JP7485255B1 - Passenger conveyor comb plate inspection system - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an inspection system that makes it easier to find abnormalities in a comb plate in a captured image. The inspection system (15) includes a camera (29) and a control unit (20). The camera (29) is permanently installed on a passenger conveyor (1). The camera (29) captures an image of the comb plate (3). The control unit (20) receives a control signal representing either or both of braking and release of a brake (10) of a drive device (6) from a control device (11) of the passenger conveyor (1). The control unit (20) executes an inspection process using the control signal as a trigger. The control unit (20) causes the camera (29) to capture an image of the comb plate (3) in the inspection process.

Description

The present disclosure relates to an inspection system for passenger conveyor comb plates.

Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a monitoring device for the comb plate of a passenger conveyor. The monitoring device is equipped with a camera that photographs the comb plate. The monitoring device determines whether the comb plate is normal or abnormal by comparing the image of the comb plate photographed by the camera with an image of the comb plate under normal conditions.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-27790

In the monitoring device of Patent Document 1, the camera captures an image of the comb plate when the same step passes through a preset location in the same driving direction so that it can be compared with an image of the comb plate under normal conditions. Since the captured image of the comb plate is always in the same positional relationship with the same step, if there is an abnormality that is difficult to see due to its positional relationship with the step, the abnormality may be difficult to find.

The present disclosure is directed to solving such problems. The present disclosure provides an inspection system that makes it easier to detect abnormalities in the comb plate in captured images.

The inspection system for the comb plate of a passenger conveyor according to the present disclosure comprises a camera that is permanently installed on the passenger conveyor and photographs the comb plate, and a control unit that receives a control signal from a control device of the passenger conveyor indicating either or both of the application and release of the brakes of the drive device, and causes the camera to photograph the comb plate in an inspection process triggered by the control signal.

The passenger conveyor comb plate inspection system disclosed herein makes it easier to detect abnormalities in the comb plate in captured images.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a passenger conveyor according to a first embodiment. 1 is a perspective view of an entrance/exit for a passenger conveyor according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to a first embodiment. 1 is an enlarged view of a main portion of a passenger conveyor to which an imaging device according to a first embodiment is attached. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a passenger conveyor to which an imaging device according to a first embodiment is attached. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating the mounting position of the imaging device according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the inspection system according to the first embodiment. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing examples of images of a comb plate captured by the imaging device according to the first embodiment; 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a main part of an inspection system according to a first embodiment. FIG.

The embodiments for implementing the present 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 the present 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 the present disclosure.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a passenger conveyor 1 according to the first embodiment.

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 of the passenger conveyor 1 are provided on the upper and lower floors of the building. The entrances 2 are the places 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. At each entrance 2, a comb plate 3 is provided on the inside in the front-rear direction. The comb plate 3 is arranged over the entire width in the left-right direction of the part of the passenger conveyor 1 that transports passengers. A plurality of comb teeth 4 are provided on the comb plate 3. In this example, the plurality of comb teeth 4 are arranged at equal intervals in the left-right direction of the passenger conveyor 1. The passenger conveyor 1 comprises a truss 5, a drive device 6, a plurality of steps 7, a pair of balustrades 8, a pair of moving handrails 9, a brake 10, and a control device 11.

The truss 5 is a long portion of the passenger conveyor 1 in the fore-and-aft direction that serves as a frame supporting the structure of the passenger conveyor 1. In this example, the truss 5 spans between the upper and lower floors of a building. One fore-and-aft end of the truss 5 is the end on the upper floor side. The other fore-and-aft end of the truss 5 is the end on the lower floor side. An upper machine room 12a is provided at the end of the truss 5 on the upper floor side. A lower machine room 12b is provided at the end of the truss 5 on the lower floor side.

The drive unit 6 includes a device, such as a motor, that generates a drive force. In this example, the drive unit 6 is disposed in the upper machine room 12a. The drive unit 6, for example, drives and rotates a sprocket 13 in the upper machine room 12a. An endless drive chain 14 is wound around the sprocket 13. The drive unit 6 generates a drive force to move the drive chain 14 in a circular motion.

Each step 7 is a device that moves in a circular motion by the driving force generated by the drive unit 6. Each step 7 is attached to, for example, a drive chain 14 that is moved in a circular motion by the drive unit 6, and moves in a circular motion together with the drive chain 14. Each step 7 moves on the outward path from the boarding/alighting entrance 2 on the departure side to the boarding/alighting entrance 2 on the arrival side, and moves on the return path lower than the outward path from the boarding/alighting entrance 2 on the arrival side to the boarding/alighting entrance 2 on the departure side. Cleats are provided on the surface of each step 7 along the front-to-rear direction. Each step 7 is extended from below the comb plate 3 at the boarding/alighting entrance 2 on the departure side, with the comb teeth 4 of the comb plate 3 and the cleat on the surface engaging with a gap. Each step 7 enters below the comb plate 3 at the boarding/alighting entrance 2 on the arrival side, with the comb teeth 4 of the comb plate 3 and the cleat on the surface engaging with a gap. The multiple steps 7 are arranged in a staircase shape on the outward path.

One balustrade 8 is positioned on the left side of the multiple steps 7. The other balustrade 8 is positioned on the right side of the multiple steps 7. In other words, the pair of balustrades 8 are positioned on the outside in the left-right direction relative to the multiple steps 7.

Each moving handrail 9 is a device that moves in a circular motion by the driving force generated by the drive unit 6. Each moving handrail 9 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 lower than the outward path from the arrival boarding/alighting gate 2 to the departure boarding/alighting gate 2. Each moving handrail 9 is made of a flexible ring-shaped member. One moving handrail 9 is positioned on the left side of the multiple steps 7. The other moving handrail 9 is positioned on the right side of the multiple steps 7.

The brake 10 is a device that is responsible for holding each step 7 stationary when the passenger conveyor 1 is stopped. In this example, the brake 10 is disposed in the upper machine room 12a. The brake 10 holds each step 7 stationary, for example, by braking the rotation of the sprocket 13 of the drive unit 6.

The control device 11 is a device that controls the operation of the passenger conveyor 1. In this example, the control device 11 is arranged in the upper machine room 12a. When the passenger conveyor 1 is started, the control device 11 outputs a signal to the drive device 6 to start driving, and outputs a signal to the brake 10 to release the sprocket 13, etc. This releases the stationary holding of each step 7, and each step 7 starts to move in a circular motion. During subsequent normal operation, the passenger conveyor 1 transports passengers who are standing on one of the steps 7 while holding one of the moving handrails 9, for example, by the driving force generated by the drive device 6 based on the control of the control device 11. At this time, each step 7 moves in the forward direction on the outward path, for example, at a normal speed set in advance. Each moving handrail 9 moves in a circular motion at a moving speed that matches each step 7. When the passenger conveyor 1 stops, the control device 11 outputs a signal to the drive device 6 to stop driving, and outputs a signal to the brake 10 to brake the sprocket 13, etc. As a result, each step 7 stops its circulating movement and is held stationary. The passenger conveyor 1 is started and stopped, for example, by operating a key switch. The passenger conveyor 1 is started and stopped when no passengers are on board.

The inspection system 15 is applied to the passenger conveyor 1. The inspection system 15 is a system used for inspecting the passenger conveyor 1. The inspection system 15 is equipped with a function for acquiring information such as images or audio of the passenger conveyor 1 so that, for example, a maintenance worker can perform a visual inspection of the passenger conveyor 1 from a remote location. The inspection system 15 is newly applied to, for example, an existing passenger conveyor 1. The inspection system 15 may also be applied to a newly installed passenger conveyor 1 from the beginning of its installation. The inspection system 15 includes a sound pickup device 16, a photographing device 17, an inspection panel 18, and a communication device 19.

The sound collection device 16 is a device that collects information such as sounds generated from the passenger conveyor 1, for example, when the passenger conveyor 1 is started, during normal operation, and when stopped. The sound collection device 16 includes, for example, a microphone. The sound collection device 16 is disposed in the upper machine room 12a, for example, so that it can collect sounds generated by the drive unit 6 and the brake 10.

The photographing device 17 is a device that acquires information such as images of the passenger conveyor 1, for example, when starting up, during normal operation, and when stopped. The photographing device 17 is permanently installed at one or both of the boarding and alighting doors 2 on the departure and arrival sides so that it can capture images of the comb plate 3. The images captured by the photographing device 17 are used for inspections such as checking whether the comb teeth 4 of the comb plate 3 are broken.

The inspection panel 18 is a device that performs information processing in the inspection system 15. Information processing in the inspection system 15 includes, for example, control of the operation of the sound collection device 16 and the image capture device 17. Information processing in the inspection system 15 includes, for example, management of the storage, accumulation, deletion, update, and input/output of acquired information. The inspection panel 18 is disposed in one or both of the upper machine room 12a and the lower machine room 12b. The inspection panel 18 includes a control unit 20 and a memory unit 21. The control unit 20 is a part that controls the operation of the sound collection device 16 and the image capture device 17. The memory unit 21 is a part that accumulates and stores information acquired by the sound collection device 16 and the image capture device 17. The memory unit 21 may delete accumulated information that has been acquired for a predetermined period of time by, for example, overwriting newly acquired information. The inspection panel 18 is connected to the control device 11 so that the control unit 20 can acquire control signals that the control device 11 of the passenger conveyor 1 outputs to equipment of the passenger conveyor 1, such as the brake 10. The inspection panel 18 is connected to the sound collection device 16 and the image capture device 17 so as to be able to output control signals such as operational commands and to be able to acquire sound and image capture information.

The communication device 19 is a device that communicates information between devices outside the inspection system 15. The communication device 19 is an example of a communication unit in the inspection system 15. The communication device 19 is connected to the inspection panel 18 so as to be able to input and output information. The communication device 19 is connected to a wide-area communication network such as the Internet or a telephone line network, or a local communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The communication device 19 is connected to a communication network such as the LTE standard (LTE: Long Term Evolution). In this example, the communication device 19 transmits information such as images or voices of the passenger conveyor 1 stored in the memory unit 21 of the inspection panel 18 in response to a request from a maintenance worker or the like who performs a visual inspection of the passenger conveyor 1 from a remote location. The request from the maintenance worker or the like is transmitted to the communication device 19 from a computer or the like outside the inspection system 15 through a communication network such as the Internet.

Figure 2 is an oblique view of the boarding/alighting entrance 2 of the passenger conveyor 1 in embodiment 1.

Each railing 8 includes a handrail guide 22, an inner plate 23, a skirt guard 24, and an inner deck 25. The handrail guide 22 is a member that guides the movement of the moving handrail 9. The inner plate 23 is disposed below the moving handrail 9 and the handrail guide 22. The inner plate 23 is a portion that faces passengers riding on the passenger conveyor 1 from the left and right directions. The skirt guard 24 is disposed on the side of the step 7. The surface of the skirt guard 24 of the right handrail 8 faces the side of the step 7 from the right side. The surface of the skirt guard 24 of the left handrail 8 faces the side of the step 7 from the left side. The skirt guard 24 is a plate-shaped member whose longitudinal direction is the traveling direction of the step 7. The skirt guard 24 is disposed vertically. The inner deck 25 is a plate-shaped member provided between the upper end of the skirt guard 24 and the lower end of the inner plate 23. In each parapet 8 , the inside of the portion surrounded by the skirt guard 24 , the inner deck 25 , etc. communicates with the inside of the truss 5 .

The skirt guard 24 includes a comb skirt 26. The comb skirt 26 is a plate-shaped member arranged on the left-right outer side of the comb plate 3 at the boarding/alighting entrance 2. The comb skirt 26 is attached to the left-right outer side of the position where the comb plate 3 is provided. The surface of the comb skirt 26 of the right-side balustrade 8 is a surface facing the left side, facing the right end of the comb plate 3 from the right side. The surface of the comb skirt 26 of the left-side balustrade 8 is a surface facing the right side, facing the left end of the comb plate 3 from the left side. In other words, the comb plate 3 is arranged between the comb skirts 26 of the left and right balustrades 8 in the left-right direction. In addition, the back surface of the comb skirt 26 of the right-side balustrade 8 is a surface facing the right side, which is not visible to passengers on the passenger conveyor 1. The back surface of the comb skirt 26 of the left-side balustrade 8 is a surface facing the left side, which is not visible to passengers on the passenger conveyor 1. Here, the comb skirt 26 of either the left or right balustrade 8 is an example of a first comb skirt. The comb skirt 26 of the other of the left and right balustrades 8 is an example of a second comb skirt. The first comb skirt and the second comb skirt face each other with the comb plate 3 in between.

At least one of the comb skirts 26 may be provided with a comlight 27 and an operation unit 28. The comlight 27 is a lighting device that illuminates the vicinity of the comb plate 3 at the boarding/alighting entrance 2. The operation unit 28 includes, for example, a button or switch that is operated when starting or stopping the passenger conveyor 1, in an emergency, during inspection, or in other cases. The operation unit 28 may be provided with a button cover or the like.

Figure 3 is an oblique view of the imaging device 17 relating to embodiment 1.

The imaging device 17 includes a camera 29 and a fixed box 30. In this example, the imaging device 17 is attached to the back side of the first comb skirt, which is one of the left and right comb skirts 26.

The camera 29 is equipped with, for example, a lens and an image sensor so as to capture an image of the comb plate 3. In this example, the camera 29 captures a still image of the comb plate 3 under the control of the control unit 20.

The fixed box 30 is the part that fixes the camera 29. The fixed box 30 comprises an outer box 31, an internal support 32, and a concealing plate 33.

The outer box 31 is a box-shaped member that forms the outer shell of the fixed box 30. The outer box 31 houses the camera 29 inside. The outer box 31 is attached to the back side of the comb skirt 26, for example, by screws, so that the front side faces the back side of the comb skirt 26. In this example, the outer box 31 is screwed to the comb skirt 26 with two tabs 34 provided on the front side. The outer box 31 has a recess 35 on the front side. The tabs 34 of the outer box 31 are provided, for example, on the edge of the recess 35. The outer box 31 has a shooting port 39 on the front side. The camera 29 takes pictures of the comb plate 3 through the shooting port 39 from inside the outer box 31. The outer box 31 has a wire inlet 36 on the bottom. The wire inlet 36 is an opening through which communication lines and power supply lines wired to the camera 29 pass.

The internal support 32 is a member that supports the camera 29 inside the outer box 31. The internal support 32 is, for example, a bent plate-like member. The internal support 32 has a base 37 and a support portion 38. The base 37 is a lower portion of the internal support 32. The base 37 is fixed to the bottom of the outer box 31 or the like. The base 37 is arranged so as to rise vertically inside the outer box 31. The support portion 38 is a portion to which the camera 29 is attached. The support portion 38 is an upper portion of the internal support 32. The support portion 38 is a portion that is bent from the vertical direction toward the front of the fixed box 30. The normal line of the front surface of the support portion 38 faces downward. By attaching the camera 29 to the front surface of the support portion 38, the camera 29 is fixed so as to face downward. The internal support 32 is stored inside the outer box 31 in a state in which it supports the camera 29.

The concealing plate 33 is a translucent plate-like member. The concealing plate 33 is, for example, an acrylic flat plate. In this example, the color of the concealing plate 33 is different from the color of the comb plate 3. For example, when the comb plate 3 is yellow, a blue-smoked acrylic plate is used as the concealing plate 33. The concealing plate 33 is attached to the front of the fixed box 30 so as to cover the shooting opening 39. The thickness of the concealing plate 33 does not exceed the height of the edge of the recess 35 on the front of the fixed box 30. In other words, the concealing plate 33 is attached so as to be contained in the recess 35. The thickness of the concealing plate 33 may be the same as the height of the edge of the recess 35 on the front of the fixed box 30.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a main part of the passenger conveyor 1 to which the imaging device 17 according to the first embodiment is attached.
In FIG. 4, a comb skirt 26 is shown with an imaging device 17 attached to the back side.

The fixed box 30 of the imaging device 17 is attached to the back side of the comb skirt 26 with the camera 29 fixed inside. In this example, the imaging device 17 is attached above the com light 27. In this figure, a virtual plane V is shown, which is a vertical plane that is parallel to the left-right direction of the passenger conveyor 1 and passes through the comb plate 3. The camera 29 of the imaging device 17 is positioned within the plane of the virtual plane V.

A photographing window 40 is provided in the comb skirt 26 to which the photographing device 17 is attached. The photographing window 40 is covered by a concealed plate 33 from the back side of the comb skirt 26. In this case, the concealed plate 33 may be in contact with the edge of the photographing window 40. The camera 29 photographs the comb plate 3 through the concealed plate 33 and the photographing window 40 from the back side of the comb skirt 26.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the passenger conveyor 1 to which the imaging device 17 according to the first embodiment is attached.
In FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view taken along imaginary plane V in FIG. 4 is shown.

The fixed box 30 is stored on the back side of the comb skirt 26 and does not protrude from the front surface of the comb skirt 26 inward in the left-right direction of the passenger conveyor 1. The fixed box 30 fixes the camera 29 above the upper end of the imaging window 40. The fixed box 30 fixes the camera 29 inside with the camera 29 facing downward so that it faces the comb plate 3. The camera 29 photographs the comb plate 3 through the imaging window 40 from outside the left-right direction of the comb skirt 26 and above the comb plate 3.

Figure 6 is a diagram explaining the installation position of the imaging device 17 in embodiment 1.

The camera 29 of the photographing device 17 photographs the comb plate 3 from above so that each comb tooth 4 can be identified on the image. Here, the pitch of the comb teeth 4 is d, the height of the camera 29 from the comb plate 3 is H, and the distance from the camera 29 to any comb tooth 4 is R. The line connecting the camera 29 and the comb tooth 4 forms an angle θ with the horizontal plane. Since the distance R to the camera 29 is sufficiently far from the pitch d of the comb teeth 4, it can be evaluated that adjacent comb teeth 4 appear to be separated by d×sinθ on the image photographed by the camera 29. In order to identify adjacent comb teeth 4, the interval on this image needs to be greater than the resolution x of the camera 29, so the condition d×sinθ>x needs to be satisfied. Here, the resolution x of the camera 29 is determined by, for example, the angle of view, resolution, and photographing position of the camera 29, and represents the length that can be identified on the photographed image. Furthermore, since sin θ=H/R, the camera 29 is positioned so that the condition H/R>x/d is satisfied, i.e., so that the ratio of the height H of the camera 29 to the distance R is greater than the ratio of the resolution x of the camera 29 to the pitch d of the comb teeth 4.

The distance R is, for example, the distance from the camera 29 to the comb teeth 4 at the center of the passenger conveyor 1 on the left and right. At this time, the comb plate 3 is photographed so that the comb teeth 4 in the center, where breakage is likely to occur due to the passage of passengers, can be identified, so that the presence or absence of breakage of the comb teeth 4 can be confirmed more reliably. The distance R is, for example, the distance from the camera 29 to the comb teeth 4 at a position where the distance from the comb skirt 26 on which the photographing device 17 is provided is 3/4 of the width between the left and right comb skirts 26. At this time, the comb plate 3 is photographed so that the comb teeth 4 at a position where breakage is likely to occur due to the passage of passengers lined up in two rows on the left and right can be identified, so that the presence or absence of breakage of the comb teeth 4 can be confirmed more reliably. The distance R is, for example, the distance from the camera 29 to the comb teeth 4 at the end opposite the comb skirt 26 on which the photographing device 17 is provided. At this time, the comb plate 3 is photographed so that the entire comb teeth 4 of the comb plate 3 can be identified, so that the presence or absence of breakage of the comb teeth 4 can be confirmed more reliably. Even in an area where individual comb teeth 4 cannot be identified on the image, a maintenance worker can visually check whether or not the comb teeth 4 are broken, for example, based on the shading of the color of the image of the comb teeth 4 and its change or continuity. The photographing devices 17 may be provided on the back side of the comb skirts 26 on both the left and right sides. In this case, if each photographing device 17 can identify the comb teeth 4 up to the center on the left and right sides, the photographing devices 17 on both the left and right sides can obtain images in which the comb teeth 4 across the entire left and right widths can be identified.

Next, an example of a method for installing the imaging device 17 will be described. In this example, the inspection system 15 is newly applied to an existing passenger conveyor 1.

The worker performing the installation work removes the existing comb skirt 26 from the passenger conveyor 1. At this time, the worker may also remove the comb plate 3 and steps 7 from the passenger conveyor 1.

Then, the worker attaches the fixed box 30 for the imaging device 17 to the back side of the newly installed COMS cart 26. At this time, the fixed box 30 has the camera 29 fixed inside. The newly installed COMS cart 26 has a imaging window 40. The worker aligns the concealing plate 33 with the position of the imaging window 40, and attaches the fixed box 30 by screwing the two tabs 34, for example.

Then, the worker attaches the newly installed com skirt 26 with the fixed box 30 to the passenger conveyor 1.

Next, using Figures 7 and 8, an example of inspection of the passenger conveyor 1 using the inspection system 15 will be explained.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the inspection system 15 according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an image of the comb plate 3 captured by the imaging device 17 according to the first embodiment.

In step S1 of FIG. 7, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the control unit 11 of the passenger conveyor 1 has received a control signal output to the brake 10. The control signal is, for example, a control signal that indicates braking of the brake 10 and causes the brake 10 to be braked, or a control signal that indicates release of the brake 10 and causes the brake 10 to be released. The control signal may be, for example, a control signal that indicates braking and release of the brake 10. The control signal may be, for example, a control signal that causes the brake 10 to be switched between braking and release. The control signal is received, for example, when the passenger conveyor 1 is started or stopped. When the control unit 20 determines that the control signal from the control unit 11 has not been received, the processing of the inspection system 15 proceeds to step S1 again. On the other hand, when the control unit 20 determines that the control signal from the control unit 11 has been received, the processing of the inspection system 15 proceeds to step S2.

In step S2, the control unit 20 executes a recording process. In the recording process, the control unit 20 causes the sound collection device 16 to start acquiring sound. The sound collection device 16 ends the acquisition of sound after a preset time has elapsed from the start. The time is, for example, the time from the release of the brake 10 until the moving speed of the step 7 reaches a certain rated speed, the time from the braking of the brake 10 until the step 7 completely stops, or a certain time of sufficient length including these times. The control unit 20 acquires information on the sound acquired by the sound collection device 16. In the recording process, the control unit 20 may, for example, perform post-processing of the sound information acquired from the sound collection device 16. The post-processing includes, for example, encoding processing. After that, the processing of the inspection system 15 proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, the control unit 20 executes an audio recording process. In the audio recording process, the control unit 20 stores the audio information acquired from the sound collection device 16 after necessary post-processing has been performed in the memory unit 21. The memory unit 21 accumulates and stores the information output from the control unit 20 for, for example, a preset number of days. After that, the processing of the inspection system 15 proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, the control unit 20 executes an image capture process. In the image capture process, the control unit 20 causes the image capture device 17 to capture an image. The camera 29 of the image capture device 17 captures a still image of the comb plate 3 based on instructions from the control unit 20. In the image capture process, the control unit 20 may, for example, perform post-processing of the image information captured from the image capture device 17. The post-processing includes, for example, a format conversion process or a compression process. Thereafter, the processing of the inspection system 15 proceeds to step S5.

In step S5, the control unit 20 executes an image recording process. In the image recording process, the control unit 20 stores the image information acquired from the photographing device 17 after necessary post-processing has been performed in the memory unit 21. The memory unit 21 accumulates and stores the information output from the control unit 20 for, for example, a preset number of days. After that, the processing of the inspection system 15 proceeds to step S1.

The processes from step S2 to step S5 are an example of an inspection process that is started as a trigger of a control signal output by the control device 11 to the brake 10. The inspection process includes a preceding process that is started immediately after the control signal. The processes from step S2 to step S3 are an example of a preceding process. The preceding process may include other processes. The photographing process of step S4 is started after the preceding process is completed.

Figure 8 shows an example of an image of the comb plate 3 with a broken comb tooth 4 captured by the imaging device 17.

When inspecting the passenger conveyor 1 from a remote location, the maintenance worker requests the communication device 19 to transmit information via an information terminal device operated by the maintenance worker and a server computer connected to the information terminal device. The communication device 19 returns information such as an image of the comb plate 3 stored in the memory unit 21 of the inspection panel 18 to the information terminal device operated by the maintenance worker. The information terminal device of the maintenance worker receives, for example, an image of the comb plate 3 shown in Figure 8 from the communication device 19.

The maintenance worker visually checks the image of the comb plate 3 displayed on the information terminal device to check whether the comb teeth 4 are broken. If the comb teeth 4 are broken, the maintenance worker takes action such as replacing the comb plate 3. If the comb teeth 4 are not broken, the maintenance worker creates an inspection report stating that there are no abnormalities with the comb plate 3, such as broken comb teeth 4.

The maintenance worker may also perform other inspections. For example, the maintenance worker visually checks the operation unit 28 shown in the image of the comb plate 3 to check whether the operation unit 28 is damaged or dirty or has any other abnormality.

As described above, the inspection system 15 according to the first embodiment includes a camera 29 and a control unit 20. The camera 29 is permanently installed on the passenger conveyor 1. The camera 29 photographs the comb plate 3. The control unit 20 receives a control signal representing either or both of the application and release of the brake 10 of the drive device 6 from the control device 11 of the passenger conveyor 1. The control unit 20 executes an inspection process using the control signal as a trigger. The control unit 20 causes the camera 29 to photograph the comb plate 3 during the inspection process.

With this configuration, in the inspection system 15, an image of the comb plate 3 is taken when a control signal for the brake 10 is output from the control device 11. The control signal for the brake 10 is output regardless of the position of the step 7. Therefore, every time a control signal for the brake 10 is output, an image of the comb plate 3 is taken when the cleats of different steps 7 are engaged with the comb teeth 4 at different positions. Therefore, even if there is an abnormality in the image of the comb plate 3 that is difficult to see due to a specific position of a specific step 7, the abnormality is easily found. Furthermore, the inspection system 15 can start the inspection process, including photographing the comb plate 3, simply by obtaining the control signal for the brake 10. This makes it possible to apply the inspection system 15 to various types of passenger conveyors 1, including older models.

In addition, during the inspection process, the control unit 20 performs advance processing immediately after receiving a control signal, and causes the camera 29 to photograph the comb plate 3 after the advance processing is completed.

This configuration allows the image of the comb plate 3 to be captured at a timing other than immediately after the brake 10 is applied or released. This makes it less likely that the image will be blurred due to vibrations of the steps 7 immediately after the brake is applied or released. This allows a clearer image of the comb plate 3 to be captured, making it possible to more accurately inspect the comb plate 3 using the image.

The control unit 20 also receives, as control signals, one or both of a signal that causes the control device 11 to release the brake 10 when the passenger conveyor 1 is started, and a signal that causes the control device 11 to apply the brake 10 when the passenger conveyor 1 is stopped. The control unit 20 performs inspection processing using the control signal as a trigger.

With this configuration, images of the comb plate 3 are taken when there are no passengers, such as when starting up and stopping. This prevents the comb plate 3 from being hidden by passengers' shoes, etc., and allows for more reliable inspection of the comb plate 3 using images taken automatically. In addition, when images of the comb plate 3 are taken both at start-up and stop, images are taken at different times corresponding to start-up and stop, respectively. In general, shooting conditions such as the way external light hits the board may differ depending on the time of day and other circumstances. In this case, the appearance of the comb plate 3 in the image may change. For this reason, images of the comb plate 3 under different shooting conditions are obtained, which reduces the occurrence of oversights due to shooting conditions, and allows for more accurate inspection of the comb plate 3 using images.

Furthermore, in the inspection process, the control unit 20 causes the camera 29 to photograph the comb plate 3 after at least a preset time has elapsed since the start of the inspection process. The preset time is, for example, the time during which the sound pickup device 16 acquires sound in the sound recording process. The control unit 20 may be performing information processing such as sound recording during that time. Alternatively, the control unit 20 may not be required to perform information processing other than timekeeping during that time.

With this configuration, an image of the comb plate 3 is captured at least a preset time after the brake 10 is applied or released. This makes it less likely that the image will blur due to vibration of the steps 7 immediately after braking or release. This allows a clearer image of the comb plate 3 to be captured, allowing for more accurate inspection of the comb plate 3 using images. In addition, it becomes possible to capture an image of the comb plate 3 when the steps 7 are operating at a constant speed or at a stable stop, without the need for a sensor to monitor the movement state of the steps 7.

The camera 29 also captures a still image of the comb plate 3.

With this configuration, unnecessary information such as the movement of the steps 7 is not included, so inspection work can be performed in the same way on images taken under different conditions, such as when the passenger conveyor 1 is started and stopped. This makes inspection work of the passenger conveyor 1 using images more efficient.

The inspection system 15 also includes a memory unit 21. The memory unit 21 accumulates and stores images of the comb plate 3 captured by the camera 29. The inspection system 15 also includes a communication device 19. The communication device 19 transmits the images of the comb plate 3 stored in the memory unit 21 in response to an external request.

This configuration allows maintenance workers for the passenger conveyor 1 to visually inspect the comb plate 3 from a remote location. Since the maintenance workers can perform the inspection work without visiting the site where the passenger conveyor 1 is installed, the efficiency of the inspection work is further improved. In addition, since the presence of the manager of the passenger conveyor 1 is not required when the maintenance workers visit and inspect, the burden on the manager is reduced. Furthermore, since the inspection system 15 does not require advanced information processing such as image recognition, the processing performance required for the inspection panel 18 is reduced. This reduces the cost of applying the inspection system 15.

The photographing device 17 of the inspection system 15 according to the first embodiment is a device for photographing the comb plate 3. The comb plate 3 is disposed between a pair of comb skirts 26 in the left-right direction at the boarding/alighting entrance 2 of the passenger conveyor 1. The photographing device 17 includes a camera 29 and a fixed box 30. A photographing window 40 is provided in one of the comb skirts 26. The camera 29 photographs the comb plate 3 through the photographing window 40 from outside the comb skirt 26 in the left-right direction and above the comb plate 3. The fixed box 30 is attached to the back side of the comb skirt 26. The fixed box 30 fixes the camera 29 inside with the camera 29 facing downward so as to face the comb plate 3.
The mounting method of the photographing device 17 according to the first embodiment also includes removing one of the existing comb skirts 26 from the outside in the left-right direction of the position where the comb plate 3 is to be provided. The mounting method also includes mounting the fixed box 30 together with the camera 29 to the back side of the new comb skirt 26 in which the photographing window 40 is provided. The mounting method also includes mounting the new comb skirt 26 with the fixed box 30 mounted to the outside in the left-right direction of the position where the comb plate 3 is to be provided.

With this configuration, the camera 17 is provided on the back side of the comskirt 26 under the passenger's feet, so that the impact on the appearance of the passenger conveyor 1 is suppressed. In addition, when the inspection system 15 is applied, it is sufficient to have a camera window 40 on the surface of the comskirt 26, so that the impact on the appearance of the passenger conveyor 1 is suppressed. In addition, the communication lines and power supply lines of the camera 17 can be wired in a place that is not visible to passengers, such as inside the truss 5. This suppresses the impact on the appearance of the passenger conveyor 1. In addition, since the camera 17 is provided inside the passenger conveyor 1, it is not necessary to provide additional devices in the building to which the passenger conveyor 1 is applied when applying the inspection system 15. In addition, since the camera 29 can be attached to the comskirt 26 with the wiring to the camera 29 routed inside the fixed box 30, the installation work is made easier. In addition, since the orientation of the camera 29 has already been adjusted inside the fixed box 30, it is not necessary to adjust the camera 29 after installation, so that the installation work of the camera 17 is made easier. In addition, since the camera 29 is disposed facing downward in a position invisible to passengers, passengers are less likely to feel uneasy or uncomfortable from the viewpoint of privacy, for example. In addition, since the inspection system 15 can be applied by replacing the com skirt 26 when the photographing device 17 is attached, it becomes easy to apply the inspection system 15 to an existing passenger conveyor 1.

The camera 29 is also positioned within a virtual vertical plane V. The vertical plane V is parallel to the left-right direction of the passenger conveyor 1 and includes the comb plate 3.

With this configuration, the camera 29 can capture images of the comb plate 3 in a straight line in the left and right width directions, capturing images that are easier to inspect. This allows for more accurate inspection of the comb plate 3 using images.

The fixed box 30 also includes a translucent concealing plate 33. The concealing plate 33 covers the photographing window 40 from the back side of the com skirt 26.

Normally, the inside of the fixed box 30 is darker than the outside. Therefore, the hidden plate 33 makes it difficult to see the inside of the fixed box 30 where the camera 29 is installed from the outside. This makes it less likely that passengers will feel uneasy or uncomfortable from the perspective of privacy, for example.

In addition, a recess 35 is provided on the surface of the fixed box 30 facing the rear side of the com skirt 26. The concealing plate 33 is attached so as to be housed in the recess 35.

This configuration allows the front of the fixed box 30 to be attached tightly to the back of the com skirt 26. This makes it easier to align the fixed box 30, making it easier to install the imaging device 17.

In addition, the color of the hidden plate 33 is different from the color of the comb plate 3.

This configuration makes it difficult for the comb plate 3 to blend into the background in the captured image. This allows for more accurate inspection of the comb plate 3 using images.

The fixed box 30 also fixes the camera 29 so that the shooting range includes the operating units 28 provided on the com skirts 26 on the opposite left and right sides.

This configuration makes it possible to perform a visual inspection of the operating unit 28 at the same time as inspecting the comb plate 3. This increases the number of items that can be inspected, further improving the quality of inspections of the passenger conveyor 1 from remote locations.

In addition, the fixed box 30 fixes the camera 29 above the upper end of the shooting window 40.

This configuration makes it more difficult for the camera 29 to be seen through the photographing window 40. This reduces the likelihood of passengers feeling uneasy or uncomfortable, for example, from the standpoint of privacy.

In addition, the fixed box 30 fixes the camera 29 so that the ratio of the height H of the camera 29 from the comb plate 3 to the distance R from the camera 29 to the comb tooth 4 located in the left-right center of the comb plate 3 is greater than the ratio of the resolution x of the camera 29 to the pitch d of the comb teeth 4 of the comb plate 3.

With this configuration, the comb plate 3 is photographed so that the comb teeth 4 in the center, which are prone to breakage when passengers pass by, can be identified, making it possible to more reliably check whether the comb teeth 4 are broken or not.

In addition, the fixed box 30 does not protrude from the front surface of the com skirt 26.

This configuration prevents the camera 17 from getting caught on passengers' clothing, etc.

The passenger conveyor 1 may also be a horizontal or inclined moving walkway.

Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the inspection system 15 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 9 is a hardware configuration diagram of a main part of the inspection system 15 according to the first embodiment.

Each function of the inspection system 15 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 inspection system 15 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 inspection system 15 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 realized, for example, as a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

Each function of the inspection system 15 can be realized by a processing circuit. Alternatively, each function of the inspection system 15 can be realized collectively by a processing circuit. Some of the functions of the inspection system 15 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 inspection system 15 by dedicated hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

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 camera is permanently installed on the passenger conveyor to photograph the comb board,
a control unit that receives a control signal representing one or both of braking and release of a brake of a drive device from a control device of the passenger conveyor, and causes the camera to photograph the comb plate in an inspection process triggered by the control signal;
A passenger conveyor comb plate inspection system comprising:
(Appendix 2)
The control unit performs a pre-processing immediately after receiving the control signal in the inspection process, and causes the camera to photograph the comb plate after the pre-processing is completed.
2. An inspection system for a comb plate of a passenger conveyor as described in appendix 1.
(Appendix 3)
The control unit receives a signal that causes the control device to release the brake as the control signal when the passenger conveyor is started, and performs the inspection process using the control signal as a trigger.
3. An inspection system for a comb plate of a passenger conveyor according to claim 1 or 2.
(Appendix 4)
The control unit receives, as the control signal, a signal that causes the control device to apply the brakes when the passenger conveyor is stopped, and performs the inspection process using the control signal as a trigger.
An inspection system for a comb plate of a passenger conveyor according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
(Appendix 5)
The control unit, in the inspection process, causes the camera to photograph the comb plate after at least a preset time has elapsed from the start of the inspection process.
An inspection system for a comb plate of a passenger conveyor according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
(Appendix 6)
The camera captures a still image of the comb plate.
An inspection system for a comb plate of a passenger conveyor according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
(Appendix 7)
7. The inspection system for a comb plate of a passenger conveyor according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 6, further comprising: a memory unit that accumulates and stores images of the comb plate captured by the camera.
(Appendix 8)
8. The inspection system for a comb plate of a passenger conveyor according to claim 7, further comprising: a communication unit that transmits an image of the comb plate stored in the memory unit in response to a request from an outside.
(Appendix 9)
The camera is disposed on the back side of a comb skirt that is disposed outside the comb plate in the left-right direction and has a photographing window, and photographs the comb plate through the photographing window from outside the comb skirt in the left-right direction and above the comb plate.
An inspection system for a comb plate of a passenger conveyor according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

The inspection system disclosed herein can be applied to inspecting comb plates of passenger conveyors.

1 passenger conveyor, 2 boarding/alighting door, 3 comb plate, 4 comb teeth, 5 truss, 6 driving device, 7 steps, 8 balustrade, 9 moving handrail, 10 brake, 11 control device, 12a upper machine room, 12b lower machine room, 13 sprocket, 14 drive chain, 15 inspection system, 16 sound pickup device, 17 photographing device, 18 inspection panel, 19 communication device, 20 control unit, 21 memory unit, 22 handrail guide, 23 inner plate, 24 skirt guard, 25 inner deck, 26 com skirt, 27 com light, 28 operation unit, 29 camera, 30 fixed box, 31 outer box, 32 internal support, 33 concealed plate, 34 tab, 35 recess, 36 Line inlet, 37 base, 38 support, 39 imaging port, 40 imaging window, 100a processor, 100b memory, 200 dedicated hardware

Claims (9)

A camera is permanently installed on the passenger conveyor to photograph the comb board,
a control unit that receives a control signal representing one or both of braking and release of a brake of a drive device from a control device of the passenger conveyor, and causes the camera to photograph the comb plate in an inspection process triggered by the control signal;
A passenger conveyor comb plate inspection system comprising: The control unit performs a pre-processing immediately after receiving the control signal in the inspection process, and causes the camera to photograph the comb plate after the pre-processing is completed.
2. The inspection system for a comb plate of a passenger conveyor according to claim 1. The control unit receives a signal that causes the control device to release the brake as the control signal when the passenger conveyor is started, and performs the inspection process using the control signal as a trigger.
3. An inspection system for a comb plate of a passenger conveyor according to claim 1 or 2. The control unit receives, as the control signal, a signal that causes the control device to apply the brakes when the passenger conveyor is stopped, and performs the inspection process using the control signal as a trigger.
3. An inspection system for a comb plate of a passenger conveyor according to claim 1 or 2. The control unit, in the inspection process, causes the camera to photograph the comb plate after at least a preset time has elapsed from the start of the inspection process.
3. An inspection system for a comb plate of a passenger conveyor according to claim 1 or 2. The camera captures a still image of the comb plate.
3. An inspection system for a comb plate of a passenger conveyor according to claim 1 or 2. The inspection system for a comb plate of a passenger conveyor according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a storage unit that accumulates and stores images of the comb plate photographed by the camera. The inspection system for a comb plate of a passenger conveyor according to claim 7, further comprising: a communication unit that transmits an image of the comb plate stored in the memory unit in response to an external request. The camera is disposed on the back side of a comb skirt that is disposed outside the comb plate in the left-right direction and has a photographing window, and photographs the comb plate through the photographing window from outside the comb skirt in the left-right direction and above the comb plate.
3. An inspection system for a comb plate of a passenger conveyor according to claim 1 or 2.

Images