KR20100010913A - Safety system for an escalator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a proximity sensor (6) for detecting the presence or absence of an approach of the object (5) to the skirt guard (3), and a time series signal generator (8) for generating a time series signal of the proximity sensor in accordance with the presence or absence of an approach object. And an approach detection unit 410 for detecting the difference between the time series signals and determining the presence or absence of the approach object, and a warning unit 11 for warning the passenger of the escalator according to the approach detection result.

Description

Escalator safety device {SAFETY SYSTEM FOR AN ESCALATOR}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a safety device for an escalator for preventing an accident such as shoes or clothes from being caught between a step of a escalator and a skirt guard or a gap between a step and a riser.

The escalator is operated as an endless row of steps by connecting a plurality of steps. In addition, a skirt guard is provided to the left and right of the stairs via a small gap with the stairs. In such an escalator, it is necessary to prevent the occurrence of an accident such as a foreign object such as an umbrella, shoes, passenger clothes, etc. that is caught between the riser portion of the stairs and the stairs, or the foreign material is caught between the stairs and the skirt guard. . Therefore, conventionally, various safety devices have been proposed.

For example, Patent Document 1 provides a transmissive photoelectric device in which the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion are opposed to the left and right skirt guard portions as shown in FIG. 2, and with the operation of the escalator, the stairs shield the light beam at a constant cycle. The invention using the thing is disclosed. That is, a step reference signal is created by using the light shielding operation having a constant periodicity. The elapsed time from the generation time of such a step reference signal and the moving distance of the step have a relative relationship. Therefore, when the staircase reference signal is generated, a predetermined time range is set as the effective detection zone, and in this effective detection zone, when the transmissive photoelectric device or the reflective photoelectric device detects an object, a dangerous position of the passenger Detect boarding Here, the generation of the step reference signal is a time point shifted to the light shielding operation after the longest light receiving time for each step by the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 1983-56763

In the technique according to the above-described Patent Document 1, as described above, the generation of the staircase reference signal is a time when the light-transfer operation is shifted after the longest light receiving time for each staircase in the transmission type photoelectric device, and from the staircase reference signal generator It is comprised so that the dangerous position boarding of a passenger may be detected by the light-shielding operation in the preset time range. Therefore, there was a problem that correct detection cannot be performed in the shape of the stairs. In addition, there is a problem that correct detection cannot be performed when there is no light transmitting photoelectric device.

In addition, when the driving speed of the escalator is changed during operation, there is also a problem that correct detection cannot be performed because the moving distance of the stairs changes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object thereof is to provide a safety device for an escalator which reduces false detection and improves detection accuracy as compared with the prior art. It is an object of the present invention to provide a safety device for an escalator in which correct detection is performed, and to provide a safety device for an escalator that can cope with a change in speed of the escalator.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

That is, the safety device of the escalator in the 1st aspect of this invention was equipped with the proximity sensor, the time-series signal generation part, the access detection part, and the warning part. Here, the proximity sensor is disposed at a position corresponding to the movement trajectory of the footrest in the skirt guard of the escalator, and detects the presence or absence of the approach of the object on the footrest to the skirt guard. The time series signal generator is connected to the proximity sensor, and generates an output from the proximity sensor in accordance with the presence or absence of an approach object as a time series signal corresponding to the elapse of time corresponding to the movement of the scaffold. The approach detection section is connected to the time series signal generation section and detects a difference in the time series signals generated due to the presence or absence of the approach object to determine the presence or absence of the approach object. The warning unit is connected to the approach detection unit and issues a warning to the passengers of the escalator in accordance with the approach detection result of the approach detection unit.

The approach detection unit detects that the inconsistency period between the pattern of the reference time series signal, which is a time series signal when the approach object does not exist, and the pattern of the detection time series signal, which is a time series signal at the time of detection, is longer than the scaffold pass period. It may be configured to determine that there is an approaching object.

Further, the approach detection unit may be configured such that an on or off time interval in a reference time series signal that is a time series signal when the approach object does not exist, and an on or off time interval in a detection time series signal that is a time series signal at the time of detection. It may be configured to detect the difference and determine that there is an approaching object.

The access detection unit may be configured to detect the difference between the previous time series signal pattern and the current time series signal pattern at the time of detection by repetition in the scaffolding pass period and determine that there is an access object.

In addition, the safety device of the escalator may further include a step pass cycle detection unit. The step passing period detection unit is connected to the time series signal generating unit to detect the step passing period, which is changed according to the moving speed of the step, from the time series signal, and the pattern of the reference time series signal according to the detected step passing period. To change.

The escalator safety device may further include a driving stop detection unit. The operation stop detection unit is connected to the time series signal generation unit, detects that the time series signal is invariant over time, and determines the operation stop of the escalator.

Moreover, the said proximity sensor may be comprised so that at least 2 sensor may be arrange | positioned more than a predetermined distance, and in this case, the safety device of the said escalator may further include a drive speed change detection part. The driving speed change detection unit is connected to the time series signal generating unit and the step passing period detection unit, and all the proximity sensors are sent as the current time series signal pattern at the time of detection, to the previous time series signal pattern repeated in the step passing period. It is determined that the current time series signal pattern is different at the same time, and it is determined that the operation speed of the escalator is changed.

The apparatus may further include a malfunction prevention unit connected to the operation speed change detection unit to detect an operation stop of the escalator or a change in the operation speed of the escalator to invalidate the approach detection unit or the warning unit.

The proximity sensor may be arranged at a positive integer multiple of the arrangement interval of the stairs in accordance with the moving direction of the scaffold. In addition, the approach detection unit may compare the time series signals of the proximity sensors to be paired, and may determine that there is an approach object when they do not match for a predetermined time or more.

In addition, the safety device of the escalator may further include a light shielding sensor, which is disposed at a position corresponding to the movement trajectory of the footrest in the skirt guard of the escalator, thereby preventing the access of an object on the footrest to the riser of the stairs. Detects the presence or absence. In this case, the time series signal generation unit may further generate a time series signal from the output from the light shielding sensor, and the access detection unit may further be configured to determine the presence or absence of an approach object to the riser.

In addition, the proximity sensor may be configured such that at least one pair of left and right sides are arranged such that the central axis faces each other, and the approach detection unit compares the time series signals of the proximity sensors to be paired, and when there is no match for a predetermined time, there is an approach object. You may comprise so that it may determine.

According to a safety device of an escalator according to the first aspect of the present invention, the apparatus includes a proximity sensor and an approach detection sensor, and is configured based on the output of the proximity sensor to detect a difference in time series signals that change due to the presence or absence of an approach object. To determine the presence of an approaching object. Therefore, the approach of the object can be detected without detecting the stair position by using the light shielding sensor, and the detection accuracy can be reduced and the detection accuracy can be improved compared with the conventional method.

In the safety device of the escalator which is embodiment of this invention, it demonstrates below, referring drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected in the same or same component part.

In this case, the safety device of the skirt guard and riser in order to prevent the foreign body such as clothing of the passenger to be caught in at least one of the gap between the skirt guard and the footrest provided on the left and right of the stairs constituting the escalator and the gap between the footrest and the riser. It is an escalator's safety device that warns passengers of at least one foreign object approaching.

As a basic structure of the safety device of such an escalator, as shown in 3rd Embodiment mentioned later with reference to FIG. 7, it is a structure provided with a proximity sensor, a time-series signal generation part, an access detection part, and a warning part.

(1st embodiment)

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, the safety apparatus 95 of the escalator in 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

First, as shown in FIG. 1, the safety device 95 of the escalator 40 of this embodiment produces the proximity sensor 6 and the light-shielding sensor 7 which correspond to an example as an approach detection sensor, and time-series signal generation. The part 8, the step passage period detection part 9, the approach detection part 10, and the warning part 11 are provided. These components will be described sequentially below.

The proximity sensor 6 is a sensor that detects that the detection object is in contact with the sensor in a non-contact manner, and is located on the inside of the side of the skirt guard 3 provided on the left and right sides of the stairs 1 of the escalator, and on the movement trajectory of the footrest 2. In the corresponding area, it is provided so as not to protrude from the skirt guard 3 toward the step 1 so as not to interfere with the footrest 2. As the proximity sensor 6, for example, a high frequency oscillation type or a capacitive type proximity sensor can be used. In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the center axis of both sensors coincides along the width direction 2b of the footrest 2 by the proximity sensor 6 each to the left and right skirt guards 3, respectively. They are arranged so as to face each other in a straight line. However, there is no limitation on the number of installations and the location as long as the position intersects with the movement trajectory of the footrest 2. In addition, as the proximity sensor 6, in addition to the staircase 1, for example, an on output when an object to be detected, such as a foot of a passenger or a garment, that is, an object 5 approaches a set distance or less, an off output is output. Sending is used, and the set distance is set to, for example, about 20 mm.

Instead of the proximity sensor 6, a distance sensor from which the output according to the distance from the stairs 1 or the object 5 is obtained is used. It goes without saying that the same configuration is achieved by using the processing circuit.

The light shielding sensor 7 comprises a pair of light-transmitting portions and a light-receiving portion, and a skirt guard (inside the side of the skirt guard 3, in an area corresponding to the movement trajectory of the footrest 2) so as not to interfere with the footrest 2. The optical axes are aligned along the width direction 2b of the scaffold 2 so as to face each other without protruding from the staircase 1 side from 3). The light shielding sensor 7 uses on-output when the staircase 1 or the object 5 approaches and shields between the light-transmitting portion and the light-receiving portion, and other than that, the off-light output is used. In this embodiment, in order to prevent the object 5 from being caught in the gap between the riser 4 and the scaffold 2 of the stairs 1, the object 5 is detected to be close to the riser 4. The light shielding sensor 7 is provided as a thing. Therefore, the installation position is a position such that the light beam passes through the boundary portion of the scaffold 2 and the riser 4 as shown.

In addition, in this embodiment, although the proximity sensor 6 and the light shielding sensor 7 are provided as mentioned above, you may provide at least one.

The time series signal generator 8 is connected to the proximity sensor 6 and the light shielding sensor 7 to detect the moving footrest 2 and the riser 4, as well as the skirt guard 3 and the riser 4. On / off outputs from the proximity sensor 6 and the light shielding sensor 7 are sampled at constant sampling time intervals according to the presence or absence of an access object such as a foot part or clothes of a passenger approaching to the footrest 2. It generates as a time series signal 19 over time corresponding to the movement.

The step pass period detection unit 9 is connected to the time series signal generation unit 8, and the step pass period from the time series signals 19 of the proximity sensor 6 and the light blocking sensor 7 generated by the time series signal generation unit 8. (20) (FIG. 2) is detected. In addition, as is clear from the following description, the step passage period 20 is changed in accordance with the moving speed of the scaffold 2, that is, the driving speed of the escalator.

The step passage period 20 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2. 2 shows the proximity sensor 6 and the light shielding sensor when the footrest 2 of the escalator 40 is driven in the upward direction 90a in the moving direction 90 of the footrest 2 at a constant speed. 7 shows an example of the time series signals 8a and 8b. As is apparent from FIG. 2, the time series signals 8a and 8b of the proximity sensor 6 and the light shielding sensor 7 are obtained because the proximity sensor 6 and the light shielding sensor 7 detect the staircase 1. A specific time series signal pattern is repeated according to the shape of the steps 1 such as the scaffold 2 and the riser 4. Therefore, the step passing period 20 can be obtained by obtaining the period of this time series signal pattern. The step passage period 20 thus obtained is sent to the approach detection unit 10 described later.

Specifically, in the step passing period 20, the time series signals 8a and 8b of the respective sensors 6 and 7 repeat the off-on-off two times, and thus the step-pass period from the appearance time interval. Find (20). Alternatively, in the time series signal 8a or the time series signal 8b, a time series signal pattern P having a predetermined time width is stored from a certain starting point, and the same time width obtained by shifting the starting point by sampling time. The degree of coincidence with the time series signal pattern P 'may be obtained, and the step time period 20 may be the amount of shift time having the highest degree of coincidence. Although the said predetermined time width may be set arbitrarily, it is preferable to set to more than the maximum value of the range which the step passage period 20 can take from a viewpoint of preventing a false detection.

As described above, since the step passage period 20 is obtained from the time series signal 8a or the time series signal 8b, it is naturally changed when the moving speed of the stairs 1, that is, the driving speed of the escalator, is changed. .

Moreover, about the method of obtaining the repetition period of a time series signal pattern, many well-known methods exist, and as a method of obtaining the step passage period 20, you may use any of these methods.

In addition, when the object 5 approaches the skirt guard 3 and the riser 4, the step passage period 20 cannot be detected correctly. Therefore, the average value or the median value may be used from a plurality of recently obtained step pass periods 20, or may be configured to substitute the step pass period 20 obtained in the past when the detection values obtained by the plurality of sensors do not match. good.

In addition, when the operation speed signal of the stairs 1 is obtained from an external sensor or the like, the step passage period detection unit (i.e., the operating speed of the obtained escalator and the installation clearance of the stairs 1 that have been measured or known in advance) 9 may obtain the step passage period 20.

In addition, in the escalator in which the operation speed is fixed and the driving speed is always constant and does not change the operation speed, the step passage period detection unit 9 may be omitted by setting the step passage period 20 before operation.

The approach detection unit 10 is connected to the time series signal generator 8 and the step passage period detection unit 9 to detect a difference in time series signals generated due to the presence or absence of the approach object, and furthermore, to detect the difference in time series signals. By reflecting the passing period 20, it is determined whether there is the approaching object from the difference in the time series signal reflecting the scaffold passing period 20.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, the approach detection unit 10 compares the reference time series signal pattern of the predetermined time width with the current time series signal pattern at the time of detection, and the step passage period 20 is a period in which the time series signal patterns do not coincide. If larger than), it is determined that the object 5 approaches the gap between the skirt guard 3 or the riser 4. Here, the step passage period 20 is changed according to the change of the moving speed of the stairs 1 as described above, and the changed step passage period 20 is transferred from the step passage period detection unit 9 to the approach detection unit 10. Supplied. Therefore, corresponding to the determination that the object 5 is approaching the gap between the skirt guard 3 or the riser 4, the change in the moving speed of the stairs 1 is reflected.

The above-described determination operation will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

3A and 3B show time series signals in a case where the stairs 1 or the object 5 approaches the proximity sensor 6 under the condition that the stairs 1 are driven in the upward direction 90a at a constant speed. An example of 8a) is shown. Of course, the time series signal 8b of the light shielding sensor 7 can also be employ | adopted.

The time series signal 8a of the proximity sensor 6 repeats a specific time series signal pattern as described above according to the step shape of the scaffold 2, the riser 4, and the like. The time series in the predetermined time width 101 at that time is moved by moving the staircase 1 at a constant speed under the condition that the above approach object does not exist, such as before the start of operation or startup of the escalator. The proximity detection unit 10 stores the signal 8a as the reference time series signal pattern 102. In addition, although the predetermined time width 101 can be set to arbitrary time, it is preferable to set to more than the time width of the step passage period 20 from a viewpoint of preventing a false detection.

During operation of the escalator 40, the approach detection unit 10 extracts the latest time series signal pattern at a predetermined time width 101 from the time series signal 8a of the proximity sensor 6 for each sampling time. As shown in Fig. 3B, the time series signal pattern taken out, for example, at present, that is, at detection, is set to 103. 3B, the detection time series signal pattern 103 in every sampling time is shown with the dotted line, respectively.

The approach detection unit 10 then calculates the degree of agreement between the reference time series signal pattern 102 and the detection time series signal pattern 103. As a method of calculating the degree of agreement, the number of times that the on / off outputs of the corresponding times coincide with each other from the starting point of the reference time series signal pattern 102 and the detection time series signal pattern 103 are examined sequentially, Normalize at a predetermined time width 101. If this degree of coincidence is equal to or more than a preset threshold, it is determined that the reference time series signal pattern 102 and the detection time series signal pattern 103 match.

If this process is repeatedly performed for each sampling time, when the object 5 is not approaching the proximity sensor 6, the reference time series signal pattern 102 and the detection time series signal pattern 103 for each step passing period 20. ) Matches. On the other hand, when the object 5 approaches the proximity sensor 6, even if the step passage period 20 passes, the reference time series signal pattern 102 and the detection time series signal pattern 103 do not coincide.

Therefore, when the period where the reference time series signal pattern 102 and the detection time series signal pattern 103 do not coincide is larger than the time width of the step passage period 20, the approach detection unit 10 is skirted. It is determined that the guard 3 is approaching, and the access determination result signal 21 is turned on and output.

In addition, the step passing period 20 is supplied from the step passing period detecting unit 9 to the approach detection unit 10. As described above, the step passage period 20 is changed according to the operation speed of the escalator. Therefore, according to the step passage period 20 at the time of detection, the step passage period detection part 9 changes the predetermined time width 101, changes the reference time series signal pattern 102, and the approach detection part 10 Will output Specifically, the approach detection unit 10 calculates the ratio of the reference step passage period when the reference time series signal pattern 102 is stored and the detection step passing period at the present time, that is, at the time of detection, and uses the reference at the ratio. The time width of the time series signal pattern 102 is enlarged or reduced as a whole. This makes it possible to detect the correct object approach even when the step period passage 20 is changed.

There is also the following method as another method for determining the presence or absence of the approach of the object 5 to the skirt guard 3 or the riser 4. That is, the approach detection unit 10 determines that the object 5 is approaching when the on time interval or off time interval of the time series signal 8a existing in the step passage period 20 is different from the preset reference value.

It demonstrates in detail using FIG. 4A and 4B. 4A is a time series signal as shown in FIG. 3A. The escalator is operated at a constant speed under the condition that the object 5 does not exist, such as before the start of operation of the escalator or at start-up, and the approach detection unit 10 turns on the time of the time series signal 8a present in the step passage period 301. The intervals 302 and 303 and the off time intervals 304 and 305 are stored in advance as reference values. In addition, as shown in the off time interval 305, the part corresponding to the boundary of the step passage period 301 is assumed to be connected in a loop shape as shown by a dotted line, and the time interval is determined.

In the operation of the escalator 40, the access detection unit 10 extracts the latest time series signal pattern at the time width of the step passage period 301 at predetermined time intervals, for example, every sampling time, and detects the corresponding time series. The on time interval and the off time interval in the time series signal pattern are examined. In the case of the time series signal pattern 306 shown in FIG. 4B, the on time intervals are 307 and 308, and the off time intervals are 309 and 310. These on time intervals and off time intervals are compared with on time intervals 302 and 303 and off time intervals 304 and 305 which are previously stored reference values. When the object 5 approaches the proximity sensor 6, the value previously stored and the present value do not match. Therefore, when the on time interval or the off time interval of the time series signal 8a existing in the step passage period 301 is different from the preset reference value, the approach detection unit 10 is the skirt guard 3. It is determined that the gap is near, and the access determination result signal 21 is turned on and output.

In addition, either the on time interval or the off time interval of the time-series signal 8a at the time of detection differs from the reference value by a fixed value or more so as not to be falsely detected due to noise or a slight variation in the speed of the stairs 1. Only in this case, it may be configured to determine that there is no match.

 In addition, as described above, the step passage period 20 is supplied to the approach detection unit 10 from the step passage period detection unit 9, and the step passage period 20 changes according to the operation speed of the escalator. Therefore, the approach detection part 10 may be comprised so that the on time intervals 302 and 303 and the off time intervals 304 and 305 which are reference values can be changed according to the step passage period 20 at the time of detection. Specifically, all of the on time intervals 302 and 303 and the off time intervals 304 and 305 are changed in the ratio of the reference step passage period when the reference value is stored and the detection step passage period at the detection. . Thereby, even when the step passage period 20 is changed, the object approach can be detected correctly.

In the present embodiment, as described above, both the on time interval and the off time interval are used for the determination material, but at least one of the on time interval and the off time interval may be used for the determination material.

The warning unit 11, when the approach determination result signal 21 of the approach detection unit 10 is on, an object 5 such as a foot or a garment is placed in the gap between the skirt guard 3 or the riser 4 with respect to the passenger. Warn you that you are approaching. As the warning method, for example, a buzzer ringing operation or a voice warning may be performed using a speaker, or the light emitter may be flickered. By this warning operation, it is possible to prevent the object 5 from intervening in the gap between the skirt guard 3 or the riser 4, thereby ensuring the safety of the passenger.

In addition, although the above-mentioned description in this embodiment demonstrated the approach of the object 5 to the clearance gap of the skirt guard 3 by the proximity sensor 6 as an example, the riser by the light-shielding sensor 7 ( It is needless to say that the approach of the object 5 to the gap of 4) can be detected in the same way.

According to the safety device 95 in the first embodiment described above, the reference time series signal pattern 102 is compared with the current time series signal pattern 103 at the time of detection, or in the time series signal 19. By comparing the reference value of the on time interval or the off time interval with the current value, the detection of the approach of the skirt guard 3, the riser 4 and the object 5 is reduced. High density detection is possible.

Furthermore, even if the operation speed of the escalator 40 changes because the step passage period detection part 9 is provided, the reference time series signal pattern 102, the reference value of the on time interval or the off time interval according to the change. This change is possible. Therefore, approach detection of the object 5 can be performed corresponding to the change of the operation speed of the escalator 40, and the erroneous detection resulting from the change of the operation speed of the escalator 40 does not generate | occur | produce.

In addition, it is possible to detect that the object 5 is approaching the riser 4 by arranging the light blocking sensor 7 at a position corresponding to the riser 4 portion.

(2nd embodiment)

FIG. 5: is a figure which shows the structure of the safety device 96 of the escalator which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. Below, only the component part different from the structure in 1st Embodiment mentioned above is demonstrated. That is, in this embodiment, it differs in the point provided with the driving stop detection part 12, the driving speed change detection part 13, and the malfunction prevention part 14 compared with 1st Embodiment.

The driving stop detection unit 12 is connected to the time series signal generator 8 so that the time series signal 19 by the proximity sensor 6 or the light shielding sensor 7 does not change over time, that is, does not change for a predetermined time or more. When it detects that a thing is not, it determines with the escalator stopping operation, and outputs the operation stop determination result signal 22 by turning it on.

The driving speed change detection unit 13 is connected to the time series signal generation unit 8 and the step passage period detection unit 9, and has a previous time series signal pattern repeated in the stepping cycle, that is, the step passage period 20 described above. As the current time series signal pattern detected at the time of detection, the current time series signal pattern transmitted by all of the proximity sensor 6 and the light shielding sensor 7 is compared, and the current time series signal pattern is simultaneously compared with the previous time series signal pattern. When the difference is detected, it is determined that the operation speed of the escalator has changed.

Specifically, the driving speed change detection unit 13 checks the correspondence of the time series signal patterns of the proximity sensor 6 and the light shielding sensor 7 in the same manner as the approach detection unit 10 described above. When the driving speed of the escalator is changed, the lengths of the time series signal patterns of all the proximity sensors 6 and the light shielding sensors 7 are changed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the time series signal pattern 31 of the past continuous in time in the time span of the step passage period 20, and the present time series signal pattern 32 at the time of detection are taken out, and the correspondence degree is investigated. This lowers the match at all sensors. On the other hand, as shown in Figs. 1 and 5, when two or more access sensors 6 are arranged on the left and right skirt guards 3, that is, at least two or more sensors are arranged at a position separated by a predetermined distance or more. In this case, it is extremely unlikely that objects 5 such as shoes will approach all the sensors at the same time. Therefore, the object approach to the sensor is not erroneously detected as a change in the operation speed of the escalator. Therefore, as described above, when the agreement degree of all the sensors is smaller than the preset threshold, it is determined that the driving speed is changed in the escalator, and the driving speed change determination result signal 23 is turned on and output.

The malfunction prevention part 14 is connected to the driving stop detection part 12 and the driving speed change detection part 13, and when the driving stop determination result signal 22 is ON or the driving speed change determination result signal 23 is ON. Then, the invalidation signal 24 is turned on for only a certain period of time.

In addition, when the operation signal of an escalator or the operation speed signal of an escalator are obtained from the sensor etc. which were provided in addition to the said safety device 96, the malfunction prevention part 14 shows that the escalator stops operation or changes the operation speed by these signals. The judgment may be made so that the invalidation signal 24 is turned on for only a certain period of time.

The approach detection unit 210 is connected to the time series signal generator 8, the step pass period detection unit 9, and the malfunction prevention unit 14, and includes a conventional time series signal pattern continuous in the time width of the step pass period 20. The current time series signal pattern at the time of detection is compared. As a result, when it differs from both time series signal patterns, it is judged that the object 5 is connected to the clearance gap of the skirt guard 3 or the riser 4. As shown in FIG.

It demonstrates in detail using FIG. FIG. 6 shows an example of a time series signal when the object 5 approaches the proximity sensor 6 under the condition that the escalator 40 is operated in the upward direction 90a at a constant speed. The approach detector 210 first extracts the past time series signal pattern 31 that is continuous in time in the time span of the step pass period 20, and the current time series signal pattern 32 at the time of detection. Then, the degree of coincidence between the time series signal patterns 31 and 32 is examined. The detection method of this degree of agreement is the same as the above-described operation. When the degree of coincidence is smaller than the preset threshold, the approach detection unit 210 assumes that the time series signal pattern 31 and the time series signal pattern 32 are different, that is, the object 5 is placed in the gap between the skirt guard 3. It judges that it is approaching, and outputs the access determination result signal 21 on. In addition, when the invalidation signal 24 of the state which came on from the malfunction prevention part 14 is supplied, the access determination result signal 21 is made into the off output irrespective of the determination of the above-mentioned degree of agreement.

The warning part 211 is connected to the approach detection part 210 and the malfunction prevention part 14, and when the invalidation signal 24 is OFF and the access determination result signal 21 is ON, a skirt guard 3 is provided to a passenger. Or it warns that the object 5, such as a foot of a passenger and clothing approaches the clearance gap of the riser 4.

In addition, in description of 2nd Embodiment, although the object approach to the clearance gap of the skirt guard 3 by the proximity sensor 6 was demonstrated as an example, to the clearance gap of the riser 4 by the light shielding sensor 7. Needless to say, it is possible to detect the object approach in the same manner.

According to the safety device 96 according to the second embodiment described above, the object (by comparing the time series signal pattern 31 in the past with the step passing cycle width with the current time series signal pattern 32 at the time of detection) is compared. 5) to detect the presence or absence of access. Therefore, compared with the prior art, false detection is reduced and high density detection is attained.

In addition, similarly to the case of the first embodiment, even when the driving speed of the escalator 40 is changed from the point provided with the step passage period detection unit 9, no false detection occurs.

In addition, by simply comparing the previous and present time series signal patterns, it is not necessary to prepare a separate reference pattern or reference value separately for the up and down operation of the escalator. Therefore, compared with the first embodiment, the approach determination operation of the object 5 can be simplified.

Moreover, since the operation stop detection part 12 is provided, the safety stop 96 can determine the operation stop state of the escalator, without obtaining the operation status information of the escalator from an external device.

Moreover, since the driving speed change detection part 13 is provided, the change of the driving speed of the escalator can be determined by the said safety device 96, without obtaining the driving status information of the escalator from an external device.

Moreover, when the operation stop detection part 12 or the operation speed change detection part 13 detects the stop of operation of an escalator or the change of the operation speed from having the malfunction prevention part 14, an access detection part or a warning part only for a certain period of time. By invalidating it, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection due to a change in operation speed or operation speed.

(Third embodiment)

FIG. 7: is a figure which shows the structure of the safety device 97 of the escalator which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. As described earlier, the safety device 97 includes a basic configuration of a safety device for an escalator in an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, below, only the component different from the structure in 1st Embodiment is demonstrated.

In this embodiment, only the proximity sensor 6 is provided as a sensor which detects object approach. The proximity sensor 6 matched the sensor center axis along the width direction 2b of the footrest 2, and at least one pair of right and left each was arrange | positioned to the left and right skirt guard 3 like 1st Embodiment.

In addition, in this embodiment, the step passage period detection part 9 provided in 1st Embodiment is not provided.

The proximity detector 410 is connected to the time series signal generator 8 and compares the patterns of the respective time series signals 19 from the paired proximity sensors 6. When the result of the comparison does not coincide with the predetermined time or more, the approach detection unit 410 determines that the object 5 approaches one of the left and right skirt guards 3. That is, since the shape of the footrest 2 is symmetrical, the output of each pair of proximity sensors 6 which are arranged so that the center axis | shaft may oppose, when the object 5 does not approach the skirt guard 3, The same time series signal pattern is obtained. On the other hand, when the object 5, such as shoes, approaches the skirt guard 3, the proximity sensor to be paired is very unlikely because the probability of the object 5 approaching the paired proximity sensor 6 at the same timing is extremely low. You may think that each time series signal 19 of (6) becomes inconsistent. Therefore, as described above, when the time series signals 19 of the paired proximity sensors 6 are inconsistent for a predetermined time or more, the approach detection unit 410 determines if the object 5 is approaching the skirt guard 3. The access determination result signal 21 is turned on and output.

The warning unit 11 issues a warning to the passenger when the access determination result signal 21 in the on state is supplied.

According to the safety device 97 in the third embodiment described above, since no light shielding sensor is used, false detection due to light shielding operation failure is not generated. In addition, the device configuration can be simplified as compared with the first and second embodiments described above.

(4th Embodiment)

FIG. 8: is a figure which shows the structure of the safety device 98 of the escalator which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. Below, only the component different from the structure in 1st Embodiment is demonstrated.

In this embodiment, only the proximity sensor is provided as a sensor for detecting object approach. At least one pair of the proximity sensors 501 and 502 is disposed at a positive integer multiple of the installation interval of the footrest 2 in parallel with the moving direction 90 of the footrest 2. In addition, in this embodiment, as shown, the proximity sensors 501 and 502 are provided in only any one of the skirt guard 3 which exists in right and left. In addition, the light shielding sensor 7 may be disposed instead of the proximity sensors 501 and 502.

In addition, in this embodiment, the step passage period detection part 9 provided in 1st Embodiment is not provided.

The proximity detection unit 510 is connected to the proximity sensors 501 and 502 which are paired, and compares the patterns of the time series signals 19 supplied from each of the proximity sensors 501 and 502 and does not coincide with each other for a predetermined time or more. Next, it is determined that the object 5 is approaching the skirt guard 3. That is, the proximity sensors 501 and 502 are arrange | positioned in the installation clearance gap of the scaffold 2 parallel to the movement trace of the scaffold 2. Therefore, when the object 5 does not approach the skirt guard 3, each time series signal pattern output by the proximity sensors 501 and 502 becomes the same. On the other hand, when an object 5 such as shoes approaches the skirt guard 3, the possibility of the object 5 approaching the paired proximity sensors 501 and 502 at the same timing is extremely low. Each time series signal 19 output from the proximity sensors 501 and 502 may be considered to be inconsistent. Therefore, when the time series signals 19 of the paired proximity sensors 501 and 502 do not coincide with each other for a predetermined time or more, the approach detection unit 510 determines that the object 5 is approaching the skirt guard 3. The output determination result signal 21 is turned on and output.

In addition, even if the light shielding sensor 7 is used instead of the proximity sensors 501 and 502, it goes without saying that the above-described operation is obtained. In addition, even if three or more sensors are arrange | positioned, they are regarded as one set, and it goes without saying that it can operate | move as mentioned above. In addition, you may arrange | position the proximity sensor by the above-mentioned arrangement in both of the left and right skirt guards 3.

According to the safety device 98 in the fourth embodiment described above, the above-described effects in the third embodiment can be exhibited, and the following effects are also obtained. That is, in the third embodiment, the presence or absence of object approach only when the footrest 2 passes in front of the proximity sensor 6 is judged. In the fourth embodiment, the plurality of proximity sensors are stairs ( Since it is arrange | positioned along the moving direction 90 of 1), the presence or absence of an object approach can be detected continuously. Therefore, when an object approach is detected continuously, for example, it can be judged that there really exists an object approach and can also reduce the false detection.

Moreover, by combining suitably arbitrary embodiments of the said various embodiment, each effect can be shown.

While the present invention has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various modifications and modifications are apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and variations are to be understood as included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be applied to a safety device for an escalator for preventing an accident such as shoes or clothes from being caught between the step of the escalator and the skirt guard, or the step and the riser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The figure which shows the structure of the safety device of the escalator in 1st Embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a time series signal generated from each output of a proximity sensor and a light shielding sensor included in the safety device of the escalator shown in FIG. 1;

3A is a diagram showing a reference time series signal pattern in the time series signal shown in FIG. 2;

3B is a diagram showing a time series signal when an object approach is detected in the time series signal shown in FIG. 2;

4A is a diagram for explaining on and off periods in the time series signal shown in FIG. 2;

4B is a diagram showing a time series signal when an object approach is detected in the time series signal shown in FIG. 2;

5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a safety device for an escalator in a second embodiment of the present invention;

6 is a view for explaining the operation of the access detection unit shown in FIG.

7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a safety device for an escalator in a third embodiment of the present invention;

The figure which shows the structure of the safety device of the escalator in 4th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of the sign

1: stair 2: footrest

3: skirt guard 4: riser

5: object 6: proximity sensor

7: shading sensor 8: time series signal generator

9: step passing cycle detection unit 10: approach detection unit

11: warning unit 12: operation stop detection unit

13 operation speed change detection unit 14 malfunction prevention unit

19: time series signal 20: step pass cycle

95 to 98: escalator safety device

Claims (12)

In the safety device of the escalator, A proximity sensor disposed at a position corresponding to the movement trajectory of the footrest in the skirt guard of the escalator, and detecting the presence or absence of the approach of an object on the footrest to the skirt guard; A time series signal generation unit connected to the proximity sensor to generate an output from the proximity sensor in accordance with the presence or absence of an approach object as a time series signal corresponding to the movement of the scaffold over time; An access detecting unit connected to the time series signal generating unit and detecting a difference between the time series signals generated due to the presence or absence of the approaching object, and determining whether the approaching object is present; A warning unit connected to the approach detection unit and configured to warn the passenger of the escalator in accordance with the approach detection result of the approach detection unit; Safety device on escalator. The method of claim 1, The approach detection unit detects that the inconsistency period between the reference time series signal pattern, which is a time series signal when the approach object does not exist, and the pattern of the detection time series signal, which is a time series signal at the time of detection, is longer than the scaffolding pass period, thereby accessing the object. Judging by Safety device on escalator. The method of claim 1, The approach detection unit differs between an on or off time interval in a reference time series signal that is a time series signal when the approach object does not exist, and an on or off time interval in a detection time series signal that is a time series signal at the time of detection. To detect the presence of an approaching object Safety device on escalator. The method of claim 1, The approach detecting unit detects the difference between the previous time series signal pattern repeated in the scaffolding pass period and the current time series signal pattern at the time of detection and determines that there is an approach object. Safety device on escalator. The method of claim 2, A step passage period detection unit connected to the time series signal generation unit to detect the scaffold passing period that is changed according to the moving speed of the scaffold from the time series signal and to change the pattern of the reference time series signal according to the detected scaffold passing period Equipped with more Safety device on escalator. The method of claim 3, wherein Connected to the time-series signal generation unit, detecting the scaffold passing period that is changed in accordance with the moving speed of the scaffold from the time series signal, and the on or off time interval in the reference time series signal according to the detected scaffold passing period. Further comprising a step passing cycle detection unit for changing the Safety device on escalator. The method of claim 1, It is further provided with an operation stop detection part connected to the said time series signal generation part, and detecting that the said time series signal is invariant over time, and determining the operation stop of an escalator. Safety device on escalator. The method of claim 5, wherein In the proximity sensor, at least two sensors are disposed at a distance apart by a predetermined distance or more, and are connected to the time series signal generating unit and the step passing period detection unit to detect a time series signal pattern repeated in the scaffold passing period. And a driving speed change detection unit that detects that the current time series signal patterns transmitted by all the proximity sensors as current time series signal patterns are different at the same time and is determined as a change in driving speed of the escalator. Safety device on escalator. The method of claim 8, An operation stop detection unit for detecting an operation stop of the escalator by detecting that the time series signal is unchanged over time and an operation speed change detection unit connected to the time series signal generation unit, to stop operation of the escalator or operation speed of the escalator It further comprises a malfunction prevention part which detects a change and invalidates the said approach detection part or the said warning part. Safety device on escalator. The method of claim 1, The proximity sensor is disposed at a positive integer multiple of the arrangement interval of the stairs along the moving direction of the scaffold, and the approach detection unit compares the time series signals of the proximity sensors to be paired, and if there is no match for a predetermined time, the proximity object is present. Judging Safety device on escalator. The method of claim 1, It is further provided with the light-shielding sensor arrange | positioned in the position corresponding to the movement trace of the footrest in the skirt guard of an escalator, and detecting the presence or absence of the approach of the object on the footrest to the riser of the stairs, The time series signal generator also generates a time series signal from an output from the light blocking sensor, The approach detection unit may also determine whether there is an approach object to the riser. Safety device on escalator. The method of claim 1, At least one pair of left and right sides is disposed in the proximity sensor so that the central axes thereof face each other, and the approach detection unit compares the time series signals of the paired proximity sensors, and determines that there is an approach object when the proximity sensor does not match for a predetermined time. Safety device on escalator.

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