Passenger boarding bridge

Abstract

Provided is a passenger boarding bridge capable of saving labor. An example of a passenger boarding bridge according to the present invention comprises: a rotunda (4) connected to a terminal building; a tunnel part (5) connected to the rotunda (4); a cab (6) connected to the tunnel part (5); a movement means for moving the cab (6); a control device having a first control mode for controlling the movement means on the basis of an operation signal to be able to move the cab (6) to a given position, and a second control mode for controlling the movement means such that the cab (6), having been mounted to a boarding / alighting part of an aircraft (3), moves while following the vertical movement of the boarding / alighting part; a partition member which is installed in a walking passage of at least one among the cab (6) and the rotunda (4), and opens and closes the walking passage; and an opening / closing device that opens / closes the partition member. The control device controls the opening / closing device so as to put the partition member into a closed state after entering the first control mode, and controls the opening / closing device so as to put the partition member into an open state after entering the second control mode.

Description

passenger boarding bridge

[0001] The present invention relates to a passenger boarding bridge.

[0002] At airports, passenger boarding bridges are often used as pedestrian walkways between the terminal building and the aircraft. Passenger boarding bridges consist of a rotunda connected to the terminal building, a cab that can be attached to and detached from the aircraft boarding area, and a longitudinally extendable tunnel that connects the rotunda and the cab.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes that the interior of the cab is divided into a circular chamber where a control panel is installed and a connecting chamber that is detachable from the boarding and disembarking section of the aircraft, and that the circular chamber and the connecting chamber are separated by a partition member such as a shutter. Such a partition member can be opened and closed, and by closing the partition member, it is possible to prevent rainwater and the like from entering the circular chamber.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-38853

[0005] The partition member can be opened when the cab is attached to the aircraft, allowing passengers and others to pass through. Furthermore, when the cab is attached to the aircraft and when it is detached from the aircraft, the partition member can be closed to prevent people from accidentally falling into the connecting chamber at the front end of the cab. In other words, the partition member can close and open the pedestrian walkway inside the passenger boarding bridge.

[0006] In recent years, proposals have been made to remotely operate passenger boarding bridges from a central monitoring room, etc. However, from the viewpoint of labor saving, it is not desirable to manually open and close the partition members that can close and open the walkway as described above.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to provide a passenger boarding bridge that can save labor.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a passenger boarding bridge according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a rotunda connected to a terminal building and having a walkway inside, a tunnel section whose base end is connected to the rotunda and configured to be freely retractable in the longitudinal direction and having a walkway inside, a cab connected to the tip of the tunnel section and having a tip end that is detachable from the aircraft boarding section and has a walkway inside, a moving means for moving the cab, a first control mode that can control the moving means based on an operation signal operated by an operator to move the cab to any position, and a control signal for controlling the moving means based on an operation signal operated by an operator, the first control mode of the aircraft. a control device having a first control mode for controlling the moving means so that the cab attached to the boarding and disembarking section moves in accordance with the up and down movement of the boarding and disembarking section of the aircraft; a partition member installed on at least one of the walkways of the cab and the rotunda, which opens the walkway when in an open state and closes the walkway when in a closed state; and an opening and closing device for opening and closing the partition member, wherein the control device controls the opening and closing device to close the partition member when in the first control mode, and controls the opening and closing device to open the partition member when in the second control mode.

[0009] According to this configuration, the provision of an opening / closing device that opens and closes the partition member eliminates the need to manually open and close the partition member. Furthermore, the opening / closing device is controlled to close the partition member in the first control mode and open the partition member in the second control mode, eliminating the need for manual operation to open and close the partition member. This reduces labor. In the first control mode, which allows the cab to be moved to and from the aircraft boarding area, the partition member is closed, closing the walkway. This prevents a person on the passenger boarding bridge from accidentally moving toward the tip of the cab and falling off the cab, when the partition member is installed on the walkway of the rotunda. Furthermore, when the partition member is installed on the walkway of the rotunda, it prevents a person from entering the passenger boarding bridge while the cab is being moved.

[0010] The passenger boarding bridge of the second aspect is the passenger boarding bridge of the first aspect, further comprising an opening / closing state detection device that detects the open state and closed state of the partition member, and a human detection device that detects a person within a predetermined range including the installation position of the partition member, wherein the control device controls the opening / closing device to open the partition member if a person is detected by the human detection device when the opening / closing state detection device has not detected the closed state of the partition member immediately after the control device enters the first control mode and controls the opening / closing device to close the partition member, and maintains the closed state of the partition member if a person is detected by the human detection device after the opening / closing state detection device has detected the closed state of the partition member.

[0011] According to this configuration, if a person is detected by the human detection device while the partition member is being closed, the opening and closing device is controlled to open the partition member, thereby preventing the person from coming into contact with or being pinched by the partition member.

[0012] A passenger boarding bridge according to a third aspect is the passenger boarding bridge according to the first or second aspect, wherein when the control device receives a mode control release signal that releases the control of the opening and closing device based on the first control mode and the second control mode, the control device releases the control of the opening and closing device based on the first control mode and the second control mode, and controls the opening and closing device based on the opening and closing operation signal of the partition member that is received thereafter.

[0013] According to this configuration, for example, an operating unit capable of transmitting a mode control release signal and an opening / closing operation signal for the partition member to the control device is provided in the cab of the passenger boarding bridge or in a remote control device that remotely operates the passenger boarding bridge, and by operating the operating unit, the partition member can be opened or closed regardless of the first control mode or the second control mode.

[0014] A passenger boarding bridge according to a fourth aspect is a passenger boarding bridge according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein when the control device receives a forced opening / closing signal that instructs the partition member to be forcibly opened or closed, the control device controls the opening / closing device based on the forced opening / closing signal regardless of the first control mode or the second control mode.

[0015] According to this configuration, for example, an operating unit capable of sending a forced opening / closing signal to the control device is installed in an appropriate location outside the passenger boarding bridge, such as a boarding gate counter, and when a suspicious person is attempting to enter the passenger boarding bridge during the second control mode, the partition member can be closed by operating the operating unit, thereby preventing the suspicious person from entering the passenger boarding bridge or the aircraft.

[0016] A passenger boarding bridge according to a fifth aspect is a passenger boarding bridge according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the interior of the cab is divided into an outdoor area on the tip side and an indoor area on the tunnel side, and has an opening that connects the outdoor area with the indoor area and serves as a pedestrian walkway, and the partition member is installed at the opening of the cab.

[0017] According to this configuration, when the cab is attached to the aircraft or detached from the aircraft, the first control mode is entered, and by closing the partition member installed in the cab, it is possible to prevent a person from accidentally falling into the outdoor area at the tip of the cab. Also, by closing the partition member installed in the cab, it is possible to separate the outdoor area from the indoor area of ​​the cab, and it is possible to prevent rainwater and the like from entering the indoor area.

[0018] A passenger boarding bridge according to a sixth aspect is a passenger boarding bridge according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the rotunda has an opening facing the terminal building that serves as a pedestrian walkway, and the partition member is installed in the opening of the rotunda.

[0019] According to this configuration, when the cab is attached to the aircraft and when the cab is detached from the aircraft, the first control mode is activated, and the partition member installed in the rotunda is closed, thereby preventing people from accidentally entering the passenger boarding bridge.

[0020] A passenger boarding bridge according to a seventh aspect is the passenger boarding bridge according to the first aspect, wherein the interior of the cab is divided into an outdoor area on the tip side and an indoor area on the tunnel side, and has an opening that connects the outdoor area with the indoor area and serves as a pedestrian walkway; the rotunda has an opening that faces the terminal building and serves as a pedestrian walkway; the partition member is installed between the opening of the cab and the opening of the rotunda, and further comprises: a photographing unit that is installed in the rotunda and photographs the inside of the terminal building from inside the rotunda through the opening of the rotunda; and an image determination unit that analyzes images taken by the photographing unit and determines whether or not there is a suspicious person approaching the rotunda; and when in the second control mode, the control device controls the opening and closing device to change the partition member from an open state to a closed state if the image determination unit determines that there is a suspicious person approaching the rotunda.

[0021] With this configuration, when a suspicious person is detected approaching the rotunda from inside the terminal building, the opening and closing device is controlled to close the partition member, thereby preventing the suspicious person from entering the passenger boarding bridge or aircraft.

[0022] The present invention has the above-described configuration and has the effect of providing a passenger boarding bridge that can save labor.

[0023] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a passenger boarding bridge according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the passenger boarding bridge as seen from the side. FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example of a state in which a cab is attached to an aircraft. FIG. 4 is a view of the tip of the cab to be attached to the aircraft as seen from the aircraft. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing the tip of the cab and its vicinity. FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a rotunda and its vicinity. FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an electric roller blind installed in the rotunda as seen from inside the rotunda. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an outline of a control system of the passenger boarding bridge. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of an outline of processing by a control device of a passenger boarding bridge when the passenger boarding bridge is attached to or detached from an aircraft by remote automatic operation. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an outline of processing by a control device of a passenger boarding bridge when the passenger boarding bridge is attached to or detached from an aircraft by remote automatic operation. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of an outline of processing by a control device of a passenger boarding bridge when the passenger boarding bridge is attached to or detached from an aircraft by remote automatic operation.

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, identical or corresponding elements will be designated by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and redundant explanations will be omitted. The drawings are schematic illustrations of the respective components for ease of understanding, and the shapes, dimensional ratios, and the like may not be accurately depicted. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0026] (Embodiment) Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a passenger boarding bridge according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the passenger boarding bridge as viewed from the side. Fig. 3 is a side view showing an example of a state in which a cab is attached to an aircraft. Fig. 4 is a view of the tip of the cab attached to the aircraft as viewed from the front (aircraft side). Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view showing the tip of the cab and its vicinity. Fig. 6 is a schematic side view of a rotunda and its vicinity. Fig. 7 is a schematic view of an electric roller blind installed in the rotunda as viewed from inside the rotunda. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an overview of the control system of the passenger boarding bridge.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 1, there are cases where multiple passenger boarding bridges 1 (1A, 1B) are installed on a fixed bridge 2 connected to one boarding gate in a terminal building. The multiple passenger boarding bridges 1A, 1B basically have the same configuration, and here, passenger boarding bridge 1A will be described as a representative.

[0028] This passenger boarding bridge 1 (1A) comprises a horizontally rotatable rotunda 4 connected to the boarding and alighting entrance of the fixed bridge 2 of the terminal building, a tunnel section 5 whose base end is connected to the rotunda 4 and configured to be freely extendable and retractable in the longitudinal direction, a cab 6 mounted at the tip of the tunnel section 5 so as to be freely rotatable forward and backward, and a drive column 7.

[0029] The rotunda 4 is supported by a support 70 so as to be rotatable in both directions around a rotation axis (vertical axis) CL1.

[0030] The tunnel section 5 forms a walkway for passengers, and is configured by a plurality of cylindrical tunnels 5a, 5b that are nested together to allow for longitudinal extension and contraction. While the tunnel section 5 is illustrated here as being comprised of two tunnels 5a, 5b, the tunnel section 5 may be comprised of two or more tunnels. Furthermore, the base end of the tunnel section 5 is connected to the rotunda 4 so that it can swing about a horizontal rotation axis CL4 (FIG. 2) within the rotunda 4, allowing the tunnel section 5 to be freely elevated and elevated.

[0031] A drive column 7 is attached as a support leg to a portion of the tunnel section 5 near the tip (the tunnel 5b closest to the tip). The drive column 7 may be attached to the cab 6.

[0032] The drive column 7 is provided with a lifting device 8 that raises and lowers the cab 6 and the tunnel section 5. The lifting device 8 has, for example, a pair of support columns that support the tunnel section 5 and are configured to be extendable and retractable, and the tunnel section 5 can be raised and lowered by the extension and contraction of this pair of support columns. This allows the cab 6 and the tunnel section 5 to swing up and down with the rotunda 4 as the base point.

[0033] Additionally, the drive column 7 is provided with a traveling device 10 below the lifting device 8. The traveling device 10 has two traveling wheels 9 (a right wheel 9R and a left wheel 9L) that can be independently driven to rotate forward and backward. The traveling device 10 is configured to be able to travel forward (in the direction of arrow F) and backward (in the direction of arrow B) by the rotational drive of the two traveling wheels 9. The traveling device 10 is also configured to be able to rotate forward and backward around a rotation axis CL2, allowing the traveling direction to be changed. As the traveling device 10 (traveling wheels 9) travels on the apron EP, the tunnel section 5 can be rotated around the rotation axis CL1 of the rotunda 4 and the tunnel section 5 can be extended or retracted.

[0034] The cab 6 is provided at the tip of the tunnel section 5 and is configured to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions around a rotation axis CL3 perpendicular to the floor surface of the cab 6 by a cab rotation device 6R (FIG. 8).

[0035] In this embodiment, the moving means for moving the cab 6 is composed of a traveling device 10, a lifting device 8, and a cab rotation device 6R.

[0036] 3, a closure 63 is provided at the tip portion of the cab 6. The closure 63 has a bellows portion that can be deployed and contracted in the fore-and-aft direction, and by attaching the cab 6 to the aircraft 3 and deploying the bellows portion forward, the front end of the bellows portion can abut against the periphery of the door 3a of the aircraft 3.

[0037] A level detection device 64 is also attached to the outer side wall of the cab 6. The level detection device 64 is a device that detects the relative vertical movement of the boarding / alighting section (door 3 a) of the aircraft 3 relative to the cab 6 when the boarding / alighting section of the aircraft 3 moves up and down due to passengers getting on and off or loading and unloading of luggage after the cab 6 is installed on the aircraft 3. When the level detection device 64 is activated, the wheel 64A moves forward and abuts against the surface of the aircraft 3 body. When the boarding / alighting section of the aircraft 3 moves up and down, the wheel 64A rotates. The level detection device 64 detects the vertical movement of the boarding / alighting section of the aircraft 3 based on the rotation direction and rotation angle of the wheel 64A, and when this movement amount reaches or exceeds a predetermined amount, it outputs this movement amount to the control device 50. The control device 50 controls the lifting device 8 of the drive column 7 based on the movement amount so that the cab 6 moves following the vertical movement of the boarding / alighting section of the aircraft 3.

[0038] In this example, the rotunda 4 is configured to rotate together with the tunnel section 5, but the tunnel section 5 may be configured to rotate around the rotunda 4 about the rotation axis CL1 while the rotunda 4 is fixed. Also, in this example, the entire cab 6 is configured to rotate relative to the tunnel section 5, but only the tip portion including the closure 63, the level detection device 64, and the tip portion 6a of the cab 6 attached to the aircraft 3 may be configured to rotate about the rotation axis CL3.

[0039] 3 and 4, a bumper 62 is provided at the tip of a floor 61 of the exterior area R1 (FIG. 5) of the cab 6 mounted on the aircraft 3, and a plurality of distance sensors 23 (e.g., laser range finders) (two in this example) for measuring the distance between the cab 6 and the aircraft 3 are attached side by side in the left-right direction of this bumper 62. The installation position of the distance sensor 23 can be changed as appropriate, and may be placed on the floor 61 of the exterior area R1 of the cab 6, for example.

[0040] 4, first and second cameras 21, 22 are installed in recessed positions at the tip of the cab 6 to photograph the door 3a, which serves as the boarding and disembarking area of ​​the aircraft 3. The installation positions of the first and second cameras 21, 22 may be changed as appropriate, provided that they are arranged apart from each other and can photograph the door 3a of the aircraft 3.

[0041] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, an electric double door 65 is installed to separate the walkway 6s inside the cab 6 into a walkway on the tip end 6a side and a walkway on the tunnel section 5 side.

[0042] As shown in Figure 5, the interior of the cab 6 is divided into an outdoor area R1 on the tip end 6a side and an indoor area R2 on the tunnel section 5 side, and has an opening 6h that connects the outdoor area R1 and the indoor area R2 and serves as a walkway 6s. The opening 6h serves as an entrance and exit between the outdoor area R1 and the indoor area R2.

[0043] The electric double doors 65 include double doors consisting of left and right doors 65L, 65R installed in the opening 6h, and double door opening / closing devices 65D, 65D for opening and closing the left and right doors 65L, 65R. The opening / closing devices 65D are configured using, for example, an electric motor. The left and right doors 65L, 65R are partition members installed in the walkway 6s of the cab 6 and are referred to as first partition members. Hereinafter, the left and right doors 65L, 65R may be referred to as double doors 65L, 65R. When the double doors 65L, 65R are in an open position, they open the opening 6h, which is part of the walkway 6s, and when they are in a closed position, they close the opening 6h, which is part of the walkway 6s.

[0044] The cab 6 is also provided with a left door open detection sensor 101 for detecting the open state of the left door 65L, a right door open detection sensor 102 for detecting the open state of the right door 65R, a left door closed detection sensor 103 for detecting the closed state of the left door 65L, and a right door closed detection sensor 104 for detecting the closed state of the right door 65R, all at appropriate positions. Each of these sensors 101-104 may be configured using a proximity sensor or the like. Detection signals from each of the sensors 101-104 are transmitted to the control device 50. These sensors 101-104 constitute an open / closed state detection device 111 ( FIG. 8 ) for detecting the open and closed states of the double doors 65L, 65R. This open / closed state detection device 111 detects whether the double doors 65L, 65R are fully open or fully closed.

[0045] The cab 6 is also equipped with a human detection device 112 ( FIG. 8 ) that detects a person entering a predetermined range (e.g., a range of approximately 1 m from the opening 6h) that includes the installation positions of the double doors 65L, 65R. This human detection device 112 includes an outside human detection sensor 105 installed on the ceiling of the outdoor area R1 near the double doors 65L, 65R, and an inside human detection sensor 106 installed on the ceiling of the indoor area R2 near the double doors 65L, 65R. These human detection sensors 105, 106 can each be configured using an infrared sensor or the like. When the human detection sensors 105, 106 detect a person, they send a detection signal to the control device 50.

[0046] Furthermore, a door closing detection sensor 115 is disposed on the right side near the front end 6a of the cab 6, which detects when the door 3a of the aircraft 3 is closed while the cab 6 is attached to the aircraft 3. The door closing detection sensor 115 can be configured using an infrared sensor or the like. The door closing detection sensor 115 detects the door 3a when the door 3a is closed and transmits a door detection signal to the control device 50. Furthermore, a departure approval button 116 is disposed at an appropriate position near the front end 6a of the cab 6. When this departure approval button 116 is pressed, for example, by a cabin crew member, a departure approval signal is transmitted to the control device 50. The door closing detection sensor 115 and the departure approval button 116 are disposed in the outdoor area R1 of the cab 6.

[0047] Next, the electric roller blind 66 and the human detection device 114 installed in the rotunda 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0048] As shown in Figure 6, the walkway 2s in the fixed bridge 2 of the terminal building, the walkway 4s in the rotunda 4, and the walkway 5s in the tunnel section 5 are connected. The walkway 5s in the tunnel section 5 is connected to the walkway 6s in the cab 6 (Figure 5).

[0049] On the opposite side of the entrance to the tunnel section 5, the rotunda 4 has an opening 4h that serves as a pedestrian walkway facing the fixed bridge 2 of the terminal building. This opening 4h serves as an entrance and exit between the fixed bridge 2 of the terminal building and the rotunda 4.

[0050] The electric roller blind 66 comprises a roller blind 66P installed in the opening 4h and an opening / closing device 66D that opens and closes the roller blind 66P. The opening / closing device 66D is configured using, for example, an electric motor or the like. The roller blind 66P is a partition member installed in the walkway 4s of the rotunda 4 and serves as a second partition member. The roller blind 66P is wound up to an open state and unwound to a closed state. When the roller blind 66P is in the open state, it opens the opening 4h that is part of the walkway 4s, and when it is in the closed state, it closes the opening 4h that is part of the walkway 4s.

[0051] An open detection sensor 107 that detects the open state of the roller blind 66P and a closed detection sensor 108 that detects the closed state of the roller blind 66P are provided at appropriate positions on the rotunda 4. These sensors 107, 108 can each be configured using a limit switch or the like.

[0052] A contact member 66s that comes into contact with sensors 107, 108 is attached to the tip of the roller blind 66P. When the roller blind 66P is in the open state, the contact member 66s comes into contact with the sensor 107, and an open state detection signal is sent from the sensor 107 to the control device 50. When the roller blind 66P is in the closed state, the contact member 66s comes into contact with the sensor 108, and a closed state detection signal is sent from the sensor 108 to the control device 50. These sensors 107, 108 constitute an open / closed state detection device 113 ( FIG. 8 ) that detects the open and closed states of the roller blind 66P. This open / closed state detection device 113 is used to detect the open state in which the roller blind 66P is fully open and the closed state in which the roller blind 66P is fully closed.

[0053] Furthermore, the rotunda 4 is provided with a person detection device 114 at an appropriate position that detects people who enter a predetermined range that includes the installation position of the roller blind 66P. Here, the person detection device 114 is installed on the ceiling 4t of the rotunda 4, and uses a camera equipped with an AI processing function. When a person enters the shooting range α of this camera, the person detection device 114 transmits a detection signal to the control device 50.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the passenger boarding bridge 1 is equipped with, at appropriate positions, a rotunda angle sensor 24 that detects the rotation angle φr (Figure 1) of the rotunda 4, a cab angle sensor 25 that detects the rotation angle φc (Figure 1) of the cab 6 relative to the center line Ed of the tunnel section 5, a traveling angle sensor 26 that detects the rotation angle (angle indicating the traveling direction) φw (Figure 1) of the traveling device 10 relative to the center line Ed of the tunnel section 5 in a plan view, a lift sensor 27 that detects the amount of lift of the lifting device 8, and a tunnel length sensor 28 that is composed of a distance meter or the like and detects the length of the tunnel section 5 (for example, length LF in Figure 2).

[0055] An operation panel 31 is installed on the floor 60 of the interior area R2 of the cab 6. The operation panel 31 is provided with an operation device 32, a display device 33, a key switch 34, etc. The operation device 32 is provided with various operation switches and operation levers, etc., and by using these, the operator can perform operations such as raising and lowering the tunnel section 5 and the cab 6 using the lifting device 8, rotating the cab 6 using the cab rotation device 6R, and traveling using the traveling device 10.

[0056] The control device 50 receives operation signals such as operation commands based on the operation of the operator from the operation device 32. The control device 50 can control the operation of each part of the passenger boarding bridge 1 based on the operation signals from the operation device 32. The control device 50 also outputs information to be displayed on the display device 33. The control device 50 also receives image data captured by the first and second cameras 21, 22, and receives output signals from the sensors 23 to 28. The control device 50 also receives an operation mode signal and an auto level signal from the key switch 34 when the key switch 34 is operated using the operation keys.

[0057] The control device 50 is disposed, for example, in the cab 6 (illustrated in FIG. 5 ) or the tunnel 5b at the tip end. The control device 50 may have any configuration as long as it has a control function. The control device 50 includes, for example, a calculation unit such as a CPU and a storage unit such as a ROM or RAM. The storage unit pre-stores control programs for operating each unit of the passenger boarding bridge 1 and information necessary for the operation. The calculation unit (CPU) executes the control programs to control the operation of the cab rotation device 6R, the lifting device 8, the traveling device 10, the closure 63, the level detection device 64, the double door opening / closing device 65D, and the roller blind opening / closing device 66D. Information stored during operation of the passenger boarding bridge 1 is also stored in the storage unit. The control device 50 may be configured as a single control device that performs centralized control, or as a plurality of control devices that cooperate with each other to perform distributed control.

[0058] Furthermore, the control device 50 can grasp the current position (three-dimensional position coordinates) of a predetermined part of the passenger boarding bridge 1 in real time using, for example, a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system (XYZ Cartesian coordinate system) whose origin is the intersection of the rotation axis CL1 of the rotunda 4 and the plane of the apron EP, and display it on the display device 33. The control device 50 can calculate the current position of a predetermined part of the passenger boarding bridge 1 based on the detection values ​​of the rotunda angle sensor 24, the cab angle sensor 25, the elevation sensor 27, and the tunnel length sensor 28, etc.

[0059] The control device 50 is also configured to be able to communicate with a control device 81 of a remote control device 80 installed in, for example, a central monitoring room in a terminal building. This communication may be wireless and / or wired, or a communication device may be provided separately. The remote control device 80 includes a control device 81, an operating device 82, a display device 83, a key switch 84, etc.

[0060] The operation device 82 has a configuration substantially similar to the operation device 32 of the passenger boarding bridge 1, except that it can select and operate the passenger boarding bridge 1 to be remotely operated. Therefore, an operator can enter the cab 6 of the passenger boarding bridge 1 and directly operate the passenger boarding bridge 1 using the operation device 32 of the control panel 31, and the operator can also use the operation device 82 of the remote control device 80 to select the passenger boarding bridge 1 to be remotely operated and remotely operate the selected passenger boarding bridge 1.

[0061] The control device 81 of the remotely operated device 80 and the control device 50 of the passenger boarding bridge 1 to be remotely operated transmit and receive information necessary for remote operation. For example, the control device 81 transmits operation signals for the passenger boarding bridge 1 (including automatic docking start signals and automatic detachment start signals, which will be described later) from the operation device 82 operated by the operator to the control device 50 of the passenger boarding bridge 1. The control device 50 of the passenger boarding bridge 1 also transmits image data captured by the cameras 21, 22, etc., provided on the passenger boarding bridge 1 to the control device 81 in real time. The control device 50 may also acquire image data captured by a camera used in the human detection device 114 and transmit the image data to the control device 81 in real time.

[0062] The remote control device 80 is equipped with a camera image display device (not shown) that acquires image data captured by the cameras 21, 22, etc. of the passenger boarding bridge 1 to be remotely controlled and displays the captured images in real time. Note that the display device 83 may also be configured to function as the camera image display device.

[0063] In addition, the control device 81 can obtain current position information of a specific part of the passenger boarding bridge 1 (such as a specific position 6P of the tip 6a of the cab 6, the center position of the running gear 10, etc.) to be displayed on the display device 33 of the passenger boarding bridge 1 from the control device 50 of the passenger boarding bridge 1 to be remotely operated, and display it on the display device 83.

[0064] Next, an outline of the operation of the passenger boarding bridge 1 will be described. When the aircraft 3 has not yet arrived at the apron, the passenger boarding bridge 1 waits at a predetermined waiting position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1 . The aircraft 3 is stopped with its axis aligned with the aircraft guide line AL drawn on the apron and at a predetermined stopping position determined in the direction of the aircraft guide line AL. After this, the cab 6 moves from the waiting position, and the tip 6 a of the cab 6 is attached to the bottom of the aircraft 3, immediately adjacent to the door 3 a. After passengers have boarded and disembarked from the aircraft 3, the cab 6 returns to the waiting position and stops when it detaches from the aircraft 3. It waits at the waiting position until the attachment operation to the next aircraft is initiated. Note that when the cab 6 detaches from the aircraft 3 and returns to the waiting position, the target position (position coordinates) of the traveling device 10, which serves as the waiting position for the cab 6, is pre-stored in the control device 50.

[0065] The above-described operation of the passenger boarding bridge 1 is realized by the control of the control device 50. The control device 50 of the passenger boarding bridge 1 has two control modes: an operation mode which is a first control mode, and an auto-level mode which is a second control mode.

[0066] In the operation mode, the control device 50 can control the moving means (the lifting device 8, the traveling device 10, and the cab rotation device 6R) to move the cab 6 to any position and can also operate the closure 63 based on an operation signal received from the operation device 32 or 82 when the operator operates the operation device 32 or 82. Thus, in the operation mode, the control device 50 can control the moving means to move the cab 6 from a predetermined standby position and attach it to the boarding and disembarking section of the aircraft 3. Also, in the operation mode, the control device 50 can control the moving means to move the cab 6 from a state attached to the boarding and disembarking section of the aircraft 3 to the standby position.

[0067] Furthermore, when in the auto level mode, the control device 50 activates the level detection device 64 and controls the operation of the moving means (elevating device 8) so that the cab 6 attached to the boarding and disembarking section of the aircraft 3 moves in accordance with the up and down movement of the boarding and disembarking section of the aircraft 3. In other words, the control mode of the control device 50 when passengers are boarding and disembarking the aircraft 3 is the auto level mode.

[0068] Next, an example of a method for setting the control mode of the control device 50 will be described. First, a case will be described in which an operator directly operates the passenger boarding bridge 1 using the operation panel 31 of the passenger boarding bridge 1. In this case, the operator can set the control mode of the control device 50 by inserting an operation key into the key hole of the key switch 34 and turning it. The operation key for operating the key switch 34 has three rotation positions: the off position, the operating position, and the auto-level position. For example, by inserting the operation key into the key hole and turning it clockwise from the off position to the operating position, the control device 50 receives an operation mode start signal from the key switch 34 and enters the operation mode. In this operation mode, the operator can operate the operation device 32 to operate each of the moving means of the passenger boarding bridge 1, thereby moving the cab 6 from the standby position and attaching it to the boarding and disembarking section of the aircraft 3. At this time, the cab 6 can also be attached automatically by pressing an automatic attachment start button provided on the operation device 32. Furthermore, the operator can operate the operation device 32 to operate each of the moving means of the passenger boarding bridge 1, thereby detaching the cab 6 from its attached state to the boarding and disembarking section of the aircraft 3 and returning it to the standby position. At this time, by pressing an automatic removal start button provided on the operating device 32, the cab 6 can be removed by automatic control and returned to the standby position.

[0069] Furthermore, by turning the operation key clockwise from the operation position to the auto level position, the control device 50 receives an auto level mode start signal from the key switch 34 and enters the auto level mode. When the operation key is in the off position, the control device 50 stops controlling the moving means (lifting device 8, traveling device 10, and cab rotation device 6R) and the closure 63, and the moving means and the closure 63 cannot be operated by operating the operation device 32.

[0070] Next, a case will be described in which an operator remotely operates the passenger boarding bridge 1 using the remote control device 80. In this case, the operator operates the operation device 82 to select the passenger boarding bridge 1 to be remotely controlled, and then inserts an operation key into the key hole of the key switch 84 and turns it to set the control mode of the control device 50. The operation key for operating the key switch 84 has three rotation positions: the off position, the manual operation position, and the automatic operation position. For example, by inserting the operation key into the key hole and turning it clockwise from the off position to the manual operation position, the control device 81 receives a manual operation start signal from the key switch 84, and the manual operation start signal is transmitted from the control device 81 to the control device 50 of the passenger boarding bridge 1. When the control device 50 receives the manual operation start signal, it enters an operation mode for manual operation. The manual operation start signal is one of the operation mode start signals. In this operation mode, the operator operates the operation device 82 to operate each moving means of the passenger boarding bridge 1, whereby an operation signal is sent from the control device 81 to the control device 50 of the passenger boarding bridge 1, and the control device 50 can move the cab 6 based on the received operation signal. The operation mode in this case is the same as the operation mode when directly operating the passenger boarding bridge 1 described above. In addition, by operating the operation device 82, the control device 50 can be set to auto-level mode.

[0071] Furthermore, by turning the operation key clockwise from the manual operation position to the automatic operation position, the control device 81 receives an automatic operation start signal from the key switch 84, and the control device 81 transmits the automatic operation start signal to the control device 50 of the passenger boarding bridge 1. Upon receiving the automatic operation start signal, the control device 50 enters an operation mode for automatic operation. The automatic operation start signal is one of the operation mode start signals. In this case, upon receiving the automatic attachment start signal, the control device 50 automatically controls the cab 6 to move from a predetermined standby position and attach it to the aircraft 3, and once the cab 6 is attached to the aircraft 3, it automatically switches from the operation mode to the auto-level mode. Furthermore, upon determining that detachment is possible, the control device 50 automatically switches from the auto-level mode to the operation mode, and then, upon receiving the automatic detachment start signal, automatically controls the cab 6 to detach from the aircraft 3 and move it to a predetermined standby position.

[0072] When the operation key is in the OFF position, as in the case of direct operation described above, the control device 50 stops controlling the moving means (lifting device 8, traveling device 10 and cab rotation device 6R) and the closure 63, and the above-mentioned moving means and closure 63 cannot be operated by operating the operating device 82.

[0073] In this embodiment, the control device 50 controls the opening and closing devices 65D, 66D of the double doors 65L, 65R and the roller blind 66P based on the control mode. This will be described in detail below. Note that, hereinafter, the double doors 65L, 65R may be referred to as a partition member 65LR, and the roller blind 66P may be referred to as a partition member 66P.

[0074] The control device 50 enters the operation mode (first control mode) upon receiving an operation mode start signal (first control mode start signal) from the key switch 34 of the operation panel 31 or the remote control device 80. In the operation mode, the control device 50 controls the opening / closing devices 65D, 66D to close the partition members 65LR, 66P. In addition, in the auto-level mode (second control mode), the control device 50 controls the opening / closing devices 65D, 66D to open the partition members 65LR, 66P. Here, in the case of direct operation, the control device 50 enters the auto-level mode upon receiving an auto-level start signal (second control mode start signal) from the key switch 34 of the operation panel 31. In addition, in the case of remotely and manually operating the aircraft 3, the control device 50 enters the auto-level mode upon receiving an auto-level start signal from the remote control device 80. In addition, in the case of remotely and automatically operating the aircraft 3, the control device 50 switches from the operation mode to the auto-level mode when the cab 6 is attached to the boarding / disembarking section of the aircraft 3.

[0075] As described above, the open / closed states of the partition members 65LR, 66P are controlled according to the control mode setting of the control device 50. Meanwhile, the operating devices 32, 82 are provided with an open operation button and a close operation button as opening / closing operation buttons for controlling the open / closed states of the partition members 65LR, 66P, respectively. The operating devices 32, 82 are also provided with a mode control release button that releases the control of the partition members 65LR, 66P based on the control mode. When the operator presses the mode control release button and then the open operation button or close operation button of any of the partition members (65LR, 66P), the control device 50 receives a mode control release signal and then an open operation signal or close operation signal for that partition member. The control device 50 then releases the control of the partition members 65LR, 66P based on the control mode and controls the opening / closing devices (65D, 66D) to open or close the partition member based on the open operation signal or close operation signal for the partition member (65LR, 66P). The mode control release button may be provided for each of the partition members 65LR and 66P.

[0076] Furthermore, when the control device 50 is not in the operation mode or auto-level mode, that is, when the operation key is in the off position and control of the moving means and closure 63 is stopped, the control device 50 can control the opening and closing device (65D, 66D) to open or close any partition member (65LR, 66P) by pressing the open operation button or close operation button of that partition member without pressing the mode control release button.

[0077] For example, as shown in Figure 1, when multiple passenger boarding bridges 1 are installed on a fixed bridge 2 connected to one boarding gate in a terminal building, there may be unused passenger boarding bridges 1 depending on the number of boarding doors on arriving aircraft, etc. In such a case, for example, an operator operating a remote control device 80 can press a closing operation button on a partition member 66P installed on the rotunda 4 of the unused passenger boarding bridge 1 to close the partition member 66P and prevent passengers from entering the unused passenger boarding bridge 1. This reduces the number of personnel required compared to conventional methods that have been used to prevent passengers from entering unused passenger boarding bridges, such as by having ground staff guide passengers or by placing guide signs or simple barricades in front of the entrances to unused passenger boarding bridges.

[0078] [Remotely Controlled Automatic Operation] Next, the case where the passenger boarding bridge 1 is attached to or detached from the aircraft 3 by remotely controlled automatic operation will be described, including the control of the partition members 65LR, 66P. Figures 9 to 11 are flowcharts showing an example of an outline of the processing by the passenger boarding bridge control device 50 when the passenger boarding bridge 1 is attached to or detached from the aircraft 3 by remotely controlled automatic operation.

[0079] When the operator operates the operating device 82 of the remote control device 80 to select the passenger boarding bridge 1 to be remotely controlled, and inserts the operating key into the key hole of the key switch 84 of the remote control device 80 and turns it to the automatic operation position, an automatic operation start signal is sent from the control device 81 to the control device 50 of the passenger boarding bridge 1 to be remotely controlled.

[0080] When the control device 50 receives an automatic operation start signal (operation mode start signal) (Yes in step S1), it starts the operation mode (step S2) and controls the opening and closing devices 65D, 66D to close the partition members 65LR, 66P (step S3).

[0081] After step S3, the control device 50 determines whether the partition members 65LR, 66P are in the closed state based on the detection signal from the opening / closing state detection devices 111, 113 after a predetermined time taking into account the time required to open and close the partition members 65LR, 66P (step S4).

[0082] If the determination in step S4 indicates that both partition members 65LR, 66P are in the closed state (Yes in step S4), the control device 50 transmits information indicating that they are in the closed state to the control device 81 of the remote control device 80 (step S5). In response to this information, the control device 81 displays information indicating that both partition members 65LR, 66P are in the closed state on the display device 83. After confirming this information, the operator presses the automatic mounting start button on the operation device 82. This operation causes the control device 81 to transmit an automatic mounting start signal to the control device 50.

[0083] When the control device 50 receives the automatic mounting start signal (Yes in step S6), it starts automatic mounting (step S7).

[0084] Furthermore, if the control device 50 determines in step S4 that either of the partition members 65LR, 66P is not in the closed state (No in step S4), the control device 50 transmits information about the partition member that is not in the closed state to the control device 81 of the remote control device 80 (step S11). The control device 81 receives this information and causes the display device 83 to display information indicating the partition member that is not in the closed state. After confirming this information, the operator presses the mode control release button provided on the operation device 82 and then presses the close operation button of the partition member that is not in the closed state. When the mode control release button on the operation device 82 is pressed, the control device 81 transmits a mode control release signal to the control device 50, and when the close operation button of a partition member is pressed, the control device 81 transmits a close operation signal for that partition member to the control device 50.

[0085] When the control device 50 receives a closing operation signal for a partition member that is not in a closed state after receiving a mode control release signal (Yes in step S12), it controls the opening / closing device (65D, 66D) of that partition member to close the partition member that is not in a closed state (step S13).

[0086] After step S13, after a predetermined time, the control device 50 determines whether the partition members 65LR, 66P are in the closed state based on the detection signals from the open / close state detection devices 111, 113 (step S14), and if both the partition members 65LR, 66P are in the closed state (Yes in step S14), it enables the control of the partition members 65LR, 66P based on the control mode and proceeds to processing in step S5.

[0087] Furthermore, if the control device 50 determines in step S14 that either of the partition members 65LR, 66P is not in the closed state (No in step S14), the control device 50 transmits an abnormality signal indicating that the partition member that is not in the closed state is abnormal to the control device 81 of the remote control device 80 (step S15). The control device 81, upon receiving this abnormality signal, notifies the control device 81 of the abnormality. In this case, the control device 81 may notify the abnormality by displaying the abnormality on the display device 83, or may notify the abnormality by voice from a speaker (not shown) provided in the remote control device 80.

[0088] As described above, the control device 50 starts automatic attachment in step S7. When automatically attaching, that is, when moving the cab 6 from the standby position by automatic control and attaching the tip portion 6 a of the cab 6 to the door 3 a of the aircraft 3 (more precisely, around the door 3 a), the control device 50, for example, photographs the door 3 a of the aircraft 3 with the cameras 21, 22 installed on the cab 6, determines the three-dimensional position of the door 3 a from these photographed images, and calculates the position (attachment position) where the tip portion 6 a of the cab 6 is attached to the aircraft 3.

[0089] The control device 50 then controls the traveling device 10, the lifting device 8, and the cab rotation device 6R to move the tip 6a of the cab 6 to the above-mentioned mounting position. The mounting position may be calculated multiple times before the cab 6 starts to move and during its movement. Furthermore, the mounting position may be calculated using the detection value of the distance sensor 23.

[0090] Next, the control device 50 extends the closure 63 to deploy the bellows portion and bring it into contact with the aircraft 3. This completes the installation of the cab 6 on the aircraft 3 (step S21 in FIG. 10).

[0091] When the automatic attachment is complete, the control device 50 ends the operation mode and starts the auto-level mode (step S22), and controls the opening and closing devices 65D, 66D to open the partition members 65LR, 66P (step S23). When the partition members 65LR, 66P are in the open state, the door 3a of the aircraft 3 is opened, and passengers can pass through the passenger boarding bridge 1.

[0092] After step S23, the control device 50 determines whether the partition members 65LR, 66P are in the open state based on the detection signal from the opening / closing state detection devices 111, 113 after a predetermined time taking into account the time required to open and close the partition members 65LR, 66P (step S24).

[0093] If the result of the determination in step S24 is that both of the partition members 65LR, 66P are in the open state (Yes in step S24), the process proceeds to step S41 (FIG. 11).

[0094] Furthermore, if the control device 50 determines in step S24 that either of the partition members 65LR, 66P is not in the open state (No in step S24), the control device 50 transmits information about the partition member that is not in the open state to the control device 81 of the remote control device 80 (step S31). The control device 81, having received this information, causes the display device 83 to display information indicating the partition member that is not in the open state. After confirming this information, the operator presses the mode control release button provided on the operation device 82 and then presses the open operation button of the partition member that is not in the open state. When the mode control release button on the operation device 82 is pressed, the control device 81 transmits a mode control release signal to the control device 50, and when the open operation button of a partition member is pressed, the control device 81 transmits an open operation signal for that partition member to the control device 50.

[0095] When the control device 50 receives an opening operation signal for a partition member that is not in the open state after receiving a mode control release signal (Yes in step S32), it controls the opening / closing device (65D, 66D) of that partition member to open the partition member that is not in the open state (step S33).

[0096] After step S33, after a predetermined time, the control device 50 determines whether the partition members 65LR, 66P are in the open state based on the detection signals from the open / close state detection devices 111, 113 (step S34), and if both partition members 65LR, 66P are in the open state (Yes in step S34), it enables control of the partition members 65LR, 66P based on the control mode and proceeds to processing of step S41 (Figure 11).

[0097] Furthermore, if the control device 50 determines in step S34 that either of the partition members 65LR, 66P is not in the open state (No in step S34), the control device 50 transmits an abnormality signal indicating that the partition member that is not in the open state is abnormal to the control device 81 of the remote control device 80 (step S35). The control device 81, upon receiving this abnormality signal, notifies the control device 81 of the abnormality in the partition member. In this case, the control device 81 may notify the abnormality by displaying the abnormality on the display device 83, or may notify the abnormality by voice from a speaker (not shown) provided in the remote control device 80.

[0098] In step S41, the control device 50 determines whether or not the cab 6 can be left from the aircraft 3. Here, the control device 50 may determine that departure is permitted when, for example, a cabin crew member of the aircraft 3 presses a departure approval button 116 provided on the cab 6 and receives a departure approval signal, and then detects that the door 3 a of the aircraft 3 is closed based on a door detection signal from the door close detection sensor 115. Furthermore, if the departure approval button 116 is not provided, the control device 50 may determine that departure is permitted when, for example, the control device 50 detects that the door 3 a of the aircraft 3 is closed based on the door detection signal from the door close detection sensor 115. In this example, the control device 50, together with the door close detection sensor 11, constitutes door close detection means. Regardless of whether or not the departure approval button 116 is present, the control device 50 may detect that the door 3 a of the aircraft 3 is closed when it receives a door detection signal from the door close detection sensor 115 continuously for a predetermined period of time. In this example, the door closed detection sensor 115 is used to detect whether the door 3 a of the aircraft 3 is closed. However, instead of or in addition to this, cameras 21 and 22 may be used to photograph the door 3 a, and the images photographed by the cameras 21 and 22 may be analyzed to detect whether the door 3 a is closed.

[0099] When the control device 50 determines in step S41 that the cab 6 can be detached from the aircraft 3, it terminates the operation of the level detection device 64, ends the auto-level mode, starts the operation mode (step S42), and controls the opening and closing devices 65D, 66D to close the partition members 65LR, 66P (step S43).

[0100] After step S43, the control device 50 determines whether the partition members 65LR, 66P are in the closed state based on the detection signal from the opening / closing state detection devices 111, 113 after a predetermined time taking into account the time required to open and close the partition members 65LR, 66P (step S44).

[0101] If the determination in step S44 indicates that both partition members 65LR, 66P are in the closed state (Yes in step S44), the control device 50 transmits information indicating that they are in the closed state to the control device 81 of the remote control device 80 (step S45). In response to this information, the control device 81 displays information indicating that both partition members 65LR, 66P are in the closed state on the display device 83. After confirming this information, the operator presses the automatic detachment start button on the operation device 82. This operation causes the control device 81 to transmit an automatic detachment start signal to the control device 50.

[0102] When the control device 50 receives the automatic removal start signal (Yes in step S46), it starts automatic removal (step S47).

[0103] Furthermore, if the result of the determination in step S44 is that either of the partition members 65LR, 66P is not in the closed state (No in step S44), the control device 50 transmits information about the partition member that is not in the closed state to the control device 81 of the remote control device 80 (step S51). The processing in steps S51 to S55 is the same as the processing in steps S11 to S15 in FIG. 9, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0104] When the control device 50 starts the automatic detachment in step S47, it contracts the closure 63 and then controls the traveling device 10, the lifting device 8, and the cab rotation device 6R to return the cab 6 to a predetermined standby position. When the cab 6 returns to the predetermined standby position, the automatic detachment is completed (step S48), and the control device 50 ends the operation mode (step S49).

[0105] Here, after completing the operation mode of step S49, the control device 50 may control the opening and closing device 66D so that the roller blind 66P installed in the rotunda 4 is opened. Leaving the roller blind 66P open makes it convenient to clean and inspect the inside of the passenger boarding bridge 1.

[0106] It should be noted that an electric shutter may be provided instead of the electric roller blind 66, and an electric shutter may be provided instead of the electric double doors 65.

[0107] In this embodiment, when the cab 6 is attached to the aircraft 3 and when the cab 6 is detached from the aircraft 3, the operation mode is entered, and the partition member 65LR installed in the cab 6 is closed, thereby preventing a person from accidentally going toward the outdoor area R1 at the tip end of the cab 6 and falling. Furthermore, by closing the partition member 65LR installed in the cab 6, the outdoor area R1 and the indoor area R2 of the cab 6 can be separated, and intrusion of rainwater and the like into the indoor area R2 can be prevented.

[0108] In addition, when the cab 6 is attached to the aircraft 3 and when the cab 6 is detached from the aircraft 3, the operation mode is activated and the partition member 66P installed on the rotunda 4 is closed, thereby preventing people from accidentally entering the passenger boarding bridge 1.

[0109] In this embodiment, by providing opening / closing devices 65D, 66D that open and close the partition members 65LR, 66P, there is no need to manually open or close the partition members 65LR, 66P. Furthermore, the opening / closing devices 65D, 66D are controlled to close the partition members 65LR, 66P in the operation mode (first control mode) and to open the partition members 65LR, 66P in the auto-level mode (second control mode), eliminating the need for manual operations to open or close the partition members 65LR, 66P. This allows for labor savings.

[0110] In this embodiment, when the operation mode is entered in which the cab 6 can be moved to attach or detach from the boarding section of the aircraft 3, the partition members 65LR, 66P are placed in a closed state to close the walkway. As a result, if there is a person inside the passenger boarding bridge 1, the partition member 65LR installed on the walkway of the cab 6 can prevent the person from accidentally moving toward the tip of the cab 6 and falling off the cab 6. In addition, the partition member 66P installed on the walkway of the rotunda 4 can prevent people from entering the passenger boarding bridge 1 while the cab 6 is being moved.

[0111] In this embodiment, when the control device 50 is in the operation mode, it controls the opening / closing devices 65D, 66D so that the partition members 65LR, 66P are closed. Here, immediately after controlling the opening / closing device 65D so that the partition member 65LR is closed, if the human detection device 112 detects a person when the open / closed state detection device 111 does not detect the closed state of the partition member 65LR, the control device 50 controls the opening / closing device 65D so that the partition member 65LR is open. This prevents a person from coming into contact with or being pinched by the partition member 65LR. Furthermore, the control device 50 controls the opening / closing device 65D so that the partition member 65LR is closed, and if the human detection device 112 detects a person after the open / closed state detection device 111 detects the closed state of the partition member 65LR, the control device 50 maintains the closed state of the partition member 65LR.

[0112] Similarly, if the human detection device 114 detects a person when the open / closed state detection device 113 has not detected the closed state of the partition member 66P immediately after controlling the opening / closing device 66D to close the partition member 66P, the control device 50 controls the opening / closing device 66D to open the partition member 66P. This prevents a person from coming into contact with or being pinched by the partition member 66P. Furthermore, the control device 50 controls the opening / closing device 66D to close the partition member 66P, and if the human detection device 114 detects a person after the open / closed state detection device 113 has detected the closed state of the partition member 66P, the control device 50 maintains the closed state of the partition member 66P.

[0113] Furthermore, not only when the control device 50 enters the operation mode as in steps S2, S3, and S42, S43, but also when the control device 50 operates the operating devices 32, 82, etc. to control the opening / closing devices 65D, 66D to close the partition members 65LR, 66P, if a person is detected by the human detection devices 112, 114 when the open / close state detection devices 111, 113 have not detected the closed state of the partition members 65LR, 66P immediately after controlling the opening / closing devices 65D, 66D as described above, the control device 50 controls the opening / closing devices 65D, 66D to open the partition members 65LR, 66P. This makes it possible to prevent a person from coming into contact with or being pinched by the partition members 65LR, 66P while the partition members 65LR, 66P are being closed.

[0114] In addition, when the control device 50 is in an operation mode where remote operation (remotely operated manual operation or automatic operation) is being performed, if a person is detected by at least one of the person detection devices 112, 114, the control device 50 may stop the operation of the cab 6's movement means (lifting device 8, traveling device 10 and cab rotation device 6R) to ensure the safety of the person.

[0115] In this embodiment, for example, a forced opening / closing operation switch for forcibly opening and closing the partition members 65LR, 66P may be provided on the boarding gate counter or the remote control device 80. This forced opening / closing operation switch and the control device 50 are configured to be able to communicate with each other. In the case of the remote control device 80, the operation device 82 may be provided with the forced opening / closing operation switch.

[0116] When a person closes or opens the forced opening / closing operation switch, a forced opening / closing signal (forced closing signal or forced opening signal) is transmitted from the forced opening / closing operation switch to the control device 50. When the control device 50 receives the forced opening / closing signal, it controls the opening / closing devices 65D, 66D based on the forced opening / closing signal, regardless of the control mode (operation mode, auto-level mode) or whether or not a control mode is in effect. For example, if a suspicious person is attempting to enter the passenger boarding bridge 1 in the auto-level mode, closing the forced opening / closing operation switch can close the partition members 65LR, 66P, thereby preventing the suspicious person from entering the passenger boarding bridge 1 or the aircraft 3. Note that separate forced opening / closing switches may be provided for the partition members 65LR and 66P.

[0117] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the human detection device 114 installed in the rotunda 4 may be a camera equipped with an AI processing function, and may be configured to include a photographing unit that photographs the inside of the fixed bridge 2 of the terminal building from inside the rotunda 4 through the opening 4h of the rotunda 4, and an image determination unit that analyzes the image photographed by the photographing unit and determines whether or not a suspicious person is approaching the rotunda 4. For example, a rule prohibiting running within the terminal building or at least within the fixed bridge 2 may be established, and a person running toward the rotunda 4 may be considered a suspicious person, and the image determination unit may determine that a suspicious person is present if a person running toward the rotunda 4 is present. Furthermore, for example, facial photographs of persons such as criminals on international wanted lists may be stored, and the image determination unit may determine whether or not a person approaching the rotunda 4 is an international wanted person, and if it is determined that the person is an international wanted person, it may determine that a suspicious person is present.

[0118] When the image determination unit determines that there is a suspicious person approaching the rotunda 4, it transmits a suspicious person detection signal to the control device 50. When the control device 50 receives a suspicious person detection signal in the auto-level mode, it controls the opening and closing devices 65D, 66D so that the partition members 65LR, 66P are in the closed state. This makes it possible to prevent a suspicious person from entering the passenger boarding bridge 1 or the aircraft 3. Furthermore, when remote control operation is being performed, the control device 50 may transmit the suspicious person detection signal to the remote control device 80 upon receiving the suspicious person detection signal. When the control device 81 of the remote control device 80 receives the suspicious person detection signal, it may notify the operator of the presence of a suspicious person by displaying the presence of a suspicious person on the display device 83 or by outputting a voice or warning sound from a speaker (not shown).

[0119] This embodiment also includes passenger boarding bridges of the first and second configurations described below.

[0120] A passenger boarding bridge of a first configuration comprises a rotunda connected to a terminal building, a tunnel section whose base end is connected to the rotunda and configured to be freely retractable in the longitudinal direction, a cab connected to the tip of the tunnel section and attached to and detached from an aircraft, a moving means for moving the cab, a control device for controlling the moving means, and a door closed detection means for detecting a state in which the door of the aircraft is closed with the cab attached to the aircraft, wherein the control device is configured to control the moving means to move the cab from a predetermined waiting position and attach it to the aircraft, and then, after the door of the aircraft is opened once and the door closed detection means detects that the door of the aircraft is closed, determine that the cab can be detached, and control the moving means to detach the cab from the aircraft and move it to the waiting position.

[0121] Furthermore, the passenger boarding bridge of the second configuration is the passenger boarding bridge of the first configuration, further comprising a departure approval operation unit (departure approval button 116) that is installed in the cab and is operated by a cabin crew member to send a departure approval signal to the control device, and the control device is configured to determine that the cab can be left after the cab is attached to the aircraft, the door of the aircraft is once opened, and then, after receiving the departure approval signal, the door of the aircraft is detected as closed by the door closing detection means,

[0122] In the passenger boarding bridges of the first and second configurations described above, after the cab has been attached to the aircraft, when the cab is to be detached from the aircraft, the control device determines that the cab can be detached and controls the moving means to detach the cab from the aircraft and move it to a standby position, without requiring any operation by the passenger boarding bridge operator, thereby saving labor.

[0123] From the above description, many modifications and other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description should be construed as illustrative only and is provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode for carrying out the present invention. Details of the structure and / or function thereof may be substantially changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0124] The present invention is useful as a passenger boarding bridge or the like that can achieve labor savings.

[0125] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Passenger boarding bridge 2 Fixed bridge of terminal building 3 Aircraft 3a Aircraft door 4 Rotunda 5 Tunnel section 6 Cab 6R Cab rotation device (moving means) 8 Lifting device (moving means) 10 Traveling device (moving means) 50 Control device 65L, 65R Double doors (partition member) 65D Double door opening / closing device 66P Roller screen (partition member) 66D Roller screen opening / closing device 111, 113 Opening / closing state detection device 112, 114 Person detection device

Claims

1. a rotunda connected to the terminal building and having a pedestrian walkway inside; a tunnel section having a base end connected to the rotunda and configured to be extendable and retractable in the longitudinal direction, the tunnel section having a pedestrian walkway therein; a cab connected to the tip of the tunnel section, having a tip that is attached to and detached from the boarding and disembarking section of the aircraft and having a walkway inside; a moving means for moving the cab; a control device having a first control mode that controls the moving means based on an operation signal operated by an operator to move the cab to an arbitrary position, and a second control mode that controls the moving means so that the cab attached to the boarding and disembarking section of the aircraft moves in accordance with the up and down movement of the boarding and disembarking section of the aircraft; a partition member installed in a walkway of at least one of the cab and the rotunda, which opens the walkway when in an open state and closes the walkway when in a closed state; an opening / closing device that opens and closes the partition member; Equipped with The control device When the first control mode is entered, the opening and closing device is controlled to close the partition member, and when the second control mode is entered, the opening and closing device is controlled to open the partition member. Passenger boarding bridge.

2. an open / closed state detection device that detects the open state and closed state of the partition member; a human detection device that detects a person within a predetermined range including the installation position of the partition member; Furthermore, The control device Immediately after the first control mode is entered and the opening / closing device is controlled to close the partition member, if a person is detected by the human detection device when the closed state of the partition member is not detected by the open / closed state detection device, the opening / closing device is controlled to open the partition member, and if a person is detected by the human detection device after the closed state of the partition member is detected by the open / closed state detection device, the opening / closing device is maintained in the closed state.

2. The passenger boarding bridge according to claim 1.

3. The control device When a mode control release signal for releasing the control of the opening and closing device based on the first control mode and the second control mode is received, the control of the opening and closing device based on the first control mode and the second control mode is released, and the opening and closing device is controlled based on an opening and closing operation signal of the partition member that is received thereafter.

3. A passenger boarding bridge according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The control device When a forced opening / closing signal instructing forcibly opening or closing the partition member is received, the opening / closing device is controlled based on the forced opening / closing signal regardless of the first control mode and the second control mode.

3. A passenger boarding bridge according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The cab is The interior is divided into an outdoor area on the tip side and an indoor area on the tunnel side, an opening that connects the outdoor area and the indoor area and serves as a walkway; The partition member is installed in the opening of the cab.

3. A passenger boarding bridge according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The rotunda has an opening facing the terminal building that serves as a pedestrian walkway, The partition member is installed at the opening of the rotunda.

3. A passenger boarding bridge according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The cab is The interior is divided into an outdoor area on the tip side and an indoor area on the tunnel side, an opening that connects the outdoor area and the indoor area and serves as a walkway; The rotunda has an opening facing the terminal building that serves as a pedestrian walkway, The partition member is installed between the opening of the cab and the opening of the rotunda, a photographing unit installed in the rotunda and configured to photograph the inside of the terminal building from inside the rotunda through the opening of the rotunda; and an image determination unit that analyzes the image captured by the image capture unit and determines whether or not there is a suspicious person approaching the rotunda. The control device In the second control mode, when the image determination unit determines that there is a suspicious person approaching the rotunda, the opening and closing device is controlled to change the partition member from an open state to a closed state.

2. The passenger boarding bridge according to claim 1.