Manual operation device for passenger conveyor, maintenance support system for passenger conveyor, passenger conveyor system, and maintenance work method for passenger conveyor

Abstract

The present invention provides a manual operation device for a passenger conveyor, a maintenance support system for a passenger conveyor, and a passenger conveyor system equipped with these, which can improve the work efficiency of maintenance work on the passenger conveyor. [Solution] The passenger conveyor manual operation device 101 is a manual operation device for a passenger conveyor that is operated manually by a maintenance worker. The manual operation device comprises a manual operation unit 110 for manually operating the passenger conveyor 1, and an alarm operation unit 120 for outputting at least one alarm command to an alarm device 11 for alerting a collaborating worker who works with the maintenance worker. The manual operation device can only begin operating the passenger conveyor by the manual operation unit after the alarm operation unit has been operated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a manual operation device for a passenger conveyor, a maintenance support system for a passenger conveyor, a passenger conveyor system, and a maintenance work method for a passenger conveyor.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-155143 (Patent Document 1) describes a portable operation device for performing maintenance work on a passenger conveyor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a plurality of maintenance workers perform work at different locations during maintenance work on a passenger conveyor, each worker performs maintenance work while communicating with the worker operating the portable device and other workers using at least one of auditory information and visual information.

[0005] However, depending on the installation situation of the passenger conveyor, it is difficult for workers to communicate with each other, and there is room for improvement in the workability of maintenance work.

[0006] The main object of the present disclosure is to provide a manual operation device for a passenger conveyor, a maintenance support system for a passenger conveyor, and a passenger conveyor system including these, which can improve the workability of maintenance work on the passenger conveyor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The passenger conveyor manual operation device described herein is a passenger conveyor manual operation device operated manually by a maintenance worker. The manual operation device comprises a manual operation unit for manually operating the passenger conveyor and an alarm operation unit for outputting at least one alarm command to an alarm device for alerting a collaborating worker working with the maintenance worker. The manual operation device can only begin operating the passenger conveyor by the manual operation unit after the alarm operation unit has been operated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] By following this disclosure, it is possible to improve the efficiency of maintenance work on passenger conveyors. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure illustrates an example of a manual operation device for a passenger conveyor and a passenger conveyor system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure illustrates an example of a maintenance support system for a passenger conveyor according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows an example of a maintenance work method for a passenger conveyor according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a manual operation device for a passenger conveyor according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of a process for operating a passenger conveyor in a first direction in a maintenance work method for a passenger conveyor according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of a process for operating a passenger conveyor in a second direction in a maintenance work method for a passenger conveyor according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a manual operation device for a passenger conveyor according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a manual operation device for a passenger conveyor according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 9] This figure illustrates an example of a maintenance support system for a passenger conveyor according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 10] This figure shows a modified example of the manual operation device for the passenger conveyor according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows an example of the process of operating the refueling section of a passenger conveyor in the maintenance work method for a passenger conveyor according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a passenger conveyor maintenance support system and a passenger conveyor system according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 13] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a maintenance support system for a passenger conveyor according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 14] This flowchart shows an example of a maintenance work method for a passenger conveyor according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 15] This flowchart shows a modified example of the maintenance work method for a passenger conveyor according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 16] This figure shows an example of a manual operation device for a passenger conveyor according to Embodiment 6. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals will be used for identical components, and their descriptions will not be repeated. <Examples of passenger conveyor and passenger conveyor system configurations> First, with reference to Figure 1, a passenger conveyor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The passenger conveyor according to the embodiment is capable of transporting passengers in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction. As shown in Figure 1, the passenger conveyor according to the embodiment is, for example, an escalator 1 (inclined escalator). Note that the passenger conveyor according to Embodiment 1 may be a moving walkway (horizontal escalator).

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, escalator 1 is installed between the lower and upper floors of a building and is capable of transporting passengers between the lower and upper floors. Escalator 1 can transport passengers in a first direction from the lower floor to the upper floor or in a second direction from the upper floor to the lower floor.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the escalator 1 includes a truss 2, an upper sprocket 3, a lower sprocket 4, a step chain 5, a drive device 6, a control device 7, a plurality of steps 8, and a handrail 9.

[0013] The truss 2 houses the upper sprocket 3, the lower sprocket 4, the step chain 5, the drive device 6, and the control device 7. The truss 2 includes an upper chamber 2a, a lower chamber 2b, and an inclined chamber 2c. The upper chamber 2a is provided below the boarding and alighting opening on the upper floor. The lower chamber 2b is provided below the boarding and alighting opening on the lower floor. The inclined chamber 2c connects the upper chamber 2a and the lower chamber 2b. The inclined chamber 2c is provided below the handrail of the escalator 1.

[0014] The upper sprocket 3, the drive device 6, and the control device 7 are arranged in the upper chamber 2a. The lower sprocket 4 is arranged in the lower chamber 2b. The step chain 5 is wound around the upper sprocket 3 and the lower sprocket 4. The step chain 5 is arranged in the upper chamber 2a, the lower chamber 2b, and the inclined chamber 2c.

[0015] The drive device 6 drives the step chain 5. The drive device 6 is, for example, an electric motor. The drive device 6 is connected to, for example, the upper sprocket 3. The control device 7 controls the operation of the drive device 6. The plurality of steps 8 circulate between the lower floor and the upper floor as the step chain 5 moves. The handrail 9 circulates between the lower floor and the upper floor in conjunction with the plurality of steps 8.

[0016] The manual operation device and the maintenance support system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure are applied to the passenger conveyor according to the above-described embodiment. The passenger conveyor system according to the embodiment includes the passenger conveyor according to the above-described embodiment, and the manual operation device and the maintenance support system according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, embodiments of the manual operation device, the maintenance support system, and the passenger conveyor system will be described.

[0017] Embodiment 1. <Example of manual control device configuration> The manual operation device 101 according to Embodiment 1 is a device for manually operating the escalator 1 during maintenance work on the escalator 1. The manual operation device 101 allows the escalator 1 to be manually operated in at least one of the first and second directions during maintenance work on the escalator 1. By manually operating the escalator 1 in the first direction, the operation of transporting passengers in the first direction can be performed manually. By manually operating the escalator 1 in the second direction, the operation of transporting passengers in the second direction can be performed manually.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the manual operation device 101 comprises a manual operation unit 110 and an alarm operation unit 120.

[0019] The manual operation unit 110 is for manually operating the escalator 1 in at least one of the first and second directions. The manual operation unit 110 is the part that receives manual operation of the escalator 1 by maintenance workers.

[0020] The alarm operation unit 120 is for outputting at least one alarm command to at least one alarm device 11, which will be described later. The alarm operation unit 120 is the part that receives alarm operation requests to the alarm device 11 from maintenance workers.

[0021] The manual operation device 101 can initiate operation of the escalator 1 by the manual operation unit 110 only after the alarm operation unit 120 has been operated. From a different perspective, the manual operation device 101 can output at least one alarm command as a warning of manual operation of the escalator 1 to be performed by the manual operation unit 110.

[0022] The manual operation device 101 can initiate manual operation of the escalator 1 by the manual operation unit 110 only within the period from when the alarm operation unit 120 is operated until the first time has elapsed. The manual operation device 101 may also initiate manual operation of the escalator 1 by the manual operation unit 110 only within the period from when the second time has elapsed since the alarm operation unit 120 was operated until the first time has elapsed. The first and second times are predetermined. The first and second times are set, for example, by considering the maximum time it is expected to take for a worker who has confirmed the alarm from the alarm device 11 at any location within the truss 2 to move to the location where they should be when manually operating the escalator 1.

[0023] The manual operation unit 110 includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of buttons, switches, touch sensors, and touch panels. The alarm operation unit 120 includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of buttons, switches, touch sensors, and touch panels.

[0024] The manual operating device 101 is provided to operate the escalator 1 only while, for example, the manual operating unit 110 is being operated. The manual operating device 101 may also be provided so that when a predetermined operation is performed on the manual operating unit 110, the escalator 1 continues a predetermined operation for a predetermined time. Preferably, the manual operating unit 110 is capable of switching the operating direction of the escalator 1.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the manual operating device 101 is connected to and used on the escalator 1 during maintenance work on the escalator 1. The manual operating device 101 is connected to the escalator 1 only, for example, during maintenance work on the escalator 1. The manual operating device 101 is connected to the control device 7, for example, by wireless or wired connection. The manual operating device 101 may also be connected to the drive unit 6, for example, by wireless or wired connection. The manual operating device 101 is operated by maintenance workers during maintenance work on the escalator 1. The manual operating device 101 only needs to be operable within the upper room 2a. Preferably, the manual operating device 101 is operable on the upper room 2a (for example, at the entrance / exit on the upper floor).

[0026] <Example configuration of passenger conveyor system and maintenance support system> The passenger conveyor system according to Embodiment 1 is an escalator system 301. The escalator system 301 comprises an escalator 1 and a maintenance support system 201 for the escalator 1 (Figure 2).

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the maintenance support system 201 for the escalator 1 according to Embodiment 1 comprises a manual operating device 101 and at least one alarm device 11. The at least one alarm device 11 is located inside or around the escalator 1. The alarm device 11 receives an alarm command from the manual operating device 101 and issues an alarm. The alarm device 11 includes at least one of an auditory notification means such as sound, and a visual notification means such as light. The alarm device 11 includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of a buzzer, a speaker, a light, and a display.

[0028] The maintenance support system 201 includes, for example, a plurality of alarm devices 11. The plurality of alarm devices 11 are arranged, for example, within the truss 2 at intervals from each other. In the escalator 1, the plurality of alarm devices 11 are, for example, fixed in place. In the escalator 1, the installation locations of the plurality of alarm devices 11 may be changed.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the multiple alarm devices 11 include, for example, an alarm device 11 located in the upper chamber 2a, an alarm device 11 located in the lower chamber 2b, and an alarm device 11 located in the inclined chamber 2c. Each of the multiple alarm devices 11 emits auditory information, including at least one of a warning sound and a warning voice, when it receives an alarm command output from the manual operating device 101 by operating the alarm operation unit 120, which will be described later. Each of the multiple alarm devices 11 may also emit visual information, including a warning light. The number and arrangement of alarm devices 11 provided on the escalator 1 can be arbitrarily set so that maintenance workers can recognize alarms emitted by the alarm devices 11.

[0030] <Maintenance procedures for passenger conveyors> Next, with reference to Figure 3, an example of a maintenance work method for the escalator 1 performed using the manual operation device 101 will be described. The maintenance work method for the escalator 1 according to Embodiment 1 is performed by multiple workers. Figure 3 shows only the processes performed by the first worker who manually operates the escalator 1 in the maintenance work method for the escalator 1. The first worker performs the flow shown in Figure 3 in or around the upper room 2a. The second worker, who performs maintenance work in cooperation with the first worker, performs necessary maintenance work (e.g., inspection, replacement, repair, etc.) on the escalator 1 at any location inside or around the truss 2.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the first worker first prepares the manual operating device 101 (step S10). The first worker connects the manual operating device 101 to the control device 7.

[0032] The first operator then operates the alarm activation unit 120 of the manual operation device 101 (step S20). As a result, the manual operation device 101 outputs an alarm command to the multiple alarm devices 11, and the multiple alarm devices 11 that receive the alarm command activate an alarm.

[0033] The second worker who confirms the alarm activation should take a predetermined action. Such actions can be set arbitrarily. One example of such action is for the second worker to notify (answer back) the first worker that they have confirmed the alarm activation. If such an action is predetermined, the first worker will perform the third step (S30) only after operating the alarm activation unit 120 and confirming the above notification from the second worker. If the first worker is unable to confirm the above notification from the second worker after operating the alarm activation unit 120, they may operate the alarm activation unit 120 again.

[0034] The first worker then operates the manual operation unit 110 of the manual operation device 101 (step S30). The manual operation unit 110 outputs a control command to the control device 7 based on the operation received by the manual operation unit 110. The control device 7 controls the drive device 6 based on the control command. As a result, the escalator 1 is operated based on the operation of the manual operation unit 110 by the first worker.

[0035] <Effects of manual control devices> The portable operating device described in Patent Document 1 does not have an alarm activation unit. Therefore, when a maintenance worker uses the portable operating device to manually operate an escalator, they must notify other workers in advance by some means, such as calling out to them, to give them advance notice of the manual operation. Depending on the escalator's installation, there is a problem in that communication between workers may be difficult.

[0036] The escalator operating device 101 is equipped with an alarm operation unit 120 and can output alarm commands to multiple alarm devices 11 of the escalator 1. Furthermore, the manual operating device 101 can only start operating the escalator 1 by the manual operating unit 110 after the alarm operation unit 120 has been operated. Therefore, with the manual operating device 101, manual operation of the escalator 1 can be notified to other workers simply by operating the alarm operation unit 120 before operating the manual operating unit 110. Compared to the portable operating device described above, the manual operating device 101 can improve the workability of maintenance work on the escalator 1. Furthermore, the manual operating device 101 can achieve a high level of balance between workability and safety in maintenance work on the escalator 1. The maintenance support system 201 and the escalator system 301 are equipped with the manual operating device 101 and the alarm devices 11, and can achieve a high level of balance between workability and safety in maintenance work.

[0037] <Variation> The manual operation device 101 may be configured to allow operation of the alarm operation unit 120 even while the manual operation unit 110 is being operated. The alarm operation unit 120 may be operable not only before operation of the manual operation unit 110, but also during operation of the manual operation unit 110. In this way, the first worker can operate the alarm operation unit 120 before stopping or ending the manual operation of the escalator 1 to notify the second worker that the manual operation of the escalator 1 has been stopped or ended.

[0038] Embodiment 2. The manual operating device according to Embodiment 2 has the same configuration and effects as the manual operating device 101 according to Embodiment 1 unless otherwise specified, and is also modifiable in the same way as the manual operating device 101. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in Embodiment 1, and the descriptions will not be repeated.

[0039] In the manual operation device according to Embodiment 2, the alarm operation unit 120 is capable of outputting multiple types of alarm commands to cause the alarm device 11 to notify multiple different types of information. The multiple types of information are information relating to arbitrary parameters that can be changed during the manual operation of the escalator 1, such as the operating direction and operating speed of the escalator 1. The manual operation device according to Embodiment 2 can cause the alarm device 11 to emit alarms in multiple ways. For example, the manual operation device according to Embodiment 2 is capable of outputting multiple types of alarm commands according to the number of operations of the alarm operation unit 120, the operation time, and the operation interval, and can cause the alarm device 11 to emit alarms in multiple ways.

[0040] According to the manual operation device of Embodiment 2, compared to the case where only one type of alarm command can be output to the alarm device 11 by the alarm operation unit 120, the amount of information that can be notified to the second worker can be increased, improving the work efficiency of maintenance work on the escalator 1.

[0041] Figure 4 shows a manual operation device 102 as an example of a manual operation device according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 4, the manual operation unit 110 includes, for example, a first manual operation unit 111 and a second manual operation unit 112. The first manual operation unit 111 is for operating the escalator 1 in a first direction. The second manual operation unit 112 is for operating the escalator 1 in a second direction.

[0042] In the manual operation device 102, the alarm operation unit 120 can output a first alarm command or a second alarm command. The first alarm command is a command to cause the alarm device 11 to notify first information. The second alarm command is a command to cause the alarm device 11 to notify second information different from the first information. The first information and the second information are, for example, information relating to the operating direction of the escalator 1. The first information may be set to notify the operator that the escalator 1 will be operated in a first direction. The second information may be set to notify the operator that the escalator 1 will be operated in a second direction.

[0043] The manual operation device 102 can start operating the escalator 1 in the first direction by the first manual operation unit 111 only after the alarm operation unit 120 has been operated to output a first alarm command. The manual operation device 102 can start operating the escalator 1 in the second direction by the second manual operation unit 112 only after the alarm operation unit 120 has been operated to output a second alarm command.

[0044] Figures 5 and 6 show a maintenance procedure for the escalator 1 that can be performed using the manual operating device 102 shown in Figure 4.

[0045] As shown in Figure 5, when operating the escalator 1 in the first direction, the first operator operates the alarm operation unit 120 so that the manual operation device 102 outputs the first alarm command (step S21). As a result, the manual operation device 102 outputs the first alarm command to the alarm device 11.

[0046] After step S21, the first worker operates the first manual operation unit 111 to operate the escalator 1 in the first direction (step S31).

[0047] As shown in Figure 6, when operating the escalator 1 in the second direction, the first operator operates the alarm operation unit 120 so that the manual operation device 102 outputs a second alarm command (step S22). As a result, the manual operation device 102 outputs a second alarm command to the alarm device 11.

[0048] After step S22, the first worker operates the second manual operation unit 112 to operate the escalator 1 in the second direction (step S32).

[0049] The manual operation device 102 allows the second worker to be notified of the direction of operation of the escalator 1, thereby improving the efficiency of maintenance work on the escalator 1.

[0050] Embodiment 3. The manual operating device according to Embodiment 3 has the same configuration and effects as the manual operating device according to Embodiment 2 unless otherwise specified, and is also modifiable in the same way as the manual operating device according to Embodiment 2. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in Embodiment 2, and the descriptions will not be repeated.

[0051] In the manual operation device according to Embodiment 3, the alarm operation unit includes a plurality of alarm operation units for outputting different alarm commands. The plurality of alarm operation units are arranged to output different alarm commands when they receive a common operation, such as being pressed.

[0052] According to the manual operation device of Embodiment 3, multiple types of alarm commands can be output by performing a common operation on each of the multiple alarm operation units without changing at least one of the number of operations, operation time, and operation interval of the alarm operation unit 120. Therefore, the manual operation device of Embodiment 3 can further improve the workability of maintenance work on the escalator 1.

[0053] Figure 7 shows a manual operation device 103 as an example of a manual operation device according to Embodiment 3. As shown in Figure 7, in the manual operation device 103 according to Embodiment 3, the alarm operation unit 120 includes a first alarm operation unit 121 for outputting a first alarm command and a second alarm operation unit 122 for outputting a second alarm command. The first alarm operation unit 121 and the second alarm operation unit 122 are configured to output a first alarm command or a second alarm command when they receive a common operation, such as being pressed. The first alarm operation unit 121 is located adjacent to the first manual operation unit 111. The second alarm operation unit 122 is located adjacent to the second manual operation unit 112.

[0054] With the manual operation device 103, a first alarm command or a second alarm command can be output by performing a common operation on both the first alarm operation unit 121 and the second alarm operation unit 122, thereby further improving the work efficiency of maintenance work on the escalator 1. In addition, with the manual operation device 103, the first alarm operation unit 121 is adjacent to the first manual operation unit 111, and the second alarm operation unit 122 is adjacent to the second manual operation unit 112, which helps to prevent incorrect alarm operations from being performed for planned manual operations.

[0055] Embodiment 4. The manual operating device according to Embodiment 4 has the same configuration and effects as the manual operating device according to Embodiment 1 unless otherwise specified, and is also modifiable in the same way as the manual operating device according to Embodiment 1. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in Embodiment 1, and the descriptions will not be repeated.

[0056] The manual operation device according to Embodiment 4 further comprises a refueling operation unit for manually operating a refueling unit that supplies refueling to the escalator 1. The refueling unit is provided on the escalator 1. The refueling operation unit is the part that receives refueling operations for the escalator 1 from maintenance workers. The refueling unit is provided, for example, to supply refueling to the step chain 5 (see Figure 1). The refueling unit only needs to be capable of supplying refueling to any location on the escalator 1.

[0057] In typical passenger conveyors, the refueling control unit is located within the truss 2, and the position of the refueling control unit within the truss 2 varies depending on the model of the passenger conveyor. Therefore, during maintenance work on the passenger conveyor, maintenance workers need to move to the location of the refueling control unit according to the model and operate it.

[0058] In contrast, with the manual operation device according to Embodiment 4, maintenance workers can operate the refueling of the escalator 1 without having to move to the location where the refueling operation unit is installed when performing refueling operations before and after manually operating the escalator 1, thereby further improving the work efficiency of maintenance work on the escalator 1.

[0059] Figures 8 and 9 show a manual operating device 104 as an example of a manual operating device according to Embodiment 4. As shown in Figure 8, the manual operating device 104 according to Embodiment 4 includes a fuel supply operation unit 130. The fuel supply operation unit 130 is located adjacent to the manual operating unit 110. As shown in Figure 9, the manual operating device 104 is connected to a fuel supply unit 10 provided on the escalator, for example, via a control device 7.

[0060] According to the manual operation device 104, maintenance workers can operate the refueling unit 10 simply by operating the refueling unit 130, which is located next to the manual operation unit 110, without having to move to the location where the refueling unit is installed. This further improves the efficiency of maintenance work on the escalator 1.

[0061] <Variation> Figure 10 shows a modified example of the manual operation device according to Embodiment 4. As shown in Figure 10, the alarm operation unit 120 of the manual operation device 104 may include a third alarm operation unit 123 for outputting a third alarm command. The third alarm command is a command to cause the alarm device 11 to notify third information. The third information may be set to notify the operator that the refueling unit 10 of the escalator 1 is to be operated. The first alarm operation unit 121, the second alarm operation unit 122, and the third alarm operation unit 123 are provided to output the first alarm command, the second alarm command, or the third alarm command when they receive a common operation, such as being pressed. The third alarm operation unit 123 may be located adjacent to the refueling operation unit 130.

[0062] Figure 11 shows a maintenance procedure for the escalator 1 that can be performed using the manual operating device 104 shown in Figure 10.

[0063] As shown in Figure 11, when operating the refueling of escalator 1, the first operator operates the third alarm operation unit 123 so that the manual operation device 104 outputs the third alarm command (step S60). As a result, the manual operation device 104 outputs the third alarm command to the alarm device 11.

[0064] After step S60, the first worker operates the refueling operation unit 130 (see Figure 10) to operate the refueling unit 10 (see Figure 9) of the escalator 1 and refuels the escalator 1 (step S70).

[0065] According to the manual operation device 104 shown in Figure 10, the second worker can be notified when escalator 1 is about to be refueled, thereby improving the efficiency of maintenance work on escalator 1.

[0066] Embodiment 5. The passenger conveyor maintenance support system according to Embodiment 5 has the same configuration and effects as the passenger conveyor maintenance support system according to Embodiment 1 unless otherwise specified, and is also modifiable in the same way as the passenger conveyor maintenance support system according to Embodiment 1. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in Embodiment 1, and the descriptions are not repeated.

[0067] The passenger conveyor maintenance support system according to Embodiment 5 includes an answer-back device in addition to a manual operation device. The answer-back device is capable of outputting an answer-back signal for at least one alarm command to at least one of the manual operation device and the alarm device. The answer-back device is intended to be operated by a second worker. It is preferable that the answer-back device is portable by the second worker. The manual operation device according to Embodiment 5 includes an alarm unit that emits an alarm when an answer-back signal is input from the answer-back device.

[0068] According to the maintenance support system of Embodiment 5, the first worker can manually operate the escalator 1 using the manual operation unit of the manual operation device after confirming the answer back from the second worker via the alarm unit of the manual operation device. Therefore, according to the maintenance support system of Embodiment 5, it is possible to achieve a higher level of both workability and safety in the maintenance work of the escalator 1.

[0069] Preferably, the manual operation device according to Embodiment 5 allows the escalator to be manually operated by the manual operation unit only after an answer-back signal has been input from the answer-back device. In this way, the first worker can manually operate the escalator 1 only after confirming the answer-back from the second worker, thereby achieving a higher level of both work efficiency and safety in the maintenance work of the escalator 1.

[0070] Figure 12 shows an answer-back device 401 as an example of an answer-back device provided in the passenger conveyor maintenance support system according to Embodiment 5. Furthermore, Figure 12 shows an escalator system 302 as an example of a passenger conveyor system according to Embodiment 5. Figure 13 shows an escalator 1 maintenance support system 205 as an example of a passenger conveyor maintenance support system according to Embodiment 5.

[0071] As shown in Figure 12, the answer-back device 401 includes an answer-back operation unit 410 for outputting an answer-back signal to the manual operation device 105 in response to an alarm command output from the manual operation device 105. The answer-back operation unit 410 is the part that receives an answer-back from a second operator to the manual operation device 105. The manual operation device 105 further includes an alarm unit 150 that alerts that an answer-back signal has been input from the answer-back device 401. The alarm unit 150 includes at least one of an auditory notification means such as sound, and a visual notification means such as light. The alarm unit 150 includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of a buzzer, speaker, light, and display.

[0072] As shown in Figure 13, in the maintenance support system 205, the manual operation device 105 is communicatively connected to the alarm device 11 and the answer-back device 401, respectively. The manual operation device 105 can output an alarm command to the alarm device 11. The manual operation device 105 can receive an answer-back signal from the answer-back device 401.

[0073] Figure 14 shows a maintenance procedure for escalator 1 that can be performed using the maintenance support system 205 shown in Figures 12 and 13. Figure 14 shows the processes performed by the first worker and the processes performed by the second worker in the maintenance procedure for escalator 1 using the maintenance support system 205.

[0074] As shown in Figure 14, in the maintenance work method for escalator 1 using the maintenance support system 205, the first worker prepares the manual operation device 105 (step S10), and the second worker prepares the answer-back device 401 (step S110).

[0075] When operating escalator 1, the first operator operates the alarm operation unit 120 so that the manual operation device 102 outputs an alarm command (step S20). As a result, the manual operation device 105 outputs an alarm command to the alarm device 11, and the alarm device 11 emits an alarm.

[0076] After the second operator confirms that the alarm device 11 has activated, the second operator operates the answer-back operation unit 410 of the answer-back device 401 (step S120). As a result, the answer-back device 401 outputs an answer-back signal to the manual operation device 105, and the alarm device 150 activates.

[0077] After the first worker confirms that the alarm unit 150 of the manual operation device 105 has been activated, the first worker operates the manual operation unit 110 of the manual operation device 105 (step S30). In this way, the escalator 1 is operated based on the operation of the manual operation unit 110 by the first worker.

[0078] In the maintenance work method shown in Figure 14, the first worker can manually operate escalator 1 after confirming the answer back from the second worker, thus achieving a higher level of both work efficiency and safety in the maintenance work of escalator 1.

[0079] <Variation> The manual operating device 105 may be capable of outputting an alarm command to at least the answer-back device 401. The manual operating device 105 may be capable of outputting an alarm command to both the alarm device 11 and the answer-back device 401. As shown in Figure 12, the answer-back device 401 may include an alarm unit 450 that emits an alarm when it receives an alarm command from the manual operating device 105. From a different perspective, the answer-back device 401 may be provided as the same component as the alarm device that emits an alarm when it receives an alarm command from the manual operating device 105.

[0080] The alarm unit 450 may include at least one of an alarm means that is perceived by hearing, such as sound, and an alarm means that is perceived by sight, such as light. The alarm unit 450 may include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of a buzzer, a speaker, a light, and a display.

[0081] Figure 15 shows a maintenance procedure for the escalator 1 that can be performed using an answer-back device 401 equipped with an alarm unit 450.

[0082] In the maintenance work method shown in Figure 15, when the first worker operates the alarm operation unit 120 (step S20), the manual operation device 105 outputs an alarm command to at least the answer-back device 401, and the alarm unit 450 of the answer-back device 401 emits an alarm.

[0083] The second worker, after confirming that the alarm unit 450 of the answer-back device 401 has activated, operates the answer-back operation unit 410 of the answer-back device 401 (step S120). As a result, the answer-back device 401 outputs an answer-back signal to the manual operation device 105, and the alarm unit 150 activates. Even in this manner, similar to the maintenance work method shown in Figure 14, it is possible to achieve a higher level of both workability and safety in the maintenance work of the escalator 1.

[0084] The manual operating device 105 may have any configuration as long as it includes a manual operating unit 110, an alarm operation unit 120, and an alarm unit 150. For example, the manual operating device 105 may have the same configuration as any of the manual operating devices 102 to 104, except that it includes an alarm unit 150.

[0085] Embodiment 6. The passenger conveyor maintenance support system according to Embodiment 6 has the same configuration and effects as the passenger conveyor maintenance support system according to Embodiment 5 unless otherwise specified, and is also modifiable in the same way as the passenger conveyor maintenance support system according to Embodiment 5. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in Embodiment 5, and the descriptions are not repeated.

[0086] In the passenger conveyor maintenance support system according to Embodiment 6, the answer-back device is dockable to the manual operation device. When the answer-back device is docked to the manual operation device, the manual operation device can manually operate the passenger conveyor by its manual operation unit, regardless of the answer-back signal. When the answer-back device is not docked to the manual operation device, the manual operation device can manually operate the passenger conveyor by its manual operation unit only after the answer-back signal has been input.

[0087] Figure 16 shows a manual operation device 106 and an answer-back device 402 as an example of a manual operation device and an answer-back device provided in a passenger conveyor maintenance support system according to Embodiment 6. As shown in Figure 16, the answer-back device 402 can be docked to the manual operation device 106. When the answer-back device 402 is docked to the manual operation device 106, the manual operation device 106 can manually operate the escalator 1 by the manual operation unit 110, without relying on an answer-back signal from the answer-back device 402. When the answer-back device 402 is not docked to the manual operation device 106, the manual operation device 106 can manually operate the escalator 1 by the manual operation unit 110 only after an answer-back signal has been input from the answer-back device 402.

[0088] The manual operation device 106 includes, for example, a manual operation unit 110, an alarm operation unit 120, a fuel supply operation unit 130, and an alarm operation unit 150.

[0089] The manual operating device 106 may have the same configuration as any of the manual operating devices 101 to 105, except that it includes an alarm unit 150 and is dockable with the answer-back device 402.

[0090] The manual operation unit 110 may include a third manual operation unit 113, a fourth manual operation unit 114, and a fifth manual operation unit 115. The third manual operation unit 113 and the fourth manual operation unit 114 are, for example, parts that receive settings for the operating direction of the escalator 1. The fifth manual operation unit 115 is, for example, a part that receives instructions to perform manual operations on the escalator 1. The fifth manual operation unit 115 is operated, for example, after an operation on the third manual operation unit 113 or the fourth manual operation unit 114. For example, by operating the fifth manual operation unit 115 after operating the third manual operation unit 113, the escalator 1 can be operated in a first direction. By operating the fifth manual operation unit 115 after operating the fourth manual operation unit 114, the escalator 1 can be operated in a second direction.

[0091] The manual operating devices 102 to 105 may include a third manual operating unit 113 and a fifth manual operating unit 115 instead of the first manual operating unit 111. The manual operating devices 102 to 105 may include a fourth manual operating unit 114 and a fifth manual operating unit 115 instead of the second manual operating unit 112.

[0092] In the manual operation devices 101 to 105, the manual operation unit 110 may further include a sixth manual operation unit 116 that receives a stop command for manual operation of the escalator 1.

[0093] [Note] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized in the appendix. <Note 1> A manual operating device for a passenger conveyor that is operated manually by maintenance workers, A manual operation unit for manually operating the passenger conveyor, The alarm device for alerting a collaborating worker working with the aforementioned maintenance worker includes an alarm operation unit for outputting at least one alarm command, A manual operation device that allows the manual operation unit to start the operation of the passenger conveyor only after the alarm operation unit has been operated. <Note 2> The aforementioned at least one alarm command includes a first alarm command and a second alarm command, After the output of the first alarm command, the passenger conveyor can be operated by the manual operation unit only in the first direction, and The manual operating device described in Appendix 1, wherein, after the output of the second alarm command, the passenger conveyor can be operated by the manual operating unit only in a second direction opposite to the first direction. <Note 3> The manual operation unit includes a first manual operation unit for operating the passenger conveyor in the first direction and a second manual operation unit for operating the passenger conveyor in the second direction. The alarm operation unit includes a first alarm operation unit for outputting the first alarm command and a second alarm operation unit for outputting the second alarm command. The first manual operation unit is adjacent to the first alarm operation unit, The second manual operation unit is the manual operation device described in Appendix 2, which is adjacent to the second alarm operation unit. <Note 4> A manual operation device for a passenger conveyor according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, further comprising a refueling operation unit for manually operating a refueling unit that refuels the passenger conveyor. <Note 5> The manual operating device described in Appendix 4, which, when positioned above the entrance / exit of the passenger conveyor, is responsively connected to a control device located below the floor of the entrance / exit. <Note 6> A manual operating device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5, A maintenance support system for a passenger conveyor, comprising the aforementioned alarm device. <Note 7> It is further equipped with an answer-back device, The passenger conveyor maintenance support system according to Appendix 6, wherein the answer-back device is capable of outputting an answer-back signal for at least one alarm command to at least one of the manual operation device and the alarm device. <Note 8> The passenger conveyor maintenance support system according to Appendix 7, wherein the manual operation device allows the passenger conveyor to be manually operated by the manual operation unit only after the answer-back signal has been input. <Note 9> The answer-back device is dockable to the manual operation device. When the answer-back device is docked to the manual operation device, the manual operation device can manually operate the passenger conveyor by the manual operation unit, regardless of the answer-back signal. The passenger conveyor maintenance support system according to Appendix 7, wherein, when the answer-back device is not docked to the manual operation device, the manual operation device can manually operate the passenger conveyor by the manual operation unit only after the answer-back signal has been input. <Note 10> The aforementioned answer-back device is a portable maintenance support system for a passenger conveyor as described in any one of appendices 7 to 9. <Note 11> The passenger conveyor maintenance support system described in any one of the appendices 7 to 10, wherein the answer-back device is provided as the same component as the alarm device. <Note 12> The aforementioned passenger conveyor, A passenger conveyor system comprising a manual operating device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5. <Note 13> The aforementioned passenger conveyor, A passenger conveyor system comprising a passenger conveyor maintenance support system described in any one of the appendices 6 to 11. <Note 14> A method for maintaining a passenger conveyor, The first step involves preparing a manual operating device for the passenger conveyor and connecting the manual operating device to the control device for the passenger conveyor. The manual operating device is A manual operation unit for manually operating the passenger conveyor, The passenger conveyor is equipped with an alarm operation unit for outputting at least one alarm command to an alarm device located within the passenger conveyor, The manual operation device allows the passenger conveyor to be manually operated by the manual operation unit only after the alarm operation unit has been operated. A second step involves operating the alarm operation unit to output the at least one alarm command, A method for maintaining a passenger conveyor, comprising a third step of manually operating the passenger conveyor using the manual operation unit after the second step. <Note 15> The first, second, and third steps are performed by the first worker. A fourth step in which a second worker, different from the first worker, prepares the answer-back device, A fifth step in which the second operator outputs an answer-back signal for the at least one alarm command, The process further comprises a sixth step in which the first operator confirms the answer-back signal, The third step is the maintenance work method for the passenger conveyor described in Appendix 14, which is performed after the sixth step.

[0094] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this application is indicated by the claims and not by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 1 Escalator, 2 Truss, 2a Upper chamber, 2b Lower chamber, 2c Inclined chamber, 3 Upper sprocket, 4 Lower sprocket, 5 Step chain, 6 Drive unit, 7 Control device, 8 Step, 9 Moving handrail, 10 Lubrication unit, 11 Alarm device, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106 Manual operation device, 110 Manual operation unit, 111 First manual operation unit, 112 Second manual operation unit, 113 Third manual operation unit, 114 Fourth manual operation unit, 115 Fifth manual operation unit, 116 Sixth manual operation unit, 120 Alarm operation unit, 121 First alarm operation unit, 122 Second alarm operation unit, 123 Third alarm operation unit, 130 Lubrication operation unit, 150 Alarm unit, 201, 205 Maintenance support system, 301, 302 Escalator system, 401, 402 answer-back device, 410 answer-back operation unit, 450 alarm unit.

Claims

1. A manual operating device for a passenger conveyor that is operated manually by maintenance workers, A manual operation unit for manually operating the passenger conveyor, The alarm device for alerting a collaborating worker working with the aforementioned maintenance worker includes an alarm operation unit for outputting at least one alarm command, A manual operation device that allows the manual operation unit to start the operation of the passenger conveyor only after the alarm operation unit has been operated.

2. The aforementioned at least one alarm command includes a first alarm command and a second alarm command, After the output of the first alarm command, the passenger conveyor can be operated by the manual operation unit only in the first direction, and The manual operating device according to claim 1, wherein, after the output of the second alarm command, the passenger conveyor can be operated by the manual operating unit only in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

3. The manual operation unit includes a first manual operation unit for operating the passenger conveyor in the first direction and a second manual operation unit for operating the passenger conveyor in the second direction. The alarm operation unit includes a first alarm operation unit for outputting the first alarm command and a second alarm operation unit for outputting the second alarm command. The first manual operation unit is adjacent to the first alarm operation unit, The manual operating device according to claim 2, wherein the second manual operating unit is adjacent to the second alarm operation unit.

4. The manual operation device according to claim 1, further comprising a refueling operation unit for manually operating a refueling unit that refuels the passenger conveyor.

5. The manual operating device according to claim 4, wherein when the manual operating device is positioned above the entrance / exit of the passenger conveyor, it is responsively connected to a control device positioned below the floor of the entrance / exit.

6. A manual operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A passenger conveyor maintenance support system comprising the alarm device located inside or around the passenger conveyor.

7. It is further equipped with an answer-back device, The passenger conveyor maintenance support system according to claim 6, wherein the answer-back device is capable of outputting an answer-back signal for at least one alarm command to at least one of the manual operation device and the alarm device.

8. The passenger conveyor maintenance support system according to claim 7, wherein the manual operation device allows the passenger conveyor to be manually operated by the manual operation unit only after the answer back signal has been input.

9. The answer-back device is dockable to the manual operation device. When the answer-back device is docked to the manual operation device, the manual operation device can manually operate the passenger conveyor by the manual operation unit, regardless of the answer-back signal. The passenger conveyor maintenance support system according to claim 7, wherein, when the answer-back device is not docked to the manual operation device, the manual operation device can manually operate the passenger conveyor by the manual operation unit only after the answer-back signal has been input.

10. The passenger conveyor maintenance support system according to claim 7, wherein the answer-back device is portable.

11. The passenger conveyor maintenance support system according to claim 7, wherein the answer-back device is provided as the same component as the alarm device.

12. The aforementioned passenger conveyor, A passenger conveyor system comprising a manual operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

13. The aforementioned passenger conveyor, A passenger conveyor system comprising a passenger conveyor maintenance support system as described in claim 6.

14. A method for maintaining a passenger conveyor, The first step involves preparing a manual operating device for the passenger conveyor and connecting the manual operating device to the control device for the passenger conveyor. The manual operating device is A manual operation unit for manually operating the passenger conveyor, The system includes an alarm operation unit for outputting at least one alarm command to an alarm device located inside or around the passenger conveyor, The manual operation device allows the passenger conveyor to be manually operated by the manual operation unit only after the alarm operation unit has been operated. A second step involves operating the alarm operation unit to output the at least one alarm command, A method for maintaining a passenger conveyor, comprising a third step of manually operating the passenger conveyor using the manual operation unit after the second step.

15. The first, second, and third steps are performed by the first worker. A fourth step in which a second worker, different from the first worker, prepares the answer-back device, A fifth step in which the second operator outputs an answer-back signal for the at least one alarm command, The system further comprises a sixth step in which the first operator confirms the answer-back signal, The third step is the method for performing maintenance work on a passenger conveyor according to claim 14, which is performed after the sixth step.

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