Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
  • B66B—ELEVATORS; ESCALATORS OR MOVING WALKWAYS
  • B66B29/00—Safety devices of escalators or moving walkways
  • B66B29/02—Safety devices of escalators or moving walkways responsive to, or preventing, jamming by foreign objects
  • B66B29/06—Combplates
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
  • B66B—ELEVATORS; ESCALATORS OR MOVING WALKWAYS
  • B66B31/00—Accessories for escalators, or moving walkways, e.g. for sterilising or cleaning
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
  • B66B—ELEVATORS; ESCALATORS OR MOVING WALKWAYS
  • B66B31/00—Accessories for escalators, or moving walkways, e.g. for sterilising or cleaning
  • B66B31/02—Accessories for escalators, or moving walkways, e.g. for sterilising or cleaning for handrails

Definitions

• This disclosure relates to a photographing device for a passenger conveyor comb plate and its installation method.
• 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.
• the camera is attached to the handrail guide or inner plate.
• the handrail guide guides the moving handrail that passengers grasp when using the passenger conveyor, and the inner plate has a large surface area, so attaching a camera outside these locations would have a significant impact on the appearance of the passenger conveyor.
• This disclosure is directed to solving these problems.
• This disclosure provides a photographing device and an installation method that can photograph the comb plate while minimizing the impact on the appearance of the passenger conveyor.
• the photographing device is a photographing device for a comb plate that is arranged between a first comb skirt and a second comb skirt in the left-right direction at the entrance and exit of a passenger conveyor, and includes a camera that photographs the comb plate through a photographing window provided outside the first comb skirt in the left-right direction and from above the comb plate, and a fixing box that is attached to the back side of the first comb skirt and fixes the camera inside with the camera facing downward so as to face the comb plate.
• the installation method is a method for installing a photography device for a comb plate to be placed between a first comb skirt and a second comb skirt in the left-right direction at the entrance and exit of a passenger conveyor, and includes removing the existing first comb skirt from the outside in the left-right direction of the position where the comb plate will be installed, installing a fixed box together with the camera on the back side of the newly installed first comb skirt having a photography window, the fixed box fixing the camera inside with the camera facing downward so that the camera photographs the comb plate from outside in the left-right direction of the first comb skirt and above the comb plate through the photography window, and installing the newly installed first comb skirt with the fixed box attached, on the outside in the left-right direction of the position where the comb plate will be installed.
• the passenger conveyor comb plate imaging device and mounting method disclosed herein minimizes the impact on the appearance of the passenger conveyor.
• FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a passenger conveyor according to a first embodiment.
• 1 is a perspective view of a boarding/alighting entrance of 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 part 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 part of a passenger conveyor to which an imaging device according to a first embodiment is attached.
• 3A and 3B 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. 4A and 4B 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. 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 spanning between the upper and lower floors of a building. In this case, the passenger conveyor 1 transports passengers between the upper and lower floors. Entrances 2 for the passenger conveyor 1 are provided on the upper and lower floors of the building. The entrances 2 are locations where passengers board and disembark from the passenger conveyor 1. One entrance 2 is the departure entrance 2 where passengers board the passenger conveyor 1. The other entrance 2 is the arrival entrance 2 where passengers disembark from the passenger conveyor 1.
• a comb plate 3 is provided on the inside in the front-to-rear direction at each entrance 2. The comb plate 3 is arranged across the entire left-to-right width of the portion of the passenger conveyor 1 that transports passengers. The comb plate 3 has multiple comb teeth 4.
• the multiple comb teeth 4 are arranged at equal intervals in the left-to-right direction of the passenger conveyor 1.
• the passenger conveyor 1 includes a truss 5, a drive unit 6, multiple steps 7, a pair of balustrades 8, a pair of moving handrails 9, a brake 10, and a control unit 11.
• the truss 5 is a long section of the passenger conveyor 1 in the fore-and-aft direction that serves as a frame supporting the structure of the passenger conveyor 1.
• the truss 5 spans between the upper and lower floors of the building.
• One end of the truss 5 in the fore-and-aft direction is the end on the upper floor side.
• the other end of the truss 5 in the fore-and-aft direction 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 driving force.
• 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 driving force, causing the drive chain 14 to move in a circular motion.
• Each step 7 is a device that moves in a circular motion using the driving force generated by the drive unit 6.
• each step 7 is attached to a drive chain 14 that is driven by the drive unit 6, and moves in a circular motion together with the drive chain 14.
• Each step 7 moves on an outward path from the departure side boarding/alighting entrance 2 to the arrival side boarding/alighting entrance 2, and moves on a return path that is lower than the outward path from the arrival side boarding/alighting entrance 2 to the departure side boarding/alighting entrance 2.
• Cleats are provided on the surface of each step 7 in the front-to-rear direction.
• each step 7 extends from below the comb plate 3, with the comb teeth 4 of the comb plate 3 engaging with the cleats on the surface via a gap.
• each step 7 extends below the comb plate 3, with the comb teeth 4 of the comb plate 3 engaging with the cleats on the surface via a gap.
• the multiple steps 7 are arranged in a staircase pattern on the outward path.
• One of the railings 8 is positioned on the left side of the multiple steps 7.
• the other railing 8 is positioned on the right side of the multiple steps 7.
• the pair of railings 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 using the driving force generated by the drive unit 6. Each moving handrail 9 moves on an outward path from the departure side boarding/alighting gate 2 to the arrival side boarding/alighting gate 2, and moves on a return path that is lower than the outward path from the arrival side boarding/alighting gate 2 to the departure side boarding/alighting gate 2. Each moving handrail 9 is made of a flexible, annular 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 keeping each step 7 stationary when the passenger conveyor 1 is stopped.
• the brake 10 is located in the upper machine room 12a.
• the brake 10 keeps 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.
• the control device 11 is located in the upper machine room 12a.
• the control device 11 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 each step 7 from its stationary position, and each step 7 begins to move in a circular motion.
• the passenger conveyor 1 transports passengers who are standing on one of the steps 7, for example, while holding onto one of the moving handrails 9, using the driving force generated by the drive device 6 under the control of the control device 11. At this time, each step 7 moves in the direction of travel on the outbound path, for example, at a preset normal speed.
• Each moving handrail 9 moves in a circular motion at a moving speed that matches the movement speed of each step 7.
• 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. This causes each step 7 to stop circulating and remain 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.
• An inspection system 15 is applied to the passenger conveyor 1.
• the inspection system 15 is a system used to inspect the passenger conveyor 1.
• the inspection system 15 is equipped with a function to acquire information such as images or audio of the passenger conveyor 1, so that, for example, maintenance workers can perform visual inspections of the passenger conveyor 1 from a remote location.
• the inspection system 15 is newly applied to an existing passenger conveyor 1, for example.
• the inspection system 15 may also be applied to a newly installed passenger conveyor 1 from the beginning of 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 it is started up, during normal operation, and when it is stopped.
• the sound collection device 16 includes, for example, a microphone.
• the sound collection device 16 is placed in the upper machine room 12a, for example, so that it can collect sounds generated by the drive unit 6, brake 10, etc.
• the camera device 17 is a device that acquires information such as images of the passenger conveyor 1, for example, when it is started up, during normal operation, and when it is stopped.
• the camera device 17 is permanently installed at one or both of the departure and arrival side boarding and alighting doors 2 so that it can capture images of the comb plate 3.
• the images captured by the camera 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, controlling the operation of the sound collection device 16 and the imaging device 17.
• Information processing in the inspection system 15 includes, for example, managing the storage, accumulation, deletion, updating, and input/output of acquired information.
• the inspection panel 18 is placed in one or both of the upper machine room 12a and the lower machine room 12b.
• the inspection panel 18 comprises 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 imaging device 17.
• the memory unit 21 is a part that accumulates and stores information acquired by the sound collection device 16 and the imaging device 17.
• the memory unit 21 may delete stored information that has been acquired for a predetermined period of time by, for example, overwriting it with newly acquired information.
• the inspection panel 18 is connected to the control device 11 so that the control unit 20 can acquire control signals, such as those output by the passenger conveyor 1 control device 11 to equipment on 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 that it can output control signals such as operation commands and can acquire collected sound and imaged information.
• the communication device 19 is a device that communicates information with devices external to 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 that information can be input and output.
• the communication device 19 is connected to a wide-area communication network such as the Internet or a telephone 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).
• LTE Long Term Evolution
• the communication device 19 transmits information such as images or audio 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 external to the inspection system 15 via a communication network such as the Internet.
• Figure 2 is a perspective view of the boarding/alighting door 2 of the passenger conveyor 1 according to embodiment 1.
• Each railing 8 comprises 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 arranged below the moving handrail 9 and the handrail guide 22.
• the inner plate 23 is the part that faces passengers riding on the passenger conveyor 1 from the left and right.
• the skirt guard 24 is arranged on the side of the step 7.
• the surface of the skirt guard 24 of the right railing 8 faces the side of the step 7 from the right side.
• the surface of the skirt guard 24 of the left railing 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 direction of travel of the step 7.
• the skirt guard 24 is arranged vertically.
• the inner deck 25 is a plate-shaped member that is arranged between the upper end of the skirt guard 24 and the lower end of the inner plate 23. In each parapet 8, the interior of the portion surrounded by the skirt guard 24 and inner deck 25 etc. is connected to the interior of the truss 5.
• the skirt guard 24 includes a comb skirt 26.
• the comb skirt 26 is a plate-shaped member that is positioned on the left-right outer side of the comb plate 3 at the boarding/alighting door 2.
• the comb skirt 26 is attached to the left-right outer side of the position where the comb plate 3 is installed.
• the surface of the comb skirt 26 of the right-side balustrade 8 faces the left, 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 faces the right, facing the left end of the comb plate 3 from the left side.
• the comb plate 3 is positioned between the comb skirts 26 of the left and right balustrades 8 in the left-right direction.
• the back surface of the comb skirt 26 of the right-side balustrade 8 faces the right, not visible to passengers on the passenger conveyor 1.
• the back surface of the comb skirt 26 of the left-side balustrade 8 faces the left, not visible to passengers on the passenger conveyor 1.
• the comb skirt 26 of either the left or right balustrade 8 is an example of the first comb skirt.
• the comb skirt 26 on the other left or right balustrade 8 is an example of a second comb skirt.
• the first comb skirt and 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 operating unit 28.
• the comlight 27 is a lighting device that illuminates the area near the comb plate 3 at the boarding/alighting entrance 2.
• the operating unit 28 includes, for example, buttons or switches that are operated when starting or stopping the passenger conveyor 1, in an emergency, during inspection, or in other cases.
• the operating unit 28 may also be provided with a button cover or the like.
• Figure 3 is a perspective view of the imaging device 17 according to embodiment 1.
• the imaging device 17 includes a camera 29 and a fixed box 30.
• the imaging device 17 is attached to the back side of the first comb skirt, which is either the left or right comb skirt 26.
• the camera 29 is equipped with, for example, a lens and an image sensor so that it can capture an image of the comb plate 3.
• the camera 29 captures a still image of the comb plate 3 under the control of the control unit 20.
• 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 with screws, so that its front side faces the back surface of the comb skirt 26.
• the outer box 31 is screwed to the comb skirt 26 using two tabs 34 on the front side.
• a recess 35 is provided on the front side of the outer box 31.
• the tabs 34 of the outer box 31 are provided on the edge of the recess 35, for example.
• a camera opening 39 is provided on the front side of the outer box 31.
• the camera 29 takes pictures of the comb plate 3 from inside the outer box 31 through the camera opening 39.
• a wire inlet 36 is provided on the bottom of the outer box 31.
• the wire inlet 36 is an opening through which communication lines, power supply lines, etc. that are 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 curved plate-like member.
• the internal support 32 has a base 37 and a support portion 38.
• the base 37 is the lower portion of the internal support 32.
• the base 37 is fixed to the bottom of the outer box 31, etc.
• the base 37 is arranged so that it rises vertically inside the outer box 31.
• the support portion 38 is the portion to which the camera 29 is attached.
• the support portion 38 is the 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 to 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 that it faces downward.
• the internal support 32 is placed inside the outer box 31 while supporting the camera 29.
• the concealing plate 33 is a translucent plate-shaped member.
• the concealing plate 33 is, for example, an acrylic flat plate.
• the color of the concealing plate 33 is different from the color of the comb plate 3.
• a blue-smoke 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 fit within 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.
• a comb skirt 26 is shown with a camera 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.
• the imaging device 17 is attached above the com light 27.
• an imaginary plane V is shown, which is a vertical plane parallel to the left-right direction of the passenger conveyor 1 and passing through the comb plate 3.
• the camera 29 of the imaging device 17 is positioned within the plane of the imaginary 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 concealing plate 33 from the back side of the comb skirt 26.
• the concealing plate 33 may be in contact with the edge of the photographing window 40.
• the camera 29 photographs the comb plate 3 through the concealing 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. 5, a cross-sectional view taken along imaginary plane V in FIG. 4 is shown.
• the fixed box 30 is housed behind 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 photographing 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 photographing window 40 from outside the left-right direction of the comb skirt 26 and above the comb plate 3.
• Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the mounting position of the imaging device 17 in embodiment 1.
• the camera 29 of the photographing device 17 photographs the comb plate 3 from above, for example, so that individual comb teeth 4 can be identified in the image.
• the pitch of the comb teeth 4 is d
• the height of the camera 29 from the comb plate 3 is H
• the distance from the camera 29 to any one of the comb teeth 4 is R.
• the line connecting the camera 29 and the relevant comb tooth 4 forms an angle ⁇ with the horizontal plane. Since the distance R to the camera 29 is sufficiently far compared to the pitch d of the comb teeth 4, adjacent comb teeth 4 can be evaluated as appearing to be d ⁇ sin ⁇ apart in the image photographed by the camera 29.
• the spacing on this image needs to be greater than the resolution x of the camera 29, so the condition d ⁇ sin ⁇ > x needs to be satisfied.
• the resolution x of the camera 29 is determined, for example, by the angle of view, resolution, and photographing position of the camera 29, and represents the length that can be identified in the photographed image.
• sin ⁇ H/R
• the camera 29 is positioned so that the condition H/R > x/d is satisfied, that is, 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.
• Distance R is, for example, the distance from camera 29 to the comb tooth 4 located in the center of the passenger conveyor 1 on the left and right sides. At this time, the comb plate 3 is photographed so that the comb tooth 4 in the center, where breakage is likely to occur due to passengers passing by, can be identified, making it possible to more reliably confirm whether or not the comb tooth 4 is broken. Furthermore, distance R is, for example, the distance from camera 29 to the comb tooth 4 located at a position 3/4 of the width between the left and right comb skirts 26, on which the photographing device 17 is installed.
• the comb plate 3 is photographed so that the comb tooth 4 located in a position where breakage is likely to occur due to passengers lined up in two rows on the left and right sides can be identified, making it possible to more reliably confirm whether or not the comb tooth 4 is broken.
• distance R is, for example, the distance from camera 29 to the comb tooth 4 located at the opposite end of the comb skirt 26 on which the photographing device 17 is installed.
• the comb plate 3 is photographed so that all of the comb teeth 4 of the comb plate 3 can be identified, making it possible to more reliably confirm whether or not the comb tooth 4 is broken.
• the camera devices 17 may also be provided on the backside of the comb skirts 26 on both the left and right sides. In this case, if each camera device 17 can identify the comb teeth 4 up to the center on the left and right, the camera devices 17 on both the left and right sides can capture images in which the entire width of the comb teeth 4 can be identified.
• the inspection system 15 is newly applied to an existing passenger conveyor 1.
• the worker performing the installation work will remove the existing comb skirt 26 from the passenger conveyor 1. At this time, the worker may also remove the comb plate 3, steps 7, etc. from the passenger conveyor 1.
• the worker attaches the fixed box 30 for the camera device 17 to the back side of the newly installed com skirt 26.
• the fixed box 30 has the camera 29 fixed inside.
• the newly installed com skirt 26 also has a camera window 40. The worker aligns the concealing plate 33 with the position of the camera window 40 and attaches the fixed box 30 by screwing the two tabs 34 in place.
• 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.
• step S1 of FIG. 7 the control unit 20 determines whether it has received a control signal output from the control device 11 of the passenger conveyor 1 to the brake 10.
• This control signal may be, for example, a control signal that indicates application 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.
• This control signal may also be, for example, a control signal that indicates application and release of the brake 10.
• This control signal may also be, for example, a control signal that causes the brake 10 to be switched between application and release.
• This control signal is received, for example, when the passenger conveyor 1 is started or stopped.
• the control unit 20 determines that it has not received a control signal from the control device 11, the processing of the inspection system 15 proceeds again to step S1.
• the control unit 20 determines that it has received a control signal from the control device 11, the processing of the inspection system 15 proceeds to step S2.
• step S2 the control unit 20 executes a recording process.
• the control unit 20 causes the sound collection device 16 to start capturing audio.
• the sound collection device 16 stops capturing audio after a preset time has elapsed from the start. This time may be, for example, the time from when the brake 10 is released until the moving speed of the steps 7 reaches a certain rated speed, the time from when the brake 10 is applied until the steps 7 completely stop, or a certain period of time that is long enough to include these times.
• the control unit 20 acquires information about the audio captured by the sound collection device 16.
• the control unit 20 may, for example, perform post-processing on the audio information acquired from the sound collection device 16. Post-processing includes, for example, encoding.
• the processing of the inspection system 15 then proceeds to step S3.
• step S3 the control unit 20 executes an audio recording process.
• the control unit 20 stores the audio information acquired from the sound collection device 16 in the memory unit 21 after any necessary post-processing has been performed.
• the memory unit 21 accumulates and stores the information output from the control unit 20 for, for example, a predetermined number of days. After that, the processing of the inspection system 15 proceeds to step S4.
• step S5 the control unit 20 executes image recording processing.
• the control unit 20 stores the image information acquired from the imaging device 17 after any 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 predetermined number of days. After that, the processing of the inspection system 15 proceeds to step S1.
• the processing from step S2 to step S5 is an example of an inspection process that is initiated using a control signal output from the control device 11 to the brake 10 as a trigger.
• the inspection process includes a preceding process that is initiated immediately after the control signal.
• the processing from step S2 to step S3 is an example of a preceding process.
• the preceding process may include other processes.
• the photographing process of step S4 is initiated after the preceding process is completed.
• Figure 8 shows an example of an image of the comb plate 3 captured by the imaging device 17, in which the comb teeth 4 are broken.
• the maintenance worker When inspecting the passenger conveyor 1 from a remote location, the maintenance worker requests information from the communication device 19 via the information terminal device operated by the worker and the server computer connected to that 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 maintenance worker's information terminal device receives, for example, the 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 see if any of the comb teeth 4 are broken. If any of the comb teeth 4 are broken, the maintenance worker takes action such as replacing the comb plate 3. If no of the comb teeth 4 are 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 may visually check the operation unit 28 shown in the image of the comb plate 3 to check for any abnormalities such as damage or dirt on the operation unit 28.
• the inspection system 15 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 from the control device 11 of the passenger conveyor 1, the control signal indicating either or both of the application and release of the brake 10 of the drive device 6.
• the control unit 20 executes an inspection process triggered by the control signal.
• the control unit 20 causes the camera 29 to photograph the comb plate 3 during the inspection process.
• the inspection system 15 captures an image of the comb plate 3 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, each time a control signal for the brake 10 is output, an image of the comb plate 3 is captured when the cleats of a different step 7 are engaging with the comb teeth 4 at a different position. Therefore, even if there is an abnormality in the image of the comb plate 3 that is difficult to see due to the specific position of a specific step 7, the abnormality can be easily discovered.
• the inspection system 15 can start the inspection process, including capturing an image of the comb plate 3, simply by receiving the control signal for the brake 10. This makes it possible to apply the inspection system 15 to a variety of passenger conveyors 1, including older models.
• control unit 20 performs a preliminary process immediately after receiving a control signal, and after the preliminary process is completed, causes the camera 29 to photograph the comb plate 3.
• an image of the comb plate 3 is captured at a time 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 for clearer images of the comb plate 3 to be captured, allowing for more accurate inspection of the comb plate 3 using images.
• control unit 20 receives, as control signals, either or both of a signal that causes the control device 11 to release the brake 10 when the passenger conveyor 1 starts, or a signal that causes the control device 11 to apply the brake 10 when the passenger conveyor 1 stops.
• the control unit 20 performs inspection processing using this control signal as a trigger.
• images of the comb plate 3 are captured when there are no passengers present, such as during startup and shutdown. This prevents the comb plate 3 from being obscured by passengers' shoes, etc., making it possible to more reliably inspect the comb plate 3 using automatically captured images. Furthermore, when capturing images of the comb plate 3 both during startup and shutdown, images are captured at different times corresponding to startup and shutdown. Generally, shooting conditions such as the amount of external light can differ depending on the time of day and other circumstances. In such cases, the appearance of the comb plate 3 in the image can change. For this reason, images of the comb plate 3 are captured under different shooting conditions, reducing the risk of oversights due to shooting conditions and allowing for more accurate inspection of the comb plate 3 using images.
• 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 captures sound during the recording process.
• the control unit 20 may be performing information processing such as recording during this time. Alternatively, the control unit 20 may not be required to perform information processing other than timekeeping during this time.
• 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 be blurred due to vibrations of the steps 7 immediately after braking or release. This allows for clearer images of the comb plate 3 to be captured, enabling more accurate inspection of the comb plate 3 using images. Furthermore, without the need for sensors to monitor the movement state of the steps 7, it is possible to capture images of the comb plate 3 when the steps 7 are operating at a stable speed or at a complete stop.
• the camera 29 also captures still images of the comb plate 3.
• 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 maintenance workers can perform inspection work without visiting the site where the passenger conveyor 1 is installed, the efficiency of inspection work is further improved. Furthermore, since the presence of the passenger conveyor 1 manager or other personnel is not required when maintenance workers visit for inspection, the burden on the manager is reduced. Furthermore, because the inspection system 15 does not require advanced information processing such as image recognition, the processing performance required of 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 is a device that photographs 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 from above the comb plate 3.
• the fixed box 30 is attached to the back side of the comb skirt 26.
• the camera 29 is fixed inside the fixed box 30 with the camera 29 facing downward so as to face the comb plate 3.
• the installation method of the imaging 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 installed.
• the installation method also includes attaching the fixed box 30 together with the camera 29 to the back side of the new comb skirt 26 where the imaging window 40 is provided.
• the installation method also includes attaching the new comb skirt 26 with the fixed box 30 attached to the outside in the left-right direction of the position where the comb plate 3 is to be installed.
• the camera 17 is mounted on the underside of the com skirt 26 under the passenger's feet, minimizing the impact on the appearance of the passenger conveyor 1. Furthermore, when applying the inspection system 15, a camera window 40 on the surface of the com skirt 26 is sufficient, minimizing the impact on the appearance of the passenger conveyor 1. Furthermore, the communication lines and power supply lines for the camera 17 can be routed inside the truss 5, or in other locations not visible to passengers. This minimizes the impact on the appearance of the passenger conveyor 1. Furthermore, because the camera 17 is mounted inside the passenger conveyor 1, applying the inspection system 15 does not require the installation of additional equipment in the building in which the passenger conveyor 1 is installed. Furthermore, since the camera 29 can be attached to the com skirt 26 with the wiring to it routed inside the fixed box 30, the installation process is easier.
• the orientation of the camera 29 has already been adjusted inside the fixed box 30, there is no need to adjust the camera 29 after installation, making the installation process of the camera 17 easier. Furthermore, because the camera 29 is positioned facing downwards and out of sight of passengers, it is less likely to cause passengers anxiety or discomfort, for example from the perspective of privacy. Furthermore, since the inspection system 15 can be applied simply by replacing the com skirt 26 when installing the imaging device 17, it is easy to adapt the inspection system 15 to existing passenger conveyors 1.
• the camera 29 is positioned within the plane of an imaginary 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.
• the camera 29 can capture images of the comb plate 3 straight in the left-right width direction, allowing for 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 photographic window 40 from the back side of the com skirt 26.
• the inside of the fixed box 30 is usually darker than the outside. For this reason, the concealing plate 33 makes it difficult to see from the outside the inside of the fixed box 30 where the camera 29 is installed. This makes it less likely that passengers will feel uneasy or uncomfortable from a privacy standpoint, for example.
• a recess 35 is provided on the surface of the fixed box 30 facing the back side of the comb skirt 26.
• the concealing plate 33 is attached so that it fits within the recess 35.
• This configuration allows the front of the fixed box 30 to be tightly attached to the back of the com skirt 26. This makes it easier to align the fixed box 30, making it easier to install the camera device 17.
• the color of the concealing plate 33 is different from the color of the comb plate 3.
• This configuration makes it less likely that the comb plate 3 will 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 fixes the camera 29 so that the operation units 28 provided on the comb skirts 26 on the opposite left and right sides are included in the shooting range.
• This configuration makes it possible to visually inspect the operating unit 28 when 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.
• the fixing box 30 fixes the camera 29 above the top edge of the photographing window 40.
• This configuration makes it more difficult for the camera 29 to be seen through the photographic window 40. This reduces the likelihood of passengers feeling uneasy or uncomfortable, for example, from the perspective of privacy.
• the fixing 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 center of the left-right direction 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 on the comb plate 3.
• 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.
• the fixed box 30 does not protrude from the front surface of the comb 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.
• 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.
• 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 memory 100b.
• the processor 100a realizes each function of the inspection system 15 by reading and executing the program stored in memory 100b.
• Processor 100a is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP.
• Memory 100b is composed of non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM.
• Each function of the inspection system 15 can be realized by a processing circuit. Alternatively, all functions 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.
• FIG. 1 a photographing device for a comb plate disposed between a first comb skirt and a second comb skirt in the left-right direction at the entrance/exit of a passenger conveyor; a camera that photographs the comb plate through a photographing window provided on the first comb skirt from a position outside in the left-right direction and above the comb plate; a fixing box attached to the rear side of the first comb skirt and fixing the camera therein with the camera facing downward so as to face the comb plate;
• An imaging device comprising: (Appendix 2) the camera is arranged in a virtual vertical plane that is parallel to the left-right direction and includes the comb plate; 2.
• the imaging device according to claim 1.
• the fixed box includes a translucent cover that covers the photographing window from the back side of the first comb skirt.
• the imaging device according to claim 1 or 2. (Appendix 4)
• the fixed box has a recess on a surface facing the back side of the first comb skirt, The cover plate is attached so as to be housed in the recess. 4.
• the imaging device according to claim 3. (Appendix 5)
• the color of the concealing plate is different from the color of the comb plate. 5.
• the fixing box fixes the camera so that an operation unit provided on the second comb skirt opposite to the first comb skirt is included in the photographing range. 6.
• the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
• the imaging device disclosed herein can be applied to inspecting the comb plate of a passenger conveyor.
• the installation method disclosed herein can be applied to installing an imaging device that photographs the comb plate of a passenger conveyor.

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