JPH01226692A - Safety device for escalator or movable footpath - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To secure safety by detecting the intrusion of the head part of a child by successively arranging at least two region reflection type photoelectric switches below by several mm - several-ten mm in the lower side inlet part of the shiftable handrail reversal part at the end of a balustrate getting-on/off port side. CONSTITUTION:On the getting-on/off floor plate 25 side of a balustrade 8, the region reflection type photoelectric switches 30 and 31 are arranged at the position lower by several mm - several-ten mm from the lower side surface 9a of a reversal part 11 and the position successively lower than the above-described position, under the inlet cover 13 of the lower side inlet part 12 of a shiftable handrail reversal part 11. Each foreign object detecting width W of the both region reflection type photoelectric switches 30 and 31 is nearly equal to that of the shiftable handrail 9, and the foreign object detection enabled distance is set within a distance in which the height of the space between the getting-on floor plate 25 and the undersurface 9a of the reversal part of the shiftable handrail 9 if reduced to the nearly equal height to the thickness of the heat part or the breast part of a child. Therefore, even if the foreign object such as the head part of the child is rolled up, the trouble is immediately detected before the nipping, and the operation is stopped instantly, and safety can be secured.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Objective of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention is aimed at preventing children, etc. Concerning safety devices to prevent accidents.

(Prior art) Generally, as shown in Fig. 7, escalators are equipped with a truss 1 that spans the upper and lower floors of a building, and step chains are connected to the driving sprocket 2 and driven sprocket 3 arranged on the sides of the upper and lower floors. 4 is wrapped around the truss 1, a large number of steps 5 are attached to it, arranged in an endless manner along a guide rail 6, and the truss 1 is rotated via the drive sprocket 2 by an electric drive device 7 in the machine room on the upper floor side of the truss 1. Along with being able to drive,
An endless movable handrail 9 is also provided on the outer periphery of the parapet 8 erected on the left and right sides, and this can be rotationally driven in synchronization with the step 5 in the same direction by a handrail drive mechanism 10 that interlocks with the drive sprocket 2. With this configuration, passengers are transported by continuously operating the steps 5 and the moving handrail 9.

The movable hand fingers 9 are guided along the top of the balustrade 8, and are inverted downward at the reversing portions 11 at the ends of the upper and lower floors (ends on the entrance/exit side) of the balustrade 8, and from there, the moving hand fingers 9 are guided along the top of the balustrade 8, and are turned downward at the reversing portions 11 at the ends of the upper and lower floors of the balustrade 8 (ends on the entrance/exit side), and from there, The handrail drive mechanism 10 extends through the handrail 8 into the lower side of the balustrade 8, and is rotated by the handrail drive mechanism 10 inside the handrail 8.

Here, FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 7, showing a state in which the movable handrail 9 is drawn into the interior from the reversing part 11 via the inlet part 12.

This inlet portion 12 is provided with an inlet cover 13 to prevent foreign matter from being dragged into the interior by the inverted moving handrail 9.

In addition, the inlet cover 13 is slidably fitted onto a fixed panel 14 such as a skirt guard, and is always urged outward by a slide receiving plate 16 and a pressing spring 17 provided inside thereof through a guide roller 15. . If a foreign object, such as a passenger's finger, should become caught in the opening of the inlet cover 13, the cover 13 will move back together with the inner slide receiving plate 16 against the pressure spring 17, pushing the contact bar 18. The safety switch 19 is operated to stop the operation of the escalator.

The control circuit 2o that stops the operation of the escalator by the operation of the safety switch 19 has the configuration shown in FIG.
A contact 19a of the safety switch 19 is arranged in series with the stop operation switch 24 in an operation control circuit having an a1 stop operation switch 24, etc., and when the safety switch 19 is operated during escalator operation, the contact 19a is connected to the stop operation switch 24. 19
By opening a, the ascending or descending operation relay 22.23
is deenergized and escalator operation is stopped.

Although not shown, a moving walkway is also constructed in substantially the same way as the escalator.

In an escalator or a moving walkway having such a configuration, the parapet 8 is designed to prevent passengers' clothes or hands from getting caught in the inlet portion 12, and to ensure that the shape of the parapet makes it easy for passengers to get on and off. The height H (see FIG. 7) of the space 26 between the lower side surface 9a of the inverted portion 11 of the movable handrail 9 at the upper and lower floor side ends and the boarding floor plate 25 below it is set. Therefore, it is completely safe for passengers who use it under normal conditions, and even if a foreign object should get caught in the inlet section 12, the safety switch 19 will operate and the operation will be stopped, so it is safe.

However, if a child or the like is playing near the entrance/exit without paying attention to the surroundings, there is a risk that the child will be accidentally drawn into the lower space 26 of the reversing section 11. Moreover, if you look carefully, the height H of the space 26 is as narrow as the width of the head and chest of a playful child, so once the child is caught in the space 26, From there, it was difficult to get out, and on the contrary, he gradually became drawn into it.

Furthermore, since the height H of the space 26 is about the same as the width of the head and chest of a child, etc., as described above, the space 26 is pulled in until it reaches the inlet cover 13 which is interlocked with the safety switch 19 (operation is stopped). It takes a considerable amount of time for the object to be removed (until the object is removed), and during that time the object remains trapped, resulting in greater damage.

Therefore, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 8, the present applicant has provided an area in the lower inlet part 12 of the inverted part of the movable handrail 9 with a light emitting/receiving element that can limit the range in which foreign objects can be detected, such as the detection width and distance. A reflective photoelectric switch 30 is provided, and the switch 30 is configured to stop the operation of the escalator or moving walkway when the switch 30 detects a foreign object entering the foreign object detectable range of the area reflective photoelectric switch 30. The idea was to provide a control device in which a relay interlocked with the control circuit 20 and its contacts (not shown) were incorporated into the control circuit 20 shown in FIG.

With such a safety device, the inverted part 11 of the movable handrail 9
If a foreign object, such as the head or chest of a child, which may be tightly caught in the space 26 between the lower surface 9a and the boarding floor plate 25, gets caught and enters, the area reflection type photoelectric switch 30 immediately detects it. This is detected and the control device stops the operation, thereby making it possible to prevent accidents in which the child or the like gets caught and feels pain or gets injured.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) However, in the safety device provided with the above-mentioned area reflection type photoelectric switch 30, the switch 30 frequently detects and operates even though it is not really dangerous, and the control device operates every time it detects the escalator. Alternatively, there is a problem in that the operation of the moving walkway is stopped, which not only inconveniences general passengers but also creates new inconveniences such as posing a risk of falling.

In other words, the foreign object detectable range of the area reflection type photoelectric switch 30 is set at a position lower than the lower surface 9a of the inverted portion 11 of the moving handrail 9 by several h to several tens of inches, and approximately the same width as the moving handrail 9. In addition, the height H of the space 26 between the boarding floor plate 25 and the inverted lower side surface 9a of the moving handrail 9 is limited to a distance P where the height H of the space 26 narrows to approximately the same thickness as the child's head or chest thickness. Therefore, foreign objects that are not at risk of getting caught in the space 26, such as passengers' baggage such as bags and umbrellas, or the passengers' feet, etc.
Normally, due to the presence of the movable handrail 9, it is almost impossible to enter the detection range and be detected, but passengers, children, etc. can intentionally detect the tip of their feet or the tip of an umbrella as a prank. If the object enters the range even momentarily, the switch 30 will be detected and the control device will be activated. As a result, the operation of the escalator or moving walkway frequently stops, even though it is not really dangerous, and general passengers are not only surprised and inconvenienced, but also have the risk of falling and being injured.

The present invention was developed in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and in the event that a foreign object such as the head or chest of a child, etc., which may be tightly caught in the space under the reversal of the moving handrail, is caught and intrudes, it is possible to promptly remove it. It detects and stops the operation to ensure safety, but it does not detect natural intrusion of foreign objects that do not have the risk of getting caught in the space, and it also does not detect objects that are deliberately intruded, such as the tip of a foot or the tip of an umbrella, due to mischief etc. Even if someone enters within the range and detects it, the control device will not operate unnecessarily and stop the operation of the escalator or moving walkway, and other than the truly dangerous accident of being caught, there will be no inconvenience to other general passengers. The purpose is to provide a safety device for escalators or moving walkways with great safety that provides very little safety.

(Structure of the Invention) (Means for Solving the Problems) The escalator or moving walkway safety device of the present invention has the following features:
In order to achieve the above purpose, at least two or more area reflection type photoelectric switches with light emitting and receiving elements are installed in the lower inlet of the reversing part of the moving handrail at the end of the escalator or moving walkway on the boarding/exit side to remove these foreign substances. Each of the reflective photoelectric switches in each of these regions is arranged in such a way that the detectable height is several n to several + numbers lower than the reversed lower side surface of the movable handrail, and a position that is sequentially lower than that. The width of the foreign object detection blade is approximately the same as that of the moving handrail, and the distance at which each foreign object can be detected is such that the height of the space between the boarding floor plate and the inverted lower side of the moving handrail is close to the child's head or chest. If a foreign object enters the foreign object detectable range of these area reflection type photoelectric switches and all of the area reflection type photoelectric switches operate to detect the object at the same time, the escalator or The present invention is characterized in that it is configured with a control device that stops the operation of the moving sidewalk.

In addition, a similar area reflection type photoelectric switch (only one is possible) is used, and if a foreign object enters the foreign object detectable range and the switch continues to detect the foreign object for more than a predetermined timer, the escalator or the escalator will move. The present invention is characterized in that it is configured by providing a control device for stopping driving on the sidewalk.

(Function) With the above configuration, the safety device of the present invention prevents foreign objects that may be tightly caught in the space between the inverted lower surface of the movable handrail at the end of the parapet entrance and the boarding floor plate, that is, the height of the space. If a foreign object, such as the head or chest of a child with a thickness comparable to that of the If the photoelectric switch continues to detect a foreign object for longer than the predetermined residence time of the timer, the control device will operate and stop the operation of the escalator or moving walkway, preventing the child from becoming trapped and experiencing pain or injury. This will help prevent accidents.

In addition, foreign objects that do not pose a danger of being caught in the space, such as floating luggage such as passenger bags and umbrellas, or foreign objects such as the passenger's own feet, are usually within the detectable range of the area reflection type photoelectric switch due to the presence of a moving handrail. Since it does not enter the room, it is almost never detected. Moreover, even if a foreign object such as the tip of a foot or the tip of an umbrella intentionally enters the detection range due to a prank, the detection area of the foreign object is small, so two or more area reflection type photoelectric switches can be activated at the same time. There is almost no detection, and in the case of such mischief, the entry of foreign objects into the detectable range is almost instantaneous, and even if the area reflection type photoelectric switch detects it, the foreign object stays for longer than the preset timer time. Since the detection operation does not continue, the control device will not act unnecessarily to stop the operation of the escalator or moving walkway.

(Example) An example of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. Components in the figure that are the same as those described in FIGS. 7 to 9 are given the same reference numerals to simplify the explanation.

First, the inverted portion 11 of the movable handrail 9 at the end of the handrail 8 on the side of the entrance
There is a space 26 between the lower side and the boarding floor plate 25, and an inlet cover 13 that is linked to a safety switch (not shown) is provided in the inlet section 12 at the innermost part of the space 26, as in the conventional case. ing. Two area reflective photoelectric switches (
30 and 31 (hereinafter simply referred to as photoelectric switches) are installed vertically in parallel. Each of these photoelectric switches 3
0.31 can limit the range in which foreign objects can be detected, such as the detection width and distance, and as shown in Figure 2, each has a light emitting element (LED) 32 with a light emitting lens in the center of the tip surface.
It has a trinocular distance measuring structure with position detection light receiving elements 33 equipped with light receiving lenses on both sides thereof.

When the detection light beam 34 emitted from the light projecting element 32 hits a foreign object and is diffusely reflected, the light receiving element 33 receives a part of the reflected light and performs a detection operation.

That is, the switch is in an ON state.

Here, the upper photoelectric switch 30 has a foreign object detection range h from the inverted lower side surface 9a of the movable handrail 9.
- A space 26 at a position lowered by several n to several tens of degrees, within the width of the movable handrail 9 and the width W of the roadway, and between the boarding floor plate 25 and the inverted lower side surface 9a of the movable handrail 9. height H
The position P where the width narrows to be approximately equal to the thickness of the child's head or chest.
It is set up within a limited distance.

On the other hand, the lower photoelectric switch 31 has the same width W and distance as the upper photoelectric switch 31, except that the foreign object detection range is slightly lower than the upper photoelectric switch 30.

Note that 35 is a protective cover that covers the photoelectric switch 30, 31 except for the front surface side thereof.

Further, the control device 36 that stops the operation of the escalator by the foreign object detection operation of the photoelectric switch 30, 31 is a third control device.
The configuration as shown in the figure includes, in addition to the control circuit 20 shown in FIG. 8, the two photoelectric switches 30, 31, relays 37, 38 individually interlocked with these, and these relays 37.
38 normally closed contacts 37b and 38b are provided, and both of the contacts 37b and 38b are arranged in parallel with each other and connected in series with the stop operation switch 24. During operation of the escalator, the double-light switch 30.31 detects and operates, and the respective relays 37 and 38 are energized, and both of their contacts 37b and 38b open, causing the escalator to move upward or downward operation relay 22. .23 is deenergized to immediately stop the operation.

In the safety device having the above-described structure, if a child or the like who is playing near the end of the handrail 8 on the entrance/exit side accidentally falls down, his/her head or chest may fall on the inverted lower side surface 9a of the handrail 9. If a child tries to get caught in the space 26 between the boarding and alighting floor board 25, the head and chest of the child who falls down has a thickness that is approximately equal to the height H of the space 26. As soon as the light beams 34 of the upper and lower photoelectric switches 30.31 enter the foreign object detectable range and reach within the detection distance, the double light type switch 30.3
1 will be detected. With this, double-light switch 3
0.31 is detected simultaneously and each relay 37.38
via contact 37b.

38b is opened, thereby deenergizing the escalator's ascending or descending operation relay 22, 23 and immediately stopping the escalator operation, thereby making it possible to prevent an accident in which the child is caught in the escalator.

Further, the foreign object detectable range of the photoelectric switch 30.31 is, as described above, at a position several U to several tens of U lower than the inverted lower side surface 9a of the movable handrail 9, and at a position slightly below that, and Since the height of the space 26 is limited to the width W and the distance to the point P where the height of the space 26 narrows to approximately the same thickness as the child's head or chest, the A foreign object that does not exist within the foreign object detectable range, that is, a foreign object that is only on the boarding floor plate 25 and does not come into contact with the movable handrail 9 and has no risk of being caught in it, is not detected.

For example, even if the passenger's feet 40 enter the space 26 as shown in FIG. 4, the presence of the moving handrail 9 on the upper side prevents the passenger's feet 40 from entering any deeper, and the feet 40 are within the range where foreign objects can be detected. There is no need to worry about being detected if you cross the road.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 5, even if the tip of the umbrella 41 or the tip of a shoe (not shown) intentionally enters the detection range due to a prank or the like, the detection area of the foreign object is small, so the upper and lower photoelectric Even if one of the switches 30, 31 performs a sensing operation, the other does not perform a sensing operation, and for this reason, the double-light switch 30.
31 rarely detects both at the same time. This prevents the control device 36 from operating unnecessarily and stopping the escalator unless there is a really dangerous accident where the escalator is trapped, which greatly reduces the possibility of causing inconvenience to other general passengers or causing danger such as falling. It becomes less.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Here, only the upper photoelectric switch 30 of the embodiment described above is provided. The installation state of the one photoelectric switch 30 and the range in which foreign matter can be detected are the same as in the previous embodiment, and therefore are not shown. As shown in FIG. 6, the control device 42 that stops the operation of the escalator based on the foreign object detection operation of one photoelectric switch 30 includes, in addition to the control circuit 2o shown in FIG. 8, the one charging switch 30 and The configuration includes a timer 43 interlocked with this and a contact 43b of this timer 43, and the contact 43b is connected to the stop operation switch 24.
connected in series with.

Further, the timer 43 is turned ON to open the contact 43b after a predetermined foreign object retention time (several seconds) has elapsed since the photoelectric switch 3o was activated to detect a foreign object and was energized.

In this embodiment, if a child or the like tries to get their head or chest caught in the space 26 between the inverted lower side surface 9a of the handrail 9 and the boarding floor plate 25, the photoelectric switch is activated. When the timer 43 continues to detect a foreign object for more than a predetermined time (several seconds), the timer 43 turns on and opens the contact 43b, which turns off the escalator ascending or descending operation relay 22.23. This makes it possible to immediately stop the vehicle and prevent an accident in which the child is caught in the vehicle.

In addition, as mentioned above, since the foreign object detection range of the photoelectric switch 3o is limited, foreign objects that do not have the risk of getting caught in the space, such as baggage such as a passenger's bag or umbrella, or foreign objects such as the passenger's own feet, are usually detected. In this case, due to the presence of the moving handrail, the photoelectric switch 3o does not come within the detectable range, so it is hardly detected.

Furthermore, even if a person's foot or the tip of an umbrella intentionally enters the detectable range of the photoelectric switch 30 due to a prank, most of the foreign objects will not enter the detectable range due to the prank or the like. Even if the photoelectric switch 30 detects the foreign object for a moment, the detection operation will not continue for longer than the foreign object retention time preset in the timer, so in such a prank, the timer 43 is almost never turned on and the contact 43b is opened. . This prevents the control device 36 from operating unnecessarily and stopping the operation of the escalator, except in the case of a truly dangerous entrapment accident, as in the previous embodiment, thereby preventing other general passengers from being inconvenienced or causing danger such as falling. becomes very small.

Note that the present invention is not limited only to the above embodiments,
For example, two or more photoelectric switches 30, 31 and the timer 43 may be combined and interlocked to prevent mischief in substantially the same manner as described above. Naturally, it is also applicable to moving objects other than escalators (as well as sidewalks).

〔Effect of the invention〕

Since the present invention is made as described above, foreign objects such as the head or chest of a child, etc., which may be tightly caught in the space under the inverted moving handrail at the end of the escalator or moving walkway's boarding/exit side, are not entangled. If a foreign object enters the space, it can be quickly detected before it becomes trapped, and the operation can be stopped immediately to ensure safety.In addition, the range in which foreign objects can be detected is limited, and the danger of being caught in the space is reduced. The natural intrusion of a foreign object is not detected, and even if the tip of a foot or the tip of an umbrella intentionally enters within the detection range due to mischief, etc., and the detection is activated, the control device will act unnecessarily and prevent the escalator or movement. This is a great safety feature, since there is no need to stop driving on the sidewalk, and other than the truly dangerous entrapment accident, there is very little inconvenience to other general passengers.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 5 show one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a side view of the vicinity of the inlet of the movable handrail of the parapet;
Figure 2 is a front view of the main parts, Figure 3 is a circuit diagram of the control device,
Figures 4 and 5 are explanatory diagrams showing that the intrusion of non-dangerous foreign matter is not detected, Figure 6 is a circuit diagram of a detection device showing another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7 is a conventional example. 8 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 7, and FIG.
The figure is a conventional control circuit diagram. 8... Balustrade, 9... Moving handrail, 9a... Inverted lower side of moving handrail, 11... Inverted part, 12... Inlet part, 30.31... Area reflective photoelectric Switch, 32... Light emitting element, 33... Light receiving element, 25...
・Getting on/off floor plate, 26... Space, h... Foreign object detectable height, W... Foreign object detectable range width, L... Foreign object detectable range distance, 36.42... Control device, 37 .38・
...Relay, 37b, 38b...Contact, 40.41.
...Foreign object, 43...Timer, 43b...Contact. Applicant's Representative Patent Attorney Takehiko Suzue Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) At least two or more area reflection type photoelectric switches each having a light emitting/receiving element in the lower inlet part of the reversing part of the moving handrail at the end of the escalator or moving walkway on the boarding/exit side;
The heights at which these foreign objects can be detected are several mm to several tens of mm lower than the reversed lower side of the movable handrail, and the reflective photoelectric switches in each of these areas are arranged in a position that is lower than that in order. The width at which each foreign object can be detected is within approximately the same width as the moving handrail, and the distance at which each foreign object can be detected is such that the height of the space between the boarding floor plate and the inverted lower side of the moving handrail is above the child's head. Alternatively, the escalator is set within the distance to the point where the area narrows to be approximately equal to the thickness of the chest, and if a foreign object enters the foreign object detectable range of these area reflection type photoelectric switches and all of the area reflection type photoelectric switches operate to detect it, the escalator Alternatively, a safety device for an escalator or a moving walkway, comprising a control device for stopping the operation of the moving walkway. (2) An area reflection type photoelectric switch with a light emitting/receiving element is installed at the lower inlet of the reversing part of the moving handrail at the end of the escalator or moving walkway entrance/exit side. Several mm to several tens of mm from the lower side of the inversion
In addition to being installed in a lowered position, the width at which this area reflection type photoelectric switch can detect a foreign object is within approximately the same width as the moving handrail, and the distance at which it can detect a foreign object is within the reversal of the boarding floor plate and the moving handrail. The height of the space between the lower side and the lower side is set within the distance to the point where the height narrows to approximately the same as the thickness of the child's head or chest, and the foreign object intrusion into the foreign object detectable range of this area reflective photoelectric switch is set. A safety device for an escalator or a moving walkway, comprising a control device that stops the operation of the escalator or moving walkway if the switch continues to detect a foreign object for a foreign object stagnation time set in advance by a timer.