JP2001114488A - Escalator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the transporting efficiency of a user on a wheelchair by reciprocating a special footstep forming a wheelchair between an upper floor and a lower floor. SOLUTION: In this escalator 1 with wheelchair having the special footstep 2 forming a wheelchair step capable of loading a wheelchair 3, wheelchair operating means 5a, 5b are provided with a wheelchair normal operation switch and a wheelchair shuttle operation switch, and the reciprocating operation is executed in a state that the special foot step forms the wheelchair step when the shuttle operation is selected in the wheelchair operation. Whereby the expanding and accommodating motion of the wheelchair step of the special footstep can be omitted in the shuttle operation, when a large number of users on wheelchair use the escalator, waiting time for the users on wheelchair is shortened, and the transporting efficiency can be improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an escalator for efficiently driving a special step on which a wheelchair can be mounted.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional escalator with a wheelchair step has the structure shown in FIGS. 101U, 1
01D is an upper and lower floor boarding board for getting on the escalator, 102 is a step, 103A is a special step A described later,
103B is a special step B, 104 is a handrail belt, 105 is a driving device for driving the step 102 and the special steps 103A and 103B, and 106 is a handrail driving device for driving the handrail belt 104. 107 is a deck and 108 is a panel.

[0003] In particular, as an escalator with a wheelchair step, an auxiliary guide rail 110 is provided near the entrances on the upper and lower floors for driving a wheelchair user.
To the special step detection limit switches 111U and 11U
1D is provided, and power supply devices 112U and 112D for unfolding and storing operations for forming a wheelchair step by the special steps 103A and 103B are provided.
The formation of the wheelchair steps by the special steps A and B is performed by the special steps A being raised and the treads being rotated and deployed, and the special steps B supporting the special steps A. Further, operation panels 113U and 113D for wheelchair driving operation are attached to the panel 108 at the entrances on the upper floor and the lower floor,
An emergency stop button switch 114 is mounted at an appropriate position in the middle of the upper and lower floors. A step speed detection device 115 detects the step speed.

[0004] Further, for drive control of the escalator with a wheelchair step, together with a normal operation control panel 121,
A wheelchair driving control panel 122 and a wheelchair driving inverter panel 123 are provided. Here, the control panel for wheelchair operation is described separately from the control panel for normal operation, but there is also a type in which both are integrally controlled individually. The special steps are not only of the rotary deployment type but also of the lifting type in which one or two are lifted to form a wheelchair step.

When the escalator with a wheelchair step is used for normal operation, the normal operation control panel 121 controls the driving device 105 to move the steps 102 and the special steps 103A and 103B in the upward or downward direction at the normal speed (about 30 m). / Sec).

[0006] When driving a wheelchair, a command for wheelchair operation is input through the operation panel 113U on the upper floor when driving from an upper floor to a lower floor, and on the operation panel 113D on the lower floor when driving in the opposite direction. I do. Thus, when the step 102 and the special steps 103A and 103B move continuously, when the special steps 103A and 103B come to the position of the special step detection limit switch 111U or 111D and are detected by them, the step 102 and the special step Step 103A,
The movement of 103B is stopped. And the power supply device 112U
Or 112D receives power from the wheelchair driving inverter panel 123 to the special steps 103A and 103B, and as shown in FIG.
03A supports the special steps 103B to form a wheelchair step.

[0007] After the wheelchair steps have been completely formed in this way, the attendant takes the wheelchair user to the special steps 103A, 103A.
Get on board 03B and press the boarding confirmation button switch on operation panel 113U or 113D. As a result, the wheel stop 109 shown in FIG. 13 is raised to stop the wheelchair,
Thereafter, the wheelchair driving control panel 122 resumes driving at a wheelchair driving speed (slower than the normal speed, for example, 15 m / sec) and transports the wheelchair user to the lower floor or the upper floor.

[0008] Special steps 103A, 103B in wheelchair driving
Approaches the lower or upper floor entrance and stops when the special step detection limit switch 111D or 111U on the opposite side detects arrival. Then, the user of the wheelchair is taken off from the entrance and the safety is confirmed and the operation panel 113D is checked.
Or, when the ride-on / off confirmation button switch of 113U is pressed, the wheelchair operation control panel 122 determines that the operation of the wheelchair is completed, and switches the special steps 103A and 103B to the power supply device 112D or 112.
Conversely, it is folded and stored by the power supply from U to return to the same shape as the normal steps 102. Then, when the wheelchair operation end button switch is pressed, the control right is transferred to the normal operation control panel 121 side, and the operation shifts to the normal speed operation. Thus, even a wheelchair user can use the escalator to move between floors.

[0009]

However, such a conventional escalator has the following problems.
As described above, when performing a wheelchair operation, when the wheelchair operation is started, a special step is developed so that the wheelchair can be mounted, a wheelchair step is formed, and the wheelchair is mounted on the wheelchair step and transported. When the wheelchair driving is completed, the wheelchair step of the special steps is stored to return to normal driving.

[0010] In this case, for example, even when a wheelchair user is waiting on the upper and lower floors at the same time, or when a wheelchair user is waiting on an upper floor or a lower floor in a group, the wheelchair is transported every time one wheelchair is transported. Special steps for mounting
Since it is necessary to perform the stowage operation and the circulating travel, the waiting time increases due to the time required for the deployment and the stowing operation of the special steps and also the circulating travel time.

If the speed during wheelchair driving is constant, especially when the escalator has a large floor height, the waiting time is long if the efficiency of wheelchair transportation is low, and when the escalator has many passengers, the waiting time also becomes longer for ordinary passengers. It is expected that congestion will occur due to a decrease in transportation efficiency, such as using stairs or using stairs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional problem, and is directed to an escalator provided with a special step, which does not circulate on the special step and reciprocates up and down or down and up. It is an object of the present invention to provide an escalator that enhances the transportation efficiency of wheelchair users by driving and thereby improves the service for general users.

[0013]

An escalator according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a special step for forming a wheelchair step on which a wheelchair or the like can be mounted, and performs the reciprocating operation of ascending / descending or descending / ascending. It is provided with reciprocating operation means.

In the escalator according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the special steps can be reciprocated, for example, when the forward step is performed with the special steps expanded, the wheelchair steps of the special steps are not stored in the backward step. In this case, the operation of forming the wheelchair steps of the special steps during the reciprocating operation can be reduced, and the operation speed of the return trip operation can be increased to reduce the waiting time and improve the transportation efficiency.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the escalator according to the first aspect, the reciprocating operation is performed in a state where the wheelchair step is retracted halfway when performing the return trip operation. It is possible to shorten the time as compared with the case of returning to the home, and to make the surrounding people aware that it is not possible to get on the escalator due to the return driving, thereby preventing other passengers from getting on by mistake.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the escalator according to the first or second aspect, further comprising a wheelchair driving operation means for instructing a wheelchair driving, wherein the wheelchair driving operation means includes a normal driving switch for performing a normal wheelchair driving. A shuttle operation switch for reciprocating a special step is provided separately from the above, so that an erroneous operation of a staff member can be reliably prevented when selecting an operation mode.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the escalator according to any one of the first to third aspects, the reciprocating operation is performed at a speed higher than a normal wheelchair operating speed, thereby reducing waiting time. To improve transportation efficiency.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the escalator according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the reciprocating operation is performed at a normal wheelchair operation speed in the forward operation and is performed at a higher speed in the backward operation. This provides a sense of security by driving at low speeds on the outbound journey that carries wheelchair users,
On the return route that does not have a wheelchair, high-speed driving will speed up the return of special steps, reduce waiting time and improve transportation efficiency.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the escalator according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, further comprising boarding detecting means capable of detecting that a wheelchair or the like has boarded the special step, and the forward path in the reciprocating operation. Driving or returning operation is to drive at a speed higher than the normal wheelchair driving speed when the boarding detection means detects that the wheelchair step of the special step is not equipped with a wheelchair, reducing waiting time. To improve transportation efficiency.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the escalator according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, further comprising boarding detection means capable of detecting that a wheelchair or the like has boarded the special step. After the special step forms a wheelchair step and performs an outbound drive, when the boarding detection means detects that the wheelchair step of the special step is not equipped with a wheelchair or the like, the automatic return operation is performed. And improve the efficiency of the reciprocating operation.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the escalator according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, further comprising an idle operation confirmation button switch. If the vehicle is not equipped with a wheelchair, the driver will operate at a speed higher than the normal wheelchair driving speed by inputting the idle operation confirmation button switch. Even when driving at high speed, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the work if a staff member needs to move between floors on the wheelchair step while reciprocating with the wheelchair step formed. it can.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the escalator according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, a notifying means is provided, and the notifying means corresponds to an operating state of a wheelchair shuttle operation for performing a normal wheelchair operation and a reciprocating operation. The notification is performed so that the attendant can recognize the driving state by the notification and reliably prevent erroneous operation.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 show a configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention. Part of the steps of the escalator 1 is a special step 2 that forms a wheelchair step on which a wheelchair (wheelchair user) can be mounted. The upper-floor wheelchair driving operation means 5a or the lower-floor wheelchair driving operation means 5b is connected to the control device 4, and is capable of instructing wheelchair driving, confirming getting on and off, and inputting stoppage of wheelchair driving.

The wheelchair driving operation means 5a or 5
b is a wheelchair shuttle operation mode in which the special steps 2 are deployed to form a wheelchair step to reciprocate between the upper floor and the lower floor, as described later, and a normal wheelchair normally circulating in a conventional manner. The mode can be selected.

The control device 4 is connected to the motor 7,
The operation of the escalator 1 is controlled. The upper special step detection limit switches 8a and 8c and the lower special step detection limit switches 8b and 8d are connected to the control device 4 and detect the position of the special step 2. The control device 4 is connected to the special step 2 and controls the operation of deploying and storing the wheelchair steps.

FIG. 2 illustrates an operation panel as the wheelchair driving operation means 5a and 5b. When a normal wheelchair operation is performed, the normal operation switch 51 is operated, and when a reciprocating operation is performed, the shuttle operation switch 61 is operated, whereby each wheelchair operation can be performed. These steps 5
Reference numerals 1 and 61 are key switches. The escalator stops when the wheelchair operation stop button switch 52 is pressed to stop driving during wheelchair operation. When the special steps 2 are deployed to form a wheelchair step, and the ride-on / off confirmation button switch 53 is input after the wheelchair 3 has been completely entered, the escalator is started. After the special step 2 has landed on the entrance and the wheelchair stepped down from the wheelchair step, if the normal operation mode is selected, the special step 2 performs a stowage operation of the wheelchair step by inputting the step-on / off confirmation button switch 53. Enter the circulation with. However, in the shuttle operation mode, the getting on / off confirmation button switch 5
When 3 is input, the return step operation is performed in which the special step 2 returns from the position in a state where the special step 2 forms a wheelchair step.

The operation display means includes a failure light 54 and an operation light 55.
There is a shuttle driving light 56, and the driving state is displayed by lighting these lights.

Next, the operation of the escalator of the first embodiment having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, a case is shown in which a wheelchair is mounted from the lower floor and transported to the upper floor. Further, it is assumed that the escalator 1 is performing an ascending operation in a normal operation.

The process starts and proceeds to step S301. When a normal wheelchair operation or a shuttle operation command is input by the switches 51 and 61 of the wheelchair driving operation means 5b on the lower floor, the process proceeds to step S302. If a wheelchair driving command is not input from the wheelchair driving operation means 5b on the lower floor, the routine returns to step S301 and normal driving is performed until a wheelchair driving command is input.

In step S302, when the lower step special step detecting limit switch 8b detects that the special step 2 has arrived at that position, the program proceeds to step S303.
If there is no detection input from the lower special step detection limit switch 8b, the process returns to step S302.

In step S303, a wheelchair step is formed such that the motor 7 is stopped or rotated at a low speed, the escalator 1 is stopped or operated at a low speed, the special steps 2 are deployed, and the wheelchair 3 can be mounted.

In step S304, when the wheelchair 3 is mounted on the wheelchair step, and the getting on / off confirmation button switch 53 is inputted from the lower floor wheelchair driving operation means 5b, the flow proceeds to step S305. If there is no input of the getting on / off confirmation button switch 53 from the lower floor wheelchair driving operation means 5b, the process returns to step S304.

In step S305, the rotation speed of the motor 7 is increased to perform an ascending operation (forward operation), and the wheelchair 3 is transported to the upper floor.

Proceeding to step S306, the special step 2 proceeds to the upper floor, and if there is a detection input by the upper floor special step detection limit switch 8c, the processing proceeds to step S307. If there is no detection input by the upper floor special step detection limit switch 8c, the process returns to step S306, and the ascending operation is continued.

Proceeding to step S307, the escalator 1
Is stopped or at a very low speed, the landing of the special steps 2 is controlled, and then the wheelchair 3 is lowered from the wheelchair step. Next, the process proceeds to step S308, and the wheelchair driving operation means 5 on the upper floor
When the getting on / off confirmation button switch 53 is input from a, the process proceeds to step S309. If the get-on / off confirmation magazine button switch 53 is not input from the upper floor driving operation means 5a, step S
Return to 308.

Proceeding to step S309, if the wheelchair operation mode is the shuttle operation mode, step S310.
Proceed to. Step S3 in the case of the normal operation mode of the wheelchair
Proceeding to 11, the wheelchair step of the special step 2 is stored, the wheelchair operation is terminated, and the operation returns to the normal operation of circulating.

On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step S310, the special step 2 performs a descending operation (returning operation) by reversing the rotation direction of the motor 7 while the special step 2 is developed in a state where the wheelchair step is formed, and returns to step S302. When the stop position on the lower floor is detected by the special step detection limit switch 8d, the landing is controlled so that the wheelchair can be mounted again. Thereafter, as described above, a series of wheelchair transport operations in the ascending direction is continued.

As described above, the operation for housing the wheelchair steps of the special steps 2 is omitted, and the shuttle operation in which the operation is continuously shifted from the ascending operation to the descending operation is repeated as necessary, so that a plurality of wheelchairs can be transported. In this case, the waiting time can be reduced, and the operation efficiency can be improved.

The wheelchair driving operation means 5a and 5b include:
Since the normal operation switch 51 and the shuttle operation switch 61 are constituted by key switches and provided separately, wheelchair operation can be arbitrarily selected according to the situation to be used, and erroneous operation by staff can be reduced. .

In the above embodiment, the description has been given of the case where, when the forward operation in the shuttle operation is completed, the backward operation is performed while maintaining the wheelchair step of the special steps in the developed state. It is also possible to carry out the return trip operation with the tread plate having the vehicle stop being partially returned. In this way, since a part of the wheelchair step of the special step 2 stands up and down, it is possible to make surrounding people aware that they cannot board the wheelchair step. Therefore, it is possible to prevent another passenger from erroneously riding in the wheelchair step of the special step 2 when shifting from the outbound operation to the inbound operation in the shuttle operation.

In this embodiment, the case of inputting a wheelchair operation command on the lower floor has been described as an example. However, even in the case of inputting a wheelchair operation command on the upper floor, reciprocating operation of descending and ascending is similarly performed. be able to.

Next, an escalator according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the second embodiment is as follows.
This is almost the same as the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and is characterized by the operation speed of the shuttle operation.

Hereinafter, the operation of the escalator according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, a case where a wheelchair is mounted from the lower floor is shown. Further, it is assumed that the escalator 1 is performing a rising operation in a normal operation.

The process starts and proceeds to step S401. When a wheelchair operation command is input from the normal operation switch 51 or the shuttle operation switch 61 of the lower floor wheelchair driving operation means 5b, the process proceeds to step S402. When a wheelchair driving command is not input from the wheelchair driving operation means 5b on the lower floor,
Returning to step S401, normal operation is performed until a wheelchair operation command is input.

The process proceeds to step S402, and when it is detected that the special step 2 has reached the position of the lower special step detection limit switch 8b, the process proceeds to step S403. When there is no detection input by the lower floor special step detection limit switch 8b, the process returns to step S402.

In step S403, a wheelchair step is formed such that the motor 7 is stopped or rotated at a low speed, the escalator 1 is stopped or decelerated, and the special steps 2 are deployed and the wheelchair 3 can be mounted.

In step S404, when the wheelchair 3 is mounted on the wheelchair step and the getting on / off confirmation button switch 53 is inputted from the lower floor wheelchair driving operation means 5b, the flow proceeds to step S405. If there is no input of the getting on / off confirmation button switch 53 from the lower floor wheelchair driving operation means 5b, the process returns to step S404.

The process proceeds to step S405, and if the wheelchair driving mode is the shuttle driving mode, step S406
Proceed to. If it is not the shuttle operation mode but the normal operation mode, the process proceeds to step S414.

In step S406, the wheelchair driving speed V
Is higher than the normal wheelchair driving speed VM by VH (VH> V
M). On the other hand, in step S414, the wheelchair driving speed V is changed to the normal wheelchair driving speed VM (VH>
VM).

Next, the routine proceeds to step S407, where the motor 7
Rotation speed of the previous step S406 or step S414
The wheelchair 3 is transported to the upper floor by raising the vehicle to the value set in the above and performing the ascending operation.

Then, the process proceeds to step S408, where the special step 2 proceeds to the upper floor, and if there is a detection input by the upper floor special step detection limit switch 8c, the process proceeds to step S40.
Go to 9. If there is no detection input by the upper floor special step detection limit switch 8c, the process returns to step S408,
The ascending operation is continued.

Proceeding to step S409, the escalator 1
Is stopped or operated at a very low speed, the landing control is performed, and the wheelchair 3 is lowered from the wheelchair step. Next, step S410
If the check-in button switch 53 is input from the wheelchair driving operation means 5a on the upper floor, the process proceeds to step S411. If the getting on / off confirmation button switch 53 is not input from the wheelchair driving operation means 5a, the process returns to step S410.

The process proceeds to step S411, and if the wheelchair operation mode is the shuttle operation mode, the process proceeds to step S412.
Proceed to. In the case of the normal operation mode, step S415
Then, the wheelchair step of the special step 2 is stored, the wheelchair operation is completed, and the operation returns to the normal operation (step S416).

On the other hand, steps S411 to S4
When the process proceeds to 12, the wheelchair driving speed V is set to −VH (VH> VM) higher than the normal speed VM during wheelchair driving. Next, proceeding to step S413, the special step 2 reverses the rotation direction of the motor 7 while forming a wheelchair step, performs a descending operation at the speed set in the previous step, returns to step S402, and returns to the special step detection limit switch 8
The landing control is performed by the detection input by d so that the wheelchair can be mounted again at the stop position on the lower floor. Thereafter, as described above, a series of wheelchair transport operations in the ascending direction is continued.

As described above, the shuttle operation in which the ascending operation and the descending operation can be continuously performed by omitting the storing operation of the wheelchair step of the special step 2 can be performed.
By performing the shuttle operation at a speed higher than the normal wheelchair driving speed, the waiting time when returning the special steps 2 to transport a plurality of wheelchairs can be further reduced, and the driving efficiency can be improved.

Next, an escalator according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the third embodiment, a special step 2 is different from the first embodiment shown in FIGS.
In addition, a load detection switch 10 is added as a boarding detection means, and its output is connected to the control device 4 so that the presence or absence of the boarding of the wheelchair 3 on the special step 2 can be detected and outputted.

Next, the operation of the escalator according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here also, the case where the wheelchair 3 is mounted from the lower floor is shown. Further, it is assumed that the escalator 1 is performing an ascending operation in a normal operation.

After starting, the flow advances to step S601. When a wheelchair operation command is input from the normal operation switch 51 or the shuttle operation switch 61 of the lower-floor wheelchair driving operation means 5b, the process proceeds to step S602. If a wheelchair driving command is not input from the wheelchair driving operation means 5b on the lower floor, the routine returns to step S601 and normal driving is performed until a wheelchair driving command is input.

The process proceeds to step S602, and when it is detected that the special step 2 has reached the position of the lower special step detection limit switch 8b, the process proceeds to step S603. If there is no detection input by the non-story special step detection limit switch 8b, the process returns to step S602.

In step S603, a wheelchair step is formed such that the motor 7 is stopped or rotated at a low speed and the escalator 1 is stopped or operated at a very low speed to deploy the special steps 2 so that the wheelchair 3 can be mounted.

The flow proceeds to step S604, in which the wheelchair 3 is mounted on the wheelchair step, and when the getting on / off confirmation button switch 53 is input from the lower floor wheelchair driving operation means 5b, the flow proceeds to step S605. When the getting on / off confirmation button switch 53 is not input from the lower floor wheelchair driving operation means 5b, the process returns to step S604.

The flow advances to step S605. If the wheelchair operation is in the shuttle operation mode, the flow advances to step S606. In normal operation mode instead of shuttle operation,
Proceed to step S616.

In step S606, if there is an output from the load detection switch 10 attached to the special step 2, the process proceeds to step S616. If there is no output from the load detection switch 10 attached to the special step 2, the process proceeds to step S607.

In step S607, the wheelchair driving speed V is set to VHH (VHH>) higher than the normal wheelchair driving speed VM.
VM). On the other hand, in step S616, the wheelchair driving speed V is changed to the normal wheelchair driving speed VM (VHHH).
> VM).

Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S608, where the motor 7
The ascending speed is increased to the speed set in the previous step and the ascending operation is performed to transport the wheelchair 3 to the upper floor.

Next, the process proceeds to step S609, where the special step 2
Goes to the upper floor, upper floor special step detection limit switch 8c
If there is a detection input by the user, the process proceeds to step S610. If there is no detection input of the upper floor special step detection limit switch 8c, the process returns to step S609, and the ascending operation is continued.

Proceeding to step S610, the escalator 1
Is stopped or operated at a very low speed, the landing control is performed, and the wheelchair is lowered from the wheelchair step. Next, the process proceeds to step S611, and when the getting on / off confirmation button switch 53 is input from the wheelchair driving operation means 5a on the upper floor, the process proceeds to step S612. If the getting on / off confirmation button switch 53 is not input from the wheelchair driving operation means 5a, the process returns to step S611.

The operation proceeds to step S612, and if the wheelchair operation is in the shuttle operation mode, the operation proceeds to step S613. In the case of the normal operation mode instead of the shuttle operation mode, the process proceeds to step S618, in which the wheelchair step of the special step 2 is stored, the wheelchair operation is completed, and the operation returns to the normal operation of circulating.

On the other hand, steps S612 to S6
When the process proceeds to step 13, if there is an output of the load detection switch 10 attached to the special step 2, the process proceeds to step S617. If there is no output from the load detection switch 10 attached to the special step 2, the process proceeds to step S614. In step S614, the wheelchair driving speed V is set to −VHH (VHH> VM) higher than the normal wheelchair driving speed VM. In step S617, the wheelchair driving speed V is set to -VM (VHH> VM), which is a normal wheelchair driving speed.

Next, the process proceeds to step S615, where the special step 2
While the wheelchair step is expanded, the rotation direction of the motor 7 is reversed to perform the descent operation at the speed set in the previous step, and the landing control is performed by the detection output of the special step detection limit switch 8d, and the process returns to step S602. Thus, the wheelchair can be mounted on the wheelchair step again at the stop position on the lower floor. Thereafter, a series of wheelchair driving operations in the upward direction are continued as described above.

As described above, when performing the shuttle operation in which the ascending and descending operations are continuously performed without omitting the wheelchair step storing operation of the special step 2, the load detection switch 10 detects the presence or absence of the wheelchair, and the wheelchair is detected. By operating the shuttle at a faster speed than when a wheelchair or a person is not on board, the waiting time for transporting multiple wheelchairs can be reduced, and driving efficiency can be further improved. Can be improved.

Also, when a wheelchair or a person is on the way back from the upper floor to the lower floor, the vehicle is lowered at the normal operation speed (-VM) of the wheelchair. Can be.

In the present embodiment, the case where the detection of the load of the wheelchair in the wheelchair step is performed by the load detection has been described. Detection means can be configured.

Next, an escalator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the fourth embodiment is as follows.
Although the configuration is similar to that of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 5,
The feature is that the operation is automatically restarted when a detection input is made by the load detection switch.

The operation of the escalator according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, a case is shown in which a wheelchair is mounted from the lower floor and transported to the upper floor. Further, it is assumed that the escalator 1 is performing an ascending operation in a normal operation.

The process starts and proceeds to step S701. When a wheelchair operation command is input from the normal operation switch 51 or the shuttle operation switch 61 of the lower floor wheelchair driving operation means 5b, the process proceeds to step S702. If no wheelchair driving instruction is input from the wheelchair driving operation means 5b on the lower floor, the routine returns to step S701 and normal driving is performed until a wheelchair driving instruction is input.

Proceeding to step S702, if the lower step special step detection limit switch 8b detects that the special step 2 has arrived at that position, the program proceeds to step S703.
If there is no detection input by the lower floor special step detection limit switch 8b, the process returns to step S702.

In step S703, a wheelchair step is formed such that the motor 7 is stopped or rotated at a low speed, the escalator 1 is stopped or operated at a low speed, the special steps 2 are deployed, and the wheelchair 3 can be mounted.

Proceeding to step S704, the wheelchair 3 is mounted on the wheelchair step and the special step load detection switch 1
If there is a detection input of 0, the process proceeds to step S705. If there is no detection input from the special step load detection switch 10, the process returns to step S704.

In step S 705, after a predetermined time elapses according to the detection input by the load detection switch 10, the motor 7
The wheelchair 3 is transported to the upper floor by performing the ascending operation by increasing the rotation speed of the vehicle.

Subsequently, the flow proceeds to step S706, in which the special step 2 proceeds to the upper floor, and the upper floor special step detection limit switch 8
If there is a detection input by c, step S707
Go ahead. When there is no detection input by the upper floor special step detection limit switch 8c, the process returns to step S706, and the ascending operation is continued.

In step S707, the escalator 1 is stopped or operated at a low speed, the landing control is performed, and the wheelchair 3 is lowered from the wheelchair step. Next, the process proceeds to step S708, and if there is a detection input by the special step load detection switch 10, the process proceeds to step S709. If there is no detection input by the special step load detection switch 10, step S70.
Return to 8.

In step S709, if the wheelchair operation mode is the shuttle operation mode, the process proceeds to step S710. If the wheelchair driving mode is not the shuttle driving mode but the normal driving mode, the process proceeds to step S711, in which the wheelchair step of the special step 2 is stored, the wheelchair driving is terminated, and the operation returns to the normal driving in which the vehicle is circulating.

On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step S710, the special step 2 performs the descending operation by reversing the rotation direction of the motor 7 while the wheelchair step is formed.
Proceeding to 702, the landing control is performed by the detection input by the special step detection limit switch 8d, and the wheelchair can be mounted again at the wheelchair step at the stop position on the lower floor.
Thereafter, as described above, a series of wheelchair transport operations in the ascending direction is continued.

As described above, when performing the shuttle operation in which the ascending and descending operations can be continuously performed by omitting the wheelchair step storing operation of the special steps 2, the wheelchair is moved from the wheelchair step by the load detection switch 10 after the ascending operation. When it is detected that the vehicle has got off, the descending operation is automatically performed after a lapse of a predetermined time, so that the number of times the staff member operates the getting on / off confirmation button switch can be reduced.

Although the present embodiment has been described with reference to the input of a wheelchair operation command on the lower floor as an example, the same can be applied to the input of a wheelchair operation command on the upper floor.

Next, an escalator according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the fifth embodiment is as follows.
The fourth embodiment is almost the same as the fourth embodiment, except that an idle operation confirmation button switch 57 is provided in place of the load detection switch as shown in FIG. The feature is that the vehicle is operated at a higher speed than the operating speed VM.

Hereinafter, the operation of the escalator according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, the case where the wheelchair 3 is mounted from the lower floor and transported to the upper floor is shown. Further, it is assumed that the escalator 1 is performing an ascending operation in a normal operation.

After starting, the flow advances to step S901. When a wheelchair operation command is input from the normal operation switch 51 or the shuttle operation switch 61 of the wheelchair driving operation means 5b on the lower floor, the process proceeds to step S902. When a wheelchair driving command is not input from the wheelchair driving operation means 5b on the lower floor,
Returning to step S901, normal operation is performed until a wheelchair operation command is input.

When the process proceeds to step S902 and detects that the special step 2 has reached the position of the lower floor special step detection limit switch 8b, the process proceeds to step S903. If there is no output from the lower floor special step detection limit switch 8b, the process returns to step S902.

In step S903, a wheelchair step is formed such that the motor 7 is stopped or rotated at a low speed, the escalator 1 is stopped or operated at a low speed, the special steps 2 are deployed, and the wheelchair 3 can be mounted.

Subsequently, the flow proceeds to step S904, where the wheelchair 3
Is mounted, and if there is an input of the getting on / off confirmation button switch 53 from the lower floor wheelchair driving operation means 5b, the process proceeds to step S905. If there is no input of the getting on / off confirmation button switch 53 from the lower floor wheelchair driving operation means 5b, the process proceeds to step S914. In step S914, if there is an input of the idle operation confirmation button switch 57, the process proceeds to step S915, and if there is no input of the idle operation confirmation button switch 57, the process returns to step S904.

In step S905, if the wheelchair operation is in the shuttle operation mode, the process proceeds to step S906, in which the wheelchair operation speed V is set to VH higher than the normal wheelchair operation speed VM. If the wheelchair operation is in the normal operation mode, step S917 is performed. Then, the normal wheelchair driving speed VM is set.
In step S915, in the case of the shuttle operation mode, the process proceeds to step S916, in which the wheelchair driving speed V is set to VHH which is higher than the wheelchair driving speed VH. In the case of the normal operation of the wheelchair, the process proceeds to step S917, and the normal operation is performed. Set the wheelchair driving speed VM.

Each step S906, S916, S017
When the wheelchair driving speed V is set in step S907, the process proceeds to step S907, in which the ascending operation of transferring the wheelchair step to the upper floor is performed.

In step S908, the wheelchair step of the special step 2 proceeds to the upper floor, and if there is a detection input by the upper step special step detection limit switch 8c, the flow proceeds to step S908.
Go to 909. Upper floor special step detection limit switch 8c
If there is no detection input by, the process returns to step S908, and the ascending operation is continued.

In step S909, the escalator 1 is stopped or operated at a low speed, landing control is performed, and if a wheelchair is mounted on the wheelchair step, the wheelchair is lowered.

Then, the flow advances to step S910, and when the getting on / off confirmation button switch 53 is input from the wheelchair driving operation means 5a on the upper floor, the flow advances to step S911. If the getting on / off confirmation button switch 53 is not input from the wheelchair driving operation means 5b, the process proceeds to step S918. In step S918, if there is an input of the idle operation confirmation button switch 57,
Proceeding to step S919, the idle operation confirmation button switch 5
If there is no input of 7, the process returns to step S910.

In step S911, if the wheelchair operation is in the shuttle operation mode, the process proceeds to step S912, and the wheelchair operation speed V is set to -VH, which is higher than the normal wheelchair operation speed VM. If the wheelchair operation is not the shuttle operation mode but the normal operation mode, the process proceeds to step S921, in which the wheelchair step of the special step 2 is stored, the wheelchair operation is completed, and the operation returns to the normal operation of circulating (step S922).

On the other hand, in step S919, if the wheelchair operation is in the shuttle operation mode, the process proceeds to step S920, and the wheelchair operation speed V is set to -VHH (VHH>VH> VM) higher than the normal wheelchair operation speed VM. Is done. In the case of the normal operation mode instead of the shuttle operation mode, the process proceeds to step S921, in which the wheelchair step of the special step 2 is stored, the wheelchair operation is completed, and the operation returns to the normal operation of circulating (step S922).

When the wheelchair driving speed V is set in step S912 or step S920, step S913 is executed.
Then, while the wheelchair step of the special step 2 is expanded, the rotation direction of the motor 7 is reversed to perform a descending operation, and the process returns to step S902. The wheelchair can be mounted on the wheelchair step again at the stop position on the floor. Hereinafter, a series of wheelchair driving operations in the ascending direction are continued as described above.

As described above, when the wheelchair step of the special step 2 is omitted and the shuttle operation is performed in which the forward operation and the backward operation are continuously performed, if the wheelchair is not equipped with the wheelchair, the attendant is required. By operating and inputting the idle operation confirmation button switch 57, the wheelchair operation speed V can be operated at -VHH higher than the normal wheelchair operation speed VM. As a result, when the wheelchair user is not being transported, the vehicle is driven at high speed both on the outbound route and on the return route. When it is necessary to move between floors by riding a wheelchair step, the work efficiency can be improved.

Next, an escalator according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10 shows the configuration of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The main configuration is shown in FIGS.
Is the same as that of the first embodiment, but in addition to the above, a notification device 9a on the upper floor and a notification device 9b on the lower floor are connected to the control device 4 and are sent from the control device 4. According to the command, characters can be displayed and sound can be output.

Next, the operation of the escalator according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, a case where the wheelchair 3 is mounted from the lower floor and transported to the upper floor is shown. Further, it is assumed that the escalator 1 is performing a rising operation in a normal operation.

After starting, the flow advances to step S1101.
Normal operation step 51 of wheelchair driving operation means 5b on the lower floor
Alternatively, when a wheelchair operation command is input from the shuttle operation switch 61, the process proceeds to step S1102. When a wheelchair driving command is not input from the wheelchair operating means 5b on the lower floor,
Returning to step S1101, normal operation is performed until a wheelchair operation command is input.

Proceeding to step S1102, the special step 2
Is detected to have reached the position of the lower special step detection limit switch 8b, the process proceeds to step S1103. If there is no detection input by the lower special step detection limit switch 8b, the process returns to step S1102.

Proceeding to step S1103, the motor 7 is stopped or rotated at a low speed, and the special steps 2 are deployed while the escalator 1 is stopped or operated at a low speed to form a wheelchair step on which the wheelchair 3 can be mounted.

Proceeding to step S1104, the wheelchair 3 is mounted on the wheelchair step, and the lower floor wheelchair driving operation means 5b
If there is an input of the getting on / off confirmation button switch 53, the process proceeds to step S1105. When there is no input of the getting on / off confirmation button switch 53 from the lower floor wheelchair driving operation means 5b,
It returns to step S1104.

The flow advances to step S1105 to increase the rotation speed of the motor 7, perform an ascending operation, and transport the wheelchair 3 to an upper floor.

Proceeding to step S1106, if the special step 2 proceeds to the upper floor and there is a detection input by the upper floor special step detection limit switch 8c, the processing proceeds to step S1107. If there is no detection input by the upper floor special step detection limit switch 8c, the process returns to step S1106, and the ascending operation is continued.

In step S1107, the escalator 1 is stopped or operated at a low speed, the landing of the special steps 2 is controlled, and the wheelchair 3 is lowered from the wheelchair step. Next, the process proceeds to step S1108, where the upper-floor wheelchair driving operation means 5
When the getting on / off confirmation button switch 53 is input from a, the process proceeds to step S1109. If the getting on / off confirmation button switch 53 is not input from the wheelchair driving operation means 5a, the process returns to step S1108.

The flow advances to step S1109. If the wheelchair operation is in the shuttle operation mode, the flow advances to step S1110. If the wheelchair operation is in the normal operation mode, the process proceeds to step S1111.

When the operation proceeds to step S1111, the wheelchair step of the special step 2 is stored, and the operation proceeds to step S1112 to notify the notification devices 9a and 9b of the normal operation mode. Then, the operation of the wheelchair is terminated and the operation returns to the normal operation of circulating.

On the other hand, from step S1109 to step S1109
When the process proceeds to 1110, the rotation direction of the motor 7 is reversed and the descending operation is performed while the special step 2 is expanded, and when the detection is performed by the special step detection limit switch 8d, the landing control is performed and the process proceeds to step S1102. Return and make it possible to mount the wheelchair on the wheelchair step again at the stop position on the lower floor. Thereafter, a series of wheelchair transport operations are continued in the ascending direction as described above.

Here, in the interrupt processing for notifying the operation of the wheelchair, in step S1121, it is determined whether or not a wheelchair operation command has been input. If the operation mode is the wheelchair operation mode, the process proceeds to step S1122. If not, the process ends without performing the interrupt process.

The flow proceeds to step S1122, and if the wheelchair operation mode is the shuttle operation mode, the notification devices 9a, 9
For example, a shuttle operation such as "Shuttle operation mode" is displayed or output to b, or a sound is output, and the process ends (step S1123). Step S112
If the wheelchair driving mode is not the shuttle driving mode but the normal wheelchair driving mode in step 2, the process proceeds to step S11.
Then, the process proceeds to step S24, and a display such as "Wheelchair operation mode" is output to the notification devices 9a and 9b, or a sound is output, and the process ends.

As described above, by notifying the shuttle operation in the shuttle operation mode and the normal operation of the wheelchair in the normal operation mode of the wheelchair, the driving state can be visually or audibly determined. It is possible to confirm and erroneous operation of the staff can be reliably prevented.

[0117] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the notification device notifies by text output or voice output has been described. However, by outputting different kinds of music, normal operation of a wheelchair and shuttle operation can be distinguished and recognized. It can also be configured as follows.

[0118]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in a situation where a plurality of wheelchair users are waiting at the landing, the wheelchair is not raised or lowered or lowered or raised without circulating the special steps forming the wheelchair steps. Reciprocating operation can be performed, and the waiting time of a wheelchair user can be reduced to improve transport efficiency.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the wheelchair steps of the special steps are formed in a half-retracted state when the returning operation is performed, so that it is possible to make the surrounding people aware that they cannot board the escalator. It is possible to prevent other passengers from riding by mistake.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the wheelchair driving operation means is operated, the normal operation of the wheelchair and the shuttle operation for performing the reciprocating operation are separate input means, so that the clerk is erroneously operated. Can be reliably prevented.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when reciprocating the special steps forming the wheelchair step, the vehicle is driven at a speed higher than the normal wheelchair driving speed, so that the waiting time is reduced and the transportation efficiency is further improved. can do.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the forward speed of the special steps forming the wheelchair steps is set to the normal wheelchair driving speed, and the returning speed is set to be higher than the normal speed. In low-speed driving, wheelchair users can be reassured by using low-speed driving, and on the return trip without a wheelchair user, high-speed driving can speed up the return of the special steps that form the wheelchair steps, reducing waiting time. Transportation efficiency can be improved.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when it is detected by the boarding detecting means that the wheelchair user is not in the wheelchair step of the special step, the vehicle is driven at a speed higher than the normal driving speed of the wheelchair. Therefore, the waiting time can be reduced and the transportation efficiency can be improved.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when it is confirmed by the boarding detecting means that the user of the wheelchair has got off, the return trip operation is automatically performed, whereby the reciprocating operation procedure of the attendant can be reduced.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, when a wheelchair user is not mounted, the vehicle is driven at a speed higher than the normal wheelchair driving speed by inputting the idle operation confirmation button switch, so that the wheelchair user can be transported. In the state where it is not done, by driving at high speed regardless of whether it is on the outbound route or on the return route, it is necessary for the attendant to move between floors on the wheelchair step of the special step during the reciprocating operation. The efficiency can be improved.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, by informing the operating state to the informing means, it is possible to reliably prevent the clerk from erroneously operating when the special steps are deployed and the reciprocating operation is performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a wheelchair driving operation unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a wheelchair driving operation unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the configuration of a conventional example.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a developed state of a wheelchair step of a conventional special step.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Escalator 2 ... Special step 3 ... Wheelchair 4 ... Control means 5a ... Upper floor wheelchair driving operation means 5b ... Lower floor wheelchair driving operation means 7 ... Motor 8a, 8c ... Upper floor special step detection limit switch 8b, 8d ... Lower floor Special step detection limit switch 9a: Upper floor notification device 9b: Lower floor notification device 10: Load detection switch

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An escalator comprising a special step for forming a wheelchair step on which a wheelchair or the like can be mounted, and reciprocating operation means for performing a reciprocating operation of ascending / descending or descending / ascending the special step. 2. The escalator according to claim 1, wherein the reciprocating operation is performed in a state where the wheelchair step is retracted halfway when performing a return trip operation. 3. The escalator according to claim 1, further comprising a wheelchair driving operation means for instructing a wheelchair driving, wherein the wheelchair driving operation means includes a normal driving switch for performing a normal wheelchair driving, and a normal driving switch for performing a normal wheelchair driving. An escalator comprising a shuttle operation switch for reciprocating the special steps. 4. The escalator according to claim 1, wherein the reciprocating operation is performed at a speed higher than a normal wheelchair driving speed. 5. The escalator according to claim 1, wherein the reciprocating operation is performed at a normal wheelchair operation speed in the forward operation and at a higher speed in the backward operation. 6. The escalator according to claim 1, further comprising boarding detection means capable of detecting that a wheelchair or the like has boarded the special step, and wherein the outgoing operation or the returning operation in the reciprocating operation is performed. An escalator for driving at a speed higher than a normal wheelchair driving speed when the boarding detection means detects that no wheelchair or the like is mounted on the wheelchair step of the special step. 7. The escalator according to claim 1, further comprising boarding detection means for detecting that a wheelchair or the like has boarded the special step, wherein the reciprocating operation is performed by the special step. After forming a wheelchair step and performing forward driving, when the boarding detecting means detects that a wheelchair or the like is not mounted on the wheelchair step of the special step, the vehicle is automatically driven to return. Escalator. 8. The escalator according to claim 1, further comprising an idle operation confirmation button switch, wherein the forward or backward operation in said reciprocating operation includes mounting a wheelchair or the like on a wheelchair step of said special step. An escalator characterized by operating at a speed higher than a normal wheelchair driving speed by inputting the idle operation confirmation button switch when not running. 9. The escalator according to claim 1, further comprising: a notifying unit, which causes the notifying unit to perform a notification corresponding to an operation state of a normal operation of the wheelchair and a wheelchair shuttle operation for performing the reciprocating operation. An escalator characterized in that: