Passenger conveyor inspection system, passenger conveyor inspection method, and sensor

Abstract

Provided is a passenger conveyor inspection system, a passenger conveyor inspection method, and a sensor that can easily inspect a local elongation of a handrail chain. The passenger conveyor inspection system inspects a passenger conveyor (1). The passenger conveyor (1) includes a handrail drive sprocket (119) that is rotationally driven by a drive device (106), and a handrail chain (122) that transmits a rotational force of the handrail drive sprocket (119) to a moving handrail (116). The passenger conveyor inspection system is provided with a sensor (150) that is disposed in close proximity to the handrail chain (122) on a slack side of the handrail chain (122), and outputs a signal corresponding to a distance from the handrail chain (122), and an inspection device (160) that inspects a local elongation of the handrail chain (122) based on the output signal of the sensor (150).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to passenger conveyor inspection systems, passenger conveyor inspection methods, and sensors, and more specifically to techniques for inspecting partial elongation of handrail chains on passenger conveyors. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-019616 discloses a detection device for detecting the elongation of a chain used for power transmission in a passenger conveyor. This detection device includes: two objects to be detected, respectively disposed on a drive wheel and a driven wheel; and sensors fixed to the main frame of the passenger conveyor for each object to detect rotation caused by the surrounding of the object. The detection device calculates the difference in the time of rotation from the two sensors and the increase in this difference before and after the passage of time of the passenger conveyor. The detection device calculates the elongation of the chain based on this increase, the angular velocity of the drive wheel, and the rotational diameter of the driven wheel. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The handrail chains used in passenger conveyors, which transmit power to the moving handrails, are thinner than other chains. This makes them prone to malfunctions such as abnormal noises and breakage due to chain slack. Therefore, regular inspections are required, making this a significant workload in maintenance.

[0004] Furthermore, handrail chains are constructed by alternating outer and inner links along their length, and the pins and bushings in these links wear down over time. This wear is not uniform throughout the entire chain; rather, it occurs locally, leading to localized elongation of the handrail chain. Confirming this localized elongation requires a comprehensive circumference inspection of the entire chain, making it a very complex task.

[0005] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of the purposes of this disclosure is to provide a technique that can easily check the local elongation of the armrest chain.

[0006] This disclosed passenger conveyor inspection system inspects a passenger conveyor. The passenger conveyor includes a handrail drive sprocket rotated by a drive unit and a handrail chain that transmits the rotational force of the handrail drive sprocket to a moving handrail. The passenger conveyor inspection system includes: a sensor disposed close to the ground on the slack side of the handrail chain and connected to the handrail, outputting a signal corresponding to the distance from the handrail chain; and an inspection device that checks for localized elongation of the handrail chain based on the output signal of the sensor.

[0007] This disclosed passenger conveyor inspection method inspects a passenger conveyor. The passenger conveyor includes a handrail drive sprocket driven by a drive unit and a handrail chain that transmits the rotational force of the handrail drive sprocket to a moving handrail. The passenger conveyor inspection method includes: obtaining a pulse signal from a sensor disposed close to the handrail link on the slack side of the handrail chain, which changes between an on-state and an off-state based on the distance between the handrail chain and the sensor; and checking for local elongation of the handrail chain based on the pulse signal output from the sensor. In the inspection step, if the pulse signal output from the sensor has a periodicity based on the time it takes for the handrail chain to rotate one revolution, it is determined that local elongation of the handrail chain has occurred.

[0008] The sensor disclosed herein is configured close to the ground and linked to the handrail of a passenger conveyor. The sensor comprises: a sensor unit disposed on the slack side of the handrail chain, outputting a signal corresponding to the distance from the handrail chain; a support plate supporting the sensor unit; a connecting plate mounted on the truss of the passenger conveyor; and a fixing member having a head and a shaft. A slit having a shape extending vertically is provided in the support plate. A hole for receiving the shaft of the fixing member is provided in the connecting plate. The shaft of the fixing member is inserted into the hole of the connecting plate through the slit in the support plate, and the head of the fixing member abuts against the support plate, thereby fixing the support plate to the connecting plate.

[0009] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention as understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the passenger conveyor of the inspection system applied in this embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of sensor configuration.

[0012] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional view showing the appearance of the sensor.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a sensor's output signal.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the sensor's output signal when a partial elongation of the first handrail chain occurs.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the inspection process for the first handrail chain in the inspection device.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a sensor's output signal.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of sensor configuration.

[0018] Figure 9 It is a three-dimensional view showing the appearance of the sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, identical or equivalent parts in the drawings will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0020] <Structure of the passenger conveyor>

[0021] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a passenger conveyor using the inspection system of this embodiment. Passenger conveyors include escalators and moving walkways, etc. Hereinafter, the structure of an escalator will be described representatively.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, escalator 1 is installed between the upper floor 101 and the lower floor 102 in a building. The upper floor access point 103 of escalator 1 is arranged adjacent to the ground of the upper floor 101. The lower floor access point 104 of escalator 1 is arranged adjacent to the ground of the lower floor 102.

[0023] The escalator 1 includes a main frame 105, a drive unit 106, a drive sprocket 107, and a drive chain 108. Additionally, the escalator 1 includes a step drive sprocket 109, a step driven sprocket 110, a step chain 111, and multiple steps 112. The escalator 1 also includes a handrail drive unit 113, a handrail 114, a movable handrail guide rail 115, and a movable handrail 116.

[0024] The main frame 105 is erected between the upper side floor 101 and the lower side floor 102. An upper equipment room 117 is formed in the portion of the main frame 105 adjacent to the upper side floor 101. The upper equipment room 117 is located below the upper side passenger / alighting entrance 103. A lower equipment room 118 is formed in the portion of the main frame 105 adjacent to the lower side floor 102. The lower equipment room 118 is located below the lower side passenger / alighting entrance 104.

[0025] The drive unit 106 is located in the upper machine room 117. Power is generated by driving the drive unit 106. The drive unit 106 has a motor and a reducer. The drive of the drive unit 106 is controlled by a control device (not shown).

[0026] A drive sprocket 107 is disposed in the upper machine room 117. A drive chain 108 is formed in a loop. The drive chain 108 is wound between the drive unit 106 and the drive sprocket 107. The driving force generated by the drive unit 106 is transmitted to the drive sprocket 107 via the drive chain 108. Therefore, the drive sprocket 107 is rotated by the drive unit 106.

[0027] A ladder drive sprocket 109 is disposed in the upper machine room 117. The ladder drive sprocket 109 is coaxially disposed with the drive sprocket 107. In addition, the ladder drive sprocket 109 is fixed to the drive sprocket 107. Therefore, the ladder drive sprocket 109 rotates together with the drive sprocket 107.

[0028] A ladder-driven sprocket 110 is disposed in the lower machine room 118. A ladder chain 111 is formed into a loop. The ladder chain 111 is wound between the ladder drive sprocket 109 and the ladder driven sprocket 110. The rotational force of the ladder drive sprocket 109 is transmitted to the ladder driven sprocket 110 via the ladder chain 111. Therefore, as the ladder drive sprocket 109 rotates, the ladder chain 111 moves cyclically, and the ladder driven sprocket 110 rotates.

[0029] Steps 112 are installed on step chain 111. Multiple steps 112 are arranged along step chain 111. Therefore, the multiple steps 112 are arranged in a ring. The multiple steps 112 move cyclically through the step chain 111. Furthermore, the multiple steps 112 are positioned between the upper-side boarding / alighting opening 103 and the lower-side boarding / alighting opening 104. Therefore, through the cyclical movement of the multiple steps 112, each step 112 moves between the upper-side boarding / alighting opening 103 and the lower-side boarding / alighting opening 104.

[0030] The handrail drive device 113 is configured to include a handrail drive sprocket 119, a first handrail spindle 120, a second handrail spindle 121, a first handrail chain 122, a second handrail chain 123, a third handrail chain 124, and a fourth handrail chain 125.

[0031] The handrail drive sprocket 119 is disposed in the upper machine room 117. The handrail drive sprocket 119 is coaxially disposed with the drive sprocket 107. In addition, the handrail drive sprocket 119 is fixed to the drive sprocket 107. Therefore, the handrail drive sprocket 119 rotates together with the drive sprocket 107.

[0032] A first handrail spindle 120 is disposed on the inclined portion of the main frame 105. A first sprocket (not shown) is fixed to the first handrail spindle 120. A first handrail chain 122 is wound between the handrail drive sprocket 119 and the first sprocket of the first handrail spindle 120. The rotational force of the handrail drive sprocket 119 is transmitted to the first handrail spindle 120 via the first handrail chain 122. Therefore, as the handrail drive sprocket 119 rotates, the first handrail chain 122 moves cyclically, and the first handrail spindle 120 rotates.

[0033] A second sprocket (not shown) is fixed to the first handrail spindle 120. A second handrail chain 123 is wound around the second sprocket of the first handrail spindle 120. The rotational force of the first handrail spindle 120 is transmitted to the second handrail chain 123. The rotational force of the second handrail chain 123 is transmitted to the movable handrail 116. Therefore, as the first handrail spindle 120 rotates, the movable handrail 116 rotates. The rotational force of the second handrail chain 123 is transmitted to one of the pair of movable handrails 116.

[0034] A third sprocket (not shown) is fixed to the first handrail spindle 120. A second handrail spindle 121 is disposed on the inclined portion of the main frame 105. A first sprocket (not shown) is fixed to the second handrail spindle 121. A third handrail chain 124 is wound between the third sprocket of the first handrail spindle 120 and the first sprocket of the second handrail spindle 121. The rotational force of the first handrail spindle 120 is transmitted to the second handrail spindle 121 via the third handrail chain 124. Therefore, when the first handrail spindle 120 rotates, the second handrail spindle 121 rotates.

[0035] A second sprocket (not shown) is fixed to the second handrail spindle 121. A fourth handrail chain 125 is wound around the second sprocket of the second handrail spindle 121. The rotational force of the second handrail spindle 121 is transmitted to the fourth handrail chain 125. The rotational force of the fourth handrail chain 125 is transmitted to the movable handrail 116. Therefore, as the second handrail spindle 121 rotates, the movable handrail 116 rotates. The rotational force of the fourth handrail chain 125 is transmitted to the other movable handrail 116 in a pair of movable handrails 116.

[0036] <Inspection System Structure>

[0037] The inspection system of this embodiment is in Figure 1 The handrail drive unit 113 of the escalator 1 shown is inspected. The inspection items for the handrail drive unit 113 include partial elongation of the first handrail chain 122, the second handrail chain 123, the third handrail chain 124, and the fourth handrail chain 125. The following description uses the inspection of partial elongation of the first handrail chain 122 as an example.

[0038] The inspection system includes a sensor 150 and an inspection device 160. The sensor 150 is located in the upper equipment room 117. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example configuration of sensor 150. Figure 2 From Figure 1 A portion of the first handrail spindle 120 and the first handrail chain 122 are extracted and shown in the escalator 1 shown.

[0039] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the escalator 1 is an upward-moving escalator. In this case, the drive sprocket 107 rotates clockwise as shown in the figure due to the driving force transmitted from the drive device 106 via the drive chain 108. Furthermore, due to the rotation of the drive sprocket 107, the handrail drive sprocket 119 and the first handrail spindle 120 also rotate clockwise as shown in the figure. Therefore, the upper side of the first handrail chain 122 in the vertical direction (corresponding to the vertical direction on the paper) is called the "tension side", and the lower side in the vertical direction is called the "slack side". In addition, the "tension side" corresponds to the side with high tension, and the "slack side" corresponds to the side with low tension.

[0040] The sensor 150 is positioned close to the first handrail chain 122 on the slack side of the first handrail chain 122. In the case that the escalator 1 is an upward-moving escalator, as... Figure 2 As shown, the sensor 150 is disposed close to the first armrest chain 122 on its lower side. Specifically, the sensor 150 is disposed opposite to the side of the first armrest chain 122 in the width direction (corresponding to the normal direction of the paper).

[0041] Sensor 150 outputs a signal corresponding to the distance between sensor 150 and the first handrail chain 122. Sensor 150 is a non-contact sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of an object. Sensor 150 may be, for example, a proximity sensor.

[0042] Furthermore, by adjusting the tension of the first handrail chain 122 during periodic inspections of the escalator 1, the trajectory of the slack side of the first handrail chain 122 sometimes changes from its initial trajectory when the first handrail chain 122 was installed. Figure 2 In the diagram, the trajectory of the first handrail chain 122 in its initial state is represented by a solid line. The trajectories of the first handrail chain 122A, which changes upward in the vertical direction due to tension adjustment, and the first handrail chain 122B, which changes downward in the vertical direction due to tension adjustment, are represented by dashed lines.

[0043] Thus, when the trajectory of the slack side of the first handrail chain 122 changes by adjusting the tension of the first handrail chain 122, the relative positional relationship between the sensor 150 and the first handrail chain 122 also changes. As a result, there is concern that the detection sensitivity of the sensor 150 may decrease compared to the initial state. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described below, the sensor 150 is configured to adjust its position based on the trajectory of the slack side of the first handrail chain 122.

[0044] (Structure of sensor 150)

[0045] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of sensor 150. (For example...) Figure 3As shown, the sensor 150 is configured to include a sensor section 152, a support plate 154, a connecting plate 162, a fixing component 158, and a bracket 164.

[0046] The sensor unit 152 includes a sensor body. The sensor body is a non-contact sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the distance between the sensor body and the object. The sensor body is, for example, a proximity sensor.

[0047] The support plate 154 is a thin plate with a rectangular shape, supporting the sensor part 152. Two parallel slits 156 are formed in the support plate 154. Each slit 156 has a shape that extends in the vertical direction. The number of slits 156 can be single or multiple. The shape of the support plate 154 is not limited to a rectangular shape.

[0048] The support plate 154 is fixed to the connecting plate 162 by a fixing member 158. The fixing member 158 has a head and a shaft. The diameter of the head is larger than the diameter of the shaft. External threads are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft. The head has, for example, a hexagonal shape so that the fixing member 158 can be rotated using a wrench or the like. The shape of the fixing member 158 is not limited to the shape shown in the figure and can be modified as appropriate.

[0049] The connecting plate 162 is provided with a hole for receiving the shaft portion of the fixing member 158. An internal thread is provided in the hole that can engage with the shaft portion of the fixing member 158.

[0050] The shaft portion of the fixing member 158 is inserted into the hole of the connecting plate 162 through the slot 156 of the support plate 154. The length of the slot 156 in the width direction is greater than the diameter of the shaft portion. The fixing member 158 is screwed into the connecting plate 162 until the head of the fixing member 158 abuts against the support plate 154.

[0051] The connecting plate 162 is mounted on the truss (structural frame) 166 of the escalator 1 via the bracket 164. The support plate 154 is fixed to the truss 166 via the connecting plate 162 and the bracket 164.

[0052] At this time, as Figure 3 As shown, the support plate 154 is fixed to the connecting plate 162 such that the sensor part 152 is opposite to the side of the first handrail chain 122 in the width direction. This is to minimize the distance between the sensor part 152 and the first handrail chain 122 in the initial state of the first handrail chain 122.

[0053] The position of the sensor unit 152 relative to the first handrail chain 122 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the shaft portion of the fixing member 158 in the gap 156. Specifically, with the head of the fixing member 158 no longer in contact with the support plate 154, the position of the sensor unit 152 can be moved vertically by moving the support plate 154. Furthermore, in this state, the position of the sensor unit 152 can be moved horizontally by tilting the support plate 154 relative to the vertical direction.

[0054] Therefore, when the trajectory of the slack side of the first handrail chain 122 changes by adjusting the tension of the first handrail chain 122, the position of the sensor unit 152 relative to the first handrail chain 122 can be adjusted using the above method. Thus, the sensor unit 152 can be stably positioned opposite the side of the first handrail chain 122 in the width direction.

[0055] During the operation of the escalator 1, the sensor 150 outputs a signal corresponding to the distance between the first handrail chain 122 and the sensor unit 152 to the inspection device 160. Figure 4 This diagram illustrates an example of the output signal of sensor 150. Sensor 150 is configured to detect changes in the distance between the first handrail chain 122 and the sensor section 152 as changes in voltage. Figure 4 The image shows an example of the waveform of the output signal of the sensor 150 in the initial state of the first handrail chain 122. Figure 4 The vertical axis represents the voltage of the output signal. Figure 4 The horizontal axis represents time.

[0056] When the distance between the first handrail chain 122 and the sensor unit 152 is less than or equal to the detection distance of the sensor unit 152, the sensor 150 detects the first handrail chain 122 and outputs an on-level signal. On the other hand, when the distance between the first handrail chain 122 and the sensor unit 152 is greater than the detection distance of the sensor unit 152, the sensor 150 does not detect the first handrail chain 122 and outputs an off-level signal.

[0057] Furthermore, in the initial state of the first handrail chain 122, the cyclically moving first handrail chain 122 is always opposite the sensor section 152, so the output signal of the sensor 150 should ideally remain at the ON level. However, in reality, due to the meshing position of the first handrail chain 122 and the handrail drive sprocket 119, the slack side of the first handrail chain 122 vibrates in the vertical direction. Therefore, as... Figure 4 As shown, the output signal becomes a pulse signal that repeatedly switches between on and off levels.

[0058] return Figure 1The inspection device 160 is installed in the building along with the escalator 1. The inspection device 160 is communicatively connected to the escalator 1 via a communication line to perform inspections on the escalator 1. The inspection device 160 is installed, for example, using a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).

[0059] Server 170 is, for example, located in the central monitoring center of the maintenance company that maintains escalator 1. Server 170 is communicatively connected to inspection device 160 and manages inspection device 160. Specifically, server 170 sends inspection execution instructions to inspection device 160 or obtains inspection results from inspection device 160.

[0060] The inspection device 160 uses the output signal of the sensor 150 to perform computational processing, thereby detecting the local elongation of the first handrail chain 122. Figure 5 This diagram illustrates an example of the output signal of sensor 150 when a partial elongation of the first handrail chain 122 occurs. Figure 4 Comparison chart.

[0061] When the first handrail chain 122 undergoes partial elongation, the engagement position between the first handrail chain 122 and the handrail drive sprocket 119 changes. Therefore, the waveform of the pulse signal output from the sensor 150 also changes. Specifically, for each rotation of the first handrail chain 122, the partially elongated portion engages with the handrail drive sprocket 119. Correspondingly, the output signal of the sensor 150 also exhibits periodic changes.

[0062] exist Figure 5 In the example, during time T1 (t1-t2) and time T2 (t5-t6), the output signal of sensor 150 becomes off. The time Tcyc (t3-t4) between time T1 and time T2 is equal to the time it takes for the first handrail chain 122 to rotate one revolution (hereinafter also referred to as "one revolution time").

[0063] If the output signal of the sensor 150 exhibits periodicity based on one cycle Tcyc of the first handrail 122, the inspection device 160 determines that a partial elongation of the first handrail 122 has occurred. In this case, the inspection device 160 outputs an abnormal signal indicating that a partial elongation of the first handrail 122 has occurred to the server 170.

[0064] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the inspection process for the first handrail chain 122 in the inspection device 160. Figure 6The flowchart shown is invoked and executed by the main routine (not shown) when predetermined conditions are met (e.g., when an execution instruction for inspection is received from server 170). Each step is implemented through software processing of the inspection device 160, but can also be implemented through hardware (circuit) configured in each device. Hereinafter, the steps will be abbreviated as S.

[0065] Reference Figure 6 In S01, the inspection device 160 acquires the output signal of the sensor 150. In S02, the inspection device 160 uses the output signal of the sensor 150 to perform arithmetic processing, thereby calculating the period during which the output signal is at an off level.

[0066] In S03, the inspection device 160 obtains information related to the one-cycle time Tcyc of the first handrail chain 122. In S03, the inspection device 160 obtains this information by communicating with the control panel of the escalator 1.

[0067] In S04, the inspection device 160 determines whether a periodicity based on the one-cycle time Tcyc of the first handrail chain 122 appears in the output signal of the sensor 150, based on the disconnection period calculated in S02 and the cycle time Tcyc obtained in S03.

[0068] If the output signal of sensor 150 shows a periodicity based on the one-cycle time Tcyc of the first handrail chain 122 (when S04 determines "yes"), inspection device 160 detects local elongation of the first handrail chain 122 in S05.

[0069] In step S06, the inspection device 160 outputs an abnormal signal indicating that a partial elongation of the first handrail chain 122 has occurred to the server 170. Upon receiving the abnormal signal from the inspection device 160, the server 170 notifies maintenance personnel located at the central monitoring center of the escalator 1 of the abnormality. For example, the server 170 generates a message notifying of the partial elongation of the first handrail chain 122 and displays it on a display device (not shown).

[0070] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the output signal of sensor 150. Figure 7 In the initial state, the total length of the first handrail chain 122 is 4.1275m. The cyclic movement speed of the first handrail chain 122 is 20m / minute, and the time Tcyc of one revolution of the first handrail chain 122 is 12.4 seconds.

[0071] like Figure 7As shown, in the output signal of sensor 150, there is a 6-second disconnection period every one revolution of the first handrail chain 122, Tcyc (12.4 seconds). In this case, inspection device 160 determines that local elongation has occurred at a part of the first handrail chain 122.

[0072] <Other structural examples>

[0073] (1) In the above embodiments, the structure of the inspection system for the case where the escalator 1 is an upward escalator has been described, but the inspection system of this disclosure can also be applied to downward escalators by changing the position of the sensor 150.

[0074] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example configuration of sensor 150. Figure 8 From Figure 1 A portion of the first handrail spindle 120 and the first handrail chain 122 are extracted and shown in the escalator 1 shown.

[0075] In this modified example, the escalator 1 is a downward escalator, and the drive sprocket 107 rotates counterclockwise as shown in the figure by the driving force transmitted from the drive device 106 via the drive chain 108. Furthermore, due to the rotation of the drive sprocket 107, the handrail drive sprocket 119 and the first handrail main shaft 120 also rotate counterclockwise as shown in the figure. Therefore, the lower side of the first handrail chain 122 in the vertical direction becomes the "tension side," and the upper side in the vertical direction becomes the "slack side."

[0076] Sensor 150 is disposed close to the slack side of the first armrest chain 122, i.e., the upper side of the first armrest chain 122. Specifically, sensor 150 is disposed opposite to the side of the first armrest chain 122 in the width direction. Sensor 150 outputs a signal corresponding to the distance between sensor 150 and the first armrest chain 122. Sensor 150 is, for example, a proximity sensor.

[0077] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of sensor 150. Figure 9 The structure of the sensor 150 shown is similar to that of the support plate 154, except for the orientation of the support plate 154. Figure 3 The structure of the sensor 150 shown is the same.

[0078] exist Figure 9 In this configuration, the support plate 154 is also fixed to the connecting plate 162 such that the sensor part 152 is opposed to the side of the first handrail chain 122 in the width direction. The position of the sensor part 152 relative to the first handrail chain 122 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the shaft of the fixing member 158 in the gap 156.

[0079] For example, with the head of the fixing member 158 no longer in contact with the support plate 154, the position of the sensor section 152 can be moved vertically by moving the support plate 154. Furthermore, in this state, the position of the sensor section 152 can be moved horizontally by tilting the support plate 154 relative to the vertical direction. Therefore, the sensor 150 can be positioned so that the sensor section 152 faces the first handrail chain 122, thus maintaining the detection sensitivity of the sensor 150.

[0080] (2) The inspection system of this disclosure may also include a sensor disposed on the slack side (lower side) of the first handrail chain 122 when the escalator 1 is an upward escalator and a sensor disposed on the slack side (upper side) of the first handrail chain 122 when the escalator 1 is a downward escalator.

[0081] In this case, the inspection device 160 can determine whether the escalator 1 is an upward escalator or a downward escalator based on the information provided from the control panel of the escalator 1, and use the sensors for inspection processing separately according to the determination result.

[0082] [Postscript]

[0083] The above implementation methods are specific examples of those described in the following notes.

[0084] (Note 1)

[0085] A passenger conveyor inspection system for inspecting passenger conveyors, wherein... The passenger conveyor includes: The armrest drive sprocket is driven to rotate by a drive unit; and The armrest chain transmits the rotational force of the armrest drive sprocket to the moving armrest. The passenger conveyor inspection system includes: A sensor, disposed close to the ground on the slack side of the armrest chain and connected to the armrest link, outputs a signal corresponding to the distance from the armrest chain; and An inspection device that inspects the local elongation of the handrail chain based on the output signal of the sensor.

[0086] (Note 2)

[0087] According to the passenger conveyor inspection system described in Appendix 1, wherein... The sensor is configured opposite to the side of the handrail in the width direction of the handrail in the initial state of the handrail.

[0088] (Note 3)

[0089] According to the passenger conveyor inspection system described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein, The sensor is configured to output a pulse signal that, during operation of the passenger conveyor, transitions between an on and off level in accordance with the distance from the handrail chain. If the inspection device detects a periodicity in the pulse signal output from the sensor based on the time it takes for the handrail chain to rotate once, it determines that local elongation of the handrail chain has occurred.

[0090] (Note 4)

[0091] According to the passenger conveyor inspection system described in Appendices 1-3, wherein... The sensor is a proximity sensor.

[0092] (Note 5)

[0093] A method for inspecting a passenger conveyor, wherein... The passenger conveyor includes: The armrest drive sprocket is driven to rotate by a drive unit; and The armrest chain transmits the rotational force of the armrest drive sprocket to the moving armrest. The passenger conveyor inspection method includes: The step of acquiring a pulse signal that transitions between an on and off level based on the distance between the handrail chain and a sensor disposed close to the ground on the slack side of the handrail chain; and The step of checking the local elongation of the handrail chain based on the pulse signal output from the sensor In the inspection step, if the pulse signal output from the sensor has a periodicity based on the time it takes for the handrail chain to rotate once, it is determined that local elongation of the handrail chain has occurred.

[0094] (Note 6)

[0095] A sensor, which is configured close to the ground and linked to a handrail of a passenger conveyor, wherein, The sensor includes: A sensor unit, which is disposed on the slack side of the handrail chain, outputs a signal corresponding to the distance from the handrail chain; A support plate that supports the sensor unit; A connecting plate, which is mounted on the truss of the passenger conveyor; and The fixing component has a head and a shaft. The support plate is provided with a slit having a shape that extends in the vertical direction. The connecting plate is provided with a hole for receiving the shaft portion of the fixing component. The shaft portion of the fixing component is inserted into the hole of the connecting plate through the gap of the support plate, and the head of the fixing component abuts against the support plate, thereby fixing the support plate to the connecting plate.

[0096] (Note 7)

[0097] According to the sensor described in Appendix 6, wherein, The position of the shaft portion of the fixing component in the gap is adjusted such that the sensor portion is arranged opposite to the side of the handrail chain in the width direction.

[0098] (Postscript 8)

[0099] According to the sensor described in Appendix 6 or 7, wherein, The sensor unit includes a proximity sensor.

[0100] Embodiments of the present invention have been described, but should be considered illustrative rather than limiting in all respects. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A passenger conveyor inspection system for inspecting passenger conveyors, wherein, The passenger conveyor includes: The armrest drive sprocket is driven to rotate by a drive unit; and The armrest chain transmits the rotational force of the armrest drive sprocket to the moving armrest. The passenger conveyor inspection system includes: A sensor, disposed close to the ground on the slack side of the armrest chain and connected to the armrest link, outputs a signal corresponding to the distance from the armrest chain; and An inspection device that inspects the local elongation of the handrail chain based on the output signal of the sensor.

2. The passenger conveyor inspection system according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor is configured opposite to the side of the handrail in the width direction of the handrail in the initial state of the handrail.

3. The passenger conveyor inspection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sensor is configured to output a pulse signal that, during operation of the passenger conveyor, transitions between an on and off level in accordance with the distance from the handrail chain. If the inspection device detects a periodicity in the pulse signal output from the sensor based on the time it takes for the handrail chain to rotate once, it determines that local elongation of the handrail chain has occurred.

4. The passenger conveyor inspection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sensor is a proximity sensor.

5. A method for inspecting a passenger conveyor, wherein, The passenger conveyor includes: The armrest drive sprocket is driven to rotate by a drive unit; and The armrest chain transmits the rotational force of the armrest drive sprocket to the moving armrest. The passenger conveyor inspection method includes: The step of acquiring a pulse signal that transitions between an on and off level based on the distance between the handrail chain and a sensor disposed close to the ground on the slack side of the handrail chain; and The step of checking the local elongation of the handrail chain based on the pulse signal output from the sensor In the inspection step, if the pulse signal output from the sensor has a periodicity based on the time it takes for the handrail chain to rotate once, it is determined that local elongation of the handrail chain has occurred.

6. A sensor configured close to the ground and linked to a handrail of a passenger conveyor, wherein, The sensor includes: A sensor unit, which is disposed on the slack side of the handrail chain, outputs a signal corresponding to the distance from the handrail chain; A support plate that supports the sensor unit; A connecting plate, which is mounted on the truss of the passenger conveyor; as well as The fixing component has a head and a shaft. The support plate is provided with a slit having a shape that extends in the vertical direction. The connecting plate is provided with a hole for receiving the shaft portion of the fixing component. The shaft portion of the fixing component is inserted into the hole of the connecting plate through the gap of the support plate, and the head of the fixing component abuts against the support plate, thereby fixing the support plate to the connecting plate.

7. The sensor according to claim 6, wherein, The position of the shaft portion of the fixing component in the gap is adjusted such that the sensor portion is arranged opposite to the side of the handrail chain in the width direction.

8. The sensor according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The sensor unit includes a proximity sensor.

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