Man conveyor

Abstract

To provide a man conveyor capable of adjusting the travel speed of steps appropriately.SOLUTION: A man conveyor includes steps that travel to transport people, a load detection unit that detects the load on the steps for transportation, and a processing device that controls the travel speed of the steps. The processing device switches between first operation control and second operation control. The first operation control sets the maximum travel speed of the steps to a first operation speed when the load detected by the load detection unit is equal to or greater than a first set value, and sets the maximum travel speed of the steps to a second operation speed that is slower than the first operation speed when the load detected by the load detection unit is less than the first set value. The second operation control sets the maximum travel speed of the steps to a third operation speed that is equal to or less than the second operation speed regardless of the load detected by the load detection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a people conveyor has steps that travel to transport people, a load detection unit that detects the load transported by the steps, and a processing device that controls the travel speed of the steps (for example, Patent Document 1). In the people conveyor according to Patent Document 1, the travel speed of the steps is changed according to the load detected by the load detection unit.

[0003] However, when elderly people or children try to get on the steps, if the steps are moving too fast, it may be difficult for them to get on. Therefore, there is a demand for an appropriate speed for the steps, taking into consideration not only the load that the steps will carry, but also the elderly people and children who will be using the people conveyor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-214180 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, the problem is to provide a people conveyor that can adjust the running speed of the steps appropriately. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Man conveyors are a step of traveling to transport a person; a load detection unit that detects the load conveyed by the step; a processing device for controlling the travel speed of the step; the processing device switches between a first operation control and a second operation control, the first operation control sets the maximum running speed of the step to a first operating speed when the load detected by the load detection unit is equal to or greater than a first set value, and sets the maximum running speed of the step to a second operating speed slower than the first operating speed when the load detected by the load detection unit is less than the first set value; The second operation control sets the maximum traveling speed of the step to a third operation speed that is equal to or lower than the second operation speed, regardless of the load detected by the load detection unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of a people conveyor according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Control block diagram of the passenger conveyor according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Operation switching control flow diagram of the passenger conveyor according to the embodiment [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between time and operation control according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between time and operation control according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In each drawing, the dimensions of the components may be enlarged or reduced relative to the actual dimensions, for example, to facilitate understanding, and the dimensional ratios between the drawings may not be consistent. Note that in each drawing, for example, to facilitate understanding, some of the components may be omitted.

[0009] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, but these terms are used only to distinguish 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. Furthermore, the ordinal numbers used in the following specification and drawings may differ from the ordinal numbers described in the claims.

[0010] An embodiment of a passenger conveyor will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 4. 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.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the passenger 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 a first direction D1, a drive section 5 for driving the transport section 3 and the balustrade sections 4, and a processing device 6 for controlling the entire device.

[0012] In Figure 1, the first direction D1 is the first horizontal direction (also called the "width direction") D1, which is a direction parallel to the horizontal direction, the second direction D2 is the second horizontal direction (also called the "front-to-back direction") D2, which is a direction parallel to the horizontal direction and perpendicular to the first horizontal direction D1, and the third direction D3 is the vertical direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction D1 and the second horizontal direction D2, which is the up-down direction D3.

[0013] The passenger conveyor 1 according to this embodiment is an escalator with stepped treads for transporting passengers, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the passenger conveyor 1 may be a moving walkway with flat treads for transporting passengers.

[0014] The transport unit 3 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include an endless annular running unit 3a that rotates and runs when driven by the drive unit 5, and a plurality of steps 3b that are connected to the running unit 3a to run together with the running unit 3a and have treads for people to stand on, in order to transport people. Although not particularly limited, the running unit 3a may be, for example, a roller chain.

[0015] Alternatively, for example, a pair of running sections 3a may be provided spaced apart in the first horizontal direction D1, and multiple steps 3b may be disposed between the pair of running sections 3a, 3a. The steps 3b may be connected to each running section 3a so as to be rotatable about an axis in the first horizontal direction D1.

[0016] The driving unit 5 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, a rotating unit 5a around which a first end of the traveling unit 3a in the second horizontal direction D2 is wound and which rotates about an axis in the first horizontal direction D1, a supporting unit 5b that supports a second end of the traveling unit 3a in the second horizontal direction D2, and a driving source 5c that rotates the rotating unit 5a. As a result, the step 3b is reversed by the rotating unit 5a and also by the supporting unit 5b.

[0017] Although not particularly limited, the rotating portion 5a may be, for example, a sprocket. Furthermore, although not particularly limited, the support portion 5b may be, for example, a guide member that guides the running portion 3a so that it rotates in the reverse direction, or may be, for example, a rotating member (e.g., a sprocket) around which the running portion 3a is wound and which rotates about an axis in the first horizontal direction D1. Furthermore, although not particularly limited, the drive source 5c may be, for example, a motor.

[0018] 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 3b.

[0019] The structure 2 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include machine rooms 2a arranged at each end in the second horizontal direction D2. The passenger conveyor 1 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include a floor plate 1a attached to the structure 2 so as to cover the machine room 2a from above. As a result, the floor plate 1a constitutes boarding and disembarking sections 1b arranged at each end in the second horizontal direction D2 of the transport section 3 for passengers to get on and off the transport section 3.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 2, the people conveyor 1 is equipped with a load detection unit 7 that detects the load being transported by step 3b. The people conveyor 1 may also be equipped with a speed detection unit 8 that detects the traveling speed of step 3b, and a person detection unit 9 that detects people getting on step 3b, as in this embodiment. The drive unit 5 may also be equipped with a change unit 5d that changes the traveling speed of step 3b, as in this embodiment.

[0021] The change unit 5d is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, an inverter that changes the frequency of the power supplied to the motor that is the driving source 5c in order to change the rotation speed of the rotating unit 5a, or may be, for example, a gear device that switches the gear that meshes with the rotating unit 5a in order to change the rotation speed of the rotating unit 5a.

[0022] The speed detection unit 8 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor or a photoelectric sensor) that detects the teeth on the outer periphery of the rotating part 5a, or may be, for example, a sensor (e.g., an encoder) that detects the rotation of the rotating part 5a, or may be, for example, a sensor (e.g., an encoder) that detects the rotation of a roller that rotates by contacting the step 3b.

[0023] The person detection unit 9 may detect people at the boarding and disembarking section 1b, for example, to detect people getting on the people conveyor 1 (step 3b). The person detection unit 9 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a photoelectric sensor, or a camera that captures images from above or the side, or a load cell that detects the weight of a person from below, or an inverter or wattmeter that detects the load (for example, torque value, power value) of the motor that is the drive source 5c.

[0024] The configuration of the load detection unit 7 is not particularly limited. For example, the load detection unit 7 may be configured with an inverter or a power meter that detects the torque value or power value of the drive source 5c, and the speed detection unit 8. Specifically, for example, when the traveling speed in step 3b is the same, the power value of the drive source 5c increases as the load transported in step 3b increases. Therefore, the processing device 6 may calculate the load transported in step 3b (for example, the load rate relative to the rated load) based on the power value of the drive source 5c and the speed of the speed detection unit 8.

[0025] Furthermore, for example, the load detection unit 7 may be configured with a person detection unit 9. For example, the more people that get on step 3b, the greater the load to be transported on step 3b. Therefore, the processing device 6 may calculate the load to be transported on step 3b (for example, the load rate relative to the rated load) based on the detection by the person detection unit 9 (for example, the cumulative detection time in a predetermined period of time, the number of detections in a predetermined period of time, etc.).

[0026] Furthermore, the people conveyor 1 may be equipped with, for example, an input unit 10 to which various information is input, and an output unit 11 to which various information is output, as in this embodiment. Although not particularly limited, for example, the information input to the input unit 10 may be operation mode information (manual operation selection, automatic operation selection), operation instruction information (operation start instruction, operation stop instruction), step travel direction information (upper side conveyance selection, lower side conveyance selection), step travel speed information (rated speed operation selection, low speed operation selection), etc.

[0027] Furthermore, although not particularly limited, the input unit 10 may be, for example, a switch (push button switch, select switch, etc.), a touch panel, etc. Furthermore, although not particularly limited, the output unit 11 may be, for example, a display unit that displays information (for example, an electronic bulletin board, an indicator light), a sound generating unit that emits information as sound (for example, a buzzer, a speaker), a signal output unit that outputs a signal to the outside (for example, a central monitoring panel, etc.), etc.

[0028] The processing device 6 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, an acquisition unit 12 that acquires each piece of information (data) from each unit 7 to 10, a storage unit 13 that stores each piece of information, a calculation unit 14 that calculates each piece of information, and a control unit 15 that controls each unit 5, 11. The processing device 6 may also be a computer that includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU and an MPU (for example, the calculation unit 14, the control unit 15), memories such as a ROM and a RAM (for example, the acquisition unit 12, the storage unit 13), various interfaces, etc.

[0029] As a result, the processor executes the program stored in the memory, and the software and hardware work together to realize the units 12, 13, 14, and 15 of the processing device 6. The processing device 6 may be configured, for example, with a software circuit, or may be configured, for example, with a hardware circuit, or may be configured, for example, with a combination of a software circuit and a hardware circuit.

[0030] The processing device 6 may be configured as a single device, or may be configured as a plurality of devices that can communicate with each other. Specifically, the units 12, 13, 14, and 15 of the processing device 6 may be provided in a single device, or may be distributed across a plurality of devices that can communicate with each other.

[0031] The calculation unit 14 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include an attendance determination unit 14a that determines whether or not a person is riding on the people conveyor 1 based on detection by the person detection unit 9, and a load determination unit 14b that determines the load being transported by step 3b based on detection by the load detection unit 7. The control unit 15 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include a drive control unit 15a that controls the change unit 5d and an output control unit 15b that controls the output unit 11 in order to control the traveling speed of step 3b based on detection by the speed detection unit 8.

[0032] The configuration of the passenger conveyor 1 according to this embodiment is as described above. Next, we will explain the method for controlling the running speed of step 3b according to this embodiment. Note that the following method is an example to help understand the method for controlling the running speed of step 3b, and does not limit the method for controlling the running speed of step 3b.

[0033] <First operation control> First, the method of controlling the travel speed in step 3b when the processing device 6 is executing the first operational control will be described.

[0034] In the first operation control, when the load determination unit 14b determines that the load detected by the load detection unit 7 is equal to or greater than the first set value, the drive control unit 15a sets the maximum traveling speed of step 3b as the first operating speed. Although not particularly limited, the traveling speed of step 3b may be, for example, constant at the first operating speed (including not only the same speed but also approximately the same speed with an error of ±10%), or may be, for example, a speed within a predetermined range with the first operating speed as the maximum speed.

[0035] Furthermore, when the load determination unit 14b determines that the load detected by the load detection unit 7 is less than the first set value, the drive control unit 15a sets the maximum traveling speed in step 3b to a second traveling speed that is slower than the first traveling speed. Although not particularly limited, the traveling speed in step 3b may be, for example, constant at the second traveling speed (including not only the same but also approximately the same with an error of ±10%), or may be, for example, a speed within a predetermined range with the second traveling speed as the maximum speed.

[0036] Although not particularly limited, the first set value may be, for example, a value corresponding to a load factor of 15% to 25% of the rated load. Furthermore, although not particularly limited, the first operating speed may be, for example, 25 m / min to 30 m / min, and the second operating speed may be, for example, 20 m / min to 25 m / min.

[0037] The person presence determination unit 14a determines whether or not a person is present based on the detection by the person detection unit 9. Although not particularly limited, for example, when the person detection unit 9 detects a person, the person presence determination unit 14a may determine that a person is present, and for example, when a set time (for example, the time it takes for step 3b to travel a distance of 1 / 2 a revolution + 30 seconds) has elapsed since the person detection unit 9 last detected a person, the person presence determination unit 14a may determine that no person is present.

[0038] When the manned presence determination unit 14a determines that a person is present, the drive control unit 15a sets the driving state (high-speed driving state) in which the traveling speed in step 3b is the driving speed (first driving speed or second driving speed). On the other hand, when the manned presence determination unit 14a determines that no person is present, the drive control unit 15a sets the driving state (standby state) in which the traveling speed in step 3b is a standby speed slower than the second driving speed (slower than a third driving speed described below). The standby speed may be, for example, zero (0 m / s) to 10 m / min, although it is not particularly limited thereto.

[0039] In this embodiment, when the presence determination unit 14a determines that no person is present, the traveling speed in step 3b becomes the standby speed, but this is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the traveling speed in step 3b may be the operating speed (first operating speed or second operating speed) regardless of the detection by the person detection unit 9. In other words, the drive control unit 15a may be configured to enter the operating state (high-speed operating state) regardless of the detection by the person detection unit 9.

[0040] <Second operation control> Next, a method for controlling the travel speed in step 3b when the processing device 6 is executing the second operational control will be described.

[0041] In the second operation control, regardless of the load detected by the load detection unit 7, the drive control unit 15a sets the maximum traveling speed in step 3b to a third operating speed that is equal to or lower than the second operating speed. While not particularly limited, the traveling speed in step 3b may be constant at the third operating speed (including not only the same speed but also substantially the same speed with an error of ±10%), or may be a speed within a predetermined range with the third operating speed as the maximum speed. Furthermore, although not particularly limited, the third operating speed may be 15 m / min to 20 m / min. The third operating speed may be slower than the second operating speed, as in this embodiment.

[0042] The person presence determination unit 14a determines whether or not a person is present based on the detection by the person detection unit 9. Although not particularly limited, for example, when the person detection unit 9 detects a person, the person presence determination unit 14a may determine that a person is present, and for example, when a set time (for example, the time it takes for step 3b to travel a distance of 1 / 2 a revolution + 30 seconds) has elapsed since the person detection unit 9 last detected a person, the person presence determination unit 14a may determine that no person is present.

[0043] When the manned presence determination unit 14a determines that a person is present, the drive control unit 15a sets the vehicle in an operating state (low-speed operating state) in which the traveling speed in step 3b is the operating speed (third operating speed). On the other hand, when the manned presence determination unit 14a determines that no person is present, the drive control unit 15a sets the vehicle in a standby state in which the traveling speed in step 3b is a standby speed that is slower than the third operating speed. The standby speed may be, for example, zero (0 m / s) to 10 m / min, although it is not particularly limited thereto.

[0044] In this embodiment, when the presence determination unit 14a determines that no person is present, the traveling speed in step 3b becomes the standby speed, but this is not limited to the configuration. For example, the traveling speed in step 3b may be the operating speed (third operating speed) regardless of the detection by the person detection unit 9. In other words, the drive control unit 15a may be configured to enter the operating state (low-speed operating state) regardless of the detection by the person detection unit 9.

[0045] <Operation switching control> Next, the operation switching control in which the processing device 6 switches between the first operation control and the second operation control will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0046] 3 and 4, for example, when operation start information is input to the input unit 10 at the start time (around 6:00 in FIG. 4) ("Y" in S1), the processing device 6 executes the first operation control (S2). Then, the processing device 6 executes the first operation control (S2) until the predetermined first time (10:00 in FIG. 4) ("N" in S3).

[0047] Thereafter, when the first time arrives ("Y" in S3), if the load determination unit 14b determines that the load detected by the load detection unit 7 is less than the first set value ("Y" in S4), the processing device 6 immediately switches from the first operation control to the second operation control (S5). This makes it possible to execute the second operation control during times when, for example, elderly people and children often use the people conveyor 1.

[0048] On the other hand, when the first time arrives ("Y" in S3), if the load determination unit 14b determines that the load detected by the load detection unit 7 is equal to or greater than the first set value ("N" in S4), the processing device 6 continues the first operational control (S2). As a result, when the load to be transported in step 3b is large, the travel speed in step 3b can be set to a speed according to the load. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent congestion of people at the boarding and disembarking area 1b.

[0049] Thereafter, when the load determination unit 14b determines that the load detected by the load detection unit 7 has become less than the first set value ("Y" in S4), the processing device 6 switches from the first operation control to the second operation control (S5). As a result, the second operation control is executed after the load to be transported in step 3b has decreased.

[0050] Furthermore, when the predetermined second time (4:00 PM in FIG. 4) arrives ("Y" in S6), if the load determination unit 14b determines that the load detected by the load detection unit 7 is equal to or greater than the first set value ("Y" in S7), the processing device 6 immediately switches from the second operation control to the first operation control. This allows the travel speed of step 3b to be set to a speed that corresponds to the load during the time period when the load being transported in step 3b is high.

[0051] On the other hand, when the second time arrives ("Y" in S6), if the load determination unit 14b determines that the load detected by the load detection unit 7 is less than the first set value ("N" in S7), the processing device 6 continues the second operation control (S5). This makes it possible to prevent the travel speed of step 3b from becoming faster than necessary for the load being transported in step 3b, for example.

[0052] Thereafter, when the load determination unit 14b determines that the load detected by the load detection unit 7 has reached or exceeded the first set value ("Y" in S7), the processing device 6 switches from the second operation control to the first operation control (S8). As a result, once the load being transported in step 3b increases, the travel speed in step 3b can be adjusted to a speed appropriate to the load. Then, for example, when information to stop operation is input to the input unit 10 at the stop time (around 10 p.m. in FIG. 4) ("Y" in S9), the processing device 6 stops operation.

[0053] Meanwhile, when the second operation control is being executed (S5), if the load determination unit 14b determines that the load detected by the load detection unit 7 is equal to or greater than a second set value that is greater than the first set value ("Y" in S10) before the second time arrives ("N" in S6), the processing device 6 switches from the second operation control to the first operation control (S11).

[0054] As a result, even if the second operational control is being executed, the first operational control is executed when the load to be transported in step 3b is large. Therefore, the traveling speed in step 3b can be set to a speed according to the load, which can prevent congestion of people at, for example, boarding and disembarking section 1b.

[0055] Thereafter, when the load determining unit 14b determines that the load detected by the load detecting unit 7 has become less than the second set value ("Y" in S12), the processing device 6 switches from the first operation control to the second operation control (S5). Although not particularly limited, the second set value may be, for example, a value corresponding to a load factor of 40% to 50% of the rated load.

[0056] In this way, the processing device 6 switches between the first operation control and the second operation control, so that the first operation control can adjust the running speed of the step 3b to a speed that corresponds to the load, while the second operation control can adjust the running speed of the step 3b to a speed that makes it easy for elderly people and children to ride on the step 3b, regardless of the load.

[0057] Therefore, the running speed in step 3b can be set appropriately. In order to prevent the running speed in step 3b from changing suddenly, the acceleration / deceleration of the running speed in step 3b is not particularly limited, but may be set to, for example, 0.1 m / (sec) 2 It is preferable to do the following:

[0058] [1] As described above, the passenger conveyor 1, as in this embodiment, Step 3b: moving to transport the person; a load detection unit 7 that detects the load conveyed in step 3b; a processing device 6 for controlling the travel speed in step 3b; The processing device 6 switches between a first operation control and a second operation control, The first operation control sets the maximum traveling speed of the step 3b to a first operating speed when the load detected by the load detection unit 7 is equal to or greater than a first set value, and sets the maximum traveling speed of the step 3b to a second operating speed slower than the first operating speed when the load detected by the load detection unit 7 is less than the first set value, The second operation control sets the maximum traveling speed of the step 3b to a third operating speed that is equal to or lower than the second operating speed, regardless of the load detected by the load detection unit 7. This configuration is preferable.

[0059] According to this configuration, in the first operational control, when the load detected by the load detection unit 7 is equal to or greater than the first set value, the maximum traveling speed in step 3b is set to the first operating speed, whereas when the load detected by the load detection unit 7 is less than the first set value, the maximum traveling speed in step 3b is set to the second operating speed, which is slower than the first operating speed. As a result, the first operational control can set the traveling speed in step 3b to a speed that corresponds to the load.

[0060] On the other hand, the first operation control and the second operation control are switched over, and in the second operation control, the maximum running speed of the step 3b is set to a third running speed that is equal to or lower than the second running speed, regardless of the load detected by the load detection unit 7. This allows the running speed of the step 3b to be set to a speed that makes it easy for elderly people and children to ride on the step 3b, regardless of the load. Therefore, the running speed of the step 3b can be set to an appropriate speed.

[0061] [2] In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1 described above in [1], as in this embodiment, The processing device 6 switches between the first operational control and the second operational control at a predetermined time. This configuration is preferable.

[0062] According to this configuration, the first operational control and the second operational control are switched at a predetermined time, so that it is possible to set a time period in which the first operational control is executed and a time period in which the second operational control is executed. This makes it possible to set a time period in which the traveling speed of step 3b is set to a speed according to the load, and a time period in which the traveling speed of step 3b is set to a speed that makes it easy for elderly people and children to ride step 3b, regardless of the load.

[0063] [3] In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1 described above in [2], as in this embodiment, the processing device (6) switches from the first operational control to the second operational control when the load detected by the load detection unit (7) after a predetermined first time has arrived is less than the first set value; This configuration is preferable.

[0064] According to this configuration, if the load is less than the first set value at the first predetermined time, the first operational control is immediately switched to the second operational control. On the other hand, if the load is equal to or greater than the first set value at the first predetermined time, the first operational control is continued, and then, if the load becomes less than the first set value, the first operational control is switched to the second operational control.

[0065] [4] In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1 of the above [2] or [3], as in this embodiment, the processing device (6) switches from the second operation control to the first operation control when the load detected by the load detection unit (7) after a predetermined second time has arrived is equal to or greater than the first set value; This configuration is preferable.

[0066] According to this configuration, if the load is equal to or greater than the first set value at the second predetermined time, the second operational control is immediately switched to the first operational control. On the other hand, if the load is less than the first set value at the second predetermined time, the second operational control is continued, and then, if the load becomes equal to or greater than the first set value, the second operational control is switched to the first operational control.

[0067] [5] In addition, in any one of the passenger conveyors 1 described above in [1] to [4], as in this embodiment, When the load detected by the load detection unit 7 becomes equal to or greater than a second set value that is greater than the first set value while the second operation control is being executed, the processing device 6 switches from the second operation control to the first operation control. The following configuration is also possible.

[0068] According to this configuration, when the second operational control is being executed, the maximum traveling speed in step 3b is set to the third operating speed regardless of the load. On the other hand, when the second operational control is being executed, if the load becomes equal to or greater than a second set value that is greater than the first set value, the second operational control is switched to the first operational control.

[0069] The passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, nor is it limited to the above-described effects. Furthermore, various modifications can be made to the passenger conveyor 1 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 above-described embodiment.

[0070] (A) In the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the number of times the first operational control mode is switched to the second operational control mode is one in a day. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the number of times the first operational control mode is switched to the second operational control mode may be multiple in a day. Although not particularly limited, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the number of times the first operational control mode is switched to the second operational control mode may be two in a day.

[0071] (B) Furthermore, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the number of times per day the second operation control is switched to the first operation control is one. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the number of times per day the second operation control is switched to the first operation control may be multiple. Although not particularly limited, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the number of times per day the second operation control is switched to the first operation control may be two.

[0072] (C) Furthermore, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the processing device 6 is configured to switch between the first operation control and the second operation control at a predetermined time. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0073] For example, the processing device 6 may be configured to switch between the first operation control and the second operation control when operation switching instruction information is input to the input unit 10. Furthermore, the processing device 6 may be configured to switch between the first operation control and the second operation control based on the weather (for example, detection by a rain detection unit that detects rain, detection by an illuminance detection unit that detects illuminance, detection by a temperature detection unit that detects temperature, etc.).

[0074] Also, for example, the first operational control may be implemented when the load detected by the load detection unit 7 is maintained at or above a first predetermined value for a first predetermined time. Although not particularly limited, for example, the first predetermined value may be a value corresponding to a load factor of 40% to 50% of the rated load, and the first predetermined time may be, for example, 30 to 60 minutes.

[0075] Also, for example, the second operation control may be implemented when the load detected by the load detection unit 7 remains less than a second predetermined value for a second predetermined time. Although not particularly limited, the second predetermined value may be a value smaller than the first predetermined value, for example, a value corresponding to a load factor of 5% to 10% of the rated load, and the second predetermined time may be, for example, 10 to 30 minutes.

[0076] (D) Furthermore, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the processing device 6 is configured to switch from the first operational control to the second operational control when the load detected by the load detection unit 7 after the first predetermined time is reached is less than a first set value. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the processing device 6 may be configured to switch from the first operational control to the second operational control when the first predetermined time is reached, regardless of the load detected by the load detection unit 7.

[0077] (E) Furthermore, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the processing device 6 is configured to switch from the second operation control to the first operation control when the load detected by the load detection unit 7 after the second predetermined time is reached is equal to or greater than the first set value. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the processing device 6 may be configured to switch from the second operation control to the first operation control when the second predetermined time is reached, regardless of the load detected by the load detection unit 7.

[0078] (F) Furthermore, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the processing device 6 is configured to switch from the second operational control to the first operational control when the load detected by the load detection unit 7 becomes equal to or greater than a second set value that is greater than the first set value while the second operational control is being executed. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the processing device 6 may be configured to maintain the second operational control regardless of the load detected by the load detection unit 7 while the second operational control is being executed.

[0079] (G) In addition, in the passenger conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the third operating speed is slower than the second operating speed. However, the passenger conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the third operating speed may be the same as the second operating speed.

[0080] (H) For example, the order of execution of each step, such as the operations, procedures, steps, and stages, in the methods and apparatuses shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings, can be implemented in any order, as long as the result of a previous step is not used in a subsequent step. For example, even if a description is made using "first," "next," etc. for convenience, this does not mean that the steps must be executed in that order. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1...people conveyor, 1a...floor plate, 1b...boarding and alighting section, 2...structure, 2a...machine room, 3...transport section, 3a...running section, 3b...step, 4...balustrade section, 4a...handrail belt, 4b...balustrade main body section, 4c...cover section, 5...drive section, 5a...rotating section, 5b...support section, 5c...drive source, 5d...change section, 6...processing device, 7...load detection section, 8...speed detection section, 9...person detection section, 10...input section, 11...output section, 12...acquisition section, 13...storage section, 14...calculation section, 14a...manned determination section, 14b...load determination section, 15...control section, 15a...drive control section, 15b...output control section, D1...first horizontal direction, D2...second horizontal direction, D3...vertical direction

Claims

1. a step of traveling to transport a person; a load detection unit that detects the load conveyed by the step; a processing device for controlling the travel speed of the step; the processing device switches between a first operation control and a second operation control, the first operation control sets a maximum running speed of the step to a first operating speed when the load detected by the load detection unit is equal to or greater than a first set value, and sets a maximum running speed of the step to a second operating speed slower than the first operating speed when the load detected by the load detection unit is less than the first set value; The second operation control sets the maximum running speed of the step to a third operation speed that is equal to or lower than the second operation speed, regardless of the load detected by the load detection unit.

2. 2. The people conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the processing device switches between the first operation control and the second operation control at a predetermined time.

3. 3. The people conveyor according to claim 2, wherein the processing device switches from the first operation control to the second operation control when the load detected by the load detection unit after a predetermined first time is less than the first set value.

4. 4. A people conveyor as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein the processing device switches from the second operation control to the first operation control when the load detected by the load detection unit after a predetermined second time is equal to or greater than the first set value.

5. A people conveyor as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processing device switches from the second operation control to the first operation control when the load detected by the load detection unit becomes equal to or greater than a second set value that is greater than the first set value while the second operation control is being executed.

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