Passenger conveyor abnormality detection device, abnormality detection method, and abnormality detection program

Abstract

To provide an abnormality detection device, an abnormality detection method, and an abnormality detection program capable of more reliably detecting abnormality of an opening occurrence in a passenger conveyor.SOLUTION: An abnormality detection device 13 comprises a main inspection device 9 and a sub inspection device 10 installed on both ends in a front-back direction of a truss 3 of a passenger conveyor 1. The sub inspection device 10 comprises a transmission unit 14. The main inspection device 9 comprises a reception unit 15, a measurement unit 16, and a detection unit 17. The transmission unit 14 transmits a radio signal propagating inside the truss 3 to the main inspection device 9. The reception unit 15 receives the radio signal transmitted by the transmission unit 14. The measurement unit 16 measures signal intensity of the radio signal received by the reception unit 15. The detection unit 17 detects abnormality of the opening occurrence of the passenger conveyor 1 based on change in the signal intensity measured by the measurement unit 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an abnormality detection device, an abnormality detection method, and an abnormality detection program for a passenger conveyor. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a passenger conveyor. The passenger conveyor is equipped with a photoelectric sensor attached to a skirt guard panel. When a step falls off and an opening occurs, the photoelectric sensor detects this and generates an opening detection signal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-51836 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the passenger conveyor of Patent Document 1, the photoelectric sensor is placed at a specific position on the outbound path. Therefore, if an opening occurs due to a step falling off in a location where no photoelectric sensor is placed, the abnormality of the opening will not be detected.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to solving such problems, and provides an abnormality detection device, an abnormality detection method, and an abnormality detection program that can more reliably detect abnormalities in the occurrence of openings in passenger conveyors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The abnormality detection device of the present disclosure comprises a main unit provided at a first end in the fore-and-aft direction of a truss of a passenger conveyor, and a secondary unit provided at a second end of the truss opposite the first end, the secondary unit comprising a transmitter that transmits a radio signal propagating within the truss to the main unit, the main unit comprising a receiver that receives the radio signal transmitted by the transmitter, a measuring unit that measures the signal strength of the radio signal received by the receiver, and a detection unit that detects abnormalities in the occurrence of openings in the passenger conveyor based on changes in the signal strength measured by the measuring unit.

[0007] The abnormality detection method of the present disclosure includes a main device provided at a first end of a truss of a passenger conveyor in the fore-and-aft direction, and an auxiliary device provided at a second end of the truss opposite the first end, transmitting a radio signal that propagates within the truss; the main device measuring the signal strength of the radio signal received from the auxiliary device; and the main device detecting an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor based on a change in the signal strength of the measured radio signal.

[0008] The abnormality detection program of the present disclosure causes a main device provided at a first end in the fore-and-aft direction of a truss of a passenger conveyor to receive a radio signal transmitted from a sub-device provided at a second end of the truss opposite the first end and propagating within the truss, measures the signal strength of the received radio signal, and detects an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor based on a change in the signal strength of the measured radio signal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the abnormality detection device, the abnormality detection method, or the abnormality detection program of the present disclosure, it is possible to more reliably detect abnormalities in the occurrence of openings in passenger conveyors. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a passenger conveyor to which an abnormality detection device according to a first embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a railing of a passenger conveyor to which an abnormality detection device according to a first embodiment is applied. [Figure 3] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating an example of detection of an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening by the abnormality detection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating an example of detection of an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening by the abnormality detection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the abnormality detection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a main part of an abnormality detection device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of detection of an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening by the abnormality detection device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of detection of an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening by the abnormality detection device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the abnormality detection device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The following describes embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are appropriately simplified or omitted. Note that the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and any component of the embodiments may be modified or omitted within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0012] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a passenger conveyor to which an abnormality detection device according to the first embodiment is applied.

[0013] The passenger conveyor 1 is, for example, an inclined escalator that spans between the upper and lower floors of a building. In this case, the passenger conveyor 1 transports passengers between the upper and lower floors. Entrances 2 for the passenger conveyor 1 are provided on the upper and lower floors of the building. The entrances 2 are locations where passengers board and disembark from the passenger conveyor 1. One entrance 2 is the departure entrance 2 where passengers board the passenger conveyor 1. The other entrance 2 is the arrival entrance 2 where passengers disembark from the passenger conveyor 1. The passenger conveyor 1 includes a truss 3, a drive unit 4, a plurality of steps 5, a pair of balustrades 6, a pair of handrails 7, a control unit 8, a main inspection device 9, and a secondary inspection device 10.

[0014] The truss 3 is a long portion of the passenger conveyor 1 in the front-to-rear direction, which serves as a frame supporting the structure of the passenger conveyor 1. In this example, the truss 3 spans between the upper and lower floors of a building. One front-to-rear end of the truss 3 is the end on the upper floor side. The other front-to-rear end of the truss 3 is the end on the lower floor side. An upper machine room 11a is provided at the end of the truss 3 on the upper floor side. A lower machine room 11b is provided at the end of the truss 3 on the lower floor side. The end of the truss 3 on the upper floor side is an example of a first end of the truss 3. The end of the truss 3 on the lower floor side is an example of a second end of the truss 3. The upper machine room 11a is an example of a first machine room. The lower machine room 11b is an example of a second machine room. During normal operation of the passenger conveyor 1, the upper machine room 11a and the lower machine room 11b are each closed by a lid 12 covering the top.

[0015] The drive unit 4 is a device that generates a driving force, such as a motor, etc. In this example, the drive unit 4 is disposed in the upper machine room 11a.

[0016] Each step 5 is a device that moves in a circular motion by the driving force generated by the drive unit 4. Each step 5 moves on an outward path from the departure side boarding / alighting gate 2 to the arrival side boarding / alighting gate 2, and moves on a return path that is lower than the outward path from the arrival side boarding / alighting gate 2 to the departure side boarding / alighting gate 2. The multiple steps 5 are arranged in a staircase-like pattern on the outward path.

[0017] One of the balustrades 6 is disposed on the left side of the steps 5. The other balustrade 6 is disposed on the right side of the steps 5. In other words, the pair of balustrades 6 are disposed on the outer side of the steps 5 in the left-right direction.

[0018] Each handrail 7 is a device that moves in a circular motion by the driving force generated by the drive unit 4. Each handrail 7 moves on an outward path from the departure side boarding / alighting gate 2 to the arrival side boarding / alighting gate 2, and moves on a return path that is lower than the outward path from the arrival side boarding / alighting gate 2 to the departure side boarding / alighting gate 2. Each handrail 7 is made of a flexible annular member. One handrail 7 is located on the left side of the multiple steps 5. The other handrail 7 is located on the right side of the multiple steps 5.

[0019] The control device 8 is a device that controls the operation of the passenger conveyor 1. In this example, the control device 8 is arranged in the upper machine room 11a. The control device 8 is equipped with a function to switch the operation mode of the passenger conveyor 1. The operation modes of the passenger conveyor 1 include, for example, a normal operation mode and an inspection mode. The normal operation mode is the operation mode during normal operation of the passenger conveyor 1. The inspection mode is the operation mode during maintenance and inspection of the passenger conveyor 1, etc.

[0020] In normal operation mode, passenger conveyor 1 transports passengers who are standing on one of the steps 5 while holding onto one of the handrails 7, for example, by using a driving force generated by drive unit 4 under the control of control unit 8. At this time, each step 5 moves in the forward direction at, for example, a preset normal speed. Each handrail 7 moves in a circular motion at a moving speed that matches the corresponding step 5.

[0021] The main inspection device 9 and the auxiliary inspection device 10 are devices that inspect the passenger conveyor 1 during operation. In this example, the main inspection device 9 is located in the upper machine room 11a. The auxiliary inspection device 10 is located in the lower machine room 11b. The main inspection device 9 and the auxiliary inspection device 10 monitor, for example, the status of the safety circuit and the speed difference sensors of the steps 5 and the handrails 7. When an abnormality is detected in the passenger conveyor 1, the main inspection device 9 and the auxiliary inspection device 10 notify passengers or the manager of the passenger conveyor 1. The passengers are notified by audio, such as a buzzer, or visual information, such as an indicator light. The manager may also be notified by issuing an alert via a communication network, such as a telephone network or the Internet. When an abnormality is detected in the passenger conveyor 1, the main inspection device 9 and the auxiliary inspection device 10 may output a control signal to the control device 8 to stop operation of the passenger conveyor 1 depending on the severity of the detected abnormality. The secondary inspection device 10 transmits the inspection result to the main inspection device 9 using a wireless signal, such as an electromagnetic wave, that propagates within the truss 3 .

[0022] For example, during maintenance and inspection of the passenger conveyor 1, the steps 5 may be removed. Removal of the steps 5 creates an opening in the passenger conveyor 1. At this time, if the maintenance personnel performing the maintenance and inspection are unaware of whether or not there is an opening in the passenger conveyor 1, the maintenance work may not be performed efficiently. For this reason, an abnormality detection device 13 that detects an abnormality in the opening is applied to the passenger conveyor 1. The abnormality detection device 13 may be configured using existing devices of the passenger conveyor 1. In this example, the abnormality detection device 13 includes a main inspection device 9 and a secondary inspection device 10. The main inspection device 9 is an example of a main device. The secondary inspection device 10 is an example of a secondary device. The main inspection device 9 and the secondary inspection device 10 operate, for example, according to a pre-installed program. The program may be an existing program updated to add functions.

[0023] The secondary inspection device 10 includes a transmitter 14. The transmitter 14 is a part equipped with a function for transmitting a wireless signal, such as an electromagnetic wave, that propagates within the truss 3. The transmitter 14 is, for example, a wireless communication module. The transmitter 14 transmits the wireless signal to the primary inspection device 9.

[0024] The main inspection device 9 includes a receiving unit 15, a measuring unit 16, a detecting unit 17, an alarm unit 18, and a command unit 19. The receiving unit 15 is a unit equipped with a function to receive a wireless signal transmitted from the transmitting unit 14. The receiving unit 15 is, for example, a wireless communication module. The measuring unit 16 is a unit equipped with a function to measure the signal strength of the wireless signal received by the receiving unit 15. The detecting unit 17 is a unit equipped with a function to detect an abnormality in the passenger conveyor 1. The detecting unit 17 detects an abnormality such as an opening occurrence based on a change in the signal strength measured by the measuring unit 16. The alarm unit 18 is a unit equipped with a function to notify passengers, maintenance personnel, or the manager of the passenger conveyor 1 when the detecting unit 17 detects an abnormality. The command unit 19 is a unit equipped with a function to output a control signal to the control device 8 to stop operation of the passenger conveyor 1 depending on the level of the detected abnormality when the detecting unit 17 detects an abnormality.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a railing of a passenger conveyor to which the abnormality detection device according to the first embodiment is applied.

[0026] Each balustrade 6 includes a handrail guide 20, an inner plate 21, a skirt guard 22, and an inner deck 23. The handrail guide 20 is a component that guides the movement of the handrail 7. The inner plate 21 is disposed below the handrail 7 and the handrail guide 20. The inner plate 21 faces passengers riding on the passenger conveyor 1 from the left and right. The skirt guard 22 is disposed on the side of the step. The surface of the skirt guard 22 of the right balustrade 6 faces the side of the step from the right side. The surface of the skirt guard 22 of the left balustrade 6 faces the side of the step from the left side. The skirt guard 22 is a vertically disposed plate-like component whose longitudinal direction is the direction of step movement. The inner deck 23 is a plate-like component provided between the upper end of the skirt guard 22 and the lower end of the inner plate 21. The interior of each balustrade 6, surrounded by the skirt guard 22 and inner deck 23, etc., is connected to the interior of the truss 3.

[0027] Next, an example of detection of an abnormality in opening occurrence by the abnormality detection device 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 are diagrams illustrating an example of detection of an abnormality in the occurrence of opening by the abnormality detection device according to the first embodiment. 3 and 4, the driving device 4, the control device 8, etc. are omitted from the illustration.

[0028] Figure 3 shows the state of the passenger conveyor 1 before maintenance and inspection work is performed. At this time, the covers 12 of both the upper machine room 11a and the lower machine room 11b are closed. Also, all steps 5 are normally attached to the passenger conveyor 1.

[0029] The transmitter 14 of the secondary inspection device 10 transmits a wireless signal at a transmission strength Pt. The wireless signal transmitted at this time may be a signal for communicating information such as inspection results of safety circuits monitored by the secondary inspection device 10 to the main inspection device 9, or may be a signal dedicated to detecting abnormalities such as openings. The wireless signal may include information on transmission strength. The wireless signal propagates within the truss 3 from the transmitter 14 of the secondary inspection device 10 to the receiver 15 of the main inspection device 9. As the wireless signal propagates within the truss 3, it is subject to loss due to, for example, absorption by structures within the truss 3. The propagation loss at this time is represented by L0.

[0030] The receiving unit 15 of the main inspection device 9 receives the wireless signal from the transmitting unit 14 of the secondary inspection device 10 at a receiving strength P0 that is reduced from the transmitting strength Pt by the propagation loss L0. At this time, the measuring unit 16 measures the receiving strength P0 of the wireless signal received by the receiving unit 15. The detecting unit 17 stores the receiving strength P0 measured by the measuring unit 16 as a first reference strength.

[0031] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4, one of the steps 5 is removed from the passenger conveyor 1 for maintenance or inspection work. In this example, one step 5 on the outward path is removed. This creates an opening in the outward path of the passenger conveyor 1.

[0032] The transmitter 14 of the secondary inspection device 10 transmits a wireless signal at a transmission strength Pt. The wireless signal propagates within the truss 3 from the transmitter 14 of the secondary inspection device 10 to the receiver 15 of the main inspection device 9. While propagating within the truss 3, the wireless signal is subject to a propagation loss L0 within the truss 3 as well as a propagation loss L1 due to leakage from openings created by the removal of the steps 5.

[0033] The receiving unit 15 of the main inspection device 9 receives the wireless signal from the transmitting unit 14 of the secondary inspection device 10 at a receiving strength P1 that is reduced from the transmitting strength Pt by the propagation losses L0 and L1. At this time, the measuring unit 16 measures the receiving strength P1 of the wireless signal received by the receiving unit 15. The detecting unit 17 compares the receiving strength P1 measured by the measuring unit 16 with a first reference strength P0.

[0034] The detector 17 determines whether the reception intensity P1 has dropped below the first reference intensity P0. Even if the reception intensity P1 is slightly lower than the first reference intensity P0, the detector 17 does not determine that the reception intensity P1 has dropped below the first reference intensity P0 if the difference is within a predetermined measurement error range. That is, the detector 17 determines whether the reception intensity P1 has dropped below the first reference intensity P0 beyond the measurement error range. If the reception intensity P1 has dropped below the first reference intensity P0, the detector 17 determines that there is a propagation loss L1 due to aperture generation in addition to the propagation loss L0, and detects an aperture generation abnormality. Note that if the reception intensity P1 matches the first reference intensity P0 within the measurement error range, the detector 17 determines that there is no additional propagation loss L1 due to aperture generation and therefore no aperture generation abnormality.

[0035] When the detection unit 17 detects an abnormality in the occurrence of opening, the notification unit 18 notifies the user by sound such as a buzzer or by visual information such as an indicator light.

[0036] The maintenance worker then attaches the removed steps 5 to the passenger conveyor 1.

[0037] Thereafter, the measurement unit 16 of the main inspection device 9 measures the reception strength of the wireless signal transmitted from the transmission unit 14 to the reception unit 15 of the secondary inspection device 10. When the reception strength measured by the measurement unit 16 recovers to the first reference strength P0, that is, when it matches the first reference strength P0 within the range of measurement error, the detection unit 17 detects that the abnormality in the opening occurrence has been resolved.

[0038] Next, an example of the operation of the abnormality detection device 13 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the abnormality detection device according to the first embodiment.

[0039] In step S101, the transmitter 14 transmits a wireless signal. Then, the receiver 15 receives the wireless signal. Then, the process of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S102.

[0040] In step S102, the measurement unit 16 measures the signal strength P0 of the wireless signal received by the reception unit 15. After that, the process of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S103.

[0041] In step S103, the detection unit 17 stores the signal strength P0 measured by the measurement unit 16 as a first reference strength P0. After that, the process of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S104.

[0042] In step S104, the transmitter 14 transmits a wireless signal. Then, the receiver 15 receives the wireless signal. Then, the process of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S105.

[0043] In step S105, the measurement unit 16 measures the signal strength P1 of the wireless signal received by the reception unit 15. After that, the process of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S106.

[0044] In step S106, detection unit 17 determines whether signal strength P1 has decreased below first reference strength P0. If signal strength P1 has not decreased below first reference strength P0, the process of abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if signal strength P1 has decreased below first reference strength P0, the process of abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S107.

[0045] In step S107, the detection unit 17 detects an abnormality in the occurrence of opening. The notification unit 18 notifies the abnormality in the occurrence of opening. After that, the process of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S104.

[0046] As described above, the abnormality detection device 13 according to the first embodiment includes a main inspection device 9 and a secondary inspection device 10 provided at both ends of the truss 3 of the passenger conveyor 1 in the front-to-rear direction. The secondary inspection device 10 includes a transmitter 14. The main inspection device 9 includes a receiver 15, a measuring unit 16, and a detector 17. The transmitter 14 transmits a wireless signal propagating within the truss 3 to the main inspection device 9. The receiver 15 receives the wireless signal transmitted by the transmitter 14. The measuring unit 16 measures the signal strength of the wireless signal received by the receiver 15. The detector 17 detects an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor 1 based on a change in the signal strength measured by the measuring unit 16.

[0047] With this configuration, the wireless signal transmitted from the transmitter 14 to the receiver 15 propagates within the truss 3 from one end to the other along the traveling direction. If an opening occurs anywhere on the passenger conveyor 1, the wireless signal strength at the receiver 15 is affected by propagation loss due to leakage from the opening. This allows the detector 17 to detect an abnormality in the form of an opening caused by, for example, the removal of a step 5, regardless of the position on the passenger conveyor 1. In this way, an abnormality in the form of an opening on the passenger conveyor 1 can be detected more reliably. Furthermore, the abnormality detector 13 can detect an abnormality in the form of an opening by using the wireless signal used for communication between the existing auxiliary inspection device 10 and the main inspection device 9. This allows the abnormality detector 13 to detect an abnormality in the form of an opening without introducing additional equipment such as a photoelectric sensor.

[0048] Furthermore, detection unit 17 sets the signal strength measured by measurement unit 16 when both lids 12 of upper machine room 11a and lower machine room 11b are closed as the first reference strength. Detection unit 17 detects an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in passenger conveyor 1 when the signal strength measured by measurement unit 16 falls below the first reference strength. As a result, detection unit 17 uses the signal strength actually measured under normal conditions as a reference, and therefore can further improve the accuracy of detecting the occurrence of an abnormality depending on the installation conditions of each passenger conveyor 1.

[0049] Furthermore, when the signal strength measured by the measuring unit 16 recovers to the first reference strength, the detecting unit 17 detects that the abnormality in the opening occurrence in the passenger conveyor 1 has been resolved. This allows the maintenance personnel to confirm whether or not the removal of the steps 5 has been restored, thereby reducing the possibility of missing restoration work.

[0050] The abnormality detection device 13 may determine whether or not an abnormality exists during normal operation of the passenger conveyor 1, not just during maintenance and inspection. This allows for prompt detection of an abnormality such as an opening occurring in the passenger conveyor 1 due to, for example, the falling off of a step 5. When the detection unit 17 detects an abnormality in an opening occurring during normal operation, the command unit 19 may output a control signal to the control device 8 to stop operation of the passenger conveyor 1. Furthermore, a gap may occur in the balustrade 6 or the like due to deformation of the skirt guard 22 or the inner deck 23 caused by, for example, a collision with passenger luggage. The abnormality detection device 13 may detect an opening occurring due to such a gap. At this time, the notification unit 18 may notify a monitoring server or the like that remotely monitors the status of the passenger conveyor 1 via a communication network such as the Internet of the detection of the abnormality in an opening occurring.

[0051] The main inspection device 9 may also be arranged in the lower machine room 11b. In this case, the auxiliary inspection device 10 is arranged in the upper machine room 11a. The transmitter 14 may also be provided in the main inspection device 9. In this case, the receiver 15, the measuring unit 16, the detector 17, the alarm unit 18, and the command unit 19 are provided in the auxiliary inspection device 10. The main inspection device 9 of the passenger conveyor 1 may function as an auxiliary device of the abnormality detection device 13. In this case, the auxiliary inspection device 10 of the passenger conveyor 1 may function as a main device of the abnormality detection device 13. The abnormality inspection device may also consist of a dedicated main device and auxiliary device.

[0052] Furthermore, the detection unit 17 may set a predetermined constant value as the first reference strength. In this case, the first reference strength may be, for example, the signal strength of the wireless signal measured by the measurement unit 16 when the passenger conveyor 1 is started. The first reference strength may also be, for example, the signal strength of the wireless signal measured by the measurement unit 16 when the passenger conveyor 1 is installed or when maintenance and inspection are completed. By setting a constant value as the first reference strength over a long period of time, the detection unit 17 can detect openings due to changes over time in addition to openings due to sudden events.

[0053] Furthermore, the abnormality detection device 13 may determine whether or not an opening has occurred while circulating the steps 5 using the drive device 4. Even if a step 5 falls off near the upper machine room 11a or the lower machine room 11b, or on the return path, the circulating movement will cause the opening caused by the fall to move to the outward path. In this case, the propagation loss L1 increases, allowing the abnormality detection device 13 to more reliably detect the opening.

[0054] The passenger conveyor 1 may also be an escalator having a flat section between the upper and lower floors, or a horizontal or inclined moving walkway.

[0055] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the abnormality detection device 13 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a hardware configuration diagram of a main part of the abnormality detection device according to the first embodiment.

[0056] Each function of the anomaly detection device 13 may be realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit includes at least one processor 100 a and at least one memory 100 b. The processing circuit may include at least one dedicated hardware 200 in addition to or in place of the processor 100 a and the memory 100 b.

[0057] When the processing circuit includes a processor 100a and a memory 100b, the functions of the anomaly detection device 13 are implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware is written as a program. The program is stored in the memory 100b. The processor 100a implements the functions of the anomaly detection device 13 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 100b.

[0058] The processor 100a is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), processing device, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. The memory 100b is configured by, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM.

[0059] Where the processing circuitry comprises dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuitry may be implemented, for example, as a single circuit, multiple circuits, a programmed processor, parallel programmed processors, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0060] Each function of the anomaly detection device 13 can be realized by a processing circuit. Alternatively, each function of the anomaly detection device 13 can be realized collectively by a processing circuit. Some of the functions of the anomaly detection device 13 may be realized by dedicated hardware 200, and the other parts may be realized by software or firmware. In this way, the processing circuit realizes each function of the anomaly detection device 13 by dedicated hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

[0061] Embodiment 2 In the second embodiment, differences from the example disclosed in the first embodiment will be described in particular detail. For features not described in the second embodiment, any of the features of the example disclosed in the first embodiment may be adopted.

[0062] 7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating an example of detection of an abnormality in the occurrence of opening by the abnormality detection device according to the second embodiment. 7 and 8, the driving device 4, the control device 8, etc. are omitted from the illustration.

[0063] FIG. 7 shows the state of the passenger conveyor 1 when maintenance and inspection work is being performed. At this time, the lid 12 of at least one of the upper machine room 11a or the lower machine room 11b is open. In this example, the lid 12 of the upper machine room 11a is open. Also, all steps 5 are normally attached to the passenger conveyor 1.

[0064] For example, after opening the lid 12 of the upper machine room 11a, the maintenance person switches the operation mode of the passenger conveyor 1 to the inspection mode by operating a switch on the control device 8. The detection unit 17 detects the switch of the operation mode by, for example, information acquired from the control device 8. The detection unit 17 stores the time when the operation mode was switched. Note that, for example, if the operation mode of the passenger conveyor 1 can be switched by a switch outside the upper machine room 11a or by remote control, the maintenance person may switch the operation mode of the passenger conveyor 1 to the inspection mode before opening the lid 12 of the upper machine room 11a.

[0065] The transmitter 14 of the secondary inspection device 10 transmits a wireless signal at a transmission strength Pt. The wireless signal propagates within the truss 3 from the transmitter 14 of the secondary inspection device 10 to the receiver 15 of the main inspection device 9. While propagating within the truss 3, the wireless signal is subject to a propagation loss L0 within the truss 3 as well as a propagation loss L2 due to leakage from the open upper machine room 11a, etc.

[0066] The receiving unit 15 of the main inspection device 9 receives the wireless signal from the transmitting unit 14 of the secondary inspection device 10 at a receiving strength P2 that is reduced from the transmission strength Pt by the propagation losses L0 and L2. At this time, the measuring unit 16 measures the receiving strength P2 of the wireless signal received by the receiving unit 15. The detecting unit 17 compares the receiving strength P2 measured by the measuring unit 16 with a first reference strength P0.

[0067] The detection unit 17 determines whether the reception strength P2 has decreased below the first reference strength P0. Here, even if the reception strength P2 is slightly lower than the first reference strength P0, the detection unit 17 does not determine that the reception strength P2 has decreased below the first reference strength P0 if the difference is within a preset range of measurement error or the like. In other words, the detection unit 17 determines whether the reception strength P2 has decreased below the first reference strength P0 beyond the range of measurement error.

[0068] When the reception strength P2 drops below the first reference strength P0, the detection unit 17 determines whether the drop in strength occurred within a predetermined time range before and after the detection of the change in operation mode. That is, the detection unit 17 compares the time when the drop in strength was determined with the time when the change in operation mode was detected, and determines whether the difference in time is within a predetermined time range. If the change in operation mode has not yet been detected at the time when the signal strength drops, the detection unit 17 may wait to detect the change in operation mode until a time equivalent to the set time range has passed.

[0069] If the difference between the time when the signal strength decreased and the time when the operation mode change was detected is within a set range, the detection unit 17 determines that there was a propagation loss L2 due to the opening of the lid 12 in addition to the propagation loss L0, and determines that the lid 12 has been opened. When determining that the lid 12 has been opened, the detection unit 17 stores the reception strength P2 measured by the measurement unit 16 after the opening as a second reference strength. On the other hand, if the time difference is outside the set range, the detection unit 17 may determine that there was an additional propagation loss due to some kind of abnormality in addition to the propagation loss L0, and detect an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening.

[0070] 8, one of the steps 5 is removed from the passenger conveyor 1 for maintenance or inspection work. In this example, one step 5 on the outward path is removed. This creates an opening in the outward path of the passenger conveyor 1.

[0071] The transmitter 14 of the secondary inspection device 10 transmits a wireless signal at a transmission strength Pt. The wireless signal propagates within the truss 3 from the transmitter 14 of the secondary inspection device 10 to the receiver 15 of the main inspection device 9. While propagating within the truss 3, the wireless signal is subject to a propagation loss L0 within the truss 3, as well as a propagation loss L1 due to leakage from the opening created by the removal of the steps 5 and a propagation loss L2 due to leakage from the opened upper machine room 11a.

[0072] The receiving unit 15 of the main inspection device 9 receives the wireless signal from the transmitting unit 14 of the secondary inspection device 10 at a receiving strength P3 that is reduced from the transmission strength Pt by the propagation losses L0, L1, and L2. At this time, the measuring unit 16 measures the receiving strength P3 of the wireless signal received by the receiving unit 15. The detecting unit 17 compares the receiving strength P3 measured by the measuring unit 16 with a second reference strength P2.

[0073] The detector 17 determines whether the reception intensity P3 has fallen below the second reference intensity P2. Even if the reception intensity P3 is slightly lower than the second reference intensity P2, the detector 17 does not determine that the reception intensity P3 has fallen below the second reference intensity P2 if the difference is within a predetermined measurement error range. That is, the detector 17 determines whether the reception intensity P3 has fallen below the second reference intensity P2 beyond the measurement error range. If the reception intensity P3 has fallen below the second reference intensity P2, the detector 17 determines that there is a propagation loss L1 due to aperture generation in addition to the propagation loss L0 and the propagation loss L2, and detects an aperture generation anomaly. If the reception intensity P3 matches the second reference intensity P2 within the measurement error range, the detector 17 determines that there is no additional propagation loss L1 due to aperture generation and therefore no aperture generation anomaly.

[0074] When the detection unit 17 detects an abnormality in the occurrence of opening, the notification unit 18 notifies the user by sound such as a buzzer or by visual information such as an indicator light.

[0075] The maintenance worker then attaches the removed steps 5 to the passenger conveyor 1.

[0076] Thereafter, the measurement unit 16 of the main inspection device 9 measures the reception strength of the wireless signal transmitted from the transmission unit 14 to the reception unit 15 of the secondary inspection device 10. When the reception strength measured by the measurement unit 16 recovers to the second reference strength P2, that is, when it matches the second reference strength P2 within the range of measurement error, the detection unit 17 detects that the abnormality in the opening occurrence has been resolved.

[0077] Next, an example of the operation of the abnormality detection device 13 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the abnormality detection device according to the second embodiment.

[0078] In step S201, the transmitter 14 transmits a wireless signal. Then, the receiver 15 receives the wireless signal. Then, the process of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S202.

[0079] In step S202, the measurement unit 16 measures the signal strength P0 of the wireless signal received by the reception unit 15. After that, the process of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S203.

[0080] In step S203, the detection unit 17 stores the signal strength P0 measured by the measurement unit 16 as a first reference strength P0. After that, the process of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S204.

[0081] In step S204, the transmitter 14 transmits a wireless signal. Then, the receiver 15 receives the wireless signal. Then, the process of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S205.

[0082] In step S205, the measurement unit 16 measures the signal strength P2 of the wireless signal received by the reception unit 15. After that, the process of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S206.

[0083] In step S206, detection unit 17 determines whether signal strength P2 has fallen below first reference strength P0. If signal strength P2 has not fallen below first reference strength P0, the process of abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if signal strength P2 has fallen below first reference strength P0, the process of abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S207.

[0084] In step S207, the detection unit 17 determines whether the decrease in signal strength occurred within a preset time range before and after the detection of the change in operation mode. If the decrease in signal strength did not occur within the predetermined time range before and after the change in operation mode, the processing of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S208. On the other hand, if the decrease in signal strength occurred within the predetermined time range before and after the change in operation mode, the detection unit 17 determines that the lid 12 has been opened. Thereafter, the processing of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S209.

[0085] In step S208, the detection unit 17 detects an abnormality in the occurrence of opening. The notification unit 18 notifies the abnormality in the occurrence of opening. After that, the process of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S204.

[0086] In step S209, the detection unit 17 stores the signal strength P2 measured by the measurement unit 16 as a second reference strength P2. After that, the process of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S210.

[0087] In step S210, the transmitter 14 transmits a wireless signal. Then, the receiver 15 receives the wireless signal. Then, the process of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S211.

[0088] In step S211, the measurement unit 16 measures the signal strength P3 of the wireless signal received by the reception unit 15. After that, the process of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S212.

[0089] In step S212, detection unit 17 determines whether signal strength P3 has fallen below second reference strength P2. If signal strength P3 has not fallen below second reference strength P2, the process of abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S210. On the other hand, if signal strength P3 has fallen below second reference strength P2, the process of abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S213.

[0090] In step S213, the detection unit 17 detects an abnormality in the occurrence of opening. The notification unit 18 notifies the abnormality in the occurrence of opening. After that, the process of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S210.

[0091] Although the above example illustrates the case where the lid 12 of the upper machine room 11a is open, the abnormality detection device 13 may also operate in the same manner when the lid 12 of the lower machine room 11b is open, or when the lids 12 of both the upper machine room 11a and the lower machine room 11b are open.

[0092] As described above, the detection unit 17 of the abnormality detection device 13 according to the first embodiment sets the signal strength measured by the measurement unit 16 when the lid 12 of at least one of the upper machine room 11a or the lower machine room 11b is open as the second reference strength. The detection unit 17 detects the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor 1 when the signal strength measured by the measurement unit 16 falls below the second reference strength. As a result, the detection unit 17 uses the signal strength actually measured when the lid 12 is open as the reference strength, and therefore the accuracy of detecting the occurrence of an abnormality can be further improved depending on the installation conditions of each individual passenger conveyor 1.

[0093] Furthermore, when the signal strength measured by the measuring unit 16 recovers to the second reference strength, the detecting unit 17 detects that the abnormality in the opening occurrence in the passenger conveyor 1 has been resolved. This allows the maintenance personnel to confirm whether or not the removal of the steps 5 has been restored, thereby reducing the possibility of missing restoration work.

[0094] Furthermore, the detection unit 17 detects a change in the operation mode of the passenger conveyor 1. When there is a decrease in the signal strength measured by the measurement unit 16 within a preset time range before and after the detection of the change in operation mode, the detection unit 17 determines that the decrease in signal strength is due to the opening of the lid 12 of the upper machine room 11a or the lower machine room 11b. This allows the detection unit 17 to distinguish between a change in signal strength due to the opening of the lid 12 and a change in signal strength due to the removal of the steps 5, based on the timing of the change in operation mode. This further improves the accuracy of detecting the occurrence of an abnormality.

[0095] When the reception strength of the wireless signal decreases, the detection unit 17 may compare it with a preset reception strength value to determine whether the lid 12 is open. In this case, the preset reception strength may be, for example, the signal strength of the wireless signal measured by the measurement unit 16 with the lid 12 open when the passenger conveyor 1 is installed or when maintenance and inspection are completed. The detection unit 17 may determine that the lid 12 is open, for example, when the decreased signal strength matches the preset signal strength within the range of measurement error.

[0096] Furthermore, the detection unit 17 may set a predetermined constant value as the second reference strength. In this case, the second reference strength may be, for example, the signal strength of the wireless signal measured by the measurement unit 16 with the lid 12 open when the passenger conveyor 1 is installed or when maintenance and inspection are completed.

[0097] To summarize the above explanation, possible configurations of the technology according to the present disclosure include the configurations listed below as appendices. (Appendix 1) a main device provided at a first end in the front-rear direction of the truss of the passenger conveyor; a secondary device disposed at a second end of the truss opposite the first end; Equipped with The sub-device is a transmitter for transmitting a radio signal propagating within the truss to the main device; Equipped with The main device is a receiving unit that receives a radio signal transmitted by the transmitting unit; a measuring unit for measuring the signal strength of the radio signal received by the receiving unit; a detection unit that detects an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor based on a change in the signal strength measured by the measurement unit; Equipped with Anomaly detection device. (Appendix 2) The detection unit defines the signal strength measured by the measurement unit when both covers of the first machine room provided at the first end and the second machine room provided at the second end are closed as a first reference strength, and detects an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor when the signal strength measured by the measurement unit falls below the first reference strength. 2. The anomaly detection device according to claim 1. (Appendix 3) The detection unit detects that the abnormality in the opening occurrence in the passenger conveyor has been resolved when the signal strength measured by the measurement unit recovers to the first reference strength. 3. The anomaly detection device according to claim 2. (Appendix 4) The detection unit sets the signal strength measured by the measurement unit when at least one of a cover of a first machine room provided at the first end or a second machine room provided at the second end is open as a second reference strength, and detects the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor when the signal strength measured by the measurement unit falls below the second reference strength. 4. The abnormality detection device according to claim 1. (Appendix 5) The detection unit detects that the abnormality in the opening occurrence in the passenger conveyor has been resolved when the signal strength measured by the measurement unit recovers to the second reference strength. 5. The anomaly detection device according to claim 4. (Appendix 6) The detection unit detects a change in the operation mode of the passenger conveyor, and when there is a decrease in the signal strength measured by the measurement unit within a predetermined time range before and after the detection of the change in the operation mode, determines that the decrease in the signal strength is due to the lid of the first machine room or the second machine room being opened. 6. The anomaly detection device according to claim 4 or 5. (Appendix 7) A main device is provided at a first end of a truss of a passenger conveyor in a front-rear direction, and a sub-device is provided at a second end of the truss opposite to the first end, transmitting a wireless signal that propagates through the truss; the master device measuring the signal strength of the wireless signal received from the slave device; The main device detects an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor based on a change in the signal strength of the measured wireless signal; An anomaly detection method comprising: (Appendix 8) A main device is provided at a first end in the front-rear direction of the truss of the passenger conveyor, receiving a wireless signal transmitted from a sub-device provided at a second end of the truss opposite to the first end and propagating within the truss; Measure the signal strength of the received radio signal; detecting an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor based on a change in the signal strength of the measured wireless signal; Anomaly detection programs. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1 passenger conveyor, 2 boarding / alighting door, 3 truss, 4 drive unit, 5 step, 6 balustrade, 7 handrail, 8 control unit, 9 main inspection device, 10 auxiliary inspection device, 11a upper machine room, 11b lower machine room, 12 cover, 13 abnormality detection device, 14 transmitting unit, 15 receiving unit, 16 measuring unit, 17 detecting unit, 18 alarm unit, 19 command unit, 20 handrail guide, 21 inner plate, 22 skirt guard, 23 inner deck, 100a processor, 100b memory, 200 dedicated hardware

Claims

1. a main device provided at a first end in the front-rear direction of the truss of the passenger conveyor; a secondary device disposed at a second end of the truss opposite the first end; Equipped with The sub-device is a transmitter for transmitting a radio signal propagating within the truss to the main device; Equipped with The main device is a receiving unit that receives a radio signal transmitted by the transmitting unit; a measuring unit for measuring the signal strength of the radio signal received by the receiving unit; a detection unit that detects an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor based on a change in the signal strength measured by the measurement unit; Equipped with Anomaly detection device.

2. the detection unit defines the signal strength measured by the measurement unit when both covers of the first machine room provided at the first end and the second machine room provided at the second end are closed as a first reference strength, and detects an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor when the signal strength measured by the measurement unit falls below the first reference strength. The abnormality detection device according to claim 1 .

3. the detection unit detects that the abnormality in the opening occurrence in the passenger conveyor has been resolved when the signal strength measured by the measurement unit recovers to the first reference strength. The abnormality detection device according to claim 2 .

4. the detection unit defines the signal strength measured by the measurement unit when at least one of a cover of a first machine room provided at the first end or a second machine room provided at the second end is open as a second reference strength, and detects the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor when the signal strength measured by the measurement unit falls below the second reference strength. The abnormality detection device according to claim 1 .

5. the detection unit detects that the abnormality in the opening occurrence in the passenger conveyor has been resolved when the signal strength measured by the measurement unit recovers to the second reference strength. The abnormality detection device according to claim 4 .

6. the detection unit detects a change in operation mode of the passenger conveyor, and when there is a decrease in the signal strength measured by the measurement unit within a predetermined time range before and after the detection of the change in operation mode, determines that the decrease in signal strength is due to the lid of the first machine room or the second machine room being opened. The abnormality detection device according to claim 4 or 5.

7. A main device is provided at a first end of a truss of a passenger conveyor in a front-rear direction, and a sub-device is provided at a second end of the truss opposite to the first end, transmitting a wireless signal that propagates through the truss; the master device measuring the signal strength of the wireless signal received from the slave device; The main device detects an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor based on a change in the signal strength of the measured wireless signal; An anomaly detection method comprising:

8. A main device is provided at a first end in the front-rear direction of the truss of the passenger conveyor, receiving a radio signal transmitted from a sub-device provided at a second end of the truss opposite to the first end and propagating within the truss; Measure the signal strength of the received radio signal; detecting an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor based on a change in the signal strength of the measured wireless signal; Anomaly detection programs.

Images