JP2019182641A - Passenger conveyor having transportation handrail state monitoring function and transportation handrail state monitoring system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a passenger conveyor capable of monitoring a state of a part related to a transportation handrail closely.SOLUTION: A passenger conveyor according to this invention comprises a pressure sensor 9 embedded into a transportation handrail 1 in an endless shape and for detecting pressure imparted to the transportation handrail 1 and transmitting the detected pressure data wirelessly, a reference transmitter 10 arranged at a position corresponding to a site on a movement path of the transportation handrail 1 and for transmitting a reference signal wirelessly when the pressure sensor 9 passes the site and a controller 3 for receiving the pressure data transmitted from the pressure sensor 9, storing a date on which the pressure data is received by associating it with the pressure data, receiving the reference signal transmitted from the reference transmitter 10 and storing a date on which the reference signal is received by associating it with the reference signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a passenger conveyor having a moving handrail state monitoring function and a moving handrail state monitoring system.

  Patent Document 1 below describes a moving handrail monitoring device for passenger conveyors. According to this moving handrail monitoring device, the speed of the moving handrail can be detected.

JP 2003-40571 A

  However, the moving handrail monitoring device described in Patent Literature 1 cannot acquire information other than the speed of the moving handrail. For this reason, the state of the site | part relevant to the moving handrail of a passenger conveyor cannot be monitored in detail.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. The purpose is to provide a passenger conveyor and a moving handrail state monitoring system capable of monitoring in detail the state of a part related to the moving handrail.

  The passenger conveyor according to the present invention is embedded in an endless moving handrail, detects a pressure applied to the moving handrail, corresponds to a pressure sensor that wirelessly transmits the detected pressure data, and a location on the moving path of the moving handrail. A reference transmitter that is provided at a position and transmits a reference signal wirelessly when the pressure sensor passes through the location, and pressure data transmitted from the pressure sensor is received, and the date and time when the pressure data is received is used as the pressure data. And a controller that stores the reference signal transmitted from the reference transmitter and stores the date and time when the reference signal is received in association with the reference signal.

  A moving handrail state monitoring system according to the present invention includes the above-described passenger conveyor and a monitoring center connected to a control device via a network. The control device stores stored pressure data, a stored reference signal, and a passenger conveyor. The moving speed of the step is transmitted to the monitoring center, and the monitoring center determines whether or not the passenger conveyor has a sign of malfunction based on the information received from the control device.

  According to these inventions, the control device receives the pressure data transmitted from the pressure sensor, stores the date and time when the pressure data is received in association with the pressure data, and receives the reference signal transmitted from the reference transmitter. The date and time when the reference signal is received is stored in association with the reference signal. For this reason, the state of the part related to the moving handrail can be monitored in detail.

1 is a configuration diagram of a moving handrail state monitoring system in Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a moving handrail in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a moving handrail state monitoring system in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a hardware block diagram of a control apparatus.

  Embodiments will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. The overlapping description will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

  In the embodiment, an escalator will be specifically described as an example of a passenger conveyor. Description of other passenger conveyors such as moving walkways is omitted.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a moving handrail state monitoring system according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the escalator includes a moving handrail 1, a handrail driving device 2, and a control device 3. The handrail driving device 2 is provided, for example, on an inclined portion of the truss. The control device 3 is provided in the upper machine room, for example. The operation of the escalator is controlled by the control device 3.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the moving handrail state monitoring system includes an escalator and a monitoring center 4. For example, the monitoring center 4 is provided in a building different from the building in which the escalator is provided. The monitoring center 4 can communicate with the control device 3 via, for example, a network.

  The moving handrail 1 is formed in an endless shape. The moving handrail 1 is provided on both the left and right sides of the escalator steps. The steps and the moving handrail 1 circulate between the upper floor and the lower floor. The steps are driven by a driving device (not shown). The moving handrail 1 is driven by a handrail driving device 2. The moving handrail 1 is guided by a guide rail (not shown). The inner surface of the moving handrail 1 can contact the guide rail.

  The handrail drive device 2 includes a power transmission sprocket 5, a plurality of drive rollers 6, a plurality of pressure rollers 7, and a handrail chain 8. The pressure roller 7 is provided as a pair with the drive roller 6. The moving handrail 1 is sandwiched between the driving roller 6 and the pressure roller 7. The handrail chain 8 is wound around a sprocket and a power transmission sprocket 5 provided coaxially with the drive roller 6.

  The power transmission sprocket 5 is rotated by power from a step drive device. When the power transmission sprocket 5 rotates, the handrail chain 8 circulates and the drive roller 6 rotates. The moving handrail 1 is moved by a frictional force with the driving roller 6.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the escalator includes a pressure sensor 9 and a reference transmitter 10. The pressure sensor 9 is embedded in the moving handrail 1. That is, the pressure sensor 9 moves together with the moving handrail 1. The pressure sensor 9 is formed as an IC chip or the like, for example. The reference | standard transmitter 10 is provided in the site | part which is not movable in an escalator. The reference | standard transmitter 10 may be provided in a truss, a skirt guard, or a guide rail etc., for example. For example, the reference transmitter 10 may be provided in the upper machine room, or may be provided in the vicinity of the handrail driving device 2.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the moving handrail in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the moving handrail 1 includes a plurality of tensile bodies 11. The tensile body 11 is embedded along the longitudinal direction of the moving handrail 1. FIG. 2 illustrates a case where the pressure sensor 9 is embedded at a position closer to the front side than the tensile body 11 in the thickness direction of the moving handrail 1. In the thickness direction of the moving handrail 1, the pressure sensor 9 may be embedded at a position closer to the back side than the tensile body 11.

  For example, a plurality of pressure sensors 9 are provided in one moving handrail 1. For example, at least one reference transmitter 10 is provided for each moving handrail 1.

  FIG. 1 illustrates a case where a first pressure sensor 9 a and a second pressure sensor 9 b are provided on one moving handrail 1 as the pressure sensor 9. The first pressure sensor 9a is embedded in, for example, a joint position when the moving handrail 1 is formed in an endless shape. The second pressure sensor 9b is embedded, for example, at a position separated from the first pressure sensor 9a by half the total length of the moving handrail 1.

  The pressure sensor 9 detects the pressure applied to the moving handrail 1. The pressure sensor 9 detects at least the pressure in the thickness direction of the moving handrail 1. For example, the pressure sensor 9 may detect both the pressure in the thickness direction of the moving handrail 1 and the pressure in the longitudinal direction of the moving handrail 1.

  The pressure sensor 9 constantly transmits the detected pressure data wirelessly. For example, the pressure sensor 9 transmits pressure data including identification information indicating the pressure sensor 9.

  The control device 3 receives the pressure data transmitted from the pressure sensor 9. The control device 3 identifies the pressure data from the first pressure sensor 9a and the pressure data from the second pressure sensor 9b.

  The reference transmitter 10 is provided at a position that is not the moving handrail 1 corresponding to a certain location on the moving path of the moving handrail 1. The reference transmitter 10 transmits a reference signal wirelessly when the pressure sensor 9 passes through the location.

  The reference | standard transmitter 10 detects the electromagnetic wave from the pressure sensor 9, for example. The reference transmitter 10 detects that the pressure sensor 9 has passed through a corresponding location on the path of the moving handrail 1 based on, for example, the radio wave intensity when pressure data is transmitted from the pressure sensor 9. For example, the reference transmitter 10 identifies whether the first pressure sensor 9a or the second pressure sensor 9b has passed through the location. The reference | standard transmitter 10 transmits the reference | standard signal containing the identification information which shows the pressure sensor 9 which passed the said location, for example. That is, for example, when the second pressure sensor 9b passes through the location, the reference transmitter 10 transmits a reference signal that is different from the case where the first pressure sensor 9a passes through the location.

  The control device 3 receives the reference signal transmitted from the reference transmitter 10. The control device 3 identifies whether the first pressure sensor 9a or the second pressure sensor 9b has passed through the location corresponding to the installation position of the reference transmitter 10.

  The pressure sensor 9 includes, for example, a piezoelectric element. In this case, for example, the piezoelectric element generates power by receiving pressure when sandwiched between the driving roller 6 and the pressure roller 7. The pressure sensor 9 transmits pressure data using, for example, power generated by a piezoelectric element.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the moving handrail state monitoring system according to the first embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the control device 3 includes a reception unit 12, a storage unit 13, and a transmission unit 14. The monitoring center 4 includes a calculation unit 15 and a determination unit 16.

  The receiving unit 12 receives the pressure data transmitted from the pressure sensor 9. The receiving unit 12 receives the reference signal transmitted from the reference transmitter 10.

  The storage unit 13 stores the pressure data and the reference signal received by the receiving unit 12.

  For example, the storage unit 13 stores the date and time when the receiving unit 12 receives the pressure data in association with the pressure data. The time included in the date is specified and expressed at least in seconds. For example, the storage unit 13 distinguishes and stores pressure data from the first pressure sensor 9a and pressure data from the second pressure sensor 9b. For example, the storage unit 13 stores pressure data in the thickness direction of the moving handrail 1 and pressure data in the longitudinal direction of the moving handrail 1 separately.

  For example, the storage unit 13 stores the date and time when the reference signal is received in association with the reference signal. The time included in the date is specified and expressed at least in seconds. For example, the storage unit 13 distinguishes and stores a reference signal caused by the first pressure sensor 9a and a reference signal caused by the second pressure sensor 9b.

  For example, the pressure data whose reception date and time is the same as or closest to the reference signal is transmitted when the pressure sensor 9 passes through a location corresponding to the installation position of the reference transmitter 10. For example, when the first pressure sensor 9a and the second pressure sensor 9b are provided as shown in FIG. 1, the time difference between the reception date and time of a certain reference signal and the reception date and time of the reference signal transmitted next is the moving handrail 1 This is equivalent to the time required for half of the total length to move. That is, for example, from the reception date and time of two reference signals arranged in time order, the time required for the moving handrail 1 to make a half turn can be obtained. Further, for example, from the reception date and time of three reference signals arranged in time order, it is possible to obtain the time required for the moving handrail 1 to make a round.

  The transmission unit 14 transmits the pressure data associated with the reception date and time and stored in the storage unit 13 to the monitoring center 4. The transmission unit 14 transmits the reference signal associated with the reception date and time and stored in the storage unit 13 to the monitoring center 4. For example, the transmission unit 14 transmits information indicating the moving speed of the escalator steps to the monitoring center 4. The transmission unit 14 transmits, for example, information indicating whether the escalator is in an ascending operation or a descending operation to the monitoring center 4.

  The calculation unit 15 performs a calculation based on information transmitted from the control device 3.

  The calculating part 15 calculates | requires the time required for the moving handrail 1 to make a round, for example.

  The calculating part 15 calculates | requires the slip ratio of the moving handrail 1, for example. The slip ratio represents a shift of the moving amount of the moving handrail 1 with respect to the moving amount of the step.

  The calculating part 15 calculates | requires the length between the installation position of the 1st pressure sensor 9a and the installation position of the 2nd pressure sensor 9b in the longitudinal direction of the moving handrail 1, for example.

  The calculating part 15 calculates | requires in which position on the movement path | route of the moving handrail 1 was detected about each pressure data, for example.

  For example, the determination unit 16 determines whether or not a failure has occurred in the escalator based on the information obtained by the calculation unit 15. For example, the determination unit 16 determines whether or not the escalator has a failure sign based on the information obtained by the calculation unit 15. Note that the determination unit 16 may make these determinations based on, for example, the information itself transmitted from the control device 3.

  For example, the determination unit 16 may perform the determination by comparing the pressure detected during the ascending operation of the escalator with the pressure detected during the descending operation. For example, the determination unit 16 may perform the determination by comparing pressures detected at various positions on the moving path of the moving handrail 1 with each other. The various positions on the movement path are, for example, the straight line portion of the forward path, the straight line portion of the return path, the bending portion, and the position where the driving force is applied by the handrail driving device 2.

  For example, when the determination unit 16 determines that a problem has occurred in the escalator or that there is a sign of a problem, the monitoring center 4 may report that fact.

  According to the first embodiment described above, the control device 3 receives the pressure data transmitted from the pressure sensor 9, stores the date and time when the pressure data is received in association with the pressure data, and stores the reference transmitter 10. The reference signal transmitted from is received, and the date and time when the reference signal is received is stored in association with the reference signal. For this reason, the state of the site | part relevant to the moving handrail 1 of a passenger conveyor can be monitored in detail.

  In addition, the control device 3 transmits the stored pressure data, the stored reference signal, and the moving speed of the passenger conveyor steps to the monitoring center 4. Based on the information received from the control device 3, the monitoring center 4 determines whether the passenger conveyor has a sign of malfunction. For this reason, a sign can be discovered before a big malfunction occurs in a passenger conveyor.

  Moreover, the 1st pressure sensor 9a is arrange | positioned at the joint at the time of the movable handrail 1 being formed in endless form. The second pressure sensor 9b is disposed away from the first pressure sensor 9a by half the total length of the moving handrail 1. For this reason, the state of the seam that is easily damaged can be intensively monitored by the first pressure sensor 9a. Further, by providing the second pressure sensor 9b, it is possible to detect a change in length when the movable handrail 1 is damaged.

  The pressure sensor 9 detects a pressure in the thickness direction of the moving handrail 1 and a pressure in the longitudinal direction of the moving handrail 1. For this reason, the state of the site | part relevant to the moving handrail 1 of a passenger conveyor can be monitored in detail.

  The pressure in the thickness direction can reflect, for example, the state of the pressure roller 7 and the sprocket of the handrail drive device 2. The pressure in the thickness direction can reflect states such as damage to the inner surface of the moving handrail 1 and swelling of the moving handrail 1.

  The pressure in the longitudinal direction can reflect, for example, conditions such as dirt on the guide rail and dirt on the inner surface of the moving handrail 1. That is, the pressure in the longitudinal direction can reflect the magnitude of the load in the traveling direction of the moving handrail 1.

  The pressure sensor 9 generates power by receiving pressure, for example. In this case, if the passenger conveyor is operated, the pressure sensor 9 can be operated by converting the pressure received from the handrail driving device 2 or the like into electric power.

  Further, three or more pressure sensors 9 may be provided on one moving handrail 1. A plurality of reference transmitters 10 may be provided for each moving handrail 1. In these cases, it is possible to improve the accuracy of information obtained by the calculation unit 15.

  Further, the handrail driving device 2 may have a structure in which, for example, the driving roller 6 and the pressure roller 7 can be displaced in a direction in which the moving handrail 1 is sandwiched. In this case, since the moving handrail 1 may be damaged due to excessive clamping pressure, monitoring the state of the moving handrail 1 using the pressure sensor 9 is effective in preventing problems.

  FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the control device.

  Each function of the receiving unit 12, the storage unit 13, and the transmitting unit 14 in the control device 3 is realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be dedicated hardware 50. The processing circuit may include a processor 51 and a memory 52. A part of the processing circuit is formed as dedicated hardware 50, and may further include a processor 51 and a memory 52. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the processing circuit is partly formed as dedicated hardware 50 and includes a processor 51 and a memory 52.

  When at least a portion of the processing circuit is at least one dedicated hardware 50, the processing circuit can be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or the like. The combination is applicable.

  When the processing circuit includes at least one processor 51 and at least one memory 52, each function of the control device 3 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. Software and firmware are described as programs and stored in the memory 52. The processor 51 reads out and executes the program stored in the memory 52, thereby realizing the function of each unit. The processor 51 is also referred to as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a central processing unit, a processing unit, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, and a DSP. The memory 52 corresponds to, for example, a nonvolatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an EPROM, and an EEPROM, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, and a DVD.

  Thus, the processing circuit can realize each function of the control device 3 by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. Each function of the monitoring center 4 is also realized by a processing circuit similar to the processing circuit shown in FIG.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Moving handrail 2 Handrail drive device 3 Control device 4 Monitoring center 5 Power transmission sprocket 6 Driving roller 7 Pressure roller 8 Handrail chain 9 Pressure sensor 9a First pressure sensor 9b Second pressure sensor 10 Reference transmitter 11 Tensile body 12 Reception Unit 13 storage unit 14 transmission unit 15 calculation unit 16 determination unit 50 dedicated hardware 51 processor 52 memory

Claims (5)

A pressure sensor that is embedded in an endless moving handrail, detects pressure applied to the moving handrail, and wirelessly transmits the detected pressure data;
A reference transmitter that is provided at a position corresponding to a location on a moving path of the moving handrail, and that wirelessly transmits a reference signal when the pressure sensor passes through the location;
The pressure data transmitted from the pressure sensor is received, the date and time when the pressure data is received is stored in association with the pressure data, the reference signal transmitted from the reference transmitter is received, and the date and time when the reference signal is received A control device for storing in association with the reference signal;
With passenger conveyor. As the pressure sensor,
A first pressure sensor disposed at a seam when the moving handrail is formed endlessly;
A second pressure sensor disposed away from the first pressure sensor by half the total length of the moving handrail;
The passenger conveyor according to claim 1, comprising:   The passenger conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the pressure sensor detects a pressure in a thickness direction of the moving handrail and a pressure in a longitudinal direction of the moving handrail.   The passenger conveyor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pressure sensor generates power by receiving pressure. The passenger conveyor according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A monitoring center capable of communicating with the control device via a network;
With
The control device transmits the stored pressure data, the stored reference signal and the moving speed of the steps of the passenger conveyor to the monitoring center,
The monitoring center is a moving handrail state monitoring system that determines whether or not there is a sign of a malfunction in a passenger conveyor based on information received from the control device.

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