Method for manufacturing reuse handrail and method for manufacturing passenger conveyor

Abstract

This method for manufacturing a reuse handrail involves reusing a handrail used in a passenger conveyor. The method for manufacturing a reuse handrail includes a step (S1) for removing a handrail used in a passenger conveyor from the passenger conveyor, a step (S2) for cutting the handrail used in the passenger conveyor, and a step (S3) for reconnecting the cut handrail. In the step (S2) for cutting the handrail, the handrail is cut at each of the end parts of a body section in which a connection part that connects the two ends of the handrail is sandwiched, the end parts of the body section being on either side adjacent to the connection part.

Description

Manufacturing method for reused handrails and passenger conveyors

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a reusable handrail and a method for manufacturing a passenger conveyor.

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Passenger conveyors such as escalators or moving walkways installed in buildings such as department stores, stations, and airports are generally provided with handrails for the stable transport of passengers.

[0003] Handrails are often replaced every 10 years or so due to deterioration of the design, such as scratches or dirt on the surface, or changes in the slip rate of the handrail caused by changes in the coefficient of friction between the handrail design surface and the reinforcing fabric on the opposite side. In the future, with consideration for the environment, it will be necessary to reuse handrails that are currently discarded.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 (JP 2005-280852 A) describes a method for recycling handrails to reduce the amount of handrails that are discarded after replacement.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-280852

[0006] The above publication discloses that the handrail can be reused by applying a new surface coating layer to the design surface of the replaced handrail. However, depending on the cut location of the handrail, the life of the handrail after reconnection may be shortened.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a method for manufacturing a reused handrail and a method for manufacturing a passenger conveyor that enable the reused handrail to be used for a long period of time.

[0008] The method for manufacturing a reused handrail disclosed herein is a method for reusing a handrail that has been used in a passenger conveyor. The method for manufacturing a reused handrail includes the steps of removing the handrail from the passenger conveyor, cutting the handrail that has been used in the passenger conveyor, and reconnecting the cut handrail. In the step of cutting the handrail, the handrail is cut at each of the two end portions adjacent to the connecting portion of the main body that sandwiches the connecting portion connecting both ends of the handrail.

[0009] According to the method for manufacturing a reused handrail and a method for manufacturing a passenger conveyor of the present disclosure, it is possible to use the reused handrail for a long period of time.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of an escalator according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of an escalator handrail and a handrail drive device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of a handrail and a handrail drive device of a modified version of the escalator handrail according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of an escalator handrail according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a reused handrail according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of a handrail before cutting. FIG. 7 is a bottom view schematically showing the configuration of a handrail before cutting. FIG. 8 is a side view schematically showing a cutting step in the method for manufacturing a reused handrail according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a side view schematically showing a reconnecting step in the method for manufacturing a reused handrail according to an embodiment, showing the state before reconnection. FIG. 10 is a side view schematically showing the reconnecting step in the method for manufacturing a reused handrail according to an embodiment, showing the state after reconnection. FIG. 11 is a side view schematically showing a modified version of the reconnecting step in the method for manufacturing a reused handrail according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a modified version of the method for manufacturing a reused handrail according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a passenger conveyor according to an embodiment.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. In the drawings, dimensional relationships such as length, width, thickness, and depth have been appropriately changed for clarity and simplification of the drawings, and do not represent actual dimensional relationships. In addition, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated in principle.

[0012] First, the configurations of a passenger conveyor 100 and handrail 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. In this embodiment, an escalator 10 will be described as an example of the passenger conveyor 100. The passenger conveyor 100 is not limited to the escalator 10, and may be a moving walkway or the like.

[0013] <Escalator> The configuration of an escalator 10 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The escalator 10 employs a roller-drive handrail drive device 20. The escalator 10 employs a roller-drive handrail drive device 20, and is configured to sandwich the handrail 1 between a drive roller 2 and a pressure roller 3, and to feed out the handrail 1 by rotating the drive roller 2.

[0014] Escalator 10 is configured such that a plurality of escalator treads 21 are driven by a drive unit 22. Control unit 23 is configured to control handrail drive device 20, drive unit 22, and the like.

[0015] The configuration of a modified example of the escalator 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3. This modified example of the escalator 10 employs a sheave-drive handrail drive device 20. The escalator 10 using the sheave-drive handrail drive device 20 is configured to sandwich the handrail between the drive sheave 5 and the pressure roller 3, and to feed out the handrail 1 by winding the handrail 1 around the drive sheave 5.

[0016] <Handrail> The configuration of the handrail 1 will be described with reference to Figure 4. The handrail 1 comprises a base layer 6 and a resin layer 9. The base layer 6 is provided on the side that comes into contact with a guide rail (not shown). The resin layer 9 covers the outer surface of the base layer 6 (the side opposite the guide rail).

[0017] As shown in Fig. 3, the handrail 1 has a back 1a placed on a guide rail (the balustrade of an escalator), a pair of side sections 1b extending downward from both ends of the back 1a, and a pair of ears 1c protruding in directions approaching each other from the lower ends of the pair of side sections 1b. The cross section of the handrail 1 is, for example, C-shaped as shown in Fig. 3. The back 1a of the handrail 1 travels in a circular motion along a guide rail (not shown) having, for example, a T-shaped cross section while engaging with the top of the guide rail.

[0018] The base layer 6 includes at least one reinforcing fabric 7. In Fig. 3, the base layer 6 further includes a tension member 8. The tension member 8 is embedded in the base layer 6 along the length direction. The tension member 8 may be embedded in the resin layer 9.

[0019] The base layer 6 may include a plurality of reinforcing fabrics 7. The material of the reinforcing fabrics 7 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, cotton fabric (canvas) or a woven fabric of chemical fibers such as polyester fiber or aramid fiber. In terms of water absorption resistance, abrasion resistance, dimensional stability, resistance to microbial decomposition, availability, price fluctuation, etc., a woven fabric of chemical fibers is preferable to a cotton fabric.

[0020] There are no particular limitations on the type of tension member 8, and it is possible to use metal members such as steel cords and steel tapes, or members made of chemical fibers such as aramid fibers or strong rayon. In the case of handrails that are subject to severe bending or outdoor handrails, metal tension members are difficult to bend or may corrode the metal, so it is preferable to use members made of chemical fibers such as aramid fibers or strong rayon.

[0021] In this embodiment, the tension member 8 consists of one layer. When the handrail 1 is applied to an escalator 10, the handrail 1 for the escalator 10 has a curved portion, so it needs to be flexible enough to bend. As long as this flexibility is not lost, the handrail 1 may be provided with two or more layers of tension members 8. Furthermore, the tension members 8 may be made of, for example, metal (stainless steel, iron, etc.), chemical fiber, etc. When chemical fiber is used, the flexibility of the tension members 8 can be ensured, so multiple tension members 8 may be arranged.

[0022] It is preferable to use rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer that has good tactile feel, stain resistance, resistance to bending fatigue, resistance to repeated elongation, and colorability as the material for the resin layer 9. Such rubber is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include synthetic rubbers such as chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), chloroprene rubber (CR), and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), as well as natural rubber.

[0023] Such a thermoplastic elastomer is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers such as polyether urethane and polyester urethane. Considering that the resin layer 9 is directly exposed to rain, etc., it is preferable to appropriately select the compounding ingredients of the above rubber or thermoplastic elastomer so as to reduce water absorption, in order to prevent water absorption into the inside of the handrail 1.

[0024] Next, a method for manufacturing a reused handrail will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 11. Referring mainly to Figures 1 and 5, the method for manufacturing a reused handrail is a method for reusing a handrail 1 that has been used in a passenger conveyor 100. The method for manufacturing a reused handrail includes a step of removing the handrail 1 that has been used in the passenger conveyor 100 from the passenger conveyor 100 (removing step S1), a step of cutting the handrail 1 that has been used in the passenger conveyor 100 (cutting step S2), and a step of reconnecting the cut handrail 1 (reconnecting step S3). In the step of cutting the handrail 1 (cutting step S2), the handrail 1 is cut at each of two ends 14 adjacent to the connecting portion 12 of the main body portion 13 that sandwich the connecting portion 12 that connects both ends of the handrail 1.

[0025] 5 shows a case where the cutting step S2 is performed after the removing step S1, but the removing step S1 may be performed after the cutting step S2. In other words, the order of the removing step S1 and the cutting step S2 does not matter.

[0026] Next, each step in the manufacturing method for a reused handrail will be described in detail. <Removal step> When removing the handrail 1 attached to the escalator 10 in an endless state without cutting it, the endless handrail 1 can be removed after removing the escalator components such as the handrail drive device 20, the multiple escalator treads 21, the deck cover, and the skirt guard. It is also possible to remove the handrail 1 attached to the escalator 10 in an endless state by cutting it, without removing the escalator components.

[0027] In the process of removing the handrail 1 in an endless state after removing the escalator components, it is necessary to reattach the escalator components, readjust the operating dimensions, and perform an operation confirmation test. These numerous and complicated on-site operations reduce work efficiency and increase work time. Therefore, in order to complete on-site work efficiently and in a short time, it is desirable to cut and remove the handrail 1 while it is attached to the escalator 10.

[0028] <Cutting Process> After the handrail 1 is removed in an endless state from the escalator 10, the handrail 1 can be cut at the site of the escalator 10, or it can be brought back to a handrail manufacturing factory and cut there. The handrail 1 can also be cut while it is still attached to the escalator 10. When removing the endless handrail 1 from the escalator 10, it is necessary to remove the escalator components of the escalator 10, so it is desirable to cut the handrail 1 while it is attached to the escalator 10 in order to complete the on-site work efficiently and in a short time.

[0029] Referring primarily to Figures 6 and 7 , both ends of the handrail 1 are connected to form an endless handrail 1. A connection process is performed, such as applying an adhesive or the like to the joint surfaces of the tension members 8 at both ends of the handrail 1 and overlapping them. A new cover resin layer 15 is then placed over both ends of the handrail 1 and heated and pressurized. This forms the connection portion 12. In other words, the connection portion 12 is the portion where the cover resin layer 15 is disposed. The length of the connection portion 12 is generally 20 cm or more and 100 cm or less. Because the connection portion 12 is subjected to a connection process, such as overlapping the tension members 8, the rigidity of the connection portion 12 is higher than the rigidity of the main body portion 13. Therefore, because the connection portion 12 is prone to deterioration, the length of the connection portion 12 is preferably 20 cm or more and 50 cm or less. Because the connection portion 12 is prone to deterioration, it cannot be used as a reused handrail. Therefore, the connection portion 12 must be cut in the cutting process.

[0030] 8 , in the cutting step, the handrail 1 is cut at each of two ends 14 of the main body 13 that are adjacent to the connecting portion 12 and sandwich the connecting portion 12 that connects both ends of the handrail 1. The connecting portion 12 is removed from the main body 13. The ends 14 of the main body 13 may be removed from the main body 13.

[0031] Furthermore, deterioration such as bending when the handrail 1 is driven progresses near the boundary between the connection part 12 and the main body part 13 due to the difference in rigidity between the connection part 12 and the main body part 13. For this reason, it is desirable to evaluate the degree of deterioration of the handrail 1 at the end part 14 (pull-out strength, degree of resin deterioration, friction coefficient of the canvas, etc.).

[0032] The length of the end 14 used in the inspection process described below is preferably 5 cm to 100 cm. If too much is cut, the handrail will be too short when reused, so the shorter the better. Also, taking into account the evaluation content during the inspection process, the more desirable it is to have a length of 5 cm to 10 cm.

[0033] 9 and 10 , both end portions 14 of the cut handrail 1 are reconnected. At the end of the handrail 1, the upper reinforcing fabric 7 and a portion of the resin layer 9 of the tension body 8 of the handrail 1, and the lower reinforcing fabric 7 and a portion of the resin layer 9 of the tension body 8 of the handrail 1 are removed, and a reconnection process is performed in which adhesive or the like is applied to the joint surfaces of the tension bodies 8 and they are overlapped. A new cover resin layer 15 is then placed on top of that and heated and pressurized. The reconnection process may be performed at a handrail manufacturing factory or on-site at the escalator 10. Because installing an endless handrail 1 on an escalator 10 requires removing escalator components, it is desirable to perform the connection process after installing the handrail 1 before the reconnection process on the escalator 10 in order to complete the on-site work efficiently and quickly.

[0034] With reference to Figure 11, a modified example of the reconnecting step in the manufacturing method for a reused handrail according to the embodiment will be described. In the step of reconnecting the handrail (reconnecting step S3), the handrail 1 may be connected at two or more points. That is, the connection points in the reconnecting step S3 may be reconnected at two or more points. In this case, the handrail 1 has multiple connection portions 12. When there is one connection point, both ends of the handrail 1 after the cutting step are reconnected. When there are two or more connection points, the handrail 1 is reconnected using a handrail 1 that was used on another escalator 10. From the perspective of the lifespan of the reused handrail, it is desirable to use a handrail 1 that has been used on another escalator 10 and that has equivalent inspection results at its end 14.

[0035] A modified example of the method for manufacturing a reused handrail according to the embodiment will be described below, mainly with reference to Figure 12. The method for manufacturing a reused handrail may further include a step of inspecting the degree of deterioration of the handrail 1 using an adjacent portion (inspection step S4). Next, the inspection step will be described in detail.

[0036] <Inspection process> The structure of the end portion 14 is the same as the structure shown in Fig. 3. Using the end portion 14, the following deterioration evaluation of the handrail 1 is carried out to check whether the handrail 1 can withstand reuse.

[0037] In the step of inspecting the degree of deterioration of the handrail 1 (inspection step S4), the degree of deterioration of the handrail 1 is inspected based on at least one of the resin property values ​​of the handrail 1, the adhesive strength between the tension member 8 and the resin layer 9 inside the handrail 1, and the surface properties of the handrail 1.

[0038] (Handrail Resin Physical Properties) Using the resin layer 9 at the end 14, tensile tests, dynamic viscoelasticity measurements, melt flow rate measurements, hardness measurements, etc. are performed. The tensile strength, storage modulus, loss modulus, loss factor, resin fluidity, etc. are evaluated and compared with the evaluation results for a new handrail 1 to clarify the degree of deterioration in the resin properties and estimate the future lifespan of the reused handrail if it is used on an escalator 10. For example, in the case of tensile strength, the tensile strength of a new handrail 1 and that of a reused handrail are evaluated. In addition, the rate of decrease in tensile strength over time of the escalator 10 on which the reused handrail 1 was used is evaluated. If the tensile strength of a reused handrail falls below 50% of the tensile strength of a new handrail 1, cracks, etc., become more likely to occur in the resin layer of the handrail 1; therefore, the lifespan is estimated from the tensile strength value of the reused handrail and the rate of decrease in tensile strength in the escalator 10.

[0039] (Evaluation of adhesive strength between tension member and resin layer) In the case of a steel cord in which the tension member 8 is embedded in the resin layer 9, the base layer 6 at the end 14 is used to evaluate the pull-out strength of the steel cord relative to the resin layer 9. In the case of a steel tape in which the tension member 8 is embedded in the resin layer 9, the peel strength of the steel tape relative to the resin layer 9 is evaluated. The above evaluation results are compared with the evaluation results for a new handrail 1 to determine the degree of deterioration in adhesive strength, and the future lifespan of the reused handrail if used on an escalator 10 is estimated. For example, in the case of the pull-out strength of the steel cord, the pull-out strengths of the new handrail 1 and the reused handrail are evaluated. In addition, the rate of decline in pull-out strength over time of the escalator 10 in which the reused handrail 1 was used is evaluated. If the pull-out strength of the reused handrail becomes 50% or less of the pull-out strength of a new handrail 1, the steel cord is more likely to come flying out of the handrail 1, and so the lifespan can be estimated from the pull-out strength value of the reused handrail and the rate of decline in the pull-out strength of the escalator 10.

[0040] (Evaluation of surface properties of handrail) The surface properties of the handrail 1 are evaluated based on the surface properties of the reinforcing fabric 7. Specifically, the coefficient of friction is evaluated when the rotating drive roller 2 comes into contact with the reinforcing fabric 7 at the end 14 (the surface opposite the design surface). The evaluation results are compared with those of a new handrail 1, and recovery processing is performed so that the coefficient of friction is equivalent to that of a new handrail 1. Desirable recovery processing includes coating the reinforcing fabric 7 and polishing the reinforcing fabric 7.

[0041] Next, a manufacturing method of the passenger conveyor 100 will be described, mainly with reference to FIG. 13 . The manufacturing method of the passenger conveyor 100 is a manufacturing method of a passenger conveyor 100 having a reused handrail, which reuses the handrail 1 used in the passenger conveyor 100. The manufacturing method of the passenger conveyor 100 includes a step of removing the handrail 1 used in the passenger conveyor 100 from the passenger conveyor 100 (removing step S1), a step of cutting the handrail 1 used in the passenger conveyor 100 (cutting step S2), a step of reconnecting the cut handrail 1 (reconnecting step S3), and a step of attaching the reconnected handrail 1 to the passenger conveyor 100 (attaching step S5). In the step of cutting the handrail 1 (cutting step S2), the handrail 1 is cut at each of both end portions adjacent to the connecting portion 12 of the main body portion 13 that sandwiches the connecting portion 12 connecting both ends of the handrail 1. In this embodiment, the passenger conveyor 100 is an escalator 10.

[0042] The manufacturing method of the passenger conveyor 100 is the same as each step of the manufacturing method of the reused handrail described above, except for the step of attaching the reconnected handrail 1 to the passenger conveyor 100 (attaching step S5). Therefore, the description of the manufacturing method of the passenger conveyor 100 other than the attaching step S5 will not be repeated.

[0043] <Installation Process> When installing the endless handrail 1 on the escalator 10, the handrail drive device 20, the multiple escalator treads 21, and the escalator components such as the deck cover and skirt guard (not shown) are removed before installing the handrail 1. It is also possible to install the handrail 1 before reconnection processing without removing the escalator components.

[0044] When installing the endless handrail 1 after removing the escalator components, it is necessary to reinstall the components, readjust the operating dimensions, and perform an operation confirmation test. These numerous and complicated on-site operations reduce work efficiency and increase work time, so it is desirable to install the handrail 1 on the escalator 10 before reconnection processing in order to complete on-site work efficiently and in a short time.

[0045] Regarding the design surface of the handrail 1, since the design surface of the handrail 1 used on the escalator 10 has scratches and dirt, it is polished, coated, etc. to restore the aesthetic appearance of the design surface. The work to restore the aesthetic appearance of the design surface may be carried out at the handrail manufacturing factory or on-site at the escalator 10. It is desirable to carry out the work to restore the aesthetic appearance of the design surface after the handrail 1 has been installed on the escalator 10.

[0046] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. According to the method for manufacturing a reused handrail according to this embodiment, in the step of cutting the handrail 1, the handrail 1 is cut at each of the end portions 14 on both sides of the main body 13 that are adjacent to the connecting portion 12 that connects both ends of the handrail 1. This makes it possible to manufacture a reused handrail excluding the connecting portion 12, which is prone to deterioration. This makes it possible to use the reused handrail for a long period of time.

[0047] According to the method for manufacturing a reused handrail according to this embodiment, the handrail 1 may be connected at two or more locations in the process of reconnecting the handrail 1. This makes it possible to manufacture a reused handrail using multiple handrails 1. Furthermore, the length of the reused handrail can be made longer than the length of the handrail 1 before it was removed.

[0048] The method for manufacturing a reused handrail according to this embodiment may further include an inspection step of inspecting the degree of deterioration of the handrail 1 using the end 14. Deterioration such as bending when the handrail 1 is driven progresses due to a difference in rigidity near the boundary between the connection part 12 and the main body part, so by evaluating the degree of deterioration of the handrail 1 at the end 14, the degree of deterioration of the handrail 1 can be accurately evaluated.

[0049] According to the method for manufacturing a reused handrail of this embodiment, in the step of inspecting the degree of deterioration of the handrail 1, the degree of deterioration of the handrail 1 is inspected based on at least one of the physical properties of the resin of the handrail 1, the adhesive strength between the tension members 8 and the resin layer 9 inside the handrail 1, and the surface properties of the handrail 1. Therefore, the degree of deterioration of the entire structure of the handrail 1 can be accurately evaluated based on at least one of the design surface, reverse surface (reinforcing fabric 7), and interior of the handrail 1.

[0050] According to the manufacturing method of the passenger conveyor 100 of this embodiment, in the step of cutting the handrail 1, the handrail 1 is cut at each of the end portions 14 on both sides of the main body 13 adjacent to the connecting portion 12 that connects both ends of the handrail 1. This makes it possible to manufacture a reused handrail excluding the connecting portion 12, which is prone to deterioration. This makes it possible to use the reused handrail for a long period of time.

[0051] According to the manufacturing method of the passenger conveyor 100 according to this embodiment, the passenger conveyor 100 is an escalator 10. Therefore, it is possible to use the reused handrails of the escalator 10 for a long period of time.

[0052] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0053] 1 handrail, 2 drive roller, 3 pressure roller, 5 drive sheave, 6 base layer, 7 reinforcing fabric, 8 tension body, 9 resin layer, 10 escalator, 12 connection portion, 13 main body portion, 14 end portion, 15 cover resin layer, 100 passenger conveyor.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a reused handrail that reuses a handrail that has been used in a passenger conveyor, comprising the steps of: removing the handrail that has been used in the passenger conveyor from the passenger conveyor; cutting the handrail that has been used in the passenger conveyor; and reconnecting the cut handrail, wherein in the step of cutting the handrail, the handrail is cut at each of the two end portions adjacent to the connecting portion of a main body that sandwiches the connecting portion connecting both ends of the handrail.

2. The method for manufacturing a reused handrail according to claim 1, wherein in the step of reconnecting the handrail, the handrail is connected at two or more points.

3. A method for manufacturing a reused handrail according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a step of inspecting the degree of deterioration of the handrail using the end portion.

4. A method for manufacturing a reused handrail as described in claim 3, wherein in the step of inspecting the degree of deterioration of the handrail, the degree of deterioration of the handrail is inspected based on at least one of the resin physical properties of the handrail, the adhesive strength between the tension member and the resin layer inside the handrail, and the surface properties of the handrail.

5. A method for manufacturing a passenger conveyor having a reused handrail that reuses a handrail that has been used in the passenger conveyor, comprising the steps of: removing the handrail that has been used in the passenger conveyor from the passenger conveyor; cutting the handrail that has been used in the passenger conveyor; reconnecting the cut handrail; and attaching the reconnected handrail to the passenger conveyor, wherein in the step of cutting the handrail, the handrail is cut at each of the two end portions adjacent to the connecting portion of the main body that sandwiches the connecting portion connecting both ends of the handrail.

6. The method for manufacturing a passenger conveyor according to claim 5, wherein the passenger conveyor is an escalator.

Images