Passenger conveyor

Abstract

To provide a passenger conveyor that is able to prevent falling of foreign matter into a truss while suppressing deformation of a closing body.SOLUTION: A passenger conveyor according to the present disclosure includes: a truss 2; a plurality of steps 4 that are movable along an endless moving path including a forward path portion and a return path portion and that are supported by the truss 2; and a skirt guard 6 disposed along the forward path portion and facing a side surface of each step 4 moving along the forward path portion. Each step 4 has a closing mechanism 44 and an interlocking mechanism 45, and the closing mechanism 44 has a pair of closing bodies 440. Each closing body 440 can be positioned at an advanced position and a retracted position by the interlocking mechanism 45. When the closing body 440 is at the advanced position, the gap between each step 4 and the skirt guard 6 is closed by the closing body 440. Each closing body 440 of each step 4 in a reverse posture B is located at the retracted position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a passenger conveyor having multiple steps. [Background technology]

[0002] In conventional passenger conveyors, brushes acting as gap blockers were attached to the side of the steps to prevent foreign objects from falling into the truss through the gap between the side of the steps and the skirt guard (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 7-28175 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The conventional technology shown in Patent Document 1 had a problem in that the gap closure body would hit a structure within the truss when the step was moving on the return side within the truss, causing deformation of the gap closure body.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a passenger conveyor that can suppress deformation of the closure body while suppressing the falling of foreign objects into the truss. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The passenger conveyor according to the present disclosure is capable of moving along an endless path including a truss, an outward section and a return section, and comprises a plurality of steps supported by the truss, a skirt guard arranged along the outward section and facing the side of the steps moving along the outward section, and a pair of operating mechanisms provided on the truss, and when moving along the outward section, each step is in a normal position in which passengers can be carried, and each step has a closing mechanism and an interlocking mechanism, and each closing mechanism has a pair of closing bodies that are movable relative to the step between a forward position protruding from the side of the step and a retracted position retracted toward the step from the forward position. The interlocking mechanism is linked to the movement of each closure body relative to the steps, and the operating mechanisms are arranged at respective positions corresponding to both ends of the forward path section, and each operating mechanism has an advance operation section and a retraction operation section, and each closure body moves to the forward position when the advance operation section applies an operating force to the interlocking mechanism, and each closure body moves to the retracted position when the retraction operation section applies an operating force to the interlocking mechanism, and when each closure body is in the forward position, the gap between the side of the step and the skirt guard is blocked by the closure body when the step is in the forward path section, and when the step moves on the return path section, the closure body is in the retracted position. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the passenger conveyor of the present disclosure, deformation of the closing body can be prevented while suppressing the falling of foreign objects into the passenger conveyor. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing an entire passenger conveyor according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the step in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of the entrance and exit of the escalator in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3, showing a state in which the pair of closing bodies are located at a retracted position. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the side of the entrance / exit of an escalator according to embodiment 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1 1 is a side view showing an entire passenger conveyor according to embodiment 1. The passenger conveyor in embodiment 1 is an escalator 1.

[0010] A truss 2 is installed between the lower floor LF and the upper floor UF, which is located at a higher position than the lower floor LF. A first end in the longitudinal direction of the truss 2 is supported by the building section of the lower floor LF as the lower end of the truss 2. A second end in the longitudinal direction of the truss 2 is supported by the building section of the upper floor UF as the upper end of the truss 2. In addition, the truss 2 is installed between the lower floor LF and the upper floor UF with the width direction of the truss 2, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the truss 2, horizontal.

[0011] A plurality of steps 4 are supported on the truss 2 and are connected in an endless manner. The steps 4 move in a circular manner along an endless moving path set between the lower end and the upper end of the truss 2. The moving path of each step 4 has an outward path section between the lower end and the upper end of the truss 2, a return path section located below the outward path section within the truss 2, and a pair of inverted sections connecting the outward path section and the return path section at the lower end and the upper end of the truss 2. The state of each step moving along the outward path section is a normal posture state A in which passengers can be carried. The state of each step moving along the return path section is a reverse posture state B in which the steps 4 are upside down with respect to the normal posture state A. That is, the state of the step 4 on the outward path section is the normal posture state A, and the state of the step 4 on the return path section is the reverse posture state B.

[0012] The escalator 1 is provided with a pair of entrance / exit doors 5. The entrance / exit doors 5 are located at both ends of the escalator 1 in the longitudinal direction. The entrance / exit doors 5 serve as boarding passages for passengers to board the escalator 1 from the lower floor LF or the upper floor UF, and as disembarking passages for passengers to disembark from the escalator 1 to the lower floor LF or the upper floor UF. The floor of each entrance / exit door 5 is composed of a floor plate 51. That is, passengers get on and off the escalator 1 by passing over the floor plate 51. The floor plate 51 is located above the upper end and the lower end of the truss 2.

[0013] A pair of balustrades (not shown) are provided on the upper part of the truss 2. Skirt guards 6 are provided on the lower part of each balustrade. The pair of skirt guards 6 are arranged opposite each other so as to sandwich a plurality of steps 4 on the outward path. In other words, the pair of skirt guards 6 are arranged along the outward path. Each skirt guard 6 faces a side of a step 4 moving on the outward path.

[0014] A control device (not shown) that controls the operation of the escalator 1 and a driving machine (not shown) that is controlled by the control device are provided inside the upper end of the truss 2. The multiple steps 4 circulate along the travel path by the driving force of the driving machine.

[0015] A pair of outer rails 30 and a pair of inner rails 31 are supported on the truss 2. The pair of outer rails 30 and the pair of inner rails 31 guide the movement of the steps 4. In other words, the pair of outer rails 30 and the pair of inner rails 31 define a movement path for the multiple steps 4 that are endlessly connected.

[0016] A pair of operation mechanisms 7 are provided on the truss 2. The operation mechanisms 7 are disposed at positions corresponding to both ends of the forward path of the movement path.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the step in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. The step 4 has a step 41, a bracket 42, a riser 43, a closing mechanism 44, and an interlocking mechanism 45. In the present disclosure, when the escalator 1 is viewed from above, the length direction of the step 41 coincides with the moving direction of the step 4. When the escalator 1 is viewed from above, the width direction of the step 41 coincides with a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the step 4. The width direction of the step 41 is equal to the width direction of the truss 2. The surface of the step 41 on which passengers stand is referred to as the boarding surface, and the surface behind the boarding surface is referred to as the back surface.

[0018] A closing mechanism 44 and an interlocking mechanism 45 are provided on the back side of the step board 41. The closing mechanism 44 has a pair of closing bodies 440. Each closing body 440 is movable along the width direction of the step board 41.

[0019] Each closure 440 has a closure body 441, a brush attachment part 442, and a brush part 443 composed of a brush. The brush attachment part 442 is a long member, and is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the brush attachment part 442 is along the longitudinal direction of the step board 41. The longitudinal length of the brush attachment part 442 is equal to the longitudinal length of the step board 41. One end of the closure body 441 is connected to the central part of the longitudinal direction of the brush attachment part 442. That is, the closure 440 is T-shaped with the brush attachment part 442 and the closure body 441. The brush part 443 is provided on the part of the brush attachment part 442 opposite to the side where the closure body 441 is attached. The brush part 443 is provided along the longitudinal direction of the brush attachment part 442.

[0020] Each of the closure bodies 440 is movable between a forward position and a retracted position. When each of the closure bodies 440 is located at the forward position, the tip of each of the closure bodies 440 facing the skirt guard 6 is located at a position protruding from the side of the step 4. That is, when each of the closure bodies 440 is located at the forward position, at least the tip of the brush part 443 passes through the opening of the bracket 42 and protrudes outward in the width direction of the step 41. When each of the closure bodies 440 is located at the retracted position, the tip of each of the closure bodies 440 facing the skirt guard 6 is located at a position retracted toward the step 4 side from the forward position. That is, when each of the closure bodies 440 is located at the retracted position, the brush part 443 is located at a position more inward in the width direction of the step 41 than when the closure body 440 is located at the forward position.

[0021] When the closing body 440 is located at the forward position, the brush portion 443 comes into contact with the opposing skirt guard 6. This makes it possible to close the gap between the skirt guard 6 and the step 4. Figures 2 and 3 show the state when each closing body 440 is located at the forward position.

[0022] The interlocking mechanism 45 has a closure receiving member 451 , a retreat receiving member 452 , a rotating member 453 , a transmission member 454 , a pair of link members 455 , a pair of closure holding members 457 , and a pair of retreat holding portions 458 .

[0023] The closure receiving member 451 has a rod-shaped main body 4511 and a large diameter portion 4510 provided at the middle position in the longitudinal direction of the main body 4511. The closure receiving member 451 is supported by a pair of closure stays 4512. Each closure stay 4512 is supported on the back surface of the footboard 41 by a member not shown. Each closure stay 4512 is provided with a through hole having a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the main body 4511 and smaller than the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 4510. The main body 4511 is inserted into each through hole. The large diameter portion 4510 is located between the pair of closure stays 4512. This prevents the closure receiving member 451 from falling off the pair of closure stays 4512.

[0024] The evacuation receiving member 452 has a rod-shaped main body 4521 and a large diameter portion 4520 provided at a longitudinal intermediate position of the main body 4521. The evacuation receiving member 452 is supported by a pair of evacuation stays 4522. Each of the evacuation stays 4522 is supported on the rear surface of the step board 41 by a member not shown. Each of the evacuation stays 4522 is provided with a through hole having a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the main body 4521 and smaller than the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 4520. The main body 4511 is inserted into each through hole. The large diameter portion 4520 is located between the pair of evacuation stays 4522. This prevents the evacuation receiving member 452 from falling off the pair of evacuation stays 4522.

[0025] The closure receiving member 451 and the retreat receiving member 452 are movable along the normal direction of the rear surface of the step board 41.

[0026] The rotating member 453 is supported on the rear surface of the step board 41 so as to be rotatable around the center of the rotating member 453. One end of the rotating member 453 is pushed by the closure receiving member 451 which has moved in a direction approaching the step board 41, and the rotating member 453 rotates in one direction around the center of the rotating member 453. The other end of the rotating member 453 is pushed by the retraction receiving member 452 which has moved in a direction approaching the step board 41, and the rotating member 453 rotates in the other direction opposite to the one direction around the center of the rotating member 453.

[0027] One end of the transmission member 454 is rotatably connected to one end of the rotating member 453. One end of each link member 455 is rotatably connected to the other end of the transmission member 454. The other end of each link member 455 is rotatably connected to an end of the corresponding closure body 441.

[0028] The closure retaining member 457 is supported on the back surface of the tread 41. The closure retaining member 457 supports the closure body 440. A recess 4570 is provided on the surface of the closure retaining member 457 facing the closure body 440. The recess 4570 is provided at a position where the brush attachment portion 442 of the closure body 440 positioned in the forward position fits into it.

[0029] The retraction holding portion 458 is a protrusion provided on the back surface of the tread 41. The retraction holding portion 458 is provided on the outer side in the width direction of the tread 41 than the brush attachment portion 442 of the closure body 440 positioned in the retracted position.

[0030] When the step 4 is in the normal posture state A, the brush attachment portion 442 of the closure body 440 located in the forward position fits into the recess 4570. This prevents the closure body 440 from moving to the retracted position, and the position of the closure body 440 is maintained in the forward position. When the step 4 is in the reverse posture state B, the brush attachment portion 442 of the closure body 440 located in the retracted position gets caught by the retracted holding portion 458. This prevents the closure body 440 from moving to the forward position, and the position of the closure body 440 is maintained in the retracted position.

[0031] Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the side of the escalator entrance in Fig. 1. Of the multiple steps 4 that are endlessly connected, only two steps 4 are shown in Fig. 4. Of the pair of entrances 5, only the side of the entrance 5 on the lower floor LF is shown in Fig. 4. Arrow C indicates the operating direction of the escalator 1, and the movement direction of each step 4. The operation mechanism 7 has an advance operation unit 71 and an evacuation operation unit 72.

[0032] The operating mechanism 7 is provided inside the width of the step 4 when viewed from above. The operating mechanism 7 is provided between lines L1 and L2 in FIG. 4. Line L1 is a vertical line that passes through the position where the movement path of the step 4 changes from the reversing section to the forward section. Line L2 is a vertical line that passes through the tip of the end of the floor board 51. When the step 4 passes over line L2, it is exposed from the floor board 51.

[0033] The forward movement operation portion 71 is provided at a position closer to the line L2 than the retreat operation portion 72. In the width direction of the step board 41, the positions of the forward movement operation portion 71 and the retreat operation portion 72 are different from each other.

[0034] The advance operation part 71 is provided at a position where it abuts against the closure receiving member 451 of the step 4 that passes directly above the advance operation part 71. The retreat operation part 72 is provided at a position where it abuts against the retreat receiving member 452 of the step 4 that passes directly above the advance operation part 71. In other words, the advance operation part 71 and the retreat operation part 72 are fixed to the truss 2 so that the top of the advance operation part 71 and the top of the retreat operation part 72 are located on the path along which the interlocking mechanism 45 moves.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3, showing a state in which the pair of closing bodies 440 are located at the retracted position.

[0036] Next, the operation of the escalator 1 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0037] When the escalator 1 starts operating, the multiple steps 4, which are connected in an endless manner, move in a circular motion on the endless movement path. As a result, each step 4 alternates between a normal posture A and a reverse posture B. In FIG. 4, when the step 4 moves in the direction of the arrow C, it passes through a reversal section in the movement path and enters the outward path section. The step 4 that has entered the outward path section is in the normal posture A. When the step 4 moves further, the retraction operating section 72 comes into contact with the retraction receiving member 452. That is, an operating force is applied from the operating mechanism 7 to the interlocking mechanism 45.

[0038] When the retraction operation part 72 hits the retraction receiving member 452, the retraction receiving member 452 is pushed up as shown in Fig. 5. This causes the rotating member 453 to rotate in the other direction, the retraction direction. One end of the rotating member 453 is pulled down, and the transmission member 454 connected to the rotating member 453 is also pulled down. This causes one end of the pair of link members 455 connected to the transmission member 454 to be pulled down. Therefore, the end of each closing body 440 is pulled, and each closing body 440 moves to the retracted position.

[0039] When the steps 4 move further due to the operation of the escalator 1, the retraction receiving member 452 separates from the retraction operation part 72. This causes the retraction receiving member 452 to fall downward. That is, the operating force transmitted from the operation mechanism 7 to the interlocking mechanism 45 is lost. Even if the retraction receiving member 452 falls, the pair of closure bodies 440 are maintained in the retracted position due to the weight of each member of the interlocking mechanism 45. For example, the weight of the pair of link members 455 is such that the rotating member 453 can maintain the position rotated in the retracted direction.

[0040] Furthermore, as the operation of the escalator 1 progresses, the forward operation part 71 comes into contact with the closure receiving member 451. That is, the operation force is transmitted from the operation mechanism 7 to the interlocking mechanism 45. Then, the closure receiving member 451 is pushed up. FIG. 3 shows the state at this time. The pushed-up closure receiving member 451 rotates the rotating member 453 in the closing direction, which is the opposite direction to the retreating direction. Then, the rotating member 453 pushes up the transmission member 454. As a result, one end of the pair of link members 455 is pushed up, and each closure body 440 moves to the forward position. When each closure body 440 is located in the forward position, each brush attachment part 442 is caught in the recess 4570. This allows the pair of closure bodies 440 to remain in the forward position.

[0041] Furthermore, as the operation of the escalator 1 progresses, the steps 4 move and the closure receiving member 451 separates from the forward operation part 71. This causes the closure receiving member 451 to fall downward. In other words, the operating force transmitted from the operation mechanism 7 to the interlocking mechanism 45 is lost. Even if the closure receiving member 451 falls, each brush attachment part 442 is caught in the recess 4570, so that the pair of closure bodies 440 are maintained in the forward position.

[0042] As the escalator 1 continues to operate, the step 4 reaches the entrance 5 where passengers disembark. Then, the forward operation part 71 first comes into contact with the closure receiving member 451. However, since the positions of the pair of closure bodies 440 are already maintained in the forward position, the positions of the pair of closure bodies 440 do not change.

[0043] As the operation of the escalator 1 continues, the closure receiving member 451 moves away from the forward operation unit 71. Next, the evacuation receiving member 452 approaches the evacuation operation unit 72, and eventually the evacuation operation unit 72 comes into contact with the evacuation receiving member 452. The interlocking mechanism 45 receives an operating force from the evacuation operation unit 72 and moves the pair of closure bodies 440 to the evacuation position. As the operation of the escalator 1 continues, the evacuation receiving member 452 moves away from the evacuation operation unit 72. Thereafter, the step 4 enters the reversing section from the forward path section of the movement path, and then enters the return path section. At this time, the state of the step 4 transitions from the normal posture state A to the reverse posture state B.

[0044] When the steps 4 reach the reverse posture state B, the pair of closure bodies 440 fall by their own weight so as to approach the step board 41. At this time, since the pair of closure bodies 440 are located in the retracted position, the brush attachment parts 442 are caught by the retracted holding parts 458. This keeps the pair of closure bodies 440 in the retracted position. In this state, the steps 4 move along the return path and reach the boarding / alighting door 5 on the passenger boarding side.

[0045] After this, the steps 4 move along an endless moving path. Therefore, as long as the escalator 1 continues to operate, the steps 4 repeat the above-mentioned operations.

[0046] In such an escalator 1, the pair of closure bodies 440 can be moved between a forward position and a retreated position by the interlocking mechanism 45. When the step 4 is in the normal posture state A, each closure body 440 is located at the forward position. That is, when the step 4 is in the normal posture state A, each closure body 440 protrudes from the step 4 to the opposing skirt guard 6. Therefore, the pair of closure bodies 440 close the gap between the skirt guard 6 and the step 4, and can suppress the fall of foreign objects into the truss 2. When the step 4 is in the reverse posture state B, each closure body 440 is located at the retreated position. That is, when the step 4 is in the reverse posture state B, the closure body 440 retreats inside the step 4. Therefore, the pair of closure bodies 440 can be prevented from hitting the structure in the truss 2, and each closure body 440 can be suppressed.

[0047] In addition, the operation mechanism 7 is disposed at a position corresponding to each of the entrances 5. This allows the pair of closure bodies 440 to be moved to the forward position or the retreat position regardless of the operating direction of the passenger conveyor, thus providing a versatile escalator.

[0048] In addition, the forward operation unit 71 is provided at a position closer to the center of the forward path section than the retreat operation unit 72. This allows the pair of closure bodies 440 to always be mechanically positioned at the retreat position when each step 4 moves from the forward path section to the reversal section. This makes it possible to prevent the pair of closure bodies 440 from hitting the structure on the lower side of the escalator 1 when the step 4 is moving in the return path section. This makes it possible to prevent the pair of closure bodies 440 from hitting the structure within the truss 2, and to suppress deformation of each closure body 440.

[0049] In the first embodiment, each operation mechanism 7 is supported by the truss 2. However, this is not limited to this. For example, each operation mechanism 7 may be supported by either one of the pair of outer rails 30 or the pair of inner rails 31.

[0050] Moreover, the brush portion 443 in the first embodiment has a brush. However, this is not limited to this. Instead of a brush, a member having a rigidity that minimizes damage to the surface of the skirt guard 6 even when the brush portion 443 comes into contact with the surface of the skirt guard 6 and has a rigidity that closes the gap between the skirt guard 6 and the step 4 may be used. For example, a flexible member such as soft resin, rubber, or cloth may be used.

[0051] In the first embodiment, the recess 4570 of the closure holding member 457 or the retracted holding portion 458 is used to maintain the pair of closure bodies 440 in the forward position or the retracted position. However, this is not limited to this. For example, a mechanical mechanism serving as a stopper may be used for the rotation shaft of the rotation member 453 or the pair of link members 455. A spring member may be used appropriately for each member of the interlocking mechanism 45. A soft member such as plastic or rubber may be interposed at the rotatably connected portion of each member of the interlocking mechanism 45 to provide resistance when each member rotates. This can prevent unexpected rotational movement of each member.

[0052] Embodiment 2 Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Fig. 3 according to embodiment 2. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Fig. 6.

[0053] The interlocking mechanism 45 has a closure receiving member 451, a retreat receiving member 452, a wire mechanism 461, a shaft member 462, a pair of rack members 463, a pair of closure holding members 457, and a pair of retreat holding portions 458. The closure receiving member 451, the retreat receiving member 452, the pair of closure holding members 457, and the pair of retreat holding portions 458 are not shown in Fig. 6.

[0054] The wire mechanism 461 includes a ring 4610, a pair of wires 4611, and a pair of support members 4612 supported on the back surface of the step board 41. The support members 4612 are hollow members such as pipes. Each wire 4611 is inserted into and supported by the support members 4612. One end of each wire 4611 is connected to the ring 4610. Each wire 4611 is bent 90° in accordance with the support members 4612. In other words, the other end of each wire 4611 is arranged to face in a direction away from the back surface of the step board 41.

[0055] The closure receiving member 451 is disposed in a position where it can push the other end of one of the pair of wires 4611 by moving in a direction approaching the step board 41. The retreat receiving member 452 is disposed in a position where it can push the other end of the other of the pair of wires 4611 when it moves in a direction approaching the step board 41.

[0056] The shaft member 462 is rotatably supported on the back surface of the step board 41. The direction of the rotation axis of the shaft member 462 is the same as the normal direction of the back surface of the step board 41.

[0057] The shaft member 462 has a shaft body 4620 and a protruding pin 4621 provided at an end of the shaft body 4620 far from the step 41. A gear part 4622 having teeth formed on the surface of the shaft body 4620 is provided at an end of the shaft body 4620 close to the step 41. The protruding pin 4621 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft body 4620 so as to protrude along the radial direction of the shaft body 4620. The protruding pin 4621 is arranged so as to be inserted into the ring 4610.

[0058] The rack member 463 has a rack portion 4631 having teeth formed thereon at one end thereof. As shown in Fig. 7, the pair of rack members 463 are disposed to face each other with the gear portion 4622 therebetween. Each rack portion 4631 is engaged with the gear portion 4622.

[0059] The other end of each rack member 463 is disposed so as to face outward in the width direction of the footboard 41. The other end of each rack member 463 is connected to an end portion of the corresponding closure body 440.

[0060] Next, the operation of the escalator 1 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0061] When the escalator 1 is operated, the retraction operation part 72 comes into contact with the retraction receiving member 452. Then, the retraction receiving member 452 is pushed up. As a result, the end of the other wire 4611 of the pair of wires 4611 is also pushed up at the same time. The other wire 4611 has its moving direction changed by the support member 4612, and pushes the ring 4610 in one direction in the width direction of the tread 41. As the ring 4610 moves, the protruding pin 4621 is pushed, and the shaft main body 4620 rotates in one direction. Since the gear part 4622 and the rack part are engaged with each other, the pair of rack members 463 move inward in the width direction of the tread 41 due to the rotation of the shaft main body 4620. Therefore, the pair of rack members 463 move the pair of closure bodies 440 to the retracted position.

[0062] When the forward operation part 71 hits the closure receiving member 451, the closure receiving member 451 is pushed up. The pushed up closure receiving member 451 simultaneously pushes up the end of one of the pair of wires 4611. The moving direction of one of the wires 4611 is changed by the support member 4612, and the ring 4610 is pushed in the other direction opposite to the one direction in the width direction of the footboard 41. As the ring 4610 moves, the protruding pin 4621 is pushed, and the shaft body 4620 rotates in the other direction opposite to the one direction. As the shaft body 4620 rotates, the pair of rack members 463 move outward in the width direction of the footboard 41. Therefore, the pair of rack members 463 move the pair of closure bodies 440 to the forward position.

[0063] Other configurations in the second embodiment are similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0064] With this configuration as well, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0065] Embodiment 3 Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of a side surface of an entrance / exit of an escalator according to embodiment 3. Fig. 9 is a view corresponding to Fig. 4 in embodiment 1.

[0066] The escalator 1 further includes a pair of detectors 8. Each detector 8 is provided on the skirt guard 6. The detectors 8 are disposed at positions corresponding to each of the entrances 5. The detectors 8 detect whether or not a passenger is present at the entrance 5. That is, the detectors 8 detect whether or not a passenger is passing through the entrance 5 and heading toward the steps 4.

[0067] The operation mechanism 7 further includes a drive device 73 and a control unit (not shown). The drive device 73 can generate a drive force for moving the forward operation part 71 between a protruding position and a retracted position. The protruding position is a position where the forward operation part 71 protrudes and abuts against the closure receiving member 451. That is, when the forward operation part 71 is located at the protruding position, the top of the forward operation part 71 is located on the movement path of the interlocking mechanism 45. The retracted position is a position where the forward operation part 71 retracts and does not abut against the closure receiving member 451. That is, when the forward operation part 71 is located at the retracted position, the forward operation part 71 is removed from the movement path of the interlocking mechanism 45. The drive device 73 can be a well-known mechanism. Examples of well-known mechanisms include a mechanism that is driven by air pressure or hydraulic pressure using an electromagnetic valve, and a mechanism that is driven electrically using a motor.

[0068] The detector 8 outputs a signal based on the detection result as to whether or not there is a passenger at the boarding / alighting entrance 5 to the control unit. The control unit controls the drive device 73 based on the signal input from the detector 8. The drive device 73 generates a force to move the forward movement operation unit 71 to the extended position or the retracted position. The control unit controls the drive device 73 based on preset conditions.

[0069] Information on the rotation direction of the escalator 1 is input to the control unit. Based on the information on the rotation direction of the escalator 1, the control unit recognizes whether each operating mechanism 7 is located at the boarding entrance 5 of the escalator 1 or at the boarding entrance 5 of the escalator 1. The control unit in the operating mechanism 7 provided at the boarding entrance 5 of the escalator 1 on the disembarking side controls the drive device 73 so that the forward operating unit 71 is always located in the backward position. As a result, the pair of closure bodies 440 are not moved by the forward operating unit 71.

[0070] The control unit of the operating mechanism 7 provided at the boarding entrance 5 on the boarding side of the escalator 1 controls the drive device 73 as follows.

[0071] The control unit controls the drive device 73 so that the forward operation unit 71 is located at the protruding position for a period of T2 seconds starting from T1 seconds after the detector 8 detects a passenger. During the rest of the time, the control unit controls the drive device 73 so that the forward operation unit 71 is located at the retracted position, where T1≧0 and T2>0.

[0072] T1 and T2 can be set appropriately. For example, in the escalator 1 operated for the upward movement, it is assumed that it is necessary to close the gap between each step 4 and the skirt guard 6 for the step 4A on which a passenger is standing, the two steps 4b following the step 4A, and the step 4c. In this case, the time from when the detector 8 detects a passenger to when the driving device 73 is controlled to generate a driving force so that the forward operation part 71 hits the closure receiving member 451 of the step 4A on which the passenger is expected to board is set as T1. The time T1 is set based on factors such as the moving speed of the step 4, the position of the passenger when the detector 8 detects, the installation position of the forward operation part 71, and the moving speed of the passenger at the boarding / alighting entrance 5. For example, the faster the moving speed of the step 4 is, the smaller T1 is set. For example, the farther the distance between the passenger and the step 4 when the detector 8 detects is, the larger T1 is set.

[0073] The time T2 is set as the time from when the forward movement operating part 71 moves to the protruding position until each closure receiving member 451 of the steps 4A, 4b, and 4c hits the forward movement operating part 71 and finishes passing directly above the forward movement operating part 71. The time T2 is set based on a number of factors, such as the movement speed of the steps 4 and the movement speed of the forward movement operating part 71. For example, the faster the movement speed of the steps 4 is, the smaller T2 is set.

[0074] By setting the times T1 and T2 in this manner, the pair of closure bodies 440 for the steps 4A to 4c on which passengers board can be positioned in the forward position.

[0075] When the escalator 1 is operated for the downward movement, for example, it is necessary to close the gaps between each step 4 and the skirt guard 6 for step 4A on which a passenger is standing, step 4d one step ahead of step 4A, and step 4e one step ahead of step 4d. In this case, T1 is set to the time from when detector 8 detects a passenger to when control is performed to generate the driving force of drive device 73 so that forward operation part 71 hits closure receiving member 451 of step 4e two steps ahead of step 4A where the passenger is expected to board.

[0076] At this time, unlike when the escalator 1 is operated for ascending, when it is operated for descending, T1=0 may occur. That is, as soon as the detector 8 detects a passenger, it may be necessary to control the drive device 73 so that the forward operation unit 71 is located at the protruding position. This allows the pair of closure bodies 440 of the frontmost step 4e to be located at the forward position. Depending on the moving speed of the escalator 1, it may be impossible to position the pair of closure bodies 440 of the step 4e at the forward position. In such a case, it is necessary to take measures such as slowing down the moving speed of the step 4, enabling the detector 8 to detect passengers at an earlier stage, or moving the installation position of the forward operation unit 71 closer to the line L2 in FIG. 9, i.e., closer to the center of the forward section.

[0077] The time T2 may be set to the time from when the forward movement operating part 71 moves to the protruding position until each closure receiving member 451 of steps 4e, 4d and 4A hits the forward movement operating part 71 and finishes passing directly above the forward movement operating part 71.

[0078] By setting the times T1 and T2 in this manner, it is possible to position the pair of closure bodies 440 of the steps 4e and 4d preceding the step 4A where passengers board at their forward positions.

[0079] Other configurations in the third embodiment are similar to those in the first or second embodiment.

[0080] In such an escalator 1, the positions of the pair of closure bodies 440 of the steps 4 in the normal posture state A can be determined based on any condition as to whether they are to be in the forward position or the retreat position. This can further reduce unnecessary contact between the skirt guard 6 and the closure bodies 440. This can suppress deformation of each closure body 440. Also, the occurrence of scratches on the surface of the skirt guard 6 can be suppressed. Furthermore, noise due to friction between the skirt guard 6 and each closure body 440 can be prevented.

[0081] In addition, based on the detection results of the detector 8 arranged at each boarding / alighting entrance 5, the pair of closing bodies 440 can be moved to the protruding position or the retracted position depending on the presence or absence of passengers. This can further reduce unnecessary contact between the skirt guard 6 and the closing bodies 440. This can suppress deformation of each closing body 440. Also, the occurrence of scratches on the surface of the skirt guard 6 can be suppressed. Furthermore, noise due to friction between the skirt guard 6 and each closing body 440 can be prevented.

[0082] In addition, the detector 8 of the third embodiment may be provided in a plurality of units. For example, a detector 8 may be provided on each skirt guard 6. That is, a pair of detectors 8 may be provided so as to face each other. This allows passengers to be detected more reliably by the plurality of detectors 8. Furthermore, a plurality of detectors 8 may be provided along the path of the boarding / alighting entrance 5. This allows the moving speed of the passengers to be calculated. Therefore, the operating mechanism 7 can be controlled according to the moving speed. Therefore, it is possible to position the pair of closure bodies 440 of the steps 4 in the most suitable forward position according to the moving speed of the passengers. This allows foreign objects to be further prevented from falling into the truss 2.

[0083] Moreover, the escalators in the first to third embodiments may be moving walkways. In other words, the technical ideas in the first to third embodiments can be applied to passenger conveyors in general. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1 escalator, 2 truss, 4 step, 5 boarding / alighting door, 6 skirt guard, 7 operation mechanism, 8 detector, 30 outer rail, 31 inner rail, 41 footboard, 42 bracket, 43 riser, 44 closing mechanism, 45 interlocking mechanism, 71 forward operation section, 72 evacuation operation section, 73 drive device, 440 closing body, 441 closing body main body, 442 brush attachment section, 443 brush section, 451 closing receiving member, 452 evacuation receiving member, 453 rotating member, 454 transmission member, 455 link member, 457 closing retaining member, 458 evacuation retaining section, 461 wire mechanism, 462 shaft member, 463 rack member, 4510 large diameter section, 4511 main body section, 4512 closing stay, 4520 large diameter section, 4521 Main body portion, 4522, retraction stay, 4570, recess, 4610, ring, 4611, wire, 4612, support member, 4620, shaft main body, 4621, protruding pin, 4622, gear portion, 4631, rack portion.

Claims

1. Truss and A plurality of steps that can move along an endless moving path including a forward path section and a return path section and are supported by the truss; A skirt guard is disposed along the outward path portion and faces a side surface of the step moving along the outward path portion; A pair of operating mechanisms provided on the truss; Equipped with When the stepping rail moves along the outward path, the stepping rail is in a normal posture capable of carrying passengers. Each of the steps has a closing mechanism and an interlocking mechanism, Each of the closing mechanisms has a pair of closing bodies movable relative to the step between a forward position protruding from the side surface of the step and a retracted position retracted toward the step side from the forward position, The interlocking mechanism is interlocked with the movement of each of the closure bodies relative to the steps, The pair of operation mechanisms are disposed at positions corresponding to both ends of the forward path section, Each of the operation mechanisms has an advance operation portion and a retreat operation portion, Each of the closure bodies is moved to the forward position by applying an operating force to the interlocking mechanism by the forward operating part, Each of the closure bodies is moved to the retracted position by applying an operating force to the interlocking mechanism by the retraction operating portion, When each of the closure bodies is located at the forward position, when the step is in the forward path portion, the gap between the side surface of the step and the skirt guard is closed by the closure body, When moving along the return path, the closure is located at the retracted position on the step, The forward movement operation unit is provided at a position closer to the center of the forward path section than the retreat operation unit in the moving direction of the steps. Passenger conveyor.

2. The operation mechanism further includes a drive device and a control unit that controls the drive device, the forward movement operation unit is movable between a protruding position where the forward movement operation unit abuts against the interlocking mechanism and a retracted position where the forward movement operation unit is retracted from the interlocking mechanism relative to the protruding position, The drive device is capable of generating a drive force that moves the forward movement operation unit, When the forward movement operation portion is in the protruding position, the forward movement operation portion abuts against the interlocking mechanism to apply an operation force to the interlocking mechanism, When the forward movement operating unit is in the retreat position, the forward movement operating unit is out of a path along which the interlocking mechanism moves, The retraction operation unit is disposed at a position where the retraction operation unit abuts against the interlocking mechanism, The retraction operation part applies an operation force by contacting the interlocking mechanism, The control unit controls the drive device to move the forward movement operation unit to the protruding position or the retracted position.

2. A passenger conveyor as claimed in claim 1.

3. Further comprising a pair of detectors; The detectors are disposed at positions corresponding to the respective boarding and alighting gates, The detector detects the presence or absence of a passenger passing through the boarding / alighting entrance and heading toward the step; The control unit controls the drive device based on a detection result of the presence or absence of the passenger by the detector, thereby moving the forward movement operation unit to the protruding position or the retracting position. A passenger conveyor as claimed in claim 2.

4. A truss; A plurality of steps that can move along an endless moving path including a forward path section and a return path section and are supported by the truss; A skirt guard is disposed along the outward path portion and faces a side surface of the step moving along the outward path portion; A pair of operating mechanisms provided on the truss; Equipped with When the stepping rail moves along the outward path, the stepping rail is in a normal posture capable of carrying passengers. Each of the steps has a closing mechanism and an interlocking mechanism, Each of the closing mechanisms has a pair of closing bodies movable relative to the step between a forward position protruding from the side surface of the step and a retracted position retracted toward the step side from the forward position, The interlocking mechanism is interlocked with the movement of each of the closure bodies relative to the steps, The pair of operation mechanisms are disposed at positions corresponding to both ends of the forward path section, Each of the operation mechanisms has an advance operation portion and a retreat operation portion, Each of the closure bodies is moved to the forward position by applying an operating force to the interlocking mechanism by the forward operating part, Each of the closure bodies is moved to the retracted position by applying an operating force to the interlocking mechanism by the retraction operating portion, When each of the closure bodies is located at the forward position, when the step is in the forward path portion, the gap between the side surface of the step and the skirt guard is closed by the closure body, When moving along the return path, the closure is located at the retracted position on the step, The operation mechanism further includes a drive device and a control unit that controls the drive device, the forward movement operation unit is movable between a protruding position where the forward movement operation unit abuts against the interlocking mechanism and a retracted position where the forward movement operation unit is retracted from the interlocking mechanism relative to the protruding position, The drive device is capable of generating a drive force that moves the forward movement operation unit, When the forward movement operation portion is in the protruding position, the forward movement operation portion abuts against the interlocking mechanism to apply an operation force to the interlocking mechanism, When the forward movement operating unit is in the retreat position, the forward movement operating unit is out of a path along which the interlocking mechanism moves, The retraction operation unit is disposed at a position where the retraction operation unit abuts against the interlocking mechanism, The retraction operation part applies an operation force by contacting the interlocking mechanism, The control unit controls the drive device to move the forward movement operation unit to the protruding position or the retracted position, Further comprising a pair of detectors; The detectors are disposed at positions corresponding to the respective boarding and alighting gates, The detector detects the presence or absence of a passenger passing through the boarding / alighting entrance and heading toward the step; The control unit controls the drive device based on a detection result of the presence or absence of the passenger by the detector, thereby moving the forward movement operation unit to the protruding position or the retracting position. Passenger conveyor.

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