Abstract:
The present invention aims at providing an emergency staircase, whereby an operator can promptly and easily arrange the preparation of detrainment with the staircase in an emergency, and the passengers can detrain with a feeling of security. 
     An emergency staircase  40  includes a plurality of step forming members  44   a  to  44   f  that are housed in a casing  42,  a podium  50  and a railing  46  that are fitted to the casing  42  so that the podium and the railing can be unfolded against the casing. The step forming members include: a pair of guiding parts  62,  the parts being arranged each other in parallel; a step plate  64  that is sandwiched between the guiding parts  62  of each pair and fastened to each of the guiding parts  62;  thereby, the left and right pair of squarish U-shapes faces each other; the inner guiding parts and the outer guiding parts are mutually of a similar figure, the inner one being relatively smaller than the outer one by the thickness of the part and the size of the protrusions  66   a  and  66   b  that act as sliding contact lines between the adjacent guiding parts.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a vehicle detrainment apparatus (emergency staircase) that is provided in a passenger train and used in an emergency case so that the passengers can descend from the train or ascend thereto, through the staircase with a plurality of footsteps 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    A passenger train that runs on a guideway is provided with an emergency exit for making the passengers escape from the train and an emergency footstep device for making the passengers descend to the guideway through the emergency exit for an emergency. The guideway to which the passengers descend is so bumpy that the passengers have a difficulty in walking stably on the guideway; and the emergency situation itself makes the passengers feel insecure; accordingly, it is requested that the emergency footstep device can make the passenger quickly escape, without anxiety. 
         [0005]    In recent years, what is called a new transportation system as a medium-capacity transit system has become commonplace whereby a rubber tired passenger train runs on an exclusive guideway; in the new transportation system, the train is usually operated automatically without the assistance of an attendant, in the great majority of cases; in a particular case as an example, the train has the guide wheels that are guided by the guideway. 
         [0006]    The emergency footstep device adopted for the new transportation system is provided with a plurality of step forming members whereby each adjacent pair of the step forming members can slide on each other; the emergency footstep device is configured so that the step forming members are laid down toward the outside of the train from the inside thereof. Further, the emergency footstep device is provided with a pair of slide guide pipes that guide the step forming members to slide, the slide guide pipes being placed on both sides of the emergency footstep device; thereby, the space housing the slide guide pipes is required; accordingly, the width of each step forming member has to be limited; thus, the number of the footsteps is limited to at most three. As a result, a steep slope angle such as around sixty degrees against the guideway surface has to be introduced. 
         [0007]    On the other hand, the emergency footstep device adopted for the railcars and the like is housed below the coach floor; a person in charge draws the device toward outside and hangs the device on the coach body in case of emergency; till then, the passengers cannot escape from the coach. 
         [0008]    In the patent reference 1 (JP2001-315640), an emergency ladder device is disclosed; thereby, the device is housed below the coach floor, and the ladder can be drawn so as to slide in the direction parallel to the rail ties; after the ladder has drawn outside, it is rotated around a rotation axis therein, and an outer end of the ladder is landed to the running surface so that the ladder is placed at a predetermined angle with respect to the ground surface; then, the ladder is pushed against the coach so that the ladder is locked with the predetermined angle. 
         [0009]    In the patent reference 2 (JP1999-321643), an emergency escape device for railcars is disclosed; thereby, the device is provided with an air-filled escape shoot that expands by means of the ejected air; in normal times, the air is exhausted from the shoot, and the shoot is folded up. In an emergency, the door of the coach is opened, the shoot is thrown outside, and the shoot is filled with air so that the passenger can slide down on the shoot. 
         [0010]    In the above-described emergency footstep device adopted for the new transportation system, a steep slope angle such as around sixty degrees against the running surface has to be introduced, whereas the escaping passengers have to descend from the coach floor that is located more than 1.0 m above the running surface; thus, the passengers have a difficulty in watching the steps below, unless the passengers lean forward. Therefore, the passengers feel anxious; in particular, the elderly passengers, women, or children are frightened so that a smooth evacuation may be hindered. 
         [0011]    Moreover, the step-to-step distance is long because of the small number of the steps, while the width of the footsteps is narrow; and, the emergency footstep device is not provided with a railing (a handrail); in this way, the emergency footstep device adopted for the new transportation system also have the problems as described above. Further, in the footstep device, the longitudinal length of the slide guide pipes that guide the step forming members to slide cannot be increased from a structural point of view: the longer the pipes the larger the diameter; the larger diameter brings the narrower width of the footsteps. In addition, since the slide guide pipes are supported with ricketiness due to somewhat larger clearances around the pipes, the footstep device is bent downward when the passengers tread on the footsteps; thus, the passengers feel more anxious. 
         [0012]    The emergency ladder device that are adopted for usual railcars cannot be manipulated inside the coach as is the case in the patent reference 1; thus, the passengers cannot escape from the coach until a person in charge accesses the device, draws the device toward outside, and hangs the device on the coach body. In this way, the passengers have to be kept waiting in the feelings of anxiety. 
         [0013]    Further, another problem accompanies the ladder device of the patent reference 1; namely, complicated handling steps (procedures) are required: dismantling the cover of the device, drawing the heavy ladder in the lateral direction, rotating the ladder, and leaning the ladder against the coach body. 
         [0014]    Furthermore, other problems accompany the air-filled escape shoot of the patent reference 2; firstly, air-filling time is required; secondly, the shoot is too short for the passengers to stretch themselves on the shoot; thus, as soon as the passengers start shooting, their feet reach the ground with a shock through which the passengers may sprain their ankle. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    In view of the conventional subjects as described above, the present invention aims at providing an emergency staircase, whereby the passengers descend out of the train, through the staircase, without a feeling of anxiety; further, the staircase is easily and promptly arranged from the moment of a standby condition to the moment of a service condition. 
         [0016]    A first mode of the present invention as a measure to settle the subjects as described above is an emergency staircase for trains that is provided at an opening of a train, the staircase comprising a plurality of step forming members, 
         [0017]    so that the adjacent step forming members slide on each other, the step forming members are extended so as to land on the guideway surface, and the step forming members form a plurality of step plates; wherein, 
         [0018]    each of the step forming members comprises: 
         [0019]    a pair of guiding parts, the parts being arranged each other in parallel; 
         [0020]    a step plate that is sandwiched between the guiding parts of each pair as well as fastened to each of the guiding parts so as to be integrated into the step forming member; thereby, 
         [0021]    the cross section of each guiding part is of a squarish U-shape; 
         [0022]    the opening as to the U-shape of each guiding part faces the opening as to the squarish U-shape of the other guiding part of the pair; 
         [0023]    the adjacent guiding parts as to the adjacent step forming members form a similar figure except that the outer size of the inner guiding part is smaller than the outer size of the outer guiding part, in response to the thickness of the guiding part as well as the height of a plurality of protrusions that are provided on the surface of guiding parts, between the adjacent guiding parts, so that the protrusions act as sliding contact lines of the mutual sliding movement as to the adjacent guiding parts. 
         [0024]    According to the above-described first mode, a slide mechanism that makes the adjacent guiding parts slide mutually in a smooth movement is performed by the plurality of protrusions that are integrated into the guiding parts, apart from a conventional manner where a slide mechanism independent of the sliding parts (e.g. the step forming members or the guiding parts) is provided; thus, the clearance between the adjacent guiding parts can be kept small without decreasing the distance of each left and right pair of the guiding parts as well as without increasing the size (depth) of the multilayered (laminated) guiding parts. 
         [0025]    Thus, the number of the step forming members can be increased, without an increased housing space for the members; accordingly, the number of footsteps can be increased, and the distance between the footsteps can be decreased; further, with the increased number of the footsteps, the slope of the stairway, that is formed by the extended step forming members, against the guideway surface can be gentle; furthermore, the width of the footstep can be increased; as a result, the passengers can descend the stairway with a feeling of security. 
         [0026]    Further, the width of the footstep can be increased; the rigidity of the stairway can be enhanced. Moreover, the sliding movement between the adjacent guiding parts is performed through the protrusions provided on the guiding parts, so that the protrusions slide on the adjacent guiding part; thus, the clearance between the guiding parts is secured; and, it becomes easy to prevent a foreign substance from entering the clearance between the guiding parts. 
         [0027]    In the following place, a second aspect of the first mode is an emergency staircase, whereby 
         [0028]    a casing that houses the plurality of step forming members is provided so as to be laid down on the floor at the opening of the train, by being rotated around an axis; 
         [0029]    the step forming member that is positioned at the uppermost place when the step forming members are used is supported by the casing, so as to rotate against the casing, around an hinge-pin of a hinge connecting the casing and the step forming member; 
         [0030]    after the casing is laid down, the plurality of step forming members are rotated against the casing as the uppermost step forming member is rotated against the casing, so as to be landed on the guideway surface. 
         [0031]    Thus, an operator of the emergency staircase can do without any heavy work from the moment the step forming members are housed in the casing to the moment the members are landed on the guideway; what is more, the time required in operating the emergency staircase can be short, and the operation is simple. 
         [0032]    In the following place, a third aspect of the first mode is an emergency staircase, whereby 
         [0033]    the casing is provide with a foldable podium and a foldable railing that are set up in the vertical direction when the casing is laid down on the floor, so as to sandwich an escape passage to be made, from both right and left sides thereof; 
         [0034]    the podium serves as a storage cover for the emergency staircase when the step forming members are housed in the casing. 
         [0035]    Thus, when the staircase is used, the podium and the railing can protrude toward the outward of the train; the passengers can hang on the podium or the railing, in descending the stairway; and, the passengers can get out of the train with a feeling of security. As a matter of course, with additional rails provided on the podium, the passengers can further easily descend or ascend the stairway. 
         [0036]    In the following place, a third aspect of the first mode is repeated so as to confirm the effectiveness thereof; namely, the aspect is an emergency staircase, whereby 
         [0037]    the casing is provide with a foldable podium and a foldable railing that are set up in the vertical direction when the casing is laid down on the floor, so as to sandwich an escape passage to be made, from both right and left sides thereof; 
         [0038]    the podium serves as a storage cover for the emergency staircase when the step forming members are housed in the casing. 
         [0039]    Further, according to this configuration, the emergency staircase is installed upright in normal times when the staircase is not used; and, the podium is arranged so as to serve as an interior wall in the coach. Thus, the beauty of the coach inside can be not spoiled. 
         [0040]    In the following place, a fourth aspect of the first mode is an emergency staircase, whereby 
         [0041]    the casing is installed so as to be rotated around a vertical axis that is placed on one side of the casing. 
         [0042]    Thus, the casing is provided so that it can rotate around the vertical axis that is placed; therefore, the emergency exit can be promptly accessed, serving as not only a useful exit but also an entrance for a rescue operation in an emergency. 
         [0043]    In the following place, a fifth aspect of the first mode is an emergency staircase, whereby 
         [0044]    a rope is stretched from the podium to the lowermost step forming member out of the plurality of the step forming members, when the step plates as footsteps are used. 
         [0045]    Thus, with the aid of the stretched rope, the passengers can easily descend or ascend the stairway. 
         [0046]    In the following place, the second mode of the present invention is an emergency staircase, whereby 
         [0047]    the protrusions are configured with a low friction resin such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or an elastic material. 
         [0048]    Thus, the adjacent guiding parts can smoothly slide on each other, and the wear of the protrusion parts can be controlled; further, the unpleasant noises accompanied by metal-to-metal contacts can be prevented. 
         [0049]    The present invention discloses an emergency staircase for trains that is provided at an opening of a train, the staircase comprising a plurality of step forming members, 
         [0050]    so that the adjacent step forming members slide on each other, the step forming members are extended so as to land on the guideway surface, and the step forming members form a plurality of step plates; wherein, 
         [0051]    each of the step forming members comprises: 
         [0052]    a pair of guiding parts, the parts being arranged each other in parallel; 
         [0053]    a step plate that is sandwiched between the guiding parts of each pair as well as fastened to each of the guiding parts so as to be integrated into the step forming member; thereby, 
         [0054]    the cross section of each guiding part is of a squarish U-shape; 
         [0055]    the opening as to the U-shape of each guiding part faces the opening as to the squarish U-shape of the counter guiding part of the pair; 
         [0056]    the adjacent guiding parts as to the adjacent step forming members form a similar figure except that the outer size of the inner guiding part is smaller than the outer size of the outer guiding part, in response to the thickness of the guiding part as well as the height of a plurality of protrusions that are provided on the surface of guiding parts, between the adjacent guiding parts, so that the protrusions act as sliding contact lines of the mutual sliding movement as to the adjacent guiding parts. 
         [0057]    Thus, the protrusions guide the relative sliding movements between the adjacent guiding parts; accordingly, each relative distance between the adjacent guiding parts can be kept small; the number of the step forming members can be increased, without an increased housing space for the members; the number of footsteps can be increased. 
         [0058]    Further, with the increased number of the footsteps, the slope of the stairway that is formed by the extended step forming members, against the guideway surface can be gentle; furthermore, the width of the footstep can be increased. As a result, the passengers can use the staircase with a feeling of security. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0059]    The present invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the preferred embodiments of the invention and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0060]      FIG. 1  shows a front view of an emergency staircase as to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0061]      FIG. 2  shows a top view of the emergency staircase; 
           [0062]      FIG. 3  shows a side view of the emergency staircase; 
           [0063]      FIG. 4  shows a front view of a plurality of step forming members in the emergency staircase, the view being seen from the outside of the train when the staircase is laid down in a lateral direction; 
           [0064]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of the step forming members when they are developed in the longitudinal direction; 
           [0065]      FIG. 6A  shows a perspective view of the emergency staircase before it is made use of; 
           [0066]      FIG. 6B  shows a perspective view of the emergency staircase when it starts being made use of; 
           [0067]      FIG. 6C  shows a perspective view of the emergency staircase while it is being laid down (being reclined); 
           [0068]      FIG. 6D  shows a perspective view of the emergency staircase while the podium thereof is being set up (raised) after the staircase has been laid down (being reclined); 
           [0069]      FIG. 6E  shows a perspective view of the emergency staircase while the railing thereof is being set up (raised) after the podium has been set up (raised); 
           [0070]      FIG. 6F  shows a perspective view of the emergency staircase when the step forming members is developed and landed; 
           [0071]      FIG. 7  shows a top view of the emergency staircase when it has been laid down; 
           [0072]      FIG. 8  shows a side view of the emergency staircase when it has been laid down; 
           [0073]      FIG. 9  shows a front view of the emergency staircase; when the step forming members is developed and landed; 
           [0074]      FIG. 10  shows a side view of the emergency staircase when the step forming members is developed and landed; 
           [0075]      FIG. 11  shows a top view of the emergency staircase when the step forming members is developed and landed; 
       
    
    
       [0076]    According to a second embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 12  shows a front view of a plurality of step forming members in the emergency staircase, the view being seen from the outside of the train when the staircase is laid down in a lateral direction; 
         [0077]    The items with the numerals in the figures are explained as follows: 
         [0078]      10  a piece of rolling stock or a train car; 
         [0079]      12  a roof; 
         [0080]      14  a ceiling; 
         [0081]      16  a side;? 
         [0082]      18  a floor; 
         [0083]      20  a train front; 
         [0084]      22  an emergency exit; 
         [0085]      24  an emergency door; 
         [0086]      26  a spindle; 
         [0087]      28  a boomerang-shaped arm; 
         [0088]      30  a seat; 
         [0089]      32  a shelf; 
         [0090]      34  handrails; 
         [0091]      40  an emergency staircase; 
         [0092]      42  a casing; 
         [0093]      44   a ,  90   a  a step forming member; 
         [0094]      44   b ,  90   b  a step forming member; 
         [0095]      44   c ,  90   c  a step forming member; 
         [0096]      44   d ,  90   d  a step forming member; 
         [0097]      44   e ,  90   e  a step forming member; 
         [0098]      44   f ,  90   f  a step forming member; 
         [0099]      46  a railing; 
         [0100]      48  a spindle; 
         [0101]      50  a podium; 
         [0102]      52  an axis; 
         [0103]      54  a rail; 
         [0104]      56  a base plate; 
         [0105]      57  a bracket; 
         [0106]      58  a level axis; 
         [0107]      59  a shock absorber; 
         [0108]      60  a vertical axis; 
         [0109]      62  a guiding part; 
         [0110]      63  an upper plate; 
         [0111]      64  a step plate; 
         [0112]      66   a ,  94   a  a linear (lineamental) protrusion; 
         [0113]      66   b ,  94   b  a linear (lineamental) protrusion; 
         [0114]      68  a long slit; 
         [0115]      70  a pin; 
         [0116]      72  a hinge; 
         [0117]      74  a rubber stopper; 
         [0118]      76  a rotation center pin hole; 
         [0119]      78  an arc slit; 
         [0120]      80  a ricketiness control plate; 
         [0121]      82  a rope end fitting; 
         [0122]      84  a rope end fitting; 
         [0123]      86  a length of rope. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0124]    Hereafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the figures. However, the dimensions, materials, shape, the relative placement and so on of a component described in these embodiments shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention thereto, unless especially specific mention is made. 
       First Embodiment 
       [0125]    According to the present invention, the first embodiment that is applied to a coach of the new transportation system is now explained based on  FIGS. 1 to 11 .  FIGS. 1 to 3  show an emergency staircase as to a first embodiment of the present invention, whereby the emergency staircase is seen from the inside of the coach; the staircase is provided at the front end and/or rear end of the train. 
         [0126]    As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the inside space of the coach  10  is surrounded by a ceiling  14  under a roof  12 , a pair of sides  16 , and a floor  18 . At train front  20 , an emergency exit  22  is provided; further, an emergency door  24  is provided so as to close the emergency exit  22 .A pair of shelves  32  as well as a pair of handrails  34  is provided on the train front and/or rear. 
         [0127]    As depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , an end of boomerang-shaped arms  28  are connected to an upper part and a lower part of the inside face of the emergency door  24 ; another end of each arm  28  is connected to one of spindles that are fitted to the inside front face of the train  10   
         [0128]    As depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , two boomerang-shaped arms  28  are provided; an end of each arm  28  is connected to an upper part or a lower part of the inside face of the emergency door  24 ; another end of each arm  28  is connected to an upper part or a lower part of the inside face of the train front, through a jig (not shown) and a spindle  26  installed therein; each arm  28  can turn around the corresponding spindle  26 . By pushing the boomerang-shaped arms  28  toward the front, the emergency door  24  performs a translational movement along the a-arrow direction; thus, the emergency door  24  can be opened. 
         [0129]    An emergency staircase  40  according to the first embodiment is provided in front of the emergency door  24 ; the staircase  40  comprises a casing  42  that houses six step forming members from  44   a  to  44   f . A railing  46  is fitted to the casing  42  so as to move rotationally around an axis  48  as a rotation center, in the b- and c-directions in  FIG. 2 ; a podium  50  is fitted to the casing  42  so as to cover the railing  46  and move rotationally around an axis  52  as a rotation center. When the emergency staircase  40  is not used, the railing  46  and the podium  50  are folded up so as to keep in contact with the casing  42 ; in addition, the railing  46  is covered with the podium  50 . As depicted in  FIG. 6A , the podium  50  configures a part of the inner wall of the train front  20 ; a rail  54  is fastened to the top of the podium  50  so that the passengers catch hold of the rail, when escaping. 
         [0130]    The casing  42 , the railing  46  fitted to the casing  42 , and the podium  50  also fitted to the casing are fitted to a base plate  56 , via a level axis  58 ; the members  42 ,  46 , and  50  together can be rotationally laid down into a horizontal direction, on the floor, around the level axis  58  as a rotation center, along the d-arrow direction in  FIG. 3 . A bracket  57  is fastened to the base plate  56  so as to be integrated with the base plate  56 ; a shock absorber  59  is provided so as to connect the bracket  57  with the casing  42 , whereby the shock absorber  59  absorbs the shock that is caused to the floor  18 , when the casing  42  is laid down. 
         [0131]    The base plate  56  is connected to a vertical axis  60  so that the plate  56  can rotationally move around the axis  60 . The axis  60  is placed in a neighborhood of one side of the casing  42 ; thus, as depicted in  FIG. 6B , the emergency staircase  40  can be rotated around the vertical axis  60  so that the passengers can access the emergency exit and open the emergency door  22 . 
         [0132]    In the next place, the configuration of the step forming members from  44   a  to  44   f  is now explained based on  FIGS. 4 and 5 . It is noted that the members from  44   c  to  44   d  that form the middle portion out of the members from  44   a  to  44   f  are omitted in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0133]    As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , each of the six step forming members from  44   a  to  44   f  comprises: 
         [0134]    a pair of guiding parts  62 , and 
         [0135]    a step plate  64  that is sandwiched between the pair of the guiding parts  62  as well as fastened to each of the guiding parts  62  so as to be integrated into the step forming member. 
         [0136]    The cross section of each guiding part  62  is of a squarish (an angular) U-shape; one side of the pair guiding parts  62  is arranged so as to make the opening of the squarish U-shape face the counter side of the other guiding parts. 
         [0137]    A set of adjacent guiding parts  62  such as a set of the guiding part of the step forming member  44   a  and the guiding part of the step forming member  44   b  forms a similar figure; however, the size of the inner adjacent guiding part is smaller than that of the outer adjacent guiding part, by the plate thickness of the guiding part  62 ; the adjacent guiding parts can slide relatively on each other. 
         [0138]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , a linear protrusion  66   a  and a linear protrusion  66   b  are provided along the longitudinal slide-direction, toward the inner side of each step forming member  44   a ,  44   b ,  44   c ,  44   d , or  44   e , at each guiding part  62  except the guiding part of the innermost step forming member  44   f . As depicted in the cross section in  FIG. 4 , the linear protrusions  66   a  and  66   b  of a guiding part are arranged so that the protrusions are shifted from the corresponding protrusions of the adjacent guide member; the linear protrusions  66   a  and  66   b  keep the minute clearance between a guiding part  62  and the adjacent guiding parts  62 . Thus, in sliding, a guiding part  62  is guided by the linear protrusions  66   a  and  66   b  of the adjacent guiding part; thereby the linear protrusions  66   a  and  66   b  keep in contact with the adjacent guiding part  62 . 
         [0139]    Each pair of guide parts  62  of the step forming members except the innermost step forming member  44   f , namely, of the step forming members from  44   a  to  44   e , is perforated with a pair of long slits  68  in the longitudinal direction of the step forming members. 
         [0140]    The step forming members except the outermost step forming member  44   a , namely, the step forming members from  44   b  to  44   f  are provided with a pin  70  that protrudes outward and is loosely fit into the long slit  68  of the adjacent outer step forming member. When the guiding part  62  is developed or folded in the longitudinal direction, the pin  70  slides in the long slit  68  of the adjacent outer step forming member; and the movement of the step forming member is stopped when the pin  70  strikes an end of the long slit. 
         [0141]    An upper plate  63  is provided in the outermost step forming member  44   a , whereby the upper plate  63  attached to the casing  42 , via hinge  72 , so that the upper plate can rotate (around a pin of the hinge  72 ); whereby, the upper plate turns around the pin of the hinge so as to come into contact with the underside of the casing when the casing is laid down on the coach floor (see  FIG. 10 ). Further, the upper plate  63  is provided with a rubber stopper  74  on the outer surface of the upper plate so that the rubber stopper  74  absorbs the shock when the upper plate  63  is rotated in an emergency and collides with the underside of the casing. 
         [0142]    The upper plate  63  is perforated with a rotation center pin-hole  76  at the middle part of the plate  63 ; and, the upper plate  63  is perforated with a pair of arc slits  78 , on both sides of the rotation center pin-hole  76 ; a pin (not shown) that is fastened to the hinge protrudes loosely through the rotation center pin-hole  76 , the protrusion top of the pin being squeezed or having larger head in comparison with the pin hole diameter so that the upper plate  63  is connected to the hinge and does not fall from the hinge; a pair of pins (not shown) that is fastened to the hinge protrudes loosely through the pair of arc slits  78 , the protrusion top of the pins being squeezed or having larger head in comparison with the slit width so that the upper plate  63  is connected to the hinge and does not fall from the hinge. Thus, the step forming members from  44   a  to  44   f  can rotate relatively against the casing  42  around the axis of the pin that protrudes the rotation center pin-hole  76 , in the h- or i-arrow direction in  FIG. 11  that will be explained later. Thus, the position where the step forming-members reach the guideway surface T (see  FIG. 10 ) can be adjustable. 
         [0143]    A pair of ricketiness control plates  80  is installed on the undersurface of the innermost step forming member  44   f  (see  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 10 ); the plates  80  are used so as to restraint rickety movements among the step forming members  44   a  to  44   f  through being pressed from the back, when the members are housed in the casing  42 . 
         [0144]    From the operation-procedural point of view, the configuration as to the emergency staircase  40  will now be explained based on  FIGS. 6A to 6F , and  FIGS. 7 to 11 .  FIG. 6A  depicts the inside and train front-side of the coach before the emergency staircase is not used; the podium  50  of the emergency staircase  40  forms a part of the inner wall of the train front  20 . 
         [0145]    In an emergency such as a (train) breakdown, as depicted in  FIG. 6B , the emergency staircase  40  is rotated around the vertical axis  60 , toward inside, so that the passengers can access the emergency exit and open the emergency door  24 . Secondary, the emergency door  24  is unlocked; the arms  28  are pushed forward; the emergency door  24  is opened toward the outside of the train, in a translational movement. 
         [0146]    Further, the emergency staircase  40  is put back into its original position; as depicted in  FIG. 6C , the emergency staircase  40  is laid down around the level axis  58  as a rotation center, the casing protruding toward the outside of the train, through the emergency exit  22 ; the situation when the emergency staircase  40  is laid down is shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
         [0147]    Further, as depicted in  FIG. 9 , the podium  50  is rotated in the e-arrow direction so as to be set up (raised) from the folded-up state; and the podium  50  is fixed in that position (see  FIG. 6D ); then, the railing  46  is rotated in the f-arrow direction so as to be set up (raised); and the railing  46  is fixed in that position (see  FIG. 6E ). 
         [0148]    Still further, the step forming members from  44   a  to  44   f  are rotated around the hinge-pin (not shown) of the hinge  72 ; each of the step forming members  44   b  to  44   f  is made slide in the g-arrow direction in  FIG. 10 , by the weight of the members  44   b  to  44   f , so that the innermost step forming member  44   f  is landed on the guideway surface T; the situation when the member  44   f  is landed on the ground is depicted in  FIGS. 10 ,  11 , and  6 F. A rope-fitting ring  84  is fastened to the railing  46  and a rope-fitting ring  82  is fastened to a leading end of the outermost step forming member  44   f ; a length of rope  86  is stretched between the rings  82  and  84  so that the landing position can be adjusted. In addition, the slope angle of the step forming-members  44   a  to  44   f , against the guideway surface T can be adjusted by means of adjusting the size (length) of the rope  86 ; for example, a setting slope of 45 degrees can be arranged as depicted in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0149]    According to the above-described first embodiment of the present invention, the cross section of each guiding part  62  is of a squarish (an angular) U-shape; a set of adjacent guiding parts  62  forms a similar figure, thereby the size of the inner adjacent guiding part is smaller than that of the outer adjacent guiding part, by the plate thickness of the guiding part  62 ; the linear protrusions  66   a  and  66   b  are formed at each guiding part  62  except the guiding part of the innermost step forming member  44   f , along the longitudinal slide-direction, so that the adjacent guiding parts  62  can slide relatively on each other. Therefore, a smooth sliding movement of the guiding parts  62  can be achieved, as well as, the relative distance between the adjacent guiding parts  62  can be kept small. 
         [0150]    Thus, the number of the step forming members can be increased, without an increased housing space for the members; accordingly, the number of footsteps can be increased, and the distance between the footsteps can be decreased; further, with the increased number of the footsteps, the slope of the stairway, that is formed by the extended step forming members, against the guideway surface T can be gentle; furthermore, the width of the footstep can be increased. 
         [0151]    As described above, since the slope of the stairway is gentle, the passengers get out of the train, with a feeling of security; moreover, since the width of the footstep can be increased with the increased number of the footsteps, the rigidity of the stairway can be enhanced; accordingly, since the stairway can be less easy to bend, the passengers can descend the stairway in an easier and more carefree manner. 
         [0152]    Further, since the clearance between the adjacent guiding parts  62  is controlled by the linear protrusions  66   a  and  66   b  that are provided on the guiding parts  62 , it becomes easy to prevent a foreign substance from entering the clearance. 
         [0153]    Further, in the first embodiment as described above, at first, the casing  42  that houses the step forming members  44   a  to  44   f  is rotated around the level axis  58  so that the casing is laid down on the floor  18  of the coach; secondary, the step forming members  44   a  to  44   f  are rotated around the hinge-pin of the hinge  72 , against the casing  42 , while the members  44   b  to  44   f  slide down so that the member  44   f  lands on the ground T. Thus, the stairway is formed; accordingly, an operator of the emergency staircase  40  can do without heavy lifting between the moment the members  44   a  to  44   f  are housed in the casing  42  and the moment the members are landed on the ground T; what is more, the time required in operating the emergency staircase can be short, and the operation is simple. 
         [0154]    Moreover, after the casing  42  is laid down on the floor, the podium  50  and the railing  46  are set up and fixed in the vertical direction so as to sandwich the escape passage; thus, the podium  50  and the railing  46  can protrude the outward of the train. Therefore, the passengers can hang on the podium or the railing, in descending the stairway; and, the passengers can get out of the train with a feeling of safety. In addition, the rail  54  annexed to the podium  50  helps the passengers easily descend the stairway. 
         [0155]    Further, in normal times when the step forming members  44   a  to  44   f  are housed in the casing  42 , and the emergency staircase  40  is installed upright, the podium  50  serving as a cover for the staircase  40  as well as an inner wall of the train front; thus, the beauty of the coach inside can be not spoiled. 
         [0156]    Still further, the casing  42  is provided so that it can rotate around the vertical axis  60  that is placed on one side of the casing  42 ; thus, the emergency exit  22  can be promptly accessed, serving as not only a useful exit but also an entrance for a rescue operation in an emergency. 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0157]    The second embodiment according to the present invention is hereby explained based on  FIG. 12 . As depicted in  FIG. 12 , the emergency staircase of the second embodiment comprises a plurality of step forming members  90   a  to  90   f ; the guide pars  92  for the step forming members except an innermost step forming member  90   f , namely, for the step forming members from  90   a  to  90   e  is provided with a set of sliding plate strips  94   a  and  94   b , whereby the sliding plate strips  94   a  and  94   b  serve as the substitutes for the linear protrusions  66   a  and  66   b  in the first embodiment; and, the fitting positions of the sliding plate strips  94   a  and  94   b  are placed substantially at the same positions where the linear protrusions  66   a  and  66   b  are placed in the first embodiment; in other words, the sliding plate strips  94   a  and  94   b  are placed along the longitudinal direction of the step forming members  90  so that the sliding plate strips adhere to the inner side surfaces of the guiding parts  92 . 
         [0158]    In detail, the sliding plate strips are made of low friction coefficient materials such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or nylon; or, the sliding plate strips are made of elastic materials such as rubber. 
         [0159]    Apart from the parts as to the above-described sliding mechanism, the parts in the second embodiment follow those in the first embodiment. 
         [0160]    According to the second embodiment as described above, even though the emergency staircase is vibrated by the train running movements in normal times when the step forming members are housed in the casing, metallic noises do not occur from the emergency staircase; thus, a quiet environment in the coach can be achieved, the passengers being free from discomfort. Further, when the step forming-members  90   a  to  90   f  are used and made slide, an easy operation can be achieved, since the members  90  easily slide thanks to the low friction. 
         [0161]    When PTFE or nylon is adopted as a material for the sliding plate strips, a lubricant such as grease or a solid type lubricant can be dispensed with; the passengers can be free from cares about getting soiled, during detrainment. Further, the sliding plate strips made of PTFE or nylon can be configured as a considerably thin plate strip; thus, the clearances among the guiding parts  92  can be kept small; as a result, the thickness as to the guiding parts  92  and the step plates  64  can be increased, as well as the rigidity thereof can be enhanced. 
         [0162]    In addition, a self-lubricating resin can be used for the sliding plate strips  94   a  and  94   b ; for example, a fluorocarbon resin such as PTFE, or a silicone resin containing a silicone polymer as a main component can be used. These self-lubricating resins have low friction characteristics without oil supply, and cannot cause any lubricant smear. 
         [0163]    The present invention provides an emergency staircase, whereby an operator can promptly and easily operate the staircase in an emergency, and the passengers can detrain with a feeling of security.