Personnel carrier

Abstract

The invention relates to a people conveyor (1) comprising a loop conveyor belt (2); and a control system (7-14) comprising a controller (12); and detection means (7; 8; 9; 10; 11) for detecting persons on the loop conveyor belt (2); a signaling device (13; 14) for providing visual and / or audio signals to persons on the loop conveyor belt (2); wherein the controller (12) is configured to: determine, based on an output of the detection means (7; 8; 9; 10; 11), in particular based on signals and / or data generated by the detection means (7; 8; 9; 10; 11), whether a distance (D1, D2) between persons (Pg1, Pg2; Pg2, Pg3) detected on the loop conveyor belt (2) is less than a minimum allowed distance; and present, with the signaling device (13; 14), an alarm or an instruction signal (S1; S2) to persons on the loop conveyor belt (2) when the distance (D1, D2) between persons (Pg1, Pg2; Pg2, Pg3) detected on the loop conveyor belt (2) is below the minimum allowed distance.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a passenger conveyor, in particular an escalator, moving walk or moving ramp. BACKGROUND

[0002] Escalators, moving walks and moving ramps are passenger conveyors, each of which generally comprises an endless belt of successively positioned conveying elements, such as steps or trays for supporting the loads, i.e. people, to be transported. The conveying elements generally comprise a tread member having a tread surface on which people can stand. The endless conveying belt is in use rotated, and passengers can walk onto the part emerging from below the walking platform of the passenger conveyor, such as the conveying members.

[0003] In the prior art, in order to facilitate the rapid and high flow of people to the passenger conveyor, it is aimed to crowd people together while being transported by the passenger conveyor. Crowding people together has always been an aim, as it increases the capacity of use of the passenger conveyor, thus increasing the flow of people.

[0004] When people are moved by the passenger conveyor, they can occasionally come close to each other. People can arrive at the conveying belt close to each other. Also, a person can start walking behind another person, even though that person has arrived at the conveying belt far away from each other. A person can also overtake another person.

[0005] It has been noticed that the position of people close to each other makes them susceptible to infectious diseases. For this reason, there is a need for a solution that can minimize the exposure of individuals while passing through the passenger conveyor. SUMMARY

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to introduce a new passenger conveyor that is improved in terms of the safety of its users. It is an object to introduce a solution by which one or more of the above-defined problems of the prior art and / or problems discussed or suggested elsewhere herein can be solved. It is in particular an object to introduce a solution that can simply and effectively be used for controlling the distance of people in the passenger conveyor, in particular so that the exposure of individuals to infectious diseases or other potentially harmful consequences of crowding is reduced during their passage through the passenger conveyor, while still allowing an efficient flow of people.

[0007] A new people conveyor is proposed, comprising a loop conveyor belt and a control system comprising a controller. The people conveyor, in particular its control system, comprises detection means for detecting people on the loop conveyor belt; and a signal device for providing a visual and / or audio signal to people on the loop conveyor belt. The controller is configured to determine, based on an output of the detection means, in particular based on a signal and / or data generated by the detection means, whether a distance between people detected on the loop conveyor belt is below a minimum allowed distance; and to issue an alarm or an indication signal to people on the loop conveyor belt by means of the signal device when the distance between people detected on the loop conveyor belt is less than the minimum allowed distance.

[0008] With this solution, one or more of the above-mentioned objects can be achieved.

[0009] In the following, preferred further details of the people conveyor are introduced, which can be combined with the people conveyor alone or in any combination.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the detection means comprise:

[0011] at least one non-contact sensor for sensing people on the loop conveyor belt, preferably a proximity sensor or a light barrier sensor mounted to a guard rail extending alongside the loop conveyor belt; or

[0012] one or more video cameras, in particular for producing a video or an image of people on the loop conveyor belt; or

[0013] load sensors mounted on the loop conveyor belt at locations distributed along the length of the loop conveyor belt, in particular for sensing a load exerted on the loop conveyor belt at different locations of the loop conveyor belt, e.g. load sensors mounted on different, preferably each, conveyor elements; or

[0014] at least one load sensor mounted on a guide rail of the loop conveyor belt, in particular a guide rail for guiding its conveyor elements; or

[0015] at least one acceleration sensor mounted on a guide rail of the loop conveyor belt, in particular a guide rail for guiding its conveyor elements.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the load sensors are strain gauges or pressure foil sensors.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the signal device comprises one or more signal means.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the one or more signal means comprise one or more visual signal means, e.g. one or more displays, for presenting a visual signal and / or one or more loudspeakers for presenting a voice signal.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, one or more signaling devices include:

[0020] One or more signaling devices installed on the guardrail extending alongside the circular conveyor belt; and / or

[0021] One or more signaling devices are installed on a handrail extending alongside the circular conveyor belt; and / or

[0022] One or more signaling devices mounted on a circular conveyor belt, for example on the conveying element; and / or

[0023] One or more signaling devices installed above a circular conveyor belt.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the controller is configured to determine whether distance-related parameters are within the range where the indicated distance is below the minimum permissible distance, based on the output of the detection device, particularly based on signals and / or data generated by the detection device.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the distance-related parameter is directly or indirectly proportional to the distance between people detected on the circular conveyor belt.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the distance-related parameter is:

[0027] The peak load frequency of the load sensor mounted on the guide rail of the circular conveyor belt; or

[0028] The peak frequency of acceleration measured by an accelerometer mounted on the guide rail of the circular conveyor belt; or

[0029] The frequency of the detection signal of the non-contact sensor; or

[0030] The duration of the interval between two load peaks of a load sensor mounted on the guide rail of the circular conveyor belt; or

[0031] The duration of the interval between two load peaks of an accelerometer mounted on the guide rail of a circular conveyor belt; or

[0032] The duration of the interval between two detection signals from a non-contact sensor; or

[0033] Distance, for example, is measured or calculated between two identified objects in an image.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the controller is configured to determine whether the distance-related parameters are within the range where the indicated distance is below the minimum permissible distance, based on the output of the detection device, particularly based on signals and / or data generated by the detection device, in the following manner:

[0035] The load peak frequency of the load sensor mounted on the guide rail of the circular conveyor belt is lower than the frequency threshold; or

[0036] The peak frequency of the acceleration sensor mounted on the guide rail of the circular conveyor belt is lower than the frequency threshold; or

[0037] The frequency of the detection signal from the non-contact sensor is below the frequency threshold; or

[0038] The duration of the interval between two load peaks of the load sensor is shorter than the threshold duration; or

[0039] The duration of the interval between two load peaks of the accelerometer is shorter than the threshold duration; or

[0040] The duration of the interval between two detection signals of a non-contact sensor is shorter than the threshold duration; or

[0041] Distance, such as the distance measured or calculated between two identified objects in an image, is below a threshold.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the controller is configured to determine, based on the output of the detection device, particularly based on signals and / or data generated by the detection device, whether a load sensor signal indicating the load status is obtained from a load sensor closer to a threshold distance.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the controller is configured to change the minimum permissible distance and / or indicate the range of the distance below the minimum permissible distance when the operating speed of the conveyor belt changes, specifically such that the minimum permissible distance increases when the operating speed of the conveyor belt increases and decreases when the operating speed of the conveyor belt decreases.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the controller is configured to determine the value of the distance-related parameter based on the output of the detection device, particularly based on signals and / or data generated by the detection device.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the minimum permissible distance is at least 1 meter, more preferably greater. A relatively long minimum permissible distance is advantageous because it increases safety. The minimum permissible distance can be, for example, two meters or three meters or even longer.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the annular conveyor belt is guided by guide rails, and the rollers of the conveyor belt roll along the guide rails. Preferably, each conveying element includes rollers arranged to roll along the guide rails.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the annular conveyor belt includes a plurality of conveying elements, such as steps or trays, each conveying element including a tread member having a tread surface on which a person can stand.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the controller includes one or more microprocessors. The controller is preferably, but not necessarily, configured to control the rotation of the motors of the personnel transport vehicle and thereby control the operating speed of the personnel transport vehicle. The controller can therefore be responsible for multiple escalator functions. Thus, the speed of the conveyor belt can also be simply taken into account. Furthermore, it can access signals and / or data generated by detection devices and use them additionally for control purposes beyond those related to the distance between people.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the means of transporting people is an escalator, moving walkway, or moving ramp. Attached Figure Description

[0050] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to examples and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0051] Figure 1 The end of the personnel transport vehicle according to the first embodiment is shown in three dimensions.

[0052] Figure 2 Partially shown from the side view Figure 1 The end position of the personnel transport vehicle.

[0053] Figure 3 As shown in the block diagram Figure 1 and 2 Preferred details of the control system for personnel transport vehicles and the connection of its components.

[0054] Figure 4 This illustrates the sensor signal as a function of time.

[0055] The above aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and related detailed description. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Figure 1 A personnel transport vehicle 1 is shown, which includes a circular conveyor belt 2. Figure 1 Personnel transport vehicle 1 also includes a control system 7-14, which includes, for example... Figure 3The controller 12 shown. The personnel transport vehicle 1, and especially its control system, further includes detection devices 7; 8; 9; 10; 11 for detecting personnel on the circular conveyor belt 2; and signaling devices 13; 14 for providing visual and / or audio signals to the personnel on the circular conveyor belt 2. The controller 12 is configured to determine, based on the output of the detection devices 7; 8; 9; 10; 11, and especially on the signals and / or data generated by the detection devices 7; 8; 9; 10; 11, whether the distances D1, D2 between the personnel Pg1-Pg3 (also referred to as people and passengers) detected on the circular conveyor belt 2 are below a minimum permissible distance; when the distance between the personnel detected on the circular conveyor belt 2 is below the minimum permissible distance, an alarm or indication signal S1; S2 is presented to the personnel on the circular conveyor belt 2 via the signaling devices 13 and / or 14. Figure 2 Partially shown from the side Figure 1 Personnel transport vehicle 1.

[0057] exist Figure 2 In the example, the distance Dl between passengers Pgl and Pg2 is higher than (in Figure 2 The minimum permissible distance (represented by the symbol v) is such that the distance D2 between passengers Pg2 and Pg3 is less than (in the... Figure 2 The minimum allowable distance is represented by the symbol x.

[0058] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this vehicle, the circular conveyor belt 2 of the personnel transport tool includes multiple conveying elements 3, each conveying element 3 including a pedal component 3b, and a pedal surface 3a for a person to stand on. The conveying elements 2 are connected together, for example, by a chain, and the conveying elements 2 engage with the chain. The circular conveyor belt 2 is preferably guided by a guide rail 15, and the rollers 16 of the conveyor belt 2 are guided by the guide rail 15 to roll. Arrows indicate the direction of movement of the conveying elements 2. The personnel transport tool 1 preferably includes a motor M for moving the circular conveyor belt 2. Figure 1 (or not shown in 2). Figure 1 and 2 The personnel transport vehicle 1 shown is in particular an escalator, and the transport element 2 is a step.

[0059] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2The diagram shows alternative detection devices 7-11 for signal equipment, which can be used in parallel, but this is not necessary. As a preferred alternative, detection devices 7;8;9;10;11 include at least one non-contact sensor 7 for sensing personnel on the circular conveyor belt 2, preferably a proximity sensor or grating sensor, mounted on a guardrail extending alongside the circular conveyor belt 2. This alternative provides a reliable and easy-to-implement solution with components widely used for personnel detection. As another preferred alternative, detection devices 7;8;9;10;11 include at least one camera 8, specifically for generating video or images of personnel on the circular conveyor belt 2. This alternative provides a solution that can be readily provided as an additional feature. As a further preferred alternative, detection devices 7;8;9;10;11 include load sensors 9 mounted on the circular conveyor belt 2 at locations distributed along the length of the circular conveyor belt 2, specifically for sensing the load applied to the circular conveyor belt 2 at different locations on the circular conveyor belt 2, for example, load sensors 9 are mounted on different (preferably each) conveying elements 3. This alternative provides very reliable detection without visible components. As a further preferred alternative, the detection devices 7;8;9;10;11 include at least one load sensor 10 mounted on the guide rail 15 of the annular conveyor belt 2, particularly the guide rail 15 for guiding its conveying elements. This alternative provides highly reliable detection with no visible parts and a small number of components. As a further preferred alternative, the detection devices 7;8;9;10;11 include at least one acceleration sensor 11 mounted on the guide rail 15 of the annular conveyor belt 2, particularly the guide rail 15 for guiding its conveying elements. This alternative provides highly reliable detection with no visible parts and a small number of components. Generally, preferably, the aforementioned load sensors 9;10 are strain gauges or pressure diaphragm sensors.

[0060] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 Alternative signal devices 13 and 14 are shown, which can be used in parallel, but are not required. Signal devices 13 and 14 include one or more signal devices. These signal devices preferably include one or more visual signal devices 13, such as one or more displays, for presenting visual signals S1 and / or one or more speakers 14 for presenting audio signals S2. The signal devices 13 and 14 can be mounted anywhere they can signal a person on the conveyor belt 2, such as on a guardrail extending alongside the conveyor belt 2, on a movable handrail extending alongside the conveyor belt 2, or on the conveyor belt 2, for example, on the conveying element 3 or above the conveyor belt 2.

[0061] Signaling devices 13; 14 preferably include at least one signaling device 13; 14 for providing visual and / or audio signals to people on the circular conveyor belt 2 in the vicinity of the locations of detection devices 7; 8; 9; 10; 11. Therefore, when the distance between people detected on the circular conveyor belt 2 is less than the minimum permissible distance, a person who is too close to another person can be indicated by the signaling device 12; 14.

[0062] The visual signal S1 can be, for example, instruction text. For instance, the text could contain a request to increase the distance to another person, or an announcement that the distance to another person is too short. The voice signal S2 can be a warning tone, or a recorded voice message requesting to increase the distance to another person, or an announcement that the distance to another person is too close.

[0063] The controller 12 is configured to determine, based on the outputs of the detection devices 7;8;9;10;11, particularly based on the signals and / or data generated by the detection devices 7;8;9;10;11, whether a distance-related parameter is within the range where the indicated distance is below a minimum permissible distance. Generally, the distance-related parameter described in this application is considered to refer to a parameter whose value depends on the distance between people detected on the annular conveyor belt 2. The controller 12 is configured to utilize a computer program to perform the determination of whether the distance-related parameter is within the range where the indicated distance is below a minimum permissible distance. The computer program may be arranged to run on the controller 12, for example, particularly on a computer or an equivalent contained within the controller 12.

[0064] The distance correlation parameter is preferably, but not necessarily, directly or inversely proportional to the distance between people detected on the circular conveyor belt 2. For example, the distance between two identified people in an image, such as the number of pixels, is directly proportional to the distance between these people. On the other hand, the interval (e.g., the amount of time elapsed) between two consecutive moments when two people are in the same location is inversely proportional to the distance between these people. There are many possible alternatives to the distance correlation parameter that is directly or inversely proportional to the distance between people detected on the circular conveyor belt 2. The parameter can be frequency, the time interval between detections, the distance detected from the image, the number of unloaded tread components, etc., for example, but not limited to these examples. However, the correlation is not necessarily directly or inversely proportional, because the distance correlation parameter can alternatively be correlated with some other factors, such as in a non-linear manner with distance.

[0065] In a first preferred embodiment, the distance-related parameter is the frequency of the load peak value of the load sensor 10 mounted on the guide rail 15 of the circular conveyor belt 2, and this frequency is below a frequency threshold. This embodiment operates as follows: when a person, i.e., a passenger, is transported on the circular conveyor belt 2 past the position of the load sensor 10, the sensor experiences a load peak value; the next passenger will cause another load peak value. The frequency of the load peak values ​​is inversely proportional to the distance between passengers.Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the sensor signal changing over time. The example shown applies to cases where the sensor signal originates from a load sensor 10 mounted on a guide rail 15 of the circular conveyor belt 2, such as... Figure 1 and 2 As shown. When transporting on conveyor belt 2 above the location of sensor 10, such as Figure 2 When passenger Pg1 is shown, sensor 10 experiences a load peak p1, as shown. Figure 4 As shown. The next passenger, Pg2, will cause... Figure 4 The next load peak p2, the next passenger Pg3 will cause Figure 4 The next load peak p3 in the process. The controller 12 can be configured to determine the frequency of the load peak of the load sensor 10 based on the time t1 and t2 that elapse between consecutive load peaks p1 and p2, p2 and p3.

[0066] In a second preferred embodiment, the distance-related parameter is the duration of the intervals t1 and t2 between two load peaks of the load sensor 10 mounted on the guide rail 15 of the circular conveyor belt 2, wherein the duration of intervals t1 and t2 is less than a threshold duration. This embodiment operates as follows: When a person, i.e., a passenger, is transported on the conveyor belt 2 past the position of the load sensor 10, the sensor 10 experiences a load peak, and the next passenger will cause another load peak. The duration of the time intervals t1 and t2 between the load peaks is proportional to the distance between the passengers. Figure 4 The diagram illustrates how the sensor signal changes over time. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the example applies to the case where the sensor signal comes from a load sensor 10 mounted on a guide rail 15 of the circular conveyor belt 2. When... Figure 2 As passenger Pg1 is conveyed on conveyor belt 2 past the position of sensor 10, sensor 10 experiences the following: Figure 4 The load peak p1 is shown. The next passenger Pg2 will cause... Figure 4 The next load peak p2, and the next passenger Pg3 will again cause Figure 4 The next load peak p3 in the load sensor 10. The controller 12 can be configured to determine the duration of the intervals t1, t2 between the load peaks of the load sensor 10, for example based on the time t1; t2 elapsed between consecutive load peaks p1 and p2; p2, p3.

[0067] In a third preferred embodiment, the distance-related parameter is the frequency of the acceleration peak value of the accelerometer 11 mounted on the guide rail 15 of the circular conveyor belt 2, and this range is a frequency below a frequency threshold. This embodiment operates as follows: when a person, i.e., a passenger, is transported on the conveyor belt 2 past the location of the sensor, the sensor experiences an acceleration peak value; the next passenger will cause another acceleration peak value. The frequency of the acceleration peak values ​​is inversely proportional to the distance between passengers. Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the sensor signal changing over time. The example shown applies to cases where the sensor signal originates from an acceleration sensor 11 mounted on a guide rail 15 of the circular conveyor belt 2, such as... Figure 1 and 2 As shown. When transporting on conveyor belt 2, such as Figure 2 As shown, when passenger Pg1 passes the location of sensor 11, sensor 11 experiences the following... Figure 4 The peak acceleration p1 is shown. The next passenger, Pg2, will cause... Figure 4 The next acceleration peak p2, the next passenger Pg3 will cause it again Figure 4 The next acceleration peak p3 in the acceleration sensor 11. The controller 12 can be configured to determine the frequency of acceleration peaks of the acceleration sensor 11, such as consecutive acceleration peaks p1 and p2; the time t1 and t2 elapsed between p2 and p3.

[0068] In a fourth preferred embodiment, the distance-related parameter is the duration of the intervals t1 and t2 between two acceleration peaks of the accelerometer 11 mounted on the guide rail 15 of the circular conveyor belt 2, wherein the duration of intervals t1 and t2 is below a threshold duration. This embodiment operates as follows: When a person, i.e., a passenger, is transported on the conveyor belt 2 past the location of the sensor, the sensor experiences an acceleration peak; the next passenger will cause another acceleration peak. The duration of the intervals t1 and t2 between the two acceleration peaks is proportional to the distance between the passengers. Figure 4 The diagram illustrates how the sensor signal changes over time. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the example applies to the case where the sensor signal comes from an acceleration sensor 11 mounted on a guide rail 15 of the circular conveyor belt 2. When transporting goods on the conveyor belt 2... Figure 2 As shown, when passenger Pg1 passes the location of sensor 11, sensor 11 experiences the following... Figure 4 The peak acceleration p1 is shown. The next passenger, Pg2, will cause... Figure 4 The next acceleration peak p2, the next passenger Pg3 will cause it again Figure 4The next acceleration peak p3 in the acceleration sensor 11. The controller 12 can be configured to determine the duration of the interval t1, t2 between two acceleration peaks of the acceleration sensor 11, for example by measuring the time t1; t2 elapsed between consecutive acceleration peaks p1 and p2; p2 and p3.

[0069] In a fifth preferred embodiment, the distance-related parameter is the frequency of the detection signal from the non-contact sensor 7, within a range where the frequency of the detection signal is below a frequency threshold. This embodiment operates, for example, as follows: When a person, i.e., a passenger, is being transported on the conveyor belt 2 next to the location of sensor 7, the beam of sensor 7 or its equivalent is disturbed by the passenger, causing it to provide a detection signal to controller 12 that differs from the signal provided when the beam is not disturbed by the passenger. The next passenger will cause sensor 7 to provide another corresponding detection signal to controller 12. The frequency of the detection signal is inversely proportional to the distance between passengers. Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the sensor signal changing over time. The example shown applies to cases where the detection signal originates from a non-contact sensor 7, such as a proximity sensor or grating sensor mounted on a guardrail B extending alongside the circular conveyor belt 2. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown. When passenger Pg1, as Figure 2 As shown, the material is conveyed on conveyor belt 2 past the position of sensor 7, and sensor 7 provides a detection signal s1, such as... Figure 4 As shown. The next passenger, Pg2, will cause... Figure 4 The next detection signal s2 will trigger the next passenger Pg3 to trigger it again. Figure 4 The next detection signal s3 in the process. The controller 12 can be configured to determine the frequency of the detection signals d1-d3, for example, based on the time t1 and t2 elapsed between the continuous detection signals d1 and d2; d2 and d3.

[0070] In a sixth preferred embodiment, the distance-related parameters are the durations of the intervals t1 and t2 between the two detection signals d1 and d2 of the non-contact sensor 7, d2 and d3, respectively, where the durations of the intervals t1 and t2 are below a threshold duration. This embodiment operates, for example, as follows: When a person, i.e., a passenger, is transported on the conveyor belt 2 next to the location of the sensor 7, the beam of the sensor 7 or its equivalent is disturbed by the passenger, causing it to provide a detection signal to the controller 12 that differs from the signal provided when the beam is not disturbed by the passenger. The next passenger will cause the sensor 7 to provide another corresponding detection signal to the controller 12. The durations of the intervals t1 and t2 between the two detection signals are proportional to the distance between the passengers. Figure 4The diagram illustrates the sensor signal changing over time. The example shown applies to cases where the detection signal originates from a non-contact sensor 7, such as a proximity sensor or grating sensor mounted on a guardrail B extending alongside the circular conveyor belt 2. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown. When passenger Pg1, as Figure 2 As shown, the material is conveyed on conveyor belt 2 past the position of sensor 7, and sensor 7 provides a detection signal s1, such as... Figure 4 As shown. The next passenger, Pg2, will cause... Figure 4 The next detection signal s2 will trigger the next passenger Pg3 to trigger it again. Figure 4 The next detection signal s3. The controller 12 can be configured to determine the duration of the interval t1, t2 between the two detection signals s1 and s2; s2 and s3, for example by measuring the time t1; t2 elapsed between the consecutive detection signals s1 and s2; s2 and s3.

[0071] In the seventh preferred embodiment, the distance-related parameter is, for example, the distance measured or calculated between two identified objects (people) in an image, and the range is a distance below a threshold.

[0072] In different embodiments, the controller 12 is configured to determine, based on the output of the detection device 9, particularly based on signals and / or data generated by the detection device 9, whether a load sensor signal indicating the load state is obtained from a load sensor 9 closer than a threshold distance. In this embodiment, the detection device 9 preferably includes load sensors 9 mounted at locations distributed along the length of the annular conveyor belt 2, specifically for sensing the load applied to the annular conveyor belt 2 at different locations on the annular conveyor belt 2, for example, the load sensors 9 are mounted on different (preferably each) conveyor elements 3. When the first person and the second person, i.e., the passenger, are standing on conveyor elements 3 of the conveyor belt 2 that are close to each other, for example, adjacent to each other, this is considered too close.

[0073] Typically, controller 12 is preferably configured to change the aforementioned minimum permissible distance when the operating speed of conveyor belt 2 changes, and specifically for this purpose, the aforementioned range indicates that the distance is below the minimum permissible distance. This change is performed such that the minimum permissible distance increases when the operating speed of conveyor belt 2 increases, and decreases when the operating speed of conveyor belt 2 decreases. The required range variation depends on the correlation of the distance-related parameters, for example, whether the correlation is direct or inverse. Therefore, the range threshold can be lowered or raised to make the change.

[0074] Typically, preferably, the controller 12 is configured to determine the value of the distance-related parameter based on the output of the detection devices 7;8;9;10;11, particularly based on the signals and / or data generated by the detection devices 7;8;9;10;11. Therefore, a comparison of the values ​​can be used to determine whether the distance-related parameter is within a range.

[0075] Typically, controller 12 preferably includes one or more microprocessors. Controller 12 can handle multiple escalator functions, but this is not necessary. Preferably, controller 12 is configured to control the rotation of the motor M of the personnel transport vehicle, thereby controlling the operating speed of the personnel transport vehicle 1, such as... Figure 3 As shown. A computer program can be configured to run on controller 12, and the program performs the tasks of controller 12.

[0076] The minimum permissible distance can be set in the controller 12, and it can be modified by the controller 12. The minimum permissible distance can be, for example, 1 meter, but is preferably larger because it improves safety as a function of the minimum permissible distance. However, more preferably, the minimum permissible distance is defined as a result of a range of distance-related parameters. Therefore, the controller 12 does not need to determine the actual distance between the detected people.

[0077] Typically, camera 8 can be any known camera device. Controller 11 can be configured to process data generated by camera 8, particularly video and / or images, for example, by analyzing the data using image recognition software configured to detect people from the data. This analysis preferably also includes determining the distance between people.

[0078] The device preferably also includes visual instructions 9, for example, disposed on the conveyor belt 2, or on its plurality of conveying elements 3. Thus, people can be told how far they should be positioned relative to others, and the detection and instruction process is simplified because it does not become overloaded.

[0079] Typically, the personnel transport vehicle 1 is preferably an escalator, moving walkway, or ramp. In the first case, the conveying element 2 is preferably a step; in the second and third cases, the conveying element 2 is preferably a pallet. However, generally speaking, at least some of the advantages of the invention can also be achieved if the annular conveyor belt is an annular belt or equivalent.

[0080] Typically, although not strictly necessary, controller 12 is also configured, as a second response to the failure of alarms or commands, to trigger a stop to the movement of belt 2 if the detected distance between people on the circular conveyor belt 2 is less than a second minimum permissible distance, which is even shorter than the aforementioned minimum permissible distance. This second minimum permissible distance can thus trigger the stopping of the personnel transport vehicle when the personnel density is too high.

[0081] It should be understood that the above description and accompanying drawings are intended only to teach the inventors the known best methods of making and using the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand from the above teachings that the above embodiments of the invention can be modified or altered without departing from the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention and its embodiments are not limited to the above examples, but can be varied within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A means of transporting personnel (1), comprising Circular conveyor belt (2); and Control system, including Controller (12); and A detection device for detecting people on the circular conveyor belt (2); Signaling devices (13; 14) for providing visual and / or audio signals to people on the circular conveyor belt (2); The controller (12) is configured as follows: Based on the output of the detection devices (7; 8; 9; 10; 11), determine whether the distance between people (Pg1, Pg2; Pg2, Pg3) detected on the circular conveyor belt (2) is less than the minimum allowable distance; and When the distance between people (Pg1, Pg2; Pg2, Pg3) detected on the circular conveyor belt (2) is lower than the minimum permissible distance, an alarm or instruction signal (S1; S2) is presented to the people on the circular conveyor belt (2) using signaling devices (13; 14). Among them, the distance-related parameters are: The frequency of the load peak value (p1-p3) of the first load sensor mounted on the guide rail (15) of the circular conveyor belt (2); or The frequency of the acceleration peaks (p1-p3) of the accelerometer sensor mounted on the guide rail (15) of the circular conveyor belt (2); or The non-contact sensor detects the frequency of the signal (s1-s3); or The duration of the interval between the two load peaks (p1, p2; p2, p3) of the first load sensor mounted on the guide rail (15) of the circular conveyor belt (2): or The duration of the interval (t1; t2) between two load peaks (p1, p2; p2, p3) of the accelerometer mounted on the guide rail (15) of the circular conveyor belt (2); or The duration of the interval (t1; t2) between two detection signals (s1, s2; s2, s3) of a non-contact sensor; or The distance measured or calculated between two objects in an image.

2. The personnel transport vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the detection device comprises At least one non-contact sensor for sensing a person on the circular conveyor belt (2); or At least one camera focused on producing video or images of people on the circular conveyor belt (2); or The second load sensor is installed on the annular conveyor belt (2) at positions distributed along the length of the annular conveyor belt (2) to sense the load applied at different locations on the annular conveyor belt (2); or At least one first load sensor is mounted on a guide rail (15) of the conveying element (3) for guiding the annular conveyor belt (2); or At least one acceleration sensor is mounted on a guide rail (15) of a conveying element (3) for guiding the circular conveyor belt (2).

3. The personnel transport vehicle (1) according to claim 2, wherein, At least one non-contact sensor is a proximity sensor or grating sensor mounted on a guardrail extending alongside the circular conveyor belt (2).

4. The personnel transport vehicle (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The second load sensor is installed on a different conveying element (3).

5. The personnel transport vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The load sensor is a strain gauge or a pressure membrane sensor.

6. The personnel transport vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The signaling devices (13; 14) include one or more signaling devices.

7. The personnel transport vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The one or more signaling devices include one or more visual signaling devices for presenting visual signals and / or one or more speakers for presenting speech signals.

8. The personnel transport vehicle (1) according to claim 7, wherein, One or more visual signal devices are one or more displays.

9. The personnel transport vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The one or more signal devices include One or more signaling devices are mounted on a guardrail extending alongside the circular conveyor belt (2); and / or One or more signaling devices are mounted on a handrail extending alongside the circular conveyor belt (2); and / or One or more signaling devices are mounted on the circular conveyor belt (2); and / or One or more signaling devices are installed above the circular conveyor belt (2).

10. The personnel transport vehicle (1) according to claim 9, wherein, One or more signal devices are mounted on the transmission element (3).

11. The personnel transport vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The controller (12) is configured to determine whether the distance-related parameters are within the range where the indicated distance is lower than the minimum allowable distance, based on the output of the detection device.

12. The personnel transport vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The distance-related parameters are directly or indirectly related to the distance (D1; D2) between the people (Pg1, Pg2; Pg2, Pg3) detected on the circular conveyor belt (2). D2) is proportional.

13. The personnel transport vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The controller (12) is configured to determine, based on the output of the detection device, whether the distance-related parameters are within the range where the indicated distances (Pg1, Pg2; Pg2, Pg3) are below the minimum permissible distance by: Determine whether the peak load frequency of the first load sensor installed on the guide rail (15) of the circular conveyor belt (2) is lower than the frequency threshold; or Determine whether the frequency of the acceleration peak value of the accelerometer installed on the guide rail (15) of the circular conveyor belt (2) is lower than the frequency threshold; or Determine whether the frequency of the detection signal from the non-contact sensor is below a frequency threshold; or Determine whether the duration of the interval (t1; t2) between two load peaks of the first load sensor is shorter than the threshold duration: or Determine whether the duration of the interval (t1; t2) between two load peaks of the accelerometer is shorter than the threshold duration: or Determine whether the duration of the interval (t1; t2) between two detection signals from a non-contact sensor is shorter than the threshold duration: or Determine whether the distance measured or calculated between two identified objects in an image is below a threshold.

14. The personnel transport vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The controller (12) is configured to determine, based on the output of the detection device, whether the load sensor signal indicating the load status is obtained from a second load sensor that is closer than a threshold distance.

15. The personnel transport vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The controller (12) is configured to change the minimum allowable distance and / or the range of the indicated distance below the minimum allowable distance when the running speed of the conveyor belt (2) changes, the minimum allowable distance increases when the running speed of the conveyor belt (2) increases, and the minimum allowable distance decreases when the running speed of the conveyor belt (2) decreases.

16. The personnel transport vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The controller (12) is configured to determine the value of the distance-related parameter based on the output of the detection device.

17. The personnel transport vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The minimum permissible distance is at least 1 meter.

18. The personnel transport vehicle (1) according to claim 17, wherein, The minimum allowable distance is two meters or three meters.

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