Rear-view mirror for escalators

Abstract

This invention provides a rear-view mirror for escalators that allows people riding the escalator to check the movements of people behind them, thereby deterring or preventing theft and surreptitious filming by those behind. [Solution] The rear-view mirror 10 for escalators is provided for an escalator 30 that has a plurality of steps 32 formed in a staircase shape for passengers P1 to place their feet on, and a handrail 34 for passengers P1 to grip, and is equipped with a Fresnel mirror 12 positioned on the upper side of the handrail 34 and having a plurality of inclined grooves 16 formed in a concentric circle, wherein the Fresnel mirror 12 is a part of a whole circle formed to include the portion below the center C.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rearview mirror for an escalator.

Background Art

[0002] Surreptitious photography on escalators in stations and commercial facilities has been a problem. In particular, in recent years, due to the spread of mobile phones with cameras, smartphones, and the high performance of small cameras, the damage caused by surreptitious photography has been worsening. According to Non-Patent Document 1, among the prosecution situations related to violations of nuisance prevention regulations (molestation and surreptitious photography), the number of prosecutions related to surreptitious photography increased 1.5-fold between 2018 and 2023, and approximately 20% of the number of prosecutions occurred on stairs and escalators within the station premises.

[0003] Measures against surreptitious photography are being taken in various ways across the country, and among these, some utilize mirrors. According to Non-Patent Document 2, verification results are disclosed that by attaching a mirror to the side of an escalator, the number of people who are conscious of their backs when getting on and off the escalator increased 10-fold compared to when there is no mirror.

[0004] However, the mirrors being utilized here are plane mirrors. When passing near the mirror, one can confirm one's own appearance, but there are limits to the size and range of the image reflected in the mirror. Such plane mirrors can prompt people getting on and off the escalator to be conscious of their backs, but it is difficult to directly visually confirm that they are being surreptitiously photographed or stolen from. Therefore, it is not easy to discover surreptitious photographers and thieves by simply arranging plane mirrors, and there are certain limitations in improving the crime deterrence effect and prosecution rate.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0005]

Non-Patent Document 1

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a rear-view mirror for escalators that allows a person riding an escalator to check the movements of the person behind them, thereby deterring or preventing theft and surreptitious filming by the person behind them. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The rear-view mirror (10) for escalators of the present invention, which solves the above problems, is provided for an escalator (30) that has a plurality of steps (32) formed in a staircase shape for passengers (P1) to place their feet on, and a handrail (34) for passengers (P1) to grip, and is characterized in that it is provided with a Fresnel mirror (12) positioned on the upper side of the handrail (34) and having a plurality of concentrically formed inclined grooves (16), and the Fresnel mirror (12) is a part of a whole circle formed to include the portion below the center (C).

[0008] The present invention further encompasses the following embodiments. {1} The center (C) of the concentric Fresnel mirror (12) is located in the center of the width direction of the Fresnel mirror (12). {2} The Fresnel mirror (12) is positioned on the upper side of the handrail (34) above the fourth step or higher from the start of the steps (32) of the escalator (30). [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the rear-view mirror for escalators of the present invention, a Fresnel mirror, which is a part of a full circle partially formed to include the portion below the center, allows a person riding an escalator to check the movements of the person behind them, thereby deterring or preventing theft and surreptitious photography by the person behind. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an escalator equipped with a rear-view mirror for escalators according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a front view of the Fresnel mirror according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the Fresnel mirror according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a plan view illustrating the monitoring range of the Fresnel mirror according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a front view of a modified Fresnel mirror. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the image reflected in the rear-view mirror for the escalator according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and any modifications that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the claims are included in the present invention. Furthermore, elements denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings are intended to have similar configurations or functions.

[0012] The rear-view mirror 10 for escalators according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "rear-view mirror 10") consists of a Fresnel mirror 12 (see Figure 2) attached to a side wall 42 installed on the left side when viewed in the direction of travel (here, the upward direction) of the escalator 30, as shown in Figure 1. The escalator 30 is installed in stations, commercial facilities, etc., and comprises a plurality of steps 32 formed in a staircase shape for passengers P1 (see Figure 6) to place their feet on when getting on and off from the landing 38 to the disembarking 40, side plates 36 arranged on both sides of the steps 32, and a handrail 34 configured to slide relative to the side plates 36 and for passengers P1 to grip. Here, the rear-view mirror 10 is positioned on the upper side of the handrail 34 so as to be positioned approximately directly beside the passenger P1 when the passenger P1 reaches the fourth step from the beginning of the ascent of the steps 32.

[0013] Here, the rear-view mirror 10 is described as being mounted on the upper side of the handrail 34 on a side wall 42 installed on the left side when viewed in the upward direction of the upward escalator 30, as shown in Figures 1 and 6, but it is not limited to this. The rear-view mirror may also be mounted on the upper side of the handrail on a side wall installed on the right side when viewed in the upward direction of the upward escalator. Furthermore, for example, in the case of an escalator installed in an atrium of a commercial facility without side walls, a mounting plate for attaching a Fresnel mirror may be placed on the outside of the side panel, and the Fresnel mirror may be attached to the mounting plate so that it is positioned on the upper side of the handrail.

[0014] Furthermore, the term "escalator" as used here encompasses all escalators to which the rear-view mirror 10 described here can be applied. In other words, it is not limited to the one shown in Figure 1, but includes various types such as horizontal escalators like "moving walkways" where the steps are not staircase-shaped, and intermediate horizontal escalators that have a horizontal running section in the middle of a staircase-shaped running path 32 connecting the landing 38 to the disembarking 40, where the treads become horizontal.

[0015] Figure 2 shows a front view of the Fresnel mirror 12 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view to schematically explain the internal structure of the Fresnel mirror 12. The Fresnel mirror 12, which constitutes the rear-view mirror 10, is formed concentrically from the center C, is offset to one side of the center C, and has a reflective surface 14 for projecting an image. The Fresnel mirror 12 used in this embodiment does not use the entire circle of the concentrically formed reflective surface 14, but rather, as will be described later, is formed from a part of the entire circle so as to include the lower part when it is divided vertically through the center C.

[0016] As shown in Figure 3, the Fresnel mirror 12 has a plurality of annular inclined grooves 16 formed concentrically from the center C on the back surface of a flat transparent plastic plate, and a reflective film 18 is laminated on the inclined grooves 16. The reflective surface 14 is composed of these inclined grooves 16 and the reflective film 18. The inclination angle θ of the inclined grooves 16 with respect to the surface of the Fresnel mirror 12 is formed to increase sequentially from the center C toward the radially outward direction of the concentric circles. A protective layer 20 made of paint or the like is laminated on the reflective film 18. In addition, an adhesive part 24 having adhesive or double-sided tape is attached to the back surface of the outer edge 22 of the transparent plastic plate on which the Fresnel mirror 12 is formed, and the Fresnel mirror 12 is attached to the side wall 42 via the adhesive part 24. Note that the Fresnel mirror 12 may be fixed to the side wall by means other than the adhesive part 24, for example, by screws, nails, etc.

[0017] In the example of the Fresnel mirror 12 shown in FIG. 2, a full circle is divided vertically and horizontally through the center C of the annular inclined groove 16, and it is composed only of the lower left part among them. The Fresnel mirror 12 having the inclined groove 16 can widen the viewing angle compared to a plane mirror. Therefore, when the Fresnel mirror 12 is formed as a full circle, not only the rear side of the passenger P1 but also the viewing angles with respect to the upper side and the front side of the passenger P1 can be widened. However, in the Fresnel mirror 12 for checking the movement of another passenger P2 (see FIG. 6) behind the passenger P1 riding on the escalator 30, there is little need to visually recognize the ceiling side (upper side) where no other passenger P2 exists. Therefore, for example, when the Fresnel mirror 12 according to this embodiment is attached to the left side wall 42 as viewed in the ascending direction of the escalator 30, it is configured to mainly include the lower left part obtained by dividing the full circle so that the rear of the passenger P1 can be mainly checked. As a result, the passenger P1 who has reached right next to the Fresnel mirror 12 can clearly check another passenger P2 who is largely projected onto the Fresnel mirror 12 arranged on the left side thereof.

[0018] In addition, when the Fresnel mirror 12 is attached to the right side wall 42 as viewed in the ascending direction of the escalator 30, it may be configured to mainly include the lower right part obtained by dividing the full circle vertically and horizontally through the center C of the annular inclined groove 16. As a result, when the passenger P1 looks at the Fresnel mirror 12, the viewing angle with respect to the rear of the passenger P1, who is shown below and to the right of the passenger P1, can be widened.

[0019] Fig. 4 schematically shows the monitoring range that can be monitored rearward by the rearview mirror 10 when the step 32 on which the passenger P1 is riding reaches the side of the rearview mirror 10, that is, the position where the passenger P1 can see the rearview mirror 10 directly to the side (here, to the left side). In the figure, for comparison, the visual field PM when a plane mirror is attached instead of the rearview mirror 10 and the rearward monitoring range LP along the traveling direction MD of the escalator 30 are shown. Also shown in the figure are the visual fields R1, R2 when using Fresnel mirrors 12 with two different radii of curvature and the rearward monitoring ranges L1, L2 along the traveling direction MD of the escalator 30.

[0020] Compared with the visual field PM when using a plane mirror, the Fresnel mirror 12 can widen the visual fields R1, R2 and widen the rearward monitoring ranges L1, L2 of the passenger P1 (L1, L2 > LP). The Fresnel mirror 12 can change the radius of curvature by adjusting the dimensions and the inclination angle θ of the inclined groove 16. In the example of Fig. 4, the radius of curvature in the case of the visual field R2 is set smaller than the radius of curvature in the case of the visual field R1. Thus, by reducing the radius of curvature of the Fresnel mirror 12, the visual field R1 can be widened to the visual field R2 (R2 > R1), and the rearward monitoring range L1 can be widened to the monitoring range L2 (L2 > L1). Thereby, after enlarging the size of the image projected on the Fresnel mirror 12 to such an extent that the passenger P1 can sufficiently confirm it, the monitoring range L1 including the step 32 immediately behind the passenger P1 can be widened to the monitoring range L2 including the step 32 up to the third step behind the passenger P1. Generally, since other passengers P2 behind usually board the escalator 30 at an interval of about one or two steps with respect to the passenger P1, by setting the monitoring range L2 to include the step 32 up to the third step behind the passenger P1, other passengers P2 can be included. Thus, by applying the Fresnel mirror 12 with an adjustable radius of curvature to the rearview mirror 10, the rearward monitoring ranges L1, L2 can be adjusted according to aspects such as the dimensions and installation conditions of the escalator 30.

[0021] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the rear-view mirror 10 according to this embodiment is attached to the side wall 42 of the upper side of the handrail 34 at the fourth step from the start of ascending the escalator 30 steps 32. When a passenger P1 boards the escalator 30 from the landing 38, they check their feet and their hands gripping the handrail 34 and pay attention to their surroundings. However, as their standing position on the escalator 30 stabilizes, they feel more at ease and their vigilance towards their surroundings eases. At this time, their gaze, which was directed downwards towards their feet and hands, also shifts upwards. Generally, this timing when vigilance towards the surroundings eases and the gaze shifts upwards is considered to occur around the fourth or fifth step from the start of ascending. Therefore, by positioning the rear-view mirror 10 at the fourth or fifth step from the start of ascending the steps 32 of the escalator 30, passengers P1 can see the rear-view mirror 10 when their line of sight rises, and passengers P1 can pay attention to the situation behind them as reflected in the rear-view mirror 10. Furthermore, since it can be objectively seen that passengers P1 are paying attention to the situation behind them by looking at the rear-view mirror 10, even if there are other passengers P2 who intend to take unauthorized photos or steal, it can be deterred from carrying out such acts.

[0022] Furthermore, by setting the center C of the Fresnel mirror 12 above its vertical center, the area of ​​the Fresnel mirror 12 that becomes an ineffective surface where its function is lost can be reduced, even when other passengers P2 standing on the first to third steps of the staircase 32 look up. This makes other passengers P2 standing on the first to third steps of the staircase 32 very aware of the rear-view mirror 10, and even if there is someone among the other passengers P2 who intends to take unauthorized photos or steal, it can be deterred from carrying out such acts. In addition, it is preferable to mount the rear-view mirror 10 on the side wall 42 at the same height as the eye level of a woman standing on the fourth or fifth step 32 (approximately 1200mm to 1500mm from the staircase 32) so that passengers P1 can see the rear-view mirror 10 when their line of sight rises. By installing the rear-view mirror 10 at the eye level of passenger P1, it becomes easier for passengers P1 to see the rear-view mirror 10, encouraging them to look behind them as reflected in the mirror 10. Furthermore, when passenger P1, who is in front, looks behind them, other passengers P2 who are behind them are more likely to notice the rear-view mirror 10, thus enhancing the deterrent effect against surreptitious filming and theft.

[0023] In this explanation, the escalator 30 is described as traveling upwards, and the rear-view mirror 10 is attached to the upper side of the handrail 34 at the fourth or fifth step from the start of the ascent of the steps 32. However, this is not limited to this configuration. For example, if the escalator is traveling downwards, the rear-view mirror may be attached to the upper side of the handrail at the fourth step or more below the start of the descent. Even in this case, the same effects and advantages as those of the upward-moving escalator 30 described above can be obtained.

[0024] Furthermore, although it has been explained here that the rear-view mirror 10 is installed on the upper side of the handrail 34 at the fourth or fifth step from the start of ascending the steps 32 of the escalator 30, the rear-view mirror is not limited to this configuration. Depending on the distance of the escalator, the ascending speed (speed of travel), the installation conditions, etc., the rear-view mirror may be positioned higher than the fifth step from the start of ascending the steps, or multiple rear-view mirrors may be arranged on the side wall at predetermined intervals, or in other configurations.

[0025] (modified version) Figure 5 shows a front view of a modified Fresnel mirror 26. In this example, the mirror is formed to include a portion of the upper part in addition to the lower part when the concentrically formed reflective surface 14 is divided vertically through the center C. In the example shown in Figure 5, the upper part is formed to include only 1 / 4 (=H) of the vertical dimension (height direction) (4H) of the lower part. Therefore, when a passenger P1 reaches the side of the Fresnel mirror 26, they are above other passengers P2 behind them, and passenger P1 can see the other passengers P2, including landmarks that help them judge distance, so passenger P1 can easily grasp the position of the other passengers P2.

[0026] Furthermore, the Fresnel mirror 26 is formed such that the center C of the reflective surface 14 is located in the center of the width B direction of the Fresnel mirror 26. In the example shown in Figure 5, the center C is located exactly in the middle (=B / 2) of the width B of the Fresnel mirror 26. Therefore, when a passenger P1 reaches the side of the Fresnel mirror 26, they can see their own reflection in the Fresnel mirror 26 along with other passengers P2 behind them, and grasp the sense of distance between themselves and the other passengers P2. Also, by positioning the center C in the center of the width B direction of the Fresnel mirror 26, it is possible to increase the amount of time that the passenger P1 on the moving escalator 30 is reflected in the mirror while ensuring a view of the rear. This makes it easy for the passenger P1 to grasp the sense of distance between themselves and the other passengers P2. In this explanation, the center C is assumed to be located at the center of the width B of the Fresnel mirror 26 (=B / 2). However, the center of the Fresnel mirror may be offset from the center in the width direction to the outside in the width direction (to the right or left in the width direction) depending on the speed and direction of travel of the escalator 30.

[0027] Next, the effects and benefits of the rear-view mirror 10 according to this embodiment will be explained.

[0028] Figure 6 shows an example of the image visible to passenger P1 who has reached directly beside the rear-view mirror 10. According to the rear-view mirror 10 of this embodiment, the Fresnel mirror 12 is composed of a portion of the entire circle divided vertically and horizontally through the center C of the annular inclined groove 16, including the lower left portion. Therefore, the size of the image projected onto the Fresnel mirror 12 can be made large enough for passenger P1 to see clearly, while also ensuring a wide rear field of view (monitoring range L2) that includes the third step 32 behind passenger P1. This makes it possible to clearly see the movements of other passengers P2 behind, who are projected in a large image, and to deter or prevent theft and surreptitious filming by other passengers P2 behind.

[0029] Furthermore, according to the rear-view mirror 10 for escalators of this embodiment, the Fresnel mirror 26 may be formed such that the center C of the reflective surface 14 is located in the center of the width B direction of the Fresnel mirror 26. Therefore, a passenger P1 who has reached the side of the Fresnel mirror 26 can see their own reflection in the Fresnel mirror 26 along with other passengers P2 behind them, and can grasp the sense of distance between themselves and the other passengers P2. Also, by positioning the center C in the center of the width B direction of the Fresnel mirror 26, it is possible to increase the amount of time that the passenger P1 on the moving escalator 30 is reflected while ensuring a rearward field of view. This makes it easy for the passenger P1 to grasp the sense of distance between themselves and the other passengers P2, and to clearly confirm the movements of the other passengers P2.

[0030] Furthermore, according to the rear-view mirror 10 for escalators of this embodiment, the Fresnel mirror 12 may be attached to the side wall 42 of the upper side of the handrail 34 at a position of the fourth step or more from the start of ascending steps 32 of the ascending escalator 30. Therefore, the rear-view mirror 10 can be brought into the field of view of the passenger P1 when their gaze rises after they have stabilized their posture on the escalator 30, and the passenger P1 can turn their attention to the rear-view mirror 10 and pay attention to the situation behind them reflected in the rear-view mirror 10. In addition, since it can be objectively seen that the passenger P1 is paying attention to the situation behind them by looking at the rear-view mirror 10, even if there is another passenger P2 who intends to take unauthorized photos or steal, it can be deterred from carrying out the act.

[0031] Furthermore, according to the rear-view mirror 10 for escalators of this embodiment, the Fresnel mirror 12 has an adjustable radius of curvature, so the rear-view monitoring range L1 and L2 can be adjusted according to the dimensions and installation conditions of the escalator 30. This makes it possible to clearly confirm the movements of other passengers P2 who are getting on or off the escalator behind, which are displayed in a large image, and thus deter or prevent theft and surreptitious filming by people behind.

[0032] As described above, the rear-view mirror 10 according to this embodiment uses a Fresnel mirror 12 that is part of a full circle and includes the portion below the center C, allowing passengers P1 on the escalator 30 to see the movements of other passengers P2 behind them, thereby deterring or preventing theft and surreptitious filming by other passengers P2. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0033] 10 Rearview Mirror 12 Fresnel mirrors 16 Slant groove 26 Fresnel mirror 30 escalators 32 steps 34 Handrails C center

Claims

1. An escalator comprising a plurality of steps formed in a staircase-like manner for passengers to place their feet on, and a handrail for passengers to grip, wherein a Fresnel mirror having a plurality of concentrically formed inclined grooves is provided on the upper side of the handrail, The aforementioned Fresnel mirror is a part of a full circle formed to include the portion below the center, and is a rear-view mirror for escalators.

2. The rearward monitoring mirror for an escalator according to claim 1, characterized in that the center of the concentric Fresnel mirror is located in the widthwise central part of the Fresnel mirror.

3. The rearward monitoring mirror for an escalator according to claim 1, characterized in that the Fresnel mirror is positioned on the upper side of the handrail, above the fourth step or more from the start of ascending the steps of the escalator.

Images