Passenger conveyor

Abstract

To provide a passenger conveyor that reliably notifies passengers who are entering the conveyor in the wrong direction. [Solution] The system includes a vibration device 44 that transmits vibrations to users standing on the boarding platform 16 at the exit, a detection device that detects users walking on the boarding platform 16 from the exit side and reversing their way onto the steps 14, and a control device 32. The control device 32 vibrates the boarding platform 16 at the exit side with the vibration device 44 when the detection device detects a user reversing their way in, thereby notifying the user of the reversal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a passenger conveyor.

Background Art

[0002] In passenger conveyors such as escalators and moving walkways, users may enter backward from the exit onto the step side. As a means of preventing this backward entry, there are notification means that appeal to the auditory sense by sounding an alarm buzzer or an alarm announcement from a speaker installed near the front skirt guard, and notification means that appeal to the visual sense by displaying an image of entry prohibition on a display device installed on the front skirt guard.

[0003] Also, for users with visual impairments, there is notification means that detects the backward entry of the user and notifies the danger by means of the red blinking of a comlite or voice guidance.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As mentioned above, conventional methods of notifying users of reverse entry often rely on visual or auditory stimuli. However, with the increasing convenience of smartphones and the miniaturization of portable game consoles, more and more people are walking around with earphones in both ears to block out ambient noise and focusing on their smartphones or portable game consoles (hereinafter referred to as "mobile devices"). Because these users have their sounds blocked and their gaze focused on their hands, they may enter the exit in the wrong direction, posing a risk of tripping without noticing the reverse entry using conventional notification methods. Furthermore, while using a buzzer sound from a speaker as a notification method has the advantage of easily attracting the attention of users entering in the wrong direction, it also has the problem of causing discomfort to users other than the target of the notification in a quiet environment.

[0006] These problems exist not only when users enter in the wrong direction, but also when multiple users are lingering at the entrances and exits of passenger conveyors, and the same applies to notifications designed to prevent congestion.

[0007] Therefore, the objective of this embodiment of the present invention is to provide a passenger conveyor that reliably notifies users who are entering in the wrong direction or who are lingering at the entrance / exit of the passenger conveyor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention is a passenger conveyor comprising: a pair of left and right railings provided in the front-rear direction from one entrance to the other entrance; steps that move between the pair of left and right railings; entrance / exit boards provided at one entrance and the other entrance, respectively; vibration devices provided at the entrance / exit boards of one entrance and the other entrance, respectively, to transmit vibrations to users standing on the entrance / exit boards; a detection device that detects a user walking on the entrance / exit boards from the exit side entrance to the steps; and a control device that controls the vibration devices, wherein the control device vibrates the entrance / exit board on the exit side with the vibration devices to notify the reverse entry when the detection device detects the reverse entry of the user.

[0009] Furthermore, an embodiment of the present invention is a passenger conveyor comprising: a pair of left and right railings provided in the front-rear direction from one entrance to the other entrance; steps for moving between the pair of left and right railings; entrance / exit boards provided at one entrance and the other entrance; vibration devices provided at the entrance / exit board and the other entrance, respectively, to transmit vibrations to users standing on the entrance / exit boards; a detection device for detecting the presence of users on the entrance / exit boards at the entrance or exit; and a control device for controlling the vibration devices, wherein the control device notifies the presence of users by vibrating the entrance / exit boards with the vibration devices on the entrance or exit boards when the detection device detects the presence of users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a simplified explanatory diagram of the vertical cross-section of the escalator of this embodiment, viewed from the left side. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view from the upper left side of the entrance / exit of the escalator on the upper floor. [Figure 3] This is a floor plan of the entrance / exit area on the upper floor of the escalator. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the boarding / alighting platform of this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the boarding / alighting platform in modification example 1. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the boarding / alighting platform in modification example 2. [Figure 7] This is a front view of an information display device that shows information when a user is driving in the wrong direction. [Figure 8] This is a front view of an information display device that shows information to users when they are in a dwelling area. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram of an escalator. [Figure 10] This is a circuit diagram showing the relationship between the vibration device on the upper floor, the vibration device on the lower floor, and the control device. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart for notifying passengers who are entering the elevator in the wrong direction at the exit. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart for notifying users staying at the exit. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart for notifying users staying at the entrance.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Taking the escalator 10 as an example of a passenger conveyor according to an embodiment of the present invention, it will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13. When explaining the front-rear direction of the escalator 10, looking down from the upper floor (for example, the second floor) to the lower floor (for example, the first floor), the upper floor is the rear side and the lower floor is the front side.

[0012] (1) Escalator 10 The overall structure of the escalator 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a simplified longitudinal cross-sectional explanatory view of the escalator 10 seen from the left side, with the members on the left side omitted.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, a truss 12, which is the framework of the escalator 10, spans across the upper and lower floors of the building 1 and is supported along the front-rear direction using support angles 2 and 3. In the machine room 36 inside the upper floor of the truss 12, a control device 32 of the escalator 10 and a drive device 38 having a motor are installed.

[0014] Inside the truss 12, a plurality of steps 14 connected in an endless manner run by the drive device 38.

[0015] There are a pair of left and right railing 20, 20 standing upright in the front and rear directions on the upper left and right sides of the truss 12. A handrail rail 24 is provided on the upper part of this railing 20, and an endless handrail belt 22 pivotally attached to the handrail belt 22 is installed and the handrail belt 22 moves synchronously with the stairstep 14. A skirt guard 30 (30, 30) is provided at the lower part of the side surface of the railing 20, and the stairstep 14 runs between the pair of left and right skirt guards 30, 30. A front skirt guard 31 for the upper floor is provided at the lower front part of the upper floor railing 20, and a front skirt guard 31 for the lower floor is also provided at the lower front part of the lower floor railing 20. Inlets 40, 40, which are the entrances and exits of the handrail belt 22, protrude from the front skirt guard 31 respectively.

[0016] At the upper and lower entrances and exits, boarding plates 16 are horizontally placed on the truss 12. At the lower entrance and exit, a boarding plate 18 is horizontally placed on the truss 12. A comb-like yellow comb 26 is provided at the tip of the upper boarding plate 16, and the stairstep 14 enters and exits from this comb 26. A comb-like yellow comb 28 is also provided at the tip of the lower boarding plate 18.

[0017] (2) Structure near the entrance and exit Next, the structure near the entrance and exit of the escalator 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 by taking the upper entrance and exit as an example. In FIG. 2, members such as the left railing 20, the handrail belt 22, the skirt guard 30, and the fence 54 to be described later are omitted for clarity of the figure.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, boarding plates 16 are horizontally provided at the bottom of the ends of the pair of left and right railings 20, 20 on the upper floor as described above. This boarding plate 16 is flush with the floor surface 4 of the upper floor (second floor) of the building 1, and as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, it is composed of three front boarding plates 161, middle boarding plates 162, and rear boarding plates 163 on the stairstep 14 side. The front boarding plate 161, the middle boarding plate 162, and the rear boarding plate 163 are all formed of rectangular metal plates and are placed on the machine room 36 of the truss 12.

[0019] As shown in Figure 4, the front boarding / alighting plate 161 has a comb 26 attached to the front center of the front boarding / alighting plate 161, and both sides of the comb 26 are provided with a pair of left and right cutouts 42, 42 so as to fit into a pair of left and right front skirt guards 31, 31.

[0020] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the intermediate boarding / alighting platform 162 has a vibration device 44 installed in the center of its underside. When this vibration device 44 vibrates vertically, the intermediate boarding / alighting platform 162 vibrates vertically, transmitting vibrations to users standing on the platform, as shown in Figure 2. The vibration device 44 can be, for example, a single sphere that is moved up and down to produce vibrations. A weight sensor 70 is installed on the vibration device 44 on the underside of the intermediate boarding / alighting platform 162. This weight sensor 70 measures the weight of users or luggage standing on the intermediate boarding / alighting platform 162.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the rear boarding / alighting plate 163 is placed behind the middle boarding / alighting plate 162 and is in contact with the floor surface 4 of the upper floor of building 1.

[0022] Four poles, consisting of a first pole 46, a second pole 48, a third pole 50, and a fourth pole 52, are erected on the floor surface 4 located on both the left and right sides of the boarding / alighting platform 16. The first pole 46 is erected on both the left and right sides of the front of the middle boarding / alighting platform 162, the pair of second poles 48 are erected on both the left and right sides of the rear of the middle boarding / alighting platform 162, the pair of third poles 50 are erected on both the left and right sides of the rear boarding / alighting platform 163, and the pair of fourth poles 52 are erected on both the left and right sides of the rear of the rear boarding / alighting platform 163.

[0023] On both sides of the pair of left and right first poles 46,46, second poles 48,48, third poles 50,50, and fourth poles 52,52, there are fences 54,54 to prevent entry. The front ends of these fences 54 are located at the ends of the railing 20, and the rear ends extend slightly behind the fourth poles 52. A boarding / alighting platform 16 is positioned between the pair of left and right fences 54, allowing users to proceed straight to the steps 14 by passing between the pair of left and right fourth poles 52,52, while also preventing users from cutting in front of the boarding / alighting platform 16 from the left or right.

[0024] A pair of first sensors 56 are provided at the lower part of the left and right skirt guards 30. The first sensors 56 are located on both the left and right sides of the comb 26 on the upper floor. For example, the first sensor 56 has a light transmitting unit on the left skirt guard 30 and a light receiving unit on the right skirt guard 30 that receives light from the light transmitting unit. When a user passes through and blocks the light from the light transmitting unit of the first sensor 56 so that the light does not reach the light receiving unit, it can be detected that the user has passed the position of the first sensor 56.

[0025] A second sensor 58 is provided at the bottom of a pair of left and right third poles 50. The left third pole 50 has a light transmitting unit for the second sensor 58, and the right third pole 50 has a light receiving unit that receives light from the light transmitting unit of the second sensor 58. When a user passes between the pair of left and right third poles 50, 50 and blocks the light from the light transmitting unit of the second sensor 58 so that the light does not reach the light receiving unit, it can be detected that the user has passed the position of the third pole 50.

[0026] A third sensor 60 is provided at the bottom of a pair of left and right fourth poles 52. The left fourth pole 52 has a light transmitting unit for the third sensor 60, and the right fourth pole 52 has a light receiving unit that receives light from the light transmitting unit of the third sensor 60. When a user passes between the pair of left and right fourth poles 52, 52 and the light from the light transmitting unit of the third sensor 60 is blocked, preventing light from reaching the light receiving unit, it can be detected that the user has passed the position of the fourth pole 52.

[0027] An information display device 62, 62 is provided on the top of each of the left and right third poles 50. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the information display device 62 has a display unit 64 made of a liquid crystal display device (LED), a speaker 66, and a fan device 68 on its front and rear surfaces, respectively. The speaker 66 emits sound from multiple holes 67. The fan device 68 is a device that blows air through multiple holes 67 towards users passing between the left and right third poles 50, 50. The reason why the information display device 62 has a display unit 64 made of a liquid crystal display device (LED), a speaker 66, and a fan device 68 on its front and rear surfaces is to enable information to be displayed whether the user approaches from the front boarding / alighting plate 161 side or the rear boarding / alighting plate 163 side. The display unit 64, speaker 66, and fan device 68 may also be provided on the sides of the information display device 62.

[0028] The entrances and exits on the lower floors are equipped with the same components as those on the upper floors. For example, the boarding platform 18 is composed of a front boarding platform 181, a middle boarding platform 182, and a rear boarding platform 183, with a vibration device 44 provided on the underside of the middle boarding platform 182. A weight sensor 70 is provided on the vibration device 44 on the underside of the middle boarding platform 182. On both the left and right sides of the boarding platform 18, a pair of first poles 46, 46, a pair of second poles 48, 48, a pair of third poles 50, 50, and a pair of fourth poles 52, 52 are erected. Outside of these, a pair of fences 54, 54 are also provided to prevent entry. A first sensor 56, a second sensor 58, and a third sensor 60 are also provided. Furthermore, information display devices 62, 62 are provided on the top of the pair of third poles 50, 50.

[0029] (3) Electrical configuration of escalator 10 Next, the electrical configuration of the escalator 10 will be explained with reference to Figures 9 and 10.

[0030] As shown in the block diagram of Figure 9, the control device 32 is connected to vibration devices 44 for the upper and lower floors, a weight sensor 70, a first sensor 56, a second sensor 58, a third sensor 60, and an information display device 62. Inside the information display device 62, as described above, there is a display unit 64, a speaker 66, and a fan device 68.

[0031] A drive unit 38 is connected to the control device 32, and the control device 32 can control the upward movement, downward movement, or stopping of the steps 14.

[0032] As shown in the circuit diagram of Figure 10, the control device 32 has two normally closed relay switches 72 and 74 connected in series on the line that supplies DC power. As will be described later, when the control device 32 detects that a user has entered the upper floor exit in reverse, the vibration device 44 on the upper floor operates and current flows to the relay (coil) 76, causing the normally closed relay switch 72 to turn OFF, cutting off the power supplied to the control device 32 and stopping movement on the steps 14.

[0033] Similarly, when the control device 32 detects that a user has entered the lower floor exit in reverse, the vibration device 44 on the lower floor activates and current flows to the relay (coil) 78, causing the b-contact relay switch 74 to turn OFF, which cuts off the power supplied to the control device 32 and stops movement on the steps 14.

[0034] (4) Control method when a user enters in the wrong direction Next, the control method for when a user enters the escalator 10 in the wrong direction will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 11. In this explanation, the steps 14 of the escalator 10 are operating in an upward direction, and the entrance / exit on the upper floor is the user's exit. In this case, the detection devices that detect a user entering in the wrong direction are the third sensor 60 and the second sensor 58 on the upper floor.

[0035] If the escalator 10 is operating in an upward direction in step S1, proceed to step S2.

[0036] In step S2, if the third sensor 60, located on the fourth pole 52, 52 on the upper floor, suddenly detects a user without the first sensor 56 and second sensor 58 on the upper floor detecting a user in that order, the process proceeds to step S3. The sudden detection of a user by the third sensor 60 without the first sensor 56 and second sensor 58 on the upper floor means that a user has entered the rear boarding / alighting platform 163, which has an exit, in reverse.

[0037] In step S3, the information display device 62 on the third pole 50, 50 notifies a user who is walking in the wrong direction on the rear boarding / alighting platform 163 located between the pair of fourth poles 52, 52 that they are entering in the wrong direction. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the display unit 64 displays a mark indicating that going in the wrong direction is prohibited, the speaker 66 warns the user that they are going in the wrong direction, and the fan device 68 blows air onto the user going in the wrong direction to make them aware that they are going in the wrong direction. If the user realizes they are going in the wrong direction, they will pass between the pair of fourth poles 52, 52 and return to the floor surface 4, at which point the third sensor 60 will detect this and determine that the user has been prevented from going in the wrong direction. However, if the user does not notice the notification from the information display device 62 and continues to go in the wrong direction, for example, by staring at a mobile device while wearing earphones in both ears, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0038] In step S4, if the second sensor 58 located on the third pole 50, 50 detects a user going in the wrong direction, following the detection by the third sensor 60, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0039] In step S5, as shown in Figure 2, in addition to the notification from the information display device 62, the vibration device 44 on the middle boarding / alighting platform 162 is activated, causing the middle boarding / alighting platform 162 to vibrate vertically. As a result, even a user who is walking in the wrong direction and is intently watching a mobile device while wearing earphones in both ears will feel the vibration transmitted to their feet and body, causing them to feel discomfort, stop looking at their mobile device, lift their head and look ahead, and realize that they are walking in the wrong direction. Then the process proceeds to step S6.

[0040] In step S6, the movement of the rising step 14 is temporarily stopped as a precaution to ensure the safety of the user who is going in the wrong direction. The information display device 62 and vibration device 44 will continue to vibrate until the user realizes they are going in the wrong direction, returns, and exits from the rear boarding / exiting platform 163. Once the user has exited from the rear boarding / exiting platform 163, the second sensor 58 and the third sensor 60 will detect this, and the step 14 may be restarted from that point.

[0041] When the steps 14 are moving downwards, the entrance / exit on the lower floor becomes the exit point, and the same control is performed on the third sensor 60, the second sensor 58, and the information display device 62 at the entrance / exit on the lower floor to prevent users from going in the wrong direction.

[0042] (5) When passengers are lingering at the exit Next, the control method for when multiple users are standing still at the exit of the escalator 10, i.e., when there is congestion, will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 12. In this explanation, the escalator 10 is operating in an upward direction, and the exit is on the upper floor. In this case, the weight sensor 70 on the middle boarding / alighting plate 162 on the upper floor is used as a detection device to detect the congestion of users.

[0043] If the vehicle is operating in an upward direction in step S11, proceed to step S12.

[0044] In step S12, if the first sensor 56 on the upper floor detects a user, it can be detected that the user has reached the upper floor by stepping on the ascending staircase 14. Then the process proceeds to step S13.

[0045] In step S13, if the weight sensor 70 on the middle boarding platform 162 of the upper floor boarding platform 16 detects a weight exceeding the permissible weight value, the process proceeds to step S14. Here, the "permissible weight value" is determined to be the weight of, for example, three or more users (including their luggage) standing on the middle boarding platform 162, which indicates that there are users lingering at the upper floor boarding entrance.

[0046] In step S14, to inform the user that they are lingering on the boarding / alighting platform 16, the vibration device 44 on the middle boarding / alighting platform 162 of the upper floor boarding / alighting platform 16 is vibrated to encourage them to move towards the exit. Then the process proceeds to step S15.

[0047] In step S15, in addition to the vibration of the vibration device 44, the information display device 62 informs the user that they are lingering. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the display unit 64 indicates that loitering is prohibited, the speaker 66 warns "Please do not loiter," and the fan device 68 blows air towards the lingering user. Then the process proceeds to step S16.

[0048] In step S16, if the vibration and presentation of information cause the user to exit the boarding / alighting platform 16 onto the floor surface 4 of the upper floor, and the user congestion ends and the weight sensor 70 detects that the weight is below the allowable weight value, the system proceeds to step S17, as it is determined that the user congestion has been resolved.

[0049] In step S17, since the congestion of users has been resolved, the vibration of the vibration device 44 is stopped, and the presentation of information by the information display device 62 is also terminated.

[0050] (6) When passengers are lingering at the entrance Next, we will explain the control method when multiple users are standing still at the entrance, i.e., when there is congestion, referring to the flowchart in Figure 13. In this explanation, we will describe the case when the escalator 10 is operating upwards and the entrance is on the lower floor. In this case, the detection device for detecting congestion of users is the weight sensor 70 on the middle boarding plate 182 on the lower floor.

[0051] In step S21, since escalator 10 is operating in an upward direction, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0052] In step S22, when the first sensor 56 on the lower floor detects a user, it can be detected that the user is ascending on the steps 14, and the process proceeds to step S23.

[0053] In step S23, if a user congestion occurs and the weight sensor 70 on the middle boarding / alighting board 182 of the lower floor boarding / alighting board 18 detects that the weight exceeds the permissible weight value, it is determined that a user congestion has occurred and the process proceeds to step S24.

[0054] In step S24, in order to alleviate congestion among users, the vibration device 44 on the intermediate boarding / alighting platform 182 is vibrated to encourage users who are congested to step onto the steps 14 without stopping, and then proceed to step S25.

[0055] In step S25, in addition to the vibration of the middle boarding / alighting platform 182, the information display device 62 on the lower floor displays a message on the display unit 64 indicating that standing is prohibited, as shown in Figure 8, warns "Please do not stand" through the speaker 66, and uses the fan device 68 to blow air on users to inform them of their presence. Then the process proceeds to step S26.

[0056] In step S26, if the user steps onto the steps 14 due to the vibration and presentation of information, and the weight sensor 70 on the middle step 182 of the lower step 18 detects that the weight is below the permissible weight value, the system determines that the user's presence has been resolved and proceeds to step S27.

[0057] In step S27, since the congestion of users has been resolved, the vibration of the vibration device 44 on the lower floor is stopped, and the display of information by the information display device 62 is also stopped.

[0058] (7) Effects According to this embodiment, if a user enters the exit in the wrong direction, a vibration device 44 on the boarding / alighting platform 16 or boarding / alighting platform 18 transmits vibrations to the user, thereby warning the user that they are entering in the wrong direction, even if they are wearing earphones in both ears and staring at a mobile device, and are not paying attention to walking with either their hearing or sight. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent users from entering in the wrong direction.

[0059] Furthermore, when a user attempts to enter the wrong way, the information display device 62 also issues a warning, thus more effectively preventing reverse entry.

[0060] Furthermore, if the system detects a user entering in the wrong direction, it stops the user from moving along step 14, thereby preventing falls and collisions.

[0061] Furthermore, when passengers are lingering, the boarding / alighting platform 16 or 18 can be vibrated by the vibration device 44 to warn them of the congestion at the boarding / alighting area. This ensures that passenger congestion is effectively resolved.

[0062] Furthermore, when user congestion is detected, the information display device 62 also issues a warning, thus more effectively preventing congestion. (Example of modification)

[0063] Next, we will describe some examples of modifications to the above embodiment.

[0064] (1) Example of change 1 In the above embodiment, the intermediate boarding / alighting plate 162 was vibrated vertically by the vibration device 44, but instead, as shown in Figure 5, it may be vibrated horizontally (for example, left-right). In this case, horizontal vibration can be generated by arranging a plurality of spheres on the surface of the lower surface of the intermediate boarding / alighting plate 162 and vibrating them horizontally as a single unit.

[0065] (2) Example of change 2 In the above embodiment, the intermediate boarding / alighting plate 162 was vibrated vertically by the vibration device 44, but instead, as shown in Figure 6, a vibration mat 80 may be installed on the upper surface of the boarding / alighting plate 16. Even in this case, vibrations can be transmitted from below by the vibration mat 80 to users who are entering in the wrong direction or users who are lingering.

[0066] Furthermore, since the purpose of this embodiment of the invention is to transmit vibrations to users who are standing on the boarding / alighting platform 16, the vibration device 44 not only vibrates the boarding / alighting platform 16 itself, but also includes cases where a vibration mat 80 is installed on the boarding / alighting platform 16, as in this modified example 2.

[0067] (3) Example of change 3 In the above embodiment, the weight sensor 70 is provided on the vibration device 44 of the middle boarding / alighting plate 162, but it may be provided on the underside of the front boarding / alighting plate 161 or the rear boarding / alighting plate 163 instead. Alternatively, the vibration device 44 may be provided on two boarding / alighting plates, or even on all three boarding / alighting plates 161, 162, and 163.

[0068] (4) Example of change 4 In the above embodiment, a third sensor 60 and a second sensor 58 were provided at the lower part of the fourth pole 52 and the lower part of the third pole 50 as means for detecting a user entering in the wrong direction. However, instead, for example, a camera could be provided at the top of the first pole 46, and the images captured by this camera could be analyzed to detect a user entering in the wrong direction.

[0069] (5) Example of change 5 In the above embodiment, an information display device 62 is provided, but if the only purpose is to communicate reverse entry or stagnation using the vibration device 44, it is not necessarily required to provide an information display device 62.

[0070] (6) Example of change 6 In the above embodiment, a weight sensor 70 was used as a device for detecting the presence of users. However, this is not limited to this, for example, a camera installed on the first pole 46 could be used to photograph the entrance and exit, and the captured images could be analyzed to recognize the number of users. If the number of users exceeds a predetermined number, it could be determined that there is a dwelling.

[0071] (7) Example of change 7 As a device for detecting the presence of users, if the time between the detection of a user by the first sensor 56 installed at the exit and the detection of the next user is shorter than a predetermined time, it may be determined that the interval between users is narrow and that users are lingering at the exit.

[0072] (8) Example of change 8 As a device for detecting the presence of users, a timer starts measuring time from the moment the first sensor 56 installed at the exit detects a user, and the measurement ends when the third sensor 60 detects that the user has passed. If the measured time is longer than a predetermined time, it may be determined that multiple users are lingering at the exit.

[0073] (9) Example of change 9 In the above embodiment, the information display device 62 was installed in front of the vibrating middle boarding / alighting platform 162, but it may be installed on the first pole 46 located behind the middle boarding / alighting platform 162 instead. In this case, if a user enters in the wrong direction and the middle boarding / alighting platform 162 vibrates, and they feel something is wrong and look up from their mobile device, the display unit 64 of the information display device 62 will be at that position, clearly indicating that they are currently entering in the wrong direction.

[0074] (10) Example of change 10 In the above embodiment, four poles 46, 48, 50, and 52 are erected in pairs on the left and right. However, instead of providing four poles 46, 48, 50, and 52 on the left and right, only a pair of fences 54, 54 may be provided. In this case, the second sensor 58 and the third sensor 60 are provided at the bottom of the fence 54.

[0075] (11) Example of change 11 In the above embodiment, four poles 46, 48, 50, and 52 are erected in pairs on the left and right sides, but the embodiment is not limited to this, and one to three poles in pairs on the left and right sides may also be erected.

[0076] Furthermore, if one side of the entrance / exit of the escalator 10 is a wall, a pole or fence 54 may be provided only on the other side.

[0077] Furthermore, if the spacing between the poles in the front-to-back direction is narrow, there is no need for users to cut in from either the left or right side, and it is not necessary to install a pair of fences 54, 54 on the outside of the poles.

[0078] Furthermore, if an escalator 10 of the same width as the passageway is installed in a single passageway, there is no cutting in from either the left or right, so no poles or fences 54 are installed. Instead, a vibration device 44 is installed on the boarding / alighting platform, and detection of reverse entry or congestion is performed by analyzing images captured by cameras installed on the escalator 10 and the building 1.

[0079] (12) Example of change 12 In the above embodiment, the explanation was given using an escalator 10, but it may also be applied to a moving walkway. In a moving walkway, the steps are called "steps".

[0080] (13) Others Although one embodiment of the invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and essence of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 10...Escalator, 14...Steps, 16...Boarding / Alighting board, 18...Boarding / Alighting board, 20...Balustrade, 32...Control device, 38...Drive device, 44...Vibration device, 46...First pole, 48...Second pole, 50...Third pole, 52...Fourth pole, 54...Fence, 56...First sensor, 58...Second sensor, 60...Third sensor, 62...Information display device, 70...Weight sensor, 161...Front boarding / alighting board, 162...Middle boarding / alighting board, 163...Rear boarding / alighting board

Claims

1. A pair of railings are provided in the front-to-back direction from one entrance to the other, Steps for moving between the pair of railings on the left and right, Boarding and alighting plates provided at one of the aforementioned entrances and the other aforementioned entrance, A vibration device is provided on the boarding / alighting platform of one of the aforementioned entrances / exits and on the boarding / alighting platform of the other aforementioned entrance / exit, respectively, which transmits vibrations to the user standing on the boarding / alighting platform. A detection device for detecting a user who walks down the boarding platform from the exit on the exit side and enters the steps in reverse, A control device for controlling the vibration device, The control device has the following characteristics: When the detection device detects a user entering in the wrong direction, the control device vibrates the boarding / alighting plate on the exit side with the vibration device to notify the user of the wrong direction. A passenger conveyor characterized by the following features.

2. A pair of railings are provided in the front-to-back direction from one entrance to the other, Steps for moving between the pair of railings on the left and right, Boarding and alighting plates provided at one of the aforementioned entrances and the other aforementioned entrance, A vibration device is provided on the boarding / alighting platform of one of the aforementioned entrances / exits and on the boarding / alighting platform of the other aforementioned entrance / exit, respectively, which transmits vibrations to the user standing on the boarding / alighting platform. A detection device for detecting the presence of users on the boarding / alighting platform at the boarding / alighting entrance or exit, A control device for controlling the vibration device, The control device has the following characteristics: When the detection device detects the presence of a user, the control device vibrates the boarding / alighting board at the entrance or exit using the vibration device on the boarding / alighting board to notify the presence of the user. A passenger conveyor characterized by the following features.

3. It has a ventilation device provided at one of the aforementioned entrances and exits and at the other aforementioned entrance / exit, When the control device vibrates the boarding / alighting plate with the vibration device, it blows air towards the user using the blower located on the side of the boarding / alighting plate that is being vibrated. A passenger conveyor according to claim 1 or 2.

4. It has a display device provided at one of the aforementioned entrances and exits and at the other aforementioned entrance. When the control device vibrates the boarding / alighting plate with the vibration device, the display device located on the side of the boarding / alighting plate that is being vibrated displays the notification content. A passenger conveyor according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The control device stops the movement of the steps when the vibrating device vibrates the boarding plate. A passenger conveyor according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The vibration device is provided on the lower surface of the boarding / alighting plate and causes the boarding / alighting plate to vibrate vertically or horizontally. A passenger conveyor according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The vibration device is a vibrating mat, which is laid on the upper surface of the boarding / alighting plate. A passenger conveyor according to claim 1 or 2.

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