Inspection auxiliary device for inspecting installation position of fixed protection plate of escalator and inspection method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides an inspection auxiliary device and an inspection method capable of reducing the number of operators for inspecting the installation position of a fixed protection plate. The inspection assistance device includes: a housing; a light-emitting unit which is provided in the housing and emits an optical axis having directivity; a horizontal part that is attached to the housing so as to be able to sense the levelness in the optical axis direction in which the optical axis travels; and a contact part which is provided on the surface of the housing and has a predetermined holding friction coefficient with respect to the upper surface of the armrest. The inspection method comprises the following steps: a first step of placing the inspection auxiliary device on a handrail of the escalator; a second step of adjusting the posture of the inspection assistance device so that the contact part is in contact with the armrest and the horizontal part shows a predetermined levelness; a third step of emitting the optical axis from the inspection assistance device; and a fourth step, which is carried out after the first step, the second step, and the third step, and in which the scale body with the scales is placed against the fixed protection plate, and the scales at the position of the optical axis on the scale body are read.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inspection auxiliary device and an inspection method thereof for inspecting the installation position of a fixed protection plate of an escalator. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a positioning jig and a positioning method for determining the position of a fixed protection plate of an escalator. According to this method, an operator can determine the position of the fixed protection plate by placing the positioning tool on a handrail.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-001072 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, the positioning method described in Patent Document 1 requires at least two workers, one to hold the positioning fixture on the handrail and the other to measure the position of the fixed protection plate. In addition, it is necessary to regularly check whether the position of the fixed protection plate is appropriate. Therefore, many workers are required for this operation and inspection.

[0008] The present disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide an inspection support device and an inspection method that can reduce the number of workers for inspecting the installation position of a fixed protection plate.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] The inspection auxiliary device disclosed in the present invention is placed on the handrail when inspecting the installation position of the fixed protection plate of the escalator, wherein the inspection auxiliary device comprises: a housing; a light emitting portion, which is arranged on the housing and emits a directional optical axis; a horizontal portion, which is installed on the housing so as to be able to sense the horizontality of the optical axis direction in which the optical axis travels; and a contact portion, which is arranged on the surface of the housing and has a predetermined holding friction coefficient relative to the upper surface of the handrail. The holding friction coefficient is such a value that when the housing is placed on the upper surface at the inclined portion of the handrail so that the contact portion contacts the handrail, a holding friction force that is balanced with the component of the gravity applied to the housing in the inclined direction is generated.

[0011] The inspection method disclosed herein is an inspection method for inspecting the installation position of a fixed protective plate provided on an escalator, which comprises: a first step of placing an inspection auxiliary device on the handrail of the escalator; a second step of adjusting the posture of the inspection auxiliary device so that the contact portion contacts the handrail and the horizontal portion shows a specified horizontality; a third step of emitting an optical axis from the inspection auxiliary device; and a fourth step, which is performed after the first step, the second step and the third step, placing a ruler with a scale against the fixed protective plate and reading the scale of the position where the optical axis shines on the ruler.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, after placing the inspection auxiliary device on the handrail, one operator uses a ruler to check the installation position of the fixed protection plate. Therefore, the number of operators for checking the installation position of the fixed protection plate can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an overview of an escalator to which the inspection method according to the first embodiment is applied.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an outline of a fixed protection plate to which the inspection method according to the first embodiment is applied.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a handrail to which the inspection method according to the first embodiment is applied.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the inspection supporting device according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 It is a side view of the inspection supporting device according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the inspection supporting device according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the inspection supporting device according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a part of the inspection method according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The mode for implementing the present disclosure is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding parts, and the repeated description of the parts is appropriately simplified or omitted.

[0023] Implementation method 1.

[0024] Figure 1This is a diagram showing an overview of an escalator to which the inspection method according to the first embodiment is applied. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an outline of a fixed protection plate to which the inspection method according to the first embodiment is applied. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a handrail to which the inspection method according to the first embodiment is applied.

[0025] exist Figure 1 The escalator 1 is shown in FIG. The escalator 1 is provided between the upper floor and the lower floor of a building. The first entrance 2a is provided on the upper floor of the building. The second entrance 2b is provided on the lower floor of the building. The user moves between the upper floor and the lower floor from the first entrance 2a through the moving area 3 and the second entrance 2b. Hereinafter, the left-right direction means the horizontal direction in the direction perpendicular to the direction along the moving area 3.

[0026] A pair of handrails 4 are respectively provided on both sides of the moving area 3 in the left-right direction. For example, the handrails 4 are composed of components including a glass panel and a support column. In addition, the handrails 4 may be composed of components including a metal plate instead of a glass panel and a support column. The pair of handrails 5 are respectively annular belts. The pair of handrails 5 are respectively wound around the outer periphery of the pair of handrails 4. A plurality of steps 6 are respectively connected in annular shapes. Figure 1 3 shows three of the plurality of steps 6 , and illustration of the other steps 6 is omitted. The plurality of steps 6 are provided below the moving area 3 .

[0027] When the escalator 1 is in normal operation, a plurality of steps 6 circulate between the upper and lower floors of the building. A pair of handrails 5 circulates around the corresponding handrails 4 in synchronization with the plurality of steps 6. The user moves between the upper and lower floors by riding on any of the plurality of steps 6.

[0028] Figure 2 The portion where the escalator 1 intersects the ceiling Xa of the lower floor X is shown. That is, the escalator 1 intersects the ceiling Xa at the intersection position P surrounded by the dotted line. The ceiling Xa is also the portion below the floor of the upper floor Y. Usually, a fixed protection plate 7 and a warning plate 8 are provided at the portion where the escalator 1 intersects the ceiling Xa.

[0029] For example, the fixed protective plate 7 is a plate made of acrylic resin, which is also called a triangular protective plate. The fixed protective plate 7 is mounted on the ceiling Xa. The fixed protective plate 7 is provided to prevent a part of the body of the user sticking out of the moving area 3 from being caught between the handrail 5 and the ceiling Xa. The fixed protective plate 7 has a front edge portion 7a and a rear plate portion 7b. The front edge portion 7a is a portion of the fixed protective plate 7 on the side opposite to the intersection position P. For example, the front edge portion 7a is formed in a cylindrical shape. The rear plate portion 7b is a portion of the fixed protective plate 7 that is closer to the intersection position P side than the front edge portion 7a. For example, the rear plate portion 7b is formed in a plate shape.

[0030] For example, the warning plate 8 includes an acrylic plate. The warning plate 8 is arranged on the side opposite to the intersection position P with respect to the fixed protection plate 7. The warning plate 8 is provided to be displaceable with respect to an external force. For example, the warning plate 8 is suspended by a chain 8a. The warning plate 8 is provided to warn the user that the user is approaching the intersection position P.

[0031] The fixed protection plate 7 is installed at an installation position that satisfies the installation reference. Specifically, the fixed protection plate 7 is installed at a position where the upper reference distance A of the front edge portion 7a satisfies a prescribed value. Figure 2 In the case of the installation state shown, the fixed protection plate 7 is installed at a position where the lower reference distance B satisfies a predetermined value.

[0032] The upper reference distance A is the distance from the height position of the upper surface 5a of the handrail 5 facing upward to the height position of the lower end of the ceiling Xa at the portion where the front edge 7a intersects the handrail 5 when projected in the horizontal direction. The prescribed value of the upper reference distance A is 300 mm or more. That is, at the front edge 7a, if the distance from the same height position as the upper surface 5a to the lower end of the ceiling Xa is 300 mm or more, the installation standard of the upper reference distance A is satisfied.

[0033] The lower reference distance B is the portion from the same height position as the intersecting upper surface 5a in the vertical direction of the fixed protective plate 7 to the lower end of the fixed protective plate 7. The specified value of the lower reference distance B needs to be met at any position of the front edge portion 7a and the rear plate portion 7b. The specified value of the lower reference distance B is greater than 200 mm. That is, in the fixed protective plate 7, if the distance in the vertical direction from the same height position as the upper surface 5a to the lower end is greater than 200 mm, the setting reference of the lower reference distance B is met. In addition, although not shown in the figure, depending on the setting conditions such as the upper cover plate of the escalator 1 being close to the ceiling Xa, the setting reference of the lower reference distance B does not necessarily need to be met.

[0034] The fixed protective plate 7 that exists within 500mm in the horizontal direction from the handrail 5 needs to meet the installation benchmark. When the escalator 1 is installed and during the regular inspection of the escalator 1, the operator checks whether the installation position of the fixed protective plate 7 meets the installation benchmark. The operator performs the inspection work according to the prescribed inspection method. In the inspection method, the operator places the inspection auxiliary device 10 on the upper surface 5a of the handrail 5. The operator emits a light axis in the horizontal direction from the inspection auxiliary device 10 toward the fixed protective plate 7. Although not shown in the figure, the operator checks whether the reference values ​​of the upper reference distance A and the lower reference distance B are met by measuring the distance between the position where the light axis shines on the fixed protective plate 7 and the lower end of the ceiling Xa.

[0035] Figure 3The cross section perpendicular to the moving direction of the handrail 5 is shown. In the width direction of the handrail 5, the upper surface 5a of the handrail 5 is bent at both sides of the cross section. That is, there are a flat portion 5b and a curved portion 5c on the upper surface 5a. In addition, the width direction of the handrail 5 is equal to the width direction of the escalator 1.

[0036] Although not shown, in the inspection method, the inspection auxiliary device 10 is placed on the flat portion 5b. The posture and position of the inspection auxiliary device 10 are adjusted so that the optical axis does not face upward or downward relative to the horizontal direction due to the curved portion 5c.

[0037] Next, use Figures 4 to 7 The inspection support device 10 will be described.

[0038] Figures 4 to 7 It is a perspective view or a side view of the inspection supporting device according to the first embodiment.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, the inspection supporting device 10 includes a housing 11 , a light emitting unit 12 , a horizontal unit 13 , a contact unit 14 , a switching unit 15 , and a fall prevention unit 16 .

[0040] The housing 11 constitutes the outer shell of the inspection auxiliary device 10. For example, the housing 11 is in the shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. The housing 11 has a housing lower surface 11a and a housing upper surface 11b. The housing lower surface 11a faces the opposite side of the housing lower surface 11a. The housing lower surface 11a is parallel to the housing upper surface 11b.

[0041] The light emitting unit 12 is disposed inside the housing 11. The light emitting unit 12 is a device that emits a light axis that is directional and travels in a straight line. For example, the light emitting unit 12 is an LED that uses a lens or the like to make the light directional. The light emitting unit 12 emits a light axis that travels parallel to the lower surface 11a of the housing. For example, the direction of the light axis is consistent with the longitudinal direction of the housing 11. For example, the direction of the light axis is parallel to the side surface of the housing 11 along the longitudinal direction. In addition, the light emitting unit 12 can be any light emitting device that can generate an optical axis, and can also be a laser oscillator or the like.

[0042] The horizontal part 13 is a level that senses horizontality. For example, the horizontal part 13 is a level that is filled with liquid 13b and bubbles 13c inside a transparent acrylic material as a housing 13a. In this case, two reference lines 13d are provided in the horizontal part 13. In addition, since the horizontal part 13 is formed of a transparent acrylic material, it has a structure that can confirm horizontality from all directions.

[0043] The horizontal portion 13 is mounted on the upper surface 11b of the housing. The horizontal portion 13 is mounted to sense the horizontal orientation of the optical axis direction in which the optical axis travels. Specifically, the horizontal portion 13 is mounted so that the two reference lines 13d are arranged in the optical axis direction. For example, Figure 4 As shown, when the horizontal portion 13 is a rectangular parallelepiped, the horizontal portion 13 is arranged so that the side surface in the length direction of the housing 11 coincides with the side surface in the direction in which the two reference lines 13d of the horizontal portion 13 are arranged. In such an arrangement, the two reference lines 13d are arranged in the optical axis direction.

[0044] The contact portion 14 is provided on the lower surface 11a of the housing. For example, the contact portion 14 is a flat rubber material. The material and surface shape of the contact portion 14 are in accordance with Figure 4 The material and surface shape having a predetermined holding friction coefficient between the upper surface 5a of the armrest 5 (not shown in the figure) are used. The predetermined holding friction coefficient is a value that generates a predetermined holding friction force when the inspection auxiliary device 10 is placed on the inclined portion of the upper surface 5a of the armrest 5 with the contact portion 14 on the lower side.

[0045] The holding friction force is a value that is balanced with the component of the gravity generated by the inspection auxiliary device 10 in the inclined direction when the inspection auxiliary device 10 is placed on the inclined portion of the handrail 5. In a common escalator, the angle of the inclination is 30 degrees or 35 degrees. Therefore, in particular, the holding friction force can be a value that does not allow the inspection auxiliary device 10 to slide downward when placed on the upper surface 5a of the portion of the handrail 5 with an inclined angle of 35 degrees.

[0046] In addition, in common escalators, the material of the handrail is rubber, polyurethane resin, etc. Among the materials used for the handrail material, polyurethane resin is particularly easy to slide relative to other substances. Therefore, the retention friction coefficient is a value that generates a retention friction force when the handrail 5 is made of polyurethane resin.

[0047] The switching unit 15 switches between on and off of the light emission of the light emitting unit 12. For example, the switching unit 15 includes a switch 15a, a base 15b, a hinge 15c, a moving magnet 15d, a pressing body 15e, and an activation magnet 15f.

[0048] The switch 15a is set to be able to activate the light emitting unit 12 by being pressed. Specifically, when the switch 15a is pressed, the light emitting unit 12 is in an on state to emit a light axis. When the switch 15a is not pressed, the light emitting unit 12 is in an off state to not emit a light axis. The switch 15a is set on the upper surface 11b of the housing.

[0049] The base 15b is provided on the upper surface 11b of the housing. For example, the base 15b is in the shape of a plate. The base 15b is a magnet.

[0050] The hinge 15c is fixed to the upper surface of the base 15b. The hinge 15c includes a fixed plate 15g and a movable plate 15h. The fixed plate 15g is fixed to the base 15b. The movable plate 15h is connected to the fixed plate 15g in a manner that can rotate relative to the fixed plate 15g. The movable plate 15h can move between a closed position and an open position by rotating around the end of the fixed plate 15g side. The movable plate 15h is opposite to the fixed plate 15g in the closed position. The movable plate 15h is opposite to the switch 15a in the open position.

[0051] The moving magnet 15d is a magnet. The moving magnet 15d is provided on the moving plate 15h. Specifically, the moving magnet 15d is provided on a surface facing the fixed plate 15g when the moving plate 15h is in the closed position.

[0052] The pressing body 15e is provided on the moving plate 15h. Specifically, the pressing body 15e is provided on the surface facing the switch 15a when the moving plate 15h is in the open position. That is, the pressing body 15e is provided on the surface of the moving plate 15h facing the side opposite to the surface provided with the moving magnet 15d.

[0053] The start magnet 15f is a magnet. The start magnet 15f is provided around the switch 15a on the housing upper surface 11b. The start magnet 15f is provided in a direction and position to generate an attractive force with the moving magnet 15d when the moving plate 15h is in the open position.

[0054] The fall prevention portion 16 prevents the inspection auxiliary device 10 from falling from the handrail 5. Figure 4 In particular, the fall prevention portion 16 prevents the inspection auxiliary device 10 from colliding with the ground of the lower layer or the ground of a lower layer. The fall prevention portion 16 has a structure that prevents the housing 11 of the inspection auxiliary device 10 from leaving the handrail 5 more than a specified distance. Specifically, for example, the fall prevention portion 16 includes a suction cup 16a and a connector 16b. The suction cup 16a is attached to a plane. For example, the suction cup 16a can be attached to the surface of the handrail 4. For example, the connector 16b is a stretchable rubber chain. In addition, the connector 16b can also be a non-stretchable rope or the like. One end of the connector 16b is mounted on the housing 11. The other end of the connector 16b is mounted on the suction cup 16a.

[0055] For example, on the housing upper surface 11b, the horizontal portion 13, the switching portion 15, and the light emitting portion 12 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the housing 11. The horizontal portion 13 and the switching portion 15 have lengths that converge inside the housing upper surface 11b.

[0056] When the inspection auxiliary device 10 is placed with the contact portion 14 on the lower side, the optical axis is emitted from above the lower surface of the contact portion 14 at a correction distance. For example, the correction distance is the sum of the thickness of the contact portion 14 and the thickness of a part of the housing 11. For example, the correction distance is 9 mm.

[0057] Figure 5 The inspection aid 10 is shown to be placed so that the housing 11 is horizontal in the optical axis direction. The interior of the horizontal portion 13 can be viewed from Figure 5 Since the air bubble 13c is located between the two reference lines 13d, the horizontal portion 13 shows that the horizontality in the optical axis direction is within the reference.

[0058] Figure 6 The inspection auxiliary device 10 is shown in which the light emission of the light emitting unit 12 is turned off. The switch unit 15 is in the turned-off state. Specifically, the movable plate 15h is in the turned-off position. In this state, the movable magnet 15d is attracted by the base 15b as a magnet. That is, the movable magnet 15d is not easily moved from the turned-off position unless an external force is applied.

[0059] Figure 7 The inspection auxiliary device 10 is shown in which the light emission of the light emitting unit 12 is in the on state. The switching unit 15 is in the on state. Specifically, the movable plate 15h is in the on position. In this state, the movable magnet 15d is attracted by the starting magnet 15f. That is, the movable magnet 15d will not move from the on position unless an external force is applied. The pressing body 15e is in contact with the switch 15a. The pressing body 15e uses the attraction between the movable magnet 15d and the starting magnet 15f to press the switch 15a. The switch 15a is pressed to turn the light emitting unit 12 into the on state.

[0060] Next, use Figure 8 Describe the inspection method.

[0061] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a part of the inspection method according to the first embodiment.

[0062] The inspection method includes at least a first step, a second step, a third step, a fourth step and a fifth step. Figure 8 FIG. 2 shows the fixing of the protective plate 7 and the inspection auxiliary device 10 in the fourth step.

[0063] In the first process, the operator places the inspection auxiliary device 10 on the upper surface 5a of the handrail 5. At this time, the operator places the inspection auxiliary device 10 near the fixed protective plate 7 to be inspected, that is, the inclined part of the handrail 5. The inspection auxiliary device 10 is placed on the upper surface 5a in a manner such that the contact portion 14 is on the lower side. For example, the inspection auxiliary device 10 is placed on the flat portion 5b. Although not shown in the figure, in the first process, the operator uses the fall prevention portion 16 to prevent the inspection auxiliary device 10 from leaving the handrail 5 by more than a specified distance. Specifically, the operator causes the suction cup 16a of the fall prevention portion 16 to be adsorbed on the railing 4.

[0064] In the second step, the operator adjusts the posture and position of the inspection auxiliary device 10. At this time, the operator adjusts the position of the inspection auxiliary device 10 so that the optical axis shines on the measurement position where the protective plate 7 is fixed.

[0065] In addition, the operator adjusts the posture of the inspection auxiliary device 10 while keeping the contact portion 14 in contact with the upper surface 5a so that the horizontal portion 13 shows a horizontality within the reference. The operator adjusts the posture of the inspection auxiliary device 10 so that the inspection auxiliary device 10 does not face upward or downward along the curved portion 5c of the handrail 5. In addition, it is necessary to adjust the posture of the inspection auxiliary device 10 so that the optical axis is perpendicular to the moving direction of the handrail 5. Since the handrail 5 is inclined at 30 degrees or 35 degrees, the optical axis is not perpendicular to the moving direction of the handrail 5 when the horizontal portion 13 does not show a horizontality within the reference. That is, when the horizontal portion 13 shows a horizontality within the reference, the optical axis is perpendicular to the moving direction of the handrail 5. In this way, the operator adjusts the posture of the inspection auxiliary device 10 based on the horizontality of the horizontal portion 13, thereby ensuring that the angle of the optical axis is not affected by the curved portion 5c of the handrail 5 and ensuring that the angle of the optical axis is perpendicular to the moving direction of the handrail 5.

[0066] In addition, the second step may be performed after the first step, or may be performed simultaneously with the first step.

[0067] In the third step, the operator emits an optical axis from the inspection auxiliary device 10. Specifically, the operator switches the switch unit 15 from the closed state to the open state. At this time, the operator switches the state of the switch unit 15 only by moving the movable plate 15h. Therefore, it is possible to suppress unnecessary external force applied to the inspection auxiliary device 10 in the direction of the handrail 5, etc. As a result, it is possible to suppress the posture deviation of the inspection auxiliary device 10.

[0068] In addition, the third step may be performed after the first step and the second step, or may be performed simultaneously with the second step.

[0069] After the first step, the second step, and the third step, the fourth step is performed. In the fourth step, the operator releases his hand from the inspection auxiliary device 10. The operator places the scale body 20 with scale on the position where the operator wants to measure on the fixed protection plate 7. For example, the scale body is a tape measure. Figure 8 , the case of measuring the lower reference distance B is shown. That is, the operator aligns the scale "0" of the ruler body 20 with the lower end of the fixed protection plate 7. The operator extends the scale of the ruler body 20 upward. At this time, the operator holds the ruler body 20 so that the light axis from the inspection auxiliary device 10 shines on the scale of the ruler body 20.

[0070] The operator reads the scale of the position where the optical axis shines on the ruler 20. The optical axis is emitted horizontally from the upper surface 5a of the handrail 5 by the second step. Figure 8 In the figure, the optical axis is at position Q where the scale is 26.0.

[0071] After the fourth step, the fifth step is performed. In the fifth step, the operator performs a calculation to eliminate the influence of the correction distance from the scale value read in the fourth step. The scale value read in the fourth step is located at a position above the upper surface 5a by the influence of the correction distance. For example, the operator subtracts the value obtained by multiplying the correction distance and cosθ from the read scale value to obtain a corrected measurement value. Here, θ is the inclination angle of the handrail 5. The operator confirms that the corrected measurement value satisfies the lower reference distance B. In addition, the operator may also subtract the correction distance from the read scale value to obtain a corrected measurement value.

[0072] After the fifth step, or after the fourth step and before the fifth step, the operator packs up the ruler 20 and the inspection assisting device 10 .

[0073] Then, the operator completes the inspection work.

[0074] Although not shown in the figure, the inspection operation of whether the upper reference distance A is satisfied is also performed by Figure 8 The same inspection method as shown in is performed.

[0075] According to the first embodiment described above, in the inspection method of the installation position of the fixed protection plate 7, the inspection auxiliary device 10 is used. The inspection auxiliary device 10 includes a housing 11, a light emitting portion 12, a horizontal portion 13, and a contact portion 14. In the first to third steps of the inspection method, the operator places the inspection auxiliary device 10 on the inclined portion of the handrail 5 and emits an optical axis from the inspection auxiliary device 10. At this time, the operator adjusts the posture of the inspection auxiliary device 10 according to the horizontal portion 13 so that the prescribed horizontality is satisfied. Since a prescribed holding friction force is generated between the handrail 5 and the contact portion 14, the inspection auxiliary device 10 does not slide off the handrail 5. Therefore, the operator does not need to hold the position of the inspection auxiliary device 10. In the fourth step, the operator releases his hand from the inspection auxiliary device 10, places the ruler 20 against the fixed protection plate 7, and inspects the installation position of the fixed protection plate 7. The above inspection operation can be performed by one operator. In addition, for example, conventionally, the inspection work needs to be performed by at least two workers, one worker holding the ruler body 20 and one worker holding the steel ruler so that the ruler is horizontally extended toward the fixed protection plate 7 while in contact with the handrail 5. Therefore, in the inspection method for inspecting the installation position of the fixed protection plate 7 shown in Embodiment 1, the number of workers can be reduced compared with conventional methods.

[0076] In addition, the holding friction coefficient of the contact portion 14 is a value of a holding friction force generated when the inspection auxiliary device 10 including the housing 11 and the contact portion 14 is placed on the handrail 5 with an inclination angle of 35 degrees. Generally, the inclination angle of the escalator is up to 35 degrees. Therefore, the inspection method using the inspection auxiliary device 10 can be widely applied to the handrails of ordinary inclined escalators.

[0077] In addition, the holding friction coefficient of the contact portion 14 is a value of holding friction force generated when the inspection auxiliary device 10 including the housing 11 and the contact portion 14 is placed on the handrail 5 made of polyurethane resin. Generally, polyurethane resin is the most sliding material among the materials of the handrail. Therefore, the inspection method using the inspection auxiliary device 10 can be widely applied to handrails of ordinary materials.

[0078] In addition, the horizontal portion 13 contains a liquid 13b and bubbles 13c that can confirm the levelness inside the transparent shell 13a. The reference line 13d is set on the transparent shell 13a. Therefore, the operator can confirm the levelness from any angle as long as he observes from a position above the upper surface 11b of the shell of the inspection auxiliary device 10. As a result, the efficiency of the operation is improved.

[0079] In addition, the inspection auxiliary device 10 also includes a switching unit 15. The switching unit 15 includes a switch 15a, a movable plate 15h, and a pressing body 15e. When the movable plate 15h is in the open position, the pressing body 15e presses the switch 15a. At this time, the light emitting unit 12 emits a light axis. Therefore, it is possible to easily switch between the open state and the closed state of the light emitting unit 12. As a result, it is possible to suppress the consumption of useless power in the light emitting unit 12.

[0080] In addition, the switching portion 15 may be a device that turns the light emitting portion 12 on when the contact portion 14 is placed on the armrest 5, and turns the light emitting portion 12 off when the contact portion 14 leaves the armrest 5. In this case, for example, the switching portion 15 includes a pressure sensor provided on the surface of the contact portion 14. Alternatively, when the pressure sensor senses pressure, the switching portion 15 turns the light emitting portion 12 on. Alternatively, when the pressure sensor does not sense pressure, the switching portion 15 turns the light emitting portion 12 off. Therefore, it is possible to easily switch between the on state and the off state of the light emitting portion 12. As a result, it is possible to suppress the consumption of useless power in the light emitting portion 12. Furthermore, when the inspection auxiliary device 10 falls, it is possible to suppress the light axis from being emitted in an unexpected direction.

[0081] In addition, the length of the housing 11 in the longitudinal direction may be less than the length in the width direction of the handrail 5. In addition, for example, the length of the housing 11 in the longitudinal direction may be less than the length of the flat portion 5b in the width direction of the handrail 5. In this case, the optical axis is emitted in a manner that travels along the longitudinal direction of the housing 11. The inspection auxiliary device 10 may also be placed on the handrail 5 as a whole in a manner that the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 5a does not exceed the width of the handrail 5. Therefore, the inspection auxiliary device 10 is placed on the handrail 5 in a stable state. As a result, the workability of the inspection can be improved.

[0082] The fixed protection plate 7 and the warning plate 8 are provided not only at the portion where the escalator 1 intersects the ceiling Xa, but also at portions where the escalator intersects with objects, such as the portion where the escalator in the upward direction intersects with the escalator in the downward direction.

[0083] Alternatively, the switching unit 15 may be simply a switch 15a that is fixed in an on position or a off position when pressed.

[0084] In addition, the fall prevention part 16 may not be a suction cup but a hook for falling prevention that is hooked on the worker.

[0085] Industrial Applicability

[0086] As described above, the inspection support device and the inspection method of the present disclosure can be used for escalators having intersection portions.

[0087] Description of symbols

[0088] 1: escalator; 2a: first entrance; 2b: second entrance; 3: moving area; 4: railing; 5: handrail; 5a: upper surface; 5b: flat part; 5c: curved part; 7: fixed protection plate; 7a: front edge; 7b: rear plate; 8: warning plate; 8a: chain; 10: inspection auxiliary device; 11: housing; 11a: lower surface of housing; 11b: upper surface of housing; 12: light-emitting part; 13: horizontal part; 13a: housing; 13b: liquid; 1 3c: bubble; 13d: reference line; 14: contact part; 15: switching part; 15a: switch; 15b: base; 15c: hinge; 15d: moving magnet; 15e: pressing body; 15f: starting magnet; 15g: fixing plate; 15h: moving plate; 16: falling prevention part; 16a: suction cup; 16b: connecting body; 20: ruler body; A: upper reference distance; B: lower reference distance; P: intersection position; X: lower layer; Xa: ceiling; Y: upper layer.

Claims

1. An inspection auxiliary device, which is placed on the handrail when inspecting the installation position of the fixed protection plate of the escalator, wherein: The inspection auxiliary device comprises: case; A light emitting unit, which is disposed on the housing and emits a directional light axis; a horizontal portion mounted on the housing so as to sense the horizontality of the optical axis direction in which the optical axis travels; as well as a contact portion, which is provided on the surface of the housing and has a predetermined holding friction coefficient relative to the upper surface of the handrail, The retaining friction coefficient is such a value that, when the shell is placed on the upper surface in a manner such that the contact portion contacts the armrest at the inclined portion of the armrest, a retaining friction force is generated that is balanced with the component of the gravity applied to the shell in the inclined direction.

2. The inspection auxiliary device according to claim 1, wherein: The holding friction coefficient is a value that generates the holding friction force when the housing and the contact portion are placed on the handrail having an inclined angle of 35 degrees.

3. The inspection auxiliary device according to claim 2, wherein: The holding friction coefficient is a value that generates the holding friction force when the housing and the contact portion are placed on the handrail made of polyurethane resin.

4. The inspection auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The horizontal portion has a transparent shell in which liquid and bubbles are stored, and a reference line is provided on the shell, the reference line indicating the position of the bubbles when a predetermined horizontality is satisfied.

5. The inspection auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The inspection assisting device further includes a switching unit that switches between an on state in which the light emitting unit emits a light axis and an off state in which the light emitting unit does not emit a light axis. The switching unit has: a switch that is pressed to switch between an on state and an off state of the light emitting portion; a moving plate movable to an open position and a closed position; as well as A pressing body is provided on the moving plate and presses the switch when the moving plate is in the open position.

6. The inspection auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The inspection assisting device further includes a switching unit, which switches between an on state in which the light emitting unit emits a light axis and a off state in which the light emitting unit does not emit a light axis, and puts the light emitting unit into an off state when the contact unit is not placed on the handrail, and puts the light emitting unit into an on state when the contact unit is placed on the handrail.

7. The inspection auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The light emitting portion emits a light axis in a manner that travels along the length direction of the housing. The length of the housing in the longitudinal direction is less than the length of the armrest in the width direction.

8. A method for inspecting the installation position of a fixed protection plate provided on an escalator, wherein: include: A first step is to place the inspection auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 on the handrail of the escalator; A second step is to adjust the posture of the inspection auxiliary device so that the contact portion contacts the handrail and the horizontal portion shows a predetermined level; A third step is to emit the optical axis from the inspection auxiliary device; as well as The fourth step is performed after the first step, the second step and the third step, and is to place a scale body with a scale against the fixed protective plate and read the scale of the position where the optical axis shines on the scale body.

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