Man Conveyor

Abstract

To provide a people conveyor capable of operating a working part by generating electricity using the travel of steps. [Solution] The people conveyor comprises a number of steps on which people can travel, rollers rotatably connected to the steps, support sections extending in the direction in which the steps travel and supporting the rollers from below, piezoelectric elements fixed on top of the support sections and capable of applying force to the rollers passing above, and an operating section that operates by generating electricity from the piezoelectric elements.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This specification relates to a people conveyor. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a passenger conveyor is equipped with a balustrade having a light-emitting part that emits light (for example, Patent Document 1). In the passenger conveyor, the operating part (for example, the light-emitting part that emits light) is supplied with power via a cable from a control panel arranged in a machine room or the like.

[0003] Meanwhile, a people conveyor, for example, includes a transport section for transporting people, and the transport section includes a number of steps that carry people and run, and rollers that are rotatably connected to the steps (for example, Patent Document 2). There is a demand for generating electricity using the movement of the steps to operate the operating section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-84792 [Patent Document 2] JP 2020-125200 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, the objective is to provide a people conveyor that can operate a moving part by generating power using the travel of the steps. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] [1] Man conveyor is Multiple steps for carrying people and traveling; a roller rotatably connected to the step; A support portion extending in a traveling direction in which the step travels and supporting the roller from below; a piezoelectric element fixed on the support and capable of applying a force to the roller passing above the piezoelectric element; and an operating section that operates by power generation by the piezoelectric element.

[0007] [2] In addition, the man conveyor mentioned above in [1] is A balustrade having the operating portion, The operating unit includes a light emitting unit that emits light by power generation of the piezoelectric element. The following configuration is also possible.

[0008] [3] In addition, the man conveyor mentioned above in [2] is A light emitting unit group having a plurality of light emitting units, The light-emitting unit is The piezoelectric element; the light emitting unit emitting light when the piezoelectric element generates electricity; In the light-emitting unit group, the piezoelectric elements and the light-emitting portions are arranged in the same order for each light-emitting unit along the traveling direction, In the light-emitting unit group, the light-emitting parts flash in sequence in the traveling direction. The following configuration is also possible.

[0009] [4] In addition, in the man conveyor mentioned in [3] above, a distance between adjacent rollers is constant at a first distance when the rollers are supported by the support portion; The piezoelectric element is disposed in plurality within the first distance. The following configuration is also possible.

[0010] [5] In addition, in the man conveyor mentioned in [3] above, a distance between adjacent rollers is constant at a first distance when the rollers are supported by the support portion; the distance between adjacent piezoelectric elements is constant, is greater than N (N is a natural number) times the first distance, and is smaller than (N+0.5) times the first distance; The following configuration is also possible.

[0011] [6] In addition, any one of the man conveyors [2] to [5] above, a storage battery that stores electricity generated by the piezoelectric element and supplies power to the light emitting unit; The following configuration is also possible.

[0012] [7] In addition, in the man conveyor mentioned in [6] above, The storage battery supplies power to the light-emitting unit when power supply to the passenger conveyor is stopped. The following configuration is also possible.

[0013] [8] In addition, any one of the man conveyors [1] to [7] above, Further, a flat contact portion is provided which contacts the roller from below, The piezoelectric elements are arranged in a plurality of rows along the traveling direction, The contact portion extends along the traveling direction and is disposed over the plurality of piezoelectric elements. The following configuration is also possible. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of a man conveyor according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main part of the passenger conveyor according to the embodiment; [Diagram 3] Enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part taken along line III-III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a main part of a passenger conveyor according to the embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the main part of the passenger conveyor according to the embodiment, illustrating the operation of the light-emitting unit. [Figure 6]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the main part of the passenger conveyor according to the embodiment, illustrating the operation of the light-emitting unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a main part of a passenger conveyor according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the main part of the passenger conveyor according to the embodiment, illustrating the operation of the light-emitting unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the main part of the passenger conveyor according to the embodiment, illustrating the operation of the light-emitting unit. [Figure 10] Electrical system diagram of a passenger conveyor according to still another embodiment (a: first example, b: second example) [Figure 11] 13A and 13B are views showing the main part of a passenger conveyor according to still another embodiment (a: plan view, b: cross-sectional view along line XI-XI of a) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] In each drawing, the dimensions of the components may be enlarged or reduced relative to the actual dimensions in order to facilitate understanding, and the dimensional ratios between the drawings may not be consistent. Note that in each drawing, some of the components may be omitted in order to facilitate understanding.

[0016] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. are used to describe various components, but these terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another, and the components are not particularly limited by these terms. The number of components including ordinal numbers is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, one. In addition, the ordinal numbers used in the following specification and drawings may differ from the ordinal numbers described in the claims.

[0017] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the passenger conveyor will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Note that the following embodiment is provided as an example to aid in understanding the configuration of the passenger conveyor, and is not intended to limit the configuration of the passenger conveyor.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, a person conveyor 1 may include, for example, a structure 2 installed on a main body, a transport section 3 for transporting people (passengers), a pair of balustrade sections 4 (only one is shown in Figure 1) arranged to sandwich the transport section 3 in a first direction D1, a drive section 5 for driving the transport section 3 and the balustrade section 4, and a processing section 6 for controlling the entire device.

[0019] In each figure, the first direction D1 is the first horizontal direction (also called the "width direction") D1 which is a direction parallel to the horizontal direction, the second direction D2 is the second horizontal direction (also called the "front-to-back direction") D2 which is a direction parallel to the horizontal direction and perpendicular to the first horizontal direction D1, and the third direction D3 is a vertical direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction D1 and the second horizontal direction D2, and is the up-down direction D3.

[0020] The fourth direction D4 is a direction in which the transport unit 3 transports the person and is referred to as an inclined direction D4 that is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction D2, and the fifth direction D5 is referred to as a direction D5 that is perpendicular to the inclined direction D4 (hereinafter also referred to as an "orthogonal direction") Note that the second to fifth directions D2 to D5 are each included in the same predetermined imaginary plane, and the first direction D1 is a direction perpendicular to the imaginary plane.

[0021] The passenger conveyor 1 according to this embodiment is an escalator with a stepped tread surface for transporting passengers, but is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the passenger conveyor 1 may be a moving walkway with a flat tread surface for transporting passengers.

[0022] The transport unit 3 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, an endless annular running unit 7 that rotates and runs when driven by the drive unit 5, and a plurality of steps 8 that are connected to the running unit 7 and run together with the running unit 7, and have tread surfaces on which people can stand. As a result, the steps 8 run while carrying people.

[0023] The driving unit 5 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, a rotating unit 5a around which a first end of the running unit 7 in the second horizontal direction D2 is wound and which rotates about an axis in the first horizontal direction D1, a winding unit 5b that supports a second end of the running unit 7 in the second horizontal direction D2, a driving source 5c that rotates the rotating unit 5a, and a braking unit 5d that brakes the rotation of the rotating unit 5a. As a result, the step 8 is reversed by the rotating unit 5a and also reversed by the winding unit 5b.

[0024] Although not particularly limited, the rotating portion 5a may be, for example, a sprocket. Although not particularly limited, the winding portion 5b may be, for example, a guide material that guides the running portion 7 to rotate in the opposite direction, or may be, for example, a rotating material (for example, a sprocket) around which the running portion 7 is wound and which rotates about an axis in the first horizontal direction D1. Although not particularly limited, the driving source 5c may be, for example, a motor. Although not particularly limited, the braking portion 5d may be, for example, a brake.

[0025] The balustrade section 4 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include an endless circular handrail belt 4a that rotates and runs, a balustrade main body section 4b that supports the handrail belt 4a, and a cover section 4c that covers the lower part of the balustrade main body section 4b. Note that, for example, the handrail belt 4a may run by being driven by the drive section 5, and the running of the handrail belt 4a may be synchronized with the running of the steps 8.

[0026] The balustrade section 4 also includes an operating section 4d that operates. The operating section 4d includes a light-emitting section 9 that emits light. The light-emitting section 9 may be disposed in the cover section 4c, as in this embodiment, or may be disposed in the balustrade main body section 4b. That is, the position of the operating section 4d (light-emitting section 9) is fixed (it does not move and is unchanging). The light source of the light-emitting section 9 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, an LED or, for example, a light bulb.

[0027] The structure 2 may include, for example, machine rooms 2a arranged at each end in the second horizontal direction D2 as in this embodiment. The structure 2 may also be, for example, a truss structure or a girder structure composed of a plurality of frame members.

[0028] The passenger conveyor 1 may, for example, include a floor plate 1a attached to the structure 2 so as to cover the machine room 2a from above, as in this embodiment. As a result, the floor plate 1a constitutes boarding and disembarking sections 1b arranged at each end of the transport section 3 in the second lateral direction D2 for getting on and off the transport section 3.

[0029] 2 and 3, for example, the running parts 7 may be provided in a pair spaced apart from each other in the first horizontal direction D1, and the steps 8 may be disposed between the pair of running parts 7, 7. Also, for example, as in this embodiment, the transport unit 3 may be provided with connecting shafts 3a connected to the pair of running parts 7, 7, respectively, and the steps 8 may be rotatably connected to the connecting shafts 3a.

[0030] As a result, the steps 8 are connected to each of the running parts 7 so as to be rotatable about an axis in the first horizontal direction D1. The steps 8 may include, for example, a tread part 8a on which a person stands, a rise part 8b formed in a curved shape, and a connecting part 8c rotatably connected to the connecting shaft 3a of the transport part 3, as in this embodiment.

[0031] The running section 7 is not particularly limited, but may include, for example, as in this embodiment, a chain 7a formed in an endless loop and a second roller 7b rotatably connected to the chain 7a with the first horizontal direction D1 as its axis. That is, the running section 7 may be, for example, a roller chain as in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the second roller 7b is rotatably connected to the step 8 via the chain 7a and the connecting shaft 3a.

[0032] The transport section 3 includes a first roller 10 rotatably connected to the step 8 around an axis in the first horizontal direction D1. Note that, for example, as in this embodiment, a pair of first rollers 10 (only one is shown in Figs. 2 and 3; the same applies to Figs. 4 to 9) may be provided so as to sandwich the step 8 in the first horizontal direction D1. Also, the step 8 may include a connection shaft 8d that rotatably connects the first roller 10, for example, as in this embodiment.

[0033] The people conveyor 1 may, for example, as in this embodiment, be provided with a first guide body 11 extending along the running direction D2, D4 in which the steps 8 run to guide the first roller 10, and a second guide body 12 extending along the running direction D2, D4 in which the steps 8 run to guide the running portion 7 (specifically, the second roller 7b).

[0034] In this embodiment, the travel direction (hereinafter simply referred to as the "travel direction") D2, D4 in which the step 8 travels is the second lateral direction D2 and the inclined direction D4 (in Figs. 2 and 3, it is the second lateral direction D2. The same applies to Figs. 4 to 10.) In addition, the first guide body 11 and the second guide body 12 may be fixed to the structure 2 (see Fig. 1), for example.

[0035] For example, as in this embodiment, the first guide body 11 may include a first guide portion 11a that guides the first roller 10 from below, and a first regulating portion 11b that abuts and stops the first roller 10 in the first lateral direction D1. With this, the first guide portion 11a guides the first roller 10 in the running direction D2, and the first regulating portion 11b can suppress the first roller 10 from shifting in the first lateral direction D1.

[0036] For example, as in this embodiment, the second guide body 12 may include a second guide portion 12a that guides the second roller 7b from below, and a second regulating portion 12b that abuts and stops the second roller 7b in the first lateral direction D1. This allows the second guide portion 12a to guide the second roller 7b in the running direction D2, and the second regulating portion 12b to suppress the second roller 7b from shifting in the first lateral direction D1.

[0037] The first guide portion 11a includes a support portion 13 that extends in the traveling direction D2 and supports the first roller 10 from below, and a piezoelectric element 14 that is fixed on the support portion 13 and applies a force to the first roller 10 passing above. The passenger conveyor 1 may also include an electrical connection portion 15 that electrically connects the piezoelectric element 14 and the light-emitting portion 9, for example, as in this embodiment.

[0038] The electrical connection portion 15 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a conductive wire (e.g., a cable, a conductor, etc.) as in this embodiment. This allows the light emitting portion 9 to emit light when the piezoelectric element 14 generates power, and the light emitting portion 9 to stop emitting light when the power generation of the piezoelectric element 14 stops.

[0039] The piezoelectric element 14 and the light-emitting section 9 electrically connected to the piezoelectric element 14 constitute a light-emitting unit 16. The number of piezoelectric elements 14 and the number of light-emitting sections 9 constituting one light-emitting unit 16 are not particularly limited. For example, as in this embodiment, one light-emitting unit 16 may be constituted by one piezoelectric element 14 and one light-emitting section 9.

[0040] 4, a plurality of light-emitting units 16 are provided, and the plurality of light-emitting units 16 constitute a light-emitting unit group 17. The number of light-emitting units 16 constituting the light-emitting unit group 17 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, four as in this embodiment, or may be, for example, two, three, five or more.

[0041] In the light-emitting unit group 17, the piezoelectric elements 14a-14d and the light-emitting portions 9a-9d are arranged along the traveling direction D2 so that the light-emitting units 16a-16d are in the same order. That is, the piezoelectric elements 14a-14d and the light-emitting portions 9a-9d are arranged along the traveling direction D2 in the order of the first light-emitting unit 16a, the second light-emitting unit 16b, the third light-emitting unit 16c, and the fourth light-emitting unit 16d.

[0042] As a result, the piezoelectric elements 14a-14d are arranged along the traveling direction D2 in the following order: piezoelectric element 14a of the first light-emitting unit 16a, piezoelectric element 14b of the second light-emitting unit 16b, piezoelectric element 14c of the third light-emitting unit 16c, and piezoelectric element 14d of the fourth light-emitting unit 16d. Also, the light-emitting portions 9a-9d are arranged along the traveling direction D2 in the following order: light-emitting portion 9a of the first light-emitting unit 16a, light-emitting portion 9b of the second light-emitting unit 16b, light-emitting portion 9c of the third light-emitting unit 16c, and light-emitting portion 9d of the fourth light-emitting unit 16d.

[0043] When the light-emitting units 16, the piezoelectric elements 14, and the light-emitting units 9 are to be distinguished from one another, they are referred to as the Nth (N is a natural number) light-emitting units 16a to 16n, the Nth (N is a natural number) piezoelectric elements 14a to 14n, and the Nth (N is a natural number) light-emitting units 9a to 9n, respectively. When the light-emitting units 16, the piezoelectric elements 14, and the light-emitting units 9 are not to be distinguished from one another, they are simply referred to as the light-emitting units 16, the piezoelectric elements 14, and the light-emitting units 9.

[0044] Incidentally, when the first rollers 10 are supported by the support portion 13, the distance W1 between the adjacent first rollers 10, 10 is constant at the first distance W1, and multiple piezoelectric elements 14 are disposed at the first distance W1. Note that "constant" includes the distance W1 between the adjacent first rollers 10, 10 being substantially the same (e.g., substantially the same with a difference of ±10%) to the extent that the number of piezoelectric elements 14 disposed between the adjacent first rollers 10, 10 is the same.

[0045] The number of piezoelectric elements 14 arranged over the first distance W1 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, four as in this embodiment, or may be, for example, two, three, or five or more. The number of piezoelectric elements 14 arranged over the first distance W1 is the number of light-emitting units 16 constituting the light-emitting unit group 17. The distance W2 between adjacent piezoelectric elements 14, 14 may be, for example, constant (for example, approximately the same with a difference of ±10%).

[0046] The distance W3 between adjacent light-emitting units 9, 9 may be constant (e.g., approximately the same including a difference of ±10%). The number of light-emitting units 9 arranged over the first distance W1 is not particularly limited, but may be the same as the number (four) of piezoelectric elements 14 arranged over the first distance W1, as in this embodiment.

[0047] Here, the operation of the light-emitting unit 9 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 4 (when the step 8 is located at the first position P1), the first roller 10 is in contact with the support portion 13, and as the step 8 travels in the travel direction D2 (specifically, the direction of the arrow in the second horizontal direction D2), the first roller 10 passes over the first piezoelectric element 14a as shown in Fig. 5(a) (when the step 8 is located at the second position P2). As a result, the first roller 10 applies a force to the first piezoelectric element 14a, and the first piezoelectric element 14a generates electricity. Therefore, the first light-emitting portion 9a emits light.

[0049] Then, as the step 8 travels further in the travel direction D2, the first roller 10 passes over the second piezoelectric element 14b as shown in Fig. 5(b) (when the step 8 is located at the third position P3). As a result, the first roller 10 applies a force to the second piezoelectric element 14b, which causes the second piezoelectric element 14b to generate power, causing the second light-emitting portion 9b to emit light.

[0050] 6(a) (when the step 8 is located at the fourth position P4), the first roller 10 passes over the third piezoelectric element 14c. As a result, the first roller 10 applies a force to the third piezoelectric element 14c, which causes the third piezoelectric element 14c to generate power, causing the third light-emitting portion 9c to emit light.

[0051] Thereafter, as the step 8 travels further in the travel direction D2, the first roller 10 passes over the fourth piezoelectric element 14d as shown in Fig. 6(b) (when the step 8 is located at the fifth position P5). As a result, the first roller 10 applies a force to the fourth piezoelectric element 14d, which causes the fourth piezoelectric element 14d to generate power, causing the fourth light-emitting portion 9d to emit light.

[0052] In this way, the first light-emitting unit 9a, the second light-emitting unit 9b, the third light-emitting unit 9c, and the fourth light-emitting unit 9d flash in sequence as the step 8 travels the first distance W1 in the running direction D2. That is, as the step 8 travels in the running direction D2, the light-emitting units 9a to 9d flash in sequence in the running direction D2 in the light-emitting unit group 17, so that the light-emitting units 9a to 9d flash as if flowing in the running direction D2. This can therefore improve the design of the balustrade section 4, for example.

[0053] As described above, the passenger conveyor 1, for example, in this embodiment, A vehicle with multiple steps8 that carries people and travels on the vehicle; A roller (in this embodiment, a first roller) 10 rotatably connected to the step 8; A support portion 13 that extends in the travel direction D2, D4 in which the step 8 travels and supports the roller 10 from below; a piezoelectric element 14 fixed on the support portion 13 and capable of applying a force to the roller 10 passing above the piezoelectric element 14; and an operating unit 4d that operates by the power generation of the piezoelectric element 14. This configuration is preferred.

[0054] According to this configuration, since the piezoelectric element 14 is fixed on the support portion 13, when the roller 10 passes over the piezoelectric element 14, the piezoelectric element 14 applies a force to the roller 10. This causes the piezoelectric element 14 to generate power, which causes the operating portion 4d to operate. Therefore, the operating portion 4d can be operated by generating power using the travel of step 8.

[0055] In addition, the passenger conveyor 1, for example, as in this embodiment, The balustrade portion 4 has the operating portion 4d. The operating unit 4d includes a light emitting unit 9 that emits light by power generation of the piezoelectric element 14. The following configuration is also possible.

[0056] According to this configuration, the piezoelectric element 14 generates power, causing the light emitting portion 9 of the balustrade portion 4 to emit light. This allows the light emitting portion 9 to emit light by generating power using the movement of the steps 8.

[0057] In addition, the passenger conveyor 1, for example, as in this embodiment, A light emitting unit group 17 having a plurality of light emitting units 16 is provided. The light emitting unit 16 is The piezoelectric element 14, The light emitting unit 9 emits light when the piezoelectric element 14 generates electricity. In the light-emitting unit group 17, the piezoelectric elements 14 and the light-emitting portions 9 are arranged along the traveling directions D2 and D4 so that the order of the light-emitting units 16 is aligned, In the light-emitting unit group 17, the light-emitting parts 9 flash in sequence in the traveling directions D2 and D4. The following configuration is also possible.

[0058] According to this configuration, in the light-emitting unit 16, when the piezoelectric element 14 generates power, the light-emitting section 9 emits light. In the light-emitting unit group 17, the piezoelectric elements 14 and the light-emitting sections 9 are arranged in the same order for each light-emitting unit 16 along the traveling directions D2 and D4, respectively, and the light-emitting sections 9 blink in order in the traveling directions D2 and D4. As a result, the light-emitting sections 9 blink in a flowing manner in the traveling directions D2 and D4.

[0059] In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1, for example, as in this embodiment, A distance W1 between adjacent rollers (first rollers in this embodiment) 10, 10 is constant at a first distance W1 when the roller 10 is supported by the support portion 13, The piezoelectric element 14 is disposed in plurality within the first distance W1. This configuration is preferred.

[0060] According to this configuration, the distance W1 between adjacent rollers 10, 10 is constant at the first distance W1 when roller 10 is supported by support portion 13. Since multiple piezoelectric elements 14 are disposed over the first distance W1, when step 8 travels the first distance W1, multiple light emitting portions 9 flash in a flowing manner in travel directions D2, D4.

[0061] The passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment described above, nor is it limited to the above-mentioned effects. Furthermore, the passenger conveyor 1 can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, it is possible to select one or more of the configurations and methods of the various modified examples described below and adopt them in the configurations and methods of the embodiment described above.

[0062] (A) The passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment is configured to include a piezoelectric element 14 that applies force to the first roller 10. That is, the first guide body 11 is configured to include a piezoelectric element 14. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0063] For example, the passenger conveyor 1 may be configured to include a piezoelectric element 14 that applies a force to the second roller 7b, in addition to (or instead of) the piezoelectric element 14 that applies a force to the first roller 10. That is, the second guide body 12 may be configured to include a piezoelectric element 14, in addition to (or instead of) the first guide body 11.

[0064] (B) In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the operating section 4d is configured to include a light emitting section 9 that emits light by power generation by a piezoelectric element 14. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0065] For example, the operating unit 4d may be configured to include a sound generating unit (e.g., a buzzer) that generates sound by the power generation of the piezoelectric element 14. Also, for example, the operating unit 4d may be configured to include a photoelectric sensor that emits detection light to detect a person by the power generation of the piezoelectric element 14. Also, for example, the operating unit 4d may be configured to include an ultraviolet ray irradiation device that irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the handrail belt 4a by the power generation of the piezoelectric element 14.

[0066] (C) Furthermore, the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment is configured to have a plurality of light-emitting units 16. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the passenger conveyor 1 may be configured to have only one light-emitting unit 16.

[0067] (D) In ​​addition, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the light emitting units 9 in the light emitting unit group 17 are configured to flash in sequence in the traveling direction D2. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the light emitting units 9 may be configured to flash randomly instead of in a fixed sequence.

[0068] (E) In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, a plurality of piezoelectric elements 14 are arranged over a first distance W1, which is the distance W1 between adjacent first rollers 10, 10. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0069] For example, the distance W2 between adjacent piezoelectric elements 14, 14 may be greater than the distance W1 between adjacent first rollers 10, 10. Although not particularly limited, as an example of such a configuration, the configurations shown in Figs. 7 to 9 may be used.

[0070] (E-1) The configurations shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 will be described below.

[0071] 7, a plurality of light-emitting units 16 are provided, and the plurality of light-emitting units 16 constitute a light-emitting unit group 17. The number of light-emitting units 16 constituting the light-emitting unit group 17 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, four as shown in FIG. 7, or may be, for example, two, three, five or more.

[0072] In the light-emitting unit group 17, the piezoelectric elements 14a-14d and the light-emitting portions 9a-9d are arranged in the running direction D2 so that the light-emitting units 16a-16d are in the same order. That is, the piezoelectric elements 14a-14d and the light-emitting portions 9a-9d are arranged in the running direction D2 from the first light-emitting unit 16a to the fourth light-emitting unit 16d.

[0073] Incidentally, when the first rollers 10 are supported by the support portion 13, the distance W1 between the adjacent first rollers 10, 10 is constant at the first distance W1. In addition, the distance W2 between the adjacent piezoelectric elements 14, 14 is also constant.

[0074] The distance W2 between the piezoelectric elements 14, 14 is greater than N (N is a natural number) times the first distance W1 and is smaller than (N+0.5) times the first distance W1. In Fig. 7, the distance W2 between the piezoelectric elements 14, 14 is greater than 1 time the first distance W1 and is smaller than 1.5 (=1+0.5) times the first distance W1.

[0075] Specifically, when the light-emitting unit group 17 is composed of M (M is a natural number of 2 or more) light-emitting units 16, the distance W2 between the piezoelectric elements 14, 14 is greater than N times the first distance W1 and is smaller than (N+1 / M) times the first distance W1. In Fig. 7, since the light-emitting unit group 17 is composed of four light-emitting units 16, the distance W2 between the piezoelectric elements 14, 14 is greater than 1 time the first distance W1 and is smaller than 1.25 (=1+1 / 4) times the first distance W1.

[0076] The distance W3 between adjacent light emitting units 9, 9 may be constant (e.g., approximately the same with a difference of ±10%). Although not particularly limited, in FIG. 7, the distance W3 between the light emitting units 9, 9 is equal to or greater than the first distance W1, which is the distance between the first rollers 10, 10, and specifically, is approximately the same as the distance W2 between the piezoelectric elements 14, 14.

[0077] Here, the operation of the light-emitting unit 9 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 to Fig. 9. When the steps 8 are to be distinguished, they are referred to as Nth steps 8e to 8h (N is a natural number), and the steps 8e to 8h are arranged in the order of a first step 8e, a second step 8f, a third step 8g, and a fourth step 8h in the traveling direction D2 (specifically, the direction of the arrow in the second horizontal direction D2).

[0078] As shown in Fig. 7 (when the first step 8e is located at the first position P1), the first roller 10 of each step 8e-8h is in contact with the support portion 13, and as the step 8 travels in the travel direction D2, the first roller 10 of the first step 8e passes over the first piezoelectric element 14a as shown in Fig. 8(a) (when the first step 8e is located at the second position P2). This causes the first piezoelectric element 14a to generate power, causing the first light-emitting portion 9a to emit light.

[0079] Then, as the step 8 travels further in the travel direction D2, the first roller 10 of the second step 8f passes over the second piezoelectric element 14b as shown in Fig. 8(b) (when the first step 8e is located at the third position P3). This causes the second piezoelectric element 14b to generate power, causing the second light-emitting portion 9b to emit light.

[0080] 9(a) (when the first step 8e is located at the fourth position P4), the first roller 10 of the third step 8g passes over the third piezoelectric element 14c. This causes the third piezoelectric element 14c to generate power, causing the third light-emitting portion 9c to emit light.

[0081] Thereafter, as the step 8 travels further in the travel direction D2, the first roller 10 of the fourth step 8h passes over the fourth piezoelectric element 14d as shown in Fig. 9(b) (when the first step 8e is located at the fifth position P5). This causes the fourth piezoelectric element 14d to generate power, causing the fourth light-emitting portion 9d to emit light.

[0082] In this way, as step 8 travels the first distance W1 in traveling direction D2, first light-emitting unit 9a, second light-emitting unit 9b, third light-emitting unit 9c, and fourth light-emitting unit 9d flash in sequence. That is, as step 8 travels in traveling direction D2, light-emitting units 9a-9d flash in sequence in traveling direction D2 in light-emitting unit group 17, so that light-emitting units 9a-9d flash as if flowing in traveling direction D2.

[0083] Moreover, since the distance W3 between the light emitting units 9, 9 is equal to or greater than the first distance W1 between the first rollers 10, 10, the speed at which the light emitting units 9a to 9d blink is faster than the running speed of the step 8. This can therefore improve the design of the balustrade portion 4, for example.

[0084] Here, the distance W1 between the first rollers 10, 10 being constant includes that the distance W1 is approximately the same (e.g., approximately the same including a difference of ±10%) to the extent that the light emitting sections 9 in the light emitting unit group 17 blink in sequence in the traveling direction D2. Also, the distance W2 between the piezoelectric elements 14, 14 being constant includes that the distance W2 is approximately the same (e.g., approximately the same including a difference of ±10%) to the extent that the light emitting sections 9 in the light emitting unit group 17 blink in sequence in the traveling direction D2.

[0085] In this way, in the passenger conveyor 1, as shown in Figs. 7 to 9, A distance W1 between adjacent rollers (first rollers in FIGS. 7 to 9 ) 10, 10 is constant at a first distance W1 when the rollers 10 are supported by the support portions 13, The distance W2 between the adjacent piezoelectric elements 14, 14 is constant and is greater than N (N is a natural number) times the first distance W1 and is smaller than (N+0.5) times the first distance W1. This configuration is preferred.

[0086] With this configuration, when the rollers 10 are supported by the support portion 13, the distance W1 between adjacent rollers 10, 10 is constant at the first distance W1, and the distance W2 between adjacent piezoelectric elements 14, 14 is constant. The distance W2 between adjacent piezoelectric elements 14, 14 is greater than N times the first distance W1 and less than (N+0.5) times the first distance W1. As a result, when the step 8 travels the first distance W1, the multiple light-emitting portions 9 flash in a flowing manner in the travel directions D2, D4.

[0087] In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1, as shown in Figs. 7 to 9, The light-emitting unit group 17 includes M (M is a natural number of 2 or more) light-emitting units 16, The distance W2 between the adjacent piezoelectric elements 14, 14 is constant and is greater than N (N is a natural number) times the first distance W1 and is smaller than (N+1 / M) times the first distance W1. This configuration is preferred.

[0088] According to this configuration, the distance W2 between adjacent piezoelectric elements 14, 14 is greater than N times the first distance W1 and is smaller than (N+1 / M) times the first distance W1. This makes it possible to cause M light-emitting units 9 to flash in a flowing manner in the traveling directions D2, D4 when the step 8 travels the first distance W1.

[0089] (F) Furthermore, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, in the light-emitting unit 16, the light-emitting section 9 is configured to emit light when the piezoelectric element 14 generates electricity. In other words, the timing of the power generation of the piezoelectric element 14 and the timing of the light emission of the light-emitting section 9 are the same. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0090] For example, the timing of power generation by the piezoelectric element 14 and the timing of light emission by the light emitting unit 9 may be different. In such a configuration, for example, the passenger conveyor 1 may be equipped with a storage battery. Although not particularly limited, one example of such a configuration may be the configuration shown in Figure 10(a), and another example of such a configuration may be the configuration shown in Figure 10(b).

[0091] (F-1) The configuration shown in FIG. 10(a) will be described below.

[0092] 10(a), the passenger conveyor 1 is equipped with a storage battery 18. As a result, the power generated by the piezoelectric element 14 is stored in the storage battery 18, and the power stored in the storage battery 18 is supplied to the light-emitting unit 9.

[0093] 10(a), the passenger conveyor 1 may, for example, be provided with a switching unit 19 that switches the state of power supply to the light-emitting unit 9. The switching unit 19 switches between a state in which power is supplied to the light-emitting unit 9 from the processing unit 6 (for example, a control panel arranged in the machine room 2a) and a state in which power is supplied to the light-emitting unit 9 from a storage battery 18.

[0094] As a result, when power is being supplied to the passenger conveyor 1 (processing section 6), the switching section 19 switches to a state in which power is supplied from the processing section 6 to the light-emitting section 9. On the other hand, when power supply to the passenger conveyor 1 (processing section 6) is stopped, the switching section 19 switches to a state in which power is supplied from the storage battery 18 to the light-emitting section 9. Therefore, in the event of a power outage, the light emitted by the light-emitting section 9 can illuminate the balustrade section 4, so that the light-emitting section 9 can be used as an emergency light, for example.

[0095] In this way, the passenger conveyor 1 is as shown in Figure 10(a). A storage battery 18 is provided which stores electricity generated by the piezoelectric element 14 and supplies power to the light emitting unit 9. This configuration is preferred.

[0096] According to this configuration, the piezoelectric element 14 generates power, which stores electricity in the storage battery 18. Then, the storage battery 18 supplies power to the light-emitting unit 9, which can cause the light-emitting unit 9 to emit light.

[0097] In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1, as shown in Figure 10(a), The storage battery 18 supplies power to the light emitting unit 9 when power supply to the passenger conveyor 1 is stopped. This configuration is preferred.

[0098] According to this configuration, when the power supply to the passenger conveyor 1 is stopped, the storage battery 18 supplies power to the light emitting unit 9, causing the light emitting unit 9 to emit light. This allows the balustrade 4 to be illuminated by the light emitted by the light emitting unit 9.

[0099] In the passenger conveyor 1 in Fig. 10(a), the light emitting unit 9 emits light when power is being supplied to the passenger conveyor 1 and when power supply to the passenger conveyor 1 is stopped, but this is not limited to the configuration. For example, when power supply to the passenger conveyor 1 is stopped, the light emitting unit 9 is powered by the storage battery 18 and emits light, and when power is being supplied to the passenger conveyor 1, the light emitting unit 9 is not powered and does not emit light.

[0100] (F-2) The configuration shown in FIG. 10(b) will be described below.

[0101] 10(b), the passenger conveyor 1 is equipped with a storage battery 18. As a result, the power generated by the piezoelectric element 14 is stored in the storage battery 18, and the power stored in the storage battery 18 is supplied to the light-emitting unit 9.

[0102] 10(b), for example, the processing unit 6 may control the light emission of the light-emitting unit 9. Although not particularly limited, the processing unit 6 may include a relay and control the light emission of the light-emitting unit 9 by the relay. This allows, for example, the timing at which the light-emitting unit 9 emits light to be flexibly handled.

[0103] In this way, the passenger conveyor 1 is as shown in Figure 10(b). A storage battery 18 is provided which stores electricity generated by the piezoelectric element 14 and supplies power to the light emitting unit 9. This configuration is preferred.

[0104] According to this configuration, the piezoelectric element 14 generates power, which stores electricity in the storage battery 18. Then, the storage battery 18 supplies power to the light-emitting unit 9, which can cause the light-emitting unit 9 to emit light.

[0105] (G) In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the embodiment described above, the first roller 10 is configured to apply a force to the piezoelectric element 14 by contacting the piezoelectric element 14. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0106] For example, the passenger conveyor 1 may be configured to apply a force to the piezoelectric element 14 through the contact portion by contacting the contact portion. Although not particularly limited, an example of such a configuration may be the configuration shown in FIG.

[0107] (G-1) The configuration according to FIG. 11 will be described below.

[0108] As shown in Fig. 11, a plurality of piezoelectric elements 14 are arranged along the running direction D2. The first guide portion 11a has a flat contact portion 20 that contacts the first roller 10 from below. The contact portion 20 may be formed in a flat plate shape as shown in Fig. 11. The contact portion 20 may be formed of, for example, a metal or the like and may have rigidity.

[0109] The contact portion 20 extends along the running direction D2 and is disposed over the multiple piezoelectric elements 14. As a result, the steps caused by the piezoelectric elements 14 are flattened by the contact portion 20, so that it is possible to suppress the generation of vibration in the first roller 10 when the first roller 10 passes over the piezoelectric elements 14. On the other hand, since the first roller 10 applies force to the piezoelectric elements 14 via the contact portion 20, it is possible to cause the piezoelectric elements 14 to generate electricity.

[0110] Thus, the passenger conveyor 1, as shown in FIG. The roller (first roller in FIG. 11) 10 further includes a flat contact portion 20 that contacts the roller 10 from below. The piezoelectric elements 14 are arranged in a plurality of rows along the traveling directions D2 and D4. The contact portion 20 extends along the traveling directions D2 and D4 and is disposed over the plurality of piezoelectric elements 14. This configuration is preferred.

[0111] According to this configuration, the piezoelectric elements 14 are arranged in a row along the running directions D2, D4, while the contact portions 20 extend along the running directions D2, D4 and are disposed over the plurality of piezoelectric elements 14. As a result, the steps caused by the piezoelectric elements 14 are flattened by the contact portions 20, so that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of vibrations in the roller 10 when the roller 10 passes over the piezoelectric elements 14.

[0112] (H) For example, the order of execution of each process, such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages, in the methods and apparatuses shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings, may be arbitrary, so long as the result of a previous process is not used in a subsequent process. For example, even if the description uses "first," "next," etc. for convenience, it does not mean that the processes must be executed in that order. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1...people conveyor, 1a...floor plate, 1b...boarding and disembarking section, 2...structure, 2a...machine room, 3...transport section, 3a...connecting shaft, 4...parapet section, 4a...handrail belt, 4b...parapet main body section, 4c...cover section, 4d...operating section, 5...driving section, 5a...rotating section, 5b...winding section, 5c...driving source, 5d...braking section, 6...processing section, 7...running section, 7a...chain, 7b...second roller, 8...step, 8a...tread section, 8b...rise section, 8c...connecting section, 8d...connecting shaft, 8e...first step, 8f...second step, 8g...third step, 8h...fourth step, 9...light emitting section, 9a...first light emitting section, 9b...second light emitting section, 9c...third light emitting section, 9d...fourth light emitting section, 10...first roller ra, 11...first guide body, 11a...first guide portion, 11b...first restriction portion, 12...second guide body, 12a...second guide portion, 12b...second restriction portion, 13...support portion, 14...piezoelectric element, 14a...first piezoelectric element, 14b...second piezoelectric element, 14c...third piezoelectric element, 14d...fourth piezoelectric element, 15...electrical connection portion, 16...light-emitting unit, 16a...first light-emitting unit, 16b...second light-emitting unit, 16c...third light-emitting unit, 16d...fourth light-emitting unit, 17...light-emitting unit group, 18...storage battery, 19...switching portion, 20...contact portion, D1...first horizontal direction (width direction), D2...second horizontal direction (front-back direction), D3...up-down direction, D4...tilt direction, D5...orthogonal direction

Claims

1. Multiple steps for carrying people and traveling; a roller rotatably connected to the step; A support portion extending in a traveling direction in which the step travels and supporting the roller from below; a piezoelectric element fixed on the support and capable of applying a force to the roller passing above the piezoelectric element; A man conveyor comprising: an operating unit that operates by power generation of the piezoelectric element, A balustrade having the operating portion, The operating unit of the man conveyor is equipped with a light-emitting unit that emits light by power generation by the piezoelectric element.

2. A light emitting unit group having a plurality of light emitting units, The light-emitting unit is The piezoelectric element; the light emitting unit emitting light when the piezoelectric element generates electricity; In the light-emitting unit group, the piezoelectric elements and the light-emitting portions are arranged in the same order for each light-emitting unit along the traveling direction, 2. A passenger conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting sections in the light emitting unit group flash in sequence in the travel direction.

3. a distance between adjacent rollers is constant at a first distance when the rollers are supported by the support portion; The person conveyor according to claim 2 , wherein a plurality of said piezoelectric elements are arranged within said first distance.

4. a distance between adjacent rollers is constant at a first distance when the rollers are supported by the support portion; 3. A people conveyor as claimed in claim 2, wherein the distance between adjacent piezoelectric elements is constant and is greater than N (N is a natural number) times the first distance and less than (N+0.5) times the first distance.

5. A passenger conveyor as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a storage battery that is charged by power generated by the piezoelectric element and supplies power to the light-emitting section.

6. 6. A passenger conveyor as claimed in claim 5, wherein the storage battery supplies power to the light emitting element when power supply to the passenger conveyor is stopped.

7. Further, a flat contact portion is provided which contacts the roller from below, The piezoelectric elements are arranged in a plurality of rows along the traveling direction, A passenger conveyor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the abutment portion extends along the traveling direction and is arranged across a plurality of the piezoelectric elements.

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