Escalator abnormality detection device and escalator abnormality detection method

Abstract

The present invention provides an escalator abnormality detection device and an escalator abnormality detection method that can be less susceptible to external interference and inexpensively and highly accurately detect abnormalities in step rollers and step chains. According to an embodiment, first and second distance sensors are provided at left and right positions corresponding to step rollers provided at left and right positions with the step as the center. The first and second distance sensors measure the distances from the first and second distance sensors to the rotation axes of the step rollers. An abnormality determination unit determines whether there is an abnormality in the step rollers based on whether the distance signals output from the first and second distance sensors are within a normal range, and when the traveling speed of the escalator detected by a speed detection unit is a certain speed or higher, determines whether there is an abnormality in the step chain based on the time difference until the rotation axes of the step rollers are detected by the first and second distance sensors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an escalator abnormality detection device and an escalator abnormality detection method. Background Art

[0002] An escalator has a plurality of steps that move in a cycle between a lower entrance and an upper entrance. Step rollers are provided on the steps, and the steps are guided to move by a circulating movement of a step chain. Since the step rollers or the step chain move inside the truss of a building, breakage or stain adhesion of the step rollers or an abnormality of the step chain may sometimes occur. In this case, since the abnormality could not be detected in the past, the escalator continues to operate, generating abnormal noise or causing wear and breakage of other components.

[0003] In order to detect an abnormality of an escalator, there are the following methods: A switch having a mechanical link mechanism is provided at a step bearing portion to detect breakage and detachment of the rollers. In addition, there are methods of detecting elongation of the step chain by detecting the chain pitch, methods of detecting breakage of the step rollers by detecting vibration, and the like. Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, in the detection using the switch having the above mechanical link mechanism, breakage and detachment of the rollers can be detected, but floating of the steps and an abnormality of the step chain caused by foreign matter adhering to the rollers cannot be detected. In addition, in the method of detecting the chain pitch, elongation of the step chain can be detected, but abnormalities such as breakage, detachment, and stain adhesion of the step rollers cannot be detected. In the method using vibration, in the detection using a vibration sensor mounted on the track, there is a high possibility of false detection due to external disturbances such as vibration caused by other step rollers or the step chain, other inherent vibrations, or vibrations caused by the actions of passengers. In addition, the number of vibration sensors corresponding to the number of steps is required, which incurs costs.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an escalator abnormality detection device and an escalator abnormality detection method that can be less affected by disturbances and can detect abnormalities of step rollers and step chains of an escalator at low cost.

[0006] The escalator abnormality detection device of the embodiment includes a speed detection unit, a first and a second distance sensor, an abnormality determination unit, and an abnormality output unit. The speed detection unit detects the travel speed of the escalator. The first and second distance sensors are arranged at left and right locations corresponding to the step rollers arranged at the center. The first and second distance sensors measure the distance from the first and second distance sensors to the rotation axis of the step roller. The abnormality determination unit determines whether the step roller has an abnormality based on whether the distance signal output from the first and second distance sensors is within a normal range, and when the travel speed detected by the speed detection unit is above a certain speed, the abnormality determination unit determines whether the step chain connected to the step has an abnormality based on the time difference until the first and second distance sensors detect the rotation axis of the step roller. The abnormality output unit outputs an abnormality signal when the abnormality determination unit determines that there is an abnormality.

[0007] According to the above configuration, it is possible to detect abnormalities in the step rollers and the step chain of the escalator at low cost without being easily affected by disturbances. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of an escalator to which the embodiment is applied.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view showing the installation position of the distance sensor of the escalator abnormality detection device according to the first, second, fourth and fifth embodiments, as viewed from the side of the escalator.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing the installation position of the distance sensor of the escalator abnormality detection device according to the first, second, fourth and fifth embodiments, as viewed from the front of the escalator.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the escalator abnormality detection device according to the first and second embodiments.

[0012] Figure 5A These are explanatory diagrams showing a method for detecting abnormality of a step roller in an escalator abnormality detection device according to the first, second, fourth, and fifth embodiments.

[0013] Figure 5B These are explanatory diagrams showing a method for detecting abnormality of a step roller in an escalator abnormality detection device according to the first, second, fourth, and fifth embodiments.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing a method for detecting an abnormality in a step chain of an escalator abnormality detection device according to the first, second, fourth, and fifth embodiments.

[0015] Figure 7 It is an explanatory diagram of an abnormal detection method for a step chain of an escalator abnormal detection device showing the first, second, fourth, and fifth embodiments.

[0016] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view showing the installation position of a distance sensor of an escalator abnormal detection device according to the second embodiment as viewed from the side of the escalator.

[0017] Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view showing the installation position of a distance sensor of an escalator abnormal detection device according to the third embodiment as viewed from the side of the escalator.

[0018] Figure 10 It is a block diagram showing the configuration of an escalator abnormal detection device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0019] Figure 11 It is a block diagram showing the configuration of an escalator abnormal detection device according to the fifth embodiment. Specific Embodiments

[0020] Hereinafter, the device and method of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] <First Embodiment>

[0022] Figure 2 and Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the positions of steps 4, guide rails 8 and 9 of an escalator 1, and a distance sensor 41 of an abnormal detection device 40 according to the first, second, fourth, and fifth embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] Use Figure 1 , Figure 2 , to explain the structure of the escalator 1 and the installation position of the distance sensor 41.

[0024] The escalator 1 has a plurality of steps 4 that move in a cycle between a lower entrance 2 and an upper entrance 3. The steps 4 on which passengers ride are connected to a step chain 5. The step chain 5 moves in a cycle by the rotation drive of a sprocket 6. The steps 4 move along the left and right guide rails 8 and 9 provided in a truss 7 of the escalator 1.

[0025] As Figure 2As shown in the figure, the step 4 has a tread 11 and a riser (kick plate) 12. The tread 11 and the riser 12 are fixed to the step frame 13. A front wheel roller 14 as a step roller is rotatably mounted on the front side of the step frame 13. A rear wheel roller 15 as a step roller is rotatably mounted on the rear side of the step frame 13. With the step frame 13 as the center, a total of four step rollers, namely a pair of left and right front wheel rollers 14 and a pair of left and right rear wheel rollers 15, are mounted on the step 4. The pair of left and right front wheel rollers 14 roll on the pair of left and right guide rails 8, and the pair of left and right rear wheel rollers 15 roll on the pair of left and right guide rails 9, whereby the step 4 moves.

[0026] The pair of left and right front wheel rollers 14 are mounted at both ends of a rotating shaft 16. A step chain 5 is provided close to the side faces of the pair of left and right front wheel rollers 14. The rotating shaft 16 of the front wheel roller 14 penetrates the step chain 5, and the step 4 moves on the pair of left and right guide rails 8 as the step chain 5 circulates and moves.

[0027] The pair of left and right rear wheel rollers 15 are mounted on a separate rotating shaft 17. The rear wheel rotating shaft 17 is fixedly mounted on the rear side of the step frame 13. The pair of left and right rear wheel rollers 15 roll on the pair of left and right guide rails 9.

[0028] Next, use Figure 3 to describe the installation position of the distance sensor 41 that constitutes the escalator abnormality detection device 40 (refer to Figure 4 ).

[0029] Figure 3 It shows the front structure inside the truss 7 of the escalator 1 as viewed from the A direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 2 . In addition, in Figure 3 , each member on the left side in each pair of members is given the symbol a, and each member on the right side is given the symbol b to distinguish them.

[0030] As Figure 3 shown, the distance sensors 41a and 41b used in the escalator abnormality detection device 40 of the present embodiment are respectively fixed near the left and right guide rails 8a, 8b, 9a, and 9b. The distance sensors 41a and 41b perform distance measurement from the side of the guide rails 8a, 8b, 9a, and 9b to the tread 11 side in a non-contact manner. The distance sensors 41a and 41b can respectively perform distance measurement on both the rotating shaft 16 of the front wheel rollers 14a and 14b and the rotating shafts 17a and 17b of the rear wheel rollers 15a and 15b through the inside of the front wheel rollers 14a, 14b and the front wheel rollers 15a, 15b provided near both ends of the step 4.

[0031] Next, use Figure 4 's block diagram to describe the functional configuration of the escalator abnormality detection device 40.

[0032] As Figure 4 shown, the escalator abnormality detection device 40 includes the above-described distance sensors 41a and 41b provided at two locations on the left and right of the escalator 1, an abnormality determination unit 42, a speed detection unit 43, and an abnormality output unit 44.

[0033] As described above, the distance sensors 41a and 41b measure the distances from the distance sensors 41a and 41b to the rotation axes 16 of the front wheel rollers 14 and 17 of the rear wheel rollers 15 in a non-contact manner, convert them into electrical signals, and output them. In the present embodiment, as the distance measurement method of the distance sensors 41a and 41b, a method of irradiating a laser to an object and receiving the reflected light from the object to measure the distance is adopted. As the distance measurement method of the distance sensors 41a and 41b, an ultrasonic method of irradiating ultrasonic waves and receiving the reflected waves thereof to measure the distance, an eddy current method of measuring the distance according to the change of the eddy current generated by the detected object, etc. can also be used.

[0034] The abnormality determination unit 42 operates only when the escalator 1 is at a certain speed or higher based on the speed signal of the speed detection unit 43, and inputs the distance detection signals of the distance sensors 41a and 41b. In addition, the abnormality determination unit 42 detects the rotation axes 16 and 17, and compares the distances to the rotation axes 17a and 17b with a predetermined threshold value. Then, the abnormality determination unit 42 determines whether the front wheel rollers 14 and the rear wheel rollers 15 are abnormal, and in the case of abnormality, outputs the abnormality of the front wheel rollers 14 and the rear wheel rollers 15 to the abnormality output unit 44. In addition, when the distances detected by the distance sensor 41a and the distance sensor 41b are below a predetermined value, the abnormality determination unit 42 detects the rotation axes 16 and 17. The abnormality determination unit 42 determines that a unilateral elongation of the step chain 5 (which is an abnormality) has occurred when the left and right detection time differences are longer than a predetermined time based on the detection times of the left and right rotation axes 16 and 17, and outputs the case where a unilateral elongation of the step chain 5 has occurred to the abnormality output unit 44.

[0035] The speed detection unit 43 includes a motor of the escalator 1, a pulse generator installed on the sprocket 6, etc., and detects the moving speed of the steps 4 of the escalator 1 (the traveling speed of the escalator 1).

[0036] The abnormality output unit 44 has a notification function such as an LED or a liquid crystal display for outputting an abnormality signal to the outside, a contact signal for notifying the outside, or a remote monitoring terminal.

[0037] Next, using Figure 5A , Figure 5B explanatory drawings and Figure 6 flowcharts, the abnormality detection method of the step rollers 14 and 15 in the escalator abnormality detection device 40 will be described.

[0038] In Figure 5A this case, when the step 4 of the escalator 1 moves, if the distance to the distance sensor 41 is set as L, then when the rotation axes 16 of the front wheel rollers 14 and 17 of the rear wheel rollers 15 of the step 4 pass in front of the distance sensor 41, the distance L becomes shorter. During the period from when the distance L starts to become shorter than the rotation axis detection level X until it becomes longer than the rotation axis detection level X (the period when the rotation axes 16 and 17 pass), the shortest value of the distance L is taken as the peak P. When the peak P enters the range of the threshold value (upper limit) Y and the threshold value (lower limit) Z, it is judged as normal, and when it is outside the range, it is judged as abnormal.

[0039] When normal, as shown by Figure 5B L1, the peak P1 enters the range of the threshold value (upper limit) Y and the threshold value (lower limit) Z. When foreign objects or the like adhere to the step rollers 14 and 15 or the guide rails 8 and 9 and the step 4 floats, as shown by Figure 5B L2, the peak P2 becomes a value larger than the threshold value (upper limit) Y. When the step 4 sinks due to defects, breakages, detachments, etc. of the step rollers 14 and 15, as shown by Figure 5B L3, the peak P3 becomes a value smaller than the threshold value (lower limit) Z.

[0040] Here, since the installation positions of the guide rails 8 and 9 of the rotation axes 16 of the front wheel rollers 14 and 17 of the rear wheel rollers 15 are different, it is necessary to set threshold values for the front wheel and the rear wheel separately. Regarding the method of distinguishing between the front wheel and the rear wheel, it can be discriminated according to the detection time from when the rotation axes 16 and 17 are detected until the next rotation axes 16 and 17 are detected. Generally, the interval is long when going from the front wheel to the rear wheel, and the interval is short when going from the rear wheel to the front wheel (refer to Figure 1 ). When the time from when the distance L is detected to be longer than the rotation axis detection level X (rotation axis detection ends) until the distance L is detected to be shorter than the rotation axis detection level X (rotation axis detection) is longer than the specified time, it is judged that the rotation axis 17 of the rear wheel roller 15 is detected, and the threshold value (upper limit) Y R and the threshold value (lower limit) Z R for the rotation axis 17 (rear wheel) are used for abnormality determination.

[0041] When the time from when the distance L is detected to be longer than the rotation axis detection level X (rotation axis detection ends) until the distance L is detected to be shorter than the rotation axis detection level X (rotation axis detection) is shorter than the specified time, it is judged that the rotation axis 16 of the front wheel roller 14 is detected, and the threshold value (upper limit) Y F and the threshold value (lower limit) Z F for the rotation axis 16 (front wheel) are used for abnormality determination.

[0042] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the escalator abnormality detection device 40 according to the first embodiment.

[0043] First, it is determined whether the moving speed of the step 4 of the escalator 1 is equal to or higher than a certain speed (step S11). When the moving speed of the step 4 is less than the certain speed ("No" in step S11), the determination in step S11 is repeated until the certain speed is reached. When the moving speed of the step 4 reaches a certain speed or higher ("Yes" in step S11), the distance measurement by the distance sensors 41a and 41b is started (step S12).

[0044] Next, when the measured distances of the current distance sensors 41a and 41b are smaller than the rotation axis detection level ("Yes" in step S13), the peaks are initialized to ∞ as the rotation axes 16 and 17 are detected (step S14). Then, a comparison is made as to whether the peak is larger than the current measured distance (step S15). When the peak is larger than the current measured distance ("Yes" in step S15), the value of the peak is updated to the current measured distance (step S16). Then, a comparison is made as to whether the rotation axis detection level is smaller than the current measured distance (step S17). When the current measured distance is smaller than the rotation axis detection level ("No" in step S17), the process returns to step S15, and the comparison process between the peak and the current measured distance is repeated.

[0045] When it is detected that the current measured distance is larger than the rotation axis detection level ("Yes" in step S17), a comparison is made as to whether the threshold (upper limit) is smaller than the peak (step S18). When the peak is larger than the threshold (upper limit) ("Yes" in step S18), an abnormality output is made as the step 4 is detected to be floating (step S20). When the peak is smaller than the threshold (upper limit) ("No" in step S18), a comparison is made as to whether the threshold (lower limit) is larger than the peak (step S19). When the peak is smaller than the threshold (lower limit) ("Yes" in step S19), an abnormality output is made as it is detected that the step 4 is defective, damaged, or detached (step S20). When the peak is larger than the threshold (lower limit) ("No" in step S19), the step 4 is normal, and the process ends.

[0046] <Detection of unilateral elongation abnormality of the step chain>

[0047] Figure 7The method for detecting the abnormal unilateral elongation of the step chain 5 is illustrated. When starting from the situation where the distance La or the distance Lb obtained from the distance signals of the distance sensors 41a and 41b provided at the left and right sides of the escalator 1 is shorter than the rotation axis detection level X (rotation axis detection), and until the situation where the other distance La or the distance Lb is detected to be shorter than the rotation axis detection level X (rotation axis detection), if the time difference (rotation axis detection time difference) is longer than the specified time, it is determined that there is an abnormal unilateral elongation of the step chain 5, and an abnormal signal is output.

[0048] In this way, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to detect the abnormalities of the step rollers 14 and 15 and the step chain 5 with high precision at low cost without being easily affected by interference.

[0049] <Second Embodiment>

[0050] Figure 8 The configuration of the second embodiment is shown.

[0051] In the first embodiment, one distance sensor 41 is arranged in the front-rear direction of the step 4, but in the second embodiment, a plurality of distance sensors 41 are provided in the front-rear direction of the step 4. In Figure 8 the example, three distance sensors, namely the first distance sensor 411, the second distance sensor 412, and the third distance sensor 413, are provided in the front-rear direction of the step 4. That is, in the front-rear direction of the step 4, three columns of the left and right first distance sensors 411, the left and right second distance sensors 412, and the left and right third distance sensors 413 are provided.

[0052] In this way, according to the second embodiment, even when a single distance sensor 41 cannot detect, abnormal detection can be performed by other distance sensors 41, and the abnormal detection accuracy can be improved.

[0053] In addition, the number of distance sensors 4 in the front-rear direction of the step 4 is not limited to 3, and may be 4 or more.

[0054] <Third Embodiment>

[0055] Figure 9 The configuration of the third embodiment is shown.

[0056] In the third embodiment, the distance sensor 41 is arranged at the position measured when the tread 11 of the step 4 passes through the truss 7. With such a configuration, it is possible to measure the distance on the step 4 in the no-load state where no passengers are boarding.

[0057] In Figure 9 the case where the distance sensor 41 is installed at the shown position, since the distance between the guide rails 8 and 9 is far, the rotation axis detection levels X F 、XR and the threshold value (upper limit) Y F , Y R , the threshold value (lower limit) Z F , Z R Two types are required, one for the front wheels and one for the rear wheels. Regarding the discrimination method between the front wheels and the rear wheels, in addition to the time interval of the rotation axis detection described above, the following method can also be used: After detecting the rotation axis 17 of the rear wheel roller 15 where the distance L becomes the shortest, set the rotation axis detection level X for the rotation axis 16 of the front wheel roller 14 F and the threshold value (upper limit) Y F , the threshold value (lower limit) Z F , after the abnormality determination of the rotation axis 16 is completed, set the rotation axis detection level X for the rotation axis 17 of the rear wheel roller 15 R and the threshold value (upper limit) Y R , the threshold value (lower limit) Z R Alternately set the values for the front wheels and the rear wheels, such as this

[0058] In this way, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to reduce the influence of external disturbances such as flexure or vibration generated by a passenger boarding or moving, etc., and it is possible to perform higher-precision abnormality detection

[0059] <Fourth Embodiment>

[0060] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fourth embodiment

[0061] When an abnormality of the step rollers 14, 15, and the step chain 5 is detected, it is necessary to identify the step rollers 14, 15, and the step chain 5 where the abnormality is detected, and move their parts to a position where they can be repaired and stop

[0062] In the fourth embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, a time storage unit 45 and a time measurement unit 46 for measuring time are further provided

[0063] The time storage unit 45 stores the time required for moving the parts of the step rollers 14, 15, and the step chain 5 where the abnormality is detected from the installation positions of the distance sensors 41a, 41b to positions where they can be repaired

[0064] In the fourth embodiment, starting from when an abnormality is detected (determined to be abnormal) by the abnormality determination unit 42, the time measurement unit 46 starts time measurement. When a predetermined time stored in the time storage unit 45 has elapsed since the start of the time measurement, an abnormality signal is output from the abnormality output unit 44. Then, when the output of the abnormality signal is confirmed, the escalator 1 is stopped

[0065] Thus, according to the fourth embodiment, since the abnormal occurrence location stops at the maintenance position, it becomes easier for the operator to perform maintenance and confirmation.

[0066] <Fifth Embodiment>

[0067] Figure 11 It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fifth embodiment.

[0068] In the fifth embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, a distance storage unit 47 and a distance calculation unit 48 are further provided.

[0069] The distance storage unit 47 stores the distance required for the parts of the step rollers 14, 15 and the step chain 5 where an abnormality is detected to move from the installation positions of the distance sensors 41a, 41b to a position where maintenance can be performed.

[0070] The distance calculation unit 48 converts the speed signal from the speed detection unit 43 into a distance.

[0071] In the fifth embodiment, starting from when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality determination unit 42, the distance calculation unit 48 starts accumulating the moving distance. When the specified distance stored in the distance storage unit 47 has been moved, an abnormality signal is output from the abnormality output unit 44. Then, when the output of the abnormality signal is confirmed, the escalator 1 is stopped.

[0072] Thus, according to the fifth embodiment, since the abnormal occurrence location stops at the maintenance position, it becomes easier for the operator to perform maintenance and confirmation of the abnormal part.

[0073] According to the above embodiments, it is possible to detect abnormalities of the step rollers and the step chain 5 with high precision at low cost without being easily affected by interference.

[0074] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but these embodiments are presented as examples and do not mean to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments or their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope equivalent to the invention described in the claims.

Claims

1. An escalator abnormal detection device, characterized in that, Comprising: a speed detection unit that detects the traveling speed of the escalator; first and second distance sensors that are respectively arranged at left and right positions corresponding to the step rollers arranged at left and right positions with the step as the center, and measure the distances from the first and second distance sensors to the rotation axes of the step rollers; an abnormality determination unit that determines whether there is an abnormality in the step rollers based on whether the distance signals output from the first and second distance sensors are within a normal range, and when the traveling speed detected by the speed detection unit is equal to or higher than a certain speed, determines whether there is an abnormality in the step chain connected to the step based on the time difference until the rotation axes of the step rollers are detected by the first and second distance sensors; and an abnormality output unit that outputs an abnormality signal when an abnormality is determined by the abnormality determination unit.

2. The escalator abnormality detection device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second distance sensors are arranged near the guide rails that guide the step rollers.

3. The escalator abnormality detection device according to claim 1, wherein multiple columns of the first and second distance sensors are arranged in the front-rear direction of the step.

4. The escalator abnormality detection device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second distance sensors are arranged at positions where the distances are measured when the tread of the step passes through the truss.

5. The escalator abnormality detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein it further comprises: a time storage unit that stores a specified time required for moving the part determined to be abnormal by the abnormality determination unit from the installation positions of the first and second distance sensors to a position where maintenance can be performed; and a time measurement unit that starts measuring time from when an abnormality is determined by the abnormality determination unit, and when the time measured by the time measurement unit reaches the specified time stored in the time storage unit, the abnormality output unit outputs the abnormality signal.

6. The escalator abnormality detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein it further comprises: a distance storage unit that stores a specified distance required for moving the part determined to be abnormal by the abnormality determination unit from the installation positions of the first and second distance sensors to a position where maintenance can be performed; and a distance calculation unit that calculates the moving distance of the escalator based on the traveling speed detected by the speed detection unit, and when the moving distance calculated by the distance calculation unit reaches the specified distance stored in the distance storage unit, the abnormality output unit outputs the abnormality signal.

7. An escalator abnormal detection method, characterized in that, Comprising the following steps: detecting the traveling speed of the escalator; measuring, by first and second distance sensors respectively arranged at left and right positions corresponding to the step rollers arranged at left and right positions with the step as the center, the distances from the first and second distance sensors to the rotation axes of the step rollers; and It is determined whether there is an abnormality in the step roller based on whether the distance signals output from the first and second distance sensors are within the normal range, and when the detected traveling speed is equal to or higher than a certain speed, it is determined whether there is an abnormality in the step chain connected to the step based on the time difference from when the first and second distance sensors detect the rotation axis of the step roller until then.

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