JP7803786B2 - passenger conveyor - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to passenger conveyors such as escalators and moving walkways, and in particular to passenger conveyors that can prevent passengers from walking on the treads.

Escalators, which are a type of passenger conveyor, are generally designed so that users stand on the steps while moving. However, in reality, many users actually walk on the steps. This creates the problem of users coming into contact with users in front of them as they walk, or tripping or falling while walking (running up or down). In particular, coming into contact with other users increases the risk of both losing balance and leading to an accident. This same phenomenon occurs with moving walkways, but the following explanation will focus on escalators as a representative example.

In response to these issues, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-272030 (Patent Document 1) discloses the following voice guidance device for escalators. Patent Document 1 shows a voice guidance device equipped with a step that moves between the boarding entrance and the disembarking entrance, a moving handrail whose upper end moves in the same direction and at the same speed as the step, and a directional speaker pointed at passengers moving on the step. This voice guidance device then uses the directional speaker to broadcast messages to passengers walking on the escalator step, urging them to take precautions to ensure safety while using the escalator.

For example, announcements such as "Please hold on to the handrail while moving," "Please stand inside the yellow lines on the steps," and "Please do not walk on the steps" are broadcast from directional speakers to users walking on the steps, reminding them to be careful to ensure safety while using the escalator.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-272030

However, this technology simply uses directional speakers to broadcast announcements, and has the drawback of not being a sufficient measure to raise safety awareness among users walking on the escalator steps.

For this reason, there is a demand for passenger conveyors that can proactively identify users walking on escalator steps and proactively raise safety awareness (by calling on users to ensure safety and issuing warnings) to identified users. Below, we will summarize safety warnings and alerts and, except in special cases, will explain them as warning information.

The object of the present invention is to provide a new passenger conveyor that can identify users walking on the treads of a passenger conveyor (such as an escalator or moving walkway) and proactively raise safety awareness among identified users, in other words, alert them to the importance of safety.

The present invention is characterized by comprising a plurality of endless treads, a pair of upright handrails provided on both the left and right sides of the treads, a drive device for moving the treads, a plurality of vibration detection means arranged along the treads which detect a user walking from the vibration of the treads, a user position identification means which identifies the position of a user walking on the treads based on the detected vibration detection signal, a warning information generation means which determines the walking speed or walking behavior of the identified user from the detection signal from the vibration detection means and generates warning information to ensure safety corresponding to the walking speed or walking behavior, and a warning generation means which gives warning information to the identified user.

This invention has the new function and effect of identifying users walking on the treads of a passenger conveyor and proactively alerting these identified users to ensure safety.

1 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a passenger conveyor to which the present invention is applied. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a user is walking on the passenger conveyor shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first example of arrangement of a vibration detection sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a signal waveform of a vibration detection sensor for detecting a user's walking. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the concept of detecting a user's walking based on detection signals from the plurality of vibration detection sensors shown in FIG. 3. FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second example of arrangement of the vibration detection sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a third example of arrangement of the vibration detection sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a first example of power supply to a vibration detection sensor. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a second example of power supply to the vibration detection sensor. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first attention-calling method for calling the attention of a walking user. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second attention-calling method for calling the attention of a walking user. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a third attention-calling method for calling the attention of a walking user. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a basic configuration of a control device according to the present invention; FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating functional blocks in the control device shown in FIG. 13.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and its scope also includes various modifications and applications within the technical concept of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows the configuration of an escalator as a passenger conveyor to which the present invention is applied, but as mentioned above, moving walkways also have a similar configuration.

In Figure 1, escalator 1 comprises a frame 4 spanning floor 2F of upper floor 2 and floor 3F of lower floor 3; front wheel guide rails 5 and rear wheel guide rails 6 laid within frame 4; a plurality of treads 7 along which front wheels 7A and rear wheels 7B are guided and move in a circular motion by the front wheel guide rails 5 and rear wheel guide rails 6; a drive unit 8 that drives these treads 7; a control unit 9 that controls the drive (operation) of the drive unit 8 and activates a speaker SP to raise awareness; balustrades 10 erected on both sides of the treads 7 in the direction of travel of frame 3; and moving handrails 11 that are guided along the periphery of the balustrades 10 and are driven in a circular motion in sync with the treads 7.

The front wheel guide rail 5 and rear wheel guide rail 6 are shaped to match the shape of the frame 3, and the treads 7 are guided along them for circular movement. The treads 7 are connected endlessly by a tread chain, which is wound around a drive sprocket 12 and a driven sprocket 13 journaled on the frame 3.

The drive sprocket 12 is driven by a drive unit 8 controlled by a control unit 9. The drive unit 8, control unit 9, drive sprocket 12, and driven sprocket 13 are covered by an upper boarding and alighting floor 14 and a lower boarding and alighting floor 15, which are used for getting on and off the tread 7.

Furthermore, the tread 7 supports the front wheel 7A on the upper side and the rear wheel 7B on the lower side at an inclination angle that matches the inclination angles of the front wheel guide rail 5 and the rear wheel guide rail 6. The front wheel 7A's support shaft is connected to the tread chain 17, forcing it to run along the front wheel guide rail 5. On the other hand, the rear wheel 7B is a wheel that follows the front wheel 7A and runs along the rear wheel guide rail 6 due to its own weight.

In addition, an exterior panel 16 is provided at the bottom of the frame 3 to enhance the design effect, and if an escalator is installed on the lower floor, lighting fixtures for the lower floor escalator can be attached to this exterior panel 16 as necessary.

Next, we will explain the situation when a user is walking on the tread 7 of the above-mentioned escalator, based on Figure 2. Note that the escalator 1 is drawn small due to the size of the drawing.

In Figure 2, user P2 is walking and trying to overtake user P1, who is stationary. If user P2 comes into contact with user P1 in this state, there is a high risk that both users will lose their balance and fall, leading to an accident.

For this reason, one of the features of this embodiment is that it detects vibrations in the treads 7 caused by the user's walking in order to identify the walking user P2. There are various methods for detecting vibrations in the treads 7, but in this embodiment, vibration detection sensors (vibration detection means) such as piezoelectric vibration sensors, electromagnetic vibration sensors, and capacitive vibration sensors can be used. Of course, other vibration sensors can also be used, and the point is that any type or format is acceptable as long as they can detect that a user is walking.

Next, we will explain the placement position of the vibration detection means. In this embodiment, the following three placement positions are proposed.

In Figure 3, vibration detection sensors 17a-17n are arranged and fixed to the guide rail GR that constitutes the front wheel guide rail 5 and rear wheel guide rail 6, on the side opposite to the side on which the front wheels 7A and rear wheels 7B roll (the lower side in the direction of gravity). Therefore, vibrations of the tread 7 caused by user P2 walking are transmitted to the guide rail GR via the front wheels 7A and rear wheels 7B, and then from the guide rail GR to the vibration detection sensor 17. This makes it possible to detect that user P2 is walking.

Incidentally, vibration detection sensors are not placed at positions corresponding to the first tread 7 to be extended, or up to the position corresponding to the next tread. This is because, taking into account the pitch dimensions of the treads 7, the operating speed of the escalator, and the speed of pedestrians, there is no problem in detecting vibrations caused by walking.

Next, we will explain the vibration detection method of vibration detection sensors 17a to 17n based on Figure 4. Figure 4 shows the output waveform of one vibration detection sensor 17, illustrating the progression of the vibration detection signal while user P2 is walking.

Before user P2 steps onto the step board 7, no vibrations are generated by user P2's walking, so the vibration detection sensor 17 generates background level vibrations. At this time, the value of the output signal from the vibration detection sensor 17 is smaller than the threshold value.

On the other hand, when user P2's walking causes an impact on the tread 7, a corresponding vibration occurs on the tread 7, and the value of the output signal from the vibration detection sensor 17 at this time becomes greater than the threshold value.

Furthermore, when user P2 walks and the impact is removed from the tread 7, vibrations caused by user P2's walking are no longer generated, and background level vibrations are generated in the vibration detection sensor 17. At this time, the value of the output signal from the vibration detection sensor 17 is smaller than the threshold value.

Therefore, by using a signal comparator to compare the vibration detection signal with a threshold value, it is possible to determine whether user P2 is walking or standing still. For example, if the vibration detection signal is detected as a voltage, a well-known voltage comparator can be used.

In addition, vibration detection sensors 17 are arranged at intervals between the treads 7 (tread arrangement pitch) along the direction of travel of the treads 7, and are configured to be able to detect the direction and position of movement of user P2 as he walks.

In other words, by tracking the temporal changes in the output signals of each vibration detection sensor 7, it is possible to determine in which direction the user is moving (upward or downward). Furthermore, because the locations of the vibration detection sensors 7 are known, by determining the position where the vibration detection sensor 17 detected vibration, it is possible to determine the location to which user P2 is moving, making it possible to track the user.

Figure 5 shows the transition of the detection signals of each vibration detection sensor 17a-17n generated by the movement of user P2. Figure 5 shows a case where user P2 is walking in the upward direction while the step 7 is moving in the upward direction. For ease of explanation, the step 7 is assumed to be stationary, but in reality, the step 7 is moving.

When user P2 starts walking up the escalator and climbs the treads 7, a detection signal is generated first from the lower vibration detection sensor 17a. When user P2 climbs up the next tread 7, a detection signal is generated from vibration detection sensor 17b, and then detection signals are generated in sequence from vibration detection sensors 17c, 17d, 17e...17n.

Therefore, based on the order in which the detection signals from these vibration detection sensors 17a to 17n are generated and the locations of the vibration detection sensors 17a to 17n, it is possible to estimate whether user P2 is walking, the direction in which he is walking, and his location. In other words, if the detection signals from the vibration detection sensors 17a to 17n are detected consecutively, it is known that user P2 is walking. Furthermore, the direction in which user P2 is walking can be determined from the detection order of the detection signals from the vibration detection sensors 17a to 17n. Furthermore, it is possible to estimate the current location of user P2 by determining which of the vibration detection sensors 17a to 17n detected the signal.

Furthermore, the walking speed of user P2 can be estimated based on the time intervals between detection signals from vibration detection sensors 17a-17n, and user P2's behavior, such as skipping steps, can be inferred based on missing detection signals. These inferred factors can also be used to issue stronger warnings than those issued for normal walking behavior. These warnings will be discussed later.

In the embodiment described above, the vibration detection sensors 17a-17n are attached to the guide rail GR, but it is also possible to attach the vibration detection sensors 17a-17n to the escalator frame 3 separately from the guide rail GR. Figure 6 shows an example. Furthermore, providing the vibration detection sensors 17a-17n on the guide rail GR or component 18 simplifies the installation configuration and the power supply configuration via power lines.

In Figure 6, a component 18 of the frame 3 is positioned on the guide rail GR, and this component 18 supports the guide rail GR. Vibration detection sensors 17a to 17n similar to those described above are attached to the opposite side of the component 18 from the guide rail GR (the lower side in the direction of gravity).

Therefore, vibrations of the tread 7 caused by user P2 walking are transmitted to the guide rail GR via the front wheel 7A and rear wheel 7B, and then from the guide rail GR via the component 18 to the vibration detection sensor 17. This makes it possible to detect that user P2 is walking.

With this configuration, just like the configuration shown in Figure 3, by tracking the changes over time in the output of each vibration detection sensor 17a-17n, it is possible to estimate that user P2 is walking and determine the direction in which user P2 is moving (upward or downward).Furthermore, because the locations of vibration detection sensors 17a-17n are known, by determining the positions at which vibration detection sensors 17a-17n detect vibrations, it is possible to determine the location to which user P2 is moving, thereby enabling tracking of the user.

In the two examples described above, the vibration detection sensors 17a-17n are attached to the guide rail GR or the structural member 18 of the frame 3, but it is also possible to attach the vibration detection sensors 17a-17n directly to the tread 7. An example is shown in Figure 7.

In Figure 7, vibration detection sensors 17a-17n similar to those described above are attached to the underside of the tread 7 (the side opposite the surface on which the user stands). Therefore, vibrations of the tread 7 caused by user P2 walking are transmitted directly to vibration detection sensor 17. This makes it possible to detect that user P2 is walking. In this way, by providing vibration detection sensors 17a-17n directly on the tread 7, it is possible to increase the vibration detection sensitivity.

Furthermore, with this configuration, similar to the configuration shown in Figure 3, by tracking the changes over time in the output of each vibration detection sensor 17a-17n, it is possible to estimate that user P2 is walking and determine the direction in which user P2 is moving (upward or downward).Furthermore, because the locations of vibration detection sensors 17a-17n are known, by determining the positions at which vibration detection sensors 17a-17n detect vibrations, it is possible to determine the location to which user P2 is moving, making it possible to track the user.

In the above-described embodiment, vibration detection sensors 17a to 17n are provided corresponding to each tread 7, but more or fewer vibration detection sensors may be provided; the key is to provide enough vibration detection sensors to detect the walking of user P2.

Next, we will explain how power is supplied to the vibration detection sensors 17a-17n and how detection signals are transmitted.

Figure 8 shows the power supply method and signal transmission method for the embodiment in Figure 3, but the same method can be used for the embodiment in Figure 6.

In Figure 8, each vibration detection sensor 17a-17n is connected to a power supply line (wired) 19, which receives power from the control device 9. Because the vibration detection sensors 17a-17n are fixedly attached to the guide rail GR, power can be supplied only through the power line, simplifying their configuration. The control device 9 is equipped with a voltage regulator, which adjusts the voltage to an appropriate level for the vibration detection sensors 17a-17n.

In addition, a signal transmission line 20 is provided in parallel with this, and the detection signal is sent to the control device 9, where the internal calculation processing unit executes the above-mentioned control. It is desirable to use a shielded wire for the signal transmission line 20 to suppress the intrusion of external noise. Furthermore, the vibration detection sensors 17a to 17n can be provided with a transmitting means (not shown) such as an RF module, allowing the detection signal to be sent wirelessly to the control device 9.

Figure 9 shows the power supply method and signal transmission method for the embodiment in Figure 7. In Figure 9, the lead wires 21 of each of the vibration detection sensors 17a to 17n mounted on the underside of the footboard 7 are connected to a power supply line (wired) 19 via a pantograph (current collector) 21A, and this power supply line 19 receives power from the control device 9.

This is because the vibration detection sensors 17a-17n move together with the footboard 7, and power cannot be supplied via the power line alone without going through the pantograph 21A. Naturally, the pantograph 21A also moves together with the footboard 7. Furthermore, the vibration detection sensors 17a-17n are equipped with a transmitting means (not shown) such as an RF module, and are configured to send detection signals wirelessly to the control device 9.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9, a power supply line 19 is used to supply power to the vibration detection sensors 17a to 17n, but power can also be supplied by incorporating a battery in the vibration detection sensors 17a to 17n. In this case, the battery can be replaced or charged periodically.

Next, we will explain how to alert walking user P2 (calling for safety).

Figure 10 shows a method for issuing audio warnings, characterized by the installation of multiple speakers 23a-23k...23n on the wall surface of the parapet 10 along the direction of movement of the tread 7. These speakers 23a-23n are preferably thin speakers, and for example, recently proposed piezoelectric film speakers can also be used.

These speakers 23a-23n operate in response to the walking of user P2 detected by vibration detection sensors 17a-17n, and at least one of speakers 23a-23n is selectively activated in accordance with the movement of user P2 as he walks. In other words, the movement of user P2 is tracked, and a warning is issued by a speaker near the position of the tracked user P2. In this way, the walking user P2 is identified and auditory warning information is provided.

Speakers 23a-23n issue warning messages specific to walking user P2, such as "Walking on the escalator is dangerous for other passengers. Please stop." This allows for proactive calls to ensure safety.

Figure 11 shows a method of using lighting to draw attention. This method is characterized by the provision of multiple lighting fixtures 24a-24f...24n along the direction of movement of the tread 7 on the upper surface of the skirt guard 23 located below the parapet 10, or on the skirt guard 23 itself or the parapet 10 itself. These lighting fixtures 24a-24n preferably use LEDs or the like, selectively using light sources of, for example, red, yellow, or blue.

These lights 24a-24n operate in response to the walking of user P2 detected by vibration detection sensors 17a-17n, and at least one of the lights 24a-24n selectively lights up in accordance with the movement of user P2 as he walks. In other words, the movement of user P2 is tracked, and a warning is issued by the light 24 near the tracked position of user P2.

In this way, walking user P2 is identified and visually alerted. The vibration detection sensors 17a-17n and the lights 24a-24n are installed at the same positions when viewed in the direction of travel of the steps 7, and the light 24 corresponding to the vibration detection sensor 17 that detects the walking of user P2 is turned on; in Figure 11, lights 24c-24e are turned on. (The users are not shown.)
Here, "red" is a warning to users P2 who are walking quickly or jumping between steps, "yellow" is a warning to users P2 who are walking at a normal speed, and "green" is a warning to users who are standing still. In this way, the warnings specifically call attention to users P2 who are walking, and this makes it possible to actively call for safety.

Figure 12 shows a method of using vibration to alert people, characterized by the provision of vibration mechanisms 25a-25c...25n on the underside of the tread 7. From the standpoint of ease of installation and handling, it is preferable that these vibration mechanisms 25a-25n be piezoelectric vibrators.

These vibration mechanisms 25a-25n operate in response to the walking of user P2 detected by vibration detection sensors 17a-17n, and at least one of the vibration mechanisms 25a-25n is selectively vibrated in accordance with the movement of user P2 as he walks. In this way, the walking user P2 is identified and tactile warning information is provided.

Next, we will explain the configuration of the control device 9 that issues the above-mentioned warnings. Figure 13 shows the main components that make up the control device 9. In Figure 13, the control device 9 has a microcomputer as its main component.

The microcomputer comprises a central processing unit (CPU) 9a with calculation functions, non-volatile memory (ROM) 9b storing programs that operate the CPU 9a and constants necessary for calculations, volatile memory (RAM) 9c that temporarily stores the results of calculations and information necessary for calculations, an input circuit 9d for inputting detection signals from vibration detection sensors 17a-17n, and an output circuit 9e for converting control signals calculated by the CPU 9a into electrical signals and outputting them.

Speakers 22a-22n, lighting fixtures 24a-24n, and vibration mechanisms 25a-25n are connected to the output circuit 9e, which performs operations to provide the walking user P2 with the above-mentioned warning information. Note that these warnings may be performed individually or in combination.

Next, we will explain the functional blocks in the CPU 9a that execute the above-mentioned control operations. As shown in Figure 14, these functional blocks are composed of at least a walking movement detection block 26, a user position estimation block 27, and an attention generation block 28. The functional blocks are control functions obtained by the CPU 9a executing programs stored in ROM 9b.

The walking movement detection block 26 is a control block with the function of detecting that user P2 is walking based on the detection signal from the vibration detection sensor 17. This walking movement detection block 26 extracts the detection signals from the vibration detection sensors 17a to 17n, and determines that user P2 is walking when the detection vibration output signal is detected continuously.

The user position estimation block 27 also determines the walking direction of user P2 from the detection order of the vibration detection signals of the vibration detection sensors 17a to 17n detected by the walking motion detection block 26. Furthermore, the current position of user P2 is estimated by determining which of the vibration detection sensors 17a to 17n the vibration detection signal is from. Since the user is walking, it is also possible to estimate the next step 7 from the current step 7 position as the current position.

In reality, the walking movement detection block 26 and the user position estimation block 7 are combined to execute the above-mentioned control, so the walking movement detection block 26 can be considered to be incorporated into the user position estimation block 27.

In addition, the attention generation block 28 operates the attention generation means (speaker, lighting, vibration means) present at the estimated position of the walking user P2 to provide attention information to the user P2. This attention generation information is generated by the audio generation signal of the speaker 23, the lighting generation signal of the lighting 24, and the vibration generation signal of the vibration means.

Furthermore, the walking speed of user P2 can be estimated based on the time intervals between detection signals from vibration detection sensors 17a-17n, and user P2's behavior, such as skipping steps, can be inferred based on missing detection signals. These inferred factors can also be used to issue stronger warnings than those issued for normal walking behavior.

For example, "red" is a warning to users P2 who are walking quickly or jumping between steps, "yellow" is a warning to users P2 who are walking at a normal speed, and "green" is a warning to users who are stationary. In this way, the warnings are specific to users P2 who are walking, and it is possible to proactively call for safety.

As described above, this invention features a plurality of endless treads, a pair of upright handrails on both the left and right sides of the treads, a drive unit for moving the treads, a plurality of vibration detection means arranged along the treads that detect a user's walking from the vibration of the treads, a user position identification means that identifies the position of a user walking on the treads based on the detected vibration detection signal, and a warning generation means that provides the identified user with warning information to ensure safety.

This provides a new function and effect: it can identify users walking on the passenger conveyor treads and proactively warn these identified users to ensure safety.

The present invention is not limited to the several embodiments described above, and includes various modifications. The above embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those including all of the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. It is also possible to add, delete, or replace other configurations with respect to the configuration of each embodiment.

1...Escalator, 2...Upper floor, 3...Lower floor, 4...Frame, 5...Front wheel guide rail, 6...Rear wheel guide rail, 7...Footboard, 7A...Front wheel, 7B...Rear wheel, 8...Drive unit, 9...Control unit, 10...Balustrade, 11...Moving handrail, 12...Drive sprocket, 13...Driven sprocket, 14...Upper boarding/alighting floor, 15...Lower boarding/alighting floor, 17a-17n...Vibration detection sensor, 18...Frame component, 19...Power supply line, 20...Signal transmission line, 21...Outgoing wire, 21A...Pantograph, 22a-22n...Speaker, 23...Skirt guard, 24a-24n...Lighting, 25a-25n...Vibration imparting mechanism.

Claims (16)

A plurality of endlessly formed treads;
A pair of upright balustrades are provided on both the left and right sides of the tread;
A drive device that moves the tread;
a plurality of vibration detection means arranged along the step boards for detecting a user's walking based on the vibration of the step boards;
a user position identifying means for identifying the position of the user walking on the step board based on the detected vibration detection signal;
an alert information generating means for determining the walking speed or walking behavior of the identified user from the detection signal from the vibration detecting means, and generating alert information for ensuring safety corresponding to the walking speed or the walking behavior;
and an attention generating means for providing the attention information to the identified user. 2. The passenger conveyor according to claim 1,
A passenger conveyor characterized in that the vibration detection means is attached to a guide rail that guides a guide wheel provided on the tread. 2. The passenger conveyor according to claim 1,
A passenger conveyor characterized in that the vibration detection means is attached to a frame that supports a guide rail that guides a guide wheel provided on the tread. A passenger conveyor according to claim 2 or claim 3,
A passenger conveyor characterized in that the vibration detection means is provided at intervals at which the treads are arranged. The passenger conveyor according to claim 2 or claim 3,
A passenger conveyor characterized in that the vibration detection means is supplied with power through a power supply line. The passenger conveyor according to claim 2 or claim 3,
A passenger conveyor characterized in that the vibration detection means is supplied with power by a battery built into the vibration detection means. The passenger conveyor according to claim 2 or claim 3,
A passenger conveyor characterized in that the vibration detection signal from the vibration detection means is transmitted to the user position identification means via a signal transmission line or wirelessly. 2. The passenger conveyor according to claim 1,
A passenger conveyor characterized in that the vibration detection means is provided on the footboard. 9. A passenger conveyor according to claim 8,
A passenger conveyor characterized in that the vibration detection means is supplied with power from a power supply line via a pantograph. 9. A passenger conveyor according to claim 8,
A passenger conveyor characterized in that the vibration detection means is supplied with power by a battery built into the vibration detection means. 9. A passenger conveyor according to claim 8,
A passenger conveyor characterized in that the vibration detection signal from the vibration detection means is transmitted to the user position identification means via a signal transmission line or wirelessly. A passenger conveyor according to any one of claims 2, 3 and 8,
The passenger conveyor is characterized in that the user position identifying means has a function of determining that the user is walking when a vibration detection signal from the vibration detecting means is continuously detected. 13. A passenger conveyor according to claim 12,
The passenger conveyor is characterized in that the user position identification means has a function of estimating the current position of the user by determining which of the vibration detection means the vibration detection signal from the vibration detection means corresponds to. 14. A passenger conveyor according to claim 13,
the alert generating means is a plurality of speakers arranged along the railing;
A passenger conveyor characterized in that the attention-calling information is announced by the speaker located near the current position of the user estimated by the user position identification means. 14. A passenger conveyor according to claim 13,
The warning generating means is a plurality of illuminating lights arranged along a skirt guard provided at the base of the balustrade,
A passenger conveyor characterized in that the attention-calling information is notified by turning on the illumination lamp located near the current position of the user estimated by the user position identification means. 14. A passenger conveyor according to claim 13,
the warning generating means is a vibration applying means provided on the footboard,
A passenger conveyor characterized in that the attention-drawing information is notified by vibrating the vibration-imparting means of the footboard corresponding to the current position of the user estimated by the user position identification means.