Inspection device and inspection system

Abstract

Provided is an inspection device and an inspection system capable of easily collecting sound of a passenger conveyor with little disturbance. This inspection system comprises: a sound collector that collects sound inside a machine chamber of a passenger conveyor; an inspection device that stores recording information of the sound collected by the sound collector; and a server that transmits, to the inspection device, an inquiry notification in which a timing at which the sound was recorded is designated. The inspection device comprises: a recording unit that records the sound collected by the sound collector; a recording control unit that causes the recording unit to start recording when the passenger conveyor started a starting operation for moving steps during normal operation, or when the passenger conveyor started a stopping operation for the steps during normal operation; a storage unit that stores the recording information recorded by the recording unit in association with the recording timing; and a communication unit that, when the inquiry notification is received, transmits to the server the recording information of the timing designated in the inquiry notification from among the recording information stored in the storage unit.

Description

Inspection equipment and inspection systems

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inspection device and an inspection system for a passenger conveyor.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a passenger conveyor. During a test run, sounds are collected from the passenger conveyor. If the collected sounds are abnormal, a control unit of the passenger conveyor can stop the operation of the drive machine.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-100138

[0004] However, the sound collection of the passenger conveyor described in Patent Document 1 is performed during a test run to reduce disturbing sounds. The test run must be performed by a specialized staff member. For this reason, sound collection can only be performed at special times, such as during inspection work.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an inspection device and an inspection system that can easily collect sounds from a passenger conveyor in a situation with little disturbance.

[0006] The inspection device according to the present disclosure comprises a recording unit that records sounds collected inside the passenger conveyor's machine room, and a recording control unit that causes the recording unit to record for a start interval after the passenger conveyor starts the start-up operation of moving the steps in normal operation, where the start-up interval includes the start-up time from when the brake device of the passenger conveyor starts to release the operation until the steps reach a constant speed.

[0007] The inspection device according to the present disclosure includes a recording unit that records sounds collected inside the passenger conveyor's machine room, and a recording control unit that causes the recording unit to record for the stop interval after the passenger conveyor starts the step stop operation during normal operation.

[0008] The inspection system according to the present disclosure comprises a sound collector that collects sound inside the machine room of the passenger conveyor, an inspection device that stores recorded information of the sound collected by the sound collector, and a server that sends an inquiry notification to the inspection device specifying the timing at which the sound was recorded. The inspection device has a recording unit that records the sound collected by the sound collector, a recording control unit that causes the recording unit to start recording when the passenger conveyor starts a startup operation to move the steps in normal operation or when the passenger conveyor starts a stopping operation of the steps in normal operation, a memory unit that stores the recorded information recorded by the recording unit in association with the timing at which it was recorded, and a communication unit that, when an inquiry notification is received, sends the recorded information stored in the memory unit with the timing specified in the inquiry notification to the server.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, the sound collected inside the machine room is recorded after the start-up operation or the stop operation has started during normal operation. This allows the inspection device and inspection system to easily collect the sound from the passenger conveyor under minimal disturbance.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an escalator to which the inspection system according to Embodiment 1 is applied. FIG. 2 is an example of an interface screen displayed in the inspection system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main part of a machine room to which a sound collector according to Embodiment 1 is fixed. FIG. 4 is a top view of a machine room to which a sound collector according to Embodiment 1 is fixed. FIG. 5 is a transparent perspective view of a sound collector according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a side view of a sound collector in a fixed state according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the equipment configuration of an inspection device and a sound collector according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the inspection system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the transition of the sound pressure of sound recorded by the inspection system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the transition of the sound pressure of sound recorded by the inspection system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an overview of the operations performed by the inspection system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an overview of the operations performed by the inspection system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the inspection system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 14 is a hardware configuration diagram of an inspection device according to Embodiment 1.

[0011] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of these parts will be appropriately simplified or omitted.

[0012] Embodiment 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an escalator to which an inspection system according to embodiment 1 is applied. Fig. 2 is an example of an interface screen displayed by the inspection system according to embodiment 1.

[0013] FIG. 1 shows an escalator 1, which is an example of a passenger conveyor. The escalator 1 is installed between an upper floor and a lower floor of a building (not shown). The escalator 1 transports passengers between the upper and lower floors. The escalator 1 is provided with a first entrance / exit 2a, a second entrance / exit 2b, a truss 3, and a machine room 4.

[0014] The first entrance 2a is provided on an upper floor of the building. The second entrance 2b is provided on a lower floor of the building. Passengers use the escalator 1 by passing through the first entrance 2a and the second entrance 2b. A truss 3 is spanned between the first entrance 2a and the second entrance 2b. Although not shown in the figure, the truss 3 is composed of a number of beams assembled together. The truss 3 has a machine room 4 at its upper end, below the first entrance 2a. The machine room 4 is a space surrounded by the beams of the truss 3, an outer frame (not shown), and the like.

[0015] Escalator 1 includes a driving machine 5, a reduction gear 6, and a brake device 7 inside machine room 4. The driving machine 5 is a motor that rotates a power shaft. The reduction gear 6 includes an input shaft 6a, a driving shaft 6b, and a reduction mechanism 6c. A V-belt 8 is wound around the power shaft and input shaft 6a of the driving machine 5. In the reduction gear 6, the rotational driving force of the driving machine 5 input to the input shaft 6a via the V-belt 8 is output from the drive shaft 6b. At this time, the rotational speed and torque of the input rotational driving force are converted in the reduction mechanism 6c that connects the input shaft 6a and the driving shaft 6b.

[0016] For example, the brake device 7 is connected to the drive shaft 6b. The brake device 7 can apply a braking force to the drive shaft 6b. For example, the brake device 7 applies a braking force by clamping a braked object, such as a disk, connected to the drive shaft 6b so as to follow the drive shaft 6b with a gripping body, such as a brake pad. Hereinafter, the generation of a braking force by the brake device 7 may be referred to as "activation," and the brake device 7 not applying a braking force by not clamping the braked object with a gripping body, etc., may be referred to as "release."

[0017] The escalator 1 further includes a plurality of steps 9, step sprockets 10, a drive chain 11, a step chain 12, and a control panel 13. The plurality of steps 9 are all connected together in an endless manner. The plurality of steps 9 are arranged between the first platform 2a and the second platform 2b. Although not shown, the steps 9 have a rotational main shaft. The rotational main shaft is guided by a guide rail arranged along the track of the steps 9. In this way, the steps 9 are movable along the guide rail.

[0018] The step sprocket 10 is provided in the machine chamber 4. The drive chain 11 is endless. One end and the other end of the drive chain 11 are wound around the drive shaft 6b and a driven sprocket (not shown) that is provided coaxially with the step sprocket 10, respectively. The step chain 12 is an endless chain. The step chain 12 connects multiple steps 9. A portion of the step chain 12 is wound around the step sprocket 10. In this state, a portion of the multiple steps 9 and a portion of the step chain 12 fold back from the top to the bottom of the step sprocket 10 along the vicinity of the circumference of the step sprocket 10.

[0019] Control panel 13 is electrically connected to at least drive machine 5 and brake device 7. Note that control panel 13 may be connected to drive machine 5 via an inverter (not shown). Control panel 13 controls the overall operation of escalator 1 by transmitting control signals to drive machine 5 and brake device 7.

[0020] For example, a command from the control panel 13 drives the driving machine 5, releasing the brake device 7. The rotational driving force generated by the driving machine 5 rotates the step sprocket 10 via the V-belt 8, the reducer 6, and the drive chain 11. The step chain 12 and the multiple steps 9 move in response to the rotation of the step sprocket 10. At this time, each of the multiple steps 9 moves along the guide rail. Specifically, of the multiple steps 9, the upper step 9 moves along the passenger transportation route. For example, in UP operation, the upper step 9 turns back along the step sprocket 10 and moves downward as the lower step 9.

[0021] Inspection system 100 includes first server 101, second server 102, individual terminal 103, remote monitoring device 14, inspection device 20, and sound collector 30. Note that inspection system 100 may also include escalator 1 as part of its configuration. Furthermore, at least one of remote monitoring device 14, inspection device 20, and sound collector 30 may be considered as a component of the passenger conveyor that is escalator 1.

[0022] The first server 101 and the second server 102 are provided in a building separate from the building in which the escalator 1 is provided. The first server 101 and the second server 102 may be provided in different buildings, or at least one of them may be realized as a cloud server. The first server 101 and the second server 102 are owned by a company that maintains and manages the escalator 1. For example, the first server 101 is a server that serves as an information center device and is accessed by a monitor who remotely monitors the escalator 1. For example, the second server 102 is a server that is accessed from an individual terminal 103 by a worker who inspects, maintains, etc. the escalator 1 on-site.

[0023] Remote monitoring device 14 is electrically connected to control panel 13 in machine room 4. Remote monitoring device 14 is capable of communicating with first server 101 and second server 102 via a public line. Remote monitoring device 14 acquires information about the operation of escalator 1 from control panel 13, and when specified conditions are met, transmits the information about the operation to first server 101.

[0024] The inspection device 20 is electrically connected to the remote monitoring device 14 in the machine room 4. The inspection device 20 is capable of communicating with the first server 101 and the second server 102 via the remote monitoring device 14. The inspection device 20 is electrically connected to the control panel 13. The inspection device 20 may also be electrically connected to the driving machine 5 and the braking device 7. The sound collector 30 is provided inside the machine room 4 as one of the inspection devices. The sound collector 30 includes a microphone capable of detecting ambient sounds.

[0025] The inspection system 100 may include, as inspection equipment, a camera provided on the escalator 1, a deflection sensor for the belt and chain, etc. In this case, the inspection equipment is electrically connected to the inspection device 20.

[0026] The opening on the top surface of the machine room 4 is closed by a floor panel 15 that can be opened and closed. Users move on the floor panel 15, which is the landing plate of the first entrance 2a. When inspecting the escalator 1, workers open the floor panel 15 and inspect the drive machine 5 and other components through the opening.

[0027] The inspection system 100 can replace part of the on-site inspection work performed by an operator. Specifically, the inspection system 100 can replace the work of an operator inspecting the equipment of the escalator 1 by listening to sounds. Conventionally, when the floorboard 15 is blocking the machine room 4 and the steps 9 are moving, an operator would listen to sounds coming from the machine room 4 to inspect for abnormalities in the V-belt 8, the drive chain 11, the brake device 7, and the like.

[0028] When escalator 1 starts normal operation and when it stops normal operation, inspection device 20 determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on the sound from inside machine room 4 collected by sound collector 30. If an abnormality is confirmed, inspection device 20 notifies first server 101 of the abnormality via remote monitoring device 14. Furthermore, regardless of whether or not there is an abnormality, inspection device 20 stores the collected sound as recorded information.

[0029] For example, instead of visiting escalator 1 to perform inspection work, a worker uses individual terminal 103 to listen to the sounds stored in inspection device 20. At this time, individual terminal 103 accesses second server 102 to specify the timing and transmits an inquiry notice to inspection device 20. Inspection device 20 transmits to second server 102 information about the sounds recorded at the timing included in the inquiry notice from among the recorded information stored therein. By accessing second server 102 from individual terminal 103, the worker can listen to the sounds and determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the equipment, in the same way as checking for abnormal sounds on-site.

[0030] 2 shows an example of an interface screen displayed on the individual terminal 103 by accessing the second server 102. By selecting button B1 on the interface screen, the worker can listen to the recorded sound at the specified timing. In this example, the worker can also check an image captured by a camera installed on the escalator 1 in area B2.

[0031] Conventionally, sound inspections were performed by workers once a month when they visited the escalator 1. The inspection device 20 performs sound abnormality detection at daily startup, etc., allowing for more frequent inspections than manual inspections. Furthermore, the frequency with which workers must visit the escalator 1 can be reduced. For sounds that indicate signs of abnormalities that cannot be detected by the inspection device 20, workers can still determine the abnormalities by listening to recorded information. Furthermore, by specifying a specific day as the timing and acquiring recorded information for that day, workers can determine when an abnormality, such as an abnormal sound, began to occur. Meanwhile, there is generally a limit to the amount of data that the remote monitoring device 14 can transmit and receive per period. In the inspection system 100, recorded information is not transmitted or received until an inquiry is made to the inspection device 20, allowing for effective data exchange within the limit.

[0032] Next, the sound collector 30 will be described using Fig. 3 to Fig. 6. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the main parts of the machine room to which the sound collector in embodiment 1 is fixed. Fig. 4 is a top view of the machine room to which the sound collector in embodiment 1 is fixed. Fig. 5 is a transparent perspective view of the sound collector in embodiment 1. Fig. 6 is a side view of the sound collector in embodiment 1 when fixed.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3 , the truss 3 includes a floor support beam 3a, an end beam 3b, and an end longitudinal beam 3c as part of the beams that make up the machine room 4. The floor support beam 3a is located in the upper part of the machine room 4, between the step sprocket 10 and the driver 5 on a horizontal projection plane. The longitudinal direction of the floor support beam 3a is horizontal and approximately parallel to the drive shaft of the driver 5. The floor support beam 3a has an upper surface S1 facing upward and a side surface S2 extending downward from the upper surface S1. The end beam 3b is a horizontal beam located in the upper part of the machine room 4, at the end opposite the step sprocket 10 of the machine room 4. The end longitudinal beam 3c is connected to the end of the end beam 3b and is a beam whose longitudinal direction is vertical. The floor panel 15, not shown in FIG. 3 , is supported by at least the upper surface S1 of the floor support beam 3a.

[0034] Note that while the end beams 3b are beams that support the floor panels and also form the ends of the machine room 4, the floor panel support beams 3a are beams that are placed across mainly for the purpose of supporting the floor panels 15 on which the load is applied. Different models of escalator 1 have different shapes of the machine room 4, and therefore the distances from the end beams 3b and end longitudinal beams 3c to the driving machine 5 often differ. On the other hand, in order to ensure workability on the driving machine 5 when the floor panels 15 are removed, the distance from the floor panel support beams 3a to the driving machine 5 does not vary significantly, even if the model differs.

[0035] The sound collector 30 is fixed to the floor board support beam 3a. Specifically, it is fixed with a bolt or the like to the side surface S2 of the floor board support beam 3a that faces the driver 5. A through hole H through which the bolt is passed is formed in the side surface S2 of the floor board support beam 3a.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 4, on a horizontal projection plane, the sound collector 30 is located between the driver 5 and the folded-back portion of the step 9. On a horizontal projection plane, the sound collector 30 is located on the driver 5 side of the center in the width direction of the step 9. In other words, through-hole H, which is not shown in Fig. 4, is opened on the driver 5 side of the center part in the longitudinal direction of the floor board support beam 3a.

[0037] 5, in this example, the sound collector 30 includes a sound collection unit 31 that detects sound, a fixing jig 32 that is fixed to the floorboard support beam 3a, and a mounting housing 33 that attaches the sound collection unit 31 to the fixing jig 32. The sound collection unit 31 includes a microphone 31a that is an element that detects ambient sound, and a sound collection substrate 31b. The sound collection substrate 31b outputs the sound detected by the microphone 31a as an electrical signal. Note that the sound collection substrate 31b may also have a function of converting the sound detected by the microphone 31a into recorded information.

[0038] In this example, the fixing jig 32 is a jig that is formed by processing a single metal plate into one piece. The fixing jig 32 has, as its parts, a fixing portion 34, an extension portion 35, and an upper protective portion 36. Below, each component of the sound collector 30 will be described based on the posture in which the sound collector 30 is fixed to the floor board support beam 3a.

[0039] The fixing portion 34 is a portion that is fixed to the floor board support beam 3a. One or more fixing holes 34a are drilled in the plate-shaped fixing portion 34. The fixing hole 34a is an oval-shaped hole that connects a small hole 34b and a large hole 34c. The large hole 34c is located vertically below the small hole 34b and has a larger diameter than the small hole 34b. The diameter of the small hole 34b is large enough to allow the bolt that fixes the fixing portion 34 to the floor board support beam 3a to pass through. The diameter of the large hole 34c is large enough to allow the nut, washer, etc. that is fitted on the bolt that fixes the fixing portion 34 to the floor board support beam 3a to pass through.

[0040] The extension portion 35 is plate-shaped and extends from a connection point 34d that is below the vertical center of the fixed portion 34. For example, the connection point 34d is the lower end of the fixed portion 34 that is fixed to the floor board support beam 3a. The extension portion 35 extends obliquely upward from the connection point 34d in the horizontal direction.

[0041] Note that, when the shape of the fixing jig 32 is such that a member extends from the fixing portion 34 in a horizontal direction or diagonally downward direction, and the tip of the member extends diagonally upward, the member extending in the horizontal direction or the member extending diagonally downward can be regarded as the fixing portion 34. Even in this case, the extending portion 35 is the portion extending from the fixing portion 34 in a diagonally upward direction relative to the horizontal direction.

[0042] The upper protective portion 36 is a portion of the extension portion 35 that extends from a portion above the sound collection portion 31 so as to cover the upper side of the sound collection portion 31. For example, the upper protective portion 36 is plate-shaped and extends from the upper end of the extension portion 35 substantially perpendicular to the extension portion 35.

[0043] The mounting housing 33 attaches the sound collection unit 31 to the extension unit 35 as a mounting portion 37. For example, the mounting housing 33 includes plates that form four of the six faces of a substantially cube. Specifically, the mounting housing 33 includes a mounting plate 38, a pair of side plates 39, and a lower plate 40.

[0044] The sound collection unit 31 is attached to the mounting plate 38. A hole is formed in the mounting plate 38 for attaching the sound collection substrate 31b. A sound collection hole is formed in the mounting plate 38 at a position where the microphone 31a is to be disposed.

[0045] The pair of side plates 39 are plates that face each other and extend perpendicularly from the mounting plate 38. A fixing plate 41 extends from each of the pair of side plates 39 at the end of the side plate 39 opposite the mounting plate 38. The fixing plate 41 extends in the opposite direction from the opposite side plate 39. The fixing plate 41 is fixed to the extension portion 35 with bolts or the like while making contact with the plate of the extension portion 35 at the contact surface. At this time, there is no gap between the fixing plate 41 and the extension portion 35. Furthermore, the mounting plate 38 and the upper protective portion 36 are in contact with no gap. The side plate 39 and the upper protective portion 36 are in contact with no gap.

[0046] The lower plate 40 is a plate that extends from the lower end of the mounting plate 38 in the same direction as the side plates 39. The lower plate 40 extends from the mounting plate 38 in the direction in which the sound collection unit 31 is attached, and is located below the sound collection unit 31. The lower plate 40 is connected to each of the pair of side plates 39. A wire inlet 40a is formed in the lower plate 40.

[0047] In the sound collector 30, a storage space A is formed that is surrounded by a mounting plate 38 that serves as a mounting housing 33, a pair of side plates 39, a lower plate 40, an extension portion 35, and an upper protective portion 36. A microphone 31a and a sound collection substrate 31b that serve as the sound collector 31 are disposed inside the storage space A. A fixing plate 41 extends from the side plate 39 to the opposite side to the storage space A. The inside and outside of the storage space A are connected by a hole opened at the position of the microphone 31a and an inlet 40a.

[0048] As shown in Figure 6, when attached, the microphone 31a faces the driver 5. This makes it particularly easy to collect sounds around the driver 5. Note that an omnidirectional microphone element is selected, so the microphone 31a can detect sounds generated inside the machine room 4 regardless of position. The upper end of the extension portion 35 is located below the upper surface S1 of the floor panel support beam 3a. In this case, the upper protective portion 36 is located below the upper surface S1, so the sound collector 30 does not come into contact with the floor panel 15 that is placed on it.

[0049] 5 and attached as shown in Fig. 6, the risk of the sound collection unit 31 being damaged by rainwater is reduced, and workers can easily perform work in the machine room 4. Specifically, when rainwater falls near the floor board 15 of the escalator 1, and when the wet floor board 15 is removed, rainwater may enter the machine room 4 along the floor board support beams 3a, etc. The sound collector 30 is required to be configured so that the sound collection substrate 31b, etc. will not be damaged by this rainwater.

[0050] The sound collection substrate 31b is surrounded by the storage space A, preventing rainwater from falling on it from above and on the sides. If the fixing plate 41 extended from the side plate 39 toward the storage space A, the holes for fixing the extension portion 35 would be connected to the storage space A. In this case, there is a risk that rainwater would enter the storage space A from above through the holes in the fixing plate 41. However, as shown in this embodiment, the fixing plate 41 extends on the side opposite the storage space A, thereby avoiding this risk. Furthermore, holes necessary to connect the storage space A to the outside, such as the holes corresponding to the line inlet 40a and the microphone 31a, are positioned so that they face downward when the sound collector 30 is attached. Rainwater intrusion can occur from above or on the sides, or from water droplets flowing downward. The upper part of the line inlet 40a is covered by the plate of the extension portion 35, and the holes face downward, preventing rainwater from entering due to these factors.

[0051] Furthermore, the extension portion 35 extends diagonally upward from the bottom of the fixed portion 34. The sound collection portion 31 is located at a height higher than the connection point 34d. Rainwater running down the floorboard support beam 3a can move downward along the fixed portion 34, but gravity prevents it from flowing above the connection point 34d and instead falls downward. Even if rainwater falls on the extension portion 35, it flows down the extension portion 35 to the connection point 34d and then falls downward. When installed, the upper protective portion 36 has a plate that slopes downward. Therefore, even if rainwater falls on the upper protective portion 36, it protects the sound collection portion 31 like a roof and falls downward.

[0052] Furthermore, because the fixing hole 34a is opened above the connection point 34d and the extension portion 35 extends from below the fixing hole 34a, workers can perform the work of removing the sound collector 30 from above the sound collector 30 after opening the floorboard 15 to work on the machine room 4. This improves the workability of this work compared to when removing the sound collector 30 from below or to the side. The same applies to the work of attaching the sound collector 30.

[0053] Next, the inspection device 20 will be described in detail using Figures 7 to 12. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the equipment configuration of the inspection device and sound collector in embodiment 1. Figure 8 is a functional block diagram of the inspection system in embodiment 1. Figures 9 and 10 are diagrams showing an example of the transition of sound pressure of sound recorded by the inspection system in embodiment 1. Figures 11 and 12 are flowcharts showing an overview of the operations performed by the inspection system in embodiment 1.

[0054] 7 , the inspection device 20 is connected to the remote monitoring device 14 via a communication repeater. The inspection device 20 is connected to the sound collection board 31b of the sound collection unit 31. The inspection device 20 is connected to the control panel 13. A line for outputting a similar signal is input to the inspection device 20 in parallel with the signal line for outputting a control signal from the control panel 13 to the brake device 7. In this case, the control signal related to the brake is input to the inspection device 20 at approximately the same time as it is input to the brake device 7.

[0055] The inspection device 20 may be connected in series between the control panel 13 and the brake device 7. In this case, a control signal related to the brake is input from the control panel 13 to the brake device 7 through the inspection device 20.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 8, the inspection device 20 has the following functions: a memory unit 21, a communication unit 22, a signal receiving unit 23, a recording unit 24, a recording control unit 25, an abnormality detection unit 26, a data processing unit 27, and a threshold value creation unit 28.

[0057] The storage unit 21 stores information relating to various inspection results, including recorded information. The communication unit 22 communicates with the remote monitoring device 14. For example, in response to an inquiry notification from the second server 102, the communication unit 22 transmits the recorded information stored in the storage unit 21 to the second server 102. The signal receiving unit 23 receives a brake signal relating to brake control output from the control panel 13.

[0058] The recording unit 24 records an electrical signal representing sound, which is a signal received from the sound collection board 31b. That is, the recording unit 24 records the sound detected by the sound collector 30. As part of the recording process, the recording unit 24 creates recording information representing the sound and its transition over time.

[0059] The recording control unit 25 controls the time when recording is started and stopped by the recording unit 24. The recording control unit 25 causes the recording unit 24 to start recording when the signal receiving unit 23 receives a brake signal. When the signal receiving unit 23 receives a brake release signal, the recording control unit 25 causes the recording unit 24 to record for only the start interval. The start interval includes the startup time from when the step 9 starts moving until it reaches a constant speed and the constant speed time required to detect an abnormality in the constant speed state. When the signal receiving unit 23 receives a brake activation signal, the recording control unit 25 causes the recording unit 24 to record for only the stop interval. The stop interval is set to the time from when the step 9 starts stopping operation until it stops during normal operation.

[0060] The anomaly detection unit 26 monitors the sound recorded by the recording unit 24 and detects an anomaly based on the sound. Specifically, the anomaly detection unit 26 detects an anomaly when the sound pressure of the recorded sound exceeds a specified first or second threshold. The anomaly detection unit 26 changes the judgment threshold and the target value depending on whether the current timing is the startup time, the constant speed time, or the stop interval. Specifically, when monitoring an anomaly of the sound recorded during the startup time, the anomaly detection unit 26 detects an anomaly when the instantaneous value of the sound pressure of the recorded sound exceeds the first startup threshold or the second startup threshold. When monitoring an anomaly of the sound recorded during the constant speed time, the anomaly detection unit 26 detects an anomaly when the average value of the sound pressure of the recorded sound exceeds the first constant speed threshold or the second constant speed threshold. The anomaly detection unit 26 may use the time average value for a specified unit time or the time average value for the entire constant speed time as the average value of the sound pressure. For example, the abnormality detection unit 26 may start monitoring for abnormalities in the sound recorded during the startup time, and then start monitoring for abnormalities in the sound recorded during the constant speed time after the startup time. When monitoring for abnormalities in the sound recorded during the stop interval, the abnormality detection unit 26 detects an abnormality when the instantaneous value of the sound pressure of the recorded sound exceeds the first stop threshold or the second stop threshold. The second startup threshold, the second constant speed threshold, and the second stop threshold are each set in advance as specified upper limits.

[0061] When an abnormality detection unit 26 detects an abnormality, it notifies the first server 101 that the abnormality has been detected via the remote monitoring device 14. Note that when an abnormality detection unit 26 detects an abnormality, it may also notify the second server 102 that the abnormality has been detected via the remote monitoring device 14.

[0062] When the recording is completed, the data processing unit 27 compresses the recording information of the recording to reduce the data volume, and stores the compressed information in the storage unit 21. At this time, the data processing unit 27 adds information indicating the recording timing, such as the current date and time, to the recording information. The information indicating the recording timing may include information indicating the brake signal that was the starting point for recording.

[0063] The threshold creating unit 28 creates at least one of the first activation threshold, the first constant speed threshold, and the first stop threshold based on the sound pressure of the sound included in the recording information stored in the storage unit 21, and updates the thresholds. The threshold creating unit 28 creates a threshold from the recording information for the most recent reference period calculated from the current time. The reference period is set to any period, such as 10 days. For example, the threshold creating unit 28 creates a threshold once a day.

[0064] For example, when creating the first activation threshold, the threshold creation unit 28 calculates the average sound pressure value at each activation time for multiple pieces of recording information from the most recent reference period. The threshold creation unit 28 calculates the interquartile range of the average sound pressure values. The interquartile range is the range representing the bottom 25% to 75% of the multiple sound pressure values. The threshold creation unit 28 then creates a value 1.5 times the upper limit of the interquartile range as the first activation threshold. The threshold creation unit 28 may create the first constant-speed threshold and the first stop threshold by applying the same calculations to a constant-speed recording or a stop-interval recording.

[0065] The start time and stop interval are calculated from the characteristics of the passenger conveyor when it starts and stops. At this time, the times are set so that recording does not continue for longer than necessary, in order to reduce the amount of communication when transmitting data to the second server 102. Specifically, the start time is set to within 2 seconds. The constant speed time is set to within 8 seconds. The stop interval is set to within 2 seconds.

[0066] 9 is a graph showing the time progression of the sound pressure of the sound recorded in the machine room 4 when the escalator 1 starts up and goes into normal operation. The vertical axis represents sound pressure [dB], and the horizontal axis represents time [s (seconds)]. When starting up, step 9 is accelerated to a constant speed within a range that does not exceed a specified acceleration. For example, if the constant speed of step 9 is 40 [m / min], step 9 will reach the constant speed within two seconds after the brake device 7 is released.

[0067] 9, the sound pressure rises around 8 seconds when the brake device 7 is released. After that, the sound pressure remains roughly constant while Step 9 is accelerating until around 9.5 seconds. After Step 9 reaches a constant speed, the sound pressure remains constant at an average value that is smaller than during acceleration.

[0068] For example, possible causes of abnormal noise during startup include damage to bearings of the drive unit 5, abnormal gear meshing of the reducer 6, deterioration of the V-belt 8, and poor meshing due to deflection or elongation of the drive chain 11. If any of these causes occur, a loud noise may occur at least momentarily during startup. In this case, the inspection device 20 and the operator can discover the abnormality by comparing the detected noise with the first startup threshold or the second startup threshold.

[0069] For example, possible causes of abnormal noise during constant speed operation include damage to bearings of the drive unit 5, etc., abnormal gear meshing of the reducer 6, poor meshing due to deflection or elongation of the drive chain 11, etc. If such causes occur, the noise generated during constant speed operation may steadily increase in accordance with the rotation cycle of the bearings, etc. If a recording of about 8 seconds is made, even if such causes occur, the inspection device 20 and the operator can discover the abnormality by comparing the recording with the first constant speed threshold or the second constant speed threshold.

[0070] Furthermore, for example, if there is an abnormality in the end of the guide rail that guides the step 9, an abnormal noise may occur each time the step 9 passes over. In this case, the average value during the constant speed time may be larger than normal. As such, during the constant speed time, abnormal noise may occur periodically, and it is expected that the overall sound will be louder than normal. Therefore, it is effective to compare the average value of the recorded sound with the first constant speed threshold or the second constant speed threshold.

[0071] 10 is a graph showing the time progression of the sound pressure of the sound recorded in the machine room 4 when the escalator 1 stops from normal operation. The vertical axis represents the sound pressure [dB], and the horizontal axis represents the time [s (seconds)].

[0072] For example, possible causes of abnormal noise during stopping intervals include a defective lining in the brake device 7, poor tension in the V-belt 8, etc. If such a cause occurs, a squeal will occur from the affected part when the vehicle stops, and a loud noise may occur at least momentarily.

[0073] In step 9, the vehicle is decelerated to a stop within a range that does not exceed a specified deceleration. For example, the normal deceleration is 0.75 [m / s ２ When the vehicle is decelerated at a slower deceleration rate of 0.55 m / min, it takes approximately 0.9 seconds to stop from a constant speed (40 m / min). In FIG. 10, deceleration begins around 27 seconds, and step 9 stops around 28 seconds. For example, when the vehicle is decelerated at a slower deceleration rate of 0.55 m / min, it takes approximately 0.9 seconds to stop from a constant speed (40 m / min). ２ When the vehicle is decelerated at a constant speed of 40 m / min, it takes approximately 1.2 seconds for the vehicle to stop from a constant speed of 40 m / min. In this way, if recording is performed for about 2 seconds between stops, it is possible to detect abnormal noises when the vehicle stops.

[0074] Figure 11 shows an overview of the operation of the escalator 1 when it is started and the operation of the inspection system 100 at that time. The flowchart in Figure 11 starts when the manager who operates the escalator 1 to start it turns on the start key of the escalator 1. For safety reasons, the manager usually turns on the start key after confirming that there are no people around the escalator 1. At the start of the flowchart, the brake device 7 is in operation.

[0075] In step S001, the control panel 13 sends a command signal to the driving machine 5 to start it up and increase the torque. The driving machine 5 increases the torque based on the signal. At this time, the step 9 is stationary due to the braking force of the brake device 7.

[0076] Then, in step S002, the control panel 13 determines whether a brake release condition is satisfied. For example, the release condition may be satisfied when a specified time has elapsed since a command signal to increase torque is sent, or when the torque generated by the driving machine 5 exceeds a specified value. Setting the release condition prevents the step 9 from behaving unexpectedly due to its own weight after the brake device 7 is released. The operation of step S002 is repeated until the release condition is satisfied in step S002.

[0077] If the release condition is satisfied in step S002, the operation of step S003 is performed. In step S003, the control panel 13 transmits a brake release signal to the brake device 7 and the inspection device 20.

[0078] Thereafter, in step S004, the signal receiving unit 23 of the inspection device 20 receives the brake release signal.

[0079] After that, in step S005, the recording control unit 25 causes the recording unit 24 to start recording. The recording unit 24 starts recording.

[0080] Thereafter, in step S006, the brake device 7 releases the brakes based on the release brake signal, and the braking force becomes zero.

[0081] Thereafter, in step S007, the abnormality detection unit 26 monitors whether there is any abnormality in the recorded sound as the sound monitoring during the start interval. If the abnormality detection unit 26 detects an abnormality, it notifies the first server 101. Also, in step S007, the abnormality detection unit 26 changes the criteria for determination depending on the startup time and the constant speed time.

[0082] Thereafter, in step S008, the recording control unit 25 determines whether or not the start interval has elapsed. If the start interval has not elapsed in step S008, the operations from step S007 onwards are repeated.

[0083] If the start interval has elapsed in step S008, the operation of step S009 is performed. In step S009, the recording control unit 25 causes the recording unit 24 to end recording.

[0084] Thereafter, in step S010, the data processing unit 27 associates the recorded information created by the recording unit 24 with the date and time and the timing of startup, and stores the information in the storage unit 21. Note that the timing of startup may be associated with information indicating that the recording was made in response to a brake release signal.

[0085] Then, the operation of the flowchart ends.

[0086] Figure 12 shows an overview of the operation of the escalator 1 when it stops from normal operation and the operation of the inspection system 100 at that time. The flowchart in Figure 12 starts when the supervisor who performs the operation to stop the escalator 1 turns off the start key of the escalator 1. For safety reasons, the supervisor usually turns off the start key after confirming that no one is around the escalator 1. At the start of the flowchart, the brake device 7 is released.

[0087] In step S101 , the control panel 13 transmits an activation brake signal to the brake device 7 and the inspection device 20 .

[0088] Thereafter, in step S102, the signal receiving unit 23 of the inspection device 20 receives the brake actuation signal.

[0089] After that, in step S103, the recording control unit 25 causes the recording unit 24 to start recording. The recording unit 24 starts recording.

[0090] Thereafter, in step S104, the brake device 7 operates the brakes based on the brake release signal to generate braking force.

[0091] Thereafter, in step S105, the abnormality detection unit 26 monitors the sound during the stop interval. If the abnormality detection unit 26 detects an abnormality, it notifies the first server 101 to that effect.

[0092] Thereafter, in step S106, the recording control unit 25 determines whether or not the stop interval has elapsed. If the stop interval has not elapsed in step S106, the operations from step S105 onwards are repeated.

[0093] If the stop interval has elapsed in step S106, the operation of step S107 is carried out. In step S107, the recording control unit 25 causes the recording unit 24 to end recording.

[0094] Thereafter, in step S108, the data processing unit 27 associates the recorded information created by the recording unit 24 with the date and time and the timing of the stop, and stores the information in the storage unit 21. Note that the timing of the stop may be associated with information indicating that the recording was made in response to an actuation brake signal.

[0095] Then, the operation of the flowchart ends.

[0096] Next, an overview of the operation of the inspection system 100 when an operator checks the recording at a later date will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the inspection system in the first embodiment.

[0097] 13 starts, for example, when an operator prepares a monthly report regarding escalator 1. The operator performs the preparation work by accessing first server 101 and second server 102 using individual terminal 103.

[0098] In step S201, the worker checks whether or not an abnormality has been reported in the past month based on the information stored in the first server 101. If a report indicating that an abnormality has been detected has been received from the inspection device 20, the first server 101 stores information indicating that the report has been received. If no report has been received, the worker determines that no abnormality has been confirmed.

[0099] Then, in step S202, the second server 102 transmits an inquiry notification that transmits the latest recorded information to the inspection device 20. That is, the timing specified in the inquiry notification is the most recent date and time. Note that the second server 102 may transmit an inquiry notification to the inspection device 20 that specifies the most recent date and time as the timing at any trigger other than step S202.

[0100] Thereafter, in step S203, the communication unit 22 of the inspection device 20 transmits the recorded information to the second server 102 at the timing specified in the inquiry notification.

[0101] Thereafter, in step S204, the worker operates the interface screen, listens to the transmitted recorded information, and determines whether or not there is an abnormality.

[0102] If the worker determines in step S205 that it is necessary to listen to the recorded information at another timing, the operation of step S206 is performed. In step S206, the second server 102 transmits an inquiry notification including the timing specified by the worker to the inspection device 20. Thereafter, the operations from step S203 onward are repeated.

[0103] If the worker determines in step S205 that there is no need to listen to the recorded information at another time, the worker prepares a report in step S207, after which the operation of the flowchart ends.

[0104] According to the first embodiment described above, inspection system 100 includes inspection device 20. Inspection device 20 includes recording unit 24 and recording control unit 25. Recording control unit 25 causes recording unit 24 to record for a start interval after escalator 1, which is a passenger conveyor, begins its startup operation. The start interval includes the startup time from when brake device 7 begins its release operation until step 9 reaches a constant speed. The start interval and startup time are times during normal operation. In other words, by having the above-described functions, inspection system 100 can collect sounds during normal operation. Furthermore, escalator 1 is started only after it is confirmed that there are no passengers nearby who could cause disturbances. Therefore, inspection system 100 and inspection device 20 can easily collect sounds from the passenger conveyor in situations with few disturbances.

[0105] Furthermore, the recording control unit 25 causes the recording unit 24 to record for the stop interval after the escalator 1, which is a passenger conveyor, starts to stop. The stop interval is the time during which normal operation is performed. In other words, by having the above-described functions, the inspection system 100 can collect sounds during normal operation. Furthermore, the escalator 1 is stopped only after it has been confirmed that there are no passengers nearby who may cause disturbances. Therefore, the inspection system 100 and the inspection device 20 can easily collect sounds from the passenger conveyor in situations with few disturbances.

[0106] The inspection device 20 also includes a signal receiving unit 23. The recording control unit 25 causes the recording unit 24 to start recording when the signal receiving unit 23 receives a brake release signal or a brake activation signal. The sound collected by the inspection device 20 is the sound produced when a part of the equipment, such as the drive machine 5, is actually rotating or moving. If recording were started based on a signal that operates the drive machine 5 at startup, the sound produced when the equipment is actually moving would not be captured until the startup conditions are met. By starting recording when a brake release signal is received, the inspection device 20 can record reliably and with sufficient timing. Furthermore, by starting recording when a brake activation signal is received, the inspection device 20 can start recording immediately before the brake device 7 generates braking force.

[0107] Furthermore, the start time is set to within 2 seconds. The constant speed time is set to within 8 seconds. The stop interval is set to within 2 seconds. These times are longer than the time required for the target start or stop operation, but are not too long and are necessary and sufficient to detect abnormalities. This makes it possible to save storage capacity for saving recorded information and communication capacity for transmitting recorded information.

[0108] The inspection system 100 also includes a sound collector 30 and a server. The server includes at least one of a first server 101 and a second server 102. The inspection device 20 further includes a storage unit 21 and a communication unit 22. The server transmits an inquiry notification specifying timing to the inspection device 20. When the server receives the inquiry notification, the inspection device 20 transmits recorded information at the specified timing to the server. Therefore, the inspection system 100 allows a worker in a remote location to listen to recorded information at any timing. As a result, inspection by sound can be performed by the worker without going to the site.

[0109] The inspection device 20 also includes an abnormality detection unit 26. The abnormality detection unit 26 detects an abnormality and issues an alert when the sound pressure of the recorded sound exceeds a threshold. For example, the alert is sent to a server. Therefore, when an abnormality is detected, the inspection device 20 can notify the outside world. The company that maintains the passenger conveyor can immediately know of the detected abnormality or a sign of an abnormality. As a result, a prompt response can be made, and the accuracy of passenger conveyor maintenance can be improved.

[0110] The inspection device 20 further includes a threshold value creation unit 28. The threshold value creation unit 28 creates a new threshold value from the audio recording information for the most recent reference period. This allows the inspection system 100 to flexibly respond to situations that gradually change over time, so that it can detect abnormalities.

[0111] The sound collector 30 also includes a sound collection section 31, a fixed section 34, and an extension section 35. The escalator 1 may also include the sound collector 30. The fixed section 34 is fixed to the floor support beam 3a. The inventor attached a sound pressure meter to the floor support beam 3a, the end beam 3b, and the end vertical beam 3c, respectively, and compared the sound pressure measurements. The results showed that the sound pressure level varied depending on the installation location. Based on the results of this comparative experiment, the measured values ​​may vary depending on the model of passenger conveyor, since the distance from the driver 5 to the end beam 3b or the end vertical beam 3c varies depending on the model. Meanwhile, for maintenance reasons, the floor support beam 3a is located near moving equipment such as the driver 5, regardless of the model. Because the fixed section 34 is fixed to the floor support beam 3a, the sound collector 30 can more reliably collect abnormal sounds generated by the operation of the passenger conveyor.

[0112] Furthermore, the extension portion 35 extends horizontally upward from the connection point 34d on the lower side of the fixed portion 34. The sound collection portion 31 is located above the connection point 34d. Therefore, even if rainwater flows down from the floorboard support beam 3a and the fixed portion 34, the rainwater falls at the connection point 34d due to gravity. This prevents rainwater from entering the sound collection portion 31 via this path. As a result, the soundness of the sound collector 30 can be improved when it is installed.

[0113] The sound collector 31 includes a microphone 31a and a sound collection substrate 31b. The sound collector 30 is required to detect abnormal sounds generated mainly from the driving machine 5, the reduction gear 6, the brake device 7, the V-belt 8, and the driving chain 11. The microphone 31a is attached facing the driving machine 5. This allows the microphone 31a to more reliably collect abnormal sounds.

[0114] Furthermore, the fixing part 34 has a fixing hole 34a which is an armpit hole. Because the sound collector 30 is attached to the floorboard support beam 3a, it is removed so as not to get in the way of maintenance work in the machine room 4. Because the fixing hole 34a is an armpit hole, it can be removed via the large hole 34c, which makes the work easier, and it can be firmly fixed by fastening it with a bolt or the like via the small hole 34b.

[0115] The sound collector 30 further includes an upper protective portion 36. Therefore, even if rainwater falls from above, it can be prevented from hitting the sound collector 31.

[0116] Furthermore, the fixing portion 34, the extending portion 35, and the upper protective portion 36 are integrally molded. Therefore, the sound collector 30 can be easily manufactured.

[0117] The sound collector 30 also includes an attachment portion 37. The attachment housing 33, which is the attachment portion 37, includes an attachment plate 38, a pair of side plates 39, and a lower plate 40. The sound collection portion 31 is disposed in a storage space A surrounded by the attachment portion 37, the upper protective portion 36, and the extension portion 35. This prevents the sound collection portion 31 from coming into contact with rainwater and breaking down. Furthermore, a wire inlet 40a is provided in the lower plate 40. The storage space A requires a hole through which a signal line extending from the sound collection substrate 31b passes to transmit sound collected by the sound collection portion 31 to the outside. The power line supplied to the sound collection substrate 31b also passes through the wire inlet 40a. By providing this hole in the lower plate 40 at the bottom of the storage space A, it is possible to prevent rainwater from falling and coming into contact with the sound collection portion 31. As a result, the soundness of the sound collector 30 when installed can be improved.

[0118] Furthermore, a fixing plate 41 is provided on each of the pair of side plates 39. The fixing plate 41 extends to the side opposite the storage space A and is fixed to the extension portion 35. Therefore, the structure for attaching the mounting portion 37 can prevent rainwater from entering the storage space A.

[0119] Furthermore, the sound collector 31 is located on the horizontal projection plane between the driver 5 and the folded-back portion of the step 9. Therefore, the sound collector 30 can collect the sound of the driver 5 as well as the sound of the step 9 moving.

[0120] The fixing jig 32 does not have to be integrally molded as long as it has the functions of the fixing portion 34, the extension portion 35, and the upper protection portion 36.

[0121] The sound collection board 31b may be provided with the function of the recording unit 24. In this case, the recording control unit 25 controls the timing at which the sound collection board 31b records sound.

[0122] The inspection system 100 of the first embodiment can also be applied to passenger conveyors other than escalators.

[0123] Next, an example of hardware constituting the inspection device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a hardware configuration diagram of the inspection device according to the first embodiment.

[0124] Each function of the inspection device 20 may be realized by a processing circuit. For example, the processing circuit may include at least one processor 1000a and at least one memory 1000b. For example, the processing circuit may include at least one dedicated hardware 2000.

[0125] When the processing circuit includes at least one processor 1000a and at least one memory 1000b, each function of the inspection device 20 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware is written as a program. At least one of the software and firmware is stored in the at least one memory 1000b. The at least one processor 1000a realizes each function of the inspection device 20 by reading and executing the program stored in the at least one memory 1000b. The at least one processor 1000a is also referred to as a central processing unit, processing device, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. For example, the at least one memory 1000b may be a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a minidisk, a DVD, or the like.

[0126] When the processing circuit includes at least one dedicated hardware 2000, the processing circuit may be realized, for example, as a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. For example, each function of the inspection device 20 may be realized by a processing circuit. For example, each function of the inspection device 20 may be realized collectively by a processing circuit.

[0127] Some of the functions of the inspection device 20 may be realized by dedicated hardware 2000, and the remaining functions may be realized by software or firmware. For example, the function of the storage unit 21 may be realized by a processing circuit as dedicated hardware 2000, and functions other than the function of the storage unit 21 may be realized by at least one processor 1000a reading and executing a program stored in at least one memory 1000b.

[0128] In this way, the processing circuitry realizes each function of the inspection device 20 using hardware 2000, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0129] Although not shown, the functions of the sound collection board 31b, the control panel 13, the first server 101, and the second server 102 may also be realized by processing circuits equivalent to the processing circuits that realize the functions of the inspection device 20. Furthermore, the functions of the first server 101 and the second server 102 may be provided in the second server 102 and the first server 101, respectively.

[0130] To summarize the above, possible configurations of the technology disclosed herein include the configurations listed in the appendices below. (Appendix 1) An inspection device comprising: a recording unit that records sounds collected inside a machine room of a passenger conveyor; and a recording control unit that causes the recording unit to record for a start interval after the passenger conveyor starts a startup operation to move steps in normal operation, wherein the start interval includes a startup time from when a brake device of the passenger conveyor starts to release a brake device until the steps reach a constant speed. (Appendix 2) The inspection device described in Appendix 1, further comprising: a signal receiving unit that can receive a brake signal that controls the brake device from a control panel, wherein the recording control unit causes the recording unit to start recording when the signal receiving unit receives a release brake signal to release the brake device. (Appendix 3) The inspection device described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, wherein the start interval includes the startup time and a constant-speed time after the steps reach a constant speed, wherein the startup time is set to be within 2 seconds, and the constant-speed time is set to be within 8 seconds. (Supplementary Note 4) An inspection device comprising: a recording unit that records sounds collected inside a machine room of a passenger conveyor; and a recording control unit that causes the recording unit to record for a stop interval after the passenger conveyor starts a step stopping operation in normal operation. (Supplementary Note 5) The inspection device according to Supplementary Note 4, further comprising: a signal receiving unit that can receive a brake signal that controls a brake device of the passenger conveyor from a control panel, the recording control unit causing the recording unit to start recording when the signal receiving unit receives an activation brake signal that activates the brake device to generate braking force. (Supplementary Note 6) The inspection device according to Supplementary Note 4 or Supplementary Note 5, wherein the stop interval is set to be within two seconds. (Supplementary Note 7) An inspection device according to any one of Supplements 1 to 6, further comprising: a memory unit that stores recorded information recorded by the recording unit in association with the timing of recording, and a communication unit that, when an inquiry notification specifying the recording timing is received, transmits the recorded information stored in the memory unit for the timing specified in the inquiry notification.(Supplementary Note 8) The inspection device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 7, further comprising: an abnormality detection unit that detects and notifies of an abnormality when the sound pressure of the sound recorded by the recording unit exceeds a threshold. (Supplementary Note 9) The inspection device according to Supplementary Note 8, further comprising: a memory unit that stores the sound recorded by the recording unit in association with the timing of recording; and a threshold creation unit that creates the threshold from a sound included in the sound recorded in a most recent reference period from the sound recorded in the memory unit. (Supplementary Note 10) An inspection system comprising: a sound collector that collects sound inside a machine room of a passenger conveyor, an inspection device that stores recorded information of the sound collected by the sound collector, and a server that sends an inquiry notification to the inspection device, specifying the timing at which the sound was recorded, wherein the inspection device has: a recording unit that records the sound collected by the sound collector, a recording control unit that causes the recording unit to start recording when the passenger conveyor starts a startup operation to move a step in normal operation or when the passenger conveyor starts a stopping operation of a step in normal operation, a memory unit that stores the recorded information recorded by the recording unit in association with the timing at which it was recorded, and a communication unit that, when the inquiry notification is received, sends to the server, from the recorded information stored in the memory unit, the recorded information with the timing specified in the inquiry notification. (Supplementary Note 11) The inspection system according to Supplementary Note 10, wherein the inspection device further comprises an abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormality when the sound pressure of the sound recorded by the recording unit exceeds a threshold and notifies the server.

[0131] As described above, the inspection device according to the present disclosure can be used to inspect escalators.

[0132] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Escalator, 2a First entrance / exit, 2b Second entrance / exit, 3 Truss, 3a Floor support beam, 3b End beam, 3c End vertical beam, 4 Machine room, 5 Drive machine, 6 Reducer, 6a Input shaft, 6b Drive shaft, 6c Reduction mechanism, 7 Brake device, 8 V-belt, 10 Step sprocket, 11 Drive chain, 12 Step chain, 13 Control panel, 14 Remote monitoring device, 15 Floor, 20 Inspection device, 21 Memory unit, 22 Communication unit, 23 Signal receiving unit, 24 Recording unit, 25 Recording control unit, 25 Lower unit, 26 Abnormality detection unit, 27 Data processing unit, 28 Threshold value creation unit, 30 Sound collector, 31 Sound collection unit, 31a Microphone, 31b Sound collection board, 32 Fixing jig, 33 Mounting housing, 34 Fixing portion, 34a Fixing hole, 34b Small hole, 34c Large hole, 34d Connection point, 35 Extension portion, 36 Upper protective portion, 37 Mounting portion, 38 Mounting plate, 39 Side plate, 40 Lower plate, 40a Wire inlet, 41 Fixing plate, 100 Inspection system, 101 First server, 102 Second server, 103 Individual terminal, 1000a Processor, 1000b Memory, 2000 Hardware, A Storage space, B1 Button, B2 Area, H Through hole, S1 Top surface, S2 Side surface

Claims

1. An inspection device comprising: a recording unit that records sounds collected inside the machine room of a passenger conveyor; and a recording control unit that causes the recording unit to record for a start interval after the passenger conveyor starts a start-up operation that moves the steps in normal operation, wherein the start-up interval includes the start-up time from when the brake device of the passenger conveyor starts to release until the steps reach a constant speed.

2. An inspection device as described in claim 1, further comprising a signal receiving unit capable of receiving a brake signal that controls the brake device from a control panel, wherein the recording control unit causes the recording unit to start recording when the signal receiving unit receives an open brake signal that releases the brake device.

3. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the start interval includes the start-up time and the constant speed time after the step reaches the constant speed, the start-up time is set to within 2 seconds, and the constant speed time is set to within 8 seconds.

4. An inspection device comprising: a recording unit that records sounds collected inside the passenger conveyor's machine room; and a recording control unit that causes the recording unit to record for the stopping interval after the passenger conveyor starts stopping its steps during normal operation.

5. An inspection device as described in claim 4, further comprising a signal receiving unit capable of receiving a brake signal from a control panel that controls the brake device of the passenger conveyor, wherein the recording control unit causes the recording unit to start recording when the signal receiving unit receives an operating brake signal that activates the brake device and generates a braking force.

6. The inspection device according to claim 4, wherein the stop interval is set to within 2 seconds.

7. An inspection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: a memory unit that stores the recorded information recorded by the recording unit in association with the timing at which it was recorded; and a communication unit that, when an inquiry notification is received in which the timing at which it was recorded is specified, transmits the recorded information stored in the memory unit that has the timing specified in the inquiry notification.

8. An inspection device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an abnormality detection unit that detects and notifies of an abnormality when the sound pressure of the sound recorded by the recording unit exceeds a threshold value.

9. An inspection device as described in claim 8, further comprising: a memory unit that stores the recorded information recorded by the recording unit in association with the timing of recording; and a threshold value creation unit that creates the threshold value from the sound contained in the recorded information during the most recent reference period among the recorded information stored in the memory unit.

10. An inspection system comprising: a sound collector that collects sound inside the machine room of a passenger conveyor; an inspection device that stores recorded information of the sound collected by the sound collector; and a server that sends an inquiry notification to the inspection device, specifying the timing at which the sound was recorded, wherein the inspection device has: a recording unit that records the sound collected by the sound collector; a recording control unit that causes the recording unit to start recording when the passenger conveyor starts a startup operation to move a step in normal operation or when the passenger conveyor starts a stopping operation of a step in normal operation; a memory unit that stores the recorded information recorded by the recording unit in association with the timing at which it was recorded; and a communication unit that, when the inquiry notification is received, sends to the server the recorded information stored in the memory unit that has the timing specified in the inquiry notification.

11. The inspection system described in claim 10, wherein the inspection device further comprises an abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormality when the sound pressure of the sound recorded by the recording unit exceeds a threshold value and notifies the server.

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