KR20070024592A - Passenger conveyor step having an acoustic barrier - Google Patents

Abstract

An escalator step (12) includes a sound barrier material (40) covering over at least a portion of an inner surface (42) of a tread portion (30) and an inner surface (44) of a riser portion (32). In one example, the sound barrier material (40) comprises a sheet of vinyl. The sound barrier material (40) reduces noise radiation from the step (12) toward a cavity (26) within a passenger conveyor support structure (20) and reduces noise emanations from the cavity (26) through the steps (12). Several embodiments for securing the sound barrier material (40) in place are disclosed. ® KIPO & WIPO 2007

Description

Passenger Conveyor Step with Sound Isolation {PASSENGER CONVEYOR STEP HAVING AN ACOUSTIC BARRIER}

 The present invention generally relates to a passenger conveyor. More particularly, the present invention relates to controlling acoustic emissions associated with passenger conveyor systems.

Passenger conveyors, such as escalators, typically include a plurality of steps to move around the loop to transport passengers between landings, which may be located between different levels of a building, for example. Some of the steps face the direction for transporting the passengers, while the other steps follow the track forming the loop so that the other steps are in a return loop below the normally visible surface. Most passenger conveyors include a step chain driven by a mechanical device (ie, a motor and a brake device) and a step moving with the step chain.

In a typical configuration, the mechanical device has been located at or below one of the landings. This location has made it possible to provide a soundproof structure around the mechanical device, which is useful for reducing acoustic emissions from the mechanical device to areas where people may hear the noise of the mechanical device. More recently, escalator systems have been introduced that include positioning the mechanical device along the rise of the escalator. This position of the mechanism allows the noise associated with the mechanism to be reflected in the cavity of the support structure supporting the loop of the step. In addition, the noise of the mechanical device may radiate outward from below the step and may be audible to passengers on the conveyor. It is not easy to provide a soundproof structure along the rise of the escalator, for example as is possible under landing. There is a need for a configuration to reduce the likelihood of mechanical sound being heard by individuals on or near the conveyor.

Other moving parts of the conveyor system may also be possible sources of noise. In one example system, the step follows the track and the roller is coupled directly to the track without any lubricant. Removing lubricants is perceived as an environmental benefit, but absence of lubricants increases the potential for additional noise generation. Vibrations associated with the rollers along the tracks are transmitted to the steps, making it easier to bring noise divergence from the steps towards the cavities in the support structure. There is a need for a configuration that reduces the likelihood of noise escaping from the step into the cavity to prevent such noise from echoing within the cavity and eventually heard by individuals on or around the conveyor.

Several proposals have been made for controlling the sound or noise associated with passenger conveyor systems. U. S. Patent No. 5,284, 237 discloses a configuration in which sound insulation is associated with balustrade. Another configuration is shown in Japanese Laid-Open Publication No. 08-048482, wherein the cover member associated with the outside of the passenger conveyor truss includes a sound absorbing member. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2001-247285 discloses another configuration in which the side of the step includes a sound absorbing material embedded in a reinforcing part on the side of the step. One disadvantage of both of these configurations is that they do not cope with situations in which sound may radiate from the bottom of the step toward the cavity in the conveyor support structure. In addition, this arrangement does not cope with situations in which acoustic radiation may reach substantially upwards through the steps from the cavity.

U. S. Patent No. 6,241, 071 discloses a configuration for making passenger conveyor steps using plastic materials. One embodiment disclosed in that document includes a tread reinforcing substrate filled with foam to reduce acoustic transmission through the tread portion.

There is still a need to properly address noise control for escalator systems. In particular, there is a need for a configuration that reduces acoustic transmission from a step to a cavity in a conveyor support structure. There is also a need for efficient acoustic control to prevent noise from radiating out to a place where passengers or individuals near the conveyor can hear the noise in the cavity. The present invention addresses this need.

Embodiments of the passenger conveyor step include a stepped floor having an outer side configured to face toward the passenger and an inner side facing a direction generally opposed to the outer side. The riser portion extends from the tread bottom and has an outer side and an inner side. The acoustic barrier material covers at least a portion of the inner side of the stepped portion and at least a portion of the inner side of the riser portion.

An exemplary method of acoustic emission control associated with a passenger conveyor includes covering the inner side of the step with acoustic barrier material to reduce acoustic radiation from the step into the cavity in the conveyor support structure. This barrier material also prevents noise from passing from the cavity to the passenger.

In one example, the acoustic barrier material covers substantially all of the inner side. One exemplary acoustic barrier material includes at least one vinyl sheet. In one example, the acoustic barrier material comprises a composite of acoustic foam and vinyl or similar barrier material.

Various features and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows.

1 schematically illustrates an exemplary passenger conveyor system.

2 is a perspective view of a step designed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a perspective view of opposite sides of the step shown in FIG.

4A is a side view schematically showing an example configuration for fixing the acoustic barrier to a portion of a passenger conveyor step.

4B is a plan view of the acoustic shield from FIG. 4A.

Fig. 5 schematically shows another configuration for fixing the acoustic barrier to a part of the passenger conveyor step.

Fig. 6 schematically shows another configuration for fixing the acoustic barrier to the passenger conveyor step.

Fig. 7 schematically shows another configuration for fixing the acoustic barrier to the passenger conveyor step.

8 schematically illustrates another configuration including an acoustic barrier with a foam layer.

Figure 9 schematically shows another acoustic barrier with an outer layer of foam on both sides.

1 schematically shows a passenger conveyor system 10 comprising a plurality of steps 12 for transporting passengers between landings 14, 16. The conveyor system 10 shown is an escalator, which is one exemplary form of a passenger conveyor. The present invention is not necessarily limited to this configuration.

The example of FIG. 1 includes a support structure 20 in which the step 12 follows a loop in a generally known manner so as to provide a continuous movement of the step between the landings 14, 16. In the example shown, the step chain 22 is integrated with the step 12 and driven by the mechanical device 24. In this example, the mechanical device 24 includes a motor and brake assembly that is supported on the rise of the support structure 20. The mechanism 24 propels the step chain 22, which leads to the desired movement of the step 12.

There is a cavity 26 inside the loop of step 12 and inside the support structure 20. The presence of the mechanism 24 along the rise causes the possibility that the mechanism noise can be echoed in the cavity 26 and emitted through step 12 or both to be heard near the conveyor system 10. do.

Exemplary step designs are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The illustrated step 12 includes a stepped floor 30 having, for example, an outer surface that faces generally upward (according to FIG. 1) to accommodate a passenger's foot. Riser portion 32 includes an outer surface as is known in the art.

Exemplary step 12 has a side skirt 34 from which the support arm 36 extends. The roller 38 is supported at the distal end of the support arm 36. The roller 38 follows a track (not shown) supported in the support structure 20 such that the step 12 follows a preferred loop.

In one example, no lubrication is used between the roller 38 and the track. In this example, vibrations associated with roller movement along the track may be transmitted to the step structure resulting in noise emanating from the step 12 toward the cavity 26.

3 shows the underside of an exemplary step 12 comprising an acoustic barrier material 40 covering a substantial portion of the inner side 42 of the tread bottom 30 and the inner side 44 of the riser portion 32 or FIG. It shows the inside. The inner faces 42, 44 face the cavity 26 during operation of the conveyor system 10.

The acoustic barrier material 40 reduces the noise heard around the conveyor system 10 by reducing acoustic radiation from step 12 into the cavity 26. The acoustic barrier material 40 also reduces acoustic transmission from inside the cavity 26 through step 12 to areas where individuals may hear such noise.

One example acoustic barrier material 40 comprises a sheet of acoustic barrier material, such as vinyl. Acoustic barrier materials known as "dead" materials (ie, heavy and flexible) are preferred and those skilled in the art having the benefit of this description will be able to select from these materials to meet the needs of their particular situation. One example material is vinyl. The heavy and flexible acoustic shield yarn material provides an efficient barrier to reduce noise radiation from the step into the cavity 26 and to reduce noise radiation out of the cavity 26 through the step 12.

Even when the mechanism is supported by the rise of the escalator structure, the disclosed configuration can reduce the noise level in the vicinity of the passenger conveyor system, i.e. in both directions (i.e. from step 12 into the cavity 26 and into the cavity 26). The noise radiation through step 12). Sound barrier material 40 blocks the radiated noise associated with step vibration, mechanical actuation, or a combination thereof.

In one example, the entire inner face 42, 44 is covered by the sound shield material 40. In another example, at least a portion of the inner surface 42 of the stepped portion 30 and at least a portion of the inner surface 44 of the riser portion 32 are covered by the acoustic barrier material 40. The extent of coverage and the manner in which the acoustic shield material 40 is fixed in place covering the inner side of the step may be selected to meet the needs of a particular situation. Those skilled in the art having the benefit of this description will know how best to arrange the acoustic shield material 40 to meet their specific needs.

One example configuration for securing the acoustic barrier material 40 in place is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In this example, the fastening member is formed of a hook 50 that is part of the step structure. The acoustic shield material 40 in this example includes a plurality of mounting features that are holes 52 in this example. The reinforcing member, which is the grommet 54 in this example, reinforces the acoustic barrier material 40 near the hole 52. Each grommet 54 and hole 52 is received over the corresponding hook 50 to allow the acoustic barrier material 40 to be suspended efficiently on the counterpart of step 12. This is also shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 shows another example configuration in which clamp 60 is used to secure a portion of sound shield material 40 to a corresponding portion of the step structure. The clamp 60 is also used in the example of FIG.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates another configuration in which a plurality of reinforcing ribs 62 are formed on the inner side 42 of the exemplary tread bottom 30. Adhesive 64 secures acoustic barrier material 40 to rib 62. Commercially available adhesives suitable for use with selected materials to form step and acoustic barrier materials are known. This configuration leaves an air gap 66 between some of the inner side 42 and the acoustic barrier material 40. The presence of the air gap 66 is useful to improve the noise reduction capability of the acoustic barrier material 40.

FIG. 7 illustrates another configuration in which a portion of the step structure 70, in this example a tie 72, has a shape that allows the fixing member to secure the corresponding portion of the acoustic shield material 40 to the step 12. Illustrated. In this example, the tie 72 includes a zip tie, which allows for a fixed positioning of the counterpart of the acoustic barrier material 40 in place, so that the acoustic barrier material 40 is desired. Cover on the corresponding inner side of the positive step.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates another configuration in which the acoustic barrier material 40 comprises a composite of an acoustic foam 80 layer and a vinyl layer 82. The acoustic foam 80 is secured to the step inner side 42 by adhesive in one example. Commercially available adhesives suitable for use with selected materials to form step and acoustic barrier composite materials are known. This configuration uses the foam 80 as a spacer between the inner face 42 and the yarn material (ie, vinyl 82) of the acoustic barrier material 40. The foam spacer 80 is useful for improving the noise reduction capability of the acoustic barrier material 40.

FIG. 9 schematically shows another configuration in which the blocking portion has foams 80 and 84 on both sides of the vinyl sheet 82. The foam on the step side can be secured to the step inner face 42 by, for example, an adhesive. This configuration uses the foam as a spacer between the inner face 42 and the vinyl layer 82 of the acoustic barrier material 40. The foam on the opposite side faces the cavity 26 and acts as an acoustic absorber to further reduce the noise level in the escalator cavity 26.

The foregoing description is illustrative rather than restrictive in nature. Modifications and variations of the disclosed examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of legal protection given to this invention can only be determined by studying the following claims.

Claims (24)

A stepping floor having an outer side facing the passenger and an inner side facing generally opposite the outer side; A riser portion extending from the bottom portion and having an outer side and an inner side; A passenger conveyor step comprising an acoustic barrier material covering at least a portion of an inner side of the stepped portion and at least a portion of an inner side of the riser portion. The passenger conveyor step of claim 1, wherein the acoustic barrier material covers substantially all of the inner side. The passenger conveyor step of claim 1, wherein the acoustic barrier material comprises at least one acoustic barrier material sheet. 4. The passenger conveyor step of claim 3, wherein the acoustic barrier material comprises a vinyl sheet. 4. The passenger conveyor step of claim 3, wherein the acoustic barrier material comprises at least one foam layer on at least one side of the sheet. 6. A passenger conveyor step according to claim 5, comprising foams on both sides of the sheet. The passenger conveyor step of claim 1, wherein the acoustic barrier material is received directly on at least a portion of each inner side. 8. The passenger conveyor step of claim 7, wherein the acoustic barrier material is at least partially spaced from at least a portion of one of the inner faces. The passenger conveyor step of claim 1, wherein the acoustic barrier material comprises at least one mounting feature and includes at least one securing member that secures the mounting feature at a desired position relative to the corresponding face of the inner face. 10. Passenger conveyor step according to claim 9, wherein at least one fixing member is formed as one part of at least one inner side of the inner side. 10. The passenger conveyor step of claim 9, wherein the securing member comprises a clamp. The passenger conveyor step of claim 9, wherein the securing member comprises a tie. 10. The passenger conveyor step of claim 9, wherein the at least one mounting feature includes at least one hole in the acoustic barrier material and includes a reinforcing member associated with the hole to reinforce the material near the hole. A sound emission control method associated with a passenger conveyor system having a plurality of steps each having an outward surface and an inner side facing the cavity between the steps, Reducing acoustic radiation from the step into the cavity by covering the inner side of the step with sound shield material. 15. The method of claim 14, comprising using a sheet of sound barrier material to cover the inner side. 15. The method of claim 14, comprising using a vinyl sheet to cover the inner side. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step has a stepping portion and a riser portion, respectively, and the method includes covering an inner side of the stepping portion and an inner side of the riser portion. 15. The method of claim 14 including positioning at least a portion of the acoustic shield material directly on the inner side. 19. The method of claim 18, including leaving a gap between at least some of the acoustic barrier material and the inner side. 15. The method of claim 14 including reducing acoustic radiation radiated away from the outward surface passing through the step from the cavity by covering the inner side of the step. A plurality of steps arranged to move around the loop, forming a cavity between the inner side of the step and the opposite side of the loop, A drive mechanism for pushing the step around the loop, A passenger conveyor comprising acoustic barrier material covering at least a portion of the inner side of the step to reduce acoustic radiation from the step to the cavity. 23. The passenger conveyor of claim 21, wherein the acoustic barrier material comprises at least one vinyl sheet. The passenger conveyor of claim 21, wherein the acoustic barrier material covers substantially all of the inner side of every step. 22. The passenger conveyor of claim 21, wherein each step comprises a stepped bottom portion having a corresponding inner side and a riser portion having an inner side, the acoustic barrier material covering at least a portion of each inner side of each step. .

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