Automatic passenger conveyor slow speed operation

This invention generally relates to controlling passenger conveyor systems. More particularly, this invention relates to reducing the speed of a passenger conveyor system in an automated fashion.

Passenger conveyor systems, such as moving walkways or escalators, typically include a plurality of steps that follow a loop to carry passengers between landings. The speed at which the conveyor steps move can present a difficulty for some potential passengers as they enter or exit the conveyor. For example, the elderly and small children may experience difficulty accessing a conveyor or may choose some other route to avoid potential difficulties getting on or off the conveyor.

It has been proposed to use a manual key switch to allow an individual to slow down an escalator. The document JP 2000198651 A, for example, shows an arrangement where a switch is positioned near an entrance point to an escalator, which can be manually activated by an individual to request a reduced speed of the escalator. While such systems may be useful, they are subject to improper use or vandalism. Additionally, there is some inconvenience associated with such arrangements and the additional floor space required is undesirable for some building owners, especially where floor space is at a premium.

There is a need for an improved arrangement for controlling the speed of a passenger conveyor to accommodate the needs of a variety of passengers. This invention addresses that need while avoiding the shortcomings and drawbacks of prior attempts.

In general terms, this invention is an automated arrangement for reducing the speed of a passenger conveyor to meet the needs of an individual passenger.

One system designed according to this invention includes a plurality of steps that follow a path to carry passengers between landings. A drive machine propels the steps in a desired manner. A controller controls operation of the drive machine to control the speed of movement of the steps. A receiver receives a wirelessly transmitted signal indicating a desire for a reduced conveyor speed. The controller reduces the speed of the steps responsive to the received signal.

In one example, the controller determines an estimated travel time of an individual providing the signal indicating the desire for reduced speed. The controller preferably controls the drive machine to maintain a reduced speed for the travel time of the passenger so the passenger can more easily enter and exit the conveyor. In one example, the controller uses information regarding the length of the path followed by the passenger on the conveyor and the speed of movement of the steps to determine the travel time.

In one example, a portable remote signaling device provides a wireless signal to the conveyor system indicating the desire for reduced speed. In one example, the signaling device is passive and does not require any activation by a user. In another example, the signaling device includes at least one switch that is selectively actuated by a user to provide the reduced speed request signal.

The various features and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the currently preferred embodiment. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an escalator system incorporating a control arrangement designed according to an embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an individual utilizing an example signaling device for providing a reduced speed request signal useful with an embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a passenger conveyor 20 , which is an escalator in this example. This invention is equally applicable to moving walkways or other forms of passenger conveyors. The conveyor 20 includes a plurality of steps 22 that follow a path between landings 24 and 26 to carry passengers between the landings. A handrail 28 moves with the steps 22 in a known manner.

A drive machine 30 propels the steps in a known manner. A controller 32 controls operation of the drive machine 30 to provide a desired speed and direction of travel of the conveyor. The controller 32 preferably is programmed to vary the speed of movement of the steps 22 to accommodate the needs of a variety of passengers.

The illustrated example includes receivers 34 near each end of the conveyor. In this example, the receivers 34 are positioned near the handrail entry points at each landing. The receivers 34 communicate with the controller 32 to provide an indication of when at least one passenger desires a reduced speed of movement of the steps 22 .

FIG. 1 includes a remote signaling device 40 that provides a wireless signal 42 that is transmitted to at least one of the receivers 34 . The signal 42 provides an indication that a passenger desires or requires a reduced speed of movement of the steps 22 to allow the passenger to more readily access the conveyor 20 . Once the signal is received by a receiver 34 , information is provided to the controller 32 indicating the reduced speed request. The controller 32 responds to the reduced speed request signal by gradually slowing down the speed of the conveyor, which allows an individual to more readily access the conveyor.

The controller 32 preferably controls the drive machine 30 to gradually change speeds (either increasing or decreasing) so that individuals already on the conveyor do not experience any bumps or jolts that may disturb them or be noticeable such that the operation of the conveyor seems of low quality.

In the example of FIG. 1 , the signaling device 40 is a passive device that does not require any activation by a user. FIG. 2 schematically illustrates another example signaling device 40 ′ that includes at least one switch 44 that is selectively activated by a user 60 to provide the reduced speed request signal 42 . A variety of signaling devices are useful with a system designed according to this invention. Those skilled in the art who have the benefit of this description will realize which signaling device will best meet the needs of their particular situation. In one example, infrared signals are used. In another example, radio frequency signals are used.

The controller 32 preferably controls the speed of movement of the steps 22 for a period of time corresponding to an estimated travel of an individual providing the reduced speed request signal. In one example, the controller 32 knows the speed at which the steps move and has information regarding the length of travel between the landings 24 and 26 . The controller 32 in this example uses such information to estimate a travel time and maintains the reduced speed for a period corresponding to the travel time. In one example, the reduced speed is maintained longer than the estimated travel time to accommodate any delays in the passenger entering or exiting the conveyor.

In one example, where the conveyor length is substantial enough to accommodate multiple changes in the speed of movement within the passenger's travel time, the controller reduces the speed near a beginning of the travel time, increases the speed during a middle portion of the travel time and then again reduces the speed near an end of the travel time. Such an arrangement allows for providing quick enough service to passengers who do not require the reduced speed for entry or exit and also accommodates the needs of the passenger having a need for reduced speed.

In the illustrated example, the receivers 34 are positioned near each end of the conveyor. In one example, the controller 32 slows down the conveyor speed responsive to receiving a signal at one of the receivers 34 and maintains the reduced speed until the same signal is received by the receiver 34 at the opposite end of the conveyor. In this example, the controller uses information regarding the position of the signaling device 40 relative to the conveyor to determine when the passenger is entering and existing the conveyor, respectively.

In one example, the controller receives a reduced speed request signal and determines the travel time of the passenger. The controller then continues to check for the most recent reduced speed request signal and maintains the reduced speed for a travel time corresponding to the most recently received signal. In this example, the controller avoids speeding the conveyor up during a period where a passenger having a reduced speed request subsequently enters the escalator during the travel time of a previous requesting passenger.

Accordingly, this invention provides an automated arrangement for reducing the speed of a passenger conveyor to meet the needs of one or more passengers who may otherwise have difficulty accessing the conveyor. The controller 32 and receivers 34 are schematically illustrated as separate components in FIG. 1 , however, it should be noted that a variety of component arrangements are within the scope of this invention. Those skilled in the art who have the benefit of this description will be able to select appropriate components and to suitably program a controller to perform according to the needs of their particular situation.

The preceding description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not necessarily depart from the essence of this invention. The scope of legal protection given to this invention can only be determined by studying the following claims.