Passenger conveyor system and data collection method

Abstract

To provide a passenger conveyor system capable of appropriately collecting data related to a passenger conveyor.SOLUTION: A passenger conveyor system configured to include a passenger conveyor provided with a plurality of steps connected in a circular motion, the passenger conveyor system being provided with: a data collection device which is provided at a predetermined step among the plurality of steps and performs radio communication with a sensor that acquires information on an apparatus of the passenger conveyor to collect sensor data; and an abnormality detection device which receives the sensor data collected by the data collection device by radio communication with the data collection device, and detects abnormality of the passenger conveyor on the basis of the received data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a technique for collecting data related to a passenger conveyor.

Background Art

[0002] An escalator has many monitoring sensors such as an emergency stop button, a step chain break detection device, and a handrail stop detection device as devices for detecting abnormalities in the escalator. The monitoring sensors are also installed inside the escalator including drive locations such as steps and chains.

[0003] When taking out measurement data from the monitoring sensors by wire, there is a risk that the wiring may be caught in a nearby drive location such as a chain. In this regard, a method has been proposed to transmit measurement data wirelessly from a wireless sensor terminal to a data collection device and further to a monitoring system existing in a remote location via a communication line such as a telephone line or an Internet line (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In recent years, sensors have been installed in various locations such as a handrail drive device and a gear (lower gear) in the lower machine room in order to detect signs of escalator failure. The abnormality detection device in the upper machine room diagnoses the failure of the escalator based on the measurement data acquired by the sensor.

[0006] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 does not take into account the distance of wireless communication or the effects of mechanical radio interference. Furthermore, it is necessary to wirelessly transmit measurement data from the lower machine room to the upper machine room, making it difficult to ensure stable communication quality.

[0007] This invention was made in consideration of the above points, and aims to propose a passenger conveyor system, etc., that can appropriately collect data related to the passenger conveyor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problem, the present invention provides a passenger conveyor system comprising a passenger conveyor having a plurality of endlessly connected steps that move in a circular motion, wherein a data acquisition device is provided at a predetermined step among the plurality of steps and collects data from a sensor by wireless communication with the sensor to acquire information about the equipment of the passenger conveyor, and an abnormality detection device receives the sensor data collected by the data acquisition device by wireless communication with the data acquisition device and detects an abnormality in the passenger conveyor based on the received data. The data acquisition device measures the time it takes to reach the sensor, and when it determines that it is approaching the sensor, it collects the sensor data. It also measures the time it takes to reach the anomaly detection device, and when it determines that it is approaching the anomaly detection device, it transmits the sensor data to the anomaly detection device.

[0009] In the above configuration, a data acquisition device is provided at each step of the circulating movement. For example, the data acquisition device can receive sensor data at a location with good communication quality with the sensor during circulating movement, and transmit the sensor data to the anomaly detection device at a location with good communication quality with the anomaly detection device. With this configuration, it is possible to avoid a situation where the anomaly detection device cannot detect an anomaly in the passenger conveyor due to poor communication quality preventing the collection of sensor data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, a passenger conveyor system capable of appropriately collecting data related to the passenger conveyor can be realized. Other problems, configurations, and effects will be clarified by the following description of embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of an escalator system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of an escalator system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a flowchart according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of an escalator system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of an escalator system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating the communication path according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a flowchart according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of an escalator system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of an escalator system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of an escalator system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of an escalator system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a diagram illustrating the communication path according to the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] One embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0013] This embodiment relates to a passenger conveyor system that collects data using the steps of a passenger conveyor. The passenger conveyor can be an escalator, an automated line, or the like.

[0014] In this passenger conveyor system, a data collection device is provided on the steps of the passenger conveyor. When the communication quality with various sensors installed on the passenger conveyor becomes high (for example, when within a predetermined distance or when the radio wave intensity becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value), the data collection device collects data related to the passenger conveyor. Further, when the communication quality with a communication device (which may be an abnormality detection device) that notifies the monitoring system of the monitoring center of the data related to the passenger conveyor becomes high, the data collection device provides the measurement data to the communication device.

[0015] According to the above configuration, since the data related to the passenger conveyor is transmitted and received in a state of high communication quality, remote monitoring in the monitoring system becomes possible.

[0016] In the following description, the "interface device" may be one or more communication interface devices. The one or more communication interface devices may be one or more communication interface devices of the same type, or two or more communication interface devices of different types.

[0017] Also, in the following description, the "memory" is one or more memory devices, and typically may be a main memory device. At least one of the memory devices in the memory may be a volatile memory device or a non-volatile memory device.

[0018] Also, in the following description, the "permanent storage device" may be one or more permanent storage devices which are an example of one or more storage devices. The permanent storage device is typically a non-volatile storage device (for example, an auxiliary storage device), and may be, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), an NVME (Non-Volatile Memory Express) drive, or an SCM (Storage Class Memory).

[0019] Furthermore, in the following explanation, "storage device" may refer to at least the persistent storage device of memory and persistent storage devices.

[0020] Furthermore, in the following explanation, "processor" may refer to one or more processor devices. At least one processor device may typically be a microprocessor device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but may also be other types of processor devices such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). At least one processor device may be single-core or multi-core. At least one processor device may be a processor core. At least one processor device may be a broad processor device such as a circuit that is a collection of gate arrays according to a hardware description language that performs some or all of the processing (e.g., FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit)).

[0021] Furthermore, in the following explanation, functions may be described using the expression "yyy section," but a function may be implemented by the execution of one or more computer programs by a processor, by one or more hardware circuits (e.g., FPGA or ASIC), or by a combination thereof. When a function is implemented by the execution of a program by a processor, the defined processing is carried out using memory and / or interface devices as appropriate, so the function may be at least a part of the processor. Processing described with a function as the subject may be processing performed by the processor or a device having that processor. Programs may be installed from program source. Program source may be, for example, a program distribution computer or a storage medium that the computer can read (e.g., a non-temporary storage medium). The description of each function is an example, and multiple functions may be combined into one function, or one function may be divided into multiple functions.

[0022] The designations "First," "Second," "Third," etc., used in this specification are for identifying components and do not necessarily limit their number or order. Furthermore, the numbers used to identify components are used on a context-by-context basis, and a number used in one context does not necessarily indicate the same component in another context. Moreover, this does not prevent a component identified by one number from also performing the function of a component identified by another number.

[0023] Next, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following description and drawings are illustrative for illustrating the present invention, and have been omitted and simplified as appropriate for clarity of explanation. The present invention can also be carried out in various other forms. Unless otherwise specified, each component may be singular or plural.

[0024] In the following explanation, identical elements in the drawings will be given the same number, and explanations will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, when describing similar elements without distinction, the common part of the reference numeral (excluding the sub-number) will be used, while when describing similar elements with distinction, the reference numeral including the sub-number may be used. For example, when describing sensors without particular distinction, they will be written as "Sensor 102," while when describing individual sensors with distinction, they may be written as "First Sensor 102-1," "Second Sensor 102-2," and so on.

[0025] (I) First Embodiment In Figure 1, 100 represents the escalator system according to the first embodiment as a whole. The escalator system 100 will be described using Figures 1 and 2.

[0026] The escalator system 100 collects measurement data from sensors 102, which are installed to acquire information on each component of the escalator 101, such as the terminal gears (upper gear, lower gear) and the handrail drive device, and aggregates this data in an abnormality detection device 103. The abnormality detection device 103 diagnoses the status of each component, and if an abnormality is detected, it notifies the monitoring system 106 of the detection of the abnormality via the telephone line 104 and the remote monitoring network 105.

[0027] The escalator 101 comprises a frame installed in a building structure and a plurality of endlessly connected steps provided within the frame that move in a cyclic manner. An endless chain is connected to the plurality of steps, and the rotational drive of the chain causes the plurality of steps to move in a cyclic manner. In addition, at least one of the plurality of steps is provided with a collection step 107 equipped with a data collection device 200. The data collection device 200 collects measurement data from each sensor 102 and transmits the collected measurement data to the anomaly detection device 103.

[0028] More specifically, the data acquisition device 200 includes a first storage unit 201 for storing acquired data, a second storage unit 202 for storing communication data, a control unit 203 for performing control related to data acquisition (such as time counting), and a communication unit 204 for communicating with external devices (such as sensors 102 and anomaly detection devices 103). The processing performed by the control unit 203 will be explained with reference to Figure 3.

[0029] In this embodiment, the collected data will be explained using measurement data acquired by sensor 102 as an example. The communication data is data defined to perform communication at a point where the communication quality with sensor 102 is high. The communication data is, for example, data indicating the time it takes from when the collection step 107 is reversed in the upper or lower machine room until it reaches sensor 102 (approaches sensor 102). Note that the communication data may also be, for example, data indicating a predetermined communication strength.

[0030] The functions of the data acquisition device 200 (first storage unit 201, second storage unit 202, control unit 203, communication unit 204, etc.) may be implemented, for example, by a processor reading a program stored in persistent memory into memory and executing it (software), by hardware such as dedicated circuits, or by a combination of software and hardware. One function of the data acquisition device 200 may be divided into multiple functions, or multiple functions may be combined into one function. Furthermore, some functions of the data acquisition device 200 may be provided as separate functions or included in other functions. In addition, some functions of the data acquisition device 200 may be implemented by another computer capable of communicating with the data acquisition device 200.

[0031] Sensor 102 is an element, device, etc., that acquires (senss) quantitative information of the equipment to be measured. Sensor 102 comprises a control unit 211 that performs control related to sensing and a communication unit 212 that communicates with the outside (data acquisition device 200, anomaly detection device 103, etc.). The escalator system 100 is provided with a first sensor 102-1, a second sensor 102-2, and a third sensor 102-3. The first sensor 102-1 acquires information of equipment (for example, lower gears) installed in the lower machine room. The second sensor 102-2 acquires information of the handrail drive device. The third sensor 102-3 acquires information of equipment (control panel, motor, upper gears, etc.) installed in the upper machine room.

[0032] The functions of the sensor 102 (control unit 211, communication unit 212, etc.) may be realized, for example, by the processor reading a program stored in persistent memory into memory and executing it (software), by hardware such as a dedicated circuit, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0033] The anomaly detection device 103 includes a storage unit 221 for storing collected data, a control unit 222 for performing anomaly determination based on the collected data, and a communication unit 223 for communicating with external sources (sensor 102, monitoring system 106, collection step 107, etc.).

[0034] The functions of the anomaly detection device 103 (storage unit 221, control unit 222, communication unit 223, etc.) may be realized, for example, by the processor reading a program stored in persistent memory into memory and executing it (software), by hardware such as a dedicated circuit, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0035] In this embodiment, the sensor 102 is provided with three systems: a first sensor 102-1, a second sensor 102-2, and a third sensor 102-3. In practice, there may be four or more systems, and the number may vary depending on the unit. Furthermore, for the third sensor 102-3, as indicated by the arrow indicating data communication to the anomaly detection device 103, the data collection step 107 is not necessarily required depending on the positional relationship between the sensor 102 and the anomaly detection device 103. In addition, the telephone line 104 connected to the remote monitoring network 105 may be an analog telephone line, PHS line, LTE line, internet line, etc., and the type of line to which the anomaly detection device 103 is connected to the remote monitoring network 105 is irrelevant and applicable.

[0036] Figure 3 shows an example of a flowchart related to the measurement data collection process.

[0037] The data acquisition device 200 provided in the acquisition step 107 counts (measures) the distance to each sensor 102 and the distance to the anomaly detection device 103 in accordance with a predetermined method.

[0038] For example, the data acquisition device 200 measures the time from when the collection step 107 reverses direction in the upper or lower machine room until the collection step 107 is closest to each sensor 102 while the escalator 101 is in operation (when the collection step 107 is moving in a circular motion at a constant speed), and registers this time as communication data. While the escalator 101 is in operation, the data acquisition device 200 measures the time from when the collection step 107 reverses direction in the upper or lower machine room, and determines the timing when the collection step 107 is closest to each sensor 102 (the timing when it approaches a predetermined distance).

[0039] If the escalator 101 makes an emergency stop, the data acquisition device 200 will stop collecting data. Subsequently, once the collection step 107 begins to move in a circular motion at a constant speed, the data acquisition device 200 will initialize the count value, measure the time since the collection step 107 reversed in the upper or lower machine room, and collect data. It should also be noted that the data acquisition device 200 may reset the count value each time the collection step 107 completes one rotation. Furthermore, the data acquisition device 200 may be configured to measure the distance to each sensor 102 and the distance to the anomaly detection device 103 each time the escalator reverses in the upper and lower machine rooms.

[0040] In step S301, the data acquisition device 200 determines whether the acquisition step 107 has moved in a circular motion and approached the first sensor 102-1 to a first distance. If the data acquisition device 200 determines that it has approached, it proceeds to step S302; if it determines that it has not approached, it proceeds to step S303.

[0041] Here, the data acquisition device 200 may, in addition to or instead of the distance determination in step S301, measure the communication strength and determine that it has approached the first sensor if the communication strength is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The same may apply to the distance determination shown below.

[0042] In step S302, the data acquisition device 200 collects measurement data from the first sensor 102-1 via wireless communication with the first sensor 102-1.

[0043] In step S303, the data acquisition device 200 determines whether the acquisition step 107 has moved in a circular motion and approached the second sensor 102-2 to a second distance. If the data acquisition device 200 determines that it has approached, it proceeds to step S304; if it determines that it has not approached, it proceeds to step S305.

[0044] In step S304, the data acquisition device 200 collects measurement data from the second sensor 102-2 via wireless communication with the second sensor 102-2.

[0045] In step S305, the data acquisition device 200 determines whether the acquisition step 107 has moved in a circular motion and approached the third sensor 102-3 to a third distance. If the data acquisition device 200 determines that it has approached, it proceeds to step S306; if it determines that it has not approached, it proceeds to step S307.

[0046] In step S306, the data acquisition device 200 collects measurement data from the third sensor 102-3 via wireless communication with the third sensor 102-3.

[0047] In step S307, the data acquisition device 200 determines whether the acquisition step 107 has moved in a circular motion and approached the anomaly detection device 103 to a fourth distance. If the data acquisition device 200 determines that it has approached, it proceeds to step S308; if it determines that it has not approached, it returns to step S301.

[0048] In step S308, the data acquisition device 200 transmits the collected data from steps S302, S304, and S306 to the anomaly detection device 103 via wireless communication.

[0049] Furthermore, in the escalator system 100, the abnormality detection device 103 repeatedly executes monitoring and diagnostic processing (processing from step S311 to step S313).

[0050] In step S311, the abnormality detection device 103 receives collected data from the data acquisition device 200 and diagnoses abnormalities in each piece of equipment of the escalator 101 based on the received collected data.

[0051] In step S312, the abnormality detection device 103 determines, based on the diagnosis, whether or not there is an abnormality in the escalator 101. If the abnormality detection device 103 determines that there is an abnormality in the escalator 101 (for example, it has detected signs of a malfunction), it proceeds to step S313. If it determines that there is no abnormality, it terminates the process.

[0052] In step S313, the abnormality detection device 103 transmits (notifies) information to the monitoring system 106 indicating that there is an abnormality in the escalator 101. When the monitoring system 106 outputs that there is an abnormality, necessary measures are taken, such as issuing dispatch orders for workers and creating work plans. In addition, the abnormality detection device 103 may also transmit information to the monitoring system 106 indicating that there is no abnormality in the escalator 101.

[0053] In this way, by performing data transmission and reception when the collection step 107 approaches each sensor 102 and anomaly detection device 103, high-quality data collection is made possible and can be used for monitoring anomalies in the escalator 101.

[0054] Furthermore, the first, second, third, and fourth distances mentioned above may all be the same value, some of them may be the same value, or they may all be different values.

[0055] (II) Second Embodiment This embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that data is transmitted and received between escalators using a triangular guard or a wireless repeater installed near the triangular guard. The triangular guard is a component (such as a fixed protective plate or movable warning plate) installed on an escalator to prevent users from getting caught in the triangular section between the building's beam, ceiling, etc., and the escalator's moving handrail.

[0056] The escalator system 400 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. In this embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0057] A wireless repeater 500 is provided on the triangular guard 401 of the escalator system 400. For example, the wireless repeater 500A of the first escalator 101A (unit A) and the wireless repeater 500B of the second escalator 101B (unit B) communicate wirelessly to send and receive collected data between the units. In this embodiment, the collected data includes at least one of the measurement data of the sensor 102 collected in the collection step 107 and diagnostic result data showing the results diagnosed by the anomaly detection device 103.

[0058] The wireless repeater 500 includes a storage unit 501 that stores unit data (data collected by the unit itself and data collected by other units), a control unit 502 that performs control related to the relay of collected data (for example, flag control), and a communication unit 503 that communicates with the outside (the unit's collection step 107, other units' wireless repeaters 500, etc.).

[0059] The functions of the wireless repeater 500 (storage unit 501, control unit 502, communication unit 503, etc.) may be realized, for example, by a processor reading a program stored in persistent memory into memory and executing it (software), by hardware such as dedicated circuits, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0060] The wireless repeater 500 may be installed on the plate portion of the triangular guard 401, installed on the installation portion where the triangular guard 401 is installed in a building, etc., built into the triangular guard 401, or installed near where the triangular guard 401 is installed in a building, etc. (frame, railing, wall 601, etc.). In addition, the escalator 101 is configured to include two systems, A and B, but it may also have three or more systems.

[0061] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the communication path between adjacent escalators in the escalator system 400, and shows an example where there are adjacent escalators above and below each other.

[0062] This diagram shows that when escalator 101 is installed along the building wall 601 (wall surface), a gap 602 is provided running through the top and bottom of the building. By using the gap 602 shown in this diagram as the communication path with nearby units via the triangular guard 401, it is possible to ensure communication quality without interference from equipment on the communication path.

[0063] A nearby unit is a unit located in close proximity. For example, nearby units include the first unit and the second unit, which is equipped with a wireless repeater 500 capable of wireless communication with the wireless repeater 500 of the first unit. In this case, the first unit and the second unit may be located adjacent to each other, or one or more other units may be located between the first unit and the second unit.

[0064] Figure 7 shows an example of a flowchart related to the unit communication process.

[0065] In this embodiment, the data acquisition device 200 measures the time from when the collection step 107 reverses in the upper or lower machine room while the escalator 101 is in operation until the collection step 107 is closest to the triangular guard 401, and registers this time as communication data. While the escalator 101 is in operation, the data acquisition device 200 grasps the timing when the collection step 107 and the triangular guard 401 are getting closer (the timing when they approach a predetermined distance).

[0066] The following describes a case in which diagnostic data diagnosed by the anomaly detection device 103B of Unit B is transmitted to the anomaly detection device 103A of Unit A, and then reported from the anomaly detection device 103A to the monitoring system 106 via the telephone line 104A and the remote monitoring network 105.

[0067] In step S711, the data acquisition device 200B determines whether the acquisition step 107B has moved in a circular motion and approached the anomaly detection device 103B to a first distance. If the data acquisition device 200B determines that it has approached, it proceeds to step S712; otherwise, it repeats the process in step S711.

[0068] In step S712, the data acquisition device 200B collects (acquires) diagnostic result data from the anomaly detection device 103B via wireless communication with the anomaly detection device 103B.

[0069] In step S713, the data acquisition device 200B determines whether the acquisition step 107B has moved in a circular motion and approached the triangular guard 401B to a second distance. If the data acquisition device 200B determines that it has approached, it proceeds to step S714; otherwise, it repeats the process in step S713.

[0070] In step S714, the data acquisition device 200B transmits the diagnostic result data to the wireless repeater 500B via wireless communication and terminates the process.

[0071] In step S721, when wireless repeater 500B receives diagnostic result data from collection step 107B, it transmits the diagnostic result data to wireless repeater 500A of unit A via wireless communication and terminates processing. When wireless repeater 500A of unit A receives diagnostic result data from wireless repeater 500B of unit B, it prepares to transmit the diagnostic result data. For example, wireless repeater 500A generates data indicating that it has received diagnostic result data from another unit (turns on the relay flag).

[0072] In step S731, the data acquisition device 200A determines whether the acquisition step 107A has moved in a circular motion and approached the triangular guard 401A to a third distance. If the data acquisition device 200A determines that it has approached, it proceeds to step S732; otherwise, it repeats the process in step S731.

[0073] In step S732, the data acquisition device 200A acquires diagnostic result data for Unit B from the wireless repeater 500A via wireless communication with the repeater 500A. At this time, the data acquisition device 200A first checks the status of the wireless repeater 500A (relay flag), and if it is in a ready-to-transmit state (relay flag is ON), it requests the diagnostic result data from the wireless repeater 500A. When the data acquisition device 200A receives diagnostic result data from another unit, it prepares to transmit the diagnostic result data. For example, the data acquisition device 200A generates data indicating that it has collected diagnostic result data from another unit (sets the collection flag to ON).

[0074] In step S733, the data acquisition device 200A determines whether the acquisition step 107A has moved in a circular motion and approached the anomaly detection device 103A to within a fourth distance. If the data acquisition device 200A determines that it has approached, it proceeds to step S734; otherwise, it repeats the process in step S733.

[0075] In step S734, the data acquisition device 200A transmits the diagnostic result data for Unit B to the anomaly detection device 103A via wireless communication. At this time, the data acquisition device 200A first checks the status of the data acquisition device 200 (collection flag), and if it is in a ready state for transmission (collection flag is ON), it transmits the diagnostic result data for Unit B to the anomaly detection device 103A.

[0076] In step S741, the abnormality detection device 103A receives the diagnostic result data for Unit B and confirms whether the received diagnostic result data for Unit B indicates an abnormality.

[0077] In step S742, the abnormality detection device 103A determines, based on the results of its check, whether or not there is an abnormality in the escalator 101B. If the abnormality detection device 103 determines that there is an abnormality in the escalator 101B, it proceeds to step S743. If it determines that there is no abnormality, it terminates the process.

[0078] In step S743, the abnormality detection device 103A transmits (notifies) the monitoring system 106 that there is an abnormality in the escalator 101B. When the monitoring system 106 outputs that there is an abnormality, necessary measures are taken, such as issuing dispatch orders for workers and creating work plans. In addition, the abnormality detection device 103 may transmit information to the monitoring system 106 indicating that there is no abnormality in the escalator 101B.

[0079] In this way, diagnostic result data is collected when the collection step 107 approaches the anomaly detection device 103, and the diagnostic result data is transmitted via the triangular guard 401 to the collection step 107 and anomaly detection device 103 of other units. This enables high-quality data transmission and reception with other units, for example, in the event of a connection failure in the telephone line 104, and is used for monitoring anomalies in the escalator 101.

[0080] Figure 7 illustrates a case where diagnostic result data, determined by the abnormality detection device 103, is transmitted to other units. However, measurement data from sensor 102 collected by the data acquisition device 200 may also be transmitted and received as measurement data from other units. In this case, for example, the abnormality detection device 103A may determine whether escalator 101B is abnormal based on the measurement data from unit B and transmit the diagnostic result data to the monitoring system 106. Alternatively, for example, the abnormality detection device 103A may transmit the measurement data from unit B to the monitoring system 106.

[0081] (III) Third Embodiment When installing telephone lines for escalators, there are problems such as purchase costs, installation costs, and maintenance costs.

[0082] In cases where multiple escalators are housed within a building, a method has been proposed to transmit diagnostic result data to adjacent escalators (upper and lower) via wireless communication, eliminating the need for communication lines connecting the data acquisition devices of each escalator (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-240357).

[0083] However, the technology described in the above patent document makes it difficult to collect measurement data from various sensors installed on escalators.

[0084] In this respect, in this embodiment, the collection step and triangular guard (high-quality communication) can be used to reduce the number of anomaly detection devices 103 and / or telephone lines 104. This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0085] Figures 8 and 9 show an example of the configuration of the escalator system 800 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the telephone line 104 connected to the remote monitoring network 105 and the abnormality detection device 103 is only the telephone line 104 of a predetermined unit. In this embodiment, the unit to which the telephone line 104 is connected may be referred to as the master unit. Hereafter, escalator 101L (unit L) will be described as the master unit. Note that in Figure 8, the sensors 102 installed on each escalator 101 are not shown.

[0086] In the escalator system 800, the measurement data from the sensors 102 of the child units (units M and N) is transmitted to the triangular guards 401M and 401N via the collection steps 107M and 107N. The triangular guards 401M and 401N aim for the triangular guard 401L of the parent unit and transmit their own measurement data either directly or via intermediate units. Upon receiving the measurement data from the child units, the triangular guard 401L of the parent unit transmits the measurement data of the child units to the collection step 107L when it approaches the collection step 107L. When the collection step 107L approaches the abnormality detection device 801, it transmits the measurement data of the child units to the abnormality detection device 801.

[0087] In this way, in addition to the feature of sending and receiving data when the collection step 107 approaches the triangular guard 401 and when the collection step 107 approaches the anomaly detection device 103, the configuration also aggregates the measurement data of the child unit into the anomaly detection device 103 of the parent unit. This makes it possible to reduce the purchase cost, installation cost, and maintenance cost of the anomaly detection devices 103 and telephone lines 104 for the child units while ensuring high communication quality.

[0088] Although Figures 8 and 9 show a configuration that reduces the number of anomaly detection devices 103 and telephone lines 104, it is also possible to install an anomaly detection device 103 in each unit and aggregate the diagnostic result data in the master unit, thereby reducing costs only for the telephone lines 104. In that case, the data collected by the child units may be aggregated from the diagnostic result data obtained by the anomaly detection device 103 of the child units, rather than the measurement data from the sensor 102.

[0089] The above-described embodiments include, for example, the following:

[0090] (A) No communication line required A passenger conveyor system (e.g., escalator system 800) comprising multiple passenger conveyors (escalator 101L, escalator 101M, etc.) is provided with a communication device (e.g., anomaly detection device 801) that transmits data related to the passenger conveyors (measurement data, diagnostic result data, etc.) to a monitoring system (e.g., monitoring system 106) via a communication line (telephone line 104, remote monitoring network 105, etc.), and each passenger conveyor is provided with a data collection device (data collection device 200L, data collection device 200M, etc.) that collects data related to the passenger conveyor and a wireless repeater (wireless repeater 500L, wireless repeater 500M, etc.) capable of wireless communication, and each of the multiple passenger conveyors is provided with the above communication device. The system includes a passenger conveyor (escalator 101L) and a second passenger conveyor (escalator 101M) that is not equipped with the above-mentioned communication device. The second wireless repeater (e.g., wireless repeater 500M) of the second passenger conveyor receives data related to the second passenger conveyor (measurement data, diagnostic result data, etc.) from the second data acquisition device (e.g., data acquisition device 200M) of the second passenger conveyor, transmits the received data to the first wireless repeater (e.g., wireless repeater 500L) of the first passenger conveyor, and the first data acquisition device (data acquisition device 200L) of the first passenger conveyor collects data related to the second passenger conveyor from the first wireless repeater and transmits the collected data to the above-mentioned communication device.

[0091] According to the above configuration, for example, data related to the second passenger conveyor is transmitted to the first passenger conveyor and then sent to the monitoring system, thus reducing the number of communication lines for the second passenger conveyor.

[0092] (B) An anomaly detection device is not required. The passenger conveyor system described in (A) above, wherein the communication device includes an abnormality detection unit (e.g., abnormality detection device 801) that detects abnormalities in each of the plurality of passenger conveyors, the second data acquisition device collects data from second sensors (e.g., sensors 102-1M, 102-2M, and 102-3M) that acquire information about the equipment of the second passenger conveyor, transmits the collected data from the second sensors to the second wireless repeater, the second wireless repeater transmits the data from the second sensors to the first wireless repeater, the first wireless repeater transmits the data from the second sensors to the first data acquisition device, the first data acquisition device transmits the data from the second sensors to the abnormality detection unit, the abnormality detection unit detects abnormalities in the second passenger conveyor based on the data from the second sensors, and transmits data related to the detected abnormality to the monitoring system.

[0093] According to the above configuration, for example, data from the sensor of the second passenger conveyor is transmitted to the abnormality detection unit of the first passenger conveyor, and an abnormality in the second passenger conveyor is detected, thus reducing the number of abnormality detection units in the second passenger conveyor.

[0094] (C) Collection by mobile devices The passenger conveyor system described in (A) above, wherein each of the multiple passenger conveyors has a data collection device mounted on a mobile body that can approach the sensor of its own passenger conveyor and the communication device.

[0095] The moving object described above may be the collection step 107, the chain to which the collection step 107 is attached, the handrail that moves in a circular motion with the collection step 107, or the passengers of the escalator 101 (station staff, workers, etc.).

[0096] In the above configuration, for example, the data acquisition device can receive sensor data when a moving object approaches the sensor and transmit sensor data when the moving object approaches the communication device, thus enabling stable transmission and reception of sensor data.

[0097] (D) Data communication between upper and lower units The passenger conveyor system described in (A) above, wherein the plurality of passenger conveyors are adjacent to each other vertically (e.g., escalator 101L, escalator 101M), and each of the plurality of passenger conveyors has a wireless repeater installed on the triangular guard of its own passenger conveyor (e.g., triangular guard 401) or near the triangular guard (frame, railing, wall 601).

[0098] The example shown involves data communication between adjacent escalators 101, such as when wireless repeater 500L and wireless repeater 500M communicate data, and when wireless repeater 500M and wireless repeater 500N communicate data. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, data communication may occur between nearby escalators 101, such as when wireless repeater 500L and wireless repeater 500N communicate data.

[0099] In the above configuration, for example, data communication can be performed using the gap between adjacent passenger conveyors and the building wall. With this configuration, for example, situations in which radio waves are reflected or absorbed by obstacles can be reduced, and data communication can be performed between upper and lower conveyors while ensuring communication quality.

[0100] (IV) Fourth Embodiment Figures 10 and 11 show an example of the configuration of the escalator system 1000 according to the fourth embodiment. This embodiment shows a configuration in which the escalators 101 are installed adjacent not only vertically but also horizontally. Note that in Figures 10 and 11, the sensors 102 installed on escalators W to Z are not shown.

[0101] In this embodiment, the escalators 101 (escalators 101W, 101X, 101Y, and 101Z) communicate with other units, and in addition to the feature that the data acquisition device 200 (data acquisition device 200W, data acquisition device 200X, data acquisition device 200Y, and data acquisition device 200Z) and each sensor 102 communicate depending on the distance between the collection step 107 and the triangular guard 401, the triangular guard 401 (triangular guard 401W, triangular guard 401X, triangular guard 401Y, and triangular guard 401Z) is used to connect with units adjacent to the left and right, and the mesh-like connection of the triangular guards 401 enables wireless communication that is resistant to interference. As described above, the triangular guard 401 enables communication with units adjacent to the left and right, as well as with units in close proximity, in a space free from radio wave interference.

[0102] In this way, by utilizing not only the triangular guards 401 of the adjacent units above and below, but also the triangular guards 401 of the units to the left and right to communicate data collected by other units, a stronger resistance to communication failures in intermediate equipment can be obtained compared to the case of a single-path communication route.

[0103] Figure 12 illustrates the communication path when there are adjacent units to the left and right in addition to above and below. Figure 12 shows an example where a gap 1200 is provided between adjacent escalators 101, running through the vertical space of the building. By using the gap 1200 shown in this figure as the communication path between adjacent units to the left and right via the triangular guard 401, it is possible to ensure communication quality without interference from equipment on the communication path.

[0104] In this embodiment, an abnormality detection device 103 may be provided in each unit, and the diagnostic result data may be aggregated in the parent unit. In that case, the data collected by the child units may be the diagnostic result data obtained by the abnormality detection device 103 of each unit, rather than the measurement data from the sensor 102.

[0105] The above-described embodiments include, for example, the following:

[0106] (E) Data communication between left and right units The passenger conveyor system described in (A) above, wherein the plurality of passenger conveyors are adjacent passenger conveyors on the left and right (for example, escalator 101W, escalator 101X), and each of the plurality of passenger conveyors has a wireless repeater (for example, wireless repeater 500W, wireless repeater 500X) installed on or near the triangular guard of its own passenger conveyor (for example, triangular guard 401W, triangular guard 401X).

[0107] In the above configuration, for example, data communication can be performed using the open space between adjacent passenger conveyors on the left and right. With this configuration, for example, situations in which radio waves are reflected or absorbed by obstacles can be reduced, and data communication can be performed between the left and right conveyors while ensuring communication quality.

[0108] (V) Other embodiments Furthermore, the function of the abnormality detection device 103 to determine abnormalities in the escalator 101 is not limited to the above, and this function may be included within the monitoring system 106. In that case, it would be necessary to transmit the measurement data from each sensor 102 of the escalator 101 to the monitoring system 106, which would increase communication costs, but it is expected that the equipment costs would decrease due to the reduction in the functionality of the abnormality detection device. In addition, improvements to the abnormality determination function can be made by replacing only the abnormality determination function within the monitoring system 106, without replacing the already installed abnormality detection device 103.

[0109] (VI) Addendum The above-described embodiments include, for example, the following:

[0110] In the embodiments described above, the present invention was described in the case where it is applied to a passenger conveyor system, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be broadly applied to various other systems, devices, methods, and programs.

[0111] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, part or all of the program may be installed from the program source onto a device such as a computer that implements the data acquisition device. The program source may be, for example, a program distribution server connected via a network or a recording medium readable by a computer (e.g., a non-temporary recording medium). Also, in the above description, two or more programs may be implemented as one program, or one program may be implemented as two or more programs.

[0112] Furthermore, in the above description, information such as programs, tables, and files that implement each function can be stored in memory, storage devices such as hard disks and SSDs, or recording media such as IC cards, SD cards, and DVDs.

[0113] The above-described embodiment has, for example, the following characteristic configuration.

[0114] (1) A passenger conveyor system (escalator system 100, escalator system 400, escalator system 800, escalator system 1000, etc.) comprising a passenger conveyor (e.g., escalator 101) having a plurality of endlessly connected steps that move in a circular motion, comprising: a data acquisition device (e.g., data acquisition device 200) provided at a predetermined step (e.g., collection step 107) among the plurality of steps, which collects data (e.g., measurement data) from a sensor (e.g., sensor 102) that acquires information about the equipment of the passenger conveyor via wireless communication with the sensor; and an abnormality detection device (abnormality detection device 103, abnormality detection device 801, etc.) that receives the sensor data collected by the data acquisition device via wireless communication with the data acquisition device and detects abnormalities in the passenger conveyor based on the received data.

[0115] In the above configuration, a data acquisition device is provided at each step of the circulating movement. For example, the data acquisition device can receive sensor data at a location with good communication quality with the sensor during circulating movement, and transmit the sensor data to the anomaly detection device at a location with good communication quality with the anomaly detection device. With this configuration, it is possible to avoid a situation where the anomaly detection device cannot detect an anomaly in the passenger conveyor due to poor communication quality preventing the collection of sensor data.

[0116] (2) The data acquisition device measures the time it takes to reach the sensor and, when it determines that it is approaching the sensor, collects the sensor data (see, for example, steps S301 to S306). It also measures the time it takes to reach the anomaly detection device and, when it determines that it is approaching the anomaly detection device, transmits the sensor data to the anomaly detection device (see, for example, steps S312 and S313).

[0117] In the above configuration, for example, the data acquisition device can receive sensor data when the step approaches the sensor and transmit sensor data when the step approaches the anomaly detection device. With the above configuration, sensor data can be transmitted stably.

[0118] (3) The passenger conveyor system described above is comprised of multiple passenger conveyors (see Figures 4 to 12), each passenger conveyor equipped with a wireless repeater capable of wireless communication (e.g., wireless repeater 500) and a data collection device, the wireless repeater being installed on the triangular guard (e.g., triangular guard 401) of its own passenger conveyor, the data collection device collecting data related to its own passenger conveyor (e.g., diagnostic result data), transmitting the collected data to the wireless repeater of its own passenger conveyor (e.g., steps S711 to S714), and the wireless repeater transmitting the data related to its own passenger conveyor to the wireless repeaters of other passenger conveyors (e.g., step S721).

[0119] In the above configuration, for example, data communication can be performed using the gap between the passenger conveyor and the building wall, thus reducing the chances of radio waves being reflected or absorbed by obstacles, and ensuring communication quality for data communication between units.

[0120] (4) The above-mentioned abnormality detection device is connected via a communication line (telephone line 104, remote monitoring network 105, etc.) to a monitoring system (e.g., monitoring system 106) for monitoring abnormalities in each of the above-mentioned multiple passenger conveyors, each of the above-mentioned multiple passenger conveyors is equipped with the above-mentioned abnormality detection device (see, for example, Figures 4 and 5), and the above-mentioned multiple passenger conveyors include a first passenger conveyor and a second passenger conveyor, and the data acquisition device of the second passenger conveyor collects data related to abnormalities in the second passenger conveyor detected by the abnormality detection device of the second passenger conveyor, and transmits the collected data related to abnormalities to the wireless repeater of the second passenger conveyor (see, for example, steps S711 to S714). ), the wireless repeater of the second passenger conveyor transmits the abnormality data received from the data acquisition device of the second passenger conveyor to the wireless repeater of the first passenger conveyor (see, for example, step S721), the data acquisition device of the first passenger conveyor collects the abnormality data of the second passenger conveyor from the wireless repeater of the first passenger conveyor and transmits the collected abnormality data to the abnormality detection device of the first passenger conveyor (see, for example, steps S731 to S734), and the abnormality detection device of the first passenger conveyor transmits the abnormality data of the second passenger conveyor to the monitoring system (see, for example, steps S741 to S743).

[0121] According to the above configuration, for example, even if the abnormality detection device of its own passenger conveyor is unable to transmit abnormality-related data due to a malfunction in the communication line, it can still transmit abnormality-related data to the monitoring system via the abnormality detection device of another passenger conveyor.

[0122] (5) The above-mentioned multiple passenger conveyors include a first passenger conveyor equipped with the abnormality detection device (e.g., escalator 101L) and a second passenger conveyor not equipped with the abnormality detection device (e.g., escalator 101M). The data acquisition device (e.g., data acquisition device 200M) of the second passenger conveyor transmits the sensor data acquired by the sensors of the second passenger conveyor to a wireless repeater (e.g., wireless repeater 500M) of the second passenger conveyor, and the wireless repeater of the second passenger conveyor receives the data from the sensors of the second passenger conveyor. The data is transmitted to the wireless repeater of the first passenger conveyor (for example, wireless repeater 500L), the data acquisition device of the first passenger conveyor (for example, data acquisition device 200L) collects the sensor data of the second passenger conveyor from the wireless repeater of the first passenger conveyor, and transmits the collected data to the anomaly detection device (for example, anomaly detection device 801), the anomaly detection device receives the sensor data of the second passenger conveyor from the data acquisition device of the first passenger conveyor, and detects an anomaly in the second passenger conveyor based on the received data.

[0123] According to the above configuration, for example, costs related to the abnormality detection device for the second passenger conveyor, such as purchase costs, installation costs, and maintenance costs, can be reduced.

[0124] Furthermore, the above-described configuration may be modified, rearranged, combined, or omitted as appropriate, as long as it does not exceed the essence of the present invention.

[0125] Please understand that items included in a list in the form "at least one of A, B, and C" can mean (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form "at least one of A, B, or C" can mean (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C). [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 100... Escalator system, 101... Escalator, 102... Sensor, 107... Collection step.

Claims

1. A passenger conveyor system comprising a passenger conveyor having a plurality of endlessly connected steps that move in a circular motion, A data acquisition device is provided in a predetermined step among the plurality of steps and collects data from a sensor by wireless communication with the sensor that acquires information about the equipment of the passenger conveyor. The system includes an abnormality detection device that receives the sensor data collected by the data acquisition device via wireless communication with the data acquisition device and detects abnormalities in the passenger conveyor based on the received data. The data acquisition device is The time taken to reach the sensor is measured, and when it is determined that the sensor is approaching, data from the sensor is collected. The time taken to reach the anomaly detection device is measured, and when it is determined that the sensor is approaching the anomaly detection device, the data from the sensor is transmitted to the anomaly detection device. Passenger conveyor system.

2. The passenger conveyors described above are composed of multiple such conveyors, The passenger conveyor is equipped with a wireless repeater capable of wireless communication and the data collection device, The aforementioned wireless repeater is installed in the triangular guard of the passenger conveyor belt. The data collection device collects data related to the passenger conveyor and transmits the collected data to the wireless relay of the passenger conveyor. The aforementioned wireless repeater transmits data related to its own passenger conveyor to wireless repeaters on other passenger conveyors. The passenger conveyor system according to claim 1.

3. The abnormality detection device is connected via a communication line to a monitoring system for monitoring abnormalities in each of the multiple passenger conveyors. Each of the aforementioned passenger conveyors is equipped with the aforementioned abnormality detection device. The aforementioned multiple passenger conveyors include a first passenger conveyor and a second passenger conveyor. The data acquisition device for the second passenger conveyor collects data related to abnormalities in the second passenger conveyor detected by the abnormality detection device for the second passenger conveyor, and transmits the collected data related to abnormalities to the wireless repeater of the second passenger conveyor. The wireless repeater of the second passenger conveyor transmits the abnormality data received from the data acquisition device of the second passenger conveyor to the wireless repeater of the first passenger conveyor. The data acquisition device for the first passenger conveyor collects data relating to abnormalities in the second passenger conveyor from the wireless repeater of the first passenger conveyor, and transmits the collected data relating to abnormalities to the abnormality detection device of the first passenger conveyor. The abnormality detection device for the first passenger conveyor transmits data relating to the abnormality of the second passenger conveyor to the monitoring system. The passenger conveyor system according to claim 2.

4. The plurality of passenger conveyors include a first passenger conveyor equipped with the abnormality detection device and a second passenger conveyor not equipped with the abnormality detection device. The data acquisition device for the second passenger conveyor transmits the sensor data acquired by the sensor of the second passenger conveyor to the wireless repeater of the second passenger conveyor. The wireless repeater of the second passenger conveyor transmits the sensor data of the second passenger conveyor to the wireless repeater of the first passenger conveyor. The data acquisition device for the first passenger conveyor collects data from the sensors of the second passenger conveyor from the wireless repeater of the first passenger conveyor, and transmits the collected data to the anomaly detection device. The abnormality detection device receives data from the sensor of the second passenger conveyor from the data acquisition device of the first passenger conveyor, and detects an abnormality in the second passenger conveyor based on the received data. The passenger conveyor system according to claim 2.

5. A data collection method in a passenger conveyor system comprising a passenger conveyor having an endlessly connected series of steps that move in a circular motion, A data acquisition device provided in a predetermined step among the aforementioned plurality of steps collects data from a sensor by wireless communication with the sensor that acquires information about the equipment of the passenger conveyor. The abnormality detection device includes receiving the sensor data collected by the data acquisition device via wireless communication with the data acquisition device, and detecting an abnormality in the passenger conveyor based on the received data. The data acquisition device, The time taken to reach the sensor is measured, and when it is determined that the sensor is approaching, data from the sensor is collected. The time taken to reach the anomaly detection device is measured, and when it is determined that the sensor is approaching the anomaly detection device, the data from the sensor is transmitted to the anomaly detection device. Data collection methods.

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