Handrail belt inspection device and man conveyor

Abstract

A handrail belt inspection device is provided that can detect irregularities on the outer and inner surfaces of a handrail belt. [Solution] The handrail belt inspection device comprises a first inspection unit that is movable and in contact with the outer surface of the handrail belt, a second inspection unit that is movable and in contact with the inner surface of the handrail belt, a first elastic unit that applies an elastic restoring force to the first inspection unit towards the outer surface, a second elastic unit that applies an elastic restoring force to the second inspection unit towards the inner surface, and a movement detection unit that detects movement of the first inspection unit and the second inspection unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification relates to a handrail belt inspection device and a people conveyor. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a handrail belt inspection device includes a movable roller that contacts the outer surface of the handrail belt, an elastic part that applies an elastic restoring force to the roller toward the outer surface, and a movement detection part that detects the movement of the roller (for example, Patent Document 1). However, unevenness (bulges, depressions) in a handrail belt can occur not only on the outer surface but also on the inner surface. In contrast, while the handrail belt inspection device disclosed in Patent Document 1 can detect unevenness on the outer surface of the handrail belt, it cannot detect unevenness on the inner surface of the handrail belt. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-196597 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a handrail belt inspection device that can detect unevenness on the outer and inner surfaces of a handrail belt. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Handrail belt inspection device a first inspection unit that is movable and contacts the outer surface of the handrail belt; A second inspection unit that is movable and contacts the inner surface of the handrail belt; a first elastic portion that applies an elastic restoring force to the first inspection portion toward the outer surface; a second elastic portion that applies an elastic restoring force to the second inspection portion toward the inner surface; and a movement detection unit that detects movement of the first inspection unit and the second inspection unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of a people conveyor according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Cross section of line II-II in Figure 1 [Figure 3] Cross section of line III-III in Figure 2 [Figure 4] Control block diagram of the passenger conveyor according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a handrail belt inspection device according to another embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a handrail belt inspection device according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a handrail belt inspection device according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a handrail belt inspection device according to yet another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In each drawing, the dimensions of the components may be enlarged or reduced relative to the actual dimensions, for example, to facilitate understanding, and the dimensional ratios between the drawings may not be consistent. Note that in each drawing, for example, to facilitate understanding, some of the components may be omitted.

[0008] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, but these terms are used only to distinguish one component from another, and the components are not particularly limited by these terms. The number of components including ordinal numbers is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, one. Furthermore, the ordinal numbers used in the following specification and drawings may differ from the ordinal numbers described in the claims.

[0009] An embodiment of a passenger conveyor and handrail belt inspection device will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Note that the following embodiment is provided as an example to aid in understanding the configuration of the passenger conveyor and handrail belt inspection device, and does not limit the configuration of the passenger conveyor and handrail belt inspection device.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the passenger conveyor 1 may include, for example, a structure 2 installed on a main body, a transport unit 3 for transporting people (passengers), a pair of balustrade units 4 (only one is shown in Figure 1) arranged to sandwich the transport unit 3 in a first direction D1, a drive unit 5 for driving the transport unit 3 and the balustrade units 4, and a processing unit 6 for controlling the entire device.

[0011] In each figure, the first direction D1 is the first horizontal direction (also called the "width direction") D1, which is a direction parallel to the horizontal direction, the second direction D2 is the second horizontal direction (also called the "front-to-back direction") D2, which is a direction parallel to the horizontal direction and perpendicular to the first horizontal direction D1, and the third direction D3 is the vertical direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction D1 and the second horizontal direction D2, which is the up-down direction D3.

[0012] The inside of the first horizontal direction D1 refers to the side closer to the center of the first horizontal direction D1 of the passenger conveyor 1, and the outside of the first horizontal direction D1 refers to the side farther from the center of the first horizontal direction D1 of the passenger conveyor 1. The inside of the second horizontal direction D2 refers to the side closer to the center of the second horizontal direction D2 of the passenger conveyor 1, and the outside of the second horizontal direction D2 refers to the side farther from the center of the second horizontal direction D2 of the passenger conveyor 1.

[0013] The passenger conveyor 1 according to this embodiment is an escalator with stepped treads for transporting passengers, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the passenger conveyor 1 may be a moving walkway with flat treads for transporting passengers.

[0014] The conveying unit 3 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, a circular running unit 3a that rotates and runs when driven by the drive unit 5, and a plurality of steps 3b that are connected to the running unit 3a and run together with the running unit 3a, and have treads for people to stand on. Although not particularly limited, the running unit 3a may be, for example, a roller chain.

[0015] Alternatively, for example, a pair of running sections 3a may be provided spaced apart in the first horizontal direction D1, and multiple steps 3b may be disposed between the pair of running sections 3a, 3a. The steps 3b may be connected to each running section 3a so as to be rotatable about an axis in the first horizontal direction D1.

[0016] As in the present embodiment, the driving unit 5 may include, for example, a rotating unit 5a around which a first end of the traveling unit 3a in the second horizontal direction D2 is wound and which rotates about an axis in the first horizontal direction D1, a support unit 5b that supports a second end of the traveling unit 3a in the second horizontal direction D2, a driving source 5c that rotates the rotating unit 5a, and a braking unit 5d that brakes the rotation of the rotating unit 5a. As a result, the step 3b is reversed by the rotating unit 5a and also by the support unit 5b.

[0017] Although not particularly limited, the rotating portion 5a may be, for example, a sprocket. Furthermore, although not particularly limited, the support portion 5b may be, for example, a guide member that guides the running portion 3a so that it rotates in the reverse direction, or may be, for example, a rotating member (e.g., a sprocket) around which the running portion 3a is wound and which rotates about an axis in the first horizontal direction D1. Furthermore, although not particularly limited, the driving source 5c may be, for example, a motor and an inverter. Furthermore, although not particularly limited, the braking portion 5d may be, for example, a brake.

[0018] For example, as in this embodiment, the balustrade section 4 may include a circular handrail belt 7 that rotates and runs, a balustrade main body section 4a that supports the handrail belt 7, and a cover section 4b that covers the lower part of the balustrade main body section 4a. Note that, for example, the handrail belt 7 may run due to the drive of the drive section 5, and the running of the handrail belt 7 may be synchronized with the running of the step 3b. Furthermore, although not particularly limited, the handrail belt 7 may be made of, for example, rubber or polyurethane, and may be formed to have elasticity.

[0019] The structure 2 may, for example, include machine rooms 2a arranged at each end in the second horizontal direction D2, as in this embodiment. The machine room 2a arranged at the bottom is referred to as the first machine room 2a, and the machine room 2a arranged at the top is referred to as the second machine room 2a. The structure 2 may also have, for example, a truss structure or a girder structure made up of multiple frame members.

[0020] The passenger conveyor 1 may, for example, include a floor plate 1a attached to the structure 2 so as to cover the machine room 2a from above, as in this embodiment. As a result, the floor plate 1a forms boarding and alighting sections 1b, 1b arranged at each end of the transport section 3 in the second lateral direction D2 for getting on and off the transport section 3.

[0021] 2 and 3, the handrail belt 7 may include, for example, a flat belt main body 7a located in the center in the first horizontal direction D1, and an engagement portion 7b located at an end in the first horizontal direction D1 and engaging with the balustrade main body 4a (see FIG. 1) so as not to come off from the balustrade main body 4a. For example, as in this embodiment, the engagement portion 7b may be formed so as to extend from the belt main body 7a in the first horizontal direction D1 and then fold back.

[0022] The passenger conveyor 1 is also equipped with a handrail belt inspection device (hereinafter simply referred to as "inspection device") 10 that detects unevenness on the outer surface 7c and inner surface 7d of the handrail belt 7. Although not particularly limited, the inspection device 10 may be disposed inside the cover portion 4b of the balustrade portion 4, for example, as in this embodiment.

[0023] The inspection device 10 comprises a first inspection unit 11 that is movable and contacts the outer surface 7c of the handrail belt 7, a second inspection unit 12 that is movable and contacts the inner surface 7d of the handrail belt 7, a first elastic unit 13 that applies an elastic restoring force to the first inspection unit 11 toward the outer surface 7c of the handrail belt 7, a second elastic unit 14 that applies an elastic restoring force to the second inspection unit 12 toward the inner surface 7d of the handrail belt 7, and a movement detection unit 21 that detects movement of the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12.

[0024] Furthermore, the inspection device 10 may, for example, as in this embodiment, be equipped with a base portion 15 fixed to the structure 2 or the balustrade portion 4 (see Figure 1), a first moving portion 16 fixed to the first inspection portion 11 and moving relative to the base portion 15 together with the first inspection portion 11, a second moving portion 17 fixed to the second inspection portion 12 and moving relative to the base portion 15 together with the second inspection portion 12, a moving guide portion 18 that guides the first moving portion 16 and the second moving portion 17, and a belt guide portion 19 that guides the handrail belt 7.

[0025] Although there is no particular limitation on the movement guide portion 18, for example, as in the present embodiment, it may be configured to extend in the vertical direction D3 and be fixed to the base portion 15. The movement portions 16 and 17 are guided by the movement guide portion 18 to move in the vertical direction D3 relative to the base portion 15.

[0026] This allows the inspection units 11 and 12 to move in the vertical direction D3. The moving units 16 and 17 are not particularly limited, but may, for example, as in this embodiment, have guide holes 16a and 17a that are inserted into and guided by the movement guide unit 18.

[0027] The inspection units 11 and 12 are not particularly limited, but may be rollers, as in this embodiment, for example. This makes it possible to prevent frictional force from occurring between the inspection units 11 and 12 and the handrail belt 7. Note that the inspection units 11 and 12 may be in contact with the surfaces 7c and 7d of the belt main body 7a of the handrail belt 7, as in this embodiment, for example.

[0028] The first elastic part 13 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, as in this embodiment, a helical spring that is disposed between the base part 15 and the first moving part 16 and elastically deforms by contraction in the vertical direction D3. As a result, the first elastic part 13 applies an upward elastic restoring force (i.e., an elastic restoring force toward the outer surface 7c of the handrail belt 7) to the first inspection part 11 via the first moving part 16.

[0029] Therefore, the first inspection unit 11, which is movable in the vertical direction D3, is in contact with and presses against the outer surface 7c of the handrail belt 7. As a result, the first inspection unit 11 moves in the vertical direction D3 as it comes into contact with the unevenness of the outer surface 7c of the handrail belt 7. Specifically, the first inspection unit 11 moves downward as it comes into contact with a bulge in the outer surface 7c, and moves upward as it comes into contact with a depression in the outer surface 7c.

[0030] The second elastic part 14 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, as in this embodiment, a helical spring that is disposed between the base part 15 and the second moving part 17 and elastically deforms by contraction in the vertical direction D3. As a result, the second elastic part 14 applies a downward elastic restoring force (i.e., an elastic restoring force toward the inner surface 7d of the handrail belt 7) to the second inspection part 12 via the second moving part 17.

[0031] Therefore, the second inspection unit 12, which is movable in the vertical direction D3, is in contact with and presses against the inner surface 7d of the handrail belt 7. As a result, the second inspection unit 12 moves in the vertical direction D3 as it comes into contact with the unevenness of the inner surface 7d of the handrail belt 7. Specifically, the second inspection unit 12 moves upward as it comes into contact with the bulge of the inner surface 7d, and moves downward as it comes into contact with the depression of the outer surface 7c.

[0032] However, since the inspection units 11 and 12 apply pressure to and come into contact with the handrail belt 7, the handrail belt 7 may be elastically deformed. If, for example, the hardness of the handrail belt 7 varies in parts and the amount of elastic deformation of the handrail belt 7 changes depending on the hardness of the handrail belt 7, this may cause the inspection units 11 and 12 to move.

[0033] For example, in general, the joints that make the handrail belt 7 loop-shaped are harder than other parts, so when the inspection units 11, 12 come into contact with the joints, the amount of elastic deformation of the handrail belt 7 decreases, and when the inspection units 11, 12 come into contact with other parts, the amount of elastic deformation of the handrail belt 7 increases. As a result, when the joints pass through the inspection units 11, 12, there is a risk that the inspection units 11, 12 will move in the vertical direction D3.

[0034] Therefore, the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 are arranged so as to sandwich the handrail belt 7. Specifically, the position where the first inspection unit 11 contacts the handrail belt 7 overlaps with the position where the second inspection unit 12 contacts the handrail belt 7 when viewed in the up-down direction D3 (i.e., the thickness direction of the belt main body 7a).

[0035] This makes it possible to prevent the handrail belt 7 from being elastically deformed by the elastic restoring force of the first elastic portion 13 and the second elastic portion 14. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the inspection units 11 and 12 from moving due to changes in the amount of elastic deformation of the handrail belt 7.

[0036] The belt guide portion 19 is not particularly limited, but may be configured, for example, as in this embodiment, to extend in the second lateral direction D2 and be fixed to the structure 2 (see FIG. 1) or the base portion 15 by a fixing device (not shown). As a result, the handrail belt 7 is guided by the belt guide portion 19 and runs along the second lateral direction D2.

[0037] Although not particularly limited, the belt guide portion 19 may be configured, for example, as in this embodiment, to be disposed inside each of the engaging portions 7b of the handrail belt 7 and guide the inner surface 7d of each of the engaging portions 7b. This makes it possible to prevent the handrail belt 7 from swaying in the first lateral direction D1 and the up-down direction D3.

[0038] Then, for example, as in this embodiment, the belt guide section 19 may be arranged in the second lateral direction D2 so as to include the position where the inspection sections 11, 12 come into contact with the handrail belt 7. This makes it possible to prevent the handrail belt 7 from shaking at the positions where it comes into contact with the inspection sections 11, 12. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the inspection sections 11, 12 from moving due to the handrail belt 7 shaking.

[0039] The movement detection unit 21 includes a sensor 21a and a detected portion 21b that is detected by the sensor 21a. For example, as in this embodiment, the sensor 21a may be fixed to the first moving portion 16, and the detected portion 21b may be fixed to the second moving portion 17. The sensor 21a is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a photoelectric sensor as in this embodiment, or may be, for example, a contact sensor or a proximity sensor.

[0040] Incidentally, because the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 sandwich the handrail belt 7, when the handrail belt 7 swings in the vertical direction D3, the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 each move in the vertical direction D3, and there is no relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12. On the other hand, when there are irregularities on the surface 7c, 7d of the handrail belt 7, only one of the inspection units 11, 12 moves, and so there is relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12.

[0041] In contrast, the sensor 21a moves integrally with the first inspection unit 11, and the detected portion 21b moves integrally with the second inspection unit 12. As a result, the detection state (detection state / non-detection state) of the detected portion 21b by the sensor 21a changes, and the movement detection unit 21 can detect the relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12.

[0042] Therefore, it is possible to suppress detection of movement of the inspection units 11, 12 caused by shaking of the handrail belt 7, while reliably detecting movement of the inspection units 11, 12 caused by unevenness on the surfaces 7c, 7d of the handrail belt 7. Note that, for example, as in this embodiment, the movement detection unit 21 may be configured to detect relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 when the sensor 21a detects the detection target 21b (when the sensor 21a changes from a non-detection state to a detection state of the detection target 21b).

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, the passenger conveyor 1 is equipped with a distance detection unit 22 that detects the travel distance of the handrail belt 7. The passenger conveyor 1 may also be equipped with an input unit 23 to which various information is input, and an output unit 24 that outputs various information, as in this embodiment.

[0044] The distance detection unit 22 is not particularly limited, but may be configured to detect the travel distance of the handrail belt 7 by detecting the travel distance of the running section 3a or step 3b that travels in synchronization with the handrail belt 7. Specifically, the distance detection unit 22 may be a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor or an encoder) that detects the rotation of the rotating section 5a.

[0045] The input unit 23 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a switch (push button switch, select switch, etc.), a touch panel, etc. The output unit 24 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a display unit that displays information (for example, an electronic bulletin board, an indicator light), a sound output unit that emits information as sound (for example, a buzzer, a speaker), a signal output unit that outputs a signal to the outside (for example, a central monitoring panel, etc.), etc.

[0046] The processing unit 6 may include, for example, an acquisition unit 6a that acquires each piece of information (data) from each unit 21 to 23, a storage unit 6b that stores each piece of information, a calculation unit 6c that calculates each piece of information, and a control unit 6d that controls each unit 5, 24. The processing unit 6 may also be a computer that includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU and an MPU (for example, the calculation unit 6c, the control unit 6d), memories such as a ROM and a RAM (for example, the acquisition unit 6a, the storage unit 6b), various interfaces, etc.

[0047] As a result, the processor executes the program stored in the memory, and the software and hardware work together to realize the units 6a to 6d of the processing unit 6. The processing unit 6 may be configured, for example, by a software circuit, or may be configured, for example, by a hardware circuit, or may be configured, for example, by a combination of a software circuit and a hardware circuit.

[0048] The processing unit 6 may be configured as a single device, or may be configured as multiple devices that can communicate with each other. Specifically, the units 6a to 6d of the processing unit 6 may be provided in a single device, or may be distributed across multiple devices that can communicate with each other.

[0049] The configuration of the passenger conveyor 1 according to this embodiment is as described above, and next we will explain the method for determining an abnormality in the handrail belt 7 according to this embodiment. Note that the following method is provided as an example to help understand the method for determining an abnormality in the handrail belt 7, and is not intended to limit the method for determining an abnormality in the handrail belt 7.

[0050] First, the determination of an abnormality in the handrail belt 7 is performed by the processing unit 6 of the inspection device 10. Note that the processing unit 6 of the inspection device 10 may be common to the processing unit 6 that controls the drive unit 5, as in this embodiment, or may be separate from the processing unit 6 that controls the drive unit 5, for example.

[0051] The calculation unit 6c determines whether or not there are irregularities on the surfaces 7c, 7d of the handrail belt 7 based on the detection of the movement detection unit 21. For example, if the sensor 21a detects the detection target 21b, the calculation unit 6c may be configured to determine that there are irregularities on the surfaces 7c, 7d of the handrail belt 7 at that position.

[0052] Also, for example, the memory unit 6b may be configured to store the total length (one circumference) of the handrail belt 7, and the calculation unit 6c may calculate the position of the handrail belt 7 that has been determined to have unevenness based on the detection of the distance detection unit 22. And, for example, the memory unit 6b may be configured to store the position of the handrail belt 7 that has been determined to have unevenness.

[0053] Thereafter, the inspection continues, and if it is determined that unevenness is present multiple times on the surfaces 7c, 7d of the same region of the handrail belt 7, the calculation unit 6c determines that the handrail belt 7 is abnormal. As a result, if it is determined that unevenness is detected multiple times on the surface of the same region of the handrail belt 7, the handrail belt 7 is determined to be abnormal. Therefore, the accuracy of determining whether the handrail belt 7 is abnormal can be improved.

[0054] For example, the calculation unit 6c may determine that the handrail belt 7 is abnormal if the surfaces 7c, 7d in the same region of the handrail belt 7 are determined to be abnormal a set number of times (for example, two to five times). Also, for example, the calculation unit 6c may determine that the handrail belt 7 is abnormal if the surfaces 7c, 7d in the same region of the handrail belt 7 are determined to be abnormal a set number of times in total (for example, two to five times).

[0055] Also, for example, the handrail belt 7 may be configured to be divided into regions of a set length (for example, 50 mm to 100 mm). In such a configuration, for example, if the distance between two positions where irregularities are detected on the surfaces 7c and 7d is within the set length, the two positions are considered to be in the same region.

[0056] Then, if it is determined that the handrail belt 7 is abnormal, the control unit 6d may be configured to output that the handrail belt 7 is abnormal to the output unit 24. In this way, it is possible to detect irregularities on the outer surface 7c and inner surface 7d of the handrail belt 7, and further to determine whether the handrail belt 7 is abnormal.

[0057] [1] As described above, the handrail belt inspection device 10, as in this embodiment, a first inspection unit 11 that is movable and in contact with the outer surface 7c of the handrail belt 7; A second inspection unit 12 that is movable and contacts the inner surface 7d of the handrail belt 7; a first elastic portion 13 that applies an elastic restoring force to the first inspection portion 11 toward the outer surface 7c; a second elastic portion 14 that applies an elastic restoring force to the second inspection portion 12 toward the inner surface 7d; and a movement detection unit 21 that detects movement of the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12. This configuration is preferable.

[0058] With this configuration, the first inspection unit 11 moves as it comes into contact with the unevenness of the outer surface 7c of the handrail belt 7, and the second inspection unit 12 moves as it comes into contact with the unevenness of the inner surface 7d of the handrail belt 7. The movement detection unit 21 detects the movements of the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12, and therefore can detect the unevenness of the outer surface 7c and inner surface 7d of the handrail belt 7.

[0059] [2] In addition, in the handrail belt inspection device 10 described above in [1], as in this embodiment, The first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 are arranged so as to sandwich the handrail belt 7. This configuration is preferable.

[0060] With this configuration, the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 sandwich the handrail belt 7, which prevents the handrail belt 7 from being elastically deformed by the elastic restoring force of the first elastic part 13 and the second elastic part 14. This prevents the inspection units 11 and 12 from moving due to changes in the amount of elastic deformation of the handrail belt 7.

[0061] [3] Furthermore, in the handrail belt inspection device 10 described above in [2], as in this embodiment, The movement detection unit 21 detects relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12. This configuration is preferable.

[0062] With this configuration, the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 sandwich the handrail belt 7, so when the handrail belt 7 vibrates, the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 move, and there is no relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12. However, when there are irregularities on the outer surface 7c or the inner surface 7d, one of the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 moves, and there is relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12.

[0063] In contrast, the movement detection unit 21 detects the relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12. This makes it possible to suppress detection of movement of the inspection units 11, 12 caused by shaking of the handrail belt 7, and moreover, to reliably detect movement of the inspection units 11, 12 caused by unevenness on the surfaces 7c, 7d of the handrail belt 7.

[0064] [4] In addition, in the handrail belt inspection device 10 described above in [3], as in this embodiment, The movement detection unit 21 includes a sensor 21a and a detection target 21b that is detected by the sensor 21a. The sensor 21a moves integrally with one of the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 (in this embodiment, the first inspection unit 11), The detection target portion 21b moves integrally with the other of the first inspection portion 11 and the second inspection portion 12 (in this embodiment, the second inspection portion 12). This configuration is preferable.

[0065] According to this configuration, the sensor 21a moves integrally with one of the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12, and the detected portion 21b moves integrally with the other of the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12. Then, as the detection state of the detected portion 21b by the sensor 21a changes, the movement detection unit 21 can detect the relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12.

[0066] [5] In addition, in any one of the handrail belt inspection devices 10 described above in [1] to [4], as in this embodiment, a distance detection unit 22 that detects the travel distance of the handrail belt 7; A processing unit 6 that determines an abnormality in the handrail belt 7, The processing unit 6 determines that the handrail belt 7 is abnormal when it determines that irregularities have been detected multiple times on the surface of the same region of the handrail belt 7 based on the detections of the movement detection unit 21 and the distance detection unit 22. This configuration is preferable.

[0067] According to this configuration, if it is determined that unevenness is detected multiple times on the surfaces 7c, 7d of the same area of ​​the handrail belt 7, it is determined that the handrail belt 7 is abnormal, thereby improving the accuracy of determining abnormalities in the handrail belt 7.

[0068] [6] In addition, the passenger conveyor 1, as in this embodiment, The handrail belt inspection device 10 is equipped with any one of the above [1] to [5]. This configuration is preferable.

[0069] With this configuration, unevenness on the outer surface 7c and inner surface 7d of the handrail belt 7 can be detected.

[0070] The passenger conveyor 1 and handrail belt inspection device 10 are not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, nor are they limited to the above-described effects. Furthermore, the passenger conveyor 1 and handrail belt inspection device 10 can, of course, be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, it is of course possible to arbitrarily select one or more of the configurations and methods of the various modified examples described below and adopt them in the configurations and methods of the above-described embodiments.

[0071] (A) The handrail belt inspection device 10 according to the above embodiment is configured to be fixed to the structure 2 and permanently installed (performing inspections even during normal operation). However, the handrail belt inspection device 10 is not limited to this configuration.

[0072] For example, the handrail belt inspection device 10 may be configured to be detachable from the structure 2 or the balustrade 4 and to be temporarily installed (for inspection only during maintenance). In such a configuration, the handrail belt inspection device 10 may be configured to be placed outside the balustrade 4 and exposed to the outside.

[0073] (B) Furthermore, in the handrail belt inspection device 10 according to the above embodiment, the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 are configured to sandwich the handrail belt 7. However, the handrail belt inspection device 10 is not limited to this configuration.

[0074] For example, the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 may be configured to be separated in the second lateral direction D2. Specifically, for example, the position where the first inspection unit 11 contacts the handrail belt 7 may be separated in the second lateral direction D2 from the position where the second inspection unit 12 contacts the handrail belt 7.

[0075] (C) Furthermore, in the handrail belt inspection device 10 according to the above embodiment, the movement detection unit 21 detects relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 by the sensor 21a changing between a detection state and a non-detection state of the detection target portion 21b. However, the handrail belt inspection device 10 is not limited to this configuration.

[0076] (C-1) For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the sensor 21a may detect the distance to the detection target 21b, and the movement detection unit 21 may detect the relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12. In this way, the movement detection unit 21 can detect the relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 by detecting a change in the detection status (detection distance) of the detection target 21b by the sensor 21a.

[0077] 5, the sensor 21a moves integrally with the first inspection unit 11, and the detected portion 21b moves integrally with the second inspection unit 12. Although not particularly limited, the sensor 21a can be, for example, any of various types of distance sensors (e.g., laser type, ultrasonic type, infrared type, etc.).

[0078] In this configuration, the processing unit 6 may be configured to determine that there are irregularities on the surfaces 7c, 7d of the handrail belt 7 when the distance between the sensor 21a and the detected portion 21b is equal to or less than a first set value or equal to or greater than a second set value. Note that the first set value is smaller than the second set value.

[0079] (C-2) Also, for example, as shown in Fig. 6, the sensor 21c may be configured to detect the distance between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 (specifically, the distance between the first moving unit 16 and the second moving unit 17) using force, thereby causing the movement detection unit 21 to detect the relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12. Although not particularly limited, the sensor 21c may be, for example, a force sensor of various types (for example, optical, piezoelectric, strain gauge, etc.).

[0080] 6, the handrail belt inspection device 10 may have a configuration in which a sensor 21c and an elastic body 25 that has contracted and elastically deformed are arranged in series between the first moving section 16 and the second moving section 17. As a result, when the distance between the first moving section 16 and the second moving section 17 decreases, the force detected by the sensor 21c increases, and when the distance between the first moving section 16 and the second moving section 17 increases, the force detected by the sensor 21c decreases. Therefore, the movement detection section 21 can detect the relative movement between the first inspection section 11 and the second inspection section 12.

[0081] In this configuration, the processing unit 6 may be configured to determine that there are irregularities on the surfaces 7c, 7d of the handrail belt 7 when the force detected by the sensor 21c is equal to or less than a first set value or equal to or greater than a second set value. Note that the first set value is smaller than the second set value.

[0082] (D) Furthermore, in the handrail belt inspection device 10 according to the above embodiment, the sensor 21a moves integrally with one of the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 (first inspection unit 11 in the above embodiment), and the detected unit 21b moves integrally with the other of the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 (second inspection unit 12 in the above embodiment), so that the movement detection unit 21 detects relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12. However, the handrail belt inspection device 10 is not limited to this configuration.

[0083] 7 and 8, the movement detection unit 21 may include a first sensor 21d, a second sensor 21e, a first detectable portion 21f detected by the first sensor 21d, and a second detectable portion 21g detected by the second sensor 21e, where the first sensor 21d is fixed to one of the first inspection unit 11 and the base portion 15, the first detectable portion 21f is fixed to the other of the first inspection unit 11 and the base portion 15, the second sensor 21e is fixed to one of the second inspection unit 12 and the base portion 15, and the second detectable portion 21g is fixed to the other of the second inspection unit 12 and the base portion 15, and the movement detection unit 21 detects relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12. The configurations of FIGS. 7 and 8 will be described below.

[0084] 7, the first sensor 21d is fixed to the first inspection unit 11, the first detectable portion 21f is fixed to the base portion 15, the second sensor 21e is fixed to the second inspection unit 12, and the second detectable portion 21g is fixed to the base portion 15. The sensors 21d and 21e detect the movement of the inspection units 11 and 12 by changes in the detection state (detection state / non-detection state) of the detectable portions 21f and 21g.

[0085] When only one of the first sensor 21d and the second sensor 21e detects the movement of the inspection units 11 and 12, the processing unit 6 determines that there are irregularities on the surfaces 7c and 7d of the handrail belt 7. On the other hand, when both the first sensor 21d and the second sensor 21e detect the movement of the inspection units 11 and 12, the processing unit 6 determines that there are no irregularities on the surfaces 7c and 7d of the handrail belt 7 (the handrail belt 7 is swaying). This allows the movement detection unit 21 to detect relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12.

[0086] 8, first sensor 21d is fixed to first inspection unit 11, first detectable portion 21f is fixed to base portion 15, second sensor 21e is fixed to second inspection unit 12, and second detectable portion 21g is fixed to base portion 15. Sensors 21d and 21e detect the movement of inspection units 11 and 12 by detecting the distance between themselves and detectable portions 21f and 21g.

[0087] The processing unit 6 calculates the relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12 based on the detection of the first sensor 21d and the second sensor 21e. If the calculated relative movement is equal to or greater than a set value, the processing unit 6 determines that there are irregularities on the surfaces 7c, 7d of the handrail belt 7. This allows the movement detection unit 21 to detect the relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12.

[0088] (E) Furthermore, in the handrail belt inspection device 10 according to the above embodiment, the movement detection unit 21 is configured to detect relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12. However, the handrail belt inspection device 10 is not limited to this configuration.

[0089] For example, the movement detection unit 21 may be configured to detect the movement of the first inspection unit 11 regardless of the movement of the second inspection unit 12, and to detect the movement of the second inspection unit 12 regardless of the movement of the first inspection unit 11. In other words, the movement detection unit 21 may be configured not to detect the relative movement between the first inspection unit 11 and the second inspection unit 12, but to detect the individual movement of the first inspection unit 11 and the individual movement of the second inspection unit 12.

[0090] (F) Furthermore, in the handrail belt inspection device 10 according to the above embodiment, the sensor 21a moves integrally with the first inspection unit 11, and the detected part 21b moves integrally with the second inspection unit 12. However, the handrail belt inspection device 10 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the sensor 21a may move integrally with the second inspection unit 12, and the detected part 21b may move integrally with the first inspection unit 11.

[0091] (G) Furthermore, in the handrail belt inspection device 10 according to the above embodiment, the processing unit 6 is configured to determine that the handrail belt 7 is abnormal if it determines that irregularities have been detected multiple times on the surfaces 7c, 7d of the same region of the handrail belt 7. However, the handrail belt inspection device 10 is not limited to this configuration.

[0092] For example, the processing unit 6 may be configured to determine that the handrail belt 7 is abnormal if it is determined that irregularities have been detected even once on the surfaces 7c, 7d of the handrail belt 7. Alternatively, for example, if the movement detection unit 21 detects movement (for example, the sensor 21a detects the detected portion 21b) without the processing unit 6 determining that the handrail belt 7 is abnormal, the output unit 24 may be configured to output information that the movement detection unit 21 has detected movement.

[0093] (H) It should be noted that, for example, the order of execution of each process, such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages, in the systems, methods, programs, and devices shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings, can be realized in any order, as long as the output of a previous process is not used in a subsequent process. For example, even if a description is made using "first," "next," etc. for convenience, this does not mean that the processes must be executed in that order. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1...people conveyor, 1a...floor plate, 1b...boarding and alighting section, 2...structure, 2a...machine room, 3...transport section, 3a...running section, 3b...step, 4...parapet section, 4a...parapet main body section, 4b...cover section, 5...drive section, 5a...rotating section, 5b...support section, 5c...drive source, 5d...braking section, 6...processing section, 6a...acquisition section, 6b...storage section, 6c...calculation section, 6d...control section, 7...handrail belt, 7a...belt main body section, 7b...engagement section, 7c...outer surface, 7d...inner surface, 10...handrail belt inspection device, 11...first inspection section, 12...second inspection section, 1 3...first elastic portion, 14...second elastic portion, 15...base portion, 16...first moving portion, 16a...guide hole, 17...second moving portion, 17a...guide hole, 18...movement guide portion, 19...belt guide portion, 21...movement detection portion, 21a...sensor, 21b...detected portion, 21c...sensor, 21d...first sensor, 21e...second sensor, 21f...first detected portion, 21g...second detected portion, 22...distance detection portion, 23...input portion, 24...output portion, 25...elastic body, D1...first lateral direction (width direction), D2...second lateral direction (front-to-back direction), D3...up-down direction

Claims

1. A handrail belt inspection device that detects unevenness on the outer and inner surfaces of a handrail belt, a first inspection portion movable in a first direction and in contact with the outer surface; a second inspection portion movable in the first direction and in contact with the inner surface; a first elastic portion that applies an elastic restoring force to the first inspection portion in the first direction and toward the outer surface; a second elastic portion that applies an elastic restoring force to the second inspection portion in the first direction and toward the inner surface; a movement detection unit that detects movement of the first inspection unit and the second inspection unit in the first direction.

2. The handrail belt inspection device according to claim 1 , wherein the first inspection unit and the second inspection unit are arranged so as to sandwich the handrail belt therebetween.

3. The handrail belt inspection device according to claim 2 , wherein the movement detection unit detects relative movement between the first inspection unit and the second inspection unit.

4. the movement detection unit includes a sensor and a detection target unit that is detected by the sensor; the sensor moves integrally with one of the first inspection unit and the second inspection unit, The handrail belt inspection device according to claim 3 , wherein the detection target portion moves integrally with the other of the first inspection portion and the second inspection portion.

5. A first inspection unit that is movable and contacts the outer surface of the handrail belt; a second inspection unit that is movable and contacts the inner surface of the handrail belt; a first elastic portion that applies an elastic restoring force to the first inspection portion toward the outer surface; a second elastic portion that applies an elastic restoring force to the second inspection portion toward the inner surface; A handrail belt inspection device comprising: a movement detection unit that detects movement of the first inspection unit and the second inspection unit; a distance detection unit that detects the travel distance of the handrail belt; a processing unit that determines an abnormality in the handrail belt, The handrail belt inspection device, wherein the processing unit determines that the handrail belt is abnormal if it determines, based on detection by the movement detection unit and the distance detection unit, that unevenness has been detected multiple times on the surface of the same area of ​​the handrail belt.

6. A passenger conveyor equipped with the handrail belt inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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