Passenger conveyor

Abstract

Because the users on the steps vary, it is difficult to measure their movement speed by measuring the blocking and reflection times of the emitted infrared light, and therefore it is not possible to accurately detect users walking on the steps. [Solution] A passenger conveyor comprising: a plurality of steps connected in an endless manner; railings arranged on both sides of the width direction of the plurality of steps; a plurality of transmitting devices provided on one railing in the width direction, aligned in the direction of the step's movement, and emitting laser light in the direction of the step; a plurality of receiving devices provided on the other railing in the width direction, aligned opposite each of the plurality of transmitting devices, and receiving the laser light emitted from the transmitting devices; a receiving waveform generation unit that generates a received waveform for each receiving device based on the reception status of the laser beam at the receiving device; and a walking detection and warning device having a walking determination unit that determines the walking of a user based on the generated received waveform.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to passenger conveyors such as escalators and moving walkways that detect and warn of walking on steps.

Background Art

[0002] In an escalator, which is one type of passenger conveyor, it is assumed that users stand still and move on the steps. However, in reality, many users walk on the steps. There have also been cases where users who are walking come into contact with other users or trip and fall while walking (running up or down).

[0003] To suppress this, in Patent Document 1, a detection unit that irradiates infrared rays to detect the moving speed of users on the steps is provided at four locations in the moving direction of the steps. When a user moving faster than a preset rated speed is detected by the detection unit, the steps are switched to a moving speed slower than the rated speed, and a warning broadcast is made via a broadcast speaker.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the escalator described in Patent Document 1, the moving speed is detected by one detection unit, but the specific method is not clear. In particular, users on the steps vary, such as children, thin people, overweight people, and people standing sideways. Therefore, it is difficult to measure the moving speed based on the blocking time and reflection time of the irradiated infrared rays, and it is impossible to accurately detect users walking on the steps.

[0006] This disclosure was made to solve the aforementioned problems and aims to provide a passenger conveyor that can detect walking on steps with greater accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The passenger conveyor of this disclosure comprises a plurality of steps connected in an endless manner, railings arranged on both sides of the width direction of the plurality of steps, a plurality of transmitting devices provided on one railing in the width direction in line with the direction of the step's movement and emitting laser light toward the step, a plurality of receiving devices provided on the other railing in the width direction in line with each of the plurality of transmitting devices and receiving the laser light emitted from the transmitting devices, a receiving waveform generation unit that generates a received waveform for each receiving device based on the reception status of the laser beam at the receiving device, and a walking detection and warning device having a walking determination unit that determines the walking of a user based on the generated received waveform. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, walking on steps can be detected with greater accuracy, and the effect of suppressing walking can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a configuration diagram showing the escalator configuration in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a schematic external view of the escalator in Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the escalator railing in Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows a user on a step and an example of the received waveform of infrared laser light received by a single infrared laser receiver. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the received waveform of infrared laser light received by an infrared laser receiver when there are both stationary and walking users on the step. [Figure 6] This is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the control system in Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the pedestrian detection and warning device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This figure shows a user on a step and an example of the received waveform of infrared laser light received by a single infrared laser receiver. [Figure 9] This figure shows a user on a step and an example of the received waveform of infrared laser light received by a single infrared laser receiver. [Figure 10] This is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the control system in Embodiment 2. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the pedestrian detection and warning device in Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are simplified or omitted as appropriate.

[0011] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an escalator, which is a passenger conveyor; Figure 2 is a schematic external view of the escalator; and Figure 3 is a schematic vertical cross-section of the escalator railing.

[0012] In the diagram, escalator 1 spans between the upper and lower floors of a building not shown. Here, the direction towards the upper floor is considered forward, and the direction towards the lower floor is considered backward, and escalator 1 is a so-called upward escalator, moving from the lower floor to the upper floor. The escalator 1 comprises a first entrance / exit 2a, a second entrance / exit 2b, a main frame 3, multiple steps 4, a drive sprocket 5, a step chain 6, a drive unit 7, a driven sprocket 8, a pair of railings 9, a pair of movable handrails 10, and a pair of movable handrail drive units 11.

[0013] The first boarding and alighting opening 2a is provided on the upper floor of the building, and the second boarding and alighting opening 2b is provided on the lower floor of the building. The main frame 3 is spanned between the first boarding and alighting opening 2a and the second boarding and alighting opening 2b, has a machine room 3a at the upper end, and has a driven machine room 3b at the lower end. Also, the machine room 3a is located below the first boarding and alighting opening 2a, and the driven machine room 3b is located below the second boarding and alighting opening 2b.

[0014] The plurality of steps 4 are connected in an endless manner and are arranged between the first boarding and alighting opening 2a and the second boarding and alighting opening 2b. The step chain 6 is an endless chain, connects the plurality of steps 4, and a part of it is wound around a drive sprocket 5 installed in the machine room 3a and a driven sprocket 8 installed in the driven machine room 3b.

[0015] The drive machine 7 drives the drive sprocket 5 to move the plurality of steps 4. The drive machine 7 has a speed reducer 12, a V-belt 13, and a drive motor 14. The speed reducer 12 has an input shaft 12a, a gear portion 12b, and an output shaft 12c. The input shaft 12a has a pulley, and when the pulley is rotated, the input shaft 12a receives the input of the rotational driving force. The gear portion 12b converts the rotational driving force received by the input shaft 12a into a rotational driving force having the same or different rotational speeds and the same or different torques. The output shaft 12c outputs the rotational driving force converted by the gear portion 12b. The output shaft 12c has a pulley, and the output shaft 12c is connected to the drive sprocket 5 via a chain belt hung on the pulley.

[0016] The V-belt 13 is wound around the pulley of the input shaft 12a. Also, the drive motor 14 has a pulley 15, and the V-belt 13 is wound around it.

[0017] The moving handrail drive machine 11 receives power from the rotation of the drive sprocket 5 and moves the endless moving handrail 10 on the handrail guide rails 16a, 16b of the railing 9 in synchronization with the movement of the step 4.

[0018] Each of the railings 9a and 9b, positioned on the left and right sides in the width direction of step 4, comprises a handrail guide rail 16a and 16b, inner plates 17a and 17b, outer decks 18a and 18b, inner decks 19a and 19b, and skirt guards 20a and 20b. The handrail guide rails 16a and 16b are members that guide the movement of the movable handrails 10a and 10b. The inner plates 17a and 17b are positioned below the movable handrails 10a and 10b and the handrail guide rails 16a and 16b, and are the parts that face users on step 4 from the left and right directions. The outer decks 18a and 18b are located on the opposite side of step 4 from the lower ends of the inner plates 17a and 17b. The inner decks 19a and 19b are plate-shaped members located on the side of step 4 from the lower ends of the inner plates 17a and 17b. The skirt guards 20a and 20b are plate-shaped members that are fixed to the inner decks 19a and 19b and positioned to the side of step 4.

[0019] On one side in the width direction, that is, on the step 4 side of the left handrail guide rail 16b, 14 infrared laser transmitters 21 that emit infrared laser light toward the step 4 are arranged in the direction of travel of the step 4 and are provided at predetermined intervals. On the other side in the width direction, that is, on the step 4 side of the right handrail guide rail 16a, 14 infrared laser receivers 22 are arranged in the direction of travel of the step 4 and are provided at predetermined intervals so as to face each of the infrared laser transmitters 21 individually. Therefore, the infrared laser light emitted by the first infrared laser transmitter 21 as viewed from the second entrance / exit 2b of the lower floor is received by the first infrared laser receiver 22 as viewed from the opposite second entrance / exit 2b, and the infrared laser light emitted by the second infrared laser transmitter 21 is received by the opposite second infrared laser receiver 22. Subsequently, the infrared laser light emitted by the Nth infrared laser transmitter 21 is received by the opposite Nth infrared laser receiver 22.

[0020] Additionally, on the outer deck 18a, speakers 23a, which are notification devices, are installed at three locations below: between the 5th and 6th infrared laser transmitters 21, between the 9th and 10th infrared laser transmitters 21, and between the 14th infrared laser transmitter 21 and the first entrance / exit 2a on the upper floor.

[0021] Similarly, on the outer deck 18b, speakers 23b, which are notification devices, are installed at three locations below: between the 5th and 6th infrared laser receivers 22, between the 9th and 10th infrared laser receivers 22, and between the 14th infrared laser receiver 22 and the first entrance / exit 2a.

[0022] Next, we will first explain the concept of detecting users walking on the steps in Embodiment 1. In this case, in escalator 1, step 4 is moving from the lower floor to the upper floor.

[0023] Figure 4 shows a user on a step and an example of the received waveform of infrared laser light received by one infrared laser receiver 22. In Figure 4(a), four people are on Step 4, with User 1 being thin, User 2 being overweight, User 3 being a child, and User 4 standing facing sideways, facing the direction of travel. As long as they are on Step 4, there will be a distance between each user.

[0024] Figure 4(b) shows the received waveform of infrared laser light at one infrared laser receiver 22 in the state shown in Figure 4(a). When there is no user between the infrared laser transmitter 21 and the infrared laser receiver 22, the infrared laser receiver 22 receives infrared laser light and displays "1". When there is a user, the infrared laser light is blocked and displays "0".

[0025] As shown in Figure 4(b), during the time T that one step takes to pass, a reception state of "0" occurs while a user is present, and a reception state of "1" occurs before and after that time. When the distance between adjacent infrared laser receivers 22 is L and the rated movement speed of step 4 is V, if the user is stationary on the step, for example, the received waveform at the 5th infrared laser receiver 22 before time L / V and the received waveform at the 6th infrared laser receiver 22 will be approximately the same.

[0026] Figure 5 shows an example of the received waveform of infrared laser light received by the infrared laser receiver 22 when there are both a user stationary on the step and a user walking on it. Figure 5(a) shows, for example, the received waveform at the fifth infrared laser receiver 22, and Figure 5(b) shows, for example, the received waveform at the sixth infrared laser receiver 22.

[0027] First, the received waveform is as shown in Figure 5(a) because stationary person 1, pedestrian 1, stationary person 2, and pedestrian 2 passed in front of the fifth infrared laser receiver 22 in that order. Next, these persons will pass in front of the sixth infrared laser receiver 22, but since pedestrians are moving faster than stationary persons, the distance between stationary person 1 and pedestrian 1 will narrow, as shown in the received waveform in Figure 5(b), and because pedestrian 2 passed next to stationary person 2, the obstruction by pedestrian 2 will no longer appear.

[0028] Thus, because the received waveforms at adjacent infrared laser receivers 22 differ depending on the pedestrian, this phenomenon is utilized to detect pedestrians in Embodiment 1.

[0029] Next, the control of gait detection in Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system in Embodiment 1. In Figure 6, the pedestrian detection and warning device 30 is connected to all infrared laser receivers 22 by wire or wireless connection. The pedestrian detection and warning device 30 includes a received waveform generation unit 31, a pedestrian determination unit 32, and a warning message generation unit 33. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the pedestrian detection and warning device 30 shown in Figure 6.

[0030] The received waveform generation unit 31 receives "0" and "1" as reception status from each infrared laser receiver 22, and generates a received waveform of the received signal for each infrared laser receiver 22, as shown in Figure 5. In other words, it adds and updates the reception status as it is received over time, and uses it as the received waveform (step S001).

[0031] The pedestrian detection unit 32 compares the received waveform from one infrared laser receiver 22, which is generated by the received waveform generation unit 31, with the received waveform from the next adjacent infrared laser receiver 22 in the direction of travel, and determines if there is a difference. For example, the received waveform from the sixth infrared laser receiver 22 and the received waveform from the fifth infrared laser receiver 22 at time L / V earlier. If a difference is found, it is determined that there is a pedestrian (step S002). For example, in Figure 5, there is a difference between the time when the infrared laser beam is blocked by pedestrian 1 at the sixth infrared laser receiver 22, i.e., when reception becomes "0", and the reception status of the fifth infrared laser receiver 22 at time L / V earlier, so it is determined that there is a pedestrian.

[0032] The warning message generation unit 33 receives a determination from the walking detection unit 32 that a pedestrian is present and generates an audio signal, such as "It is dangerous. Do not walk," to suppress walking. The infrared laser receiver 22 that detected walking then transmits the message to the speaker 23 closest to it in the direction of travel in step 4. For example, if walking is detected by the sixth infrared laser receiver 22, it transmits the message to the speakers 23a and 23b between the ninth and tenth infrared laser transmitters 21 and the infrared laser receiver 22 (step S003). Speakers 23a and 23b announce the received warning message.

[0033] This type of control improves the accuracy of determining the presence or absence of pedestrians in Embodiment 1.

[0034] Furthermore, since the nearest speakers 23a and 23b in the direction of travel from the point where walking is detected will issue a warning, pedestrians will be able to recognize that they are the ones receiving the warning, which is expected to discourage them from walking.

[0035] The warning message generation unit 33 may also be configured to send the message to a warning message display device for display.

[0036] Alternatively, a laser beam with a different directionality may be used instead of an infrared laser beam.

[0037] Furthermore, the gait detection unit 31 may apply AI technology to compare the received waveforms and determine if there are any differences, performing analysis and judgment. By learning the error range of the differences, more accurate gait detection can be expected.

[0038] Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 1, the presence or absence of pedestrians was determined based on the received waveforms from adjacent front and rear infrared laser receivers 22, but in Embodiment 2, the presence or absence of pedestrians is determined based on the received waveform from a single infrared laser receiver 22.

[0039] First, we will explain the concept of detecting users walking on the steps in Embodiment 2. Figures 8 and 9 show a user on a step and an example of the received waveform of infrared laser light received by a single infrared laser receiver.

[0040] Figure 8(a) shows a situation similar to Figure 4(a), where users 1-4 are stationary on step 4, and user 5 is walking beside users 1-4. Figure 8(b) shows the received waveform of infrared laser light from one infrared laser receiver 22 in the same state as in Figure 8(a).

[0041] If only stationary users 1-4 are present, during the time T it takes for one step to pass, one reception "0" occurs while the user is present, and receptions "1" occur before and after that. However, as shown in Figure 8(b), because user 5 is walking, two receptions "0" occur during time T due to users 3 and 5.

[0042] In Figure 9(a), users 1, 2, and 4 are stationary on step 4, while user 5 is walking alongside users 1, 2, and 4. In this case, as shown in Figure 9(b), user 5's walking speed is considerably faster than the rated movement speed V of step 4, so the time during which the infrared laser light is blocked and reception is "0" is significantly reduced.

[0043] Thus, when comparing the received waveform when all users are stationary with the received waveform when there are users walking, a significant difference appears in the received waveform received by the infrared laser receiver 22.

[0044] Therefore, in Embodiment 2, based on the expected user, such as a thin person, an overweight person, or a child, and the expected posture, such as standing facing forward or standing sideways, the received waveform is acquired and stored in advance, and walking is determined by comparing it with that waveform.

[0045] Figure 10 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the control system in Embodiment 2. In Figure 10, the pedestrian detection and warning device 40 is connected to all infrared laser receivers 22 by wire or wireless. The pedestrian detection and warning device 40 includes a received waveform generation unit 41, a pedestrian determination unit 42, a storage unit 43, and a warning message generation unit 44. Furthermore, the memory unit 43 has a large number of received waveforms pre-stored in it, which are received by the infrared laser receiver 22 when various anticipated users are stationary in step 4 in various anticipated postures. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the pedestrian detection and warning device 40 shown in Figure 10.

[0046] The received waveform generation unit 41 receives "0" and "1" representing the reception status from each infrared laser receiver 22, and generates a received waveform of the received signal for each infrared laser receiver 22, as shown in Figure 5. In other words, it adds and updates the reception status over time and uses it as the received waveform (step S011).

[0047] The walking determination unit 42 compares the received waveform generated by the received waveform generation unit 41 with the received waveforms pre-stored in the storage unit 43 and determines whether there are waveforms that are different from the stored waveforms. Different waveforms include, for example, cases where there are two or more "0"s during the passage time T of one step, or where the period of "0"s is shorter compared to the stored received waveforms. In addition, if another user walks past a stationary user at the infrared laser receiver 22, the blocking of the infrared laser light overlaps, resulting in abnormally long periods of "0"s, which are also included in the different waveforms. If such a different waveform is found, it is determined that the user is walking (step S012).

[0048] The warning message generation unit 44 receives a determination from the pedestrian detection unit 42 that a pedestrian is present, and, in the same manner as in step S003, broadcasts a warning message (step S013).

[0049] This type of control improves the accuracy of determining the presence or absence of pedestrians in Embodiment 2.

[0050] Furthermore, the gait detection unit 42 may apply AI technology to analyze and determine whether different waveforms exist. By training the AI ​​to make situational judgments, more accurate gait detection can be expected.

[0051] Although preferred embodiments have been described in detail above, the invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of disclosure.

[0052] Furthermore, when referring to the number, quantity, amount, range, etc., of each element in the embodiments, the apparatus of this disclosure is not limited to the referred number unless specifically stated or clearly defined in principle. Also, the structures, etc., described in these embodiments are not necessarily essential unless specifically stated or clearly defined in principle.

[0053] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix. (Note 1) A plurality of steps connected in an endless manner, railings arranged on both sides of the plurality of steps in the width direction, a plurality of transmitting devices provided on one side of the railing in the width direction, aligned in the direction of the step's movement, and emitting laser light toward the step, and a plurality of receiving devices provided on the other side of the railing in the width direction, aligned opposite each of the plurality of transmitting devices, and receiving the laser light emitted from the transmitting devices, A passenger conveyor characterized by comprising: a receiving waveform generation unit that generates a received waveform for each receiving device based on the reception status of the laser light at the receiving device; and a walking detection and warning device having a walking determination unit that determines the walking of a user based on the generated received waveform. (Note 2) The passenger conveyor according to Appendix 1, characterized in that the walking determination unit determines the walking of the user by comparing the received waveforms at adjacent receiving devices. (Note 3) The passenger conveyor according to Appendix 1, wherein the walking detection and warning device has a storage unit that stores in advance the received waveform generated when the step is moving in the direction of travel while the user is stationary on the step, and the walking determination unit determines the user's walking by comparing the received waveform stored in the storage unit with the received waveform generated by the received waveform generation unit. (Note 4) The passenger conveyor according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, characterized in that the walking detection and warning device has a warning message generation unit that generates a warning message when the walking determination unit determines that the user is walking. (Note 5) The passenger conveyor according to Appendix 4, further comprising a plurality of notification devices arranged in the direction of travel of the step, wherein the warning message generation unit transmits the warning message from the receiving device corresponding to the received waveform in which the user's walking has been determined to the nearest notification device on the direction of travel side of the step, and the notification device broadcasts the warning message. (Note 6) The passenger conveyor according to any one of the appendices 1 to 5, characterized in that the railing has a handrail guide rail and an inner plate positioned below the handrail guide rail, and the transmitting device and the receiving device are provided on the handrail guide rail. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 1 Escalator, 2a First entrance / exit, 2b Second entrance / exit, 3 Main frame, 4 Steps 5 drive sprocket, 6 step chain, 7 drive mechanism, 8 driven sprocket, 9 railing, 10 movable handrail, 11 movable handrail drive mechanism, 12 reduction gear, 13 V-belt, 14 drive motor, 15 pulley, 16 Handrail guide rail, 17 Inner panel, 18 Outer deck, 19 Inner deck, 20 Skirt guard, 21 Infrared laser emitter, 22 Infrared laser receiver, 23 Speaker, 30 Walking detection and warning device, 31 Received waveform generation unit, 32 Walking determination unit, 33 Warning message generation unit, 40 Walking detection and warning device, 41 Received waveform generation unit, 42 Walking determination unit, 43 Storage unit, 44 Warning message generation unit

Claims

1. A plurality of steps connected in an endless manner, railings arranged on both sides of the plurality of steps in the width direction, a plurality of transmitting devices provided on one side of the railing in the width direction, aligned in the direction of the step's movement, and emitting laser light toward the step, and a plurality of receiving devices provided on the other side of the railing in the width direction, aligned opposite each of the plurality of transmitting devices, and receiving the laser light emitted from the transmitting devices, A passenger conveyor characterized by comprising: a receiving waveform generation unit that generates a received waveform for each receiving device based on the reception status of the laser light at the receiving device; and a walking detection and warning device having a walking determination unit that determines the walking of a user based on the generated received waveform.

2. The passenger conveyor according to claim 1, characterized in that the walking determination unit determines the walking of the user by comparing the received waveforms at adjacent receiving devices.

3. The passenger conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the walking detection and warning device has a storage unit that stores in advance the received waveform generated when the step is moving in the direction of travel while the user is stationary on the step, and the walking determination unit determines the user's walking by comparing the received waveform stored in the storage unit with the received waveform generated by the received waveform generation unit.

4. The passenger conveyor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the walking detection and warning device has a warning message generation unit that generates a warning message when the walking determination unit determines that the user is walking.

5. The passenger conveyor according to claim 4, further comprising a plurality of notification devices arranged in the direction of travel of the step, wherein the warning message generation unit transmits the warning message from the receiving device corresponding to the received waveform in which the user's walking has been determined to the nearest notification device on the direction of travel side of the step, and the notification device broadcasts the warning message.

6. The passenger conveyor according to claim 1, characterized in that the railing has a handrail guide rail and an inner plate positioned below the handrail guide rail, and the transmitting device and the receiving device are provided on the handrail guide rail.

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