Passenger conveyor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a passenger conveyor. The passenger conveyor has: steps that move from the entrance side to the exit side; an entrance side sensor provided on the entrance side to detect a passenger boarding the steps; an exit side sensor provided on the exit side to detect the passenger getting off the steps; and a control unit. The control unit is configured such that, for each section having a length of a preset unit time, when the entrance side sensor detects the passenger, the first non-detection count is set to 0, and when the entrance side sensor does not detect the passenger but the exit side sensor detects the passenger, the first non-detection count is incremented by 1. When the first non-detection count after the addition operation becomes equal to or greater than a first set value in a plurality of consecutive such sections, it is determined that the entrance side sensor has failed.

Description

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-196188 (filing date: December 2, 2021). This application incorporates the entire contents of that application by reference thereto. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a passenger conveyor. Background Art

[0003] Conventionally, in the case of automatic operation of escalators, moving sidewalks, etc., in order to detect the situation of passengers boarding the passenger conveyor, a passenger approach sensor and a passenger boarding sensor are provided at the boarding and alighting openings. The passenger approach sensor detects passengers approaching the boarding plate, and the passenger boarding sensor is provided above the comb plate at the front end of the boarding plate and detects passengers boarding the steps from the boarding plate.

[0004] Then, in the case where only the passenger boarding sensor operates and the passenger approach sensor does not operate repeatedly, it can be determined that the passenger approach sensor has failed.

[0005] As described above, for the passenger approach sensor, it is possible to determine whether there is a failure based on the operation relationship with the passenger boarding sensor, but there is a problem that it is impossible to determine the failure of the passenger boarding sensor. The reason is that even if the passenger approach sensor detects the approach of a passenger, it is not limited that the passenger will definitely board, and sometimes the passenger just passes by nearby, and in this case, the passenger boarding sensor does not operate even if it is normal. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention are made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a passenger conveyor capable of determining the failure of a passenger boarding sensor (entrance side sensor) provided at the entrance of the passenger conveyor and detecting the boarding of passengers.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention is a passenger conveyor, characterized by having: steps that move from the entrance side to the exit side; an entrance side sensor provided on the entrance side for detecting passengers boarding the steps; an exit side sensor provided on the exit side for detecting the passengers getting off the steps; and a control unit. The control unit is such that, for each interval having a preset unit time length, when the entrance side sensor detects the passengers, the first non-detection count is set to 0, and when the entrance side sensor does not detect the passengers and the exit side sensor detects the passengers, the first non-detection count is incremented by 1. When the first non-detection count after the addition operation becomes equal to or greater than a first set value in a plurality of consecutive intervals, it is determined that the entrance side sensor has failed.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the invention, it is possible to determine a failure of an entrance side sensor provided at an entrance of a passenger conveyor and detecting a passenger's boarding. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram of an escalator showing an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 It is a partial cutaway plan view of the escalator.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a block diagram of the escalator.

[0012] Figure 4 It is a flowchart for performing failure determination of an entrance side sensor and an exit side sensor.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a timing chart when the entrance side sensor and the exit side sensor are normal.

[0014] Figure 6 It is a timing chart when the entrance side sensor fails.

[0015] Figure 7 It is a timing chart when the exit side sensor fails.

[0016] Figure 8 It is a timing chart when the exit side sensor is pranked.

[0017] Figure 9 It is a timing chart of Modification 1.

[0018] Figure 10 It is a timing chart of Modification 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

[0019] A passenger conveyor according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, an escalator 10 is used as the passenger conveyor, and reference is made to Figures 1 to 10 for the description.

[0020] (1) Escalator 10

[0021] Reference is made to Figure 1 for the description of the overall structure of the escalator 10. Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram of the escalator 10 viewed from the left side. However, in order to make the internal structure of the escalator 10 easy to understand, the illustration of the unilateral (left side) components of the escalator 10 is omitted. In addition, when describing the front-rear direction of the escalator 10, if viewed from the upper layer to the lower layer, the upper layer is the rear side and the lower layer is the front side.

[0022] The truss 12, which is the framework of the escalator 10, spans the upper and lower floors of the building 1 and is supported in the front-rear direction by support angle irons 2 and 3.

[0023] Inside the machine room 14 on the upper floor side at the upper end of the truss 12, there are provided a driving device 18 for moving the steps 30, a pair of left and right step sprockets 24, 24. The driving device 18 has a motor 20, a speed reducer 21, a driving small sprocket 19 mounted on the output shaft of the speed reducer 21, and a disc-type electromagnetic brake 23 for stopping the rotation of the motor 20 and maintaining the stopped state. A driving large sprocket 17 is coaxially mounted on the pair of left and right step sprockets 24, 24, and an annular drive chain 22 is stretched between it and the driving small sprocket 19. In addition, inside the machine room 14 on the upper floor side, there is provided a control device 50 for controlling the motor 20, the electromagnetic brake 23, etc.

[0024] Inside the machine room 16 on the lower floor side at the lower end of the truss 12, there are provided a pair of left and right driven sprockets 26, 26. A pair of left and right annular step chains 28, 28 are stretched between the pair of left and right step sprockets 24, 24 on the upper floor side and the pair of left and right driven sprockets 26, 26 on the lower floor side. Between the pair of left and right step chains 28, 28, a pair of left and right first wheels 301, 301 of a plurality of steps 30 are connected at regular intervals. When the motor 20 rotates, the first wheels 301 of the steps 30 travel on a first-wheel dedicated guide rail (not shown) fixed to the truss 12, and the second wheels 302 of the steps 30 travel on the second-wheel dedicated guide rail 25 fixed to the truss 12.

[0025] On the left and right sides of the upper part of the truss 12, a pair of left and right handrails 36, 36 are erected. An armrest rail 39 is provided on the upper part of the handrail 36, and an annular handrail belt 38 moves along the armrest rail 39.

[0026] On the lower front part on the upper floor side of the pair of left and right handrails 36, there is provided an upper floor side front skirt guard 40, and on the lower front part on the lower floor side, there is provided a lower floor side front skirt guard 42. The entrance parts 46, 48 of the handrail belt 38 as the entrances and exits respectively protrude from the front skirt guards 40, 42. On the lower side parts of the sides of the pair of left and right handrails 36, there are respectively provided skirt guards (inner covers) 44, and the steps 30 travel between the pair of left and right skirt guards 44, 44.

[0027] The handrail belt 38 rotates together with the step sprocket 24 through a belt sprocket (not shown) and moves synchronously with the steps 30.

[0028] On the boarding and alighting opening between a pair of left and right skirt guards 44, 44 on the upper layer side, and on the ceiling surface of the machine room 14, a boarding and alighting plate 32 on the upper layer side is horizontally provided. On the boarding and alighting opening between a pair of left and right skirt guards 44, 44 on the lower layer side, and on the ceiling surface of the machine room 16, a boarding and alighting plate 34 on the lower layer side is horizontally provided. A comb-shaped comb plate 60 is provided at the front end of the boarding and alighting plate 32 on the upper layer side, and the step 30 enters or is pulled out from the comb plate 60. In addition, a comb-shaped comb plate 62 is also provided at the front end of the boarding and alighting plate 34 on the lower layer side.

[0029] (2) Entrance side sensor 56 and exit side sensor 58

[0030] In the escalator 10 as described above, passenger sensors 56 formed by photoelectric sensors are provided on the skirt guards 44 at the left and right sides of the comb plate 60 on the upper layer. The passenger sensor 56 is composed of a light emitting element and a light receiving element. For example, the light emitting element is provided on the right skirt guard 44, and the light receiving element is provided on the left skirt guard 44. As shown by the dotted arrow in Figure 2 , light such as infrared rays is irradiated from the light emitting element, and the light receiving element receives the light. When a passenger passes between the light emitting element and the light receiving element, the light receiving element cannot receive the light, so the passage of the passenger can be detected. The passenger sensor 56 is in an on state when the light is irradiated from the light emitting element and the light receiving element receives the light, and is in an off state when the light receiving element cannot receive the light when a passenger passes.

[0031] Passenger sensors 58 formed by a light emitting element and a light receiving element are also provided on the skirt guards 44 at the left and right sides of the comb plate 62 on the lower layer.

[0032] In the following description, the step 30 of the escalator 10 runs downward, so the upper layer side becomes the entrance and the lower layer side becomes the exit. Therefore, the passenger sensor 56 on the upper layer is called the "entrance side sensor 56", and the passenger sensor 58 on the lower layer is called the "exit side sensor 58".

[0033] In addition, in the entrance side sensor 56, when a passenger steps over the comb plate 60 from the boarding and alighting plate 32 and boards the step 30, the passage of the passenger is detected. In addition, the exit side sensor 58 detects the passage of a passenger when the passenger steps over the comb plate 62 on the lower layer from the step 30 and gets off onto the boarding and alighting plate 34.

[0034] (3) Electrical configuration of the escalator 10

[0035] Refer to Figure 3 the block diagram to describe the electrical configuration of the escalator 10.

[0036] The escalator 10 is provided with a drive circuit 52 that performs variable-frequency control on a motor 20 for moving the steps 30 at a specified speed (e.g., rated speed V). The drive circuit 52 is also connected to an electromagnetic brake 23 for stopping the rotation of the motor 20.

[0037] A control device 50 for controlling the escalator 10 is connected to the drive circuit 52, an entrance-side sensor 56, and an exit-side sensor 58, and is also connected to a communication unit 54 for communicating with an external maintenance center.

[0038] (4) Method for determining faults of the entrance-side sensor 56 and the exit-side sensor 58

[0039] Next, the method for determining faults of the entrance-side sensor 56 and the exit-side sensor 58 will be described using Figures 5 to 10 the timing diagram. The control device 50 has a function of the control unit for the method of determining faults of the entrance-side sensor 56 and the exit-side sensor 58. First, the rules for the control device 50 to determine faults of the entrance-side sensor 56 and the exit-side sensor 58 will be described.

[0040] As Rule 1, the control device 50 checks whether the entrance-side sensor 56 and the exit-side sensor 58 have operated per unit time T0. In addition, the time divided by the unit time T0 is called an "interval", and each time the unit time T0 elapses, it is called interval 1, interval 2,... in sequence.

[0041] As Rule 2, when the entrance-side sensor 56 detects a passenger and the exit-side sensor 58 also detects a passenger within the unit time T0, the control device 50 sets the undetected count (hereinafter referred to as the "first undetected count") indicating that the entrance-side sensor 56 has not detected a passenger to 0, and also sets the undetected count (hereinafter referred to as the "second undetected count") indicating that the exit-side sensor 58 has not detected a passenger to 0.

[0042] As Rule 3, when the entrance-side sensor 56 does not detect a passenger and only the exit-side sensor 58 detects a passenger within the unit time T0, the control device 50 increments the first undetected count of the entrance-side sensor 56 and sets the second undetected count of the exit-side sensor 58 to 0.

[0043] As Rule 4, when the entrance-side sensor 56 detects a passenger and the exit-side sensor 58 does not detect a passenger within the unit time T0, the control device 50 sets the first undetected count of the entrance-side sensor 56 to 0 and increments the second undetected count of the exit-side sensor 58.

[0044] In addition, the first non-detection count of the entrance-side sensor 56 and the second non-detection count of the exit-side sensor 58 are both 0 in the initial state. When neither the entrance-side sensor 56 nor the exit-side sensor 58 detects a passenger within the unit time T0, no addition operation is performed on the counts of both sides.

[0045] As Rule 5, when the first non-detection count of the entrance-side sensor 56 becomes equal to or greater than a first set value S1 (e.g., 3) in a plurality of preset consecutive intervals, the control device 50 determines that the entrance-side sensor 56 has failed. Then, the situation of the failure of the entrance-side sensor 56 is registered in the memory within the control device 50, and this situation is notified to an external maintenance center via the communication unit 54.

[0046] As Rule 6, when the second non-detection count of the exit-side sensor 58 becomes equal to or greater than a second set value S2 (e.g., 3) in a plurality of preset consecutive intervals, the control device 50 determines that the exit-side sensor 58 has failed. Then, the situation of the failure of the exit-side sensor 58 is registered in the memory within the control device 50, and this situation is notified to an external maintenance center via the communication unit 54.

[0047] As Rule 7, the shortest time for the control device 50 to perform the above-mentioned failure determination, that is, the "plurality of preset consecutive intervals" described above, is the product of the unit time T0 and the first set value S1, or the product of the unit time T0 and the second set value S2. For example, when the first set value S1 = the second set value S2 = 3, the shortest time for the control device 50 to perform the failure determination is 3T0, that is, the total time of three consecutive intervals. In an environment with a large number of passengers, by reducing the unit time T0, the first set value S1, and the second set value S2, the time required to detect an abnormality can be shortened. However, even in this case, the shortest time for performing the failure determination needs to be longer than the time it takes for the step 30 to reach the lower layer from the upper layer when the control device 50 makes the step 30 travel at the rated speed V. In the following description, as the unit time T0, a time (e.g., 1 minute) with a time slightly longer than the time it takes for the step 30 to reach the lower layer from the upper layer when the control device 50 makes the step 30 travel at the rated speed V is set. In addition, as the time for performing the failure determination, the determination is made when four consecutive intervals have passed.

[0048] (4-1) When the entrance-side sensor 56 and the exit-side sensor 58 are normal

[0049] Refer to Figure 5 the timing diagram to illustrate the determination method when both the entrance-side sensor 56 and the exit-side sensor 58 are normal.

[0050] First, in interval 1, no passengers board. Neither the entrance - side sensor 56 nor the exit - side sensor 58 detects a passenger, so they are in the open state. Thus, the first undetected count is 0, and the second undetected count is also 0.

[0051] Next, in interval 2, when passengers A and B board continuously, the entrance - side sensor 56 detects these passengers respectively, and each time it changes from the open state to the closed state. On the other hand, in the exit - side sensor 58, when passenger A gets off and this is detected, it also changes from the open state to the closed state. In this way, both the entrance - side sensor 56 and the exit - side sensor 58 detect passengers, so the first undetected count remains 0, and the second undetected count remains 0.

[0052] Next, in interval 3, no passengers board. So the entrance - side sensor 56 does not detect a passenger and remains in the open state. On the other hand, for the exit - side sensor 58, when passenger B who boarded in interval 2 gets off and this is detected, it changes from the open state to the closed state. In this way, the entrance - side sensor 56 does not detect a passenger and the exit - side sensor 58 detects passenger B, so the first undetected count of the entrance - side sensor 56 is incremented by 1, and the second undetected count of the exit - side sensor 58 remains 0.

[0053] Next, in interval 4, when passenger C boards, the entrance - side sensor 56 detects this and changes from the open state to the closed state. On the other hand, since passenger C gets off from the lower level, the exit - side sensor 58 detects this and changes from the open state to the closed state. Thus, the first undetected count of the entrance - side sensor 56 is reset from 1 to 0, and the second undetected count of the exit - side sensor 58 remains 0.

[0054] Through the above, within four consecutive intervals 1 - 4, the entrance - side sensor 56 and the exit - side sensor 58 detect passengers respectively, and the first undetected count is 0, and the second undetected count of the exit - side sensor 58 is 0. Therefore, the control device 50 can determine that both the entrance - side sensor 56 and the exit - side sensor 58 are normal.

[0055] (4 - 2) When the entrance - side sensor 56 fails

[0056] Next, with reference to Figure 6 the timing diagram, the determination method when the entrance - side sensor 56 fails and the exit - side sensor 58 is normal will be described.

[0057] First, in section 1, passenger A gets on, but the entrance-side sensor 56 remains open as it does not detect passenger A. On the other hand, for the exit-side sensor 58, since passenger A gets off, this situation is detected and it changes from the open state to the closed state. Thus, the first non-detection count 0 of the entrance-side sensor 56 is incremented by 1, and the second non-detection count of the exit-side sensor 58 remains 0.

[0058] Next, in section 2, passenger B gets on, but the entrance-side sensor 56 remains open as it does not detect passenger B. On the other hand, for the exit-side sensor 58, since passenger B gets off, this situation is detected and it changes from the open state to the closed state. Thus, the first non-detection count of the entrance-side sensor 56 is further incremented by 1 and set to 2. The second non-detection count of the exit-side sensor 58 remains 0.

[0059] Next, in section 3, even when passenger C gets on near the end of section 3, the entrance-side sensor 56 does not detect passenger C and remains open. On the other hand, passenger C gets on near the end of section 3 and does not reach the lower level within section 3, so the exit-side sensor 58 cannot detect passenger C and remains open. Thus, the first non-detection count of the entrance-side sensor 56 remains 2, and the second non-detection count of the exit-side sensor 58 remains 0.

[0060] Next, in section 4, no passenger gets on, so the entrance-side sensor 56 remains open. On the other hand, for the exit-side sensor 58, since the passenger C who got on in section 3 gets off, it changes from the open state to the closed state. Thus, the first non-detection count of the entrance-side sensor 56 is further incremented by 1 and set to 3. The second non-detection count of the exit-side sensor 58 remains 0.

[0061] Through the above, within four consecutive sections 1 to 4, the first non-detection count of the entrance-side sensor 56 becomes 3 and is equal to or greater than the first set value S1. Therefore, the control device 50 determines that the entrance-side sensor 56 is faulty, registers the situation of the entrance-side sensor 56 being faulty in the memory within the control device 50, and notifies the external maintenance center of this situation via the communication unit 54.

[0062] (4-3) When the exit-side sensor 58 is faulty

[0063] Next, refer to Figure 7 the timing diagram to explain the determination method when the entrance-side sensor 56 is normal and the exit-side sensor 58 is faulty.

[0064] First, in section 1, when passenger A boards, the entrance side sensor 56 detects this and changes from the open state to the closed state. On the other hand, the exit side sensor 58 does not detect passenger A, so it remains in the open state. Thus, the first non-detection count of the entrance side sensor 56 remains 0, and the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58, which was 0, is incremented by 1.

[0065] Next, in section 2, when passenger B boards, the entrance side sensor 56 detects this and changes from the open state to the closed state. On the other hand, the exit side sensor 58 does not detect passenger B, so it remains in the open state. Thus, the first non-detection count of the entrance side sensor 56 remains 0, and the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 is further incremented by 1 to become 2.

[0066] Next, in section 3, when passenger C boards near the end of section 3, the entrance side sensor 56 detects this and changes from the open state to the closed state. On the other hand, the exit side sensor 58 does not detect passenger C, so it remains in the open state. Thus, the first non-detection count of the entrance side sensor 56 remains 0, and the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 is further incremented by 1 and set to 3.

[0067] Next, in section 4, no passengers board, so the entrance side sensor 56 does not detect a passenger and remains in the open state. On the other hand, for the exit side sensor 58, even if passenger C who boarded in section 3 gets off, it does not detect and remains in the open state. Thus, the first non-detection count of the entrance side sensor 56 remains 0, and the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 remains 3.

[0068] Through the above, within four consecutive sections 1 to 4, the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 becomes 3, which is equal to or greater than the second set value S2. Therefore, the control device 50 determines that the exit side sensor 58 has failed, registers the situation of the failure of the exit side sensor 58 in the memory within the control device 50, and notifies the external maintenance center of this situation via the communication unit 54.

[0069] (4-4) When the exit side sensor 58 is pranked

[0070] Next, refer to Figure 8 the timing diagram to illustrate the situation where the light from the light-emitting element of the exit side sensor 58 is blocked due to pranks by children or the like.

[0071] First, in section 1, since no passenger has entered, the entrance - side sensor 56 is in the open state. On the other hand, in the exit - side sensor 58, although no passenger has alighted, it has changed from the open state to the closed state due to a prank. As a result, the first non - detection count 0 of the entrance - side sensor 56 is incremented by 1, and the second non - detection count of the exit - side sensor 58 remains 0.

[0072] Next, in section 2, the entrance - side sensor 56 does not detect a passenger and remains in the open state. On the other hand, for the exit - side sensor 58, although no passenger has alighted, it has changed from the open state to the closed state due to a prank. As a result, the first non - detection count of the entrance - side sensor 56 is further incremented by 1 to become 2. The second non - detection count of the exit - side sensor 58 remains 0.

[0073] Next, in section 3, since no passenger has entered, the entrance - side sensor 56 remains in the open state unchanged. On the other hand, since the exit - side sensor 58 also does not detect a passenger, it remains in the open state. As a result, the first non - detection count of the entrance - side sensor 56 remains 2, and the second non - detection count of the exit - side sensor 58 remains 0.

[0074] Next, in section 4, passenger A enters, and the entrance - side sensor 56 detects this passenger and changes from the open state to the closed state. On the other hand, passenger A alights, and the exit - side sensor 58 also detects this passenger and changes from the open state to the closed state. As a result, the first non - detection count of the entrance - side sensor 56 is reset to 0, and the second non - detection count of the exit - side sensor 58 remains 0.

[0075] Through the above, within four consecutive sections 1 - 4, even when the light of the exit - side sensor 58 is blocked due to a prank, when the entrance - side sensor 56 and the exit - side sensor 58 operate normally, the control device 50 can make a determination.

[0076] In addition, in this description, it is explained that when the exit - side sensor 58 is pranked, the same determination can be made when the entrance - side sensor 56 is pranked.

[0077] (5) Flow of fault determination

[0078] Next, with reference to Figure 4 the flowchart, the flow of the determination method for the entrance - side sensor 56 and the exit - side sensor 58 described above will be explained.

[0079] In step S1, the control device 50 starts timing the unit time T0 of one section. Then it proceeds to step S2.

[0080] In step S2, if the entrance side sensor 56 activates (changes from the on state to the off state), proceed to step S3 (yes case); if it does not activate, proceed to step S4 (no case).

[0081] In step S3, since the entrance side sensor 56 has activated, the control device 50 sets the normal flag of the entrance side sensor 56 from the off state to the on state. Then proceed to step S4.

[0082] In step S4, if the exit side sensor 58 activates (changes from the on state to the off state), proceed to step S5 (yes case); if it does not activate, proceed to step S6 (no case).

[0083] In step S5, since the exit side sensor 58 has activated, the control device 50 changes the normal flag of the exit side sensor 58 from the off state to the on state. Then proceed to step S6.

[0084] In step S6, if the elapsed time of the unit time T0 has not ended, return to step S2 (no case); if the elapsed time has ended, end one interval and proceed to step S7 (yes case).

[0085] In step S7, if the normal flag of the entrance side sensor 56 is in the on state, proceed to step S10 (yes case); if the normal flag is in the off state, proceed to step S8 (no case).

[0086] In step S8, if the normal flag of the exit side sensor 58 is in the on state, proceed to step S17 (yes case); if the normal flag is in the off state, proceed to step S9 (no case).

[0087] In step S9, since the normal flags of both the entrance side sensor 56 and the exit side sensor 58 are in the off state, the control device 50 determines that there is no passenger boarding and returns to step S1.

[0088] In step S10, since the normal flag of the entrance side sensor 56 is in the on state, reset the first undetected count to 0. Then proceed to step S11.

[0089] In step S11, if the normal flag of the exit side sensor 58 is in the on state, proceed to step S12 (yes case); if the normal flag is in the off state, proceed to step S13 (no case).

[0090] In step S12, since the normal flag of the outlet side sensor 58 is in the ON state, the second undetected count is reset to 0. After the reset, the normal flags of the inlet side sensor 56 and the outlet side sensor 58 are set to the OFF state. Then, the process returns to step S1 to start measuring the unit time T0 of the next interval. The flow of steps S1 to S12 is the flow when both the inlet side sensor 56 and the outlet side sensor 58 are normal as described in the above item (4-1).

[0091] In step S13, although the normal flag of the inlet side sensor 56 is in the ON state, the normal flag of the outlet side sensor 58 is in the OFF state. Therefore, the second undetected count of the outlet side sensor 58 is incremented by 1. Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0092] In step S14, if the second undetected count of the outlet side sensor 58 is equal to or greater than the second set value S2, the process proceeds to step S15 (the "yes" case). If it is less than the second set value S2, the process proceeds to step S16 (the "no" case).

[0093] In step S15, since the second undetected count of the outlet side sensor 58 is equal to or greater than the second set value S2, the control device 50 determines that the outlet side sensor 58 has failed, records this situation in the memory, and notifies the maintenance center via the communication unit 54. Then, the process proceeds to step S16. The flow of steps S1 to S15 is the flow when the inlet side sensor 56 is normal and the outlet side sensor 58 has failed as described in the above item (4-3).

[0094] In step S16, the normal flag of the inlet side sensor 56 is set to the OFF state. Then, the process ends and returns to step S1 to start measuring the unit time T0 of the next interval.

[0095] In step S17, since the normal flag of the inlet side sensor 56 is in the OFF state and the normal flag of the outlet side sensor 58 is in the ON state, the second undetected count of the outlet side sensor 58 is reset to 0. Then, the process proceeds to step S18.

[0096] In step S18, although the normal flag of the outlet side sensor 58 is in the ON state, the normal flag of the inlet side sensor 56 is in the OFF state. Therefore, the first undetected count of the inlet side sensor 56 is incremented by 1. Then, the process proceeds to step S19.

[0097] In step S19, if the first undetected count of the inlet side sensor 56 is equal to or greater than the first set value S1, the process proceeds to step S20 (the "yes" case). If it is less than the first set value S1, the process proceeds to step S21 (the "no" case).

[0098] In step S20, since the first undetected count of the entrance - side sensor 56 is equal to or greater than the first set value S1, the control device 50 determines that the entrance - side sensor 56 has failed, registers this situation in the memory, and notifies a maintenance center outside via the communication unit 54. Then, it proceeds to step S21. The process of steps S1 - S20 is the process when the entrance - side sensor 56 fails and the exit - side sensor 58 is normal, which is described in the above item (4 - 2).

[0099] In step S21, the normal flag of the exit - side sensor 58 is set to the off state. Then, the process ends and returns to step S1 to start measuring the unit time T0 of the next interval.

[0100] (6) Effects

[0101] According to the present embodiment, when the first undetected count of the entrance - side sensor 56 becomes equal to or greater than the first set value S1 within four consecutive intervals 1 - 4, it can be determined that the entrance - side sensor 56 has failed. Additionally, when the second undetected count of the exit - side sensor 58 becomes equal to or greater than the second set value S2, it can be determined that the exit - side sensor 58 has failed. In particular, since the operations of the entrance - side sensor 56 and the exit - side sensor 58 are detected in multiple consecutive intervals respectively, the failure can be accurately determined.

[0102] Moreover, instead of using the number of times and time when the entrance - side sensor 56 and the exit - side sensor 58 detect passengers, the situation where one passenger sensor detects a passenger while the other passenger sensor does not detect a passenger at all within the unit time T0 is used as the determination material for failure. Therefore, even if there is a situation where one passenger sensor operates multiple times in a short period due to pranks or the like, it can be prevented from being mis - detected as a failure.

[0103] Furthermore, instead of stopping the movement of the steps 30 of the escalator 10 to determine the failure, the failure of the entrance - side sensor 56 and the exit - side sensor 58 can be determined during normal operation.

[0104] In addition, if there are the entrance - side sensor 56 and the exit - side sensor 58, their respective failures can be detected.

[0105]

Modification Example

[0106] Next, a modification example of the above - described embodiment will be described.

[0107] (1) Modification Example 1

[0108] Refer to Figure 9The timing chart of illustrates Modification Example 1. In Modification Example 1, based on the functions described in the above embodiment, the control device 50 measures, for each interval within the unit time T0, the continuous time of the closed state of the entrance-side sensor 56, that is, the continuous time during which the entrance-side sensor 56 detects a passenger, and the continuous time of the closed state of the exit-side sensor 58, that is, the continuous time during which the exit-side sensor 58 detects a passenger. Then, when the continuous time of the closed state of the entrance-side sensor 56 or the exit-side sensor 58 is longer than a preset maximum continuous time (for example, the unit time T0), the control device 50 determines that the lens of the light-emitting element or the light-receiving element of the passenger sensor is contaminated or otherwise abnormal.

[0109] As a specific example of this Modification Example 1, the case where the lens of the light-emitting element or the light-receiving element of the exit-side sensor 58 is contaminated and remains in the closed state will be described. The situation where the exit-side sensor 58 remains in the closed state is a state where a passenger is continuously detected.

[0110] First, in interval 1, the entrance-side sensor 56 does not detect a passenger and remains in the open state. On the other hand, when the lens of the light-emitting element or the light-receiving element of the exit-side sensor 58 is contaminated midway, the exit-side sensor 58 changes from the open state to the closed state. As a result, the first non-detection count 0 of the entrance-side sensor 56 is incremented by 1, and the second non-detection count of the exit-side sensor 58 remains 0.

[0111] Next, in interval 2, passenger A enters, and the entrance-side sensor 56 detects this passenger and changes from the open state to the closed state. On the other hand, since the lens of the exit-side sensor 58 is contaminated, it remains in the closed state regardless of the passage of passenger A. As a result, the first non-detection count of the entrance-side sensor 56 is reset from 1 to 0. Since the exit-side sensor 58 remains in the closed state during this interval 2, the continuous time of the closed state is longer than the maximum continuous time, and the control device 50 determines that the exit-side sensor 58 is abnormal.

[0112] In addition, even when the exit-side sensor 58 is normal and the lens of the light-emitting element or the light-receiving element of the entrance-side sensor 56 is contaminated, the control device 50 can determine that it is abnormal in the same manner as above.

[0113] Through the above, in Modification Example 1, when the entrance-side sensor 56 or the exit-side sensor 58 is contaminated or otherwise and remains in the closed state continuously, the control device 50 can determine this situation as abnormal.

[0114] (2) Modification Example 2

[0115] Next, refer to Figure 10 the timing chart to illustrate Modification Example 2.

[0116] In Variation 2, based on the functions described in the above embodiment, the control device 50 measures, for each section within a unit time T0, the total number of times the entrance-side sensor 56 changes from the open state to the closed state, that is, the total number of passengers detected by the entrance-side sensor 56, and the total number of times the exit-side sensor 58 changes from the open state to the closed state, that is, the total number of passengers detected by the exit-side sensor 58.

[0117] In addition, when the difference between the total number of times of the entrance-side sensor 56 and the total number of times of the exit-side sensor 58 is greater than a preset maximum difference (for example, 5 times), the control device 50 determines that either the entrance-side sensor 56 or the exit-side sensor 58 is abnormal due to poor contact or the like, and increments the abnormality count by 1.

[0118] Moreover, when the abnormality count reaches or exceeds the maximum abnormality count (for example, 3 times), the control device 50 determines that the entrance-side sensor 56 or the exit-side sensor 58 is abnormal. In addition, since the control device 50 determines the abnormality based on the difference in the total number of times, it cannot determine which of the entrance-side sensor 56 and the exit-side sensor 58 is abnormal, and determines that both passenger sensors are abnormal.

[0119] As a specific example of this Variation 2, the case where the exit-side sensor 58 repeatedly changes between the open state and the closed state due to poor contact is described. That is, the case where the exit-side sensor 58 erroneously detects a large number of passengers.

[0120] First, in section 1, no passengers board, so the entrance-side sensor 56 is in the open state. On the other hand, regarding the exit-side sensor 58, when poor contact occurs within section 1, the exit-side sensor 58 repeatedly changes between the open state and the closed state and detects a large number of passengers. As a result, the first non-detection count of the entrance-side sensor is incremented from 0 to 1, and the second non-detection count of the exit-side sensor 58 remains 0.

[0121] Next, in section 2, when passenger A boards, the entrance-side sensor 56 changes from the open state to the closed state. On the other hand, since the exit-side sensor 58 continues to have poor contact, including when passenger A gets off, it repeatedly changes between the open state and the closed state as if detecting a large number of passengers. As a result, the first non-detection count of the entrance-side sensor 56 is reset from 1 to 0, and the second non-detection count of the exit-side sensor 58 remains 0. Then, since the difference between the total number of passengers detected by the entrance-side sensor 56 and the total number of passengers detected by the exit-side sensor 58 is equal to or greater than the maximum difference, the control device 50 increments the abnormality count by 1.

[0122] Next, in section 3, when passenger B boards, the entrance side sensor 56 detects the passenger and changes from the open state to the closed state. On the other hand, the exit side sensor 58 has poor contact, so including when passenger B is detected, it repeatedly changes between the open state and the closed state as if a large number of passengers are detected. As a result, the first undetected count of the entrance side sensor 56 remains 0, and the second undetected count of the exit side sensor 58 also remains 0. Then, since the difference between the total number of times the entrance side sensor 56 detects a passenger and the total number of times the exit side sensor 58 detects a passenger is greater than or equal to the maximum difference, the control device 50 increments the abnormal count by 1 and sets it to 2.

[0123] Next, in section 4, when no passengers board, the entrance side sensor 56 remains in the open state. On the other hand, the exit side sensor 58 repeatedly changes between the open state and the closed state due to poor contact. As a result, the first undetected count of the entrance side sensor 56 is incremented by 1, and the second undetected count of the exit side sensor 58 remains 0. Then, since the difference between the total number of times the entrance side sensor 56 detects a passenger and the total number of times the exit side sensor 58 detects a passenger is greater than or equal to the maximum difference, the control device 50 increments the abnormal count by 1 and sets it to 3.

[0124] The control device 50, regardless of the number of the first undetected count and the second undetected count, since the abnormal count exceeds the maximum abnormal count, registers that either the entrance side sensor 56 or the exit side sensor 58 is abnormal and notifies this situation to the maintenance center.

[0125] Through the above, in modification 2, when the entrance side sensor 56 or the exit side sensor 58 repeatedly changes between the open state and the closed state due to poor contact or the like, the control device 50 can determine it as abnormal.

[0126] (3) Others

[0127] In the above embodiment, the entrance side sensor 56 and the exit side sensor 58 provided above the upper comb plate 60 and the lower comb plate 62 have been described. However, on the basis of these passenger sensors, passenger approach sensors for detecting the approach of passengers to the boarding and alighting plates 32 and 34 can also be provided on the front skirt guards 40 and 42 of the upper and lower layers.

[0128] In addition, in the above embodiment, the case where the entrance side sensor 56 and the exit side sensor 58 are independent light emitting elements and light receiving elements has been described. However, instead of this case, it can also be configured as a reflective photoelectric sensor in which the light emitting element and the light receiving element that reflects the emitted light and returns it are integrated.

[0129] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the escalator 10 has been described as an example, but it may be applied to a moving walkway instead.

[0130] One embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Claims

1. A passenger conveyor, characterized in that, comprising: steps that move from the entrance side to the exit side; an entrance side sensor provided on the entrance side for detecting a passenger boarding the steps; an exit side sensor provided on the exit side for detecting the passenger getting off the steps; and a control unit, wherein the control unit: for each section having a preset unit time length, when the entrance side sensor detects the passenger, sets a first undetected count to 0, and when the entrance side sensor does not detect the passenger but the exit side sensor detects the passenger, increments the first undetected count by 1; when the first undetected count after the addition operation becomes equal to or greater than a first set value in a plurality of consecutive such sections, determines that the entrance side sensor has failed.

2. The passenger conveyor according to claim 1, wherein: the control unit: for each of the sections, when the exit side sensor detects the passenger, sets a second undetected count to 0, and when the entrance side sensor detects the passenger but the exit side sensor does not detect the passenger, increments the second undetected count by 1; when the second undetected count after the addition operation becomes equal to or greater than a second set value in a plurality of consecutive such sections, determines that the exit side sensor has failed.

3. The passenger conveyor according to claim 1, wherein: the control unit: in one of the sections, when the continuous time during which the entrance side sensor or the exit side sensor detects the passenger is equal to or greater than a maximum continuous time, determines that the entrance side sensor or the exit side sensor is abnormal.

4. The passenger conveyor according to claim 1, wherein: the control unit: in one of the sections, when the difference between the total number of times the entrance side sensor detects the passenger and the total number of times the exit side sensor detects the passenger is equal to or greater than a maximum difference, increments an abnormal count by 1; when the abnormal count becomes equal to or greater than a maximum abnormal count, determines that the entrance side sensor or the exit side sensor is abnormal.

5. The passenger conveyor according to claim 1, wherein: the entrance side sensor and the exit side sensor are photoelectric sensors.

6. The passenger conveyor according to claim 5, wherein: the entrance side sensor is provided on a skirt guard plate on both left and right sides of a comb plate provided at a front end of a landing plate on the entrance side; the exit side sensor is provided on a skirt guard plate on both left and right sides of a comb plate provided at a front end of a landing plate on the exit side.

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