Safety system for passenger conveyors

Abstract

This provides a safety system for passenger conveyors that can prevent foreign objects from being drawn into the inlet while suppressing mismatches in the movement of the handrail belt and steps. [Solution] The passenger conveyor safety system according to this embodiment includes an idler pulley device that reduces the tension of the handrail belt when the entrapment of a foreign object is detected. The handrail device includes a handrail device body, a handrail device manual part that is movable between a first position located during normal operation and a second position spaced apart from the handrail device body in the direction of movement of the handrail belt, and a biasing mechanism that biases the handrail device manual part toward the second position. When the idler pulley device reduces the tension of the handrail belt, the handrail device manual part, which is biased by the biasing mechanism, moves to the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments relate to a safety system for a passenger conveyor.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an inlet switch for detecting foreign objects inserted or drawn in by contact is provided at the inlet, which is the entrance and exit of the handrail belt at the boarding and alighting openings of a passenger conveyor. When the inlet switch detects a foreign object, the main braking device operates to brake the driving device and stop the circulating movement of the steps.

[0003] However, there is a time lag from when the main braking device operates until the steps stop, and during that time, the steps continue to move while decelerating. Since the handrail belt is interlocked with the steps for the purpose of suppressing the synchronization deviation with the steps during operation, the handrail belt also moves until the steps stop. As a result, even if the inlet switch detects a foreign object, it is difficult to immediately stop because the handrail belt moves by the distance of the movement of the steps, and there is a risk that a foreign object will be drawn into the inlet.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the embodiments is to provide a safety system for a passenger conveyor that can prevent foreign objects from being drawn into the inlet while suppressing the synchronization deviation between the handrail belt and the movement of the steps.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The passenger conveyor safety system according to this embodiment is a system for preventing foreign objects from being drawn into an inlet on the passenger conveyor that draws in a handrail belt that circulates with the steps by a drive device. The safety system includes a main braking device that brakes the drive device when foreign object entrapment is detected, a belt braking device that brakes the handrail belt independently of the main braking device when foreign object entrapment is detected, an idler pulley device that reduces the tension of the handrail belt when foreign object entrapment is detected, and a pair of handrail devices arranged on both sides of the steps along the direction of movement of the steps, each handrail device including a handrail and a handrail rail that guides the handrail belt and extends along the outer edge of the corresponding handrail. The handrail device includes a handrail device body, a handrail device manual part that is movable between a first position located during normal operation and a second position spaced apart from the handrail device body in the direction of movement of the handrail belt, and a biasing mechanism that biases the handrail device manual part toward the second position. When the idler pulley device reduces the tension of the handrail belt, the railing device manual, which is biased by the biasing mechanism, moves to the second position. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration of the passenger conveyor in this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a part of the configuration of the safety system in this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the normal operating state of the safety system in this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the operating state of the safety system shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the biasing mechanism and slider mechanism of the railing device shown in Figure 3. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along line BB in Figure 6. [Figure 8]Figure 8 is a top view of the rail guide shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the operating state of the safety system of the railing device shown in Figure 6. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating how the safety system according to this embodiment operates. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating how to recover from the operating state of the safety system according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows the operating state of the safety system in a modified version of the railing device shown in Figure 9. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The safety system for a passenger conveyor according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0009] First, with reference to Figure 1, the passenger conveyor 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Here, an escalator will be used as an example of the passenger conveyor 1, but the passenger conveyor 1 according to this embodiment may also be a moving walkway.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the passenger conveyor 1 includes a plurality of steps 2, a drive unit 3, a pair of skirt guards 4, a pair of handrail belts 5, and a safety system 20.

[0011] The steps 2 are connected by an endless step chain 6. The steps 2 move in a circular motion between the entrance / exit 8 on the lower floor and the entrance / exit 9 on the upper floor, guided by a guide rail 7.

[0012] The drive device 3, when driven, circulates and moves the staircase 2 together with the handrail belt 5. The drive device 3 is disposed within the truss 10, and the driving force of the drive device 3 is transmitted to the drive sprocket 12 via the drive chain 11. When the drive sprocket 12 is rotationally driven, the staircase chain 6 spanned between the drive sprocket 12 and the driven sprocket 13 circulates and moves together with the staircase 2. The drive device 3 may include a drive motor and a speed reducer not shown in the drawings.

[0013] The skirt guard 4 is installed on both the left and right sides of the staircase 2. The skirt guard 4 covers the lower part of the corresponding railing 31 (described later). The skirt guard 4 is formed from the lower landing 8 to the upper landing 9. <000​​​​​​​​​As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the safety system 20 may include an inlet switch 21, a main braking device 22, a belt braking device 23, an idler pulley device 24, a pair of railing devices 30, a clutch device 25, and a control device 26.

[0017] The inlet switch 21 is configured to detect the drawing-in of foreign objects into the inlet 14. As shown in FIG. 3, the inlet switch 21 is attached to the inlet 14 installed at the upper landing 9. The inlet switch 21 may be disposed within the skirt guard 4 so as to be able to detect the drawing-in of foreign objects into the inlet 14. As shown in FIG. 2, when the inlet switch 21 detects the drawing-in of foreign objects, it transmits a detection signal to the control device 26.

[0018] The main braking device 22 is configured to brake the drive device 3 when the drawing-in of foreign objects is detected. The main braking device 22 may be configured to brake the drive device 3 based on the detection signal from the inlet switch 21. More specifically, when a detection signal is transmitted from the inlet switch 21 to the control device 26, the control device 26 transmits a control signal to the main braking device 22, and the main braking device 22 operates. As a result, the main braking device 22 brakes the drive device 3 to stop the circulating movement of the step 2. The main braking device 22 may be disposed at a position where it can brake the drive device 3 within the truss 10.

[0019] The belt braking device 23 is configured to brake the handrail belt 5 independently of the main braking device 22 when the entrapment of a foreign object is detected. The belt braking device 23 may also be configured to brake the handrail belt 5 independently of the main braking device 22 based on a detection signal from the inlet switch 21. As shown in Figure 3, the belt braking device 23 may be configured to brake the handrail belt 5 by gripping it. The belt braking device 23 may also be a clamp. The belt braking device 23 may be positioned within the truss 10 in a location that allows it to grip the handrail belt 5. The belt braking device 23 may be positioned between the inlet 14 and the handrail belt sheave 15.

[0020] The belt braking device 23 operates based on instructions from the control device 26. More specifically, when a detection signal is transmitted from the inlet switch 21 to the control device 26, the control device 26 transmits a control signal to the belt braking device 23, and the belt braking device 23 operates. As a result, the belt braking device 23 grips the handrail belt 5 and applies the brake, stopping the circulating movement of the handrail belt 5.

[0021] The idler pulley device 24 is configured to reduce the tension of the handrail belt 5 when the entrapment of foreign matter is detected. The idler pulley device 24 may also be configured to reduce the tension of the handrail belt 5 based on a detection signal from the inlet switch 21. More specifically, the idler pulley device 24 may include a pulley 24a and an actuator 24b. The pulley 24a is configured around which the handrail belt 5 is wound. The pulley 24a is movable by driving the actuator 24b. By moving the pulley 24a, the tension of the handrail belt 5 is adjustable. The actuator 24b may be, for example, a hydraulic cylinder or an electric linear actuator.

[0022] The idler pulley device 24 moves the position of the pulley 24a based on instructions from the control device 26. More specifically, when a detection signal is sent from the inlet switch 21 to the control device 26, the control device 26 sends a control signal to the actuator 24b of the idler pulley device 24. Based on this control signal, the actuator 24b adjusts the position of the pulley 24a. This adjusts the tension of the handrail belt 5.

[0023] The idler pulley device 24 may adjust the position of the pulley 24a based on the speed or amount of movement of the step 2 after braking by the main braking device 22. For example, if the motor of the drive device 3 is equipped with a rotational speed sensor, the rotational speed of the motor after braking may be used as the speed of movement of the step 2 to adjust the position of the pulley 24a. Alternatively, if a sensor is provided to detect the amount of movement of the step 2, the position of the pulley 24a may be adjusted based on the amount of movement of the step 2 after braking.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the railing device 30 is positioned on both the left and right sides of the step 2 so as to be in the direction of movement of the step 2. The railing device 30 includes a railing 31 and a handrail rail 32.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the railing 31 includes a railing body 31A and a railing liner 31B. The railing body 31A is mainly the part located between the entrance / exit 8 on the lower floor and the entrance / exit 9 on the upper floor, and extends in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal. The railing liner 31B is located at the entrance / exit 9 on the upper floor and includes an outer edge formed in an arc shape.

[0026] The main body of the railing 31A and the manual section of the railing 31B may be spaced apart from each other. More specifically, even in normal operation, the edge 31Ba of the manual section of the railing 31B on the side of the main body of the railing 31A may be spaced apart from the edge 31Aa of the main body of the railing 31A on the side of the manual section 31B. Even when the safety system 20 is activated, the edge 31Ba of the manual section of the railing 31B may be spaced apart from the edge 31Aa of the main body of the railing 31A.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the handrail rail 32 extends along the outer edge of the corresponding balustrade 31. The handrail rail 32 is configured to guide the handrail belt 5. The handrail rail 32 includes an upper rail section 32A, a rail junction section 32B, and a lower rail section 32C.

[0028] The upper part of the rail 32A is attached to the upper edge of the main body of the railing 31A. As shown in Figure 4, the upper part of the rail 32A may protrude from the main body of the railing 31A toward the rail linear part 32B.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the rail manual section 32B is attached to the outer edge of the railing manual section 31B. The upstream end of the rail manual section 32B is attached to the upper edge of the railing manual section 31B and is connected to the upper part of the rail 32A via the first rail guide 37 (described later). As shown in Figure 4, the upstream end of the rail manual section 32B may protrude from the railing manual section 31B toward the upper part of the rail 32A.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the upper part of the rail 32A and the rail manual part 32B may be spaced apart from each other. More specifically, even in the normal operation state, the rail manual part 32B may be spaced apart from the upper part of the rail 32A. Even when the safety system 20 is activated, the rail manual part 32B may be spaced apart from the upper part of the rail 32A.

[0031] The rail manual section 32B may extend through the inlet 14 into the interior of the corresponding skirt guard 4.

[0032] The downstream end of the rail manual section 32B is attached to the lower edge of the rail rail manual section 31B and connected to the lower part of the rail 32C via a second rail guide 38 (described later). As shown in Figure 4, the downstream end of the rail manual section 32B may protrude from the rail rail manual section 31B toward the lower part of the rail 32C.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the lower rail portion 32C is attached to the lower edge of the main railing portion 31A. The lower rail portion 32C is configured to guide the handrail belt 5 toward the handrail belt sheave 15. As shown in Figure 4, the lower rail portion 32C may protrude from the main railing portion 31A toward the downstream end of the rail linear portion 32B.

[0034] The lower rail section 32C and the rail manual section 32B may be spaced apart from each other. More specifically, even when the railing device manual section 33B, which will be described later, is in the first position, the rail manual section 32B may be spaced apart from the lower rail section 32C. Even when the railing device manual section 33B is in the second position, the rail manual section 32B may be spaced apart from the lower rail section 32C.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the railing device 30 according to this embodiment may include a railing device main body 33A, a railing device manual 33B, a pair of fixed covers 34, a biasing mechanism 35, a slider mechanism 36, a first rail guide 37, and a second rail guide 38.

[0036] The main body of the railing device 33A is configured to include the railing main body 31A described above, the upper rail 32A, and the lower rail 32C. The main body of the railing device 33A is configured to be immovable relative to the skirt guard 4.

[0037] The railing device manual section 33B is located at the entrance / exit 9 on the upper floor. That is, the railing device manual section 33B is configured to include the railing manual section 31B and the rail manual section 32B described above. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the railing manual section 31B is configured to be movable between a first position (see Figure 3) and a second position (see Figure 4), i.e., extendable from the first position, so that the railing manual section 31B and the rail manual section 32B move from the first position to the second position. The first position is the position during normal operation. The second position is a position spaced apart from the railing device main body section 33A in the direction of movement of the handrail belt 5, and is the position when the safety system 20 according to this embodiment is activated. The second position is a position spaced apart from the railing device main body section 33A in the direction of movement of the handrail belt 5 on the upper edge of the railing 33. In this embodiment, the direction of movement of the railing device manual section 33B is approximately horizontal. The railing device manual section 33B is biased in the direction from the first position to the second position by the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 35.

[0038] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the fixed covers 34 cover the main body 33A and the manual section 33B of the railing device from both sides. As shown in Figure 5, one fixed cover 34 covers the main body 33A and the manual section 33B of the railing device from the inside of the passenger conveyor 1 (the side of the steps 2). The other fixed cover 34 covers the main body 33A and the manual section 33B of the railing device from the outside of the passenger conveyor 1. A space is formed between each fixed cover 34 and the main body 31A of the railing device, and a space is also formed between each fixed cover 34 and the manual section 31B of the railing device.

[0039] As shown in Figure 6, the fixed cover 34 covers the railing body 31A and the railing manual 31B, and covers the space between the railing body 31A and the railing manual 31B. The fixed cover 34 may be formed to cover the portion of the railing body 31A on the railing manual 31B side and the portion of the railing manual 31B on the railing body 31A side. For example, the fixed cover 34 may be formed to extend from the edge 31Aa of the railing body 31A on the railing manual 31B side toward the railing manual 31B. As shown in Figure 5, the fixed cover 34 does not cover the upper rail 32A and the rail manual 32B. The fixed cover 34 may be supported by the skirt guard 4.

[0040] As shown in Figure 6, the biasing mechanism 35 is configured to bias the railing device manual section 33B toward the second position. The biasing mechanism 35 according to this embodiment provides a horizontal biasing force to the railing device manual section 33B.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, the biasing mechanism 35 is located in the space between the fixed cover 34 and the railing body 31A and in the space between the fixed cover 34 and the railing manual 31B.

[0042] As shown in Figure 6, the biasing mechanism 35 may include a fixed-side bracket 35a, a manual-side bracket 35b, and a compression spring 35c. The fixed-side bracket 35a is immovable relative to the main body 33A of the railing device. The fixed-side bracket 35a may be supported by a fixed cover 34. The manual-side bracket 35b is supported by the manual section 33B of the railing device. The manual-side bracket 35b may also be supported by the manual section 31B of the railing. The compression spring 35c is interposed in a compressed state between the fixed-side bracket 35a and the manual-side bracket 35b. The compression spring 35c applies a biasing force to the manual section 33B of the railing device via the manual-side bracket 35b. The compression spring 35c may be arranged along the horizontal direction. The compression spring 35c may be a coil spring.

[0043] The biasing force of the biasing mechanism 35 may be less than the pressing force exerted on the main body 33A of the railing device when the railing device manual section 33B, located in the first position, is subjected to the tension of the handrail belt 5. As a result, the railing device manual section 33B is positioned in the first position (see Figure 3) during normal operation. On the other hand, when the tension of the handrail belt 5 is reduced, this pressing force becomes less than the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 35, and the railing device manual section 33B, subjected to the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 35, moves to the second position (see Figure 4). The tension of the handrail belt 5 is reduced by the idler pulley device 24 described above.

[0044] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the slider mechanism 36 is configured to guide the movement of the railing device manual 33B relative to the railing device body 33A. In this embodiment, the slider mechanism 36 guides the movement of the railing device manual 33B so that its direction of movement is horizontal.

[0045] The slider mechanism 36 may include a slider 36a supported by the railing device manual portion 33B and a slider guide 36b that is immovable relative to the railing device main body portion 33A.

[0046] The slider 36a may be supported by the railing manual portion 31B. As shown in Figure 6, the slider 36a may be formed in a rectangular shape with a longitudinal direction in the horizontal direction parallel to the direction of movement of the step 2. The slider 36a may protrude from the railing manual portion 31B toward the railing body portion 31A. The slider guide 36b is configured to guide the slider 36a.

[0047] The slider guide 36b is immovable relative to the main body 33A of the railing device. The slider guide 36b may be supported by the fixed cover 34. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the slider guide 36b may be formed to include a groove that extends horizontally in a direction parallel to the direction of movement of the step 2. By inserting the slider 36a into this groove, the railing device manual 33B becomes movable in the horizontal direction.

[0048] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the first rail guide 37 extends along the handrail rail 32 from the main body 33A of the railing device to the manual section 33B of the railing device. As shown in Figure 6, the first rail guide 37 is positioned on the upper part of the manual section 33B of the railing device, connecting the downstream end of the upper rail section 32A to the upstream end of the rail manual section 32B.

[0049] As shown in Figure 7, the first rail guide 37 may be immovable relative to the main body of the railing device 33A. The first rail guide 37 may be supported by the fixed cover 34. The first rail guide 37 is formed to extend in the direction of movement of the handrail belt 5 and is configured to guide the upstream end of the rail manual 32B.

[0050] As shown in Figure 7, the first rail guide 37 has a cross-sectional shape into which the rail manual portion 32B can be inserted. The rail manual portion 32B is slidable relative to the first rail guide 37. Although not shown, the upper rail portion 32A may also be inserted into the rail manual portion 32B. That is, the upper rail portion 32A is inserted into one end of the first rail guide 37, and the rail manual portion 32B is inserted into the other end of the first rail guide 37. When the balustrade device manual portion 33B is in the first position, a gap may be formed between the upper rail portion 32A and the rail manual portion 32B. In this gap, the handrail rail 32 may be guided by the first rail guide 37. As shown in Figure 9, when the balustrade device manual portion 33B is in the second position, the gap between the upper rail portion 32A and the rail manual portion 32B becomes larger, but the state in which the rail manual portion 32B is inserted into the first rail guide 37 is maintained.

[0051] As shown in Figure 7, the handrail rail 32 includes a pair of protrusions 32P that project toward the balustrade 31 when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the direction of movement of the handrail belt 5, and a pair of folded-back portions 32T formed at both ends. The balustrade 31 is inserted between the pair of protrusions 32P. A gap is formed inside each folded-back portion 32T. The first rail guide 37 includes a recess 37a that accommodates the pair of protrusions 32P of the handrail rail 32, and a pair of wing portions 37b located on both sides of the recess 37a. The wing portions 37b are inserted into the gap formed inside the folded-back portions 32T of the handrail rail 32. The protrusions 32P of the handrail rail 32 are slidable within the recess 37a of the first rail guide 37, and the folded-back portions 32T of the handrail rail 32 are slidable within the wing portions 37b of the first rail guide 37.

[0052] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the first rail guide 37 may include a notch 37c into which the railing manual portion 31B of the railing device manual portion 33B is inserted. As shown in Figure 8, the notch 37c extends from the end of the first rail guide 37 on the rail manual portion 32B side toward the upper part of the rail 32A and terminates at an intermediate position on the first rail guide 37. The upper part of the railing manual portion 31B is inserted into the notch 37c. The railing body portion 31A is positioned to the left of the first rail guide 37 in Figure 8. When the railing device manual portion 33B is in the first position, the railing manual portion 31B is inserted relatively deeply into the notch 37c. Even in this case, the railing body portion 31A and the railing manual portion 31B are spaced apart from each other. When the railing device manual 33B is in the second position, the railing manual 31B is inserted into the notch 37c relatively shallowly, and the distance between the railing body 31A and the railing manual 31B increases.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6, the second rail guide 38 extends along the handrail rail 32 from the railing device manual section 33B to the railing device main body section 33A. The second rail guide 38 is located below the railing device manual section 33B and connects the downstream end of the rail manual section 32B to the upstream end of the lower rail section 32C.

[0054] The second rail guide 38 may be immovable relative to the main body of the railing device 33A. The second rail guide 38 may be supported by the fixed cover 34. The second rail guide 38 is formed to extend in the direction of movement of the handrail belt 5 and is configured to guide the downstream end of the rail manual 32B.

[0055] The second rail guide 38 may have a cross-sectional shape similar to that of the first rail guide 37. The second rail guide 38 may include a notch 37c similar to that of the first rail guide 37. The second rail guide 38 has a different arrangement from the first rail guide 37, but can be configured similarly, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0056] Furthermore, a railing device manual (not shown) similar to the railing device manual 33B configured as described above may be located at the lower floor entrance / exit 8 and be movable relative to the railing device main body 33A. This prevents foreign objects from being drawn into the inlet 14 at the lower floor entrance / exit 8 in the passenger conveyor 1 that transports passengers from the upper floor entrance / exit 9 to the lower floor entrance / exit 8. In this case, the biasing mechanism 35, slider mechanism 36, first rail guide 37 and second rail guide 38, etc., used to make the upper floor railing device manual 33B movable may also be used to make the lower floor railing device manual movable.

[0057] As shown in Figure 2, the clutch device 25 is configured to switch ON / OFF the transmission of the driving force of the drive device 3 to the handrail belt sheave 15. When the clutch device 25 is ON, the driving force of the drive device 3 is transmitted to the handrail belt sheave 15, and the handrail belt 5 moves in a circular motion in sync with the steps 2. When the clutch device 25 is OFF, the driving force of the drive device 3 is not transmitted to the handrail belt sheave 15, and the handrail belt 5 does not move in a circular motion. The clutch device 25 can be configured arbitrarily as long as it can switch ON / OFF the transmission of the driving force. For example, the clutch device 25 may be configured to be connected to the drive sprocket 12, or it may be configured to be connected to the handrail belt sheave 15.

[0058] The control device 26 controls the main braking device 22, the belt braking device 23, the idler pulley device 24, and the clutch device 25 based on the detection signal from the inlet switch 21. The control device 26 receives the detection signal from the inlet switch 21. When the control device 26 receives the detection signal from the inlet switch 21, it sends a control signal to the main braking device 22 to brake the drive device 3 and also sends a control signal to the belt braking device 23 to brake the handrail belt 5. In this case, the control device 26 may also send a control signal to the drive device 3 to stop the drive device 3. Furthermore, when the control device 26 receives the detection signal from the inlet switch 21, it sends a control signal to the actuator 24b of the idler pulley device 24 to reduce the tension of the handrail belt 5 and also sends a control signal to the clutch device 25 to turn it OFF. The control device 26 may be located inside the truss 10.

[0059] Next, the operation method of the safety system 20 of the passenger conveyor 1 according to this embodiment, which has the above configuration, will be explained with reference to Figure 10.

[0060] During normal operation of the passenger conveyor 1, if a foreign object is inserted into the inlet 14 provided in the skirt guard 4 at the upper floor entrance / exit 9, the inlet switch 21 detects the foreign object (step S11). The inlet switch 21 transmits a detection signal to the control device 26.

[0061] When the control device 26 receives a detection signal, the main brake 22 and the belt brake 23 are activated (step S12). In this case, the control device 26 transmits a control signal to the main brake 22 and also transmits a control signal to the belt brake 23. As a result, the belt brake 23 grips the handrail belt 5 and stops the circulating movement of the handrail belt 5, and the main brake 22 stops the circulating movement of the step 2. The clutch device 25 is turned OFF. However, there is a time lag between the activation of the main brake 22 and the stopping of the step 2, during which time the step 2 continues to move while decelerating.

[0062] The actuator 24b of the idler pulley device 24 moves the pulley 24a to reduce the tension of the handrail belt 5 (step S13). In this case, the control device 26 sends a control signal to the actuator 24b of the idler pulley device 24 at the same time that it sends a detection signal to the main braking device 22 and the belt braking device 23. As a result, the actuator 24b moves the pulley 24a toward the entrance / exit 8 on the lower floor (see Figure 4), and the tension of the handrail belt 5 is reduced.

[0063] When the tension of the handrail belt 5 decreases, the railing manual section 31B, which is biased by the biasing mechanism 35, moves from the first position to the second position (step S14). More specifically, the pressing force that was pressing the railing device manual section 33B to the first position is reduced by the tension of the handrail belt 5. As a result, the biasing force by the compression spring 35c of the biasing mechanism 35 becomes greater than the pressing force, and the railing device manual section 33B moves to the second position. Therefore, the portion of the handrail belt 5 downstream from the belt braking device 23 moves in the same direction as the movement of the step 2, and synchronization misalignment between the step 2 and the handrail belt 5 can be suppressed.

[0064] Subsequently, step 2 slows down further and comes to a stop (step S15). At this time, the movement of pulley 24a of the idler pulley device 24 also stops, and the handrail belt 5 also stops.

[0065] Next, Figure 11 will be used to explain how to restore the passenger conveyor 1 to a state where it can be operated normally after the safety system 20 has been activated.

[0066] First, a maintenance worker confirms the safety of passenger conveyor belt 1 (step S21).

[0067] Next, a maintenance worker performs a reset operation (step S22). For example, the maintenance worker operates a reset button (not shown) provided on the control device 26.

[0068] The reset operation causes the pulley 24a of the idler pulley device 24 to move back to its position during normal operation, restoring the tension of the handrail belt 5 (step S23).

[0069] The railing device manual section 33B moves to the first position (step S24). As the tension of the handrail belt 5 is restored, the pressing force that pushes the railing device manual section 33B to the first position increases due to the tension of the handrail belt 5. When the pressing force becomes greater than the biasing force of the compression spring 35c of the biasing mechanism 35, the railing device manual section 33B moves to the first position.

[0070] Furthermore, the reset operation releases the main brake 22 and the belt brake 23. This releases the braking of the drive unit 3 by the main brake 22 and the braking of the handrail belt 5 by the belt brake 23. In addition, the clutch device 25 is switched from the OFF state to the ON state.

[0071] In this way, the restoration is completed (step S25). After that, passenger conveyor 1 can be operated normally.

[0072] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the inlet switch 21 detects that foreign matter has been drawn into the inlet 14, the main braking device 22 brakes the drive device 3, and the belt braking device 23 stops the circulating movement of the handrail belt 5 independently of the main braking device 22. In addition, the pulley 24a of the idler pulley device 24 moves to reduce the tension of the handrail belt 5. In this case, the pressing force that was pressing the railing device manual part 33B against the first position is reduced by receiving the tension of the handrail belt 5, and becomes smaller than the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 35. As a result, the railing device manual part 33B can move to a second position spaced apart from the railing device main body part 33A in the direction of movement of the handrail belt 5. Therefore, the portion of the handrail belt 5 downstream from the belt braking device 23 can move in the same direction as the movement of the step 2, and synchronization misalignment between the step 2 and the handrail belt 5 can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to prevent foreign objects from being drawn into the inlet 14 while suppressing the misalignment between the step 2 and the handrail belt 5.

[0073] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the idler pulley device 24 reduces the tension of the handrail belt 5 based on the speed or amount of movement of the step 2 after braking by the main braking device 22. This allows the tension of the handrail belt 5 to be adjusted according to the speed or amount of movement of the step 2. Therefore, synchronization misalignment between the step 2 and the handrail belt 5 can be further suppressed.

[0074] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the biasing mechanism 35 includes a fixed-side bracket 35a that is immovable relative to the main body portion 33A of the railing device, a constant-side bracket 35b supported by the constant portion 33B of the railing device, and a compression spring 35c. The compression spring 35c is interposed in a compressed state between the fixed-side bracket 35a and the constant-side bracket 35b. As a result, the compression spring 35c can bias the constant portion 33B of the railing device toward the second position. Therefore, when the tension of the handrail belt 5 is reduced, the biasing force of the compression spring 35c can move the constant portion 33B of the railing device toward the second position.

[0075] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the railing device 30 includes a pair of fixed covers 34 that cover the railing device body 33A and the railing device manual section 33B from both sides. The fixed-side bracket 35a of the biasing mechanism 35 is supported by the fixed cover 34. This allows the biasing force of the compression spring 35c of the biasing mechanism 35 to be applied to the railing device manual section 33B via the manual-side bracket 35b, thereby biasing the railing device manual section 33B toward the second position.

[0076] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the slider mechanism 36 of the railing device includes a slider 36a supported by the railing device manual 33B and a slider guide 36b that is immovable relative to the railing device body 33A. The slider guide 36b guides the slider 36a, allowing the railing device manual 33B to move smoothly between a first position and a second position. Therefore, when the tension of the handrail belt 5 is reduced, the railing device manual 33B can be smoothly moved to the second position, further suppressing the synchronization misalignment between the steps 2 and the handrail belt 5.

[0077] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the railing device 30 includes a pair of fixed covers 34 that cover the railing device body 33A and the railing device manual 33B from both sides. The slider guide 36b of the slider mechanism 36 is supported by the fixed cover 34. This allows the railing device manual 33B to move smoothly relative to the railing device body 33A, further suppressing synchronization misalignment between the steps 2 and the handrail belt 5.

[0078] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the railing device 30 includes a first rail guide 37 that extends from the railing device body 33A to the railing device manual 33B along the handrail rail 32. The first rail guide 37 is immovable relative to the railing device body 33A and guides the rail manual 32B in the railing device manual 33B. As a result, even when the railing device manual 33B moves between a first position and a second position, the rail manual 32B of the railing device manual 33B is prevented from shifting position. Therefore, the handrail belt 5 can be moved smoothly from the upper part of the rail 32A to the rail manual 32B, and synchronization misalignment between the step 2 and the handrail belt 5 can be further suppressed.

[0079] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first rail guide 37 includes a notch 37c into which the railing manual portion 31B of the railing device manual portion 33B is inserted. This prevents interference between the first rail guide 37 and the railing manual portion 31B.

[0080] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the movement direction of the railing device manual 33B is substantially horizontal. This allows the handrail belt 5 to be moved substantially horizontally when moving the railing device manual 33B from the first position to the second position. As a result, the handrail belt 5 can be moved in the direction of movement of the step 2, and synchronization misalignment between the step 2 and the handrail belt 5 can be further suppressed.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the movement direction of the railing device manual section 33B is substantially horizontal. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the movement direction of the railing device manual section 33B may be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction such that it is displaced upward as it moves away from the first position.

[0082] In the example shown in Figure 12, the railing device manual section 33B positioned at the second position is located above the railing device manual section 33B positioned at the first position.

[0083] As shown in Figure 12, the biasing mechanism 35 is configured to apply a biasing force in the inclined direction relative to the horizontal to the railing device manual section 33B. In this case, the compression spring 35c may be arranged along the inclined direction. The angle between the inclined direction and the horizontal direction is shown as α in Figure 12, and the angle shown as α is arbitrary as long as it is greater than 0° and less than 90°.

[0084] As shown in Figure 12, the slider mechanism 36 guides the movement of the railing device manual 33B in the direction of inclination. In this case, the slider 36a may be formed in a rectangular shape with its longitudinal direction in the direction of inclination. The slider guide 36b may be formed to include a groove extending in the direction of inclination.

[0085] As shown in Figure 12, one end of the first rail guide 37 (the left end in Figure 12) is fixed to the main body 33A of the railing device and guides the upper part 32A of the rail. The other end of the first rail guide 37 (the right end in Figure 12) is fixed to the manual part 33B of the railing device and guides the rail manual part 32B. In the example shown in Figure 12, the first rail guide 37 may have the flexibility to follow the direction of movement of the manual part 33B of the railing device. This allows the first rail guide 37 to flexibly and elastically deform even when the manual part 33B of the railing device is positioned in a second position, enabling a smooth connection between the upper part 32A of the rail and the rail manual part 32B.

[0086] As shown in the example in Figure 12, the direction of movement of the railing device manual 33B is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction so that it is displaced upward as it moves away from the first position. This allows the distance (β shown in Figure 12) between the railing device manual 33B and the floor surface to be increased when the railing device manual 33B is positioned at the second position. This prevents foreign objects drawn into the inlet 14 from getting caught between the railing manual 31B and the floor surface.

[0087] Furthermore, as shown in the example in Figure 12, one end of the first rail guide 37 is fixed to the main body 33A of the railing device, and the other end is fixed to the manual section 33B of the railing device. The first rail guide 37 has the flexibility to follow the direction of movement of the manual section 33B of the railing device. As a result, even when the manual section 33B of the railing device is positioned in the second position, the upper rail section 32A and the rail manual section 32B can be smoothly connected. Therefore, in the region between the upper rail section 32A and the rail manual section 32B, the first rail guide 37 can guide the handrail belt 5. As a result, the handrail belt 5 can be moved smoothly from the upper rail section 32A to the rail manual section 32B, and synchronization misalignment between the steps 2 and the handrail belt 5 can be further suppressed.

[0088] According to the embodiments described above, it is possible to prevent foreign objects from being drawn into the inlet while suppressing the mismatch in synchronization between the movement of the handrail belt and the steps.

[0089] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1: Passenger conveyor, 2: Steps, 3: Drive unit, 4: Skirt guard, 5: Handrail belt, 14: Inlet, 20: Safety system, 21: Inlet switch, 22: Main braking unit, 23: Belt braking unit, 24: Idler pulley unit, 30: Balustrade unit, 31: Balustrade, 32: Handrail rail, 33A: Balustrade unit main body, 33B: Balustrade unit manual, 34: Fixing cover, 35: Biasing mechanism, 35a: Fixed side bracket, 35b: Manual side bracket, 35c: Compression spring, 36: Slider mechanism, 36a: Slider, 36b: Slider guide, 37: First rail guide

Claims

1. A safety system for preventing foreign objects from being drawn into an inlet that pulls in a handrail belt, which is driven by a drive mechanism and moves in a circular motion along with the steps, installed on a passenger conveyor, When the entrapment of the aforementioned foreign object is detected, a main braking device brakes the drive device, When the entrapment of the aforementioned foreign object is detected, a belt braking device is provided that brakes the handrail belt independently of the main braking device, When the entrapment of the aforementioned foreign object is detected, an idler pulley device is provided to reduce the tension of the handrail belt, A pair of railing devices arranged on both sides of the step so as to be in the direction of movement of the step, each including a railing and a handrail extending along the outer edge of the corresponding railing, which guides the handrail belt. Equipped with, The railing device includes a railing device body, a railing device manual part that is movable between a first position where it is located during normal operation and a second position spaced apart from the railing device body in the direction of movement of the handrail belt, and a biasing mechanism that biases the railing device manual part toward the second position. When the idler pulley device reduces the tension of the handrail belt, the railing device manual, which is subjected to the biasing force of the biasing mechanism, moves to the second position. Safety system for passenger conveyors.

2. The idler pulley device reduces the tension of the handrail belt based on the speed or amount of movement of the step after braking by the main braking device. The passenger conveyor safety system according to claim 1.

3. The biasing mechanism includes a fixed bracket that is immovable relative to the main body of the railing device, a constant-side bracket supported by the constant portion of the railing device, and a compression spring interposed in a compressed state between the fixed bracket and the constant-side bracket. The passenger conveyor safety system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The railing device includes a pair of fixing covers that cover the main body of the railing device and the manual part of the railing device from both sides. The fixed bracket is supported by the fixed cover. The passenger conveyor safety system according to claim 3.

5. The railing device further includes a slider mechanism that guides the movement of the railing device manual relative to the railing device body, The slider mechanism includes a slider supported by the manual portion of the railing device, and a slider guide that is immovable relative to the main body of the railing device and guides the slider. The passenger conveyor safety system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The railing device includes a pair of fixing covers that cover the main body of the railing device and the manual part of the railing device from both sides. The slider guide is supported by the fixed cover. The passenger conveyor safety system according to claim 5.

7. The railing device further includes a first rail guide extending from the main body of the railing device along the handrail rail to the manual portion of the railing device, which is immovable relative to the main body of the railing device and guides the portion of the handrail rail in the manual portion of the railing device. The passenger conveyor safety system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The first rail guide includes a notch into which the portion of the railing in the railing device manual is inserted. The passenger conveyor safety system according to claim 7.

9. The movement direction of the manual portion of the railing device is approximately horizontal. The passenger conveyor safety system according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The movement direction of the manual portion of the railing device is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction such that it is displaced upward as it moves away from the first position. The passenger conveyor safety system according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The railing device further includes a rail guide extending from the main body of the railing device to the manual portion of the railing device along the handrail rail, with one end fixed to the main body of the railing device and the other end fixed to the manual portion of the railing device, which guides the portion of the handrail rail in the manual portion of the railing device. The rail guide has the flexibility to follow the direction of movement of the railing device's manual section. The passenger conveyor safety system according to claim 10.

12. The system further includes an inlet switch for detecting the inflow of foreign matter into the inlet, The main braking device brakes the drive unit based on the detection signal from the inlet switch. The belt braking device brakes the handrail belt based on the detection signal from the inlet switch. The passenger conveyor safety system according to claim 1 or 2.

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