Man Conveyor

Abstract

The components covered by the cover can be viewed without removing the cover. [Solution] The people conveyor comprises a balustrade section and a processing section that controls the balustrade section, the balustrade section having a cover section arranged at the bottom, the cover section having a switching section that can be switched between a first state and a second state that transmits more light than the first state, and the processing section switches the switching section between the first state and the second state.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a passenger conveyor has a balustrade, and the balustrade has a cover disposed at the bottom (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). However, when viewing the parts covered by the cover, it is necessary to remove the cover. In addition, it is necessary to attach the cover later for restoration. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7344364 [Patent Document 2] JP 2020-111425 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Therefore, the object is to provide a passenger conveyor that allows the parts covered by the cover portion to be visually confirmed without removing the cover portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] [1] Man conveyor is The balustrade and A processing unit for controlling the balustrade, The balustrade portion includes a cover portion disposed at a lower portion, The cover portion includes a switching portion that is switchable between a first state and a second state that transmits more light than the first state, The processing unit switches the switching unit between the first state and the second state.

[0006] [2] In the man conveyor mentioned above in [1], the switching unit is switched between a state in which power is supplied and a state in which power supply is stopped, thereby switching between the first state and the second state having a light transmittance higher than the light transmittance of the first state. The following configuration is also possible.

[0007] [3] In the man conveyor mentioned above in [2], The switching unit includes a light control film that is in the first state when the supply of power is stopped and in the second state when the supply of power is received. The following configuration is also possible.

[0008] [4] In any one of the man conveyors [1] to [3] above, the switching unit includes a transparent display that is set to the first state when power is supplied thereto and is set to the second state when power supply is stopped; the transparent display displays information in the first state. The following configuration is also possible.

[0009] [5] Any one of the man conveyors listed above [1] to [4] is An input unit is provided for inputting instruction data for selecting either manual driving or automatic driving, The processing unit sets the switching unit to the first state when instruction data for selecting automatic driving is input to the input unit, and sets the switching unit to the second state when instruction data for selecting manual driving is input to the input unit. The following configuration is also possible. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of a man conveyor according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] Enlarged cross-sectional view of line II-II in Figure 1 [Diagram 3] Enlarged view of region III in FIG. 1 (a: switching portion in the first state, b: switching portion in the second state) [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an operation panel according to the embodiment; [Diagram 5] Enlarged view of the V region in Figure 1 [Figure 6] Control block diagram of the passenger conveyor according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are longitudinal sectional views of a passenger conveyor according to another embodiment (a: a diagram showing the switching unit in a first state, b: a diagram showing the switching unit in a second state) [Figure 8] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing the main parts of a passenger conveyor according to still another embodiment (a: a diagram showing the switching unit in a first state, b: a diagram showing the switching unit in a second state) [Figure 9] A longitudinal sectional view of a passenger conveyor according to yet another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the 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, a processing section 6 for controlling the entire device, and an operation panel 7 arranged inside the structure 2.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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 inclined with respect to the horizontal direction D2, and the fifth direction D5 is referred to as a vertical direction D5 perpendicular to the inclined direction D4. The transport directions D2 and D4 in which the transport unit 3 transports the person are the second horizontal direction D2 and the inclined direction D4. 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] The structure 2 may include, for example, machine rooms 2a, 2a arranged at each end in the second horizontal direction D2 as in this embodiment. The structure 2 may be, for example, a truss structure or a girder structure composed of a plurality of frame materials.

[0019] The passenger conveyor 1 may, for example, include a floor plate 8 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 8 constitutes boarding and disembarking sections 1a arranged at each end of the transport section 3 in the second lateral direction D2 for getting on and off the transport section 3.

[0020] The transport unit 3 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, an endless annular running unit 3a that rotates and runs when driven by the drive unit 5, and a plurality of steps 3b that are connected to the running unit 3a and run together with the running unit 3a, and have tread surfaces on which people can stand. Although not particularly limited, the running unit 3a may be, for example, a roller chain.

[0021] Also, for example, the running portions 3a may be provided as a pair separated from each other in the first horizontal direction D1, and the steps 3b may be disposed between the pair of running portions 3a, 3a. The steps 3b may be connected to the respective running portions 3a so as to be rotatable about the first horizontal direction D1.

[0022] The driving unit 5 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, a driving wheel 5a around which a first end of the traveling unit 3a in the second horizontal direction D2 is wound and which rotates about an axis in the first horizontal direction D1, a winding part 5b around which a second end of the traveling unit 3a in the second horizontal direction D2 is wound, a driving source 5c that rotates the driving wheel 5a, and a braking part 5d that brakes the rotation of the driving wheel 5a. As a result, the step 3b is reversed by the driving wheel 5a and also reversed by the winding part 5b.

[0023] Although not particularly limited, the driving wheel 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 3a to turn in the opposite direction, or may be, for example, a rotating material (for example, a sprocket) around which the running portion 3a 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 and an inverter. Although not particularly limited, the braking portion 5d may be, for example, a brake.

[0024] The balustrade part 4 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include an endless circular handrail belt 4a that rotates and runs, a balustrade main body part 4b that supports the handrail belt 4a, and a cover part 4c that is arranged at the bottom and covers the bottom of the balustrade main body part 4b. Also, the drive part 5 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include a drive giving part 5e that gives drive to the handrail belt 4a, and a transmission part 5f that transmits the drive of the drive wheel 5a to the drive giving part 5e.

[0025] As a result, the running section 3a and the handrail belt 4a run by being driven by a common drive source 5c. Therefore, the running of the handrail belt 4a is synchronized with the running of the steps 3b. The running speed of the handrail belt 4a is proportional to the running speed of the steps 3b (specifically, it is the same as the running speed of the steps 3b).

[0026] 2, the cover portion 4c may include, for example, an outer cover portion 4d disposed on the outside of the first horizontal direction D1, an upper cover portion 4e disposed on the inside of the first horizontal direction D1 and constituting the upper portion of the cover portion 4c, and a side cover portion 4f disposed on the inside of the first horizontal direction D1 and constituting the side portion of the cover portion 4c. Each of the cover portions 4d to 4f may be configured to be detachable from the balustrade main body portion 4b, for example.

[0027] The lower portion of the side cover portion 4f may overlap the step 3b as viewed in the first horizontal direction D1, as in this embodiment. The upper cover portion 4e may be disposed above and away from the step 3b as viewed in the first horizontal direction D1, as in this embodiment. The upper cover portion 4e and the side cover portion 4f may be configured to be separable from each other, or may be configured, for example, as an inseparable integral part of each other.

[0028] The side cover portion 4f includes a switching unit 10 that can be switched between a first state and a second state that transmits more light than the first state. The switching unit 10 includes a light control film 11 that can be switched between the first state and the second state. The type of the light control film 11 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a PDLC type, a PNLC type, an SPD type, an electrochromic type, a GHLC type, or the like.

[0029] The switching unit 10 may also include a transparent panel 12 to which the light control film 11 is fixed, as in this embodiment. The material of the transparent panel 12 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, glass or hard resin. The light control film 11 may also be fixed to the surface of the transparent panel 12 opposite to the surface facing the step 3b (the left side in FIG. 2), as in this embodiment.

[0030] Also, the balustrade portion 4 may include a rigid portion 4g having a higher rigidity than the switching portion 10, as in the present embodiment. The rigid portion 4g may include an abutment portion 4h that abuts against and stops the step 3b in the first horizontal direction D1, and a reinforcing portion 4i that reinforces the abutment portion 4h, as in the present embodiment.

[0031] As a result, the step 3b abuts against the abutment portion 4h in the first horizontal direction D1, thereby preventing the step 3b from applying force to the switching portion 10. The rigid portion 4g may be fixed to the structure 2 by, for example, a fixing means (not shown).

[0032] The abutment portion 4h extends along the conveying directions D2 and D4 and may be formed, for example, in a plate shape as in this embodiment, or may be formed, for example, in a rod shape. Also, the entire abutment portion 4h may be disposed so as to overlap the step 3b when viewed in the first lateral direction D1 as in this embodiment.

[0033] Furthermore, the rigid portion 4g may include, for example, clamping portions 4j and 4k that clamp the lower portion of the switching portion 10 in the first horizontal direction D1, as in the present embodiment. This allows the rigid portion 4g to hold the switching portion 10 by the clamping portions 4j and 4k. Note that, as in the present embodiment, for example, the first clamping portion 4j may be configured with an abutment portion 4h, and the abutment portion 4h may be disposed so as to be flush with the switching portion 10.

[0034] 3(a), the light control film 11 is put into the first state by stopping the supply of power. As a result, the components covered by the side cover portion 4f (for example, the drive applying portion 5e) cannot be seen (or are difficult to see) through the switching portion 10.

[0035] Although not particularly limited, the light transmittance of the switching section 10 in the first state may be, for example, less than 50%, or may be, for example, 40% or less, and is preferably, for example, 30% or less, and more preferably, for example, 20% or less.

[0036] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 3(b), when power is supplied to the light control film 11, the light control film 11 is in a second state in which the light transmittance is higher than the light transmittance in the first state. This allows the components covered by the side cover part 4f (for example, the drive applying part 5e) to be visually confirmed without removing the side cover part 4f from the balustrade main body part 4b.

[0037] Although not particularly limited, the light transmittance of the switching section 10 in the second state may be, for example, 50% or more, or may be, for example, 60% or more, and is preferably, for example, 70% or more, and more preferably, for example, 80% or more.

[0038] 2 and 3, the upper part of the switching part 10 may be disposed above the step 3b when viewed in the first horizontal direction D1, as in this embodiment. This allows the parts covered by the side cover part 4f to be visible through the switching part 10 even when the side cover part 4f is not removed from the balustrade main body part 4b and the step 3b is not removed from the running part 3a.

[0039] In addition, the switching unit 10 may be arranged, for example, in a part of the cover unit 4c in the conveying directions D2, D4, or, for example, over the entire length of the cover unit 4c in the conveying directions D2, D4, i.e., over the entire conveying directions D2, D4.

[0040] 4, the operation panel 7 includes an automatic / manual input unit 13a to which instruction data for selecting either manual operation or automatic operation is input. The operation panel 7 may also include, for example, an emergency stop input unit 13b to which instruction data for an emergency stop is input, and an audio output unit (e.g., a buzzer) 14a to output data by voice, as in this embodiment.

[0041] The control panel 7 may be disposed inside each of the machine rooms 2a, 2a as in this embodiment (see FIG. 1), or may be disposed inside one of the machine rooms 2a, for example. As a result, the control panel 7 is a panel that is operated when performing maintenance work on the passenger conveyor 1.

[0042] The automatic / manual input unit 13a may receive, for example, automatic driving instruction data that is an instruction to automatically drive through step 3b and manual driving instruction data that is an instruction to manually drive through step 3b. Although not particularly limited, the automatic / manual input unit 13a may be, for example, a select switch as in this embodiment.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, the people conveyor 1 may be equipped with, for example, a start / stop input unit 13c to which starting and stopping data for step 3b is input, a running direction input unit 13d to which data on the running direction of step 3b is input, a person detection unit 15 to detect people, and a display output unit 14b to output data on a display.

[0044] The start / stop input unit 13c may receive, for example, start instruction data, which is an instruction to start traveling in step 3b, and stop instruction data to stop traveling in step 3b. Although not particularly limited, the start / stop input unit 13c may be, for example, as in this embodiment, disposed on the cover 4c of the balustrade 4 and may be a key lock switch that can be turned by inserting a key. This puts the start / stop input unit 13c in one of a state where start / stop data is input, a state where stop instruction data is input, and a state where no data is input.

[0045] The travel direction input unit 13d may receive first direction instruction data, which is an instruction to travel in a first direction (upward) on the step 3b, and second direction instruction data, which is an instruction to travel in a second direction (downward) on the step 3b. Although not particularly limited, the travel direction input unit 13d may be, for example, as in this embodiment, disposed on the cover 4c of the balustrade 4 and may be a key lock switch that can be turned by inserting a key. As a result, the travel direction input unit 13d is in one of a state in which the first direction stop data is input, a state in which the second direction instruction data is input, and a state in which no data is input.

[0046] The human detection unit 15 may, for example, detect whether or not a person is present at the boarding and disembarking section 1a in order to detect a person getting on the passenger conveyor 1. Although not particularly limited, the human detection unit 15 may, for example, be a photoelectric sensor disposed inside the cover section 4c of the balustrade section 4 as in this embodiment, or may, for example, be a camera that captures images from above and the sides, or may, for example, be a load cell that detects the weight of a person from below.

[0047] The display output unit 14b is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, as in this embodiment, a liquid crystal indicator lamp disposed on the cover portion 4c of the balustrade portion 4. When the boarding / alighting section 1a is the boarding entrance, the display output unit 14b may display, for example, an arrow indicating that entry is permitted, and when the boarding / alighting section 1a is the disembarking entrance, the display output unit 14b may display, for example, a mark indicating that entry is prohibited.

[0048] 6, the passenger conveyor 1 may include, for example, an input unit 13 to which various data are input, and an output unit 14 to which various data are output. Note that, for example, the input unit 13 may include an input unit to which data is input in addition to the input units 13a to 13d, and, for example, the output unit 14 may include an output unit to which data is output in addition to the output units 14a and 14b.

[0049] Although not particularly limited, the input unit 13 may be, for example, a switch (push button switch, select switch, etc.), a touch panel, etc. Also, although not particularly limited, the output unit 14 may be, for example, a display device that outputs data by display (for example, an electronic bulletin board, a display light), an audio device that outputs data by sound (for example, a buzzer, a speaker), a signal output device that outputs a signal to the outside (for example, a central monitoring panel, etc.), etc.

[0050] The processing unit 6 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, an acquisition unit 6a that acquires each piece of data from each unit 13, 15, a storage unit 6b that stores each piece of data, a calculation unit 6c that calculates each piece of data, and a control unit 6d that controls each unit 5, 10, 14. The processing unit 6 may be a computer that includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU and an MPU (for example, the calculation unit 6c, the control unit 6d), memories such as a ROM and a RAM (for example, the acquisition unit 6a, the storage unit 6b), various interfaces, and the like.

[0051] As a result, the processor executes the program stored in the memory, and the software and hardware work together to realize the units 6a to 6d of the processing unit 6. The processing unit 6 may be configured, for example, with a software circuit, or may be configured, for example, with a hardware circuit, or may be configured, for example, with a combination of a software circuit and a hardware circuit.

[0052] The processing unit 6 may be configured, for example, as one device, or may be configured, for example, as multiple devices that can communicate with each other. Specifically, the units 6a to 6d of the processing unit 6 may be provided, for example, in one device, or may be provided, for example, as distributed across multiple devices that can communicate with each other.

[0053] The configuration of the passenger conveyor 1 according to this embodiment is as described above, and next, a control method for the passenger conveyor 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Note that the following control method is provided as an example to help understand the control method for the passenger conveyor 1, and is not intended to limit the control method for the passenger conveyor 1.

[0054] For example, when start instruction data is input to the start / stop input unit 13c while automatic driving instruction data is input to the automatic / manual input unit 13a, the processing unit 6 may start the steps 3b and the handrail belt 4a to perform automatic driving. And, for example, when automatic driving is being performed, when stop instruction data is input to the start / stop input unit 13c, the processing unit 6 may stop the steps 3b and the handrail belt 4a.

[0055] As a result, when the automatic driving operation is performed, the processing unit 6 continues the automatic driving operation until the stop instruction data is input to the start / stop input unit 13c. When the automatic driving operation is performed, the running speed of the step 3b and the handrail belt 4a may be constant, for example, or may change based on the detection of the human detection unit 15, for example.

[0056] On the other hand, for example, in a state where manual instruction data is input to the automatic manual input unit 13a, the processing unit 6 may run the step 3b in a first direction only while first direction instruction data is input to the travel direction input unit 13d. Also, for example, in a state where manual instruction data is input to the automatic manual input unit 13a, the processing unit 6 may run the step 3b in a second direction only while second direction instruction data is input to the travel direction input unit 13d.

[0057] Incidentally, when performing maintenance work on the passenger conveyor 1, manual instruction data is generally input to the automatic manual input unit 13a. When manual instruction data is input to the automatic manual input unit 13a, the processing unit 6 puts the light control film 11 into the second state. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the maintenance worker can visually check the parts (e.g., the drive applying unit 5e) covered by the side cover part 4f through the switching unit 10 of the side cover part 4f without removing the side cover part 4f from the balustrade main body part 4b.

[0058] On the other hand, when the passenger conveyor 1 is to be operated automatically, automatic instruction data is input to the automatic manual input unit 13a. When the automatic instruction data is input to the automatic manual input unit 13a, the processing unit 6 sets the light control film 11 to the first state. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3(a), the parts covered by the side cover portion 4f (e.g., the drive applying unit 5e) cannot be seen (or are difficult to see). Therefore, it is possible to prevent passengers on the step 3b from seeing the parts covered by the side cover portion 4f.

[0059] In this way, when manual instruction data is input to the automatic manual input unit 13a, the maintenance personnel can visually confirm the parts covered by the side cover portion 4f, whereas when automatic instruction data is input to the automatic manual input unit 13a, the passengers on the step 3b cannot visually confirm the parts covered by the side cover portion 4f. As a result, the switching unit 10 is switched based on the instruction data input to the automatic manual input unit 13a, so that the switching unit 10 can be appropriately switched depending on, for example, the operating state.

[0060] In addition, the time required to perform maintenance work on the passenger conveyor 1 is generally shorter than the time required to perform automatic driving of the passenger conveyor 1. That is, the time required to visually confirm the parts covered by the side cover portion 4f is shorter than the time required to not visually confirm the parts. In contrast, the light-controlling film 11 is put into the second state by being supplied with power. This allows the time required to supply power to the light-controlling film 11 to be shortened, and therefore the amount of power supplied to the light-controlling film 11 to be reduced.

[0061] From the above, the passenger conveyor 1, as in this embodiment, Parapet section 4 and A processing unit 6 that controls the balustrade unit 4, The balustrade portion 4 includes a cover portion 4c disposed at the bottom, The cover portion 4c includes a switching portion 10 that is switchable between a first state and a second state that transmits more light than the first state, The processing unit 6 switches the switching unit 10 between the first state and the second state. This configuration is preferred.

[0062] According to this configuration, the switching unit 10 is switched between a first state and a second state in which more light passes than in the first state by the processing unit 6. As a result, when the switching unit 10 is in the second state, the components covered by the cover portion 4c can be visually confirmed without removing the cover portion 4c.

[0063] In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1, as in this embodiment, The switching unit 10 is switched between a state in which power is supplied and a state in which power supply is stopped, thereby switching between the first state and the second state having a light transmittance higher than the light transmittance of the first state. This configuration is preferred.

[0064] According to this configuration, by switching between a state in which power is supplied and a state in which power supply is stopped, the switching unit 10 is switched between a first state and a second state in which the light transmittance is higher than the light transmittance in the first state. As a result, when the switching unit 10 is in the second state, the components covered by the cover portion 4c can be visually confirmed through the switching unit 10 without removing the cover portion 4c.

[0065] In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1, as in this embodiment, The switching unit 10 includes a light control film 11 that is in the first state when the supply of power is stopped and in the second state when power is supplied. This configuration is preferred.

[0066] According to such a configuration, the time during which the parts covered by the cover portion 4c are generally visible is shorter than the time during which the parts are not visible, and the light-controlling film 11 is put into the second state by being supplied with power. This allows the parts covered by the cover portion 4c to be visible through the light-controlling film 11 without removing the cover portion 4c. Moreover, since the time during which power is supplied to the light-controlling film 11 can be shortened, the amount of power supplied to the light-controlling film 11 can be reduced.

[0067] In addition, the passenger conveyor 1, as in this embodiment, An input unit 13 is provided for inputting instruction data for selecting either manual driving or automatic driving, The processing unit 6 sets the switching unit 10 to the first state when instruction data for selecting automatic driving is input to the input unit 13, and sets the switching unit 10 to the second state when instruction data for selecting manual driving is input to the input unit 13. This configuration is preferred.

[0068] According to such a configuration, generally, when manual driving is performed, the parts covered by the cover portion 4c are often visually recognized, whereas when instruction data for selecting automatic driving is input to the input portion 13, the switching portion 10 goes to the first state, and when instruction data for selecting manual driving is input to the input portion 13, the switching portion 10 goes to the second state. Thus, the switching portion 10 is switched based on the instruction data input to the input portion 13.

[0069] 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.

[0070] (A) In the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the switching unit 10 is configured to be switched between a state in which power is supplied and a state in which power supply is stopped, thereby switching between a first state and a second state in which the light transmittance is higher than the light transmittance of the first state. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0071] For example, the switching unit 10 may be configured to be switched between a first state in which light is blocked and a second state in which light is passed. Although not particularly limited, an example of such a configuration may be the configuration shown in Fig. 7. The configuration according to Fig. 7 will be described below.

[0072] (A-1) As shown in FIG. 7, for example, the switching unit 10 of the cover portion 4c may include a cover main body 16 having an opening 16a, a movable cover body 17 movable between a first position covering the opening 16a (see FIG. 7(a)) and a second position away from the opening 16a (see FIG. 7(b)), and a moving source 18 that moves the movable cover body 17.

[0073] The cover body 16 and the movable cover body 17 have a light-shielding property and may be made of, for example, a metal, though there is no particular limitation thereto. Also, the moving source 18 may be, for example, a cylinder, as shown in FIG. 7, though there is no particular limitation thereto.

[0074] 7(a), when the cylinder, which is the movement source 18, is in an extended state, the movable cover body 17 is located at a first position covering the opening 16a of the cover main body 16, and the switching unit 10 is in a first state in which light is blocked. That is, since the movable cover body 17 closes the opening 16a, the inside of the cover part 4c cannot be seen.

[0075] 7(b), when the cylinder, which is the movement source 18, is in a contracted state, the movable cover body 17 is located at a second position away from the opening 16a of the cover main body 16, and the switching unit 10 is in a second state in which light passes through the opening 16a. That is, the movable cover body 17 opens the opening 16a, and the inside of the cover part 4c can be visually confirmed.

[0076] In this manner, the switching unit 10 is switched between a first state and a second state in which more light passes than in the first state by the processing unit 6. As a result, when the switching unit 10 is in the second state, the components covered by the cover portion 4c can be viewed through the opening 16a of the switching unit 10 without removing the cover portion 4c.

[0077] In this specification, the term "transmission" refers to light passing through the interior of a substance, and does not include light simply passing through air.

[0078] (B) In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the light control film 11 is configured to be in the first state when the supply of power is stopped, and in the second state when power is supplied. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the light control film 11 may be configured to be in the first state when power is supplied, and in the second state when power supply is stopped.

[0079] (C) In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the switching unit 10 is configured to include a light control film 11 that is switched between a state in which the supply of power is stopped and a state in which power is supplied, thereby switching between a first state and a second state. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0080] For example, the switching unit 10 may be configured to include a transparent display 19 that is switched between a state in which power supply is stopped and a state in which power is supplied, thereby switching between a first state and a second state. Although not particularly limited, an example of such a configuration may be the configuration shown in Fig. 8. The configuration related to Fig. 8 will be described below.

[0081] (C-1) As shown in Fig. 8(a), for example, when power is supplied to the transparent display 19, the transparent display 19 enters the first state, displays information, and has low light transmittance. This makes it possible to provide information to passengers getting on step 3b, for example. Note that the information displayed on the transparent display 19 may be, for example, text as shown in Fig. 8, or may be, for example, an image or a video.

[0082] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 8(b), for example, by stopping the supply of power to the transparent display 19, the transparent display 19 enters the second state and has a high light transmittance. As a result, by the transparent display 19 entering the second state, the components covered by the cover portion 4c (for example, the drive applying unit 5e) can be visually recognized through the transparent display 19 without removing the cover portion 4c. Note that the transparent display 19 may be configured not to display information in the second state, as shown in Fig. 8(b), for example.

[0083] Thus, the passenger conveyor 1, as shown in FIG. the switching unit 10 includes a transparent display 19 that is in the first state when power is supplied thereto and in the second state when power supply is stopped; The transparent display 19 displays information in the first state. This configuration is preferred.

[0084] According to this configuration, the transparent display 19 goes into the first state when power is supplied, and goes into the second state when power supply is stopped. As a result, when the transparent display 19 goes into the second state, the components covered by the cover portion 4c can be viewed through the transparent display 19 without removing the cover portion 4c.

[0085] Moreover, the transparent display 19 displays information in the first state. This allows the transparent display 19 to be used effectively even in the first state. For example, the design of the balustrade portion 4 can be improved.

[0086] (D) In ​​addition, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the processing unit 6 is configured to set the switching unit 10 to the first state when instruction data for selecting automatic operation is input to the automatic / manual input unit 13a, and to set the switching unit 10 to the second state when instruction data for selecting manual operation is input to the automatic / manual input unit 13a. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0087] For example, the input unit 13 may be an input unit separate from the automatic / manual input unit 13a, and may include a state input unit to which first state instruction data for putting the switching unit 10 in the first state and second state instruction data for putting the switching unit 10 in the second state are input, and the processing unit 6 may be configured to put the switching unit 10 in the first state when the first state instruction data is input to the state input unit, and to put the switching unit 10 in the second state when the second state instruction data is input to the state input unit.

[0088] Also, for example, the processing unit 6 may be configured to set the switching unit 10 to the first state when the step 3b is moving, and to set the switching unit 10 to the second state when the step 3b is stopped.

[0089] (E) In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the switching unit 10 is arranged only on the side cover portion 4f of the cover portion 4c. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0090] For example, the switching unit 10 may be arranged not only on the side cover portion 4f of the cover portion 4c (or instead of the side cover portion 4f) but also on the upper cover portion 4e. Also, for example, the switching unit 10 may be arranged not only on the side cover portion 4f of the cover portion 4c (or instead of the side cover portion 4f) but also on the outer cover portion 4d.

[0091] (F) In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, a part (upper part) of the switching section 10 is arranged above the step 3b when viewed in the first horizontal direction D1, and the other part (lower part) of the switching section 10 is arranged so as to overlap the step 3b when viewed in the first horizontal direction D1. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0092] For example, the entire switching part 10 may be arranged to overlap the step 3b when viewed in the first horizontal direction D1. In this configuration, when the step 3b is removed from the running part 3a, the parts covered by the side cover part 4f can be visually confirmed through the switching part 10 without removing the side cover part 4f from the balustrade main body part 4b.

[0093] Also, for example, the entire switching part 10 may be disposed above the step 3b when viewed in the first horizontal direction D1. With this configuration, the parts covered by the side cover part 4f can be visually confirmed through the switching part 10 without removing the side cover part 4f from the balustrade main body part 4b and without removing the step 3b from the running part 3a.

[0094] (G) In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the first clamping portion 4j is configured with the abutment stop portion 4h. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, as shown in Fig. 9(a), the rigid portion 4g may be provided with a male screw material 4m that screws into the second clamping portion 4k, and the first clamping portion 4j may be configured with the head of the male screw material 4m.

[0095] (H) In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the abutment stop portion 4h is arranged so as to be flush with the switching portion 10. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0096] For example, the abutment portion 4h may be arranged closer to the step 3b in the first horizontal direction D1 than the switching portion 10. This causes the step 3b to abut against the abutment portion 4h in the first horizontal direction D1, thereby preventing the step 3b from abutting against the switching portion 10.

[0097] (I) For example, as shown in FIG. 9(b), in the passenger conveyor 1, the step 3b may be configured to have a contact stop portion 3d that protrudes from the side surface 3c in the first horizontal direction D1 and is stopped by the contact stop portion 4h. The contact stop portion 3d is arranged, for example, so as to overlap with the contact stop portion 4h when viewed in the first horizontal direction D1. This prevents the side surface 3c of the step 3b from contacting the switching portion 10, since the contact stop portion 3d of the step 3b is stopped by the contact stop portion 4h in the first horizontal direction D1.

[0098] (J) 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 this order. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1...people conveyor, 1a...boarding and disembarking section, 2...structure, 2a...machine room, 3...transport section, 3a...running section, 3b...step, 3c...side, 3d...contact stop section, 4...balustrade section, 4a...handrail belt, 4b...balustrade main body section, 4c...cover section, 4d...outer cover section, 4e...upper cover section, 4f...side cover section, 4g...rigidity section, 4h...contact stop section, 4i...reinforcement section, 4j...first clamping section, 4k...second clamping section, 4m...male thread material, 5...drive section, 5a...drive wheel, 5b...winding section, 5c...drive source, 5d...braking section, 5e...drive applying section, 5f...transmission section, 6...processing section, 6a...acquisition section, 6 b...memory unit, 6c...calculation unit, 6d...control unit, 7...operation panel, 8...floor plate, 10...switching unit, 11...light control film, 12...transparent panel, 13...input unit, 13a...automatic / manual input unit, 13b...emergency stop input unit, 13c...start / stop input unit, 13d...travel direction input unit, 14...output unit, 14a...audio output unit, 14b...display output unit, 15...human detection unit, 16...cover body, 16a...opening, 17...movable cover body, 18...movement source, 19...transparent display, D1...first horizontal direction, D2...second horizontal direction, D3...up / down direction, D4...tilt direction, D5...vertical direction

Claims

1. The balustrade and A processing unit for controlling the balustrade, The balustrade portion includes a cover portion disposed at a lower portion, The cover portion includes a switching portion that is switchable between a first state and a second state that transmits more light than the first state, The processing unit switches the switching unit between the first state and the second state. The switching unit is equipped with a light-controlling film that can be switched between a state in which power is supplied and a state in which power supply is stopped, thereby switching between the first state and the second state having a light transmittance higher than the light transmittance of the first state.

2. A man conveyor as described in claim 1, wherein the dimming film is in the first state when the supply of power is cut off and in the second state when power is supplied.

3. A parapet portion; A processing unit for controlling the balustrade, The balustrade portion includes a cover portion disposed at a lower portion, The cover portion includes a switching portion that is switchable between a first state and a second state that transmits more light than the first state, The processing unit switches the switching unit between the first state and the second state. the switching unit is switched between a state in which power is supplied and a state in which power supply is stopped, thereby switching between the first state and the second state having a light transmittance higher than the light transmittance of the first state, the switching unit includes a transparent display that is set to the first state when power is supplied thereto and is set to the second state when power supply is stopped; The transparent display displays information in the first state.

4. A parapet portion; A processing unit for controlling the balustrade, The balustrade portion includes a cover portion disposed at a lower portion, The cover portion includes a switching portion that is switchable between a first state and a second state that transmits more light than the first state, The processing unit switches the switching unit between the first state and the second state. An input unit is provided for inputting instruction data for selecting either manual driving or automatic driving, The processing unit sets the switching unit to the first state when instruction data selecting automatic operation is input to the input unit, and sets the switching unit to the second state when instruction data selecting manual operation is input to the input unit.

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