Passenger conveyor systems and passenger conveyor inspection mobile systems

Abstract

To provide a passenger conveyor system and a passenger conveyor inspection mobile body system, which can automatically block two entrance / exit doors of a passenger conveyor when the inspection mobile body inspects the passenger conveyor. [Solution] The system comprises an inspection vehicle (100) that moves from an initial inspection waiting position to one of the boarding / alighting entrances and rides the steps from one entrance to the other entrance to inspect the passenger conveyor; a first blocking vehicle (200) that moves from the first initial waiting position to one of the boarding / alighting entrances based on a first instruction signal from the inspection vehicle (100) and prevents one user from getting on to the steps (14) from one of the boarding / alighting entrances while inspection is being performed by the inspection vehicle (100) on the steps (14); and a second blocking vehicle (300) that moves from a second initial waiting position to the other boarding / alighting entrance based on a second instruction signal from the inspection vehicle (100) and prevents another user from getting on to the steps (14) from the other boarding / alighting entrance while inspection is being performed by the inspection vehicle (100) on the steps (14).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a passenger conveyor system and a mobile inspection system for the passenger conveyor. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, inspections of passenger conveyors such as escalators and moving walkways have been carried out manually by humans. However, in recent years, it has been proposed to use autonomous mobile robots to perform inspections, in order to reduce the burden on workers and improve the efficiency of inspections. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-1612 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2018 / 109822 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described above, when passenger conveyors are automatically inspected by autonomous mobile robots, one entrance and the other entrance are blocked off with a fence (barricade fence) to prevent users from getting on the passenger conveyor, but there is a problem in that workers have to carry the blocking fence to each of the two entrances.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a passenger conveyor system and a passenger conveyor inspection vehicle system that can automatically block two boarding and alighting doors of a passenger conveyor when an inspection vehicle inspects the passenger conveyor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention includes a passenger conveyor having a step that moves from one boarding / alighting entrance to the other boarding / alighting entrance and a pair of left and right handrails erected on both the left and right sides of the step; an inspection mobile body that moves from a predetermined inspection initial standby position to one of the boarding / alighting entrances and rides on the step from one of the boarding / alighting entrances to the other boarding / alighting entrance to inspect the passenger conveyor; a first blocking mobile body that moves from the predetermined first initial standby position to one of the boarding / alighting entrances based on a first instruction signal from the inspection mobile body and prevents one user from getting on to the step from one of the boarding / alighting entrances during inspection by the inspection mobile body on the step; and a second blocking mobile body that moves from a predetermined second initial standby position to the other boarding / alighting entrance based on a second instruction signal from the inspection mobile body and prevents another user from getting on to the step from the other boarding / alighting entrance during inspection by the inspection mobile body on the step. Either the first blocking moving body or the second blocking moving body has a pair of left and right support posts that prevent the user from getting on within a range smaller than the width dimension of the step. The passenger conveyor system is characterized by the above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the left side of an escalator. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the inspection mobile body, the first closing mobile body, and the second closing mobile body. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a passenger conveyor system. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart for inspecting an escalator. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing the inspection mobile body, the first blocking mobile body, the second blocking mobile body, and the escalator from the front, with the inspection mobile body, the first blocking mobile body, and the second blocking mobile body having moved to their inspection standby positions and waiting for inspection. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a front view of the inspection mobile body, the first blocking mobile body, the second blocking mobile body, and the escalator, with the second blocking mobile body ascending the escalator to perform inspection. [Figure 7]This is a front view of the inspection vehicle, first blocking vehicle, second blocking vehicle, and escalator in a state where the first blocking vehicle has temporarily retreated from the first floor entrance / exit for inspection and the inspection vehicle is about to be placed on the steps. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a front view of the inspection mobile body, the first blocking mobile body, the second blocking mobile body, and the escalator when the inspection mobile body is inspecting the escalator. [Figure 9] This is a front view of the inspection mobile body, the first blocking mobile body, the second blocking mobile body, and the escalator when the first blocking mobile body has retreated after inspection and the inspection mobile body and the second blocking mobile body are about to retreat from the escalator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A passenger conveyor system according to one embodiment of the present invention, which is an escalator 10, will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. In this embodiment, the passenger conveyor system is composed of the escalator 10, an inspection vehicle 100 that inspects the escalator 10, a first blocking vehicle 200 that is disposed at one entrance of the escalator 10 and blocks passengers attempting to board through that entrance, and a second blocking vehicle 300 that is disposed at the other entrance and blocks passengers attempting to board through the other entrance. The inspection vehicle 100, the first blocking vehicle 200, and the second blocking vehicle 300 are collectively referred to as the "inspection vehicle system." Note that when describing the front-to-rear direction of the escalator 10, the upper floor side is the front side, and the lower floor side is the rear side, as viewed from a lower floor looking up to an upper floor. For illustrative purposes, the description will be given assuming that the escalator 10 is operating upward.

[0009] (1) Escalator 10 The overall structure of the escalator 10 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 5. Figure 1 is a simplified explanatory vertical cross-sectional view of the escalator 10 as seen from the left side, with the left-side members omitted. Figure 5 is a front view of the escalator 10 as seen from a lower floor to an upper floor.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, truss 12, which is the framework of escalator 10, is supported in the front-to-rear direction by support angles 2 and 3 across the upper and lower floors of building 1. A control device 32 and a drive device 38 for escalator 10 are installed in a machine room 36 inside truss 12 on the upper floor side. A communication device 34 is also built into this control device 32.

[0011] Within the truss 12, a plurality of steps 14 connected in an endless manner are raised by a drive unit 38.

[0012] A pair of left and right balustrades 20, 20 are erected on both the left and right sides of the upper part of the truss 12. A handrail rail 24 is provided on the top of this handrail 20, and an endless handrail belt 22 is attached to this handrail rail 24 so that it can move freely, and the handrail belt 22 moves in synchronization with the steps 14. Plate-shaped skirt guards 30 are provided in the front-to-rear direction below the pair of left and right balustrades 20, and the steps 14 run between the pair of left and right skirt guards 30, 30. The skirt guards 30, located near the upper and lower floor entrances, are equipped with speakers 42 and passenger sensors 44 for detecting passengers who have boarded the train.

[0013] At the entrance on the upper floor side, a boarding and alighting plate 16 is placed horizontally on the truss 12. At the entrance on the lower floor side, a boarding and alighting plate 18 is placed horizontally on the truss 12. A yellow comb-tooth shaped comb 26 is provided at the tip of the boarding and alighting plate 16 on the upper floor side, and the steps 14 enter and exit this comb 26. In addition, a yellow comb-tooth shaped comb 28 is also provided at the tip of the boarding and alighting plate 18 on the lower floor side.

[0014] As shown in Figure 5, yellow demarcation lines 40 are formed in the front-to-rear direction on both the left and right sides of the top surface (cleat surface) and rear surface (riser surface) of the step 14. These demarcation lines 40 are signs that call attention to the user standing on the step 14 to prevent their skirt or other clothing from getting caught in the gap between the skirt guard 30 and the step 14.

[0015] (2) Inspection vehicle 100 Next, the inspection vehicle 100 that inspects the escalator 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. This inspection vehicle 100 is a so-called autonomous mobile robot.

[0016] The main body 102 of the inspection vehicle 100 is a vertically long rectangular parallelepiped designed to be large enough to stand on the steps 14 of the escalator 10, and its upper part has a rounded shape.

[0017] A pair of wheels 104, 104 are provided on the bottom surface of the main body 102, and a support (not shown) is also provided to prevent the main body 102 from tipping over.

[0018] An inspection unit 106 is provided on top of the main body 102. Inside the inspection unit 106, a pair of left and right cameras, a microphone, a ToF sensor, and a vibration sensor are provided. The "ToF" in ToF sensor stands for "Time of Flight," and is a method that literally uses the time of flight of light. For example, in a reflective laser method, the distance to the surface of an object is measured based on the time it takes for a pulse of emitted laser light to be reflected off the surface of the object and return.

[0019] An inspection traveling unit 108 is provided at the bottom of the main body 102, which moves the main body 102 by rotating a pair of left and right wheels 104, 104. A motor that rotates the wheels 104 is included inside the inspection traveling unit 108.

[0020] An inspection communication unit 110 is provided on the top of the main body 102. The inspection communication unit 110 communicates with the first blocking mobile body 200, the second blocking mobile body 300, a terminal 400 owned by the manager of the escalator 10, and a management center 500 for the escalator 10 (see FIG. 3).

[0021] An inspection control unit 112 is provided inside the main body 102. Based on signals received from the outside by the inspection communication unit 110 and data collected by the inspection unit 106, the inspection control unit 112 controls the inspection traveling unit 108 to move the main body 102 forward, backward, rotate right, and rotate left, and also inspects the escalator 10 based on the data collected by the inspection unit 106. Furthermore, the inspection control unit 112 transmits a first instruction signal from the inspection communication unit 110 to the first blocking mobile body 200 to control the first blocking mobile body 200, and transmits a second instruction signal from the inspection communication unit 110 to the second blocking mobile body 300 to control the second blocking mobile body 300.

[0022] (3) 1st blockade mobile body 200 Next, the first blocking mobile body 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. This first blocking mobile body 200 is an autonomous mobile robot.

[0023] The first blocking mobile body 200 comprises a first fence 210, which is a rectangular plate when viewed from the front, and a pair of left and right support posts 212, 212 attached vertically to both the left and right sides of the first fence 210. The first fence 210 is an obstacle that blocks the boarding / alighting entrance and prevents users from stepping onto the steps 14, and is a so-called barricade fence. A first blocking display unit 218 formed from a liquid crystal display is provided on the front and rear surfaces of the first fence 210. The distance between the pair of left and right support posts 212, 212 is smaller than the width of the steps 14, allowing users to move on the steps 14. In addition, supports (not shown) are provided on the first fence 210 to prevent the first blocking mobile body 200 from tipping over.

[0024] Wheels 214, 214 are provided on the bottom surfaces of the pair of left and right support columns 212, 212, respectively, and first closed running portions 222, 222 for driving the wheels 214, 214 are provided on the lower parts of the pair of left and right support columns 212, 212, respectively.

[0025] A first blockage control unit 226 is provided inside one of the pillars 212. A first blockage detection unit 216 is provided on the top of one of the pillars 212. This first blockage detection unit 216 is composed of a pair of left and right cameras and a ToF sensor.

[0026] Inside the other support pillar 212, a first blockage communication unit 224 and a first blockage warning unit 220 consisting of a speaker are provided.

[0027] The first blockage communication unit 224 receives a first instruction signal from the inspection communication unit 110 of the inspection vehicle 100, and the first blockage control unit 226 controls the first blockage traveling unit 222 to move the first blockage vehicle 200 forward, backward, turn right, or turn left based on the first instruction signal and the data collected by the first blockage search unit 216, and displays information on the first blockage display unit 218. Furthermore, the first blockage control unit 226 outputs a warning sound to a user approaching the escalator 10 from the first blockage warning unit 220 based on the result of the first blockage search unit 216 searching for the user.

[0028] (4)Second blockade mobile body 300 Next, the second blocking mobile body 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. This second blocking mobile body 300 is an autonomous mobile robot.

[0029] The second blocking mobile body 300 comprises a second fence 310, which is a rectangular plate when viewed from the front, and a pair of left and right support posts 312, 312 attached vertically to both the left and right sides of the second fence 310. A second blocking display unit 318 formed from a liquid crystal display is provided on the front and rear surfaces of the second fence 310. The distance between the pair of left and right support posts 312, 312 is smaller than the width of the steps 14, allowing movement on the steps 14. In addition, a support (not shown) is provided on the second fence 310 to prevent the second blocking mobile body 300 from tipping over.

[0030] Wheels 314, 314 are provided on the bottom surfaces of the pair of left and right support columns 312, 312, respectively, and second closed running portions 322, 322 for driving the wheels 314, 314 are provided on the lower parts of the pair of left and right support columns 312, 312, respectively.

[0031] A second blockage control unit 326 is provided inside one of the pillars 312. A second blockage detection unit 316 is provided on the top of one of the pillars 312. This second blockage detection unit 316 is composed of a pair of left and right cameras and a ToF sensor.

[0032] Inside the other support pillar 312, a second blockage communication unit 324 and a second blockage warning unit 320 consisting of a speaker are provided.

[0033] The second blockage communication unit 324 receives a second instruction signal from the inspection communication unit 110 of the inspection vehicle 100, and the second blockage control unit 326 controls the second blockage traveling unit 322 to move the second blockage vehicle 300 forward, backward, turn right, or turn left based on the second instruction signal and the data collected by the second blockage search unit 316, and displays information on the second blockage display unit 318. In addition, the second blockage control unit 326 outputs a warning sound to a user approaching the escalator 10 from the second blockage warning unit 320 based on the result of the second blockage search unit 316 searching for the user.

[0034] (5) Electrical structure of passenger conveyor system The electrical structure of the passenger conveyor system will now be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

[0035] A drive unit 38 is connected to the control device 32. This drive unit 38 has a built-in motor and moves the steps 14 and the handrail belt 22 in synchronization. A speaker 42 and a passenger sensor 44 provided on an upper floor and a speaker 42 and a passenger sensor 44 provided on a lower floor are connected to the control device 32. The control device 32 is also provided with a communication device 34 for communicating with the inspection vehicle 100 and an external management center 500.

[0036] The inspection control unit 112 of the inspection mobile body 100 is connected to the inspection unit 106, the inspection traveling unit 108, and the inspection communication unit 110. This inspection communication unit 110 can communicate with the communication device 34 of the escalator 10, and can also communicate with an external management center 500 and a terminal 400 held by the manager of the escalator 10. It can also communicate with the first blocking mobile body 200 and the second blocking mobile body 300. The terminal 400 is an operation terminal that allows the manager of the escalator 10 to give operating instructions from a location away from the escalator 10 when performing inspections using the inspection mobile body system.

[0037] The first block control unit 226 of the first block mobile body 200 is connected to the first block search unit 216, the first block display unit 218, the first block warning unit 220, the first block travel unit 222, and the first block communication unit 224. The first block travel unit 222 drives the wheels 214 to move the first block mobile body 200. In addition, the first block communication unit 224 can communicate with the inspection communication unit 110 of the inspection mobile body 100.

[0038] The second block control unit 326 of the second block vehicle 300 is connected to the second block search unit 316, the second block display unit 318, the second block warning unit 320, the second block travel unit 322, and the second block communication unit 324. The second block travel unit 322 drives the wheels 314 to move the second block vehicle 300. In addition, the second block communication unit 324 can communicate with the inspection communication unit 110 of the inspection vehicle 100.

[0039] (6) Inspection method for mobile system Next, the inspection method of the escalator 10 performed by the inspection mobile body system will be explained in chronological order. The escalator 10 to be inspected is assumed to be ascending from the first floor to the second floor. The inspection mobile body 100, the first blocking mobile body 200, and the second blocking mobile body 300 are all waiting at their initial waiting positions on the first floor of the building 1. In other words, the inspection initial waiting position of the inspection mobile body 100, the first initial waiting position of the first blocking mobile body 200, and the second initial waiting position of the second blocking mobile body 300 are all assumed to be initial waiting positions, and the term "initial waiting position" is a collective term for the inspection initial waiting position, the first initial waiting position, and the second initial waiting position.

[0040] First, when the inspection mobile body 100 receives an inspection start signal from the terminal 400 owned by the manager of the escalator 10, it begins preparations for inspection. To do this, the inspection mobile body 100, together with the first blocking mobile body 200 and the second blocking mobile body 300, moves from its initial standby position to an inspection standby position near one of the entrances (in this case, the entrance on the first floor) of the escalator 10 being inspected. Specifically, the inspection mobile body 100 outputs a first instruction signal to the first blocking mobile body 200 to instruct it to move to the inspection standby position, and outputs a second instruction signal to the second blocking mobile body 300 to instruct it to move to the inspection standby position. The inspection vehicle 100, the first blockade vehicle 200, and the second blockade vehicle 300 move using SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology, estimating their own position based on an environmental map showing the positions and sizes of pillars, walls, obstacles, and steps on the first floor of the building 1. The environmental map also shows the initial standby position, the inspection standby position, and the location of the first-floor entrance / exit. When estimating their own position, the inspection vehicle 100 compares data collected by the camera and ToF sensor of the inspection unit 106 with the environmental map to estimate their own position. The first blockade vehicle 200 compares data collected by the camera and ToF sensor of the first blockade search unit 216 with the environmental map to estimate their own position. The second blockade vehicle 300 compares data collected by the camera and ToF sensor of the second blockade search unit 316 with the environmental map to estimate their own position. Each vehicle then moves from its initial standby position to its inspection standby position.

[0041] Second, as shown in Fig. 5, when the inspection vehicle 100, the first blocking vehicle 200, and the second blocking vehicle 300 move to an inspection standby position near the first floor entrance and stop, they enter an inspection standby state. The inspection standby position is set at a position that does not interfere with passengers getting on through the first floor entrance and that provides a good view of the area around the first floor entrance.

[0042] Third, while in a standby state for inspection, the inspection mobile body 100 uses the camera of the inspection unit 106 to capture images (or video) of the first floor entrance and exit and the escalator 10. The inspection control unit 112 analyzes the collected images, and when it determines that no users are captured and the escalator 10 is unmanned, or when it determines that the last user in the queue has stepped onto the step 14 of the escalator 10, the inspection control unit 112 determines that the escalator 10 is available for inspection.

[0043] Fourth, when the inspection control unit 112 of the inspection vehicle 100 determines that inspection is possible, it outputs a second instruction signal to the second blocking vehicle 300, instructing it to move from the first floor entrance onto the steps 14 to the second floor platform 16. The second blocking vehicle 300 uses SLAM technology to move from the inspection standby position to the first floor platform 18, and then uses the second block search unit 316 to move to the steps 14 between the pair of left and right handrails 20, 20. Once on the steps 14, the second blocking vehicle 300 moves up the steps 14 to the second floor. Figure 6 shows an example in which the inspection vehicle 100 determines that inspection is possible after the last user in the queue has boarded the step 14 of the escalator 10, and the second blocking vehicle 300 boards the step 14.

[0044] Fifth, when the second blocking mobile body 300 moves from the first floor board 18 onto the steps 14, the inspection mobile body 100 outputs a first instruction signal, which instructs the first blocking mobile body 200 to move from the inspection standby position to the first floor board 18 and block the first floor entrance, as shown in FIG. 6. The first blocking mobile body 200 stops with the first fence 210 positioned between the pair of left and right railings 20. This stopping position is determined by recognizing the pair of left and right railings 20 and the yellow comb 28 from images collected by the camera of the first blockage search unit 216 of the first blocking mobile body 200, and measuring the distance with the ToF sensor to determine the stopping position. As a result, the first blocking mobile body 200 blocks the boarding / alighting entrance on the first floor until the second blocking mobile body 300 rises to the second floor, and the first blocking display unit 218 displays "Inspection in progress, no entry", preventing users from getting on.

[0045] 7, the second blocking mobile body 300 arrives on the second floor boarding / alighting platform 16. As a result, the second floor entrance is blocked by the second blocking mobile body 300 having the second fence 310.

[0046] Seventh, as shown in Figure 7, when the second blocking mobile body 300 arrives at the second floor boarding / alighting board 16, the inspection mobile body 100 outputs a first instruction signal to instruct the first blocking mobile body 200 to temporarily retreat from the first floor boarding / alighting entrance to an inspection standby position. Then, once the first blocking mobile body 200 has temporarily retreated to the inspection standby position, the inspection mobile body 100 moves from the inspection standby position to the first floor boarding / alighting board 18 and then steps onto the steps 14. In this case, too, the inspection mobile body 100 recognizes the steps 14 between the pair of left and right balustrades 20 using images collected by the camera of the inspection unit 106, and the position on the steps 14 is set to be the center position between the pair of left and right yellow demarcation lines 40 on the top surface of the steps 14.

[0047] 8, when the inspection vehicle 100 steps onto the step 14, the inspection vehicle 100 outputs a first instruction signal, and the first blocking vehicle 200 moves from the inspection standby position and blocks the first floor entrance again. This prevents users from getting on through the first floor entrance.

[0048] Ninth, as shown in FIG. 8 , the escalator 10 is inspected while the inspection vehicle 100 is riding on the steps 14 and ascending from the first floor to the second floor. Specifically, a pair of left and right cameras in the inspection unit 106 capture images of the pair of left and right handrails 20, 20, the pair of left and right skirt guards 30, 30, the pair of left and right handrail belts 22, 22, and the steps 14. The inspection control unit 112 determines the dirt and damage state of the steps 14, and the dirt and damage state of the pair of left and right handrails 20, 20, the pair of left and right skirt guards 30, 30, and the pair of left and right handrail belts 22, 22 based on the captured images (or video images). Furthermore, a microphone in the inspection unit 106 detects sound, and the inspection control unit 112 determines whether the detected sound is abnormal. Furthermore, a vibration sensor in the inspection unit 106 measures vibrations, and the inspection control unit 112 determines whether the vibrations measured by the inspection control unit 112 are abnormal.

[0049] Tenth, as shown in FIG. 8 , while the inspection vehicle 100 is performing an inspection, the first block display unit 218 of the first block vehicle 200 displays "Inspection in progress, no entry" to visually warn users not to approach. The first block search unit 216 uses a camera or ToF sensor to search for users approaching the first-floor entrance and issues an audible warning from the first block warning unit 220 to prevent the user from approaching. The second block display unit 318 of the second block vehicle 300 also displays "Inspection in progress, no entry" to visually warn users not to approach. The second block search unit 316 uses a camera or ToF sensor to search for users approaching the second-floor entrance and issues an audible warning from the second block warning unit 320 to prevent the user from approaching.

[0050] Eleventh, the inspection ends when the inspection vehicle 100 arrives at the boarding and alighting plate 16 on the second floor. Then, the inspection control unit 112 of the inspection vehicle 100 instructs the control device 32 of the escalator 10 to change from ascending operation to descending operation. This allows the inspection vehicle 100 to ride the steps 14 and descend from the second floor to the first floor. Note that the inspection vehicle 100 may inspect the escalator 10 even during this descent.

[0051] 9, before the inspection vehicle 100 arrives at the first floor, the first blocking vehicle 200 outputs a first instruction signal to retreat from the first floor boarding / alighting entrance to an inspection standby position, allowing the inspection vehicle 100 to pass through. Then, when the inspection vehicle 100 arrives at the first floor boarding / alighting board 18, it retreats to the inspection standby position.

[0052] 13. As shown in FIG. 9, when the inspection mobile body 100 retreats to the inspection standby position, the inspection mobile body 100 outputs a second instruction signal, causing the second blocking mobile body 300 to descend onto the steps 14 to the first floor, and when it arrives at the boarding and alighting board 18 on the first floor, it retreats to the inspection standby position.

[0053] Fourteenth, if inspection by the inspection vehicle 100 reveals no abnormalities in the escalator 10, the inspection vehicle 100 instructs the control device 32 to resume upward operation. Furthermore, if inspection by the inspection vehicle 100 reveals that repairs are necessary, the inspection vehicle 100 transmits its position, the type of part, the state of damage, etc. to the terminal 400 and the management center 500.

[0054] Fifteenth, the inspection vehicle 100, the first blocking vehicle 200, and the second blocking vehicle 300 use SLAM technology to move from the inspection standby position to the initial standby position at the command of the inspection vehicle 100, and wait for the next inspection. In this way, the escalator 10 can be inspected unmanned.

[0055] (7) Inspection procedure for escalator 10 The flow of the inspection operation for the escalator 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0056] In step S1, the inspection vehicle 100, the first blocking vehicle 200, and the second blocking vehicle 300 wait at their initial waiting positions on the first floor, and the process proceeds to step S2.

[0057] In step S2, if the inspection mobile body 100 receives an inspection start signal from the terminal 400 of the manager of the escalator 10, the process proceeds to step S3 (if y), and if not, the state of step S2 continues (if n).

[0058] In step S3, at the instruction of the inspection mobile body 100, the first blocking mobile body 200 and the second blocking mobile body 300 move together with the inspection mobile body 100 from their initial waiting positions to an inspection waiting position near the first floor boarding / alighting entrance of the escalator 10, as shown in Figure 5, and then proceed to step S4.

[0059] In step S4, the inspection vehicle 100 detects whether or not a user is present using the inspection unit 106, and if there is no user, proceeds to step S5 (if y), and if there is a user, continues in the state of step S4 (if n).

[0060] In step S5, as shown in FIG. 6, the second blocking mobile body 300 moves from the inspection standby position to the first floor entrance, climbs onto the steps 14, and moves to the second floor entrance, and then the process proceeds to step S6.

[0061] In step S6, the first blocking mobile body 200 blocks the entrance / exit on the first floor until the second blocking mobile body 300 arrives at the second floor, as shown in Fig. 6. Then, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0062] In step S7, if the second blocking mobile body 300 arrives at the second floor entrance / exit, the process proceeds to step S8 (if y), and if not, the state of step S7 continues (if n).

[0063] In step S8, as shown in FIG. 7, the first blocking mobile body 200 temporarily retreats from the first floor entrance and releases the blockade, and the process proceeds to step S9.

[0064] In step S9, as shown in FIG. 7, the inspection vehicle 100 moves to the entrance on the first floor, and the process proceeds to step S10.

[0065] In step S10, as shown in FIG. 8, the first blocking mobile body 200 blocks the first floor entrance again, and the process proceeds to step S11.

[0066] In step S11, as shown in FIG. 8, the inspection vehicle 100 steps onto the steps 14 and starts inspecting the steps 14, the balustrade 20, the skirt guard 30, and the handrail belt 22, and the process proceeds to step S12.

[0067] In step S12, as shown in Fig. 8, while the inspection vehicle 100 is conducting an inspection, the first block display unit 218 of the first block display unit 200 and the second block display unit 318 of the second block display unit 300 display "Inspection in progress, no entry." In addition, the first block display unit 200 and the second block display unit 300 monitor the first and second floor entrances to prevent users from approaching, and if any users approach, the first block warning unit 220 or the second block warning unit 320 issues a sound to warn them. Then, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0068] In step S13, if the inspection vehicle 100 arrives at the second floor and the inspection of the escalator 10 is completed, the process proceeds to step S14 (if y), and if not completed, step S13 continues (if n).

[0069] In step S14, as shown in Figure 9, the escalator 10 is changed from ascending operation to descending operation, the inspection vehicle 100 descends from the second floor onto the steps 14 to the first floor entrance, and the first blocking vehicle 200 retreats from the first floor entrance to an inspection waiting position, and the process proceeds to step S15.

[0070] In step S15, as shown in FIG. 9, when the inspection vehicle 100 arrives at the entrance on the first floor, it descends the steps 14 and retreats to the inspection standby position, and then the process proceeds to step S16.

[0071] In step S16, the second blocking mobile body 300 descends from the second floor onto the steps 14 to the first floor entrance, and retreats to an inspection standby position when it arrives at the first floor entrance. If the inspection by the inspection mobile body 100 finds no abnormalities in the escalator 10, the inspection mobile body 100 notifies the terminal 400 and the management center 500 of this fact and instructs the control device 32 to resume the upward operation of the escalator 10. If the inspection by the inspection mobile body 100 finds that repairs are necessary, the inspection mobile body 100 notifies the terminal 400 and the management center 500 of the location, type of part, state of damage, etc. Then, the process proceeds to step S17.

[0072] In step S17, the inspection vehicle 100, the first blocking vehicle 200, and the second blocking vehicle 300 move from the inspection standby position to the initial standby position, thereby completing the inspection.

[0073] (8) Effects According to this embodiment, while the inspection vehicle 100 is inspecting, the first blocking vehicle 200 blocks one of the entrances and the second blocking vehicle 300 blocks the other entrance, preventing users from getting on the escalator 10. At this time, the first blocking vehicle 200 and the second blocking vehicle 300 automatically block the two entrances in response to instructions from the inspection vehicle 100, eliminating the need for workers to manually block the two entrances.

[0074] Furthermore, when the inspection vehicle 100 is performing an inspection, the first block display unit 218 of the first blockage vehicle 200 and the second blockage display unit 318 of the second blockage vehicle 300 display a message indicating that an inspection is underway, preventing users from approaching. Even if a user approaches, the first blockage search unit 216 and the second blockage search unit 316 can detect the approaching user through their search, and the first blockage warning unit 220 and the second blockage warning unit 320 can issue a sound warning.

[0075] Furthermore, when the inspection is completed, the inspection vehicle 100, the first blocking vehicle 200, and the second blocking vehicle 300 can automatically return to their initial standby positions.

[0076] In the above embodiment, if a user approaches during inspection, a sound is emitted from the first blockage warning unit 220 and the second blockage warning unit 320 to warn the user, but this is not limited to this and the warning can also be emitted from the speaker 42 of the escalator 10.

[0077] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the inspection unit 106 of the inspection vehicle 100 confirmed whether or not there was a user on the escalator 10, but this is not limited to this, and if the passenger sensor 44 of the escalator 10 does not detect a user for a predetermined period of time, the inspection vehicle 100 may determine that there is no one on the escalator and begin inspection.

[0078] Furthermore, if a user approaches by mistake during inspection, the inspection vehicle 100 may stop the steps 14 of the escalator 10.

[0079] Furthermore, the first blockade display unit 218 and the second blockade display unit 318 may display advertisements when not under inspection.

[0080] Furthermore, if the inspection vehicle 100 discovers an abnormality during inspection, the management center 500 may remotely stop the operation of the escalator.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the manager instructs the inspection vehicle 100 to start inspection from the terminal 400, but instead, the first blockade display unit 218 or the second blockade display unit 318 may have a touch panel, and the manager may use this touch panel to operate the inspection vehicle 100 to instruct the start of inspection. Also, a timer may be provided in the inspection vehicle 100 so that the inspection is performed when the building 1 is closed for closing or the like. In this case, the inspection vehicle 100 does not need to determine whether the escalator 10 is unmanned.

[0082] In the above embodiment, SLAM technology is used as a method for moving the inspection vehicle 100, the first blocking vehicle 200, and the second blocking vehicle 300 from the initial standby position to the inspection standby position, but other methods may be used. For example, a movement route from the initial standby position to the inspection standby position may be determined in advance, and the movement distance and movement direction along this movement route may be programmed. The inspection vehicle 100 may execute this program to move the inspection vehicle 100, the first blocking vehicle 200, and the second blocking vehicle 300 from the initial standby position to the inspection standby position.

[0083] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the inspection mobile body 100, the first blocking mobile body 200, and the second blocking mobile body 300 wait together at their initial waiting positions on the same floor (first floor), but instead, if the inspection mobile body 100 and the first blocking mobile body 200 wait at their initial waiting positions on the first floor and the second blocking mobile body 300 waits at a second initial waiting position on the second floor, the inspection mobile body 100 will not need to place the second blocking mobile body 300 on the steps 14 and send it up to the second floor, and then return it to the first floor after the inspection is completed.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first blocking mobile body 200 and the second blocking mobile body 300 are shaped like a barricade fence, but instead they may be triangular pyramidal poles.

[0085] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the escalator 10 was described as the passenger conveyor, but instead, the first blocking mobile body 200 and the second blocking mobile body 300 may be moved to the entrance and exit of a moving walkway, respectively, and the inspection mobile body 100 may be moved on steps to inspect the moving walkway. In this case, rather than placing the second blocking mobile body 300 on the steps and moving it from the entrance to the exit before the start of inspection, and then placing it on the steps again and moving it to the entrance after inspection, it may be moved using a walkway for people next to the moving walkway.

[0086] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 10... Escalator, 14... Steps, 16... Boarding and alighting board, 18... Boarding and alighting board, 20... Handrail, 32... Control device, 34... Communication device, 100... Inspection mobile body, 200... First blocking mobile body, 300... Second blocking mobile body, 400... Terminal, 500... Management center

Claims

1. a passenger conveyor having steps that move from one boarding / alighting entrance to the other boarding / alighting entrance and a pair of left and right handrails erected on both the left and right sides of the steps; an inspection mobile body that moves from a predetermined inspection initial standby position to one of the boarding / alighting entrances and rides on the steps from one of the boarding / alighting entrances to the other of the boarding / alighting entrances to inspect the passenger conveyor; a first blocking mobile unit that moves from a predetermined first initial standby position to one of the boarding / alighting openings based on a first instruction signal from the inspection mobile unit, and prevents one user from getting on to the steps from one of the boarding / alighting openings during inspection by the inspection mobile unit on the steps; a second blocking mobile unit that moves from a predetermined second initial waiting position to the other boarding / alighting entrance based on a second instruction signal from the inspection mobile unit, and prevents other users from getting on to the steps from the other boarding / alighting entrance during inspection by the inspection mobile unit on the steps; and Either the first blocking movable body or the second blocking movable body has a pair of left and right support posts that prevent the user from getting on within a range smaller than the width dimension of the step. A passenger conveyor system.

2. The inspection vehicle has an inspection control unit, an inspection communication unit, an inspection unit that inspects the passenger conveyor, and an inspection traveling unit that travels the inspection vehicle, The first blocking mobile body has a first blocking control unit, a first blocking communication unit, and a first blocking traveling unit that causes the first blocking mobile body to travel, The second blocking mobile body has a second blocking control unit, a second blocking communication unit, and a second blocking traveling unit that causes the second blocking mobile body to travel, The inspection control unit The inspection traveling unit moves the inspection mobile body from the inspection initial standby position to one of the boarding and alighting entrances, A first instruction signal is transmitted to the first blockage control unit via the inspection communication unit and the first blockage communication unit, and when the first blockage control unit receives the first instruction signal, the first blockage traveling unit is moved from the first initial standby position to one of the boarding and alighting doors, A second instruction signal is transmitted to the second blockage control unit via the inspection communication unit and the second blockage communication unit, and upon receiving the second instruction signal, the second blockage control unit moves the second blockage traveling unit from the second initial waiting position to the other boarding / alighting entrance.

10. The passenger conveyor system of claim 1.

3. the first blocking mobile body has a first blocking display unit that displays that the inspection mobile body is inspecting the passenger conveyor, The second blocking mobile body has a second blocking display unit that displays that the inspection mobile body is inspecting the passenger conveyor.

10. The passenger conveyor system of claim 1.

4. The first block mobile body has a first block search unit that searches for a user approaching one of the entrances when the first block mobile body is placed at one of the entrances, and a first block warning unit that issues a warning when the user is found, The second blocking mobile body has a second blocking search unit that searches for a user approaching the other boarding / alighting entrance when the second blocking mobile body is disposed at the other boarding / alighting entrance, and a second blocking warning unit that issues a warning when the user is found.

10. The passenger conveyor system of claim 1.

5. A passenger conveyor inspection mobile system having a step that moves from one entrance to the other entrance and a pair of left and right handrails erected on both the left and right sides of the step, an inspection mobile body that moves from an inspection initial standby position to one of the boarding / alighting entrances and rides on the steps from one of the boarding / alighting entrances to the other of the boarding / alighting entrances to inspect the passenger conveyor; a first blocking mobile unit that moves from a predetermined first initial standby position to one of the boarding / alighting openings based on a first instruction signal from the inspection mobile unit, and prevents one user from getting on to the steps from one of the boarding / alighting openings during inspection by the inspection mobile unit on the steps; a second blocking mobile unit that moves from a predetermined second initial waiting position to the other boarding / alighting entrance based on a second instruction signal from the inspection mobile unit, and prevents other users from getting on to the steps from the other boarding / alighting entrance during inspection by the inspection mobile unit on the steps; and Either the first blocking movable body or the second blocking movable body has a pair of left and right support posts that prevent the user from getting on within a range smaller than the width dimension of the step. A passenger conveyor inspection mobile system.

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