Man conveyor

Abstract

To provide a man conveyor that can determine abnormal chain elongation on the basis of a chain travel speed.SOLUTION: A man conveyor comprises: a plurality of steps; an endless annular chain to which the plurality of steps are connected; a motor for travelling the chain; a speed detection part which detects a travel speed of the chain; and a processing part which determines chain elongation during a set period from chain travel start to lapse of a set time. A frequency of electric power supplied to a motor is constant over the set period. The processing part determines abnormal chain elongation when the speed detection part detects that the chain travel speed is a set speed or higher during the set period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This specification relates to a people conveyor. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a passenger conveyor includes a plurality of steps, an endless circular chain to which the steps are connected, a motor for driving the chain, and a processor for determining the elongation of the chain (for example, Patent Document 1). The passage of the chain roller is detected, and the processor determines whether the elongation of the chain is abnormal based on the output signal of the detection.

[0003] However, in the passenger conveyor of Patent Document 1, when the traveling speed of the chain changes, it is not possible to accurately determine the elongation of the chain. Therefore, it is desirable to determine abnormality in the elongation of the chain based on the traveling speed of the chain. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-194024 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a people conveyor that can determine abnormalities in chain elongation based on the running speed of the chain. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] [1] Man conveyor is Multiple steps and an endless circular chain to which the plurality of steps are connected; A motor for driving the chain; a speed detection unit for detecting a running speed of the chain; a processing unit that determines elongation of the chain during a set period from when the chain starts to run until a set time has elapsed, the frequency of the power supplied to the motor is constant during the set period; The processing unit determines that the chain has elongated abnormally when the speed detection unit detects that the traveling speed of the chain is equal to or greater than a set speed during the set period.

[0007] [2] In addition, in the man conveyor of [1], the processing unit determines that an abnormality has occurred in elongation of the chain when, during the set period, the speed detection unit detects that the traveling speed of the chain is equal to or greater than the set speed and then the speed detection unit detects that the traveling speed of the chain has decelerated to or greater than a set deceleration. The following configuration is also possible.

[0008] [3] In addition, the man conveyor of [1] or [2] is an inverter that changes the frequency of power supplied to the motor; The processing unit executes a reference control for keeping a frequency of the power supplied to the motor constant during the set period, the processing unit executes frequency control for changing a frequency of the power supplied to the motor based on detection by the speed detection unit after the set period so that the traveling speed of the chain is constant. The following configuration is also possible.

[0009] [4] In addition, any one of the man conveyors [1] to [3] is A first person detection unit that detects a person in the boarding and disembarking area; a second person detection unit that detects a person in an area of ​​the boarding / alighting section that is closer to the step than an area where the first person detection unit detects a person; the processing unit starts running of the chain when the first human detection unit detects a human in a state in which running of the chain is stopped, The processing unit sets the set period to a period from when the chain starts traveling to when the second human detection unit detects a human. The following configuration is also possible.

[0010] [5] In addition, any one of the man conveyors [1] to [4] is An input unit into which instruction data for starting operation of the passenger conveyor is input; A person detection unit that detects people at the boarding and disembarking section, the processing unit, when the command data is input to the input unit in a state in which the chain is stopped, starts the chain from traveling and executes a determination of the elongation of the chain; When the human detection unit detects a human in a state in which the running of the chain is stopped, the processing unit starts running of the chain and does not execute a determination of elongation of the chain. The following configuration is also possible. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of a people conveyor according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a step and a chain according to the embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of a sprocket according to the embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a front view of a support portion and a tension applying portion according to the embodiment; [Diagram 5] Control block diagram of the passenger conveyor according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a front view of the main part of the passenger conveyor according to the embodiment (front view of the main part of the parapet part at the rear side) [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a main part of a passenger conveyor according to the embodiment; [Figure 8] Relationship between time and speed when chain elongation is normal [Figure 9]Relationship between time and speed when chain elongation is abnormal DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] In each drawing, the dimensions of the components may be enlarged or reduced relative to the actual dimensions in order to facilitate understanding, and the dimensional ratios between the drawings may not be consistent. Note that in each drawing, some of the components may be omitted in order to facilitate understanding.

[0013] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. are used to describe various components, but these terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another, and the components are not particularly limited by these terms. The number of components including ordinal numbers is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, one. In addition, the ordinal numbers used in the following specification and drawings may differ from the ordinal numbers described in the claims.

[0014] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the passenger conveyor will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. Note that the following embodiment is provided as an example to aid in understanding the configuration of the passenger conveyor, and is not intended to limit the configuration of the passenger conveyor.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a person conveyor 1 may include, for example, a structure 2 installed on a main body, a transport section 3 for transporting people (passengers), a pair of balustrade sections 4 (only one is shown in Figure 1) arranged to sandwich the transport section 3 in the second direction D2, a drive section 5 for driving the transport section 3 and the balustrade section 4, and a processing section 6 for controlling the entire device.

[0016] In each figure, the first direction D1 is the first horizontal direction (also called the "front-to-back direction") D1 which is a direction parallel to the horizontal direction, the second direction D2 is the second horizontal direction (also called the "width direction") D2 which is parallel to the horizontal direction and perpendicular to the first horizontal direction D1, and the third direction D3 is a vertical direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction D1 and the second horizontal direction D2, and is the up-down direction D3.

[0017] The passenger conveyor 1 according to this embodiment is an escalator with a stepped tread surface for transporting passengers, but is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the passenger conveyor 1 may be a moving walkway with a flat tread surface for transporting passengers.

[0018] The conveying section 3 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include a pair of endless circular chains 7, 7 spaced apart in the second horizontal direction D2, connecting shafts 8 each connected to the pair of chains 7, 7, and a plurality of steps 9 arranged between the pair of chains 7, 7 and rotatably connected to the connecting shafts 8, thereby connected to the chains 7.

[0019] As a result, the steps 9 run together with the chain 7 and are connected to the chain 7 so as to be rotatable about an axis in the second lateral direction D2. The chain 7 runs while rotating when driven by the drive unit 5.

[0020] The chain 7 may include, for example, links 7a rotatably connected to each other and rollers 7b rotatably connected to the links 7a, as in this embodiment. That is, in this embodiment, the chain 7 is a roller chain. However, the chain 7 is not limited to this configuration.

[0021] The step 9 may include, for example, a step body 9a and a roller 9b rotatably connected to the step body 9a as in this embodiment. The step body 9a may also include, for example, a tread portion 9c on which a person stands, a rise portion 9d formed in a curved shape, and a connecting portion 9e rotatably connected to the connecting shaft 8 as in this embodiment.

[0022] The balustrade section 4 may include, for example, an endless circular handrail belt 4a that rotates and runs, a balustrade main body section 4b that supports the handrail belt 4a, and a cover section 4c that covers the lower part of the balustrade main body section 4b. Note that, for example, the handrail belt 4a may run by being driven by the drive section 5, and the running of the handrail belt 4a may be synchronized with the running of the steps 9.

[0023] The structure 2 may, for example, have a machine room 2a arranged at each end in the first horizontal direction D1 as in this embodiment. The passenger conveyor 1 may, for example, have a floor plate 1a attached to the structure 2 so as to cover the machine room 2a from above as in this embodiment. As a result, the floor plate 1a constitutes boarding and disembarking sections 1b arranged at each end in the first horizontal direction D1 of the conveying section 3 for getting on and off the conveying section 3.

[0024] The drive unit 5 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include a rotatable sprocket (also referred to as a "drive sprocket") 10 around which the first end of the chain 7 in the first horizontal direction D1 is wound, a support unit 11 that supports the second end of the chain 7 in the first horizontal direction D1, a motor 12 that rotates the sprocket 10, and a transmission unit 13 that transmits the drive of the motor 12 to the sprocket 10.

[0025] The transmission unit 13 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, a rotating body 13a that rotates integrally with the sprocket 10, and an endless annular transmission body 13b that is wound around the drive shaft of the motor 12 and the rotating body 13a, respectively. In this way, the drive force of the motor 12 is transmitted to the sprocket 10.

[0026] 3, the sprocket 10 may be fixed to the rotor 13a so as to be coaxial with the rotor 13a. As a result, the sprocket 10 rotates integrally with the rotor 13a about an axis in the second lateral direction D2. The sprocket 10 may have a plurality of teeth 10a that hook the rollers 7b of the chain 7, as in this embodiment.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 4, the structure 2 may be, for example, a truss structure or a girder structure composed of a plurality of frame members 2b. The support portion 11 may be, for example, as in this embodiment, equipped with a guide portion 11a that guides the chain 7 (only roller 7b is shown in Fig. 4). However, without being limited to such a configuration, the support portion 11 may be, for example, a sprocket (driven sprocket) around which the chain 7 is wound and which can rotate about an axis in the second horizontal direction D2.

[0028] The people conveyor 1 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include a guide mechanism 14 that guides the support portion 11 in the first lateral direction D1, and a tension applying portion 15 that applies tension to the chain 7. The guide mechanism 14 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include a roller 14a fixed to the support portion 11, and a rail 14b fixed to the structure 2 and extending along the first lateral direction D1 to guide the roller 14a in the first lateral direction D1.

[0029] The tension applying portion 15 may include, for example, an elastic portion 15a that applies an elastic restoring force in the first horizontal direction D1 to the support portion 11 as in this embodiment. Although not particularly limited, for example, as in this embodiment, the elastic portion 15a may be a helical spring, and the tension applying portion 15 may include a connecting portion 15b that is fixed to the support portion 11 and extends in the first horizontal direction D1, a first holding portion 15c that is fixed to the connecting portion 15b and holds a first end of the elastic portion 15a, and a second holding portion 15d that is fixed to the frame material 2b of the structure 2 and holds a second end of the elastic portion 15a.

[0030] As a result, the elastic portion 15a undergoes elastic deformation by compression in the first horizontal direction D1, and an elastic restoring force in the first horizontal direction D1 (specifically, the left direction in FIG. 4) is applied to the support portion 11, thereby applying tension to the chain 7. Note that the configuration is not limited to this, and the tension applying portion 15 may be configured in any way as long as the elastic portion 15a applies an elastic restoring force in the first horizontal direction D1 to the support portion 11, thereby applying tension to the chain 7.

[0031] 5, the processing unit 6 may include, for example, an acquisition unit 6a that acquires each piece of information (data) from each unit, a storage unit 6b that stores each piece of information, a calculation unit 6c that calculates each piece of information, and a control unit 6d that controls each unit. In this specification, storing includes not only the case where data is stored until it is deleted by inputting a deletion instruction, but also the case where data is temporarily stored for use in the calculation of the calculation unit 6c and deleted after the calculation is completed regardless of whether a deletion instruction is input.

[0032] The processing unit 6 may be a computer including a processor such as a CPU and an MPU (e.g., a calculation unit 6c, a control unit 6d), a memory such as a ROM and a RAM (e.g., an acquisition unit 6a, a storage unit 6b), various interfaces, etc. As a result, the processor executes a program stored in the memory, and the respective units 6a to 6d of the processing unit 6 are realized by the cooperation of the software and hardware.

[0033] The processing unit 6 may be configured, for example, as one device, or may be configured, for example, as multiple devices that can communicate with each other. Specifically, the units 6a to 6d of the processing unit 6 may be provided, for example, in one device, or may be provided, for example, as distributed across multiple devices that can communicate with each other.

[0034] The people conveyor 1 may, for example, as in this embodiment, comprise an input unit 16 to which various information is input, and an output unit 17 to which various information is output. The people conveyor 1 may also, for example, as in this embodiment, comprise a speed detection unit 18 that detects the running speed of the chain 7, people detection units 19, 20 that detect people riding on the people conveyor 1, and an inverter 21 that changes the frequency of the power supplied to the motor 12.

[0035] The speed detection unit 18 may be, for example, a sensor (for example, a proximity sensor or a photoelectric sensor) that detects the teeth on the outer periphery of the rotating body 13a, or may be, for example, a sensor (for example, an encoder) that detects the rotation of the rotating body 13a or the sprocket 10, or may be, for example, a sensor (for example, an encoder) that detects the rotation of a roller that rotates by contacting the step 9. The speed detection unit 18 may also be, for example, a sensor (for example, an encoder) that detects the rotation of a roller that rotates by contacting the chain 7.

[0036] In this way, the speed detection unit 18 may indirectly detect the running speed of the chain 7, for example, by detecting the rotational speed of the rotating body 13a, the rotational speed of the sprocket 10, and the running speed of the step 9, or may directly detect the running speed of the chain 7, for example, by detecting the running speed of the chain 7.

[0037] The input unit 16 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a switch (push button switch, select switch, etc.), a touch panel, etc. As shown in Fig. 6, the input unit 16 may include, for example, an operation start input unit 16a to which instruction data for starting operation of the man conveyor 1 (start of running of the chain 7 and steps 9) is input, and a running direction input unit 16b to which instruction data for the running direction of the steps 9 (rotation direction of the chain 7) is input.

[0038] The operation start input unit 16a may receive, for example, operation start instruction data, which is an instruction to start the movement of the chain 7 and the steps 9, and operation stop instruction data to stop the movement of the chain 7 and the steps 9. Although not particularly limited, the operation start input unit 16a may be, for example, as in this embodiment, a key lock switch that is disposed in the cover portion 4c of the balustrade portion 4 and can be turned by inserting a key.

[0039] The running direction input unit 16b may receive, for example, first direction instruction data that is an instruction to run in a first direction (upward) on the steps 9, and second direction instruction data that is an instruction to run in a second direction (downward) on the steps 9. Although not particularly limited, the running direction input unit 16b may be, for example, as in this embodiment, a key lock switch that is disposed on the cover 4c of the balustrade 4 and can be turned by inserting a key.

[0040] The output unit 17 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a display unit 17a that displays information (e.g., an electronic bulletin board, a signal light), a sound output unit that emits information as sound (e.g., a buzzer, a speaker), or a signal output unit that outputs a signal to the outside (e.g., a central monitoring panel, a monitoring center, etc.).

[0041] The human detection units 19, 20 may, for example, detect whether or not a person is present in the boarding and alighting section 1b in order to detect a person getting on the passenger conveyor 1. And, as shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the human detection units 19, 20 may, for example, include a first human detection unit 19 that detects a person in the boarding and alighting section 1b, and a second human detection unit 20 that detects a person in an area of ​​the boarding and alighting section 1b that is closer to the step 9 (an area inside in the first lateral direction D1) than the area where the first human detection unit 19 detects a person.

[0042] The human detection units 19 and 20 may be, for example, photoelectric sensors arranged inside the balustrade 4 as in this embodiment. In Fig. 7, the two-dot chain lines indicate the area in which the human detection units 19 and 20 detect people. However, without being limited to such a configuration, the human detection units 19 and 20 may be, for example, cameras that capture images from above and sides of the boarding and alighting unit 1b, or may be, for example, load cells that detect the weight of a person from below the boarding and alighting unit 1b.

[0043] The configuration of the passenger conveyor 1 according to this embodiment is as described above, and next, the control of the passenger conveyor 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Note that the following content is provided as an example to help understand the control of the passenger conveyor 1, and does not limit the control of the passenger conveyor 1.

[0044] <Automatic driving control> The processing unit 6 may execute automatic driving control, for example, as in this embodiment. For example, the automatic driving control may be the following control.

[0045] First, when operation start instruction data is input to operation start input unit 16a while the chain 7 and steps 9 are stopped from traveling, or when first person detection unit 19 detects a person, processing unit 6 starts the traveling of chain 7 and steps 9. Then, when a predetermined time (for example, the time for steps 9 to travel a distance of 1 / 2 revolution + 30 seconds) has elapsed since second person detection unit 20 last detected a person, processing unit 6 stops the traveling of chain 7 and steps 9.

[0046] Therefore, the first running of the chain 7 and steps 9 is started by an input to the operation start input unit 16a, and thereafter, the running of the chain 7 and steps 9 is started by detection by the first person detection unit 19. Note that if the second person detection unit 20 does not detect a person for a predetermined time (e.g., 20 to 30 seconds) after the running of the chain 7 and steps 9 has started, the processing unit 6 stops the running of the chain 7 and steps 9.

[0047] <Travel speed control> For example, as in this embodiment, the processing unit 6 may switch between the reference control and the frequency control to control the running speed of the chain 7 and the steps 9. For example, the reference control and the frequency control may be as follows.

[0048] The processing unit 6 executes the reference control, for example, during a set period from when the chain 7 and the steps 9 start to travel until a set time has elapsed. In the reference control, the processing unit 6 keeps the frequency of the power supplied to the motor 12 constant, for example, by controlling the inverter 21.

[0049] As a result, the traveling speed of the chain 7 and steps 9 does not change due to the frequency of the power supplied to the motor 12. When the reference control is being executed, the traveling speed of the chain 7 and steps 9 changes due to changes in the transport load. For example, the more people being transported, i.e., the heavier the transport load, the slower the traveling speed of the chain 7 and steps 9 will be.

[0050] Then, the processing unit 6 executes frequency control, for example, after a set period of time. In the frequency control, the processing unit 6 changes the frequency of the power supplied to the motor 12, for example, by controlling the inverter 21. This changes the rotation speed of the rotor 13a and the sprocket 10, and therefore the running speed of the chain 7 and the step 9.

[0051] Then, the processing unit 6 performs feedback control to change the frequency of the power supplied to the motor 12 so that the traveling speed of the chain 7 and steps 9 is constant, for example, based on the detection of the speed detection unit 18. Therefore, after the set period, the traveling speed of the chain 7 and steps 9 can be kept constant at the rated speed.

[0052] <Judgment of chain 7 elongation> Next, events that occur due to elongation of the chain 7 will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figures 8 and 9 show a situation in which the reference control is executed during a set period from time T0 to time T1, and no person is on the step 9.

[0053] When the elongation of the chain 7 is normal (almost no elongation), the tension applying unit 15 applies an appropriate tension to the chain 7 while the chain 7 is stopped. As a result, tension is constantly applied to the chain 7 from the time the chain 7 starts to run, so that the running speed of the chain 7 gradually increases until it reaches the rated speed V0, as shown in FIG.

[0054] On the other hand, if the stretch of the chain 7 is abnormal (large), when the chain 7 is stopped, the tension applying unit 15 cannot apply appropriate tension to the chain 7. This reduces the load on the motor 12 from when the chain 7 starts to run until tension is applied to the chain 7.

[0055] 9, the running speed of the chain 7 is faster than a set speed V1 that is higher than a rated speed V0. The set speed V1 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 110% to 120% of the rated speed V0.

[0056] Thereafter, as tension is applied to the chain 7, the load (torque) on the motor 12 increases rapidly. As a result, the running speed of the chain 7 decreases to a set deceleration V2 or more. The set deceleration V2 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 10% to 20% of the rated speed V0. Thereafter, the running speed of the chain 7 gradually increases until it reaches the rated speed V0.

[0057] In this way, when the elongation of the chain 7 is abnormal (large elongation), the above-mentioned event occurs. In response to this, the processing unit 6 may, for example, execute a determination of the elongation of the chain 7. For example, the determination of the elongation of the chain 7 may be controlled as follows.

[0058] The processing unit 6 may determine that there is an abnormality in the elongation of the chain 7 when, for example, a first requirement and a second requirement are satisfied within a set period. The first requirement is that the speed detection unit 18 detects that the traveling speed of the chain 7 is equal to or greater than a set speed V1, and the second requirement is that the speed detection unit 18 detects that the traveling speed of the chain 7 has decelerated to equal to or greater than a set deceleration V2. This makes it possible to accurately determine whether there is an abnormality in the elongation of the chain 7 based on the traveling speed of the chain 7.

[0059] When the processing unit 6 determines that the chain 7 is abnormally stretched, for example, the output unit 17 may output the information (abnormal stretch of the chain 7). For example, the display unit 17a may display the information, and for example, the output unit 17 may output the information to the outside (for example, a central monitoring panel, a monitoring center, etc.).

[0060] Furthermore, since a change in the frequency of the power supplied to the motor 12 changes the running speed of the chain 7, the processing unit 6 executes reference control during the set period for executing judgment of the elongation of the chain 7. As a result, the running speed of the chain 7 does not change due to the frequency of the power supplied to the motor 12, so that it is possible to accurately judge abnormality in elongation of the chain 7 based on the running speed of the chain 7.

[0061] Furthermore, since the frequency of the power supplied to the motor 12 is constant during the set period, when a person steps on the step 9, the conveying load changes, and the change in conveying load causes a change in the traveling speed of the chain 7. Therefore, the processing unit 6 may set the set period to the period from when the chain 7 starts to travel until the second person detection unit 20 detects a person. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous determination of an abnormality in the elongation of the chain 7 due to a change in the conveying load.

[0062] From the above, the passenger conveyor 1, as in this embodiment, Multiple steps 9 and an endless circular chain 7 to which the plurality of steps 9 are connected; A motor 12 for driving the chain 7; A speed detection unit 18 for detecting a running speed of the chain 7; A processing unit (6) that determines elongation of the chain (7) during a set period from when the chain (7) starts running until a set time has elapsed, The frequency of the power supplied to the motor 12 is constant during the set period, The processing unit 6 determines that the elongation of the chain 7 is abnormal when the speed detection unit 18 detects that the traveling speed of the chain 7 is equal to or higher than a set speed V1 during the set period. This configuration is preferred.

[0063] According to this configuration, when the chain 7 elongates, the load on the motor 12 is reduced from when the chain 7 starts to run until tension is applied to the chain 7. On the other hand, when the speed detection unit 18 detects that the running speed of the chain 7 is equal to or higher than the set speed V1 during the set period, the chain 7 is determined to have elongated abnormally. This makes it possible to determine whether the chain 7 is elongated abnormally based on the running speed of the chain 7.

[0064] In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1, as in this embodiment, The processing unit 6 determines that the elongation of the chain 7 is abnormal when the speed detection unit 18 detects that the traveling speed of the chain 7 is decelerated to a set deceleration V2 or more after the speed detection unit 18 detects that the traveling speed of the chain 7 is equal to or greater than the set speed V1 during the set period. This configuration is preferred.

[0065] According to this configuration, when the chain 7 elongates, the chain 7 starts to travel, and tension changes from a state in which tension is not applied to the chain 7 to a state in which tension is applied, causing the load on the motor 12 to increase rapidly. On the other hand, if the speed detection unit 18 detects that the running speed of the chain 7 has decelerated to a set deceleration V2 or more during the set period, the chain 7 is determined to have elongated abnormally. This makes it possible to accurately determine whether the chain 7 is elongated abnormally based on the running speed of the chain 7.

[0066] In addition, the passenger conveyor 1, as in this embodiment, An inverter 21 that changes the frequency of the power supplied to the motor 12 is provided. The processing unit 6 executes a reference control for keeping the frequency of the power supplied to the motor 12 constant during the set period, After the set period, the processing unit 6 executes frequency control to change the frequency of the power supplied to the motor 12 based on the detection of the speed detection unit 18 so that the traveling speed of the chain 7 is constant. The following configuration is also possible.

[0067] According to this configuration, since the reference control is executed during the set period, the frequency of the power supplied to the motor 12 is constant. As a result, the running speed of the chain 7 does not change due to the frequency of the power supplied to the motor 12, so that abnormality in the elongation of the chain 7 can be accurately determined based on the running speed of the chain 7.

[0068] Then, after the set period, frequency control is performed, and the frequency of the power supplied to the motor 12 is changed based on the detection by the speed detection unit 18. This makes it possible to keep the running speed of the chain 7 constant after the set period.

[0069] In addition, the passenger conveyor 1, as in this embodiment, A first person detection unit 19 that detects a person at the boarding and disembarking section 1b; a second person detection unit 20 that detects a person in an area of ​​the boarding / alighting section 1b that is closer to the step 9 than an area where the first person detection unit 19 detects a person; When the first human detection unit 19 detects a human being while the chain 7 is stopped, the processing unit 6 starts the chain 7 from traveling, The processing unit 6 sets the set period to a period from when the chain 7 starts traveling to when the second human detection unit 20 detects a human. This configuration is preferred.

[0070] With this configuration, the frequency of the power supplied to the motor 12 is constant during the set period, so when a person steps on the step 9, the conveying load changes, and the change in conveying load causes a change in the traveling speed of the chain 7. In contrast, the set period is set to the period from when the chain 7 starts to move until the second person detection unit 20 detects a person. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous determination of abnormal stretching of the chain 7 due to a change in the conveying load.

[0071] The passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment described above, nor is it limited to the above-mentioned effects. Furthermore, the passenger conveyor 1 can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, it is possible to select one or more of the configurations and methods of the various modified examples described below and adopt them in the configurations and methods of the embodiment described above.

[0072] (A) In the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the processing unit 6 is configured to determine that the chain 7 has elongated abnormally when the speed detection unit 18 detects that the traveling speed of the chain 7 is equal to or greater than the set speed V1 during a set period, and then detects that the traveling speed of the chain 7 has decelerated to equal to or greater than the set deceleration V2 during that period. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the processing unit 6 may be configured to determine that the chain 7 has elongated abnormally when the speed detection unit 18 merely detects that the traveling speed of the chain 7 is equal to or greater than the set speed V1 during the set period.

[0073] (B) In addition, in the people conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the processing unit 6 is configured to execute a reference control for keeping the frequency of the power supplied to the motor 12 constant during the set period, and execute a frequency control for changing the frequency of the power supplied to the motor 12 after the set period. However, the people conveyor 1 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the processing unit 6 may be configured to always execute a reference control for keeping the frequency of the power supplied to the motor 12 constant, regardless of the set period and after the set period.

[0074] (C) In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the processing unit 6 executes automatic operation control and repeatedly starts and stops the running of the chain 7 based on the detection of the person detection units 19 and 20. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0075] For example, the processing unit 6 may be configured to run the chain 7 so that the running speed of the chain 7 is always constant. Also, for example, the processing unit 6 may be configured to run the chain 7 by always keeping the frequency of the power supplied to the motor 12 constant. Also, for example, the processing unit 6 may be configured to alternate the running speed of the chain 7 between a rated speed and a low speed (without stopping the running of the chain 7) based on the detection of the human detection units 19 and 20.

[0076] (D) Furthermore, the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment is equipped with an inverter 21, and is configured to supply power to the motor 12 via the inverter 21. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the passenger conveyor 1 may be configured to directly supply commercial power to the motor 12, and the frequency of the power supplied to the motor 12 may be constant.

[0077] (E) In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the processing unit 6 is configured to set the set period to the period from when the chain 7 starts to run until the second person detection unit 20 detects a person. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the processing unit 6 may be configured to set the set period to the period from when the chain 7 starts to run until a preset time (for example, 1 to 2 seconds) has elapsed.

[0078] (F) Furthermore, the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment is configured to include a tension applying section 15 having an elastic section 15a that applies an elastic restoring force to the chain 7 in order to apply tension to the chain 7. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the passenger conveyor 1 may be configured not to include the elastic section 15a, and the sprocket 10 and the support section 11 may be arranged in appropriate positions so that tension is applied to the chain 7.

[0079] (G) In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the processing unit 6 is configured to always determine the elongation of the chain 7 when the chain 7 starts to travel. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0080] For example, because the frequency of the power supplied to the motor 12 is constant during the set period, when a person steps on the step 9, the conveying load changes, and the change in conveying load causes a change in the traveling speed of the chain 7. If operation start instruction data is input to the operation start input unit 16a of the input unit 16 while the chain 7 is stopped, the possibility of a person stepping on the step 9 is low. On the other hand, if the person detection units 19 and 20 detect a person while the chain 7 is stopped, the possibility of a person stepping on the step 9 is high.

[0081] So, the man conveyor 1 is, for example, An input unit 16 (specifically, an operation start input unit 16a) into which instruction data for starting the operation of the passenger conveyor 1 is input; A person detection unit (specifically, a first person detection unit 19) that detects a person at the boarding and alighting section 1b, When the instruction data is input to the input unit 16 in a state where the chain 7 is stopped, the processing unit 6 starts the chain 7 to travel and executes a determination of the elongation of the chain 7; When the human detection unit 19 detects a human being while the chain 7 is stopped, the processing unit 6 starts the chain 7 to travel, and does not execute a determination of the elongation of the chain 7. The following configuration is also possible.

[0082] According to this configuration, when command data is input to the input unit 16 while the chain 7 is stopped from traveling, the chain 7 elongation determination is performed, making it possible to properly determine abnormality in the chain 7 elongation. Also, when the human detection unit 19 detects a human while the chain 7 is stopped from traveling, the chain 7 elongation determination is not performed, making it possible to prevent erroneous determination of abnormality in the chain 7 elongation due to changes in the conveying load.

[0083] (H) In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the processing unit 6 is configured to determine the elongation of the chain 7 based on the speed in each set period. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the processing unit 6 may be configured to determine the elongation of the chain 7 based on the average speed in multiple set periods.

[0084] (I) In addition, in the people conveyor 1, the processing unit 6 may be configured to predict the time when the chain 7 will become abnormally stretched (for example, when the speed detection unit 18 detects that the running speed of the chain 7 is equal to or higher than the set speed V1) based on the speed during at least one immediately preceding set period. With such a configuration, for example, it is possible to know the time to adjust the tension applied to the chain 7.

[0085] (J) Furthermore, in the people conveyor 1, the processing unit 6 may be configured so that if the speed detection unit 18 continues to detect that the running speed of the chain 7 is equal to or greater than the set speed V1 for a predetermined time (e.g., 1 to 2 seconds) during the set period, it not only determines that there is an abnormality in the elongation of the chain 7, but also stops the running of the chain 7. With this configuration, for example, if there is a risk of an abnormality other than elongation of the chain 7 (e.g., breakage of the chain 7), the running of the chain 7 can be stopped.

[0086] (K) Note that, for example, the order of execution of each process, such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages, in the systems, methods, programs, and devices shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings, can be realized in any order, as long as the output of a previous process is not used in a subsequent process. For example, even if the description uses "first," "next," etc. for convenience, it does not mean that the processes must be executed in that order. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1...man conveyor, 1a...floor plate, 1b...boarding and disembarking section, 2...structure, 2a...machine room, 2b...frame material, 3...transport section, 4...balustrade section, 4a...handrail belt, 4b...balustrade main body section, 4c...cover section, 5...driving section, 6...processing section, 6a...acquisition section, 6b...storage section, 6c...calculation section, 6d...control section, 7...chain, 7a...link, 7b...roller, 8...connecting shaft, 9...step, 9a...step main body, 9b...roller, 9c...tread section, 9d...rise section, 9e...connecting section, 10...sprocket, 10a...tooth, 11...support section, Reference Signs List 11a...guide section, 12...motor, 13...transmission section, 13a...rotating body, 13b...transmission body, 14...guide mechanism, 14a...roller, 14b...rail, 15...tensioning section, 15a...elastic section, 15b...connecting section, 15c...first holding section, 15d...second holding section, 16...input section, 16a...operation start input section, 16b...traveling direction input section, 17...output section, 17a...display section, 18...speed detection section, 19...first person detection section, 20...second person detection section, 21...inverter, D1...first horizontal direction, D2...second horizontal direction, D3...up-down direction

Claims

1. Multiple steps and an endless circular chain to which the plurality of steps are connected; A motor for driving the chain; a speed detection unit for detecting a running speed of the chain; a processing unit that determines elongation of the chain during a set period from when the chain starts to run until a set time has elapsed, the frequency of the power supplied to the motor is constant during the set period; The processing unit determines that the chain has elongated abnormally when the speed detection unit detects that the running speed of the chain is equal to or greater than a set speed during the set period.

2. 2. A man conveyor as described in claim 1, wherein the processing unit determines that the chain has elongated abnormally when, during the set period, the speed detection unit detects that the running speed of the chain is equal to or greater than the set speed, and then the speed detection unit detects that the running speed of the chain has decelerated to or greater than a set deceleration.

3. an inverter that changes the frequency of power supplied to the motor; The processing unit executes a reference control for keeping a frequency of the power supplied to the motor constant during the set period, A man conveyor as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing unit performs frequency control to change the frequency of the power supplied to the motor based on detection by the speed detection unit after the set period so that the running speed of the chain is constant.

4. A first person detection unit that detects a person in the boarding and disembarking area; a second person detection unit that detects a person in an area of ​​the boarding / alighting section that is closer to the step than an area where the first person detection unit detects a person; the processing unit starts running of the chain when the first human detection unit detects a human in a state in which running of the chain is stopped, 3. The passenger conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit sets the set period to a period from when the chain starts to travel to when the second passenger detection unit detects a passenger.

5. An input unit into which instruction data for starting operation of the passenger conveyor is input; A person detection unit that detects people at the boarding and disembarking section, the processing unit, when the command data is input to the input unit in a state in which the chain is stopped, starts the chain from traveling and executes a determination of the elongation of the chain; A passenger conveyor as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing unit starts running of the chain when the person detection unit detects a person while the chain is stopped, and does not perform a determination of the elongation of the chain.

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