Inspection Aid Device for Inspecting Mounting Position of Fixed Protection Plate of Escalator and Inspection Method Thereof

Abstract

Provided are an inspection assistance device and an inspection method with which it is possible to reduce the number of workers for inspecting the attachment position of a fixed protective plate. The inspection assistance device comprises: a housing; a light emission part which is provided on the housing and emits a beam of light having directivity; a leveling part attached to the housing so as to be capable of sensing the levelness of the beam of light direction in which the beam of light travels; and a contact part which is provided on the surface of the housing, and has a prescribed holding friction coefficient with respect to the upper surface of a railing. The inspection method comprises: a first step for placing the inspection assistance device on a railing of an escalator; a second step for adjusting the attitude of the inspection assistance device such that the contact part is in contact with the railing and the leveling part indicates a prescribed levelness; a third step for generating a beam of light from the inspection assistance device; and a fourth step, which is performed after the first step, the second step, and the third step, for applying a scaled measure to the fixed protective plate, and reading the scale at the position on the measure irradiated with the beam of light.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inspection auxiliary device and an inspection method for inspecting the attachment position of a fixed protection plate of an escalator.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a positioning jig and a positioning method for specifying the position of a fixed protection plate of an escalator. According to the method, an operator can specify the position of the fixed protection plate by placing the positioning jig on the handrail.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the positioning method described in Patent Document 1, at least two operators are required: an operator who holds and supports the positioning jig on the handrail and an operator who measures the position of the fixed protection plate. In addition, it is necessary to regularly inspect whether the position of the fixed protection plate is appropriate. Therefore, many operators are required for such work and inspection.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide an inspection auxiliary device and an inspection method capable of reducing the number of operators for inspecting the attachment position of a fixed protection plate.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The inspection assistance device according to the present disclosure is an inspection assistance device placed on a handrail when inspecting the attachment position of a fixed protection plate of an escalator, and includes a housing, a light emitting unit provided on the housing and emitting a light axis with directivity, a horizontal part attached to the housing so as to be able to sense the levelness in the light axis direction in which the light axis advances, and a contact part provided on the surface of the housing and having a prescribed holding friction coefficient with respect to the upper surface of the handrail. The holding friction coefficient is a value at which a holding frictional force that balances the component in the direction of the inclination of the gravity applied to the housing is generated when the housing is placed on the upper surface such that the contact part contacts the handrail at a portion where the handrail is inclined.

[0007] The inspection method according to the present disclosure is an inspection method for inspecting the attachment position of a fixed protection plate provided on an escalator, and includes a first step of placing an inspection assistance device on the handrail of the escalator, a second step of adjusting the posture of the inspection assistance device such that the contact part contacts the handrail and the horizontal part exhibits a prescribed levelness, a third step of generating a light axis from the inspection assistance device, and a fourth step of, after the first step, the second step, and the third step, applying a scaled body to the fixed protection plate and reading the scale at the position where the light axis hits the scaled body.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, after one operator places the inspection assistance device on the handrail, the attachment position of the fixed protection plate is inspected using the scaled body. Therefore, the number of operators required to inspect the attachment position of the fixed protection plate can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0010] Embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Redundant descriptions of such parts will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

[0011] Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an escalator to which the inspection method in Embodiment 1 is applied. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of a fixed protection plate to which the inspection method in Embodiment 1 is applied. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a handrail to which the inspection method in Embodiment 1 is applied.

[0012] In FIG. 1, an escalator 1 is shown. The escalator 1 is provided between the upper and lower floors of a building. The first boarding and alighting opening 2a is provided on the upper floor of the building. The second boarding and alighting opening 2b is provided on the lower floor of the building. Users move between the upper and lower floors through the moving area 3 and the second boarding and alighting opening 2b from the first boarding and alighting opening 2a. Hereinafter, the left-right direction means the horizontal direction among the directions perpendicular to the direction along the moving area 3.

[0013] A pair of handrails 4 are respectively provided on both sides of the moving area 3 in the left - right direction. For example, the handrail 4 is composed of a member including a glass panel and a support column. Note that the handrail 4 may be composed of a member including a metal plate instead of a glass panel and a support column. Each of the pair of guardrails 5 is an endless belt. The pair of guardrails 5 are respectively wound around the outer periphery of the pair of handrails 4. A plurality of steps 6 are respectively connected in an endless manner. In FIG. 1, three of the plurality of steps 6 are shown, and the illustration of the other steps 6 is omitted. The plurality of steps 6 are provided below the moving area 3.

[0014] When the escalator 1 is operating normally, the plurality of steps 6 circulate and move between the upper floor and the lower floor of the building. Each of the pair of guardrails 5 circulates and moves around the corresponding handrail 4 in synchronization with the plurality of steps 6. The user moves between the upper floor and the lower floor by getting on any of the plurality of steps 6.

[0015] FIG. 2 shows the part where the escalator 1 intersects with the ceiling Xa of the lower floor X. That is, the escalator 1 and the ceiling Xa intersect at the intersection position P surrounded by a broken line. The ceiling Xa is also the floor - lower part of the upper floor Y. Usually, a fixed protection plate 7 and a warning plate 8 are provided at the part where the escalator 1 intersects with the ceiling Xa.

[0016] For example, the fixed protection plate 7 is a plate made of acrylic resin, also called a delta guard. The fixed protection plate 7 is attached to the ceiling Xa. The fixed protection plate 7 is provided to prevent a part of the user's body that jumps out from the moving area 3 from being pinched between the guardrail 5 and the ceiling Xa. The fixed protection plate 7 has a front edge part 7a and a rear plate part 7b. The front edge part 7a is the part of the fixed protection plate 7 on the side opposite to the intersection position P. For example, the front edge part 7a is formed in a cylindrical shape. The rear plate part 7b is the part of the fixed protection plate 7 on the side of the intersection position P rather than the front edge part 7a. For example, the rear plate part 7b is formed in a plate shape.

[0017] For example, the warning board 8 includes a plate made of acrylic. The warning board 8 is disposed on the side opposite to the intersection position P with respect to the fixed protection plate 7. The warning board 8 is provided to be displaceable against an external force. For example, the warning board 8 is suspended by a chain 8a. The warning board 8 is provided to warn the user that they are approaching the intersection position P.

[0018] The fixed protection plate 7 is provided at an attachment position that satisfies the installation standard. Specifically, the fixed protection plate 7 is provided at a position where the upper reference distance A at the front edge 7a satisfies a specified value. Also, in the case of the installation state shown in FIG. 2, the fixed protection plate 7 is provided at a position where the lower reference distance B satisfies a specified value.

[0019] The upper reference distance A is the distance from the height position of the upper surface 5a facing upward to the height position of the lower end of the ceiling Xa at the portion where the front edge 7a intersects the handrail 5 when projected in the horizontal direction. The specified value of the upper reference distance A is 300 mm or more. That is, at the front edge 7a, if the distance from the same height position as the upper surface 5a to the lower end of the ceiling Xa is 300 mm or more, the installation standard of the upper reference distance A is satisfied.

[0020] The lower reference distance B is the portion from the same height position as the intersecting upper surface 5a to the lower end of the fixed protection plate 7 in the vertical direction of the fixed protection plate 7. At any position of the front edge 7a and the rear plate portion 7b, the specified value of the lower reference distance B needs to be satisfied. The specified value of the lower reference distance B is 200 mm or more. That is, in the fixed protection plate 7, if the vertical distance from the same height position as the upper surface 5a to the lower end is 200 mm or more, the installation standard of the lower reference distance B is satisfied. Although not shown, depending on installation conditions such as the upper deck board of the escalator 1 being close to the ceiling Xa, the installation standard of the lower reference distance B does not necessarily need to be satisfied.

[0021] For the fixed protection plate 7 that exists within 500 mm horizontally from the handrail 5, the installation criteria must be met. When the escalator 1 is installed and during the regular inspection of the escalator 1, the installation position of the fixed protection plate 7 is inspected by the operator to ensure it meets the installation criteria. The operator conducts the inspection work based on the specified inspection method. In the inspection method, the operator places the inspection auxiliary device 10 on the upper surface 5a of the handrail 5. The operator generates an optical axis in the horizontal direction from the inspection auxiliary device 10 towards the fixed protection plate 7. Although not shown, the operator measures the distance between the position where the optical axis hits the fixed protection plate 7 and the lower end of the ceiling Xa to inspect whether the reference values of the upper reference distance A and the lower reference distance B are met.

[0022] Figure 3 shows a cross-section perpendicular to the moving direction of the handrail 5. In the width direction of the handrail 5, the upper surface 5a of the handrail 5 is curved at both side portions of the cross-section. That is, there are a flat portion 5b and a curved portion 5c on the upper surface 5a. Note that the width direction of the handrail 5 is equal to the width direction of the escalator 1.

[0023] Although not shown, in the inspection method, the inspection auxiliary device 10 is placed on the flat portion 5b. The posture and position of the inspection auxiliary device 10 are adjusted so that the optical axis does not deviate upward or downward from the horizontal direction due to the curved portion 5c.

[0024] Next, the inspection auxiliary device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. FIGS. 4 to 7 are perspective views or side views of the inspection auxiliary device in Embodiment 1.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 4, the inspection auxiliary device 10 includes a housing 11, a light emitting unit 12, a horizontal portion 13, a contact portion 14, a switching unit 15, and a fall prevention portion 16.

[0026] The housing 11 forms the outer shell of the inspection auxiliary device 10. For example, the shape of the housing 11 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. The housing 11 has a housing lower surface 11a and a housing upper surface 11b. The housing lower surface 11a faces the opposite side. The housing lower surface 11a and the housing upper surface 11b are parallel.

[0027] The light emitting unit 12 is provided inside the housing 11. The light emitting unit 12 is a device that emits an optical axis along which light travels straight with directivity. For example, the light emitting unit 12 is an LED that gives directivity to light by means of a lens or the like. The light emitting unit 12 emits an optical axis that travels parallel to the lower surface 11a of the housing. For example, the direction of the optical axis coincides with the longitudinal direction of the housing 11. For example, the direction of the optical axis is parallel to the side surface along the longitudinal direction of the housing 11. Note that the light emitting unit 12 may be a laser oscillator or the like as long as it is a light emitting device capable of generating an optical axis.

[0028] The horizontal part 13 is a level for sensing horizontality. For example, the horizontal part 13 is a level in which a liquid 13b and a bubble 13c are filled inside a transparent acrylic material which is the outer shell 13a. In this case, two reference lines 13d are provided on the horizontal part 13. Further, since the horizontal part 13 is formed of a transparent acrylic material, it has a structure in which horizontality can be confirmed from all directions.

[0029] The horizontal part 13 is attached to the upper surface 11b of the housing. The horizontal part 13 is attached in a direction capable of sensing the horizontality in the optical axis direction in which the optical axis travels. Specifically, it is attached so that the two reference lines 13d are arranged in the optical axis direction. For example, when the horizontal part 13 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape as shown in FIG. 4, the horizontal part 13 is arranged so that the positions of the side surface in the longitudinal direction of the housing 11 and the side surface in the direction in which the two reference lines 13d of the horizontal part 13 are arranged are aligned. When arranged in that way, the two reference lines 13d are arranged in the optical axis direction.

[0030] The contact part 14 is provided on the lower surface 11a of the housing. For example, the contact part 14 is a flat rubber material. The material and surface shape of the contact part 14 are such that they have a prescribed holding friction coefficient with the upper surface 5a of the handrail 5 which is not shown in FIG. 4. The prescribed holding friction coefficient is a value such that a prescribed holding frictional force is generated when the inspection aid device 10 is placed with the contact part 14 downwards on the inclined part of the upper surface 5a of the handrail 5.

[0031] The value of the holding frictional force is a value that balances the component of the gravitational force in the inclined direction acting on the inspection aid device 10 when the inspection aid device 10 is placed on the inclined portion of the handrail 5. In a general escalator, the angle of the inclination is 30 degrees or 35 degrees. Therefore, in particular, the value of the holding frictional force only needs to be a value that prevents the inspection aid device 10 from sliding downward when it is placed on the upper surface 5a of the portion where the angle of inclination of the handrail 5 is 35 degrees.

[0032] Also, in a general escalator, the material of the handrail is rubber, urethane resin, etc. Among the materials used for the handrail, urethane resin is particularly slippery relative to other substances. Therefore, the holding friction coefficient is a value that generates a holding frictional force when the handrail 5 is made of urethane resin.

[0033] The switching unit 15 switches between the on and off states of the light emission of the light emitting unit 12. For example, the switching unit 15 includes a switch 15a, a base 15b, a hinge 15c, a moving magnet 15d, a pressing body 15e, and an activation magnet 15f.

[0034] The switch 15a is provided so as to be able to activate the light emitting unit 12 when pressed. Specifically, when the switch 15a is pressed, the light emitting unit 12 enters an on state in which it emits an optical axis. When the switch 15a is not pressed, the light emitting unit 12 enters an off state in which it does not emit an optical axis. The switch 15a is provided on the upper surface 11b of the housing.

[0035] The base 15b is provided on the upper surface 11b of the housing. For example, the base 15b is plate-shaped. The base 15b is a magnet.

[0036] The hinge 15c is fixed to the upper surface of the base 15b. The hinge 15c includes a fixed plate 15g and a moving plate 15h. The fixed plate 15g is fixed to the base 15b. The moving plate 15h is rotatably connected to the fixed plate 15g. The moving plate 15h is movable between an off position and an on position by rotating about the end on the side of the fixed plate 15g. The moving plate 15h faces the fixed plate 15g in the off position. The moving plate 15h faces the switch 15a in the on position.

[0037] The moving magnet 15d is a magnet. The moving magnet 15d is provided on the moving plate 15h. Specifically, the moving magnet 15d is provided on the surface facing the fixed plate 15g when the moving plate 15h is in the off position.

[0038] The pressing body 15e is provided on the moving plate 15h. Specifically, the pressing body 15e is provided on the surface facing the switch 15a when the moving plate 15h is in the on position. That is, the pressing body 15e is provided on the surface of the moving plate 15h that faces away from the surface on which the moving magnet 15d is provided.

[0039] The starting magnet 15f is a magnet. The starting magnet 15f is provided around the switch 15a on the upper surface 11b of the housing. The starting magnet 15f is provided in a direction and position where an attractive force is generated with the moving magnet 15d when the moving plate 15h is in the on position.

[0040] The fall prevention part 16 prevents the inspection assistance device 10 from colliding with step 6 (not shown in FIG. 4) or the ground when it falls from the handrail 5. In particular, the fall prevention part 16 prevents the inspection assistance device 10 from colliding with the ground on the lower floor or the ground on an even lower floor. The fall prevention part 16 has a structure such that the housing 11 of the inspection assistance device 10 does not move away from the handrail 5 by a specified distance. Specifically, for example, the fall prevention part 16 includes a suction cup 16a and a connecting body 16b. The suction cup 16a adsorbs to a flat surface. For example, the suction cup 16a can adsorb to the surface of the railing 4. For example, the connecting body 16b is a chain of elastic rubber. Note that the connecting body 16b may be a non-elastic string or the like. One end of the connecting body 16b is attached to the housing 11. The other end of the connecting body 16b is attached to the suction cup 16a.

[0041] For example, on the upper surface 11b of the housing, the horizontal part 13, the switching part 15, and the light emitting part 12 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the housing 11. The horizontal part 13 and the switching part 15 have a length that fits inside the upper surface 11b of the housing.

[0042] When the inspection auxiliary device 10 is placed with the contact portion 14 facing downward, the optical axis is emitted upward from the lower surface of the contact portion 14 by the correction distance. For example, the correction distance is the sum of the thickness of the contact portion 14 and the thickness of a part of the housing 11. For example, the correction distance is 9 mm.

[0043] FIG. 5 shows the inspection auxiliary device 10 placed such that the housing 11 is horizontal in the optical axis direction. The inside of the horizontal portion 13 is visible from an angle that is not perpendicular to the upper surface 11b of the housing as shown in FIG. 5. Since the air bubble 13c is located between the two reference lines 13d, the horizontal portion 13 indicates that the horizontality in the optical axis direction is within the standard.

[0044] FIG. 6 shows the inspection auxiliary device 10 in a state where the light emission of the light emitting portion 12 is off. The switching portion 15 is in the off state. Specifically, the moving plate 15h is in the off position. In this state, the moving magnet 15d is attracted to the base 15b which is a magnet. That is, the moving magnet 15d does not easily move from the off position unless an external force is applied.

[0045] FIG. 7 shows the inspection auxiliary device 10 in a state where the light emission of the light emitting portion 12 is on. The switching portion 15 is in the on state. Specifically, the moving plate 15h is in the on position. In this state, the moving magnet 15d is attracted to the activation magnet 15f. That is, the moving magnet 15d does not move from the on position unless an external force is applied. The pressing body 15e contacts the switch 15a. The pressing body 15e presses the switch 15a by the attractive force between the moving magnet 15d and the activation magnet 15f. The switch 15a, when pressed, turns on the light emitting portion 12.

[0046] Next, the inspection method will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a part of the inspection method in Embodiment 1.

[0047] The inspection method includes at least a first step, a second step, a third step, a fourth step, and a fifth step. FIG. 8 shows the fixed protection plate 7 and the inspection auxiliary device 10 in the fourth step.

[0048] In the first step, the worker places the inspection assistance device 10 on the upper surface 5a of the handrail 5. At this time, the worker places the inspection assistance device 10 on the inclined portion of the handrail 5 near the fixed protection plate 7 for inspection. The inspection assistance device 10 is placed on the upper surface 5a with the contact portion 14 facing downward. For example, the inspection assistance device 10 is placed on the flat portion 5b. Although not shown, in the first step, the worker uses the fall prevention portion 16 to prevent the inspection assistance device 10 from moving away from the handrail 5 by more than a specified distance. Specifically, the worker adsorbs the suction cup 16a of the fall prevention portion 16 to the railing 4.

[0049] In the second step, the worker adjusts the posture and position of the inspection assistance device 10. At this time, the worker adjusts the position of the inspection assistance device 10 so that the optical axis hits the measurement position of the fixed protection plate 7.

[0050] Also, while the contact portion 14 remains in contact with the upper surface 5a, the worker adjusts the posture of the inspection assistance device 10 so that the horizontal portion 13 shows a level within the standard. The worker adjusts the posture of the inspection assistance device 10 so that it does not move upward or downward along the curved portion 5c of the handrail 5. Further, the posture of the inspection assistance device 10 needs to be adjusted so that the optical axis is perpendicular to the moving direction of the handrail 5. Since the handrail 5 is inclined by 30 degrees or 35 degrees, if the horizontal portion 13 does not show a level within the standard, the optical axis will not be perpendicular to the moving direction of the handrail 5. That is, when the horizontal portion 13 shows a level within the standard, the optical axis is perpendicular to the moving direction of the handrail 5. In this way, by the worker adjusting the posture of the inspection assistance device 10 based on the level of the horizontal portion 13, it is ensured that the angle of the optical axis is not affected by the curved portion 5c of the handrail 5 and that the angle of the optical axis is perpendicular to the moving direction of the handrail 5.

[0051] Note that the second step may be performed after the first step or may be performed simultaneously with the first step.

[0052] In the third step, the operator generates an optical axis from the inspection aid device 10. Specifically, the operator switches the switching unit 15 from the off state to the on state. At this time, the operator can switch the state of the switching unit 15 only by moving the moving plate 15h. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the application of unnecessary external forces such as in the direction of the handrail 5 to the inspection aid device 10. As a result, it is possible to suppress the deviation of the posture of the inspection aid device 10.

[0053] Note that the third step may be performed after the first step and the second step, or may be performed simultaneously with the second step.

[0054] After the first step, the second step, and the third step, a fourth step is performed. In the fourth step, the operator releases the hand from the inspection aid device 10. The operator applies the graduated body 20 with graduations to the position on the fixed protection plate 7 where measurement is desired. For example, the graduated body is a tape measure. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the lower reference distance B is being measured. That is, the operator aligns the "0" graduation of the graduated body 20 with the lower end of the fixed protection plate 7. The operator extends the graduation of the graduated body 20 upward. At this time, the operator holds the graduated body 20 so that the optical axis from the inspection aid device 10 hits the graduation of the graduated body 20.

[0055] The operator reads the graduation at the position where the optical axis hits the graduated body 20. The optical axis is emitted horizontally from the upper surface 5a of the handrail 5 in the second step. In FIG. 8, the optical axis hits the position Q where the graduation is 26.0.

[0056] After the fourth step, a fifth step is performed. In the fifth step, the operator performs an operation to exclude the influence of the correction distance from the graduation value read in the fourth step. The graduation value read in the fourth step is located upward from the upper surface 5a by the amount of the influence of the correction distance. For example, the operator multiplies the correction distance by cos θ and subtracts the result from the read graduation value to obtain a corrected measurement value. Here, θ is the inclination angle of the handrail 5. The operator confirms that the corrected measurement value satisfies the lower reference distance B. Note that the operator may subtract the correction distance from the read graduation value to obtain a corrected measurement value.

[0057] After the fifth step, or after the fourth step and before the fifth step, the operator puts away the scale body 20 and the inspection auxiliary device 10.

[0058] After that, the operator finishes the inspection work.

[0059] Although not shown in the figure, the inspection work for checking whether the upper reference distance A is satisfied is also performed in the same method as the inspection method shown in FIG. 8.

[0060] According to the first embodiment described above, in the inspection method for the attachment position of the fixed protection plate 7, the inspection auxiliary device 10 is used. The inspection auxiliary device 10 includes a housing 11, a light emitting part 12, a horizontal part 13, and a contact part 14. In the first to third steps of the inspection method, the operator places the inspection auxiliary device 10 on the inclined part of the handrail 5 and generates an optical axis from the inspection auxiliary device 10. At this time, the operator adjusts the posture of the inspection auxiliary device 10 based on the horizontal part 13 so that a specified levelness is satisfied. Since a specified holding frictional force is generated between the handrail 5 and the contact part 14, the inspection auxiliary device 10 does not slide off the handrail 5. Therefore, the operator does not need to hold the position of the inspection auxiliary device 10. In the fourth step, the operator releases the hand from the inspection auxiliary device 10 and inspects the attachment position of the fixed protection plate 7 while applying the scale body 20 to the fixed protection plate 7. The above inspection work can be performed by one operator. Conventionally, for example, the inspection work needed to be performed by at least two operators: an operator holding the scale body 20 and an operator holding a steel rule so as to extend horizontally toward the fixed protection plate 7 while contacting the handrail 5. Therefore, in the inspection method for inspecting the attachment position of the fixed protection plate 7 shown in the first embodiment, the number of operators can be reduced compared to the prior art.

[0061] Further, the holding friction coefficient of the contact portion 14 is a value at which a holding frictional force is generated when the inspection auxiliary device 10 including the housing 11 and the contact portion 14 is placed on the handrail 5 with an inclination angle of 35 degrees. Generally, the inclination angle of an escalator is at most 35 degrees. Therefore, the inspection method using the inspection auxiliary device 10 can be widely applied to handrails of general inclined escalators.

[0062] Further, the holding friction coefficient of the contact portion 14 is a value at which a holding frictional force is generated when the inspection auxiliary device 10 including the housing 11 and the contact portion 14 is placed on the handrail 5 made of urethane resin. Generally, among the materials of handrails, urethane resin is the most slippery material. Therefore, the inspection method using the inspection auxiliary device 10 can be widely applied to handrails of general materials.

[0063] Further, in the horizontal portion 13, a liquid 13b and a bubble 13c capable of confirming the level are stored inside a transparent outer shell 13a. A reference line 13d is provided on the transparent outer shell 13a. Therefore, an operator can confirm the level from any angle as long as it is from above the upper surface 11b of the housing of the inspection auxiliary device 10. As a result, the work efficiency is improved.

[0064] Further, the inspection auxiliary device 10 further has a switching portion 15. The switching portion 15 has a switch 15a, a moving plate 15h, and a pressing body 15e. When the moving plate 15h is in the on position, the pressing body 15e presses the switch 15a. At this time, the light emitting portion 12 emits an optical axis. Therefore, the on state and the off state of the light emitting portion 12 can be easily switched. As a result, it is possible to suppress wasteful power consumption by the light emitting portion 12.

[0065] Note that the switching unit 15 may be a device that turns on the light emitting unit 12 when the contact unit 14 is placed on the handrail 5 and turns off the light emitting unit 12 when the contact unit 14 leaves the handrail 5. In this case, for example, the switching unit 15 includes a pressure sensor provided on the surface of the contact unit 14. When the pressure sensor senses pressure, the switching unit 15 may turn on the light emitting unit 12. When the pressure sensor does not sense pressure, the switching unit 15 may turn off the light emitting unit 12. Therefore, the on state and the off state of the light emitting unit 12 can be easily switched. As a result, it is possible to suppress the consumption of wasted power by the light emitting unit 12. In addition, when the inspection assistance device 10 drops, it is possible to suppress the emission of the optical axis in an unexpected direction.

[0066] Note that the length of the housing 11 in the longitudinal direction may be equal to or less than the length of the handrail 5 in the width direction. Further, for example, the length of the housing 11 in the longitudinal direction may be equal to or less than the length of the flat portion 5b in the width direction of the handrail 5. At this time, the optical axis is emitted so as to proceed in the longitudinal direction of the housing 11. The entire inspection assistance device 10 may be placed on the handrail 5 so that the longitudinal direction does not protrude from the width of the handrail 5 on the upper surface 5a. Therefore, the inspection assistance device 10 is placed on the handrail 5 in a stable state. As a result, the workability of the inspection can be improved.

[0067] Note that the fixed protection plate 7 and the warning plate 8 are provided not only at the portion where the escalator 1 intersects the ceiling Xa, but also at the portion where the escalator intersects an object, such as the portion where the upward escalator intersects the downward escalator.

[0068] Note that the switching unit 15 may be only the switch 15a whose position is fixed to the on position or the off position after being pressed.

[0069] Note that the fall prevention unit 16 may be a fall prevention hook worn by an operator instead of a suction cup.

Industrial Applicability

[0070] As described above, the inspection assistance device and inspection method according to the present disclosure can be used for escalators having intersections.

Explanation of Signs

[0071] 1 escalator, 2a first boarding and alighting opening, 2b second boarding and alighting opening, 3 moving area, 4 railing, 5 handrail, 5a upper surface, 5b flat part, 5c curved part, 7 fixed protection plate, 7a front edge part, 7b rear plate part, 8 warning plate, 8a chain, 10 inspection assistance device, 11 housing, 11a lower surface of housing, 11b upper surface of housing, 12 light emitting part, 13 horizontal part, 13a outer contour, 13b liquid, 13c bubble, 13d reference line, 14 contact part, 15 switching part, 15a switch, 15b base, 15c hinge, 15d moving magnet, 15e pressing body, 15f starting magnet, 15g fixing plate, 15h moving plate, 16 fall prevention part, 16a suction cup, 16b connecting body, 20 measuring body, A upper reference distance, B lower reference distance, P intersection position, X lower floor, Xa ceiling, Y upper floor

Claims

1. An inspection auxiliary device placed on a handrail when inspecting the mounting position of a fixed protection plate of an escalator, comprising: a housing; a light emitting part provided on the housing and emitting a light axis with directivity; a horizontal part attached to the housing so as to be able to sense the levelness in the light axis direction in which the light axis advances; a contact part provided on the surface of the housing and having a prescribed holding friction coefficient with respect to the upper surface of the handrail; and the holding friction coefficient is a value at which a holding frictional force that balances the component of the gravity applied to the housing in the direction of the inclination is generated when the housing is placed on the upper surface such that the contact part contacts the handrail at a portion where the handrail is inclined. The inspection auxiliary device.

2. The inspection auxiliary device according to claim 1, wherein the holding friction coefficient is a value at which the holding frictional force is generated when the housing and the contact part are placed on the handrail having an inclination angle of 35 degrees.

3. The inspection auxiliary device according to claim 2, wherein the holding friction coefficient is a value at which the holding frictional force is generated when the housing and the contact part are placed on the handrail made of urethane resin.

4. The inspection auxiliary device according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal part has a transparent outer shell in which a liquid and air bubbles are stored, and a reference line indicating the position of the air bubbles when a prescribed levelness is satisfied is provided on the outer shell.

5. a switching part for switching between an on state in which the light emitting part emits the light axis and an off state in which the light emitting part does not emit the light axis; further comprising the switching part a switch that switches the on state and the off state of the light emitting part when pressed; a moving plate movable between an on position and an off position; a pressing body provided on the moving plate and pressing the switch when the moving plate is at the on position; The inspection assistance device according to claim 1, which has

6. A switching unit that switches between an on state in which the light emitting unit emits the optical axis and an off state in which the light emitting unit does not emit the optical axis, turns off the light emitting unit when the contact unit is not placed on the handrail, and turns on the light emitting unit when the contact unit is placed on the handrail. The inspection assistance device according to claim 1, further comprising

7. The light emitting unit emits the optical axis so as to proceed in the longitudinal direction of the housing. The inspection assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the length in the longitudinal direction of the housing is equal to or less than the length in the width direction of the handrail.

8. A method for inspecting the attachment position of a fixed protection plate provided on an escalator, comprising: A first step of placing the inspection assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 on the handrail of the escalator; A second step of adjusting the posture of the inspection assistance device so that the contact portion contacts the handrail and the horizontal portion exhibits a specified levelness; A third step of generating the optical axis from the inspection assistance device; A fourth step, which is performed after the first step, the second step, and the third step, of applying a scaled scale body to the fixed protection plate and reading the scale at the position where the optical axis hits the scale body. An inspection method comprising

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