Automatic transmission device, method for judging existence of external target and automatic starting method

Abstract

The invention provides an automatic transmission device, a method for judging existence of an external target and an automatic starting method. The automatic transmission device comprises a first end and a second end which are opposite; and a middle section between the first end and the second end; the automatic transmission device further comprises one or more first detection devices arranged on one side or two sides of the automatic transmission device, the detection range of each first detection device is basically a plane area, and the detection range of each first detection device at least covers a part of the middle section. The processor is connected with the one or more first detection devices, and the processor is configured to judge whether an external target exists on the automatic transmission device or not at least partially based on signals detected by the one or more first detection devices. According to the embodiment of the invention, the device and the method for simply and efficiently detecting whether the external target exists on the automatic transmission device are realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automatic transmission devices, and more particularly, to a method for detecting whether an external target exists on an automatic transmission device and an automatic starting method for the automatic transmission device. Background Art

[0002] Automatic transport devices such as escalators and moving walkways are generally started manually. In facilities where there are a large number of automatic transport devices, such as large shopping malls or airports, it is tedious to start the automatic transport devices one by one. It is desirable to be able to start the automatic transport device automatically. For safety purposes, it is necessary to ensure that there are no external objects such as pedestrians, pets or goods on the automatic transport device before automatic start.

[0003] It is conceived to use various sensors to achieve this purpose. For example, when a camera device is used, it is necessary to use an image algorithm or manually determine whether there is an external target on the automatic transmission device. In addition, if it is desired to cover the entire load range of the automatic transmission device, multiple cameras are required and there are requirements for the installation position of the camera. In addition, various factors such as camera obstruction need to be considered.

[0004] Another option is an infrared light curtain, which consists of multiple groups of infrared light emitters and infrared light receivers distributed along the length of the skirt board. Multiple light emitters are arranged at a certain interval (for example, corresponding to the spacing between the steps) on one side of the skirt board, and corresponding multiple light receivers are arranged on the skirt board on the opposite side. When each light emitter is enabled, a light curtain is formed. When the light is blocked, it is determined that there is an external target on the automatic transmission device. This device is expensive and it is difficult to install multiple light emitters and multiple light receivers along the skirt boards on both sides, and it is also difficult to repair or replace any light emitter or light receiver when it fails. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to solve or at least alleviate the problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] According to one aspect, an automatic transmission device is provided, the automatic transmission device comprising: first and second opposing ends; and a middle section between the first end and the second end; Wherein, the automatic transmission device further comprises one or more first detection devices arranged on one side or both sides of the automatic transmission device, the detection range of each of the first detection devices is substantially a plane area, and the detection range of each of the first detection devices at least covers a part of the middle section; and A processor is coupled to the one or more first detection devices, and the processor is configured to determine whether an external object is present on the automatic transport device based at least in part on signals detected by the one or more first detection devices.

[0007] Optionally, in an embodiment of the automatic transmission device, the detection range of the one first detection device or the combination of the detection ranges of the multiple first detection devices covers the entire middle section.

[0008] Optionally, in an embodiment of the automatic transmission device, the one or more first detection devices are radar devices, such as laser radars, and the detection range of each of the first detection devices is basically a fan-shaped plane area.

[0009] Optionally, in an embodiment of the automatic transmission device, the detection range of each of the first detection devices is parallel to the reference plane of the middle section, and / or the maximum distance between the detection range of each of the first detection devices and the reference plane is less than 1 meter or less than 0.5 meters, and the reference plane of the middle section is the plane in which the middle section is located or the plane obtained by the leading edge of the step pedal connecting the middle section.

[0010] Optionally, in an embodiment of the automatic transmission device, the automatic transmission device is an automatic walkway in which the first end, the second end and the middle section are in the same plane, and the detection range of the one first detection device or the combination of the detection ranges of the multiple first detection devices also covers the first end and the second end of the automatic walkway.

[0011] Optionally, in an embodiment of the automatic transmission device, the automatic transmission device is an escalator, and the automatic transmission device further includes: one or more second detection devices and one or more third detection devices, the detection range of the one or more second detection devices is a plane area covering the first end and the detection range of the one or more third detection devices is a plane area covering the second end.

[0012] Optionally, in an embodiment of the automatic transmission device, the one or more second detection devices and the one or more third detection devices are radar devices, such as laser radars, and the detection range of each of the one or more second detection devices and the one or more third detection devices is basically a fan-shaped plane area.

[0013] Optionally, in an embodiment of the automatic transmission device, the processor is configured to determine whether there is an external target on the automatic transmission device based on signals detected by the one or more first detection devices, the one or more second detection devices and the one or more third detection devices.

[0014] Optionally, in an embodiment of the automatic transmission device, the one or more first detection devices are arranged inside the skirt panel on one side or both sides of the automatic transmission device, and the skirt panel includes a transparent window strip extending in a direction parallel to the reference plane, so that the skirt panel will not block the detection range of the first detection device.

[0015] Optionally, in an embodiment of the automatic transmission device, the first detection device is arranged above the outside of the skirt board on one side or both sides of the automatic transmission device and is located on the outside of the transparent protective plate on the skirt board.

[0016] Optionally, in an embodiment of the automatic transmission device, the processor is configured to determine whether there is an external target on the automatic transmission device when receiving a start instruction. If the external target does not exist, the automatic transmission device is started; if the external target exists, the automatic transmission device is not started.

[0017] According to another aspect, there is provided a method for detecting the presence of an external target on an automatic transport device, the method comprising: One or more first detection devices are arranged on one side or both sides of the automatic transmission device, the detection range of each of the first detection devices is substantially a plane area, and the detection range of each of the first detection devices at least covers a part of the middle section; and A determination is made as to whether an external object is present on the automatic transport device based at least in part on the signals detected by the one or more first detection devices.

[0018] Optionally, the detection range of the one first detection device or the combination of the detection ranges of the plurality of first detection devices covers the entire middle section.

[0019] Optionally, the method further comprises: when the automatic transport device is a moving walkway, making the detection range of the one first detection device or the combination of the detection ranges of the multiple first detection devices cover the first end and the second end of the automatic transport device.

[0020] Optionally, the method further comprises: when the automatic transport device is an escalator, providing one or more second detection devices at the first end of the escalator, and providing one or more third detection devices at the second end of the escalator, the detection range of the one or more second detection devices is a plane area covering the first end and the detection range of the one or more third detection devices is a plane area covering the second end; and It is determined whether an external object exists on the automatic transport device based on the signals detected by the one or more first detection devices, the one or more second detection devices, and the one or more third detection devices.

[0021] According to another aspect, there is provided an automatic starting method for an automatic transmission device, the method comprising: Upon receiving a start instruction, determining whether there is an external target on the automatic transmission device using the method according to the embodiment of the present invention; and If the external target does not exist, the automatic transmission device is activated; if the external target exists, the automatic transmission device is not activated.

[0022] According to the embodiment of the present invention, a device and method for concisely and efficiently detecting whether there is an external target on an automatic transmission device are realized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The disclosure of the present application will become more easily understood with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that these drawings are only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. In addition, similar numbers in the drawings are used to represent similar components, among which: Figure 1 A perspective view showing an automatic transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A side view of an automatic transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 3 A top view showing a middle section of an automatic transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 A top view showing a middle section of an automatic transmission device according to another embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an automatic transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] First reference Figures 1 to 4 , which shows an automatic transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the automatic transmission device mainly refers to an escalator or an inclined moving walkway for transmission between high and low target positions as shown in the figure, or a moving walkway for transmission between horizontal target positions, or any other similar device, which may include steps or crawlers as a carrying device. It should be understood that although the following uses an escalator as an example, those skilled in the art are capable of generalizing the same or similar device to other automatic transmission devices based on the same principle.

[0025] The automatic transport device includes: a first end 11 and a second end 12 opposite to the two target positions and a middle section 13 between the first end 11 and the second end 12. In this context, the first end 11, the second end 12 and the middle section 13 refer to the standing positions of the automatic transport device, such as the exposed step treads, and do not include any related parts of the automatic transport device, such as handrails, guard plates, etc. In the case of an escalator, the first end 11 and the second end 12 are respectively located at the lower floor and the upper floor, and the middle section 13 is an inclined section connecting the lower floor and the upper floor. In addition, the automatic transport device also includes one or more first detection devices 21 arranged on one side or both sides of the automatic transport device; and a processor (not shown) connected to the one or more first detection devices 21. One side or both sides of the automatic transport device refers to the side of the step treads of the automatic transport device, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 The left or right side of the middle step tread, including a certain distance on the automatic transmission device or outside the automatic transmission device. The detection range of each first detection device 21 is basically a plane area, that is, a certain area in the plane, and the detection range of each first detection device at least covers a part of the middle section 13 (the standing part, such as the step tread). The so-called "covering" the middle section 13 means that the vertical projection of the detection range on the reference plane B1 defined by the middle section 13 covers the middle section 13, for example, Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the projection of the detection range A1 of the single first detection device 21 on the reference plane B1 covers the entire middle section 13. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the projection of the combination of the detection ranges A11 and A12 of the two first detection devices 211 and 212 on the reference plane B1 covers the entire step tread of the middle section 13. The processor is connected to one or more first detection devices 21 to receive detection signals, and the processor is configured to determine whether there is an external target, such as a person, pet, cargo, or other object, on the automatic conveying device based at least in part on the signals detected by the one or more first detection devices 21.

[0026] In some embodiments, the detection range A1 of the first detection device (see Figure 3 ) or the detection ranges A11 and A12 of the plurality of first detection devices 211, 212 (see Figure 4 ) covers the entire middle section 13. In some embodiments, one or more first detection devices 21 are radar devices, such as laser radars. In some embodiments, the detection range of each first detection device 21 is substantially as follows: Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the fan-shaped plane area shown, the central angle corresponding to the fan-shaped plane area may be greater than 180 degrees, for example, between 180 degrees and 270 degrees. Figure 4In the embodiment shown, the areas of the middle section 13 respectively covered by the two first detection devices 211 and 212 do not overlap substantially. In an alternative embodiment, two or more detection devices may be provided so that the areas of the middle section they cover partially overlap, thereby achieving redundancy in the detection signal, that is, multiple detection devices verify each other to avoid misdetection during detection, improve accuracy, and ensure continued operation in the event of a single detection device failure.

[0027] In the case of a moving walkway (whether horizontal or inclined), the middle section 13 itself is formed as a plane, and the reference plane B1 is the plane in which the middle section 13 is located. In the case of an escalator, Figure 2 As shown, the reference plane B1 can be defined as a plane formed by connecting the leading edge of each fully unfolded step tread 161. In some embodiments, the detection range of each first detection device can be set to be parallel to the reference plane B1. In the case of multiple first detection devices, the detection range of each first detection device can be parallel to the reference plane B1. Alternatively, the detection range of some or all of the first detection devices can be inclined to the reference plane B1, for example, forming an angle in the range of 1 degree to 20 degrees therewith. In some embodiments, the maximum spacing between the effective area of ​​the detection range of each first detection device (i.e., the area of ​​the step tread covering the middle section) and the reference plane B1 can be the same or different. In some embodiments, the maximum spacing between the effective area of ​​the detection range of each first detection device and the reference plane B1 can be less than 1 meter, or less than 0.5 meters. The radius of the fan-shaped detection plane of the first detection device 21 can reach 20 meters or more, so it can cover more than 30 meters, or even close to 40 meters of the middle section 13 alone. In the case of a general escalator, only one first detection device 21 can be set, or two first detection devices 21 can be set relatively as redundancy. In the case of an escalator spanning multiple floors or a long moving walkway, a plurality or a plurality of groups of first detection devices 21 may be arranged distributed along the entire length of the middle section.

[0028] In some embodiments, the automatic transmission device is a horizontal or inclined moving walkway. Since the step pedals at the first and second ends of the moving walkway are in the same plane as the step pedals in the middle section, the detection range of the first detection device or a combination of detection ranges also covers the step pedals at the first and second ends of the moving walkway.

[0029] In some embodiments, the automatic transmission device is such as Figure 1 and Figure 2In the escalator shown in FIG. 1 , the reference planes B2 and B3 of the step treads 162 and 163 at the first end 11 and the second end 12 of the automatic transmission device are not parallel to the reference plane B1 of the step treads in the middle section 13. In this case, the automatic transmission device further includes: one or more second detection devices 22 and one or more third detection devices 23, the detection range A2 of the one or more second detection devices 22 is a plane area covering the first end 11 and the detection range A3 of the one or more third detection devices 23 is a plane area covering the step treads 163 at the second end 12. Similarly, the one or more second detection devices 22 and the one or more third detection devices 23 may be radar devices, such as laser radars, and the detection range of each of the one or more second detection devices and the one or more third detection devices is a fan-shaped plane area. Alternatively, since the area that the one or more second detection devices 22 and the one or more third detection devices 23 need to cover is small, a detection device based on a light beam or a light curtain may also be selected. Accordingly, the processor is configured to determine whether there is an external target on the automatic transmission device based on the signals detected by the one or more first detection devices, the one or more second detection devices and the one or more third detection devices.

[0030] Continue to refer Figure 5 , wherein one or more first detection devices are arranged inside the skirt 14 on one side or both sides of the automatic transmission device, and the skirt 14 includes a transparent window strip 140 extending in a direction parallel to the reference plane, which is made of glass or transparent plastic, etc., so that the skirt 14 will not block the detection range A1 of the first detection device 21. Although not shown, the same arrangement can also be provided at the skirt 141 on the opposite side. Alternatively, the first detection device 21′ can be arranged above the outside of the skirt 14 on one side or both sides of the automatic transmission device and located on the outside of the transparent guard plate 16 on the skirt. Alternatively, another first detection device can be arranged on the outside of the transparent guard plate 161 on the opposite side. As shown in the figure, the detection range A1, A1′ of the first detection device 21, that is, the fan-shaped plane area, may be parallel to the reference plane B1. However, as described above, in an alternative embodiment, the detection range A1″ of the first detection device 21′, that is, the fan-shaped plane area, may be inclined to the reference plane B1. Although the figure only shows the inclination in the cross section of the automatic transmission device, alternatively, the fan-shaped plane area may also be inclined to the reference plane B1 in the longitudinal section. Although in Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, one or more first detection devices are disposed on the automatic transport device. Alternatively, one or more first detection devices may also be disposed at a fixed position spaced apart from the automatic transport device, such as a wall.

[0031] In some embodiments, the processor is configured to determine whether there is an external target on the automatic transmission device upon receiving the start instruction. If there is no external target, the automatic transmission device is started, and if there is an external target, the automatic transmission device is not started. If the automatic transmission device is not started, the judgment may be made again at an interval of a certain period of time. If the external target is found to exist after multiple judgments, the relevant personnel may be notified. The processor may be programmed to set the effective area of ​​the detection range of one or more first detection devices (i.e., the area covering the step treads in the middle section), and determine whether there is an external object based on the detection signal in the effective area, and filter the detection signal in the non-effective range. This filtering method is known in the art.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for detecting whether an external target exists on an automatic transmission device is provided, the method comprising: setting one or more first detection devices on one side or both sides of the automatic transmission device, the detection range of each of the first detection devices being basically a plane area, and the detection range of each of the first detection devices covering at least a portion of the middle section; and judging whether an external target exists on the automatic transmission device at least partially based on the signals detected by the one or more first detection devices.

[0033] In some embodiments, the detection range of the one first detection device or the combination of the detection ranges of the multiple first detection devices covers the entire middle section. In some embodiments, the method further includes: when the automatic transport device is a moving walkway, the detection range of the one first detection device or the combination of the detection ranges of the multiple first detection devices covers the first end and the second end of the automatic transport device. In some embodiments, the method further includes: when the automatic transport device is an escalator, one or more second detection devices are arranged at the first end of the escalator, and one or more third detection devices are arranged at the second end of the escalator, the detection range of the one or more second detection devices is a plane area covering the first end and the detection range of the one or more third detection devices is a plane area covering the second end; and judging whether there is an external target on the automatic transport device based on the signals detected by the one or more first detection devices, the one or more second detection devices and the one or more third detection devices.

[0034] On the other hand, an automatic starting method for an automatic transmission device is provided, the method comprising: upon receiving a start instruction, determining whether there is an external target on the automatic transmission device using the method according to an embodiment of the present invention; and starting the automatic transmission device if the external target does not exist, and not starting the automatic transmission device if the external target exists.

[0035] It should be understood that the method for detecting whether there is an external target on an automatic transport device according to the present invention is not limited to the automatic start-up of the automatic transport device, but can also be applied to other purposes, such as detecting the number of passengers during operation to determine the busyness of the automatic transport device, etc.

[0036] The specific embodiments described above in this application are only for more clearly describing the principles of this application, wherein each component is clearly shown or described to make the principles of the present invention easier to understand. Without departing from the scope of this application, those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications or changes to this application. Therefore, it should be understood that these modifications or changes should be included in the scope of patent protection of this application.

Claims

1. An automatic transmission device, comprising: first and second opposing ends; and a middle section between the first end and the second end; Characterized in that the automatic transmission device further comprises one or more first detection devices arranged on one side or both sides of the automatic transmission device, the detection range of each of the first detection devices is substantially a plane area, and the detection range of each of the first detection devices at least covers a part of the middle section; and A processor is coupled to the one or more first detection devices, and the processor is configured to determine whether an external object is present on the automatic transport device based at least in part on signals detected by the one or more first detection devices.

2. The automatic transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection range of the one first detection device or the combination of the detection ranges of the plurality of first detection devices covers the entire middle section.

3. The automatic transmission device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The one or more first detection devices are radar devices, such as laser radars, and the detection range of each of the first detection devices is basically a fan-shaped plane area.

4. The automatic transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection range of each of the first detection devices is parallel to the reference plane of the middle section, and / or the maximum distance between the detection range of each of the first detection devices and the reference plane is less than 1 meter or less than 0.5 meter. The reference plane of the middle section is the plane in which the middle section is located or the plane obtained by connecting the leading edge of the step treads of the middle section.

5. The automatic transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The automatic transmission device is a moving walkway whose first end, second end and middle section are in the same plane, and the detection range of the one first detection device or the combination of the detection ranges of the multiple first detection devices also covers the first end and the second end of the moving walkway.

6. The automatic transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The automatic transport device is an escalator, and the automatic transport device also includes: one or more second detection devices and one or more third detection devices, the detection range of the one or more second detection devices is a plane area covering the first end and the detection range of the one or more third detection devices is a plane area covering the second end.

7. The automatic transmission device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The one or more second detection devices and the one or more third detection devices are radar devices, such as laser radars, and the detection range of each of the one or more second detection devices and the one or more third detection devices is basically a fan-shaped plane area.

8. The automatic transmission device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The processor is configured to determine whether an external object exists on the automatic transport device based on signals detected by the one or more first detection devices, the one or more second detection devices, and the one or more third detection devices.

9. The automatic transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The one or more first detection devices are arranged inside the skirt board on one side or both sides of the automatic transmission device, and the skirt board includes a transparent window strip extending in a direction parallel to the reference plane, so that the skirt board will not block the detection range of the first detection device.

10. The automatic transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first detection device is arranged above the outside of the skirt plate on one side or both sides of the automatic transmission device and is located outside the transparent guard plate on the skirt plate.

11. The automatic transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The processor is configured to determine whether there is an external target on the automatic transmission device when receiving the start instruction, and start the automatic transmission device if the external target does not exist, and not start the automatic transmission device if the external target exists.

12. A method for detecting whether an external target exists on an automatic transport device, the method comprising: One or more first detection devices are arranged on one side or both sides of the automatic transmission device, the detection range of each of the first detection devices is substantially a plane area, and the detection range of each of the first detection devices at least covers a part of the middle section; as well as A determination is made as to whether an external object is present on the automatic transport device based at least in part on the signals detected by the one or more first detection devices.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The detection range of the one first detection device or the combination of the detection ranges of the plurality of first detection devices covers the entire middle section.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The method further includes: when the automatic transport device is a moving walkway, making the detection range of the one first detection device or the combination of the detection ranges of the plurality of first detection devices cover the first end and the second end of the automatic transport device.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The method further comprises: when the automatic transport device is an escalator, disposing one or more second detection devices at a first end of the escalator, and disposing one or more third detection devices at a second end of the escalator, the detection range of the one or more second detection devices is a plane area covering the first end, and the detection range of the one or more third detection devices is a plane area covering the second end; and It is determined whether an external object exists on the automatic transport device based on the signals detected by the one or more first detection devices, the one or more second detection devices, and the one or more third detection devices.

16. An automatic starting method for an automatic transmission device, characterized in that: The method comprises: Upon receiving a start instruction, determining whether there is an external target on the automatic transmission device using the method according to any one of claims 12 to 15; and If the external target does not exist, the automatic transmission device is activated; if the external target exists, the automatic transmission device is not activated.

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