Operation method of magnetic suspension escalator

Abstract

The invention relates to an operation method of a magnetic suspension escalator, which comprises the following steps of: starting a suspension limiting system to generate a magnetic field with preset strength and direction, and driving a step chain to suspend in a guide rail; starting a propulsion electromagnetic system to generate a magnetic field interacting with the permanent magnet characteristics of the step chain, and driving the step chain to circularly move along the guide rail; when the elevator control system receives an emergency stopping instruction, the elevator control system outputs a stopping instruction of the propulsion electromagnetic system and starts a mechanical braking device connected with the step chain in a matched mode, so that mechanical interlocking is formed between the mechanical braking device and the step chain; a working power supply of the mechanical braking device is controlled by a working power supply of the escalator, and when the working power supply of the escalator is interrupted, the mechanical braking device automatically loses power to act to form mechanical interlocking with the step chain. According to the running method of the magnetic suspension escalator, power does not need to be provided by a traditional motor, suspension, driving and braking of the stairs are accurately controlled through the magnetic field, and stable and efficient running and stable speed reduction are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of escalators, in particular to an operating method of a magnetic suspension escalator. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, escalators rely on the friction between rollers and guide rails for guidance and driving. During the operation of the escalator, due to the friction between the rollers and guide rails of the escalator, if this guiding method is used for a long time, it is very likely to cause serious wear between the rollers and the guide rails; this friction not only wastes part of the energy used to overcome the friction, but also easily generates noise during the operation of the escalator, seriously affecting the customer experience. Long-term friction will also cause varying degrees of damage to the rollers and guide rails, causing the original running trajectory to change, thereby causing collisions between mechanical parts, causing equipment damage, and possible harm to passengers.

[0003] The Chinese patent with patent number CN111847205B proposes an ascending escalator and a descending escalator, which discloses that: the magnet slider is in a suspended support relationship with the guide groove and the upper guide groove section, which can greatly reduce the friction resistance of the magnet slider when it runs in the guide groove and the upper guide groove section, and there is no direct contact between the magnet slider and the groove wall and the groove bottom. When the magnet slider turns with the pedal assembly, the magnet slider can move to a certain extent in the guide groove to ensure smooth turning.

[0004] Although this design has solved the problem of high friction between the escalator rollers and guide rails to a certain extent, it still relies on mechanical contact braking when the escalator is in emergency braking or parking braking, that is, it uses direct friction between objects to stop the escalator. The speed of this braking method depends on the size of the friction between the two objects. This will not only damage the equipment, but also have great uncontrollable safety risks, and again will pose a great safety hazard to passengers on the equipment.

[0005] In summary, the current problems have not been well solved, and the service life and safety of the equipment need to be further improved. Summary of the invention

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an operation method of a magnetic levitation escalator which does not require a traditional motor to provide power, but realizes the suspension, driving and braking of the step chain through magnetic field control.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an operating method of a magnetic levitation escalator, wherein the escalator comprises a guide track and a ring-shaped connected step chain, wherein the step chain has permanent magnetic properties, and the method comprises the following steps:

[0008] Ⅰ Starting the suspension limit system to generate a magnetic field of predetermined strength and direction, driving the step chain to suspend in the guide track; Ⅱ Starting the propulsion electromagnetic system to generate a magnetic field that interacts with the permanent magnetic characteristics of the step chain, driving the step chain to circulate along the guide track;

[0009] Ⅲ When the ladder control system receives an emergency stop command, the ladder control system outputs a stop command to the propulsion electromagnetic system and starts the mechanical brake device connected to the step chain, so that the mechanical brake device and the step chain form a mechanical interlock;

[0010] The working power supply of the IV mechanical brake device is controlled by the working power supply of the escalator. When the working power supply of the escalator is interrupted, the mechanical brake device automatically loses power and forms a mechanical interlock with the step chain.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the mechanical braking device includes a drive mechanism and a latch, wherein the drive mechanism is electrically connected to the escalator working power supply, and the drive mechanism is configured to drive the latch to move outside the step chain movement path when powered on; when the escalator working power supply is interrupted, the drive mechanism loses power and releases the restriction on the latch, so that the latch enters the step chain movement path and forms a mechanical interlock with the step chain.

[0012] In a possible implementation, before step I, the position signal of the latch is detected by a signal sensor; if it is detected that the latch is within the movement path of the step chain, the operation is stopped.

[0013] In a possible implementation, after step II, the method further includes:

[0014] ⅰUse signal sensors to detect the suspension distance, running speed and running direction of the step chain;

[0015] ⅱ The elevator control system adjusts the current magnitude and current direction output by the suspension limit system based on the preset suspension threshold and speed threshold, and adjusts the current magnitude, current direction and current direction switching frequency output by the propulsion electromagnetic system;

[0016] ⅲ The step chain runs at the target suspension distance, running speed and running direction.

[0017] In a possible implementation, in step III, the ladder control system outputs a stop command to the propulsion electromagnetic system and changes the direction of the current output by the suspension limit system, so that an attractive force is generated between the step chain and the suspension limit system.

[0018] In a possible implementation, when attraction is generated between the step chain and the suspension limiting system, the ladder control system increases the current output by the suspension limiting system.

[0019] In a possible implementation, in step III, when the escalator control system receives a stop command, the escalator control system outputs a propulsion stop command, and outputs a suspension stop command after receiving a propulsion stop signal fed back by the propulsion electromagnetic system; the suspension limit system receives the suspension stop command and stops, and then feeds back a suspension stop signal to the escalator control system, and the escalator stops running.

[0020] In one possible implementation, in step III, when the ladder control system outputs a propulsion stop command, if the propulsion stop signal fed back by the propulsion electromagnetic system is not received within a preset time; then the ladder control system outputs a propulsion power supply interruption signal and changes the current direction output by the suspension limit system to generate an attractive force between the step chain and the suspension limit system.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the guide track has a first wall and two parallel second walls, and the suspension limit system includes a plurality of first electromagnets arranged on the second wall; the first electromagnets are configured to generate a magnetic field that repels the step chain so that a suspension gap is formed between the step chain and the second wall; the propulsion electromagnetic system includes a plurality of second electromagnets arranged on the first wall, and the second electromagnets are configured to generate a changing magnetic field that interacts with the permanent magnetic properties of the step chain to generate a driving force that drives the step chain to move along the guide track.

[0022] In a possible implementation, adjusting the suspension limit system and the propulsion electromagnetic system includes:

[0023] a) When the suspension distance of the step chain exceeds the preset suspension threshold, the current size and current direction output by the suspension limit system are adjusted to change the magnetic field strength and direction generated by the first electromagnet, so that the step chain returns to the target suspension distance; b) When the running speed of the step chain exceeds the preset speed threshold, or the running direction is inconsistent with the target direction, the current size, current direction and current direction switching frequency output by the propulsion electromagnetic system are adjusted to change the magnetic field strength, direction and change frequency generated by the second electromagnet, so that the step chain returns to the target speed or direction.

[0024] The operating method of the magnetic levitation escalator designed by the present invention does not require traditional motors to provide power, but uses magnetic levitation technology to achieve contactless operation of steps and guide rails, eliminating the wear, noise and vibration caused by the friction between escalator rollers and guide rails in related technologies, thereby greatly improving passenger riding comfort, extending the service life of the escalator and reducing maintenance costs. At the same time, the method accurately controls the suspension, drive and braking of the steps through the magnetic field to achieve smooth and efficient operation and smooth deceleration. In addition, in an emergency, the method uses magnetic field braking combined with mechanical braking to ensure fast and reliable braking to protect passenger safety. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a flow chart of an operating method of a magnetic levitation escalator provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the escalator structure provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a pedal provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the guide rail and the step chain provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of a ladder chain provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a flow chart of operation adjustment of a magnetic levitation escalator provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a flow chart of the operation self-check of a magnetic levitation escalator provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Among them: guide rail 10, first wall 11, second wall 12, step chain 20, suspension limit system 30, first electromagnet 31, propulsion electromagnet system 40, second electromagnet 41, ladder control system 50, mechanical brake device 60, drive mechanism 61, latch 62, frame 100, pedal 101. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are only used to illustrate and explain the present invention, and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the operation method of the magnetic levitation escalator described in this embodiment can be used in places such as shopping malls to build a complete passenger transportation channel. Figure 1 As shown, the magnetic levitation escalator is mainly composed of a frame 100, a guide rail 10 and a ring-shaped connected step chain 20, wherein the frame 100 provides a support structure for the escalator, the guide rail 10 is fixed on the frame 100, and defines the movement path of the step chain 20, and the step chain 20 is formed by a plurality of step units connected in a ring shape, and each step unit is provided with a pedal 101 for passengers to step on.

[0036] In this embodiment, the method is executed by the elevator control system 50, and specifically includes the following steps:

[0037] Ⅰ Starting the suspension limiting system 30 to generate a magnetic field of a predetermined strength and direction, driving the step chain 20 to suspend in the guide track 10.

[0038] Optionally, in an implementation of this embodiment, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the guide rail 10 has two parallel second walls 12, and the suspension limit system 30 includes a plurality of first electromagnets 31 arranged on the second wall 12; the first electromagnets 31 are configured to generate a magnetic field that repels the step chain 20 so as to form a suspension gap between the step chain 20 and the second wall 12.

[0039] In this way, the ladder control system 50 issues a command to start the suspension limit system 30, that is, the first electromagnet 31 generates a magnetic field of predetermined strength and direction after being energized. Since the step chain 20 has permanent magnetic characteristics, the magnetic field and the permanent magnet of the step chain 20 generate a repulsive force, driving the step chain 20 to suspend in the guide magnetic track 10, forming a stable suspension gap. More specifically, by controlling the current direction of the first electromagnet 31, the magnetic field generated by it can generate a repulsive force with the magnetic field of the step chain 20, and since there are two second wall surfaces 12, which are respectively located on both sides of the step chain 20, the step chain 20 is subjected to repulsive magnetic forces from both sides, and the magnetic forces on both sides are in opposite directions, acting together on the step chain 20, pushing it to the middle of the two second wall surfaces 12, thereby achieving stable suspension of the step chain 20. Through this design, there is no direct contact between the step chain 20 and the guide magnetic rail 10, achieving frictionless operation, thereby eliminating the wear, noise and vibration caused by the friction between the escalator rollers and the guide rails in the related technology, greatly improving passenger riding comfort, extending the service life of the escalator, and reducing maintenance costs.

[0040] II. Starting the propulsion electromagnetic system 40 generates a magnetic field that interacts with the permanent magnetic characteristics of the step chain 20, driving the step chain 20 to circulate along the guide track 10.

[0041] Optionally, in an implementation of this embodiment, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the guide track 10 has a first wall 11, and the propulsion electromagnetic system 40 includes a plurality of second electromagnets 41 arranged on the first wall 11, and the second electromagnets 41 are configured to generate a changing magnetic field, which interacts with the permanent magnetic field of the step chain 20 to generate a driving force to drive the step chain 20 to move along the guide track 10.

[0042] In this way, the control system 50 issues a command to start the propulsion electromagnetic system 40, that is, the second electromagnet 41 generates a changing magnetic field after being energized, and the magnetic field interacts with the permanent magnetic characteristics of the step chain 20 to generate a driving force, driving the step chain 20 to circulate along the track direction of the guide magnetic track 10; for example, when the escalator (step chain 20) needs to be operated, the ladder control system 50 controls a second electromagnet 41 in front of the step chain 20 to generate an S pole, attracting the N pole in front of the step chain 20, and at the same time, the ladder control system 50 controls a second electromagnet 41 behind the step chain 20 to generate an N pole, repelling the S pole behind the step chain 20, that is, the step chain 20 is driven contactlessly under the combined action of the attraction and repulsion generated by the front and rear second electromagnets 41. Through this design, the step chain 20 can be driven to circulate without the need for a traditional motor to provide power, while saving the space required for arranging the drive motor, making the escalator structure more compact.

[0043] III When the ladder control system 50 receives the emergency stop command, the ladder control system 50 outputs a stop command to the propulsion electromagnetic system 40 and starts the mechanical brake device 60 matched with the step chain 20, so that the mechanical brake device 60 and the step chain 20 form a mechanical interlock.

[0044] In specific implementation, when a passenger presses the emergency stop button or a sensor detects an abnormal situation (eg, the step speed is too fast or the suspension height is too low), the elevator control system 50 receives an emergency stop command and triggers the mechanical brake device 60 to brake.

[0045] The working power supply of the IV mechanical brake device 60 is controlled by the working power supply of the escalator. When the working power supply of the escalator is interrupted, the mechanical brake device 60 automatically loses power and forms a mechanical interlock with the step chain 20.

[0046] Optionally, in an implementation of this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, the mechanical brake device 60 includes a drive mechanism 61 and a latch 62, wherein the drive mechanism 61 is electrically connected to the escalator working power supply, and the drive mechanism 61 is configured to drive the latch 62 to move outside the movement path of the step chain 20 when powered on; when the escalator working power supply is interrupted, the drive mechanism 61 loses power and releases the restriction on the latch 62, so that the latch 62 enters the movement path of the step chain 20 and forms a mechanical interlock with the step chain 20.

[0047] In this way, when the ladder control system 50 receives the signal from the emergency stop button, the ladder control system 50 immediately outputs a stop command to the propulsion electromagnetic system 40 (or cuts off the power supply of the propulsion electromagnetic system 40), so that the second electromagnet 41 stops generating the magnetic field that drives the step chain 20. At this time, the step chain 20 loses the driving force and begins to decelerate. At the same time, the ladder control system 50 starts the mechanical brake device 60 matched with the step chain 20. The driving mechanism 61 of the mechanical brake device 60 is energized under normal circumstances to keep the pin 62 in a retracted state so that it does not contact the step chain 20. The ladder control system 50 starts the mechanical brake device 60, which means releasing the restriction on the pin 62. The pin 62 enters the movement path of the step chain 20 and forms a mechanical interlock with the step chain 20 to prevent the step chain 20 from continuing to move.

[0048] When the escalator's working power is interrupted, this will cause all electrical equipment including the propulsion electromagnetic system 40 and the suspension limit system 30 to lose power. Since the working power of the mechanical brake device 60 is controlled by the escalator's working power, when the escalator's working power is interrupted, the mechanical brake device 60 also loses power, that is, the driving mechanism 61 releases the restriction on the latch 62 after losing power, so that the latch 62 enters the movement path of the step chain 20 and forms a mechanical interlock with the step chain 20, preventing the step chain 20 from continuing to move, thereby avoiding the step chain 20 from slipping under the action of inertia, thereby ensuring the safety of passengers.

[0049] In one implementation, the drive mechanism 61 is composed of a coil and an armature. When power is turned on, the coil of the drive mechanism 61 generates a magnetic field, attracts the armature, and drives the latch 62 to move outside the movement path of the step chain 20; when power is turned off, the magnetic field disappears, and the armature is released under the action of spring force or gravity, driving the latch 62 to extend into the movement path of the step chain 20 to form a mechanical interlock with the step chain 20; this structure is only composed of a coil and an armature, which is easy to manufacture and install, low cost, and fast response speed.

[0050] In one implementation of this embodiment, the latch 62 of the mechanical brake device 60 can be designed into a variety of shapes, such as a hook shape, a tooth shape, etc., to ensure reliable mechanical interlocking with the step chain 20; and in addition to spring force or gravity, other driving forces can also be used to drive the action of the latch 62, such as hydraulic or pneumatic, which is not specifically limited here.

[0051] In a possible implementation, before step I, the position signal of the latch 62 is detected by a signal sensor; if it is detected that the latch 62 is within the movement path of the step chain 20, the operation is stopped.

[0052] In specific implementation, before starting the suspension limit system 30, the ladder control system 50 will detect the position signal of the latch 62 through a signal sensor (the signal sensor can be a proximity sensor, a limit switch or other sensor capable of detecting the position of an object, installed near the movement path of the latch 62), and then the ladder control system 50 determines whether the latch 62 is outside the movement path of the step chain 20 according to the sensor signal: if the latch 62 is outside the movement path of the step chain 20, it means that the mechanical brake device 60 is in a normal state, and the ladder control system 50 continues to execute subsequent steps, starts the suspension limit system 30, and starts the escalator; if the latch 62 is within the movement path of the step chain 20, it means that the mechanical brake device 60 is in an abnormal state, such as the latch 62 is stuck or the drive mechanism 61 fails, the ladder control system 50 will stop running and send an alarm signal to remind the staff to perform maintenance. In this way, by detecting the position of the latch 62 before starting, the abnormal state of the mechanical brake device can be discovered in time to avoid safety accidents such as brake failure during operation.

[0053] In a possible implementation, after step II, the method further includes:

[0054] ⅰ Using a signal sensor to detect the suspension distance, running speed and running direction of the step chain 20;

[0055] ii. The elevator control system 50 adjusts the current magnitude and current direction output by the suspension limit system 30 based on the preset suspension threshold and speed threshold, and adjusts the current magnitude, current direction and current direction switching frequency output by the propulsion electromagnetic system 40;

[0056] ⅲ The step chain 20 runs at the target suspension distance, running speed and running direction.

[0057] In specific implementation, assuming that the maglev escalator is installed in a shopping mall, during normal operation, it is necessary to adjust the operating speed according to passenger flow and operating requirements, and maintain a stable suspension height and direction during operation:

[0058] See also Figure 6 As shown, first, during the circular motion of the step chain 20 along the guide magnetic rail 10, the signal sensor (such as a proximity sensor, an acceleration sensor, a current sensor, etc.) continuously detects the suspension distance, the running speed and the running direction of the step chain 20, and feeds these data back to the ladder control system 50 in real time. After receiving the sensor data, the ladder control system 50 compares it with the preset suspension threshold and speed threshold to determine whether the running status of the step chain 20 is normal.

[0059] Specifically, adjusting the suspension limit system and the propulsion electromagnetic system includes:

[0060] a) When the suspension distance of the step chain 20 exceeds the preset suspension threshold, the magnitude and direction of the current output by the suspension limit system 30 are adjusted to change the strength and direction of the magnetic field generated by the first electromagnet 31, so that the step chain 20 is restored to the target suspension distance. When the sensor detects that the suspension distance of the step chain 20 exceeds the preset suspension threshold, for example, due to a change in the number of passengers causing a load change, the ladder control system 50 will determine that the suspension force needs to be adjusted. The ladder control system 50 adjusts the magnitude and direction of the current output by the suspension limit system 30 to change the strength and direction of the magnetic field generated by the first electromagnet 31, thereby adjusting the magnitude and direction of the suspension force. Through this adjustment, the step chain 20 can always be kept at the target suspension distance to ensure a stable suspension state.

[0061] b) When the running speed of the step chain 20 exceeds a preset speed threshold, or the running direction is inconsistent with the target direction, the current magnitude, current direction and current direction switching frequency output by the propulsion electromagnetic system 40 are adjusted to change the magnetic field strength, direction and change frequency generated by the second electromagnet 41, so that the step chain 20 returns to the target speed or direction. When the sensor detects that the running speed of the step chain 20 exceeds the preset speed threshold, or the running direction is inconsistent with the target direction, for example, acceleration, deceleration or change of running direction is required, the ladder control system 50 will determine that the driving force needs to be adjusted, that is, the ladder control system 50 adjusts the current size, current direction and current direction switching frequency output by the propulsion electromagnetic system 40, changes the magnetic field strength, direction and change frequency generated by the second electromagnet 41, thereby adjusting the size and direction of the driving force. For example, if acceleration is required, the ladder control system 50 will increase the current, adjust the current direction to make it consistent with the target direction, and increase the current direction switching frequency; if deceleration is required, the current will be reduced or the current direction switching frequency will be reduced; if the direction needs to be changed, the current direction will be changed. Through this adjustment, the step chain 20 can reach the target speed and direction, achieve precise and smooth acceleration, deceleration and reversing operation, and improve the riding comfort of passengers.

[0062] In another implementation of this embodiment, Figure 7As shown, after the mechanical brake device 60 passes the test, it also includes detecting whether the suspension limit system 30 works normally, such as whether the sensor works normally, whether the control circuit is normal, etc. If the suspension limit system 30 does not work normally, the starting process is stopped, and the fault information is fed back to the elevator control system 50 to remind the staff to perform maintenance; if the suspension limit system 30 works normally, the next step of detection is carried out, and the suspension distance between the guide rail 10 and the magnetic track chain 20 is measured by the sensor, and the measurement result is fed back to the elevator control system 50. If the suspension distance does not meet the preset target value, such as too high or too low, the starting process is stopped, and the fault information is fed back to the elevator control system 50; if the suspension distance detection is qualified, the propulsion electromagnetic system 40 is started, and its propulsion acceleration is detected. If the propulsion acceleration does not meet the preset target value, such as too large or too small, the starting process is stopped, and the fault information is fed back to the elevator control system 50; if the propulsion acceleration detection is qualified, the escalator continues to run for a period of time, and its running speed is detected. If the running speed does not meet the preset target value, such as too high or too low, the starting process is stopped, and the fault information is fed back to the elevator control system 50. Finally, if all the above detection steps are successfully passed, it means that the escalator is in a safe state and can operate normally. The escalator control system 50 will send a start completion signal, and the escalator begins to officially operate.

[0063] In a possible implementation, in step III, the ladder control system 50 outputs a stop command to the propulsion electromagnetic system 40 and changes the direction of the current output by the suspension limit system 30 , so that an attraction force is generated between the step chain 20 and the suspension limit system 30 .

[0064] Specifically, after receiving the emergency stop command, the ladder control system 50 immediately outputs a stop command to the propulsion electromagnetic system 40, cuts off the power supply of the propulsion electromagnetic system 40, and stops the second electromagnet 41 from generating a magnetic field that drives the step chain 20. The step chain 20 loses the driving force and starts to decelerate. At the same time, the ladder control system 50 changes the direction of the current output by the suspension limit system 30, so that the direction of the magnetic field generated by the first electromagnet 31 changes. The changed magnetic field direction generates an attractive force with the permanent magnet of the step chain 20 instead of a repulsive force during normal operation, that is, through the attraction of the magnetic field, the braking force can be quickly generated to shorten the braking distance.

[0065] Preferably, when attraction is generated between the step chain 20 and the suspension limit system 30, the ladder control system 50 increases the current output by the suspension limit system 30. In this way, once attraction is generated between the step chain 20 and the suspension limit system 30, the ladder control system 50 immediately increases the current output by the suspension limit system 30. Increasing the current will increase the magnetic field strength generated by the first electromagnet 31, thereby enhancing the attraction between the step chain 20 and the suspension limit system 30, ensuring that the escalator can quickly stop moving even when fully loaded. It should be noted that the first electromagnet 31 is correspondingly arranged on the second wall 12, and during braking, only one side of the first electromagnet 31 needs to increase the current at the same time to enhance the attraction to the step chain 20.

[0066] In one possible implementation, in step III, when the escalator control system 50 receives a stop command, the escalator control system 50 outputs a propulsion stop command, and outputs a suspension stop command after receiving a propulsion stop signal fed back by the propulsion electromagnetic system 40; the suspension limit system 30 receives the suspension stop command and stops, and then feeds back a suspension stop signal to the escalator control system 50, and the escalator stops running.

[0067] In a specific implementation, take the elevator control system 50 receiving a signal from a stop button and identifying it as a stop instruction as an example:

[0068] The escalator control system 50 immediately outputs a stop command for the propulsion electromagnetic system 40, and the propulsion electromagnetic system 40 gradually reduces the output current, so that the magnetic field generated by the second electromagnet 41 for driving the step chain 20 is continuously weakened, that is, the step chain 20 starts to decelerate after the driving force is weakened. At the same time, the escalator control system 50 waits for the propulsion electromagnetic system 40 to feedback the propulsion stop signal. After confirming that the second electromagnet 41 has completely stopped working and receiving the propulsion stop signal, the escalator control system 50 outputs a stop command for the suspension limit system 30, and gradually reduces the output current of the suspension limit system 30, so that the magnetic field generated by the first electromagnet 31 is continuously weakened until the step chain 20 is no longer supported by magnetic force and descends under the action of its own gravity. Under the action of the permanent magnetic characteristics, the step chain 20 is attracted to the first electromagnet 31 and stably docked on the guide magnetic rail 10. After the suspension limit system 30 stops, it will feedback the suspension stop signal to the escalator control system 50 to confirm that the first electromagnet 31 has completely stopped working and the escalator stops running.

[0069] In another possible implementation, in step III, when the ladder control system 50 outputs a propulsion stop command, if the propulsion stop signal fed back by the propulsion electromagnetic system 40 is not received within a preset time; then the ladder control system 50 outputs a propulsion power supply interruption signal, and changes the current direction output by the suspension limit system 30, so that an attractive force is generated between the step chain 20 and the suspension limit system 30.

[0070] Specifically, if the propulsion stop signal fed back by the propulsion electromagnetic system 40 is not received within the preset time, the ladder control system 50 determines that the propulsion electromagnetic system 40 has a fault and cannot stop normally. At this time, the ladder control system 50 immediately outputs a power supply interruption signal of the propulsion electromagnetic system 40, forcibly cuts off the power supply of the propulsion electromagnetic system 40, and completely stops the operation of the second electromagnet 41, eliminating the driving force generated by it. At the same time, the ladder control system 50 changes the current direction output by the suspension limit system 30, so that the first electromagnet 31 generates a magnetic field that attracts the magnetic field of the step chain 20, and uses the magnetic field braking force to force the step chain 20 to decelerate and stop.

[0071] The operating method of the magnetic levitation escalator provided in this embodiment does not require traditional motors to provide power, but uses magnetic levitation technology to achieve contactless operation of steps and guide rails, eliminating the wear, noise and vibration caused by the friction between escalator rollers and guide rails in related technologies, thereby greatly improving passenger riding comfort, extending the service life of the escalator and reducing maintenance costs. At the same time, the method accurately controls the suspension, drive and braking of the steps through the magnetic field to achieve smooth and efficient operation and smooth deceleration. In addition, in an emergency, the method uses magnetic field braking combined with mechanical braking to ensure fast and reliable braking to protect passenger safety.

[0072] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "vertical", "up", "down", "horizontal", etc. indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0073] In the description of the present invention, it is also necessary to explain that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "set", "install", "connect", and "connect" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0074] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments or replace some of the technical features therein by equivalents. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for operating a magnetic levitation escalator, characterized in that: The escalator comprises a guide rail and a ring-shaped linked step chain, wherein the step chain has permanent magnetic properties, and the method comprises the following steps: Ⅰ Starting the suspension limit system to generate a magnetic field of predetermined strength and direction, driving the step chain to suspend in the guide track; Ⅱ Starting the propulsion electromagnetic system to generate a magnetic field that interacts with the permanent magnetic characteristics of the step chain, driving the step chain to circulate along the guide track; Ⅲ When the ladder control system receives an emergency stop command, the ladder control system outputs a stop command to the propulsion electromagnetic system and starts the mechanical brake device connected to the step chain, so that the mechanical brake device and the step chain form a mechanical interlock; The working power supply of the IV mechanical brake device is controlled by the working power supply of the escalator. When the working power supply of the escalator is interrupted, the mechanical brake device automatically loses power and forms a mechanical interlock with the step chain.

2. The operating method of a magnetic levitation escalator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mechanical braking device includes a driving mechanism and a latch, wherein the driving mechanism is electrically connected to the escalator working power supply, and the driving mechanism is configured to drive the latch to move outside the step chain movement path when powered on; when the escalator working power supply is interrupted, the driving mechanism loses power and releases the restriction on the latch, so that the latch enters the step chain movement path and forms a mechanical interlock with the step chain.

3. The operating method of a magnetic levitation escalator according to claim 2, characterized in that: Before step I, the position signal of the latch is detected by a signal sensor; if it is detected that the latch is within the moving path of the step chain, the operation is stopped.

4. The operating method of a magnetic levitation escalator according to claim 1, characterized in that: After step II, it also includes: ⅰUse signal sensors to detect the suspension distance, running speed and running direction of the step chain; ⅱ The elevator control system adjusts the current magnitude and current direction output by the suspension limit system based on the preset suspension threshold and speed threshold, and adjusts the current magnitude, current direction and current direction switching frequency output by the propulsion electromagnetic system; ⅲ The step chain runs at the target suspension distance, running speed and running direction.

5. The operating method of a magnetic levitation escalator according to claim 4, characterized in that: In step III, the ladder control system outputs a stop command to the propulsion electromagnetic system and changes the direction of the current output by the suspension limit system, so that an attractive force is generated between the step chain and the suspension limit system.

6. The operating method of a magnetic levitation escalator according to claim 5, characterized in that: When attraction is generated between the step chain and the suspension limiting system, the ladder control system increases the current output by the suspension limiting system.

7. The operating method of a magnetic levitation escalator according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step III, when the escalator control system receives a stop command, the escalator control system outputs a propulsion stop command, and outputs a suspension stop command after receiving a propulsion stop signal fed back by the propulsion electromagnetic system; the suspension limit system receives the suspension stop command and stops, and then feeds back a suspension stop signal to the escalator control system, and the escalator stops running.

8. The method for operating a magnetic levitation escalator according to claim 7, characterized in that: In step III, when the ladder control system outputs a propulsion stop command, if the propulsion stop signal fed back by the propulsion electromagnetic system is not received within a preset time, the ladder control system outputs a propulsion power supply interruption signal and changes the current direction output by the suspension limit system to generate an attractive force between the step chain and the suspension limit system.

9. The method for operating a magnetic levitation escalator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The guide track has a first wall and two second walls arranged in parallel, and the suspension limit system includes a plurality of first electromagnets arranged on the second wall; the first electromagnets are configured to generate a magnetic field that repels the step chain so that a suspension gap is formed between the step chain and the second wall; the propulsion electromagnetic system includes a plurality of second electromagnets arranged on the first wall, and the second electromagnets are configured to generate a changing magnetic field that interacts with the permanent magnetic properties of the step chain to generate a driving force that drives the step chain to move along the guide track.

10. The operating method of a magnetic levitation escalator according to claim 4, characterized in that: Adjusting the suspension limit system and the propulsion electromagnetic system includes: a) When the suspension distance of the step chain exceeds a preset suspension threshold, the current magnitude and current direction output by the suspension limit system are adjusted to change the magnetic field strength and direction generated by the first electromagnet so that the step chain returns to the target suspension distance; b) When the running speed of the step chain exceeds the preset speed threshold, or the running direction is inconsistent with the target direction, adjust the current size, current direction and current direction switching frequency output by the propulsion electromagnetic system to change the magnetic field strength, direction and change frequency generated by the second electromagnet, so that the step chain returns to the target speed or direction.

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