Wheel chair abstract
An escalator system with wheel chair steps comprising a main frame
having an upper end and a lower end, a plurality of steps connected
in an endless conveyor loop and capable of circulating along the
main frame, and an operating mechanism disposed at a position close
to the ends of the main frame. The escalator system further comprises
a first wheel chair step disposed between the steps and having a
connection arm capable of being displaced toward the lower end of
the main frame by a shifter mechanism engageable with the operating
mechanism when necessary. The escalator system also comprises a
second wheel chair step disposed between the steps and having a
rising tread board capable of being raised by a raising mechanism
engageable with the operating mechanisms when necessary and a boarding
plate capable of being displaced toward the lower end of the main
frame by a shifter mechanism engageable with the operating mechanism
when necessary. The rising tread board, when raised, is supported
by the connection arm displaced in a projected position and defines
a combined and enlarged horizontal surface together with the tread
board of the first wheel chair step.
Wheel chair claims
What is claimed is:
1. An escalator system with wheel chair steps comprising:
a main frame having an upper end and a lower end;
a plurality of steps connected in an endless conveyor loop and
capable of circulating along said main frame;
an operating mechanism disposed at a position close to said ends
of said main frame;
a first wheel chair step disposed between said steps and having
a connection arm capable of being displaced toward the lower end
of said main frame by a shifter mechanism engageable with said operating
mechanism when necessary; and
a second wheel chair step disposed between said steps and having
a rising tread board capable of being raised by a raising mechanism
engageable with said operating mechanism when necessary and a boarding
plate capable of being displaced toward the lower end of said main
frame by a shifter mechanism engageable with said operating mechanism
when necessary, said rising tread board, when raised, being supported
by said connection arm displaced in a projected position and defining
a combined and enlarged horizontal surface together with said tread
board of said first wheel chair step.
2. An escalator system with wheel chair steps as claimed in claim
1 wherein, when said first wheel chair step is travelling in an
initial stage of a transitional travel path and provides a difference
in elevation relative to said second wheel chair step travelling
in a horizontal travel path, said rising tread board raised by said
raising mechanism is supported by a support arm at a location at
which an enlarged horizontal tread surface is defined by said tread
boards of said first and second wheel chair steps.
3. An escalator system with wheel chair steps as claimed in claim
1 wherein, when said first wheel chair step is travelling in an
initial stage of a transitional travel path and provides a difference
in elevation relative to said second wheel chair step travelling
in a horizontal travel path and said endless conveyor loop is in
the stopped state, said rising tread board raised by said raising
mechanism is supported by a support arm at a location in which an
enlarged horizontal surface continuous to said tread board of said
first wheel chair step is defined, and wherein said first wheel
chair step and said second wheel chair step travel along a constant
slope travel path with their tread boards maintained in the position
defining said enlarged horizontal surface.
4. A method for operating an escalator system with wheel chair
steps comprising a main frame having an upper end and a lower end
and a plurality of steps connected in an endless conveyor loop for
circulating along said main frame, the method comprising:
raising a rising tread board of a second wheel chair step to define
a combined and enlarged horizontal surface together with a first
wheel chair step when said first wheel chair step and said second
wheel chair step are positioned at a predetermined position at the
lower end of said main frame and said first wheel chair step is
positioned higher than said second wheel chair step said second
wheel chair step being disposed between said steps of said endless
conveyor loop and said first wheel chair step disposed adjacent
to said second wheel chair step between said second wheel chair
step and said upper end of said main frame; and
extending a boarding plate from said second wheel chair step toward
the lower end of said main frame after raising said rising tread
board.
5. A method for operating an escalator system with wheel chair
steps comprising a main frame having an upper end and a lower end
and a plurality of steps connected in an endless conveyor loop for
circulating along said main frame, the method comprising:
raising a rising tread board of a second wheel chair step to define
a combined and enlarged horizontal surface together with a first
wheel chair step when said first wheel chair step and said second
wheel chair step are positioned at a predetermined position at the
lower end of said main frame and said first wheel chair step is
positioned higher than said second wheel chair step, said second
wheel chair step being disposed between said steps of said endless
conveyor loop and said first wheel chair step being disposed adjacent
to said second wheel chair step between said second wheel chair
step and said upper end of said main frame; and
connecting said first wheel chair step to said second wheel chair
step with a connection arm of said first wheel chair step after
raising said rising tread board.
6. A method for operating an escalator system with wheel chair
steps comprising a main frame having an upper end and a lower end
and a plurality of steps connected in an endless conveyor loop for
circulating along said main frame, the method comprising:
raising a rising tread board of a second wheel chair step to define
a combined and enlarged horizontal surface together with a first
wheel chair step when said first wheel chair step and said second
wheel chair step are positioned at a predetermined position at the
lower end of said main frame and said first wheel chair step is
positioned higher than said second wheel chair step, said second
wheel chair step being disposed between said steps of said endless
conveyor loop and said first wheel chair step being disposed adjacent
to said second wheel chair step between said second wheel chair
step and said upper end of said main frame; and
moving said first wheel chair step and said second wheel chair
step along a constant slope travel path with their tread boards
maintained in the position defining said enlarged horizontal surface.
7. A method for operating an escalator system with wheel chair
steps as claimed in claim 4, further comprising:
extending said boarding plate to a position projected from said
second wheel chair step for allowing a wheel chair user to board
the escalator system;
retracting said boarding plate; and
extending a wheel stopper on said second wheel chair step to a
position projected from a tread of said second wheel chair step
towards the lower end of said main frame.
8. A method for operating an escalator system with wheel chair
steps as claimed in claim 4, further comprising:
moving a tilting tread board of a tilting wheel chair step to a
tilted position upon conveying a wheel chair,
said tilted step being connected in said endless conveyor loop
and disposed adjacent to said first wheel chair step between said
first wheel chair step and said upper end of said main frame.
9. A method for operating an escalator system with wheel chair
steps as claimed in claim 4, further comprising:
stopping said first wheel chair step and said second wheel chair
step at a predetermined position at the lower end of said main frame;
and
operating an operating mechanism in a rising mode to raise said
rising tread board of said second wheel chair step.
10. A method for operating an escalator system with wheel chair
steps as claimed in claim 4, further comprising:
stopping said first wheel chair step and said second wheel chair
step at a predetermined position at the lower end of said main frame;
and
operating an operating mechanism in a driving mode to raise said
rising tread board of said second wheel chair step.
11. A method for operating an escalator system with wheel chair
steps as claimed in claim 4, further comprising:
stopping said first wheel chair step and said second wheel chair
step at a predetermined position at the lower end of said main frame;
and
operating an operating mechanism into engagement with said rising
tread board of said second wheel chair step.
12. A method for operating an escalator system with wheel chair
steps as claimed in claim 8, further comprising:
moving said tilting tread board of said tilting wheel chair step
to a tilted position when said first and said second wheel chair
steps are stopped at a predetermined position at the upper end of
said main frame.
13. A method for operating an escalator system with wheel chair
steps as claimed in claim 8, further comprising:
moving said tilting wheel chair step to a position below a comb
plate of the upper end of said main frame when said first and said
second wheel chair steps are stopped at a predetermined position
at the upper end of said main frame.
14. A method for operating an escalator system with wheel chair
steps as claimed in claim 5, wherein an amount of raised displacement
of said rising tread board, at a lower horizontal run of said main
frame when said rising tread board of said second wheel chair step
is raised to define said enlarged horizontal surface together with
said first wheel chair step, is different from an amount of the
raised displacement of said rising tread board at an upper horizontal
run of said main frame.
Wheel chair description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an escalator system with wheel chair
steps and an operating method therefor and, more particularly, to
an escalator system and an operating method therefor in which wheel
chair steps are connected in an endless conveyor loop of steps for
providing an enlarged tread surface for a wheel chair when in need.
In a conventional escalator with wheel chair steps disclosed in
Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-14278, the arrangement is such
that at least three steps stop in the upper or lower horizontal
run and provide a combined and enlarged horizontal surface so that
a wheel chair can ride on or off the enlarged horizontal surface.
In the conventional wheel chair escalator as above discussed, at
least three steps are horizontally positioned at the upper or lower
horizontal run in order to allow a wheel chair to ride on or off.
Therefore, the overall length of the escalator main frame becomes
long and the provision of the installation space is difficult, whereby
a limitation is posed on the installation of the escalator system
with wheel chair steps. Also, a main frame of an already installed
escalator without wheel chair steps cannot be used without modifications,
so that additional modification is work is necessary.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an
escalator system with wheel chair steps free from the above discussed
problems of the conventional design.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an escalator
system with wheel chair steps which can convey a wheel chair on
a combined, enlarged tread of the wheel chair steps mounted on a
main frame of an ordinary type.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a method
for operating an escalator system with wheel chair steps in which
a wheel chair can be conveyed on a combined, enlarged tread of the
wheel chair steps mounted on a main frame of an ordinary type.
With the above objects in view, the present invention resides in
an escalator system with wheel chair steps comprising: a main frame
having an upper end and a lower end, a plurality of steps connected
in an endless conveyor loop and capable of circulating along the
main frame, and an operating mechanism disposed at a position close
to the ends of the main frame. The escalator system further comprises
a first wheel chair step disposed between the steps and having a
connection arm capable of being displaced toward the lower end of
the main frame by a shifter mechanism engageable with the operating
mechanism when necessary. The escalator system also comprises a
second wheel chair step disposed between the steps and having a
rising tread board capable of being raised by a raising mechanism
engageable with the operating mechanisms when necessary and a boarding
plate capable of being displaced toward the lower end of the main
frame by a shifter mechanism engageable with the operating mechanism
when necessary. The rising tread board, when raised, is supported
by the connection arm displaced in a projected position and defining
a combined and enlarged horizontal surface together with the tread
board of the first wheel chair step.
According to the escalator system with wheel chair steps as described
above, when the first wheel chair step is travelling in an initial
stage of a transitional travel path and provides a difference in
elevation relative to the second wheel chair step travelling in
a horizontal travel path, the rising tread board raised by the raising
mechanism is supported by a support arm at a location at which an
enlarged horizontal tread surface is defined by the tread boards
of the first and second wheel chair steps.
According to the escalator system with wheel chair steps as described
above, when the first wheel chair step is travelling in an initial
stage of a transitional travel path and provides a difference in
elevation relative to the second wheel chair step travelling in
a horizontal travel path and the endless conveyor loop is in the
stopped state, the rising tread board raised by the raising mechanism
is supported by a support arm at a location in which an enlarged
horizontal surface continuous to the tread board of the first wheel
chair step is defined, and wherein the first wheel chair step and
the second wheel chair step travel along a constant slope travel
path with their tread boards maintained in the position defining
the enlarged horizontal surface.
A method for operating an escalator system with wheel chair steps
having a main frame having an upper end and a lower end and a plurality
of steps connected in an endless conveyor loop for circulating along
the main frame comprises raising a rising tread board of the second
wheel chair step to define a combined and enlarged horizontal surface
together with the first wheel chair step when a second wheel chair
step disposed between the steps of the endless conveyor loop circulating
along a main frame and a first wheel chair step disposed adjacent
to the first wheel chair step on the upper end side of the main
frame are positioned at a predetermined position on the lower end
side of the main frame and the first wheel chair step positions
higher than the second wheel chair step. The boarding plate extends
from the second wheel chair step having the raised rising tread
board toward the lower end side of the main frame.
Another method of the present invention for operating an escalator
system with wheel chair steps that has a main frame having an upper
end and a lower end and a plurality of steps connected in an endless
conveyor loop for circulating along the main frame comprises raising
a rising tread board of the second wheel chair step to define a
combined and enlarged horizontal surface together with the first
wheel chair step when a second wheel chair step disposed between
the steps of the endless conveyor loop circulating along a main
frame and a first wheel chair step disposed adjacent to the first
wheel chair step on the upper end side of the main frame are positioned
at a predetermined position at an end of the main frame and the
first wheel chair is positioned higher than the second wheel chair
step, and connecting the first wheel chair step to the second wheel
chair step having the raised rising tread board with a connection
arm of the first wheel chair step.
According to another method of the present invention for operating
an escalator system with wheel chair steps with a main frame having
an upper end and a lower end and a plurality of steps connected
in an endless conveyor loop for circulating along the main frame
comprises raising a rising tread board of the second wheel chair
step to define a combined and enlarged horizontal surface together
with the first wheel chair step when a second wheel chair step disposed
between the steps of the endless conveyor loop circulating along
a main frame and a first wheel chair step disposed adjacent to the
first wheel chair step on the upper end side of the main frame are
positioned at a predetermined position at an end of the main frame
and the first wheel chair step is positioned higher than the second
wheel chair step, and moving the first wheel chair step and the
second wheel chair step along a constant slope travel path with
their tread boards maintained in the position defining the enlarged
horizontal surface.
A method for operating an escalator system with wheel chair steps
may further comprise extending the boarding plate to a position
projected from the second wheel chair step for allowing a wheel
chair user to board onto the steps, retracting the boarding plate,
and extending a wheel stopper on the second wheel chair step to
a position projected from a lower end side of the main frame of
a tread of the second wheel chair step.
A method for operating an escalator system with wheel chair steps
may additionally comprise moving a tilting tread board of a tilting
wheel chair step to a tilted position upon conveying a wheel chair
with the tilted step connected between the steps in the endless
conveyor loop and disposed adjacent to the first wheel chair step
and on an upper end side of the main frame.
A method for operating an escalator system with wheel chair steps
may include stopping the first wheel chair step and the second wheel
chair step at a predetermined position at the end portion of the
main frame, and operating an operating mechanism in a rising mode
to raise the rising tread board of the second wheel chair step.
A method for operating an escalator system with wheel chair steps
may also include stopping the first wheel chair step and the second
wheel chair step at a predetermined position at the end portion
of the main frame, and operating an operating mechanism in driving
mode to raise the rising tread board of the second wheel chair step.
A method for operating an escalator system with wheel chair steps
may additionally include stopping the first wheel chair step and
the second wheel chair step at a predetermined position at the end
portion of the main frame, and operating an operating mechanism
into engagement with the rising tread board of the second wheel
chair step.
A method for operating an escalator system with wheel chair steps
may further comprise moving the tilting tread board of the tilting
wheel chair step to a tilted position when the first and the second
wheel chair steps are stopped at a predetermined position at the
upper end portion of the main frame.
A method for operating an escalator system with wheel chair steps
may also comprise moving the tilting wheel chair step to a position
below the comb plate of the upper end potion of the main frame when
the first and the second wheel chair steps are stopped at a predetermined
position at the upper end portion of the main frame.
In a method for operating an escalator system with wheel chair
steps, the amount of raised displacement of the rising tread board,
at the lower horizontal run of the main frame when the rising tread
board of the second wheel chair step is raised to define the enlarged
horizontal surface together with the first wheel chair step, may
be different from an amount of the raised displacement of the rising
tread board at the upper horizontal run.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will become more readily apparent from the
following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the
present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an escalator system with wheel
chair steps of one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of the state in which the tilting
wheel chair step shown in FIG. 1 is in engagement with the first
operating mechanism at the lower end entrance of the escalator system;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of the state in which the first
wheel chair step shown in FIG. 1 is in engagement with the first
operating mechanism at the lower end entrance of the escalator system;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of the state in which the second
wheel chair step shown in FIG. 1 is in engagement with the second
operating mechanism at the lower end entrance of the escalator system;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of the state in which the connection
arm of the first wheel chair step shown in FIG. 1 is displaced to
the lower end side of the main frame at the lower end entrance of
the escalator system;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view of the state in which the boarding
plate of the second wheel chair step shown in FIG. 1 is displaced
to the lower end side of the main frame at the lower end entrance
of the escalator system;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view of the state in which the boarding
plate of the second wheel chair step shown in FIG. 1 is displaced
to the lower end side of the main frame at the lower end entrance
of the escalator system;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged side view of the state in which the wheel
stopper member of the second wheel chair step shown in FIG. 1 is
displaced upwardly at the lower end entrance of the escalator system;
FIG. 9 is an enlarged side view of the state in which the tilting
wheel chair step shown in FIG. 1 is in engagement with the third
operating mechanism at the lower end entrance of the escalator system;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view of the state in which the first
wheel chair step shown in FIG. 1 is in engagement with the third
operating mechanism at the lower end entrance of the escalator system;
FIG. 11 is an enlarged side view of the state in which the second
wheel chair step shown in FIG. 1 is in engagement with the fourth
operating mechanism at the lower end entrance of the escalator system;
FIG. 12 is an enlarged side view of the state in which the second
wheel chair step shown in FIG. 1 is disengaged with the fourth operating
mechanism at the lower end entrance of the escalator system;
FIG. 13 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 but illustrating the
second embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 14 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 but illustrating the
fourth embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 to 12 are views illustrating one embodiment of the present
invention, in which FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an escalator
system with wheel chair steps of one embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of the state in which the tilting
wheel chair step shown in FIG. 1 is in engagement with the first
operating mechanism at the lower end entrance of the escalator system,
FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of the state in which the first
wheel chair step shown in FIG. 1 is in engagement with the first
operating mechanism at the lower end entrance of the escalator system,
and FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of the state in which the second
wheel chair step shown in FIG. 1 is in engagement with the second
operating mechanism at the lower end entrance of the escalator system.
Also, FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of the state in which the
connection arm of the first wheel chair step shown in FIG. 1 is
displaced to the lower end side of the main frame at the lower end
entrance of the escalator system, FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view
of the state in which the boarding plate of the second wheel chair
step shown in FIG. 1 is displaced to the lower end side of the main
frame at the lower end entrance of the escalator system, FIG. 7
is an enlarged side view of the state in which the boarding plate
of the second wheel chair step shown in FIG. 1 is displaced to the
lower end side of the main frame at the lower end entrance of the
escalator system, and FIG. 8 is an enlarged side view of the state
in which the wheel stopper member of the second wheel chair step
shown in FIG. 1 is displaced upwardly at the lower end entrance
of the escalator system.
Further, FIG. 9 is an enlarged side view of the state in which
the tilting wheel chair step shown in FIG. 1 is in engagement with
the third operating mechanism at the lower end entrance of the escalator
system, FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view of the state in which the
first wheel chair step shown in FIG. 1 is in engagement with the
third operating mechanism at the lower end entrance of the escalator
system, FIG. 11 is an enlarged side view of the state in which the
second wheel chair step shown in FIG. 1 is in engagement with the
fourth operating mechanism at the lower end entrance of the escalator
system, and FIG. 12 is an enlarged side view of the state in which
the second wheel chair step shown in FIG. 1 is disengaged from the
fourth operating mechanism at the lower end entrance of the escalator
system.
In these FIGS. 1 to 12, an escalator system of the present invention
comprises an escalator main frame 1 having a horizontal lower end
2 and a horizontal upper end 3. The horizontal lower and upper ends
2 and 3 each define an entrance and exit 4 provided with a comb
plate 5. The escalator system also comprises a plurality of steps
7 connected into an endless conveyor loop 6 circulating along the
main frame 1.
Disposed within the main frame 1 at a position not far from the
lower end 2 of the main frame 1 is a first operating mechanism 8
which comprises an electric motor 9, a crank mechanism 10 driven
by the electric motor 9 for up and down movements and a power transmission
mechanism 11 including a roller chain driven by another electric
motor (not shown).
A second operating mechanism 12 is disposed within the main frame
1 at a position closer to the lower end 2 of the main frame 1 as
compared to that of the first operating mechanism 11. The second
operating mechanism 12 has a similar construction and comprises
an electric motor 9, a crank mechanism 10 and a power transmission
mechanism 11.
The escalator system also comprises a third operating mechanism
13 disposed in the main frame 1 at a position close to the upper
end 3 of the main frame 1. The third operating mechanism 13 has
similar construction to that of the first operating mechanism 8
and comprises an electric motor 9, a link mechanism 10 and a power
transmission mechanism 11. A fourth operating mechanism 14 is disposed
in the main frame 1 at a position closer to the upper end 3 of the
main frame 1 than the third operating mechanism 13. The fourth operating
mechanism 14 has a similar construction to that of the first operating
mechanism 8 and comprises an electric motor 9, a link mechanism
10 and a power transmission mechanism 11.
The escalator system comprises a tilting wheel chair step 15 connected
between the steps 7 of the endless conveyor loop 6. The tilting
wheel chair step 15 comprises a tilting mechanism 17 including a
tilting roller 171 which, when necessary, engages and driven by
the first operating mechanism 8 to be displaced so as to be guided
by a tilting wheel chair step rail 16 mounted to the main frame
1 and a tilting tread board 18 moved to a tilted position by the
tilting mechanism 17.
A first wheel chair step 19 is connected between the steps 7 of
the endless conveyor loop 6 and at the side of the tilting wheel
chair step 15 close to the lower end of the main frame 1. The first
wheel chair step 19 is provided with a connection arm 21 capable
of being moved into a position projected toward the lower end of
the main frame 1 by a shifter mechanism 20 which is brought into
engagement with the first operating mechanism 8 and driven when
necessary.
The escalator system further comprises a second wheel chair step
22 connected between the steps 7 of the endless conveyor loop 6
and at the side of the first wheel chair step 19 close to the lower
end of the main frame 1. The second wheel chair step 22 comprises
a boarding plate 24 capable of being displaced into a projected
position in which it is projected toward the lower end 2 of the
main frame 1 by a shifter mechanism which is a displacement mechanism
23 engaged with and driven by the second operating mechanism 12
when necessary, a wheel stopper member 25 capable of projecting
when actuated by the displacement mechanism 23 and a rising tread
board 26 capable of being displaced in a raised position by the
displacement mechanism 23 and supported by a connection arm 21 projected
from the first wheel chair step 19 so as to be further elevated.
It is seen that a wheel chair 27 is being mounted on and conveyed
by an enlarged tread surface defined by combining the treads of
the first wheel chair step 19 and the second wheel chair step 22.
In usual operation, the escalator system is operated in the state
in which the transmission mechanism 11 of each of the first operating
mechanism 8, the second operating mechanism 12, the third operation
mechanism 13 and the fourth operating mechanism 14 is maintained
at the lowered position. Also, the tilting tread board 18 of the
tilting wheel chair step 15 is kept at the horizontal position and
the connection arm 21 of the first wheel chair step 19 is maintained
at the retracted position. The boarding plate 24, the wheel stopper
member 25 and the rising tread board 26 of the second wheel chair
step 22 are maintained at their retracted positions.
In this state, the endless conveyor loop 6 of the escalator system
is driven to circulate along the main frame 1 so that general passengers
may be conveyed by the steps 7, the tilting wheel chair step 15,
the first wheel chair step 19 and the second wheel chair step 22
in normal positions. It is to be noted that, because of the circulating
operation of the endless conveyor loop 6, all the steps such as
the first wheel chair step 19 and the like travel from entrance
4 of the lower end 2 horizontally along the horizontal section of
the guide rail and then gradually increase the climb rate as they
travel along the transient section of the guide rail until they
reache the sloped section of the guide rail along which the steps
move upwardly along the constant slope.
When the step 7 reaches the upper horizontal end 2, the step 7
travels along the transition section to gradually decrease the climb
rate and moves into the upper horizontal section at the exit 3 of
the main frame 1 in which the steps 7 are horizontally moved.
When the escalator system is operated in the downward direction,
the steps 7 travels in the direction opposite to that as above described
and the steps 7 move in the downward direction.
When the wheel chair 27 is to be conveyed upwardly, i. e., the
wheel chair 27 is desired to be conveyed from the entrance 4 at
the lower end 2 to the exit 4 at the upper end 3, the escalator
system is switched to the wheel chair carrying operation by the
wheel chair operating switch (not shown), whereby the first operating
mechanism 8 is energized and its power transmission mechanism 11
is elevated and the conveyor belt 6 is driven upwardly.
In the state shown in FIG. 2, the tilting mechanism 17 of the tilting
wheel chair step 15 engages with and passes through the power transmission
mechanism 11 of the first operating mechanism 8. Then, the horizontal
orientation of the tilting mechanism 17 is released to allow the
tilting tread board 18 to tilt as shown in FIG. 3, this tilted state
being maintained by the tilting wheel chair step rail 16 which engages
and guides the tilting roller 171.
When the escalator system is in the state shown in FIG. 3, in which
the tilting tread board 18 is tilted, the first wheel chair step
19 is at the initial stage of the gradually tilting zone and has
a difference in elevation with respect to the horizontally moving
second wheel chair step 22 and in which the step 7 on the lower
side close to the lower end 2 of the main frame 1 of the second
wheel chair step 22 comes out from the comb plate 5 by about 1/3
of the length in the direction of movement, the conveyor belt 6
stops.
Then, the second operating mechanism 12 is energized and its power
transmitting mechanism 11 is raised to engage with and drive the
shifter mechanism 23 of the second wheel chair step 22. This causes
the rising tread board 26 to be released to raise to the position
of the tread board of the first wheel chair step 19 as shown in
FIG. 4.
Then, in the state illustrated in FIG. 4, the power transmission
mechanism 8 of the first operating mechanism 11 is energized and
the connection arm 21 is moved to its position projected toward
the lower end by means of the shifter mechanism 20 engaged with
the power transmission mechanism 11. This causes the rising tread
board 26 of the second wheel chair step 22 to be supported by the
connection arm 21 as shown in FIG. 5. Then, the power transmission
mechanism 11 of the second operating mechanism 12 is energized and
the boarding plate 24 shifts and projects toward the lower end 2
of the main frame 1 by means the displacement mechanism 23 of the
second wheel chair step 22. Therefore, the boarding plate 24, passing
through the position shown in FIG. 6, is placed in the position
in which it abuts against the comb 5 at the lower end 2 of the main
frame 1 as shown in FIG. 7.
It is also possible to arrange so that the boarding plate 24 shifts
toward an lower end 2 of the main frame 1 to overlap the upper surface
of the boarding entrance 4 at the lower end 2 and, even with such
the arrangement, the function which will be described later can
be obtained. Then, in the state shown in FIG. 7, the wheel chair
27 is mounted, and the power transmission mechanism 11 of the second
operating mechanism 12 is energized to retract the boarding plate
24 of the second wheel chair step 22 by means of the displacement
mechanism 23 of the second wheel chair step 22. The displacement
mechanism 23 also causes the wheel stopper member 25 to project
to achieve the state shown in FIG. 8.
Further, it is possible to arrange the structure so that, instead
of the wheel stopper member 25, the boarding plate 24 upwardly rotates
to serve as a wheel stopper member. In FIG. 8, the mounted wheel
chair 27 on the steps is prevented from being moved toward the lower
end 2 of the main frame I by the wheel stopper member 25 in the
projected position, and the escalator system is upwardly operated
in this state. Thus, the tread board of the first wheel chair step
19 and the rising tread board 26 of the second wheel chair step
22 are maintained in a common horizontal plane and are upwardly
moved in this state maintained, allowing the wheel chair 27 to be
conveyed by the tilting wheel chair step 15, the first wheel chair
step 19 and the second wheel chair step 22.
Then, when the tilting wheel chair step 15 and the like are conveyed
by the conveyor belt 6 and approach the exit 4 of the upper end
2 of the main frame 1, they are carried in the transition section
in which the slope gradually decreases, where the holding of the
tilted position of the tilting tread board 18 of the tilting wheel
chair step 15 is released through the tilting rollers 171 due to
the tilting wheel chair step rails 16. Also, the third operating
mechanism 13 is energized and its power transmitting mechanism 11
is positioned at the raised position as shown in FIG. 9. When the
tilting mechanism 17 engages and passes the raised power transmitting
mechanism 11, the tilting mechanism 17 is returned to its horizontal
position and held therein.
When the conveyor loop 6 is further moved and reached at the position
shown in FIG. 10 where the tilting tread board 18 of the tilting
wheel chair step 15 is placed under the comb plate 5 of the exit
4 at the upper end 3 by about two-thirds of the length in the direction
of movement, the conveyor loop 6 is stopped. Then, with the steps
in the positions shown in FIG. 10, the wheel chair 27 lands on the
exit 4 of the upper end 2 of the main frame 1 from the first wheel
chair step 19 and the like.
Then, the fourth operating mechanism 14 is energized to move its
power transmission mechanism 11 to the raised position and supports
the rising tread board 26 of the second wheel chair step 22. In
this state, the power transmission mechanism 11 of the third operating
mechanism 13 is operated to retract the connection arm 21 by means
of the shifter mechanism 20 of the first wheel chair step 19. This
causes the connection between the first wheel chair step 19 and
the second wheel chair step 22 to be released to become the state
shown in FIG. 11.
Then, the power transmission mechanism 11 of the fourth operating
mechanism 14 is operated to retract the wheel stopper member 25
by means of the displacement mechanism 23. Also, the fourth operating
mechanism 14 is energized so that its operating mechanism 11 is
lowered and the rising tread board 26 of the second wheel chair
step 22 is lowered. Then, the power transmission mechanism 11 of
the fourth operating mechanism 14 is energized to hold the rising
tread board 26 at the lowered position by means of the displacement
mechanism 23 as shown in FIG. 12. Then, the upward conveying operation
for the wheel chair 27 is completed and the escalator system with
wheel chair steps are switched to the normal operation, whereby
the conveyor belt 6 is moved in the usual manner.
By the operating method as above described, the space for mounting
the wheel chair 27 thereon or the horizontal surface for mounting
the wheel chair 27 thereon is defined by the first wheel chair step
19 and the second wheel chair step 22, the horizontal surface being
defined by the step 7 positioned at the side of the lower end 2
of the main frame 1 of the second wheel chair step 22 in the state
shown in FIG. 3 where the step 7 projects from the comb plate 5
by about one-third of its length in the direction of movement as
well as the length of the end portion of the main frame 1 corresponding
to the second wheel chair step 22 in the horizontal movement.
Therefore, it is possible to obtain an escalator system with wheel
chair steps in which the overall length of the escalator main frame
1 is not required to be particularly increased, alleviating the
mounting restrictions based on the installation space occupied by
the escalator system with wheel chair steps. Also, when the ordinary
escalator system that has already been installed is to be converted
into the wheel chair escalator system, the already mounted main
frame can be utilized as it is and the conversion operation is simple,
decreasing the cost for the conversion.
It is to be noted that, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12,
in the state shown in FIG. 4, the rising tread board 26 of the second
wheel chair step 22 is raised and, in the state shown in FIG. 12,
the rising tread board 26 is lowered. The height or the stroke of
elevation of this rising tread board 26 is not necessarily equal
to that at the upper end 2 of the main frame 1 and that at the lower
end 3 of the main frame 1 and it is possible to have different rising
strokes according to the convenience of the structure or the like
of the boarding plate 24. The rising stroke of the rising tread
board 26 may be suitably determined by changing the rising strokes
of the power transmission mechanism 11 of the second operating mechanism
12 and the power transmission mechanism 11 of the fourth operating
mechanism 14.
Also, there are some escalator systems having wheel chair steps
in which the tread board corresponding to the rising tread board
26 of the second wheel chair step 22 is inverted to be deployed
at the position close to the entrance 4 to provide a space for mounting
the wheel chair thereon. In the escalator system of this type, the
attendant to the wheel chair may be caught at his or her foot by
the inverting tread board. However, no such disadvantage occurs
in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12.
FIG. 13 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 and illustrating another
embodiment of the present invention, the escalator system having
the construction similar to those shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 except
for FIG. 13. In the figure, in which the same reference numerals
as those in FIG. 4 designate corresponding components, reference
numeral 28 is a rising link mechanism disposed in the second wheel
chair step 22 and constituting the main portion of the displacement
mechanism 23 for raising and lowering the rising tread board 26
when it is driven by the raised power transmission mechanism 11
of the second operating mechanism 12.
In the escalator system having wheel chair steps having the construction
as above described, the first wheel chair step 19, the second wheel
chair step 22 and the first to the fourth operating mechanisms 8,
12, 13 and 14 similar to those shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 are provided
and the operation is similar to that described and illustrated in
conjunction with FIGS. 1 to 12. Therefore, a function similar to
that of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 can be obtained in
this embodiment shown in FIG. 13, although its detailed description
is omitted.
In a further modification as another embodiment of the present
invention, by utilizing the embodiment of FIG. 13, the roller chain
of the power transmission mechanism 11 of the second operating mechanism
12 is made a stationary structure and, by the horizontal movement
of the second wheel chair step 22, the sprocket wheel of the displacement
mechanism 23 of the second wheel chair step 22 is engaged and driven.
The rotation of the sprocket wheel of the displacement mechanism
23 causes the rising tread board 26 to be raised by means of the
displacement mechanism 23.
In the escalator system having wheel chair steps having the construction
as just above described, the first wheel chair step 19, the second
wheel chair step 22 and the first to the fourth operating mechanisms
8, 12, 13 and 14 similar to those shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 are provided
and the operation is similar to that described and illustrated in
conjunction with FIGS. 1 to 12. Therefore, a function similar to
that of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 can be obtained in
this embodiment shown in FIG. 13, although its detailed description
is omitted.
FIG. 14 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention
and corresponds to FIG. 4. The escalator system having the wheel
chair steps has the similar structure to that shown in FIGS. 1 to
12 except for FIG. 14. In the figure, the reference numerals the
same as those shown in FIG. 4 designate corresponding components
and reference numeral 29 is a displacement mechanism composed of
a roller pivotally disposed at the lower edge portion of the rising
tread board 16 of the second wheel chair step 22.
Reference numeral 30 is an operating mechanism composed of a rail-like
cam, the operating mechanism 30 being disposed on the main frame
1 at the position corresponding to the position for raising the
rising tread board 26 at the lower end 2 of the main frame 1 for
engaging the displacement mechanism 29 to raise the rising tread
board 26 by the horizontal movement of the second wheel chair step
22.
In the escalator system having wheel chair steps having the construction
as above described, the first wheel chair step 19, the second wheel
chair step 22 and the first to the fourth operating mechanisms 8,
12, 13 and 14 similar to those shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 are provided
and the operation is similar to that described and illustrated in
conjunction with FIGS. 1 to 12. Therefore, a function similar to
that of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 can be obtained in
this embodiment shown in FIG. 14, although its detailed description
is omitted.
As has been described, the escalator system with wheel chair steps
of the present invention comprises a main frame having an upper
end and a lower end, a plurality of steps connected in an endless
conveyor loop and capable of circulating along the main frame, and
an operating mechanism disposed at a position close to the ends
of the main frame. The escalator system further comprises a first
wheel chair step disposed between the steps and having a connection
arm capable of being displaced toward the lower end of the main
frame by a shifter mechanism engageable with the operating mechanism
when necessary. The escalator system also comprises a second wheel
chair step disposed between the steps and having a rising tread
board capable of being raised by a raising mechanism engageable
with the operating mechanisms when necessary and a boarding plate
capable of being displaced toward the lower end of the main frame
by a shifter mechanism engageable with the operating mechanism when
necessary. The rising tread board, when raised, is supported by
the connection arm displaced in a projected position and defining
a combined and enlarged horizontal surface together with the tread
board of the first wheel chair step.
Therefore, the escalator system with wheel chair steps can be constructed
with a main frame having an entrance/exit space in which at most
two steps are horizontally disposed as in an ordinary escalator
system, so the entire length of the main frame of the escalator
system with wheel chair steps is not needed to be increased. Therefore,
the restriction due to the installation space over the escalator
system with wheel chair steps is advantageously alleviated. Also,
when the already installed ordinary escalator system is to be converted
into an escalator system with wheel chair steps, the already installed
main frame can be utilized so that the conversion costs can be decreased.
Also, according to the escalator system with wheel chair steps
of the present invention, when the first wheel chair step is travelling
in an initial stage of a transitional travel path and provides a
difference in elevation relative to the second wheel chair step
travelling in a horizontal travel path, the rising tread board raised
by the raising mechanism is supported by a support arm at a location
at which an enlarged horizontal tread surface is defined by the
tread boards of the first and second wheel chair steps.
Therefore, the escalator system with wheel chair steps can be constructed
with a main frame having an entrance/exit space in which at most
two steps are horizontally disposed as in an ordinary escalator
system, so that the entire length of the main frame of the escalator
system with wheel chair steps does not need to be increased. Therefore,
the restriction due to the installation space over the escalator
system with wheel chair steps is advantageously alleviated. Also,
when the already installed ordinary escalator system is to be converted
into an escalator system with wheel chair steps, the already installed
main frame can be utilized so that the conversion costs can be decreased.
Also, according to the escalator system with wheel chair steps
of the present invention, when the first wheel chair step is travelling
in an initial stage of a transitional travel path and provides a
difference in elevation relative to the second wheel chair step
travelling in a horizontal travel path and the endless conveyor
loop is in the stopped state, the rising tread board raised by the
raising mechanism is supported by a support arm at a location in
which an enlarged horizontal surface continuous to the tread board
of the first wheel chair step is defined, and wherein the first
wheel chair step and the second wheel chair step travel alone a
constant slope travel path with their tread boards maintained in
the position defining the enlarged horizontal surface.
Therefore, the escalator system with wheel chair steps can be constructed
with a main frame having an entrance/exit space in which at most
two steps are horizontally disposed as in the ordinary escalator
system, so that the entire length of the main frame of the escalator
system with wheel chair steps is not needed to be increased. Therefore,
the restriction due to the installation space over the escalator
system with wheel chair steps is advantageously alleviated. Also,
when the already installed ordinary escalator system is to be converted
into an escalator system with wheel chair steps, the already installed
main frame can be utilized so that the conversion costs can be decreased.
According to a method for operating an escalator system with wheel
chair steps of the present invention with a main frame having an
upper end and a lower end and a plurality of steps connected in
an endless conveyor loop for circulating along the main frame, the
method comprises raising a rising tread board of the second wheel
chair step to define a combined and enlarged horizontal surface
together with the first wheel chair step when a second wheel chair
step disposed between the steps of the endless conveyor loop circulating
along a main frame and a first wheel chair step disposed adjacent
to the first wheel chair step on the upper end side of the main
frame are positioned at a predetermined position on the lower end
side of the main frame and the first wheel chair step is positioned
higher than the second wheel chair step. A boarding plate extends
from the second wheel chair step having the raised rising tread
board toward the lower end side of the main frame.
Therefore, the escalator system with wheel chair steps can be constructed
with a main frame having an entrance/exit space in which at most
two steps are horizontally disposed as in a ordinary escalator system,
so that the entire length of the main frame of the escalator system
with wheel chair steps is not needed to be increased. Therefore,
the restriction due to the installation space over the escalator
system with wheel chair steps is advantageously alleviated. Also,
when the already installed ordinary escalator system is to be converted
into an escalator system with wheel chair steps, the already installed
main frame can be utilized so that the conversion costs can be decreased.
Also, according to another method of the present invention for
operating an escalator system with wheel chair steps that comprises
a main frame having an upper end and a lower end and a plurality
of steps connected in an endless conveyor loop for circulating along
the main frame, the method comprises raising a rising tread board
of the second wheel chair step to define a combined and enlarged
horizontal surface together with the first wheel chair step when
a second wheel chair step disposed between the steps of the endless
conveyor loop circulating along a main frame and a first wheel chair
step disposed adjacent to the first wheel chair step on the upper
end side of the main frame are positioned at a predetermined position
at an end of the main frame and the first wheel chair step positions
higher than the second wheel chair step, and connecting the first
wheel chair step to the second wheel chair step having the raised
rising tread board with a connection arm of the first wheel chair
step.
Therefore, the escalator system with wheel chair steps can be constructed
with a main frame having an entrance/exit space in which at most
two steps are horizontally disposed as in the ordinary escalator
system, so that the entire length of the main frame of the escalator
system with wheel chair steps is not needed to be increased. Therefore,
the restriction due to the installation space over the escalator
system with wheel chair steps is advantageously alleviated. Also,
when the already installed ordinary escalator system is to be converted
into an escalator system with wheel chair steps, the already installed
main frame can be utilized so that the conversion costs can be decreased.
Also, according to another method of the present invention for
operating an escalator system with wheel chair steps comprising
a main frame having an upper end and a lower end and a plurality
of steps connected in an endless conveyor loop for circulating along
the main frame, the method comprises raising a rising tread board
of the second wheel chair step to define a combined and enlarged
horizontal surface together with the first wheel chair step when
a second wheel chair step disposed between the steps of the endless
conveyor loop circulating along a main frame and a first wheel chair
step disposed adjacent to the first wheel chair step on the upper
end side of the main frame are positioned at a predetermined position
at an end of the main frame and the first wheel chair step is positioned
higher than the second wheel chair step, and moving the first wheel
chair step and the second wheel chair step along a constant slope
travel path with their tread boards maintained in the position defining
the enlarged horizontal surface.
Also, according to the method for operating an escalator system
with wheel chair steps, the method comprises extending the boarding
plate to a position projected from the second wheel chair step for
allowing a wheel chair user to board onto the steps, retracting
the boarding plate, and extending a wheel stopper on the second
wheel chair step to a position projected from a lower end side of
the main frame of a tread of the second wheel chair step.
Therefore, the escalator system with wheel chair steps can be constructed
with a main frame having an entrance/exit space in which at most
two steps are horizontally disposed as in the ordinary escalator
system, so that the entire length of the main frame of the escalator
system with wheel chair steps is not needed to be increased. Therefore,
the restriction due to the installation space over the escalator
system with wheel chair steps is advantageously alleviated. Also,
when the already installed ordinary escalator system is to be converted
into an escalator system with wheel chair steps, the already installed
main frame can be utilized so that the conversion costs can be decreased.
Also, according to the method for operating an escalator system
with wheel chair steps, the method comprises moving a slope tread
board of a drop-down wheel chair step to a dropped-down position
upon conveying a wheel chair, and the drop-down step connected between
the steps in the endless conveyor loop and disposed adjacent to
the first wheel chair step and on an upper end side of the main
frame.
Therefore, the escalator system with wheel chair steps can be constructed
with a main frame having an entrance/exit space in which at most
two steps are horizontally disposed as in the ordinary escalator
system, so that the entire length of the main frame of the escalator
system with wheel chair steps is not needed to be increased. Therefore,
the restriction due to the installation space over the escalator
system with wheel chair steps is advantageously alleviated. Also,
when the already installed ordinary escalator system is to be converted
into an escalator system with wheel chair steps, the already installed
main frame can be utilized so that the conversion costs can be decreased.
Also, according to the method for operating an escalator system
with wheel chair steps, the method comprises stopping the first
wheel chair step and the second wheel chair step at a predetermined
position at the end portion of the main frame, and operating an
operating mechanism in a rising mode to raise the rising tread board
of the second wheel chair step.
Therefore, the escalator system with wheel chair steps can be constructed
with a main frame having an entrance/exit space in which at most
two steps are horizontally disposed as in the ordinary escalator
system, so that the entire length of the main frame of the escalator
system with wheel chair steps is not needed to be increased. Therefore,
the restriction due to the installation space over the escalator
system with wheel chair steps is advantageously alleviated. Also,
when the already installed ordinary escalator system is to be converted
into an escalator system with wheel chair steps, the already installed
main frame can be utilized so that the conversion costs can be decreased.
Also, according to the method for operating an escalator system
with wheel chair steps, the method comprises stopping the first
wheel chair step and the second wheel chair step at a predetermined
position at the end portion of the main frame, and operating an
operating mechanism in a driving mode to raise the rising tread
board of the second wheel chair step.
Therefore, the escalator system with wheel chair steps can be constructed
with a main frame having an entrance/exit space in which at most
two steps are horizontally disposed as in the ordinary escalator
system, so that the entire length of the main frame of the escalator
system with wheel chair steps is not needed to be increased. Therefore,
the restriction due to the installation space over the escalator
system with wheel chair steps is advantageously alleviated. Also,
when the already installed ordinary escalator system is to be converted
into an escalator system with wheel chair steps, the already installed
main frame can be utilized so that the conversion costs can be decreased.
Also, according to the method for operating an escalator system
with wheel chair steps, the method comprises stopping the first
wheel chair step and the second wheel chair step at a predetermined
position at the end portion of the main frame, and operating an
operating mechanism into engagement with the rising tread board
of the second wheel chair step.
Therefore, the escalator system with wheel chair steps can be constructed
with a main frame having an entrance/exit space in which at most
two steps are horizontally disposed as in the ordinary escalator
system, so that the entire length of the main frame of the escalator
system with wheel chair steps is not needed to be increased. Therefore,
the restriction due to the installation space over the escalator
system with wheel chair steps is advantageously alleviated. Also,
when the already installed ordinary escalator system is to be converted
into an escalator system with wheel chair steps, the already installed
main frame can be utilized so that the conversion costs can be decreased.
Also, according to the method for operating an escalator system
with wheel chair steps, the method comprises moving the drop-down
tread board of the drop-down wheel chair step to a drop-down position
when the first and the second wheel chair steps are stopped at a
predetermined position at the upper end portion of the main frame.
Therefore, the escalator system with wheel chair steps can be constructed
with a main frame having an entrance/exit space in which at most
two steps are horizontally disposed as in the ordinary escalator
system, so that the entire length of the main frame of the escalator
system with wheel chair steps is not needed to be increased. Therefore,
the restriction due to the installation space over the escalator
system with wheel chair steps is advantageously alleviated. Also,
when the already installed ordinary escalator system is to be converted
into an escalator system with wheel chair steps, the already installed
main frame can be utilized so that the conversion costs can be decreased.
Also, according to the method for operating an escalator system
with wheel chair steps, the method comprises moving the drop-down
wheel chair step to a position below the comb plate of the upper
end potion of the main frame when the first and the second wheel
chair steps are stopped at a predetermined position at the upper
end portion of the main frame.
Therefore, the escalator system with wheel chair steps can be constructed
with a main frame having an entrance/exit space in which at most
two steps are horizontally disposed as in the ordinary escalator
system, so that the entire length of the main frame of the escalator
system with wheel chair steps does not need to be increased. Therefore,
the restriction due to the installation space over the escalator
system with wheel chair steps is advantageously alleviated. Also,
when the already installed ordinary escalator system is to be converted
into an escalator system with wheel chair steps, the already installed
main frame can be utilized so that the conversion costs can be decreased.
Also, according to the method for operating an escalator system
with wheel chair steps, the amount of raised displacement of the
rising tread board, at the lower horizontal run of the main frame
when the rising tread board of the second wheel chair step is raised
to define the enlarged horizontal surface together with the first
wheel chair step, is different from an amount of the raised displacement
of the rising tread board at the upper horizontal run.
Therefore, the escalator system with wheel chair steps can be constructed
with a main frame having an entrance/exit space in which at most
two steps are horizontally disposed as in the ordinary escalator
system, so that the entire length of the main frame of the escalator
system with wheel chair steps does not need to be increased. Therefore,
the restriction due to the installation space over the escalator
system with wheel chair steps is advantageously alleviated. Also,
when the already installed ordinary escalator system is to be converted
into an escalator system with wheel chair steps, the already installed
main frame can be utilized so that the conversion costs can be decreased.
Also, the rising stroke of the rising tread board at the upper
entrance/exit of the main frame may be changed from that at the
lower entrance/exit of the main frame so that the arrangement can
be easily cope with the structural conditions or the like of the
boarding base, resulting in an advantage that the degree of freedom
in design can be increased. |