Automatic gap detection device

Abstract

This automatic gap determination device (6) comprises a distance measurement unit (10) and a determination unit (11). The distance measurement unit (10) is provided on a side surface of a footstep (2) facing a skirt guard (5), and calculates the feature amount of a gap distance that is the distance between the skirt guard (5) and the footstep (2). When the feature amount is not within a predetermined normal range, the determination unit (11) outputs a signal indicating the occurrence of a gap abnormality. The distance measurement unit (10) is provided with: a first light-emitting unit (14a) that emits light toward the skirt guard (5); a light-receiving unit (15) that outputs signals indicating first and second light reception intensities which are intensities of reflected light from the skirt guard (5), and a feature amount calculation unit (13) that calculates a feature amount on the basis of the ratio between the first light reception intensity and the second light reception intensity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an automatic gap determination device.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, in order to appropriately maintain the gap between the step of a passenger conveyor and the skirt guard, a device in which a sensor terminal is installed on the step has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the conventional technology, there is a problem that it is difficult to measure the gap distance between the step and the skirt guard with a resolution of 1 mm or less without using a laser distance meter.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to solve the above problems and to provide an automatic gap determination device capable of measuring the gap distance between the step and the skirt guard with a resolution of 1 mm or less without using a laser distance meter.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An automatic gap determination device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is an automatic gap determination device applied to a passenger conveyor having a step for transporting passengers and a skirt guard, a distance measurement unit provided on a side surface of the step facing the skirt guard and calculating a feature amount of a gap distance, which is a distance between the skirt guard and the step; a determination unit that outputs a signal indicating the occurrence of a gap abnormality when the feature amount is not within a predetermined normal range、 A step position detection unit that detects the position of the step, and a second light-emitting unit that emits light toward the skirt guard. comprising the distance measurement unit a first light emitting unit that emits light toward the skirt guard a light receiving unit having first and second light receiving units arranged on the same plane as the first light emitting unit, and outputting signals indicating first and second light receiving intensities which are the intensities of reflected light from the skirt guard a feature quantity calculation unit that calculates the feature quantity based on the ratio between the first light receiving intensity and the second light receiving intensity and, The device has a light emission state control unit that can switch between a first illumination state in which only the first light emission unit is lit and a second illumination state in which only the second light emission unit is lit. When the step position detection unit detects that the automatic gap detection device has completed one full circuit of its movement path, the light emission state control unit switches between the first illumination state and the second illumination state. The feature calculation unit calculates the feature based on the difference between the light reception intensity of the first light receiver in the first lighting state and the light reception intensity of the second light receiver in the first lighting state, and the difference between the light reception intensity of the first light receiver in the second lighting state and the light reception intensity of the second light receiver in the second lighting state. characterized by this An automatic gap determination device relating to another aspect of this disclosure is: An automatic gap detection device applied to a passenger conveyor having steps and skirt guards for transporting passengers, A distance measuring unit is provided on the side of the step facing the skirt guard, and calculates a characteristic quantity of the gap distance, which is the distance between the skirt guard and the step. A determination unit that outputs a signal indicating the occurrence of a gap abnormality if the aforementioned feature quantity is outside a predetermined normal range, A step position detection unit that detects the position of the step, and a second light-emitting unit that emits light toward the skirt guard. Equipped with, The distance measuring unit is A first light-emitting unit that emits light toward the skirt guard, The light receiving unit has first and second light receiving units arranged on the same plane as the first light-emitting unit, and outputs signals indicating the first and second light receiving intensities, which are the intensities of the reflected light from the skirt guard, A feature calculation unit that calculates the feature quantity based on the ratio of the first light reception intensity and the second light reception intensity, The device has a light-emitting state control unit that can switch between a first lighting state in which only the first light-emitting unit is lit, a second lighting state in which only the second light-emitting unit is lit, and a third lighting state in which both the first and second light-emitting units are turned off. <000008壹> Each time the step position detection unit detects that the automatic gap detection device has completed one full circuit of its movement path, the feature calculation unit calculates the feature quantities and then calculates the average of the multiple calculated feature quantities. It is characterized by the following: An automatic gap determination device relating to another aspect of this disclosure is: An automatic gap detection device applied to a passenger conveyor having steps and skirt guards for transporting passengers, A distance measuring unit is provided on the side of the step facing the skirt guard, and calculates a characteristic quantity of the gap distance, which is the distance between the skirt guard and the step. A determination unit that outputs a signal indicating the occurrence of a gap abnormality if the aforementioned feature quantity is outside a predetermined normal range, A step position detection unit that detects the position of the step, and a second light-emitting unit that emits light toward the skirt guard. Equipped with, The distance measuring unit is A first light-emitting unit that emits light toward the skirt guard, The light receiving unit has first and second light receiving units arranged on the same plane as the first light-emitting unit, and outputs signals indicating the first and second light receiving intensities, which are the intensities of the reflected light from the skirt guard, A feature calculation unit that calculates the feature quantity based on the ratio of the first light reception intensity and the second light reception intensity, The device has a light-emitting state control unit that can switch between a first lighting state in which only the first light-emitting unit is lit, a second lighting state in which only the second light-emitting unit is lit, and a third lighting state in which both the first and second light-emitting units are turned off. It should be noted that there seems to be an error in "000008壹" in the original text, which is likely a misrepresentation. I've translated it as "0000081" as it is the most likely correction. If this is not correct, please provide the correct information. The feature calculation unit, A first intermediate feature quantity is calculated, which is the ratio of the difference between the light reception intensity of the first light receiving unit in the first lighting state and the light reception intensity of the first light receiving unit in the third lighting state, and the difference between the light reception intensity of the second light receiving unit in the first lighting state and the light reception intensity of the second light receiving unit in the third lighting state. A second intermediate feature quantity is calculated, which is the ratio of the difference between the light reception intensity of the first light receiver in the second lighting state and the light reception intensity of the first light receiver in the third lighting state, and the difference between the light reception intensity of the second light receiver in the second lighting state and the light reception intensity of the second light receiver in the third lighting state. The feature is calculated by calculating the average of the first intermediate feature and the second intermediate feature. It is characterized by the following: An automatic gap determination device relating to another aspect of this disclosure is: An automatic gap detection device applied to a passenger conveyor having steps and skirt guards for transporting passengers, A distance measuring unit is provided on the side of the step facing the skirt guard, and calculates a characteristic quantity of the gap distance, which is the distance between the skirt guard and the step. A determination unit that outputs a signal indicating the occurrence of a gap abnormality if the aforementioned feature quantity is outside a predetermined normal range, A step position detection unit that detects the position of the step, and a second light-emitting unit that emits light toward the skirt guard. Equipped with, The distance measuring unit is A first light-emitting unit that emits light toward the skirt guard, The light receiving unit has first and second light receiving units arranged on the same plane as the first light-emitting unit, and outputs signals indicating the first and second light receiving intensities, which are the intensities of the reflected light from the skirt guard, A feature calculation unit that calculates the feature quantity based on the ratio of the first light reception intensity and the second light reception intensity, The device has a light emission state control unit that can switch between a first illumination state in which only the first light emission unit is lit and a second illumination state in which only the second light emission unit is lit. When the step position detection unit detects that the automatic gap detection device has completed one full circuit of its movement path, the light emission state control unit switches between the first illumination state and the second illumination state. The feature calculation unit pre-stores the relationship between the difference between the light reception intensity of the first light receiving unit and the light reception intensity of the second light receiving unit in each lighting state, and the gap distance. The feature calculation unit calculates the feature based on the relationship. It is characterized by the following: An automatic gap determination device relating to another aspect of this disclosure is: An automatic gap detection device applied to a passenger conveyor having steps and skirt guards for transporting passengers, A distance measuring unit is provided on the side of the step facing the skirt guard, and calculates a characteristic quantity of the gap distance, which is the distance between the skirt guard and the step. If the aforementioned feature quantity is not within a predetermined normal range, the determination unit outputs a signal indicating the occurrence of a gap abnormality. Equipped with, The distance measuring unit is A first light-emitting unit that emits light toward the skirt guard, The light receiving unit has first and second light receiving units arranged on the same plane as the first light-emitting unit, and outputs signals indicating the first and second light receiving intensities, which are the intensities of the reflected light from the skirt guard, The system includes a feature calculation unit that calculates the feature quantity based on the ratio of the first light reception intensity to the second light reception intensity, The automatic gap detection device is A step position detection unit that detects the position of the aforementioned step, A second light-emitting unit that emits light toward the skirt guard, A fault determination unit determines whether or not the first light-emitting unit or the second light-emitting unit is malfunctioning based on the position of the step, the light-receiving intensity of the first light-receiving unit, and the light-receiving intensity of the second light-receiving unit. It is further characterized by having the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an automatic gap determination device that can measure the gap distance between a step and a skirt guard with a resolution of 1 mm or less without using a laser distance meter. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of a passenger conveyor including an automatic gap detection device in Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the automatic gap detection device in Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit. [Figure 4] This figure shows another example of the hardware configuration of the control unit. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the arrangement of the light-emitting unit, the first light-receiving unit, and the second light-receiving unit in the distance measuring unit. [Figure 6] This graph shows the relationship between gap distance and gap features. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the automatic gap detection device in Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the arrangement of the first light-emitting unit, the first light-receiving unit, the second light-receiving unit, and the second light-emitting unit in the distance measuring unit. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the automatic gap detection device in Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] <Embodiment 1> Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of a passenger conveyor 1 including an automatic gap detection device 6 in Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. The dashed lines in Figure 1 indicate the movement path of the automatic gap detection device 6. The movement path includes a first path for transporting passengers and a second path that does not transport passengers. The passenger conveyor 1 includes at least one step 2 for transporting passengers, a railing 3, a movable handrail 4, a skirt guard 5, an automatic gap detection device 6, and a passenger conveyor control device 7. The passenger conveyor 1 is installed, for example, between the basement and an upper floor.

[0010] In this embodiment, multiple steps 2 are connected and can circulate on the passenger conveyor 1. A railing 3 is provided on both sides of the steps 2. A movable handrail 4 is provided along the outer circumference of the railing 3. The movable handrail 4 is synchronized with the movement of the steps 2. A skirt guard 5 is attached to the lower end of the railing 3 along both sides of the steps 2.

[0011] The automatic gap detection device 6 is applied to the passenger conveyor 1. The automatic gap detection device 6 is installed on the side of the step 2. The automatic gap detection device 6 may be installed on both sides of the step 2. The automatic gap detection device 6 detects the gap between the step 2 and the skirt guard 5. The passenger conveyor control device 7 controls the movement of the step 2. For example, the passenger conveyor control device 7 has an electric motor and controls the speed of the step 2 by controlling the rotation of the electric motor.

[0012] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the automatic gap determination device 6 in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. The automatic gap detection device 6 includes a distance measurement unit 10, a determination unit 11, and a notification unit 12. The operation of the automatic gap detection device 6 will be described in detail below.

[0013] The distance measuring unit 10 includes a light-emitting unit 14a (also called the first light-emitting unit), a light-receiving unit 15 (also called a light-receiving device), and a feature quantity calculation unit 13. In the example shown in Figure 2, the light-receiving unit 15 includes a first light-receiving unit 15a and a second light-receiving unit 15b. The distance measuring unit 10 is provided on the side of the step 2 facing the skirt guard 5. The distance measuring unit 10 calculates the feature quantity of the gap distance, which is the distance between the skirt guard 5 and the step 2, and outputs the calculation result.

[0014] The light-emitting part 14a is a light source that emits light. The light-emitting part 14a emits light towards the skirt guard 5.

[0015] The light receiving unit 15 detects reflected light from the skirt guard 5 and outputs a signal indicating the received light intensity, which is the intensity of the reflected light, to the feature calculation unit 13. The first light receiving unit 15a and the second light receiving unit 15b are arranged on the same plane as the light emitting unit 14a. In this embodiment, the light receiving unit 15 outputs a signal indicating the first received light intensity (also called the first received signal) and a signal indicating the second received light intensity (also called the second received signal). The first received light intensity is the intensity of the reflected light detected by the first light receiving unit 15a. The second received light intensity is the intensity of the reflected light detected by the second light receiving unit 15b.

[0016] The feature calculation unit 13 acquires the light intensity detected by the light receiving unit 15. Based on the light intensity, the feature calculation unit 13 calculates the feature quantity of the gap distance and outputs the calculation result (i.e., the feature quantity of the gap distance) to the determination unit 11. In this embodiment, the feature calculation unit 13 calculates the feature quantity based on the ratio of the first light intensity to the second light intensity. The gap distance is the distance between the step 2 and the skirt guard 5. The feature quantity of the gap distance is also called the "feature quantity" or "gap distance feature quantity".

[0017] The determination unit 11 acquires the feature quantities output from the feature calculation unit 13. The determination unit 11 determines whether the feature quantities are within a predetermined normal range. If the feature quantities are not within the predetermined normal range, the determination unit 11 outputs a signal indicating the occurrence of a gap anomaly to the notification unit 12. The normal range is determined, for example, based on a management standard value for the gap distance.

[0018] The notification unit 12 acquires the signal output from the determination unit 11. Based on the signal from the determination unit 11, the notification unit 12 outputs a notification indicating the occurrence of a gap anomaly. The output from the notification unit 12 may be, for example, sound, image, text information, light, vibration, or a combination thereof. The notification unit 12 may be, for example, an acoustic device for outputting sound such as an alarm sound, a display device for outputting an image or text information, an optical device for outputting light, or a device for outputting vibration. The notification unit 12 may also output the occurrence of a gap anomaly to other devices via communication such as the Internet.

[0019] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit 42. Figure 4 shows another example of the hardware configuration of the control unit 42.

[0020] The feature calculation unit 13 and the determination unit 11 are comprised of, for example, a control unit 42. In this case, the control unit 42 is comprised of, for example, at least one processor 42a and at least one memory 42b. The processor 42a is, for example, a Central Processing Unit (CPU) that executes a program stored in the memory 42b. In this case, the functions of the feature calculation unit 13 and the determination unit 11 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware can be stored as a program in the memory 42b. With this configuration, the program for realizing the functions of the control unit 42 is executed by the computer.

[0021] Memory 42b is a computer-readable recording medium, such as volatile memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile memory, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile memory.

[0022] The control unit 42 may have a plurality of processors 42a and a plurality of memories 42b. In this case, the functions of the feature calculation unit 13 and the determination unit 11 are realized by these plurality of processors 42a and plurality of memories 42b.

[0023] The control unit 42 may be composed of a processing circuit 42c as dedicated hardware, such as a single circuit or a composite circuit. The processing circuit 42c is, for example, a system LSI. In this case, the functions of the feature calculation unit 13 and the determination unit 11 are realized by the processing circuit 42c.

[0024] Figure 5 shows the arrangement of the light-emitting unit 14a, the first light-receiving unit 15a, and the second light-receiving unit 15b in the distance measuring unit 10. The light-emitting unit 14a, the first light-receiving unit 15a, and the second light-receiving unit 15b are arranged, for example, on the same surface of a printed circuit board. Light from the light-emitting unit 14a is reflected by the skirt guard 5. The light-receiving units 15 (the first light-receiving unit 15a and the second light-receiving unit 15b in Figure 5) are positioned to detect the reflected light from the skirt guard 5.

[0025] For example, the first light-receiving unit 15a and the second light-receiving unit 15b are arranged such that the distance from the light-emitting unit 14a to the first light-receiving unit 15a is different from the distance from the light-emitting unit 14a to the second light-receiving unit 15b. In the example shown in Figure 5, the first light-receiving unit 15a is positioned between the light-emitting unit 14a and the second light-receiving unit 15b, and the light-emitting unit 14a, the first light-receiving unit 15a, and the second light-receiving unit 15b are arranged at equal intervals and in a straight line. In the example shown in Figure 5, the distance from the light-emitting unit 14a to the first light-receiving unit 15a is g, and the distance from the first light-receiving unit 15a to the second light-receiving unit 15b is also g. In the example shown in Figure 5, the distance from the tip of each of the light-emitting unit 14a, the first light-receiving unit 15a, and the second light-receiving unit 15b to the skirt guard 5 is d. Distance d is equal to the gap distance. Therefore, distance d is also called the "gap distance d".

[0026] The light-emitting section 14a is, for example, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) element. The light-receiving section 15 (first light-receiving section 15a and second light-receiving section 15b in Figure 5) is, for example, a Photo Diode (PD) element. LEDs and PDs are very inexpensive elements compared to laser rangefinders.

[0027] The light-receiving unit 15 (specifically, the first light-receiving unit 15a and the second light-receiving unit 15b) converts light into voltage using a current-voltage conversion circuit. It is desirable that the light-emitting unit 14a and the light-receiving unit 15 are configured to eliminate the influence of visible light by using components corresponding to the infrared region. It is desirable that the light-emitting unit 14a, the first light-receiving unit 15a, and the second light-receiving unit 15b are arranged at perfectly equal intervals and in a perfectly straight line.

[0028] The feature calculation unit 13 calculates gap features based on the ratio of the light reception intensities of each light receiving unit 15a and 15b. The calculations performed by the feature calculation unit 13 are described below.

[0029] Let A be the brightness of the light-emitting part 14a, and G be the intensity characteristic of the light-emitting part 14a with respect to the angle θ. LED Let (θ) be the reflectance on the surface of the skirt guard 5, let G(θ1) be the intensity characteristic of the first light receiving unit 15a with respect to the light receiving angle θ1, and let G(θ2) be the intensity characteristic of the second light receiving unit 15b with respect to the light receiving angle θ2. Then the light receiving intensity R1 of the first light receiving unit 15a and the light receiving intensity R2 of the second light receiving unit 15b, based on the reflected light from the surface of the skirt guard 5, are expressed by the following equations 1 and 2.

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[0030] θ1 and θ2 are positive angles that satisfy equations (3) and (4) below.

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[0031] (2d / cosθ1) in Equation 1 2 This is the square of the optical path length from the light-emitting unit 14a to the first light-receiving unit 15a. (2d / cosθ²) in Equation 2 2 This is the square of the optical path length from the light-emitting unit 14a to the second light-receiving unit 15b.

[0032] The ratio of the received light intensity R1 to the received light intensity R2 is expressed by the following equation 5.

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[0033] The ratio of the received light intensity R1 and the received light intensity R2 obtained by Equation 5 is a value independent of the brightness A of the light-emitting part 14a and the reflectance r on the surface of the skirt guard 5. Therefore, if the characteristics of the light-emitting part 14a, the characteristics of the light-receiving part 15, and the distance g are determined, a unique value will be determined for the distance d, and thus a feature quantity for the gap distance d can be obtained. The ratio of the received light intensity R1 and the received light intensity R2 represents the feature quantity for the gap distance d. The feature quantity for the gap distance d is also called the "gap feature quantity". The gap feature quantity R2 / R1, when the received light intensity R1 of the first light-receiving part 15a, which is close to the light-emitting part 14a, is used as the denominator, is a value between 0 and 1.

[0034] Figure 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the gap distance d and the gap feature R2 / R1. In Figure 6, the horizontal axis represents the gap distance d, and the vertical axis represents the gap feature R2 / R1. G LED (θ) and G(θ) are halved at θ=60. The light-receiving unit 15 uses elements with characteristics that follow the cosine function, and the spacing between each element (i.e., distance g) is 5.08 mm in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, according to this embodiment, it can be seen that a gap distance in the range of 8 mm to 15 mm can be measured with a resolution of 1 mm or less.

[0035] According to this embodiment, an automatic gap determination device 6 is provided that can measure the gap distance between the step 2 and the skirt guard 5 with a resolution of 1 mm or less without using a laser distance meter.

[0036] If the distance measuring unit 10 is installed on the step 2, the gap distance d can be measured while the step 2 is moving. Therefore, the gap distance d can be measured over the entire area of ​​the skirt guard 5. Consequently, abnormalities in the gap distance d due to abnormalities in each plate constituting the skirt guard 5 can be measured by only one distance measuring unit 10 installed on the step 2.

[0037] <Embodiment 2> In Embodiment 2, the automatic gap detection device 106 may have the components described in Embodiment 1. Details of the differences between Embodiment 2 and the automatic gap detection device 6 according to Embodiment 1 are described below. The automatic gap detection device 106 is applicable to the passenger conveyor 1.

[0038] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the automatic gap determination device 106 in Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. The automatic gap detection device 106 includes a distance measurement unit 110, a determination unit 11, a notification unit 12, and a step position detection unit 112.

[0039] The distance measurement unit 110 includes a first light-emitting unit 14a, a second light-emitting unit 14b, a first light-receiving unit 15a, a second light-receiving unit 15b, a light-emitting state control unit 114, and a feature quantity calculation unit 113. The light-emitting state control unit 114, the feature quantity calculation unit 113, and the determination unit 11 are composed of, for example, the control unit 42 shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4.

[0040] Figure 8 shows the arrangement of the first light-emitting unit 14a, the first light-receiving unit 15a, the second light-receiving unit 15b, and the second light-emitting unit 14b in the distance measuring unit 110. The first light-emitting unit 14a, the first light-receiving unit 15a, the second light-receiving unit 15b, and the second light-emitting unit 14b are arranged, for example, on the same surface of a printed circuit board.

[0041] In the example shown in Figure 8, the first light-emitting unit 14a, the first light-receiving unit 15a, the second light-receiving unit 15b, and the second light-emitting unit 14b are arranged linearly on the same plane at equal intervals g in the order of first light-emitting unit 14a, first light-receiving unit 15a, second light-receiving unit 15b, and second light-emitting unit 14b.

[0042] The light emission state control unit 114 can switch between a first illumination state in which only the first light-emitting unit 14a is lit and a second illumination state in which only the second light-emitting unit 14b is lit. The light emission state control unit 114 switches the light-emitting element when it receives a detection signal from the step position detection unit 112. For example, when the step position detection unit 112 detects that the automatic gap detection device 106 has completed one full circuit of its movement path, the light emission state control unit 114 switches between a first illumination state in which only the first light-emitting unit 14a is lit and a second illumination state in which only the second light-emitting unit 14b is lit.

[0043] The light emission state control unit 114 may switch between a first illumination state in which only the first light-emitting unit 14a is lit, a second illumination state in which only the second light-emitting unit 14b is lit, and a third illumination state in which both the first light-emitting unit 14a and the second light-emitting unit 14b are turned off.

[0044] The step position detection unit 112 is located inside the step 2. The step position detection unit 112 detects the position of the step 2 as it moves in a circular motion and outputs a signal indicating that position.

[0045] For example, if the step position detection unit 112 has an acceleration sensor that detects the gravity component, it will detect that the gravity component has reversed when passing through the upper or lower machine room. Based on this reversal, the step position detection unit 112 will assume that a specific position has been passed and will output a signal indicating that position to the light emission state control unit 114.

[0046] For example, the step position detection unit 112 can detect when the step 2 has passed the endpoint of the skirt guard 5 based on the discontinuity of the light intensity received by the first light receiving unit 15a, the second light receiving unit 15b, or both thereof, and output a signal indicating the position of that endpoint to the light emission state control unit 114.

[0047] Since step 2 moves in a cyclical manner at a constant speed, if it is determined that it has passed a specific position, its position can be calculated based on the elapsed time.

[0048] If the passenger conveyor control device 7 manages the position information of the step 2, the position of the step 2 may be obtained from the passenger conveyor control device 7.

[0049] The feature calculation unit 113 can calculate gap features based, for example, on the difference between the light reception intensity R1(1) of the first light receiving unit 15a in the first lighting state and the light reception intensity R2(1) of the second light receiving unit 15b in the first lighting state, "R1(1)-R2(1)", and the difference between the light reception intensity R1(2) of the first light receiving unit 15a in the second lighting state and the light reception intensity R2(2) of the second light receiving unit 15b in the second lighting state, "R1(2)-R2(2)".

[0050] Each time the step position detection unit 112 detects that the automatic gap detection device 106 has completed one full circuit of its movement path, the feature calculation unit 113 may calculate gap features and then calculate the average of the multiple gap features calculated.

[0051] The feature calculation unit 113 may calculate gap features based on the light reception intensity in each of the first, second, and third lighting states. In this case, in order to calculate gap features, the first intermediate features and the second intermediate features are first obtained by following the procedure below.

[0052] The first intermediate feature is calculated based on the light received intensity in each of the first and third lighting states. The light received intensity R1(1) of the first light receiving unit 15a in the first lighting state is expressed by equation 6, which is a rearrangement of equation 1. In equation 6, N1 is the background noise of each light receiving unit 15a, 15b.

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[0053] In the third lighting state, G LED Since = 0, the received light intensity R1(3) is expressed by equation 7.

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[0054] The first intermediate feature is expressed by the following equation 8, using the light reception intensity R2(1) of the second light receiving unit 15b in the first lighting state and the light reception intensity R2(3) in the third lighting state.

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[0055] In other words, the difference in light reception intensity between the first lighting state and the third lighting state can be calculated for each light receiving unit 15a, 15b, and the first intermediate feature quantity can be calculated based on this ratio.

[0056] Similarly, the second intermediate feature is calculated by Equation 9 based on the light intensity in the second and third lighting states, respectively.

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[0057] The gap feature is calculated, for example, as the average of the first intermediate feature and the second intermediate feature. While it is desirable that the two surfaces of the distance measuring unit 110 and the skirt guard 5 be perfectly parallel, tilting may occur due to mechanical variations during installation. Therefore, in this embodiment, by using the average of the first and second intermediate features, a gap feature unaffected by tilting due to mechanical variations during installation can be obtained.

[0058] Ideally, the distance measuring unit 110 should be placed in an environment where it is completely shielded from ambient light. Although the inside of the steps 2 of the passenger conveyor 1 is shielded, it is conceivable that a small amount of ambient light may enter the distance measuring unit 110 through gaps. Even in such a situation, by calculating gap features based on the difference in received light intensity between the third illuminated state (where neither light-emitting unit 14a nor 14b is lit) and the first or second illuminated state, background noise during measurement caused by ambient light or thermal noise of the circuit can be reduced, and the accuracy of the features can be improved.

[0059] The feature calculation unit 113 may pre-store the relationship between the difference between the light intensity received by the first light receiving unit 15a and the light intensity received by the second light receiving unit 15b in each lighting state, and the gap distance. In this case, the feature calculation unit 113 calculates features based on that relationship.

[0060] The feature calculation unit 113 may, for example, pre-measure and store the relationship between gap features and the actual distance, and read out that relationship as a table when measuring gaps. With this configuration, various error factors of each light-emitting unit 14a, 14b and each light-receiving unit 15a, 15b of the distance measurement unit 110 can be calibrated. Possible error factors include individual variations in the sensitivity of each element of each light-emitting unit 14a, 14b and each light-receiving unit 15a, 15b, variations in the electrical characteristics of the components constituting the circuits of each light-emitting unit 14a, 14b and each light-receiving unit 15a, 15b, or mechanical variations such as the position and angle when arranging the elements of each light-emitting unit 14a, 14b and each light-receiving unit 15a, 15b.

[0061] The system may be configured to output the position of the skirt guard 5 where the gap distance is abnormal, in conjunction with the position information of the step 2 obtained from the step position detection unit 112, via the notification unit 12.

[0062] <Embodiment 3>

[0063] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the automatic gap determination device 206 in Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. In Embodiment 3, the automatic gap detection device 206 may have the components described in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2. The automatic gap detection device 206 according to Embodiment 3 differs from the automatic gap detection device 106 according to Embodiment 2 in that it has a fault detection unit 215. Details of the differences between the automatic gap detection device 106 according to Embodiment 2 and the automatic gap detection device 206 in Embodiment 3 are described below. The automatic gap detection device 206 is applicable to the passenger conveyor 1.

[0064] In the second path, the distance measuring unit 210 is not facing the skirt guard 5. Furthermore, the distance measuring unit 210 is assumed to be at a sufficiently large distance from the structures constituting the passenger conveyor 1 to be considered infinitely far away. In this case, since the distance measuring unit 210 is not facing the skirt guard 5, the light from the light emitting unit is not reflected, and the light detected by the light receiving unit does not include the light reflected by the skirt guard 5. That is, each light receiving unit 15a, 15b detects only the light that enters directly from each light emitting unit 14a, 14b to each light receiving unit 15a, 15b via the shortest path, in addition to the ambient light described above, and which is not included in equations 1 and 2. The fault determination unit 215 determines that each light emitting unit 14a, 14b or each light receiving unit 15a, 15b is faulty if the intensity of the light that enters the distance measuring unit 210 directly has decreased compared to the reference time.

[0065] Since the projection angle at the light-emitting part and the incident angle at the light-receiving part are both around 90 degrees, the intensity characteristic G of the light-emitting part LED (θ) and the intensity characteristic G(θ) of the light-receiving part are almost zero, and the received light intensity is very small compared to the state where there is reflection from the skirt guard 5, so the effect on equations 1 and 2 is negligibly small. In general, the failure probability of the light-receiving part is very small compared to the failure probability of the light-emitting part.

[0066] The fault determination unit 215 can determine whether or not there is a fault in the first light-emitting unit 14a or the second light-emitting unit 14b based on the position of the step 2, the light-receiving intensity of the first light-receiving unit 15a, and the light-receiving intensity of the second light-receiving unit 15b.

[0067] For example, the fault detection unit 215 determines whether each light-emitting unit 14a, 14b is faulty based on the position of step 2 output by the step position detection unit 112 and the amount of light received by each light-receiving unit 15a, 15b measured by the distance measurement unit 210. The step position detection unit 112 detects that step 2 is located on the return path side of the passenger conveyor 1's circulation path and outputs a signal indicating that position to the fault detection unit 215.

[0068] The fault determination unit 215 compares the light intensity received by each light receiving unit 15a, 15b when each light-emitting unit 14a, 14b is emitting light with a predetermined value to determine whether each light-emitting unit 14a, 14b and each light receiving unit 15a, 15b are faulty. For example, the light intensity received at the time of installation of the automatic gap detection device 206 is recorded as a reference point, and this light intensity is stored in the fault determination unit 215. The fault determination unit 215 performs fault determination, for example, once a day. When the fault determination unit 215 performs fault determination, if the light intensity received has decreased by a predetermined value or more compared to the reference point, the fault determination unit 215 determines that each light-emitting unit 14a, 14b or each light receiving unit 15a, 15b is faulty.

[0069] According to Embodiment 3, there is no need to provide a dedicated circuit or mechanism for fault detection, and it is possible to detect whether or not each light-emitting unit 14a, 14b or each light-receiving unit 15a, 15b is faulty.

[0070] In the embodiments described above, each distance measuring unit 10, 110, and 210 is provided on the inside of the step 2. However, each distance measuring unit 10, 110, and 210 may be configured to be temporarily provided on the front side of the step 2 in a detachable manner. In this case, the distance measuring unit 10 is moved together with the step 2 to the other entrance / exit, starting from the entrance / exit at the bottom or top of the passenger conveyor 1, to measure the gap distance d. Each distance measuring unit 10, 110, and 210 can be configured to be installed using the irregularities of the demarcation on the front side of the step 2.

[0071] The features of each embodiment described above can be combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1 Passenger conveyor, 2 Steps, 3 Railing, 4 Movable handrail, 5 Skirt guard, 6,106,206 Automatic gap detection device, 7 Passenger conveyor control device, 10,210 Distance measurement unit, 11 Judgment unit, 12 Notification unit, 13,113 Feature calculation unit, 14a Light-emitting unit (first light-emitting unit), 14b Second light-emitting unit, 15 Light-receiving unit, 15a First light-receiving unit, 15b Second light-receiving unit, 42 Control unit, 112 Step position detection unit, 114 Light emission state control unit, 215 Fault detection unit.

Claims

1. An automatic gap determination device applicable to a passenger conveyor having steps and skirt guards for transporting passengers, A distance measuring unit is provided on the side of the step facing the skirt guard, and calculates a characteristic quantity of the gap distance, which is the distance between the skirt guard and the step. A determination unit that outputs a signal indicating the occurrence of a gap abnormality if the aforementioned feature quantity is outside a predetermined normal range, A step position detection unit that detects the position of the step, and a second light-emitting unit that emits light toward the skirt guard. Equipped with, The distance measuring unit is A first light-emitting unit that emits light toward the skirt guard, The light receiving unit has first and second light receiving units arranged on the same plane as the first light-emitting unit, and outputs signals indicating the first and second light receiving intensities, which are the intensities of the reflected light from the skirt guard, A feature calculation unit that calculates the feature quantity based on the ratio of the first light reception intensity and the second light reception intensity, The device has a light-emitting state control unit that can switch between a first lighting state in which only the first light-emitting unit is lit and a second lighting state in which only the second light-emitting unit is lit. When the step position detection unit detects that the automatic gap detection device has completed one full circuit of its movement path, the light emission state control unit switches between the first illumination state and the second illumination state. The feature calculation unit calculates the feature based on the difference between the light reception intensity of the first light receiver in the first lighting state and the light reception intensity of the second light receiver in the first lighting state, and the difference between the light reception intensity of the first light receiver in the second lighting state and the light reception intensity of the second light receiver in the second lighting state. An automatic gap detection device characterized by the following features.

2. An automatic gap detection device applicable to a passenger conveyor having steps and skirt guards for transporting passengers, A distance measuring unit is provided on the side of the step facing the skirt guard, and calculates a characteristic quantity of the gap distance, which is the distance between the skirt guard and the step. A determination unit that outputs a signal indicating the occurrence of a gap abnormality if the aforementioned feature quantity is outside a predetermined normal range, A step position detection unit that detects the position of the step, and a second light-emitting unit that emits light toward the skirt guard. Equipped with, The distance measuring unit is A first light-emitting unit that emits light toward the skirt guard, The light receiving unit has first and second light receiving units arranged on the same plane as the first light-emitting unit, and outputs signals indicating the first and second light receiving intensities, which are the intensities of the reflected light from the skirt guard, A feature calculation unit that calculates the feature quantity based on the ratio of the first light reception intensity and the second light reception intensity, The device has a light-emitting state control unit that can switch between a first lighting state in which only the first light-emitting unit is lit, a second lighting state in which only the second light-emitting unit is lit, and a third lighting state in which both the first and second light-emitting units are turned off. Each time the step position detection unit detects that the automatic gap detection device has completed one full circuit of its movement path, the feature calculation unit calculates the feature quantities and then calculates the average of the multiple calculated feature quantities. An automatic gap detection device characterized by the following features.

3. An automatic gap detection device applicable to a passenger conveyor having steps and skirt guards for transporting passengers, A distance measuring unit is provided on the side of the step facing the skirt guard, and calculates a characteristic quantity of the gap distance, which is the distance between the skirt guard and the step. A determination unit that outputs a signal indicating the occurrence of a gap abnormality if the aforementioned feature quantity is outside a predetermined normal range, A step position detection unit that detects the position of the step, and a second light-emitting unit that emits light toward the skirt guard. Equipped with, The distance measuring unit is A first light-emitting unit that emits light toward the skirt guard, The light receiving unit has first and second light receiving units arranged on the same plane as the first light-emitting unit, and outputs signals indicating the first and second light receiving intensities, which are the intensities of the reflected light from the skirt guard, A feature calculation unit that calculates the feature quantity based on the ratio of the first light reception intensity and the second light reception intensity, The device has a light-emitting state control unit that can switch between a first lighting state in which only the first light-emitting unit is lit, a second lighting state in which only the second light-emitting unit is lit, and a third lighting state in which both the first and second light-emitting units are turned off. The feature calculation unit, A first intermediate feature quantity is calculated, which is the ratio of the difference between the light reception intensity of the first light receiving unit in the first lighting state and the light reception intensity of the first light receiving unit in the third lighting state, and the difference between the light reception intensity of the second light receiving unit in the first lighting state and the light reception intensity of the second light receiving unit in the third lighting state. A second intermediate feature quantity is calculated, which is the ratio of the difference between the light reception intensity of the first light receiver in the second lighting state and the light reception intensity of the first light receiver in the third lighting state, and the difference between the light reception intensity of the second light receiver in the second lighting state and the light reception intensity of the second light receiver in the third lighting state. The feature is calculated by calculating the average of the first intermediate feature and the second intermediate feature. An automatic gap detection device characterized by the following features.

4. An automatic gap determination device applicable to a passenger conveyor having steps and skirt guards for transporting passengers, A distance measuring unit is provided on the side of the step facing the skirt guard, and calculates a characteristic quantity of the gap distance, which is the distance between the skirt guard and the step. A determination unit that outputs a signal indicating the occurrence of a gap abnormality if the aforementioned feature quantity is outside a predetermined normal range, A step position detection unit that detects the position of the step, and a second light-emitting unit that emits light toward the skirt guard. Equipped with, The distance measuring unit is A first light-emitting unit that emits light toward the skirt guard, The light receiving unit has first and second light receiving units arranged on the same plane as the first light-emitting unit, and outputs signals indicating the first and second light receiving intensities, which are the intensities of the reflected light from the skirt guard, A feature calculation unit that calculates the feature quantity based on the ratio of the first light reception intensity and the second light reception intensity, The device has a light-emitting state control unit that can switch between a first lighting state in which only the first light-emitting unit is lit and a second lighting state in which only the second light-emitting unit is lit. When the step position detection unit detects that the automatic gap detection device has completed one full circuit of its movement path, the light emission state control unit switches between the first illumination state and the second illumination state. The feature calculation unit pre-stores the relationship between the difference between the light reception intensity of the first light receiving unit and the light reception intensity of the second light receiving unit in each lighting state, and the gap distance. The feature calculation unit calculates the feature based on the relationship. An automatic gap detection device characterized by the following features.

5. An automatic gap detection device applicable to a passenger conveyor having steps and skirt guards for transporting passengers, A distance measuring unit is provided on the side of the step facing the skirt guard, and calculates a characteristic quantity of the gap distance, which is the distance between the skirt guard and the step. If the aforementioned feature quantity is not within a predetermined normal range, the determination unit outputs a signal indicating the occurrence of a gap abnormality. Equipped with, The distance measuring unit is A first light-emitting unit that emits light toward the skirt guard, The light receiving unit has first and second light receiving units arranged on the same plane as the first light-emitting unit, and outputs signals indicating the first and second light receiving intensities, which are the intensities of the reflected light from the skirt guard, The system includes a feature calculation unit that calculates the feature quantity based on the ratio of the first light reception intensity to the second light reception intensity, The automatic gap detection device is A step position detection unit that detects the position of the aforementioned step, A second light-emitting unit that emits light toward the skirt guard, A fault determination unit determines whether or not the first light-emitting unit or the second light-emitting unit is malfunctioning based on the position of the step, the light-receiving intensity of the first light-receiving unit, and the light-receiving intensity of the second light-receiving unit. An automatic gap detection device further characterized by being equipped with the following features.

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