Lubricant supply device for passenger conveyor and method for supplying lubricant to bearings of passenger conveyor

Abstract

To provide a passenger conveyor lubricant supply device that facilitates the supply of lubricant to the bearings of the passenger conveyor. [Solution] The passenger conveyor lubricant supply device 40 comprises a lubricant dispenser 41, a hose 44 connected to the lubricant dispenser 41, and a nozzle 45 connected to the hose 44. The nozzle 45 includes a cylindrical body 46 and a lever 49. The cylindrical body 46 includes a claw 53. The claw 53 can open and close in conjunction with the lever 49 and can also clamp the nipple 23 of the passenger conveyor bearing (bearing 21).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lubricant supply device for a passenger conveyor and a method for supplying lubricant to a bearing for a passenger conveyor.

Background Art

[0002] The microfilm of Japanese Utility Model Application No. 51-72287 (Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 52-162343) (Patent Document 1) discloses a bearing device for an escalator drive machine. This bearing device includes a bearing, a bearing box for housing the bearing, and a grease nipple. An injection hole is provided in the bearing box. The grease nipple is attached to the injection hole. Grease is injected from the grease nipple into the bearing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a lubricant supply device for a passenger conveyor and a method for supplying lubricant to a bearing for a passenger conveyor that can facilitate the lubricant supply operation to the bearing for a passenger conveyor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The lubricant supply device for a passenger conveyor of the present disclosure includes a lubricant supplier, a hose connected to the lubricant supplier, and a nozzle connected to the hose. The nozzle includes a cylindrical main body and a lever. The cylindrical main body includes claws. The claws can open and close in conjunction with the lever and can clamp the nipple of the bearing for a passenger conveyor.

[0006] The method for supplying lubricant to a passenger conveyor bearing according to the present disclosure, using the passenger conveyor lubricant supply device according to the present disclosure, includes operating a lever to open the claws, inserting a cylindrical body into a first through-hole provided in the step rail of the passenger conveyor and a second through-hole provided in the sprocket of the passenger conveyor, clamping a nipple with the claws by operating the lever to close the claws, and supplying lubricant from the lubricant supply device to the passenger conveyor bearing through a hose, nozzle and nipple. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The passenger conveyor lubricant supply device and passenger conveyor bearing supply method described herein can facilitate the operation of supplying lubricant to the passenger conveyor bearing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic side view of the passenger conveyor according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic, partially enlarged perspective view of the passenger conveyor according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic, partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a bearing for a passenger conveyor according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the passenger conveyor according to the embodiment, and also a schematic partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the process of connecting the nozzle to the nipple according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic perspective view of a lubricant supply device for a passenger conveyor according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] This diagram shows a flowchart illustrating a method for supplying lubricant to a passenger conveyor bearing according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] This diagram shows a flowchart illustrating the process of connecting the nozzle of the embodiment to the nipple. [Figure 8] This is a schematic side view showing the process of supplying the lubricant of the embodiment to the bearings of the passenger conveyor. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. The same components will be given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0010] An embodiment of the passenger conveyor 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The passenger conveyor 1 of this embodiment is, for example, an escalator. The passenger conveyor 1 comprises a truss 10, an electric motor 13, a first sprocket 14, a drive chain 15, a second sprocket 16, a shaft 17, a bearing housing 20, a bearing 21, a nipple 23, a controller 25, a movable handrail 26, a step 28, a step rail 30, a landing plate 36, and a manhole cover 38.

[0011] Referring to Figure 1, the truss 10 spans between the lower and upper floors. Below the entrance / exit, a machine room 11 is provided. The machine room 11 is a space formed inside the truss 10.

[0012] Inside the machine room 11, there is an electric motor 13, a first sprocket 14, a drive chain 15, a second sprocket 16, and a shaft 17.

[0013] The first sprocket 14 is connected to the electric motor 13. The drive chain 15 is wrapped endlessly around the first sprocket 14 and the second sprocket 16. When the electric motor 13 operates, the first sprocket 14 and the second sprocket 16 rotate.

[0014] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the shaft 17 is connected to the second sprocket 16. A sprocket (not shown) around which a step chain (not shown) is wound or a sprocket (not shown) around which a handrail chain (not shown) is wound is connected to the shaft 17. When the second sprocket 16 rotates, the sprocket around which the step chain is wound or the sprocket around which the handrail chain is wound also rotates, and the step 28 or the moving handrail 26 moves. A through hole 18 is provided in the second sprocket 16. The through hole 18 extends along the longitudinal direction of the shaft 17.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 3, the shaft 17 is rotatably supported by a bearing 21. A bearing housing 20 houses the bearing 21. An injection port 22 is formed in the bearing housing 20. A nipple 23 is inserted into and attached to the injection port 22. A lubricant is supplied to the bearing 21 through the nipple 23 and the injection port 22.

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a step rail 30 is disposed within the truss 10. The step rail 30 includes an up-leg rail 31, a semi-circular rail 32, and a down-leg rail 33. The step rail 30 guides the movement of the step 28. Specifically, the up-leg rail 31 guides the forward movement of the step 28. The down-leg rail 33 guides the return movement of the step 28.

[0017] The semi-circular rail 32 is disposed within the machine room 11. The semi-circular rail 32 is connected to the up-leg rail 31 and the down-leg rail 33. The semi-circular rail 32 guides the movement of the step 28. The step 28 is guided by the semi-circular rail 32, and the posture of the step 28 is reversed. A through hole 34 is provided in the semi-circular rail 32. The through hole 34 extends along the longitudinal direction of the shaft 17.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, the controller 25 is disposed in the machine room 11. The controller 25 is communicably connected to the electric motor 13 and can control the electric motor 13. The controller 25 is, for example, a microcomputer including a processor, a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a storage device such as a ROM. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The RAM functions as a working memory that temporarily stores data processed by the processor. Programs executed by the processor, for example, are stored in the storage device. In the present embodiment, the controller 25 controls the electric motor 13 by the processor executing the program stored in the storage device. Various processes in the controller 25 are not limited to being executed by software and may be realized by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, the floor of the boarding and alighting opening includes a landing plate 36 and a manhole cover 38. The landing plate 36 is disposed closer to the step 28 than the manhole cover 38. A manhole 37 is provided in the floor of the boarding and alighting opening. The manhole 37 communicates with the machine room 11. The manhole cover 38 is detachable from the manhole 37. When the passenger conveyor 1 is in use, the manhole cover 38 closes the manhole 37. During inspection and maintenance work of the passenger conveyor 1, the operator opens the manhole cover 38 and enters the machine room 11 from the manhole 37. The operator performs inspection and maintenance work in the machine room 11.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 8, the lubricant supply device 40 for the passenger conveyor will be described. The lubricant supply device 40 for the passenger conveyor includes a lubricant supplier 41, a hose 44, and a nozzle 45. The lubricant supply device 40 for the passenger conveyor may further include a lighting device 54.

[0021] Referring to Figure 5, the lubricant dispenser 41 is, for example, a grease gun. The lubricant dispenser 41 includes a container 42 and a handle 43. The lubricant is stored in the container 42. The lubricant is, for example, grease or lubricating oil. A hose 44 is connected to the lubricant dispenser 41. The length of the hose 44 may be 1.0 m or more.

[0022] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the nozzle 45 includes a cylindrical body 46 and a lever 49. The cylindrical body 46 includes a rear end 47 and a front end 48. The cylindrical body 46 includes an inner cylinder 51 and an outer cylinder 52. The hose 44 is connected to the rear end 47 of the cylindrical body 46 (more specifically, the inner cylinder 51). Lubricant is supplied to the nipple 23 through the inner cylinder 51.

[0023] The inner cylinder 51 includes a claw 53 located at its front end. The claw 53 can be opened and closed in conjunction with the lever 49. The lever 49 is biased in the opening direction by a biasing member (not shown), such as a spring. For example, when a worker closes the lever 49 with their hand against the biasing force of the biasing member, the claw 53 opens. When the worker releases their hand from the lever 49, the lever 49 opens due to the biasing force of the biasing member, and the claw 53 closes. The outer cylinder 52 houses the inner cylinder 51.

[0024] The illuminator 54 is, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED). The illuminator 54 is located at the front end of the outer cylinder 52. The illuminator 54 may operate in conjunction with the lever 49. For example, when the lever 49 is open, the illuminator 54 is off. When the lever 49 is closed, the illuminator 54 is on.

[0025] A method for supplying lubricant using the passenger conveyor lubricant supply device 40 will be explained, mainly with reference to Figures 2 and 4 through 8.

[0026] Referring to Figure 6, worker 55 removes step 28 (step S1). Specifically, worker 55 removes the manhole cover 38 and enters the machine room 11 through the manhole 37. Worker 55 removes step 28 from the step chain (not shown) and removes step 28.

[0027] Referring to Figures 4 and 6, worker 55 connects the nipple 23 to the nozzle 45 (step S2). Referring to Figure 7, step S2 includes opening the claws 53 (step S10), turning on the illuminator 54 (step S11), inserting the cylindrical body 46 into the through holes 18 and 34 (step S12), and clamping the nipple 23 with the claws 53 (step S13).

[0028] Specifically, worker 55 exits the machine room 11 through the manhole 37. Worker 55 enters the machine room 11 through the manhole 37, carrying the passenger conveyor lubricant supply device 40. Worker 55 closes the lever 49 with his hand, resisting the biasing force of a biasing member (not shown). In conjunction with the lever 49, the claw 53 opens (step S10), and the illuminator 54 turns on (step S11). Steps S10 and S11 may be performed simultaneously.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, worker 55 inserts the cylindrical body 46 of the nozzle 45 into the through hole 18 provided in the step rail 30 and the through hole 34 provided in the second sprocket 16 (step S12).

[0030] The worker 55 moves the nozzle 45 (cylindrical body 46) toward the nipple 23 until the nipple 23 is positioned within the open claws 53. The worker 55 releases their hand from the lever 49. The lever 49 opens due to the biasing force of a biasing member (not shown). The claws 53 close. Referring to Figure 4, the nipple 23 is clamped by the claws 53 (step S13). In this way, the nozzle 45 is connected to the nipple 23 with a single touch. The machine room 11 is a dark space, but the illumination 54 makes it easier to insert the cylindrical body 46 of the nozzle 45 into the through holes 18,34 and to connect the nozzle 45 to the nipple 23. The illumination 54 turns off in conjunction with the lever 49.

[0031] Referring to Figures 6 and 8, worker 55 supplies lubricant to the bearing 21 (step S3). Specifically, worker 55 takes the lubricant dispenser 41 and exits the machine room 11 through the manhole 37. Worker 55 operates the handle 43 of the lubricant dispenser 41. Grease is supplied from the container 42 to the bearing 21 through the hose 44, nozzle 45 (inner cylinder 51), and nipple 23. In this way, the lubricant is supplied to the bearing 21 using the passenger conveyor lubricant supply device 40.

[0032] After supplying lubricant to the bearing 21, worker 55 enters the machine room 11. Worker 55 closes the lever 49 with his hand against the biasing force of a biasing member (not shown). The claws 53 open and the illuminator 54 turns on. Worker 55 removes the nozzle 45 (cylindrical body 46) from the nipple 23. Worker 55 moves the nozzle 45 and pulls the cylindrical body 46 out of the through holes 18,34. The machine room 11 is a dark space, but the illuminator 54 turns on, making it easier to remove the nozzle 45 from the nipple 23 and pull the cylindrical body 46 out of the through holes 18,34. Worker 55 releases his hand from the lever 49. The biasing force of the biasing member opens the lever 49. The claws 53 close. Worker 55 takes the nozzle 45 and leaves the machine room 11.

[0033] A modified version of this embodiment will now be described. The passenger conveyor 1 may be a moving walkway. The illuminator 54 does not have to be linked to the lever 49. The illuminator 54 may be switched between an on state and an off state by a worker 55 operating a switch (not shown) provided on the passenger conveyor lubricant supply device 40. When the illuminator 54 is not linked to the lever 49, step S11 may be performed before step S10, or after step S10 and before step S12.

[0034] The effects of the passenger conveyor lubricant supply device 40 and lubricant supply method of this embodiment will be explained.

[0035] The passenger conveyor lubricant supply device 40 of this embodiment comprises a lubricant dispenser 41, a hose 44 connected to the lubricant dispenser 41, and a nozzle 45 connected to the hose 44. The nozzle 45 includes a cylindrical body 46 and a lever 49. The cylindrical body 46 includes a claw 53. The claw 53 can open and close in conjunction with the lever 49 and can also clamp the nipple 23 of the passenger conveyor bearing (bearing 21).

[0036] Therefore, the nozzle 45 can be connected to the nipple 23 with a single touch. This makes it easier to supply lubricant to the passenger conveyor bearings (bearings 21) even in the narrow space of the machine room 11 of the passenger conveyor 1.

[0037] The passenger conveyor lubricant supply device 40 of this embodiment further includes an illuminator 54 provided on a cylindrical body 46.

[0038] The space where the nozzle 45 is connected to the nipple 23 is illuminated by the illuminator 54. This makes it easier to supply lubricant to the passenger conveyor bearings (bearings 21) even in the dark space of the machine room 11 of the passenger conveyor 1.

[0039] In the passenger conveyor lubricant supply device 40 of this embodiment, the illuminator 54 can be turned on in conjunction with the lever 49.

[0040] By operating the lever 49, the claws 53 and the illuminator 54 can be operated. This makes it easier to supply lubricant to the passenger conveyor bearings (bearings 21) even in the narrow and dark space of the machine room 11 of the passenger conveyor 1.

[0041] In the passenger conveyor lubricant supply device 40 of this embodiment, the length of the hose 44 is 1.0 m or more.

[0042] Therefore, the worker 55 can operate the lubricant dispenser 41 outside the machine room 11 to supply lubricant to the passenger conveyor bearings (bearings 21). This makes the process of supplying lubricant to the passenger conveyor bearings (bearings 21) easier.

[0043] The method for supplying lubricant to the passenger conveyor bearing (bearing 21) using the passenger conveyor lubricant supply device 40 of this embodiment includes operating the lever 49 to open the claws 53 and inserting the cylindrical body 46 into the first through hole (through hole 34) provided in the step rail 30 of the passenger conveyor 1 and the second through hole (through hole 18) provided in the sprocket (second sprocket 16) of the passenger conveyor 1. The method for supplying lubricant to the passenger conveyor bearing of this embodiment also includes operating the lever 49 to close the claws 53, thereby clamping the nipple 23 with the claws 53 and supplying lubricant from the lubricant supply device 41 to the passenger conveyor bearing through the hose 44, nozzle 45 and nipple 23.

[0044] Therefore, the nozzle 45 can be connected to the nipple 23 with a single touch. This makes it easier to supply lubricant to the passenger conveyor bearings (bearings 21) even in the narrow space of the machine room 11 of the passenger conveyor 1.

[0045] The method of supplying lubricant to the passenger conveyor bearing (bearing 21) using the passenger conveyor lubricant supply device 40 of this embodiment further includes turning on the illuminator 54.

[0046] The space where the nozzle 45 is connected to the nipple 23 is illuminated by the illuminator 54. This makes it easier to supply lubricant to the passenger conveyor bearings (bearings 21) even in the dark space of the machine room 11 of the passenger conveyor 1.

[0047] In this embodiment of the method for supplying lubricant to the passenger conveyor bearing (bearing 21), the illuminator 54 is turned on by operating the lever 49 for opening the claw 53.

[0048] By operating the lever 49, the claws 53 and the illuminator 54 can be operated. This makes it easier to supply lubricant to the passenger conveyor bearings (bearings 21) even in the narrow and dark space of the machine room 11 of the passenger conveyor 1.

[0049] In this embodiment of the method for supplying lubricant to the passenger conveyor bearing (bearing 21), the worker 55 is inside the machine room 11 when clamping the nipple 23 with the claw 53, and outside the machine room 11 when supplying lubricant to the nipple 23 from the lubricant supply device 41.

[0050] Therefore, the worker 55 can operate the lubricant dispenser 41 outside the machine room 11 to supply lubricant to the passenger conveyor bearings (bearings 21). This makes the process of supplying lubricant to the passenger conveyor bearings (bearings 21) easier.

[0051] In the method for supplying lubricant to the passenger conveyor bearing (bearing 21) of this embodiment, the length of the hose 44 is 1.0 m or more.

[0052] Therefore, the worker 55 can operate the lubricant dispenser 41 outside the machine room 11 to supply lubricant to the passenger conveyor bearings (bearings 21). This makes the process of supplying lubricant to the passenger conveyor bearings (bearings 21) easier.

[0053] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description and is intended to include all modifications in the sense and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 1 Passenger conveyor, 10 Truss, 11 Machine room, 13 Drive unit, 14 First sprocket, 15 Drive chain, 16 Second sprocket, 17 Shaft, 18 First through hole, 20 Bearing housing, 21 Bearing, 22 Injection hole, 23 Nipple, 25 Controller, 26 Moving handrail, 28 Step, 30 Step rail, 31 Forward rail, 32 Semicircular rail, 33 Return rail, 34 Second through hole, 35 Floor, 36 Landing plate, 37 Manhole, 38 Manhole cover, 40 Lubricant supply device for passenger conveyor, 41 Lubricant dispenser, 42 Container, 43 Handle, 44 Hose, 45 Nozzle, 46 Cylindrical body, 47 Rear end, 48 Front end, 49 Lever, 51 Inner cylinder, 52 Claw, 53 Outer cylinder, 54 Illuminator, 55 Worker.

Claims

1. Lubricant dispenser and A hose connected to the lubricant supply, The nozzle connected to the hose is included, The nozzle includes a cylindrical body and a lever. The cylindrical body includes a claw, A passenger conveyor lubricant supply device wherein the claw can be opened and closed in conjunction with the lever and can also clamp the nipple of a bearing for the passenger conveyor.

2. The passenger conveyor lubricant supply device according to claim 1, further comprising a light fixture provided in the cylindrical body.

3. The passenger conveyor lubricant supply device according to claim 2, wherein the light fixture can be turned on in conjunction with the lever.

4. The passenger conveyor lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the length of the hose is 1.0 m or more.

5. A method for supplying lubricant to a passenger conveyor bearing using the passenger conveyor lubricant supply device described in claim 1, wherein the method is: Operating the lever to open the claw, The cylindrical body is inserted into the first through-hole provided in the step rail of the passenger conveyor and the second through-hole provided in the sprocket of the passenger conveyor. By operating the lever and closing the claw, the nipple is clamped with the claw, A method for supplying lubricant to a passenger conveyor bearing, comprising supplying lubricant to the passenger conveyor bearing from the lubricant supplier through the hose, the nozzle, and the nipple.

6. A method for supplying lubricant to a passenger conveyor bearing using the passenger conveyor lubricant supply device described in claim 2, wherein the method is: Operating the lever to open the claw, To turn on the aforementioned light fixture, The cylindrical body is inserted into the first through-hole provided in the step rail of the passenger conveyor and the second through-hole provided in the sprocket of the passenger conveyor. By operating the lever and closing the claw, the nipple is clamped with the claw, A method for supplying lubricant to a passenger conveyor bearing, comprising supplying lubricant to the passenger conveyor bearing from the lubricant supplier through the hose, the nozzle, and the nipple.

7. The method for supplying lubricant to a passenger conveyor bearing according to claim 6, wherein the light fixture is turned on by the operation of the lever for opening the claws.

8. When clamping the nipple with the aforementioned claws, the worker is inside the machine room. The method for supplying lubricant to a passenger conveyor bearing according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein when the lubricant is supplied from the lubricant dispenser to the nipple, the worker is outside the machine room.

9. The method for supplying lubricant to a bearing for a passenger conveyor according to claim 8, wherein the length of the hose is 1.0 m or more.

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