JP2004244183A - Escalator device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To more safely use an escalator by relaxing congestion in the vicinity of the landing of the escalator. <P>SOLUTION: This escalator device is provided with a congestion state detecting device 31 for detecting a congestion state in the vicinity of the landing of the escalator, a notifying device 32 for outputting more than a message of either one of the congestion state and an operation state in the vicinity of the landing of the escalator, and an operation control device 21 for making the congestion state and the messages of proper operation speed of the escalator, the congestion state and the operation state correspond to each other in relation in advance, outputting the messages of the congestion state and the operation state made to correspond with each other based on the congestion state outputted from the congestion state detecting device 31, transmitting a speed change control signal according to proper operation speed to a driving device 22 and reducing the speed of the escalator or stopping the escalator. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an escalator device installed in a railway station yard or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, escalators have been installed in many stations from the viewpoints of improving the efficiency of general users and reducing the load on wheelchair users when moving to ticket gates, moving to platforms, and transferring between platforms. I have.
[0003]
By the way, the conventional escalator apparatus adopts an operation mode in which the escalator is operated at a predetermined speed and the user is continuously carried without considering the operation state and time zone of the train.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the escalator device as described above, when the train schedule is disturbed due to a commuting rush or a bad weather condition, a large number of passengers who get off the train in a short time continue to operate at a predetermined speed. Since the user uses the vehicle, the user may get off the escalator one after another, despite the fact that the user has not yet advanced sufficiently, so that the congestion near the escalator exit may worsen.
[0005]
In addition, when the congestion situation near the escalator exit gets worse, the movements of the users are restrained, and there is a risk of falling over.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an escalator device capable of reducing congestion near an escalator exit and enabling safe use of an escalator even when users are concentrated in a short time. Aim.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
(1) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an escalator device according to the present invention relates to a congestion status detection unit that detects a congestion status near an escalator exit, and the congestion status is associated with an appropriate operation speed of the escalator. An operation control means for transmitting a speed change control signal associated with the appropriate operating speed to the driving device based on the congestion state output from the congestion state detection means to the driving device, and reducing or stopping the speed of the escalator. Is provided.
[0008]
The present invention is configured as described above, when train operation is disrupted due to commuting rush hours or weather conditions, etc., when a large number of passengers get off the train in a short time and use the escalator, or If the platform is congested without the arrival of the time train, the escalator exit is congested. The congestion status detection means detects the congestion status near the escalator exit and sends a congestion status signal to the operation control means. In this operation control means, a speed change control signal accompanying an appropriate operation speed is transmitted to the drive device based on the congestion state, so that the operation speed of the escalator is reduced, and the number of passengers carried by the escalator decreases, and as a result, the escalator descends. Congestion near the mouth is reduced or eliminated, and the safety of the user near the escalator exit can be improved. Further, if the congestion state does not disappear even after deceleration, it is possible to stop the vehicle for safety until it disappears.
[0009]
Further, as another invention, a congestion state detecting means, a notifying means for outputting any one or more messages of the congestion state and the operation state near the exit of the escalator, and an output from the congestion state detecting means in advance The relation between the congestion status and the proper operation speed of the escalator, the congestion status / operation status message is associated with the congestion status / operation status based on the congestion status output from the congestion status detection unit. Operation control means for sending a speed change control signal associated with the proper operation speed to the drive device and reducing or stopping the operation speed of the escalator. Before the means changes the operation speed of the escalator, a message of the congestion status / operation status is output from the display device or the sound generator as the notification means. Later, the escalator is changed to an appropriate operating speed, so that the user can be alerted to the fact that the deceleration will be changed according to the congestion situation, and the safety of the user can be ensured. .
[0010]
(2) An operation change switch is newly provided in one or more of the configuration described in the above (1), such as an escalator exit, a balustrade, an escalator operation monitoring room, and an appropriate wall or other structure near the escalator. Assuming that the congestion status signal is received from the congestion status detection means, when the operation change switch is operated based on the congestion status near the escalator exit, the operation control means reduces the operation speed of the escalator or If the speed change control signal to stop is output, when an escalator manager such as a control room determines that there is danger, the speed change control is different from the congestion status signal of the congestion status detection means and is closer to deceleration or operation stop. It is possible to send a signal to the driving device, and it is possible to avoid further deterioration of congestion and to ensure user safety. You.
[0011]
(3) A new entry-prevention fence for opening and closing the entrance of the escalator is newly installed in the configuration described in the above (1) and (2), and the operation control means always sets the entry-prevention fence in an open state. When receiving a situation of worsening congestion from the congestion state detecting means or the operation change switch, sends an operation stop speed change control signal to the drive device, and restricts the use of the escalator by the user. By executing the control to close the entrance prevention fence, the entrance prevention fence is closed when the operation of the escalator stops, so it is possible not only to limit the entry of the customer to the escalator, but also to avoid a large congestion near the escalator exit. In addition, it is possible to prevent a danger that a passenger falls near the exit due to heavy congestion.
[0012]
Further, as another invention, as a congestion status detection means, not only the congestion status near the exit of the escalator, has a function of detecting when the congestion status is eased or eliminated, and the operation change switch, The operation control means has a function of transmitting a congestion mitigation or elimination signal, and when the operation control means receives a congestion mitigation or elimination signal from the congestion state detection means or the operation change switch, a speed control associated in advance. If a signal is sent to the driving device and the escalator is configured to return to the normal operation speed, it is possible to return the operation of the escalator to normal after detecting the mitigation or elimination of the congestion state, and to enter a safe state. You can go back.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0014]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the escalator device according to the present invention.
[0015]
This escalator device includes an escalator 1 for carrying a user, a drive control system 2 for operating the escalator 1, and a congestion mitigation processing system 3 newly added in the present invention.
[0016]
The escalator 1 is intended for various escalators generally used in the past, and balustrades 11 are installed on the left and right with a predetermined distance therebetween. Has been passed over. Steps 13,... Are provided between the left and right balustrades 11, 11. The steps 13,... Are linked to a step chain (not shown) that moves using the drive control system 2 as a drive source, and are configured to move in a required vertical direction or the reverse direction. The escalator device is composed of various other required structures. Numeral 14 indicates the entrance and numeral 15 indicates the exit.
[0017]
The drive control system 2 includes an operation control device 21 that outputs a speed control signal of the escalator 11 and a drive device 22 that applies a driving force to the step chain based on the speed control signal output from the operation control device 21. Have been.
[0018]
The congestion mitigation processing system 3 is attached to a ceiling or the like of the escalator exit 15, detects a congestion status near the escalator exit 15, and outputs a congestion status signal, and a congestion status detection device 31. When a congestion status signal is received from the base station, a message regarding a congestion status or a change status of the operation speed is transmitted based on a comparison table defined in advance on the table, and a speed change control signal including deceleration or stop is transmitted to the drive device 22. The operation control device 21 to be sent out and suspended from the ceiling or installed at an appropriate location on the balustrade 11, and when the operation speed of the escalator 1 is changed, the congestion state or the operation speed change state sent from the operation control device 21 Display message to notify the user of the escalator 1 of the congestion status near the exit 15 and the change status of the operating speed. , An alarm device 32 such as a sound generator, an escalator exit 15, a balustrade 11, a monitoring room (not shown) where an escalator manager is present, and an appropriate wall near the escalator. Assuming that the congestion status signal is received from the congestion status detection device 31, the user or the escalator manager who is determined to be in a dangerous situation manually issues a deceleration signal or an operation stop signal as necessary. The operation speed change switch 33 outputs the operation speed.
[0019]
The congestion state detecting device 31 includes, for example, an image processing device including an imaging device that photographs a congestion state near the escalator exit 15 at predetermined intervals and outputs a congestion state signal when the congestion state is determined from the captured image. 31a and the like are provided (see FIG. 2).
[0020]
The image processing device 31a has a comparative walking speed which is set to be difficult to walk when the user gets off the escalator exit 15 and the congestion situation is deteriorated. When the actual speed calculated from the number of moving pixels of the image is lower than the comparative walking speed, it has a function of determining a congestion state and outputting a congestion state signal. In addition, the image processing device 31a may determine the congestion status from the relationship between the ratio of the image of the customer imaged by the imaging device and time. As the comparative walking speed, a plurality of comparative walking speeds are set assuming, for example, small congestion, during congestion, and large congestion, and when the actual speed becomes lower than the comparative walking speed of the small congestion, the congestion is reduced. A congestion status signal, a congestion status signal during congestion when the speed is lower than the comparative walking speed during congestion, and a congestion status signal when the speed is lower than the comparative walking speed for congestion. You may.
[0021]
Further, the image processing device 31a has a function of only the imaging device that takes an image of the congestion state near the escalator exit 15 and transmits the image to the operation control device 21. The operation control device 21 side performs image processing and congestion state determination. It may have a function.
[0022]
The operation control device 21 has a built-in table as described above, and the comparison table of this table includes a normal operation speed during non-congestion and a deceleration during congestion (including small congestion, congestion, and large congestion). In addition to the speed or the operation stop, a message relating to the congestion status due to deceleration or the like in the congestion status or the change status of the operation speed is stored. When a congestion status signal is received from the congestion status detection device 31, the Then, a message of a congestion state or an operation speed change state is reported to the notification device 32, and a speed change control signal including deceleration or stop is transmitted to the drive device 22.
[0023]
Therefore, according to the escalator device as described above, when the operation control device 21 receives the congestion status signal from the congestion status detection device 31, it sends a speed change control signal to the drive device 22, so that the escalator 1 is required. Operating speed can be reduced or stopped, and congestion around the escalator exit 15 can be reduced.
[0024]
Further, when the operation speed of the escalator 1 is changed, when the congestion status signal is received from the image processing device 31a, the operation control device 21 notifies the notification device 32 of the message of the congestion status and the operation speed change status. Can recognize the congestion situation and the speed change situation in the vicinity of the escalator exit 15, thereby alleviating the deterioration of the congestion in the vicinity of the escalator exit 15, and also alert the escalator user to ensure safety.
[0025]
Further, on condition that the congestion status signal is received from the image processing device 31a, the user or the escalator manager who feels a dangerous situation manually operates the operation speed changing switch 33, and outputs the deceleration signal or the operation speed. Since the stop signal is output, it is possible to avoid a fall of the user due to the congestion on the step 13 near the exit 15 as well as near the exit 15.
[0026]
FIG. 2 is a view showing the vicinity of the escalator exit 15, in which an image processing device 31 a is installed on the ceiling near the escalator exit 15, and the traffic near the exit 15, including the balustrade 11, is used to avoid danger. When the regulation frame 41 is provided, the notification device 32 and the operation speed change switch 33 are provided at appropriate places of the balustrade 11 and the traffic regulation frame 41. The notification device 32 and the operation speed change switch 33 are provided at appropriate locations on the escalator structure.
[0027]
When the congestion status signal is received from the congestion status detection device 31, the operation control device 21 immediately changes the operation speed according to the comparison table of the table without notifying the notification device 32 of the congestion status or the operation speed change status message. The speed change control signal to be transmitted to the driving device 22 may be sent.
[0028]
Next, FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the escalator device according to the present invention.
[0029]
In this embodiment, when the traffic control frames 42 are provided on both sides of the escalator entrance 14 shown in FIG. 1, an entrance prevention fence 43 is attached to the inner side surface of the traffic control frames 42, and the vicinity of the exit 15 is This is an example in which, when congested, the approach prevention fence 43 provided in front of the escalator entrance 14 is controlled to be in a closed state as shown in FIG.
[0030]
That is, the congestion status detecting device 31 detects the congestion status in the vicinity of the escalator exit 15, and sends a congestion status signal to the operation control device 21 when judging that the congestion status is getting worse. The operation control device 21 sends an appropriate speed change control signal to the drive device 22 according to a comparison table that associates the congestion state with the appropriate operation speed, and drops the user while operating the escalator 1 in a decelerated state. After a predetermined time has passed, an operation stop signal is sent to the driving device 22 and a closing control signal is sent to a driving source (not shown) to automatically close the left and right approach prevention fences 43. This limits the use of escalators.
[0031]
According to such an embodiment, when the vicinity of the escalator exit 15 becomes more and more congested, it is possible to prevent users from entering the escalator and to alleviate the possibility that the congested state will be worsened.
[0032]
In addition, when the congestion worsens, the approach prevention fence 43 is automatically closed, but the escalator manager may manually close the approach prevention fence 43. In other words, after the congestion status detecting device 31 detects the congestion status near the escalator exit 15 and sends out a congestion status message, the entrance prevention fence 43 is manually closed based on the judgment of the escalator manager himself. There may be.
[0033]
Further, when the congestion status detecting device 31 determines that the congestion status in the vicinity of the escalator exit 15 has been alleviated, the congestion status detection device 31 sends a congestion alleviation signal to the operation control device 21 and controls the operation speed of the escalator to a preset speed control signal. To the driving device 22, automatically return to the normal operation speed, and send an opening control signal to the driving source to automatically open the entrance prevention fence 43, so that the congestion situation is not reduced. At the time of cancellation, the use of the escalator by the customer can be automatically resumed.
[0034]
Therefore, according to such an embodiment, when the congestion situation near the escalator exit 15 is eased or eliminated, the escalator during operation stop is automatically restarted, and the entrance prevention fence 43 is opened, Escalator users can be guided smoothly without confusion.
[0035]
When the congestion elimination message is displayed on the notification device 32 from the operation control device 21 based on the congestion mitigation signal sent from the congestion status detection device 31, the escalator manager manually performs the operation based on the judgment of the escalator manager. The escalator during which the operation is stopped may be automatically restarted, and the entry prevention fence 43 may be opened. In this case, it is assumed that the speed change at the time of congestion mitigation or elimination and the message data at the time of congestion mitigation or elimination are stored in advance in the comparison table of the table.
[0036]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, as the congestion state detection device 31, an image processing device 31a including an imaging device is provided on a ceiling or the like of the escalator exit 15 to determine a congestion situation near the escalator exit 15, and to output a congestion status signal. However, for example, when the traffic control frames 41 are provided on both sides of the escalator exit 15, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the optical discs are separated by a predetermined distance in the direction in which the passengers get off in the traffic control frames 41. When the optical detection devices 31b,... Continue to detect a user for a predetermined period of time, the congestion state is determined based on the traveling speed of the customers between the adjacent optical detection devices 31b, and the like. The configuration may be such that it is determined that there is, and a congestion status signal is sent to the operation control device 21. The degree of congestion in the vicinity of the escalator exit 15 can be statistically grasped from the time during which the all-optical detection devices 31b continue to detect a user or the time when the all-optical detection device 31b temporarily stops, and the level of small, medium, or large congestion can be statistically determined. Can be estimated, and a congestion status signal of small congestion, medium congestion, or large congestion can be transmitted accordingly.
[0037]
It is to be noted that the optical detection devices 31b,... May be arranged such that light-emitting / light-receiving elements are opposed to the traffic control frames 41 on the left and right sides, or light-emitting / light-receiving elements may be disposed on one of the traffic control frames 41. A configuration in which a reflection plate is provided on the other traffic regulation frame 41 side may be used.
[0038]
Further, the embodiments can be implemented in combination as much as possible, and in that case, the effect of the combination can be obtained. Furthermore, each of the above embodiments includes various upper and lower stage inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed components. For example, when an invention is extracted because some constituent elements can be omitted from all the constituent elements described in the means for solving the problem, if the extracted invention is implemented, the omitted part is omitted. Is appropriately supplemented by well-known conventional techniques.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when the vicinity of the escalator exit is congested, it is possible to quickly and appropriately detect the congestion state and operate the escalator in a direction to reduce or eliminate the congestion. An escalator device that can ensure the safety of the user can be provided.
[0040]
Furthermore, the present invention not only can alleviate the congestion near the escalator exit, but also can detect the elimination status when the congestion is eliminated and quickly return to normal operation, thereby supporting the smooth movement of the user. And ensure the safety of customers.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an escalator device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an installation example of a notification device and a speed changing switch shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating another embodiment of the escalator device according to the present invention, particularly illustrating a configuration example in which a user is restricted from using the escalator near the escalator entrance;
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing still another embodiment of the escalator device according to the present invention, particularly showing a configuration example in which an optical congestion state detection device is provided near an escalator exit.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... escalator, 2 ... drive control system, 3 ... congestion alleviation processing system, 13 ... step, 14 ... entrance, 15 ... exit, 21 ... operation control device (operation control means), 22 ... escalator drive device, 31: congestion state detection device, 31a: image processing device, 31b: optical detection device, 41, 42: traffic regulation frame, 43: entry fence.

Claims (7)

Congestion status detection means for detecting the congestion status near the exit of the escalator,
The congestion state and an appropriate operation speed of the escalator are associated with each other, and a speed change control signal associated with the associated appropriate operation speed is output to the driving device based on the congestion state output from the congestion state detection unit. An escalator device, comprising: an operation control unit that sends out and reduces or stops the operation speed of the escalator, and alleviates or eliminates a congestion state near the exit of the escalator. Congestion status detection means for detecting the congestion status near the exit of the escalator,
A notification means for outputting one or more messages of the congestion state and the operation state near the exit of the escalator,
The relationship between the congestion status output from the congestion status detection means and the appropriate operation speed of the escalator, the congestion status / operation status message is associated with each other, based on the congestion status output from the congestion status detection means. An operation of transmitting the associated congestion status / operation status message to the notification means, and transmitting a speed change control signal associated with the proper operation speed to a driving device to reduce or stop the operation speed of the escalator. An escalator device, comprising: a control unit, which alleviates or eliminates a congestion situation in the vicinity of the exit of the escalator. The escalator device according to claim 1, wherein the congestion state detection unit is provided with an image processing apparatus including an imaging device that captures a congestion state near a exit of the escalator,
In this image processing device, a comparative walking speed is set in advance, which indicates the congestion deterioration situation near the escalator exit, and the moving state of the customer image captured by the imaging device or the ratio of the time occupied by the customer image and the time An escalator apparatus characterized in that when the actual speed calculated from the relationship is lower than the comparative walking speed, it is determined that the vicinity of the escalator exit is in a congested state and a congested state signal is output. The escalator device according to claim 3,
The comparison walking speed, congestion small, during congestion, a plurality of comparison walking speeds corresponding to congestion large is set, when the actual speed is lower than the respective comparison walking speed, congestion small, during congestion, An escalator device for transmitting a congestion status signal according to the congestion level to the operation control means. In the escalator device according to claim 1 or 2,
An operation speed change switch is provided at one or more of an escalator exit, a balustrade, an escalator operation monitoring room, and an appropriate wall or other structure near the escalator.
Assuming that a congestion status signal is received from the congestion status detection means, when the operation speed change switch is operated based on the congestion status near the escalator exit, the operation control means operates the escalator. An escalator device for transmitting a speed change control signal for reducing or stopping the speed to the driving device. In the escalator device according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 5,
An entrance prevention fence that opens and closes the entrance of the escalator is installed,
The operation control means always sets the approach prevention fence to the open state, and when receiving a signal related to congestion deterioration from the congestion state detection means or the operation change switch, sends an operation stop speed change control signal to the operation stop switch. An escalator device, wherein the escalator device is controlled so that the entrance prevention fence is closed in order to limit the use of the escalator by a user while sending the escalator to a driving device. In the escalator device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5, and 6,
The congestion status detection means has a function of detecting not only the congestion status near the exit of the escalator, but also the time when the congestion status is reduced or eliminated,
In addition, the operation change switch has a function of transmitting a signal to reduce or eliminate congestion,
The operation control means, when receiving a congestion mitigation or elimination signal from the congestion state detection means or the operation change switch, sends a speed control signal associated in advance to the drive device, and sets the escalator to a normal operation speed. An escalator device, wherein the escalator device is returned to.

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