Escalator apparatus and moving walkway apparatus

Abstract

To improve the energy efficiency of an escalator device and a moving sidewalk device.SOLUTION: An escalator device includes a moving chain wound around a pair of sprockets, a plurality of steps connected to the moving chain, and a driving device for driving the sprockets. An escalator device includes a power generation part for generating power on the basis of rotation of a motor for driving a sprocket included in a driving device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an escalator system and a moving walkway system. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of escalator systems and moving walkway systems, research is being conducted to reduce power consumption. The higher the energy efficiency of these systems, the better, and further improvements are desired.

[0003] For example, the invention described in Patent Document 1 focuses on the fact that the heavier the load on the motor that drives the escalator, the lower the output voltage of the power supply that supplies power to the motor, and aims to improve the energy efficiency of the escalator device by controlling the output power of the power supply so as to supply power according to the load on the motor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-16740 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention has been made in light of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to improve the energy efficiency of escalator systems and moving walkway systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An escalator apparatus according to an embodiment for solving the above problem includes a moving chain wound around a pair of sprockets, a plurality of steps connected to the moving chain, and a drive unit that drives the sprockets. The escalator apparatus according to the embodiment also includes a power generation unit that generates power based on the rotation of a motor that drives the sprockets included in the drive unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of an escalator device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a control system of the escalator apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 2 is a configuration diagram of a power generation unit of the escalator apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a diagram for explaining power supply to an electronic circuit in the escalator apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a storage battery of an escalator apparatus according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description, an XYZ coordinate system consisting of X, Y, and Z axes that are orthogonal to each other will be used where appropriate.

[0009] 1 is a diagram showing an escalator apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. The escalator apparatus 10 is installed across floors F1 and F2. The escalator apparatus 10 includes a truss 11, a pair of sprockets 21 and 22 arranged inside the truss 11, a moving chain 23 wound around the sprockets 21 and 22, a plurality of steps 25 connected to the moving chain 23, a drive unit 30 that drives the sprocket 21, a casing 12 arranged along the truss 11, a guide 13 arranged in the casing 12, and a handrail belt 14 that moves along the guide 13.

[0010] The truss 11 is installed between the floors F1 and F2. The sides and bottom of the truss 11 are covered with steel plates. In addition, boarding and alighting plates are fixed to the top surfaces of both ends of the truss 11.

[0011] Sprockets 21 and 22 are disposed at both ends in the X-axis direction inside truss 11. Sprockets 21 and 22 are supported rotatably about axes P1 and P2, respectively, which are parallel to the Y-axis.

[0012] The drive unit 30 is a device for driving the rotation of the sprocket 21. The drive unit 30 includes a motor, a reducer, and the like (not shown). The drive unit 30 is disposed near the sprocket 21. The drive unit 30 is connected to the sprocket 21 by a drive chain 33.

[0013] A movable chain 23 is suspended between the sprockets 21 and 22. A plurality of steps 25 are connected to the movable chain 23. When the sprocket 21 is driven by the driving device 30, the movable chain 23 moves around the sprockets 21 and 22. As a result, the steps 25 located above the movable chain 23 move between the floors F1 and F2 while being exposed from above the truss 11.

[0014] In addition, the sprocket 21 is connected via a chain (not shown) or the like to the handrail belt 14, which is movably supported on the guide 13. Therefore, when the sprocket 21 is driven by the drive unit 30, the steps 25 move between the floors F1 and F2, and the handrail belt 14 also moves around the guide 13.

[0015] 2 is a diagram showing the control system of the escalator device 10. The control panel 80 has a control unit 81 and a drive unit 82. The drive unit 82 drives the drive device 30 based on instructions from the control unit 81. The drive unit 82 supplies power to the drive device 30, causing the steps 25 and the handrail belt 14 to rotate.

[0016] The control unit 81 is a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a main memory, an auxiliary memory, and an interface. The CPU executes various processes according to programs stored in the auxiliary memory. The main memory has RAM (Random Access Memory) and the like. The main memory is used as a working area for the CPU. The auxiliary memory has non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and semiconductor memory. The auxiliary memory stores programs executed by the CPU, various parameters, and the like.

[0017] The control unit 81 controls the drive unit 82 based on signals from various sensors and switches. For example, when the control unit 81 rotates the motor of the drive device 30 in the forward direction via the drive unit 82, the steps 25 move upward. When the control unit 81 rotates the motor of the drive device 30 in the reverse direction via the drive unit 82, the steps 25 move downward. When the control unit 81 receives a signal indicating an abnormality from the sensor, the control unit 81 controls the drive unit 82 to stop the drive device 30, thereby stopping the up and down movement of the steps 25.

[0018] The power generating unit 60 generates power based on the rotation of the motor of the drive device 30. Figure 3 is a configuration diagram of the power generating unit 60. The power generating unit 60 has a generator 61 and a control unit 62.

[0019] The generator 61 rotates based on the rotation of the motor of the drive device 30 and outputs AC power. The generator 61 is composed of a motor. The rotating shaft of the motor constituting the generator 61 is connected to the rotating shaft of the motor of the drive device 30 by, for example, gears, a belt, or the like. The rotating shaft of the generator 61 rotates based on the rotation of the rotating shaft of the motor of the drive device 30 and outputs an AC voltage (AC current) of, for example, 100 V or 200 V. The frequency of the AC voltage output by the generator 61 is determined by the number of poles of the generator 61, the rotation speed of the motor of the drive device 30, the gear ratio of the gears, and the like. If it is not necessary to limit the frequency of the AC voltage output by the generator 61, the rotating shaft of the generator 61 and the rotating shaft of the motor of the drive device 30 may be formed by a single common rotating shaft.

[0020] The control unit 62 converts the AC power output by the generator 61 into a predetermined voltage. The control unit 62 includes a current driver 621, a storage battery 70, and a voltage adjuster 623.

[0021] The current driving unit 621 converts the AC voltage output by the generator 61 into a DC voltage suitable for charging the storage battery 70. The current driving unit 621 converts the AC voltage output by the generator 61 into a DC voltage using, for example, a circuit that uses a capacitor, a diode, etc. Then, the current driving unit 621 converts the DC voltage input by, for example, a DC / DC converter into a voltage suitable for charging the storage battery 70. The current driving unit 621 may be a constant current source that supplies a current suitable for charging the storage battery 70.

[0022] The storage battery 70 is configured, for example, as a lithium-ion battery. The storage battery 70 has a charge monitoring sensor 71 that monitors the charge state. The charge monitoring sensor 71 can be configured as a voltage measuring device or the like. The charge monitoring sensor 71 notifies the control unit 81 of information on whether the storage battery 70 is fully charged (output voltage information of the storage battery 70). The power charged in the storage battery 70 is supplied to electronic circuits within the device. Examples of electronic circuits within the device include a monitor for the display unit, and LEDs for lighting and illumination.

[0023] The voltage adjustment unit 623 converts the output voltage of the storage battery 70 into a voltage suitable for the electronic circuits in the device. The voltage adjustment unit 623 may be configured, for example, as a DC / DC converter. For example, if the electronic circuits in the device operate at 5V, the voltage adjustment unit 623 outputs DC 5V. If the electronic circuits operate at multiple voltages, the voltage adjustment unit 623 may output multiple voltages, such as 3V and 5V. If the output voltage of the storage battery 70 is the same as the voltage supplied to the electronic circuits in the device, the voltage adjustment unit 623 may be omitted. Furthermore, if the output voltage of the current drive unit 621 is the same as the voltage supplied to the electronic circuits in the device, the storage battery 70 may be omitted.

[0024] 4 is a diagram for explaining the supply of power to the electronic circuit 90 in the device. The escalator device 10 has an AC / DC converter 95, which converts commercial AC voltage into DC voltage suitable for the electronic circuit 90 in the device. The electronic circuit 90 is supplied with power from the AC / DC converter 95 and the power generating unit 60. The power supplied from the AC / DC converter 95 and the power supplied from the power generating unit 60 are connected via a backflow prevention circuit 97 constituted by, for example, a diode or the like.

[0025] Next, we will explain the operation of the escalator device 10. Based on the switch settings and information from the sensors, information on whether to go up, down, or stop is transmitted to the control unit 81. The control unit 81 controls the drive of the drive device 30 via the drive unit 82 based on the operation information.

[0026] The rotation of the rotation shaft of the motor of the drive device 30 rotates the rotation shaft of the generator 61 of the power generating unit 60, and the generator 61 outputs AC power. The control unit 62 converts the AC power output by the generator 61 into a voltage and current suitable for charging the storage battery 70, and charges the storage battery 70.

[0027] When the storage battery 70 is fully charged, the output voltage of the storage battery 70 tends to be high. The output voltage of the storage battery 70 gradually decreases according to the remaining capacity. When the remaining capacity of the storage battery 70 runs out, the output voltage of the storage battery 70 tends to drop suddenly. The remaining capacity of the storage battery 70 can be estimated by paying attention to the voltage characteristics of the storage battery 70. The storage battery 70 has a charge monitoring sensor 71 that monitors the output voltage. The charge monitoring sensor 71 notifies the control unit 81 of the value of the output voltage of the storage battery 70.

[0028] The control unit 81 determines whether the output voltage of the storage battery 70 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold voltage based on the output information of the charge monitoring sensor 71. The threshold voltage is set to the value of the output voltage when the storage battery 70 has a predetermined remaining capacity (for example, 90% or 95%) relative to when it is fully charged. When the output voltage of the storage battery 70 is less than the threshold voltage, the control unit 81 controls the power generating unit 60 to charge the storage battery 70. On the other hand, when the output voltage of the storage battery 70 is equal to or greater than the threshold voltage, the control unit 81 controls the power generating unit 60 not to charge the storage battery 70.

[0029] The power generating unit 60 of the escalator device 10 according to the embodiment includes a generator 61 that rotates based on the rotation of the motor of the drive device 30 and outputs AC power, and a control unit 62 that converts the AC power output by the generator 61 into a predetermined voltage. The escalator device 10 according to the embodiment stores the power output by the power generating unit 60 in a storage battery 70, and uses the power in electronic circuits within the device.

[0030] The energy supplied to the motor of the drive device 30 is used to rotate the motor. However, part of the energy supplied to the motor is lost as heat energy in the motor. The escalator device 10 according to the embodiment is provided with the power generation unit 60, thereby making effective use of the heat energy lost in the motor of the drive device 30. This allows the escalator device 10 according to the embodiment to improve energy efficiency.

[0031] Furthermore, the storage battery 70 of the escalator device 10 according to this embodiment has a charge monitoring sensor 71 that monitors the charge state of the storage battery 70. When the charge monitoring sensor 71 detects that the storage battery 70 is not fully charged, the power generating unit 60 charges the generated power to the storage battery 70. On the other hand, when the charge monitoring sensor 71 detects that the storage battery 70 is fully charged, the power generating unit 60 does not charge the generated power to the storage battery 70. In this way, when the storage battery 70 is not saturated, the power generating unit 60 converts the kinetic energy (rotational energy) of the lift motor 41 and the opening / closing motor 42 into electrical energy to charge the storage battery 70, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the escalator device 10. Furthermore, when the storage battery 70 is saturated, the power generating unit 60 does not charge the storage battery 70, thereby preventing the storage battery from emitting smoke or catching fire.

[0032] 4, the case where power is supplied to the electronic circuit 90 from the AC / DC converter 95 and the power generating unit 602 has been described, but the electronic circuit that receives power from the AC / DC converter 95 and the electronic circuit that receives power from the power generating unit 60 may be separated. In this case, the backflow prevention circuit 97 is not necessary.

[0033] In addition, in the above explanation, the rotating shaft of the generator 61 of the power generating unit 60 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating shaft of the motor of the drive unit 30, but the rotating shaft of the generator 61 of the power generating unit 60 may also rotate in conjunction with the rotation of axes P1, P2 (see Figure 1) parallel to the Y axis of the sprockets 21, 22.

[0034] Although not described above, the storage battery 70 can also be charged by a commercial power source. The escalator device 10 supplements the storage battery 70 with the power from the commercial power source to make up for any shortage of power supplied by the power generating unit 60.

[0035] In the above description, the power stored in the storage battery 70 by the control unit 62 is consumed by electronic circuits within the device, but it may also be supplied to electronic circuits outside the device. For example, it may be used for indoor lighting such as LEDs, charging a mobile phone, etc.

[0036] (Embodiment 2) In the first embodiment, the case where the storage battery 70 is configured with one storage battery has been described. In the second embodiment, the case where the storage battery 70 includes two storage batteries will be described.

[0037] 5 is a configuration diagram of the storage battery 70 of the escalator device 10 according to embodiment 2. The storage battery 70 includes a first storage battery 72, a second storage battery 73, a first switch 74, a second switch 75, and a charge monitoring sensor 71.

[0038] The first storage battery 72 and the second storage battery 73 are configured, for example, by lithium-ion batteries. The first switch 74 is a circuit for switching the storage battery to be used. The first switch 74 selects the first storage battery 72 or the second storage battery 73 as the output of the storage battery 70 based on control by the control unit 81. The second switch 75 is a circuit for selecting the storage battery to be charged by the power generation unit 60. The second switch 75 connects the output of the current drive unit 621 to the first storage battery 72 or the second storage battery 73 based on control by the control unit 81. The first switch 74 and the second switch 75 can be configured by a field effect transistor (FET), a relay, etc.

[0039] The control unit 81 monitors the charge states of the first storage battery 72 and the second storage battery 73, for example, based on information on the output voltages of the first storage battery 72 and the second storage battery 73 obtained by the charge monitoring sensor 71. When the first switch 74 selects the first storage battery 72, the control unit 81 controls the first switch 74 to select the second storage battery 73 when the output voltage of the first storage battery 72 falls below a predetermined threshold indicating a decrease in the remaining battery charge.

[0040] The control unit 81 controls the second switch 75 so that the storage battery not selected by the first switch 74 is charged. Furthermore, when the output voltage of the storage battery to be charged reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold value indicating that the storage battery is nearly fully charged, the control unit 81 controls the second switch 75 so that the storage battery to be charged is not charged. In this case, the power generation unit 60 enters a state in which neither the first storage battery 72 nor the second storage battery 73 is charged. The reason for not charging the storage battery that is nearly fully charged is to reduce the probability of storage battery failure.

[0041] The power generation unit 60 of the escalator device 10 according to the second embodiment switches between using the first storage battery 72 and the second storage battery 73. With this configuration, one of the storage batteries mounted on the escalator device 10 can be used while the other storage battery is being charged.

[0042] If the rotation speed of the motor of the drive device 30 changes suddenly, the generator 61 may output large amounts of power (voltage and current). Depending on the circuit configuration, if a storage battery is charged while being discharged, an overcurrent or overvoltage may be applied to semiconductors such as diodes that constitute the circuit that separates charging and discharging. Semiconductor elements such as diodes are often damaged in a short-circuit mode when a voltage or current exceeding their absolute rating is applied. If diodes or other components of the storage battery are damaged in a short-circuit mode, this may cause a smoke or fire accident involving the storage battery. The power generation unit 60 of the escalator device 10 according to the second embodiment uses a first switch 74 and a second switch 75 to physically separate the storage battery being discharged from the storage battery being charged. This makes it possible to prevent a smoke or fire accident involving the storage battery.

[0043] Furthermore, in the description of the second embodiment, the case where two batteries are used has been described, but the number of batteries does not need to be limited. The number of batteries may be three or four. The greater the number of batteries, the greater the storage capacity. Therefore, the power generated by the power generation unit 60 in conjunction with the operation of the escalator device 10 can be effectively stored.

[0044] (Embodiment 3) In the first and second embodiments, an escalator device has been described. In the third embodiment, a moving walkway device will be described. The basic configuration of the moving walkway device is the same as that of the escalator device. In the escalator device, as shown in FIG. 1, the steps 25 move around in a staircase-like manner, whereas in the moving walkway device, the steps move around in a flat manner. The rest of the description is the same as that of the first and second embodiments.

[0045] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 10...Escalator equipment 11...Truss 12...Casing 13... Guide 14...Handrail belt 21, 22...Sprockets 23...Moving chain 25...Steps 30...Driver 33...Drive chain 60...Electric power generation section 61...Generator 62...Control unit 621...Current driver 623...Voltage adjustment unit 70...storage battery 71...Charging monitoring sensor 72...1st storage battery 73...Second storage battery 74...First switch 75...Second switch 80...Control panel 81...Control unit 82...Drive unit 90...Electronic circuit 95...AC / DC converter 97…Backflow prevention circuit

Claims

1. An escalator device having a moving chain wound around a pair of sprockets, a plurality of steps connected to the moving chain, and a drive device that drives the sprockets, An escalator apparatus comprising: a power generating unit that generates power based on rotation of a motor that drives the sprocket provided in the drive device.

2. The power generation unit a generator that rotates based on the rotation of the motor and outputs AC power; a control unit for converting AC power output by the generator into a predetermined voltage; having The escalator apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. the control unit has a storage battery; The control unit charges the storage battery with power generated based on the rotation of the motor.

3. The escalator apparatus according to claim 2.

4. the storage battery has a charge monitoring sensor that monitors the charge state of the storage battery; the power generation unit charges the generated power to the storage battery when it detects that the storage battery is not in a fully charged state based on output information from the charge monitoring sensor, and does not charge the generated power to the storage battery when it detects that the storage battery is in a fully charged state; 4. The escalator apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The storage battery is A first storage battery; A second storage battery; a first switch that selects the first storage battery or the second storage battery as a storage battery that supplies power to an electronic circuit in the device; a second switch that selects the first storage battery or the second storage battery as a storage battery to be charged by the power generation unit; 5. The escalator apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising:

6. A moving walkway device having a moving chain wound around a pair of sprockets, a plurality of steps connected to the moving chain, and a drive device that drives the sprockets, The moving walkway device has a power generating unit that generates power based on the rotation of a motor that drives the sprocket provided in the drive device.

7. The power generation unit a generator that rotates based on the rotation of the motor and outputs AC power; a control unit for converting AC power output by the generator into a predetermined voltage; having 7. The moving walkway device of claim 6.

8. the control unit has a storage battery; The control unit charges the storage battery with power generated based on the rotation of the motor.

8. The moving walkway device according to claim 7.

9. the storage battery has a charge monitoring sensor that monitors the charge state of the storage battery; the power generation unit charges the generated power to the storage battery when it detects that the storage battery is not in a fully charged state based on output information from the charge monitoring sensor, and does not charge the generated power to the storage battery when it detects that the storage battery is in a fully charged state; 9. The moving walkway device of claim 8.

10. The storage battery is A first storage battery; A second storage battery; a first switch that selects the first storage battery or the second storage battery as a storage battery that supplies power to an electronic circuit in the device; a second switch that selects the first storage battery or the second storage battery as a storage battery to be charged by the power generation unit; 10. The moving walkway device according to claim 8 or 9, comprising:

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