JP7114658B2 - Installation method of chain elongation detector and reflective optical sensor for passenger conveyor - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a chain elongation detection device for a passenger conveyor and a method for installing a reflective optical sensor.

A typical passenger conveyor (escalator) has three types of chains: drive chains, handrail chains and step chains. These chains are checked for wear elongation during periodic inspections, and are replaced when they reach a predetermined elongation rate.

By the way, when measuring the amount of elongation due to wear, work such as removing the steps and opening the machine room is involved, which is a heavy burden on the inspector. Also, basically, the amount of wear elongation of the chain is measured only at the time of legal inspection once a year, so even if there is a sudden elongation of the chain due to some event during the measurement timing, it will not be understood. could not.

Therefore, a technique has been proposed in which two inexpensive reflective optical sensors are installed to detect the timing at which the chain rollers pass, and the amount of elongation due to wear is automatically measured at all times (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

Japanese Patent No. 6505890

However, as a phenomenon peculiar to the reflective optical sensor, the timing of detection may change depending on the reflectance of the object to be measured, or the detection may fail.

In particular, passenger conveyors are installed both indoors and outdoors, and the fouling conditions differ greatly depending on the installation location. In addition, the number of years of use, the frequency of use by passengers, and the load on the chain differed greatly from property to property, and the extent to which the chains were soiled and damaged greatly differed from property to property.
Therefore, depending on the object to be measured, the passage timing of the chain roller cannot always be stably detected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above, and while using a reflective optical sensor, it is possible to always stably determine the passage timing of the chain roller regardless of conditions such as the installation location of the passenger conveyor and the state of contamination of the chain. Provided is a chain elongation detection device for a passenger conveyor and an installation method for a reflective optical sensor capable of continuously and stably detecting chain elongation of a passenger conveyor.

A chain elongation detection device for a passenger conveyor according to an embodiment includes a pair of reflective optical sensors arranged at a predetermined distance in the extending direction of the chain to be detected for chain elongation, and based on the outputs of the pair of reflective optical sensors. 1. A chain elongation detection device for a passenger conveyor for detecting elongation of a chain, wherein the reflective optical sensor comprises a light projecting element for emitting projected light and a light receiving element for receiving reflected light reflected from a detection target surface of a detection target. and a pair of reflective optical sensors each integrally formed with a light projecting element and a light receiving element, and the projection direction of the projected light is the light emitted from the light projecting element with respect to the detection target surface. The mounting direction of the light emitting element and the light receiving element is set so that the incident angle is such that the light does not reach the light directly and the diffused light mainly reaches the light receiving element . Reflected light reflected by the detection target surface of the projected light at the arrangement position of the light-receiving element, which is arranged to face the surface of the chain while being inclined at an angle θ from the vertical to the surface of the chain. The position and mounting direction of the light emitting element should be such that the intensity of the directly reflected light is low enough not to affect the measurement, and the intensity of the diffusely reflected light is sufficient for the measurement. is set.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of an escalator to which a chain elongation detection device according to an embodiment is applied. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of conventional normal detection. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of conventional detection failure. FIG. 4 is a principle explanatory diagram of the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration block diagram of the detection section of the chain elongation detection device of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the mounting state of the first reflective optical sensor and the second reflective optical sensor. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a state in which the reflective photosensor is attached to the blanket. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of a state in which the reflective photosensor is attached to the blanket. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a method for adjusting the fixed angle of the reflective photosensor. FIG. 10 is a diagram explaining the effect of the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining conventional problems in the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of problems that may arise when the first embodiment and the second embodiment are actually applied to an escalator. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the third embodiment. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of an escalator to which a chain elongation detection device according to an embodiment is applied.
In the present embodiment, an escalator 100 will be described as an example of a passenger conveyor that moves (circulates) a plurality of endlessly connected steps.

An escalator chain elongation detection device (hereinafter simply referred to as a chain elongation detection device) 10A to 10C according to the embodiment is installed in an escalator 100 as shown in FIG.
The escalator 100 is installed in a building (also referred to as a building) and includes one floor (hereinafter referred to as a lower floor) of this building and other floors above this lower floor (hereinafter referred to as an upper floor). ) and transport passengers, etc.

The escalator 100 comprises a truss (structural frame) 110 , a plurality of steps 120 and a balustrade 130 . A frame (not shown) and a drive mechanism for the escalator 100 are arranged inside the truss 110 .

The drive mechanism of the escalator 100 includes a motor 105 as a drive source, a reduction gear 106, a drive sprocket 111, a drive chain (chain) 112, a driven sprocket 113, a driven sprocket 114, and a step chain (chain) 115. It has

The motor 105 is provided on the upper floor side of the escalator 100 . A reduction gear 106 is attached to the output shaft of the motor 105 .

The drive chain 112 is formed in an endless shape and is hung over the drive sprocket 111 and the driven sprocket 113 of the speed reducer 106 . The drive chain 112 circulates around the driven sprocket 113 and the drive sprocket 111 of the reduction gear 106 by the driving force of the motor 105 transmitted through the reduction gear 106 , thereby rotating the driven sprocket 113 . That is, the drive chain 112 transmits the driving force of the motor 105 transmitted via the reduction gear 106 to the driven sprocket 113 .

In this case, a roller chain is used as the drive chain 112 .
On the upper side of the drive chain 112, a chain elongation detection device 10A that detects elongation of the drive chain 112 and notifies it to the control panel 200 is integrated with a chain break detection device (not shown) that detects that the drive chain 112 is cut. formed.
The configuration of the chain elongation detection device 10A will be detailed later.

By driving the driven sprocket 113, the escalator 100 drives the step chain 115 stretched between the driven sprocket 113 and the driven sprocket 114, and circulates the plurality of steps 120 connected in an endless manner. Operate.
In this case, a so-called conveyor chain is used as the step chain 115 .
A chain elongation detection device 10B that detects elongation of the step chain 115 and notifies the control panel 200 is provided on the upper side of the lower path of the step chain 115 .

Furthermore, between the drive sprocket 116 integral with the drive sprocket 111 and the sprocket of the handrail belt drive unit 117, a handrail belt chain 118 is provided in a state of being stretched over, and is used to drive the handrail belt 133. It transmits driving force.

In this case, a roller chain is used as the handrail belt chain 118 .
A chain elongation detection device 10C that detects elongation of the handrail belt chain 118 and notifies the control panel 200 is provided on the upper surface side of the handrail belt chain 118 .

When the escalator 100 operates in the downward direction, the steps 120 adjacent to each other in the traveling direction among the plurality of steps 120 move horizontally from the inside of the truss 110 at the upper entrance (upper-floor entrance/exit 101). be done. Then, in the upper transition curve, the steps 120 adjacent to each other are enlarged, and the plurality of steps 120 are transitioned stepwise. At the intermediate tilting portion, the plurality of steps 120 are descended in a step-like manner.

Then, in the lower transition curve, the step between adjacent steps 120 is reduced and the plurality of steps 120 are horizontally transitioned. Then, at the lower exit (lower-floor entrance/exit 102 ), the plurality of steps 120 become horizontal again and enter the truss 110 . After entering the truss 110, the plurality of steps 120 are turned upside down and horizontally raised on the return route side. Then, the plurality of steps 120 are reversed again and advanced from inside the truss 110 at the upper-floor entrance/exit 101 .

When the escalator 100 moves upward, the operation is reversed.
In this manner, at the upper floor entrance 101 and the lower entrance 102, the steps 120 advance from or enter the truss 110 with the tread surface of the upper surface on which the user rides is horizontal. .

The escalator 100 includes a pair of balustrades 130 on both sides of a plurality of steps 120 in the traveling direction. The balustrade 130 is mainly composed of a skirt guard panel (not shown), an inner deck 131 , glass 132 and a handrail belt 133 .

The skirt guard panels are adjacent on both sides in a direction (width direction) orthogonal to the running direction of the plurality of steps 120 (the downward direction and the upward direction in which the escalator 100 operates), and the upper floor entrance 101. It is provided between the lower floor side entrance/exit 102 .

An inner deck 131 is attached to the upper side of the skirt guard panel. A glass 132 is attached to the upper side of the inner deck 131 . A handrail belt 133 is movably fitted to a handrail rail (not shown) attached to the outer circumference of the glass 132 . The escalator 100 is configured such that the handrail belt 133 of the balustrade 130 is circularly moved by a handrail belt drive chain (not shown) in accordance with the progress and direction of travel of the plurality of steps 120 .

Thus, the escalator 100 uses three chains: the drive chain 112, the step chain 115, and the handrail belt drive chain (not shown). The drive chain 112 and the handrail belt drive chain are each provided with a standard that is judged to be normal if the swing width (deformation amount) is less than a reference value X mm (for example, several tens of mm) when the central portion is bent. ing.

In other words, the elongation of the chain is automatically measured, and when the elongation of the drive chain 112 and the handrail belt drive chain is extended by the amount corresponding to the reference value X mm, or a predetermined elongation rate (for example, 1% ) is reached, the notification is made.
On the other hand, the step chain 115 is always pulled by the driven wheel 114 side, and since the conveyor chain is used as the step chain 115 as described above, there is no slack, so the elongation of the chain is automatically measured. Then, when the elongation reaches a predetermined elongation amount (or a predetermined elongation rate: 0.05%, for example), notification is made.

Therefore, in this embodiment, it is determined that the swing width has reached the reference value X mm when the elongation of the drive chain 112 and the handrail belt drive chain reaches a predetermined elongation amount corresponding to each chain. When the elongation exceeds a predetermined elongation amount corresponding to each chain, processing is performed assuming that the swing width is greater than the reference value X mm.
When the step chain 115 reaches a corresponding predetermined elongation amount, the position of the adjusting sprocket is shifted to adjust the step chain 115 so that the step chain 115 is stretched with a predetermined tension.

In the following description, the case of detecting elongation of the drive chain 112 will be described as an example, but the same can be applied to the step chain 115 or the handrail belt drive chain.

The operation of the escalator 100 is realized by controlling the speed reducer 106 and the motor 105 with a control panel (control device) 200 installed in the truss 110 .

The control panel 200 is physically a computer having a CPU, RAM, ROM, and the like. The function of the control panel 200 is to operate various devices in the escalator 100 under the control of the CPU by loading an application program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executing it by the CPU, and to read data in the RAM and ROM. This is achieved by reading and writing the
Furthermore, the control state and control result by the control panel 200 are notified to the remote monitoring device 300 via the communication network and used for troubleshooting, maintenance, and the like.

[1] Principles of the Embodiments Prior to detailed description of the embodiments, conventional problems and the principles of the embodiments will be described.
As the reflective optical sensor, for example, a reflective photoelectric sensor, a laser displacement sensor, or the like can be used.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of conventional normal detection.
As shown in FIG. 2, the chain CH includes a chain plate CP and chain rollers CR.

In the conventional chain elongation detection device, the reflective optical sensor SEN is arranged so as to face the chain roller CR substantially vertically when the chain roller CR passes directly below.

When the amount of chain oil adhering to the chain roller CR is relatively small, the direct light L1 of the projection light L emitted from the light projecting element LT of the reflective optical sensor SEN is diffusely reflected over a wide range by the surface of the chain roller CR. do. Then, it becomes the diffused light L2 that spreads in the diffused light area LA2. A portion of the diffused light L2 then returns to the light receiving element LR of the reflective photosensor SEN.

Incidentally, the light-receiving element LR of the reflective optical sensor SEN is normally designed to detect weak light (diffused light L2 in FIG. 2) diffusely reflected by the object to be detected (chain roller CR in FIG. 2). When the directly reflected light of the direct light L1 of high intensity is received, the light receiving element LR becomes saturated and detection becomes impossible.

In the state shown in FIG. 2, the light-receiving element LR of the reflective photosensor SEN receives the diffused light L2, so the amount of received light is an appropriate amount. The passage of the chain roller CR, which is an object to be detected, can be correctly detected.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of conventional detection failure.
As described above, when a large amount of chain oil adheres to the chain roller CR, the effective reflectance of the chain roller CR is extremely high. Such an extremely high reflectance of the chain roller CR can occur relatively frequently in an actual escalator because chain oil is automatically sprayed regularly (for example, every 50 hours of operation). .

In the state shown in FIG. 3, the surface of the chain roller CR is in a mirror-like state.
Therefore, the projected light L emitted from the light projecting element LT of the reflective optical sensor SEN is hardly diffusely reflected on the surface of the chain roller CR, but is directly reflected as light L1 and enters the light receiving element LR with high intensity.

As a result, strong light exceeding the designed light intensity detectable by the light receiving element LR is incident on the light receiving element LR, so that the light receiving element LR is saturated and can become undetectable.
Therefore, it is impossible to correctly detect whether or not the chain roller CR is passing directly under the reflective optical sensor SEN.
As described above, the light reflectance of the chain roller CR changes from moment to moment depending on the condition of oil adhesion and contamination, so there is a possibility that the detection may become unstable.

FIG. 4 is a principle explanatory diagram of the embodiment.
In the chain elongation detection device of this embodiment, the reflective optical sensor SEN faces the chain roller CR (the central axis thereof) while being inclined at an angle θ from the vertical when the chain roller CR passes directly below. are placed in In other words, the reflective optical sensor SEN of this embodiment has an optical axis LX that is inclined by an angle θ from the vertical direction with respect to the chain roller CR.

In this case, the angle .theta. The intensity of the diffused light L2 is set so as to be in a region where the intensity is sufficient for measurement.

Specifically, for example, the angle θ at which the intensity of the direct light L1 incident on the light receiving element LR of the reflective photosensor SEN affects the measurement is 0 to 5°, and the light receiving element LR of the reflective photosensor SEN When the angle at which the intensity of the incident diffused light L2 has sufficient intensity for measurement is about 11° at maximum, the angle θ exceeds 5° (considering variations in reflected intensity, practically, for example 5.3° or more) and an angle within 11°.

As a result, the projection light L emitted from the reflective optical sensor SEN is projected onto the chain roller CR obliquely at an angle θ even when the chain roller CR is positioned directly below.

As a result, the reflected light (directly reflected light) of the direct light L1 is reflected in the directions shown in FIG. 4 on the surface of the chain roller CR.
That is, when the angle θ is set larger than a certain predetermined value, the direct light L1 is reflected to a position away from the installation position of the light receiving element LR.

Therefore, unlike the case shown in FIG. 3, the situation in which the reflected light of the direct light L1 enters the light receiving element LR and becomes saturated and cannot be detected does not occur.

On the other hand, the reflected light of the diffused light L2 reaches a wider range than the reflected light of the direct light L1. Therefore, the reflected light of the diffused light L2 reaches and is received by the light receiving element LR, and is stably detected without being saturated.

As described above, even if the light reflectance of the chain roller CR is higher than expected, the light receiving element LR can receive the diffused light L2 of the projected light L, ensuring that the chain roller passes through. can be detected.

[2] First Embodiment Next, the first embodiment will be described in more detail.
FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration block diagram of the detection section of the chain elongation detection device of the first embodiment.
In the following description, a chain elongation detection device 10A for detecting elongation of the drive chain 112 will be described as an example.

The chain elongation detection device 10A includes a first reflective optical sensor SEN1, a second reflective optical sensor SEN2, and a signal processing device SPD as detection units.
The first reflective optical sensor SEN1 irradiates the chain rollers constituting the drive chain 112 with projection light, detects the reflected light from the chain rollers, and outputs a first detection signal SS1 to the signal processing device.

Similarly, the second reflective optical sensor SEN2 irradiates the chain rollers constituting the drive chain 112 with projection light, detects the reflected light from the chain rollers, and outputs the second detection signal SS1 to the signal processing device SPD. Output.
The signal processing device SPD compares the input first detection signal SS1 and second detection signal SS with predetermined threshold values, respectively, and outputs a first detection pulse signal SP1 and a second detection pulse signal SP2.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the mounting state of the first reflective optical sensor and the second reflective optical sensor.
The first reflective optical sensor SEN1 and the second reflective optical sensor SEN2 are applied to the third blanket 143 supported by the first blanket 141 and the second blanket 142 with respect to the surface of the chain rollers forming the drive chain 112. It is attached so as to form a predetermined angle θ.

In this case, the first blanket 141 is attached to a jig 151 mounted within the truss 110 . The second blanket 142 is also attached to a jig 152 mounted within the truss 110 .

Further, the second blanket 142 constitutes a chain break detection device (ratchet device) for detecting that the drive chain 112 is broken, and a base 156 that supports a slide plate 155 that slidably contacts the drive chain 112. are located in the vicinity of

In this case, the base 156 is supported by a swing arm (not shown), but the swing arm is omitted in FIG. 6 for easy understanding.

In the above configuration, the first reflective optical sensor SEN1 and the second reflective optical sensor SEN2 are attached to the third blanket 143 so as to detect positions separated by a first predetermined distance D1 (eg, 380 mm). there is This is for avoiding the slide plate 155 and the base 156 . In addition, if the distance between the first reflective optical sensor SEN1 and the second reflective optical sensor SEN2 is increased as much as possible, the stretched state of the drive chain 112 can be detected reliably and with high accuracy. is.
Note that if the slide plate 155 is not provided, the first reflective optical sensor SEN1 and the second reflective optical sensor SEN2 can be arranged closer to each other.

Also, the first reflective optical sensor SEN1 and the second reflective optical sensor SEN2 are attached at positions spaced apart from the drive chain 112 by a second predetermined distance D2 (for example, 80 mm). This is to suppress the influence of dirt (such as adhesion of chain oil) that accompanies driving of the drive chain 112 .

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a state in which the reflective photosensor is attached to the blanket.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of a state in which the reflective photosensor is attached to the blanket.
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first reflective optical sensor SEN1 and the second reflective optical sensor SEN2 are screwed to the fixing blanket 144 and further fixed to the third blanket 143, respectively.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, each of the first reflective optical sensor SEN1 and the second reflective optical sensor SEN2 rotates about the rotation axis RX with respect to the fixing blanket 144 at a predetermined angle in the direction of the arrow RT. It is possible to fix it in a rotated state.

Here, adjustment of the fixing angles of the first reflective optical sensor SEN1 and the second reflective optical sensor SEN2 with respect to the fixing blanket 144 will be described.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a method for adjusting the fixed angle of the reflective photosensor.
When adjusting the fixed angles of the first reflective optical sensor SEN1 and the second reflective optical sensor SEN2, the slide plate 155 and the base 156 shown in FIG. 6 are removed.

Subsequently, the mounting positions of the first blanket 141 and the second blanket 142 are adjusted so that the extending direction of the third blanket 143 is substantially parallel to the extending direction of the drive chain 112 .

Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the angle adjustment jig 161 and the angle adjustment jig 162 having a shape to be sandwiched between the plurality of chain rollers of the drive chain 112 are attached to the first reflective optical sensor SEN1 and the second reflective optical sensor SEN1. It is arranged at a position facing the optical sensor SEN2.

In this case, the angle of the top surface of the angle adjusting jig 161 is the angle θ at which the first reflective optical sensor SEN1 and the second reflective optical sensor SEN2 are each desired to be tilted with respect to the axial direction of the chain roller of the drive chain 112. each tilted.

Therefore, the first reflective optical sensor SEN1 and the second reflective optical sensor SEN2 are temporarily fixed to the corresponding fixing blankets 144, respectively.

In the first reflective optical sensor SEN1 and the second reflective optical sensor SEN2, the screws are tightened while the light emitting element LT1 and the light receiving element LR1 are pressed against the top surfaces of the corresponding angle adjustment jigs 161, respectively. It is fixed to the fixing blanket 144 .

In this state, the first reflective optical sensor SEN1 and the second reflective optical sensor SEN2 are fixed to the chain roller of the driving chain 112 while being inclined at a predetermined angle θ.
As a result, of the light emitted from the light projecting element LT1 of the first reflective photosensor SEN1, the direct light L1 hardly reaches the light receiving element LR1, and the diffused light L2 mainly reaches the light receiving element LR1.

Similarly, of the light emitted from the light projecting element LT2 of the second reflective photosensor SEN2, the direct light L1 hardly reaches the light receiving element LR2, and the diffused light L2 mainly reaches the light receiving element LR2.
As described above, according to the first embodiment, the first reflective optical sensor SEN1 and the second reflective optical sensor SEN2 can reliably detect the presence or absence of the chain roller and the position of the chain roller directly below each optical sensor. Timing can be detected.

FIG. 10 is a diagram explaining the effect of the embodiment.
The example shown in FIG. 10A is a conventional case.
Conventionally, the reflected light near the top of the chain roller, which has a high reflectance of the direct light L1, is directly incident on the light receiving element LR of the reflective optical sensor SEN, resulting in a higher reflection intensity than expected. This is the case when the output of the reflective optical sensor SEN suddenly shifts from the "H" level (chain roller detection state) to the "L" level (chain roller non-detection state).
Also, depending on the situation, a sudden shift from the "L" level to the "H" level may occur.

As a result, depending on the installation location of the escalator, the frequency of occurrence of the above condition increases, and it is impossible to correctly detect that the chain roller CR has passed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10B, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to acquire a clean pulse waveform, suppress the influence of the installation location of the escalator, etc., and accurately adjust the chain roller. Passage can be detected.
Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect elongation of the chain, etc., and to perform correct maintenance judgment and control.

[3] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described.
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining conventional problems in the second embodiment.
Conventionally, an escalator has been provided with an oil pan or similar structure to prevent oil from falling in order to prevent chain oil, which is automatically sprayed onto the chain at regular intervals, from scattering around the escalator.

In this case, the oil pan is sometimes installed in the vicinity directly below the chain roller due to the installation space.
In addition, when a large amount of chain oil is accumulated in the oil pan or the oil adheres to the oil pan, the light reflectance may be high.

Therefore, for example, in the state shown in FIG. 11, the projection light L from the reflective optical sensor SEN passes downward between the chain rollers CR and is irradiated, and the oil pan PAN Alternatively, it may be reflected by chain oil OIL or the like accumulated in the oil pan PAN and return to the light receiving element LR.

In general, the light receiving position of the light reflected back by the oil pan PAN or the like is different from the detection position of the light reflected back by the chain roller, so erroneous detection should not occur.

However, how the projected light L is reflected by the oil pan PAN is not uniform. Therefore, in some cases, the reflected light may return to the light receiving element LR with a light intensity that is just right for detection by the light receiving element LR. .

In such a case, the optical axis LX of the reflective optical sensor SEN passes through the gap SPC between the chain rollers CR, and the reflective optical sensor SEN would normally be in a non-detection state. Despite the ideal state, the detection state of the reflective photosensor SEN will continue.
That is, since the output of the reflective optical sensor SEN is always in a detection state, it becomes impossible to detect the timing at which the chain roller CR passes.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the second embodiment.
Therefore, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, as in the first embodiment, the installation angle of the reflective optical sensor SEN is set so that the optical axis LX of the projection light L is at the chain roller CR. The angle is such that it is inclined by θ.

In this case, the installation angle is determined according to the distance Lp for the projected light L to be reflected by the oil pan. It is installed at an angle that does not target the target.

In the second embodiment, the direct light L1 reflected by the oil pan PAN does not directly enter the light receiving element LR of the reflective photosensor SEN.
Further, in the second embodiment, the reflected light L1 does not enter the light receiving element LR directly, but the reflected light of the diffused light L2 generated in the oil pan PAN may enter the light receiving element LR.

However, the diffused light L2 reflected by the oil pan PAN can be normally separated by the reflective photosensor SEN due to the background suppressing function of the reflective photosensor SEN.

Therefore, the oil pan PAN is not erroneously detected by determining that it is at a different distance from the chain roller to be detected.
Therefore, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to stably detect the chain roller CR.

[4] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of problems that may arise when the first embodiment and the second embodiment are actually applied to an escalator.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the first embodiment or the second embodiment is actually applied to an escalator, it is necessary to tilt the reflective optical sensor SEN. There is a possibility that the body protrudes laterally from the upper projection surface of the chain roller CR. If there is some structure STR at that position, there is a risk that the optical sensor will interfere with the structure STR and cannot be placed.

For example, if the detection target of the reflective optical sensor SEN is a step chain, the step body structure runs right beside the step chain, so the reflective optical sensor SEN detects the step as the structure STR. It may interfere with the main body structure.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the third embodiment.
Therefore, in the third embodiment, the inclination angle of the sensor is reversed with respect to the vertical line of the upper surface edge of the chain roller CR, and the reflective optical sensor SEN is arranged to protrude to the left side instead of the right side in FIG. ing.

As can be seen from FIG. 13, in the third embodiment, the reflective optical sensor SEN is arranged on the opposite side of the surrounding structure STR, and interference with the structure STR can be prevented. And effects similar to those of the second embodiment can be obtained.

[5] Fourth Embodiment FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a fourth embodiment.
The fourth embodiment differs from the first to third embodiments in that the reflective optical sensor SEN is arranged below the chain roller.
Since the chain oil adhering to the chain roller falls downward due to gravity, it is originally desirable to arrange the sensor above the chain roller as in the first to third embodiments.

However, in some escalator chains, there is no space for installing the sensor above the chain roller CR. For example, in a chain for driving a handrail belt, the cleat surface of the step runs near the upper part of the chain roller, and there is no space for arranging the reflective optical sensor SEN above the chain roller CR.

Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the reflective optical sensor SEN is arranged below the chain roller CR, and the light emitting element LT and the light receiving element LR of the reflective optical sensor SEN are arranged above. placed towards.

In this case, both the light emitting element LT and the light receiving element LR of the reflective optical sensor SEN are arranged at positions laterally out of the oil dropping range AR of the chain roller CR.
By configuring in this way, continuous measurement can be stably performed for a long period of time without dripping oil droplets.

While several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

10A to 10C Chain elongation detector 112 Drive chain 115 Step chain 118 Handrail belt chain 120 Step 130 Balustrade 161, 162 Angle adjustment jig 200 Control panel 300 Remote Monitoring device, AR... Oil drop range, CH... Chain, CP... Chain plate, CR... Chain roller, L... Projected light, LR, LR1, LR2... Light receiving element, LT, LT1, LT2... Light emitting element, LX... Light Axis, Lp...distance, OIL...chain oil, PAN...oil pan, RT...arrow, RX...rotational axis, SEN...reflective optical sensor, SPD...signal processor, SS1...first detection signal, SS2...second detection Signal, STR... structure, D1... first predetermined distance, D2... second predetermined distance, L1... reflected light, L2... diffused light, LA2... diffused light area, SEN1... first reflective optical sensor, SEN2... second Reflective photosensor, SP1... first detection pulse signal, SP2... second detection pulse signal.

Claims (6)

A pair of reflective optical sensors arranged at a predetermined distance in the extending direction of the chain to be detected for chain elongation, and a passenger conveyor for detecting elongation of the chain based on the outputs of the pair of reflective optical sensors A chain elongation detection device,
The reflective optical sensor includes a light projecting element that emits projection light and a light receiving element that receives reflected light reflected from a detection target surface of a detection target,
Each of the pair of reflective optical sensors has the light projecting element and the light receiving element integrally formed, and the projection direction of the projected light is the direction of the light emitted from the light projecting element with respect to the detection target surface. The mounting orientation of the light projecting element and the light receiving element is set so that the incident angle is such that the light does not reach the light receiving element directly and the diffused light mainly reaches the light receiving element,
The reflective optical sensor is arranged outside an area of the chain where the oil is dripped, and faces the surface of the chain while being inclined at an angle θ from the vertical. of the reflected light reflected by the detection target surface of the projection light, the intensity of the directly reflected light is low enough not to affect the measurement, and the intensity of the diffusely reflected light is sufficient for measurement. The arrangement position and mounting direction of the light emitting element are set so as to be the area,
Chain elongation detection device for passenger conveyors. Further, the arrangement position of the light receiving element is such that the intensity of the directly reflected light among the reflected light reflected by the non-detection objects arranged around the chain is low enough not to affect the measurement. The arrangement position and mounting direction of the light projecting element are set as follows,
2. A chain elongation detection device for a passenger conveyor according to claim 1 . A method of arranging a reflective optical sensor comprising a light projecting element that emits projected light and a light receiving element that receives reflected light reflected from a detection target surface of a detection target, the method comprising:
a step of setting an arrangement position of the light projecting element with respect to the object to be detected;
The light-receiving element is arranged such that the projection direction of the projected light has an incident angle at which diffused light mainly reaches the light-receiving element, out of the light emitted from the light-projecting element, does not directly reach the detection target surface. A process of setting the mounting direction of the light emitting element and the light receiving element integrally,
The reflective optical sensor is positioned outside an area of the detection target where dirt from the detection target arrives, and faces the surface of the detection target at an angle θ from the vertical. the process of placing;
A method of arranging a reflective optical sensor with The position where the light receiving element is arranged is a region where the intensity of the directly reflected light among the reflected light reflected by the detection target surface of the projected light is low enough not to affect the measurement, and the intensity of the diffusely reflected light is measured. A process of setting the orientation of the light projecting element so that it is an area with sufficient intensity for
4. The method of arranging a reflective photosensor according to claim 3 , comprising: In the process of setting the orientation of the light emitting element, the arrangement position of the light receiving element is further adjusted to the direct reflected light among the reflected light reflected by non-detection objects arranged around the detection object. setting the arrangement position and mounting direction of the light projecting element so that the intensity is low enough not to affect the measurement;
5. The method of arranging the reflective optical sensor according to claim 4 . In the reflective optical sensor, the projected light emitting surface of the light projecting element and the light receiving surface of the light receiving element are arranged on the same plane.
6. The method for arranging the reflective optical sensor according to claim 4 or 5.

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