JP2024151591A - Passenger conveyor abnormality detection device, abnormality detection method, and abnormality detection program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an abnormality detection device, an abnormality detection method, and an abnormality detection program capable of more reliably detecting abnormality of an opening occurrence in a passenger conveyor.SOLUTION: An abnormality detection device 13 comprises a main inspection device 9 and a sub inspection device 10 installed on both ends in a front-back direction of a truss 3 of a passenger conveyor 1. The sub inspection device 10 comprises a transmission unit 14. The main inspection device 9 comprises a reception unit 15, a measurement unit 16, and a detection unit 17. The transmission unit 14 transmits a radio signal propagating inside the truss 3 to the main inspection device 9. The reception unit 15 receives the radio signal transmitted by the transmission unit 14. The measurement unit 16 measures signal intensity of the radio signal received by the reception unit 15. The detection unit 17 detects abnormality of the opening occurrence of the passenger conveyor 1 based on change in the signal intensity measured by the measurement unit 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

This disclosure relates to an abnormality detection device, an abnormality detection method, and an abnormality detection program for a passenger conveyor.

Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a passenger conveyor. The passenger conveyor is equipped with a photoelectric sensor provided on a skirt guard panel. When a step falls off and an opening occurs, the photoelectric sensor detects this and generates an opening detection signal.

JP 2015-51836 A

However, in the passenger conveyor of Patent Document 1, the photoelectric sensor is placed at a specific position on the outbound route. Therefore, if an opening occurs due to a step falling off in a location where a photoelectric sensor is not placed, the abnormality of the opening will not be detected.

This disclosure is directed to solving such problems. This disclosure provides an abnormality detection device, an abnormality detection method, and an abnormality detection program that can more reliably detect abnormalities in the occurrence of openings in passenger conveyors.

The abnormality detection device according to the present disclosure comprises a main unit provided at a first end in the fore-and-aft direction of a truss of a passenger conveyor, and a secondary unit provided at a second end of the truss opposite the first end, the secondary unit having a transmitter that transmits a wireless signal propagating within the truss to the main unit, the main unit having a receiver that receives the wireless signal transmitted by the transmitter, a measuring unit that measures the signal strength of the wireless signal received by the receiver, and a detector that detects an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor based on a change in the signal strength measured by the measuring unit.

The abnormality detection method according to the present disclosure includes a main device provided at a first end of a truss of a passenger conveyor in the fore-and-aft direction, and an auxiliary device provided at a second end of the truss opposite the first end, transmitting a wireless signal that propagates within the truss, the main device measuring the signal strength of the wireless signal received from the auxiliary device, and the main device detecting an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor based on a change in the signal strength of the measured wireless signal.

The abnormality detection program disclosed herein causes a main device provided at a first end in the fore-and-aft direction of a truss of a passenger conveyor to receive a wireless signal transmitted from a sub device provided at a second end of the truss opposite the first end and propagating within the truss, measures the signal strength of the received wireless signal, and detects an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor based on a change in the signal strength of the measured wireless signal.

The abnormality detection device, abnormality detection method, or abnormality detection program disclosed herein can more reliably detect abnormalities in the occurrence of openings in passenger conveyors.

1 is a configuration diagram of a passenger conveyor to which an abnormality detection device according to a first embodiment is applied. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a balustrade of a passenger conveyor to which an abnormality detection device according to a first embodiment is applied. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an example of detection of an abnormality in opening occurrence by the abnormality detection device according to the first embodiment. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an example of detection of an abnormality in opening occurrence by the abnormality detection device according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the abnormality detection device according to the first embodiment. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a main part of the abnormality detection device according to the first embodiment. 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an example of detection of an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening by the abnormality detection device according to the second embodiment. 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an example of detection of an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening by the abnormality detection device according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the abnormality detection device according to the second embodiment.

The embodiments for implementing the subject matter of this disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions are appropriately simplified or omitted. Note that the subject matter of this disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and any of the components of the embodiments may be modified or omitted without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a passenger conveyor to which an abnormality detection device according to the first embodiment is applied.

The passenger conveyor 1 is, for example, an inclined escalator that spans between the upper and lower floors of a building. At this time, the passenger conveyor 1 transports passengers between the upper and lower floors. Entrances 2 for the passenger conveyor 1 are provided on the upper and lower floors of the building. The entrances 2 are the locations where passengers board and disembark from the passenger conveyor 1. One entrance 2 is the departure entrance 2 where passengers board the passenger conveyor 1. The other entrance 2 is the arrival entrance 2 where passengers disembark from the passenger conveyor 1. The passenger conveyor 1 includes a truss 3, a drive unit 4, multiple steps 5, a pair of balustrades 6, a pair of handrails 7, a control unit 8, a main inspection unit 9, and a secondary inspection unit 10.

The truss 3 is a long part of the passenger conveyor 1 in the front-to-rear direction, which serves as a frame supporting the structure of the passenger conveyor 1. In this example, the truss 3 is stretched between the upper and lower floors of a building. One end of the truss 3 in the front-to-rear direction is the end on the upper floor side. The other end of the truss 3 in the front-to-rear direction is the end on the lower floor side. An upper machine room 11a is provided at the end of the truss 3 on the upper floor side. A lower machine room 11b is provided at the end of the truss 3 on the lower floor side. The end of the truss 3 on the upper floor side is an example of the first end of the truss 3. The end of the truss 3 on the lower floor side is an example of the second end of the truss 3. The upper machine room 11a is an example of the first machine room. The lower machine room 11b is an example of the second machine room. During normal operation of the passenger conveyor 1, each of the upper machine room 11a and the lower machine room 11b is closed by a lid 12 that covers the top.

The drive unit 4 is a device, such as a motor, that generates a driving force. In this example, the drive unit 4 is disposed in the upper machine room 11a.

Each step 5 is a device that moves in a circular motion by the driving force generated by the drive unit 4. Each step 5 moves on an outward path from the boarding/alighting gate 2 on the departure side to the boarding/alighting gate 2 on the arrival side, and moves on a return path that is lower than the outward path from the boarding/alighting gate 2 on the arrival side to the boarding/alighting gate 2 on the departure side. The multiple steps 5 are arranged in a staircase-like pattern on the outward path.

One balustrade 6 is positioned on the left side of the multiple steps 5. The other balustrade 6 is positioned on the right side of the multiple steps 5. In other words, the pair of balustrades 6 are positioned on the outside in the left-right direction relative to the multiple steps 5.

Each handrail 7 is a device that moves in a circular motion due to the driving force generated by the drive unit 4. Each handrail 7 moves on an outward path from the departure boarding/alighting gate 2 to the arrival boarding/alighting gate 2, and moves on a return path that is lower than the outward path from the arrival boarding/alighting gate 2 to the departure boarding/alighting gate 2. Each handrail 7 is made of a flexible ring-shaped member. One handrail 7 is positioned on the left side of the multiple steps 5. The other handrail 7 is positioned on the right side of the multiple steps 5.

The control device 8 is a device that controls the operation of the passenger conveyor 1. In this example, the control device 8 is arranged in the upper machine room 11a. The control device 8 is equipped with a function for switching the operation mode of the passenger conveyor 1. The operation modes of the passenger conveyor 1 include, for example, a normal operation mode and an inspection mode. The normal operation mode is the operation mode during normal operation of the passenger conveyor 1. The inspection mode is the operation mode during maintenance and inspection of the passenger conveyor 1, etc.

In normal operation mode, the passenger conveyor 1 transports passengers who are standing on one of the steps 5 while, for example, holding onto one of the handrails 7, by the driving force generated by the drive unit 4 under the control of the control unit 8. At this time, each step 5 moves in the forward direction on the outward path, for example, at a preset normal speed. Each handrail 7 moves in a circular motion at a moving speed that matches the corresponding step 5.

The main inspection device 9 and the auxiliary inspection device 10 are devices that inspect the passenger conveyor 1 during operation. In this example, the main inspection device 9 is arranged in the upper machine room 11a. The auxiliary inspection device 10 is arranged in the lower machine room 11b. The main inspection device 9 and the auxiliary inspection device 10, for example, monitor the state of the safety circuit and monitor the speed difference sensors of the steps 5 and the handrails 7. When an abnormality is detected in the passenger conveyor 1, the main inspection device 9 and the auxiliary inspection device 10 notify passengers or the manager of the passenger conveyor 1. The passengers are notified by sound such as a buzzer or visual information such as an indicator light. The manager may be notified by issuing a report through a communication network such as a telephone line network or the Internet. When an abnormality is detected in the passenger conveyor 1, the main inspection device 9 and the auxiliary inspection device 10 may output a control signal to the control device 8 to stop the operation of the passenger conveyor 1 depending on the degree of the detected abnormality. The secondary inspection device 10 transmits the inspection results to the primary inspection device 9 using a wireless signal, such as an electromagnetic wave, that propagates within the truss 3.

For example, during maintenance and inspection of the passenger conveyor 1, the step 5 may be removed. When the step 5 is removed, an opening occurs in the passenger conveyor 1. At this time, if the maintenance personnel performing the maintenance and inspection work are not aware of the presence or absence of an opening in the passenger conveyor 1, the maintenance work may not be performed efficiently. For this reason, an abnormality detection device 13 that detects an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening is applied to the passenger conveyor 1. The abnormality detection device 13 may be configured by an existing device of the passenger conveyor 1. In this example, the abnormality detection device 13 includes a main inspection device 9 and a secondary inspection device 10. The main inspection device 9 is an example of a main device. The secondary inspection device 10 is an example of a secondary device. The main inspection device 9 and the secondary inspection device 10 operate according to a program that has been installed in advance, for example. The program may be one that updates an existing program to add functions.

The secondary inspection device 10 includes a transmission unit 14. The transmission unit 14 is a part equipped with a function for transmitting a wireless signal, such as an electromagnetic wave, that propagates within the truss 3. The transmission unit 14 is, for example, a wireless communication module. The transmission unit 14 transmits a wireless signal to the primary inspection device 9.

The main inspection device 9 includes a receiving unit 15, a measuring unit 16, a detecting unit 17, an alarm unit 18, and a command unit 19. The receiving unit 15 is a part equipped with a function of receiving a wireless signal transmitted from the transmitting unit 14. The receiving unit 15 is, for example, a wireless communication module. The measuring unit 16 is a part equipped with a function of measuring the signal strength of the wireless signal received by the receiving unit 15. The detecting unit 17 is a part equipped with a function of detecting an abnormality in the passenger conveyor 1. The detecting unit 17 detects an abnormality such as an opening occurrence based on a change in the signal strength measured by the measuring unit 16. The alarm unit 18 is a part equipped with a function of notifying passengers, maintenance personnel, or the manager of the passenger conveyor 1 when the detecting unit 17 detects an abnormality. The command unit 19 is a part equipped with a function of outputting a control signal to the control device 8 to stop the operation of the passenger conveyor 1 according to the degree of the detected abnormality when the detecting unit 17 detects an abnormality.

Figure 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a passenger conveyor railing to which the abnormality detection device of embodiment 1 is applied.

Each railing 6 includes a railing guide 20, an inner plate 21, a skirt guard 22, and an inner deck 23. The railing guide 20 is a member that guides the movement of the railing 7. The inner plate 21 is disposed below the railing 7 and the railing guide 20. The inner plate 21 is a portion that faces passengers riding on the passenger conveyor 1 from the left and right directions. The skirt guard 22 is disposed on the side of the step. The surface of the skirt guard 22 of the right railing 6 faces the side of the step from the right side. The surface of the skirt guard 22 of the left railing 6 faces the side of the step from the left side. The skirt guard 22 is a vertically disposed plate-like member whose longitudinal direction is the moving direction of the step. The inner deck 23 is a plate-like member provided between the upper end of the skirt guard 22 and the lower end of the inner plate 21. In each railing 6, the inside of the portion surrounded by the skirt guard 22 and the inner deck 23 etc. is connected to the inside of the truss 3.

Next, an example of detection of an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening by the abnormality detection device 13 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG.
3 and 4 are diagrams illustrating an example of detection of an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening by the abnormality detection device according to the first embodiment.
3 and 4, the driving device 4, the control device 8, and the like are omitted from the illustration.

Figure 3 shows the state of the passenger conveyor 1 before maintenance and inspection work is performed. At this time, the lids 12 of both the upper machine room 11a and the lower machine room 11b are closed. In addition, all steps 5 are normally attached to the passenger conveyor 1.

The transmitter 14 of the secondary inspection device 10 transmits a wireless signal with a transmission strength Pt. The wireless signal transmitted at this time may be a signal for communicating information such as the inspection results of safety circuits etc. monitored by the secondary inspection device 10 to the primary inspection device 9, or may be a dedicated signal for detecting abnormalities such as the occurrence of openings. The wireless signal may include information on the transmission strength. The wireless signal propagates within the truss 3 from the transmitter 14 of the secondary inspection device 10 to the receiver 15 of the primary inspection device 9. While propagating within the truss 3, the wireless signal is subject to loss, for example, due to absorption by structures within the truss 3. The propagation loss at this time is represented by L0.

The receiver 15 of the main inspection device 9 receives the wireless signal from the transmitter 14 of the secondary inspection device 10 at a reception strength P0 that is reduced from the transmission strength Pt by the propagation loss L0. At this time, the measurement unit 16 measures the reception strength P0 of the wireless signal received by the receiver 15. The detection unit 17 stores the reception strength P0 measured by the measurement unit 16 as the first reference strength.

After that, as shown in FIG. 4, one of the steps 5 is removed from the passenger conveyor 1 for maintenance and inspection work or the like. In this example, one step 5 on the outward path is removed. This creates an opening in the outward path of the passenger conveyor 1.

The transmitter 14 of the secondary inspection device 10 transmits a wireless signal with a transmission strength Pt. The wireless signal propagates within the truss 3 from the transmitter 14 of the secondary inspection device 10 to the receiver 15 of the main inspection device 9. While propagating within the truss 3, the wireless signal is subject to a propagation loss L0 within the truss 3 as well as a propagation loss L1 due to leakage from an opening created by the removal of the step 5.

The receiver 15 of the main inspection device 9 receives the wireless signal from the transmitter 14 of the secondary inspection device 10 at a reception strength P1 that is reduced from the transmission strength Pt by the propagation losses L0 and L1. At this time, the measurement unit 16 measures the reception strength P1 of the wireless signal received by the receiver 15. The detection unit 17 compares the reception strength P1 measured by the measurement unit 16 with the first reference strength P0.

The detection unit 17 judges whether the reception intensity P1 has fallen below the first reference intensity P0. Here, even if the reception intensity P1 is slightly lower than the first reference intensity P0, the detection unit 17 does not judge that the reception intensity P1 has fallen below the first reference intensity P0 if the difference is within a range of a preset measurement error or the like. That is, the detection unit 17 judges whether the reception intensity P1 has fallen below the first reference intensity P0 beyond the range of the measurement error. When the reception intensity P1 has fallen below the first reference intensity P0, the detection unit 17 detects an abnormality in the occurrence of an aperture, assuming that there is a propagation loss L1 due to the occurrence of an aperture in addition to the propagation loss L0. Note that, when the reception intensity P1 matches the first reference intensity P0 within the range of the measurement error, the detection unit 17 judges that there is no additional propagation loss L1 due to the occurrence of an aperture, and judges that there is no abnormality in the occurrence of an aperture.

When the detection unit 17 detects an abnormality in the occurrence of opening, the notification unit 18 issues a notification using, for example, sound such as a buzzer or visual information such as an indicator light.

The maintenance staff then attaches the removed steps 5 to the passenger conveyor 1.

Then, the measurement unit 16 of the main inspection device 9 measures the reception strength of the wireless signal transmitted from the transmission unit 14 to the reception unit 15 of the secondary inspection device 10. When the reception strength measured by the measurement unit 16 recovers to the first reference strength P0, that is, when it matches the first reference strength P0 within the range of measurement error, the detection unit 17 detects that the abnormality in the opening occurrence has been resolved.

Next, an example of the operation of the abnormality detection device 13 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the abnormality detection device according to the first embodiment.

In step S101, the transmitting unit 14 transmits a wireless signal. Then, the receiving unit 15 receives the wireless signal. Then, the processing of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S102.

In step S102, the measurement unit 16 measures the signal strength P0 of the wireless signal received by the receiving unit 15. After that, the processing of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S103.

In step S103, the detection unit 17 stores the signal strength P0 measured by the measurement unit 16 as a first reference strength P0. After that, the processing of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S104.

In step S104, the transmitting unit 14 transmits a wireless signal. Then, the receiving unit 15 receives the wireless signal. Then, the processing of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S105.

In step S105, the measurement unit 16 measures the signal strength P1 of the wireless signal received by the receiving unit 15. After that, the processing of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S106.

In step S106, the detection unit 17 determines whether the signal strength P1 has fallen below the first reference strength P0. If the signal strength P1 has not fallen below the first reference strength P0, the processing of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if the signal strength P1 has fallen below the first reference strength P0, the processing of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S107.

In step S107, the detection unit 17 detects an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening. The notification unit 18 notifies the abnormality in the occurrence of an opening. After that, the processing of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S104.

As described above, the abnormality detection device 13 according to the first embodiment includes a main inspection device 9 and a secondary inspection device 10 provided at both ends of the truss 3 of the passenger conveyor 1 in the front-rear direction. The secondary inspection device 10 includes a transmitter 14. The main inspection device 9 includes a receiver 15, a measurement unit 16, and a detection unit 17. The transmitter 14 transmits a wireless signal propagating within the truss 3 to the main inspection device 9. The receiver 15 receives the wireless signal transmitted by the transmitter 14. The measurement unit 16 measures the signal strength of the wireless signal received by the receiver 15. The detection unit 17 detects an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor 1 based on a change in the signal strength measured by the measurement unit 16.

With this configuration, the wireless signal transmitted from the transmitter 14 to the receiver 15 propagates through the truss 3 from one end to the other along the travel direction. If an opening occurs at any point on the passenger conveyor 1, the wireless strength of the wireless signal at the receiver 15 is affected by propagation loss due to leakage from the opening. Therefore, the detector 17 can detect an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening due to the removal of the step 5, etc., regardless of the position on the passenger conveyor 1. In this way, an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening on the passenger conveyor 1 can be detected more reliably. In addition, the abnormality detector 13 can detect an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening by the wireless signal used for communication between the existing auxiliary inspection device 10 and the main inspection device 9. Therefore, the abnormality detector 13 can detect the occurrence of an opening without introducing additional equipment such as a photoelectric sensor.

The detection unit 17 also sets the signal strength measured by the measurement unit 16 when both the lids 12 of the upper machine room 11a and the lower machine room 11b are closed as the first reference strength. The detection unit 17 detects an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor 1 when the signal strength measured by the measurement unit 16 falls below the first reference strength. As a result, the detection unit 17 uses the signal strength actually measured under normal conditions as a reference, and therefore can further improve the accuracy of detection of the occurrence of an abnormality depending on the installation conditions of each passenger conveyor 1.

In addition, the detection unit 17 detects the elimination of the opening abnormality in the passenger conveyor 1 when the signal strength measured by the measurement unit 16 recovers to the first reference strength. This allows the maintenance personnel to check whether the removal of the steps 5 has been restored, thereby reducing the possibility of missing restoration.

The abnormality detection device 13 may determine the presence or absence of an abnormality not only during maintenance and inspection of the passenger conveyor 1, but also during normal operation. This allows the abnormality to be detected quickly when an opening occurs in the passenger conveyor 1 due to the step 5 falling off, etc. In addition, when the detection unit 17 detects an abnormality in the opening during normal operation, the command unit 19 may output a control signal to the control device 8 to stop the operation of the passenger conveyor 1. In addition, for example, a gap may be generated in the balustrade 6 due to deformation of the skirt guard 22 or the inner deck 23 caused by the collision of passenger luggage. The abnormality detection device 13 may detect an opening generated by such a gap. At this time, the notification unit 18 may notify the detection of the abnormality in the opening to a monitoring server that remotely monitors the state of the passenger conveyor 1 via a communication network such as the Internet.

The main inspection device 9 may also be arranged in the lower machine room 11b. In this case, the auxiliary inspection device 10 is arranged in the upper machine room 11a. The transmitter 14 may also be provided in the main inspection device 9. In this case, the receiver 15, the measurement unit 16, the detection unit 17, the notification unit 18, and the command unit 19 are provided in the auxiliary inspection device 10. The main inspection device 9 of the passenger conveyor 1 may function as an auxiliary device of the abnormality detection device 13. In this case, the auxiliary inspection device 10 of the passenger conveyor 1 may function as a main device of the abnormality detection device 13. The abnormality inspection device may also consist of a dedicated main device and auxiliary device.

The detection unit 17 may also set a constant value set in advance as the first reference strength. In this case, the first reference strength may be, for example, the signal strength of the wireless signal measured by the measurement unit 16 when the passenger conveyor 1 is started. The first reference strength may also be, for example, the signal strength of the wireless signal measured by the measurement unit 16 when the passenger conveyor 1 is installed or when maintenance and inspection are completed. By setting a constant value as the first reference strength over a long period of time, the detection unit 17 can detect openings caused by changes over time in addition to openings caused by sudden events.

The abnormality detection device 13 may also determine whether or not an opening has occurred while circulating the multiple steps 5 using the drive device 4. Even if a step 5 falls off near the upper machine room 11a or the lower machine room 11b, or on the return path, the opening caused by the fall off will move to the outward path due to the circulating movement. At this time, the propagation loss L1 increases, allowing the abnormality detection device 13 to more reliably detect the opening.

The passenger conveyor 1 may also be an escalator having a flat section between the upper and lower floors. The passenger conveyor 1 may also be a horizontal or inclined moving walkway.

Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the abnormality detection device 13 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a hardware configuration diagram of a main part of the abnormality detection device according to the first embodiment.

Each function of the anomaly detection device 13 may be realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b. The processing circuit may include at least one dedicated hardware 200 in addition to or in place of the processor 100a and memory 100b.

When the processing circuit includes a processor 100a and a memory 100b, each function of the anomaly detection device 13 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. The program is stored in the memory 100b. The processor 100a realizes each function of the anomaly detection device 13 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 100b.

The processor 100a is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), processing device, arithmetic device, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. The memory 100b is composed of non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, and EEPROM.

When the processing circuitry comprises dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuitry may be implemented, for example, as a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

Each function of the anomaly detection device 13 can be realized by a processing circuit. Alternatively, each function of the anomaly detection device 13 can be realized collectively by a processing circuit. Some of the functions of the anomaly detection device 13 may be realized by dedicated hardware 200, and other parts may be realized by software or firmware. In this way, the processing circuit realizes each function of the anomaly detection device 13 by dedicated hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

Embodiment 2.
In the second embodiment, differences from the example disclosed in the first embodiment will be described in particular detail. For features not described in the second embodiment, any of the features of the example disclosed in the first embodiment may be adopted.

7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating an example of detection of an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening by the abnormality detection device according to the second embodiment.
7 and 8, the driving device 4, the control device 8, etc. are omitted from the illustration.

Figure 7 shows the state of the passenger conveyor 1 when maintenance and inspection work is being performed. At this time, the lid 12 of at least one of the upper machine room 11a or the lower machine room 11b is open. In this example, the lid 12 of the upper machine room 11a is open. Also, all steps 5 are normally attached to the passenger conveyor 1.

After opening the lid 12 of the upper machine room 11a, the maintenance person switches the operation mode of the passenger conveyor 1 to the inspection mode by operating a switch on the control device 8, for example. The detection unit 17 detects the switching of the operation mode by information acquired from the control device 8, for example. The detection unit 17 stores the time when the operation mode was switched. Note that, for example, when the operation mode of the passenger conveyor 1 can be switched by a switch outside the upper machine room 11a, or when it can be switched by remote control, the maintenance person may switch the operation mode of the passenger conveyor 1 to the inspection mode before opening the lid 12 of the upper machine room 11a.

The transmitter 14 of the secondary inspection device 10 transmits a wireless signal with a transmission strength Pt. The wireless signal propagates within the truss 3 from the transmitter 14 of the secondary inspection device 10 to the receiver 15 of the main inspection device 9. While propagating within the truss 3, the wireless signal is subject to a propagation loss L0 within the truss 3 as well as a propagation loss L2 due to leakage from the open upper machine room 11a, etc.

The receiver 15 of the main inspection device 9 receives the wireless signal from the transmitter 14 of the secondary inspection device 10 at a reception strength P2 that is reduced from the transmission strength Pt by the propagation losses L0 and L2. At this time, the measurement unit 16 measures the reception strength P2 of the wireless signal received by the receiver 15. The detection unit 17 compares the reception strength P2 measured by the measurement unit 16 with the first reference strength P0.

The detection unit 17 determines whether the reception strength P2 has fallen below the first reference strength P0. Here, even if the reception strength P2 is slightly lower than the first reference strength P0, the detection unit 17 does not determine that the reception strength P2 has fallen below the first reference strength P0 if the difference is within a preset range of measurement error or the like. In other words, the detection unit 17 determines whether the reception strength P2 has fallen below the first reference strength P0 beyond the range of measurement error.

When the reception strength P2 falls below the first reference strength P0, the detection unit 17 determines whether the fall in strength occurred within a preset time range before and after the detection of the change in driving mode. That is, the detection unit 17 compares the time at which the fall in strength was determined with the time at which the change in driving mode was detected, and determines whether the difference in time is within a preset time range. When the change in driving mode has not yet been detected at the time when the signal strength falls, the detection unit 17 may wait to detect the change in driving mode until a time equivalent to the set time range has elapsed.

If the difference between the time of the signal strength drop and the time of the operation mode switch detection is within a set range, the detection unit 17 determines that the lid 12 has been opened, assuming that there has been a propagation loss L2 due to the opening of the lid 12 in addition to the propagation loss L0. When determining that the lid 12 has been opened, the detection unit 17 stores the reception strength P2 measured by the measurement unit 16 after the opening as a second reference strength. On the other hand, if the time difference is outside the set range, the detection unit 17 may detect an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening, assuming that there has been an additional propagation loss due to some abnormality in addition to the propagation loss L0.

After that, as shown in FIG. 8, one of the steps 5 is removed from the passenger conveyor 1 for maintenance and inspection work or the like. In this example, one step 5 on the outward path is removed. This creates an opening in the outward path of the passenger conveyor 1.

The transmitter 14 of the secondary inspection device 10 transmits a wireless signal with a transmission strength Pt. The wireless signal propagates within the truss 3 from the transmitter 14 of the secondary inspection device 10 to the receiver 15 of the main inspection device 9. While propagating within the truss 3, the wireless signal is subject to a propagation loss L0 within the truss 3, as well as a propagation loss L1 due to leakage from the opening created by the removal of the step 5, and a propagation loss L2 due to leakage from the opened upper machine room 11a.

The receiver 15 of the main inspection device 9 receives the wireless signal from the transmitter 14 of the secondary inspection device 10 at a reception strength P3 that is reduced from the transmission strength Pt by the propagation losses L0, L1, and L2. At this time, the measurement unit 16 measures the reception strength P3 of the wireless signal received by the receiver 15. The detection unit 17 compares the reception strength P3 measured by the measurement unit 16 with the second reference strength P2.

The detection unit 17 judges whether the reception intensity P3 has fallen below the second reference intensity P2. Here, even if the reception intensity P3 is slightly lower than the second reference intensity P2, the detection unit 17 does not judge that the reception intensity P3 has fallen below the second reference intensity P2 if the difference is within a range of a preset measurement error or the like. That is, the detection unit 17 judges whether the reception intensity P3 has fallen below the second reference intensity P2 beyond the range of the measurement error. When the reception intensity P3 has fallen below the second reference intensity P2, the detection unit 17 detects an abnormality in the occurrence of an aperture, assuming that there is a propagation loss L1 due to the occurrence of an aperture in addition to the propagation loss L0 and the propagation loss L2. Note that, when the reception intensity P3 matches the second reference intensity P2 within the range of the measurement error, the detection unit 17 judges that there is no additional propagation loss L1 due to the occurrence of an aperture, and judges that there is no abnormality in the occurrence of an aperture.

When the detection unit 17 detects an abnormality in the occurrence of opening, the notification unit 18 issues a notification using, for example, audio such as a buzzer or visual information such as an indicator light.

The maintenance staff then attaches the removed steps 5 to the passenger conveyor 1.

Then, the measurement unit 16 of the main inspection device 9 measures the reception strength of the wireless signal transmitted from the transmission unit 14 to the reception unit 15 of the secondary inspection device 10. When the reception strength measured by the measurement unit 16 recovers to the second reference strength P2, that is, when it matches the second reference strength P2 within the range of measurement error, the detection unit 17 detects that the abnormality in the opening occurrence has been resolved.

Next, an example of the operation of the abnormality detection device 13 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the abnormality detection device according to the second embodiment.

In step S201, the transmitting unit 14 transmits a wireless signal. Then, the receiving unit 15 receives the wireless signal. Then, the processing of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S202.

In step S202, the measurement unit 16 measures the signal strength P0 of the wireless signal received by the receiving unit 15. After that, the processing of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S203.

In step S203, the detection unit 17 stores the signal strength P0 measured by the measurement unit 16 as a first reference strength P0. After that, the processing of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S204.

In step S204, the transmitting unit 14 transmits a wireless signal. Then, the receiving unit 15 receives the wireless signal. Then, the processing of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S205.

In step S205, the measurement unit 16 measures the signal strength P2 of the wireless signal received by the receiving unit 15. After that, the processing of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S206.

In step S206, the detection unit 17 determines whether the signal strength P2 has fallen below the first reference strength P0. If the signal strength P2 has not fallen below the first reference strength P0, the processing of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if the signal strength P2 has fallen below the first reference strength P0, the processing of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S207.

In step S207, the detection unit 17 determines whether the decrease in signal strength occurred within a preset time range before and after the detection of the operation mode switch. If the decrease in signal strength did not occur within the preset time range before and after the operation mode switch, the processing of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S208. On the other hand, if the decrease in signal strength occurred within the preset time range before and after the operation mode switch, the detection unit 17 determines that the lid 12 has been opened. Thereafter, the processing of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S209.

In step S208, the detection unit 17 detects an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening. The notification unit 18 notifies the abnormality in the occurrence of an opening. After that, the processing of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S204.

In step S209, the detection unit 17 stores the signal strength P2 measured by the measurement unit 16 as a second reference strength P2. After that, the processing of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S210.

In step S210, the transmitting unit 14 transmits a wireless signal. Then, the receiving unit 15 receives the wireless signal. Then, the processing of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S211.

In step S211, the measurement unit 16 measures the signal strength P3 of the wireless signal received by the receiving unit 15. After that, the processing of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S212.

In step S212, the detection unit 17 determines whether the signal strength P3 has fallen below the second reference strength P2. If the signal strength P3 has not fallen below the second reference strength P2, the processing of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S210. On the other hand, if the signal strength P3 has fallen below the second reference strength P2, the processing of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S213.

In step S213, the detection unit 17 detects an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening. The notification unit 18 notifies the abnormality in the occurrence of an opening. After that, the processing of the abnormality detection device 13 proceeds to step S210.

In the above, an example was given of the case where the lid 12 of the upper machine room 11a is open, but the abnormality detection device 13 may also operate in the same manner when the lid 12 of the lower machine room 11b is open, or when the lids 12 of both the upper machine room 11a and the lower machine room 11b are open.

As described above, the detection unit 17 of the abnormality detection device 13 according to embodiment 1 sets the signal strength measured by the measurement unit 16 when at least one of the lids 12 of the upper machine room 11a or the lower machine room 11b is open as the second reference strength. The detection unit 17 detects the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor 1 when the signal strength measured by the measurement unit 16 falls below the second reference strength. As a result, the detection unit 17 uses the signal strength actually measured when the lid 12 is open as a reference, and therefore the accuracy of detecting the occurrence of an abnormality can be further improved depending on the installation conditions of each individual passenger conveyor 1.

The detection unit 17 also detects the elimination of the opening abnormality in the passenger conveyor 1 when the signal strength measured by the measurement unit 16 recovers to the second reference strength. This allows the maintenance personnel to check whether the removal of the steps 5 has been restored, thereby reducing the possibility of missing restoration.

The detection unit 17 also detects a change in the operating mode of the passenger conveyor 1. When there is a decrease in the signal strength measured by the measurement unit 16 within a preset time range before and after the detection of the change in operating mode, the detection unit 17 determines that the decrease in signal strength is due to the opening of the lid 12 of the upper machine room 11a or the lower machine room 11b. This allows the detection unit 17 to distinguish between a change in signal strength due to the opening of the lid 12 and a change in signal strength due to the removal of the step 5 based on the timing of the change in operating mode. This further improves the accuracy of detecting the occurrence of an abnormality.

The detection unit 17 may determine whether the lid 12 is open by comparing the radio signal reception strength with a preset reception strength value when the radio signal reception strength decreases. In this case, the set reception strength may be, for example, the signal strength of the radio signal measured by the measurement unit 16 with the lid 12 open when the passenger conveyor 1 is installed or when maintenance and inspection are completed. The detection unit 17 may determine that the lid 12 is open when, for example, the decreased signal strength matches the preset signal strength within the range of measurement error.

The detection unit 17 may also set a preset constant value as the second reference strength. In this case, the second reference strength may be, for example, the signal strength of the wireless signal measured by the measurement unit 16 with the lid 12 open when the passenger conveyor 1 is installed or when maintenance and inspection are completed.

To summarize the above explanation, possible configurations of the technology according to the present disclosure include the configurations listed below as appendices.
(Appendix 1)
A main device provided at a first end in a front-rear direction of a truss of the passenger conveyor;
a subsystem disposed at a second end of the truss opposite the first end;
Equipped with
The sub-device is
a transmitting unit that transmits a radio signal propagating through the truss to the main device,
The main device is
a receiving unit for receiving a radio signal transmitted by the transmitting unit;
a measurement unit for measuring a signal strength of a wireless signal received by the receiving unit;
A detection unit that detects an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor based on a change in the signal strength measured by the measurement unit;
Equipped with
Anomaly detection device.
(Appendix 2)
the detection unit defines the signal strength measured by the measurement unit when both covers of a first machine room provided at the first end and a second machine room provided at the second end are closed as a first reference strength, and detects an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor when the signal strength measured by the measurement unit falls below the first reference strength.
2. The anomaly detection device according to claim 1.
(Appendix 3)
The detection unit detects that the abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor has been resolved when the signal strength measured by the measurement unit recovers to the first reference strength.
3. The anomaly detection device according to claim 2.
(Appendix 4)
the detection unit defines the signal strength measured by the measurement unit when at least one of a cover of a first machine room provided at the first end or a second machine room provided at the second end is open as a second reference strength, and detects the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor when the signal strength measured by the measurement unit falls below the second reference strength.
4. The abnormality detection device according to claim 1 .
(Appendix 5)
The detection unit detects the elimination of the abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor when the signal strength measured by the measurement unit recovers to the second reference strength.
5. The anomaly detection device according to claim 4.
(Appendix 6)
the detection unit detects a change in operation mode of the passenger conveyor, and when a decrease in signal strength measured by the measurement unit occurs within a preset time range before and after the detection of the change in operation mode, determines that the decrease in signal strength is due to the opening of a cover of the first machine room or the second machine room.
6. The abnormality detection device according to claim 4 or 5.
(Appendix 7)
A main device is provided at a first end of a truss of a passenger conveyor in a front-rear direction, and a sub device is provided at a second end of the truss opposite to the first end of the truss, the sub device transmitting a wireless signal propagating through the truss;
the master device measuring a signal strength of a wireless signal received from the slave device;
The main device detects an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor based on a change in the signal strength of the measured wireless signal;
The anomaly detection method comprises:
(Appendix 8)
A main device is provided at a first end in a front-rear direction of a truss of a passenger conveyor,
receiving a wireless signal transmitted from a sub-device provided at a second end of the truss opposite to the first end and propagating within the truss;
Measure the signal strength of the received wireless signal;
Detecting an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor based on a change in the signal strength of the measured wireless signal.
Anomaly detection programs.

1 passenger conveyor, 2 boarding/alighting door, 3 truss, 4 drive unit, 5 steps, 6 balustrade, 7 handrail, 8 control unit, 9 main inspection unit, 10 secondary inspection unit, 11a upper machine room, 11b lower machine room, 12 cover, 13 abnormality detection unit, 14 transmission unit, 15 reception unit, 16 measurement unit, 17 detection unit, 18 notification unit, 19 command unit, 20 handrail guide, 21 inner plate, 22 skirt guard, 23 inner deck, 100a processor, 100b memory, 200 dedicated hardware

Claims (8)

A main device provided at a first end in a front-rear direction of a truss of the passenger conveyor;
a subsystem disposed at a second end of the truss opposite the first end;
Equipped with
The sub-device is
a transmitting unit that transmits a radio signal propagating through the truss to the main device,
The main device is
a receiving unit for receiving a radio signal transmitted by the transmitting unit;
a measurement unit for measuring a signal strength of a wireless signal received by the receiving unit;
A detection unit that detects an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor based on a change in the signal strength measured by the measurement unit;
Equipped with
Anomaly detection device. the detection unit defines the signal strength measured by the measurement unit when both covers of a first machine room provided at the first end and a second machine room provided at the second end are closed as a first reference strength, and detects an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor when the signal strength measured by the measurement unit falls below the first reference strength.
The abnormality detection device according to claim 1 . The detection unit detects that the abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor has been resolved when the signal strength measured by the measurement unit recovers to the first reference strength.
The abnormality detection device according to claim 2 . the detection unit defines the signal strength measured by the measurement unit when at least one of a cover of a first machine room provided at the first end or a second machine room provided at the second end is open as a second reference strength, and detects the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor when the signal strength measured by the measurement unit falls below the second reference strength.
The abnormality detection device according to claim 1 . The detection unit detects the elimination of the abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor when the signal strength measured by the measurement unit recovers to the second reference strength.
The abnormality detection device according to claim 4. the detection unit detects a change in operation mode of the passenger conveyor, and when a decrease in signal strength measured by the measurement unit occurs within a preset time range before and after the detection of the change in operation mode, determines that the decrease in signal strength is due to the opening of a cover of the first machine room or the second machine room.
The abnormality detection device according to claim 4 or 5. A main device is provided at a first end of a truss of a passenger conveyor in a front-rear direction, and a sub device is provided at a second end of the truss opposite to the first end of the truss, the sub device transmitting a wireless signal propagating through the truss;
the master device measuring a signal strength of a wireless signal received from the slave device;
The main device detects an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor based on a change in the signal strength of the measured wireless signal;
The anomaly detection method comprises: A main device is provided at a first end in a front-rear direction of a truss of a passenger conveyor,
receiving a wireless signal transmitted from a sub-device provided at a second end of the truss opposite to the first end and propagating through the truss;
Measure the signal strength of the received wireless signal;
Detecting an abnormality in the occurrence of an opening in the passenger conveyor based on a change in the signal strength of the measured wireless signal.
Anomaly detection programs.

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