Passenger conveyor

Abstract

Conventional escalator detection and warning systems are costly and structurally complex, requiring the installation of vibration detection devices on each step. Furthermore, adding such systems to existing escalators necessitates extensive construction work. [Solution] The passenger conveyor comprises multiple steps, a step chain endlessly connected to the steps, a drive sprocket around which the step chain is wound, a drive mechanism for rotating the drive sprocket, a driven sprocket around which the step chain is wound and which rotates in conjunction with the movement of the step chain due to the rotation of the drive sprocket, a vibration receiving member connected to the driven sprocket, and a walking detection and warning device that detects vibration pulses transmitted to the vibration receiving member, compares them with vibration patterns stored in a memory unit, and generates a warning message to suppress walking if it is determined that a different vibration exists.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to passenger conveyors such as escalators and moving sidewalks 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 walking users come into contact with other users, or trip and fall due to walking (running up or down).

[0003] To suppress this, in Patent Document 1, vibration detection means is provided on each step, and the detected vibration is used to identify a walking user, and warning information is given by a warning generation means.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the escalator described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to install a vibration detection device on each individual step, which is costly and makes the structure complex. Also, when adding a walking detection and warning function to an existing escalator, large-scale construction work such as attaching a vibration detection device to each step is required.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a passenger conveyor that can determine walking on steps and issue a warning to suppress walking at a low cost and with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The passenger conveyor in this disclosure comprises a plurality of steps, a step chain endlessly connected to the steps, a drive sprocket around which the step chain is wound, a drive mechanism for rotating the drive sprocket, a driven sprocket around which the step chain is wound and which rotates in conjunction with the movement of the step chain due to the rotation of the drive sprocket, a vibration receiving member connected to the driven sprocket, and a walking detection and warning device that detects vibration pulses transmitted to the vibration receiving member, compares them with vibration patterns stored in a memory unit, and generates a warning message to suppress walking if it is determined that there are vibrations that differ from the vibration pattern. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, walking can be suppressed inexpensively and without complicating the configuration, as walking is determined based on minute vibrations generated by walking on the step and transmitted to the driven sprocket. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the escalator in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the driven chamber as seen from the side in Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing the area around the driven sprocket in the driven chamber in Embodiment 1, viewed from above. [Figure 4] This is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the pedestrian detection and warning device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the processing of the pedestrian detection and warning device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of the driven chamber as seen from the side 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.

[0012] In Figure 1, 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. 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 entrance / exit 2a is located on the upper floor of the building, and the second entrance / exit 2b is located on the lower floor of the building. The main frame 3 spans between the first entrance / exit 2a and the second entrance / exit 2b, and has a machine room 3a at its upper end and a driven machine room 3b at its lower end. The machine room 3a is located below the first entrance / exit 2a, and the driven machine room 3b is located below the second entrance / exit 2b.

[0014] Multiple steps 4 are connected in an endless manner and are installed between the first entrance / exit 2a and the second entrance / exit 2b. The step chain 6 is an endless chain that connects the multiple steps 4, and a portion of it is wrapped around the drive sprocket 5 installed in the machine room 3a and the driven sprocket 8 installed in the driven machine room 3b.

[0015] The drive unit 7 drives the drive sprocket 5 to move a plurality of steps 4. The drive unit 7 includes a speed reducer 12, a V-belt 13, and a drive motor 14. The speed reducer 12 has an input shaft 12a, a gear section 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 a rotational driving force. The gear section 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 section 12b. The output shaft 12c has a pulley, and the output shaft 12c is connected to the drive sprocket 5 via a chain belt wound around 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 around which the V-belt 13 is wound.

[0017] The moving handrail drive unit 11 receives power from the rotation of the drive sprocket 5 and moves the endless moving handrail 10 on the handrail guide rail of the railing 9 in synchronization with the movement of the step 4.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram seen from the side of the driven machine chamber 3b. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram seen from above, particularly around the driven sprocket 8, in the driven machine chamber 3b of FIG. 2. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the description of the plurality of steps 4 is omitted. The driven machine chamber 3b has two front iron front columns 100a on the left and right in the front, two rear iron rear columns 100b on the left and right in the rear, two upper beams 100c in the front-rear direction and two in the left-right direction at the upper part, and two lower beams 100d in the front-rear direction and two in the left-right direction at the lower part, forming a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped frame.

[0019] Also, between the front column 100a and the rear column 100b, two pedestal rails 101 are fixed so as to be parallel to the upper beam 100c and the lower beam 100d. The driven sprocket 8 is composed of an inner ring 8a, an outer ring 8b, and a bearing portion 8c positioned therebetween. With the inner ring 8a fixed, the outer ring 8b is rotatable. Grease is supplied to the bearing portion 8c via a grease supply pipe (not shown).

[0020] There is a main shaft hole at the center of the inner ring 8a, and the main shaft 102 passes through and is fixed to the main shaft hole. Further, pedestal assemblies having pedestal portions 103 and cam floors 104 are fixed to the left and right end portions of the main shaft 102. The pedestal portion 103 has a main shaft receiving portion 103a for receiving the main shaft 102 and leg portions 103b extending downward in front of and behind the main shaft receiving portion 103a, and the cam floor 104 is connected to the leg portions 103b.

[0021] The cam floor 104 is composed of an inner ring 104a, an outer ring 104b, and a bearing portion 104c positioned therebetween. Further, a shaft protrudes from the center portion of the inner ring 104a, and the shaft is inserted into the shaft hole of the leg portion 103b and fixed by bolting from the opposite side. Thus, the outer ring 104b of the cam floor 104 can rotate and move on the pedestal rail 101.

[0022] Also, an SCS through bolt 105 is sandwiched between the driven sprocket 8 and the pedestal portion 103, and the main shaft 102 is inserted and fixed into the main shaft hole formed at the end thereof, whereby the driven sprocket 8 and the SCS through bolt 105 are connected.

[0023] The SCS through bolt 105 extends rearward, passes through a through hole formed in an L-shaped truss fixing angle 106, and on the side opposite to the main shaft 102, an SCS spring 107 is inserted and fixed with an SCS adjusting nut 108. Thereby, one end of the SCS spring 107 in the extending direction is regulated by one side of the truss fixing angle 106, and the other end is regulated by the SCS adjusting nut 108.

[0024] In this configuration, tension acts on the SCS spring 107 in the direction of extension, but because it is restricted by one side of the truss fixing angle 106, a force is generated pulling the SCS through bolt 105 in the rearward direction. This force also acts on the driven sprocket 8 via the main shaft 102, and consequently pulls the step chain 6 backward, thus maintaining the tension of the step chain 6.

[0025] Furthermore, when escalator 1 operates, vibrations naturally occur on the step chain 6, which may change the balance with the tension of the SCS spring 107. In such cases, the cam floor 104 moves back and forth on the base rail 101, causing the driven sprocket 8 to also move back and forth, thereby adjusting the force. The cam floor 104 is restricted from shifting in the left-right and up-down directions.

[0026] Furthermore, a vibration pulse waveform detection unit 201 is installed near the rear end of the SCS through bolt 105, extending from the SCS adjustment nut 108.

[0027] Next, we will explain the concept of gait detection on a step in this disclosure. Normally, when the drive unit 7 moves, the drive sprocket 5 rotates, and multiple steps connected to the step chain 6 move between the first entrance / exit 2a and the second entrance / exit 2b. During this process, vibrations occur due to the movement, such as the reversal of the steps on the driven sprocket 8, and these vibrations are transmitted to the SCS through bolt 105. However, tension is applied to the rear of the SCS spring 107, preventing the step chain 6 from loosening.

[0028] Even when passengers walk on multiple steps during this type of operation, minute vibrations are generated as a result. These vibrations are then transmitted to the connecting SCS through bolt 105 via step 4, step chain 6, and driven sprocket 8. Analysis revealed that the amplitude and period of these vibrations generated by walking differ from those generated during normal operation. In other words, if minute vibrations with amplitudes and periods different from those generated during normal operation are detected, it is highly likely that a passenger is walking on the steps. Therefore, in this embodiment, the vibration of the SCS through bolt 105 is analyzed to detect walking.

[0029] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the pedestrian detection and warning device 200. In Figure 4, the pedestrian detection and warning device 200 mainly consists of a vibration pulse waveform detection unit 201, a storage unit 202, a pedestrian determination unit 203, a voice generation unit 204, and a display generation unit 205. Except for the vibration pulse waveform detection unit 201, the other components are housed in separate enclosures and can communicate with the vibration pulse waveform detection unit 201 wirelessly or via wired connections.

[0030] The memory unit 202 stores various vibration patterns obtained by collecting vibration pulses detected by the vibration pulse waveform detection unit 201 when the escalator is in steady operation, that is, when passengers are standing on the steps and stationary, and removing noise and other unwanted elements. For example, amplitude and period are stored. This information is collected and stored after the escalator is installed in the building and test runs are conducted under several different conditions. These vibrations differ depending on the building structure, so the information is collected after installation.

[0031] The walking determination unit 203 compares the vibration pulse waveform detected by the vibration pulse waveform detection unit 201 with the vibration patterns stored in the storage unit 202, and determines whether these vibration patterns contain micro-vibrations different from those of the detected vibrations.

[0032] The voice generation unit 204 generates a voice warning message to discourage walking and transmits it to a notification device 40, such as a speaker. The notification device 40 is installed on the railing 9 at predetermined intervals.

[0033] The display generation unit 205 generates text information for a warning message to discourage walking and transmits it to a display device 41 such as a monitor. The display device 41 is installed on the railing 9 at predetermined intervals.

[0034] Next, the processing performed by the pedestrian detection and warning device 200 will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 5. First, by turning on the power to the escalator 1 and starting it up, the pedestrian detection and warning device 200 is also started up, the vibration pulse waveform detection unit 201 transmits the detected vibration pulse, and the pedestrian determination unit 203 receives it (step S001).

[0035] The gait determination unit 203 reads the vibration pattern from the memory unit 202, analyzes and compares the received vibration pulses, and determines whether they contain micro-vibrations different from the vibration pattern (step S002).

[0036] In step S002, if there is a different type of vibration, it is determined that there is a passenger walking, and the voice generation unit 204 generates voice information such as, "It is dangerous to walk on the escalator. Please stop," and the display generation unit 205 generates text information such as, "No walking," and transmits it to the notification device 40 and the display device 41 (step S003). The notification device 40 emits the received voice information as sound, and the display device 41 displays the received text. Note that the process shown in Figure 5 will continue until the power is turned off.

[0037] Thus, in the escalator of Embodiment 1, walking is detected in the driven chamber 3b by vibrations transmitted to the driven sprocket 8. Therefore, there is no need to install vibration devices on each step, and a warning can be issued for walking on the steps with an inexpensive and simple configuration.

[0038] Furthermore, when adding to existing escalators, the work can be completed with minimal construction.

[0039] In Figures 2 and 3, the SCS through bolt 105 receives vibrations from the driven sprocket 8, and the vibration pulse waveform detection unit 201 detects the vibrations. However, the system is not limited to bolts; any vibration-receiving member that can receive vibrations, i.e., a vibration-receiving member, will work.

[0040] Furthermore, in Figures 2 and 3, the vibration pulse waveform detection unit 201 is positioned near the rear end of the SCS adjustment nut 108, but it may also be attached to the SCS through bolt 105 between the main shaft 102 and the truss fixing angle 106. In addition, it can be placed anywhere as long as minute vibrations caused by walking can be detected.

[0041] Furthermore, although the SCS through bolt 105 was connected to the driven sprocket 8 via the main shaft 102, it may also be connected to the driven sprocket 8 by other means, such as by connecting it to the base assembly. In short, any method of connection is applicable as long as the vibrations of the driven sprocket 8 are transmitted.

[0042] Embodiment 2. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the driven chamber 3b in Embodiment 2, viewed from the side, and shows a mechanism for amplifying the vibrations detected by the vibration pulse waveform detection unit 201 in Figure 2.

[0043] In Figure 6, one end of a rod-shaped fixing piece 109 is fixed to the truss fixing angle 106 so as to extend horizontally backward. The other end of the fixing piece 109 is connected to a vibration amplitude amplification detection piece 110 by a first rotationally movable bearing 111. The vibration amplitude amplification detection piece 110 is rod-shaped and extends upward, with its lower end connected to a second rotationally movable bearing 112 provided on the SCS adjustment nut 108. The upper end of the vibration amplitude amplification detection piece 110 is in contact with the vibration pulse waveform detection unit 201, which is capable of detecting vibration pulses from the vibration amplitude amplification detection piece 110. The distance between the first rotationally movable bearing 111 and the second rotationally movable bearing 112 is shorter than the distance between the first rotationally movable bearing 111 and the vibration pulse waveform detection unit 201, approximately one-fifth of the distance between them.

[0044] In this configuration, when the SCS through bolt 105 vibrates, the vibration amplitude amplification detection piece 110 vibrates back and forth with the first rotationally movable bearing 111 as the pivot point. However, the range of motion of the upper end of the vibration amplitude amplification detection piece 110 is five times that of the range of motion at the second rotationally movable bearing 112. In other words, the fixed piece 109 and the vibration amplitude amplification detection piece 110 act as an amplification mechanism, increasing the amplitude of vibration detected by the vibration pulse waveform detection unit 201, and making it easier to detect minute vibrations.

[0045] Thus, in Embodiment 2, the accuracy of detecting walking increases, and the effect of suppressing walking is enhanced.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix. (Note 1) A passenger conveyor comprising: multiple steps; a step chain endlessly connected to the steps; a drive sprocket around which the step chain is wound; a drive mechanism for rotating the drive sprocket; a driven sprocket around which the step chain is wound and which rotates in conjunction with the movement of the step chain due to the rotation of the drive sprocket; a vibration receiving member connected to the driven sprocket; and a walking detection and warning device that detects vibration pulses transmitted to the vibration receiving member, compares them with vibration patterns stored in a memory unit, and generates a warning message to suppress walking if it is determined that vibrations different from the vibration patterns exist. (Note 2) The passenger conveyor according to Appendix 1, characterized in that the vibration pattern is obtained from vibration pulses transmitted to the vibration receiving member when the drive sprocket is rotated while the user is not walking on the step, and the driven sprocket rotates in conjunction with the movement of the step chain. (Note 3) The passenger conveyor according to Appendix 1 or 2, characterized in that the vibration receiving member is a bolt, and a spring that generates tension in the direction opposite to the direction in which the step chain is located is fixed to the bolt. (Note 4) The passenger conveyor according to Appendix 3, characterized in that the bolt passes through a through hole formed in the truss fixing angle, and the spring, which is restricted by the truss fixing angle, is inserted on the opposite side of the driven sprocket and fixed with an adjustment nut. (Note 5) The passenger conveyor according to Appendix 4, wherein the walking detection and warning device has a vibration pulse waveform detection unit that detects the vibration pulse waveform of something it comes into contact with, and the vibration pulse waveform detection unit is in contact with the adjustment nut. (Note 6) The passenger conveyor according to Appendix 4, wherein the walking detection and warning device has a vibration pulse waveform detection unit that detects the vibration pulse waveform of something it comes into contact with, and the vibration pulse waveform detection unit is connected to the adjustment nut and in contact with an amplification mechanism that amplifies vibration. (Note 7) The amplification mechanism comprises a fixing piece with one end fixed to the truss fixing angle, and a vibration amplitude amplification detection piece attached to the other end of the fixing piece by a first rotationally movable bearing, wherein one end of the vibration amplitude amplification detection piece is attached to the adjustment nut by a second rotationally movable bearing, and the vibration pulse waveform detection unit is in contact with the other end, and the distance between the first rotationally movable bearing and the second rotationally movable bearing is shorter than the distance between the first rotationally movable bearing and the position where the vibration pulse waveform detection unit is in contact, as described in Appendix 6. (Note 8) A passenger conveyor according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7, characterized in that it has a notification device that emits the aforementioned warning message by voice. (Note 9) A passenger conveyor according to any one of the appendices 1 to 8, characterized in that it has a display device that displays the aforementioned warning message. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0049] 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, 8a Inner ring, 8b Outer ring, 8c Bearing section, 9 railing, 10 movable handrail, 11 movable handrail drive mechanism, 12 reduction gear, 13 V-belt, 14 drive motor, 15 pulley, 40 notification device, 41 Display device; 100a front column, 100b rear column, 100c upper beam, 100d lower beam, 101 Base rail, 102 Main shaft, 103 Base section, 103a Main bearing section, 103b legs, 104 Cam floor, 104a Inner ring, 104b Outer ring, 104c Bearing section, 105 SCS through bolt, 106 truss fixing angle, 107 SCS spring, 108 SCS adjustment nut, 109 fixing piece, 110 Vibration amplitude amplification detection piece, 111 First rotational direction movable bearing, 112 Second rotational direction movable bearing, 200 Walk detection and warning device, 201 Vibration pulse waveform detection unit, 202 Storage unit, 203 Walking detection unit, 204 Voice generation unit, 205 Display generation unit

Claims

1. A passenger conveyor comprising: multiple steps; a step chain endlessly connected to the steps; a drive sprocket around which the step chain is wound; a drive mechanism for rotating the drive sprocket; a driven sprocket around which the step chain is wound and which rotates in conjunction with the movement of the step chain due to the rotation of the drive sprocket; a vibration receiving member connected to the driven sprocket; and a walking detection and warning device that detects vibration pulses transmitted to the vibration receiving member, compares them with vibration patterns stored in a memory unit, and generates a warning message to suppress walking if it is determined that vibrations different from the vibration pattern exist.

2. The passenger conveyor according to claim 1, characterized in that the vibration pattern is obtained from vibration pulses transmitted to the vibration receiving member when the drive sprocket is rotated while the user is not walking on the step, and the driven sprocket rotates in conjunction with the movement of the step chain.

3. The passenger conveyor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the vibration receiving member is a bolt, and a spring that generates tension in the direction opposite to the direction in which the step chain is located is fixed to the bolt.

4. The passenger conveyor according to claim 3, characterized in that the bolt passes through a through hole formed in the truss fixing angle, and the spring, which is restricted by the truss fixing angle, is inserted into the opposite side of the driven sprocket and fixed with an adjustment nut.

5. The passenger conveyor according to claim 4, characterized in that the walking detection and warning device has a vibration pulse waveform detection unit that detects the vibration pulse waveform of something it comes into contact with, and the vibration pulse waveform detection unit is in contact with the adjustment nut.

6. The passenger conveyor according to claim 4, wherein the walking detection and warning device has a vibration pulse waveform detection unit that detects the vibration pulse waveform of something it comes into contact with, and the vibration pulse waveform detection unit is connected to the adjustment nut and in contact with an amplification mechanism that amplifies vibration.

7. The amplification mechanism comprises a fixing piece with one end fixed to the truss fixing angle, and a vibration amplitude amplification detection piece attached to the other end of the fixing piece by a first rotationally movable bearing, wherein one end of the vibration amplitude amplification detection piece is attached to the adjustment nut by a second rotationally movable bearing, and the vibration pulse waveform detection unit is in contact with the other end, and the distance between the first rotationally movable bearing and the second rotationally movable bearing is shorter than the distance between the first rotationally movable bearing and the position where the vibration pulse waveform detection unit is in contact, as described in claim 6.

8. The passenger conveyor according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a notification device that emits the aforementioned warning message by voice.

9. The passenger conveyor according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a display device that displays the aforementioned warning message.

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