How to install the reducer

Abstract

To provide an installation method of a speed reducer which achieves reduction of costs for remodeling of a cast of the speed reducer, reduction of costs for worker's labor and work time to install the speed reducer, and high versatility.SOLUTION: A protruding part provided at a housing for storing a lubrication oil is fitted in a through hole or a recessed part provided at a foot plate provided separately from the housing (S1301), swivel adjustment of the housing relative to the foot plate is performed (S1302), and the housing and the foot plate are connected (S1303). Then, a motor and a brake are assembled (S1304). These operations are performed at a stable place which is different from work sites, where a sufficient space is often unavailable around the speed reducer, and enables the operations to be performed easily, thereby securing high adjustment accuracy in the swivel adjustment, etc.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a reducer that reduces the rotational speed of input power and outputs it, and to a method for installing the reducer. [Background technology]

[0002] An escalator uses the driving force of a motor to move the staircase-like steps up and down. The escalator is equipped with an escalator reducer (gearbox) that reduces the rotational speed of the motor to increase the output torque before transmitting it to the steps.

[0003] The escalator reducer includes a rotating shaft connected to the motor to receive the rotation of the motor, and an output shaft connected to the steps via a step chain. The escalator reducer transmits the rotation of the motor received by the rotating shaft to the output shaft via a gear train.

[0004] Specifically, related art in the past has involved, for example, a technology for an escalator reducer that achieves low noise, low costs, and a reduction in the installation space for the escalator reducer, by arranging a motor so that the axial direction of the output shaft is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the escalator steps, configuring the reduction mechanism of the reducer using a parallel shaft gear mechanism, arranging the output shaft of the reducer parallel to the motor shaft of the motor, and supporting the gear box of the reducer by a pair of output shaft bearings, with both ends of the output shaft of the reducer protruding or extending outside the gear box, and directly incorporating a pair of sprockets for driving the escalator steps into the extended output shaft (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-053282 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-069902 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 48-040712 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in conventional escalator reducers such as those described above, if the model of the escalator reducer is the same, the positions of the mounting holes in the housing, which is generally formed by casting, are uniform, which limits the escalators on which it can be installed, resulting in a problem of poor versatility when renewing the escalator reducer.

[0007] In recent years, in order to reduce the time and cost required for renovations, it has become common to replace only some of the components of an escalator. Furthermore, the installation environments for the escalator reducers of escalators that are subject to renovation vary greatly depending on the design and manufacturing company and the design era.

[0008] On the other hand, as mentioned above, conventional escalator reducers are not very versatile, so when renewing only an escalator reducer, it is necessary to either create a mold for the housing according to the structural frame of the escalator on which the escalator reducer is installed, or to create a mold for the housing or to modify the structural frame, which creates the problem of high costs in terms of labor, work time, and construction costs involved in installing the escalator reducer.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a reducer that can reduce the cost required for casting modifications.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a highly versatile reducer that reduces costs, such as the labor and time required for installation, in order to solve the problems associated with the prior art described above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the reducer of the present invention is a reducer that reduces the rotational speed of a motor equipped in a passenger conveyor, and is equipped with a housing that contains lubricating oil, a foot plate that is provided separately from the housing, a fitting mechanism that is composed of a protrusion that is provided on the housing or the foot plate and protrudes from the foot plate or the housing, and a recess or through hole that is provided on the foot plate or the housing and can fit into the protrusion, and a connecting mechanism that connects the housing body and the foot plate, and is characterized in that the foot plate has mounting holes that can pass through bolts used to fix the reducer at a position corresponding to the structural body on which the reducer is to be installed.

[0012] In addition, the reducer of this invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, it is provided with an adjustment through hole that penetrates from the side of the foot plate to the inner wall surface of the recess or the through hole, and an adjustment screw that is screwed into the adjustment through hole. In addition, the reducer of this invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, it is provided with an adjustment through hole that penetrates from the side of the housing to the inner wall surface of the recess or the through hole, and an adjustment screw that is screwed into the adjustment through hole.

[0013] In addition, the method for installing a reducer according to the present invention is a method for installing a reducer that reduces the rotational speed of a motor equipped in a passenger conveyor, and is characterized by including a first step of fitting a protrusion provided in a housing that contains lubricating oil into a through hole or recess provided in a foot plate that is provided separately from the housing, a second step of adjusting the swivel of the housing relative to the foot plate, and a third step of connecting the housing and the foot plate. In addition, the method for installing a reducer according to the present invention is a method for installing a reducer that reduces the rotational speed of a motor equipped in a passenger conveyor, and is characterized by including a first step of fitting a protrusion provided on a foot plate that is provided separately from a housing that contains lubricating oil into a recess provided in the housing, a second step of adjusting the swivel of the housing relative to the foot plate, and a third step of connecting the housing and the foot plate. In addition, the installation method of the reducer according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, after the first step to the third step, it includes a fourth step of assembling a motor and a brake to the reducer. Furthermore, in the method for installing a reducer according to the present invention, the first to fourth steps are performed at a location different from a location where the passenger conveyor is installed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The reducer and the installation method thereof according to the present invention have the effect of reducing the cost of casting and modifying the reducer.

[0015] In addition, the reducer and installation method of the present invention have the effect of reducing costs such as the labor and work time required for installing the reducer, and providing a highly versatile reducer and installation method thereof. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an escalator equipped with an escalator reducer that realizes a reducer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing an example of the structure of an escalator reducer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing an example of the structure of an escalator reducer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) showing an example of the structure of an escalator reducer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram (part 4) showing an example of the structure of an escalator reducer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram (part 5) showing an example of the structure of an escalator reducer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing an escalator reducer with the housing and foot plate separated. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing the escalator reducer with the housing and foot plate separated. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) showing the escalator reducer with the housing and foot plate separated. [Figure 10] 1 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing an installation procedure for an escalator reducer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing the installation procedure of the escalator reducer according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) showing the installation procedure of the escalator reducer according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 4 is a flowchart showing an installation procedure for the escalator reducer according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a reducer and an installation method thereof according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] The passenger conveyor according to the present invention is realized by a device that uses power to transport people or goods. Specifically, the passenger conveyor according to the present invention can be realized, for example, by a device in which steps (treads) move cyclically and rise and fall using the power of a motor. The steps may be composed of a plurality of steps, or may be composed of a series of belt-like members such as an endless belt, without being limited to being composed of a plurality of steps.

[0019] More specifically, the passenger conveyor according to the present invention can be realized by a device called, for example, an "escalator," which uses a motor to circulate and raise and lower a plurality of stair-like steps (treads). Also, specifically, the passenger conveyor according to the present invention can be realized by a device called, for example, a "moving walkway" or "horizontal escalator," which uses a motor to circulate steps (belt-like members) that are arranged horizontally, rather than in a stair-like manner. Also, specifically, the passenger conveyor according to the present invention can be realized by a device called, for example, an "autoslope," which uses a motor to circulate steps (belt-like members) that are arranged on an inclined surface inclined relative to the horizontal direction.

[0020] In the following embodiment, an example will be described in which the reducer of the present invention is applied to a passenger conveyor, a so-called "escalator," which uses the power of a motor to move multiple steps (treads) in a circulating manner to raise and lower the vehicle.

[0021] (Example of an escalator) First, an example of an escalator equipped with an escalator reducer that realizes a reducer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an escalator equipped with an escalator reducer that realizes a reducer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, escalator 100 includes a frame 101 installed on a skeleton (structural skeleton) not shown. Frame 101 is made of a steel frame or the like. For example, in the case of escalator 100 installed between floors of different heights as shown in Fig. 1, frame 101 spans two floors, upper floor 102 and lower floor 103 (floor beams of each floor 102, 103).

[0023] The frame body 101 is composed of an upper portion 101a provided under the floor of the upper floor 102, a lower portion 101b provided under the floor of the lower floor 103, and a middle portion 101c provided between the upper portion 101a and the lower portion 101b. The middle portion 101c is provided in a state inclined at a predetermined angle between the upper portion 101a and the lower portion 101b. In this embodiment, the direction along the inclination of the middle portion 101c in the frame body (the direction in which the upper portion 101a, middle portion 101c, and lower portion 101b are arranged) will be described as the "length direction," and the direction perpendicular to the length direction will be described as the "width direction."

[0024] In the frame 101, an upper portion 101a and a lower portion 101b are each made into a machine room. The machine room in the upper portion 101a contains, for example, a control panel that controls the drive of each portion of the escalator 100, a drive mechanism including a motor 104 that is driven and controlled by the control panel, and a drive sprocket 105 to which the power of the motor 104 is transmitted. The machine room in the lower portion 101b contains structures related to the operation of the escalator 100, such as a driven sprocket 106 and a mechanism that supports the driven sprocket 106.

[0025] An upper boarding and alighting plate 107 is provided on the upper end surface of the upper portion 101a, i.e., on the same surface as the floor surface of the upper floor 102. The upper boarding and alighting plate 107 releasably closes the upper portion 101a (the machine room located below the floor surface of the upper floor 102). A lower boarding and alighting plate 108 is provided on the upper end surface of the lower portion 101b, i.e., on the same surface as the floor surface of the lower floor 103. The lower boarding and alighting plate 108 releasably closes the lower portion 101b (the machine room located below the floor surface of the lower floor 103).

[0026] The upper and lower boards 107 and 108 are removed to open the respective machine rooms during maintenance of the escalator 100. Furthermore, the upper and lower boards 107 and 108 are used as passageways for users of the escalator 100 when the escalator 100 is in operation.

[0027] A balustrade 109 is provided on the upper side of the frame 101. The balustrade 109 can be made of, for example, tempered glass or stainless steel. An endless (loop) handrail (handrail belt) 110 is provided on the balustrade 109. The handrail 110 is provided along the end face of the balustrade 109 so as to be slidable along the length of the escalator 100.

[0028] The escalator 100 includes a plurality of steps 111. Each of the steps 111 includes a tread 111a and a riser 111b. The tread 111a is flat, and the riser 111b is gently curved. The dimensions of the tread 111a and the riser 111b in the width direction are equal. The dimension of the tread 111a in a direction perpendicular to the width direction (the tread surface dimension of the tread 111a) and the dimension of the riser 111b in a direction perpendicular to the width direction (the height dimension of the riser 111b) may be the same or different. The tread 111a and the riser 111b are connected to each other along one side in the width direction, making the dimensions equal.

[0029] Each of the steps 111 is equipped with a drive roller 112 and a driven roller 113. The drive roller 112 and the driven roller 113 are rotatably attached to a bracket 111c that is suspended between the tread 111a and the riser 111b. The bracket 111c connects the tread 111a and the riser 111b, ensuring the strength of the step 111. This makes it possible to support the load exerted by users of the escalator 100 and ensure the safety of users.

[0030] The drive roller 112 and the driven roller 113 are provided at both ends in the width direction of the step 111. Of these, the drive roller 112 is provided at a position near the end opposite the connection position between the step 111a and the riser 111b in the direction perpendicular to the width direction of the step. The driven roller 113 is provided at a position near the end opposite the connection position between the step 111a and the riser 111b in the height direction of the riser 111b.

[0031] An endless drive roller guide rail 114 is provided on each side of the plurality of steps 111 in the width direction. The drive rollers 112 are each provided so that their outer peripheral surfaces abut against the drive roller guide rails 114. Furthermore, an endless driven roller guide rail 115 is provided on each side of the plurality of steps 111 in the width direction. The driven rollers 113 are each provided so that their outer peripheral surfaces abut against the driven roller guide rails 115.

[0032] The drive roller guide rail 114 and the driven roller guide rail 115 are arranged so as to trace different tracks, and the drive roller guide rail 114 and the driven roller guide rail 115 are arranged so that their tracks do not intersect.

[0033] The drive rollers 112 provided on each of the multiple steps 111 are each connected to an endless step chain 116. The step chain 116 is stretched over a drive sprocket 105 and a driven sprocket 106. The drive sprocket 105 and the driven sprocket 106 are fixed in position and rotate at fixed positions.

[0034] The drive sprocket 105 is connected to the output shaft of the escalator reducer 117 (see Figures 2 to 4). The drive sprocket 105 rotates upon receiving drive torque transmitted from the motor 104 via the escalator reducer 117. As the drive sprocket 105 rotates, the step chain 116 rotates the driven sprocket 106 together with the drive sprocket 105, while being stretched between the drive sprocket 105 and the driven sprocket 106.

[0035] As the step chain 116 rotates, the drive roller 112 and the driven roller 113 rotate while in contact with the drive roller guide rail 114 and the driven roller guide rail 115, respectively, and roll along the guide rails 114, 115. As a result, the multiple steps 111 move diagonally upward in the vertical direction or diagonally downward in the vertical direction as the step chain 116 rotates.

[0036] When the steps 111 move, the drive rollers 114 and the driven rollers 115 roll while in contact with the drive roller guide rails 114 and the driven roller guide rails 115, respectively, which allows the steps 111 to form steps, the steps 111 (treads 111a) to be flat, or the steps 111 to be moved upside down.

[0037] The above-mentioned handrail 110 is driven by a handrail drive device 118 to move in the same direction (lengthwise direction) as the movement of the plurality of steps 111, in a circular motion synchronized with the movement of the plurality of steps 111. The handrail drive device 118 is connected to the drive sprocket 105 via a transmission mechanism such as a handrail chain or gears (not shown). As a result, the handrail 110 moves in a circular motion synchronized with the movement of the plurality of steps 111 as the drive sprocket 105 rotates.

[0038] The handrails 110 move circulatingly in synchronization with the movement of the steps 111, allowing users of the escalator 100 to move while holding onto the handrails 110 and standing on the steps 111. The escalator 100 allows users to move while holding onto the handrails 110, ensuring the safety of the users.

[0039] (Structure of escalator reducer 117) Next, we will explain the structure of escalator reducer 117. Figures 2 to 6 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the structure of escalator reducer 117 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Fig. 2 shows an escalator reducer 117 according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from the side. Fig. 3 shows a view seen from the arrow A in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 shows a view seen from the arrow B in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 shows a view seen from the arrow C in Fig. 2. Fig. 6 shows a view seen from the arrow D in Fig. 5.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, escalator reducer 117 includes housing 201. Housing 201 is hollow inside, and lubricating oil is stored in the hollow portion. An output shaft through hole and an input shaft through hole are provided in side surface 201a of housing 201. A brake shaft through hole is provided in side surface 201b of the housing. The output shaft through hole, input shaft through hole, and brake shaft through hole each pass through side surface 201a or side surface 201b of housing 201.

[0042] Escalator reducer 117 includes output shaft 202, input shaft 203, and brake shaft 301. Output shaft 202, input shaft 203, and brake shaft 301 are all rod (shaft) shaped. Output shaft 202 is disposed in a state where it passes through an output shaft through hole, with one end in the axial direction located outside housing 201 and the other end located inside housing 201. An oil seal (not shown) is disposed in the housing at the output shaft through hole. This prevents lubricating oil inside housing 201 from leaking out of housing 201 through a gap between output shaft 202 and the output shaft through hole.

[0043] A power output sprocket (not shown) is provided on a portion of the output shaft 202 located outside the housing 201. The power output sprocket rotates in conjunction with the output shaft 202, centering on the axis of the output shaft 202. The step chain 116 described above is stretched over the power output sprocket. This allows the step chain 116 to rotate as the output shaft 202 rotates.

[0044] In this embodiment, the input shaft 203 and the brake shaft 301 are integral. The input shaft 203 and the brake shaft 301 in this embodiment are realized by both ends of an integral shaft. The integral shaft is arranged so that both ends pass through an input shaft through-hole and a brake shaft through-hole, respectively, provided on both side surfaces 201a and 201b of the housing 201. As a result, the input shaft 203 and the brake shaft 301 are each arranged so that one end side in the axial direction is located outside the housing 201.

[0045] An oil seal (not shown) is provided in the housing 201 at the input shaft through hole. This prevents lubricating oil in the housing 201 from leaking out of the housing 201 through a gap between the input shaft 203 and the input shaft through hole. The input shaft 203 is provided with a pulley (not shown) at a portion located outside the housing 201, which rotates in conjunction with the input shaft 203 around the axis of the input shaft 203. An endless belt wound around the output shaft of the motor 104 described above is stretched over the pulley. This causes the input shaft 203 to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the motor 104 (output shaft of the motor 104).

[0046] The output shaft 202 is connected to the input shaft 203 (an integral shaft) inside the housing 201 via a gear train (not shown) provided inside the housing 201. As a result, the rotation of the input shaft 203 is transmitted to the output shaft 202, and the output shaft 202 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the input shaft 203. The rotation of the input shaft 203 is transmitted to the output shaft 202 via the gear train with the number of rotations (rotational speed) reduced and the torque increased. As a result, the step 111 can be circulated using the driving force of the motor 104.

[0047] An oil seal (not shown) is provided at the brake shaft through hole in the housing 201. This prevents the lubricating oil inside the housing 201 from leaking out of the housing 201 through the gap between the brake shaft 301 and the brake shaft through hole.

[0048] The brake shaft 301 is connected to a brake (not shown) outside the housing 201. For example, an electromagnetic brake can be used as the brake. The electromagnetic brake controls the rotation of the brake shaft 301 (an integral shaft) using an electromagnetic force generated by energizing a coil. The electromagnetic brake may be, for example, an excitation-activated electromagnetic brake that operates when energized, or a non-excitation-activated electromagnetic brake that operates when de-energized.

[0049] Escalator reducer 117 includes foot plate 204. Foot plate 204 can be formed, for example, using a steel plate or molded by casting. Foot plate 204 is provided with truss mounting holes 302 that penetrate foot plate 204 in the plate thickness direction. Foot plate 204 is provided with a plurality of truss mounting holes 302. When foot plate 204 is realized using a steel plate, truss mounting holes 302 can be formed, for example, by cutting (including drilling) or punching foot plate 204.

[0050] Truss mounting holes 302 are used to secure escalator reducer 117 to the structural frame. Truss mounting holes 302 are provided at positions corresponding to the structural frame to which escalator reducer 117 is to be secured. Specifically, truss mounting holes 302 are provided at positions corresponding to bolt holes (holes) (not shown) provided in the structural frame. Also, specifically, the number of truss mounting holes 302 provided corresponds to the number of bolt holes provided in the structural frame. In this embodiment, truss mounting holes 302 can provide the "mounting holes through which bolts used to secure an escalator reducer can pass" according to the present invention.

[0051] In escalator reducer 117 according to the embodiment of the present invention, foot plate 204 is detachably connected to housing 201. Housing 201 and foot plate 204 are detachably connected to each other using, for example, bolts or screws such as hexagon socket head bolts 401 (see FIGS. 7 to 9).

[0052] The foot plate 204 has a through hole 402 for fitting a reducer, which penetrates the foot plate 204 in the plate thickness direction. The through hole 402 for fitting a reducer has a substantially rectangular shape. The through hole 402 for fitting a reducer is provided in approximately the center of the foot plate 204. When the foot plate 204 is realized using a steel plate, the through hole 402 for fitting a reducer can be provided by, for example, cutting or punching the foot plate 204. In this embodiment, the through hole 402 for fitting a reducer can realize the "recess or through hole that can fit with a protrusion" according to the present invention.

[0053] Furthermore, foot plate 204 is provided with hexagon socket bolt through holes 403 that penetrate through foot plate 204 in the plate thickness direction. A plurality of hexagon socket bolt through holes 403 are provided on the periphery of reducer fitting through hole 402. When foot plate 204 is realized using a steel plate, hexagon socket bolt through holes 403 can be provided by, for example, cutting (including hole (hole) drilling) or punching on foot plate 204.

[0054] A set screw through hole 206 is provided on the side of foot plate 204, into which an adjustment set screw 205 used to adjust the position of housing 201 relative to foot plate 204 is threaded. In this embodiment, adjustment set screw 205 can realize the adjustment screw according to the present invention, and set screw through hole 206 can realize the adjustment through hole according to the present invention.

[0055] Set screw through holes 206 penetrate in a direction perpendicular to the outer side surfaces (hereinafter referred to as "side end faces" where appropriate) of foot plate 204. Foot plate 204 is formed so that the side end faces are parallel to the vertical direction when escalator 100 is installed. As a result, the rotation axes of adjustment set screws 205 are perpendicular to the surface direction of the side end faces.

[0056] Setscrew through holes 206 are provided on each of two opposing surfaces of foot plate 204 along the axial direction of output shaft 202, input shaft 203, and brake shaft 301. In escalator reducer 117 of this embodiment, two setscrew through holes 206 are provided on each of the two opposing surfaces.

[0057] (Configuration of the housing 201 and the foot plate 204) Next, a description will be given of the configuration of housing 201 and footboard 204. Figures 7 to 9 are explanatory diagrams showing escalator reducer 117 with housing 201 and footboard 204 separated.

[0058] Fig. 7 shows escalator reducer 117 as seen from the side, with housing 201 and foot plate 204 separated. Fig. 8 shows a view as seen from the arrow C in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 shows a view as seen from the arrow D in Fig. 8. In Figs. 7 to 9, parts of escalator reducer 117 that cannot be seen externally are shown with dotted lines.

[0059] 7 to 9, the housing 201 and the foot plate 204 are separate bodies and can be separated from each other. The housing 201 is made up of a housing main body 701 and a protruding portion 702. The housing main body 701 and the protruding portion 702 are integrally molded by casting.

[0060] The housing body 701 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape with a hollow interior, and the hollow portion accommodates the output shaft 202, the input shaft 203, the brake shaft 301, a gear train, lubricating oil, etc. The protrusion 702 protrudes from a bottom surface 701a of the housing body 701 in a direction away from the bottom surface 701a. The protrusion amount of the protrusion 702 from the bottom surface 701a of the housing body 701 (the height dimension from the bottom surface of the housing body 701 to the tip 702a of the protrusion 702) is smaller than the thickness dimension of the foot plate 204.

[0061] The outer diameter of the protrusion 702 is smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 402 for fitting a reducer. This allows the protrusion 702 to be fitted into the through hole 402 for fitting a reducer. The shape of the protrusion 702 is preferably substantially rectangular, similar to the shape of the through hole 402 for fitting a reducer.

[0062] Furthermore, it is preferable that the outer diameter of protrusion 702 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of reducer-fitting through-hole 402. This makes it possible to effectively prevent rattling between housing 201 and foot plate 204 when protrusion 702 is fitted into reducer-fitting through-hole 402.

[0063] A plurality of hexagon socket head bolt screw holes 703 are provided on the bottom surface 701a of the housing main body 701 at positions facing the hexagon socket head bolt through holes 403 when the protrusions 702 are fitted into the reducer fitting through holes 402. Female threads are provided on the inner peripheral surfaces of the hexagon socket head bolt screw holes 703. The hexagon socket head bolt screw holes 703 are provided such that the sum of the depth dimension of the hexagon socket head bolt screw holes 703 and the axial length dimension of the hexagon socket head bolt through holes 403 (the plate thickness dimension of the foot plate 204) is longer than the axial dimension of the hexagon socket head bolts 401.

[0064] The inner diameter of hexagon socket bolt through hole 403 is larger than the outer diameter of the head of hexagon socket bolt 401 at least at a depth from the underside of foot plate 204 that is equal to or greater than the thickness of the head of hexagon socket bolt 401. This prevents the head of hexagon socket bolt 401 from protruding below the underside of foot plate 204 when the tip of hexagon socket bolt 401 is screwed into the hexagon socket bolt fixing hole.

[0065] Set screw through hole 206 penetrates from the side surface of foot plate 204 to the periphery of reducer fitting through hole 402. A female thread is provided on the inner peripheral surface of set screw through hole 206. The female thread on the inner peripheral surface of set screw through hole 206 is provided at least in a predetermined range on the periphery side of set screw through hole 206 from reducer fitting through hole 402. This allows the tip of adjustment set screw 205 to reliably abut against protrusion 702. The adjustment set screw 205 can be a headless set screw, such as a hexagon socket set screw.

[0066] (Installation procedure for escalator reducer 117) Next, the installation procedure for escalator reducer 117 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figures 10 to 12 are explanatory diagrams showing the installation procedure for escalator reducer 117 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the installation procedure for escalator reducer 117 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] 10 to 12 and 13, when installing escalator reducer 117 according to the embodiment of the present invention, first, protrusion 702 is fitted into reducer fitting through-hole 402 (step S1301). Next, swivel adjustment of housing 201 relative to foot plate 204 is performed (step S1302).

[0068] In step S1302, with the protrusion 702 fitted into the reducer fitting through-hole 402, the adjustment setscrews 205 are threaded into the setscrew through-holes 206 from the side of the foot plate 204. Then, the adjustment setscrews 205 are appropriately tightened or loosened so that the axial direction of the drive sprocket 105 and the axial directions of the output shaft 202, input shaft 203, and brake shaft 301 are perpendicular (orthogonal) to the side end face of the foot plate 204. This allows the swivel adjustment of the housing 201 relative to the foot plate 204.

[0069] Next, housing 201 and foot plate 204 are connected (step S1303). In step S1303, while maintaining the positional relationship between housing 201 and foot plate 204 after the swivel adjustment, hexagon socket head bolt 401 is inserted through hexagon socket head bolt through hole 403, and the inserted hexagon socket head bolt 401 is screwed into hexagon socket head bolt screw hole 703. This operation is performed for each of hexagon socket head bolt screw holes 703.

[0070] This makes it possible to fix the position of the housing 201 relative to the foot plate 204. In this embodiment, the connection mechanism according to the present invention can be realized by the hexagon socket head bolt 401, the hexagon socket head bolt screw hole 703, and the hexagon socket head bolt through hole 403.

[0071] Next, motor 104 and a brake are assembled to escalator reducer 117 (step S1304). In step S1304, motor 104 is assembled to escalator reducer 117 so that the output shaft of motor 104 is parallel to the axial direction of output shaft 202, input shaft 203, and brake shaft 301 of escalator reducer 117, for example.

[0072] An endless belt is then stretched over the output shaft of the assembled motor 104 and a pulley provided on the input shaft 203. The endless belt can be, for example, a V-belt or a V-ribbed belt, which has a cross-sectional shape that is wider on the outer periphery and narrower on the inner periphery. By using a V-belt or a V-ribbed belt as the endless belt, a large contact area between the endless belt and the pulley can be secured, thereby ensuring a large frictional force between the endless belt and the pulley and reliably transmitting the power of the motor 104 to the pulley (input shaft 203) without causing slippage between the endless belt and the pulley.

[0073] Generally, at a construction site, there is often insufficient space around escalator reducer 117. For this reason, it is preferable to perform the processing (tasks) of steps S1301 to S1304 at a location other than the location (construction site) where escalator reducer 117 (escalator 100) is to be installed, such as a manufacturing and assembly location for escalator reducer 117.

[0074] In this way, by adjusting the swivel of the housing 201 prior to on-site processing (work), the swivel of the housing 201 relative to the foot plate 204 can be adjusted in a stable location other than the on-site where work is easy to perform, ensuring high adjustment accuracy of the swivel adjustment.

[0075] In addition, prior to on-site processing (work), the endless belt can be looped between the output shaft of the assembled motor 104 and the pulley provided on the input shaft 203 in a stable location outside the site where work can be easily performed, thereby enabling accurate belt tension adjustment.

[0076] Next, escalator reducer 117 (hereinafter referred to as "assembly mechanism") with motor 104 and brake assembled thereto is transported to the construction site and placed in a predetermined position on the structural frame with foot plate 204 (step S1305). Specifically, foot plate 204 with housing 201 connected thereto is placed in a position where each of truss mounting holes 302 faces each of bolt holes provided in the structural frame.

[0077] Since the swivel adjustment of housing 201 relative to foot plate 204 is performed prior to the on-site processing (work), the time required for the on-site processing (work) in step S1305 can be shortened. This reduces the time that escalator 100 cannot be used, thereby reducing the burden on users of escalator 100 and the manager of escalator 100.

[0078] Next, fixing bolts (not shown) are inserted through the truss mounting holes 302 and then screwed into bolt holes provided in the structural frame. This process is performed for each bolt hole. This allows the assembly mechanism to be fixed to the structural frame. The assembly mechanism also includes a sprocket (not shown) attached to the output shaft 202.

[0079] Next, a drive mechanism such as a sprocket (not shown) attached to output shaft 202 and drive sprocket 105 provided on escalator 100 is connected to the assembly mechanism (step S1306). The control panel is appropriately connected to each part that is driven and controlled by the control panel, such as motor 104 and brakes, and each part that outputs signals to the control panel, such as various sensors (not shown).

[0080] Thereafter, the operation of escalator 100 is checked (step S1307) to determine whether or not there is any abnormality (step S1308). If the result of the operation check in step S1307 shows that there is an abnormality (step S1308: No), the process proceeds to step S1305, where footboard 204 is placed in a predetermined position on the structural frame. If the result of the operation check in step S1308 shows that there is no abnormality (step S1308: Yes), the series of processes ends.

[0081] As described above, the escalator reducer 117 of the embodiment of the present invention is an escalator reducer 117 that reduces the rotational speed of the motor 104 equipped in the escalator 100, and is characterized by having a housing 201 with a protrusion 702 that protrudes from the bottom surface 701a, and a reducer fitting through hole 402 that is separate from the housing main body 701 and can fit with the protrusion 702.

[0082] Moreover, escalator reducer 117 of the embodiment according to the present invention comprises foot plate 204 detachably connected to housing 201, and a connecting mechanism connecting housing 201 and foot plate 204, wherein foot plate 204 is provided with truss mounting holes 302 at positions corresponding to the structural frame on which escalator reducer 117 is to be installed, through which fixing bolts can pass to secure escalator reducer 117. In the escalator reducer of the embodiment according to the present invention, the fitting mechanism according to the present invention is realized by protrusion 702 provided on housing 201 (housing main body 701) and through hole 402 for fitting the reducer provided in foot plate 204.

[0083] According to the embodiment of escalator reducer 117 of the present invention, housing 201 and foot plate 204 are separate bodies. Therefore, by using foot plate 204 with truss mounting holes 302 provided at a position corresponding to the structural body on which escalator reducer 117 is to be installed, escalator reducer 117 can be installed on a variety of escalators 100 simply by adjusting the design of foot plate 204, without having to change the mold for housing 201 (housing main body 701) or process the structural body to accommodate the structural body.

[0084] This reduces the cost of casting and modifying escalator reducer 117. It also reduces the costs of labor and work time required for installing escalator reducer 117, making it possible to provide a highly versatile escalator reducer 117. Furthermore, by shortening the time required for renovating escalator reducer 117, it is possible to reduce the burden on users of escalator 100 and the manager of escalator 100.

[0085] Furthermore, escalator reducer 117 of the embodiment of the present invention is characterized by having set screw through hole 206 that penetrates from the side of foot plate 204 to the inner wall surface of reducer fitting through hole 402, and adjustment set screw 205 that is screwed into set screw through hole 206.

[0086] According to the escalator reducer 117 of the embodiment of the present invention, the swivel adjustment of the housing 201 and the foot plate 204 can be performed by adjusting the position of the adjustment set screw 205 threaded into the set screw through hole 206 while the protrusion 702 on the housing 201 is fitted into the reducer fitting through hole 402 on the foot plate 204.

[0087] This ensures the installation accuracy of escalator reducer 117 even when housing 201 and foot plate 204 are separate bodies and reducer fitting through hole 402 is made to a certain size taking into account the tolerances that may occur when housing 201 and foot plate 204 are formed by casting.

[0088] Furthermore, according to escalator reducer 117 of the embodiment of the present invention, swivel adjustment between housing 201 and foot plate 204 can be performed simply by adjusting the position of adjustment set screw 205 threaded into set screw through hole 206, so that the installation accuracy of escalator reducer 117 can be easily ensured.

[0089] This makes it possible to reduce the workload and work time of workers involved in adjusting the installation accuracy of escalator reducer 117, even when housing 201 and foot plate 204 are separate bodies. This reduces the cost of casting and modifying escalator reducer 117, and also reduces costs such as the labor and work time of workers involved in the installation work of escalator reducer 117, making it possible to provide escalator reducer 117 that is highly versatile.

[0090] In the escalator reducer 117 of this embodiment, a configuration has been described in which foot plate 204 is provided with through-hole 402 for fitting a reducer that penetrates foot plate 204 in the thickness direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the reducer (escalator reducer) according to this invention, instead of through-hole 402 for fitting a reducer, a recess having a depth equal to or greater than the protrusion amount of protrusion 702 may be provided in platform 204.

[0091] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, escalator reducer 117 has been configured such that protrusion 702 provided on housing 204 is fitted into reducer fitting through-hole 402 provided on foot plate 204, but the present invention is not limited to this. Escalator reducer 117 according to the present invention may also be configured such that a protrusion is provided on foot plate 204, and a recess is provided on housing 201 into which the protrusion provided on foot plate 204 can be fitted. In an escalator reducer configured in this way, the fitting mechanism according to the present invention can be realized by the protrusion provided on foot plate 204 and the recess provided on housing 201.

[0092] Furthermore, in a reducer (escalator reducer) that realizes the fitting mechanism of the present invention by using a protrusion provided on foot plate 204 and a recess provided on housing 201, a recess may be provided in housing 201 that is at least as deep as the protrusion amount of the protrusion provided on foot plate 204, an adjustment through-hole (through-hole 206 for set screw) that penetrates from the side of housing 201 to the inner wall surface of the recess, and swivel adjustment of housing 201 and foot plate 204 may be performed by an adjustment screw (adjustment set screw 205) that is screwed into the adjustment through-hole. [Industrial Applicability]

[0093] As described above, the reducer and its installation method according to the present invention are useful as reducers and their installation methods for use in escalators, and are particularly suitable as reducers and their installation methods for use in escalator renovations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 100 Escalator 117 Escalator reducer 201 Case 204 Footboard 205 Adjustment set screw 206 Set screw through hole 301 Brake shaft 302 Truss mounting hole 401 Hexagon socket head bolt 402 Through hole for fitting reducer 403 Through hole for hex socket bolt 701 Main body 701a Bottom 702 Protrusion 703 Hexagon socket head bolt screw hole

Claims

1. A method for installing a reducer that reduces the rotation speed of a motor provided in a passenger conveyor, a first step of fitting a protrusion provided on a housing that contains lubricating oil into a through-hole or a recess provided on a foot plate that is provided separately from the housing; a second step of swivel adjusting the housing relative to the foot plate; a third step of connecting the housing and the foot plate; a fourth step of assembling a motor and a brake to the reducer after the first step to the third step; a fifth step of placing the reducer, to which the motor and the brake have been assembled, at a predetermined position on a structural body by using the foot plate and fixing the reducer to the structural body; A method for installing a reducer, comprising:

2. A method for installing a reducer that reduces the rotation speed of a motor provided in a passenger conveyor, a first step of fitting a protrusion provided on a foot plate provided separately from a housing that contains lubricating oil into a recess provided in the housing; a second step of swivel adjusting the housing relative to the foot plate; a third step of connecting the housing and the foot plate; a fourth step of assembling a motor and a brake to the reducer after the first step to the third step; a fifth step of placing the reducer, to which the motor and the brake have been assembled, at a predetermined position on a structural body by using the foot plate and fixing the reducer to the structural body; A method for installing a reducer, comprising:

3. 3. The method for installing a reducer according to claim 1, wherein the first step to the fourth step are performed at a location different from a location where the passenger conveyor is installed.

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