Handrail belt inspection device and man conveyor

Abstract

The present invention provides a handrail belt inspection device capable of detecting irregularities on the outer and inner surfaces of the handrail belt. [Solution] The handrail belt inspection device comprises a first inspection unit that is movable and in contact with the outer surface of the handrail belt, a second inspection unit that is movable and in contact with the inner surface of the handrail belt, a first elastic unit that applies an elastic restoring force toward the outer surface to the first inspection unit, a second elastic unit that applies an elastic restoring force toward the inner surface to the second inspection unit, and a movement detection unit that detects the movement of the first inspection unit and the second inspection unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a handrail belt inspection device and a man conveyor.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a handrail belt inspection device includes a roller that is movable and contacts the outer surface of the handrail belt, an elastic part that applies an elastic restoring force toward the outer surface to the roller, and a movement detection part that detects the movement of the roller (for example, Patent Document 1). By the way, unevenness (bulges, depressions) of the handrail belt may occur not only on the outer surface but also on the inner surface. In contrast, the handrail belt inspection device according to Patent Document 1 can detect unevenness on the outer surface of the handrail belt, but cannot detect unevenness on the inner surface of the handrail belt.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the problem is to provide a handrail belt inspection device capable of detecting unevenness on both the outer surface and the inner surface of the handrail belt.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The handrail belt inspection device includes a first inspection part that is movable and contacts the outer surface of the handrail belt, a second inspection part that is movable and contacts the inner surface of the handrail belt, a first elastic part that applies an elastic restoring force toward the outer surface to the first inspection part, a second elastic part that applies an elastic restoring force toward the inner surface to the second inspection part, The system includes a movement detection unit that detects the movement of the first inspection unit and the second inspection unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of a man conveyor according to one embodiment [Figure 2] Sectional view along line II-II in Figure 1 [Figure 3] Sectional view along line III-III in Figure 2 [Figure 4] Control block diagram of a man conveyor according to the same embodiment. [Figure 5] Longitudinal cross-sectional view of a handrail belt inspection device according to another embodiment. [Figure 6] Further, a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a handrail belt inspection device according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] Further, a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a handrail belt inspection device according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] Further, a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a handrail belt inspection device according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] In each drawing, the dimensions of components may be enlarged or reduced from their actual dimensions for the sake of clarity, and the dimensional ratios between drawings may not be consistent. Furthermore, in each drawing, some components may be omitted for the sake of clarity.

[0008] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "1st," "2nd," etc., are used to describe various components, but these terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from others, and the components are not particularly limited by these terms. Furthermore, the number of components including ordinal numbers is not particularly limited; for example, there may be only one. Also, the ordinal numbers used in the following specification and drawings may differ from the ordinal numbers described in the claims.

[0009] The following description will explain one embodiment of the man conveyor and handrail belt inspection device with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Note that the following embodiment is provided as an example to aid in understanding the configuration of the man conveyor and handrail belt inspection device, and does not limit the configuration of the man conveyor and handrail belt inspection device.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the man conveyor 1 may include, for example, a structure 2 installed on the building frame, a transport section 3 for transporting people (passengers), a pair of railing sections 4 (only one is shown in Figure 1) arranged to sandwich the transport section 3 in a first direction D1, a drive section 5 for driving the transport section 3 and the railing sections 4, and a processing section 6 for controlling the entire device.

[0011] In each figure, the first direction D1 is the first transverse direction (also called the "width direction") D1, which is parallel to the horizontal direction; the second direction D2 is the second transverse direction (also called the "front-back direction") D2, which is parallel to the horizontal direction and perpendicular to the first transverse direction D1; and the third direction D3 is the vertical direction D3, which is perpendicular to both the first transverse direction D1 and the second transverse direction D2.

[0012] Furthermore, the inside of the first lateral direction D1 refers to the side of the man conveyor 1 closer to the center of the first lateral direction D1, and the outside of the first lateral direction D1 refers to the side of the man conveyor 1 further from the center of the first lateral direction D1. Similarly, the inside of the second lateral direction D2 refers to the side of the man conveyor 1 closer to the center of the second lateral direction D2, and the outside of the second lateral direction D2 refers to the side of the man conveyor 1 further from the center of the second lateral direction D2.

[0013] The man conveyor 1 according to this embodiment is an escalator with a stepped tread for transporting people, but it is not limited to this configuration. For example, the man conveyor 1 may be a moving walkway with a flat tread for transporting people.

[0014] The conveying unit 3 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, an annular traveling unit 3a that rotates and travels by being driven by a driving unit 5, and a plurality of steps 3b that travel together with the traveling unit 3a by being connected to the traveling unit 3a and have treads on which people ride. Although not particularly limited, the traveling unit 3a may be, for example, a roller chain.

[0015] Also, for example, a pair of traveling units 3a may be provided apart in the first lateral direction D1, and the plurality of steps 3b may be arranged between the pair of traveling units 3a, 3a. And the steps 3b may be rotatably connected to the respective traveling units 3a about the first lateral direction D1 as an axis.

[0016] The driving unit 5 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, a rotating unit 5a around which the first end portion of the traveling unit 3a in the second lateral direction D2 is wound and which rotates about the first lateral direction D1, a support unit 5b that supports the second end portion of the traveling unit 3a in the second lateral direction D2, a driving source 5c that rotates the rotating unit 5a, and a braking unit 5d that brakes the rotation of the rotating unit 5a. Thereby, the steps 3b are inverted by the rotating unit 5a and are also inverted by the support unit 5b.

[0017] Although not particularly limited, the rotating unit 5a may be, for example, a sprocket. Also, although not particularly limited, the support unit 5b may be, for example, a guiding material that guides the traveling unit 3a to invert, or may be, for example, a rotating material (e.g., a sprocket) around which the traveling unit 3a is wound and which rotates about the first lateral direction D1. Also, although not particularly limited, the driving source 5c may be, for example, a motor and an inverter. Also, although not particularly limited, the braking unit 5d may be, for example, a brake.

[0018] The railing unit 4 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, an annular handrail belt 7 that rotates and travels, a railing main body portion 4a that supports the handrail belt 7, and a cover portion 4b that covers the lower portion of the railing main body portion 4a. For example, the handrail belt 7 may travel by the drive of the drive unit 5, and the travel of the handrail belt 7 may be synchronized with the travel in step 3b. Further, although not particularly limited, the handrail belt 7 may be formed of, for example, rubber, polyurethane, etc. and may be formed with elasticity.

[0019] The structure 2 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, machine rooms 2a arranged at respective ends in the second lateral direction D2. The machine room 2a arranged below is referred to as the first machine room 2a, and the machine room 2a arranged above is referred to as the second machine room 2a. Further, the structure 2 may be, for example, a truss structure or a lattice structure composed of a plurality of frame members.

[0020] The man conveyor 1 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, a floor plate 1a attached to the structure 2 so as to cover the machine room 2a from above. Thereby, the floor plate 1a constitutes boarding and alighting portions 1b, 1b arranged at respective ends in the second lateral direction D2 of the conveying unit 3 for boarding and alighting the conveying unit 3.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the handrail belt 7 may include, for example, a flat belt main body portion 7a arranged at the center in the first lateral direction D1, and an engaging portion 7b arranged at an end in the first lateral direction D1 and engaging with the railing main body portion 4a (see FIG. 1) so as not to disengage from the railing main body portion 4a. The engaging portion 7b may be formed, for example, as in this embodiment, to extend from the belt main body portion 7a in the first lateral direction D1 and fold back.

[0022] Further, the man conveyor 1 includes a handrail belt inspection device (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the "inspection device") 10 that detects unevenness on the outer surface 7c and the inner surface 7d of the handrail belt 7. Although not particularly limited, the inspection device 10 may be arranged, for example, as in this embodiment, inside the cover portion 4b of the railing unit 4.

[0023] The inspection device 10 includes a first inspection unit 11 that is movable and in contact with the outer surface 7c of the handrail belt 7, a second inspection unit 12 that is movable and in contact with the inner surface 7d of the handrail belt 7, a first elastic unit 13 that applies an elastic restoring force to the first inspection unit 11 toward the outer surface 7c of the handrail belt 7, a second elastic unit 14 that applies an elastic restoring force to the second inspection unit 12 toward the inner surface 7d of the handrail belt 7, and a movement detection unit 21 that detects the movement of the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12.

[0024] Furthermore, the inspection device 10 may also include, for example, a base portion 15 fixed to the structure 2 or the railing portion 4 (see Figure 1), a first movable portion 16 fixed to the first inspection portion 11 and moving integrally with the first inspection portion 11 relative to the base portion 15, a second movable portion 17 fixed to the second inspection portion 12 and moving integrally with the second inspection portion 12 relative to the base portion 15, a movable guide portion 18 that guides the first movable portion 16 and the second movable portion 17, and a belt guide portion 19 that guides the handrail belt 7.

[0025] The movement guide section 18 is not particularly limited, but for example, as in this embodiment, it may be configured to extend in the vertical direction D3 and be fixed to the base section 15. The movement sections 16 and 17 move in the vertical direction D3 relative to the base section 15 by being guided by the movement guide section 18.

[0026] As a result, the inspection units 11 and 12 can move in the vertical direction D3. The movable units 16 and 17 are not particularly limited, but for example, as in this embodiment, they may be equipped with guide holes 16a and 17a that are inserted into and guided by the movable guide unit 18.

[0027] The inspection sections 11 and 12 are not particularly limited, but for example, they may be rollers, as in this embodiment. This suppresses the generation of frictional force between the inspection sections 11 and 12 and the handrail belt 7. The inspection sections 11 and 12 may also be in contact with the surfaces 7c and 7d of the belt body portion 7a of the handrail belt 7, as in this embodiment.

[0028] The first elastic part 13 is not particularly limited, but for example, as in this embodiment, it may be a coil spring positioned between the base part 15 and the first moving part 16 and undergoing elastic deformation of contraction in the vertical direction D3. As a result, the first elastic part 13 applies an upward elastic restoring force (i.e., an elastic restoring force directed toward the outer surface 7c of the handrail belt 7) to the first inspection part 11 via the first moving part 16.

[0029] Therefore, the first inspection unit 11, which is movable in the vertical direction D3, is in contact with the outer surface 7c of the handrail belt 7 under pressure. As a result, the first inspection unit 11 moves in the vertical direction D3 as it comes into contact with the irregularities on the outer surface 7c of the handrail belt 7. Specifically, the first inspection unit 11 moves downward as it comes into contact with the bulges on the outer surface 7c, and moves upward as it comes into contact with the depressions on the outer surface 7c.

[0030] The second elastic part 14 is not particularly limited, but for example, as in this embodiment, it may be a coil spring positioned between the base part 15 and the second moving part 17 and undergoing elastic deformation by contraction in the vertical direction D3. As a result, the second elastic part 14 applies a downward elastic restoring force (i.e., an elastic restoring force directed toward the inner surface 7d of the handrail belt 7) to the second inspection part 12 via the second moving part 17.

[0031] Therefore, the second inspection unit 12, which is movable in the vertical direction D3, is in contact with the inner surface 7d of the handrail belt 7 under pressure. As a result, the second inspection unit 12 moves in the vertical direction D3 as it comes into contact with the irregularities on the inner surface 7d of the handrail belt 7. Specifically, the second inspection unit 12 moves upward as it comes into contact with the bulges on the inner surface 7d, and moves downward as it comes into contact with the depressions on the outer surface 7c.

[0032] Incidentally, because the inspection parts 11 and 12 press against the handrail belt 7, the handrail belt 7 may undergo elastic deformation. Furthermore, if, for example, the hardness of the handrail belt 7 varies in different parts, and the amount of elastic deformation of the handrail belt 7 changes due to the hardness of the handrail belt 7, there is a risk that the inspection parts 11 and 12 may move as a result.

[0033] For example, generally, the joint portion that forms the loop of the handrail belt 7 is harder than other parts. Therefore, when the inspection parts 11 and 12 come into contact with the joint portion, the amount of elastic deformation of the handrail belt 7 is small, and when the inspection parts 11 and 12 come into contact with other parts, the amount of elastic deformation of the handrail belt 7 is large. As a result, when the joint portion passes over the inspection parts 11 and 12, there is a risk that the inspection parts 11 and 12 will move in the vertical direction D3.

[0034] Therefore, the first inspection section 11 and the second inspection section 12 are arranged so as to sandwich the handrail belt 7. Specifically, the position where the first inspection section 11 contacts the handrail belt 7 overlaps with the position where the second inspection section 12 contacts the handrail belt 7 when viewed in the vertical direction D3 (i.e., in the thickness direction of the belt body 7a).

[0035] This prevents the handrail belt 7 from undergoing elastic deformation due to the elastic restoring force of the first elastic section 13 and the second elastic section 14. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the inspection sections 11 and 12 from moving due to changes in the amount of elastic deformation of the handrail belt 7.

[0036] The belt guide portion 19 is not particularly limited, but for example, as in this embodiment, it may be configured to extend in the second lateral direction D2 and be fixed to the structure 2 (see Figure 1) or the base portion 15 by a fastener not shown. As a result, the handrail belt 7 travels along the second lateral direction D2 by being guided by the belt guide portion 19.

[0037] Although not particularly limited, the belt guide portion 19 may be configured, for example, as in this embodiment, to be positioned inside each engaging portion 7b, 7b of the handrail belt 7 and to guide the inner surface 7d of each engaging portion 7b, 7b. This makes it possible to suppress the handrail belt 7 from swaying in the first lateral direction D1 and the vertical direction D3.

[0038] Furthermore, the belt guide section 19 may be arranged, for example, as in this embodiment, such that the inspection sections 11 and 12 include a position in the second lateral direction D2 where they contact the handrail belt 7. This suppresses the handrail belt 7 from swaying at the position where it contacts the inspection sections 11 and 12. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the movement of the inspection sections 11 and 12 caused by the swaying of the handrail belt 7.

[0039] The movement detection unit 21 comprises a sensor 21a and a detected unit 21b that is detected by the sensor 21a. For example, as in this embodiment, the sensor 21a may be fixed to the first moving unit 16 and the detected unit 21b may be fixed to the second moving unit 17. The sensor 21a is not particularly limited, but for example, as in this embodiment, it may be a photoelectric sensor, or it may be a contact sensor or a proximity sensor.

[0040] Incidentally, since the first inspection section 11 and the second inspection section 12 sandwich the handrail belt 7, when the handrail belt 7 swings in the vertical direction D3, the first inspection section 11 and the second inspection section 12 each move in the vertical direction D3, so there is no relative movement between the first inspection section 11 and the second inspection section 12. On the other hand, if there are irregularities on the surfaces 7c and 7d of the handrail belt 7, only one of the inspection sections 11 or 12 will move, so there is relative movement between the first inspection section 11 and the second inspection section 12.

[0041] In contrast, the sensor 21a moves together with the first inspection unit 11, and the detected unit 21b moves together with the second inspection unit 12. As a result, the movement detection unit 21 can detect relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 by changing the detection status (detected state / non-detected state) of the detected unit 21b by the sensor 21a.

[0042] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the detection of movement of inspection units 11 and 12 caused by the swaying of the handrail belt 7, while reliably detecting movement of inspection units 11 and 12 caused by irregularities on the surfaces 7c and 7d of the handrail belt 7. For example, as in this embodiment, when the sensor 21a detects the unit to be detected 21b (when the sensor 21a changes from a non-detection state to a detection state of the unit to be detected 21b), the movement detection unit 21 may be configured to detect the relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12.

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, the man conveyor 1 is equipped with a distance detection unit 22 for detecting the travel distance of the handrail belt 7. The man conveyor 1 may also be equipped with an input unit 23 for receiving various information and an output unit 24 for outputting various information, as in this embodiment.

[0044] The distance detection unit 22 is not particularly limited, but for example, it may be configured to detect the distance traveled by the running unit 3a and step 3b, which travel in synchronization with the handrail belt 7. Specifically, the distance detection unit 22 may be, for example, a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor, an encoder) that detects the rotation of the rotating unit 5a.

[0045] The input unit 23 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a switch (push button switch, select switch, etc.), a touch panel, etc. The output unit 24 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a display unit that displays information (e.g., an electronic display board, indicator light), a sound-emitting unit that emits information as sound (e.g., a buzzer, speaker), or a signal output unit that outputs a signal to an external device (e.g., a central monitoring panel, etc.).

[0046] The processing unit 6 may include, for example, an acquisition unit 6a that acquires information (data) from each of the units 21 to 23, a storage unit 6b that stores each of the information, an arithmetic unit 6c that performs calculations on each of the information, and a control unit 6d that controls each of the units 5 and 24. Furthermore, the processing unit 6 may be a computer equipped with, for example, a processor such as a CPU and an MPU (e.g., arithmetic unit 6c, control unit 6d), memory such as ROM and RAM (e.g., acquisition unit 6a, storage unit 6b), various interfaces, etc.

[0047] As a result, the processor executes the program stored in memory, and the software and hardware work together to realize each part 6a to 6d of the processing unit 6. The processing unit 6 may be composed of, for example, software circuits, or for example, hardware circuits, or for example, a combination of software circuits and hardware circuits.

[0048] Furthermore, the processing unit 6 may consist of, for example, a single device, or it may consist of, for example, multiple devices that can communicate with each other. Specifically, each part 6a to 6d of the processing unit 6 may be provided in, for example, a single device, or it may be distributed and provided in, for example, multiple devices that can communicate with each other.

[0049] The configuration of the man conveyor 1 according to this embodiment is as described above. Next, a method for determining abnormalities in the handrail belt 7 according to this embodiment will be explained. Note that the following method is provided as an example to help understand the method for determining abnormalities in the handrail belt 7, and is not limited to determining abnormalities in the handrail belt 7.

[0050] First, abnormality detection of the handrail belt 7 is performed by the processing unit 6 of the inspection device 10. The processing unit 6 of the inspection device 10 may be the same as the processing unit 6 that controls the drive unit 5, as in this embodiment, or it may be separate from the processing unit 6 that controls the drive unit 5.

[0051] The calculation unit 6c determines whether or not there are irregularities on the surfaces 7c and 7d of the handrail belt 7 based on the detection by the movement detection unit 21. For example, if the sensor 21a detects the detection target 21b, the calculation unit 6c may determine that there are irregularities on the surfaces 7c and 7d of the handrail belt 7 at that location.

[0052] Alternatively, for example, the memory unit 6b may store the total length (one full circumference) of the handrail belt 7, and the calculation unit 6c may calculate the position of the handrail belt 7 that has been determined to have irregularities based on the detection by the distance detection unit 22. Furthermore, for example, the memory unit 6b may store the position of the handrail belt 7 that has been determined to have irregularities.

[0053] Subsequently, the inspection is continued, and the calculation unit 6c determines that the handrail belt 7 is abnormal if it determines that there are irregularities multiple times on the same area of ​​the surface 7c, 7d of the handrail belt 7. In this way, the handrail belt 7 is determined to be abnormal if it is determined that irregularities are detected multiple times on the same area of ​​the surface of the handrail belt 7. Therefore, the accuracy of determining abnormalities in the handrail belt 7 can be improved.

[0054] Furthermore, for example, if the same area of ​​the handrail belt 7's surface 7c, 7d is determined to be abnormal for a set number of consecutive times (for example, 2 to 5 times), the calculation unit 6c may determine that the handrail belt 7 is abnormal. Also, for example, if the same area of ​​the handrail belt 7's surface 7c, 7d is determined to be abnormal for a cumulative set number of times (for example, 2 to 5 times), the calculation unit 6c may determine that the handrail belt 7 is abnormal.

[0055] Alternatively, the handrail belt 7 may be configured in such a way that it is divided into areas of a set length (e.g., 50 mm to 100 mm). In such a configuration, for example, if the distance between two locations where irregularities are detected on the surfaces 7c and 7d is within the set length, then those two locations belong to the same area.

[0056] Furthermore, if the handrail belt 7 is determined to be abnormal, the control unit 6d may output to the output unit 24 that the handrail belt 7 is abnormal. In this configuration, it is possible to detect irregularities on the outer surface 7c and inner surface 7d of the handrail belt 7, and to determine if the handrail belt 7 is abnormal.

[0057] [1] Based on the above, the handrail belt inspection device 10 is as described in this embodiment. A first inspection section 11 that is movable and in contact with the outer surface 7c of the handrail belt 7, A second inspection section 12 is movable and in contact with the inner surface 7d of the handrail belt 7, The first inspection section 11 is provided with a first elastic section 13 that applies an elastic restoring force toward the outer surface 7c, The second inspection section 12 is provided with a second elastic section 14 that applies an elastic restoring force toward the inner surface 7d, The system includes a movement detection unit 21 that detects the movement of the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12. This configuration is preferable.

[0058] With this configuration, the first inspection unit 11 moves as it comes into contact with the irregularities on the outer surface 7c of the handrail belt 7, and the second inspection unit 12 moves as it comes into contact with the irregularities on the inner surface 7d of the handrail belt 7. The movement detection unit 21 detects the movement of the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12, and is therefore able to detect the irregularities on the outer surface 7c and the inner surface 7d of the handrail belt 7.

[0059] [2] Furthermore, in the handrail belt inspection device 10 described in [1] above, as in this embodiment, The first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 are arranged so as to sandwich the handrail belt 7. This configuration is preferable.

[0060] With this configuration, since the first inspection section 11 and the second inspection section 12 sandwich the handrail belt 7, it is possible to suppress the elastic deformation of the handrail belt 7 by the elastic restoring force of the first elastic section 13 and the second elastic section 14. This makes it possible to suppress the movement of the inspection sections 11 and 12 due to changes in the amount of elastic deformation of the handrail belt 7.

[0061] [3] Furthermore, in the handrail belt inspection device 10 described in [2] above, as in this embodiment, The movement detection unit 21 detects the relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12. This configuration is preferable.

[0062] With this configuration, since the first inspection section 11 and the second inspection section 12 sandwich the handrail belt 7, when the handrail belt 7 shakes, the first inspection section 11 and the second inspection section 12 move respectively, so there is no relative movement between the first inspection section 11 and the second inspection section 12. On the other hand, if there are irregularities on the outer surface 7c or the inner surface 7d, one of the first inspection section 11 or the second inspection section 12 will move, so there is relative movement between the first inspection section 11 and the second inspection section 12.

[0063] In contrast, the movement detection unit 21 detects the relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12. This suppresses the detection of movement of the inspection units 11 and 12 caused by the swaying of the handrail belt 7, and moreover, it can reliably detect movement of the inspection units 11 and 12 caused by irregularities on the surfaces 7c and 7d of the handrail belt 7.

[0064] [4] Furthermore, in the handrail belt inspection device 10 described in [3] above, as in this embodiment, The movement detection unit 21 comprises a sensor 21a and a detected unit 21b that is detected by the sensor 21a. The sensor 21a moves integrally with one of the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 (in this embodiment, the first inspection unit 11). The detected unit 21b moves together with the other of the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 (in this embodiment, the second inspection unit 12). This configuration is preferable.

[0065] With this configuration, the sensor 21a moves together with one of the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12, and the detected unit 21b moves together with the other of the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12. Then, as the detection status of the detected unit 21b by the sensor 21a changes, the movement detection unit 21 can detect the relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12.

[0066] [5] Furthermore, in any one of the handrail belt inspection devices 10 described in [1] to [4] above, as in this embodiment, A distance detection unit 22 detects the travel distance of the handrail belt 7, The system includes a processing unit 6 for determining abnormalities in the handrail belt 7, The processing unit 6 determines that the handrail belt 7 is abnormal if it determines, based on the detections of the movement detection unit 21 and the distance detection unit 22, that it has detected irregularities multiple times on the same area of ​​the surface of the handrail belt 7. This configuration is preferable.

[0067] With this configuration, if it is determined that irregularities are detected multiple times on the same surface area 7c, 7d of the handrail belt 7, the handrail belt 7 is determined to be abnormal, thereby improving the accuracy of determining abnormalities in the handrail belt 7.

[0068] [6] Furthermore, the man conveyor 1, as in this embodiment, The system is equipped with one of the handrail belt inspection devices 10 described in [1] to [5] above. This configuration is preferable.

[0069] With this configuration, it is possible to detect irregularities on the outer surface 7c and inner surface 7d of the handrail belt 7.

[0070] It should be noted that the man conveyor 1 and the handrail belt inspection device 10 are not limited to the configuration of the embodiment described above, nor are they limited to the effects described above. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the man conveyor 1 and the handrail belt inspection device 10 can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, one or more of the configurations and methods described below may be arbitrarily selected and adopted in the configurations and methods of the embodiment described above.

[0071] (A) The handrail belt inspection device 10 according to the above embodiment is fixed to the structure 2 and permanently installed (it also performs inspections during normal operation). However, the handrail belt inspection device 10 is not limited to this configuration.

[0072] For example, the handrail belt inspection device 10 may be detachable from the structure 2 or the railing section 4 and temporarily installed (inspected only during maintenance). In such a configuration, for example, the handrail belt inspection device 10 may be located outside the railing section 4 and exposed to the outside.

[0073] (B) In addition, in the handrail belt inspection device 10 according to the above embodiment, the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 are arranged to sandwich the handrail belt 7. However, the handrail belt inspection device 10 is not limited to this configuration.

[0074] For example, the first inspection section 11 and the second inspection section 12 may be separated in the second lateral direction D2. Specifically, for example, the position where the first inspection section 11 contacts the handrail belt 7 may be separated in the second lateral direction D2 from the position where the second inspection section 12 contacts the handrail belt 7.

[0075] (C) In addition, in the handrail belt inspection device 10 according to the above embodiment, the movement detection unit 21 detects relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 as the detection state and non-detection state of the detected unit 21b by the sensor 21a change. However, the handrail belt inspection device 10 is not limited to this configuration.

[0076] (C-1) For example, as shown in Figure 5, the sensor 21a may detect the distance to the detected part 21b, and the movement detection unit 21 may detect the relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12. In this configuration, the movement detection unit 21 can detect the relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 as the detection status (detection distance) of the detected part 21b by the sensor 21a changes.

[0077] In Figure 5, the sensor 21a moves together with the first inspection unit 11, and the detected unit 21b moves together with the second inspection unit 12. Furthermore, although not particularly limited, the sensor 21a can be, for example, various types of distance sensors (e.g., laser, ultrasonic, infrared, etc.).

[0078] Furthermore, in such a configuration, the processing unit 6 may determine that there are irregularities on the surfaces 7c and 7d of the handrail belt 7 when the distance between the sensor 21a and the detected part 21b is less than or equal to a first set value or greater than or equal to a second set value. Note that the first set value is smaller than the second set value.

[0079] (C-2) Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6, for example, the sensor 21c may detect the distance between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 (specifically, the distance between the first moving unit 16 and the second moving unit 17) by force, thereby enabling the movement detection unit 21 to detect the relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12. Although not particularly limited, the sensor 21c can be various types of force sensors (e.g., optical, piezoelectric, strain gauge, etc.).

[0080] Furthermore, in such a configuration, for example, as shown in Figure 6, the handrail belt inspection device 10 may be configured such that a sensor 21c and a contracted and elastically deformed elastic body 25 are arranged in series between the first moving part 16 and the second moving part 17. As a result, when the distance between the first moving part 16 and the second moving part 17 decreases, the force detected by the sensor 21c increases, and when the distance between the first moving part 16 and the second moving part 17 increases, the force detected by the sensor 21c decreases. Therefore, the movement detection unit 21 can detect the relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12.

[0081] Furthermore, in such a configuration, the processing unit 6 may determine that there are irregularities on the surface 7c, 7d of the handrail belt 7 when the force detected by the sensor 21c is less than or equal to the first set value or greater than or equal to the second set value. Note that the first set value is smaller than the second set value.

[0082] (D) Furthermore, in the handrail belt inspection device 10 according to the above embodiment, the sensor 21a moves together with one of the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 (the first inspection unit 11 in the above embodiment), and the detected unit 21b moves together with the other of the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 (the second inspection unit 12 in the above embodiment), thereby the movement detection unit 21 detects the relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12. However, the handrail belt inspection device 10 is not limited to this configuration.

[0083] For example, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the movement detection unit 21 may be configured to include a first sensor 21d, a second sensor 21e, a first detected part 21f detected by the first sensor 21d, and a second detected part 21g detected by the second sensor 21e, wherein the first sensor 21d is fixed to one of the first inspection unit 11 and the base unit 15, the first detected part 21f is fixed to the other of the first inspection unit 11 and the base unit 15, the second sensor 21e is fixed to one of the second inspection unit 12 and the base unit 15, and the second detected part 21g is fixed to the other of the second inspection unit 12 and the base unit 15, and the movement detection unit 21 detects relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12. The configurations of Figures 7 and 8 will be described below.

[0084] (D-1) In Figure 7, the first sensor 21d is fixed to the first inspection unit 11, the first detected unit 21f is fixed to the base unit 15, the second sensor 21e is fixed to the second inspection unit 12, and the second detected unit 21g is fixed to the base unit 15. The sensors 21d and 21e detect the movement of the inspection units 11 and 12 when the detection status (detected state / non-detected state) of the detected units 21f and 21g changes.

[0085] The processing unit 6 determines that there are irregularities on the surfaces 7c and 7d of the handrail belt 7 if only one of the first sensor 21d and the second sensor 21e detects movement of the inspection units 11 and 12. On the other hand, the processing unit 6 determines that there are no irregularities on the surfaces 7c and 7d of the handrail belt 7 (i.e., the handrail belt 7 is swaying) if both the first sensor 21d and the second sensor 21e detect movement of the inspection units 11 and 12. As a result, the movement detection unit 21 can detect relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12.

[0086] (D-2) In Figure 8, the first sensor 21d is fixed to the first inspection unit 11, the first detected unit 21f is fixed to the base unit 15, the second sensor 21e is fixed to the second inspection unit 12, and the second detected unit 21g is fixed to the base unit 15. The sensors 21d and 21e detect the movement of the inspection units 11 and 12 by detecting the distance between themselves and the detected units 21f and 21g.

[0087] The processing unit 6 calculates the relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 based on the detections from the first sensor 21d and the second sensor 21e. Then, if the calculated relative movement is greater than or equal to a set value, the processing unit 6 determines that there are irregularities on the surfaces 7c and 7d of the handrail belt 7. As a result, the movement detection unit 21 can detect the relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12.

[0088] (E) In addition, in the handrail belt inspection device 10 according to the above embodiment, the movement detection unit 21 is configured to detect relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12. However, the handrail belt inspection device 10 is not limited to this configuration.

[0089] For example, the movement detection unit 21 may be configured to detect the movement of the first inspection unit 11 independently of the movement of the second inspection unit 12, and to detect the movement of the second inspection unit 12 independently of the movement of the first inspection unit 11. In other words, the movement detection unit 21 may be configured to not detect relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12, but to detect the individual movement of the first inspection unit 11 and the individual movement of the second inspection unit 12, respectively.

[0090] (F) In the handrail belt inspection device 10 according to the above embodiment, the sensor 21a moves together with the first inspection unit 11, and the detected unit 21b moves together with the second inspection unit 12. However, the handrail belt inspection device 10 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the sensor 21a may move together with the second inspection unit 12, and the detected unit 21b may move together with the first inspection unit 11.

[0091] (G) Furthermore, in the handrail belt inspection device 10 according to the above embodiment, the processing unit 6 determines that the handrail belt 7 is abnormal when it determines that it has detected irregularities multiple times on the same area of ​​the handrail belt 7c, 7d. However, the handrail belt inspection device 10 is not limited to this configuration.

[0092] For example, the processing unit 6 may be configured to determine that the handrail belt 7 is abnormal if it detects an irregularity at least once on the surfaces 7c and 7d of the handrail belt 7. Alternatively, for example, if the processing unit 6 does not determine that the handrail belt 7 is abnormal, but the movement detection unit 21 detects movement (for example, if the sensor 21a detects the detected part 21b), the output unit 24 may output information indicating that the movement detection unit 21 has detected movement.

[0093] (H) For example, the execution order of operations, procedures, steps, and stages in the systems, methods, programs, and apparatus shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings can be implemented in any order, as long as the output of the previous process is not used in the subsequent process. For example, even if "first," "next," etc. are used for convenience in the explanation, it does not mean that the processes must be executed in that order. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1...Man conveyor, 1a...Floor plate, 1b...Boarding / alighting section, 2...Structure, 2a...Machine room, 3...Conveying section, 3a...Traveling section, 3b...Step, 4...Balustrade section, 4a...Balustrade body section, 4b...Cover section, 5...Drive section, 5a...Rotating section, 5b...Support section, 5c...Drive source, 5d...Braking section, 6...Processing section, 6a...Acquisition section, 6b...Storage section, 6c...Calculation section, 6d...Control section, 7...Handrail belt, 7a...Belt body section, 7b...Engaging section, 7c...Outer surface, 7d...Inner surface, 10...Handrail belt inspection device, 11...First inspection section, 12...Second inspection section, 1 3...First elastic part, 14...Second elastic part, 15...Base part, 16...First moving part, 16a...Guide hole, 17...Second moving part, 17a...Guide hole, 18...Movement guide part, 19...Belt guide part, 21...Movement detection part, 21a...Sensor, 21b...Detected part, 21c...Sensor, 21d...First sensor, 21e...Second sensor, 21f...First detected part, 21g...Second detected part, 22...Distance detection part, 23...Input part, 24...Output part, 25...Elastic body, D1...First lateral direction (width direction), D2...Second lateral direction (front-back direction), D3...Up-down direction

Claims

1. A first inspection section that is movable and in contact with the outer surface of the handrail belt, A second inspection section that is movable and in contact with the inner surface of the handrail belt, The first inspection section includes a first elastic section that applies an elastic restoring force toward the outer surface, The second inspection section includes a second elastic section that applies an elastic restoring force toward the inner surface, A handrail belt inspection device comprising a movement detection unit for detecting the movement of the first inspection unit and the second inspection unit.

2. The handrail belt inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the first inspection unit and the second inspection unit are arranged to sandwich the handrail belt.

3. The handrail belt inspection device according to claim 2, wherein the movement detection unit detects relative movement between the first inspection unit and the second inspection unit.

4. The movement detection unit comprises a sensor and a detected unit that is detected by the sensor. The sensor moves integrally with one of the first inspection unit and the second inspection unit. The handrail belt inspection device according to claim 3, wherein the detected unit moves integrally with the other of the first inspection unit and the second inspection unit.

5. A distance detection unit for detecting the distance traveled by the handrail belt, The system includes a processing unit for determining abnormalities in the handrail belt, The handrail belt inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processing unit determines that the handrail belt is abnormal when it determines, based on the detection of the movement detection unit and the distance detection unit, that it has detected irregularities multiple times on the surface of the same area of ​​the handrail belt.

6. A man conveyor equipped with a handrail belt inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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