross-sectional view showing the second refueling device 2 having the second refueling tank 21a at the end of Figure 1. Figure 5 is a schematic partially cutaway cross-sectional view showing the second refueling device 2 when the oil level in the second refueling tank 21a at the end of Figure 4 has reached the upper limit of the oil level. The second refueling tank 21a at the end is provided with an inlet 211. The furthest second refueling tank 21a does not have an outlet 212. The inlet 211 in the second refueling tank 21a at the end is a through-hole through which oil flowing into the second refueling tank 21a at the end passes.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the first connecting pipe 31 is connected to the inlet 211 of the second fuel tank 21 located at the highest position among the second fuel tanks 21. As a result, oil sent from the first fuel tank 11 flows into the second fuel tank 21 located at the highest position among the second fuel tanks 21 through the inlet 211.

[0039] Here, of the two second fuel tanks 21 that are connected to each other in a continuous manner, the second fuel tank 21 located on the higher side is directly above the second fuel tank 21 located on the lower side. Also, of the two second fuel tanks 21 that are connected to each other in a continuous manner, the second fuel tank 21 located on the lower side is directly below the second fuel tank 21 located on the higher side.

[0040] Of the second fuel tanks 21, all but the highest-located second fuel tank 21 have inlets 211 connected to a second connecting pipe 32 that connects to the second fuel tank 21 directly above it. As a result, oil flowing from the second fuel tank 21 directly above flows into the second fuel tank 21 connected to the inlet 211 of the second fuel tank 21 to which the second connecting pipe 32 is connected. The oil that flows into the terminal second fuel tank 21a does not flow out of the terminal second fuel tank 21a but accumulates in the terminal second fuel tank 21a.

[0041] The outlet 212 of the intermediate second fuel tank 21b is connected to a second connecting pipe 32 that leads to the second fuel tank 21 directly below it. As a result, the oil accumulated in the intermediate second fuel tank 21b flows out from the intermediate second fuel tank 21b through the outlet 212 towards the second fuel tank 21 directly below it.

[0042] In each second fueling device 2, the valve device 22 is installed in the second fueling tank 21, as shown in Figures 2 to 5. The oil level in each second fueling tank 21 changes in accordance with the change in the amount of oil stored in the second fueling tank 21. In each second fueling device 2, the valve device 22 opens and closes the inlet 211 of the second fueling tank 21 by mechanically coordinating with the change in the oil level when oil is stored in the second fueling tank 21.

[0043] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the valve device 22 opens the inlet 211 when the oil level in the second fuel tank 21 is lower than the upper oil level limit. By opening the inlet 211, the valve device 22 allows oil to flow into the second fuel tank 21. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the valve device 22 closes the inlet 211 when the oil level in the second fuel tank 21 reaches the upper oil level limit. By closing the inlet 211, the valve device 22 prevents oil from flowing into the second fuel tank 21.

[0044] The valve device 22 includes a float 221 and an on / off valve 222.

[0045] The float 221 floats on the oil stored in the second fuel tank 21 and moves vertically relative to the second fuel tank 21 in accordance with changes in the oil level. The on-off valve 222 is connected to the float 221. As a result, the on-off valve 222 opens and closes the inlet 211 in accordance with the movement of the float 221 relative to the second fuel tank 21.

[0046] In this embodiment, the on-off valve 222 moves vertically relative to the second fuel tank 21 in conjunction with the float 221 in response to changes in the oil level. In this embodiment, a rail (not shown) is provided on the second fuel tank 21 to guide the vertical movement of the on-off valve 222. In this embodiment, when the oil level in the second fuel tank 21 is lower than the upper oil level, the position of the on-off valve 222 is lower than the height of the inlet 211, and the inlet 211 opens. In this embodiment, when the oil level in the second fuel tank 21 reaches the upper oil level, the on-off valve 222 reaches the height of the inlet 211, and the inlet 211 is closed by the on-off valve 222.

[0047] In each second refueling device 2, the second refueling pump motor 23 is located in the second refueling tank 21. The second refueling pump motor 23 generates the driving force to supply the oil stored in the second refueling tank 21 to the corresponding refueling target unit, i.e., the drive unit 108. The second refueling timer drives the second refueling pump motor 23 at the timing set in the second refueling timer. This allows the second refueling pump motor 23 to be driven automatically at regular intervals. The timing set in the second refueling timer can be individually changed in each second refueling device 2.

[0048] In each second lubrication device 2, the oil dripping mechanism 24 is a mechanism that guides the oil stored in the second lubrication tank 21 to the corresponding lubrication target unit, i.e., the drive unit 108. The oil dripping mechanism 24 has a nozzle (not shown) facing the corresponding drive unit 108. The oil dripping mechanism 24 guides the oil flowing from the second lubrication tank 21 to the nozzle, driven by the driving force of the second lubrication pump motor 23, and drips the oil from the nozzle onto the drive unit 108.

[0049] Next, the operation of the passenger conveyor's refueling system will be explained. The oil stored in the first refueling tank 11 is supplied by the driving force of the first refueling pump motor 12 to the second refueling tank 21 located at the highest position among the second refueling tanks 21. The oil supplied from the first refueling tank 11 to the second refueling tank 21 located at the highest position among the second refueling tanks 21 flows sequentially through the intermediate second refueling tanks 21b due to the weight of the oil and accumulates in the final second refueling tank 21a. After this, when the amount of oil accumulated in the final second refueling tank 21a reaches the permissible upper limit, the valve device 22 in the final second refueling tank 21a closes the inlet 211, thereby preventing the inflow of oil into the final second refueling tank 21a.

[0050] Subsequently, as the supply of oil from the first fuel tank 11 to the second fuel tank 21 continues, the second connecting pipe 32 connected to the terminal second fuel tank 21a fills with oil, and oil accumulates in the second fuel tank 21 directly above the terminal second fuel tank 21a. Subsequently, when the amount of oil accumulated in the directly above second fuel tank 21b reaches the permissible upper limit, the valve device 22 in the directly above second fuel tank 21 closes the inlet 211, thereby preventing oil from flowing into the directly above second fuel tank 21.

[0051] After this, the supply of oil from the first fuel tank 11 to the second fuel tank 21 continues, and the same operation is performed sequentially at each of the second fuel tanks 21 in order of increasing height. As a result, the amount of oil accumulated in all of the second fuel tanks 21 reaches the permissible upper limit, and all of the second connecting pipes 32 are filled with oil.

[0052] In each second refueling device 2, the second refueling pump motor 23 is driven at timings individually set in the second refueling timer. As a result, in each second refueling device 2, oil is dripped from the second refueling tank 21 through the oil dripping mechanism 24 to the corresponding drive unit 108.

[0053] For example, if the amount of oil accumulated in the terminal second fuel tank 21a falls below the permissible upper limit, the valve device 22 in the terminal second fuel tank 21a opens the inlet 211, allowing oil to flow into the terminal second fuel tank 21a. Consequently, oil is supplied to the terminal second fuel tank 21a from the second fuel tank 21 directly above it. This restores the amount of oil accumulated in the terminal second fuel tank 21a to the permissible upper limit. Once the amount of oil accumulated in the terminal second fuel tank 21a returns to the permissible upper limit, the inlet 211 in the terminal second fuel tank 21a is closed again by the valve device 22, preventing oil from flowing into the terminal second fuel tank 21a.

[0054] When oil is supplied to the terminal second fuel tank 21a from the second fuel tank 21 directly above it, the amount of oil accumulated in the second fuel tank 21 directly above it decreases, and the valve device 22 in the second fuel tank 21 directly above it opens the inlet 211. This allows oil to flow into the second fuel tank 21 directly above it, and further oil is supplied from the second fuel tank 21 directly above it to the second fuel tank 21 directly above it.

[0055] In this way, oil is supplied to the second fuel tanks 21 in order from the lowest to the highest position. As a result, the amount of oil accumulated in each of the second fuel tanks 21, except for the one located at the highest position, reaches the permissible upper limit. The second fuel tank 21 located at the highest position is periodically supplied with oil from the first fuel tank 11 by the driving force of the first fuel pump motor 12.

[0056] In this type of refueling system, oil is supplied from the first refueling tank 11 through the first connecting pipe 31 to the second refueling tank 21 located at the highest position among the second refueling tanks 21, and the weight of the oil allows it to be supplied to each second refueling tank 21 through the second connecting pipe 32. In each second refueling device 2, the valve device 22 is mechanically linked to changes in the oil level when oil is stored in the second refueling tank 21. As a result, the valve device 22 allows oil to flow into the second refueling tank 21 when the oil level is below the upper limit oil level, and prevents oil from flowing into the second refueling tank 21 when the oil level reaches the upper limit oil level.

[0057] Therefore, it is possible to prevent oil from overflowing from each second fuel tank 21 without using electrical equipment such as oil level sensors and replenishment control units. This eliminates the need to install electrical equipment for adjusting the amount of oil in each second fuel tank 21. Consequently, the burden of installing each second fueling device 2 can be reduced, and the fueling system can be easily installed on the escalator.

[0058] Furthermore, each of the second fuel tanks 21 can be installed closer to the multiple fueling targets than the first fuel tank 11. This allows oil to be supplied individually to each fueling target from each of the second fuel tanks 21, rather than being supplied directly from the first fuel tank 11 to each fueling target. Consequently, the driving force generated by each of the first fueling device 1 and each of the second fueling devices 2 can be reduced, and both the first fueling device 1 and each of the second fueling devices 2 can be made more compact.

[0059] Furthermore, when oil is stored in each second fuel tank 21, the second connecting pipe 32 can be filled with oil. This allows the second connecting pipe 32 to hold a portion of the amount of oil necessary to supply to the fueling target. Consequently, the amount of oil that can be supplied to each fueling target can be increased in the entire fueling system.

[0060] The valve device 22 includes a float 221 that floats on the oil and moves vertically relative to the second fuel tank 21 in accordance with changes in the oil level, and an on / off valve 222 that opens and closes the inlet 211 in accordance with the movement of the float 221. Therefore, the valve device 22 can be made into a simple configuration.

[0061] Furthermore, each second fuel tank 21 is smaller than the first fuel tank 11. Therefore, even if the installation space for the second fuel tank 21 is limited, for example, within the truss 101, the second fuel tank 21 can be installed more reliably. This increases the flexibility in the installation location of the second fuel tank 21, allowing for more reliable installation of the fueling system on the escalator. Even though each second fuel tank 21 is smaller than the first fuel tank 11, the second connecting pipe 32 can still be filled with oil, ensuring that the necessary amount of oil is supplied to the fueling target.

[0062] In Embodiment 1, the size of each second fuel tank 21 is smaller than the size of the first fuel tank 11. However, this is not limited to this, as long as space can be secured for the installation of each second fuel tank 21. Therefore, the size of each second fuel tank 21 may be the same as the size of the first fuel tank 11, or the size of each second fuel tank 21 may be larger than the size of the first fuel tank 11.

[0063] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the drive unit 108 is the part to be lubricated. However, the part to be lubricated is not limited to this. For example, the upper step sprocket 104 may be the part to be lubricated. When the upper step sprocket 104 is the part to be lubricated, the second lubrication device 2, which supplies oil to the upper step sprocket 104, is positioned to match the position of the upper step sprocket 104. In this case, the supply of oil to the upper step sprocket 104 may be performed by the first lubrication device 1. When the first lubrication device 1 supplies oil to the upper step sprocket 104, the first lubrication device 1 is provided with an oil dripping mechanism that guides oil from the first lubrication tank 11 to the upper step sprocket 104.

[0064] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the height of the highest-positioned second fuel tank 21 among the second fuel tanks 21 is the same as the height of the first fuel tank 11. However, the height of the highest-positioned second fuel tank 21 among the second fuel tanks 21 may be lower than the height of the first fuel tank 11. That is, the first fuel tank 11 may be located at a higher position than the highest-positioned second fuel tank 21 among the second fuel tanks 21. In this way, oil can be supplied from the first fuel tank 11 to the second fuel tank 21 by the weight of the oil, even without the first fuel pump motor 12. This eliminates the need for the first fuel pump motor 12 to supply oil from the first fuel tank 11 to the second fuel tank 21, simplifying the configuration of the first fuel supply device 1. In addition, oil can be stored in the first fuel tank 11 with the first connecting pipe 31 filled with oil. This also allows for miniaturization of the first fuel tank 11.

[0065] Embodiment 2. Figure 6 is a schematic side view showing a passenger conveyor equipped with a refueling system according to Embodiment 2. In this embodiment, the refueling system is provided on multiple passenger conveyors, and each passenger conveyor equipped with the refueling system is an escalator. In this embodiment, three escalators are provided in a continuous vertical configuration across multiple floors.

[0066] In this embodiment, an upper drive unit (not shown) is installed in the upper machine room 102 of each escalator. In each escalator, the driving force of the upper drive unit is transmitted to the upper step sprocket 104 via a drive chain (not shown). As a result, the upper step sprocket 104 rotates in each escalator, causing the multiple steps 106 to move in a cyclic manner. The other configurations of each escalator are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0067] The upper machine rooms 102 of each escalator are located on different floors. Of two escalators that run vertically in a continuous sequence, the lower machine room 103 of the upper escalator and the upper machine room 102 of the lower escalator are adjacent to each other on the same floor.

[0068] The refueling system is installed on multiple escalators that are connected vertically. The refueling system supplies oil to multiple predetermined refueling targets on the multiple escalators. In this embodiment, the upper step sprocket 104 and the lower step sprocket 105 on each escalator are designated as multiple refueling targets.

[0069] The first lubrication device 1 is installed in the upper machine room 102, which is located on the top floor of the multi-floor structure. The first lubrication device 1 corresponds to the upper step sprocket 104, which is located in the upper machine room 102 on the top floor. The first lubrication device 1 has an oil dripping mechanism that guides oil from the first lubrication tank 11 to the corresponding upper step sprocket 104. In this way, the first lubrication device 1 supplies oil to the corresponding upper step sprocket 104. The other configurations of the first lubrication device 1 are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0070] Each of the upper machine rooms 102, located on multiple floors other than the top floor, is equipped with a second fueling device 2. Since each second fueling device 2 is located on multiple floors, each second fueling tank 21 is positioned at a different height. Furthermore, since the first fueling device 1 is located on the top floor, the first fueling tank 11 is positioned higher than the highest-positioned second fueling tank 21 among the second fueling tanks 21.

[0071] Each second lubrication device 2 corresponds to the upper step sprocket 104 and the lower step sprocket 105, which are installed on the same floor as the second lubrication device 2. In each second lubrication device 2, the second lubrication tank 21 is installed across the upper machine room 102 and the lower machine room 103, which are adjacent to each other on the same floor. This allows each second lubrication device 2 to supply oil to the corresponding upper step sprocket 104 and the lower step sprocket 105.

[0072] Of the two second fuel tanks 21, the second fuel tank 21 located at the highest position is connected to the first fuel tank 11 via a first connecting pipe 31. The first fuel tank 11 is provided with an outlet through which oil flowing out of the first fuel tank 11 passes. In this embodiment, the outlet of the first fuel tank 11 is located at the bottom of the first fuel tank 11. The first connecting pipe 31 is connected to the outlet in the first fuel tank 11.

[0073] Each second fuel tank 21 is connected to the others via a second connecting pipe 32 in descending order of height. That is, each second fuel tank 21 is connected via a second connecting pipe 32 in descending order of height, starting from the highest-positioned second fuel tank 21.

[0074] In this embodiment, two second fuel tanks 21 are installed on the escalator. Therefore, in this embodiment, of the two second fuel tanks 21, the second fuel tank 21 located on the lower side is the terminal second fuel tank 21a, and the second fuel tank 21 located on the higher side is the intermediate second fuel tank 21b. The terminal second fuel tank 21a is provided with an inlet similar to that in Embodiment 1. The intermediate second fuel tank 21b is provided with an inlet and outlet similar to those in Embodiment 1. Other configurations of the second fueling device 2 are the same as in Embodiment 1. Other configurations of the fueling system are also the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0075] Next, the operation of the passenger conveyor refueling system will be explained. The oil stored in the first refueling tank 11 is supplied by the weight of the oil through the first connecting pipe 31 to the second refueling tank 21 located at the highest position among the second refueling tanks 21. The weight of the oil is always applied to the oil flowing out of the first refueling tank 11 in the direction of supplying it to the second refueling tank 21 located at the highest position among the second refueling tanks 21.

[0076] Of the two second fuel tanks 21, the oil supplied from the first fuel tank 11 to the second fuel tank 21 located at the highest position will, in the same manner as in Embodiment 1, accumulate in the second fuel tank 21a at the end, the second connecting pipe 32, and the intermediate second fuel tank 21b in that order, due to the weight of the oil. As a result, all the second connecting pipes 32 will be filled with oil, and the amount of oil accumulated in all the second fuel tanks 21 will reach the permissible upper limit. Also, when the first fuel tank 11 is filled with oil, the first connecting pipe 31 will also be filled with oil.

[0077] In the first refueling device 1, the first refueling pump motor 12 is driven at the timing set by the first refueling timer. As a result, in each first refueling device 1, oil is dripped from the first refueling tank 11 onto the corresponding upper step sprocket 104 through the oil dripping mechanism.

[0078] In each second lubrication device 2, the second lubrication pump motor 23 is driven at timings individually set in the second lubrication timer. As a result, in each second lubrication device 2, oil is dripped from the second lubrication tank 21 through the oil dripping mechanism 24 onto the corresponding upper step sprocket 104 and lower step sprocket 105.

[0079] If the amount of oil stored in the second fuel tank 21 falls below the permissible upper limit, oil is supplied to the second fuel tanks 21 sequentially, starting with those at the lowest height, in the same manner as in Embodiment 1. After this, oil is supplied from the first fuel tank 11 to the second fuel tank 21 located at the highest position among the second fuel tanks 21, based on the weight of the oil.

[0080] In this way, multiple second lubrication devices 2 can be arranged between multiple escalators. This allows for the supply of oil to each of the multiple escalators by replenishing oil to the first lubrication tank 11 of the first lubrication device 1. Therefore, even if there are multiple escalators, the oil replenishment work for each escalator can be made easy.

[0081] Furthermore, the first fuel tank 11 is located higher than the second fuel tank 21, which is the highest of the two second fuel tanks 21. Therefore, oil can be supplied from the first fuel tank 11 to the second fuel tank 21 by the weight of the oil. This eliminates the need to use a pump motor to supply oil from the first fuel tank 11 to the second fuel tank 21, allowing for a miniaturization of the first fuel supply device 1. In addition, oil can be stored in the first fuel tank 11 with the first connecting pipe 31 already filled with oil. This further allows for a miniaturization of the first fuel tank 11.

[0082] In Embodiment 2, the size of each second fuel tank 21 may be smaller than or larger than the size of the first fuel tank 11. Alternatively, the size of each second fuel tank 21 may be the same as the size of the first fuel tank 11.

[0083] Furthermore, in Embodiment 2, the multiple drive units 108 in Embodiment 1 may be applied to each escalator. In this case, multiple second lubrication devices 2 corresponding to each drive unit 108 as multiple lubrication target parts are provided on each escalator, and oil is supplied individually from each second lubrication device 2 to each drive unit 108.

[0084] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, at least one passenger conveyor equipped with a refueling system is an escalator. However, at least one passenger conveyor equipped with a refueling system may be a moving walkway. In this case, each second refueling tank 21 is arranged at different heights inside the moving walkway.

[0085] The configurations shown in the embodiments described above are merely examples of the content of this disclosure. The embodiments can be combined with other known technologies. Some parts of the configurations of the embodiments can be omitted or modified without departing from the gist of this disclosure.

[0086] Examples of aspects that may be included in this disclosure are listed below as an addendum. (Note 1) First refueling device and It is installed on at least one passenger conveyor and has multiple second refueling devices that supply oil individually to multiple refueling targets and Equipped with, The aforementioned first fueling device has a first fueling tank for storing oil, Each of the aforementioned plurality of second fuel supply devices includes a second fuel supply tank and a valve device provided in the second fuel supply tank. Each of the second fuel tanks is positioned at a different height from the others. Of the two fuel tanks, the one located at the highest position is connected to the first fuel tank via a first connecting pipe. Each of the second fuel tanks is connected to the others via a second connecting pipe, in order of increasing height of the second fuel tanks. The oil stored in the first fuel tank is supplied from the first fuel tank to the second fuel tank located at the highest position among the second fuel tanks through the first connecting pipe, so that it can be supplied to each of the second fuel tanks through the second connecting pipe by the weight of the oil. A passenger conveyor refueling system in which, in each of the second refueling devices, the valve device mechanically interlocks with changes in the oil level when oil is stored in the second refueling tank, thereby allowing oil to flow into the second refueling tank when the oil level is lower than the upper limit oil level, and preventing oil from flowing into the second refueling tank when the oil level reaches the upper limit oil level. (Note 2) Each of the aforementioned second fuel tanks is provided with an inlet through which oil flows into the second fuel tank. The passenger conveyor refueling system according to Appendix 1, wherein the valve device includes a float that floats on the oil and moves vertically relative to the second refueling tank in accordance with changes in the oil level, and an on / off valve that opens and closes the inlet in accordance with the movement of the float. (Note 3) A passenger conveyor refueling system as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, wherein the size of each of the second refueling tanks is smaller than the size of the first refueling tank. (Note 4) The passenger conveyor refueling system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein the first refueling tank is located at a higher position than the second refueling tank that is located at the highest position among the second refueling tanks. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 1 First fuel supply device, 2 Second fuel supply device, 11 First fuel tank, 21 Second fuel tank, 22 Valve device, 31 First connecting pipe, 32 Second connecting pipe, 211 Inlet, 221 Float, 222 On / off valve.

Claims

1. First refueling device and It is installed on at least one passenger conveyor and has multiple second refueling devices that supply oil individually to multiple refueling target sections. Equipped with, The aforementioned first fueling device has a first fueling tank for storing oil, Each of the aforementioned plurality of second fuel supply devices has a second fuel supply tank and a valve device provided in the second fuel supply tank. Each of the second fuel tanks is positioned at a different height from the others. Of the two fuel tanks, the one located at the highest position is connected to the first fuel tank via a first connecting pipe. Each of the second fuel tanks is connected to the others via a second connecting pipe, in order of increasing height of the second fuel tanks. The oil stored in the first fuel tank is supplied from the first fuel tank to the second fuel tank located at the highest position among the second fuel tanks through the first connecting pipe, so that it can be supplied to each of the second fuel tanks through the second connecting pipe by the weight of the oil. A passenger conveyor refueling system in which, in each of the second refueling devices, the valve device mechanically interlocks with changes in the oil level when oil is stored in the second refueling tank, thereby allowing oil to flow into the second refueling tank when the oil level is lower than the upper limit oil level, and preventing oil from flowing into the second refueling tank when the oil level reaches the upper limit oil level.

2. Each of the aforementioned second fuel tanks is provided with an inlet through which oil flows into the second fuel tank. The passenger conveyor refueling system according to claim 1, wherein the valve device comprises a float that floats on the oil and moves vertically relative to the second refueling tank in accordance with changes in the oil level, and an on / off valve that opens and closes the inlet in accordance with the movement of the float.

3. The passenger conveyor refueling system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the size of each second refueling tank is smaller than the size of the first refueling tank.

4. The passenger conveyor refueling system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first refueling tank is located at a higher position than the second refueling tank that is located at the highest position among the second refueling tanks.

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